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Raven Creek #4

Inside the Graceless Storm

She’s his best friend’s little sister… but that doesn’t seem to matter much anymore…

Payton
Moving forward from my past trauma has always been at the forefront of my mind—therapy, journaling, and now cam-work. What began as a way for me to embrace my sexuality once more, turned into something I loved deeply, but things shift when my boss recommends I take an on-screen partner. And they shift again when the list of my subscribers contains my brothers best friend…

Damien
I left my life behind on the opposite side of the country and moved to Raven Creek to be near my best friend. I’d do anything for him. Even avoiding the feelings I hold for his little sister, but when I find her online persona, obsession is the only word that fits to describe how I feel. Now she’s wearing my ring, calling me her husband, and all I want to do is ensure it all remains once the cameras cut off.

322 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2026

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Kelsey Lee

7 books100 followers

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5 stars
28 (60%)
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14 (30%)
3 stars
3 (6%)
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1 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for jess .
199 reviews
October 2, 2026
"You're the best thing I've ever found, princess,"

Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

When it's suggested to Payton that bringing on a partner will help her cam stats, she brings on a familiar name from her subscriber list - her brother's best friend Damien. Only for her certainty that they can keep things separate start to blur, once she starts wearing his ring and calling him 'husband'.

This series is so good, I loved the moments with Payton in past books and knew she had such a spark with Damien! The way they're brought together here is so good - it's established that Damien's turned her down romantically in the past, so she's so certain there will be no feelings involved when she brings him onto her shows & videos - it's all business. And yet the connection between then is undeniable, and all the walls Payton has built around her heart start to crack, as she slowly allows Damien to care for her.

The way Kelsey blends steamy moments with vulnerable conversations and letting each other in will get you, so many moments had my heart aching and hoping Payton would let him in. Damien is the ultimate "my wife" guy and every time he pulled that card, I was giggling and kicking my feet. He truly would do anything for her, and I am so here for that!

An amazing addition to this series, and as always - the peeks at the end will hook you even more, I am so excited for the next!

Tropes & Tags:
📸 Age Gap (10 years)
💖Marriage of convenience?
📸 Voyeurism
💖Cam girl / Under-ground boxer
📸 Brothers best friend
💖He falls first / she's stubborn

[I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, thank you so much Kelsey Lee! 📖]
Profile Image for The Book Ssirren.
6,993 reviews172 followers
October 4, 2026
I wasn’t sure I was going to survive this one. There wasn’t enough ice in this house to keep me cooled off. Peyton and Damien were hotter than Hades. They made it look like it snows in hell. A hot cam girl, a sexy cam guy. And he’s her brother’s best friend. But they’ve both been down for one another for a long time. And then they start getting it going on their cam, hold on to your seats, start that shower, and get ready to be set on fire.
This was hot. Spicy doesn’t even cover what these two were. And their chemistry deserved its own letters on the chart. This is an absolute must read. Then read it again. And then one more time. This is a threepeat and you will have no regrets.
Profile Image for Michellelovesreading.
1,802 reviews195 followers
October 1, 2026
I will always read a book that has the brothers best friend trope in it.

Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for Morgan Taylor.
257 reviews10 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 28, 2026
Beautiful? Yes. Adorable moments? Yes. Unhinged? ABSOLUTELY.

What I love about Kelsey's books are they always feature men who are just besotted and down bad for their women. And Damien can be added to the list. He is the perfect mix of unhinged, loyal, and obsessed towards Payton. I enjoyed his POVs immensely.

Payton is one of the Carragan siblings and I really enjoyed her story. She is for sure as unhinged as her siblings and she is a woman in charge and feisty. The perfect combination. I really enjoyed seeing the relationship between her and her brothers as well. You could just see the tight connection she has with Theo. They have such a beautiful sibling bond. And of course we got to see Oliver being the good big brother for a bit, which I loved. The family bond within the family is just beautifully written. There is never any hesitation for them to jump into action to help each other and those they consider part of the family.

Damien, as Oliver's best friend, definitely fits the bill as part of the family. I really loved seeing his interactions with Oliver, you could just tell they are close. And throughout this story, Damien and Payton are dancing around their feelings for each other, and it makes me laugh because they are just so bad about hiding their feelings. The worst kept secret.

But now onto the spicy deliciousness. As per usual in a Kelsey book, the spice was absolutely feral and delectable. I really just enjoyed the chemistry and the fun. Just the absolute way Damien is down bad to do anything for Payton, including getting down on his knees. Which I absolutely went feral for. And of course Payton taking control and being a goddess had me happy screaming. I just love them so much.

Of course beyond the spicy and beautiful love story blossoming, there is also dark pasts for the both of them. I appreciated the way Kelsey addressed what Payton went through in her past and didn't just brush it over, or make her magically okay.

I definitely loved the introduction of Damien's sister. I really enjoyed her scenes and it brought a softer side out of Damien and I really loved that.

Definitely an unhinged but beautiful story. I cannot wait for the next one. I know it's going to be even more unhinged being that it is Theo, but I am so looking forward to it.
Profile Image for Jillian.
15 reviews
October 1, 2026
Arc Review 📚

First of all I want to thank you Kelsey Lee for giving your trust in me.

This is the fourth book in the series Raven Creek. I haven't read the others. But now I have to! ❤️ You've you got yourself a new fan girl 😂 I love Payton and Damien.

If you enjoy books with a lot of spice, a obsessive mmc who won't give up and a strong, independent fmc who doesn't give a fuck. This is a must for you!

Kelsey made me go through all kinds of emotions during my read and that's what I want when I read. I want it to feel like I'm there and like I'm a part of everything. And Kelsey nails it! That's not something every author can do so how can I not love this piece of art.

Damien was the one character I felt for through the entire book, he's the one I connected the most too. And he shows that you can be protective and obsessive in an all not to unhinged way.
The way he supports Payton through everything despite the moments others would have given up on the person they love.

The pacing was great and I never felt bored or thought that it was too slow. The details and descriptions were perfect.
If something I wanted it to be longer 😂 It ended way too soon, I'm curious if they continued with there "project" on the side for a long time after or if they ended it. I hope we'll know in the coming follow up!

This story includes a lot of triggers so make sure you read those before you start. I'm not a person who cares about triggers, I love them. So I had no problems with the story in any way. I actually saw myself a lot in Payton and how she lives. And I love how Kelsey gives space to this kind of "sex work" in a non shaming way. It's for sure a sensitive and up to date subject but we women have all the right to own our sexuality and do whatever we want with it.
Of course there's a lot of problematic and serious details you have to consider and it's not for everyone but if you choose this path, that's your choice and no one has the right to give you shit for it. Payton is a perfect example ❤️

So thank you Kelsey for that, it's a subject close to my heart ❤️ And thank you for sharing this story with us.
#ravencreek #kelseylee #insidethecarelessstorm
Profile Image for Kianna.
558 reviews5 followers
October 3, 2026
This was a disappointment. I was waiting for it to get better, but it never did and I honestly should have dnf'd. I felt no chemistry between them and they got together so fast.

I'm not sure how I felt about Peyton. She was emotionally distant due to her past and she had a lot of trauma to work through. When she proposed the idea to Damien about being a content husband, she was so to the point and brash, it was kinda jarring. That said, I liked how close she was with her family and brother Theo. But it was a little weird that he knew she was a cam girl and was possibly going to have sex on camera with a man. I'm close with my family, but not that close where they know my sex life. Damien was okay, but a little boring. They also were both supposed to be in love with one another for two years, but that emotional depth wasn't shown on the page. It just stated that he's been in love with her, but there was no pinning and he basically ignored her and kept away from her when he found out he was his best friend's younger sister. They eventually did develop a friendship when they started sleeping together, but I didn't fully buy into it. I also thought her past and trauma was kinda brushed under the rug. When the guy who SA'd her came back into the picture, he was only there for two scenes before he was dealt with. It was resolved really quickly. Overall, I didn't care for the story, the main characters or their relationship.

That said, I'm really intrigued about Theo and Violet's story. I also really want a story about Julian Antonelli. Also possibly his sister or someone else related to him (the real estate agent) that Damien talked to? It would be cool if they had their own books in a new series.
Profile Image for Niki.
216 reviews10 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 24, 2026
Kelsey did it again! Inside the Graceless Storm had such a fun mix of spice, chaos, emotions, and that oh shit, we’re actually catching feelings energy that I absolutely eat up.

I loved Payton from the start, hell even before. She’s sassy, independent, stubborn as hell, and not afraid to own what she wants. And Damien? That man had me. The quiet, protective, slightly possessive energy paired with the way he calls her princess? Yeahhhh, I was done.

What starts between them as something that is supposed to be uncomplicated very quickly becomes anything BUT uncomplicated, and watching those walls slowly come down was probably my favourite part. The chemistry was already there, but it was all the smaller moments outside of the spice that really sold me on these two.

And when Damien cares? He CARES. The man pays attention.

There’s also plenty happening outside their relationship, with family, friendships, the club, and some darker moments woven in, so it never felt like it was only about the romance. This book is a spicy, funny, emotional, a little dark, and full of we definitely weren't supposed to fall for each other yummy goodness. And honestly? Give me a protective man who calls her princess and shows up for her every damn time and I'm happy.

The pacing and writing were amazing once again, and I just flew through this one.

Thank you so much, Kelsey for writing us another delicious man to obsess over.
Profile Image for Ruxi.
29 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 24, 2026
I absolutely love this series! I enjoyed reading every word in this book, especially my favorite nickname that was used quite a lot thankfully!

I was curious about Damien and Payton from the previous books and I adored their love story and how much they care about each other and their loved ones.

I have to many favorite moments in this book, some of them are when he brought her food and especially chocolate when she had her period, every moment when she took care of him after a fight, when she finally confessed her trauma and how he reacted then.

Damien is definitely book boyfriend material. He is so protective and patient with Payton, he always knows when something is wrong with her and asks how he can be helpful and he is always there for her.

Fake marriage of convenience is my new favorite trope, especially when they both have feelings for each other but they also have reasons to stay apart and find the perfect excuse to stay close to each other.

Reading this book I decided to stop thinking about what volume or what man is my favorite in this series because I simply love all of them and I cannot choose anymore. I can't wait to read Theo's story and I am very curious about Julian as well, especially now after finding out some of his preferences.
Profile Image for Kirsty.
844 reviews22 followers
Review of advance copy
September 30, 2026
OMFG I loved Payton and Damien!! 😭🔥

Inside the Graceless Storm had me absolutely hooked. The chemistry between these two was INSANE. Damien discovering Payton’s online persona and becoming completely obsessed with her?! YES PLEASE 🥵 And then the whole best friend’s little sister situation just made everything even better.

But underneath all that delicious spice, I really loved Payton’s story. Watching her work through her past trauma, reclaim her sexuality and find something that made her feel empowered was so good. Then Damien comes along with his protective, obsessed, that’s my woman energy and I was DONE FOR. 😮‍💨

And the fact he’s wearing her ring, calling her his WIFE while trying to convince himself everything can stay on camera?! Sir. Be serious. 😂 That man was a goner.

Payton and Damien together were EVERYTHING. The obsession, the sneaking around, the tension, the spiceeee 🔥🔥 but also how their feelings grew into something so much deeper.

I devoured this and did not want to put it down. Absolutely loved them!! 😍
Profile Image for Sarah .
478 reviews9 followers
October 1, 2026

Inside The Graceless Storm by @kelseylee.author

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I am not sure what @kelseylee.author is putting in this series but whatever it is, it’s 👌. @kelseylee.author manages to find the perfect balance between shortish reads, character development and relationships, plot and 🌶️. And let me tell you Inside the Graceless Storm is spicy!!

Following the story of Payton, a nurse with a cam girl side hustle, you can’t help but love her. And then Damien who to put it bluntly is hot, really hot. The two of them together are just 🔥 and with all the secret crushes the two have had, I was totally here for it and loved every second.

In under 350 pages, we get some real emotion exploration too. We see characters overcoming trauma and unconditional friendships. There are darker themes in the plot but actually this is a book that made me smile throughout. Oh and the micro tropes, they just make you kick your heels; he cares for her when she feels sick, she cooks for him, ‘my wife’ and so many more. You are absolutely going to love
Profile Image for Juliana Garza-James.
118 reviews5 followers
October 2, 2026
5⭐️

📖Format: Kindle (ARC)

Thank you Kelsey Lee for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

One thing Kelsey Lee knows how to write is a PERFECT book husband! Damien is an Army veteran, owns a bar & multiple apartment buildings, & is an underground boxer. He falls head over heels for his best friend’s sister, Payton, and treats her like the absolute queen she is, despite her being stubborn and scared of commitment. Payton is a trauma nurse & secret cam girl who asks Damien to be her on screen husband. What begins as friends with benefits quickly develops into love!

I loved Payton & Damien’s story and how we still get to see glimpses of the characters from previous stories (Like Aspen & Rowan’s wedding!!) It really make the found family aspect feel so strong as the series continues. The endometriosis and trauma reps were so important because they are part of real life and makes the characters feel more authentic and real.

🖤dark romance
🖤he falls first
🖤brother’s best friend
🖤age gap (10 years)
🖤boxer x cam girl
🖤SPICYYYYY
Profile Image for Brittany.
2 reviews
October 3, 2026
🌶️3.8
5 ⭐️

Damien and Peyton
Obsession/stalker mmc
Damien trusts his heart and knows that this is “his wife”, Damien is Peyton’s Brothers best friend, previous platonic history (brought to light in a small blurb)
Sassy FMC, Peyton who has to overcome a personal trauma and learn to trust those closest to her. At times her battle with her inner self has me on edge from falling for this man begging at her feet! Perfect placement and amount of spice. It does not over power the storyline by any means but gives it a deeper meaning! I love the family connection in this series and all the dynamics that each character play into every story!

Another wonderful job story building, it feels as if you’re there following along and the story is very relatable. You can vividly imagine the town and the places along with the character relationships. This town feels ever revolving and it definitely draws me back in wanting to read more! Another successful small town romance!

Thank you for allowing me to be an ARC reader Kelsey! You knocked it out of the park. Cannot wait for the next read ❤️
Profile Image for Haley Jamerson .
180 reviews
October 4, 2026
ARC Review!
First off I want to thank Kelsey Lee for giving me the opportunity to read this story.

Inside the Graceless Storm is book 4 in the Raven Creek Series.
KELSEY LEE DOES IT AGAIN!!!

FINALLY PAYTON AND DAMIEN'S STORY!!
When I tell you I have been waiting for their story.
Inside the Graceless Storm perfection.
Payton is a headstrong FMC who is making her way through past traumas and finding her confidence while being a camgirl. Damien is the MMC. He is charming and has his own issues. He owns the local bar, but he also has a side job as an underground boxer. Did I forget to mention he is also her brother's best friend?
When Payton's boss suggests she get a partner for her cam sessions she set sights on Damien. This puts them in a marriage of convenience situation.
This story was full of emotions and spice. I absolutely devoured it.

5 ⭐
3 🌶️

❤️Age Gap- 10 Years
❤️Voyeurism
❤️Marriage of convenience
❤️Brothers best friend
❤️Cam girl / Underground boxer/Bar Owner
❤️He falls first
Profile Image for Courtney.
304 reviews2 followers
September 14, 2026
**** ARC REVIEW ****

Well, Kelsey has done it again. The moment I began reading Inside The Graceless Storm I just knew it was going to be so good. One because it’s a Kelsey Lee book and two because you are immediately drawn into the story. I’ve told her before I swear there’s drugs in her words 😂 I don’t know how else she does it. Each story gets better and better and at this point I’m just pissed I can’t join the Carragan family myself. 😂😂

This story follows the marriage of convenience-ish between Payton Carragan and Damien Saddler. Payton, our determined FMC, is navigating her way through the difficulty of her past trauma, gradually finding her sexuality and confidence as a camgirl. We also have Damien, the charming MMC, dealing with his own family dilemmas while living life as an underground boxer and the owner of the local bar.

The come together (😜🤭) when Payton’s boss suggests she get a partner for her cam work. He even states maybe she should consider her top subscribers to choose from… of course the top subscriber is coincidentally her brother’s best friend. Hehehehehehehehe

To find out what else happens, you HAVE to give this a read. This book is #4 of 5 in the series. As I would heavily suggest reading in order, you do not have to. However I will think you’re insane for passing up 3 other amazing books.

Tropes
✨ Age Gap (10 years)
✨ Marriage of convenience?
✨ Voyeurism
✨ Cam girl / Under-ground boxer
✨ Brothers best friend
✨ He falls first / she's stubborn

Thank you so much to Kelsey Lee for the advance copy of Inside The Graceless Storm
Profile Image for Megs.
689 reviews8 followers
October 1, 2026
🎥🥊ARC Review🥊🎥

Thank you Kelsey Lee for this ARC of Inside the Graceless storm, FINALLY Damien and Payton!!!

Kelsey, girl, you did such a beautiful FANTASTIC job telling Payton’s story 🥹 I am in absolute awe of her strength and everything that she over came to be the bad a$$ woman that she is! The fact that she became a nurse because of her reason (no spoiler here) was just that extra special piece to the puzzle that is Payton‼️

From the previous books, we just KNEW there was something simmering between Payton and Damien, but when we get that taste of the obsession that he has hid from her my jaw was on the floor!

The way that Damien persisted, yet took care of her and when it came down to it the way he fought for her (in more ways than one) just had me in a puddle!

I am just WAITING for Theo and Violet 💜

Tropes:
🎥Marriage of convenience?
🥊10-year age gap
🎥Brother’s best friend
🥊He falls first / She’s stubborn
🎥Cam girl x underground boxer
🥊Voyeurism
Profile Image for Jenn Winning.
634 reviews
September 29, 2026
We have been waiting for the past 3 books for these two to get together, and they did not disappoint!!!

Damien and Payton have been dancing around their feelings for each other for years now, and I loved watching the walls they built crumble under a contact marriage and two way mirrors.

Seriously, these two are so down bad for each other, it’s a wonder they ever thought they were hiding anything from those they love. Their chemistry is undeniable, and it’s clear from the very start that this was never just an act. And once Damien’s unhinged side was unleashed, that’s it, game over, there’s no going back. From an endo flare to protecting his girl from her past, there is nothing this man wouldn’t do for his woman.

And as always, the found family aspect is alive and well. Seriously, how can I get an invite to Sunday diner at the Carragan’s?!

I can’t wait to head back to Raven Creek and get Theo’s story next! Especially after that epilogue! 👀
19 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 26, 2026
I received this as in arc in exchange for an honest review. No Spoilers.

As a dedicated dark romance reader, Inside the Graceless Storm is exactly the type of small-town romance I want to read. The brother’s best friend dynamic is executed flawlessly; Damien’s feral devotion is top-tier perfection, balancing beautifully with Payton's raw vulnerability as she reclaims her power after past trauma. This is a fast-burning romance that blurs the lines between performance and reality. If you want a small town romance with a protective hero who would burn the world down for his girl, you need to add this to your TBR immediately.
Profile Image for Tatiana Reams.
169 reviews9 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 30, 2026
Ooh Payton and Damien’s book was so hot 🥵!! He wants her but thinks he’s not good enough for her. She wants him but doesn’t do relationships because of past trauma. She’s got a side hustle as a cam girl and he’s one of her top subscribers and her brothers best friend. When she needs somebody to pretend to be her husband and help her make content he jumps at the chance. She wants to keep things strictly physical but that’s easier said than done. Feelings grow and issues from the past arise! This book was so good and so very spicy! If you’re into cam girls, fake marriage, brothers best friend, masks and so much spice then check this book out!
Profile Image for Melissa  Wright.
670 reviews11 followers
Review of advance copy
September 27, 2026
4.25⭐'s
Best friends little sister romances are the best. They always have the best tension. Inside The Graceless Storm did not disappoint.
Payton and Damien have been pinning over each other for years, finally an opportunity comes their way. What an opportunity it is!! The chemistry, the banter, the spice... Everything perfection!
This interconnected series could be read as standalones. However I recommend reading all of them because all these couples are amazing.
Super excited for the next couple!
Add this to your TBR you will not be disappointed!
Profile Image for Dayton.
645 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 28, 2026
KELSEY!!!!

Just when I think nothing can top each book in this series, Kelsey drops another book and BAM!

Payton and Damien were great! Their story was hot and spicy and sweet and the man is down right obsessed! I’m here for it!

The writing was done perfectly, the plot is captivating and holds your attention until the very end, the characters and their chemistry—YES!!!

If you haven’t read the Raven Creek series, what are you waiting for??? This is book 4 and can be read as a standalone but all books are interconnected and I’d recommend reading them all!
Profile Image for Annie Vance.
287 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 30, 2026
Because he's down bad....

Except he's not crying at the gym...no, our guy Damien is going through her bathroom cabinets and smelling her shampoo and conditioner....ummmm while she is not at home.

Oh, he's also filming smexy content with our girl, Payton because as long as it's her....he's game.

Payton isn't being mean, our girl tried a couple years prior to being with Damien...he was like "nope". So, life went on and Payton needed to recover and well...there is a whole lotta story left.

Read it and enjoy!
1 review
October 1, 2026
Arc review 📚 thanks so much to Kelsey for letting me having an early copy.
This is the fourth book in the Raven Creek series and just like the others it did not disappoint.
It has the perfect blend of spice, romance and banter but with darker themes thrown in.
Damien is possessive and unhinged but has a gooey center that just makes you want to eat him up.
Payton carries a lot of trauma but shows that you can overcome fear and become strong, sassy and make a difference in the world.
Together they are perfect.
Profile Image for Melissa Anderson.
288 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
September 26, 2026
** Recieved as an ARC, Thankyou!! **

OMG this series has been ohhh sooo good and we have been waiting for Payton's story..

I love her growth so far and all that she overcomes by the end as well... I just love how strong she is!!

This MMC is everythingggggg I love him!! If anything I wanted more LOL

The spice is HOOOOTTTT

And of course, this deals with some heavy topics but handled with care!!!

So very good!
Profile Image for Emily Arriola.
487 reviews6 followers
October 2, 2026
Inside the Graceless Storm was another incredible book in the Raven Creek series! I have been so excited to read Payton and Damien’s story and it just blew me away (no shocker there)!! I am counting down the days until we get Theo’s story!

Thank you to Kelsey Lee for this ARC! All opinions are my own!
Profile Image for Missy Lucas-Dingus.
5 reviews
September 28, 2026
ARC REVIEW
I stayed up til 1am reading this book! Then finished it the next morning. It was that good! Possessive mmc? Check. Brothers friend? Check. Shmex work positive? Check!!!!!! Go read this because it it amazing!
Profile Image for Kira.
375 reviews
October 3, 2026
Payton is just as fierce and bad*ss as i thought she would be. And Damien hot damn, so much better than expected. These two were perfection. We definitely need a Noah and Dayana story asap. Oh Theo I can’t wait to see how unhinged you truly are.
Profile Image for Jess.
109 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 29, 2026
Another great book to this series. I love Payton, and I was so excited to get to her story!
I would have liked to see her wedding as part of the story, instead of having a time jump at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lauren Curley.
673 reviews14 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 26, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 4 Stars
🌶🌶 - Spice Level

Damien is down bad for Payton and has been for 2 years now. He's literally willing to take her scraps while she is dealing with her trauma from years before she met him. This man was willing to get on camera to be her partner during smexu times to be paid. Who does that these days?📣 D-A-M-I-E-N that's who.This man was listening to her and executing behind the scenes.

Now he does do a little minor stalking as her landlord during this, but it's excusable. 😉 Someone anyone?? Now the more hints for Theo's book?? Gimme..

Thank you Kelsey Lee for the eARC!

Release Date: 10-1-26
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews