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Contemp. Romance, Review, Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Trigger Warnings

#Review – Mountain Haven (Mountain Mayhem Book 1) by Dawn Love

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Mountain Haven (Mountain Mayhem Book 1) by [Dawn Love]

They say when life hands you lemons, make lemonade.

But for Lexi Lane, life didn’t hand her those lemons. Instead, they were hurled from a grenade launcher. It’s been almost five years since her world detonated around her, and she’s moved on from that sour time in her life – or so she thinks. Hiding out in the mountains of West Virginia has given her the solitude she’s needed to survive, but surviving is all she’s done. When a stranger crashes into her life, will she finally be able to open herself to feel again? To love again?

Michael “Blaze” Blaisure has devoted his life to righting some of the wrongs in the world. Part of a covert military unit, he has traveled from country to country and seen the pits of hell first-hand. After witnessing more death and despair than his heart and soul could take, he makes the decision to change directions and choose a new path. But will that path lead to acceptance and forgiveness for his part in tragedy and death?

All it takes is a mountain, a storm, and the hand of fate to open their eyes to new horizons. But when danger appears, will it separate them, or bring them closer than ever?

Content/Trigger Warnings: Mountain Haven is meant for adults and contains explicit and graphic sexual scenes and language; themes of grief, death, infant loss, loss of fertility; mental illness, PTSD, depression, agoraphobia; violence; stalking; attempted kidnapping; and disturbing imagery.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

Surviving! It doesn’t matter what each of us are going through, we all have our stories and each of us are just trying to survive. Lexi and Blaze come from two completely different backgrounds, both with their own struggles and their own ways of dealing with them. Both looking for a place to escape and somehow finding themselves by finding each other. A raging storm on a mountain brings these two together. Right from the beginning the chemistry is just there. I do believe in a sort of “love at first sight” because sometimes we see someone and just know that it works. These two, even though they are battling their own demons, end up finding each other and helping each other more than either of them knows.

This story is a slow burn. There is a lot that each of them have to dig through just to let loose with the other for even one night. However, there are some bad vibes going that ultimately present a crazy curve ball with the story. One, actually a couple, that I had no clue were coming. Just when I thought they loved and could move on, they lost. And then I thought things were cooling off, BAM! The crazy hits us! This was a slow burn, with the perfect amount of steaminess, and a very suspenseful plotline. Definitely a page turner. Sometimes one person can make you believe in love again and this story is a true testament to that!

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Dawn Love was born in Mayfield, Kentucky, and spent the first twenty-six years of her life there. Always a creative person and an avid reader, she began writing stories for her own entertainment as a teen, and her love of writing continued to grow into adulthood. Meeting the love of her life brought many changes, including moving 900 miles away from home and settling on the Delmarva Peninsula where she resides on her 50-acre farm. Now the mother of two teenagers, she spends her free time creating the characters and stories of her fantasies. She also writes an internationally read Blog where she gives her readers a glimpse into the craziness of her day-to-day life, her mind, and all that the world throws her way.

Contemp. Romance, Review, Romantic Suspense, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR23 #DoubleReview #NewRelease Always a Groomsman (Love on the Run) by Michel Prince

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Always a Groomsman (Love on the Run Book 1) by [Michel Prince]

There’s no reason to let a little thing like death get in the way of a good vacation.

World travelers Serena and Conner Love have been married for years and are always up for a bit of adventure. The Loves have only two constants, their devotion to each other and their ability to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Never having put detective on their resumes, they aren’t crime fighters, at least not professionally. When Serena’s cousin decides to have a destination wedding in the Dominican Republic the stage is set for beachside romance, a little bit of family drama, and a corpse before the couple can say I do.

When a groomsman is found on the beach two days before the wedding, Serena and Conner can’t help themselves from trying to solve the mystery. The Loves believe they’ve uncovered the guilty party using deductive reasoning, a pinch of hacking into security footage, and not missing a beat. When they present their evidence to the police, they discover there might be a block at the local level. Can they find the real killer before the locals sweep the tourist’s death under the radar and blame a local teen they’ve befriended?

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

My goal in life is to be like Serena and Conner Love! These two have an incredible relationship that definitely keeps things interesting. Serena and Conner are so different in many ways but absolutely perfect for each other. Serena has a travel vlog and Conner has become her unofficial cameraman. Conner has his own gaming company but has the flexibility to travel with Serena, “with the direct result of retaining knowledge”, Serena’s words, not mine, LOL!

While out on one of their wild adventures, Serena is summoned to her cousin’s wedding at a beautiful resort in the DR. The Love’s make a detour for the wedding and begin to explore the city! However, while mingling with the wedding party they notice some real thick tension with one of the groomsmen. Things go from tense to super intense when the Loves find him murdered on the beach. The worst part is a local that is innocent is about to take the fall. The shenanigans that Conner and Serena get into are pretty funny but also get to some levels of scary. There is a lot of sarcasm, tons of wit, and true cunningness that helps them get through to solve the murder.

The author does a great job with character development. Especially with giving you just enough information on the suspects to keep you guessing who is the guilty one, right to the very end. The world building is amazing, you feel like you are right there! One thing that I really loved is that there are cultural backgrounds for the characters that I don’t normally see in books. I am especially excited that this is the first book in the series because I am ready to immerse myself in all the travels and cultures that the Loves can introduce us to.

Review by: Twinsie Melinda

I received a copy of this book for an honest review.

I don’t usually read mystery books but this is by Michele Prince and I so love her books. Serena and Conner are so much fun. They have a one-of-a-kind love and since of adventure.  Well Serena has a crazy since of adventure and Conner follows, I think more to look after her.

While on one of their adventures she is called to be at her cousin’s wedding so they go.  True to Serena form they find themselves in the middle of a mystery.  They befriend a boy on the island who supposedly killed one of the wedding party. We get to see Serena and Conner with the help of some friends figure out what happened to the wedding party member.

We are led through their investigation and learn things as they do.  You think its one thing and then they realize it is something else. I did enjoy Conner and Serena’s chemistry and seeing them work through all the clues they uncovered. I liked that this book let me see the Dominican Republic through the characters eyes good and bad. I have to say the side characters were great to get to know.

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USA Today Bestselling author, Michel Prince, graduated with a bachelor degree in History and Political Science. Michel writes young adult, new adult and adult paranormal romance as well as contemporary romance.

“Ms Prince writing is like summer breeze caressing your body, slow and sultry.”-Amazon review of First and Ten.

“Michel Prince is a wonderful author with a real talent for writing.”-Amazon Review of Triple B Baking Co.

“Prince explores in her novels is interracial romance and friendships. Prince pokes fun at stereotypes, but never allows stereotypes to guide her plot. The focus is on creating two strong, independent characters who can stand on their own, but complement each other as a couple.”- Amazon Review of Silly Girl

“One Last Sunset is a well written story by the awesome Michel Prince that left me wanting to learn more about the rest of the Long family.”- Amazon Review for One Last Sunset.

“I could not put it down, and will definitely be looking for more from this Author.”-Amazon Review of Silly Girl.

With characters yelling “It’s my turn damn it!!!” She tries to explain to them that alas, she can only type a hundred and twenty words a minute and they will have wait their turn. She knows eventually they find their way out of her head and to her fingertips and she looks forward to sharing them with you.

When Michel can suppress the voices in her head she can be found at her son’s games in a variety of sports. She would like to thank her family for always being in her corner and especially her husband for supporting her every dream and never letting her give up.

Michel has been awarded Elite Status with Rebel Ink Press in 2013, the service award for her local RWA chapter Midwest Fiction Writers 2013, 2014, won 2015 Sweetest Romance from IREA for Chrysalis, a 2022 finalist for the Minnesota Book Awards for The Amalgam and was a PAN member of RWA. She lives in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, and new puppy.

Review, Teen & Young Adult Contemporary, Writers on the River Attending Author, YA, Zombie

#WOTR23 #Review Zombie Survival for Foster Kids (A Post-Apocalyptic Dystopian Adventure) by L.C. Mortimer

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Zombie Survival for Foster Kids: A Post-Apocalyptic Dystopian Adventure by [L.C. Mortimer]

Surviving the zombie apocalypse is tough.
Surviving foster care is even tougher.

14-year-old Lamech Eris has been in foster care for the past three years and is about to be reunited with his dad when the zombie apocalypse happens.

Now he’s trapped in a house with his foster mom, Madison, and the only way to get to his dad is by going directly through the city.

Too bad it’s filled with the undead.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

I feel sort of weird saying this since it is a zombie book, but this is a great “feel good” story. I really enjoyed the fact that it is told from a different perspective, the caseworker/foster mother and the foster child. The real part of the story is being able to love and protect a child that is not yours. Even though the undead are walking the streets, the foster mother tries to move heaven and earth in an effort to reunite the father and son. Lamech is a great kid and even with the insanity going on, he and Madison lean on each other to make it to the end. It is an interesting and quick read. The ending is tied up nicely but could go on with a continued journey. Either way, I definitely recommend this one!

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L.C. Mortimer likes zombies, shifters, and things that go bump in the night. When she’s not busy dreaming up her next story, Mortimer can be found dancing, traveling, or curled up with a cozy mystery.

Dragons, Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Review, Shifters

#Review #Dragons – What a Dragon Needs (Star of the North Dragons) by Ava Cuvay

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What a Dragon Needs (Star of the North Dragons) by [Ava Cuvay]

Dragon Council Emissary Lucia Bengtsson visits Minnesota’s clan to discover how they thwarted a recent invasion by a long-prophesized World Destroyer. What she finds is a family that welcomes her with an unquestioning warmth she’s never experienced among her own clan members, who have always judged her by the diminutive size of her Light Dragon. Only the sexy yet antagonistic Ivar Drekison demands she prove herself while he keeps her at arms-length. Arms she desperately wants wrapped around her.

Third-born son of the Star of the North clan, Ivar Drekison’s attitude is as sharp and cold as his Metal Dragon’s claws. When Lucia Bengtsson, the gorgeous yet standoffish Dragon Council representative, arrives to interrogate his family on their battle strategies, he senses an underhanded betrayal brewing. While everyone else adores Lucia and her gentle manners, Ivar clashes with her in an attempt to force the truth behind her visit. In doing so, he must also battle his own overwhelming attraction to her.

This novella is the second in the Star of the North Dragon series, which can be read in any order or as standalone novellas.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

Dragons! Seriously, need I say more? Ivar will have a special place in my heart forever. He is my soul-dragon. He is brash, rough around the edges and loves to drop the f-bomb (I’m in love!). Lucia is the opposite of everything that Ivar is. She is small, naïve, and very proper. She grew up within the Dragon Council and her family is part of the Elders. She is tasked with going to Minnesota and bringing back a representative from the Drekison family, who saved the world from destruction. She experiences the biggest shot of culture shock when she arrives at the Drekison home. This world is nothing like her own. However, right from the very beginning, Ivar and Lucia are drawn together. Both try to fight it but we all know that just won’t happen. Watching their relationship grow and seeing how Ivar helps Lucia to come out of her shell will make your heart melt. Now, I don’t want this to seem like some mushy, gooey romance, even though it is, but the author inserts the perfect amount of debauchery and shenanigans to make it fun, and HAWT, too!

This book is a little softer than the first because the fight with the World Destroyer is over, but it just as swoon worthy. To anyone that reads this, KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF IVAR! HE’S MINE!

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Ava Cuvay writes out of this world romance featuring sassy heroines, often-alien-but-always-sexy heroes, and an alcoholic beverage or two… Set in a galaxy far, far away. She resides in central Indiana, USA with her own scruffy-looking nerfherder, kiddos who are growing up without her permission, and two kitties that make her laugh. She believes life is too short to bother with negative people, everything is better with Champagne, and Han Solo shot first. When not writing, Ava is thinking about writing. Or wine. And she’s always thinking about bacon.

Horror, Review, Suspense, Thriller

#Review – Carnival of Terror by William Joseph

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Carnival of Terror by [William Joseph]

Welcome to the most spectacular, heart racing, entertaining, and deadliest show you’ll ever see.Ever want to see what happens after you leave the circus and the show is over? Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes? Have you ever wanted to see the darkest side of human nature? Then step right up, enter, and be prepared to have your breath taken away, literally.Victor, Jug, the Fortune Teller, Shilo, and Olivia. A horrifying, graphic, and pulse-pounding five-part novel from five different points of view in one interconnecting story surrounding one circus.Welcome to the Carnival of Terror.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

This is a truly twisted read! Who knew one circus would have so many levels of WTF… This is the stuff that nightmares are made of. Being able to experience the story from so many points of view was the right touch. The first experience is from a couple who visits the circus and ends up staying for dinner, to be dinner for the circus. Experiencing it from the ringmaster’s perspective, along with his heir, just reminds you how insane people can be. But also seeing it from the fortune teller and a relative of the circus really brings things full circle. I honestly can’t tell you how many times I cringed, winced, and uttered W…T…F…. No matter how much I wanted to look away, I just couldn’t. I HAD TO GET TO THE END!

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William Joseph is an exciting Horror, Paranormal, and Psychological Thriller writer from New Jersey, USA. He loves to draw the reader into believable worlds, creating everyday characters the readers can relate and connect with, and then forcing them to face their deepest and darkest fears. William Joseph’s writing has been detailed as twisted, dark, terrifying, raw, and emotional.

Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Part of a Series, Reverse Harem, Review, Suspense, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR23 – #Review – The Villainous Wonderland Boxset: The Complete Series by A.K. Koonce

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The Villainous Wonderland Boxset: The Complete Series by [A.K. Koonce]

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

I am not sure exactly what I was expecting when I started reading this series. I knew that it was an Alice in Wonderland retelling and I have read many retellings. However, this one took me by surprise. It was not what I was expecting! I am generally not a big fan of RH but this wasn’t all about the bedroom action. There is a great story unfolding with each page that is turned. The harem of men all have their own secrets and agendas but so does Madison our MC. She is brought to Wonderland in hopes of fooling the king that she is the real Alice. However, the real Alice ends up showing up, at the most inopportune time might I add, and then the real craziness begins. It’s a great story, lots of banter, tons of epic one liners, but a heartfelt story all going on at the same time. I absolutely recommend this series! You shouldn’t even have wasted your time reading this review, you should have already one-clicked and started the series!

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A.K. Koonce is a USA Today best selling author. She’s a mom by day and a fantasy and paranormal romance author by night. She keeps the fantastical stories in her mind on an endless loop, while she tries her best to focus on her actual life and not that of the spectacular but demanding fictional characters who always fill her thoughts.

Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Part of a Series, Reverse Harme, Review, Suspense, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR23 #Review – Under the Lies (Villainous Wonderland Series Book 3) by A.K. Koonce

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Under the Lies: A Reverse Harem Series (The Villainous Wonderland Series Book 3) by [A.K. Koonce]

They pushed too far. The demented Hatter and all of his minions can test me all they like, but they just crossed a line.

Alixx Stone. That’s my line. Screw with my life all you like but don’t threaten my men.

The problem is, even if I save my friends, it won’t be enough. There’s an entire Kingdom who have been hurt by one man’s selfishness. Elder Liddell’s dark secrets are endless and now he’s dragged me into his twisted past.

My own flesh and blood did this.

And I’m starting to realize, I’m just as destructive as he is.

This is a Reverse Harem series, recommended for readers 18 and over.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

Whoa! This is where things get really dark but with a lot of clarity. Elder Liddell is a… Very. Bad. Man. He has messed with the wrong Alice and she is about to shut shhh down! Madison has had an awful journey with cancer and went on a crazy tour to finish her bucket list. Her bucket list never had Wonderland listed on it and now the bucket list has completely changed. Wonderland has turned out to not be a fairytale with all of its scattered happiness and permanent pain. Madison shares some really intimate moments with her men (love em all!) but these were loving… and hawt… looooong moments. Once Elder Liddell’s secrets are finally out and Madison realizes just how involved she really is, things get twisted. This is a page turner! You won’t be able to help from turning each page to see the next moment for the intimate touch, the craziness that Elder Liddell brings out in Madison, or the absolute love and adoration of a new found family. The ending of the book wrecked me! It was the perfect ending but dammit, I almost cried. I am not a crier. I repeat, I Am Not a Crier! The story was amazing! Bravo for an incredible ending!

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A.K. Koonce is a USA Today best selling author. She’s a mom by day and a fantasy and paranormal romance author by night. She keeps the fantastical stories in her mind on an endless loop, while she tries her best to focus on her actual life and not that of the spectacular but demanding fictional characters who always fill her thoughts.

Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Part of a Series, Reverse Harem, Suspense, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR23 #Review – Within the Wonder (The Villainous Wonderland Series Book 2) by A.K. Koonce

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Within the Wonder: A Reverse Harem Series (The Villainous Wonderland Series Book 2) by [A.K. Koonce]

What happens when the woman you’re pretending to be stares you down face to face?

Things get awkward.

And deadly.

In Wonderland, there can only be one Alice. A series of absurd trials and dangerous games are the only way to solve who is the real Alice and who is the fake.

If I win, I’ll have the power to save two kingdoms. If I lose, it’ll be more than just the Hatter who’s lethally mad.

Fake it till you make it, right?

Let the Alice Trials begin. Welcome to Wonderland, bitches.

This is a reverse harem series recommended for readers 18 and over.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

HOLD THE PHONE! Whaaat? There’s another Alice! The real Alice? Now cue the Slim Shady music! Ok, so if you made it to the second book, you will completely, without a doubt, understand where I am coming from. At this point, we know that Madison’s vagina is not broken and will not be put up on a shelf to collect dust. Whew! That would be a horror story! But now we have possibly the real Alice. The real Wonderland is even crazier than in the first story. But I really love how the villains are so easy to hate AND fall for at the same time. Everyone has secrets and boy are they surfacing! And now that the harem is really happening, these men get frustrating as all get out! They all want to protect Madison, but by protecting her they are telling her what to do or not letting her in on what should be done.

“It’s like having an agnel and a devil being your voice of reason, except the angel thinks with his fu**ink cock, and the devil…also thinks entirely with his sinful cock.”

ACCURATE!

Oh, I am not sure why I go on with this review. I am on to find out what happens next. I suggest you stop reading this review and hurry on with reading this book!

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A.K. Koonce is a USA Today best selling author. She’s a mom by day and a fantasy and paranormal romance author by night. She keeps the fantastical stories in her mind on an endless loop, while she tries her best to focus on her actual life and not that of the spectacular but demanding fictional characters who always fill her thoughts.

Fantasy, Paranormal, Part of a Series, Review, Teen & Young Adult Contemporary, YA

#Review – The Immutable Pact – Clara & Damien (Book 3): Delta Underground Operatives by Sarah Noffke

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The Immutable Pact - Clara & Damien (Book 3): Delta Underground Operatives by [Sarah Noffke]

Who knew that it would be voodoo that saved the world?

Clara and Damien know exactly how to take down the most sadistic man—Taz Kiera.

But that doesn’t mean it will be easy.

Actually, it will involve solving a series of complex riddles, hunting down magical items and risking their lives.

Oh, and employing a dark magic that could burn out their souls.

Luckily, Damien doesn’t have one as a vampire.

However, he is quickly learning he will do anything to protect the soul and heart of his partner, Clara Jordan.

Who knew that fighting evil would make two people fall in love?

But love also complicates everything!

Can this duo do what it takes to take down a power so fierce it could destroy humanity?

If they do, they win.
If they don’t, then everyone loses.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

Voodoo, love, and….poltergeist? YUP!! And so much more! This might be my favorite of the series, just saying! This entire series has been quite fun, especially the banter between Clara and Damien. Opposites do attract! There is a rollercoaster of events that takes both of these through a series of “side-quests” in order to get to the big boss at the end. The best part is that these side-quests take each of them through a learning experience. It takes both of them out of the comfort zones to a point that they get super uncomfortable, but get some really great, and somewhat strange, takeaways. The shenanigans that they find themselves in will keep you turning the page to try and figure out what could possibly happen next. While I love Clara and Damien’s story and would enjoy continuing to follow them, I feel that this was the perfect ending to this part of their journey. I truly hope that Ms. Noffke finds some other story to insert these two in because a cameo would be amazing! And to the author, Sarah, THANK YOU for keeping me entertained!! You rock!

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Sarah Noffke is a prolific USA Today Best-Selling Author, who writes YA and NA science fiction, fantasy, paranormal and urban fantasy. Most of her stories draw on her experiences living on the West Coast, growing up in Texas or traveling the world.

Her passion for art, culture and literature drives her to create stories that are full of whimsey, humor and philosophy. Her books appeal to readers who enjoy an escape, a bit of magic mixed with science and the unexpected–like a dragon who tells bad jokes and has a video game addiction, but fights for justice.

Noffke’s books are top rated and best-sellers on Amazon. Her books are available in paperback, audio and in Spanish, Portuguese, German, Dutch and Italian.

To stay up to date with Sarah, please visit her website and subscribe to her newsletter: www.sarahnoffke.com

For a complete list of books by Sarah and a suggested reading order, please see: www.sarahnoffke.com/reading-guide

Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Part of a Series, Reverse Harem, Review, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR23 #Review – Into the Madness (The Villainous Wonderland Series Book 1) by A.K. Koonce

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Into the Madness: A Fantasy Romance Series (The Villainous Wonderland Series Book 1) by [A.K. Koonce]

I didn’t fall into a place of wonder and madness. I was taken.

This world is a perfect, enchanting wonderland. The people here are just as alluring.

But we all have our secrets.

Like the white rabbit who’s leading a rebellion right under the King’s nose. Or the sweet March Hare who’s actually an enemy spy. Or my one true ally in all of this, a killer who’s so feared they won’t even say his real name.

As for me, I have more secrets than all of them combined. Because Wonderland is waiting for the beloved Alice Liddell.

And I’m just the bitch pretending to be her.

This is a reverse harem series, recommended for readers 18 and over.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

Being the queen of bad decisions can feel reckless but relaxing at the same time. When you are going to mess up, you may as well do it proper-like. And this is how we meet Madison, our pretend Alice. She has quite the past. Then, one evening after she was terribly disappointed with her choice of man in an attempt to sow some wild oats, she finds herself in a mysterious world where all things are a bit wonky. One thing that I love about Madison is, even though the hand she was dealt was crap, she ends up being a fighter. This Wonderland is definitely a darker version than we are used to and the characters are very, very different. Madison even chuckles to herself throughout the book as she is putting together which person is who from the Alice in Wonderland fairytale that we all know. I was very intrigued as the story continued and pieces came together. There is a lot of angst, snark and wit. However, “Alice” (who is really Madison) is promised to another and these men cannot go any further with her. It is tension filled, but the wait is totally worth it because once the collision occurs, fireworks explode…and nooooot with you think it will be!!!! What I am saying here is, this is a must read. Stay tuned because I am going in for the next book!

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A.K. Koonce is a USA Today best selling author. She’s a mom by day and a fantasy and paranormal romance author by night. She keeps the fantastical stories in her mind on an endless loop, while she tries her best to focus on her actual life and not that of the spectacular but demanding fictional characters who always fill her thoughts.