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Thalassic #4
Paz
IN THE DREAM, THERE IS A WALL.
It’s been a year since Sargo carried Bird out of Brume headquarters on Z-Day, soaked in her blood.
Since then, life has been the way he likes it. Stable. Orderly. Everything in its place.
But the cracks are beginning to show. Living with Bird is not easy. And political tension crackles just below the surface of the city, ready to ignite.
When Bird goes missing after a chilling attack, Sargo finds himself at the center of a deadly plot that makes him question everything he thought he knew about her, his friends, and the city he calls home.
Can he find Bird before the Exiters drag the world into inter-dimensional war? Does he even want to find her?
And what is with this wall he can’t stop dreaming about?
There is something behind that wall…he has no doubt about that.
Told from Sargo's POV, this is a slightly darker, faster burn, enemies-to-lovers romance featuring your favorite cinnamon roll with crispy edges. In it, you'll find the following tropes:
- love triangle
- animal companion
- found family
- sexual awakening
- light kink exploration
- high-stakes adventure
- LGBTQ+ rep
It’s been a year since Sargo carried Bird out of Brume headquarters on Z-Day, soaked in her blood.
Since then, life has been the way he likes it. Stable. Orderly. Everything in its place.
But the cracks are beginning to show. Living with Bird is not easy. And political tension crackles just below the surface of the city, ready to ignite.
When Bird goes missing after a chilling attack, Sargo finds himself at the center of a deadly plot that makes him question everything he thought he knew about her, his friends, and the city he calls home.
Can he find Bird before the Exiters drag the world into inter-dimensional war? Does he even want to find her?
And what is with this wall he can’t stop dreaming about?
There is something behind that wall…he has no doubt about that.
Told from Sargo's POV, this is a slightly darker, faster burn, enemies-to-lovers romance featuring your favorite cinnamon roll with crispy edges. In it, you'll find the following tropes:
- love triangle
- animal companion
- found family
- sexual awakening
- light kink exploration
- high-stakes adventure
- LGBTQ+ rep
Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2023
74 people are currently reading
429 people want to read
About the author
Liz Shipton
29 books591 followersHi! I'm Liz. I'm a writer and off-grid liveaboard sailor. I gallivant about the high seas with my partner and my dog, turning my adventures into speculative fiction.
While I explore the world, my books explore themes adjacent to mental health, the loneliness epidemic, addiction, tech creep, climate change, and the looming collapse of society (but, like...in a fun way.)
When I'm not penning novels about the impending apocalypse, I make money tearing other writers' manuscripts to shreds. Others call this pastime 'editing', and if you're interested, I can do it for you.
On the rare occasion I'm not working, you can find me swimming, complaining about the weather, telling my dog I love her for the bazillionth time today, or watching Taskmaster.
While I explore the world, my books explore themes adjacent to mental health, the loneliness epidemic, addiction, tech creep, climate change, and the looming collapse of society (but, like...in a fun way.)
When I'm not penning novels about the impending apocalypse, I make money tearing other writers' manuscripts to shreds. Others call this pastime 'editing', and if you're interested, I can do it for you.
On the rare occasion I'm not working, you can find me swimming, complaining about the weather, telling my dog I love her for the bazillionth time today, or watching Taskmaster.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
October 11, 2023
The suspense and thrill of this book! WOW. Literally all I can say is a must read so definitely need to read this.
I received this ARC for an honest review.
I received this ARC for an honest review.
February 24, 2025
This is the least favorite of this series. I understand the need to view from another character than Bird. It is her friend turned lover, Sargo's point of view. But sadly, he isn't as perfect as we thought in previous books.
Another thing I didn't like was all the fighting with or without weapons. I love visiting all the alternate dimensions, but the good guy and bad guy stuff was hard to take. And though the sex scenes before were fun, now it got weird, and with drugs involved, especially from the drug-free anchor partner, it just made Sargo even less appealing to me.
Still, as part of the series, I felt this part of the story needed to be told. And I've already moved on to #5 and, as of last night, #6! There is still a lot of interesting adventure to be had here.
Another thing I didn't like was all the fighting with or without weapons. I love visiting all the alternate dimensions, but the good guy and bad guy stuff was hard to take. And though the sex scenes before were fun, now it got weird, and with drugs involved, especially from the drug-free anchor partner, it just made Sargo even less appealing to me.
Still, as part of the series, I felt this part of the story needed to be told. And I've already moved on to #5 and, as of last night, #6! There is still a lot of interesting adventure to be had here.
December 25, 2023
Per usual I couldn’t put it down and have been reading alll day.
This series is one of my favorites, packed with adventure, snark and beautifully written characters, finding ways to survive in a post apocalyptic world.
This story follows Paz and Bird after Zenith has been restructured. Paz has returned to his old job and Bird is helping run the government. But when she is abducted Paz must step out of his comfort zone to help try and find her.
This series is one of my favorites, packed with adventure, snark and beautifully written characters, finding ways to survive in a post apocalyptic world.
This story follows Paz and Bird after Zenith has been restructured. Paz has returned to his old job and Bird is helping run the government. But when she is abducted Paz must step out of his comfort zone to help try and find her.
March 15, 2024
LIZ SHIPTON AKA M. NIGHT SHYAMALAN
March 25, 2025
I have greatly enjoyed all the hooks soo far but this one by far as been my absolute favorite! Adore Paz’s POV. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 excited to see what is in store
October 16, 2023
Wow. This book is a continuation of Liz Shipton’s Thalassic series Salt, Sand and Soul from Paz’s pov. It takes place after the ZDay and gives us so much insight to this character. I don’t want to give any spoilers away but the revelations and that cliffhanger at the end… blew me away. I need more and so do you!! Read the whole series if you love pirates, sailing, teleportation (blipping) in a dystopian world, you won’t regret it!!!
I received this book as an ARC for a honest opinion and this is I loved it!!
I received this book as an ARC for a honest opinion and this is I loved it!!
January 14, 2025
This book hit all the right notes. Damn, this series is good! I was genuinely mad to have to go to work this morning because it meant I had to wait to keep reading this book. So instead, here I am at midnight, hyped up to write this review because I couldn't put it down once I got home!
Shipton has created yet another story with plenty of exciting and engaging action that expands well beyond the central characters. The dystopian future multiverse is vividly described and full of details that reflect the characters' relationship with both their climate and technology. Her characters are emotionally complex and deeply flawed, and the dialogue between them keeps the action moving while providing insight into the characters' all too human traits, never feeling forced or out of context.
The emotional tone in this 4th installment of the series has shifted, and I loved it. Instead of playing the story from the FMC's point of view, we finally get a glimpse of this world through the MMC's frustrations, confusion, and heart-wrenching insecurities. And yes, he's even more of a hot mess than I suspected he was; this boy needs serious talk therapy to work through all those feelings he keeps repressed! It' also nudges at the shadows of some darker and more uncomfortable edges surrounding his psyche as his self-control splinters.
I also loved that this book still works as a stand-alone with a hook for future possibilities at the end, while still being firmly embedded in the continuation of the prior books of the series.
There's so much more to unpack with this book, but not without spoilers...
Shipton has created yet another story with plenty of exciting and engaging action that expands well beyond the central characters. The dystopian future multiverse is vividly described and full of details that reflect the characters' relationship with both their climate and technology. Her characters are emotionally complex and deeply flawed, and the dialogue between them keeps the action moving while providing insight into the characters' all too human traits, never feeling forced or out of context.
The emotional tone in this 4th installment of the series has shifted, and I loved it. Instead of playing the story from the FMC's point of view, we finally get a glimpse of this world through the MMC's frustrations, confusion, and heart-wrenching insecurities. And yes, he's even more of a hot mess than I suspected he was; this boy needs serious talk therapy to work through all those feelings he keeps repressed! It' also nudges at the shadows of some darker and more uncomfortable edges surrounding his psyche as his self-control splinters.
I also loved that this book still works as a stand-alone with a hook for future possibilities at the end, while still being firmly embedded in the continuation of the prior books of the series.
There's so much more to unpack with this book, but not without spoilers...
September 9, 2024
This book take a whole new spin and stirs up so many emotions. I thought we’d be seeing Paz and Bird together against the world and now I just don’t know! Nothing against Johnny personally but it broke my heart when Bird saw them 🥺 Why Liz Why??? Starting Passage today. Paz better get his dog back! Bird’s the one who ran away. She doesn’t get to leave him behind AND take his dog!!
How can I possibly wait until January to read the 6th???
How can I possibly wait until January to read the 6th???
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2024
Liz. Sweet, sweet Liz.
I do not want a redemption arc for Bird. I want Sargo and Johnny to live happily ever after and Bird to *honestly* go back to the hell realm where she belongs. I’m sorry. I know you love her, but can we just agree to disagree? Shanny was too far. On to #5.
I do not want a redemption arc for Bird. I want Sargo and Johnny to live happily ever after and Bird to *honestly* go back to the hell realm where she belongs. I’m sorry. I know you love her, but can we just agree to disagree? Shanny was too far. On to #5.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2025
It's been a few months since I read the first three books of the Thalassic series. I had to stop because book four ("Paz") changed the narrative voice from Bird to Sargo Paz, her boyfriend, and I couldn't get into it straight after Bird's perspective.
Now that I picked it up again I can say this book far exceeded my expectations! Seeing things from Sargo's perspective made me understand him more and also dislike some of Bird's choices. It also means some sections of the book only follow Sargo and while I was curious to read those from Bird's view, I enjoyed the way it was structured.
The story happens one year after Z-Day, with the two of them in a routine of living together on the boat, Bird working at the research lab and Sargo back as a sailing instructor. Of course they have a new dog too. Things are not great between them, with constant fighting and arguing. After Bird disappears after an explosion, Sargo needs to decide if fighting to get her back is worth it.
The Exiters want to leave the planet and find another dimension, while everyone at the research lab (plus Sargo) still think their planet is worth saving. Living after a pandemic split the citizens in two mentalities, and I enjoyed the way both are portrayed with their own pros and cons.
I enjoyed new dimensions being explored as well as the romantic triangle and LGBTQ representation, amd the whole dream about a wall which I thought was a great metaphor for Sargo's dilemma.
Overall 4/5, I'm glad I gave it a go as I wasn't sure where the story was going to go after the end of the last book. I am now emotionally involved in seeing where it goes from here!
Now that I picked it up again I can say this book far exceeded my expectations! Seeing things from Sargo's perspective made me understand him more and also dislike some of Bird's choices. It also means some sections of the book only follow Sargo and while I was curious to read those from Bird's view, I enjoyed the way it was structured.
The story happens one year after Z-Day, with the two of them in a routine of living together on the boat, Bird working at the research lab and Sargo back as a sailing instructor. Of course they have a new dog too. Things are not great between them, with constant fighting and arguing. After Bird disappears after an explosion, Sargo needs to decide if fighting to get her back is worth it.
The Exiters want to leave the planet and find another dimension, while everyone at the research lab (plus Sargo) still think their planet is worth saving. Living after a pandemic split the citizens in two mentalities, and I enjoyed the way both are portrayed with their own pros and cons.
I enjoyed new dimensions being explored as well as the romantic triangle and LGBTQ representation, amd the whole dream about a wall which I thought was a great metaphor for Sargo's dilemma.
Overall 4/5, I'm glad I gave it a go as I wasn't sure where the story was going to go after the end of the last book. I am now emotionally involved in seeing where it goes from here!
March 22, 2024
Emotional whiplash???
Hey, want to fall in love with a character over the course of three books and then grow to hate them with a passion in just one that they’re barely in??? Oh then this book is perfect for you!
This is such a fantastic series that gives me serious Hunger Games/Divergent/The 100 vibes. I have read 4 books in 4 days and do not regret it. I also love that we get to read Sargo’s perspective finally!
I was genuinely not expecting his personal revelations and secrets though! I was so preoccupied with what Bird was hiding, that I didn’t even have time to ponder what Sargo was hiding. I am fuming mad by the end of this book because I just want to flick them both in their foreheads but I can’t because they’re completely fictional and not real people.
Can someone please make this book series into a movie series soon? Or a show? Hello??? Netflix? Disney???
Hey, want to fall in love with a character over the course of three books and then grow to hate them with a passion in just one that they’re barely in??? Oh then this book is perfect for you!
This is such a fantastic series that gives me serious Hunger Games/Divergent/The 100 vibes. I have read 4 books in 4 days and do not regret it. I also love that we get to read Sargo’s perspective finally!
I was genuinely not expecting his personal revelations and secrets though! I was so preoccupied with what Bird was hiding, that I didn’t even have time to ponder what Sargo was hiding. I am fuming mad by the end of this book because I just want to flick them both in their foreheads but I can’t because they’re completely fictional and not real people.
Can someone please make this book series into a movie series soon? Or a show? Hello??? Netflix? Disney???
February 14, 2024
Paz by Liz Shipton is intriguing!
Told from Sargo Paz’s point of view, we get insight into what exactly he’s been thinking and feeling.
Bird has been kidnapped by protesters and he and a team that she works with at Zenith set out to find her. They go to a couple of dimensions and find trouble in one, lose a team member and feelings are sparked between two unlikely team members. They extract Bird and bring her home only to have her kidnapped again, then chaos erupts at Zenith.
This is another good one, Bird’s’ character develops differently in this story and Sargo has a different development as well, we’ve been seeing developments in his character, they’ve been more subtle up until now. Lots of action and a different world is shown and developed. Recommend for a enemies to lovers and action/fantasy/sci-fi.
Told from Sargo Paz’s point of view, we get insight into what exactly he’s been thinking and feeling.
Bird has been kidnapped by protesters and he and a team that she works with at Zenith set out to find her. They go to a couple of dimensions and find trouble in one, lose a team member and feelings are sparked between two unlikely team members. They extract Bird and bring her home only to have her kidnapped again, then chaos erupts at Zenith.
This is another good one, Bird’s’ character develops differently in this story and Sargo has a different development as well, we’ve been seeing developments in his character, they’ve been more subtle up until now. Lots of action and a different world is shown and developed. Recommend for a enemies to lovers and action/fantasy/sci-fi.
October 15, 2023
Paz is a continuation of the original series from Sargo's point of view, so if you haven't read The Thalassic Series yet (Salt, Sand, and Soul), what's stopping you? Go read them now!!
What happened after Z day? Well, this book will tell you, but there is more to it than that, but if I say or hint at anything, it will take away from the story. I've rewritten this 4 times now..
Sargo deserves to be understood more, and this book gives you such good insight into who he is and how he copes with everything. By the end, I was cursing a blue streak at what was happening. That cliffhanger got me so good..
WHY BIRD!?!?
I love how Liz puts everything into her writing, and this one did NOT disappoint!
What happened after Z day? Well, this book will tell you, but there is more to it than that, but if I say or hint at anything, it will take away from the story. I've rewritten this 4 times now..
Sargo deserves to be understood more, and this book gives you such good insight into who he is and how he copes with everything. By the end, I was cursing a blue streak at what was happening. That cliffhanger got me so good..
WHY BIRD!?!?
I love how Liz puts everything into her writing, and this one did NOT disappoint!
May 8, 2024
So annoyed. I was loving this series but hate some of Liz’s choices whyyyyy
Liz’s writing has really progressed in this series, and this book in particular found myself really noticing the strong writing ( I took a break after Soul to read the entire ACOTAR series so the contrast in level was front of mind). The plot continues to evolve and be exciting, fun new characters are brought in, including another (im pretty sure fan demanded) dog.
However, beloved characters become very unbeloved. Big ACOTAR Tamlin suddenly evil vibes. Most disturbing to me was an SA scene narrated through perpetrator MC’s perspective- like how are we supposed to root for this guy anymore?! Despite the content warning, the scene threw me off cuz there’s a blurry consent dream sequence that happens first.
Liz’s writing has really progressed in this series, and this book in particular found myself really noticing the strong writing ( I took a break after Soul to read the entire ACOTAR series so the contrast in level was front of mind). The plot continues to evolve and be exciting, fun new characters are brought in, including another (im pretty sure fan demanded) dog.
However, beloved characters become very unbeloved. Big ACOTAR Tamlin suddenly evil vibes. Most disturbing to me was an SA scene narrated through perpetrator MC’s perspective- like how are we supposed to root for this guy anymore?! Despite the content warning, the scene threw me off cuz there’s a blurry consent dream sequence that happens first.
October 25, 2023
Book Four of this adventure, doesn’t disappoint! The story of Paz and Bird, takes a drastic turn…with a cute little dog thrown into the mix. This is definitely not my normal genre, but Liz’s stories just draw me in. They are always action-packed and the world building is fantastic! I’ve always liked Paz, and he’s a definite standout MMC. Bird hasn’t been my favorite in past books, and I really dislike her in this book. (Which is a kudos to the author and her writing ability!) By the time I reached the end of this book, I was SO ready for the next one!
I received this ARC for an honest review….and, I might be able to sail a boat after reading all her books…just sayin’!
I received this ARC for an honest review….and, I might be able to sail a boat after reading all her books…just sayin’!
November 2, 2023
While the rest of the series has focused on Bird and her identity, this is about Sargo (Paz).
Protestors are making life hard for Zenith, and Bird is growing distant. Suddenly, she is gone, and Sargo pushed to be on the team to find her.
But it’s far more complicated than that. Bird has secrets – and has told many lies to those she loves – but so does Sargo. In the effort to help her, he must address his own identity.
Great action and worldbuilding, and I really enjoy the characters. Only dissatisfying thing was the cliffhanger leading into book 5. Hope Liz resolves many of the outstanding conflicts, and the fate of humanity on the Salt.
Protestors are making life hard for Zenith, and Bird is growing distant. Suddenly, she is gone, and Sargo pushed to be on the team to find her.
But it’s far more complicated than that. Bird has secrets – and has told many lies to those she loves – but so does Sargo. In the effort to help her, he must address his own identity.
Great action and worldbuilding, and I really enjoy the characters. Only dissatisfying thing was the cliffhanger leading into book 5. Hope Liz resolves many of the outstanding conflicts, and the fate of humanity on the Salt.
November 17, 2023
What. the Fuck.
(Repeat ad infinitum)
And now I wait until MARCH for the next book!? Christ on a bike, reading in-process series is a special kind of masochism.
I was feeling like this episode read as particularly lost and confused; and then it dawned on me that the narrator is frigging lost and confused.
This isn't a self-contained story; one would absolutely need to read the books that came before (and after, hopefully. Speaking of which, can someone make sure the author is taking vitamins and hydrating?)
This one hurts. Not just ; also the visceral experience of (fucking ouch). I mean, this whole series is an absolutely buckwild fantasy story that serves as a delivery device for shockingly relatable explorations of sex, relationships, mental health, and the messiness of the human condition.
Damnit. This one *hurts*
(Repeat ad infinitum)
And now I wait until MARCH for the next book!? Christ on a bike, reading in-process series is a special kind of masochism.
I was feeling like this episode read as particularly lost and confused; and then it dawned on me that the narrator is frigging lost and confused.
This isn't a self-contained story; one would absolutely need to read the books that came before (and after, hopefully. Speaking of which, can someone make sure the author is taking vitamins and hydrating?)
This one hurts. Not just ; also the visceral experience of (fucking ouch). I mean, this whole series is an absolutely buckwild fantasy story that serves as a delivery device for shockingly relatable explorations of sex, relationships, mental health, and the messiness of the human condition.
Damnit. This one *hurts*
November 1, 2023
Absolutely marvellous! Paz Sargo and Bird Howsley are intriguing. And their relationship. Bird is a geek working on Something Very Important. Paz and Bird are busy working on their relationship when Bird goes missing and the story really ramps up. I love the first person POV and the immediacy of the present tense. So many twists! If you like dystopian science fiction adventure with a quest and a smattering of quantum mechanics, this one's for you. Can't wait to read the rest of the series. I received an Advance Review Copy for free and I leave this review voluntarily.
July 5, 2025
There was a lot that I loved about this - especially the parallel worlds being introduced, which felt like a dystopian version of Enid Blyton's faraway tree (a good thing).
But I finished the book reeling a little and mostly feeling mad about what's happened to Bird. A character I felt so connected to now feels unrecognisable- seeing her only through Sargo's eyes in this instalment she was somehow one dimensional. And the plot twist felt too jarring for me, I struggle to believe it. And some of Sargo's actions were shocking, it's hard to still root for him after this.
I'll keep going though because I am invested in this world now and need to know what comes next.
But I finished the book reeling a little and mostly feeling mad about what's happened to Bird. A character I felt so connected to now feels unrecognisable- seeing her only through Sargo's eyes in this instalment she was somehow one dimensional. And the plot twist felt too jarring for me, I struggle to believe it. And some of Sargo's actions were shocking, it's hard to still root for him after this.
I'll keep going though because I am invested in this world now and need to know what comes next.
November 1, 2023
This was really excellent! I really enjoyed it, finished in no time at all! Brilliant continuation of the story, a little spicy! It was a great idea, well written with good levels of action, tension & pace! A bit of a mad adventure! A love the characters of this series, the overall energy is really pleasing! I do strongly recommend!
November 1, 2023
OMG this was a great book. I loved it. And it was a page turner and the suspense was intense of a thriller. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn't even put it down. I was hooked in and it got more mystery then ever. I highly recommend this book and you won't be disappointed. I received an ARC of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Trina Jones
November 4, 2023
Another great dystopian page turner by Liz! I love Paz all the more and really left me hating Bird, who has never been my favorite character. This book left on a cliffhanger and I can't wait to see what happens next in this series.
4 star rating, thanks to Liz Shipton for an advanced copy for my honest review.
4 star rating, thanks to Liz Shipton for an advanced copy for my honest review.
December 3, 2024
AHH MY GODDS! THIS WAS EPIC
My fave book in the series now! I think I said that about the last one but THIS one was incredible. Seeing the world through Sargos eyes was so great. Getting to know him more made me like him more as a character. Shanny now has my ❤️. I normally need a break between books in a series but I'm immediately reading the next one.
My fave book in the series now! I think I said that about the last one but THIS one was incredible. Seeing the world through Sargos eyes was so great. Getting to know him more made me like him more as a character. Shanny now has my ❤️. I normally need a break between books in a series but I'm immediately reading the next one.
November 8, 2025
This was my least favorite book of the series. To be fair, I was never a big fan of the judgemental condescending and patronizing Sargo. I found out in this last book that not only is he all these things he also has some dominating kink that ends up in some non-consensual / misunderstanding kind of stuff. Anyways I like him much less now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2023
I was lucky to be a beta reader for this book and received a free copy. This is my honest opinion.
I absolute love this series! Fascinating new characters, intriguing new situations and worlds, adorable dog, chaos and drama and fighting, what more could you want. Loved it!
I absolute love this series! Fascinating new characters, intriguing new situations and worlds, adorable dog, chaos and drama and fighting, what more could you want. Loved it!
November 1, 2023
Adding depth and background to one of the stand-out characters of her dystopian romance series, The Thalassic Series, PAZ, book #4, is full of surprising twists, adventure and romance! It's the perfect read for a cozy afternoon or two by the fire!
February 21, 2024
Liz continues to impress me with her twists and turns and action in this series. Her characters are wonderfully complicated and messy, and their relationships are chaotic and we love it. I loved having Sargo's POV and learning more about who he is, I cannot wait for the next one!!
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July 21, 2024That hurt my heart, beginning to end.
I didn’t rate this one because it was really hard for me to switch gears and I get emotionally attached to things that aren’t real, so I’m just going to keep going and hope things smooth over somehow 🫣
I didn’t rate this one because it was really hard for me to switch gears and I get emotionally attached to things that aren’t real, so I’m just going to keep going and hope things smooth over somehow 🫣
October 8, 2024
This book being from Paz’s point of view was a huge win for me. I’ve read a lot of books that the chapters from the guys pov fall flat, this book, an entire book, did not. I really enjoyed Paz’s story, his internal conflict, and his growth. And even though the story is not from Bird’s pov, it still flows very well. As with the rest of the books in this series, there are a lot of emotions going on in this book. I can’t wait to read the rest of this series! Plus, there’s Shanny, and who doesn’t love a fluffy little tornado as a sidekick!
August 2, 2025
I don't even know what to think at this point! I enjoyed the shifting POV to Sargo and am so disappointed in Bird!
Shanny was a step too far!
I am interested to see where the series goes from here and the relationship between Sargo and Johnny...
Shanny was a step too far!
I am interested to see where the series goes from here and the relationship between Sargo and Johnny...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews