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Back to the 80s by S.E. Reichert and Kerrie Flanagan- Review by Heather Knalls

Back to the 80'sBack to the 80’s by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blaine and JT are just two of the tenants at the Marshall Mall that is set to be acquired by Morales Construction. Morales Construction has been known to tear down businesses they acquire to build bigger and better more modern things. Blaine is willing to do whatever it takes to help keep Marshall Mall with the tenants. Eric Morales wants this acquisition so he can prove to his family he is meant to be part of the family business. But at what cost is he willing to go to.

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The Guardsman (The Olympic Peninsula Series Book 2) Audiobook by Cat Treadgold – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

5 Star’s

The Guardsman (The Olympic Peninsula Series Book 2) Audiobook by Cat Treadgold

 

 

The Guardsman is the second book in The Olympic Peninsula Series (Audiobook) and is a Romance Suspense that will pull you in from the beginning and doesn’t let go till the end.  This is my second Audiobook by this author and I truly enjoyed it as much as the first book. This author did their own narration and they knocked it out of the park . I’d highly suggest listening/reading the first book as it will help you to know the characters and what has been going on. The storyline flowed so well through the narrator that I felt like I was a part of the story.  Liam and Teresa are about to find out what happens when your accident prone and need a protector.  I highly recommend listening to this story to find out what happens next. It’s a definite must read/listen. I’m looking forward to reading/listening to more from this Author.

 

Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt – Review by Julie Johnson

Amaleigha Makes a New FriendAmaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a must-read for all ages!!!

Amaleigha’s 3rd grade class has been learning about Ukraine and they each get a pen pal to correspond with throughout the school year. Vova is Amaleigha’s pen pal. They write back and forth as much as they can asking questions about life in their respective country, what their home looks like, number of siblings, what they do for fun, etc. They both learn a lot about each other. Amaleigha’s teacher is showing them things in class that the people in Ukraine do for fun as well as foods they eat too. It’s a true cultural experience.

One day, letters arrive from Ukraine and many students are upset to read about the unrest happening there amongst their new friends’ families. The students rally together to send some help to their new friends.

EVERYONE should read this book, regardless of age. It’s a great way to explain what is happening to the younger generation and the older generation could take some cues in terms of ways to reach out and help. Pen pals can be such a valuable resource!

This is a great book that should be in every home or school!

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Vampires of Atlantis by Courtney Davis – Review by Shannen Kern

Vampires of AtlantisVampires of Atlantis by Courtney Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a great mixture of the paranormal/fantasy and romance which exceeded my expectations. There are so many vampire books out there that they all kind of blend together after a while. This one will definitely stand out in the crowd. I enjoyed that the legend of Atlantis was told a little differently as well. The flow of the story is natural and keeps you engaged throughout the book. Reading about Ian and Katherine threw some unexpected moments at me, but I loved every moment of it. I can’t wait to see what else this author has in store for us, because they have got me hooked!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Mr Lucky (Trentbridge Tales Book 1) by Lee Wood – Review by Shannen Kern

Mr Lucky (Trentbridge Tales #1)Mr Lucky by Lee Wood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am such a fan of psychological thrillers already, and then you add in the crime portion creating a perfect mixture of genius! I love being kept in the dark and led down false paths in these stories. Trying to figure out what is happening but always being one or two steps behind is something I look for in my books. This is fast-paced, intriguing, and exciting with the way the author has woven us into the story. I highly recommend picking this book up and going on the adventure of second-guessing yourself all the way through!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Granting Katelyn (Sweet Valley Series) by S.E. Reichert – Review by Shannen Kern

Granting KatelynGranting Katelyn by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the Sweet Valley Series, and I loved it just as much as the first one! I think it can be read as a standalone but trust me you’ll regret missing out on the first book if you go that route. This author has a marvelous way of writing relatable characters that you instinctively root for even if some of them are grumpy. Katelyn and Grant have a chemistry that seems obvious yet natural. This book really checked a lot of boxes for me as it pulls you in and has you invested in everyone involved. I highly recommend picking this up (and the first one) if you’re looking for a good western romance!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Cruel King by K.M. Scott – Review by Heather Hoke

Cruel KingCruel King by K.M. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was captured from the very first page!
All of the characters were well written with descriptions. I felt like I was right there in the story. It just popped off the page and sucked me in!

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Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Heather Hoke

Complicated ChoicesComplicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Powerful is the best description for this book! Claire was a very strong-willed and strong minded character! This book was so amazing and sometimes emotional.

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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small – Review by Amelia Stansell

The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring #1)The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an easy, great read. We meet Russel who is finishing up 5th grade. He is having a tough time this year. Grandpa had to move in and Russel and him go the carousel, one day something magical happens. Cannot wait for the next book.

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Love Shots (Bluestone Series Book 4) by Isobel Reed – Review by Kirsten Berkebile

Couldn’t put it down!!!!! Summer and Teddy had me laughing, crying, and overall just really happy. I definitely can relate to Summer, as I have not picked the best guys for relationships. Can you imagine finding “your person” at such a young age? Summer and Teddy have know each other since they were kids, but too stubborn they both go off on adventures away from BlueStone, Montana. They came back but for different reasons. If you would like to know what happens, read the story. I will tell you that I couldn’t stop reading it. I hated when I had to put it down for work reasons.

Love Shots (Bluestone Series Book 4)Love Shots by Isobel Reed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Couldn’t put it down!!!!! Summer and Teddy had me laughing, crying, and overall just really happy. I definitely can relate to Summer, as I have not picked the best guys for relationships. Can you imagine finding “your person” at such a young age? Summer and Teddy have know each other since they were kids, but too stubborn they both go off on adventures away from BlueStone, Montana. They came back but for different reasons. If you would like to know what happens, read the story. I will tell you that I couldn’t stop reading it. I hated when I had to put it down for work reasons.

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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small – Review by Kirsten Berkebile

I absolutely loved this book that I could not put it down. It reminds me of stories my grandma told me while I grew up. Russ is a bullied fifth grader who is struggling to find himself, you know like most fifth graders. He is constantly thinks that he is a failure but his grandpa reminds him that he isn’t. It’s amazing story that I like to read over and over again. Russ’s grandfathers’ love for the Carousel finds a place in Russ’ heart as well. If you get a chance to read this story, please read it. It really found a way into my heart and I can’t wait to read the other books in this series.

The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring #1)The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small

Liz’s Road Trip by Bernadette Marie – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

Liz's Road TripLiz’s Road Trip by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Star’s
Liz’s Road Trip by Bernadette Marie

Liz’s Road Trip is a wonderfully written Contemporary Romance Women’s Fiction that I absolutely loved reading. It’s a fun yet emotional story that will take you on quite the journey. Liz finds herself on a road trip along with a feline companion to carry out her grandmother’s last wishes. She learns once she arrives at her grandmother’s house that there was lots she didn’t know about her grandmother. Mark has been writing Liz’s grandmother’s biography and bot does Liz learn more about her than she ever expected. Liz has lots of challenging changes to work through and learn to live while she’s at it. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. You’ll find yourself tearing up along the way but it’s worth the heartache. I can’t wait to read more from this Author.

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Vampires of Atlantis by Courtney Davis – Review by Amy Dean

Vampires of AtlantisVampires of Atlantis by Courtney Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kathrine lived a very simple and boring life surrounded by work, one friend, and countless romance novels and hopes one day to be swept off her feet like in them. Ian comes in at the knick of time to save her from certain death when he is forced to leave the underwater world of Atlantis after one of the most horrific monsters escapes. Together they have to save the day from monsters and Katherine will have to choose the life she knew or the life she doesn’t want to leave.

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Granting Katelyn (Sweet Valley Series) by S.E. Reichert – Review by Kiana Corley

Granting KatelynGranting Katelyn by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was such a great read. It was hard to put down the book because there were so many questions that weren’t answered immediately. This book will keep you on your toes. A lot of character development.

This book follows the stories of Grant and Katelyn. Grant is a businessman who runs a successful horse breeding farm. He is known around the community as a stubborn and grumpy man. Katelyn is a young woman who has spent her whole life around horses. She likes to look toward the positives in situations and is fearless.

Katelyn meets Grant when she obtains a job trying to help rehab his prized thoroughbred horse. Grant was not happy with her when they first met. He did not care for how she talked to him in a manner no one else would dare to. She also was not educated enough to be put in charge of the health of such an important horse.

What happens when a jaded soul meets an optimistic one? Can a young woman really do something that the best in the industry can’t? What secrets lie behind this abundant operation? Is there really a thin line between love and hate?

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Mr Lucky (Trentbridge Tales Book 1) by Lee Wood – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Mr Lucky (Trentbridge Tales #1)Mr Lucky by Lee Wood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was hooked from page one by this fast paced crime thriller and the storyline kept me gripped throughout. Detective James Sheldon’s perfect life was shattered in an instant, leading to him being homeless and begging for loose change whilst contemplating suicide just eighteen months later. Then in a strange twist of fate James then wins big on the lottery, a record breaking 168 million, which is literally life changing for him. However, what should have been a dream come true becomes a nightmare when he finds himself mixed up with drug dealers and crime bosses who are out to destroy him. James also has to tackle his own personal demons which particularly plague him at night. As the blurb says, this is not your usual crime novel plot, and the storyline is totally unpredictable with plenty of twists and turns. The descriptive narrative made both the characters and the setting come vividly to life, and I found James an engaging main character. This was an action packed story and one which I recommend.

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Ten Little Starfish by Kim Ann – Review by Amelia Stansell

Ten Little Starfish: A Counting BookTen Little Starfish: A Counting Book by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a cute counting book! My little ones loved it. The facts about starfish at the back of the book was really cool. It tells a cute little story starting at 1 finishing at 10. It is definitely a must read for little starting or learning to count.

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Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt – Review by Angela Renee Diaz

Amaleigha Makes a New FriendAmaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In school Amaleigha writes a penpal in Ukraine. Vova ends up being Amaleigha’s penpal and friend. Vova ends up telling Amaleigha that Ukraine is going to war with Russia. Amaleigha’s teacher teaches them about Ukraine because of their penpals. They make bread, do a puppet show, and celebrate Christmas. They also raise money to help with the war for the Ukraine’s.

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Firewall by Jessica Mehring – Review by Jennifer Gordon

FirewallFirewall by Jessica Mehring
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A fast paced and gripping read which had me hooked throughout. Respected IT security professional Veronica Clark works for one of the largest financial management firms in San Francisco. Having found evidence that the company has been hacked, Veronica finds herself in danger and needing her own security. Veronica’s best friends brother, Angus Miller, who is a fire chief of Station 62 steps in to protect her. However, he soon discovers that battling fires is easier than keeping her safe, as the people behind the hacking want to silence her. Things become more complicated as their mutual attraction grows with the more time they spend together. Although a fairly short read the storyline has everything from drama, danger, suspense, and of course romance. The plot twists kept me guessing as to the outcome of the story and the characters were very well defined. An entertaining and engaging read.

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Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt – Review by Caralee Looat

Amaleigha Makes a New FriendAmaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really found this book to be quit a good tool to help a younger child understand about things in the world. I like how the author was able to take a complex subject and make it simplified so that kids can understand. This was a very well written story and I highly recommend it for kids. The way that the author takes a scary subject and brings it in a form that is not too scary for kids is really good. I wish my children were younger as I would definitely have them read this book. The author has a very unique way to bring this subject to the younger audience.

Reviewed by @caraleeloonat
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Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt – Review by Jenni Bishop

Amaleigha Makes a New FriendAmaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love that Janice is selflessly giving the proceeds from this book to support Ukraine families who might have lost their homes or become refugees in other countries.
Amaleigha Makes a New Friend is a sweet read for all ages not just kids. I read this book with my grandbabies, and they loved it. It was fun and engaging and left the kids wanting more.
It is full of wonderful and colourful drawings that really bring the story to life. It is a book aged for kids 4 – 8 who will be delighted as they go on this adventure with Amaleigha. It is an inspiration to the kids who read it.
Amaleigha has such a big heart & wants to help others especially her new pen pal in the Ukraine. It was interesting to learn a little about the Ukraine and a war that threatens.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Back to the 80s by S.E. Reichert and Kerrie Flanagan – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Back to the 80'sBack to the 80’s by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and entertaining contemporary romance which kept me happily turning the pages. According to Blaine Reynolds, owner of the novelty shop “Back to the 80’s”, the 80s were the best decade ever, and she’s prepared to risk everything to prove it. When developer Eric Morales plans to destroy her late mothers shop in order to build a new brewery, Blaine makes a bet with him. That she just needs 30 days to prove to him why the 80’s were ‘totally rad’ and why her store is worth saving. Neither Blaine or Eric intend to lose the bet, but neither of them expected that they may lose their hearts. This was a lighthearted enemies to lovers romance with likeable and relatable characters in Blaine and Eric. The story was full of popular items from the 80’s, including Cabbage Patch dolls and classic video games, giving it a nostalgic feel, which I enjoyed.

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Royally Complicated (The Crowned Hearts Series Book 1) by Gwyn McNamee and Christy Anderson – Review by Kerry Baker

Royally ComplicatedRoyally Complicated by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an entertaining, brilliant and well written story by an author I never hesitate to pick up. As soon as I saw her name attached to this book I knew I had to read it. I was pulled straight into this book and the characters. I loved them from the moment I started reading. They had such a tough journey ahead of them and yet the determination is was clear.
Once I started reading this book I had to finish it in one go. I needed to see how things would play out and I could not get enough of Briget and Fyn. This is yet another incredible book and I am so excited to see what is next for the series.

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Mr Lucky (Trentbridge Tales Book 1) by Lee Wood – Review by Rebecca Hill

Mr Lucky (Trentbridge Tales #1)Mr Lucky by Lee Wood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was such an interesting story about two lives intersecting. The main character is James Sheldon. James is married with two kids when his wife and kids are tragically killed in a hit and run car accident. This spirals James downward into not caring about his life and drowning everything in alcohol. From there, he loses everything – his job, his home, his dignity. James is homeless and living from donation to donation. One day, he decides to spend the little money he had on the lottery, and much to his surprise, he wins millions! He does what many cannot; he helps others with his windfall. But along the way, his life crosses paths with Dave Rex. Dave is not the good guy that James is. Dave kills people that he doesn’t like or that he thinks cross him. He decides that James needs to die. I really enjoyed reading how it played out with Dave and James. It was hard to put down and completely worth the time!

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Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt – Review by Kerry Baker

Amaleigha Makes a New FriendAmaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such a touching and relevant story that really engages any reader. I honestly think that I became more emotional and invested in this story than my kids. The way the author navigates such a touch and yet topical subject matter is brilliant. It was written in a way that made it understandable and educational for children but was also still interesting for them.
This whole series has been great. Each book has touched on a different topic but each book has been amazing to read. I think this one is definitely my favourite so far and our whole household is waiting for the next one.

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Liz’s Road Trip by Bernadette Marie – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

Liz's Road TripLiz’s Road Trip by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Heartwarming, adventure, friendship, discovery, secrets, healing and romance….this was a fantastic story that gave me so many feels and I could not get enough. I highly recommend this book so much and it is one of my favorite reads by far.

Liz Evans hits the road to embark on a journey that takes her from Colorado to Palm Beach wanting to carry out her grandmother’s wishes to the end. With a crazy cat in tow, the surprise discovery and secrets when Liz finds out that her grandmother was a big Star in Hollywood! When Liz meets a good friend of her grandmother, Mark, whom has been living in her Florida mansion……Liz navigates to get to know people who knew her grandmother including Mark. Will Liz learn and embrace this new life journey?

Wonderfully written….give this story a try, you will not be disappointed.

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Liz’s Road Trip by Bernadette Marie – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

Liz's Road TripLiz’s Road Trip by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really loved this book. Liz is a young woman who is a writer for a magazine. At the story’s beginning, we find out that her grandmother is about to pass. She is the only person Liz has in her life, minus her best friend. After her grandmother’s passing, she is trying to figure out what to do next, she feels she doesn’t have anybody. Well, she starts to handle her grandmother’s affairs and starts to find out that Gran has many secrets. These secrets lead her on a journey of her own. Liz is a girl who doesn’t go anywhere, try new things, and definitely does not fly. However, because her grandmother has certain wishes for her, she goes on this journey to find out who this woman really was, and in the process finds herself. This is also a love story of many. She isn’t sure if the journey will be worth it, but she loves her grandmother so much that she is willing to try.
Sooo much happens in this story and I didn’t want to give too much away. What I will say is that Liz is the character that you watch grow over her experience. I think she is very relatable to many people with her intimidations in life, dealing with death, and then trying to find a new life beyond those people. There were times when I found her a little annoying, but it was more personal than anything about the book itself. I found this book to be quite healing in a way; it gives perspective on life and death. I also enjoyed many of the other characters that you come to learn about, especially Mark. He is so special in this book and the character is smart, lovable, patient, and kind. It was also quick-paced so I will be interested in reading other books by this author.

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Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt – Review by Megan Conley

Amaleigha Makes a New FriendAmaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A really informational way of discussing the changing world climate with children. This is the story of Amaleigha, an American 3rd grader, who gets a Ukrainian pen pal, Vova, through her teacher. During the course of the relationship, they learn about each other and their cultures; however, during this time the Russia-Ukraine war breaks out and suddenly Amaleigha is worried about her friend. Through this picture book, we see how differences can be made and we are given the opportunity to see these types of situations through the eyes of children…which is something we sometimes need to be reminded of. This was well done and the topic matter was handled delicately and very well. This is a great book to read to your littles (or students) to show them that differences can be made, no matter how small.

 

Reviewed by @meggs1717

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Mr Lucky (Trentbridge Tales Book 1) by Lee Wood – Review by Lisa Helmick

Mr Lucky (Trentbridge Tales #1)Mr Lucky by Lee Wood
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

There are a lot of elements that go into making this a well rounded story. Sadly they did not all mesh for me and i easily got bored. The part of James life and thoughts while being homeless was interesting and made me really feel his plight. The whole Rex side of things I struggled with and not that the story could have done without but I really did not care for him one way or the other. Most of the book I was wondering how he fits into James story. It was ended with all the P’s and Q’s taken care of and that area was the second best part of the story. Sorry I just wasn’t a fan.

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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring #1)The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Star’s
The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small

The Magic Carousel is the first book in The Brass Ring Series and is a kids Fantasy that I think any age can enjoy. This is a preteen story that touches on many different subjects like bullying, family issues, health issues, then there’s drama, magic and so much more. Russell is a ten year old who has had life challenges and is being bullied add to that his grandfather is moving in with them as he’s not in good health. When grandpa ends up in the hospital he gives Russell something very precious. Get ready to be taken on quite the magical adventure and enjoy the wonderfully colorful illustrations that bring the story to life. I highly recommend reading this book and look forward to reading more from this Author.

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Cruel King by K.M. Scott – Review by Breanne Christian

Cruel KingCruel King by K.M. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cruel King with its dark twist, is the epitome of an enemies-to-lovers romance. Ava practically grew up around the King family. Theo, a King brother, is her best friend. She got along with the whole family, except for Matthias. Matthias always seemed to loathe her and her, not know why. Until one day, fate had them trapped together. Once they were free, however, he went right back to being the cruel King brother. If only Ava knew how Matthias was feeling. Did Ava misinterpret Matthias or is it meant to be? Find out in Cruel King.
Cruel King is full of twists, turns, and some of them dark. At times you want to love the characters, while other times they frustrate you to the point of wanting to scream. The characters are relatable, and their feelings can be felt through the page. The book is enthralling and intricately woven.
I enjoyed Cruel King from the beginning to the end. I did not want to put it down. K.M. Scott is a master storyteller, leaving no stone unturned. It left me wanting more.

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