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Secrets at the Café: A Novel of Suspense about Family and Friendship by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Kirsten Berkebile

This is book 2, it would be in your best interest to read the first book otherwise you will be a little confused. You see, Gigi is the owner of a local café. Karina is her granddaughter who is now the sole owner of the café after Gigi passes away. There is a journal that tells Karina something’s about her grandmother and her family. However the journal goes missing. The whole town is investigating the theft because it is rumored that Gigi hide a lot of money somewhere and they all want to find the money. There is a sense of desperation in Karina as she just wants the journal back and doesn’t really care who took it as long as it is returned. I literally couldn’t put this book as I read it in one day. There are a few things about Karina and her family secrets but the townsfolk have secrets as well. Does Karina recover the journal? Read it to find out, I promise you won’t be able to put it down until you know all the answers.

Secrets at the Cafe: A Novel of Suspense about Family and FriendshipSecrets at the Cafe: A Novel of Suspense about Family and Friendship by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book 2, it would be in your best interest to read the first book otherwise you will be a little confused. You see, Gigi is the owner of a local café. Karina is her granddaughter who is now the sole owner of the café after Gigi passes away. There is a journal that tells Karina something’s about her grandmother and her family. However the journal goes missing. The whole town is investigating the theft because it is rumored that Gigi hide a lot of money somewhere and they all want to find the money. There is a sense of desperation in Karina as she just wants the journal back and doesn’t really care who took it as long as it is returned. I literally couldn’t put this book as I read it in one day. There are a few things about Karina and her family secrets but the townsfolk have secrets as well. Does Karina recover the journal? Read it to find out, I promise you won’t be able to put it down until you know all the answers.

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Lottery of Secrets by Nadija Mujagic – Review by Kirsten Berkebile

This is the first book that I have read by Nadia. It’s a fast paced book that pulls you around Lynn and James’ life and possible plans after winning the lottery.  However, you are pulled into a paranoia that someone is out to get Lynn. Can she figure out if someone is actually trying to hurt her or is it all in her head? This is the first book in the series and there a lot of unanswered questions. You will need to finish the series in order for it to make sense. There is a lot of violence specifically domestic violence, so if you have been in that situation this is not a series for you to read.

Lottery of SecretsLottery of Secrets by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book that I have read by Nadia. It’s a fast paced book that pulls you around Lynn and James’ life and possible plans after winning the lottery. However, you are pulled into a paranoia that someone is out to get Lynn. Can she figure out if someone is actually trying to hurt her or is it all in her head? This is the first book in the series and there a lot of unanswered questions. You will need to finish the series in order for it to make sense. There is a lot of violence specifically domestic violence, so if you have been in that situation this is not a series for you to read.

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Quick Affirmations for Children (Quick Affirmations Series) by Kim Ann & Yobe Qiu – Review by Tori Mitton

<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63263327-quick-affirmations-for-children” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Quick Affirmations for Children: A to Z of Easy Motivations for Creating Better days – Positive Affirmations for Happy Children” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1668007112l/63263327._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63263327-quick-affirmations-for-children”>Quick Affirmations for Children: A to Z of Easy Motivations for Creating Better days – Positive Affirmations for Happy Children</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19122075.Kim_Ann”>Kim Ann</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5998204293″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Me and my daughter loved this book. It was super quick and easy for us to read and follow along. The pictures were super cute, I love that it has affirmation pages to fill out in the back.
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Where the Ocean Meets the Sky (The Ocean Series) by A.R. Hadley – Review by Shelly Kittell

Where the Ocean Meets the Sky (The Ocean)Where the Ocean Meets the Sky by A.R. Hadley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have truly sat and tried to figure out what to say about this story. I have read both stories. this book touched me so much. It’s really an emotional story. They both have tremendous emotional issues to deal with. Watching their emotional relationship develop was beautiful yet painful because her adoptive parents were supportive, yet not. There are so many issues in the story. It touches your heart and you want to root for them because they go through so much. You just watch them work through it and though Annie seems immature, she is a strong woman. She is just young and has a big trauma. Cal, however, is older and is dealing with a large loss. It’s a beautiful story that I would recommend. I’m in awe of both stories.

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Slay It With a Diamond (Diamond District Mystery Book 3) by Rob Bates – Review by Shelly Kittell

Slay It With a Diamond (Diamond District Mystery Book 3)Slay It With a Diamond by Rob Bates
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story pulled me right in. Mimi gets pulled into a mystery when her friend, Roz, sells a “cursed” diamond to her dad, Max. I couldn’t help but be pulled in by the “human spam” telling Mimi about the men following Roz that then followed Mimi, etc. It was like a domino chain falling over. The mystery started and you couldn’t stop. You had to follow it to the end. Thankfully, Michael was there to help her because she was way in over her head at times. I came into the series here at book three and I will be going back to book one. You can read as a stand alone. The characters are awesome. They are totally relatable. The story is very engaging. It’s a fun cozy as you solve the mystery.

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Sea of Demons (Blood and Sand Book 5) by Heidi Stark – Review by Barbara Bohls

Sea of Demons: A Dark Enemies to Lovers Mafia RomanceSea of Demons: A Dark Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance by Heidi Stark
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is not the first book in the series and it does continue on from book to book. I highly suggest reading the first couple books in the series, as it will bring more depth into this book. I didn’t read the other books first and I am wishing that I did. I will go back and read them now because I need to understand the character development and the depth of the story line. This is a dark romance and it does not let you down in that genre. It is also reverse harem with many twists and turns. If you haven’t read the first couple books, y0u will be able to keep up with this but there are already relationships that have been formed that I feel have been covered with their stories in the previous books. That said, I was not lost reading this book and it was an amazing read. It as quick because I couldn’t put it down. There is depth to the plot line that sometimes doesn’t happen with reverse harems because the emphasis is put more on the steam. This book has plenty of steam but it isn’t the driving factor of this book. Well, it wasn’t for me. I highly suggest reading this book and the whole series because if the other books are like this one, I know I won’t be disappointed at all.
Reviewed by: @bbohls

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Raining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tori Mitton

<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123750663-raining-fish-and-frogs” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Raining Fish and Frogs” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1679681834l/123750663._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123750663-raining-fish-and-frogs”>Raining Fish and Frogs</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/331633.Lois_Wickstrom”>Lois Wickstrom</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5992155664″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
This book was so witty and hilarious. A fisherman was trying to fish to make fried trout. but the lake was super quiet. Until a water tornado came through and sucked up all the fish, frogs and eels. Even toys from the playground. Luckily the fisherman was able to get trout when the tornado started dropping fish.<br />Such a silly book but was so wonderful! Another amazing read by Lois!
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Lottery of Secrets by Nadija Mujagic – Review by Elisha Johnson

Lottery of SecretsLottery of Secrets by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lottery of Secrets by Nadija Mujagic – 4 out of 5 stars

This book is the first book in the series. It will get you hooked on the first page and you would want to put it down. This dark thriller does talk about some sensitive subjects. So, readers please be warned! The auther does introduce the subjects in a way that is not so triggering. Overall I loved the character development and I am excited to read on in this series. I recommend this book!

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Where the Ocean Meets the Sky (The Ocean Series) by A.R. Hadley – Review by Elisha Johnson

Where the Ocean Meets the Sky (The Ocean)Where the Ocean Meets the Sky by A.R. Hadley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Where the Ocean Meets the Sky (The Ocean Series) by A.R. Hadley- 5 out of 5 stars

This book will have you going on a roller coaster of emotions. The heat between the main characters is off the charts! Talk about silver fox, oh my. This book was a long one, so don’t expect a quick read. I recommend this book.

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Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail (A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series) by MJ Murray – Review by Elisha Johnson

Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail: A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book SeriesDetective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail: A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series by MJ Murray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail: A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series by MJ Murray- 5 out of 5 stars

Fun chapter book adventure for kids. This book is an entertaining story about a young sleuth set on solving the mystery of the missing mail. Detective Dylan is on the case as he goes around the town asking questions and starting to pick up clues. My kids loved this fun mystery book. I recommend this book especially for little ones with a love for mystery books.

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Dumpster Dying (A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery Book 1) by Michelle Bennington – Review by Elisha Johnson

The Inquisitor (WaterFyre Rising, #4)The Inquisitor by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Inquisitor: A Second Chance Romance (WaterFyre Rising) by Nadia Han- 5 out of 5 stars

Someone set off the smoke alarms because this book is on fire! Oh man, Opposites attract could not be more true for these two. Forrest and Kiera’s paths keep crossing in this fantastic, romantic, suspenseful novel. This second chance romance will have you stuck to the pages until the end. I highly recommend this book.

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The Inquisitor (WaterFyre Rising Series) by Nadia Han – Review by Elisha Johnson

The Inquisitor (WaterFyre Rising, #4)The Inquisitor by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Inquisitor: A Second Chance Romance (WaterFyre Rising) by Nadia Han- 5 out of 5 stars

Someone set off the smoke alarms because this book is on fire! Oh man, Opposites attract could not be more true for these two. Forrest and Kiera’s paths keep crossing in this fantastic, romantic, suspenseful novel. This second chance romance will have you stuck to the pages until the end. I highly recommend this book.

View all my reviewsThe Inquisitor, WaterFyre Rising Series, Nadia Han, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Romance, Suspense, 2023, Elisha Johnson, November The Inquisitor (WaterFyre Rising Book 4) by Nadia Han – Review by Elisha Johnson

Christmas Cove by Sarah Dressler – Review by Elisha Johnson

Christmas CoveChristmas Cove by Sarah Dressler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Christmas Cove by Sarah Dressler – 5 out of 5 stars

What would you think if you went to a place named Christmas Cove around Christmas only to find it Christmas-less? Travel editor, America Greene, had a hard time learning that Christmas is much more than just a place. Christmas is about the traditions and bringing loved ones together. This book gives off Hallmark vibes. I highly recommend.

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Baking a Bicycle (Invisible Magic Wand Book 7) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Elisha Johnson

Baking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book SevenBaking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book Seven by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Baking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand by Lois Wickstrom- 5 out of 5

This is a cute litte children’s book that has colourful illustrations. This book is the seventh book in the Invisible Magic Wand series. These books are feeding both the imagination, as well providing a few lessons for kids. Caspian bakes himself a bicycle for his unbirthday with his grandpa, but how you might ask. That is why these books are fun. They make you use you imagination and I recommend this series.

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The Ocean in His Veins (The Ocean Series) by A.R. Hadley – Review by Elisha Johnson

The Ocean in His Veins (The Ocean Series)The Ocean in His Veins by A.R. Hadley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Ocean in His Veins (The Ocean Series) by A.R. Hadley- 4 out of 5 stars

This book really shows you what shaped Cal into the man we were first introduced to in When the Ocean Meets the Sky. It Chronicles all of his relationships with both love interests and family members. Really showing how each one effected him throughout his life. Cal is a love/hate character, you love to hate him and you hate that you love him. Oh my, Cal! I recommend this series.

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Arriving Home (Lake Juniper Series) by Chelsea Lauren – Review by Elisha Johnson

Arriving Home (Lake Juniper Series)Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Arriving Home (Lake Juniper Series) by Chelsea Lauren- 5 out of 5 stars

This is the first book of the Lake Juniper Series. The story does contain some sensitive topics such as abuse that may be a trigger for some readers, but I encourage you to give it a go. Overall this was a very well written MM romance novel with some spicy scenes. What else would you expect from two complex and completely loveable individuals who have such great chemistry? Eli, a writer, and Austin, a chef, simple yet oh so sexy. I recommend and can’t wait for more.

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The Catford Catastrophe Zone by Petra Jacob – Review by Elisha Johnson

The Catford Catastrophe ZoneThe Catford Catastrophe Zone by Petra Jacob
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Catford Catastrophe Zone by Petra Jacob- 5 out of 5 stars

My first time reading a book from thiscau5hor and I was not disappointed. Catastrophe zone is a place where nightmares are made. A place full of unimaginable horrors, rebellions, where the worst of humanity resides. Where plants are no longer just plants and unknown creature’s dwell. A place where special abilities, and things you have never thought existed are the norm. This book was good. I recommend!

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This Egg Won’t Hatch by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Elisha Johnson

This Egg Won't HatchThis Egg Won’t Hatch by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This Egg Won’t Hatch by Lois Wickstrom- 4 out of 5 stars

Cute children’s book. While Mama Warbler is waiting for her last egg to hatch she learns an important lesson about nature and the different ways that living things develop. The book has beautiful illustrations. Fun, easy to read book that children will find enjoyable. I recommend this book.

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Kneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol – Review by Elisha Johnson

Kneading a Winning IdeaKneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kneading a Winning Idea: A book on the importance of perseverance. by Terri Sabol- 5 out of 5 stars

This it a great problem solving book for kids. This book helps kids realize the importance of practice. Bonus, this book also has a recipe that is fun to do with your own kids. During the main characters experiments to find the perfect recipe to win a competition, he runs into many problems along the way. As he navigated the problems as they came, the book also teaches us lessons. I recommend this book.

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Secrets at the Café: A Novel of Suspense about Family and Friendship by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Tanya Wall, November 2023

Secrets at the CafeSecrets at the Cafe by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A rainy Saturday read for me – it was fun. I enjoyed the characters in this story -Karina taking care of her Gigi’s cafe, searching for her lost journal, keeping her cousin in check… it is a mystery waiting to be solved. I loved the small town feel of this novel and the many people that we meet along the way.

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Dark Moon Secrets (The Witch Moon Series Book 1) by Lilliana Rose – Review by Elisha Johnson

Dark Moon Secrets (Witch Moon #1)Dark Moon Secrets by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dark Moon Secrets (The Witch Moon Series Book 1) by Lilliana Rose- 5 out of 5 stars

First book in this series and first book I have read from this author. I am not disappointed, in fact I can not wait to read more. I loved the character development and the relationship development was on point. This auther drew me in with the beautiful cover but kept me captivated with the story. I highly recommend checking this one out.

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Grave Digger Academy IV (Grave Digger Academy Series) by C.A. King – Review by Shelly Kittell

Grave Digger Academy IVGrave Digger Academy IV by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It just keeps getting better and better. Mikayla learned about familiars in this book. She meets her grandmother. You’ll have to read the story to find out what happens. A lot of questions and some are answered. The adventure is still absolutely wonderful. Some of her friends part ways. Griffin is still in the picture and I’m waiting for the answer to that mystery. This is a wonderful paranormal series that is a must read. I can’t wait for book 5 to come out.

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The Cannibal Caper (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Shelly Kittell

The Cannibal Caper: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Cannibal Caper: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another entertaining installment in this series. I love reading these. Sparky is a humorous 11 year old that cracks me up as she tries to survive on the streets and not get caught while she’s trying to solve mysteries. A colorful cast of characters is involved in the story from Mugs to Chum-Chum and more. Oh, the giggles the story gives me. I so enjoyed this story.

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The Ocean in His Veins (The Ocean Series) by A.R. Hadley – Review by Shelly Kittell

The Ocean in His Veins (The Ocean Series)The Ocean in His Veins by A.R. Hadley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a really thought inducing book. Do we really know what we want at an early age? I can remember thinking I knew what I wanted at 16. I was wrong, of course. We see Cal on his journey through life. He’s a surfer so the analogy of his looking for the perfect ocean fits as he goes from woman to woman looking for that perfect love. He is missing something in his life. I’m looking forward to reading the other book in this series because it also gives a look into his relationship with Annie. I recommend this one. It really is worth the time. One of the best fiction that I’ve read this year.

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The Christmas Escape by Belinda Williams – Review by Barbara Bohls

The Christmas EscapeThe Christmas Escape by Belinda Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an absolutely super cute quick read. It definitely got me into the holiday spirit. It has the, “What will go wrong, does go wrong”; mantra to it. You automatically feel drawn to Lizzie because the writer evokes compassion when writing about her. When she decides to buy her friends ticket to Australia, she could have never fathomed what was about to happen. This where I kept turning the pages in the book. I could not get enough of the setting and wonderful characters. This book will have your swooning and laughing at the same time. The way the author is able to grab your attention and keep it from page one to the end, speaks of how well written this book is. This books gave me Hallmark Christmas Movie vibes and I am here for it. If you want to have an escape or just want something to get you into the Christmas Spirit this is the book for you. I will probably reread this book a few times during the holiday season.
Reviewed by: @bbohls

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Murky Murder (A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery Book) by Hazel Smith – Review by Shelly Kittell

Murky Murder (A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery, #4)Murky Murder by Hazel Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an interesting cozy. Ivy is a very optimistic person. It’s all going good for her and she believes it’s going to get better. Meanwhile, threats are coming in. I enjoyed the story. It really is quite entertaining. The dogs are colorful characters. Ivy and her friends kept the story colorful and engaging. I wanted to follow them as they tried to figure out what was going on. I was not a superfan of her boss. He’s a little sexist. Overall, great read, I’m going to read more of this series.

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Quick Affirmations for Children (Quick Affirmations Series) by Kim Ann & Yobe Qiu – Review by Shelly Kittell

Quick Affirmations for Children: A to Z of Easy Motivations for Creating Better days - Positive Affirmations for Happy ChildrenQuick Affirmations for Children: A to Z of Easy Motivations for Creating Better days – Positive Affirmations for Happy Children by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a cool book! I wish they had books like this when I was littler or even when my kids where smaller. Just the bite size affirmations such as “I am focused on my day!” can make a difference to a child’s outlook. These affirmations are full of life, hope, and joy. It makes you smile reading them. The pages illustrations are bright and colorful. They jump out at you and just bring life and happiness. This will be a great gift for my grandchildren.

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Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon – Review by Shelly Kittell

Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her HowlLuna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh, how I love this author! She brings to her stories the fact that being special is okay. We have Nemo, the cat who quietly meows, and Luna, who just can’t get her howl on. These two become best buddies. Can’t give too much away. You need to read this story. They are always so beautiful and heartwarming. The love of friendship and family will bring out just what Luna needs. A story that will be add to my collection to be with Jake the Growly Dog. Well done! I love Luna and Nemo!

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Be True with Me (Be with Me Series) by CA Miconi – Review by Shelly Kittell

Be True with Me (Be with Me, #3)Be True with Me by C.A. Miconi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an emotional story that hit me right in the feels. Two people with some issues to deal with. They had a betrayal happen in college that caused some major hurt. A second chance at love happened with a chance to help a family in need. I was into this book right from the start. Another story that hits a little close to home. It felt very realistic and vulnerable. It felt emotional and hearttorn, heartwarming at the same time. It’s a story that you can totally dig right into because you can feel that things will work out . A beautiful story that is worth reading.

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Dark Moon Secrets (The Witch Moon Series Book 1) by Lilliana Rose – Review by Shelly Kittell

Dark Moon Secrets (Witch Moon #1)Dark Moon Secrets by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tanjie has no idea she’s a witch and comes into a bookstore and coven heading to war with the wolves. What a great story. It’s fast paced. It’s a new approach that caught my attention straight off the start. I loved the contemporary feel of the story. The characters were awesome. Luna, George, Adam, Caleb and Mia were wonderful support. George is an old hoot. Really cool story. I can’t wait to see where this goes. I’m excited because this was set up perfect. Her wolf wants and can’t because of the war and he’s the Alpha’s son. Give this a shot. You won’t be sorry

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