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New Orleans Revelers #3

The Setup and The Substitute

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He’s a single dad trying to make it in the Major Leagues and she’s a substitute teacher looking for her next adventure.

Owen Thatcher has been ghosted by his ex, leaving him to pick up the pieces of their family in the midst of being traded to a new team. After striking out with nanny after nanny, he’s desperate to create a stable life for his two kids.

Sophie Callahan comes from an affluent family but this free spirit is nothing like the stereotypical trust fund baby. While she waits on the perfect job to open up, she’s making it work as a substitute teacher.

But a ruggedly handsome baseball player makes her an offer she can’t refuse.

And it’s a whole new ball game when these attractive, available adults are under one roof.

372 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 16, 2021

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About the author

Jiffy Kate

41 books1,876 followers
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Jiffy Kate is the joint pen name for Jiff Simpson and Jenny Kate Altman. They're co-writing besties who share a brain and a love of cute boys, good coffee, and fun times.

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5 stars
271 (43%)
4 stars
236 (38%)
3 stars
93 (15%)
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15 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
Profile Image for Laurie.
1,549 reviews31 followers
September 22, 2021
Ever since his girlfriend walked out on him and their kids shortly before he was traded to New Orleans, professional baseball player and single father Owen Thatcher has just been trying to survive day to day. With no family in the area to help with childcare, he's in urgent need of a nanny to care for his kids, 6-year-old Molly and 3-year-old Ryan, when he's on the road. While picking Molly up from school one afternoon, Owen meets Sophie Callahan, who's filling in as a substitute teacher at Molly's school until she finds a permanent position. Molly adores Sophie and immediately suggests hiring her as their new nanny. Owen doesn't think Sophie would be interested because she already has a job, plus he's concerned about how attractive he finds her. However, he's desperate to find someone and figures he has nothing to lose by offering her the position. Surprisingly, Sophie accepts, and Owen must find a way to ignore his attraction to his beautiful new employee.

Owen and Sophie's relationship development was well-paced; they had a lot to work through before they could be together, including several plot twists I didn't expect. No matter the challenges they faced, I loved Owen and Sophie as a couple and found it easy to cheer them on to their HEA. I also loved that Sophie was so determined to make her own way independent of her influential family and their money, and that she wanted to give back to the community. Finally, Sophie's relationship with Molly and Ryan was incredibly sweet and heartwarming. She may not have given birth to them, but Sophie became their mother in every way that mattered.

Overall, "The Setup and the Substitute" gave me all the feels and I adored it. I highly recommend this book for fans of contemporary romance and romantic comedy. It was the first book I've read by Jiffy Kate but certainly won't be the last.

*Review copy provided by the author/publisher via Wildfire Marketing Solutions. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Medollga.
439 reviews76 followers
July 9, 2023
Things I liked about this book: 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

- the New Orleans setting, vibrant, interesting and full of life 💖💖💖💖

- the kids were adorable and their relationships with their father and their nanny, hero and heroine respectively, were so cute 🥰

- the heroine had her shit together and was a really capable adult 🙌👑

Things I disliked about this book:💩💩💩💩💩💩💩

- the hero's behavior with the heroine. He always had his head in the sand, ignored her feelings up until last moment and behaved like a wuss ☠️

- the lack of chemistry and deep connection between the couple. Their interactions were all basically sexual (BUT EVEN THAT WAS TOLD, NOT SHOWN 🤬🤬🤬), plus just two attractive people living together was a convenient setup🤔 like, i get what the hero got out of it: a young, hot woman willing to do free labor for him and his kids and also warm his bed every night. But i failed to see what the heroine got out of that relationship, that was so special and convincing 😅

- the ex-girlfriend/mother of his children situation: what kind of plot device was THAT, just getting rid of her mid scene without any culmination, any conversation, anyTHING??? She was such a detrimental part of the conflict, yet the authors just got rid of her mid chapter to avoid any serious topics and gave some weird explanation later on...

All in all this was a meh read, i wanted something similar to 'Heartless' by Elsie Silver, but this was NOT IT 🛑🛑🛑🛑
Profile Image for Kahea.
2,115 reviews118 followers
September 13, 2021
***5 Stars***

The title was the lure, the blurb was the hook and I was not disappointed in any way with the book. Frustrated at times, but more often than not amused, happy, swoony and just all around entertained by Owen and Sophie’s journey to their HEA.

I adored Sophie and Owen. Sophie follows her heart. She knows what she does and doesn’t want and is willing to put in the work to make her dreams come true. She’s sweet, sassy and comfortable in her own skin, which made it easy to like her. Owen has a lot going on and is trying really hard to not mess things up for his kids. He can be grumpy and not be real communicative, but when it comes to his kids, he’ll move heaven and earth for them.

Owen and Sophie’s journey to their HEA was a fun one, awkward at times, frustrating too, but fun. The attraction was instant and as they got to know each other they found that the attracting went far deeper than either expected. The road bloc in their journey wasn’t necessarily a surprise, but I did want to Gibbs smack one of them, thankfully a certain person's head was pulled out of a dark place and I loved how everything worked out in the end.

I’ve read a few of the authors books before and thoroughly enjoyed them, so I jumped at the chance to read this one, not knowing that it was part of a series, not my norm by any means, but I didn’t feel lost in any way because I was getting to know everyone along with Owen and Sophie, but I will be adding the previous two books to my TBR and keeping an eye out for the next in the series. In stating that, it’s obvious I adore the supporting cast of characters. Ross, Casey, Bo and Lola were awesome as were Sophie’s family ~ though Kitty tried me ~ but I’m really interested to see what the future holds for Mack and Greer.

So, if single parent/sports romances then this is a must click for you.

~ Copy provided by WFMS & voluntarily reviewed ~
Profile Image for RateTheRomance.
912 reviews120 followers
September 17, 2021
Holy hot nanny banging, Batman.

THE SETUP AND THE SUBSTITUTE does such a good job of ramping up the sizzling chemistry between the leads that you'll snap your kindle in half with your bare hands by the time these two finally seal the deal. And when they do...prepare thyself...it's H-O-T.

Sophie is an wonderful female lead! Smart, caring, fun, but also in a little over her head. Love that! And Owen is the cinnamon roll hero you need in your life! His relationship with his kids will melt your ovaries.

I took a star off my rating because there are quite a few storylines in this book that never really flesh out. Based on the writing you keep thinking, "Oh, this character is going to freak out!" or "There's totally a confrontation coming with this sketchy character" and then those plot points just fizzle and never materialize. It made the last 1/4 of the book feel rushed or incomplete somehow.

If you love a good Single Dad + Nanny romance with a slow burn that leads to some serious steam, you'll want to add THE SETUP AND THE SUBSTITUTE to your TBR! You will love it!!

RATING:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
STEAM LEVEL: Rated R
TRIGGERS: drug abuse/addiction (secondary character), parent abandonment
FEELS-O-METER: 2/5 - A bit of drama, but still a light read.

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

BUY IT HERE: https://amzn.to/398WEoq (aff.)

👇🏻HANG OUT WITH ME HERE!👇🏻
INSTAGRAM | YEAR OF SMUT CHALLENGE
383 reviews1 follower
September 14, 2021
Just like the previous books in the series, this story is adorable and light, with just the right amount of drama sprinkled in. I love a good single dad romance, and this one was perfect ❤️
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
4,864 reviews180 followers
September 14, 2021
5 Star Review of The Setup and the Substitute (New Orleans Revelers #3) by Jiffy Kate

Jiffy Kate is a new author to me and I am shocked that I have not read their books before now. This was an entertaining read that drew me in hook, line and sinker.
I love single parent stories and Owen Thatcher and Sophie Callahan’s story ticked the boxes for me. Owen is trying to make it in the Major Leagues as the new pitcher for the New Orleans Revelers and Sophie is a substitute teacher who I could easily see as my friend. After his ex Lisa, leaves him to bring up their two children Owen is struggling. He needs help and he turns to Sophie.
I fell hard and fast for Owen, he was such a swoon worthy hero that you cannot help it. Sophie is feisty, caring and I could easily picture her as a nanny. The relationship that Owen and Sophie embark on will be rocky with lots of outside influences trying to destroy it but through determination and trust they will get through it.
The writing was strong, the characters engaging and when time permits I would be looking at other books from this duo.
Profile Image for Debbie.
2,061 reviews66 followers
September 21, 2021
I have been needing some new Jiffy Kate in my life and this didn't disappoint!

Owen - the single dad trying to juggle his baseball career and being a solo parent to Molly & Ryan. His ex abandoned him and the children and his trust issues are plenty! Also they are going through nannies like crazy and it's causing him stress and affecting his game. Sophie - Molly's substitute teacher turned temporary nanny for Molly & Ryan. Her family has money but she wants to make her own way in the world. She hasn't yet found that love she's looking for.

The road to romance was bumpy, but I'm not a huge instalove fan so I enjoy when they have to work for it. Their communication was sometimes lacking. Owen's ex was a mile high hurdle. But the pull was two much for either of them to deny. I enjoyed seeing them navigate their way to each other.

Molly stole the show for me and I adored her, and Ryan was adorable too. Owen's mom was a fun addition. Greer was fabulous! Gavin was UGH! And the appearances by all the other characters we already love was just the icing on the cake for me.
Profile Image for Jiffy Kate.
Author 41 books1,876 followers
Read
January 12, 2022


*Single Dad
*CUTE kiddos
*Nanny
*Forced Proximity
*LOTS OF STEAM

You don’t want to miss this one! And don’t worry if you have read the first two, our interconnected books can stand alone! We promise to always deliver the sass, steam, and a happily ever after.

Download today! → https://amzn.to/3C37skc
3,060 reviews26 followers
October 10, 2021
baseball player needs a nanny; substitute teacher needs a job. This is filled with an annoying family and an annoying ex girlfriend. And too many times where they couldn't get their acts together.

And why oh why would you allow the mother of your kids who is a drug addict and who disappeared for 2 years to live with you??
Profile Image for Becky.
1,074 reviews105 followers
October 28, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

There was such a sweetness to this story. I really liked Sophie and Owen. The kids add some nice depth to the story. Owen and Sophie are such realistic characters, you can see yourself being friends with both of them. Owen is a bit closed off, but once he starts to feel his home life settling he comes out of his shell. I wanted more on page interactions between Sophie and Owen. I felt at times their chemistry was diluted because the story was so focused on the kids. I totally believe in their HEA, I just felt the story was missing something. It was a well written quick read. if you are looking for a fun read that was very entertaining, with likable characters and not filled with unnecessary drama this is the book for you.
Profile Image for Jen.
235 reviews24 followers
September 17, 2021
I don't really watch sports, but I love a good sports romance. I don't have, want, or honestly even LIKE small children, but I LOVE single dad romance. And, well, I just really love Jiffy Kate. Combine the 3, and it's a homerun for me (see what I did there? 😉).

This book is a perfect example of what I love about Jiffy Kate's writing - it was entertaining, swoony and not filled with unnecessary drama. They write realistic characters that you want to befriend in real life, and Owen and Sophie are no exception. Owen is a professional baseball player trying to find a permanent home with a team while single-handedly raising his two young kids after their mother abandoned them. Sophie comes from a well off family that has high expectations for her. Sophie's life goals don't align with her family's goals, however, and she has no qualms about living life on HER terms, regardless of what anyone else thinks. She wants to be a teacher, but she doesn't have a permanent position yet due to timing - which ultimately leads to her agreeing to be a temporary nanny for Owen's kids.

I loved both of these characters, and their chemistry was undeniable from the start. More than that though, they complimented each other and made each other's lives better. For the MOST part (you gotta have a little drama somewhere) they communicated and were supportive of each other. Their relationship and their relationships with the kids was just so sweet and heartwarming.

This is book 3 in the New Orleans Revelers series, but it is easily read as a standalone.
Profile Image for Flavs is Mrs David Gandy♥~♥’.
3,135 reviews2 followers
September 15, 2021
Oh man you should know by now I love single parent romance. And this one broke my heart for these two kids ☹

Owen Thatcher is a single dad, who is also a baseball player. His ex left one day stating she couldn’t do it anymore… (Really) Now he is alone with his two kids. Had to relocate due to his job to New Orleans and one nanny after the other has quit on him. He needs someone like yesterday to help him as he travels a lot for his work. Enter Sophie Callahan…

Sophie Callahan comes from a very wealthy family and a well known family. She is the ‘rebel’ of the group. Out of her sibling who all followed in the family footsteps, she is the one that became a teacher 😊 (I loved that) She was working as a substitute teacher at Owen’s daughter’s school when they met. Now he has made her an offer she can’t pass up. But is it a good thing considering the attraction and chemistry between her and Owen??

I loved both of these characters so much. I felt for poor Owen who was all alone with his kids and he had to earn a living by travelling with his team and leaving them to someone else to watch over. And Sophie she was just the sweetest and totally made for being a teacher. They had so much obstacles to overcome but in the end they couldn’t fight their attraction anymore. I loved it. Loved that the whole story took place in New Orleans, so vibrant and totally out there location. Loved loved the story, the characters and the adorable cute kids 😊

Read on behalf of
Fay’s Corner
Profile Image for Lauren.
454 reviews2 followers
September 13, 2021
The Setup and The Substitute is another great book by writing duo Jiffy Kate. I feel like all of my reviews for their books are the same. Always mentioning the seamless writing with so many feels, but it's true, they consistently up their game and put out amazing books. I love the single dad falls for the nanny trope, and this one was so good.

Sophie is independent and refuses to be persuaded by her family's money and political power. Owen is a single dad who just wants to make sure his kids are taken care of, especially when he's on the road with the Revelers. Hiring his daughter's substitute teacher seems like a terrible idea, but Owen doesn't have many options.

Sparks fly fairly early between these two (and fairly often). I felt every one of the emotions Sophie and Owen did. Everything from the butterflies, to the hesitancy, to the guilt, it's all written so beautifully and feels so real. The characters are all pretty well developed. Sophie seemed to take a little longer to come together than the others, but ultimately she did. Overall this is a great read. Of course, being set in New Orleans I love the easter eggs of the locations from The French Quarter Collection. Huge thanks to Jiff Kate for an arc!
Profile Image for Tricia Bartley.  #AuthorStalker.
1,268 reviews95 followers
September 15, 2021
Take me out to the ballgame, take me out to the crowd....... Y'all know the song... Right!!! Lol.


Ohh y'all one of my very fav writing duo Jiffy Kate is back in their newest sports romance called The Setup and the Substitute. Such a feel good book with just enough drama, hilarious laugh out moments and some steam to make this girl blush lol

I started yesterday and barely put it down!

Owen needed a nanny for his kids when their momma walked out of their Life. He is a pitcher for a major league baseball team in New Orleans. (I have go share I loved the kids, they were great!!!)

Sophie is a substitute teacher at a school where Owen's kids go to. After a chance meeting at the local ice cream shop.. Things begin to align and Owen may have just found the perfect match for his kids and....
well....
nowwww your going to have to go One Click and see what happens lol

5 Jiffy Kate Y'all hit this book out of the park Stars!!!!

Loved it!!!
Profile Image for Michelle.
523 reviews33 followers
September 17, 2021
I love a great Jiffy Kate romance for so many reasons. Without fail, they deliver passionate romances that make me experience a full range of emotions. I have to admit, though, that I was hesitant to review The Setup and The Substitute when I learned it was a single-dad romance. Kids in romance books are usually something that I avoid...it's just not my jam. I am happy to say that Jiffy Kate delivered such an enjoyable romance that they made me like the kids! What?!! Molly and Ryan were so adorable and I am so glad I took a chance on this book. Owen and Sophia have some big issues to overcome in order to have a relationship, and it took having honest conversations to make it happen. I really loved seeing their relationship evolve from instant attraction to a deep, all-consuming love for one another. With a great secondary cast, the friendships in this book shined and I really hope we get to read more stories about this wonderful cast of characters.
Profile Image for Polly Smith.
196 reviews3 followers
September 16, 2021
In true Jiffy Kate form, this one grabbed me from the very beginning. It could be because I have been anxiously awaiting it’s release but I think it’s more because Owen immediately had me all up in my feelings. He’s single dad, a new-to-the-Revelers pitcher and very vulnerable where relationships are concerned. Can you blame a girl for feeling sorry for him? Heck no. When Sophie entered the picture, I immediately loved her. She’s sweet, smart and very independent. Everything I love in a h. This book is basically low-drama except for the ex-girlfriend & baby momma, Lisa (I reallllly wanted to smack Lisa) and the fact that these two beautiful people were meant to be (in my eyes) from the get-go and pretty much fought it…until they didn’t. They had a ton of obstacles to overcome, but this couple stuck with it until they figured it out. Sophie was a level-headed, patient rockstar of a girlfriend in this book! I love EVERY Jiffy Kate book (yes, I’ve read them all) and this one rates up at the top of my most favorites of their books. This writing duo has the perfect writing style…sassy, sweet and realllly steamy. Everything I love in a great book. ❤️
Profile Image for Ashleigh Bush.
19 reviews
September 16, 2021
I tried to make this one last. But I couldn’t put it down once I got started. It’s so hard to review without absolutely gushing about This perfect couple and their unconventional, very level headed, real relationship and working through those challenges of being in a very mature, none toxic, responsible partnership along the way. This isn’t a damsel in distress seeking a white knight. This is a modern women taking charge of her own life, her own way and doesn’t have to make herself fit into someone else’s mold. It’s a partnership and complete understanding and respect of each other and their boundaries. Sophie and Owen have set the bar high on couple goals. They don’t give up on one another, they forgive shortcomings and are their own hype men. It’s obvious Jiffy Kate took great care setting the scene and giving both characters amazing strengths where they are great individually, not needing to be any less or dependent on someone else. But made them even stronger together.
Profile Image for Minnie.
308 reviews22 followers
September 15, 2021
Good story with cute and touching moments.

Owen is a baseball player who’s looking for a nanny to take care of two of his children when he’s away from home for the games. Sophie and Owen meet at his daughter’s school where she worked as substitute teacher and when he sees how good she is with his daughter he realises that Sophie will be the best for this position. It doesn’t take long for Sophie to agree because she’s currently without a job. And that’s how their journey starts with both of them trying not to let the attraction they feel for one another come into the light.

This was a good story though I think it was too slow paced. I liked the scenes of Sophie with kids and Owen with his kids. They were adorable. Overall a good story.
Profile Image for Reading  In the  Red Room .
2,191 reviews59 followers
September 14, 2021
Sophie is from a rich political family trying to stand on her own two feet. She is currently a substitute teacher and is looking for something full time. Professional baseball player Owen loves his two kids and loves playing baseball. When yet another nanny quits he is on the hunt for another one. When his daughter suggested her substitute teacher he laughed it off, but then he couldn’t stop thinking about her. I really enjoyed this book. I loved That he knew it was a bad idea hiring a nanny he was attracted to and hired her anyway. I loved How connected she was with the kids and I enjoyed The off and on drama with the baby momma. In all this was a great quick read and a very entertaining read.
Profile Image for Amber.
260 reviews1 follower
September 16, 2021
Owen is a single dad who happens to be a Major League Baseball player. Sophie is working as a substitute while she applies for a full time teaching position. Owen finds himself in a bind needing a nanny quickly. Finding himself without any options he reaches out to the one person his kids already know and like.

This book will make you swoon and will make you want to toss your kindle across the room in frustration. I love Jiffy Kate and how their writing is always flawless. Each book they write is better than the last. The surprises in this book definitely caught me off guard a few times. The chemistry between Sophie and Owen is completely electric. The character development was amazing and the story had a great build. I absolutely loved everything about this book.
Profile Image for Alphas Do It Better Book Blog .
3,380 reviews99 followers
September 21, 2021
4 stars

Great little beach read from Jiffy Kate.

Owen is a dedicated baseball player but an even more dedicated single dad with two adorable children. He hasn't had the easiest time of it,especially in the love department but he couldn't adore his children more if he tried. He's in desperate need of a good nanny to give his beloved kids some much-needed stability when he's on the road for away games. But Owen is finding the nanny game is even tougher than major league baseball. When his daughter suggests her substitute teacher as a viable candidate, he immediately dismisses the idea but then he meets the beautiful, wonderful and incredibly capable Sophie Callahan. She'd be an amazing nanny but can he keep his hands off her?

Sophie is trying to strike her own path, away from her family's name and expectations. Despite the silver spoon she grew up with, she loves working with children. Seeing Owen's desperation and already adoring his kids, she gave an easy yes when he asked her to be their temporary nanny. It was supposed to be six months but the hardest thing might be walking away at the end.

This was such a sweet story. I fell in love with Owen and Sophie both and really adored the way they both loved those precious kids. There was a rollercoaster of emotions because of the family situation but there was such sweetness that ran all the way through. Great read, I'm always sure to enjoy anything from these authors!

AnnMarie - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
Profile Image for Jeraca.
2,506 reviews26 followers
September 15, 2021
I received this free eARC novel from the author and Wildfire Marketing Solutions. This is my honest review.

This was a cute novel. I adored the connection between Sophie and Molly and Ryan. You can tell how much Sophie adores those two kids and how protective she is immediately after being with them for a small period of time.

I also loved how open and honest Sophie is. She is not shy and she will say it how it is, and I appreciate that outlook in life.

Owen, for the most part, was a good character. I didn't like how he distanced himself when things were getting chaotic and wouldn't just talk, but that was pretty much my only complaint about him.

I'm glad I got the chance to read this novel!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
923 reviews
September 14, 2021
The Setup and The Substitute is the next book in the New Orleans Revelers series and it is a must read by Jiffy Kate. These two authors have delivered a seamless story that is charming and sexy and will wrap itself around you like a warm fuzzy blanket that you won't want to take off. Owen is the sexy baseball player with two adorable children, and Sophie is the beautiful substitute teacher that takes on the nanny job. The relationship that they develop is one full of its ups and downs but all in a good way so that by the end you have the biggest smile on your face. I love coming back to New Orleans through the stories by Jiffy Kate!
Profile Image for Samantha.
313 reviews
September 16, 2021
this was soo stinking cute.. adorable kids CHECK, Adorable Single dad CHECK, Owen is a single baseball player trying to make life work around his hectic schedule, just when hes lost hope he meets Sophie Callahan, she is a teacher at his kids school. There relationship builds from there, she becomes important in his life and his kids life. I loved loved this book it was so good and some spots had me getting out the fan and some ice water. Do yourself a favor go read this book, heck go read everything by this author.
Profile Image for Stefanie.
958 reviews
September 22, 2021
When you read a Jiffy Kate book it feels like coming home. It’s a big warm welcome. I love their books. This one is no exception. From the very beginning I was hooked. Owen and Sophie danced around each other in the beginning. They were magnetized to each other. They just couldn’t stay away. I really enjoyed how Sophie knew what she wanted and took it. It was powerful. I loved how Sophie wasn’t like her family. That she was a free spirit. Sophie was also so fantastic with the children. It was very sweet to read about all their adventures. Another one of my favorite parts was Sophie and Greers friendship. It was a hoot. I died laughing how they greeted each other. Wonderful book!
Profile Image for Lana-White Hot Reads.
1,036 reviews22 followers
September 14, 2021
Sophie is the glue which holds this family together!!! Lana~White Hot Reads

Owen needs a nanny and after witnessing Sophie with Molly, he ask her if she would be willing to do it. He is extremely attracted to her but won't do anything about it since she is his employee. Sophie bonds with Molly and Ryan and you can't help but love these two. As things progress with Owen, it seems natural to them. Then of course something your not expecting happens and it must get dealt with. I have truly loved this series and sad its over.
Profile Image for Amanda.
208 reviews6 followers
September 15, 2021
The next book in the Reverlers Series and it did not disappoint. Owen, baseball playing single dad, can't find a nanny in his new town. Enter Sophie, his daughters substitute who he is instantly drawn to. I loved how this all came together. Owen's kids are a sweet addition to the story and even though he travels for games he is 100% present awesome dad when home which is so swoony.
I loved this story and it made me want to do a reread of the prior 2 books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews

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