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Hope Falls #2
Sweet Harmonies
Karina Blackstone wants to leave her chaotic life of fame and record labels behind. She is moving back to Hope Falls to concentrate on her songwriting by returning to a life that is without complications. She can't imagine anything more wonderful than "simple." That is, of course, until she meets a tall blonde hunk who completely redefines her concept of wonderful...
Ryan Perkins moved to Hope Falls for one reason - to help his Granny Sue Ann run her cafe. He wasn't looking for romance. The moment he meets dark-haired beauty Karina Blackstone, however, his priorities shift. Now he's on a mission. Come hell or high water, he's going to show the stunning superstar that this small town boy is worth settling down with.
Ryan Perkins moved to Hope Falls for one reason - to help his Granny Sue Ann run her cafe. He wasn't looking for romance. The moment he meets dark-haired beauty Karina Blackstone, however, his priorities shift. Now he's on a mission. Come hell or high water, he's going to show the stunning superstar that this small town boy is worth settling down with.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 14, 2013
267 people are currently reading
805 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Shawn
133 books1,848 followersNEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY bestselling author Melanie Shawn writes HEAs filled with sweet and sassy heroines, heroes who are cinnamon rolls in the streets alpho-holes in the sheets, casts of supportive *cough: meddling* friends and family who put the fun in funny, toe-curling combustible heat, and sugary sweet “aww” moments that will have your hearts and e-readers melting.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
October 15, 2019
Review coming soon.
July 26, 2014
Wow. This book was awful. Nothing happened. Start to finish. Seriously nothing. Any of the drama that exists in this book, nothing gets done about it at the end. The characters acted like a couple of love starved teenagers without any perception of actual life. What a waste of my time. I had much higher hopes for this book because Karina was funny and entertaining in book 1. What a let down.
August 28, 2017
Sweet Harmonies is the second installment of the Hope Falls series. The series is set in northern CA and centers around a group of girls known as the Fabulous Four. In this book, Karina, the smart and sassy pop star is ready to leave the spotlights behind and figure out who and what she is. Somehow, she's lost herself in the last ten years while touring the world, singing her songs. She's finally home and realizes this is the only place she can figure out who she is and what she really wants out of life. She's doing great with that until her past comes rolling into town. Kyle. Austen. Reed...he's one of the most bizarre characters you'll ever meet.
Ryan is in town to help his granny, Sue Ann, run her cafe in Hope Falls. He spent some summers there as a child and loved it. Now, Sue Ann is getting older and Ryan is there to make life a little easier for her. His parents just sold their ranch in Montana and he's at loose ends. So, why not head to Hope Falls? Karina wasn't in his plans, but she certainly became an integral part of them quickly! But then there's Kyle. Austen. Reed....
This is pure brain candy. It's entertaining and quick to read. Hope Falls and its residents are typical small town people, full of character and nosey as heck. It's all in good fun, though!
Ryan is in town to help his granny, Sue Ann, run her cafe in Hope Falls. He spent some summers there as a child and loved it. Now, Sue Ann is getting older and Ryan is there to make life a little easier for her. His parents just sold their ranch in Montana and he's at loose ends. So, why not head to Hope Falls? Karina wasn't in his plans, but she certainly became an integral part of them quickly! But then there's Kyle. Austen. Reed....
This is pure brain candy. It's entertaining and quick to read. Hope Falls and its residents are typical small town people, full of character and nosey as heck. It's all in good fun, though!
December 27, 2018
An enjoyable read with the typical formula of romance stories.
June 15, 2019
Phenomenal book!!!
I love, love this series.
I loved this book from start to finish.
I love the characters and the story.
I love, love this series.
I loved this book from start to finish.
I love the characters and the story.
Want to read
October 9, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/8/2022)! 🎁
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October 11, 2022purchased this item on Oct. 9, 2022. Amazon
July 24, 2020
Karina and Ryan. Karina at times could be condescending and unlikeable. Other times vulnerable. A rollercoaster of emotions. They did not seem evenly matched.
December 4, 2013
Awwww so cute!!! I want a man like Ryan in my life! Then again... that probably doesn't exist so...
Great story, lots of intense loving, absolutely perfect. I loved their reletionship from the moment they met until the very end... Would have liked maybe to see a more definitive ending, but I'm guessing I'll get to see that in future books.
I kept expecting a different twist in the story and was pleasantly surprised when that didn't happen... and the part where Ryan recreates prom for her?? OMG <3 amazing...
I'm still a little unsure about why Renata, Karina's grandma was so against the relationship, and it would have been nice to see Karina get a bit of closure with her and learn about her mum, but I guess this is a bit more realistic.
Looking forward to the next book!
Great story, lots of intense loving, absolutely perfect. I loved their reletionship from the moment they met until the very end... Would have liked maybe to see a more definitive ending, but I'm guessing I'll get to see that in future books.
I kept expecting a different twist in the story and was pleasantly surprised when that didn't happen... and the part where Ryan recreates prom for her?? OMG <3 amazing...
I'm still a little unsure about why Renata, Karina's grandma was so against the relationship, and it would have been nice to see Karina get a bit of closure with her and learn about her mum, but I guess this is a bit more realistic.
Looking forward to the next book!
March 17, 2014
The writing duo of sisters Melanie and Shawna have surpassed themselves with this second book in the series...Oh boy this book turns the sex up.. There are some absolutely hot scenes... I love the characters of Karina and Ryan.. I have never laughed so much reading a book.. and many scenes made me tear up.. and of course we have the Fabulous Four back together.. loved the idea of the Book Club!!! You have to read this series you will never go wrong..
February 21, 2013
I enjoyed Karina's story as much as Amanda's. I love how the challenges of being a star have shaped her character but she is able to work through her fears with the right guy. Just disappointed that Sam's story says out January 2013 but I cannot find it anywhere!! I can't wait for the rest of the series!!
February 28, 2014
I absolutely loved Ryan and his small town charming ways about him. This was such a cute love story between him and Karina. Well written and what a cute story line!! Loved it!!
July 26, 2017
Sweet Harmonies the second book in the Hope Falls series focuses on the life and loves of Karina Blackstone known to her fans as pop diva Karina Black. Think Taylor Swift, Katy Perry and Hannah Montana all rolled into one. Karina has moved back to Hope Falls to remember who she is with the help of her friends and fellow members of the Fabulous Four, Amanda, Samantha and Lauren and her grandmother Renata who raised her. Karina has been on top of the pop world for eight years which is an amazing accomplishment in a business that chews up it’s stars and tosses them away overnight like yesterday’s news. Problem is her record label and her manager have turned her into someone she’s doesn’t recognize even shortening her name from Blackstone to Black to hide her Native American heritage. They’ve forced her to dumb down her lyrics to meaningless, simplistic pop verses while creating elaborate stage shows. Obviously the author is making strong negative statements about both the music industry and the simplistic musical tastes of the masses in this book as well as our national infatuation with celebrity. It seems the small town of Hope Falls where she grew up is a protective bubble that allows her to just be herself and go anywhere and do anything without having to worry about being mobbed by adoring fans or harassed by paparazzi. While the good folk of Hope Falls are well aware of her celebrity as the town’s most famous native. they don’t treat her any differently than anyone else.
While a good portion of this story involved Karina’s battles with her manager and record label to return to her musical roots and take more control of the direction of her career, the majority of the story is her budding relationship with Ryan Perkins the hunky grandson Sue Anne, the beloved owner of the town’s diner. Ryan comes to Hope Falls to help Granny get her financial books in order but once he and Karina lay eyes on each other it’s insta-love leaving the normally snarky and sexually confident Karina dumbstruck and floundering to understand her own physical and emotional reactions to Ryan. Problem is Karina between being abandoned by her parents at birth and left to her maternal grandmother to be raised and the reality that all she’s known since achieving her celebrity is (outside of Hope Falls) people trying to use that celebrity to advance their own agendas regardless of the cost to her, has built up walls around her heart not trusting to let anyone but her closest friends and family in. Karina likes her sexual partners not to come with any emotional entanglements. She comes from a world where people who are attracted to one another hook up first and then maybe later if the attraction holds and grows, become a couple. Ryan is an old school rancher from Montana who believes, first you get to know someone, enter a relationship and then have sex. As her attraction to Ryan grows, Karina is forced to question the walls she has built around her heart to protect herself.
Karina has a pretty snarky personality which can be funny in itself but the author adds a mega star Hollywood actor who has been her sometimes friend with benefits over the years to the story and his character just had me laughing so hard my face hurt.
If you liked the first book in the series Amanda and Justin’s story, I’m sure like myself you’ll equally enjoy this one. It's got romance, steamy sex, some drama and a lot of laughs as the author successfully focuses on Karina and Ryan but keeps the rest of the Fab Four solidly in their story.
While a good portion of this story involved Karina’s battles with her manager and record label to return to her musical roots and take more control of the direction of her career, the majority of the story is her budding relationship with Ryan Perkins the hunky grandson Sue Anne, the beloved owner of the town’s diner. Ryan comes to Hope Falls to help Granny get her financial books in order but once he and Karina lay eyes on each other it’s insta-love leaving the normally snarky and sexually confident Karina dumbstruck and floundering to understand her own physical and emotional reactions to Ryan. Problem is Karina between being abandoned by her parents at birth and left to her maternal grandmother to be raised and the reality that all she’s known since achieving her celebrity is (outside of Hope Falls) people trying to use that celebrity to advance their own agendas regardless of the cost to her, has built up walls around her heart not trusting to let anyone but her closest friends and family in. Karina likes her sexual partners not to come with any emotional entanglements. She comes from a world where people who are attracted to one another hook up first and then maybe later if the attraction holds and grows, become a couple. Ryan is an old school rancher from Montana who believes, first you get to know someone, enter a relationship and then have sex. As her attraction to Ryan grows, Karina is forced to question the walls she has built around her heart to protect herself.
Karina has a pretty snarky personality which can be funny in itself but the author adds a mega star Hollywood actor who has been her sometimes friend with benefits over the years to the story and his character just had me laughing so hard my face hurt.
If you liked the first book in the series Amanda and Justin’s story, I’m sure like myself you’ll equally enjoy this one. It's got romance, steamy sex, some drama and a lot of laughs as the author successfully focuses on Karina and Ryan but keeps the rest of the Fab Four solidly in their story.
August 13, 2022
3.5 Stars
Coming Home
Ryan and Karina
Book 2 in the Hope Falls series
I loved the first book, which prompted me to buy this one. I struggled with some things with this story. It was good, but could have been better.
Karina. Small town girl, turned pop mega superstar. Tired of her label dictating what she can and cannot record, she’s come home for a fresh start. Hoping her label will see things her way. What she was not expecting was to be rendered speechless by the grandson of the local cafe owner.
Ryan. Country boy. Grew up on his family’s ranch. Enjoys the slower pace of his life, his guitar and singing for pleasure. Has come to Hope Falls to help his grandmother out with her cafe. Stopped in his tracks by the beautiful woman he’s just been introduced to.
Where relationships are concerned, these two are polar opposites.
Karina is only looking to scratch that itch. Never stay the night, never any cuddling. Get in, get it done, and move on. She does have her reasons.
Ryan on the other hand is all about the relationship. Finding that one special person that you want to spend the rest of your life with. He’s not into casual hookups.
From the moment these two lay eyes on each other it was lust at first sight. They can’t concentrate, can’t get the other out of their head.
Ryan is hoping to get to know Karina slowly. Show her he’s nothing like the men she’s been with in the past.
Karina feels herself thawing bit by bit where Ryan is concerned. But when those feelings start, that’s when she rebuilds that wall solidly around her heart.
I loved Ryan. He was a genuinely good guy. Saw the potential in Karina, and was patient yet persistent with her. Always thought of her first, in everything he did.
I loved the girl tribe. The Fabulous Four. Best friends since childhood. A group you can trust with your deepest and darkest secrets.
This little town has such a real feel to it. Somewhere you can see yourself strolling down the sidewalks and smiling at your neighbors.
I struggled with Karina. She ran so hot and cold. Pushing Ryan away, then pulling him right back in. Wanting to be the dominant person in every way. It was, at times hard to tell her age based on her actions and what she said.
Karina’s grandmother was hard to like. Proud, stoic, opinionated and closed off. And at times cruel to Karina. (She does come clean about things in the end)
Editing! It really needed another run through.
Overall it was not a bad book. It was a simple, sweet romance. A silly thing comes up to separate them but they do find their way back to each other.
Coming Home
Ryan and Karina
Book 2 in the Hope Falls series
I loved the first book, which prompted me to buy this one. I struggled with some things with this story. It was good, but could have been better.
Karina. Small town girl, turned pop mega superstar. Tired of her label dictating what she can and cannot record, she’s come home for a fresh start. Hoping her label will see things her way. What she was not expecting was to be rendered speechless by the grandson of the local cafe owner.
Ryan. Country boy. Grew up on his family’s ranch. Enjoys the slower pace of his life, his guitar and singing for pleasure. Has come to Hope Falls to help his grandmother out with her cafe. Stopped in his tracks by the beautiful woman he’s just been introduced to.
Where relationships are concerned, these two are polar opposites.
Karina is only looking to scratch that itch. Never stay the night, never any cuddling. Get in, get it done, and move on. She does have her reasons.
Ryan on the other hand is all about the relationship. Finding that one special person that you want to spend the rest of your life with. He’s not into casual hookups.
From the moment these two lay eyes on each other it was lust at first sight. They can’t concentrate, can’t get the other out of their head.
Ryan is hoping to get to know Karina slowly. Show her he’s nothing like the men she’s been with in the past.
Karina feels herself thawing bit by bit where Ryan is concerned. But when those feelings start, that’s when she rebuilds that wall solidly around her heart.
I loved Ryan. He was a genuinely good guy. Saw the potential in Karina, and was patient yet persistent with her. Always thought of her first, in everything he did.
I loved the girl tribe. The Fabulous Four. Best friends since childhood. A group you can trust with your deepest and darkest secrets.
This little town has such a real feel to it. Somewhere you can see yourself strolling down the sidewalks and smiling at your neighbors.
I struggled with Karina. She ran so hot and cold. Pushing Ryan away, then pulling him right back in. Wanting to be the dominant person in every way. It was, at times hard to tell her age based on her actions and what she said.
Karina’s grandmother was hard to like. Proud, stoic, opinionated and closed off. And at times cruel to Karina. (She does come clean about things in the end)
Editing! It really needed another run through.
Overall it was not a bad book. It was a simple, sweet romance. A silly thing comes up to separate them but they do find their way back to each other.
August 21, 2021
Karina Black é uma pop star aclamada pelo público e crítica. A queridinha de todos e que emplaca um sucesso atrás do outro. Tem fama, fortuna, talento e beleza, mas sua carreira não está seguindo os caminhos que ela gostaria.
Decidida a se reinventar, ela decide dar uma pausa e volta para sua cidade natal. É ali, cercada de suas fiéis amigas, da avó que a criou e das lembranças de sua infância que ela espera reencontrar quem é de fato e dar um novo rumo a sua carreira, mesmo contra a vontade de seu empresário e gravadora.
Só que Karina acaba encontrando também Ryan, um moço lindo e de bem com a vida e consigo mesmo que está morando na cidade para ajudar sua avó. E não é só a beleza de Ryan que mexe com ela, mas também seu jeito simples e desinteressado. Para ele, ela era apenas Karina, sem glamour ou holofotes, apenas ela mesma.
Acostumada ao mundo mentiroso do show business, ela tenta de todas as formas manter seu coração trancado. As dúvidas aumentam quando sua gravadora mostra interesse em lançar Ryan. É quando ela sofre um ultimato. Agora ela precisa decidir o que realmente quer e como quer.
Será que Ryan é apenas mais um que deseja tirar uma casquinha de seu sucesso? Um romance leve e gostoso de passar tempo. Ryan é um amor, e acho difícil alguém não se apaixonar por ele.
Decidida a se reinventar, ela decide dar uma pausa e volta para sua cidade natal. É ali, cercada de suas fiéis amigas, da avó que a criou e das lembranças de sua infância que ela espera reencontrar quem é de fato e dar um novo rumo a sua carreira, mesmo contra a vontade de seu empresário e gravadora.
Só que Karina acaba encontrando também Ryan, um moço lindo e de bem com a vida e consigo mesmo que está morando na cidade para ajudar sua avó. E não é só a beleza de Ryan que mexe com ela, mas também seu jeito simples e desinteressado. Para ele, ela era apenas Karina, sem glamour ou holofotes, apenas ela mesma.
Acostumada ao mundo mentiroso do show business, ela tenta de todas as formas manter seu coração trancado. As dúvidas aumentam quando sua gravadora mostra interesse em lançar Ryan. É quando ela sofre um ultimato. Agora ela precisa decidir o que realmente quer e como quer.
Será que Ryan é apenas mais um que deseja tirar uma casquinha de seu sucesso? Um romance leve e gostoso de passar tempo. Ryan é um amor, e acho difícil alguém não se apaixonar por ele.
December 9, 2023
Karina and Ryan
Karina along with her best friends Sam, Lauren and Amanda are at Sue Ann's Cafe when Sue Ann introduces them to her grandson Ryan then before they know what is happening Sue Ann tells him it's time for him to sing. What he doesn't know is that Karina Blackstone is Karina Black, the famous singer! So what happens when he does? Will he not want to see her again? What about Karina? Will she want to get to know him better? Or will she not want to know more about him? The only thing is that they have chemistry! Will they ignore it? Will their friends help them to make it to where they can get together? Only one way to find out is to read this great story by Melanie Shawn!
Karina along with her best friends Sam, Lauren and Amanda are at Sue Ann's Cafe when Sue Ann introduces them to her grandson Ryan then before they know what is happening Sue Ann tells him it's time for him to sing. What he doesn't know is that Karina Blackstone is Karina Black, the famous singer! So what happens when he does? Will he not want to see her again? What about Karina? Will she want to get to know him better? Or will she not want to know more about him? The only thing is that they have chemistry! Will they ignore it? Will their friends help them to make it to where they can get together? Only one way to find out is to read this great story by Melanie Shawn!
October 27, 2025
I rate this book 3.25 stars.
Pop star, Karina Black has returned to her small hometown of Hope Falls and is wanting to pear back her lifestyle and her music and bring herself back to her roots. There, she meets newcomer, Ryan, grandson of Sue Ann, the local diner owner, and they must navigate their feelings for one another and how they fit in with Karina’s fame.
Coming Home is a light, easy read. The second half of the book was stronger than the first half. I feel it could’ve done with one more round of line edits before being released. Overall, though, it was an enjoyable story.
Pop star, Karina Black has returned to her small hometown of Hope Falls and is wanting to pear back her lifestyle and her music and bring herself back to her roots. There, she meets newcomer, Ryan, grandson of Sue Ann, the local diner owner, and they must navigate their feelings for one another and how they fit in with Karina’s fame.
Coming Home is a light, easy read. The second half of the book was stronger than the first half. I feel it could’ve done with one more round of line edits before being released. Overall, though, it was an enjoyable story.
May 16, 2017
So far my favorite of the Hope Falls books, this features the hilarious Karina falling head over heels for a guy she's just met. I think the authors do a great job of showing how Karina has let her career get out of her control, and her attempts to change things make sense. Ryan is a tempting hottie that has realistic motivations as well. I loved this one.
October 14, 2022
free ebook
karina black, the pop singer moves back to town. she meets the cafes grandson who also likes to sing and they are instantly attracted to each other, but when she starts kissing him, he stops her and walks away
she finds out he has millions which she didnt know
they fall in love and get music contracts
karina black, the pop singer moves back to town. she meets the cafes grandson who also likes to sing and they are instantly attracted to each other, but when she starts kissing him, he stops her and walks away
she finds out he has millions which she didnt know
they fall in love and get music contracts
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2022
This was a really good book! I enjoyed reading about Karina and Ryan. Karina was trying to get back to her roots and meets Ryan. She doesn't expect the sparks that fly between them. Ryan doesn't think he fits into Karina's world and tries to stay away from her, but that doesn't work. These two have such chemistry and when they sing together it really shows.
April 13, 2025
For reals. Great series.
I'm not sure how I made it this far and haven't come across any of Melanie's other books. I really must thank Lucy sore for referencing this series. So far, I am loving it! Great writing, interesting characters you can easily get lost in and good stories all around.
I'm not sure how I made it this far and haven't come across any of Melanie's other books. I really must thank Lucy sore for referencing this series. So far, I am loving it! Great writing, interesting characters you can easily get lost in and good stories all around.
January 27, 2022
I am enjoying her books & one reason is with each book the characters do not disappear they continue in some capacity. You live with them through novel and I do not want them to just disappear. They are mentioned and continue in a smaller way to be part of the story.
December 5, 2022
Great series
Really enjoy this series. Karina and Ryan are great together. Love the supporting characters as well. It is a close nitrogen group and community. Depth to the characters and love watching them change and grow throughout the story
Really enjoy this series. Karina and Ryan are great together. Love the supporting characters as well. It is a close nitrogen group and community. Depth to the characters and love watching them change and grow throughout the story
June 21, 2023
Coming Home (Hope Falls Book 2)
The love story of Karina and Ryan. A rock star return to Hope Falls to get her life in order. Story was boring and uninteresting and I just can't think of anything to write about.
The love story of Karina and Ryan. A rock star return to Hope Falls to get her life in order. Story was boring and uninteresting and I just can't think of anything to write about.
June 15, 2019
Phenomenal book!!!
I love, love this series.
I loved this book from start to finish.
I love the characters and the story.
I love, love this series.
I loved this book from start to finish.
I love the characters and the story.
July 11, 2020
Very cute story. I loved Karina's humour, and Ryan was just the sweetest!
October 19, 2020
Sweet Harmonies
Another good story about believable and likeable characters. I have enjoyed reading this series and look forward to reading more.
Another good story about believable and likeable characters. I have enjoyed reading this series and look forward to reading more.
February 11, 2018
Love is complicated
Karina thinks she knows what she wants to do with her life, but really, she's just hiding. She's avoiding her pop star career, her, grandmother and her tribe. Until Ryan, the man she only wants a fling with, won't let her get away with it any more.
This is full of fun characters that help Karina on her way to a HEA and you will be laughing at Kyle. Austen. Reed.
Karina thinks she knows what she wants to do with her life, but really, she's just hiding. She's avoiding her pop star career, her, grandmother and her tribe. Until Ryan, the man she only wants a fling with, won't let her get away with it any more.
This is full of fun characters that help Karina on her way to a HEA and you will be laughing at Kyle. Austen. Reed.
August 3, 2024
The concept was very cute, but I feel like the book could have been longer to get deeper into the characters. This one felt rushed.
February 5, 2017
It must be really hard for a celebrity to be able to trust, especially when there were some things in your past to make you doubt people to start with. That is what Karina faces. She was tired of the way her life was going and she felt like she was losing herself everyday that she had to put on this fake persona. She wanted to get back to the person she was before all of the fame. So she moved back home, bought a house and started working on finding herself again. Then one day she was in the cafe and met Ryan, her whole world turned upside down. She could not form words to save her life, then when he sang for them her world spun on is axis. She was so mesmerised by him and it threw her. She ran out of the cafe crying and she didn't even know what she was crying about, but her friends that were there saw this and they knew that Ryan was the one for her. They worked really hard on getting them together. Then when things started looking good in walked an old friend with benefits to Karina. He was acting like they were so in love and it was driving her friends nuts. Ryan didn't really get bothered by it until it was plastered on the cover of a magazine. That is when he told Karina she had to choose. Either him in her whole life or not at all. Going back a little bit they had done a duet on stage at the festival and it went viral when it was posted on you tube. Her manager and record label wanted to sign Ryan but he wanted to talk to Karina, then a big debacle came up and he thought he had ruined it with her, she thought she had ruined it with him. She refused his calls and his visits because she didn't want to hear him say it was over. He tried to fix things with her when her friends come to him to see what was going on and they told him what she was feeling. He worked with them to put a surprise together for her. She was so happy she could not believe she was with Ryan again. Then that is when the paper came up and she wanted to keep him private and let the public think she was with the friend with benefits, that is when he told her she had to choose. And he left her standing there.
So what happened? Who did she choose? Does she get the deal she has been wanting since she moved back home with her job? All of that will be answered when you read the book?
Thanks for reading my review. Would love to hear from you.
Until Next Time: Happy Reading.
So what happened? Who did she choose? Does she get the deal she has been wanting since she moved back home with her job? All of that will be answered when you read the book?
Thanks for reading my review. Would love to hear from you.
Until Next Time: Happy Reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews