Book Blast Banished

02_BanishedBanished (Forbidden #2)
by Kimberley Griffiths Little

Publication Date: February 2, 2016
HarperCollins
Hardcover & Ebook; 416 Pages

Series: Forbidden, Book #2
Genre: YA/Historical/Romance

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She thought she’d lost everything . . .

After spending months traveling the harsh, unforgiving Mesopotamian desert, Jayden reunites with a broken, injured Kadesh. Although everyone was convinced the violent and unpredictable Horeb, Jayden’s betrothed, killed the handsome prince, Jayden knew in her heart that her love was alive and safe. But their reunion is short-lived, as they learn Horeb is on their trail and determined to take back the girl he has claimed. Soon, the two star-crossed lovers are on the run toward Sariba, Kadesh’s homeland, where, as heir to the Kingdom, he plans to make Jayden his princess.

But the trek to Sariba is fraught with heartache and danger. After narrowly escaping being stoned to death for a crime she didn’t commit, and learning that her sister has disappeared, Jayden’s only solace is her love for Kadesh. But even he is keeping secrets from her . . . secrets that will change everything.

This gorgeous and enchanting sequel to Forbidden, is full of love, danger, and heated passion that will leave readers breathless.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

About the Author

Kimberley Griffiths Little was born in San Francisco, but now lives in New Mexico with her husband and their three sons.

For such award-winning middle grade novels as When the Butterflies Came, The Last Snake Runner, The Healing Spell, and Circle of Secrets, her writing has been praised as “fast-paced and dramatic,” with “characters painted in memorable detail” and “beautifully realized settings.”

Kimberley adores anything old and musty with a secret story to tell and makes way too many cookies while writing.

She’s stayed in the haunted tower room at Borthwick Castle in Scotland; sailed on the Seine in Paris; ridden a camel in Petra, Jordan; shopped the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul; and spent the night in an old Communist hotel in Bulgaria.

Awards: Southwest Book Award, Whitney Award for Best Youth Novel, Bank Street College Best Books of 2011 & 2014, Crystal Kite Finalist, and New Mexico Book Award Finalist.

For more information please visit Kimberly’s website. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Goodreads. Sign Up for Kimberly’s Newsletter.

Book Blast Schedule

Tuesday, February 2
Passages to the Past

Wednesday, February 3
The Lit Bitch
Let Them Read Books

Thursday, February 4
I’m Shelf-ish

Friday, February 5
Broken Teepee

Monday, February 8
A Chick Who Reads

Wednesday, February 10
Anastacia Reads

Friday, February 12
A Leisure Moment

Monday, February 15
I Heart Reading

Tuesday, February 16
A Dream within a Dream

Wednesday, February 17
What Is That Book About

Thursday, February 18
Bittersweet Enchantment

Friday, February 19
Curling up by the Fire

Monday, February 22
The Life & Times of a Book Addict

Tuesday, February 23
A Literary Vacation

Thursday, February 25
A Book Geek

Wednesday, March 2
The Never-Ending Book

GIVEAWAY

To win a $25 Amazon Gift Card & Signed Copies of Forbidden and Banished please enter the giveaway via the GLEAM form below.
Rules
– Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on March 2nd. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Giveaway is open internationally.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion
– Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.
Banished Book Blast

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Release Blitz The Improper Bride

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About the Book

TIB_500Title: The Improper Bride

Author: Lily Maxton

Genre: Historical romance

Cold, arrogant, and demanding Henry Eldridge, Marquess of Riverton, would never dally with a mere servant. But when Henry is injured in a horrible fire, his pretty housekeeper Cassandra nurses him back to health, throwing them together day and night. As he slowly heals from his burns, their friendship blossoms, and the class walls between them start to crumble. Cassandra is surprised by glimpses of a kind and thoughtful man beneath her employer’s hard façade—and even more surprised when she develops tender feelings for him. But anything between lord and servant is impossible…and besides, as a widow, she knows love only leads to heartbreak.

Henry is changing, as well. His close brush with death has opened his eyes to his self-imposed emotional isolation…and has urgently reminded him of his duty to marry a well-bred lady and produce an heir. Determined to do right by his family name, he immediately begins searching for a suitable bride. But Cassandra is the only woman who is never far from his mind or his heart. Contrary to everything he’s been taught to believe, he realizes his lovely housekeeper might just be his perfect match. Now, if only he could convince everyone else of that. Especially Cassandra…

Author Bio

Lily Maxton Profile PhotoLily Maxton grew up in the Midwest, reading, writing, and daydreaming amidst cornfields. After graduating with a degree in English, she decided to put her natural inclinations to good use and embark on a career as a writer. When she’s not working on a new story, she likes to tour old houses, add to her tea stash, and think of reasons to avoid housework.

You can find Lily at www.lilymaxton.com, on Twitter (@LilyMaxton), or on Facebook (facebook.com/LilyMaxton).

Links

Release Blitz Viscountess of Vice

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About the Book

VoV_500Title: Viscountess of Vice

Author: Jenny Holiday

Genre: Historical Romance

Secrets and lies, scandals and spies.

All Lady Catharine, Viscountess Cranbrook, wants is a little excitement. Bored of playing the role of the ton’s favorite slightly scandalous widow, she jumps at the chance to go undercover as a courtesan to help with an espionage mission. After all, beneath her outrageously low bodice beats the heart of a patriot.

Social reformer James Burnham is conducting a study of vice in England’s capital. Driven by his own secrets, he is methodical, intelligent—and wickedly handsome. Catharine is the last sort of woman the upstanding James should want. But want her he does, though she stands for everything he opposes.

When Catharine and James are forced to band together to advance their causes, they’ll be drawn into a web of secrets and lies that endangers their lives—and their hearts.

Author Bio

JennyHolidayJenny Holiday started writing at age nine when her fourth grade teacher gave her a notebook and told her to start writing stories. That first batch featured mass murderers on the loose, alien invasions, and hauntings. From then on, she was always writing, often in her diary, where she liked to decorate declarations of existential angst with nail polish teardrops. Later, she channeled her penchant for scribbling into a more useful format, picking up a PhD in geography and then working in PR. Eventually, she figured out that happy endings were more fun than alien invasions. You can follow her on twitter at @jennyholi or visit her on the web at jennyholiday.com.

 

Links

Book on Author’s Website

Amazon

B&N

iTunes

Book Tours: Starter Day Party Society’s Most Scandalous Viscount

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I’m hosting the starter day party today for historical romance “Society’s Most Scandalous Viscount”. The tour runs from November 30 to December 14. Enjoy the tour!

Tour Schedule

November 30th: Starter Day Party @ I Heart Reading

December 1st: Book Excerpt @ I’m an Eclectic Reader

December 3rd: Promo Post @ Indy Book Fairy

December 5th: Guest Post @ Katie’s Stories

December 7th: Promo Post @ The Single Librarian

December 8th: Book Excerpt @ Literary Musings

December 9th: Book Excerpt @ Live, Laugh and Love Books

December 10th: Author Interview @ Cassidy Crimson’s Blog

December 11th: Promo Post @ PRATR

December 12th: Character Interview @ Compelling Beasts Blog

December 14th: Book Excerpt @ Books are Forever

About the Book

Society's MS Viscount_FINAL mediumTitle: Society’s Most Scandalous Viscount

Author: Anabelle Bryant

Genre: Historical Romance

When rules are made to be broken…

Viscount Kellaway may sound like a gentleman, but he doesn’t act like one. As far as Kell is concerned, drink, women and the wrong side of the law are much more attractive indulgences than could be found in polite society – much to the scandal of the ton.

With all of Brighton’s women to choose from, Kell has never settled for one – and his devilish good looks have meant he’s never had to. But when he spies Angelica Curtis walking on the beach by moonlight, the living vision of a familiar dream, all that changes.

Suddenly, Kell finds himself craving the touch of a single woman…and it just so happens that the woman in question won’t have him! But if Kell’s bad ways have taught him anything, it’s that nothing is truly out of bounds…

Author Bio

interview photoAnabelle began reading at age three and never stopped.  Her passion for reading soon turned into a passion for writing and an author was born.  Happy to grab a suitcase if it ensures a new adventure, Anabelle finds endless inspiration in travel, especially imaginary jaunts into Regency England, a far cry from her home in New Jersey.  Instead, her clever characters live out her daydreams because really, who wouldn’t want to dance with a handsome duke or kiss a wicked earl?

Though teaching keeps her grounded, photography, running and writing, counterbalance her wanderlust.  Often found with her nose in a book, Anabelle earned her Master’s Degree and is completing her Doctorate Degree in education.  Thrilled to be an author for Harlequin’s Carina line, Anabelle’s historical romances are character driven.  She strives to provide a heartfelt connection between her hero, heroine, and the reader, believing the emotional journey on the path to true love is the most important bond.  Clever secondary characters and lively conversation keep the pages turning.

Anabelle knows sometimes life doesn’t provide a happily ever after, but her novels always do.  She enjoys talking with her fans.  Follow her on Facebook for the latest news concerning her upcoming novels. Visit AnabelleBryant.com to join her newsletter and follow at Twitter and Pinterest.

Links

Website: http://www.anabellebryant.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnabelleBryantAuthor

Twitter: @AnabelleBryant

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1gAkxHn

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1S09uEI

Book Tours: Starter Day Party Heather in the Mist

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I’m hosting the starter day party today for the book tour for historical romance “Heather in the Mist”. The tour runs from November 15 to November 22.

Tour Schedule

November 15th: Starter Day Party @ I Heart Reading

November 15th: Book Excerpt and Giveaway @ Crystal’s Chaotic Confessions

November 19th: Promo Post @ Stormy Night Reviewing

November 21st: Book Excerpt @ Gwyn Plum’s Blog

November 21st: Book Excerpt and Giveaway @ Blushing Reads

November 22nd: Book Excerpt @ Book-o-Craze

November 22nd: Promo Post @ Romantic Fanatic

About the Book

heatherinthemist (200)Title: Heather in the Mist

Author: Madelyn Hill

Genre: Historical Romance

What her father doesn’t know is Lady Rogan has plans of her own—plans to keep her from a loveless marriage. Can she save the clan before she has to say “I do?”

Ian Albright abolished all ties to Scotland after his family betrayed him and he is now nursing a wounded ego due to an unfaithful fiancée. He pledges never to return to his home until the fateful day he accepts an invitation to his dear cousin’s wedding. The minute he sees his cousin’s betrothed, his heart is captured. If only she didn’t belong to another . . .

Lady Rogan and Ian have known each other since they were young and bent on vexing each other. Now, the only thing they find vexing is the fact Rogan is betrothed to another. Together they fight their growing attraction while investigating the forces bedeviling the clan. Yet at every turn their foe appears and wreaks havoc. When tragedy strikes, their hopes are dashed again.

Can Lady Rogan and Ian’s love win when fate seems determined to keep them apart?

Buy on Amazon

Author Bio

Madelyn Promo-PhotoMadelyn Hill has always loved the written word. From the time she could read and all through her school years, she’d sneak books into her textbooks during school. And she devoured books daily. At the age of 10 she proclaimed she wanted to be a writer. After being a “closet” writer for several years, she sent her manuscripts out there and is now published with Soul Mate Publishing. And she couldn’t be happier!

A resident of Western New York, she moved from one Rochester to another Rochester to be with the love of her life. They now have 3 children and keep busy cooking, watching their children’s sporting events, and of course reading!

Links

Social Networking Links:

Website: www.madelynhill.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madelyn.hill.94

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorMaddyHill

Pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/madelynhill68

Book Tours: Starter Day Party for The Prize Fighter and the Lady

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I’m hosting the starter day party today for historical romance “The Prize Fighter and the Lady”.

Tour Schedule

October 16th: Starter Day Party @ I Heart Reading

October 17th: Book Excerpt @ U’m an Eclectic Reader

October 18th: Promo Post @ Teatime and Books

October 20th: Author Interview @ Bedazzled Reading

October 21st: Promo Post @ Book About

October 22nd: Book Review @ Awesome Book Assessment

October 23rd: Author Interview @ Literary Musings

October 25th: Book Excerpt @ 365 Days of Reading

October 27th: Guest Post @ Editor Charlene’s Blog

October 28th: Promo Post @ Books on Fire

October 29th: Author Interview @ Majanka’s Blog

October 30th: Book Excerpt @ Bookish Madness

November 1st: Promo Post @ Books are Forever

November 2nd: Book Review @ Puddletown Reviews

About the Book

The Prize Fighter and the LadyTitle: The Prize Fighter and the Lady

Author: Frederick Atwood

Genre: Historical Romance

Handsome Englishman Marcus Southey is running from the law after an illicit affair goes wrong.

As he flees across the Scottish border, his path crosses that of fiery red headed Roberta Kyle, herself desperate to escape from the clutches of the loathsome Hamish McGheill. A partnership is born out of desperation, their mutual destination Glasgow. Along the way they meet up with a prize fighting troupe. Roberta encourages Marcus – against his better judgement – to partake in a bout. He wins and this sets him on the road to boxing success. Taking them from the slums of Glasgow to the halls of the aristocracy. Theirs is a strange relationship, at times tempestuous and at others contemptuous, layered over with an abiding care for each other.

Author Bio

The 82 year old author has seen many changes in his long life. As a boy growing up in pre-war Australia, the horse and cart were still commonly used by tradesmen. Women, by and large were home makers, while the man went out and earned the daily bread. It was a time when left handed children such as himself were made to write with their right hand. Life as we now know it, came about when war was declared in 1939, bringing vast changes to our daily lives. The emancipation of women, which began in WWI, escalated during WWII. After the war he saw the industrialised nations, switch from building warships and planes, to cars, and refrigerators. He saw the landing of a man on the moon. In fact he played a part in the Apollo space probe in 1968, when he was assigned to supervise the land line link between the Carnarvon Earth Station and the facility at Tidbinbilla, situated near Canberra. He was at one time Media Liaison Officer with Telecom Australia, attending many major sporting events. Later on he was appointed Senior Traffic Officer-in-charge of Telegraphs West Australia.

As a young man Frederick was an excellent cyclist and won many major cycling events. Upon his retirement he was able to indulge his love of history with his love of writing. With a long life comes a fund of knowledge and experience of the frailties of human kind, but also the innate goodness in most people. He has put these ingredients together to produce a number of historical/drama/romance novels. Frederick and his wife of fifty four years have three children and seven grandchildren.

Links

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Prize-Fighter-Lady-Frederick-Atwood-ebook/dp/B00YUVGB80/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1444848906&sr=8-1&keywords=prize+fighter+and+lady

Bookpal: http://bookpal.com.au/portfolio-items/the-prize-fighter-and-the-lady/

Book Review: Fools Rush by Ciara Knight

Fools Rush - e-book coverTitle: Fools Rush
Author: Ciara Knight
Genre: Historical Western Romance
Age Group: Adult
Rating: 4 stars
Purchase: Amazon
Review copy provided by Enchanted Book Promotions in exchange for an honest review.

To avert an impending life of servitude, Bethany Cook seeks freedom on a wagon train bound for gold country. Disguised as a young boy she secures work as a travel companion with Thomas Nolan, a rich New Yorker who is on his own quest to distance himself from the nightmare of a fraudulent marriage.

A cross-country journey by Thomas’ side proves more difficult than Bethany anticipated when he becomes obsessed with her true identity—the golden haired beauty he shared one night of passion with. Bethany attempts to confess the truth, but a bounty hunter exposes her as a devious woman that lied to Thomas for months for her own evil gain. Her life and her heart now rest in the hands of Thomas, who must decide if he can forgive and marry her or leave her to the fate she’s brought upon herself.

I don’t read a lot of westerns, but I wanted to review Fools Rush because despite not reading a lot of westerns, that doesn’t mean I don’t want to, and I liked the premise about the main character hiding her true identity. I wasn’t dissapointed at all, in fact, I think I’ve (re)discovered my love for the wild, wild west.

Bethany is pretty awesome. She’s headstrong and stubborn at times, but she’s also independent, loyal, hard-working, and caring for others. She’s actually quite honest, despite having to pose as a young boy. It’s life that forces her to be dishonest but in her heart, she wants nothing more than to tell the truth, especially to Thomas. I did find her journey, her quest for freedom, inspiring.

Thomas is the brooding hero – he has had so many troubles in his life, so much heartbreak and betrayal, he fears he might never love again, or even trust someone. Despite that, he too is very caring and strong. Surprisingly, he kind of reminded me of heroes from gothic novels, the brooding yet strong type. It was strange but refreshing to see one of those turn up in a western!

I liked how the relationship wasn’t instantly there. Thomas and Bethany have a lot of hurdles to overcome if they want to be together…and if you want to find out if they do get their happily ever after, well, I suggest you start reading.

Book Review: A Thistle Beyond Time by Jennae Vale

securedownloadTitle: A Thistle Beyond Time
Author: Jennae Vale
Genre: Time Travel Romance
Age Group: Adult (18+)
Rating: 4 stars
Purchase: Amazon
Review copy provided by Enchanted Book Promotions in exchange for an honest review.

Cormac MacBayne wants a wife and the witch, Edna Campbell, has the perfect woman in mind.  The only problem is they’re separated by five hundred years and thousands of miles.

Fresh from a bad marriage, Jenna Sinclair has sworn off men – that is until a handsome highlander comes out of the fog and into her life.  He’s a mystery and possibly part of an elaborate practical joke concocted by her cousin.  Jenna’s had enough deception in her life.  Can she risk everything to be with a man who is so obviously lying to her?

In A Thistle Beyond Time, main character Jenna just said goodbye to her jerk of an ex-husband, and went through a horrible divorce. Just when she thinks things can’t any worse, a mysterious fog appears, revealing a handsome highlander who comes from an era five centuries ago. He introduces himself as Cormac, and he’s convinced Jenna is the perfect wife for him. But Jenna has other ideas. She worries Cormac’s appearance might be part of a practical joke by her cousin, and she doesn’t want anymore deception. His story sounds too ridiculous to be true, and Jenna has trouble trusting him.

I liked Jenna. I didn’t mind she was wary of Cormac at first – it fit with her personality, and with the bad things she went through. Jenna is an engaging character, and she has a strong personailty, which sometimes clashes with Cormac’s beliefs and how he thinks women should act. Nevertheless, I liked Cormac too, though. For a sixteenth-century highlander, he was surprisingly modern.

The story is enjoyable, and there’s plenty of romance, so romance fans will love it.

Book Tours: Starter Day Party Farewell to Kindness

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I’m hosting the starter day party today for the book tour for historical romance “Farewell to Kindness”. The tour runs from March 2 to March 16. This book sounds like a great read, and I love the cover.

Tour Schedule

March 2nd: Starter Day Party @ I Heart Reading

March 4th: Promo Post @ Undercover Book Reviews

March 6th: Guest Post @ Mythical Books

March 8th: Promo Post @ Underneath the Covers

March 9th: Book Excerpt @ Cajun Book Lover

March 10th: Book Review @  Bedazzled Reading

March 11th: Promo Post @ Nat’s Book Nook

March 12th: Author Interview, Guest Post and Giveaway @ Literary Musing

March 13th: Character Interview @  The Book Daily

March 15th: Guest Post @ Books and Tales

About the Book

updatedcoverTitle: Farewell to Kindness

Author: Jude Knight

Genre: Historical Romance

Farewell to Kindness (On prerelease 2 March 2015, on sale from 1 April 2015)

Price: US99c from 2 March 2015 to 8 April 2015; USD3.49 from 9 April 2015

The man who hunts. Rede believes he has turned his back on compassion and mercy. But he is distracted from the hunt for those who killed his family by his growing attraction for Anne. His feelings for her are a weakness. Or could they instead be a source of strength?

The woman who hides. Anne protected her family from scandal and worse by changing their identity. She must keep Rede from discovering who they are. She cannot give him her heart without trusting him, yet how she trust him when he has closed himself off to love?

And the danger that threatens them both. When their enemies link forces, Rede and Anne must face the past in order to claim the future.

Cover art created for and owned by Jude Knight

Published:  1 April 2015, publisher: Jude Knight

Page length: 420 pages

ISBN ebook:   978-0-473-31354-8  ASIN:  Not yet assigned   ISBN print book: 978-0-473313531

Heat: PG13 edging towards R in places   

Author Bio

Jude KnightJude Knight started writing fiction when she was still at school, but went on to spend many years as a commercial writer. In late December 2012, she came home from her mother’s funeral determined to finally achieve the dream her mother had always supported.

After more than a year collecting ideas, doing research, and creating plots and character sketches, she stopped procrastinating and started writing. Her first novella was published just before Christmas in 2014, and – to Jude’s awed surprise – hit several Amazon bestseller lists in both the US and the UK, at one point reaching the top 2 in the US and the very top in the UK. 2015 is the year of the novel, with one in April, one in September, and one in December. Jude is also part of a collaborative group of writers, the Bluestocking Belles, so watch for their boxed set just before Christmas 2015.

Jude has chosen 1 April as the launch date for Farewell to Kindness in honour of all the people who told her that she’d never achieve anything if she didn’t get her head out of a book.

In Jude’s books, you’ll find strong determined heroines, heroes who can appreciate a clever capable woman, and villains you’ll love to loathe. The novel plots tend towards the gothic, with a leavening of humour, and some insights into the similarities and differences between now and way back then.

Jude thinks her Mum would have liked them.

Links

Follow Jude on Twitter: http://twitter.com/JudeKnightBooks

Friend Jude on Facebook: http://facebook.com/judeknightbooks

Subscribe to Jude’s blog: http://judeknightauthor.com

Subscribe to Jude’s newsletter: http://judeknightauthor.com/newsletter/

Follow Jude on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/judeknight

Book Review: The Black Lotus by Claire Warner

Black_Lotus__Night_Flower_(Volume_1),_The_-_Claire_WarnerTitle: The Black Lotus

Author: Claire Warner

Genre: Historical Romance with a paranormal twist

Age Group: Adult

Rating: 4,5 stars

Purchase: Amazon

Review copy provided by Enchanted Book Promotions in exchange for an honest review.

“….though I would dearly love to play court to you, I would hurt you more than any other.”
It is 1752. The year that will change the life of heiress Melissa De Vire. As she makes her first steps into society, she meets Justin Lestrade and his world tears her perceptions apart. Drawn irresistibly to him, she finds herself sinking into a realm of feuds, magic and old curses.

The Black Lotus is an intriguing historical romance with a paranormal twist, focusing on life in the eighteenth century, and giving the reader a tale of romance, intrigue and the paranormal.

Melissa De Vire is a debutante making her first appearance in high society. Unlike what society wants her to be, Melissa is fiesty, stubborn, driven, and she’s not afraid to stand up for herself and others. As a reader, this instantly made me like her, root for her, and relate to her. Then Melissa meets Justin Lestrade, a man bored with life, who has seen it all and done it all. Nothing surprises him anymore. That is, until he sees Melissa. She’s different, and they have an instant spark. But Justin isn’t exactly marriage-material, and he hides a terrible secret that could ruin both of them.

While I loved Melissa, I liked Justin too – I thought he formed a good match for Melissa, and he had an entertaining personality. If anything bothered me about him, it would be his history, the curse, and how not all of that was explained during the course of the book. The tag line says ‘paranormal twist’, but I had liked to know more about the whole paranormal part of the book.

Apart from that, I loved it. Like I mentioned, the characters were great, but the plot was good too. It held a few surprises. The descriptions of life in eighteenth century were so vivid I could picture most of it, from the scenes and settings to the gowns and dresses. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.