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Midnight Deception: Later-in-Life Romantic Suspense (Lone Wolf Heroes Series) by India Kells – Review by Jess Engel

Midnight Deception: Later-in-Life Romantic Suspense (Lone Wolf Heroes Book 1)Midnight Deception: Later-in-Life Romantic Suspense by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Love. Love. Love. The author put together a fast-paced engrossing story with wonderful characters. I couldn’t put this one down and devoured it in just a couple of sittings. The writing is seamless and the author really builds up the story on the foundation of amazingly written characters. The main character, Sabrina, is just great. Her character development and personality largely made the story for me—there are many qualities of her that are relatable for adult female readers. She has a couple of alternate personas she takes on in the story, first the seductive emcee Nightshade, as well as a dull secretary. When she finds herself in the midst of danger both personally and at work, she and her boss, Brent, are caught in the middle…. with feelings brewing and hidden identities, this story just delivers! Can’t wait for the next one!

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Strings Attached: A Braebeach Rock Romance by Loriana Cappello – Review by BRANDI ANDERSON

Strings AttachedStrings Attached by Loriana Cappello
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This storyline is incredibly heartwarming! Calla and Ash offer a love story that feels genuinely one-of-a-kind. Readers are swept up in a wave of emotions throughout their journey, with its highs and lows. As I read, I couldn’t help but imagine how perfectly this story would translate to film. The narrative flows beautifully, enhanced by the alternating perspectives of the characters. I also appreciated the authentic portrayal of their relationship, particularly the challenges they face due to past trauma and the complexities of long distance. The fact that they were childhood friends who reconnected as adults adds an extra layer of charm. Overall, this book is captivating, pulling you in and making you genuinely feel for Calla and Ash.

Reviewed by: @andersonmom7520

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Productivity is Power: 5 Liberating Practices for College Students by Hillary Rettig – Review by Heather Goodman

Productivity is Power: Five Liberating Practices for College StudentsProductivity is Power: Five Liberating Practices for College Students by Hillary Rettig
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a great book for anyone going to college or that has a job. If you feel yourself getting overwhelmed or stressed with everything this gives you some great tools to navigate all of it. It wasn’t as easy to read as a regular book but it’s very useful and pragmatic.

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A Tale of Two Crushes by Cori Cooper – Review by Meghan Lee-Mueller

A Tale of Two CrushesA Tale of Two Crushes by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved the story line and all the quirky characters in this book, I highly recommend giving it a read! It was very well written and descriptive, it made me feel like I was right along side the characters. Losing yourself in a book like you’re watching a movie doesn’t tend to happen often, but it’s totally worth it when it does. The main character moves to a new town and starts a new school. This book is her story.

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Love and Fate (A Braebeach Rockstar Romance) by Loriana Cappello – Review by Shannen Kern

Love and Fate (Braebeach Rockstar #2)Love and Fate by Loriana Cappello
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was very excited to see this author had published another book in the Braebeach Rockstar Romance series, so I immediately picked this up and dove right in. This is a compelling exploration of second chances, heartache, and the complexities of love. We get to follow Tommy, a former rock star who returns to his hometown, and Angie, the woman he once let slip away. What results is a heartfelt journey of redemption and rekindled romance.

This story expertly balances the emotional turmoil of both characters. The chemistry between them is palpable, making their slow-burn romance all the more rewarding. The author deftly builds tension and depth, allowing readers to witness the growth of both characters as they navigate their intertwined lives. While this can be read as a standalone, it will certainly whet your appetite for more from this series. The mature content is handled thoughtfully, adding depth to the relationship without overshadowing the emotional core of the story. If you’re a fan of slow-burn romances, this book is a must-read for you!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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The Keeper (Fall River Series) by G.K. Brady – Review by Estelle Edwards

The Keeper (Fall River, #1)The Keeper by G.K. Brady

This is the 1st book in a series about Fall River,  a small town in Colorado and 3 brothers who live and work there. This book is about the middle brother Noah, who is a bit of a player and bad boy. This story brings us Noah, and his latest venture, the town’s newest bar and restaurant. We also meet Hailey a kitchen inspector who has dreams or being a bookstore owner. This book has a little bit for everyone who enjoys a fun HEA – mistakenID, hidden Id, a big city girl and a small town guy. Theres plenty of steamy between these also. The opening book in this series definitely makes me want to read the rest.

The Fixer (Fall River Series) by G. K. Brady – Review by Estelle Edwards

The Fixer (Fall River, #2)The Fixer by G.K. Brady


This is the 2nd book in a series about Fall River a small town in Colorado and 3 brothers who live and work there.The youngest brother, Charlie is the male star and love interest in this one. There is snappy banter, funny lines and characters seen in the 1st book. Charlie falls for a his partner, in a renovation/ restoration project. She’s a sharp, smart power broker from Chicago named Joy. This is a very flirty, very we-don’t-like-each-other to we-can’t-stay-away-from-each-other. There’s flirtybantefr, wardrobe changes and lots of hot and steamy.
Bonus: There’s a bright, sarcastic, fun loving wise cracking ever helpful assistant named Estelle. As a bright, sarcastic, fun loving wise cracking ever helpful woman named Estelle I wished she’d had a larger part 🙂

Strings Attached: A Braebeach Rock Romance by Loriana Cappello – Review by Shannen Kern

Strings AttachedStrings Attached by Loriana Cappello
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a new-to-me author, but something about the synopsis pulled me in. As soon as I began reading, I felt transported back to school with kid crushes. The author beautifully crafts a tale of second chances, simmering tension, and the struggle between love and ambition. The narrative explores the complexities of young love, balancing the heat of rekindled romance with the stark realities of pursuing dreams. Call and Ash are both relatable and well-developed characters that are wrestling with their aspirations. I was immediately invested in both of their journeys!

The chemistry between Ash and Calla is palpable, brought to life through vivid descriptions and poignant moments that tugged at my heartstring. The mature, steamy themes woven throughout added depth, and I really appreciated that the author doesn’t rely on the spice to carry the plot. The marvelous backdrop of small-town life colliding with the allure of rock-and-roll adds an exciting layer to the narrative.

Overall, this is an absolutely captivating read for fans of contemporary romance, delivering a blend of passion, nostalgia, and the bittersweet nature of choices. Whether you’re drawn in by the promise of a steamy romance or the thrill of chasing drills, this book resonates on multiple levels. I am eager to see what this author has in store for us next!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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London Detective Agency (London Detective Agency Series) by Stephanie R. Caffrey – Review by Julie Johnson

London Detective Agency: The Complete SeriesLondon Detective Agency: The Complete Series by Stephanie R. Caffrey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a great series of reads. I found the characters to be very identifiable and the storylines believable. I love the level of suspense throughout, along with the romance that played out as well. Ups and downs and lots of chemistry will have you wanting to read more from this author!

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The Final Bite by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Crystal Brehant

The Final BiteThe Final Bite by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I don’t know how she does it. Little “bites” (pun intended) of stories, but filled with so much they don’t leave you lacking. I just want to consume (oops, not intended) every single book Naomi has written. They are fun, entertaining, quick reads that make you want to “devour” (also intended) them in one sitting. Her storytelling is unmatched. Her stories are magical and paranormal, but they are unique. They are always full of witty banter and loveable characters. They suck (okay last one I swear) you in, bring you into their world, and leave you satisfied.

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The Final Bite by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Finn Cunningham

The Final BiteThe Final Bite by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Final Bite by Naomi Valkyrie is another wonderful MM paranormal romance with high stakes. I seem to just devour every single book by this author, and this is absolutely no exception. A gripping and unique read that while short, will absolutely blow you away. I adored the different take on the second chance/fate countdown trope. I’ll never pass up a Naomi Valkyrie book, and I definitely recommend you don’t either!

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The Crown of Stones Trilogy Box Set (The Crown of Stones Series) by C. L. Schneider – Review by Finn Cunningham

The Crown of Stones Complete TrilogyThe Crown of Stones Complete Trilogy by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Crown of Stones: The Complete Trilogy by C.L. Schneider is an absolutely enthralling dark fantasy series. I definitely recommend this to anyone wanting a truly enthralling series to dive into that will keep you reading for hours on end. This Trilogy has it all, magic, adventure, twists and turns, drama, epic world building, and so so much more. Definitely read them in order, but that’s the beauty of a box set, is you don’t have to wait to dive into the next book! Love, love, loved this series, and I wholeheartedly recommend it and the author in general!

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Whisper (The Entian Curse) by Kay Ross – Review by Crystal Brehant

Whisper (The Entian Curse, #1)Whisper by Kay Ross
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am someone who reads a lot. At least fifty books a year, to over 100 books in a year. I love those Hallmark romance stories, I love magical, paranormal, thriller, crime, young adult, etc. You name it, and I love it. Even if I read stories that are pretty similar in plot, I still enjoy reading them.
Having said that, there is something so amazing about finding a story that is so incredibly unique, you’re absolutely captivated. This is one of those stories. I don’t come across them too often, even with the amount of books I read.
This story is funny, dramatic, emotional, and over all just a fantastic read. I can’t wait to read more in the series in the future.

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Shadows In The Dark (Dark Lotus Series) by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Chelsea Pletcher

Shadows in the Dark (Dark Lotus #1)Shadows in the Dark by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a suspenseful story! Anise Storm sweeps me off of my feet again! From the very beginning of the story, Anise had my attention (dark and mysterious male character and the death of Brynn’s sister). As the mystery unfolds and more details come to light, the reader is left with so many questions. The characters are amazing, show so much growth throughout, and the spice is great too. Can’t wait for the next story!

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It’s Cool To Be Kind by Shermaine Perry-Knights – Review by Nichole Chrisman

It's Cool To Be Kind: A Children's Book on Kindness and FriendshipIt’s Cool To Be Kind: A Children’s Book on Kindness and Friendship by Shermaine Perry-Knights
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This story starts off with 3 kids who have to write a paper that explains what they are the best at. They go through things they are good at, video games, sports, etc. but quickly come to the realization that while they are good there is someone better. Throughout the day each kid encounters someone who needs a little extra kindness and give it without a thought. It wasn’t until they each saw the after effects that their kindness brought that they realized that kindness is something they can be the best at. While this story didn’t always directly connect every point it still manages to teach a valuable lesson to kids.

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Beefy Goes From Bully To Buddy (Courage Tales Series) by Dagmara Sitek – Review by Cindy Mayberry

Beefy Goes From Bully To Buddy: Children's Book About Bullying (Courage Tales)Beefy Goes From Bully To Buddy: Children’s Book About Bullying by Dagmara Sitek
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Being a child without love and care makes life tough. While Beefy parents love him they are working parents. But when Beefy starts picking on Gavin, Gavin calls his friends for help. The Super Buddies and their Bot Giorgio. What will Beefy do when the Super Buddies show up? Will they help Gavin or Beefy? This was a great story about Bullying. It is clear and easy to read. Even the pictures tell the story clearly. I love this story and feel it needs to be in every child’s library. This is by far the best Bully story I have read in a long time. I hope you and your children enjoy it as much as we did.

Review@cinful

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Beefy Goes From Bully To Buddy (Courage Tales Series) by Dagmara Sitek – Review by Ayla Eddy

Beefy Goes From Bully To Buddy: Children's Book About Bullying (Courage Tales)Beefy Goes From Bully To Buddy: Children’s Book About Bullying by Dagmara Sitek
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another adventure for the team. This time they are helping Beefy find his missing parents. During the process of saving his parents Beefy starts becoming a buddy instead of a bully. After experiencing his parents change to be more apart of his life Beefy has given up being a bully.

A cute story that shows that just because a kid is acting out and being mean does not mean that they are just a mean kid. Sometimes it is because they are missing out on something important at home, such as parents involved in their life.

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Reunion (The Hellgate Chronicles) by Jocelyn Lindsay – Review by April Rose

Reunion (The Hellgate Chronicles, #1)Reunion by Jocelyn Lindsay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Reunion” by Jocelyn Lindsay is the prequel, and very first book in the the “Hellgate Chronicles”. If my experience with “Reunion” is an accurate sample of the author’s story telling, I expect to enjoy them all, immensely. The author’s tone is natural, and the way the story is told felt akin to listening to a friend tell a story. This was definitely one of my favorite recent reads. The story follows our protagonist, Meg Walker, as she navigates uncomfortable…well…reunions and trying to live up to expectations. I thoroughly enjoyed the way the author embodied the enjoyable aspects of apocalyptic YA books but with a protagonist over 40. This book quickly grabbed my attention and held it. I would strongly recommend to other readers.

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Spook Squad by Allan Evans – Review by Katie Turner

Spook SquadSpook Squad by Allan Evans
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Spook Squad by Allan Evans is an intriguing YA paranormal story that was difficult to put down until the very end. This story has a bit of everything- paranormal, thrill, adventure, friendship, mystery, humor and more. Abbey is a young teenager with a special gift that makes her far from normal. She can see and speak to spirits and supernatural beings. She has her own little ‘Spooky Gang’ of friends who support her despite her quirkiness, and work along side her on her paranormal adventures. This story is a part of a series, however, I had no issues reading this as a standalone. The writing was fantastic. The story and characters were well-written and given just enough depth that the story flowed perfectly without the feeling that it was dragging on. Overall, this was really a fun, spooky and enjoyable read! I look forward to going back and reading the other stories of Abbey as well!

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A Tale of Two Crushes by Cori Cooper – Review by Kayla Octaviano

A Tale of Two CrushesA Tale of Two Crushes by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an adorable book! A very relatable heroine, and two wonderful boys who come into her life. Anybody reading this will have a dream guy/gal described in it! So sweet, heartwarming, and a very fun read. I would recommend this to anybody wanting a happy, coming of age book with a lot of personal growth and love.

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Knight On Edge (Jorja Knight Mystery Series) by Alice Bienia – Review by Samantha Cleaver

Knight On Edge: A female detective mystery (Jorja Knight Mystery Series Book 7)Knight On Edge: A female detective mystery by Alice Bienia
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jorja Knight is a private investigator and has been hired for an infertility case. This case turns into a murder investigation because the mistress is soon found deceased. Now, Jorja uncovers lots of secrets along the way.

I really enjoyed this book and recommend to anyone who enjoys a little murder mystery. This was well written and I couldn’t put it down!

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Railway to Murder (A Buck Greene, Railroad Special Agent, Mystery) by Danny J. Bradbury – Review by Kristin Boutelle

Railway to MurderRailway to Murder by Danny J. Bradbury
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The beginning of the story brings the reader into what Buck Greene was dealing with prior to him moving onto a new life. The war does explain a lot of what the other characters that were in the war went through also. The author does a great job in describing how things were in that era, i.e., traveling on horseback, the building of the railroad track, and even how far Greene and his partner, Edward, had to travel just to question the men about the murder case. Overall, the story is very well done.

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Beefy Goes From Bully To Buddy (Courage Tales Series) by Dagmara Sitek – Review by Crystal Brehant

Beefy Goes From Bully To Buddy: Children's Book About Bullying (Courage Tales)Beefy Goes From Bully To Buddy: Children’s Book About Bullying by Dagmara Sitek
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Beefy is a bully, but why? I read this book with my 7yo son. This story of how Beefy the bully becomes a friend has a lot of lessons in it. It explains why some kids may be bullies, and how we can help them become more friendly versions of themselves. There is a surprising twist that we did not see coming, but was very entertaining. My son and I loved it.

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A Safe Place (Philly Heat Series) by Becky Flade – Review by Bobbi Wagner

A Safe Place (Philly Heat series, #6)A Safe Place by Becky Flade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an author that I have enjoyed reading from the first book I picked up by her. This is the sixth book in the series which just keeps getting better and better with each book. This can be read as a standalone but I suggest reading the previous books as well. This is a well written story about Kat and how she witnessed a murder, not only that but she has to be placed in an emergency housing. What happens next is something you don’t want to miss. I enjoyed the characters and what they brought to the story. This is a fast paced, hard to put down story. An engaging story that has a twist of suspense to it. I found this book easy and entertaining to read. I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to seeing the next book. I highly recommend this book.

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Review by @bjwagner

Sanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski – Review by Bobbi Wagner

SanctuarySanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an author that I enjoy reading. I enjoy her writing style and her creative characters that bring the story to life. This is one of my favorite books by this author. This is a well written story that is a fantasy with some romance and will show you how far these characters are willing to go for love. I enjoyed how the author pulled me into the story from the start with their engaging details. The characters are connectable and truly add so much to the story. This is an easy story to read about Petra and her determination to find out why her brother was killed. She just may find more than she expected along her journey. I really enjoyed her. This is a hard to put down story that you don’t want to miss. I really enjoyed reading this book. I highly recommend this book.

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Review by @bjwagner

Finally Friends: Donut the Dog & Peanut the Squirrel Learn Social Skills Review By Krista Moulthrop

Finally Friends: Donut the Dog & Peanut the Squirrel Learn Social SkillsFinally Friends: Donut the Dog & Peanut the Squirrel Learn Social Skills by Debbie Sullivan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Donut the dog is sad because her best friend had to love away and now she has nobody to play with. She sees a squirrel and decides she wants to be friends but she keeps scaring the squirrel away. Donut learns how to be calm and quiet and finally become friends with the squirrel. A great kid story that teaches a lesson about thinking of the other persons feelings.

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The Keeper (Fall River Series) by G. K. Brady – Review by Jennifer Gordon

The Keeper (Fall River, #1)The Keeper by G.K. Brady
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An opposites attract small town romance which kept me happily turning the pages. Health inspector Hailey attempts to save a lost dog during a blizzard, but causes a pickup truck to crash. Struggling tavern owner Noah did not expect to be rescuing the woman who caused him to wreck his truck. Hailey can’t believe Noah protected her from the storm and with her stranded in town she offers to wait tables for him. Noah is struggling to keep his tavern afloat whilst trying to impress his judgemental father and deal with a cheating ex-girlfriend and an obsessed hookup. Hailey can see herself having a life in the small town of Fall River, along with Noah. However, outside obstacles try to prevent their developing relationship. Noah and Hailey’s chemistry came across in the narrative, and I liked how their relationship developed throughout the story. Both the characters and the setting came to life making me feel immersed in the storyline. This lighthearted and heartwarming romance, with just enough steam had me hooked from page one.

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Productivity is Power: 5 Liberating Practices for College Students by Hillary Rettig – Review by Jennifer Crain

Productivity is Power: Five Liberating Practices for College StudentsProductivity is Power: Five Liberating Practices for College Students by Hillary Rettig
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As a graduate student navigating the demanding landscape of academia, I approached Hillary Rettig’s *Productivity is Power* with a blend of skepticism and hope. In an age where academic pressure can feel overwhelming and the competition is relentless, I found that Rettig’s book offers a refreshing perspective on productivity tailored specifically for college students.

Rettig identifies the myriad challenges that students face today—not just the usual suspects like procrastination and perfectionism but also the pervasive distractions of social media and the weight of societal expectations. What sets this book apart is its recognition of the unique pressures faced by students in an unforgiving economy, where grades and internships are paramount for future success.

The book is structured around five liberating practices that aim to empower students to overcome their barriers and enhance their productivity. Rettig’s approach is both empathetic and practical, focusing on actionable strategies that can lead to immediate improvements in a student’s academic life.

Throughout the book, Rettig delves into common issues such as indecision, perpetual research, and the fear of submitting work. Her solutions are practical and tailored for those who often feel overwhelmed. What particularly struck me was her emphasis on coping with criticism and setbacks—a crucial skill in today’s hyper-competitive environment.

As a graduate student, I found several insights that I wish I had discovered earlier in my academic journey. I would recommend this book not only to undergraduates but also to graduate students, educators, advisors, and anyone involved in student support. With the right tools, every student can access their potential and find joy in their academic pursuits.

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Beefy Goes From Bully To Buddy (Courage Tales Series) by Dagmara Sitek – Review by Jennifer Crain

Beefy Goes From Bully To Buddy: Children's Book About Bullying (Courage Tales)Beefy Goes From Bully To Buddy: Children’s Book About Bullying by Dagmara Sitek
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“Beefy Goes From Bully To Buddy” delivers a heartfelt narrative that tackles the challenging issue of bullying with both compassion and creativity. Dagmara Sitek crafts a story that centers on Beefy, a character many might initially classify as a stereotypical bully. However, as the layers of his personality are peeled away, readers come to realize that Beefy’s aggression stems from deeper emotional turmoil, making him a more relatable and complex character.

Sitek’s writing style is accessible and engaging, making the book a great fit for early readers. The illustrations accompanying the text are vibrant and enhance the story, bringing Beefy’s world to life and enriching the reading experience.

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A Safe Place (Philly Heat Series) by Becky Flade – Review by Christina Sanders

A Safe Place (Philly Heat series, #6)A Safe Place by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an interesting story from the get-go! It’s a story about a teen, her brother and dog, and a social worker. The teen witnesses a crime while living out on the street (while the brother was deployed when he became her legal guardian without notice). The social worker has to take on the teen to help and the story tells the story of how all three of them (and the dog) have to work together for their common goal(s). Such an emotional story with so many twists and turns and I didn’t see any of them coming but that kept this story so interesting! I really loved all three of the main characters and enjoyed reading this so much!

Reviewed by: @christinasandersmua

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