The Scoundrel and the Debutante by Julia London

The Scoundrel and the Debutante by Julia London

This is book 3 in the Cabot Sisters series.

Prudence Cabot has been the sensible one in her family. When her sisters were being scandalous, she was the one trying to follow the straight and narrow path. But the taint of scandal has left her without any offers of marriage. When Prudence travels to be with a friend and her new child, she sees an opportunity to be spontaneous and to do something purely for herself. 

Meeting Roan Matheson and being instantly attracted to him gave Prudence the opportunity she didn't know she was waiting for. Knowing she should be traveling on to her friend's home, she instead stays on the coach to go with Roan in search of his sister.

Roan has traveled from America to bring his wayward sister home for her marriage. He didn't count on getting lost at every turn. Getting help from Prudence but him back on the right trail. When she ends up in the same coach, he can't fight his attraction to her.

Deciding to embark on Roan's journey together brings it's own issues and chances of scandal. Is the risk of scandal worth finding an everlasting love?

I've enjoyed reading about the Cabot sisters and this installment was just as enjoyable. I liked that Prudence decided to break out from her straight and narrow path to find some adventure and find it she did!! You just didn't know what would happen next. The story was fast paced and kept me reading it all in one sitting.

Roan was a delight. He has just the right amount of gallant gentleman and sexy rogue. I can definitely see why Prudence was attracted to him!

There is one more Cabot sister and I can't wait to see what London has in store for her!


You can purchase this book at the following retailers:


Thanks go out to Harlequin via NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.


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The Daring Exploits of a Runaway Heiress by Victoria Alexander

For years it was thought that Lucy Merryweather would marry, Jackson Channing. But that all changes when he goes to England. Making her own way to England, she decides to fulfill her great aunt's list of unfulfilled wishes. With the help of her non-traditional companion, she embarks on her own adventure. Her adventures are almost cut short when she spies the private investigator hired by Jackson to keep an eye on her.

Cameron Effington, a newspaper reporter, has made a deal with his father. If he can produce something worth reading (a novel), then his father will take his career seriously. When he hears about an American Heiress running around London, he decides to make her the subject of his book. He didn't count on her finding him spying on her and thinking he was a private investigator. When she invites him on her adventures, he gets first hand accounts of her exploits.

What happens when Lucy found out that Cameron is not who she thinks he is?

The Widow Wager by Jess Michaels.

Crispin Flynn has sunk deeper and deeper into depravity since he watched his brother forced to live a life he wouldn't have chosen. He never imagined that his drinking and card playing would land him a wife. 

Having been sold into one marriage, Gemma, shouldn't have been surprised to learn that her father had wagered her hand in marriage to a perfect stranger. Knowing that there would be even more gossip if they refuse to marry, Gemma and Crispin decide to make the most of it.

While their passion for each other burns hot, can they get over learn to trust the other to find an everlasting love?

Blog Spotlight and Giveaway: The Lady Meets Her Match by Gina Conkle

Title: The Lady Meets Her Match 
Author: Gina Conkle 
Series: Midnight Meetings 
Pubdate: April 7th, 2015 I
SBN: 9781402294303 

Finding her is only half the battle... 

Cyrus Ryland didn’t become England’s wealthiest bachelor by being a pushover, but the mysterious beauty he discovers sneaking around his study during a grand ball enflames his curiosity. They share one dance, but when the clock chimes midnight, she’s nowhere to be found. So Cyrus vows to scour all of London to uncover who she is. 

Claire Mayhew is risking it all by forging Ryland’s signature. But the maddening man won’t lease properties to an unmarried woman. He stands in the way of Claire’s dream: running her own business. The midtown property fits her plans perfectly—a place to live as an independent woman of commerce. When she sneaks into his study and forges his signature, she never expects to be attracted to the stodgy bachelor. But if he finds out who she is, all of her dreams could go up in smoke… 

Gina Conkle, a history nerd to the core, loves castles and museums. Her motto is “the older and moldier, the better.” When not enjoying relics, she lives in the present, dabbling in organic gardening at her home in San Diego, California. She lives with Brian, her husband and favorite alpha male, and their two boys. 
Visit her at www.ginaconkle.com

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Today we’re sitting down with historical romance author Gina Conkle! Gina’s latest book, The Lady Meets Her Match, comes out this April. To celebrate we’re participating in the “Ask Gina Spotlight Tour”, take it away Gina! 

Q. What types of scenes are your most favorite to write? 

A. I love them all. I don’t have a favorite kind of scene to write. 

An Excerpt:

     Cyrus removed his fine blue coat, the slide of cloth on cloth an inviting sound to her benumbed senses. 

      “You’re not warming up sufficiently.” He leaned in and wrapped his coat over her shoulders, his deep voice like an intimate connection. “Someone needs to take care of you.” 

     She shuddered when his breath tickled her ear. His warmth and nearness was just as heavenly as what he draped around her. She could tell he found her refusal more amusing than deterring. Cyrus closed the coat in front of her, his body heat palpable inside. The collar’s woven broadcloth brushed her rain-misted cheeks, his pleasant scent on the cloth. The coat was part of an expensive, well-tailored ditto suit: identical blue fabric with spare gold trim on the coat, waistcoat, and breeches. 

     “I’ll ruin part of a perfectly good suit.” But she pulled the coat tighter, greedy for the snug feel. 

     He added more coal to the blaze. The inferno’s orange light danced across white cotton stretched over his shoulders. Muscles moved under the fabric, mesmerizing her while he built a hotter fire. And then there was his offer to waive her rent and give her a loan, an offer apparently free of unique requirements. His act of generosity pinched her conscience. 

     How dare he be so…nice. 

     “About the rent, the loan, I cannot accept your kind offer.” She cleared her throat, trying to sound competent. “I’ll find a way.” 

     Ryland glanced at her but said nothing to counter her refusal. Instead, he dropped to the floor, kneeling before her. Without asking her leave, he removed one shoe and then the other, and set the soaked footwear against the hearth’s ash pan. 

     “What are you doing?” Her words, like her body, went slack, all of her too worn down. His head bent close to her knee. One hand, large and warm, curled around her ankle, rubbing life back into her foot. A big, masculine palm moved under the arch, creating delightful friction. She pressed her lips together, holding back a moan of pleasure. 

     “I would think a land steward’s daughter would know wet clothes are hazardous for one’s health.” He flashed a devilish grin. “You ought to remove your wet clothes, cover yourself with something warm and dry.” Such as covering myself with you. 

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The Duke's Disaster by Grace Burrowes Spotlight and Giveaway

Noah Winters, Duke of Anselm, exercises the pragmatism for which he's infamous when his preferred choice of bride cries off, and her companion, Lady Thea Collins, becomes his next choice for his duchess. Lady Thea's mature, sensible and even rather attractive-what could possibly go wrong? 
As a lady fallen on hard times, Thea doesn't expect tender sentiments from His Grace, but she does wish Noah had courted her trust, lest her past turn their hastily arranged marriage into a life of shared regrets. Is His Grace courting a convenient wife, or a beautiful disaster? 
Excerpt
The Duke and Duchess are having a rocky start to their marriage, also to their day… 
“Your tea, Duchess.” 
Noah had woken up beside his wife—again, despite all plans to the contrary—creating another first for him. Thea had risen several times during the night to tend to herself. He hadn’t realized that monthly courses caused a woman’s rest to be interrupted. 
Crashingly bad planning, for a lady’s sleep to be disturbed when she most needed rest. 
“You’re not about to steal my tea?” Thea held out the cup, her gaze shy as she sat propped against the headboard. 
“Where’s the fun in stealing what’s freely offered?” Noah settled in beside her and filched a bite of her cinnamon toast. “Would you rather have chocolate this morning?” 
“Because?” 
“You’re”— Noah waved a hand in the direction of her middle—“indisposed.” 
“I am not indisposed.” Thea set her teacup down with a little clink. “The discomfort has passed, as it always does. You needn’t be concerned.” 
“I am not concerned, Thea.” Not greatly concerned, now that she’d stopped ordering him to go away and was ready for a proper spat. “I am attempting in my bumbling way to dote. You will allow it.” 
Drat. He’d given another order. 
“You couldn’t bumble if one gave you written instructions, Anselm,” Thea said, looking a little less peaked for having run up her flags. “That was my toast you appropriated.” 
“Appropriation is what happens when one’s wife can’t appreciate a little doting. You’re being stingy with the tea, just as you were stingy with the covers. How long does this indisposition last?” 
Her chin came up. “I am the Duchess of Anselm. I am not stingy with anything, but you are a very presuming husband.” 
“Doting.” Noah took Thea’s free hand to kiss her knuckles— lest she mistake his point. “Also in need of my duchess’s guidance on this one marital matter.” 
“This is so personal.” Thea’s gaze was on their joined hands— for Noah would not have her haring off in a fit of mortification. “I didn’t think you’d be a personal sort of husband. You were supposed to appear in my dressing-room doorway a few nights a month, silently take a few marital liberties, and then leave me in peace. We’d trade sections of the Times over breakfast the next morning.” 
“Prosaic.” Boring and exactly what Noah himself had envisioned. “Hard to see any doting going on, though.” 
“Husband?” Thea’s tone was hesitant. “Thank you, for keeping me company last night. I would not have known how to ask.” 
“I suppose that’s the definition of doting.” Noah lingered at the cart to assemble a plate. “It’s the little things you can’t bring yourself to ask for, that an attentive spouse will enjoy providing to you. Bacon or ham?” 
“A little of both, please.” 
“Feeling carnivorous?” 
“I’m a trifle indisposed. I need the sustenance.” 
Noah piled both ham and bacon on Thea’s plate, and stole better than half of it, because he needed the sustenance too. 
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Add The Duke's Disaster to your reading list on Goodreads
You can purchase this book at the following retailers:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Grace Burrowes' bestsellers include The Heir, The Soldier, Lady Maggie's Secret Scandal, Lady Sophie's Christmas Wish and Lady Eve's Indiscretion. The Heir was a Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2010, The Soldier was a PW Best Spring Romance of 2011, Lady Sophie's Christmas Wish won Best Historical Romance of the Year in 2011 from RT Reviewers' Choice Awards, Lady Louisa's Christmas Knight was a Library Journal Best Book of 2012, and The Bridegroom Wore Plaid was a PW Best Book of 2012. Her Regency romances have received extensive praise, including starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist. Grace is branching out into short stories and Scotland-set Victorian romance with Sourcebooks. She is a practicing family law attorney and lives in rural Maryland. 
You can connect with Grace via her website, Goodreads, Facebook and Twitter.

The Mistake by Lily Maxton

15 years ago, Julia Forsythe made a life changing decision. Her father had passed away and with no living relatives to turn to, she decided to become a courtesan leaving the life that she knew behind. Her only regret was leaving behind her friendship with Adam Radcliff.

Julia now finds herself pregnant with her latest protector's child. When she is allowed to spend the next month at his country estate, she couldn't be happier. That is until she runs into Adam who happens to be the estate's head gardener.

Adam can't believe that Julia is back in his life.  He has never forgotten the girl that he fell in love with all those years ago, but how can he compete with the wealth of her current and past protectors?

Julia wants nothing to do with her current protector except for him to provide for their unborn child. Can she do what is necessary for their survival?

The Duke's Holiday by Maggie Fenton

The Duke's Holiday by Maggie Fenton

This is book 1 in The Regency Romp series.

Astrid Honeywell is trying to keep her family together. With the death of her father, the estate is suppose to revert back to the Duke of Montford. She is not about to let that happen. She has been corresponding with the Duke for years and doesn't see any reason to notify him that anything has changed. Her family has no where to go if their home is taken and she will do anything to keep it, including setting a pig after the Duke.

Having come into the dukedom at a very young age, Montford never had a childhood. He has grown up getting everything he has wanted and everything done the way he likes it.  When he learns that the elder Honeywell has passed, he sends his man of business to take care of things. When he doesn't hear from him, he makes his own way to the estate.

What happens when the Honeywells add a tremendous amount of chaos to the Duke's life?

OMG, this is one of the funniest books I have read! Fenton is masterful with her comedic timing. What is better than putting a stiff-necked duke into one of the most chaotic homes around? The antics that she puts the H/H through are hysterical.

The bantering between Astrid and Montford is priceless.  Their whole relationship is a back and forth between hating each other and fighting their attraction for the other.

I'm so glad to have found Fenton and can't wait to see what she comes up with next!


You can get this book at the following retailers:


Thanks go out to Montlake Romance via NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.

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The Duke's Disaster by Grace Burrowes

The Duke's Disaster by Grace Burrowes

This is book 1 in the True Gentlemen series.

Noah Winter, Earl of Anselm, has been looking for the ideal bride. He finally settles on one, when she accepts a proposal from someone else. Not wanted to start all over again, he decides to propose to her companion.Thea Collins is taken aback by the proposal, but has her own reasons for accepting it. 

Their wedding night is interrupted when Thea makes a confession. Will this confession ruin their marriage? Noah has secrets of his own. What will Thea do when she finds out about those?

I really liked this story. I wasn't too hip on Noah at the beginning because he just swapped one potential bride for another, but he grew on me.  I loved that Thea was such a strong person. She took over her life and that of her sister when her parents died and her brother didn't so as he should.

Burrowes is masterful in her craft. There were so many twists and turns in this story that it has me reading it in one setting. I just couldn't put it down.

I can't wait to see what Burrowes comes up with next!


You can get this book at the following retailers:


Thanks go out to Sourcebooks for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.

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The Duke of Andelot by Delilah Marvelle

Therese Angelique Bouchard has dreamed of becoming an actress for as long as she can remember. Finally having enough of taking care of her ever enlarging family, she takes off to Paris to make a name for herself. Meeting Gerard Antoine Tolbert along the way changes her life forever.

Gerard, the last remaining heir to the Duke of Andelot is fighting for his life and for his beliefs. During a time when the aristocracy is being murdered just for being themselves, he is trying to save as many people as he can. When he stumbles across Angelique, he sees a way to use her position in society to help his cause.

Neither imagined that through all of this, they would fall in love.  Can their love endure all that they are put through and last the test of time?

Too Dangerous For a Lady by Jo Beverley

Too Dangerous For a Lady by Jo Beverley

This is book 16 in the Company of Rogues series.

Six years ago, Lady Hermione Merryhew's heart was stolen by the dashing Lieutenant Mark Thayne. They parted before Mark could steal a kiss, but she never forgot him. She never imagined that the next time she would see him, he would barge into her room at an inn trying to get away from the people he stole from. Even thinking him a fugitive thief, she can't help but hope to finally get that kiss.

Mark, now Viscount Faringay, doesn't like that Hermione thinks that he is a thief, but he can't blow his undercover persona. He has infiltrated a group of revolutionaries that plan to wreak havoc on London and he must do what he can to stop them.

As they spend time together, they quickly realize that they are each other's better half. But will the revolutionaries keep them apart?

I've been a fan of Jo Beverley for years and with each new story she delights me even more. I love her series books because you get to visit your favorites over and over again.
I really liked Hermione and Mark. Even when her family had fallen on hard times, Hermione made the best of her life. Living with her sister, wouldn't have been her first choice but you do what you have to do to survive.  Mark felt like he had to help squash the revolutionaries because of what had happened to his mother. He didn't necessarily like his role, but it had to be done. They are both fighters, doing what they think right.

I liked that Hermione and Mark had both carried a talisman to remind them of the other since their departure. It showed that even though they only had that short time together, she each felt the connection that would eventually bring them back together again.

I really hope that this is not the end of the Rogues. But even if it is, I eagerly await to see what Beverley has in store for us next.


You can get this book at the following retailers:


Thanks go out to Penguin Group for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.



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The Lady Meets Her Match by Gina Conkle

The Lady Meets Her Match by Gina Conkle

This is book 2 in the Midnight Meetings series.

Claire Mayhew wants nothing more than to open her shop and make a living. Unfortunately, the owner of the property she wants, won't rent to women. So she does the only thing that will get her that lease: she sneaks into the owner's home to find his signature and forges it on the documents saying that he approves of her having the lease. She didn't count on the man himself catching her in his home and her attraction to him.

Cyrus Ryland can't get the woman he found in his home out of his mind. He has searched all over London and she is nowhere to be found...that is until he happens to go into her coffee shop. He soon learns why she invaded his home that night, but it doesn't dim his curiosity about her.

As attracted to each other as they are, can these two find the love that neither of them was looking for?

I really enjoyed this story. It was nice to read a story that didn't involve members of the ton.  You have two people just trying to make a place for themselves in the world and doing everything in their power to achieve it.

Claire was a very strong heroine. She left the employment of her best friend (Edward from Meet the Earl at Midnight) to have something of her own. She will do anything to achieve that goal, including showing up at a ball she was not invited to and forging a signature.  Cyrus has worked his way up from nothing. He doesn't let anyone or anything get in his way. They make a formidable duo!

I can't wait for the next book in the series!


You can get this book at the following retailers:


Thanks go out to Sourcebooks via NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.

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When the Rake Falls by Sally Orr

When the Rake Falls by Sally Orr

This is book 2 in the Rake's Handbook series.

Lord Boyce Parker will do just about anything to gain the respect of his father. So when he has the opportunity to to become famous for his courage and intelligence and gain a wife in the process, he doesn't let it pass him by. Thinking to put himself in the lead, he pays to ride in a hot air balloon and hopes to talk his way into getting them to take him to France. What he didn't count on was Miss Eve Mountfloy.

Eve doesn't want this "Pink of the Ton" with her when she does her experiments, but when he doesn't demand to be let down after her quick ascent she resigns herself to the fact that she will have a partner in her scientific studies. She didn't count on feeling an attraction to her unwitting partner.

Will his attraction to Eve convince Boyce to abandon his quest and take the love that is standing right before him?

I didn't like this story as much as I did the first in the series. I did like Eve, but Boyce was rather annoying. Even after he felt his attraction toward Eve and started to have feelings for her, he still kept going on and on about getting to France and winning the race. His use of verse throughout the story also seemed a bit over the top.  

I liked the idea of the story, but it just didn't do much for me because I kept getting annoyed with the hero.

You can purchase this book at the following retailers:


Thanks go out to Sourcebooks via NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
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Chasing Miss Montford by Claudia Dain

Chasing Miss Montford by Claudia Dain

Originally published in the Anthology An Encounter at Hyde Park

Miss Elaine Montford has been told that she must marry a titled gentleman. All her parents careful planning gets undone when she encounters Roger Ellery in Hyde Park. Thinking that she needs to be rescued, he practically drags her out of the park unchaperoned. 

Trying to stop the rumors from spreading, they plan a small dinner party to stop the tongues from wagging. But what happens next might be an even bigger scandal...

This was a very short read, less than an hour. It was quick paced and kept my attention. We even have a short visit with Sophia Dalby to make it that much more enjoyable.

If you want to quick, light read, this is the story for you.


You can purchase this book at the following retailers:


Thanks go out to Night Shift Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.

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Devil's Moon by Amanda Scott

Devil's Moon by Amanda Scott

This is book 2 in the Border Nights series.

After the deaths of her parents and older brother, Lady Robina Gledstanes has had to be "Laird of the Manor" until her brother comes of age that is until her elder brother's best friend steps in to take over. 

Sir David Orminston promised his best friend on his death bed to take care of his brother and sister.  When trouble knocks on their door, he soon realizes that he wants to take care of Robina for more reasons than that promise to her brother.

Robina is not ready to submit to any man, but her feelings for David make her doubt her decision.

As I've stated before, I love reading Scott's stories because they are so full of history and this story is no exception. Scott brings to life what it was like to live on the border between Scotland and England and the perils that it brought.

David has known Robina for many years, but he is just now seeing her as a woman instead of his friend's sister. Robina must also change that way she sees David after all these years.  They are both confused by their feelings and must learn how to deal with them.

Another masterpiece by Scott and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.



You can get this book at the following retailers:


Thanks go out to Forever - Grand Central Publishing via NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review. 

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The Courtesan Duchess by Joanna Shupe

The Courtesan Duchess by Joanna Shupe

This is book 1 in the Wicked Deceptions series.

Having been wedded and not even bedded before her husband took off, Julia, the Duchess of Colton, has finally decided to do something about it. She travels to Venice and acts like the reigning courtesan of London to entice her husband. having been mistreated by her husband's family, she figures if she can get pregnant, her husband's family will have to give her money to support the child. She didn't count on falling for her husband.

Feeling like his marriage was just one more way his father tried to control his life, Nick, the Duke of Colton, ran of to the continent without consummating his marriage. Having had many women over the years, he is surprised when the famed courtesan Juliet Leighton, makes such an impression on him.  After a whirlwind affair, Juliet suddenly disappears.

What will Nick do when he finds out the the woman he has been spending time with is really not a courtesan at all but his estranged wife?

I really enjoyed this story. Julia dealt with the hand she had been delivered, but when things got out of her control she did what was necessary to take back her life. Nick never got to know his wife just because his father picked her out for him. He didn't want anything to do with her. Seeing the two get to know each other not as husband and wife but as lovers was an interesting twist for a romance novel.

This was my first novel by Shupe and it will definitely not be my last. I loved Simon in this story and I am so happy to see his book is next!


You can purchase this book at the following retailers:


Thanks go out to Kensington via NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.


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The Scandalous Secret of Abigail MacGregor by Paula Quinn

When Abigail MacGregor's mother is called to England by the Queen, she knows she will stand in her place. Her mother has just gotten over a prolonged illness and if someone doesn't go, it could mean war for Scotland. She didn't count on being attracted to her English escort.

General Daniel Marlow, can't believe that the Queen has sent him to Scotland to get one of her handmaidens. He would much rather be on the battlefield defending England. When he starts to have feelings for Abigail, he feels as if he is betraying his Queen.

Can these two enemies find an everlasting love without betraying their countries?

What a Lady Requires by Ashlyn Macnamara

What a Lady Requires by Ashlyn Macnamara

This is book 3 in the Eton Boys Trilogy.

Miss Emma Jennings always knew that she would be married for her dowry, but she didn't count on her father picking the ne'er-do-well Rowan Battencliffe. Meeting the man for the first time when he is drunk, does not give Emma much hope for her happily ever after.

Rowan hadn't planned on getting married anytime soon, but knows that it is the only answer to his money problems. He didn't count on a wife that was set to reform him. As she sets out to teach him about his finances, he hope that she doesn't learn the real reason that he lost most of his money. Can their budding romance survive the truth?

After reading What a Lady Craves and What a Lady Demands, I couldn't wait to see what happened to Rowan. Macnamara did not disappoint me with his story!

In What a Lady Demands, we see Rowan as the bad guy with glimpses of the man he could be coming through.  Knowing that he ruined his best friend's marriage and fathered his child, he has lost himself in drink. After marrying Emma, he takes a hard look at his life and seems to turn it around (although he would have others believe that he hasn't).

I loved that Emma was not your typical society miss. She liked things that had to do with the running of a business. Particularly the making and tallying of money. Having been shunned by her aunt for this, she is surprised that her father uses that as a selling point to her prospective groom. Always knowing that she would be told who to marry, Emma didn't have much hope of a love match. After meeting Rowan for the first time, she doesn't even have much hope for having an enjoyable marriage. But when she sees signs of the caring man early in their marriage Emma starts to have hope. 

I loved this series and I am sad to see it end. I look forward to seeing what Macnamara has in store for us next!


You can get this book at the following retailers:


Thanks go to Random House via NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.

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