Month: Nov 2020

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?

Louise H3 Comments

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?
#IMWAYR

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is a wonderful place to meet up and share what you have been, and are about to be, reading over the week. It’s a great post to organise yourself. It’s an opportunity to visit and comment and er… add to your groaning TBR pile! Everyone is welcome. This meme started on J Kaye’s blog and then was hosted by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn over at The Book Date.

It’s time for me November round-up, which shouldn’t take too long. Whilst I’ve been reading and enjoying books, I seem to have slowed down on how many I’m getting through. In part this is because I’ve slipped back into playing those silly online games such as CandyCrush. I think I need a new month resolution of only playing them for half an hour a day, so that I can clear more of my TBR list.

Sunday dawned damp, grey and very misty but we didn’t let that put us off going on our weekend walk. We had also promised to get the christmas decorations out for our nearly adult daughter. I was hoping she would eventually grow out of demanding they go up as close to the start of December as possible, but she will be 18 in a few weeks and still insists on it.

Books read in November

  • Saving Sandra BETA read

So that was it – 11 books. Though I did also read what I thought was a full book (one I’d had on pre-order) but discovered it hadn’t been finished and the author had removed it from sale. Luckily I discovered that in enough time to return it for a refund, so that I can buy the completed book when the author does manage to finish it.

There’s also a chance that I will finish the book I’m currently reading today, so that would add one more to my tally of reads in November.

Four of the books were arc reads, all of which I have bought, or will buy on release. Onebook was a beta read and two books were read as Book of The Month reads for a group I mod in on Goodreads.


I’m now only two books ahead of schedule on my Goodreads reading challenge for the year, but again I’m just grateful to be reading and enjoying my reading. I’ve seen people claim to read 2 – 3 books a day, and I know I used to be smug that I read over 300 books each year.

I realise now what a foolish thing that was. I can barely remember a smidgeon of those books. Even when I look back at reviews, which is why I re-read The Game this month. I can recall books I read in my twenties, when I took the time to savour each chapter, and when money, or rather lack of it, limited the budget available for new books.

I didn’t rush any of my November reads, and I feel so much the better for it.

Currently Reading

Upcoming Reads

So that’s my month, along with what the start of December should look like book wise. What have you been reading?

// REVIEW \\ The Game

Louise HLeave a comment

The Game
(The Game #1-7)
by L.P. Lovell and Stevie J. Cole

I was intrigued by my original review for this book, could only remember very vague parts of the plot, so decided to give it a re-read via Kindle Unlimited. The re-read didn’t quite live up to my expectations, and I found myself downgrading the books rating.


I was disappointed by the number of editing errors in this, given that sufficient time has elapsed, since it was first release, for updates to have been made. Whilst I still enjoyed the story and appreciated how well the authors ratcheted up the tension – you certainly feel on edge frequently through this story – I did find myself rolling my eyes at how far fetched parts of it were. I also found myself skimming parts, particularly the overly long and overly frequent sex scenes. I mean, yes they were hot, but the book would have been half the original length if they were all deleted from the manuscript!


I would kinda maybe recommend it still. Eh, it’s worth a try!


~~~~And if you’re interested here is my original review~~~~


I feel like I could give this both 1 star and 5 stars for a whole variety of reasons, which I will try and explain.


I’ve never read any work by either author and from the little bit of blurb I was expecting a book along the lines of JA Huss’ “Taking Turns”. Oh boy was I wrong. The book is seriously dark, savagely twisted and morally corrupt. So dark it was like coal. At times I felt like you do when you pass a serious car crash… you don’t want to look, you know you shouldn’t look but somehow your eyes are drawn to the carnage. I’ve read other dark books (e.g. Comfort Food by Kitty Thomas and Beast by A. Zavarelli) but this makes those look like a child’s bedtime story. It almost needs to come with a warning – and is not a book for the faint-hearted. Oh and I’m not referring to the sex – some of which is taboo and all of which is steamy. No I’m talking about the mind f***ery that goes with this book.


I both loved and hated this at the same time. Parts of me said ‘as if you’d make that choice’ whilst another part said ‘who knows what you’d do in the same situation as Ella’. A part of me thought ‘as if you’d really be able to set up those games/get away with them’ and that other voice replied ‘who really knows when you have untold wealth and the power that brings’. I frequently questioned why I was reading the book and yet I kept on doing so.


I also felt there were many unanswered questions. Were there only ever the same three men involved? How many other games had been played? Did games overlap or run one straight after the other? And quite frankly how did these men actually keep their business afloat as they seemed to spend more time ‘playing’ than they did working? Had Three purely set up the game just because of Ella? There was an attempt to explain why he had wanted Ella to play the game but I was confused as to what he wanted to shape her into and what he truly wanted/expected to happen. Also if he was so obsessed with her why Day 3’s game?


The only true explanation I could come up with for why they played ‘The Game’ was very unpleasant and made me really dislike those taking part. We’re richer than you (hence more powerful) so we’re superior to you also appeared to be another unpleasant theme.


I didn’t feel any love or romance or ‘normal’ caring in this book at all and the epilogue chilled me even further and almost made my stomach turn. I did feel the love between Ella and Tobias though.


And yet I gave this 4 stars. If I hadn’t had those unanswered questions I would have rated this 5 stars. Why? Because it is an extremely well written book and despite reading this almost as I would watch a horror film (through my fingers and hiding behind a cushion) I wanted to know how the story would end. I wanted to see how The Game would end and whether there would be a HEA. The characters were not necessarily likeable or pleasant but they were believable, intriguing and captivating. The Game is meant to mess with Ella’s mind and the book certainly did the same to mine. Unique plot line isn’t in it, and part of me is almost thankful for that.


I think this is one of those books that I’ll need to read again at least once to fully appreciate the story. It’s a good book, it’s an amazing read, I would recommend it but ONLY if you don’t mind how deep into the murky depths of human depravity this will take you.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

Genre- Erotic Romance

Goodreads- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35607451-the-game

What would you do for one million dollars? Or rather, what wouldn’t you do? Would you play a game?
One contract. Two Guys. Three players. Four Strikes. Five rules. Six zeros. Seven days.
No safe words. No questions. Complete submission. Are you game?

Friday Book Blogger Hop

Louise H6 Comments

FRIDAY BOOK BLOGGER HOP

 The Book Blogger Hop was originally created by Jennifer @ Crazy-For-Books. It is now hosted by Billy @Coffee Addicted Writings. Each week the hop will start on a Friday and end the following Thursday. There will be a weekly prompt featuring a book related question. The hop’s purpose is to give bloggers a chance to follow other blogs, learn about new books, befriend other bloggers, and receive new followers to your own blog. 

Life got the better of me, or perhaps age is just making me more and more forgetful. Whatever the reason, I nearly forgot to post this week’s question and my answer to it.

Elizabeth @ Silver’s Reviews asks us – Do you own an e-reader? If so, what is your favorite thing about it?


Why yes, yes I do own one. For years I resisted, certain that it would never replace the joy of a physical book for me. Now I wouldn’t be, couldn’t be, without it. I can carry hundreds of different books in my handbag. I can read at night without needing a lamp. I also can read at night without my glasses, though my daughter laughs at how large I have the font and how few sentences fit on the page!


One of my biggest fears now is that I will lose my kindle or it will break. I love looking at book covers but I don’t love how much space they take up. In a family home where there are 5 adults (well almost 5, the youngest offspring is 18 in a few weeks) there isn’t room for bookshelves or bookcases. My kindle allows me to indulge my reading passion without overcrowding my home.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Urban Justice Release Blitz with USA Today Bestselling author, India Kells

Louise HLeave a comment

Title: Urban Justice

Author: India Kells 


Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publication Date: November 26th, 2020
Hosted by: Lady Amber’s PR

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Blurb: 

As Chicago is dragged even deeper into darkness, the Vigilante must push through the fear. Only one man can help her save innocent souls, and salvation can only be found deep underground.

Sloane Friday is fearless. Once a cop, she now works with a few select men guarding her new home as the Vigilante. Despite their best efforts, the deadly drug Phantom is spreading, claiming more deaths each time the night falls. The mission calls to Sloane, triggering a piece of her past she believed she’d put to rest.

A former Marine and passionate about urban exploration, Professor Luke Radcliffe encounters the Vigilante one night and when the Vigilante approaches him for help, he’s dragged back into a world of violence he thought he’d left behind. He quickly realizes there’s much more at stake than dealing with criminals, and the team of unique individuals fighting in the shadows gains his admiration. In particular, Sloane, the pink-haired woman with a wild streak that calls to him.

Love blossoms in unexpected places, and deep underground, Luke, Sloane, and the rest of the Vigilantes put their own lives on the line and come together in a common goal—to save the people of Chicago before more lives are lost.

Will their love survive the darkness and addiction, or will the violence surrounding them smother any possibility of a future?

Book Links: 
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2UYQ4d2

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55609368-urban-justice

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Author Bio:
India Kells is a romantic suspense and paranormal romance author with many books under her pen. Her love for strong female characters, wicked alpha males and sexy tense situations, where villains and danger are lurking nearby, help her weave captivating stories that will leave you breathless and wanting for more.

Author Links: 
Website – https://www.indiakells.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/indiakellsauthor
Amazon – https://amzn.to/2V3mZwY
Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/india_kells
BookBub – https://www.bookbub.com/authors/india-kells
Twitter – https://twitter.com/indiakellswrite
Instagram – http://instagram.com/indiakells
Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/indiakells/

Innocent Target Release Blitz with USA Today Bestselling author, India Kells

Louise HLeave a comment

Title: Innocent Target

Author: India Kells & Maddie Wade


Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publication Date: November 25th, 2020
Hosted by: Lady Amber’s PR

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Blurb: 

An abandoned baby, a deadly MC, and two operatives fighting their attraction.

Former Air Force pilot and current Alliance Agency member James Valentine, aka Romeo, has a reputation for seducing every woman he meets. Then he falls for the one woman who seems to be immune to his charms. That is until one night James is left literally holding the baby, and everything changes.

Every inch his equal, Mercy Broussard was a cop and an aerobatic stuntwoman before joining the Alliance Agency and she has no intention of succumbing to Romeo’s seduction or revealing anything about herself or her previous life to anyone, including the man she secretly wants. She sees a different side to James though when he’s left with his two-week-old niece and against her better judgement, Mercy offers to help him take care of Abbie.

The unlikely trio soon find themselves in trouble and on the run, not only from the FBI but also one of the most dangerous MCs in Florida. With questions piling up and an unexpected threat closing in on them, James and Mercy are forced to trust each other like never before. As their guards come down, and their true feelings emerge, it becomes clear that they’ve stumbled onto something that goes deeper than they first thought.

Mercy and James will have to put their hearts and bodies on the line in order to reunite mother and baby and hope they all survive.

Book Links: 
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Jc5LLw

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56033099-innocent-target

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Author Bio:
India Kells is a romantic suspense and paranormal romance author with many books under her pen. Her love for strong female characters, wicked alpha males and sexy tense situations, where villains and danger are lurking nearby, help her weave captivating stories that will leave you breathless and wanting for more.

Author Links: 
Website – https://www.indiakells.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/indiakellsauthor
Amazon – https://amzn.to/2V3mZwY
Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/india_kells
BookBub – https://www.bookbub.com/authors/india-kells
Twitter – https://twitter.com/indiakellswrite
Instagram – http://instagram.com/indiakells
Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/indiakells/

Things That Should Stay Buried Sales Blitz with Casey L Bond

Louise HLeave a comment

Title: Things That Should Stay Buried

Author: Casey L. Bond


Genre: YA Epic Fantasy/Mythology

Editor: Stacy Sanford/ The Girl with the Red Pen
Cover & Trailer Designer: Melissa Stevens/ The Illustrated Author Design Services
Publication Date: August 28th, 2020
Hosted by: Lady Amber’s PR

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Blurb:
Some destinies are written in the stars. Others must be bought with blood… 

The Zodia are real. Clawing their way from a long-forgotten tomb, they emerge, ravenous to claim everyone born under their star signs. Plotting to resurrect kingdoms no human knew existed, they are driven by a hunger for vengeance against the one who buried them: Aries. 

Larken is a natural born sprinter, but even she can’t outrun the darkness closing in. A shelter-in-place order has been issued, causing widespread panic. Some brush the alarm off as a drill, until people begin to disappear… vanishing without a trace. Left with only one option, Larken’s brother does what he must to save her life… and calls forth Aries. 

Considered a traitor by his own kind, only Aries has the power to stand against the Zodia. But he can’t do it alone. Mystically bonded to Larken, the pair must band together for the fight to come if either hope to make it out alive. Neither anticipated the passion that would ignite between them. Yet, in a world suddenly thrust into chaos, it may be the key to their survival. 

The Zodia are out for blood with their attentions inexplicably focused on Larken. When long buried truths finally come to light, will their love be their salvation or their curse?

“A mesmerizing and haunting twist on a familiar tale you don’t want to miss. “ – Cameo Renae, USA Today bestselling author of the Hidden Wings Series

“Casey L. Bond reaches for the stars to bring us Things That Should Stay Buried. The Zodia are beautiful, dangerous and to die for.”- New York Times Bestselling Author Chanda Hahn

Book Links: 
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3kZlUAV

Trailer: https://youtu.be/nFdkycZQ4qw

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53481286-ttssb

Author Bio:
Casey Bond lives in West Virginia with her husband and their two beautiful daughters. She likes goats and yoga, but hasn’t tried goat yoga because the family goat is so big he might break her back. Seriously, he’s the size of a pony. Her favorite books are the ones that contain magical worlds and flawed characters she would want to hang out with. Most days of the week, she writes young adult fantasy books, letting her imaginary friends spill onto the blank page. 

Casey is the award-winning author of When Wishes Bleed, the Frenzy series, and fairy tale retellings such as Riches to Rags, Savage Beauty, Unlocked and Brutal Curse. Learn more about her work at http://www.authorcaseybond.com.


Author Links: 
Website: www.authorcaseybond.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorcaseybond 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorcaseybond
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7212486.Casey_L_Bond
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/caseyb007
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1PmE0pg
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/casey-l-bond
Bond-Tourage: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1032678336804562/
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gcAu9v

A Selfish Purpose by Ann Bakshis Release Blitz

Louise HLeave a comment

Title: A Selfish Purpose (Nine Kingdoms, Book 6)

Author: Ann Bakshis


Genre: Epic Fantasy

Cover Designer: Lori Pryzbranowski of Hell Yes Designs
Publication Date: November 25th, 2020
osted by: Lady Amber’s PR

Blurb: 

Many would enslave her. It’s up to Honora to save herself by any means necessary.

The power of the Shadows courses through Ora’s veins, making her a prize an onslaught of enemies conspire to claim. To her great regret, they aren’t alone in their desires to exploit her. Evander, her husband, has taken to using her when it suits him, then casting her aside.

Greed, arrogance, jealousy, and power: each are selfish masters who dictate the lives of those who allow them into their hearts. All of which Honora has seen far too much of in recent months. Desperate to break free from the noose of cruelty tightening around her, she risks everything to forge her own path. How far will Ora go to turn the tides in Toorkuns? And will the sacrifice required be too steep a price to pay?

Buy Links:
Unleashing the Shadows: https://amzn.to/3d6QsNk
Beware the Seer: https://amzn.to/3d0A9kV
The Loss of Another: https://amzn.to/2UPlxyN
Promises Broken: https://amzn.to/2EMD6e3
The Righteous Man: https://amzn.to/35RuWu6
A Selfish Purpose: https://amzn.to/3nUxEXq

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55918959-a-selfish-purpose

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Author Bio:
I’ve always loved to write ever since I was young. I would picture myself as the main character so I could go on adventures. They began as daydreams, which I eventually put down onto paper. Throughout the years I would write whenever I got the chance no matter how small the manuscript turned out to be. I’d tried the traditional method of sending out query letters to agents, but they would respond with a “thanks, but no thanks” note. I felt discouraged, but kept writing. I had a lot of encouragement from my mom, my Aunt Jeanne, my daughter, and my husband. Having the support helped keep me chasing my dream. A few years ago, I decided to buckle down and get serious about my writing. After some research and speaking with a friend of my husband, I took the plunge into self-publishing. I found an editor and a cover designer along with other indie authors on Facebook. I’ve joined groups and asked advice from writers who have already been through the steps it takes to get out there. It took me four years and three versions before I published my first book titled Wasteland. From there, I’ve completed several series and stand-alones with quite a few more in progress, so watch for their release.

Author Links: 
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3e7QPIF
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13615433.Ann_Bakshis
Twitter: https://twitter.com/abakshis
Website: https://annbakshisauthor.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnBakshisAuthor/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ann-bakshis
Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/34bdc2de49af/aedvwxff0f

// REVIEW \\ Her Broken Alpha

Louise HLeave a comment

HER BROKEN ALPHA
by Isoellen

The perfect soft to my hard, laughter to my growl.

Can I just say, **swoon**?

The author has taken the world of omegaverse, written a grumbly, growly, alpha male who is very VERY much in charge of things but given it softer edges and gentler mores. There are all the expected – required! – elements, such as bonding, knots and slick, but where some Alpha’s seem to be all take and no give, Monster/Darre balanced his domination with incredible caring and gentleness.

His hands were perfection – big and rough. She was small and delicate in comparison. He gave her the gift of feeling infinitely cherished. It made her so happy, she felt as bright as the sun streaming into the room, as if she could glow forever and a day with the feelings he inspired.

Naya could so easily have been a weak as dishwater, doormat type character but somehow she wasn’t. In fact she felt the exact opposite. I found her to be resilient, strong yet flexible, so as to whether the tempest that is her Alpha. I quite simply adored this pair and very much enjoyed their journey.

She ignored him as he growled and snapped at her. She wasn’t one of those betas and drones frightened of his snarls. She’d given him her mark. She’d obey him, but she would not fear him.

The portrayal of their bond was so incredibly well done, not only convincing me of the depth of their feelings but also how perfectly suited they were for one another. Naya had spent her whole life pleasing others rather than being herself, and Monster had allowed a youthful loss to twist and warp his entire being. Together they found healing, found love, found acceptance and found the most wonderful of futures.

I’m not quite sure how Isoellen achieved it, but along with all the omegaverse tropes, this also had strong elements of romantic suspense about it. If you enjoy omegaverse, or are looking to try your first OV book, then this is one I’d happily recommend to one and all.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Genre– Omegaverse PNR

Goodreads- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54697656-her-broken-alpha

Naya was a good girl. She never argued or fussed, even when an archaic society demanded she choose a husband and marry.
She had done everything right… Hadn’t she?
So how did she end up here, in the hell they called Sector 2?
Stolen from her home in the dead of night and thrown at the feet of a man that people only dared speak of in whispers, everything has gone horribly wrong in the blink of an eye.
Treachery brought them together, but fate would see them bound.
There was no escaping this crumbling kingdom once the mad monster set his mind, and his heart, on her.

It’ Monday! What Are You Reading? #IMWAYR

Louise H8 Comments

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is a wonderful place to meet up and share what you have been, and are about to be, reading over the week. It’s a great post to organise yourself. It’s an opportunity to visit and comment and er… add to your groaning TBR pile! Everyone is welcome. This meme started on J Kaye’s blog and then was hosted by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn over at The Book Date.

The weather was absolutely gorgeous yesterday, so we managed to get out for a walk. It was much busier than normal, but I guess it’s because most people would normally be at the currently closed pub or shopping centres.

Books Read Last Week

  • Saving Sandra by Nicolina Martin

I thoroughly enjoyed all three books I read, the first of which was the final instalment of Colleen Cowley’s Clandestine Magic series. My review will be on the blog later but you can also find it here on Goodreads. I’m slowly working my way through Kitty Thomas’ Pleasure House box set. Broken Dolls was surprisingly light on both sex and kink, but was a gripping read. The final book completed was a beta read, though to be honest the author could hit publish right now, the book was so damn brilliant.

I did have a DNF, by an author I usually enjoy. The book wasn’t bad, it was just so bland and generic and like dozens of other similarly themed books. If you’re new to the forced marriage trope, then the book would probably be a hit with you, but for me it brought nothing new to the table. In fact I felt like I was wasting valuable reading time, hence the DNF.

Currently Reading

I’m currently reading an MM dark epic fantasy. This is book 2 of a trilogy and is certainly ticking all the right boxes so far.

Upcoming Reads

I have the final 2 books of the Pleasure House box set to read. After that the world is once again my oyster.


So that’s my week in books. How was your week? Did you get much reading done, and if you did were the books a success? Happy reading!

// REVIEW \\ Find Her by Markie Morelli

Louise HLeave a comment

Finn’s Plan – Book One:
Find Her
by Markie Morelli

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Having read Cheri’s Rules I was intrigued to read Find Her (Finn’s Book #1), which is the first part of a trilogy. I found the story really easy to read and definitely enjoyed it. It’s a fairly low steam, slow burn, though I think that may well change in following books, which I will definitely be reading.


I’m looking forward to seeing how Trish grows as a character. I didn’t feel like I really got to know the “inner” her but am hoping that we will see her develop and find her voice in future books. At first I thought she was a little weak, almost a doormat, but then I realised that actually she was still quite young and was simply overwhelmed by Finn’s personality. Bulldozed might be a more apt description.


Speaking of Finn, he knew very much what he wanted and went all out to attain it. I do have reservations that he is more in love with the idea of his “perfect wife” than he is with Trish herself. There were constant internal thoughts on how he would guide her, mould her, change her until she became his ideal woman. At times it felt as though he was controlling to the point of overbearing. However just as I’d reach that point, he would then do or say something to not only redeem himself but make me swing the other way and cheerlead for him.


Finn did want to ensure any decisions and actions were consensual and he clearly cared very deeply for Trish, so he is a hero I can get behind. Even though he is dearly hoping that Trish will be both his wife and his little girl, he was willing to accept her choice in the matter. Whilst normally I’d have an issue that he hadn’t been honest with Trish about his ultimate desires, he is willing to accept if she says no to certain things, so I’m giving him a pass this time. He does seem to listen to Trish, helping her work through some very conflicted feelings, and I am very much looking forward to seeing what happens next. 

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

Genre- Age Play Erotic Romance

Amazon- https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08KPRGYC7/

“You can’t buy me, Finn,” she replied. “Money doesn’t mean that much to me. I’ll admit I’m attracted to you, but don’t try to ‘make me’ do anything. I may be small and easy to get along with, but I can be feisty as well. And stubborn,” she added, thoughtfully.
“I’m counting on that,” he answered cryptically.

Billionaire Finley Tremont is a man of action and he has plans, big plans for his new bride, Trisha. He wants more than a traditional marriage, much more. Putting on the brakes will be difficult for him, but that’s exactly what he needs to do. Each step must by measured, designed to make her crave the same things he does. He adores her, aches for her, and now that she’s agreed to become his wife, Finn intends to take Trisha into a world he’s only dreamed about.
As a brilliant CEO, Finn is used to overcoming obstacles to get what he wants, and he wants to be her husband and daddy. Let her be naughty and rebellious if she wants to; he hungers for the challenge and a chance to prove that he is more than master enough. In the end, he’s going to win her undying love.

Photo by Athena on Pexels.com