Beautiful and Heartfelt Unspoken Love Story
344299
I read this book to prepare myself for the series that is Love Riddles!! You meet this shy twenty-something pair of BFFs. Kasey and Reilly are BFFs and Kasey is in love with Reilly's brother Jake who works on an offshore oil rig. Jake come home to their small town to visit when everything hits the fan. This is a very sweet, beautiful and heartfelt unspoken love story.

Met this author at Southern Belle Book Blog and CM Foss present: Sign N Sip Author Event in Huntly, VA April 23, 2016 #SignNSip

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4408605
It feels like I've been waiting for a long time to get my hands on this book. From the start Rothert has had me desperate to read more about this  particular Lockhart brother. And I'm happy to find that his story did not fall short. I really loved this emotional, ber sweet story and I'm glad that once again I got the chance to read and review for this author who has firmly become a must read.

What did I love?
I loved the sincerity of this subtle taboo love story. There's definitely something about a couple who shouldn't be falling in love that always piques my interest. I loved the equal vulnerability of both hero and heroine. Their dual innocence really complemented their connection with each other and added another layer to the romance that Rothert created with this couple. Overall this was an incredibly sweet, romantic story complimented by a  gorgeous outcome for a lovely couple.

Why not five?
This novel was a little on the short side for my five star taste. Due to its length it naturally had a quick pace, which as entertaining as it was lent to a fast forward connection between the characters which meant that I missed out on some of the drawn out tension that I like in my romance stories.  I also found that the ending felt somewhat rushed; the romantic in me definitely wanted that little bit more to fall in love with.

Final thoughts ...
I love books that are heartfelt and sincere. I ended up with a huge crush on this couple and once again I predictably found myself addicted to this authors story. This series is a wonderful journey to follow and although each book can be read as a standalone I would definitely recommend discovering all of these books. I can guarantee that Rothert has created a little something for all romance readers to love. Enjoy ...
3004234
What I loved about this story was that it was more than a Love story about two people. The story was unique in that we saw a love a person had for her best friend that was deep and real but one she knew would never be enough for either of them and she needed to be strong to let it go.  That is the  beautiful part of this story, among many others.

The love among the friends is so refreshing to experience. The openness to embracing others into your circle is just heart ache but in the most amazing way possible.

There is a real story here that doesn't involve unneeded drama and just speaks to the reader.  As a reader I appreciate the honesty the story invokes - thank you

Can't wait to read about Alex.
769443
Never Let You Go is a modern day fairytale, the newest from one of my favorite authors Katy Regnery.  Although this story is edgier than Katys other novels, I can still feel her presence through the writing never doubting that this is definitely one of her stories.  The emotions she makes me feel while reading her books is indescribable always giving me the experience of such an intense connection to her characters as their lives leap off of the pages of my Kindle and touch my heart.

Griselda and Holden spent their lives at a young age in the foster system after the loss of their parents/family, ultimately living together in the same home.  But when they are suddenly abducted, they end up spending three years being held captive together and both being abused.  As they begin to fear for their lives, they finally make the decision to attempt an escape never anticipating that one of them will ultimately be unable to get away.

Having spent the last ten years never giving up hope of seeing Holden again, Griselda unexpectedly finds him in a situation she never anticipated.  From the moment they reconnect, the chemistry and deep connection they shared as children which had intertwined their hearts once more awakens their souls as adults never having been broken despite their separation and the passage of years.  When they decide to disappear from the lives they have been living to get to know each other again, their mutual physical craving skyrockets out of control finally leading them to the relationship they had never shared in their youth.  Now as they begin to rediscover each other and learn how they have each spent their lives while separated, they both struggle to understand the individual decisions they ultimately made.  Will Griselda and Holden be able to overcome those choices and learn to let go of the past to finally find their happily ever after and build the life together they had always dreamed of?

Through this story, my emotions ran the gamut from laughter to heartbreak.  The unfaltering and never-ending love shared between Griselda and Holden despite some of the obstacles they must face is deeply touching, and their intense passion for one another practically shot sparks off of the pages.  As I now sit here writing this review reliving their story in my mind, it brings tears to my eyes and a soreness and lump in my throat while simultaneously leaving me with a smile on my face as I recall the tender moments and overwhelming love Gris and Holden shared.  This is an absolutely incredible story proving that despite the hurt and pain suffered in the past, the strength that can grow from within (both individually as well as together) can lead down a path towards the undying love that developed from an early age which becomes even stronger and guides them towards an everlasting connection unable to be broken.

I applaud Ms. Regnery for this outstanding and remarkable story.  I wish she could have seen me as I read the final words delivering to her a standing ovation for Never Let Me Go.  Such a spectacular novel this is, and I have again fallen in love with Katys characters and was sad to have to say goodbye.  There were definitely countless times that I found myself wanting to read faster just so I could know how the story ends, while at the same time wanting it to go on forever as I didn't want to let them go.
1377316
Dearest Unspoken,

I must regrettably inform you that we must do the unthinkable and separate. I really don't know where we went wrong, you and I. After my co-blogger, Kat, set us up on that blind date, urging me to give you a go, I thought for sure we would hit it off nicely.  And for a minute we did. Don't you remember? It was love at first sight as I set my eyes on your gorgeous cover and unique premise. But somehow, along the way, something went wrong.

Unspoken, you were true. You had a solid plot and you were different from any of the others I've read before you. But it was clear from the beginning that our cultural differences would be our undoing. With you being so very English and me being a confused American, I just couldn't keep up with your complexity. But darling, to be fair, you weren't easy on me. If only your scene transitions were a little more smoother, perhaps I could have understood how much time had passed or when the character PoV had changed. Or perhaps if only the characters didn't suffer from "just go with it" syndrome, ignoring and dismissing instances where they had the opportunity to learn more about the mystery just for the sake of prolonging the story. Unspoken, let's be honest with one another. That mystery could have been solved halfway through the story if only the characters weren't so wrapped up in concealing their feelings. Honey-bunches, it annoyed me.

Speaking of your characters, darling, they were entirely likable. But that's also the problem because that's all they will ever be for him, just likable. Not once did I feel connect to them in any way and countless times I paused to consider the possibilities of why. Kami is a smart, witty, no-nonsense girl. Just my type, if you can believe it. But her constant detachment from Jared proved to be more of an annoyance than anything else. The more and more she pulled away from him, the more I felt I lost any type connection. Don't get me wrong, Unspoken. I really did enjoy the fact that they could read each other's minds since they were babies. I just don't understand why Jared never could bear to touch Kemi. Why did Kami want to rid herself of Jared after she mentions how much she values their special relationship. Because she was afraid of being hurt? So this one hurdle somehow cancels out the relationship they had developed since they were children? I'm sorry, but that logical pathway confuses me.

Even still, through our rough times, you somehow managed to occasionally make me laugh. The dialogue and humor were perfection and timely placed. Unfortunately, not even your wit could save us. I probably should have mentioned all this before. Looking back, I had seen the ghosts of these feelings at the halfway mark and I struggled to stay in our relationship. I now realize that I shouldn't have let other's incessant peer pressure get to me. You see, they told me to just hang in there, that it was all worth it in the end. But by the time you have reached your climax and ending, I remained indifferent. To put it lightly, dearest, your ending is illogical to me. You're telling me a group of people couldn't disarm and defeat one enemy? Even with their special abilities combined? And in turn, it took that group of people forever to get to Kami? And dammit I wish I could go into further detail about that, but I know how you feel about kissing and telling.

No, no. I know what you're doing right now and you shouldn't even think it. Unspoken, you were fabulous in so many ways. It was like you were telling this hilarious joke and I was standing there waiting for the punchline, only to realize everyone else is already laughing. Which is why I must close this break-up letter with the most clichd expression ever: It's not you, it's me. (No, wait. It's you. It's totally you.)

With all my love,
Stephanie Sinclair

ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
2283646
I found this "gem" of a book accidentally but let me tell you I am so glad I did.  The second chance love story of Devin and Katie is told with such compassion and understanding and respect.  The entire book is filled with love and loss.  Forgiveness and acceptance.  Katie and Devin share such an amazing and heartfelt chemistry that just "pops" off the pages and into your heart..  The letters, emails and phone calls they share are a story within themselves and truly beautiful.  The pain and loss that once consumed them both shatters and makes way for the healing and forgiving they both need.  I am a new reader to this author and definitely a fan. Please do yourself a favor and pick up this amazing book.
1537740
Lily Velden has done it again!  She's dug deeply into her character's souls and beautifully and lyrically made me a part of their lives.  Same Page is a heartwarming yet gut-wrenching read that brought tears to my eyes, along with some smiles, as the rocky journey to love for Jaxon and Liam took place over many months.  The journey wasn't easy as self-doubts and trust issues ate away at them from the moment they met to their immensely satisfying and crowd pleasing HEA.  Throw in numerous playful and steamy sexual encounters that builds the bond between them and by the conclusion I was completely won over.

Jaxon has always thought himself straight but knew his relationships were somehow lacking.  Once his eyes meet those of Liam's he finds what he's been missing.  Liam doesn't give him a warm welcome as he's tired of being wanted only for his looks.  Jaxon can respect that as he's felt the same, so he doesn't push.  For months though his only thoughts are of Liam.  Discovering more about Liam and his past has him wanting to prove he's worthy of him.  Jaxon becomes a better person through his endeavors and it wins over Liam's godfather who acts as a matchmaker to bring them together.  Still not wanting to rush Liam has Jaxon proposing they be just friends which leads to lots of sexual tension that left even me frustrated.  It takes a bit of jealousy and a tragic event to finally bring them together and admit their true feelings.  That's not to say that things continue to go smoothly as the world of acting brings out jealousy issues, but these two are good at talking (among other things) and by the end of this story there's a sense of hopefulness and happiness.

Liam lost his parents when he was a teen so he's always wanted to be a part of a family.  His godfather Garrett is a wonderful father figure but it's the day to day acts of closeness that he desires.  It's led him to choosing relationships with men who only wanted him for his looks (of which he's a very sexy man), which left him shattered and untrusting of men.  Slowly but surely Jaxon wins him over and it's heartwarming to see them together as they go from friends to lovers.  Liam still has fears of Jaxon leaving him but through talking, issues of trust are slowly getting stronger and by the end of the story they are a united front in whatever comes their way.

Liam is an attentive lover who slowly brings Jaxon into their sexual encounters.  Through little touches and subtle acts it becomes clear how much more meaningful his encounters with Jaxon are from his past.  Jaxon's extremely exuberant and a quick learner and each of their sexual encounters are hot.  There's also a bit of playfulness that's extremely endearing.  These two are also very vocal in expressing their love.  They say the L-word often and at times it almost felt a bit too sentimental, a bit too romantic for some readers.  The characters even worried that their numerous proclamations were becoming too girly! For me though, I found them utterly enchanting and I couldn't keep the cheesy smile off my face that their words brought me.

Ms. Velden has created two strong heroes who have dug deep to work past their demons to come together as a formidable couple.  They have wonderful and supportive friends around them who brought even more smiles to my face.  The sexual encounters are hot and varied and left me a bit breathless in their frequency.  This story has a definite conclusion, an immensely satisfying one, but I'm happy that their story will continue in The Race is On.
1848080
Wind Chime Cafe is a story that never gets old...no matter how many times I read it. Having read it when it first released, I had forgotten all the magic moments between the characters and all the poignant details that made it such a memorable reading experience. I'm glad I decided to give it another read through because I have that same feeling of whimsy and romance as when I first finished it all over again.

The story between Will and Annie is one filled with endearing romance but the story that really gets you in the feels is that of Will, and Annie's precious daughter Taylor and her harrowing ordeal. The sizzling chemistry between Annie and Will makes for a sexy push and pull as they fight their attraction but it's all over once Will and Taylor bond in the story. The fact that he is a Navy SEAL really helps solidify their connection of solidarity as they both help each other in the struggle to overcome tragedy. I love, love LOVE a single mother who finds a sexy, strong, capable and loving man to care for both mother and child. Will was amazing and very easy to love. Annie was equally strong to match his ferocity and her role in caring for Taylor reminded me of my own strong single mother.

I had forgotten just how moving this story was as I neared the end and started to choke on the lump in my throat. Underneath the subtle exterior of the cover lies a book with depth and emotion that will sweep you up in romance and the excitement of falling in love. I always wanted to finished the series and now I can move to the next story now that they're out from when I first read this one. Wind Chime Cafe is an excellent weekend read when you want to get lost in something meaningful. I highly recommend it!
458097
Beautiful heart warming story. I think mostly we read about romance novels which start at the beginning - introduction, relationship buildup up to a sort of HFN we feel will be a HEA. This one is different. We start at the breaking point, 17 years after Sivan Cruz and Walter Wainwright met, now a married couple with two grown kids finding life and romance isn't where they want them to be.

Sivan (our sole POV) confronts Walter, asking for a divorce and Walter though quite silently agrees. We get a little glimpse into how they met right after but the whole book is about Walter and Sivan finding the way to go back to each other. They know each other so well, they love each other, yeah they have their quarrels and life had become a series of routines but inside these routines there are two men who love each other dearly and would do anything and everything for each other's happiness, question is - if breaking up is the answer? Naturally no.. but they need time, a lot of time to take off their masks and be brave enough to be truthful to themselves and each other.

It's quite a short novel, but it had everything I needed to know about Sivan and Walter. I loved both of them and got why and how they came to this breaking point. Relationships need work, they need to be maintained and I guess after 17 years, and especially now that the house is empty of kids it's time to evaluate. I think Walter's actions are very clear so I guess we didn't NEED his POV but I wish we had, especially because he is the guy to silent treat you. Sivan made too many wrong assumptions though Walter's silences which brought them to this point but what Walter DOES excel in are actions. In these he doesn't fail.

I loved both of them. I guess they are a typical Mary couple, the brooding big guy with the smaller energetic talkative one. But when something works why fix it? Also in a way it's even better when we get the next chapters of the book we usually don't get, how it looks so many years later when life is mostly settled. With kids, friends and associates surrounding a rather normal daily routine of work-home.

Thank you Mary for this sweetness of a story. I HIGHLY recommend it because of the unique turf and the relevance of this story to life and romance in the most realistic way.

Tags: Contemporary MM Romance

More @ Ultra Meital Reviews.
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I found myself completely absorbed in this story. The couple has been married for twenty years and even though they love each other they've grown apart. They decide to divorce even though neither wants to, but to do so they must remodel their house to be able to sell it. What found so wonderful about this story was how true it was. Marriage and love are so easily lost because both parties feel unloved or underappreciated. When the couple looked inside themselves and each decided to give to the other, they rediscovered their love for each other and who they were as a couple. It was such a heart-warming story and reminded me that I need to show love to my hubby more often. The more love you give away the more you receive. I did receive a copy of this story for free in exchange for an honest review. But I loved the story so much I read it in one sitting and late into the night.
816715
Jason Luke delivers and masterclass in love and romance in this one of the most beautiful books I have read so far this year.
The author takes you on a passionate and poignant journey with two characters that will take your breath away.
Blake and Connie just make my heart melt- Blake has a depth to him that had me querying how and when he was going to wake up and see all the good that surrounded him, I feared that his darkness was going to allow Connie to slip right through his fingers.
Connie on the other hand has her own issues to deal with and a violent past that she is trying hard to continue to elude.
But the connection between the two of them left me breathless and part of that was because I wanted them both to have a happiness that they so deserved.
I felt that Jason Luke gave me a gloriously descriptive, powerfully emotive, sensual love story that was as rich as it was enriching and I do feel as if I have been well and truly schooled in the true meaning love.
2181409
This was one of the most magically beautiful books I have read this year or possibly ever. The words were lyrical and in some parts it utterly destroyed me. Its one of those stories where you feel so many emotions that its just so difficult to fully explain. I felt like a tornado, all twisted up inside. At times I was reading with a huge smile and others crying quietly to myself. When the Moon Was Ours was definitely a rollercoaster ride, but one I would gladly take again.

It would so easy to just summarize the story as being about four beautiful and manipulative white girls who will stop at nothing to steal something from the quiet odd girl. Sure, thats kind of where the plot takes the reader, but this story is about so much more! Its about secrets, those kind that you try to hide even from yourself, self discovery and acceptance.

Miel struggles with who she is and remembering her life before she was found in the aftermath of a flood. Multicoloured roses grow from her wrist, but she isn't sure how she feels about it. Sam, her best friend, isn't sure who he is. He struggles with his body and his place in the world. What he does know is that he loves Miel more than anything else in the world. Miel and Sam  Honey and Moon as they were often referred to  were just so beautiful. I wanted to hug them so many times!

Where this book shines is in its handling of gender issues. I have never read a book where the topic is written with such skill and brutal honesty. Yes, I have read books in the past that discuss transgender characters, but it felt like thats all the character was. Here, the characters aren't forced into one box. All facets of their personality and lives are explored.

I highly recommend reading the Authors Note at the end of the story. Like the book, its highly emotional and carefully crafted. It provided insight into how the book was written and the inspiration behind it. I found it extremely touching.

You really need to read this gorgeous book! I rated it five stars, but could have easily given it more. The writing, the charactersit does something to you. Seriously, my heart is still recovering. Its going to be so difficult to pick up another book after finishing this one.
3347670
I picked this book up because I was intrigued by the concept of just seven days throughout the course of an eleven year relationship being able to define and shape it.  If you read as much as I do, you start to notice that a lot of storylines are very similar.  When I read the blurb I thought Unconditional Love looked like a book that would be different.

There were a few hurdles I had to overcome right off the bat.  I usually don't care for young adult or teen love stories.  I have my reasons, but I don't really think you care so I'll spare you the details :).  Anyway, the book begins with Don and Jason meeting when they're 16 years old.  The first half of the book, three of the seven days, covers their relationship over the course of two summers.  Normally that would be way too much time spent with underage boys for me, but this book was different.

I was immersed in their lives.  The boys were dealing with some pretty difficult situations that a lot of adults wouldn't be able to cope with.  The depth of their love and the complexity of their struggles drew me in.  I loved the innocent naivete they had even while their pain had me wiping away a couple tears.  The last half of the book covers their relationship through adulthood where they were still dealing with the aftermath of events from those first two summers.  I don't want to give anything away about the exact nature of their problems.  I'll simply say that the love from unexpected sources and the lack of it where it should be expected was brilliantly depicted.

Unconditional Love is the perfect title for this book.  A lot of M/M romance can do passion, hot sex and angst but this book brought them all together in a beautiful story showcasing the many versions of love.  It was as if their bond was strengthened and tempered as they drifted in and out of each others lives over the years.  At times their story was heartbreaking and at other times it was uplifting.  I love books like this!
2561443
Love and other Unknown Variables took me on an emotional ride that I wasn't mentally prepared for. To be entirely honest I got the book because it involved a nerd trying to find love and that was all I needed to really want the book, and Ill admit to skipping over the part in the blurb about Charlottes illness. But Im glad I did, because if I would have known it was going to rip my heart out when I started it then I would have never actually started it. I usually avoid things that will require tissues- and trust me this read will definitely require some tissues.
The book starts us off with a nerdy high school student who is treating love like a science experiment. He actually has studies hes performed on other girls and the outcome of those encounters. But he knows nothing else but science and math so thats how he handles everything throughout the entire novel- until Charlotte. Charlotte changes his reality and makes him question everything, which is ultimately what love is sort of like.
The love story between Charlotte and Charlie is quirky and fun, and is almost missed in the beginning because they are both to afraid. Charlie is too afraid to fall in love, Charlotte is too afraid to hurt her best friend who is Charlies sister. Then Charlie finds out about Charlottes illness and it frightens him even more, but eventually draws him to her and they confess their feelings and their romance blossoms. And its a cute romance, even if its short-lived. Its that romance that everyone wants, and so few have the joy of feeling. Its that live in the moment love because all you have is now kind of love. And to watch them fall further in love with each other reminds me so much of how my husband and I feel in love with each other. It was awkward at first, but it turned into something beautiful that only the two of us will understand and feel.
But then the story gets dark and Shannon Lee Alexander rips out the hearts of her reader as the inevitable happens. We all know its coming as we read, but we pray that a miracle happens and it doesnt. Sadly that miracle doesnt happen and were left just as torn as the actual characters. Were left trying to pick up ourselves from the roller coaster of emotions we just went through as we feel in love with characters to see them ripped away. Watching a fictional person youve grown to love suffer sucks, theres no other way to describe it. But the pain makes you feel human and realize that life is precious and that we aren't always granted a tomorrow.
I highly recommend having a box of tissues handy as you read this book, you just may need them.
4936485
the first time my lips touched yours, I felt the rest of my life.

I feel so fortunate to have been introduced to Prescott Lane and her book, Quiet Angel. Timing. Sometimes it's perfect, sometimes it's not. Quiet Angel is a charming, second chance romance filled with beauty, love, humor, and healing.

As Quiet Angel begins, we are introduced to our two main characters and find ourselves intrigued at what may lie ahead. Two lost people looking for a compass to give direction and finding each other. Layla Baxter as a teenager is shy and a bit awkward. Gage Montgomery is the perfect ten. He has a plan for his future and, according to his family, his future is bright and mapped outuntil her. She is the kink in his chain, and he gives her glimpses of things shes never dreamed of. But, there are obstacles standing in the way that make this instant love seem impossible. Fast forward twelve years and we now engage them as they discover each other and explore the possibilities that could have been.  

Gage and Layla as teenagers were so sweet and innocent, I fell in love with them without effort.  Being witness to their reunion as adults made me giddy with anticipation for what was to come. There were many laugh out loud moments for me as Gage and Layla's sidekicks made their way into the story and burrowed into my heart. They were all fun-loving, down-to-earth, comical, and loyal. Additional characters in the story added to the impact and flow that made Quiet Angel such an enjoyable read.  There were points in the story, especially after Gage and Layla were reunited, that it felt so real, as if it were something I would witness with a friend or family member. It easily captured my emotions and drew me in further. Without revealing too much of the story I would like to mention that Prescott Lane brought in an issue that is prevalent in the world in which we live, but handled it with such compassion and delicacy.  I applaud her for the care which she displayed.  Quiet Angel was definitely a book worth reading and reviewing.  I look forward to, and am hopeful for, more from this author.

The story of my life begins and ends with you.
1960701
If you are a woman - lesbian, straight, or in-between - you owe it to yourself to read this beautiful love story about women. Or, even if you're man seeking to understand the nature of women, this book is a great place to start.
Though the story focuses on two particular women, it also speaks to the universal nature of women to want to give and receive love, to be cherished for who we are by another human being, and to share a nurturing life-long commitment with another human being. This story is about the quest of two wonderfully resilient women to find a relationship that includes all of these things. It's just a beautifully told love story about the unique and intimate experience of being a woman. The characters reminded me of my own friends, and even of myself. The events and situations, good and bad, happy and sad, were equally indentifiable. As I read this book, I felt as if I were sitting in a cafe with a female friend having a conversation about our lives while sipping on our mocha lattes. In the end, as I closed the book, I was sad to leave this fictional world which I understood so completely and in which I was so comfortable. But more than that, I felt satisfied and proud to be the "plethora" that is Woman.
3747709
Bound and Teased is a deliciously passionate and deeply touching journey of learning about ourselves and what we truly need. Its a story of not being afraid to reach out to those who mean the most to us and ask questions all the while figuring out where our heart is leading us. Sometimes that comes in the form of a small push of curiosity while it could also take the form of a terrible life altering experience. No matter the catalyst, we should always be true to who we are and to those that we love more them life itself.

Katie Crane made a decision the night of her eighteenth birthday that she has regretted ever since. While she made the decision herself, it was based on lies and deception that she didn't see at first. Once the truth came to light, she knew she had to make things right again if at all possible. She sets out to recapture the life she should have been living the past eight years. There are so much time separating her from her heart that she fears she has forever lost her dreams and her home. If there is nothing else Katie learns from returning to her hometown is that when love and hope still live in our hearts absolutely anything is possible. What she fears the most is if she can still lay claim to the promise that she had before she ran away, or will she find that she isn't courageous enough to take hold of her dreams before they slip through her fingers once more?

I can easily relate to Katies reluctance to chase after her dreams when others in her life that she desperately wants to please are against it. As her elders, they would know better, right? No matter what they are not us, so they don't truly know what we need. I loved how she never really lost her dream. It was just put on hold waiting for her return, and I love her grandmothers complete acceptance of Katie. She didn't want to change her. She just wanted to see her happy, and she knew that her choice was making her happy and allowing her to grow into the woman she was always meant to become. Our future will find us, if we choose to turn around and embrace it with open arms. Love is never far away. It just a heartbeat away.

Marie Tuhart is a truly wonderful writer who knows how to write with deep passion and pure honesty. There is no deception in her story. Only truth and feelings and hope shine through each page. If you want to try a new author, I encourage you to check out her books. You won't be disappointed.