The Case Of Trish The Dish And The Birthday Wish (Witched and Hitched Mysteries #2) by Dakota Cassidy

 

The Case Of Trish The Dish And The Birthday Wish (Witched and Hitched Mysteries #2) by Dakota Cassidy

 

Blurb:

It takes two to solve a murder right!

Stevie here and it’s my fortieth birthday. Woo-hoo!

Win’s prepared a low-key evening for me (see no acrobats and jugglers) at one of my new favorite places and new business in Eb Falls--Trish the Dish Pottery!

You read that right, pottery. There’s nothing like getting my hands covered (my clothes, too) in wet clay as I work the wheel. It’s my latest passion, and while I stink at it (I really do), I love it and my goal to to make a cannister to house my beloved Twinkies was well on its way.

Win prepared an evening of pottery and friends for my birthday and it was beautiful. Except for one small thing, Trish Lemmon, owner and all ‘round amazing pottery teacher, ends up dead.

It’s my party and I’ll cry if I want to—and I do, but once I dry my tears, I’m determined to find out who killed Trish. Yet, as we unravel Trish’s personal life, her past, we find deep, dark secrets she worked hard to keep buried and hidden—forever.

Things go from bad to worse as we stumble on secret after secret while we try to catch a killer. Join me and the gang for yet another adventure filled with magic, mayhem and mystery!

 

My review:

All Stevie wanted was to celebrate her 40^th birthday low-key. Sadly she and Win discover the dead body of the pottery instructor Trish of Trish the Dish Pottery. Win and Stevie trip, fumble and stumble their way to finding the murderer. Death has never been so much fun.

Thoroughly enjoyable.

 

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FurOut (Witchin’ Impossible Cozy Mysteries Book 5) by Renee George

 

 

Blurb:

Familiar allies. Old magic. New enemies. And a challenge to the death. In Paradise Falls, things have never been hairier.

In Paradise Falls, I’m the law. Since I became the police chief, crime here is about as common as a good hair day in a tornado, and peace between shifters and witches has never been smoother. My familiar, Tizzy the squirrel, keeps me entertained with her acorn-fueled antics, while my bear shifter hubby, Ford, makes me feel like the safest witch on the planet.

I should’ve known bliss never lasts. Like a vegan at a barbecue, trouble rolls into town in the form of a pack of werewolves. These furry interlopers aren’t here for the scenic hikes or the artisanal honey—oh no, they want a piece of Paradise Falls, and they’re not asking politely. When the Witch-Shifter Coalition votes to boot the wolves, the head howler throws down the gauntlet, declaring the sacred Rite of Arphlitian—a ritual fight to the death as ancient as the town’s oldest oak tree.

 

My review:

Welcome back to Paradise Falls. Witches and shifters of all types and sizes living together in peace. Chief of police witch Hazel has little to worry about until a pack of werewolves move into town and start causing problems creating a situation that will test the town and Hazel and Fords marriage. Nail-biting mystery.

 

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Mr. Absolutely Not! A Romantic Comedy by Alina Jacobs

 

 

Blurb:

Armed with comfy pants, overpriced coffee, and a highly anxious emotional-support corgi, I prepare to face him.
Corporate boss.
Villain.
I step into his office. His perfect mouth twists into a sneer.
There is no heart of gold beneath that suit, just a big black pit. He’s a shark in the frothy waters of high-stakes finance.
He might be the quintessential asshole CEO, causing all in his path to quake in fear, but he’s never had to face down a basic bitch in her thirties.

I am exactly like the other girls—I adore Starbucks, greige home decor, and making snarky jokes with my bestie. I’ve even inherited a stalker from an ill-advised singles party.
Yeah, the stalker is… a problem, one I’m hoping will just go away if I ignore it.

I can’t ignore him, though.
He’s all broad shoulders and snide comments, picking apart everything about me as he circles me, going for the kill.
He would never fire me, though. There’s no fun in that. He wants me to quit, to have a mental breakdown.
Well, he can get in line behind my crazy gold-digging sister, my guilt-tripping mother, and the aforementioned stalker.

He pins me with his gaze.
I brace myself, waiting for the verbal blow to come…
Instead, he says, “I need a date tonight, and unfortunately, it has to be you.”

This is a full-length, enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy, complete with smokin’ hot-but-morally gray heroes, a smidge of suspense, and of course the perfect happily ever after!

 

My review:

Salinger is a total alphahole. He is driven and focused on business. He treats women poorly including his indispensable assistant Mandy. Being that she is in her thirties he doesn’t even see her as a woman until he does. Watching him grow and change can be painfully funny. Mandy is smart and really good at her job. She is sweet and not easily snowed by her boss but her sisters are another story. This was an entertaining romp that left me with a smile.

 

Buy link:

Amazon

 

                         

Dangerous SEAL (SEALs of Coronado Book 13) by Paige Tyler

 

Blurb:

Her plans didn’t include a Navy SEAL.

Au pair Talia Holland couldn’t deny that the handsome Navy SEAL who saved her employer’s family a few months ago is tempting enough to break all her dating rules, but what could a mousy nanny have in common with a sexy man whose job is as dangerous as a Tom Cruise movie? Besides, she’d grown up with a father who was always away because of his job. Talia did not want to live that kind of life ever again. But when another au pair goes missing and Talia narrowly escapes an attack, she doesn’t know who else to call for help but the one guy who lives, eats, and breathes danger. Getting close to a SEAL might keep her safe, but how will she protect her heart if she falls for a man who spends more time on foreign soil than in her arms?

But best laid plans…

Petty Officer Lennox Thompson had been hoping for a phone call from the beautiful dark-haired au pair, but not a call from the police station that she’d been attacked. Unwilling to let Talia go home alone, Lennox offers his guest bedroom for the night. However, once he hears the details, he realizes she’s involved in something more suited to a SEAL Team 5 mission than adventures in babysitting. Someone is willing to kill to get what they want, and Talia and her young charge are in the crosshairs. It will take help from his Teammates to avoid an international incident, but when Talia and little Maria are kidnapped, Lennox will take on navy protocol, smug CIA, and deadly terrorists to save the little girl who makes him laugh and the woman who makes his heart pound.

 

My review:

High energy romantic suspense. This installment will leave you breathless. Fantastic.

 

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Forever for Us (The Wilder Brothers #8) by Carrie Ann Ryan

 

 

Blurb:

The Wilder Brothers series from NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan continues with an enemies to lovers, workplace romance where Wyatt Wilder meets his match.

The moment I found out my ex-wife was cheating with my former best friend I knew I’d hit rock bottom, and it was time for a change. With the freshly signed divorce papers in hand, I want nothing to do with my old life as I start my new one with my brothers and our new distillery and bar on the Wilder Retreat.

Only when I see my former best friend’s ex, Ava, in need of a job, I can’t say no. Not when she has their eight-year-old daughter in tow and nowhere to go.

Now I’m forced to work with the woman from my past I’d rather forget. We both want to move on, but every time we’re near each other, the fire hadn’t known we could have burns between us even brighter.

We should say no. The complications would break us. Yet we can’t walk away.

Even when it would be safer for all of us if we do.

 

My review:

Forever for Us is a terrific addition to the series. Wyatt and Ava have a complicated past that endangers any chance at happiness between them except the chemistry is still there. These two have a push me pull you relationship that will have you rooting for them to get past their issues and find happiness in each others arms.  I loved watching these two get over the past to find a bright future.

 

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Swift and Saddled (Rebel Blue Ranch #2) by Lyla Sage

 

 

Blurb:

She’s the city girl who refuses to be saddled with a man. He’s the cowboy who wants her anyway.

The last thing Ada Hart needs is a man to take care of her. Not anymore. After failing out of her interior design program and the disaster that was her short-lived marriage, Ada clawed her way up from her rock bottom. Now, the only person she trusts is herself, and that has gotten her further than ever before. She has her own business, and one of the largest ranches in Wyoming just hired her for the most important project of her career.

When Ada arrives in Meadowlark, she finds herself in a dive bar where she can’t seem to shake the eyes of a handsome cowboy. When she leads him to the back of the bar, he leaves her with a kiss that most people can only fantasize about. She almost regrets that she’ll never see him again . . . except it turns out he’s her new boss.

Weston Ryder is a happy guy. Even happier now that the mystery woman from the bar is the interior designer for his dream project on his family’s ranch. He feels like he hit the jackpot. It’s too bad she wants absolutely nothing to do with him outside of work. Ada is convinced the pull she feels toward Wes will go away, but Wes can’t stop thinking about her. Even though walls are coming down around Rebel Blue, Ada’s walls are firmly in place.

Can they make it through this project without giving in? Or will they both put their dreams on the line for a chance at love?

 

My review:

I liked Done and Dusted so much I had to check this one out. I really thought this was going to Gus and Teddy’s book but was not upset that we got to know Weston better.  I LOVE Ada. She rocks. I was thrilled to see them get their happy.

 

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Hexes & Hijinks (The chronicles of Addison Schmidt Book 2) by Cassidy K. O'Connor

 

Hexes & Hijinks (The chronicles of Addison Schmidt Book 2) by Cassidy K. O'Connor

 

Blurb:

Magic, groundhog familiars, an emotional-support witch, and ghosts who love drama. That is the everyday life of Addison Schmidt.

As shadows deepen and an ominous presence slithers forth, Addison finds herself at the heart of a supernatural storm. With a blend of curiosity and trepidation, she embarks on a journey, unearthing ancient curses and navigating the unpredictable currents of midlife romance.

As the line between magic and mundane blurs, Addison stands at the crossroads of fate, armed only with her groundhog confidante's sage advice and a healthy dose of beginner's luck.

In a tale brimming with humor, heart, and a touch of the otherworldly, Addison navigates the tangled web of destiny with equal parts grace and clumsiness.

 

My review:

In this installment Addison and friends are dealing with her wonky magic, a new familiar and dealing with a very dark warlock. I laughed my way through this delightful story and look forward to the next.

 

Buy link:

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Done and Dusted (Rebel Blue Ranch #1) by Lyla Sage

 

 

Blurb:

For the first time in her life, Clementine “Emmy” Ryder has no idea what she’s doing. She’s accomplished everything on her to-do list. She left her small hometown of Meadowlark, Wyoming; went to college; and made a career for herself by doing her favorite thing: riding horses. But after an accident makes it impossible for her to get back into the saddle, she has no choice but to return to the hometown she always wanted to escape.

Luke Brooks is Meadowlark’s most notorious bad boy, bar owner, and bachelor. He’s also the unofficial fifth member of the Ryder family. As Emmy’s older brother’s best friend, Luke spent most of his childhood antagonizing her. It’s been years since he’s seen her, but when she walks into his bar and back into his life, he can’t take his eyes off her. Despite his better judgment, he wants to do a whole lot more than just look at her.

Emmy’s got too much on her mind to think about romance. And Luke knows he should stay away from his best friend’s younger sister. But what if Luke is just what Emmy needs to get her spark back? Or will they both go up in flames?

 

My review:

I bought this book because of the cover. It was different than anything I’d been reading and I was in a slump. I am so glad I did. Done and Dusted plays off of so many tropes but the story was a fun romp. I enjoyed watching Luke and Emmy fall. These characters sucked me in and made me want to know more.  A really enjoyable read.

 

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Fires & Flamingos (The chronicles of Addison Schmidt Book 1) by Cassidy K. O'Connor

Fires & Flamingos (The chronicles of Addison Schmidt Book 1) by

 Cassidy K. O'Connor

 

Blurb:

Addison Schmidt would like to say she's aging gracefully, but that couldn't be further from the truth. She’s quirky, snarky, and endlessly endearing. When magic ignites in her once-ordinary life, she finds herself stumbling through spells with unintended and hilarious consequences.

Addison will have to navigate mischievous fairies, grumpy trolls, and enigmatic alliances, all while uncovering long-buried family secrets. With humor, heart, and a touch of magic, Addison has one misadventure after the next. Who knew the life of a newly divorced forty-something witch would be such a wild ride?

 

My review:

Fires & Flamingos is the first in a new laugh out loud rollercoaster ride of a series. I giggle-snorted my way through Addison’s mishaps and am very much looking forward to the next book.

 

Buy link:

Amazon

 

Argenis (Fated Dragon Daddies Book 2) by Pepper North

 

 

Blurb:

Bewildered by the challenges and dangers that erupt, Ciel tackles the long trek back to Wyvern. The appearance of a silver dragon is the final straw, making her panic. When their bond snaps into place, the attraction between them ignites.
By scent alone, Argenis knows that the mother seeking assistance to bring her daughter home is related to his future mate. He will battle any foe to keep her safe and make her his.

Change has come to Wyvern. A centuries-old pact between the founders and their powerful allies could save the inhabitants of the city once again, but only a dragon Daddy can truly guard his mate from harm.

 

My review:

Have you read Drake the first book in this series? No?  I recommend you do before reading this one although this can be read stand alone having the background from Drake will make this an easier more enjoyable read.  That being said, I really enjoyed the interplay between Ciel and Argenis.  Sweet, sexy and sassy.

 

Buy links:

Amazon

 

The Bodyguard and the Bombshell (Masters & Mercenaries: New Recruits #2.5) by Lexi Blake

 

The Bodyguard and the Bombshell (Masters & Mercenaries: New Recruits #2.5) by  Lexi Blake

 

Blurb:

The Bodyguard…

Nate Carter left Australia’s elite SASR unit after a tragic accident. Shattered by the experience, he thought taking a job in the States might be a good way to start over. His father’s former employer, McKay-Taggart, has a position for him in the bodyguard unit. He never imagined himself risking his life for celebrities and the wealthy, but it will do for now. It will also give him a chance to reconnect with old friends, including the girl who’d been like a little sis to him ten years before.

These days, however, his feelings for Daisy O’Donnell are anything but brotherly.

The Bombshell…

Daisy O’Donnell is a girl on a mission, and it does not include falling for one of her brother’s best friends. She has plans, and while chaos always seems to follow her, she’s determined to see this through. Daisy finds herself in need of a bodyguard when a job goes terribly wrong. She’s sure her dad will find someone suitable, but she didn’t expect a big, gloriously masculine Aussie to show up ready to take a bullet for her. Maybe spending some time with Nate Carter won’t be so bad after all.

An explosive match…

Thrown together by danger, Nate and Daisy can’t resist the insane chemistry between them. But when his past and her present collide, they must decide if they can hold it together or go their separate ways forever.

My review:

I expected incendiary chemistry, hot coupling and danger. I didn’t expect to laugh out loud as much as I did throughout this story. Daisy and Nate stole my heart.

 

Buy link:

Amazon

Possessing Paisley (Syndicate Kings #4) by Kate Oliver

 

 

Blurb:

Paisley McKee
He’s my best friend’s brother.
He’s also overbearing, bossy, and stubborn.
Obviously we hate each other.
Then something happened.
We said it was a one-time thing.
Now, he tells me it’s forever.
He’s unhinged.
But he makes me feel things I’ve never felt before.
Can I believe him when he says I’m his?

Kieran Roche
She’s irritating, sassy, and she hates my guts.
Not at all my type.
At least that’s what I thought until I had her.
She’s turned my world upside down.
Now she keeps pushing me away, and it’s not going to end well for her.
I’m a man who gets what I want, and I want her.

 

My review:

Grumpy best friends brother spars with snarky woman finding herself after getting out of a bad situation. The interplay between Kieran and Paisley had me laughing and groaning by turns when they finally get together it is explosive. Super fun read.

 

Buy links:

Amazon

 

Phoenix (Danger Bluff Book 5) by Becca Jameson & Pepper North

 

 

Blurb:

Phoenix
A mysterious billionaire saved my life.
Now, I owe him.
My team’s job: Save Lyra by any means possible.
My goal: Convince her she’s mine.

Lyra
Music is my world.
Too bad my love life always falls flat.
Maybe a small gig at Danger Bluff is just what I need.
If only that hunky fireman didn’t ooze Daddy vibes.

 

My review:

HOT FIREMAN! Phoenix is a fireman with a conscience and a past. Lyra is a first class celloist who has been touring since she was 15. She wants/needs a break and a life. These two are combustible from the start and only get hotter as the stakes rise.

 

Buy links:

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My Dragon Savior (Shifters of Stock Creek Book 1) by Lia Davis & Lainie Anderson

 

My Dragon Savior (Shifters of Stock Creek Book 1) by Lia Davis & Lainie Anderson

 

Blurb:

Erin
My life was a series of calculated risks and narrow escapes—until I stumbled upon Stock Creek, a picturesque town that promised solace from my haunted past. I'm Erin Montgomery, once just another face in the bustling streets of Chicago, now the wary owner of a cozy bed-and-breakfast. I believed I could start anew here, surrounded by the warm embrace of nature and the quirky charm of small-town living.

But Stock Creek is more than it seems, and so am I. My heart still races at night, not just from the memories of the cold steel pressed against my temple or the scent of gunpowder, but from the piercing green eyes of Ashton—a man shrouded in as much mystery as the town itself. A dragon-shifter with scales as dark as the secrets he keeps, his presence ignites a fire within me that I cannot quell.

Ashton's whispers are like a balm to my scarred soul, but his touch? It's an inferno that promises to consume us both. They say fate brought us together, two beings caught in the relentless storm of our intertwined destinies. He's the protector I never knew I needed; the missing piece that makes sense of my fragmented world. But even as we grow closer, danger lurks in the shadows, a reminder that my past is never too far behind.

Ashton
I never believed in destiny. As a dragon-shifter living among humans, I've always been a master of my own fate—until Erin Montgomery crashed into my life like a tempest with eyes the color of a wild forest and hair like autumn's most daring flame.

She doesn't know it yet, but Erin is my fated mate. She sees me as the mysterious stranger who strolled into her B&B and saved her life. But our connection runs deeper than she can imagine. I can feel the pulse of her blood like the beat of a drum, calling to the very core of my being.

Erin's in danger and doesn't even know it. The shadows that chased her from the city streets of Chicago to the deceptive calm of Stock Creek are closing in. And I'll burn the world to ash before I let them touch her.

 

My review:

Girl on the run finds love in the small town she’s hiding out in. But wait there’s more. The town is home to shifters. Erin has always felt like an outsider in Stock Creek but she figures it’s because she’s keeping secrets. When her past comes back to haunt her a dragon-shifter comes to save her (insert hot joke here) and claims her heart in the doing. This was a fast-paced entertaining read.

 

Buy link:

Amazon

Hot Wolf in the City (Monster Mate Mayhem #1) by Honey Phillips

 

 

Blurb:

Working 9-to-5 has never been this wild!

Desperate for a fresh start, Julie jumps at a chance to work for the boss of TalkToMe, the country’s fastest growing social network. The job's location, the enigmatic Monster Island, only adds to its appeal - she won’t be tempted to make another foolish mistake.

She didn’t expect her new boss to be the hottest, most tantalizing man she’s ever met - even if he does growl his orders and has an oddly arousing habit of sniffing her.

Derek might be a werewolf residing in the heart of Monster Island, but he sees himself as a businessman rather than a monster. Until his new assistant arrives, awakening all of his most primitive instincts.

He knows she’s human. He knows she’ll never stay. But the need to claim her is growing stronger every day…

Can Julie resist the primal allure of her werewolf boss, or can a beauty really love a beast?

Monster Mate Mayhem is a series of seven standalone monster romances, each featuring a different monster and their journey to find love amidst the chaos of their lives.

 

 

My review:

I bought this because of the title and enjoyed every page thereafter. Derek and Julie were a hoot. I love the idea of Monster Island. A sweet and fun romp.

 

Buy links:

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BARRON (Devils' Spawn Daddies 2) by Victoria Saccenti

 

 

Blurb:

He pushed her away for her own safety. Instead, he made her a target.

With another joint investigation with the Garden City police department under way, the Devils’ Spawn MC has finally left its outlaw past behind and gone legit. Yet Barron Priestly would bet his Devils’ Spawn cut that the danger isn’t over. Which makes his regret for pushing Yoanni Sanz away sting that much harder.

If he hadn’t made the monumental mistake of assuming his Daddy Dom proclivities would scare her off, she’d be in his playroom, in his bed, and under his protection. Not dealing with the stress of her father’s illness all alone. And not a tempting target for revenge.

Yoanni hoped a long leave of absence would cure her ache for Barron. Instead, the memory of passion they shared is just as vivid as the pain of its ending. A series of escalating threats sharpens her loneliness to fear—until Barron steps in to reclaim his place at her side. And Yoanni’s inner Little weeps for joy.

But with danger hiding in plain sight, the next attack could come from anywhere—and no bubble of protection is without its weaknesses…

Note: Barron is book two in the Devil’s Spawn Daddies series. It features a different couple from book one, Cutter, but for maximum enjoyment readers are encouraged to read the series in order.

 

My review:

Barron tells the exciting story of Barron and Yoanni. They met in the earlier book Cutter and were together until Barron pushed her away. This book starts about six or seven months after they broke up. They’ve both been miserable. Can they give it another chance? Can Barron keep her safe from whoever is trying to scare her? Can she accept Barrons love flaws and all? I very much enjoyed finding out.

 

Buy links:

Amazon

 

Garden Daddy (Daddies Everywhere) by Golden Angel

 

 

Blurb:

Their marriage may have wilted, but a second chance at happily-ever-after is starting to bloom...

Years after their painful divorce, Marcus has replanted himself back in Eden’s life, though he’s nothing like the man she remembers. It seems he rose to the occasion and spent their time apart focusing on his personal growth. Now he’s become everything she needed him to be.

And he wants her back.

But it will take a lot more than flowery promises and good intentions to get past the walls Eden built around her heart. Can Marcus convince her that his changed ways have taken root, or will their second chance at love wither away?

 

My review:

Marcus was a total type A guy and it cost him his wife and his health. He has changed jobs and is living a much healthier lifestyle. Now he aims to get his wife back but she’s changed too. Watching these two overcome past hurts and finding a way to new happiness had me flipping pages and crossing fingers and toes.

 

Buy links:

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Twisted Emotions (Task Force Hawaii Book 6) by Melissa Schroeder

 

 

Blurb:

She has always been the woman for him, but he thought he lost her forever until a cold case brings them back together.

Adam Lee is a man at the top of his game. Or he should be. He's ready to take control of TFH Team Alpha, and he should be happy, but he's not. There is something missing--someone in particular.

Jin Phillips made one mistake years ago, and she paid for it. After enduring something that would break most people, she was too broken for a man like Adam. He didn't turn away, but was there as her friend supporting her. But when a cold case she covers on her podcast turns hot, Adam and Jin have to work together to find a killer.

Each minute they are together remind Adam why he fell in love with her all those years before. For Jin, she discovers that she still has it in her heart to find love and take a chance on love. But someone is hunting Jin, and Adam will do anything to protect her--even sacrifice himself.

Come along as the entire gang comes together to solve a cold case murder and help Jin and Adam find their happily ever after!

 

My review:

An exciting conclusion to TFH (alpha). Once upon a time Adam and Jin were an on again off again item with a chance of being more when Jin was captured and tortured. She has fought her way back to a new normal. Adam has been there for her but their relationship was forced to change. Can they find their way back to each other? This was a thrilling conclusion to this part of the series. The author has hinted at future TFH stories featuring a different team and I can’t wait.

 

Buy links:

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A Crush on Living Sin: Men of Manifold by S.A. Price

 

 

Blurb:

Ewan Torringford, is the last unattached member of Manifold and as far as he's concerned that's advantageous. A Nephilim, he cannot love as he is denied the emotion that created him. Knowing it wouldn’t be fair to a woman that is looking for it (because he just can’t fake it). he spends his time searching for the one thing that can keep him even and from going darkside, the essence of the pure.
Sadly that essence is getting harder to find.
A chance meeting with a one night stand from his past could mean the difference between staying in the band, or having a complete lifestyle chance.
And that chance meeting turns into an opportunity of a lifetime.
Because the girl he couldn't forget has secrets of her own, secrets that could change both their worlds forever.

 

My review:
A Crush on Living Sin tells the tale of the last man standing unattached from the band Manifold. The author kills it in this genre bending tale of a man incapable of love and a female who was raised not to believe in it. I’ve enjoyed this series thoroughly and was wondering how Ewan was going to find his happy.  Turns out there is someone for everyone. Brilliant.

 

Buy link:
Amazon