Tag Archives: Erin

Almost Mine (Almost: Dark Valentine 4) by Sara McClaflin-review

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đź©· Almost Mine (Almost: Dark Valentine 4) by Sara McClaflin-review tourđź©·

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 25, 2026

I let him go once because I thought it was the right thing to do.

I told myself love meant sacrifice.

That he deserved better than me.

I was wrong.

Now Wes is single again, and closer than ever. I can’t escape him. Not in a town this small.

When I’m hired for an heiress’s wedding at a remote mountain estate, I expect distance. Instead, I end up needing Wes’s help.

A storm hits. The power goes out. The roads disappear. Suddenly, there’s nowhere left to hide, from him or from everything we never finished.

Wes isn’t pretending anymore.

He doesn’t want friendship.

He wants everything I took from him…and everything I still am.

And this time, he’s not letting me walk away.

••••••

REVIEW: Almost Mine is part of a series of four books called Almost: A Dark Valentine, by Sara McClaflin.

This is a small town, second chance, contemporary romance. Each book can be read as a stand-alone. Each book begins with a random chilling letter, a Valentine.

This book Willa receives the letter. When her friend Eden received one – she ended up pregnant and married. What will this letter hold for her?

When pregnant Eden is put on bed rest – Willa who is a florist – must make the trip to an upcoming wedding in her place.

Wes, Willa’s ex – who she broke up with months ago – will be going to the wedding along with her to help her out.

She isn’t happy about it, but she does need help. When they arrive Willa finds out they are in one room together. With Wes at every turn it makes it hard to avoid him. Willa tries hard to stand by her decisions, but what a wonderful second chance romance. I have not read the other books in this series but I will be now!

This book is a slow burn – twisted tale that I highly recommend.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Erin

Sara McClaflin, a dedicated author of romance, crafts tales that are not only heart-melting but also delve into the delicate facets of humanity. Having spent the past few years as an avid reader, Sara transitioned from writing book reviews to creating her own narratives. Her passion for romance, in all its diverse forms, shines through as she weaves stories that resonate with readers.

Residing on the vibrant west coast with her husband and beloved dog, Sara McClaflin is surrounded by the inspiration of nature and the love of her family. In her world, there is no such thing as too many books or an overfilled “want to read” list, as each story unfolds new possibilities and adventures.

To find out about Sara McClaflin’s upcoming releases and giveaways, sign up for her newsletter here

For more information on Sara McClaflin and her books visit: https://www.authorsaramcclaflin.com/

Connect with Sara McClaflin:

hello@authorsaramcclaflin.com

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The Price of Temptation by Harmony Williams – a Review

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The Price of Temptation by Harmony Williams – a Review

 

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Description:
Lily Darling knew that marrying a con man was a risk, but her new husband swore those days were behind him. Then he disappears without a word, taking all of her money with him. So when her scoundrel of a husband mysteriously returns, years later, hoping to set things right, Lily guards her heart. But curse the man for being just as breathlessly handsome as the day she last saw him.

Adam Darling never meant to leave his innocent, beautiful wife, but if he hadn’t, he would’ve been sent to prison and Lily’s good reputation destroyed. He can’t blame her for hating him, and now that he’s back, he’ll do whatever he must to prove he never stopped loving her, even if it takes the rest of his life.

But when Lily is blackmailed by someone from their past, she wonders if the reason Adam abandoned her is more complex than a simple con. To find the truth, though, she’ll need to do the impossible—trust him—and with the attraction simmering between them hotter than ever, getting too close could get her burned…

 

Review:

The Price of Temptation is a historical romance by Harmony Williams.  Adam Darling is newly married to his wife Lily. When someone from his past shows up and forces him to betray his wife by abandoning her and stealing her dowry.  Shortly after her husband betrays her she loses her father. This leaves her in debt and the threat of debtors prison looming.

That is until four years later when her husband suddenly reappears in town. Adam refuses at first to tell his wife where he has been and what he has been up to?  And Lily has a hard time wanting to trust him again. But with a blackmailer after Lily, Adam stays and decides to try and help her and her family. But will Lily be able to trust him again? And can they work together to take down the one person who threatens the very lives?

The characters were deeply in love until Adam is basically torn from his wife Lily. And he will do anything to protect his wife. But will Lily ever be able to trust him again? Will their love be able to overcome their pasts?

Highly enjoyable book, beautifully written. 

Reviewed by Erin

Copy provided by Publisher

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The Duplicate Bride by Ginny Baird – a Review

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The Duplicate Bride by Ginny Baird – a Review

 

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Description:
Hope Webb can’t believe her twin sister, Jackie, is begging her to swap places and play fiancée at Jackie’s pre-wedding festivities. Sure, it’s only a business-deal sort of marriage, but Hope is a carb-loving teacher who enjoys curling up with a good book. Jackie is a workaholic whose idea of a good time is a brisk five-mile run at the crack of dawn. The two sisters couldn’t be more opposite.

Now Hope is stuck in the middle of a warm, tight-knit family she can’t help but adore and a groom who turns out to be entirely wonderful…for her.

Hotel magnate Brent Albright knows something is off about his fiancée, but he doesn’t care. Gone is the driven woman with similar career goals, and in her place is someone warm and funny who not only charms his family but him as well. She’s doing everything she can to avoid him, but that’s probably just nerves. Two people about to wed couldn’t know each other less.

Now Brent is determined to woo his fiancĂ©e, for real this time, because the more he gets to know her, the more his sweet fiancĂ©e turns out to be entirely wonderful…for him.

And that’s when things start to get really complicated…

 

Review:

The Duplicate Bride by Ginny Baird is a standalone romance novel. Hope Webb has her own life going on. That’s when her twin sister Jackie asks her to pretend to be her at her pre-wedding celebrations. Just like they used to when they were kids! 

Jackie has job responsibilities as an elite wedding planner, that she just can’t get away from. And seeing as how her impending wedding to Brent Albright is more of a business arrangement.  With the hope that love will come later kind of marriage, she thought it was the perfect idea.  Jackie needs help smoothing over things with Brent’s grandmother- who thinks Jackie is more into her work than this upcoming marriage. 

Hope doesn’t agree to Jackie’s plan, but she does agree to go in her sister’s place and smooth things over with her future in laws. But when she arrives in Blue Hill, Maine things go awry. Brent’s grandmother has some snide comments and before Hope knows it, she is pretending to be her sister Jackie. Its only for the day right? But Hope seems to have a remarkable attraction to her future brother in law. Knowing that she can’t fall for her sisters soon to be husband proves easier said than done. Jackie keeps pushing back her arrival time further and further making Hope part of a bigger charade than she wanted to be. Brent also notices something is off with his fiancé. He seems to be even more attracted to her than he remembers. But what happens when everyone finds out the truth? 

What will happen when Hope realizes she is on love with Brent? 

I really enjoyed Hope, she definitely wasn’t comfortable lying to Brent and his family. But when future grandma makes some snide comments, all bets are off. She is going to be the best Jackie she can be. And I thoroughly enjoyed her. 

I also loved her and Brent getting to truly know each other even though it was based on a lie. Wonderful read! The secondary characters were quite enjoyable as well. 

Highly recommend! 

Reviewed by Erin

Copy provided by Publisher

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Falling by Katherine Cobb – a Review

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Falling by Katherine Cobb – a Review

 

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Description:

Sometimes falling for boys is perilous.

Anna wants a boyfriend from her first day of high school, but gets into hot water when she finds herself with two. First she falls for funny, shy Pete. Then heartthrob Alec comes out of nowhere and aggressively pursues her. She must choose one…or lose both. When everything goes south and the unthinkable happens, Anna is left numb and lost.

A second chance to experience true love emerges, and Anna plunges in. But pressures to fit in, combined with her own emotional fragility, lead her down turbulent paths—and increasing non-parent-approved choices.

Boy troubles. Friend fallouts. Unreasonable parents. Heartbreaking betrayals.

Will Anna overcome…or will she freefall into the abyss?

 

 

Review:

Falling by Katherine Cobb is an in your face, scathing coming of age story based in the late 1970’s.

Anna Trapani is starting her sophomore year of high school in 1978. What ensues is an explicit, authentic, true to life coming of age story. Anna is beginning her sophomore year with her best friends Katy and Michelle and she is excited and ready for the new experience. We quickly see how Anna’s good looks imbues her, quite easily with boys and in finding her place at school. But she soon learns that choosing the right boy isn’t always the easiest thing. 

Anna struggles, as many of us have, with following her own morals/beliefs and giving into the pressure put on you by your peers. Vividly showing us what Anna (and even ourselves) did to just fit in while navigating “girlhood!”

The story wonderfully portrays life as a teen in 1978, complete with the good and bad. 

Anna finds romance with Pete. Her first official boyfriend.  She quickly finds herself falling for Pete. But she wants more, she just wants him to make a move and kiss her. When that doesn’t happen as quickly as she would like, she finds herself being pursued by senior football player Alec Mays. Alec quickly invades Anna’s life, even though she is still with Pete.  

Anna quickly learns the hard lesson (that no girl should ever have to learn)  of putting yourself into dangerous situations and consent. Heartbreaking yet graphically honest and raw, I believe it is a lesson all young girls experience to varying degrees, and at some point.

Anna slowly begins to change over time and begins leaving behind her long time friends and replacing them with new ones. Its hard to realize you and your life long friends have changed and that there seems to be no mutual connections anymore! Yet the story continues on. Anna struggles with her parents still treating her like a young child and then dealing with the consequences of her own choices. It ends with Anna and the ultimate price being paid. But who pays that price? Anna, her friends, her parents? 
This book has trials and tribulations that many of us faced growing up! Which brought back a flood of memories – both good and bad! It was the ultimate walk down memory lane but without the shiny, watered down cleaned up fairytale version many give us! 
I am not going to lie, I enjoyed the beginning of this book quite immensely.

Somewhere are the middle I was like, wow this fifteen year old girl has gone off the rails. Her life is spinning out of control and no one is doing anything to try and help her! And I was annoyed. But the end of the book and the authors afterword spoke volumes. 

Somewhere I got lost in the story and forgot that this was the late seventies, early eighties. This coming if age could span generations, in that a girl from the 1970’s could relate to Anna and a girl from 2020 could also! Timeless!
This book delves into the raw yet realistic subjects of peer pressure, consent, sex, drugs, and emotional abuse. There is no sugar coating it this is real life. Great read for adults and mature teens.

Reviewed by Erin

Copy supplied for review

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Neighbors and Favors by Kate Davis-Review & Giveaway Tour

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Neighbors and Favors by Kate Davis-Review & Giveaway Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 9, 2020

New apartments should come with a trial period…

I’ve just signed a two-year lease on an apartment I can barely afford.
My job hit a brick wall so I need the place to be perfect to help me get my life back on track. But the first night in, and I already know my neighbor isn’t going to make it easy on me.

Tall, sexy, irresistible (and did I mention the British accent?), Shane Logan likes his loud activities…a lot. I can hear everything through the paper-thin walls. I’m about to tell him that in not-so-friendly terms when I realize he isn’t just sexy, he’s also friendly and eager to be of help.
Maybe having a neighbor like him isn’t such a bad idea.
I’m a writer in desperate need of inspiration. Shane so happens to turn into mine. With a deadline approaching fast, his offer to do me a favor turns into two and three. Before I know it, he’s forced his way into my life with the tenacity of a whirlwind.

I can deal with the fact that he’s far too loud and far too sexy. But when my dog likes him more than me, I start to get a little suspicious. Soon it becomes clear Shane Logan has secrets.
Plunged into the suspicions surrounding my neighbor, suddenly the only thing I can be sure of is that Shane is fiercely determined to hide the truth about himself.

Remember when I said the lease should have come with a warning?
Well, mine should also have come with a big, red, flashing signal.

•••••••••

REVIEW:

NOTE: NEIGHBORS AND FAVORS by Kate Davis is a Christian romance story line with religious overtones.

Samantha has just signed a two-year lease on an apartment in New York. She and her sassy Pomeranian Sammy have finally moved out of her parents’ home, and into the real world. Samantha comes from a strict Christian background and is beginning to question her faith.

Samantha is writing a novel and her life consists of Starbucks and bathroom breaks for Sammy. Samantha’s book isn’t coming easy. With a tight deadline she tries to utilize every available moment to catch up on her writing. But the neighbor next door seems to have more fun partaking in extracurricular activities that includes a lot of banging and grunting. Samantha is finally at her breaking point. When she knocks on the next door neighbors door she has no idea she is about to meet British born Shane Logan.

Shane Logan is the quintessential handsome next door neighbor. When he meets Samantha he is obviously smitten. He offers to walk Samantha’s dog while she works on her book. This is where the hilarity begins. Samantha’s parents are always a phone call away. And they show up and make the story ever funnier. It’s obvious that Samantha’s parents are pushing for her to connect with Shane.

And through some miss-steps and quirky interactions there is some romance brewing between Samantha and Shane.

But, Shane has a lot of mystery around him – like what is his job? How does he have so much free time to walk Sammy and still get his work done. Some slightly shady things happen that leave Samantha questioning what she even sees in Shane. Or what his backstory is. But in the end the story comes full circle and all is revealed.

It was a fun, quick read. I will admit that this was my first time reading a Christian based romance genre book.

I loved the story line surrounding Samantha and Shane, but would definitely let others know of the genre of book before I would recommend.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Erin

 

 

“Relax, sweetheart. I don’t want your dog.” In spite of his reassurance, he inches a step forward, bringing me closer to those impossibly good looks of his, and reaches to pat Sammy on her head.
Everyone with a little bit of brain capacity knows you should never pat a stranger’s dog on the head. Sammy doesn’t like that. In fact, she’s known to yap and bite a finger or two. Well, maybe sometimes.
“Don’t,” I yell and move to snatch her out of his reach when my fluff ball decides she’s going to make an exception for a change and begins to lick his hand.
I mean, really lick, like you would lap at a cone of ice cream in the summer heat.
For a moment, I can only stare in disbelief. Sammy has never done that before, at least not to a complete stranger.
My half-naked neighbor begins to laugh and leans forward, bringing his face close to Sammy’s head. I glare, half flabbergasted, half annoyed, as she begins to wriggle in my arms, excited to jump right into his.
What the—
“Sammy, no!” I snap, sounding a little bitter. I want to say, “I’m your mommy, and you’re not supposed to like the half-naked, rainstorm-eyed guy who makes mommy very angry.”
But I don’t want to come across as one of those crazy people who think their pet comes with a lifelong affection exclusivity clause—even though I’m pretty sure they should, actually. I mean, you feed them, you give them a roof over their head…it goes without saying that…you get the drift.


 

Kate Davis is a real-life coffee lover with her very own Pomeranian who was her biggest inspiration for this book. Yes, Sammy is real and her favorite command is “cheese.” In fact, it might just be the only command she obeys. Kate loves to play matchmaker, transporting readers to a place where her bold heroines have endearing flaws, the men are fierce and protective, the world isn’t always a safe place, and chivalry is alive and thriving! You can visit both Kate and Sammy online at katedavisauthor.blogspot.com or connect with her on Facebook.
Stay in touch. She loves to hear from her readers!

Sign up to Kate’s newsletter for more info on her next release here

CONTACT KATE:
GOODREADS / FACEBOOK / BLOG
NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the rafflecopter giveaway. If you have any questions, please contact the author.

GIVEAWAY (open internationally)

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Finding Mr. Right Next Door by Sarah Ballance – a Review

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Finding Mr. Right Next Door by Sarah Ballance – a Review

 

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Description:
For Lexi Dean, burning down her kitchen was disaster enough. Agreeing to move in next door with her totally off-limits best friend, Matt Freeman, until her house is livable again?

Utter madness.

They’ve always been close, but this is ridiculous. If she’s not bumping into him at the refrigerator, he’s at the front door giving her date the third degree. And slipping between his borrowed sheets? That’s about as distracting as listening to his shower run, because suddenly all she can think about is rivulets of water cascading down is spectacular body—the one he seems to be going out of his way to make sure she notices.

Not that it matters. He can flaunt his firefighter abs around her all he wants. They already share everything—their jobs, their friends, their backyard, even their dog—and that means only one thing: Lexi is not going to risk losing any of it by dipping a single toe in the temptation that is Matt Freeman.

Lexi may not know how to handle a fire extinguisher, but this is one fire that just might burn them both if they’re not careful…

 

Review:

Finding Mr. Right Next Door by Sarah Ballance is book two in The Firefighters of Station 1 series.

Lexi Dean’s kitchen is on fire, when in walks next door neighbor, best friend, and fire fighter Matt Freeman. When the fire shifts he instructs her to call 911. Left with embarrassment because she works at the fire station in the supply room she begins to realize she may never hear the end of this!
When it becomes clear that there is no way she can stay in her house in the aftermath of the fire, Matt offers for her to stay with him during repairs. When contemplating the two hour drive she would have commuting from her parents house – she decides to stay with Matt.

Lexi and Matt have been best friends for as long as they can remember. But when she moves in with Matt all that closeness begins to change things.
Even though they spent loads of time together before the fire, being that close to one another starts to prove difficult, Neither of them want to ruin the friendship they have had for so long.

Their friendship turned romance contains just the right amount of sexy, sarcastic banter that proves friends to lovers romance can happen.
Although this one takes the long way around to the HEA. Its a struggle for both to admit their feelings and give in to the temptation before them.
There is a lot of teasing, sarcasm and witty banter. But I enjoy books like that!

I loved the secondary characters – my favorite of which was Elsie – Matt’s grandmother. She made the entire book for me!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book – I must say it was my first “firefighter” book and it can completely be read as a stand alone. Quick short wonderful read that I highly recommend! Will be going back and reading book one in the series because I am sure it will be quick to become on of my favorites.

Reviewed by Erin

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Wild Love by Meg Benjamin – a Review

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Wild Love by Meg Benjamin – a Review

 

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Description:
After one bad relationship too many, Peaches Guidry came to the mountain resort town of Antero, Colorado to start over. Now, she’s manager of a great restaurant and on her way to bigger and better things without anyone complicating her life. The upcoming grand opening of the local brewery’s new pub is the perfect opportunity to introduce more customers to her menu. A partnership with Antero Brewing could bring her business to a whole new level.

But then Colin Brooks strolls into town. Rugged, yet charismatic. The bad boy with a heart of gold—the kind of man she can’t resist.

Her friends at the brewpub, though, are quick to tell her Colin isn’t exactly new in town. He’s the black sheep of Antero and disappeared years ago without a word. Now he’s back and hoping to prove he’s changed, but the welcome they give him is harsher than the winter winds.

She knows she shouldn’t be falling for someone that everyone says can’t be trusted. And getting tangled up in his wild past could ruin the future of everything she’s worked so hard to build… So why can’t they stay away from each other?

Each book in the Brewing Love series is STANDALONE:
* Love on Tap
* Saison for Love
* Wild Love

 

Review:

Wild Love by Meg Benjamin is book three in the Brewing Love Series.

Colin Brooks has come back to Antero, Colorado. And this times things are way different. Colin was here before, but abruptly had to leave for family issues, leaving his hood friends in a bind. Colon was part co-owner in Antero Brewing Company. And now with nothing left to his name but his dog Wiseass, he is back wanting to start brewing again. Wanting the life he had before, the one where he was truly happy. But co-owners Bec and Liam, who were left to pick up the pieces, are not happy to see him again.  His first stop in town is the Salty Goat, the town diner. And that is where he meets Peaches Guidry. She came to Antero to start over. She is the manager and head chef of The Salty Goat. She is finally in a good spot in her life and does not need anyone messing that up.  Her friends at the local brewery are quick to let her know exactly how they feel about Colin. She knows to be cautious of the new guy in town. But she just can’t stay away from him. Will he cost her everything she has worked so hard for? Can they even have a relationship with how half the town feels about him? 

I absolutely loved the characters of Colin and Peaches. Each one has had their own share of knock downs. But I love how that despite that, they were drawn to each other. Peaches has a giving and loving heart, she is exactly what Colin needs. The tension that grows between them is wrought with longing and need! 

Wild Love can be read as a stand alone, but this series is quite wonderful and worth the time to read!  Great background story of a brewing company   , with lots of information and interesting facts! The only thing that could have made this series better would be to list all the delicious recipes used at The Salty Goat!!

Reviewed by Erin

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Keep Me Wanting by Angela Addams – a Review

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Keep Me Wanting by Angela Addams – a Review

 

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Description:
All I’ve ever tried to do is keep the people in my life safe. That’s gotten me into hot water more times than I can count. Hell, the last time got me four years behind bars.

So when my favorite barista tells her mom that I’m her boyfriend to stop the woman’s endless criticism, I can’t stop myself from helping her out. But she’s too innocent and I’m too damaged for this to ever be the real deal.

I can’t allow myself to touch her, not when making her mine will drag her into my world and drown her in my messed up life. What I really need to do is stay away.

Except every touch and every accidental kiss breaks my control. I want her.

Then I find out her dad is the detective who put me away…and he’s trying to take down my family.

I don’t blame him. The secrets I’m keeping are big enough to destroy everything.

 

Review:

Maggie Chandler is a barista at the local coffee shop, and her life just isn’t quite going as she had planned. Recently graduating from college with a marketing degree, she can’t compare with her successful lawyer older sisters. Her mother isn’t happy that she works small jobs to make ends meet, while interviewing for a marketing position. 

With her judgemental mother coming to town to meet her made up on a whim boyfriend. Maggie has no choice but to ask her crush customer Liam if he would pretend to be her boyfriend for a few minutes. But Liam has had a secret crush on Maggie since the moment he saw her, and while at first he balks at the idea of helping her, he quickly changes his mind and pretends to be her boyfriend for her mother’s sake.  But things then take a turn. 

Liam isn’t exactly who he says he is. He is actually Liam Doyle and he comes from a family that has done some shady things.  But what makes things even more complicated – Liam soon finds out that Maggie’s dad is the detective that put him away for four years – on a charge that should have put Liam’s older brother Shawn away, but he took the fall for the family.  After meeting her mother, Liam decides that he will attend a family reunion with Maggie, because if anyone in his family is going to keep an eye on the Chandlers – it’s going to be him. 

Maggie Chandler was a completely relatable character. Working several small jobs while interviewing for her dream marketing job. She has had a crush on her coffee shop customer for quite some time. She takes a leap of faith and asks him to pretend to be her boyfriend. I love Maggie’s vulnerability in asking Liam to help her. But what will happen when she finds out the truth of Liam’s past? Will she still feel the same way about him or will her feelings change?

Liam Doyle has lied to his barista crush. 

The moment he agreed to help Maggie with her mother he realized that Maggie was a Chandler. The detective that is gunning for his family and put Liam in prison for four years on a charge meant for Liam’s brother Shawn is Maggie’s dad.  In trying to keep his brother Shawn out of trouble with the law, Liam decides its best for him to keep an eye on the Chandler family while helping Maggie fulfill proving to her mom that she has a boyfriend!  

The chemistry between Liam and Maggie is explosive, but they both try to keep things cool and slow at the get go.  But both of them soon find out that it is easier said than done! But will Liam’s past ruin their future? And will Liam do what he needs to against his brother Shawn to protect what he needs to? 

Keep Me Wanting by Angela Addams was a great story, look forward to reading more! 


Reviewed by Erin

Copy provided by Publisher

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