Limelight's Books Blog

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Book Review: The Dare by Elle Kennedy

Synopsis

College was supposed to be my chance to get over my ugly-duckling complex and spread my wings. Instead, I wound up in a sorority full of mean girls. I already have a hard time fitting in, so when my Kappa Chi sisters issue the challenge, I can’t say no. The dare: seduce the hottest new hockey player in the junior class. Conor Edwards is a regular at Greek Row parties…and in Greek Row sorority beds. He’s the one you fall for before you learn that guys like him don’t give girls like me a second glance. Except Mr. Popular throws me for a loop—rather than laughing in my face, he does me a solid by letting me take him upstairs to pretend we’re getting busy. Even crazier, now he wants to keep pretending. Turns out Conor loves games, and he thinks it’s fun to pull the wool over my frenemies’ eyes. But resisting his easy charm and surfer-boy hotness is darn near impossible. Though I’m realizing there’s much more to Conor’s story than his fan club can see. And the longer this silly ruse goes on, the greater the danger of it all blowing up in my face.

Review

Rating: ★★★★☆

It’s been a while since I’ve read a good sports romance novel. Elle Kennedy has always been a master at these kind of stories, and she didn’t disappoint this time. 

This is Connor and Taylor’s story. When Taylor’s sorority sisters dare her to ask one of the hot guys upstairs for some sexy times, she comes up to Conor and asks him to play along. He does, and they end up spending the night talking and eventually falling asleep together. This marks the beginning of a beautiful friendship, and even something more.

Conor was just so sweet and charming the whole time, and he always tried to help her out. He was such a great character. I really liked the two of them together, they made a great pair. While it wasn’t my favorite of this author’s books, I still quite enjoyed it. I didn’t like how Taylor’s body image insecurities were constantly brought up in almost every chapter. It was getting very repetitive, so much so that it took me away from the story. Except from that issue, this was a great story in general.

This was a heartwarming and cute standalone that I would definitely recommend to fans of this series.

Goodreads

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Book Review: Heartland by Sarina Bowen

Synopsis

Dylan is my best friend, and the only person in my life who understands me. He doesn’t mind my social awkwardness or my weird history. The only glitch? He doesn’t know that I’ve been hopelessly, desperately in love with him since the first day we picked apples together in his family’s orchard. But I know better than to confess. Now that we’re both in college together, I’m seeing a new side of him. College Dylan drinks and has a lot of sex. None of it with me. Until the night I foolishly ask him to tutor me in more than algebra…and he actually says yes. But the cool morning light shows me how badly I’ve endangered our friendship. And I don’t know if anything will be the same again.

Review

Rating: ★★★★★

I’ve loved this series ever since the first book came out. I’ve been waiting for quite some time for Dylan Shipley’ story, and I wasn’t disappointed! While this seventh book wasn’t my favorite of the series, I still really enjoyed reading this and diving back into this world that Sarina Bowen has created. 

Dylan is the youngest Shipley brother and is now attending college with his best friend Chastity, who’s had a crush on him for a long time. Having run away from a polygamist cult some years ago, she’s still adapting to a whole new world and Dylan has helped guide her into this new life. 

I loved Dylan and Chastity’s relationship and how they fit so well together. Dylan was so caring and protective of her. Chastity is a survivor and remains optimistic despite her difficult past. I was on her side from the start, and it was hard to see her struggling with her feelings for Dylan. The side characters were awesome too. Dylan’s roommate Rickie who’s helped him see his true feelings and Chastity’s friend Ellie were great.

This was a fantastic addition to the series, and I can’t wait for more from the author. I’m looking forward to Dylan’s twin sister, Daphne’s story. If you’ve been looking for a swoon-worthy slow-burn romance, this is the perfect read for you.

Goodreads

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Book Review: Break Your Glass Slippers by Amanda Lovelace

Synopsis

"more forgetting time. more midnight dances with yourself." amanda lovelace, the bestselling & award-winning author of the “women are some kind of magic” poetry series, presents a new companion series, “you are your own fairy tale” the first installment, break your glass slippers, is about overcoming those who don’t see your worth, even if that person is sometimes yourself. in the epic tale of your life, you are the most important character while everyone is but a forgotten footnote. even the prince.

Review

Rating: ★★★★☆

Amanda Lovelace has done it again! I’m normally not the biggest fan of poetry in general, but her writing really has a way to reach deep down my soul. This retelling of a well-known fairy tale is about women’s empowerment and how we should learn to put ourselves first. Every single page was packed full of meaning. The artwork was fitting and complimented the story well. I’m really glad I picked this one up. I will definitely be reading anything that this author publishes next.

Goodreads

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Book Review: A Bad Day in the Life of Sunshine by Darynda Jones

Synopsis

Sheriff Sunshine Vicram finds her cup o’ joe more than half full when the small village of Del Sol, New Mexico, becomes the center of national attention for a kidnapper on the loose. Del Sol, New Mexico is known for three things: its fry-an-egg-on-the-cement summers, its strong cups of coffee—and a nationwide manhunt? Del Sol native Sunshine Vicram has returned to town as the elected sheriff--an election her adorably meddlesome parents entered her in--and she expects her biggest crime wave to involve an elderly flasher named Doug. But a teenage girl is missing, a kidnapper is on the loose, and all of it's reminding Sunny why she left Del Sol in the first place. Add to that trouble at her daughter’s new school and a kidnapped prized rooster named Puff Daddy, and Sunshine has her hands full. Enter sexy almost-old-flame Levi Ravinder and a hunky US Marshall, both elevens on a scale of one to blazing inferno, and the normally savvy sheriff is quickly in over her head. Now it’s up to Sunshine to juggle a few good hunky men, a not-so-nice kidnapping miscreant, and Doug the ever-pesky flasher. And they said coming home would be drama-free.

Review

Rating: ★★★★★

I absolutely love the Charley Davidson series, so when I heard about Darynda Jones’ new book, I knew I just had to get my hands on it. At first, I wasn’t sure if this one would have everything that I love about her stories, but it did and more! 

We are introduced to Sunshine Vicram, who comes back to town with her daughter surprised to learn that she has been elected sheriff without her knowledge. With a missing teenage girl and other shenanigans happening in Del Sol, she has to put in her all to solve these issues. And of course there’s her long-time crush, Levi Ravinder, who’s been hiding some secrets of his own.

This book has become a new favorite of mine. The characters were so entertaining from the start, and the humor ever so present throughout the story. I loved the interactions between Sunshine and Levi, and I can’t wait to learn more about their past together. I wasn’t disappointed with this one at all, and I just wanted more. This was an amazing start to a new series, and I will definitely be reading the next book in the series as soon as I can. 

Goodreads

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Book Review: Beard Necessities by Penny Reid

Synopsis

Billy Winston’s family is going to see him happy and in love if it’s the last thing they do. No one deserves a happily-ever-after quite as much as the second oldest Winston brother and his lady love, Claire McClure (aka Scarlet St. Claire). Cruelty and circumstance tore them apart almost twenty years ago. Secrecy and bitterness kept them separated. But you know who's tired of their separation and stubbornness? Everyone. Especially Billy Winston’s family. And now they're going to do something about it. Well-meaning interference means the star-crossed lovers can’t stop tripping over each other in the hills of Tuscany, the catacombs of Rome, and the waterways of Venice. Billy and Claire find themselves thrown together and at the mercy of the Winston siblings’ shenanigans. But will their forced proximity bring them together? Or push them even further apart? This second-chance romance brings back the entire Winston gang, playing cupid in one last story of love, hi-jinks, and family collusion.

Review

Rating: ★★★★★

It’s been a while since I’ve read a book in the Winston Brothers series, and I’ve definitely missed all these characters that I’ve grown to love so much. This is a standalone, but it should be read after the other books in the series for your full enjoyment. 

I absolutely loved this last installment of the series. Billy and Claire finally got their long-awaited story and happy ending. The Winston family’s shenanigans, especially Cletus, were as entertaining as always. Penny Reid has outdone herself in this one. It made me smile, and laugh, and swoon, and I couldn’t have asked for more. 

The epilogue was wonderful, and it couldn’t have been a more fitting conclusion to this amazing series. I’m sad to see this series coming to an end, but I’m sure I’ll revisit these characters one of these days.

Goodreads

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Book Review: Meet Cute by Helena Hunting

Synopsis

Talk about an embarrassing introduction. On her first day of law school, Kailyn ran - quite literally - into the actor she crushed on as a teenager, ending with him sprawled on top of her. Mortified to discover the Daxton Hughes was also a student in her class, her embarrassment over their meet-cute quickly turned into a friendship she never expected. Of course, she never saw his betrayal coming either... Now, eight years later, Dax is in her office asking for legal advice. Despite her anger, Kailyn can't help feeling sorry for the devastated man who just became sole guardian to his thirteen-year-old sister. But when her boss gets wind of Kailyn's new celebrity client, there's even more at stake than Dax's custody issues: if she gets Dax to work at their firm, she'll be promoted to partner. The more time Kailyn spends with Dax and his sister, the more she starts to feel like a family, and the more she realizes the chemistry they had all those years ago is as fresh as ever. But will they be able to forgive the mistakes of the past, or will one betrayal lead to another?

Review

Rating: ★★★★☆

I expected a fun romantic comedy going into this book, but it had a more serious tone than I thought it would have. Which isn’t a bad thing, just a bit misleading with the cute cover, which is one of my favorites by the way.

Kailyn and Daxton first meeting was during law school where she had a huge crush on him because of the popular TV show character he portrayed. By the end, she kind of hates him as she feels betrayed. They meet again eight years later and Dax asks for her help on legal things. She still holds a grudge, but the feelings from years ago didn’t disappear as much as she would have hoped.

I really enjoyed this story. There were some parts that were predictable, but it didn’t deter from my enjoyment. I mean, the evil aunt who wants to get the family inheritance by taking over the little sister’s guardianship? This was coming from the start. If you’re looking for an enemies-to-lovers romance packed with some feels, pick this one up!

Goodreads

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Book Review: Handle With Care by Helena Hunting

Synopsis

HE WANTS TO LOSE CONTROL. Between his parents’ messed up marriage and his narcissistic younger brother, Lincoln Moorehead has spent the majority of his life avoiding his family. After the death of his father, Lincoln finds himself in the middle of the drama. To top it all off, he’s been named CEO of Moorehead Media, much to his brother’s chagrin. But Lincoln’s bad attitude softens when he meets the no-nonsense, gorgeous woman who has been given the task of transforming him from the gruff, wilderness guy to a suave businessman SHE’S TRYING TO HOLD IT TOGETHER. Wren Sterling has been working double time to keep the indiscretions at Moorehead Media at bay, so when she’s presented with a new contract, with new responsibilities and additional incentives, she agrees. Working with the reclusive oldest son of a ridiculously entitled family is worth the hassle if it means she’s that much closer to pursuing her own dreams. What Wren doesn’t expect is to find herself attracted to him, or for it to be mutual. And she certainly doesn’t expect to fall for Lincoln. But when a shocking new Moorehead scandal comes to light, she’s forced to choose between her own family and the broody, cynical CEO.

Review

Rating: ★★★★☆

This is the fifth book in Helena Hunting’s Shacking Up series. It can be read as a standalone, but you wouldn’t want to miss out on the previous books. I’ve always enjoyed this author’s writing, and this novel was no exception.

After his father’s death, Lincoln Moorhead has to take over the family business even if he doesn’t want to, otherwise his irresponsible brother Armstrong would run it to the ground. Wren Starling has been hired to keep Armstrong in line. They definitely don’t get along at first, but unexpectedly find themselves attracted to the other.

Lincoln and Wren were really made for each other. I loved their dynamic together. Wren was such a strong and sassy heroine and knew exactly how to handle the problematic brother. This was a sweet and fun office romance that I would strongly recommend!

Goodreads

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Book Review: Winter Tales by Tiffany Reisz

Synopsis

In December Wine, the long-awaited story of Nora Sutherlin's first meeting with Nico can finally be told. Nora enlists her editor (and sometimes lover) Zach Easton on a mission to track down Kingsley's long-lost son. Nicolas "Nico" Delacroix turns out to be young, strikingly handsome, and very French. He wants nothing to do with his father...but everything to do with Nora.

Review

Rating: ★★★★★

This anthology includes some short stories that have previously been published and a new tale about Nora’s first meeting with Nico, Kingsley’s son. The writing was as beautiful and compelling as ever. I absolutely adore this series and this whole world that Tiffany Reisz has created. It’s always so fun to visit these characters again. I wish I could read more about their antics everyday. This was a great read for the holidays and fans of the series won’t be disappointed.

Goodreads

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Book Review: The Deception by Nikki Sloane

Synopsis

I’ve been through hell to get to this place. To wear the perfect white dress and stand beside Royce Hale, the liar I tried desperately not to fall in love with and failed. Or maybe I’m still trapped in hell because the devil is here too. He lurks at my side, plotting terrible ways to make me his. It’s win at all costs in this family, and I know now just how far the Hales will go to get what they want. But you can’t survive in a house full of lies without learning the art of deception, and once I become a Hale, I’ll show them exactly what I’ve mastered.

Review

Rating: ★★★★☆

This is the third and final book in the Filthy Rich Americans series. And what a conclusion it was! I couldn’t put this book down. Once I got started, I just had to finish it in one sitting. 

Marist has grown so much as a character compared to how she was in the first book. The Hales are a messed up family, full of manipulation and deception, and she belongs right up with them. Her strength, resilience and determination really shone through in this book. 

I never managed to really hate Macalister as a character. He was such an interesting and complex villain to read about. There were twists and turns up until the very end. The writing was so compelling from start to finish and Nikki Sloane is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors this year!

Goodreads

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Book Review: To Drink Coffee with a Ghost by Amanda Lovelace

Synopsis

"You cannot have a funeral for your mother without also having a funeral for yourself." This book poses the ever-lingering question: What happens when someone dies before they're able to redeem themselves?

Review

Rating: ★★★★☆

This poetry collection is about the author’s complicated and toxic relationship with her mother, who died of cancer. It deals a lot about grief, loss and regrets. I’ve read and enjoyed many of this Amanda Lovelace’s collections, and this one was no exception. Her writing really manages to make me think about the more important things in life. Her poems are always so raw and emotional. I personally couldn’t relate to her experiences, but it definitely touched me. I loved the message behind each poem.

Goodreads

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Book Review: The First Girl Child by Amy Harmon

Synopsis

Bayr of Saylok, bastard son of a powerful and jealous chieftain, is haunted by the curse once leveled by his dying mother. Bartered, abandoned, and rarely loved, she plagued the land with her words: From this day forward, there will be no daughters in Saylok. Raised among the Keepers at Temple Hill, Bayr is gifted with inhuman strength. But he’s also blessed with an all-too-human heart that beats with one purpose: to protect Alba, the first girl child born in nearly two decades and the salvation for a country at risk. Now the fate of Saylok lies with Alba and Bayr, whose bond grows deeper with every whisper of coming chaos. Charged with battling the enemies of their people, both within and without, Bayr is fueled further by the love of a girl who has defied the scourge of Saylok. What Bayr and Alba don’t know is that they each threaten the king, a greedy man who built his throne on lies, murder, and betrayal. There is only one way to defend their land from the corruption that has overtaken it. By breaking the curse, they could defeat the king…but they could also destroy themselves.

Review

Rating: ★★★★★

A scorned woman dies after giving birth, cursing all of Saylok to have no more daughters. Her prophecy foretells that her son will be the land’s savior. Bayr grew up gifted with godly strength, but unacknowledged by his father. A girl child was finally born after many years, surrounded by the King’s conspiracies and ambitions. All of Saylok’s fate rests upon the shoulders of these two children.

Once again, Amy Harmon proves to be one of my favorite authors! I absolutely loved this novel. I knew I had to read this one since I first saw the announcement about it, and it didn’t disappoint.

It’s been a while since I was so captivated by a story. I’ve grown tired of reading the same stories over and over again, but this was definitely an unique tale that snatched my attention from the start. I never got bored despite the slow pace of the story. The characters were so well-developed and I could understand each person’s motivation. The only thing was that I would have liked a longer epilogue. It felt like there wasn’t enough, and I just wanted it to last forever. If you liked The Bird and The Sword, you’ll definitely like this book!

Goodreads

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Book Review: The Obsession by Nikki Sloane

Synopsis

The Hale family is obsessed with status, power, and control. No problem is too big their money can’t solve. Royce Hale manipulated me into giving him everything. My virginity. My hand in marriage. My heart. And as soon as he got what he wanted, he callously sold me off for a cool ten million. In the boardroom and the twisted game his family plays, he says the only rule is to win at all costs. Yesterday I learned a painful lesson not to trust the prince of Cape Hill. Today I’ll destroy his carefully laid plans and show him just how badly he’s already lost. All the money in the world won’t be able to stop me.

Review

Rating: ★★★★☆

I’ve been looking forward to reading this book ever since the first one came out. One thing I have to say is that the cover is absolutely stunning. This book picks up right after the last one left off, and we get to see how everything unfolds after the shocking deal between Macalister and Royce. 

The author takes us on a wild ride full of unpredictable twists and turns. Nikki Sloane has definitely outdone herself with this one! Marist wasn’t my favorite heroine, she can get on my nerves sometimes. But the story was just so captivating and intriguing that I couldn’t stop reading until the end. The story does end on a cliffhanger, but the final book will be coming out in November. I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for us in the conclusion of the series!

Goodreads

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Book Review: Making Up by Helena Hunting

Synopsis

Cosy Felton is great at her job—she knows just how to handle the awkwardness that comes with working at an adult toy store. So when the hottest guy she’s ever seen walks into the shop looking completely overwhelmed, she’s more than happy to turn on the charm and help him purchase all of the items on his list. Griffin Mills is using his business trip in Las Vegas as a chance to escape the broken pieces of his life in New York City. The last thing he wants is to be put in charge of buying gag gifts for his friend’s bachelor party. Despite being totally out of his element, and mortified by the whole experience, Griffin is pleasantly surprised when he finds himself attracted to the sales girl that helped him. As skeptical as Cosy may be of Griffin’s motivations, there’s something about him that intrigues her. But sometimes what happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas and when real life gets in the way, all bets are off. Filled with hilariously awkward situations and enough sexual chemistry to power Sin City, Making Up is the next standalone in the Shacking Up world.  

Review

Rating: ★★★★☆

This is the fourth book in Helena Hunting’s Shaking Up series, but it can be read as a complete standalone. It started out really great, and I loved Cosy and Griffin’s first encounter. While there was an 11-year age difference between the two leads, they worked well together. There was a lot of drama in this story, maybe a bit too much for my taste. But everything worked out in the end, and I like how things turned out for the both of them.

The author’s writing was amazing as usual. I’ve always loved her books, and while this one wasn’t my favorite in the series, I did still enjoy it quite a bit. This was a swoon-worthy and fun read that will definitely entertain you from beginning to end. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next installment of the series!

Goodreads

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Audiobook Review: Darkbeam Part I by Adrienne Woods

Synopsis

Everyone in Paegeia knows that only one Rubicon dragon lives at a time. If more than one, they will destroy Paegeia and eventually the rest of the world as they crave that constant power for dominance.

Blake Leaf is this era's Rubicon, and is destined for great things if his darkness can be won.

Darkbeam Part 1 follows the story of the Rubicon and how he tries to keep his beast, the darkness, at bay.

Review

Rating: ★★★★☆

I loved The Dragonian Series, so when I knew that an audiobook entirely from Blake Leaf’s POV would come out, I jumped at the chance to listen to it. I wasn’t completely sure what to expect, but his story was definitely entertaining, to say the least. 

This wasn’t a happy kind of story. Blake has a dark and twisted past that you’ll get to know throughout the book. He believes that only darkness awaits him at the end. My heart hurt for him after seeing his struggles and everything that he went through. So many things happen in this novel, you’ll never get bored.

I finished this one fairly quickly. I thought that the narrator did a great job with Blake’s voice. He made it pleasant to listen, and I wouldn’t mind listening to other books that he narrates. I can’t wait for Part II of the story!

Goodreads

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Book Review: Again, But Better by Christine Riccio

Synopsis

Shane has been doing college all wrong. Pre-med, stellar grades, and happy parents…sounds ideal -- but Shane's made zero friends, goes home every weekend, and romance…what’s that? Her life has been dorm, dining hall, class, repeat. Time's a ticking, and she needs a change -- there's nothing like moving to a new country to really mix things up. Shane signs up for a semester abroad in London. She's going to right all her college mistakes: make friends, pursue boys, and find adventure! Easier said than done. She is soon faced with the complicated realities of living outside her bubble, and when self-doubt sneaks in, her new life starts to fall apart. Shane comes to find that, with the right amount of courage and determination one can conquer anything. Throw in some fate and a touch of magic - the possibilities are endless.

Review

Rating: ★★★☆☆

I’ve been following Christine’s YouTube channel for years. When I first learned that she was going to publish a book, I knew that I would have to read this. I found this one enjoyable enough. I could relate to the main character, Shane. One thing was that I didn’t really like the romance between the leads, but it kind of grew on me later on. I’m not that much a fan of pop culture references either, and this book was full of it. The writing wasn’t perfect, but it was okay for a debut novel. I wasn’t expecting that twist at all, but I really liked it. The title made so much more sense afterwards. Overall, while it wasn’t anything amazing, I did like it.

Goodreads

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Book Review: The Evil Queen by Gena Showalter

Synopsis

WELCOME TO THE FOREST OF GOOD AND EVIL. A DREAM COME TRUE…AND A LIVING NIGHTMARE. Far, far away, in the realm of Enchantia, creatures of legend still exist, magic is the norm and fairy tales are real. Except, fairy tales aren’t based on myths and legends of the past—they are prophecies of the future. Raised in the mortal realm, Everly Morrow has no idea she’s a real-life fairy-tale princess—until she manifests an ability to commune with mirrors. Look. See… What will one peek hurt? Soon, a horrifying truth is revealed. She is fated to be Snow White’s greatest enemy, the Evil Queen. With powers beyond her imagination or control, Everly returns to the land of her birth. There, she meets Roth Charmaine, the supposed Prince Charming. Their attraction is undeniable, but their relationship is doomed. As the prophecy unfolds, Everly faces one betrayal after another, and giving in to her dark side proves more tempting every day. Can she resist, or will she become the queen—and villain—she was born to be? The battle between good and evil is on.

Review

Rating: ★★★☆☆

When this book was announced, I knew I had to read it. I mean, a fairy tale retelling of Snow White told from the villain’s perspective seemed like something right up my alley. I had high expectations for this one, but it fell a bit short for me. 

The premise had so much potential, but it was delivered in a way that felt too cliché. The writing wasn’t what I would expect from this author, and the dialogue made me cringe at times. It felt more like a draft than a polished complete novel. Which was quite disappointing because Gena Showalter wrote some of my favorite novels. 

It took me quite some time to finish it, as it was a long book. The second part of the story did get a lot better. This was just an okay read in my opinion. I’m not sure if I would continue on with the series.

Goodreads

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Book Review: Nine: The Tale of Kevin Clearwater by T.M. Frazier

Synopsis

Stalking is such sweet sorrow... Nine lives. Nine inches. One chance to make her his. Preppy's brother is about to live up to the family legacy in more ways than one. This is the story of Nine, The Tale of Kevin Clearwater.

Review

Rating: ★★★★★

T.M. Frazier really knows how to create stories that will suck you in right from the start. I fell in love with her characters and just couldn’t get enough of her writing. This dark and gritty romance delivered everything I wanted and more. Nine and Lenny had amazing chemistry together. The plot was so captivating and the plot twists completely blew my mind!

While it can be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading the previous books in the series before getting to this one. Readers will definitely get the most of the story this way as we see all the guys and their ladies making an appearance. I can’t wait to see what else this author has in store next. If you loved her other books, you’ll definitely enjoy this one.

Goodreads