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One of the Family by Mark Edwards @mredwards @MichaelJBooks

One of the Family

by Mark Edwards

Wow! Mark Edwards has done it again. One of the Family is another truly gripping psychological thriller. I absolutely loved it!

I can’t say I loved most of the characters to be honest. Only Patrick was genuinely likable, and he often had me questioning his judgement.

The story starts with Patrick and Holly joining Holly’s family in their father’s mansion in Scotland to celebrate Hogmanay. They are also to meet her father’s new girlfriend. The first he has been serious about since they lost their mother. What could possibly go wrong!?

Well….

This is a Mark Edwards book. I’d be disappointed if it was all sweetness and light! Lol! This absolutely is not, by any means.

There is so much I want to say about this book, but I honestly don’t want to spoil anything for anyone. I can’t wait until my Mum, and the book club ladies have read it so I can chat about it with them.

It’s such a brilliantly written story, full of shocks and surprises. Just as I thought I had things sussed I soon realised I really hadn’t! A fabulous cast of characters. Awful, awful people some of them, but fascinating all the same. It makes you wonder what any of us might be capable of under certain situations. It also highlights just how much money talks and what some people will do to get ahead in life. Also, how far family loyalty can be stretched and how small communities have long memories.

Excellent storytelling. I expected nothing less from Mark Edwards though. His books never disappoint.

The ending is brilliant! I’d love to see the fallout!

** Many thanks to the author and publisher for my paperback proof copy of One of the Family. I will have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone and everyone! **

Patrick couldn’t believe his luck when Holly fell for him. She’s wickedly funny, beautiful, and with an intimidatingly successful father, Charles.

So when she invites him to Charles’ mansion for a New Year’s break in Scotland, all he’s hoping is that they’ll accept him as one of the family.

But everything feels a little off. Whispers in hallways. Rumours of a body that got found nearby the previous year. And something very strange about Charles’ new girlfriend.

Every family has secrets, and Patrick tells himself all he needs to do is survive the next few days.

But then the first body is found, and Patrick realises that all he needs to do is survive the next few days…

Out on the 18th June 2026!

Happy reading!

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Beneath the Orange Blossom by Emma Cowell @EmmaCowellBooks @AvonBooksUK #NetGalley

Beneath the Orange Blossom

by Emma Cowell 

Having read and loved all of Emma Cowell’s books I couldn’t wait to dive in to Beneath the Orange Blossom. I knew I was in for a treat, and it has been such a joy to read. An emotional rollercoaster, but an absolute joy!

Ellen is an easily likeable character, and I could almost physically feel the weight of the world on her shoulders. So much heartache for such a lovely lady. I’m not sure I could have just ignored the love of my life on the say so of his mother, but as the story progresses and I learnt more of the truth behind her decision to stay away, the more I could understand why, especially as she was only eighteen at the time. Such a heart-breaking waste though. So many years of true love missed out on.

Ellen is now a widow, and her marriage wasn’t even a happy one which makes things even more heart-breaking, especially as she kept things to herself, even from her best friend, allowing everyone else to believe her husband had been a lovely man, mainly to protect their son. She’s a stronger woman than I think I could ever be. I was over the moon for her when she agreed with her best friend, Penny, to do something for herself for once and return to Greece in an attempt to re-create the holiday they enjoyed in their teens. An excellent chance for her to relax and let her hair down.

However, even her friendship with Penny is strained and I felt so sorry for the fact that she seems to have spent most of their friendship over the years bowing down to whatever suited Penny best. Always being the one to back down and just do whatever Penny wanted to do, to keep the peace. Between this, her abusive husband, and an unlikable daughter-in-law she really does put up with a lot from a lot of people. I’m not sure how she remained so patient with everyone.

I could talk about this book for hours, but I’m really trying not to spoil it for anyone.

I really enjoyed Ellen back in Greece. I love how she effortlessly integrates herself into the community. I can understand Penny being annoyed by her working when they were supposed to be on holiday, but I could also understand Ellen’s need to help with a desperate situation. Plus, Penny was still, even now, dictating what they should and shouldn’t do without much thought about what Ellen might want. The tension between them is palpable and builds over the course of the holiday until Ellen decides to come clean about her marriage. Penny’s reaction really shocked me.

I was glad Ellen had someone to turn to, and I couldn’t blame her for grabbing on to a second chance at happiness. Although, that wasn’t going to happen without its own heartbreak which needed to happen in order to move forward.

Honestly, I was emotionally drained by the end of this book. In the best way of course.

Beautifully written, as always.

Unforgettable characters with a story that will stay with me for a very long time to come.

** Many thanks to the author and publisher for my digital arc via NetGalley**

A lost love. A devastating secret. And a summer that could change everything…

Two years on from her husband’s death, dressmaker Ellen is learning how to live again and put memories of a difficult marriage behind her.

However, never far from her mind is another memory: Alexandros, her first love from the summer she turned eighteen.

The moment she’d arrived in his hometown of Kardamyli in Greece, Ellen had been intoxicated by the scent of orange blossom in the air, the days of endless sunshine and sparkling azure waters – but most of all by Alexandros himself. They were meant to be, until a devastating secret forced Ellen to leave and never look back…

But now, when her best friend suggests they recreate their teenage summer in Greece, Ellen knows it’s time to confront her past. Will Greece give her the freedom – and happiness – she desperately craves? And there, amidst the lush olive groves, could she rediscover the love she thought she’d lost forever?

Out 7th May 2026!

Happy reading!

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A Gathering Light by Jennifer Donnelly

A Gathering Light

by Jennifer Donnelly 

A Gathering Light had been lounging on my physical bookshelf for some time and I’m so glad I finally got a chance to read it. Jennifer Donnelly is a new-to-me author. This is the first book of hers I’ve read but I sincerely hope it won’t be the last.

The story is based on the real murder of a young woman in 1906, although this isn’t the sole focus of the book.

The main character, Mattie, is very likeable and will no doubt be relatable to many. Her biggest dream is to be a writer. She is absolutely obsessed with books, and words, which I love! She is the daughter of a widowed father though. A father working his fingers to the bone to manage a farm to provide for four daughters (with no mention of even considering a second wife, which I thought was quite unusual for the time). They all must muck in, and Mattie made a promise to her late mother which she feels unable to break, despite being offered a brilliant opportunity to move away and begin to realise her dreams. She has responsibilities though. Her father, and many others in their community, expect her to stay at home and do her bit for the family. I saw a review saying that she wished Mattie has stood up for herself more and had done what she wanted to no matter what anyone thought. I think that might be a valid point today but in the early nineteen hundreds!?? In my opinion this is a very authentic story. Certain things were expected back then, especially of women, whether we agree with it or not.

Mattie also has a secret. A secret connection with the murdered girl.

I really enjoyed Mattie’s story. My heart went out to her on more than one occasion, and I could totally understand her conflicting emotions.

This is a story of family love, loss, friendship, small community support, secrets, and never knowing what really goes on behind other people’s doors, as well as being a murder mystery. Ordinary people battling for a living and a life, whether it was the one they hoped for, or not. A brilliant cast of characters with a compelling tale to tell. I really enjoyed it and have added Jennifer Donnelly’s other books to my list.

An astounding novel about a girl’s coming-of-age interwoven with a real-life murder that rocked turn-of-the-century America. WINNER OF THE CARNEGIE MEDAL 2003.

‘A breathtakingly good novel’ Daily Mail

When Mattie Gokey is given a bundle of letters to burn by Grace Brown, she fully intends to do so. But when Grace is found drowned the next day, Mattie finds that it is not as easy to get rid of those letters as she had thought. And, as she reads, a riveting story emerges – not only revealing Grace’s secrets but also Mattie’s hopes and ambitions for the future and her relationships with her friends and family.

Published to widespread acclaim this part murder-mystery and part coming-of-age story is an astounding and accomplished novel.

Happy reading!

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A Party to Murder (The Bunch Courtney Investigations, Book 6) by Jan Edwards #ARC

A Party to Murder (The Bunch Courtney Investigations, Book 6)

by Jan Edwards 

I absolutely love this series! Bunch is such a brilliant character, and I was excited to discover what she might get up to in A Party to Murder.

I was not disappointed!

This book begins with a party. A party Bunch’s father has asked her to host in London in the hope of helping her to relax and ease back into social society. Even Winston Churchill is in attendance!

What could possibly go wrong….

Her father was hoping to keep Bunch away from her seemingly incessant need to join the police in investigating crimes but the murder of a Wren Officer, during the party, makes it so much more difficult for her to resist getting involved.

As always, she is determined to find the truth, and I thoroughly enjoyed joining her on her quest.

This is another highly entertaining edition to what is a highly entertaining series.

A brilliant plot full of intrigue and suspense, danger, tension, and humour. I love the setting, the fabulous characters, and wonderfully descriptive language.

I will always be happy to recommend this book, and every book in the series. If you haven’t read them yet and love historical crime mysteries, then you will love these books.

** Many thanks to Jan Edwards for my digital review copy **

A Party to Murder will be released on the 23rd of April 2026

When Rose Courtney’s father asks her to act as the hostess for a party at their London house he hopes it might distract her from the dangers of sleuthing and launch her back into society. He couldn’t be more wrong.
A Wren Officer is murdered that night. A valuable Faberge egg is stolen. And our erstwhile lady detective dives straight back into the fray, joining her old sparring partner DCI William Wright to find a missing witness before the murderer can silence her for good.

Pre-order now….

I.C.Y.M.I

Winter Downs #BlogTour #BookReview @Jancoledwards @penkhullpress @BunchandDodo
In Her Defence (A Bunch Courtney Investigation) by Jan Edwards @Jancoledwards #BlogTour #BookReview
Listed Dead (A Bunch Courtney Investigation) by Jan Edwards @Jancoledwards @penkhullpress #BookReview
In Cases of Murder (A Bunch Courtney Investigation Book 4) by Jan Edwards @Jancoledwards #BookReview
Deadly Plot (A Bunch Courtney Investigation Book 5) by Jan Edwards @Jancoledwards

Happy reading!

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Deal Breaker (Myron Bolitar Book 1) by Harlan Coben 

Deal Breaker (Myron Bolitar Book 1) 

by Harlan Coben 

I have quite a few of Harlan Coben’s books on my bookshelves, as I’ve enjoyed all the Netflix series’ I’ve seen based on his books, but this is the first one I’ve had a chance to pick up. It is my first introduction to Myron Bolitar and I quite like him. He’s a bit cocky, but in an endearing way. He’s a sports talent agent, so he needs to have the gift of the gab.

Whilst focusing on his biggest client he discovers that a missing woman, presumed dead, might be alive after all. She is also the sister of his ex-partner!

He’s now faced with a race against time to discover if she is indeed alive and if so where she has been and who with.

A story full of intrigue and suspense, I was keen to find out how it was all going to pan out.

Interesting characters (some much more likeable than others!). Humorous at times considering the storyline, mainly when certain characters are together.

An entertaining read!

I have added book two to my list.

** I read my own paperback edition of Deal Breaker **

The first Myron Bolitar thriller from the Number 1. bestselling author and creator of the hit Netflix show Fool Me Once.

Talent agent Myron Bolitar is poised on the edge of the big time. So is Christian Steele, a footballer and Myron’s prized client. But when Christian gets a phone call from a former girlfriend-a woman who everyone, including the police, believes is dead-the deal goes dangerously wrong. Trying to unravel the truth about a family’s tragedy, a woman’s secret, and a man’s lies, Myron discovers the dark side of his business-where talent make you rich, but the truth can get you killed.

Happy reading!

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Filthy Rich Redemption (Filthy Rich Billionaires Book 2) by Rachael Stewart @rach_b52 @BoldwoodBooks

Filthy Rich Redemption (Filthy Rich Billionaires Book 2)

by Rachael Stewart 

Oh, my heart.

I finished this book late last night/early hours of this morning because there was no way I could go to sleep until I had. I cried throughout the last few chapters, but thankfully I was smiling again by the end.

What a rollercoaster of emotions!

Back to the beginning, this story starts with a bang (in more ways than one!). WOW! Hot is insufficient a word. If you’re not a fan of an erotic scene this book might not be for you. You’d be missing out on such a gorgeous love story though!  

Filthy Rich Redemption pretty much starts where book one finishes, but at Christmastime with Theo, Sadie, and Lottie as they begin their new lives together. I loved their story and it was so good to catch up with them again. I’m so happy that Axel and Taylor get to share their stories on this occasion though, as heart-wrenching as it is at times.

Axel had the most horrendous childhood with parents who don’t deserve to be called that. As a result, he feels like he’s damaged goods. Someone no-one would want to be with other than for the night. He doesn’t feel worthy of anything more. He couldn’t be more wrong though. He might be big and hard looking on the outside, but he’s definitely more than meets the eye! (How he is with three-year-old Lottie is just so cute).

He’s been best friends with Theo and Taylor since they were teens, they’re as thick as thieves and their friendships are solid. Axel has been in love with Taylor the whole time though and she has no idea! Imagine keeping such strong feelings to yourself for more than twenty years, especially for someone you see all the time. It must be agony.

When Taylor asks him if he’ll father her a baby, no strings attached, she has no idea what she’s asking for, and where such a request will lead them. She knows she can trust him with her life though, so there’s no-one better.

Axel being Axel agrees but insists on doing things ‘the old-fashioned way’. Taylor is wary at first, not wanting to ruin their friendship, but let’s just say Axel proves to be quite persuasive!

The chemistry between these two is off the charts!!

My heart went out to Axel. He’s so wants to give Taylor everything she desires, but he tries his best not to betray his true feelings to her. His pain is almost palpable, and he was breaking my heart. Taylor soon realises there is far more to this than a business arrangement though. I’m not at all surprised that she falls for him. They are absolutely meant to be together, and I was panicking when I thought things might not work out the way I had hoped for them both. As I said, the last few chapters…. I haven’t cried so much reading a book for ages.

I don’t know how you do it, Rachael, but you create characters I can’t help but fall in love with. I’m not sure who I love more now, Theo or Axel! 😉

I was so looking forward to this story, and I have absolutely LOVED it!

I can’t wait for book three!

** Many thanks to Rachael Stewart for my advance kindle copy for review **

Taylor

I wanted a baby — no strings, no messy emotions. Just a donor I could trust — my best friend. He didn’t hesitate or ask why. He said yes… with one condition: no clinics, no cold procedures. Just him — his bed, his way. I should have said no. But I wanted this. And I didn’t realise how much I wanted him. I told myself I could handle it — keep my heart locked tight. But the moment he touched me, all those lies fell apart. Now I’m falling — for a man who never promised me anything but his body. And my deepest desire risks becoming my darkest downfall. But now there’s no turning back.

Axel

She asked me to give her a baby. No love. No future. Just a piece of me. I’m not a good man. I’m not the kind you build a life with. But this… this was my one chance to touch heaven and pretend it wouldn’t burn me alive. So I took her. Over and over. Knowing she’ll never be mine. But now I’m addicted. Possessive. I don’t want just her body — I want her soul. Her future. Her everything. And when she walks away — like we both know she will — it’ll break me. Because I’d give her the world… But I’ll never be worthy of it.

Treat yourself….

OUT 4TH APRIL 2026

I.C.Y.M.I

Filthy Rich Temptation (Filthy Rich Billionaires Book 1) by Rachael Stewart @rach_b52 @BoldwoodBooks

Happy reading!

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How to Get Away with Murder by Rebecca Philipson @BeccaPhilipson @TransworldBooks #HowToGetAwayWithMurder

How to Get Away with Murder

by Rebecca Philipson 

Clever! Very clever!

The title of this book intrigued me. Not that I’m an aspiring serial killer, of course, but I was interested to discover how such a premise would play out. What a brilliant idea for a serial killer thriller!

Denver Brady is a killer and is so confident in his abilities that he’s published a book, a manual of sorts, to help those who are his way inclined to avoid capture and prosecution, basically by learning from the mistakes made by those who came before him, but who ultimately slipped up at one point or another. An arrogant character, full of his own self-importance, convinced he’s doing the world a favour by imparting his wisdom.

When this book is found at a murder scene it is initially assumed that Denver Brady must be responsible. DI Samantha Hansen believes otherwise but is struggling to prove it. She’s freshly back from sick leave and is supposed to be on light/part-time duties only. I could feel her rising frustration, throughout this investigation, with her superiors who just seem to be happy with the most convenient conclusion to the case, happy to wrap things up and close the case without considering her theories, using her recent issues against her. It makes for an extremely tense read. I couldn’t wait to find out which side of the team would turn out to have been right all along.

I was hooked. A difficult book to put down and one I couldn’t wait to get back to every chance I got and OH. MY. DAYS! What a jaw dropping conclusion!!

Just brilliant!

I can’t wait to see what Rebecca Philipson writes next.

** Many thanks to Laura & Maximus @whiskers_andwords for my signed paperback proof copy via their giveaway. I can’t recommend it highly enough! **

How To Get Away with Murder will be released on the 12th of March 2026.

Denver Brady claims to be the most successful serial killer of our time – and that’s precisely why you’ve never heard of him.

But with the publication of How to Get Away With Murder, his manual for aspiring serial killers, that’s about to change.

When a copy of Denver’s book is found at a crime scene, DI Samantha Hansen is given the job of tracking down the elusive author.

As Denver and Sam’s stories unfold and converge, it becomes clear that there’s more to both than meets the eye.

And once Denver’s book goes viral, the pressure to find and bring him to justice brings Sam to breaking point.

But in this dark and twisted tale, who is hunting whom?

Happy reading!

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A Perfectly Good Man by Patrick Gale 

A Perfectly Good Man

by Patrick Gale 

A Perfectly Good Man is another beautifully written novel by an author who is fast becoming one of my favourites. I loved A Place Called Winter and Mother’s Boy, so I was very much looking forward to getting stuck into this novel and, of course, I was not disappointed.

I can’t really put into words how absorbing Patrick Gale’s books are. This one is no exception. I soon found myself captivated by the setting, the characters, and their stories and was happily swept along to the very last satisfying page.

Each chapter is told from the point of view of a different leading character, at different points in their lives, and not in chronological order. Far from being confusing though I really enjoyed this layout and found it to be a very clever way of developing the story and maintaining intrigue.

Father Barnaby Johnson is the main character. A priest, a husband, and a father. He has his own secrets and struggles with his faith at times, as well as with his relationships. A likable, and real, character though. I felt completely compelled by his story and my heart went out to him often although I couldn’t necessarily condone some of his actions. First and foremost, he is human.

This whole story highlights the fragility of human life. Our strengths and weaknesses. Who and what shapes us into the adults we become. Some things not always for the better.

A fascinating cast of characters, with compelling tales to tell, set in beautiful Cornwall. Heart-wrenching at times but thought provoking and incredibly moving. I loved it!

** I read my own paperback copy of A Perfectly Good Man **

I am also currently enjoying Love Lane via NetGalley (on Kindle) and I’m very much looking forward to seeing Patrick Gale is Oswestry, as part of his book tour, towards the end of the month.

On a clear, crisp summer’s day in Cornwall, a young man carefully prepares to take his own life, and asks family friend, Barnaby Johnson, to pray with him.

Barnaby is a priest, a husband and father, and has always tried to do good, though life hasn’t always been either straightforward or rosy. Lenny’s request poses problems, not just for Barnaby, but for his wife and family, and the wider community, as the secrets of the past push themselves forcefully into the present for all to see.

I.C.Y.M.I

A Place Called Winter: Costa Shortlisted 2015 by Patrick Gale #bookreview
Mother’s Boy by Patrick Gale 

hAPPY READING!

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Kill List: The Father Black series book four by Mick Williams 

Kill List: The Father Black series book four

by Mick Williams 

I was lucky enough to read an early copy of Kill List, and I couldn’t wait to dive in as this is such a brilliant series!

If you haven’t met Father Black yet, then you really are missing out!

In Kill List not only does Father Black find his life and the life of his treasurer are in danger once again, but also his actual church building is at risk.

Father Black knows too much so there are some who are keen to find him and eliminate his threat. He needs to be one step ahead. This is where Emmy comes in. I love how she is with Father Black. She cracks me up, but I certainly wouldn’t like to cross her!

This book starts exactly how it intends to go on. Action from the very first page and it rarely lets up throughout.

As with the previous books in this series Kill List is full of intrigue, brilliant characters who we get to know that bit more with each book and whose banter is highly entertaining, a tense plotline which kept me engrossed, and fabulously choreographed fight scenes. I know I’ve said it before, but this series would make a brilliant TV series. I love it! I find myself increasingly invested in these characters with each addition to the series. They make an excellent team, and I look forward to what they get up to next.

The ending is genius and leaves the story open to continue nicely in book five. I can’t wait!

** Many thanks to Mick Williams for my early epub copy **

When a covert U.S. military operation accidentally exposes a long-buried Honos safe house, a dormant war is reignited. Hidden inside is access to highly secretive servers that contain data so dangerous that, in the wrong hands, could shatter governments and rewrite the balance of power.

With time running out, Father Black is dragged back into the shadows he once escaped.

But someone is already moving against him.

A mysterious force activates a kill list; four former Honos operatives, a combination of elite and ruthless killers who are trained to hunt.

Their mission is simple: find Father Black and silence him.

Refusing to run, Father teams up with Emmy—stunning, dangerous, and impossible to ignore—and takes the fight to his pursuers. Outnumbered and outgunned, he must once more fall back on Honos resources to combat the best of the worst.

Because if he fails, the servers fall—and the world pays the price.

Happy reading!

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Wait For Me by Elisabeth Naughton 

Wait For Me

by Elisabeth Naughton 

Wait For Me had been on my kindle TBR for some time before being chosen at random as my next read. I went in blind, so I had no idea what to expect. Given the title I expected it to be a love story, and it is, but I did not expect it to be so shocking and heavy.

When we first meet Kate, she is struggling to recover from an accident which has left her with memory loss. As if she doesn’t have enough to deal with, she loses her husband suddenly and whilst going through his office she soon finds evidence that their life together might not have been all she thought it was.

Digging into her past leads her to pharmaceutical executive, Ryan. This leads to even further confusion for both, initially.

At this point I realised where the story was leading but that didn’t hinder my enjoyment of the book and I had no idea just how complicated the tale would prove to be as it progressed.

I did wonder how Kate could be so trusting of Ryan with her five-year-old son, so soon after meeting him. Same for him with his daughter. It makes sense as the story progresses, but initially I found that quite odd. Considering what Kate has gone through, and is still going through, I would be very mistrusting of anyone and everyone if I was her. I can’t imagine being confronted with not knowing exactly who I was or have any recollection of my past. It must be terrifying.

I found this to be a compelling read, by a new-to-me author, which is highly emotional and horrifying at times. It is also full of love, passion, and devotion. Love conquers all, after all, and who doesn’t love a happy ending!?

** According to Amazon I purchased the kindle edition of Wait for Me on 2nd January 2013. I have since downloaded the prequel **

A woman without a past…
After a tragic accident left her with no memory, Kate Alexander struggled to fit in with a husband and world that didn’t feel right. She’s had no reason to question what friends and family have told her, not until her husband is suddenly killed and she finds a photo of a young girl in his office. A girl who can’t be anyone but a daughter Kate didn’t know she had.

A man desperate for a reason to live…
Ryan Harrison lost his wife in a plane crash five years ago. To cope with the pain of her loss, he dedicated himself to his job and to raising their daughter. Now a successful pharmaceutical executive, Ryan has everything a man could want—money, fame and power—but he’d give it all up in a heartbeat for just one more day with the woman he still loves.

Two lives about to converge.
As Kate begins to dig into a past she doesn’t remember, evidence leads her to San Francisco and puts her on the path toward Ryan, a man who sees in her the woman he loved and lost. Kate feels a draw to Ryan, one she can’t explain, but is that feeling enough to convince her this is where she’s supposed to be? As Ryan and Kate search for answers, they uncover lies long buried, a passion hotter than either expected and a danger that threatens…even now…when the second chance they’ve both been searching for is finally within reach.

Books in the Against All Odds Series:
WAIT FOR YOU – Book 1
WAIT FOR ME – Book 2
HOLD ON TO ME – Book 3
MELT FOR ME – Book 4

Happy Reading!