Tag Archives: Lauren Smith

Devil of the High Seas by Lauren Smith – a Review

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Devil of the High Seas by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

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Description:
She becomes a wicked pirate lord’s stolen treasure…
On the eve of her wedding, Josephine Greyville is kidnapped by a true devil of the high seas – a pirate! Gavin Castleton isn’t just any pirate. He’s the twin brother of the man she’s supposed to marry. Tempted by Gavin’s kisses and the first taste of freedom she’s ever had in her life, Josephine discovers she could lose all that she’s come to hold dear. She must choose between her family and a storm of passion filling her heart.
He’s a pirate out for revenge and can’t resist the lure of fiery hearted woman…
Gavin Castleton nearly dies after losing his ship to a mutiny and is forced to return to his beloved family estate in Cornwall to heal and make a plan for revenge. Stumbling through a secret entrance, of his home where he hopes to find his twin brother, he collapses at the beside of the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen. After she tends to his wounds, he learns she’s to marry his brother. Unable to repay her kindness with anything other than desire, he kidnaps her to keep her from marrying his brother. Wicked through and through, Gavin can’t resist taking the treasure of Josephine’s heart, even if it means losing all he holds dear.

 

Review:

Devil of the High Seas by Lauren Smith, is the third book in her Pirates of King’s Landing Series. It’s not necessary to read the other books as they all stand alone on their own, there are characters from previous books (but you’ll only know that if you’ve read them.)Twists and turns will keep you on the edge, the battles and fight scenes are great, the sad parts will make you reach for tissues, and the chemistry between Gavin and Josie will have you wishing it was longer…..

Gavin left his home seven years ago when the love of his life chose his twin Griffin!! But now he’s back, for revenge!! Returning home after losing his ship (to a mutiny) he’s home to lick his wounds and salvage his pride….

Josephine is due to marry the upstanding Earl of Castleton, it’s not the life she’s dreamed of, but she’s not about to disappoint her family…..Being abducted by a pirate sweeps Josie into a world that’s beyond her wildest imagination. That’s the thanks she gets for helping a stranger who’s wounded!

Her family chase the pair across the seas, there is danger lurking in every corner! But that doesn’t stop this couple from falling in love ?

But how can they possibly be together when Gavin is a pirate and she’s already betrothed?

It was great to see previous characters from the other books (I personally love to catch up with couples from previous books.) I loved Jodie’s father (there is a scene in the book which I loved ?)

Yes, it’s a little cheesy in places. Yes it’s also predictable in its ending. But I love this authors style of writing, and I love this series, so I’m going to continue to read and recommend these books.

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for Review

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Vampire Valentine by Lauren Smith – a Review

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Vampire Valentine by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

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Description:
How bad can a blind date with a vampire really be?

The last thing Ryan Harding needs is his brother setting him up on dates with random women. Yes, he’s been avoiding relationships and burying himself in work, but come on, a blind date? Surely things aren’t that desperate. Still…the cute blonde at the bar is pretty amazing. Kind of sexy as hell. Why did he think a blind date was so bad again?

Grace Stanhope has no interest in dating mortals, but she owes her best friend one hell of a favor. A blind date with a human can’t be all that bad right? She might even have a nice time…but oh god is he three of her most favorite things? Tall, dark, AND handsome!?!

Before the night is through, sparks fly, spells are cast, and this blind date just might have a bite to it…

 

Review:

Vampire Valentine by Lauren Smith is a standalone novel.  Grace is a 160 year old vampire, who is about to go on a blind date with a human! Reading that, I wasn’t expecting much of a story. It’s a Valentine story, yawn!! 

But get past the first chapter and something happens that will have you inhaling the book until it’s done. It’s only 133 pages (9 chapters) long, so it won’t take long. But nothing is missing, nothing is skipped, and you won’t feel cheated (you’ll only want it to last a little longer ?) 

Grace and Ryan are a great couple, once we get past the cheese that Valentine’s seems to bring out in people, you’ll enjoy the interaction and chemistry between the two characters. Grace has loved and lost lovers before, so she’s hesitant to let love in again…. 

Ryan lives to work, he throws himself into his job (?) he doesn’t want or need that special someone in his life, and he certainly doesn’t need his brother fixing group in a blind date thank you very much. Although when he spots his date at the bar, he’s not so certain ? 

Meeting up for a blind date on Valentine’s Day could have had disastrous consequences, but the couple hit it off. But someone wants to split the new couple up! Who and why? 

I’ve read a few of the author’s historical books (loved them) I’ve read and loved her contemporary romances, but as I’m a PNR (paranormal romance) reader, and I love her PNR works. 

So can a vampire and a workaholic really make a go of it? Or will Grace have cold feet? Does she really want to see another lover grow old and die? And can Ryan leave his laptop alone for long enough to embrace a little fun and romance? 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for review

 

 

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Snowflakes and Wallflowers by Lauren Smith – a Review

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Snowflakes and Wallflowers by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

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Description:
Becoming the Earl of Castleton wasn’t something Arthur Brynnwood was expecting. Yes, his great-uncle was old, but Arthur had always imagined him living forever. But after he learned of his great-uncle’s passing he went from being just another gentleman to one of the highly sought after prizes by matchmaking mamas of the ton. Suddenly the responsibility of running such a vast estate was thrust on Arthur’s shoulders. The estate accounts were a mess and it was clear his uncle’s steward had been embezzling from his uncle for years. When he arrives at the castle and sees the gross mismanagement of the properties he loses his temper and orders the new steward to let people know their rent were rising – either pay or move.

To his surprise a lovely young woman name Matilda comes to him the next day, pleading prettily for leniency for herself and her ailing aunt who had been living in a cottage free for years. Too used to the wiles of women, Arthur remains unmoved by her words and tells her coldly there will be no reconsideration of his orders. He is the new Earl of Castleton and he will be obeyed. The next thing he knows, he’s choking on a snowball thrown at his face and Matilda is marching away, back straight and head held proudly high. Once again, his temper explodes. He grabs her and wrestles the shrieking, kicking woman to a bedchamber and locks her in until he decides what to do with her.

He find himself intrigued and reluctantly impressed by her show of spirit. She’s not the usual, simpering, coy type of women who all but worship at his feet in London. And her beauty… he feels an unexpected lust when he imagines her long, russet hair and eyes the color of good whiskey. Deciding it’s been too long since he’s had a mistress, he knows exactly how to solve the problem of Matilda: he’ll allow her free use of the cottage she lives in for the rest of her life in exchange for being his mistress this Christmas season…

 

Review:

Snowflakes and Wallflowers by Lauren Smith is the 2nd book in her Christmas Wallflowers series.  We meet Matilda (Mattie) from the start, when she receives a letter outside her door.  Mattie lives in a very small cottage, with her ailing aunt; they have lived there rent free for many years, as the Earl of Castleton always looked out for them, until his death.  Mattie reads the letter, which was sent by the new Earl, who tells them they have to move out quickly, or pay a high rent; which they cannot afford.  She quickly runs in the bad snow storm, to talk to this new Earl, and plead their case.

Arthur Brynnwood, is now the Earl of Castleton, having inherited the land and title from his deceased distant Uncle.  Arthur has no idea how to run the estate, and works his steward reviewing what is needed to repair the terrible condition of the mansion and land; as well as previous mismanagement.   He then orders the steward to have people living on the estate, to raise rents or make them move.  When Mattie arrives to talk to the new Earl, he is belligerent and arrogant, telling her he will not change his mind; she loses her cool, and on the way out, throws a snow ball that landed on his head.  Arthur is now angry, and takes Mattie and locks her in a room.    Learning about her ailing aunt, Arthur orders they pick up the aunt to bring her to the mansion, and have a doctor into her health.

Arthur finds himself intrigued by the spirited and feisty, Mattie; as he is not used to women not listening to him and fighting his every move.  Arthur will make a deal with Mattie, increasing her stay at the cabin for months, if she will become his mistress for two weeks.  Mattie, who is a virgin, does feel lust when Arthur kisses her, and decides to accept the deal.

In a short time, both Arthur and Mattie find themselves falling hard for each other; as their relationship escalated into a steamy affair, with Arthur treating Mattie like a queen. Arthur will also learn to his shock, the conditions that Mattie and her aunt lived in (tiny cabin, little food, heat, etc.), and begins to make changes to fix and add on to the cabin they lived in.  When friends of Arthur surprisingly turn up for the holidays, he begins to see a different light to those he used to call friends and their terrible behavior.

After the bad start, I really liked Arthur and Mattie together, and loved watching them fall in love.  Arthur turned into a sweet and caring man, who changed him totally. Snowflakes and Wallflowers was so very well written by Lauren Smith.  I loved the story, and the main characters, and especially loved the epilogue.  I suggest you read Snowflakes and Wallflowers, as it was a sexy heartwarming read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

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Lost with a Scot by Lauren Smith – a Review

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Lost with a Scot by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

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Description
Brooding, intense, passionate…
These are the three things Anna knows about the mysterious man who rescues her when she washes up on the shores after Scotland after surviving a shipwreck. With no memory of who she is except her name, she must rely on this darkly handsome Scot, Aiden Kincade as she searches for answers about her past. The more time she spends with Aiden, the more his heated looks, and fiery kisses ignite desires she never knew she had. But she fears that finding out who she is will only tear her and Aiden apart.

The last thing Aiden Kincade expects is to find a beautiful woman half-drowned while he rides along the beach. But the moment he takes her into his arms, he realizes that this is the woman he has dreamed about for years, the woman who had been prophesied to bring about his death should he dare to love her. And yet denying his love for her is as impossible as drawing his next breath.

It’s clear from the moment they meet, that fate has brought them together. But as Anna’s past begins to surface, and a terrible danger looms over her, Aiden fears that he might lose everything and everyone he holds dear unless he can find a way to defy destiny.

 

 

Review:

Lost with a Scot by Lauren Smith is the 17th book in her The League of Rogues series. I’ve read a few of these books by the author. No need to read in order as they can be read alone, although there are a few characters from previous books that make an appearance. 

Great attention to detail, the Scottish words take a little getting use to, but once I managed to sort it out, it didn’t stop me flying through this book. 

Aiden and Anna’s story had me smiling, crying and wishing it was longer. Aiden finding Anna on the shore after a storm, being shocked at recognising her face from his dreams, and then finding out Anna doesn’t recognise him, nor does she know who she is! 

Anna has a past that could kill her and anyone close to her, but she doesn’t know that (yet) but she is attracted to her rescuer, it won’t hurt to stay with him until her memory comes back, will it? A friendship soon strikes up, and I get the feeling Aiden would like it to be more. And then it doesn’t take long for Anna to wish for the same. 

I had to smile at Aiden’s love of animals, there is one particular scene with a hedgehog ? that will have you chuckling. ? And when Anna’s memory returns will it mean the end of Anna and Aiden? People are looking for Anna, who? And what do they want with her? 

Can they fight these feelings? Or will they be torn apart by duty?  And what about the warning Aiden received as a lad….. will Anna be the death of him? 

Another great story by this author. Full of adventure, passion and a little mystery thrown in for good measure. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for Review

 

 

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The Wartime Matchmakers by Lauren Smith – a Review

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The Wartime Matchmakers by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

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Description
When the world went to war . . . they fought for love.

England, 1939: The world is on the brink of war when Elizabeth Mowbray breaks her engagement with a tea planter in India and returns home to the English countryside. Desperate to escape a stifling life under her parents’ roof, she moves to London seeking adventure and excitement.

With German forces sweeping across Europe, she has little hope of finding steady, fulfilling employment as England readies itself for war. A chance encounter with Henrietta, Brigadier General Byron’s daughter, sets Elizabeth on a course that will forever change her life and the lives of others.

Henrietta, a recently divorced and statuesque beauty, is not a hopeless romantic like Elizabeth, but her new friend inspires her to embrace life, even as the dark fog of war creeps across the English Channel.

The two enterprising young women come up with a brilliant idea to open London’s first matchmaking agency. They face numerous challenges in establishing their business in the midst of air raid drills, food and clothing rationing, and the dangers of the Blitz. As they match Londoners, they find themselves in romances of their own. Elizabeth catches the eye of a daring, roguish RAF pilot and Henrietta discovers passion with a charming solicitor who joins Britain’s first Commandos.

While the men they love are fighting in the air and in Europe, German shells shatter the peace of England. Henrietta and Elizabeth become legendary as they rescue men from the shores of Dunkirk, dig for survivors in the ruins of bombed homes, and inspire thousands of their countrymen and women not to give up the fight for life and love.

Inspired by the stunning story of the real matchmakers Mary Oliver and Heather Jenner, The Wartime Matchmakers is a humorous, poignant, and personal reminder that even in the darkest times, love triumphs.

 

 

Review:

The Wartime Matchmakers by Lauren Smith is another wonderful standalone story I’ve read by this author. Must admit wartime romances aren’t usually my thing, but I’m always up for a new read, and I’m glad I did….. What an amazing story….. 

It’s England, 1939, and we are on the brink of war. 

Elizabeth Mowbray breaks off her engagement to a tea planter in India and returns home to England. Wanting adventure and excitement Elizabeth travels to London, despite her parents arguments and fears. 

A chance meeting with a young lady by the name of Henrietta, has the young women bound for adventures that will change their lives forever…..They come up with an idea to open the first dating agency (but it’s more of a matchmaking service, dating certainly wasn’t as free as it is today ?) they go through obstacle after obstacle, they have to prove their worth and their sincerity time and again….. 

But matchmaking isn’t the only thing they do. They are heroes in my eyes…..They battled in their own way through the war, they helped when they could, they did their bit for the war effort, and I loved reading every second of it. 

This book was inspired by real matchmakers Mary Oliver and Heather Jenner.So the attention to detail is amazing. I could feel the excitement and terror that these two young women faced on a daily basis. 

Both Elizabeth and Henrietta are just wonderful characters. Strong and independent, very resourceful and witty. I laughed, I cried and I cheered as we witness them surviving the evacuation of Dunkirk. The nightly raids (blackouts) by the enemy aircraft. The Battle of Britain had me moved to tears with the vivid descriptions. And their daily lives and struggles which brought joy and sadness. 

So do Elizabeth and Henrietta find love themselves? What I can tell you is that true love never runs smoothly. It has a habit of keeping you on your toes? but to find out if they do or if they stay single you’ll have to read the book. I loved all the information at the end of the book, it just finished it off nicely. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for review

 

 

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In Like Flynn by Lauren Smith -a Review

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In Like Flynn by Lauren Smith -a Review

 

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Description:
A Royal Navy Officer’s Guide to Seducing a Pirate Lass:
Go undercover as a fellow pirate
Steal kisses whenever possible
Do not fall in love, no matter how tempting your pirate lass is

Brianna Holland has always been free. Her entire life she’s never known the bars of any cage until she’s captured in Port Royal trying to help a fellow pirate escape. Suddenly facing the hangman’s noose unless she betrays her father’s location to the Royal Navy, she clings to the hope that a new prisoner in her cell brings. The roguish and seductive Nicholas Flynn is charming and irresistible and soon the pair make a clever escape from the prison. Once on board her ship and safely at sea, Brianna soon learns that there are other dangers than storms and naval frigates prowling the waters. This time, her heart and her father’s life might be at risk.

Royal Navy Lieutenant Nicholas Flynn has a problem. He’s been assigned to gain the confidence of a pirate prisoner in Port Royal in order to learn the whereabouts of the notorious pirate king Thomas Buck. But when he meets the man he’s supposed to win the trust of and eventually betray, he is stunned to discover it’s no man, but a woman named Brianna, who he is to befriend and betray. Not only that, but he learns that she is Thomas Buck’s daughter. Knowing Brianna will face torture at the hands of a cruel military captain if she doesn’t talk, Flynn helps her escape. If Flynn finds a way to lead the Royal Navy to Brianna’s father, he’ll lose the only woman who’s ever stolen his heart.

Other Books in the Series:
Book 1: No Rest for the Wicked
Book 2: In Like Flynn
Book 3: Devil of the High Seas

 

 

Review 

In Like Flynn by Lauren Smith is book two in her Pirates of Kings Landing series, and although I’ve not read the previous book, it doesn’t make a difference. But saying that I may go back and read that one as i throughly enjoyed this book. A historical romance set on the high seas. A story of betrayal and romance. And a story with plenty of action and adventure. 

Brianna loves to feel the wind in her hair and the splashing of the waves on her face. A free spirit, a beloved daughter and member of her father’s crew. She’s had to earn that respect, she’s had to be the best, all the while never losing sight of who she is. Dressed as a man every time she leaves the ship is a chore, but one she’s always mindful of as people could recognise her and use her against her father. 

Flynn is honour bound to see that the pirate Thomas Buck is brought to justice. He’s given the chance when told to befriend a member of the pirates crew, that is until he realises the crew member is a woman! He now faces a dilemma, save the girl and lose his career, or leave her to rot in prison! 

So will they set sail for happiness, or will someone scupper their chances and sink their love boat? 

This is a fun read, plenty of fast paced action. Throw in some spicy moments and banter from Brianna and the hours just flew by as I immersed myself in their tale. It’s beautifully written, nothing is left out, you can imagine the waves, smell the cell Brianna is kept in, and feel the love she has for both her father and Flynn, you feel the conflict that this situation put Flynn in. And it will you have you rooting for the pirates (not all pirates are bad guys) ?‍☠️ 

There is a few twists along the way. And a moment in the prologue that will pan out in a way neither Flynn nor Brianna expected ? The story did remind me a little of the film “Cutthroat Island” a female pirate and a rogue who sought to betray her ?

I highly recommended read from an author I’m adding to my list. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for Review

 

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Stocking Stuffer by Lauren Smith – a Review

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Stocking Stuffer by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

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Description:

When Bailey Willis plays Santa’s elf for her company’s Christmas party, she never expects to be stuck with the childhood crush who broke her heart at sixteen playing the role of Santa Claus.

Montgomery “Mack” Macholan realizes he made a mistake when he was eighteen when he let Bailey go home on prom night without kissing her. Now ten years later he’s playing Santa to her sexy elf and he can’t keep his hands off her.

 

 

Review:

Stocking Stuffer by Lauren Smith is a wonderful romantic Christmas novella; as I have said this before, anything written by this author is always going to be fun, romantic and sexy. 

Bailey Willis, our heroine, is attending her first holiday retreat for the company she works for, and has been picked to be an elf at the fundraiser event; she wasn’t thrilled, especially with her costume a bit revealing.  While waiting for Santa to show up, Bailey is shocked to see someone from her school days (10 years ago) is playing Santa.

Mack Macholan, our hero, is also shocked to see Bailey, and enthralled how she has grown up, and is beautiful, not to mention sexy.   Mack remembers when he walked away from her during the prom, and regrets his mistake; and goes out of his way to make amends, using all his charm.  Bailey is hesitant, since she has not forgotten Mack had hurt her, but she still finds herself attracted to him.

What follows is an awesome fun steamy romance, with Mack doing everything in his power to win Bailey over.  The relationship between Mack and Bailey heats up quickly (it is a novella  ?), with the chemistry between them sizzling.  They were great together, as friends and romantically.  Will Mack allow himself to fall in love with Bailey, since he doesn’t believe in permanent relationships?

Stocking Stuffer was a fantastic fun steamy story, which was so very well written by Lauren Smith. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and prayed they would find a way to stay together, as they were so awesome.  Stocking Stuffer was an uplifting story and just in time for the holidays!

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for Review

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Escaping the Earl by Lauren Smith – a Review

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Escaping the Earl by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

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Description
Peregrine Ashby, Earl of Rutland
A gentleman.
A reluctant aristocrat.
Desperate to avoid marriage.

Peregrine Ashby, the newly and unexpectedly titled Earl of Rutland, is muddling through the affairs of becoming a suddenly wealthy and titled man of means. The last thing he wants to worry about is a finding a wife. After the disaster of his parents’ loveless marriage, he’s sworn off wife-hunting.

But when he stumbles quite literally into a mysterious beauty wearing a mask at a ball who begs for his help he can’t deny her. Her request? Make love to her beneath the stars and save her from a terrible marriage herself. After the magic of the night is over and the mysterious beauty has vanished, he remains haunted by her and what might have been…

Sabrina Talleyrand flees her home when she learns her brother has sold her in marriage to a foul man. Knowing the one thing that will stop the marriage is no longer being a virgin, she seduces the first man at a masked ball that attracts her attention. But making love to the handsome dark haired stranger with amber colored eyes has left her changed in more ways than one…

 

 

Review:

Escaping the Earl by Lauren Smith is the 16th book in her League of Rogues series. This book starts with a young woman seeking help in escaping a marriage that she does not want and a man with a title and commitments he didn’t ask for! 

Peregrine is so confused with running his new title and everything that comes with it! He certainly doesn’t want to find a wife at the moment! 

Sabrina needs a man! Any man will do, except the man her family want her to marry! She needs to get rid of her virginity! If she does that, then the horrid man claiming her have in marriage won’t want “used goods”! Donning a mask, she is determined to attend a ball and become a “fallen woman” 

Both Peregrine and Sabrina fall for one another both literally and figuratively. And spending a magical evening together they both wonder about the other, but as masks were worn to this ball, neither know who they are! But it doesn’t stop them from thinking about each other. 

And when she takes up employment with a lovely man with a cute daughter, Sabrina breaths a huge sigh of relief. Her life will continue as a nanny to the lovely family that has taken her in. 

Peregrine on the other have is still wondering about the mysterious young lady he had a midnight tryst with. And so when he encounters her months later he is surprised that she’s only a nanny and not some lady! But he’s going to peruse her and maybe get what he’s been dreaming about for months. 

A historical romance with a slight twist. Most historical books I’ve read have the young woman hanging onto her virginity until either marriage or the right man. But this one has her seeking to just give it away to the first man! And usually the man is an arrogant bore or a rogue, but Peregrine is neither. 

This is the first book in this series I’ve read, and I’ll definitely go back and visit the League of Rogues Series at some point. But I have read other books by this author and I’ve been thoroughly entertained. 

Plenty of angst and a little steam for this book. Both it’s not a marriage Peregrine offers Sabrina, it’s a role of mistress! His parents marriage was a disaster and so he’s never going to fall into that trap. 

Sabrina is heartbroken! She wants a family with Peregrine, she’s given him her body and heart. What’s a girl to do? Luckily the family that have taken her in can supply the answer and they leave the town and Peregrine be find! 

It’s a shortish book with plenty going on. But you’ll want to know if Peregrine and Sabrina find a HEA, or will she fall for Rafe and his lovely daughter…..

Your going to have to find that out for yourself. ? 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for Review

 

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