Category Archives: Teen & Young Adult Contemporary

baseball, Part of a Series, Standalone, Teen & Young Adult Contemporary, Writers on the River Attending Author, YA

#wotr #attendingauthor #YA #partofaseries Dear Kerri (Love Notes 2) by Danielle Keil

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Everyone at Ryder High knows what it means to have a teal envelope taped to their locker on the first day of the month.

But for Kerri Thomas, it’s not quite the moment she was waiting for.

Busy with school, friends, and volleyball, she doesn’t know if she has time to play along and figure out who her Secret Admirer is.

The clues send her on a wild scavenger hunt, proving that her admirer knows her better than she expected.

But none of the clues give her hints about the guy.

Kerri has a team of suspects, including her friends on the baseball team, but narrowing it down is near impossible without more information.

Who could be Kerri’s secret admirer, and why isn’t he revealing anything about himself?

Will Kerri be able to put the pieces of the puzzle together to figure it out?

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60729309-dear-kerri

Amazon https://amzn.to/44Vql7P

Review by Twinsie Dee

Kerri was just another girl at Ryder High shocked to find a teal envelope on her locker. she was the chosen one, who would pick her. she was the tomboy whose life revolved around volleyball, school and hanging out with her best guy friend Austin. but once Auston found out that Kerri was accepting the invitation he gave her the cold shoulder not wanting anything to do with it. Kerri goes on this crazy scavenger hunt around town finding clues to hopefully figure out who this guy is. She has the whole month of April to do so will she be able to figure it out or will she be the first one to fail. Ugh I’m loving this series each one gets better and better. 2 down 8 more to go.

Danielle Keil grew up and spent the majority of her life in the Chicagoland area. A recent transplant, she is enjoying the Mississippi life, especially the pool in her backyard.
Danielle is happily married for over 10 years, and has two young children, a daughter and a son, who are exact replicas of her and her husband.
She also is a fur mom to their Corgi, Cozmo, who loves barking, mud, and peanut butter.
Danielle’s love language is gifts, her Ennegram is a 9w1, and she loves everything purple.
The way to her heart is through coffee, chocolate and tacos (extra guac).

Mystery, Part of a Series, Standalone, Teen & Young Adult Contemporary, Writers on the River Attending Author, YA

#wotr #attendingauthor #YA #seriesstarter Dear McKinnon (Love Notes 1) by Danielle Keil

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Everyone knows what it means to have a teal envelope taped to their locker on the first day of the month.

Everyone except new girl McKinnon Gregory.

The envelope is the start of a monthly tradition called the Secret Admirers, and something McKinnon never thought she’d see.

To her surprise– and everyone else’s– the teal envelope is taped to her locker on March first.

McKinnon only has one month to figure out the clues. But she barely knows anyone, which makes it infinitely harder to determine her secret admirer’s identity.

Will she figure it out before the month’s over?
And if she does, will the guy she’s fallen for through letters be just as amazing in person?

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60527972-dear-mckinnon

Amazon https://amzn.to/3qjN9iu

Review by Twinsie Dee

McKinnon was the new girl at Ryder High, she has been homeschooled for her life, and finally when her dad had to move for his job her mom didn’t have time to get the right paperwork and gave in to letting her go to public school. one day McKinnon found a teal envelope in her locker and her bestie Skye started flipping out the first of March meant that a new secret admirer was chosen and he got to pick the person to play their game, if they choose McKinnon was so confused she was the new girl why would a guy pick her , well she was up for it and will she be able to figure out her admirer is before the end of the month or will she quit the game before the month is over.

Danielle Keil grew up and spent the majority of her life in the Chicagoland area. A recent transplant, she is enjoying the Mississippi life, especially the pool in her backyard.
Danielle is happily married for over 10 years, and has two young children, a daughter and a son, who are exact replicas of her and her husband.
She also is a fur mom to their Corgi, Cozmo, who loves barking, mud, and peanut butter.
Danielle’s love language is gifts, her Ennegram is a 9w1, and she loves everything purple.
The way to her heart is through coffee, chocolate and tacos (extra guac).

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.

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!

Author Logo

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

Dystopian, Part of a Series, Review, Sci Fi, Suspense, Teen & Young Adult Contemporary

#Review – Isle of Pieces: Episode One (Isle of Pieces YA Episodic Series) by Chrisina L. Rozelle

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Isle of Pieces: Episode One (Isle of Pieces YA Episodic Series Book 1)

Join Flick and Tinsley in their icy quest for truth amidst the raging fury of a post-apocalyptic ice age.

What secrets lie buried in the snow?

Will they make it to Gaia’s Gate, the last environmentally encapsulated place on Earth, or will they freeze to death at the doorstep?

As I sit here writing now, the sounds of distress and fear on repeat, the naivety of our boyish selves is apparent. We were led here by the promise that leads everyone else as close as they can get to the Great Gaia. The promise that someday, if we work hard enough, sacrifice enough, and of course, get lucky enough, we will be granted Asylum. That we’ll see the sunshine from the last environmentally encapsulated space on the planet. That we’ll know what it’s like to lie in green grass, to smell flowers and taste the Earth. We all want to believe that we won’t just die here in the cold.
-Lt. M. Flick

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

This is a thrilling first episode in a dystopian world that will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. There are two teens from completely different areas. One stuck in a frozen landscape just trying to make it to Gaia’s Gate. The place where everything is supposed to be better. The other, leading a completely different life going to pageants and what not. Nothing is what it seems. I have a feeling that when they end up where they are meant to be and meet, things are going to explode! It is a quick read that will suck you right in and keep you wanting more.

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Christina L. Rozelle is the author of the bestselling YA Dystopian Scifi series, The Treemakers Trilogy, which includes her groundbreaking debut, “The Treemakers,” and its sequels, “The Soultakers,” and “The Seeker’s Keys.” Hailed for its strong, believable, and relatable characters, original and complex plotting, and phenomenal world-building, The Treemakers Trilogy appeals to lovers of dystopian literature who are looking for something refreshing and new.

Rozelle’s writing roots sprouted with poetry and prose in countless journals in her early years, continuing through her tumultuous teenage years, and well into her turbulent young adult life. Though her younger self dreamed of scribing non-fiction and poetry someday, when she discovered the magic in creating fiction she never looked back. Overcoming countless obstacles of her own, the wisdom gained along her personal path through healing breathes life into her beautifully dark, yet hopeful tales of triumph. Filled with an array of emotional triggers, not many topics are off limits in her works. Rozelle’s exceptional storytelling dives deep into the survival and growth journeys of diverse, broken characters and unlikely heroes. Authentic, gritty, intricate, and wildly imaginative, her stories also offer hope—a light in the dark—as her characters discover their own inner strengths and worth in the midst of debilitating adversity.

If you’ve enjoyed any of her books, you can thank Christina by leaving an honest review of any length on Amazon.

Fantasy, Paranormal, Review, Sci Fi, Shifters, Suspense, Teen & Young Adult Contemporary, YA

#Review – The Reluctant Assassins – Clara and Damien (Book 2): Delta Underground Operatives by Sarah Noffke

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The Reluctant Assassins : Clara and Damien (Delta Underground Operatives Book 2) by [Sarah Noffke]

Werewolves are the worst.

Especially a lone one…

Clara and Damien know they must bring down a rogue werewolf to get to his boss.

Taz Kiera must be stopped.

The mentalist has gone too far—abducting coma patients, siphoning their powers and abusing magic.

But to get to him, the unlikely pair of assassins are going to have to kill a rabid werewolf.

That won’t be easy, but it’s definitely going to be entertaining.

Vampires love killing werewolves.

Empaths don’t like hurting anyone.

But together, Clara and Damien must stop this evil before it goes too far and harms too many.

Can this duo join forces to stop 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

What a mindbender! Wait, mind melder is probably a better description. Clara is literally taking her mind on the riskiest journey ever and Damien can only be there to support her. Clara and Damien have had a moment to rest, but now it is time to regroup. Clara is struggling with the fact that she killed someone. Even though they were awful and that person didn’t care about life, Clara is still bothered by it. Damien can feel this, and he is unsure of how to actually help Clara. The longer these two work together, their connection, from the puddle and simply by being friends, grows so much stronger. This story really comes to life as they are working together like never before. Watching each other make sacrifices for each other and for the good of all humanity, is extremely humbling. They have to stop at nothing to stop Taz from siphoning power from the coma patients. This journey brings planning to an all new level and there is no more just letting things happen. There is plenty of action and tons of witty comebacks for our favorite duo, that will keep you completely invested in this story. Now, I am impatiently waiting for the next book. Thank you Sarah for keeping me entertained!

Author Logo

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/

Standalone, Teen & Young Adult Contemporary, YA

#YABook #Review – Monday’s Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson

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“Jackson’s characters and their heart-wrenching story linger long after the final page, urging readers to advocate for those who are disenfranchised and forgotten by society and the system.” (Publishers Weekly, “An Anti-Racist Children’s and YA Reading List”)

From the critically acclaimed author of Allegedly, Tiffany D. Jackson, comes a gripping novel about the mystery of one teenage girl’s disappearance and the traumatic effects of the truth.

Monday Charles is missing, and only Claudia seems to notice. Claudia and Monday have always been inseparable—more sisters than friends. So when Monday doesn’t turn up for the first day of school, Claudia’s worried.

When she doesn’t show for the second day, or second week, Claudia knows that something is wrong. Monday wouldn’t just leave her to endure tests and bullies alone. Not after last year’s rumors and not with her grades on the line. Now Claudia needs her best—and only—friend more than ever. But Monday’s mother refuses to give Claudia a straight answer, and Monday’s sister April is even less help.

As Claudia digs deeper into her friend’s disappearance, she discovers that no one seems to remember the last time they saw Monday. How can a teenage girl just vanish without anyone noticing that she’s gone?

I had absolutely no idea what this book was about. Like most books anymore, I like to go in blind and not read the blurb. I find it more exciting that way. But this book…man. Just…wow.

Claudia and Monday are not just best friends. They’re more like soul sisters. Monday is the only friend that Claudia truly has. They spend every minute they can together. They go to the same school, are in the same grade, have known each other for years. Even Claudia’s parents love Monday. Claudia can’t picture her life without her best friend. They even planned on going to the same high school. So when Monday goes missing…

…no one seems to notice. Not like Claudia does.

Claudia starts asking questions. Gets herself into trouble quite a few times. You know, the typical way one gets into trouble when your best friend suddenly disappears.

When questions start getting answered, Claudia’s world is turned upside down. Or right side up. Depending on how you look at it.

I 100% recommend going into this story without reading the blurb.

This book was captivating from the start. Although it’s more age appropriate for teens, it wasn’t written that way. I also wish that I could have read this author back when I was in highschool.

Just like Allegedly, this author weaves a story of teen troubles, a teeny bit of romance, family drama and more.

Kudos to the author because I am obsessed!

I think I’ve found my favourite genre for 2023.

Coming of Age, Dark, Psychological Thriller, Review, Standalone, Suspense, Teen & Young Adult Contemporary

#Review – Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson

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Allegedly

Orange Is the New Black meets Walter Dean Myer’s Monster in this gritty, twisty, and haunting debut by Tiffany D. Jackson about a girl convicted of murder seeking the truth while surviving life in a group home.

Mary B. Addison killed a baby.

Allegedly. She didn’t say much in that first interview with detectives, and the media filled in the only blanks that mattered: a white baby had died while under the care of a churchgoing black woman and her nine-year-old daughter. The public convicted Mary and the jury made it official. But did she do it?

There wasn’t a point to setting the record straight before, but now she’s got Ted—and their unborn child—to think about. When the state threatens to take her baby, Mary’s fate now lies in the hands of the one person she distrusts the most: her Momma. No one knows the real Momma. But does anyone know the real Mary?

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

Whoa! Holy what the heck did I just read?! I have the worst (best) book hangover! A friend of mine read this and immediately recommended the book to everyone. She said the best way to go in was completely blind. Okay, I’ll bite. I purchase the book without reading the blurb on the back, I have no clue who this author is, and did not check out any of the reviews. I highly suggest doing the same, you won’t regret it. Now, if you refuse to go in blind, please continue on and I’ll tell you a little about the story.

This story is about Mary, who is now 16, but at age 9 was convicted of murdering an infant. The story dives deep into the life she has led leading up to this point. In jail, mostly in solitaire because no one knew what to do with such a young murder. She experienced mental and physical abuse…this will make you cringe. She is trying to survive. She is now in a group home and ends up getting pregnant by Ted. He is another group home convict. Mary is truly trying to make something for herself and with some help she starts advocating for herself. She is smart and wants to keep her baby, but she also must literally watch out for her life while living in the group home. A necessary evil. Some of the people in her life are incredibly terrible, but some are really genuine. The hardest part is trying to figure out exactly who you can trust. I went through most of this story just knowing that she was going to win but then you start to feel the doom and gloom. Then, all of a sudden, this crazy curve ball comes flying from out in left field and I sat here like, I can’t believe that just happened. But then the end actually happens, and I just sat there trying to comprehend what I just read. Like, did that just happen? Yeah, that did just happen…OMG! The twist at the end made my head spin!

Author Logo

Tiffany D. Jackson is a TV professional by day, novelist by night, awkward black girl 24/7. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Film from Howard University and her Master of Arts in Media Studies from The New School University. A Brooklyn native, she is a lover of naps, cookie dough, and beaches, currently residing in the borough she loves most likely multitasking.

Fantasy, Review, Sci Fi, Suspense, Teen & Young Adult Contemporary, Vampire, Wolves

#Review – The Improbable Pair – Clara and Damien (Book 1): Delta Underground Operatives by Sarah Noffke

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The Improbable Pair - Clara and Damien (Book 1): Delta Underground Operatives by [Sarah Noffke]

A brand new Urban Fantasy adventure from USA Today bestselling author Sarah Noffke — perfect for fans of The Unstoppable Liv Beaufont.

Blood-sucking vampires and vegan psychics don’t mix.

But to save the world from a magic-stealing madman, they’re going to have to.

The Delta Underground Operatives, humanity’s last line of defense against evil threats, only enlist the brightest and the best.

Clara and Damien fit the bill.

So when a threat like no other can only be stopped by a perfect assassin team, the organization recruits these two unlikely vigilantes with complementary skill sets.

Too bad they can’t stand each other.

He’s dangerous. She’s peaceful.
He’s loud. She’s meditative.

They don’t see eye to eye, but they’ll have to fight side by side.

As their target hunts the innocent and threatens to destroy the delicate balance of magic, everything rests on the duo’s ability to work together.

Clara wants peace. Damien wants vengeance.

Only they can take down evil.

But first, they’ll have to learn to get along….

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

The Dodgers should eat magical turnips to win. There, I said it! LOL! (go ahead and read it to find out why, I dare you)

Psychics that are allergic to the sun and vegan vampires….what a pair! Wait, I think I got that mixed up, or did I? Clara and Damien are quite the improbable pair. These two are literally the exact opposite of each other. They are brought into the world of the Delta Underground Operatives and are put on a special mission as the newest assassin duo. The way these two get along is great. In true Sarah Noffke fashion, these two are witty, sarcastic, and aren’t afraid to throw a punch either. The banter is hilarious but will also ground you as they become closer. Awwwww! I think they like each other! Whoa! Maybe not…. Jk!

These two are presented with an impossible mission with little training but come together as a force to be reckoned with. I couldn’t stop turning the pages and ABSOLUTELY need more. I am incredibly happy that Sarah continues to write books for me! 😊

Author Logo

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/

Coming of Age, Fantasy Romance, Instant Love, NA, Paranormal, Review, Shifters, Standalone, Teen & Young Adult Contemporary, Witches, Wolves, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR23 – #Review – Between the Pines by Jennifer Daniels

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Between the Pines by [Jennifer Daniels]

On her eighteenth birthday, Sloan Remson thought it would be just like any other day. She went to school, was excused early to get her driver’s permit, then was taken out for a nice lunch by her mother.

Waking up the next morning was an entirely different story. Shivering and in the middle of the clearing up the road and being warmed by a wolf should have scared Sloan stupid. Instead the beautiful snow-white wolf was calming and gave her peace.

Jump seven years into the future, and after several beers with her BFF Mary, once again Sloan finds herself alone in the middle of a clearing. But this time with the handsome Fletcher Remington watching over her. They were friends throughout school and she’d had a secret crush on him for as long as she could remember. Within a few minutes of catching up, secrets are revealed. After a quick mind-dive from Mary, who also happens to be a witch, Sloan finds out Fletcher is a wolf and that he is her mate.

How can Sloan be anyone’s mate when she can’t even shift into the one thing she should be able to? She is a supernatural dud who is in love with a snow-white wolf. Let the adventures begin.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

One can really start questioning their self, especially when they sleepwalk and wake up in the clearing between the pines…with a wolf. However, the second time this happens, she wakes up with Fletcher watching over her. These two have been friends since they were little, but nothing ever came of it. Ultimately, the more these two are together, the stronger the pull is between the two.

Between the Pines was a really sweet, YA/NA fated mates story that did have a sweet happily ever after. The relationship evolving between Sloan and Fletcher is very cute and the fact that they are learning with each other is super adorable. Chivalry is not dead, folks!

I feel that some parts of the book were rushed and not enough explanation in some areas. There was a sort of restlessness that I felt waiting for some turbulence to happen that would really push our MC, but it wasn’t quite as grand as I expected. I wish it was a bit longer so that we could learn more about the other characters’ pasts and to possibly give the antagonist a bigger part. Overall, this was a cute read.

**********Spoiler Alert***************

There are a few things that I felt needed more explanation and the reason why I am giving this 4 stars, instead of 5. A lot of familial secrets are uncovered and Sloan finds out that her father is a wolf. This was kept from her for her entire life. I was a little confused by this because she knew of her mother and her BFF being witches, so I am not really sure why her father being a wolf, and a high-ranking wolf at that, was being kept from her. Sloan really just sort of “went with it”. She questioned things to herself but there were never any real explanations. So, the entire time I waited for something really crazy to happen so that this would eventually be uncovered, but it never did. Additionally, when Sloan and Fletcher bonded, it was discovered that they are the King and Queen of all the wolves. Things were then very rushed and I think some of the “meat and potatoes” of the story were missed.

An image posted by the author.