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Wicked Games #1
The Highwayman
Max Fitzroy, the legendary Highwayman, had slain scores of demons with a razorlike whip and a burning need for revenge. Now, to rid himself of the demon inside him—who'd cursed him with immortality and stolen all sensual pleasures—Max needed a witch's familiar, the one creature he'd made a career of killing. But the Highwayman wasn't prepared for the familiar named Aby. The sleek and sexy conduit to the demon world saw past his swirling shadow as easily as he scaled the walls she'd erected to protect herself. Max needed Aby to grant him his freedom, and then he needed to slay her. But how could he destroy the only creature he'd desired in centuries?
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2009
42 people are currently reading
976 people want to read
About the author
Michele Hauf
208 books939 followersMichele has been writing romance, action-adventure and fantasy stories for over twenty years. Her first published novel was DARK RAPTURE.
France, musketeers, vampires and faeries populate her stories. And if she followed the adage 'write what you know', all her stories would have snow in them. Fortunately, she steps beyond her comfort zone and writes about countries she has never visited and of creatures she has never seen.
Michele also writes as Michele Renae, and you can find her erotica, chick lit, and Harlequin Romance titles at your favorite online retailer.
--From the author's website bio
France, musketeers, vampires and faeries populate her stories. And if she followed the adage 'write what you know', all her stories would have snow in them. Fortunately, she steps beyond her comfort zone and writes about countries she has never visited and of creatures she has never seen.
Michele also writes as Michele Renae, and you can find her erotica, chick lit, and Harlequin Romance titles at your favorite online retailer.
--From the author's website bio
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
June 22, 2015
Michele Hauf typically does an excellent job of writing in this genre. I have even enjoyed other books in this series. This one felt less effective or entertaining than others I have read. The story went on longer than it should. It was very slow in the middle mainly I believe because we were between the two main conflicts in the story. The initial conflict was the connection between the hero and the heroine. Once that was resolved we did not find the final conflict for a period of time. I enjoyed the fantasy angles especially the immortal aspects and the accepted belief in wertwolves, vampires and familiars. The heroine was strong yet was overly trusting in some situations. Ultimately, I enjoyed the book but would recommend other books by Hauf over this one.
The Highwayman
The Highwayman
June 4, 2011
Max is The Highwayman. He had been alive for centuries spending his time killing evil paranormal beings. Demons being at the top of his list, and familiars a close second. And now that he has found a powerful enough familiar, it is his chance to be free of the shadow demon his body hosts. He just has to convince her to trust him, have sex with him, then afterward he will kill her. That's the way it has to be.
Aby is a powerful witch's familiar. She is the bridge that a witch uses to bring over demons. She does this by having sex with her male assistant. But it's just business. This is her fourth life and to remember who she is, she has several tattoos. She meets Max at a social event and is intrigued by him. However, the most important tattoo on her is a warning; The Highwayman is my enemy.
This was interesting in the fact that even though a demon shadow was a part of Max, he was not possessed by him. Aby was a combination of sexy innocence, which is confusing to Max. He has sworn to killing her kind, yet he is having a bit of an issue trying to keep from getting involved with her. Aby is what he's always wanted but can never have. I love a good internal struggle.
I'll just say Harlequin has come a LONG way since I use to read them back in the day (WAY back lol). They have improved on the 'fade-to-black' sex from what I remembered, to actual descriptions. There wasn't a lot, but the few were very smexy.
A quick read, entertaining, a little smexy, but more emotional towards the end. I am looking forward to reading the next book.
Aby is a powerful witch's familiar. She is the bridge that a witch uses to bring over demons. She does this by having sex with her male assistant. But it's just business. This is her fourth life and to remember who she is, she has several tattoos. She meets Max at a social event and is intrigued by him. However, the most important tattoo on her is a warning; The Highwayman is my enemy.
This was interesting in the fact that even though a demon shadow was a part of Max, he was not possessed by him. Aby was a combination of sexy innocence, which is confusing to Max. He has sworn to killing her kind, yet he is having a bit of an issue trying to keep from getting involved with her. Aby is what he's always wanted but can never have. I love a good internal struggle.
I'll just say Harlequin has come a LONG way since I use to read them back in the day (WAY back lol). They have improved on the 'fade-to-black' sex from what I remembered, to actual descriptions. There wasn't a lot, but the few were very smexy.
A quick read, entertaining, a little smexy, but more emotional towards the end. I am looking forward to reading the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2011
This was nice well rounded story (aside from being too short but that is a publisher issue not a author issue). The characters were likeable. There was enough action and chemistry between the characters to keep me interested to see how and where the story would go. One of the biggested complements I can give this book is that it made me want to read more in this series and about these characters. I read both this and Moon Kissed by Michele in one sitting. Familiars (cat shape shifters who can bring demons into the world on purpose and by accident - see "Racing the Moon" in the Midnight Cravings anthology for more of Michele's familiars - who really do live 9 lives) are given an original treatment by Michele and I enjoyed adding them to my list of unusual paranormal beings.
April 16, 2019
Big Bad Shhlut 2019 Reading Challenge
RRRC 2019 Where Are You Reading Challenge - Minnesota
I adore Aby (short for Abyssinian, a cat breed). The author beautifully created a believable cat-like character that jumped off the pages. Maximilien Fitzroy was an earthy and tantalizing with his personal mystic and awesome '68 Shelby Mustang. This paranormal/fantasy mystery was a page-turner; couldn't put it down until its final scene.
RRRC 2019 Where Are You Reading Challenge - Minnesota
I adore Aby (short for Abyssinian, a cat breed). The author beautifully created a believable cat-like character that jumped off the pages. Maximilien Fitzroy was an earthy and tantalizing with his personal mystic and awesome '68 Shelby Mustang. This paranormal/fantasy mystery was a page-turner; couldn't put it down until its final scene.
July 6, 2018
The Highwayman by Michele Hauf
This book has everything. It begins with a terrific plot, adds wonderful characters, dramatic historic references, mystery and angst, then mixes it up into a wonderful HEA. These characters will stay with me for a long time.
This book has everything. It begins with a terrific plot, adds wonderful characters, dramatic historic references, mystery and angst, then mixes it up into a wonderful HEA. These characters will stay with me for a long time.
January 30, 2021
This book was good. The book had a lot of action and it was really very descriptive. I was surprised at how good it kept my interest but the action between Max and Aby was so good. They were very supportive of each other. Pretty tense at times. Highly recommend.
July 8, 2017
Actually I found this a little boring. Not sure why, just was.
I liked Aby and I liked the highwayman. But the whole story although long felt it wrapped up far too quickly.
I liked Aby and I liked the highwayman. But the whole story although long felt it wrapped up far too quickly.
August 29, 2017
It wasn't to bad.....just a little to long for me
November 12, 2017
Good an Different
This was a good read and a bit different. More fantasy on a Twilight Zone type. Very well written and good characters
This was a good read and a bit different. More fantasy on a Twilight Zone type. Very well written and good characters
August 29, 2019
Good paranormal read
Enjoyable read and living the characters from others books popping up. Very good author who always writes a good story.
Enjoyable read and living the characters from others books popping up. Very good author who always writes a good story.
September 7, 2020
4.5 stars
Got really good after the first half. The ending was a little short and quick , not enough action and talking between the two men. But it was a sweet ending that I hoped for.
Got really good after the first half. The ending was a little short and quick , not enough action and talking between the two men. But it was a sweet ending that I hoped for.
March 21, 2017
Michele is a fantastic writer! This story was fast-paced and the characters captivating. I read it in two days. I highly recommend it.
March 16, 2017
Bleeding Cowboy lol
I really have enjoyed the story! As I a lot of Michele Hauf's books. All a fantastic read if you like paranormal story's! This one was very good about the shadow demon that latched himself to Max, he has no enjoyment since over 250 years, poor Max has to find a familiar to get rid of the demon. But it's seems that the case is not that easy when he finds the familiar,he find himself in trouble with that one, because he finds her incredible sexy.....Bleeding cowboy!! LOL the storyline is very refreshing to many other books I read. A MUST read!!
I really have enjoyed the story! As I a lot of Michele Hauf's books. All a fantastic read if you like paranormal story's! This one was very good about the shadow demon that latched himself to Max, he has no enjoyment since over 250 years, poor Max has to find a familiar to get rid of the demon. But it's seems that the case is not that easy when he finds the familiar,he find himself in trouble with that one, because he finds her incredible sexy.....Bleeding cowboy!! LOL the storyline is very refreshing to many other books I read. A MUST read!!
December 9, 2014
Setting: alleyways; charity show – 20 story skyscraper, Minneapolis; 2-tory, double condo; Hotel Regina – ultraluxurious;
Theme: sex vs love; reclaiming one’s soul; claiming ones soul;
Characters:
Maximilen “Max” Fitzroy aka The Highwayman: immortal; slayer of demons; unwillingly holds half a shadow of a demon, that gives him immortality, but where he can’t eat, sleep, or climax in sex – only approximates the pleasure of those things as he dreamwalks with the shadow; kills demons, and kills familiars that bring the demons into this realm; he wants to be rid of his shadow, and has studied and knows the spell that would banish the shadow – but needs a familiar to bring the demon to this side, to reunite with the shadow, then he can destroy them both; research has brought him to Aby;
Aby: a witch’s familiar; shapeshifts to house cat; on her 3rd or 4th life; doesn’t remember other lives, but her mentor does, and guided her in this life; when new life, starts as an adult with no memory; her job, to be a gateway for demons… and to do so, must be satiated sexually… it’s business to her, she has Jason, who has sex with her (no relationship, no kissing), then the witch comes in, casts spell, and demon flows out of her in a green glow, and coalesces; she has no idea what is done with the demons next (they leave with the witch in a box); she is striking out for independence, and reduction of calling demons – though still does so, living on her own; she has no interest in the demons – only doing a job; she does have certain protections against demons;
Ian Grim: centuries old witch; questionable ethics, he flirts a bit, making Aby uncomfortable, but otherwise just gets the job done;
Severo: werewolf; her friend, and protector; a question mark; does he want to be her lover? Is he her friend? Or is he exploiting her?; regardless, she trusts him implicitly, and there is a warmth between them;
Rainier Delouche: grew up with Max on the streets of London 250+ years earlier; they did everything together, and became highwaymen together; one night have sex with a beautiful woman together, and witch calls demon, and they both get a part of the demon shadow, and demon not fully materialized ??; he stayed in London, and has the opposite of Max – enjoys sex, food, sleep without any consequences; looking for ways to increase his own power and has ‘enslaved’ familiars, used them to death – and their ghosts haunt his home; he doesn’t want to give up his shadow, and feels no loyalty to Max.
Jeremy Stokes: her assistant, who brings her to climax (so satiated, and demons can be called); a very business-like relationship – on both parts; he was with her in her previous life(s);
Summary:
An interesting premise, but lots of holes; Aby insists on getting to know Max before she’d consider helping him… and to Max’s surprise, he falls in love…. They work together, and located Rainier – and in spite of obstacles, they overcome, and he becomes human again. H mmm
Memorable scene
“What a wonder, to kiss a man. To make contact, flesh to flesh, face to face. The act was intimate. Far more intimate than sex, where two bodies joined in a frenzy of sweat and exertion. This was quiet, delicious.”
“Men are maddening. I don’t need him.” She wanted him. But need and want were two different things.”
Theme: sex vs love; reclaiming one’s soul; claiming ones soul;
Characters:
Maximilen “Max” Fitzroy aka The Highwayman: immortal; slayer of demons; unwillingly holds half a shadow of a demon, that gives him immortality, but where he can’t eat, sleep, or climax in sex – only approximates the pleasure of those things as he dreamwalks with the shadow; kills demons, and kills familiars that bring the demons into this realm; he wants to be rid of his shadow, and has studied and knows the spell that would banish the shadow – but needs a familiar to bring the demon to this side, to reunite with the shadow, then he can destroy them both; research has brought him to Aby;
Aby: a witch’s familiar; shapeshifts to house cat; on her 3rd or 4th life; doesn’t remember other lives, but her mentor does, and guided her in this life; when new life, starts as an adult with no memory; her job, to be a gateway for demons… and to do so, must be satiated sexually… it’s business to her, she has Jason, who has sex with her (no relationship, no kissing), then the witch comes in, casts spell, and demon flows out of her in a green glow, and coalesces; she has no idea what is done with the demons next (they leave with the witch in a box); she is striking out for independence, and reduction of calling demons – though still does so, living on her own; she has no interest in the demons – only doing a job; she does have certain protections against demons;
Ian Grim: centuries old witch; questionable ethics, he flirts a bit, making Aby uncomfortable, but otherwise just gets the job done;
Severo: werewolf; her friend, and protector; a question mark; does he want to be her lover? Is he her friend? Or is he exploiting her?; regardless, she trusts him implicitly, and there is a warmth between them;
Rainier Delouche: grew up with Max on the streets of London 250+ years earlier; they did everything together, and became highwaymen together; one night have sex with a beautiful woman together, and witch calls demon, and they both get a part of the demon shadow, and demon not fully materialized ??; he stayed in London, and has the opposite of Max – enjoys sex, food, sleep without any consequences; looking for ways to increase his own power and has ‘enslaved’ familiars, used them to death – and their ghosts haunt his home; he doesn’t want to give up his shadow, and feels no loyalty to Max.
Jeremy Stokes: her assistant, who brings her to climax (so satiated, and demons can be called); a very business-like relationship – on both parts; he was with her in her previous life(s);
Summary:
An interesting premise, but lots of holes; Aby insists on getting to know Max before she’d consider helping him… and to Max’s surprise, he falls in love…. They work together, and located Rainier – and in spite of obstacles, they overcome, and he becomes human again. H mmm
Memorable scene
“What a wonder, to kiss a man. To make contact, flesh to flesh, face to face. The act was intimate. Far more intimate than sex, where two bodies joined in a frenzy of sweat and exertion. This was quiet, delicious.”
“Men are maddening. I don’t need him.” She wanted him. But need and want were two different things.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2016
this book was significantly better than the last but i have to ask does this woman know what a functional relationship is?! i mean seriously is it too much to ask for a hero that doesnt want to kill the heroine? Its not really an attractive look for a hero. Granted he got over it pretty quickly which is probably the only reason i managed to finish this one but its still disconcerting when the heros goal is to "find her, fuck her, kill her". The hero wasnt all bad he did grow to be likeable, protective and unselfish. if he hadnt started off wanting to kill her he wouldve been a really great character as it was i only liked him...i didnt always root for him though. The heroine was ok but i didnt feel very attached to her either. shes too naive and innocent for her character to feel very true. I mean we're talking about a woman who brings demons into the world through sex yet she lets a werewolf order her around and shes never been kissed? This is a woman with power but she has no concept of how to use it. Even though i wasnt particularly attached to either character i did like the romance which was well developed other than the i love you's felt a little rushed. The plot was intriguing and action packed but left room for the romance to develop as well. the writing was ok but there were sentences that didnt make much sense and made some passages very difficult to read. im a little disappointed that the author didnt really give any mythology and just sort of jumps in which can get kind of confusing, but i suppose you cant expect much when youre reading a romantic quickie rather than a longer novel. The sex scenes were ok but couldve used way more detail.
This was a fairly easy read and other than the whole im gonna kill her thing i really enjoyed it. ill read the next one in the series but idk if this will be a reread for me because i just hate a hero thats..well not really a hero
This was a fairly easy read and other than the whole im gonna kill her thing i really enjoyed it. ill read the next one in the series but idk if this will be a reread for me because i just hate a hero thats..well not really a hero
June 25, 2016
Great beginning to a great series, I already read some of the wicked games books and others with the same charters and I gotta say they are great.
Max is the highway man that is a demon slayer and also killing off familiars so rid of the world of demons. He next target is a familiar named Aby and shes on her 4th life and has a protective wolf named Severo. Aby has been told repeatedly her enemy is the highwayman and should be avoided at all costs. But Max has feelings for Aby that he doesn't like but he starts to trust her and then falls in love but is afraid to love her from his 2 wives he has. Max has a demon shadow that he wants Aby to summon so he can be human again, but a problem has come up in the form of an old partner of crime that Max has to track down after 250 years since he last saw him. Together him and Aby fight to get what Max most despicably wants. To be a man that can eat, sleep and achieved complement with a women.
Max is the highway man that is a demon slayer and also killing off familiars so rid of the world of demons. He next target is a familiar named Aby and shes on her 4th life and has a protective wolf named Severo. Aby has been told repeatedly her enemy is the highwayman and should be avoided at all costs. But Max has feelings for Aby that he doesn't like but he starts to trust her and then falls in love but is afraid to love her from his 2 wives he has. Max has a demon shadow that he wants Aby to summon so he can be human again, but a problem has come up in the form of an old partner of crime that Max has to track down after 250 years since he last saw him. Together him and Aby fight to get what Max most despicably wants. To be a man that can eat, sleep and achieved complement with a women.
August 27, 2009
I adored this story - The characters had depth, were true to form and completely likeable. Hauf has a wonderful way of linking characters, names, background, premise, conflict and storyline so that the story is a seamless read.
The backstory is complex, and if you've read some other Hauf stuff, you'll recognise it. Not that you need to read other stories to get this one.
It also has a few nice flashback scenes that are well-placed.
Character motivations are real, never forced and particularly in the case of Aby, refreshing.
I am also consistently in awe of Hauf's dialogue. It flows beautifully.
I read it in a sitting. Which, I think, is high praise for an author.
If you like a bit of action, paranormal fiends, tension and hot love, grab this one - I was quite happy to buy it just for the guy on the cover!
The backstory is complex, and if you've read some other Hauf stuff, you'll recognise it. Not that you need to read other stories to get this one.
It also has a few nice flashback scenes that are well-placed.
Character motivations are real, never forced and particularly in the case of Aby, refreshing.
I am also consistently in awe of Hauf's dialogue. It flows beautifully.
I read it in a sitting. Which, I think, is high praise for an author.
If you like a bit of action, paranormal fiends, tension and hot love, grab this one - I was quite happy to buy it just for the guy on the cover!
May 2, 2010
This book really has everything, as far as I'm concerned. It's Paranormal, but completely unique. Max is a human being cursed to walk the earth with a demon shadow that prevents him from eating, dreaming, or climaxing during sex. He is called the Highwayman as he has made it his business to kill every demon he encounters and the conduits who bring them to this world, the familiars.
Aby is a familiar on her fourth life. All she really knows, besides the fact that she wants her independence and that she can bring demons to the world by climaxing, is that the Highwayman is her enemy.
But Max needs Aby now to try to exorcise the shadow inside of him. As the two fall in love they fight, they make up, they challenge each other, and the end of the book is so incredibly sweet it makes it all worth it.
Great read. Highly recommend.
Aby is a familiar on her fourth life. All she really knows, besides the fact that she wants her independence and that she can bring demons to the world by climaxing, is that the Highwayman is her enemy.
But Max needs Aby now to try to exorcise the shadow inside of him. As the two fall in love they fight, they make up, they challenge each other, and the end of the book is so incredibly sweet it makes it all worth it.
Great read. Highly recommend.
January 2, 2011
Michele Hauf sure knows how to weave an awesome story and this one was no different. I absolutely LOVED the interaction, tension and eventual connection between the hero and the heroine. Max is a tough as nails Highwayman who has been killing demons for centuries but now wants to get rid of the demon shadow inside him.
Aby's a familiar with a not-so ordinary job because she's a conduit to the demon realm.
When these two meet with Max's intention of using her to get rid of the shadow, the two head on an adventure that challenges them emotionally as much as physically. It was a great read filled with action, sensuality, intrigue, and a sense of the past.
Aby's a familiar with a not-so ordinary job because she's a conduit to the demon realm.
When these two meet with Max's intention of using her to get rid of the shadow, the two head on an adventure that challenges them emotionally as much as physically. It was a great read filled with action, sensuality, intrigue, and a sense of the past.
September 23, 2009
eh. the story was good enough. there was something about the writing and dialog that i didn't like. i am not exactly sure what it was though. a girl who never left middle America sure did not talk like it. i think the odd speech patterns annoyed me as well as the over abundance of "cool". "I'm cool" " its cool". everyone was cool. i have zero desire to read any more in this series and kind of wish i spent my day with a different book. i can't put my finger on what irked me so much so maybe i just wasnt in the mood for it.
January 11, 2010
"Recommended paranormal romance about demon hunter Max, who hasn't eaten or slept or climaxed for 250 years, since he was possessed by a demon's shadow himself. Seeking to end his torment, he tracks down Aby, a familiar who helps bring demons into this world. Max, also known as the Highwayman, is the most feared enemy of Aby's kind. Will they be able to trust and help each other? Or will Max be the death of Aby?"
April 17, 2013
me gusto ya que fue diferente, no son los tipicos paranormales...
los personajes se hicieron querer, la relacion aunque tenia sus momentos dificiles puesto que era algo nuevo para uno y algo que no queria vivir de nuevo fue interesante y quedo con ganas de saber mas de esta saga y los demas personajes ya que no ahondaron mucho en ellos, eso creo que fue lo malo pero pensemos que sera porque tendran su propio libro.
los personajes se hicieron querer, la relacion aunque tenia sus momentos dificiles puesto que era algo nuevo para uno y algo que no queria vivir de nuevo fue interesante y quedo con ganas de saber mas de esta saga y los demas personajes ya que no ahondaron mucho en ellos, eso creo que fue lo malo pero pensemos que sera porque tendran su propio libro.
Read
February 11, 2010A quick read about a familiar who can summon demons. The Highwayman is a immortal who has the shadow a demon living inside of him. He needs to use the familiar to get rid of the demon. He has not been able feel any sensual pleasure in centuries. But Aby is leery of Max because he is known to kill familiars and she knows him as her enemy.
August 30, 2010
I can only say I thought this book was fantastic. With all of the MH books I've read they are either hit or miss with me this one hit big time. New interesting ideas made it wonderful, the plot was awesome, and the leads tugged at my heart. I am so hopeing the rest of this series is as wonderful cause if not I'm going to have to quit reading MH books.
Read
August 27, 2010This is a nice light read with a veil of sexual heat.
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The best kissing scenes I have ever read! Nice sex scenes, not erotic or kinky or anywhere near vulgar. Mostly respectful.
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Some paranormal knowledge was assumed which left me kinda in the dark for a while.
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There are a few unresolved plot lines that suggest at least a sequel.
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The best kissing scenes I have ever read! Nice sex scenes, not erotic or kinky or anywhere near vulgar. Mostly respectful.
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Some paranormal knowledge was assumed which left me kinda in the dark for a while.
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There are a few unresolved plot lines that suggest at least a sequel.
January 10, 2017
To adventure
This was a great book with a new to me concept on how demons are summoned. A paranormal romance between the Highwayman, a man made immortal who kills demons and the familiars who bridge them who just wants sleep, and the familiar who can help him. Enjoyed it all. I am not a reviewer who retells the story but if you enjoy paranormals, you will enjoy this
This was a great book with a new to me concept on how demons are summoned. A paranormal romance between the Highwayman, a man made immortal who kills demons and the familiars who bridge them who just wants sleep, and the familiar who can help him. Enjoyed it all. I am not a reviewer who retells the story but if you enjoy paranormals, you will enjoy this
October 12, 2014
After about 45 pages I gave this one up. For me the story was blah and not interesting. Max the hero not all that likable or even sexy. Aby was somewhat interesting, but not enough to keep me reading the rest of the book. This one just wasn't for me.
January 31, 2014
Loved the book. I am a fan of Paranormal Romance. and this book was easy to get lost in. but in a good way like daydreaming or fantasizing. I could pretend I was in the story and forget everything else for awhile
November 21, 2016
Highwayman
I enjoyed the difference in the Highwaymen. One is a thief the other is a demon destroyer. Will the demon slayer find his soul or will it be forever best lost? Only way to find out is to read Abys' and Maxs' story!!!
I enjoyed the difference in the Highwaymen. One is a thief the other is a demon destroyer. Will the demon slayer find his soul or will it be forever best lost? Only way to find out is to read Abys' and Maxs' story!!!
May 26, 2020
Love the highway Character, have heard him mentioned in some of the other books. I will not give to much away to spoil the read for other people. But please read it you will not be disappointed with the highwayman and his familiar that is just an innocent kitty.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews