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Game of Gods #3
The Royal Gauntlet
I need no shelter from the storm.
I AM THE STORM.
As the newly returned Goddess of Spring and Queen of the Underworld, Daphne should be focused on fixing her kingdom, not battling the rogue Fate who's been manipulating all their lives. But Posey has the mortal and immortal realms trembling in her grasp, and chaos reigns supreme.
Freed from her murderer’s chokehold, Daphne has finally reunited with her beloved husband, Essos, the King of the Dead. As the worlds around them fall apart, Daphne must protect the child growing inside her. The Queen and King of the Underworld have everything to fight for and everything to lose. Loyal gods and goddesses flock to their side, prepared to use all their power to fight fate itself.
It may not be enough.
Fighting Posey on multiple fronts in the mortal realm, Solarem, and the Underworld has them spread thin. As shocking secrets come to light, friends turn foe, and immortality itself comes into question, Daphne must decide just how much–or who–she’s willing to sacrifice in an endgame that no one may win.
I AM THE STORM.
As the newly returned Goddess of Spring and Queen of the Underworld, Daphne should be focused on fixing her kingdom, not battling the rogue Fate who's been manipulating all their lives. But Posey has the mortal and immortal realms trembling in her grasp, and chaos reigns supreme.
Freed from her murderer’s chokehold, Daphne has finally reunited with her beloved husband, Essos, the King of the Dead. As the worlds around them fall apart, Daphne must protect the child growing inside her. The Queen and King of the Underworld have everything to fight for and everything to lose. Loyal gods and goddesses flock to their side, prepared to use all their power to fight fate itself.
It may not be enough.
Fighting Posey on multiple fronts in the mortal realm, Solarem, and the Underworld has them spread thin. As shocking secrets come to light, friends turn foe, and immortality itself comes into question, Daphne must decide just how much–or who–she’s willing to sacrifice in an endgame that no one may win.
488 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 13, 2023
20 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Sanchez
12 books216 followersNicole Sanchez can't believe she has the occasion to write an author biography.
She has been writing short stories from a young age, and is excited to be publishing her debut novel, Central Park Collision, a contemporary romance.
She has a lot of tricks up her sleeve, so be sure to hit the follow button to see all she has to offer!
When she's not writing, she can be found training for her next Disney Race or lounging around the parks.
She lives in New Jersey with her adoring husband and two cats, Chip and Harvey.
WEBSITE:
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FACEBOOK READER GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/22611...
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She has been writing short stories from a young age, and is excited to be publishing her debut novel, Central Park Collision, a contemporary romance.
She has a lot of tricks up her sleeve, so be sure to hit the follow button to see all she has to offer!
When she's not writing, she can be found training for her next Disney Race or lounging around the parks.
She lives in New Jersey with her adoring husband and two cats, Chip and Harvey.
WEBSITE:
INSTAGRAM:
TIKTOK:
FACEBOOK READER GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/22611...
BOOKBUB:
AMAZON:
TWITTER:
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 17, 2023
This book was the conclusion to the trilogy. Daphne is an incredible woman, full of deep love and always there for others. Her clashes with Essos over safety are undeniably adorable, especially when he tries to protect her in a bubble. The book is a whirlwind of stunning reveals and introduces intriguing new characters, all leading to a satisfying conclusion. There's even hope for spin-offs featuring beloved side characters like Cat. With its perfect blend of drama, action, and emotional intensity, this book delivers the ultimate finale that we have eagerly awaited. The story had me on a rollercoaster of emotions, making me laugh and cry. Definitely, a trilogy I would recommend.
May 15, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5
I don’t want it to end 😭
I have been hooked on these characters since the very beginning and I am sad to see them go, but I am glad it ended the way it did 🖤
If you want a series that’s like the bachelor with gods and goddesses, a series that’s constantly punching you in the gut because it feels like the FMC can never catch a break, a series with the funniest pop culture references, and a series with Maury style family issues that just keep getting worse and worse as more secrets come out, then this is the series for you 😂
🌶️🌶️.5
I don’t want it to end 😭
I have been hooked on these characters since the very beginning and I am sad to see them go, but I am glad it ended the way it did 🖤
If you want a series that’s like the bachelor with gods and goddesses, a series that’s constantly punching you in the gut because it feels like the FMC can never catch a break, a series with the funniest pop culture references, and a series with Maury style family issues that just keep getting worse and worse as more secrets come out, then this is the series for you 😂
May 12, 2023
Perfect ending to the series!!
This was a long awaited finale for me! I absolutely love these characters so much and I’m so happy to see their stories come to an end the way they did.
Nicole does such an amazing job of making you feel everything so deeply it hurts. I questioned everything, I made predictions that came true, I felt all the feelings. This series, these characters will live in my soul for a long time. I love them so much!
This was a long awaited finale for me! I absolutely love these characters so much and I’m so happy to see their stories come to an end the way they did.
Nicole does such an amazing job of making you feel everything so deeply it hurts. I questioned everything, I made predictions that came true, I felt all the feelings. This series, these characters will live in my soul for a long time. I love them so much!
May 17, 2023
I’ve been not so patiently waiting for this book and I did not disappoint! This series was a perfect mix of romance and fantasy!
This installment gripped me from page one. I have been waiting to see how Daphne finds her happily ever after. This book by far was the BEST in the series. The action, the dialogue and moments of our favorite characters gave me everything I wanted and left me wanting more. I want side stories for ALL of these characters.
A perfect ending to an amazing series.
This installment gripped me from page one. I have been waiting to see how Daphne finds her happily ever after. This book by far was the BEST in the series. The action, the dialogue and moments of our favorite characters gave me everything I wanted and left me wanting more. I want side stories for ALL of these characters.
A perfect ending to an amazing series.
September 19, 2023
I absolutely loved this book! It always feels sad saying goodbye to a cast of characters that have grown near and dear to your heart, but this series ended on the perfect note. I really enjoyed how all the varying gods, goddesses, fates, and titans were introduced, and the constant plot twists had me desperate to keep reading! This book took a little bit of effort for me to push through, especially at the beginning, but I am glad that I kept going. Overall an amazing read and a stellar series!
August 14, 2023
I enjoyed this story!! I was grateful on the shift from Galen. I hate him. I also loved the realness of Daphnes PTSD. Her insecurities and her anxiety made her more relatable. Less one star bc Ellie. 🤢
June 21, 2023
Nicole did such a fantastic job wrapping up this trilogy! I hated to see it end and will miss Essos and Daphne. Their love story definitely has highs and lows (Posey, et al). We meet new characters with a purpose and find out more about characters that have already been introduced.
Nicole has set such a high standard for this genre, it is going to take me a while to pick up another book about the Underworld since this was my first foray into it.
Here are some of my favorite quotes:
"Did I say his words make me feel like butter left out too long? I meant he makes me feel like butter left in the sun, melted and bubbling with need that, unless fulfilled, might burn away to nothing."
"I really, really want to go to my room, throw myself down on the bed, and cry like a Disney Princess, but I can’t.” “That’s right, you can’t, because you’re a queen, and better yet, this is your castle.” (IYKYK)
“That look right there? That flash of fear? That stomach-swooping concern that something might happen to you that you just felt? That’s what I feel every time I see one of these threats. I’ve lived too long without you.”
“Then who are those guys?” Cat questions, gesturing to Xavier and Essos. “Hot hallucinations,” my mom guesses with a shrug."
“I am saying that because you are my wife. I am saying that because I have missed you for a thousand years, and every minute, every second away from you chafes at my soul.”
"Getting you, Essos, was the best thing to ever happen to me, but it feels like fate doesn’t want me to be happy.”
“I don’t think a man has ever loved a woman quite as much as I love you,” he whispers."
“No man has ever loved a woman with as much devotion or strength. I know that for every square inch of love you have in your heart for me, I have it tenfold more for you.” I crush my lips against his, feeling a tear drip from my closed eyes.
“You are a literal Disney villain, mother,” Helene hisses . . ." (Again IYKYK)
"We’ve made the space around me the Hotel California; you can drop in, but you can never leave, at least, not magically."
There are so many more but you will have to find them yourselves. Please make sure you start the series with Book 1.
Nicole has set such a high standard for this genre, it is going to take me a while to pick up another book about the Underworld since this was my first foray into it.
Here are some of my favorite quotes:
"Did I say his words make me feel like butter left out too long? I meant he makes me feel like butter left in the sun, melted and bubbling with need that, unless fulfilled, might burn away to nothing."
"I really, really want to go to my room, throw myself down on the bed, and cry like a Disney Princess, but I can’t.” “That’s right, you can’t, because you’re a queen, and better yet, this is your castle.” (IYKYK)
“That look right there? That flash of fear? That stomach-swooping concern that something might happen to you that you just felt? That’s what I feel every time I see one of these threats. I’ve lived too long without you.”
“Then who are those guys?” Cat questions, gesturing to Xavier and Essos. “Hot hallucinations,” my mom guesses with a shrug."
“I am saying that because you are my wife. I am saying that because I have missed you for a thousand years, and every minute, every second away from you chafes at my soul.”
"Getting you, Essos, was the best thing to ever happen to me, but it feels like fate doesn’t want me to be happy.”
“I don’t think a man has ever loved a woman quite as much as I love you,” he whispers."
“No man has ever loved a woman with as much devotion or strength. I know that for every square inch of love you have in your heart for me, I have it tenfold more for you.” I crush my lips against his, feeling a tear drip from my closed eyes.
“You are a literal Disney villain, mother,” Helene hisses . . ." (Again IYKYK)
"We’ve made the space around me the Hotel California; you can drop in, but you can never leave, at least, not magically."
There are so many more but you will have to find them yourselves. Please make sure you start the series with Book 1.
May 25, 2023
3.5 stars
I received an arc for my honest review.
We come to the end of Daphne and Essos' story with the Royal Guantlant. It was bittersweet to say goodbye to them. Not just to Daphne and Essos, but to all of the Gods we met throughout this 3 part series. I was happy to see the conclusion of all the drama that these poor soulmates had to go through but sad to say goodbye to them.
In RG, we see more of our favourite parts of Hades x Persephone's myth come to life, as well as other popular myths. We meet new Gods (who I loved), some of the favourites in the Greek world. I really loved how they were woven into the story and how their myths were included. Subtle to those who don't know the myths but someone like myself with a decent knowledge of them - could easily spot them.
There are a lot of things happening by the time we get to this one and again it took a while for me to get into this one like the last one.
I was not a fan of the apocalypse plot with zombies, and it made the first chunk of this story really hard for me to get into. I felt the whole Earth subplot was unnecessary and could have been excluded and we could still have a really good story with Posey against the rest of the Gods.
With that said, I loved the whole Posey against the Gods and Cat's backstory, the gods you could never fully trust or when you couldn't tell whose side someone was actually on. Loved the weapons and magic that were used throughout the entire series.
I enjoyed the story a lot but it didn't hit the same way as the first two for me. I struggled a bit in this one but once we got to the last 40% that's when I had a hard time putting it down. There were laugh-out-loud moments. I began to really adore Xavier and his overall growth throughout the series. I adore all the mythology easter eggs sprinkled around it and Essos... he is pretty fantastic.
Check trigger warnings!
I received an arc for my honest review.
We come to the end of Daphne and Essos' story with the Royal Guantlant. It was bittersweet to say goodbye to them. Not just to Daphne and Essos, but to all of the Gods we met throughout this 3 part series. I was happy to see the conclusion of all the drama that these poor soulmates had to go through but sad to say goodbye to them.
In RG, we see more of our favourite parts of Hades x Persephone's myth come to life, as well as other popular myths. We meet new Gods (who I loved), some of the favourites in the Greek world. I really loved how they were woven into the story and how their myths were included. Subtle to those who don't know the myths but someone like myself with a decent knowledge of them - could easily spot them.
There are a lot of things happening by the time we get to this one and again it took a while for me to get into this one like the last one.
I was not a fan of the apocalypse plot with zombies, and it made the first chunk of this story really hard for me to get into. I felt the whole Earth subplot was unnecessary and could have been excluded and we could still have a really good story with Posey against the rest of the Gods.
With that said, I loved the whole Posey against the Gods and Cat's backstory, the gods you could never fully trust or when you couldn't tell whose side someone was actually on. Loved the weapons and magic that were used throughout the entire series.
I enjoyed the story a lot but it didn't hit the same way as the first two for me. I struggled a bit in this one but once we got to the last 40% that's when I had a hard time putting it down. There were laugh-out-loud moments. I began to really adore Xavier and his overall growth throughout the series. I adore all the mythology easter eggs sprinkled around it and Essos... he is pretty fantastic.
Check trigger warnings!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2023
***This review will probably have spoilers and will probably have some cuss words drizzled in for flare- that's how I feel right now, you've been warned***
This series had so much promise in book one to be absolutely amazing, and I wanted so much from it - but the delivery wasn't there.
Daphne, our FMC? Yeah, I was wishing the fates would take her right out. She was once strong and stood up for herself and what was right. Books 2 and 3? She was just horny and spent most of the time crying about herself - or about the lack of everyone stopping their lives (even though they were) to ensure her safety.
"Like I know things are really bad, but bend me over and take me." This isn't a direct quote, but I might have respected it more if it was. I'm not sure why we kept getting thrown random sex scenes that honestly had no place in the book, nor did they make any sense to be happening at all. I love a smut scene. Make it fluffy, make it dark...whatever, I'm here for it. Throw it in for the sake of having it? Yeah, I'm out. But I couldn't be out because I needed to see it through.
The way the characters were handled in book one they all had a voice I could hear so clearly in my head. They all had stories that I knew I wanted to know all about. Such AMAZING characters. Helene and Kai? Swoon. So many more and we get zip. We get them, but it's simply to move the story along with zero depth.
There was a point that brought me to tears, kudos there, but the damage was already done. I was already annoyed with it all, and the fact that I cried was equally as annoying.
So yeah, I didn't love it. I wanted to. I devoured Book 1. In the end, the delivery wasn't there, the message was lost and it just turned into something...I can't even articulate it into words. I will say there were so many great comedic lines and scenes. The author does a great job at adding it in to lighten the load and its a great time. It just wasn't the time of my life.
This series had so much promise in book one to be absolutely amazing, and I wanted so much from it - but the delivery wasn't there.
Daphne, our FMC? Yeah, I was wishing the fates would take her right out. She was once strong and stood up for herself and what was right. Books 2 and 3? She was just horny and spent most of the time crying about herself - or about the lack of everyone stopping their lives (even though they were) to ensure her safety.
"Like I know things are really bad, but bend me over and take me." This isn't a direct quote, but I might have respected it more if it was. I'm not sure why we kept getting thrown random sex scenes that honestly had no place in the book, nor did they make any sense to be happening at all. I love a smut scene. Make it fluffy, make it dark...whatever, I'm here for it. Throw it in for the sake of having it? Yeah, I'm out. But I couldn't be out because I needed to see it through.
The way the characters were handled in book one they all had a voice I could hear so clearly in my head. They all had stories that I knew I wanted to know all about. Such AMAZING characters. Helene and Kai? Swoon. So many more and we get zip. We get them, but it's simply to move the story along with zero depth.
There was a point that brought me to tears, kudos there, but the damage was already done. I was already annoyed with it all, and the fact that I cried was equally as annoying.
So yeah, I didn't love it. I wanted to. I devoured Book 1. In the end, the delivery wasn't there, the message was lost and it just turned into something...I can't even articulate it into words. I will say there were so many great comedic lines and scenes. The author does a great job at adding it in to lighten the load and its a great time. It just wasn't the time of my life.
December 9, 2023
I swear there must have been a ghostwriter for this book until the last ten chapters. Daphne was turned into an insufferable, 'can't do anything without her man', weak woman. The first two books (which I flew through and really enjoyed) were setting Daphne up to be this strong Queen of the Dead who would right the wrongs and injustices against her. The third book was literally the same thing in every chapter; something happens, Daphne feels lightheaded or nauseous, she needs Essos for support physically and emotionally and then he draws a shower or bath for her. It was all so repetitive, on and on for 30 chapters. It was also ridiculous how these gods were acting like sex crazed teenagers. They were literally in the middle of a coup and two gods came in to do battle with sex hair and twisted clothing. The ending itself was very predictable but righted the mistakes of the beginning and middle of the book. It felt like the original author was back. That being said, there were also so many proofreading errors!!
Overall I enjoyed the series as a whole but book 3 was definitely the worst of the bunch.
Overall I enjoyed the series as a whole but book 3 was definitely the worst of the bunch.
May 14, 2023
I received this free eARC novel from the author. This is my honest review.
This entire series was amazing! I was sucked into the story right off the bat and it's had its claws in me the whole time since!
Daphne is fantastic. She's an amazing woman who loves so deeply and always feels the need to be there for everyone. Seeing her and Essos go head to head more times than not about safety and protection was adorable. And it was adorable that Essos thought he could put her in a bubble lol.
So many reveals and new characters happened in this book, all for it to get wrapped up at the end. I love the side characters and wonder if some of them well be getting their own stories?! (*cough, Cat?!?!*)
I predicted quite a few things in here, but some other things were a pleasant surprise. All I know is that I immensely enjoyed this story and won't be forgetting all the drama and action that happened in this Trilogy!
This entire series was amazing! I was sucked into the story right off the bat and it's had its claws in me the whole time since!
Daphne is fantastic. She's an amazing woman who loves so deeply and always feels the need to be there for everyone. Seeing her and Essos go head to head more times than not about safety and protection was adorable. And it was adorable that Essos thought he could put her in a bubble lol.
So many reveals and new characters happened in this book, all for it to get wrapped up at the end. I love the side characters and wonder if some of them well be getting their own stories?! (*cough, Cat?!?!*)
I predicted quite a few things in here, but some other things were a pleasant surprise. All I know is that I immensely enjoyed this story and won't be forgetting all the drama and action that happened in this Trilogy!
December 31, 2023
What a great way to end 2023! Loved this series. It would have gotten 5 stars but there was too much of Daphne getting mad at Essos for wanting to protect her and the baby. Ma’am, he watched you and your child die once before, yall had been trying for a baby for eons, why are you mad at him for not wanting you to be in dangers way? I get that she is strong and all but she just couldn’t see his side.
I loved the plot twists with Ellie and Possy. I would definitely love to see X and Cat’s story play out. Same with Dion, Finn, and Bria. They don’t have to be full series but a few one offs or novellas would be nice.
I am glad I picked that first book up during a random SYKD because the story and the author are wonderful.
I loved the plot twists with Ellie and Possy. I would definitely love to see X and Cat’s story play out. Same with Dion, Finn, and Bria. They don’t have to be full series but a few one offs or novellas would be nice.
I am glad I picked that first book up during a random SYKD because the story and the author are wonderful.
August 17, 2023
The first book hooked me, the second book almost lost me, but the third book (this one!) made it worth it.
I’m usually not a fan of a pregnancy trope, but this one felt well placed and made sense for the narrative. I LOVED how Essos and Daphne’s relationship evolved through this book, without ever straying too far from their intentions. Trust, protectiveness, and worry played their heartstrings, but their love for one another shone true in the end. I really thought their dynamic was well thought out, and (though some exceptions exist) never felt like conflict for conflict’s sake.
I’m usually not a fan of a pregnancy trope, but this one felt well placed and made sense for the narrative. I LOVED how Essos and Daphne’s relationship evolved through this book, without ever straying too far from their intentions. Trust, protectiveness, and worry played their heartstrings, but their love for one another shone true in the end. I really thought their dynamic was well thought out, and (though some exceptions exist) never felt like conflict for conflict’s sake.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2023
Love Daphne and Essos! This was such an amazing end to the trilogy, even though I was sad to see it end. I love the banter, especially when Essos is being over protective. The character depth was so intricate, and I am hoping for spin-offs! I don't think I have ever loved so many different characters in one series before. This story was such a wonderful blend of romance and fantasy, with some beautiful mythological aspects. Amazing read!
August 10, 2023
The first book in the series was pretty good, the second one fell flat for me personally, and I felt like this one was just grasping at straws and so bland. I really love the premise of the series but the whole twist and turns of it all got to be way too much for me with not enough action. Just a lot of waiting around and talking. : (
July 30, 2024
Amazing
This series is truly incredible. It's my first step into Nicole's writing and my goodness I'm glad I did.
Nicole has a true talent with her words.
If you want a fantasy series with false memories, choosing the wrong guy and finding yourself within a found family then jump right in.
This series is truly incredible. It's my first step into Nicole's writing and my goodness I'm glad I did.
Nicole has a true talent with her words.
If you want a fantasy series with false memories, choosing the wrong guy and finding yourself within a found family then jump right in.
September 9, 2024
The Royal Gauntlet
This is another action packed book. So much more is revealed in this book. It was definitely a fun read. I loved how everything work out for Essos and Daphne. It was a wonderful ending to a good book!
It is definitely a good set up for a spin off series, so I am really hoping that there will be one.
This is another action packed book. So much more is revealed in this book. It was definitely a fun read. I loved how everything work out for Essos and Daphne. It was a wonderful ending to a good book!
It is definitely a good set up for a spin off series, so I am really hoping that there will be one.
September 4, 2023
Strong finish to a great trilogy! I was eagerly awaiting the release of the Royal Gauntlet, when it FINALLY came out, I finished it in one day. The story kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. And the ending was great, including a great epilogue. Highly recommend!
November 27, 2023
I really liked this series, but this book was just way too long and way too repetitive and smutty.
December 5, 2024
Amazing!!
One of the best series I’ve read all year!! Nicole really gets you attached to the characters. The drama, the tears, and the smiles this book gives you are all worth it!!
One of the best series I’ve read all year!! Nicole really gets you attached to the characters. The drama, the tears, and the smiles this book gives you are all worth it!!
October 31, 2025
NGL got a little sick of the FMC in this one. Good wrap to the series but it felt like it could have been at least a hundred pages shorter!
September 21, 2024
Such a thrilling way to end the trilogy! They introduced new characters late in the story and it never once felt like an afterthought! Through everything love will always conquer all!
August 9, 2023
I enjoyed the first two books immensely, but this one took a severe nosedive. The characterisation of Daphne and Essos in this book, compared to the two before, meant that these characters became really dislikable. 90% of the book is Daphne crying, fainting, or complaining until the last few chapters when she decides to pull her finger out of her ass and sort herself out. Essos became controlling and manipulative, and the amount of times these two characters had the same conversation over and over and over and over again became physically painful. Don’t get me wrong, it was layered with tons of sex scenes and romantic fluff, which was actually pretty great, but the constant need to lock Daphne away so she could recover (and really the whole pregnancy storyline in general) was really to the books detriment, because she just wilted as a character. It didn’t give her the opportunity to shine as a powerful goddess in her own right, and just reduced her to a womb, despite the books insistence she was a queen, a powerful goddess. That’s not to say that queens can’t have anxiety or throw up or cry or show any weakness, but when the majority of her scenes are her unable to control her power, getting tired quickly, crying, thinking about sex, or having sex, instead of actually doing something - anything! - to stand on her own two feet…. This is swiftly descending into a rant, so I’ll move on.
And that’s not even mentioning the numerous typos, enough that I felt pulled out of the narrative multiple times. The book felt rushed and under cooked, with “plot twists” thrown in at every turn with no build up or pay off. The more I reflect on it, the more disappointed I feel. It had the makings of a brilliant trilogy ready to go out with a bang but it just … sputtered out feebly. And the fact that Galen ended up semi-redeemed, plus the pretty obvious hook for a Xavier and Cat spin-off, just meant the book felt like a desperate attempt to churn out as much content as possible, straying into tv show drama / soap opera territory. Very sad :(
And that’s not even mentioning the numerous typos, enough that I felt pulled out of the narrative multiple times. The book felt rushed and under cooked, with “plot twists” thrown in at every turn with no build up or pay off. The more I reflect on it, the more disappointed I feel. It had the makings of a brilliant trilogy ready to go out with a bang but it just … sputtered out feebly. And the fact that Galen ended up semi-redeemed, plus the pretty obvious hook for a Xavier and Cat spin-off, just meant the book felt like a desperate attempt to churn out as much content as possible, straying into tv show drama / soap opera territory. Very sad :(
July 12, 2024
This was so hard to write, saying goodbye to some of my favorite characters is never easy.
January 1, 2025
This was one where I read it to find out how it ends.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews