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Decades: A Journey of African American Romance #3
Love's Serenade
Escaping an arranged marriage, Leigh Jones flees her southern hometown for Harlem's vibrant jazz scene to pursue her dream of becoming a singer. She finds more than she expected, namely Miles Cooper. The smooth-talking musician walked out on her three years ago, taking her music and her heart with him. Leigh has no intentions of falling for Miles or his charms again, until he tempts her with the one thing she can’t a recording contract. But when her past comes calling, she realizes Miles is the one person who can save her from a man who won’t take no for an answer.
Miles isn’t one for putting down roots or staying in one place for longer than a season. Yet, memories of Leigh's sultry voice, beauty and sass make him long for the life and love he forfeited. Having walked away once, but never again, Miles sets out to prove he's a changed man willing to go to any lengths to protect his woman. He's determined to show Leigh, one passionate note at a time that the music they make together will last a lifetime.
Miles isn’t one for putting down roots or staying in one place for longer than a season. Yet, memories of Leigh's sultry voice, beauty and sass make him long for the life and love he forfeited. Having walked away once, but never again, Miles sets out to prove he's a changed man willing to go to any lengths to protect his woman. He's determined to show Leigh, one passionate note at a time that the music they make together will last a lifetime.
148 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 26, 2018
About the author
Sheryl Lister
74 books292 followersSheryl Lister has enjoyed reading and writing for as long as she can remember. She writes contemporary and inspirational romance and romantic suspense. She been nominated for an Emma Award and RT Reviewer’s Choice Award and named BRAB’s 2015 Best New Author. When she’s not reading, writing or playing chauffeur, Sheryl can be found on a date with her husband or in the kitchen creating appetizers and bite-sized desserts.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
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April 2, 2018A second chance romance set in 20s Harlem with a singer run away from her oppressive upbringing, and the bad boy piano player who abandoned her once before. Lots to enjoy, in particular that Miles didn't have a really good undisclosed reason for leaving the first time: he was an immature jerk who didn't know how to deal. Now he's grown up and knows very well he has to make a lot of amends. Also that Leigh is comprehensively shown to have been quite right to run away from home and leave no forwarding address, and is not obliged by the story to reconcile with her parents. Great historical atmosphere of buzzing Harlem arts scene and black life in the city, along with the nasty low drumbeat of permanent US racism. And most of all consent. I came to this off a romance I had to DNF for "I can't help myself" icky crap; here we have a great example of seamless sexy content throughout enhancing the romance.
The book is, sadly, a little let down by poor editing--a fair few missing or incorrect words, and the climactic action sequence seriously needed a lot more room to breathe. A shame, given the ambition, scope, and fantastic concept of this project.
The book is, sadly, a little let down by poor editing--a fair few missing or incorrect words, and the climactic action sequence seriously needed a lot more room to breathe. A shame, given the ambition, scope, and fantastic concept of this project.
March 6, 2018
What I like most about this book was the author gives a great description of what it is like living in the 1920's and what were some of the customs and beliefs at that time. What I also liked was even though racism ran rabid at that time that did not stop Black couples and Blacks in general from doing what they have to do to survive!
March 9, 2018
I ❤ this book's story line. I loved ❤ the musical 🎶 theme in this story. I loved ❤ some of the food 😋 in the story. I loved ❤ the chemistry in this story. I loved ❤ Leigh's character. I loved ❤ Leigh's strength in this story. I loved ❤ Miles's character. I loved ❤ how Miles protected Leigh. My heart broke 💔 for Miles. I loved ❤ the ending. Awesome job Ms. Lister you had me hungry & dancing.
March 5, 2018
Trust love, for it never fails
Sheryl Lister, delivers a vibrant story set in the 1920s, were two kindred spirits come together via a second chance at love. Miles is the drifter looking to establish roots for the first time ever. A talented musician who is musically inclined and passionate. Leigh is the traditional girl who takes a left of faith to follow her dreams and sing. With a great friend in Liz, it sets the course for Leigh's dream to become a reality. Miles on the quest to redeem himself, must confess his uncertainty to Leigh so that they could start anew.
You'll root for Miles and Leigh, as they share a love that overshadowed doubt and apprehension. Their mutual love of musical and then writing together rendered beautiful music.
Sheryl Lister, delivers a vibrant story set in the 1920s, were two kindred spirits come together via a second chance at love. Miles is the drifter looking to establish roots for the first time ever. A talented musician who is musically inclined and passionate. Leigh is the traditional girl who takes a left of faith to follow her dreams and sing. With a great friend in Liz, it sets the course for Leigh's dream to become a reality. Miles on the quest to redeem himself, must confess his uncertainty to Leigh so that they could start anew.
You'll root for Miles and Leigh, as they share a love that overshadowed doubt and apprehension. Their mutual love of musical and then writing together rendered beautiful music.
March 31, 2018
Smooth jazz,top shelf brandy and making love in the rain on a warm summer night...those are the things I thought about as I read this book! Redemption, passion and strong characters! An exceptional read! Don't miss out!
July 5, 2020
I felt like this book was fine, but pretty predictable
March 13, 2018
Set in the 1920's, this story leaps off the pages with vivid images as a movie leaping off the pages. Love's Serenade (Decades: A Journey of African American Romance Book 3) by Sheryl Lister is the journey of Leigh Jones and Miles Cooper from Magnolia, Arkansas and their love of music.
Mary Lee Johnson "Leigh Jones" leaves home and heads to New York to follow her dream to be a singer. Miles Cooper couldn't forget the woman he left behind when he took some and headed on the road three years ago. They collide in Harlem, NY and he put things in motion to win her back. He has an enormous fight on his hand to prove he's changed to her and for her.
Ms. Lister penned a vibrant tale that sings to us in vivid detail from the 1920's. Such a fascinating experience and I'm sure you will enjoy it as much as I did!! Well done!!
Mary Lee Johnson "Leigh Jones" leaves home and heads to New York to follow her dream to be a singer. Miles Cooper couldn't forget the woman he left behind when he took some and headed on the road three years ago. They collide in Harlem, NY and he put things in motion to win her back. He has an enormous fight on his hand to prove he's changed to her and for her.
Ms. Lister penned a vibrant tale that sings to us in vivid detail from the 1920's. Such a fascinating experience and I'm sure you will enjoy it as much as I did!! Well done!!
March 12, 2018
Amazing love
I'm so in love with this story . The way miles expressed his love for her was simply beautiful.they had strong chemistry between them well written love story 💕😍
I'm so in love with this story . The way miles expressed his love for her was simply beautiful.they had strong chemistry between them well written love story 💕😍
March 7, 2018
I truly loved Love's Serenade! Set in the 1920s, the story of Leigh and Miles is one of love lost and found. I loved how Lister writes a story that blends with the era so beautifully. She is so gifted with words. Leigh Jones has always dreamed of being a singer and being heard by millions through race records(you'll catch on as you read), but her parents are strict and against that sinful calling. When Leigh connects with a musician name Miles, her heart sings. But it's the ups and downs that Leigh experiences that also makes Love's Serenade a coming of age story worth witnessing.
March 6, 2018
Great read!
She's done it again!
She's done it again!
April 7, 2018
Loves Serenade Sheryl Lister
Loves Serenade is in the Decades of African American Romance series. It’s the Authors first historical book but hopefully it won’t be her last. The book focuses on Leigh Jones, who wants to follow her dreams of being a singer and Miles Cooper, a talented Musician who as his Grandmother says, has restless feet and can’t settle down. The Author provides great imagery for how Miles looks and I can tell he is easy on the eyes. The prologue draws you in and you want to see what happens next. While Leigh is in New York performing at her best friends club, The Magnolia, and realizes Miles is there as well, It takes a little while for her to get over him walking out on her three years ago.
I really like the way the courtship plays out. Miles is committed to making sure Leigh knows how much he regrets his actions and cares about her. The Author really took the time to study the time period and it shows throughout the book. Both Miles and Leigh are very talented and it’s as if the story leaped off the pages of a history book. The Cotton club in New York, which was very popular during the time, had a cameo of sorts. Famous figures from the time period are also mentioned like Madame C.J. Walker, Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston. Miles does something so sweet and touching for Leigh. It almost makes you forget his past wrongs. I’ll just say this. The saying “a way to a Mans heart is through his stomach” applies to the Ladies too.
Just when you think Miles and Leigh are in it for the long haul, there is a bit of drama that keeps you guessing.
Secondary character Liz is a true friend and a savvy business woman. This is a good, quick read with substance that touches on our rich history. I highly recommend it and also recommend checking out the Authors other books.
Loves Serenade is in the Decades of African American Romance series. It’s the Authors first historical book but hopefully it won’t be her last. The book focuses on Leigh Jones, who wants to follow her dreams of being a singer and Miles Cooper, a talented Musician who as his Grandmother says, has restless feet and can’t settle down. The Author provides great imagery for how Miles looks and I can tell he is easy on the eyes. The prologue draws you in and you want to see what happens next. While Leigh is in New York performing at her best friends club, The Magnolia, and realizes Miles is there as well, It takes a little while for her to get over him walking out on her three years ago.
I really like the way the courtship plays out. Miles is committed to making sure Leigh knows how much he regrets his actions and cares about her. The Author really took the time to study the time period and it shows throughout the book. Both Miles and Leigh are very talented and it’s as if the story leaped off the pages of a history book. The Cotton club in New York, which was very popular during the time, had a cameo of sorts. Famous figures from the time period are also mentioned like Madame C.J. Walker, Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston. Miles does something so sweet and touching for Leigh. It almost makes you forget his past wrongs. I’ll just say this. The saying “a way to a Mans heart is through his stomach” applies to the Ladies too.
Just when you think Miles and Leigh are in it for the long haul, there is a bit of drama that keeps you guessing.
Secondary character Liz is a true friend and a savvy business woman. This is a good, quick read with substance that touches on our rich history. I highly recommend it and also recommend checking out the Authors other books.
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June 29, 2022We buddy read Love's Serenade as part of our week discussing romance set between the World Wars.
Holly’s Take
Heat Factor: Some cursory details.
Character Chemistry: They seem to have a chemical attraction that supersedes all of Miles’ bad behavior.
Plot: Miles woos Leigh, plus they write a song together.
Overall: The music details were fun, but that’s the only nice thing I can say.
Erin’s Take
Heat Factor: Nothing too involved – it’s kinda lavender
Character Chemistry: Ugh
Plot: Miles abandons Leigh then changes his mind 3 years later and that’s just supposed to be fine
Overall: DNF at 45%
What’s one key piece of information you think a reader should know before getting Love’s Serenade?
Holly: Not gonna lie, I never recovered from Miles’ bad behavior in the prologue. It was really hard for me to root for these two.
Erin: The writing is extremely expository, so it’s not super attention-grabbing, and that’s not helped by the fact that Miles is terrible.
H: I guess some important background is that this book is part of a project where different authors write romances featuring Black love through the different decades of the 20th century.
Read our full review at The Smut Report
Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Holly’s Take
Heat Factor: Some cursory details.
Character Chemistry: They seem to have a chemical attraction that supersedes all of Miles’ bad behavior.
Plot: Miles woos Leigh, plus they write a song together.
Overall: The music details were fun, but that’s the only nice thing I can say.
Erin’s Take
Heat Factor: Nothing too involved – it’s kinda lavender
Character Chemistry: Ugh
Plot: Miles abandons Leigh then changes his mind 3 years later and that’s just supposed to be fine
Overall: DNF at 45%
What’s one key piece of information you think a reader should know before getting Love’s Serenade?
Holly: Not gonna lie, I never recovered from Miles’ bad behavior in the prologue. It was really hard for me to root for these two.
Erin: The writing is extremely expository, so it’s not super attention-grabbing, and that’s not helped by the fact that Miles is terrible.
H: I guess some important background is that this book is part of a project where different authors write romances featuring Black love through the different decades of the 20th century.
Read our full review at The Smut Report
Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
September 30, 2019
DECADES: A JOURNEY OF AFRICAN AMERICAN ROMANCE Bk 3 - Love's Serenade [Escaping an arranged marriage to Percy, the pastor’s nephew whose passing through town, Leigh Jones flees her southern hometown for Harlem's vibrant jazz scene to pursue her dream of becoming a (singer). She finds more than she expected, namely (piano man) Miles Cooper. The smooth-talking musician walked out on her three years ago, taking her music and her heart with him when they were supposed to be leaving together. Leigh has no intentions of falling for Miles or his charms again, until he tempts her with the one thing she can’t resist: him loving her. Then they’re offered a recording contract. But when her past comes calling, she realizes Miles is the one person who can save her from Percy, a man who won’t take no for an answer and wants her for his own singing group. Miles isn’t one for putting down roots or staying in one place for longer than a season. Yet, memories of Leigh's sultry voice, beauty and sass make him long for the life and love he forfeited. Having walked away once, but never again, Miles sets out to prove he's a changed man willing to go to any lengths to protect his woman. He's determined to show Leigh, one passionate note at a time that the music they make together will last a lifetime.]
June 9, 2021
** spoiler alert ** We made a podcast episode about this one! You can check it out here if you’re interested: https://bit.ly/3w1XTj0
And here are the ep notes:
Studies show that staying put is the number one cause of FOMO among freewheelers and ramblers. But the long term health benefits of deep roots and steady love are often, criminally, underreported. This week on Whoa!mance, Morgan and Isabeau clear their spit valves to hit the high notes with a selection from Decades: A Journey of African American Romance, in Sheryl Lister’s Love’s Serenade. Set primarily in Harlem in the 1920’s, Leigh Jones, our heroine, escapes the American South and an arranged marriage after being spurred by Miles Cooper, our reluctant hero and aspiring jazz great, to pursue a life of independence. Immersed in the cultural heights of the Harlem Renaissance, Leigh and Miles navigate their new found freedom and pen their own tunes in the stolen moments of a white-supremacist society. How does the present inform our depictions of the past? How does Romancelandia reward and reinforce white readership? How much historical detail is too much? Bust out your Victrola y'all because this one’s going straight to 78.
And here are the ep notes:
Studies show that staying put is the number one cause of FOMO among freewheelers and ramblers. But the long term health benefits of deep roots and steady love are often, criminally, underreported. This week on Whoa!mance, Morgan and Isabeau clear their spit valves to hit the high notes with a selection from Decades: A Journey of African American Romance, in Sheryl Lister’s Love’s Serenade. Set primarily in Harlem in the 1920’s, Leigh Jones, our heroine, escapes the American South and an arranged marriage after being spurred by Miles Cooper, our reluctant hero and aspiring jazz great, to pursue a life of independence. Immersed in the cultural heights of the Harlem Renaissance, Leigh and Miles navigate their new found freedom and pen their own tunes in the stolen moments of a white-supremacist society. How does the present inform our depictions of the past? How does Romancelandia reward and reinforce white readership? How much historical detail is too much? Bust out your Victrola y'all because this one’s going straight to 78.
July 13, 2018
Leigh Jones is a fabulous singer who realizes she has to follow her dreams. Set in a time where woman are only to be still until she gets married, Leigh wants more. She starts her journey traveling, not with the love of her life who leaves her.
As she moves to Harlem from the South, she gets an opportunity to showcase her voice from a friend. The gig leads her to be a headliner at a supper club. As fate would have it, her former beau, Miles Cooper finds her again. She and Miles had been not only a couple but were great at the duets they sang together in the past.
Miles is on a mission to win back the only woman he had ever loved and give her the dream she has always wanted. Great read set in the Great Depression era of our country with history and love woven in the pages.
Ms. Lister is a fabulous writer and it shows within these pages...Loved this book..
As she moves to Harlem from the South, she gets an opportunity to showcase her voice from a friend. The gig leads her to be a headliner at a supper club. As fate would have it, her former beau, Miles Cooper finds her again. She and Miles had been not only a couple but were great at the duets they sang together in the past.
Miles is on a mission to win back the only woman he had ever loved and give her the dream she has always wanted. Great read set in the Great Depression era of our country with history and love woven in the pages.
Ms. Lister is a fabulous writer and it shows within these pages...Loved this book..
November 29, 2018
Short comments because I forgot to review right away.
Love’s Serenade is set in the 20’s. A young African American woman runs away from an arranged marriage to New York where she starts a career as a singer. Soon after arriving an old-flame appears, and the attraction reignites.
There’s a lot to enjoy about this book – great detail about the time period and the setting in Harlem, strong female heroine, second chance romance. I liked, but didn’t love. The villain seemed a little to stereotypical. The dialogue felt flat at times. Still, a worthwhile read.
3.75/5 on the romance scale.
Love’s Serenade is set in the 20’s. A young African American woman runs away from an arranged marriage to New York where she starts a career as a singer. Soon after arriving an old-flame appears, and the attraction reignites.
There’s a lot to enjoy about this book – great detail about the time period and the setting in Harlem, strong female heroine, second chance romance. I liked, but didn’t love. The villain seemed a little to stereotypical. The dialogue felt flat at times. Still, a worthwhile read.
3.75/5 on the romance scale.
December 30, 2020
I thought I was coming around to second chance romances with my love of marriage in trouble stories, but it turns out I still need a compelling reason for why a romance went wrong, that reason to be forgivable, and growth. And this novella tries to answer those things, I think, but it's one of those situations where mileage will definitely vary and for me, I just wasn't going to forgive Miles. Plus, I wanted to scream at the conflict tossed in at the end. There's actually a lot going on in this book and loose threads at the end. Anyway, setting aside those complaints that are again more personal than anything particularly critical of this book, I thought the novella was well done. I loved the setting and the music references and I liked Liz and Leigh's friendship.
August 27, 2023
Read this one for a summer challenge, and it did fill in the box... it's a short novella with a peek into 1920s Harlem jazz. The historical aspect was interesting, though the stigmas around sex work and intimacy were more prevalent than i thought they'd be... Leigh was delightful and I loved her inner struggles through the book. That said, every other character was pretty surface level. I know it was a novella but I found it more difficult to connect with the emotions throughout. The HEA was lovely, even if the road to get there was rocky and chaotic at times. I might try to find a full length Sheryl Lister novel to see if I can connect with her characters better next time.
March 19, 2022
An Excellent Second Chance Romance!! 🤎🖤🤎
I really love second chance romances, and Mrs. Lister’s “ Love’s Serenade is all that and more! I felt like I was right there watching the love being rekindled between Leigh and Miles! I was absolutely enthralled with this story and it was over before I was ready!! If you haven’t read this yet, you need to!! All I can say is, Kudos, Sheryl!! 💜💜
I really love second chance romances, and Mrs. Lister’s “ Love’s Serenade is all that and more! I felt like I was right there watching the love being rekindled between Leigh and Miles! I was absolutely enthralled with this story and it was over before I was ready!! If you haven’t read this yet, you need to!! All I can say is, Kudos, Sheryl!! 💜💜
March 27, 2018
A beautiful love story!
Leigh is finally getting over heartbreak. Until Miles comes back into her life. She thought she could live without him. Until he reappears then disapears again. Will he return? Can her heart heal once more? Does she have a forgiving heart? Read about the beautiful music made by two lovers in Love's Serenade!
Leigh is finally getting over heartbreak. Until Miles comes back into her life. She thought she could live without him. Until he reappears then disapears again. Will he return? Can her heart heal once more? Does she have a forgiving heart? Read about the beautiful music made by two lovers in Love's Serenade!
August 15, 2018
Great
Outstanding! Wow!I truly enjoyed reading this love story. It's a story about true love back in the day, and reflects what young women went through. It also reminded me of how parents back then told their daughters who to marry. I am looking forward to reading the next book "A Journey of African Americans.
Outstanding! Wow!I truly enjoyed reading this love story. It's a story about true love back in the day, and reflects what young women went through. It also reminded me of how parents back then told their daughters who to marry. I am looking forward to reading the next book "A Journey of African Americans.
March 27, 2018
Wonderful! Leigh captured my heart with her dedication. She left home knowing that she couldn't marry a man she didn't love and to practice her craft.
I was angry at Miles for leaving her as he did, but he redeemed himself. The music from this time period is on point, I Love jazz and some blues.
I was angry at Miles for leaving her as he did, but he redeemed himself. The music from this time period is on point, I Love jazz and some blues.
May 12, 2018
Music To My Ears
As a lover of music , this story touched my soul. I love the way Sheryl used music in every aspect of the story. Miles, never gave up on Liegh protecting her at all cost. Up to this point the best story in the Decade series.
As a lover of music , this story touched my soul. I love the way Sheryl used music in every aspect of the story. Miles, never gave up on Liegh protecting her at all cost. Up to this point the best story in the Decade series.
May 16, 2021
A nice historical love story
I liked the time period of.this story and especially the couples chemistry. The music references were nice. A very nice story indeed.
I liked the time period of.this story and especially the couples chemistry. The music references were nice. A very nice story indeed.
February 4, 2022
I liked the setting and time period, but didn't really enjoy this book. Something about the writing style didn't work for me. Also, never quite understood why Miles took off in the beginning.
April 1, 2022
DNF. The man is preoccupied by his own reaction to the woman, Leigh. I think he is not in love with her, but with who he thinks she is or who he wants her to be.
June 9, 2022
A great story!!!
October 20, 2021
A second chance romance for aspiring jazz singer Leigh and musician/composer Miles vividly set in 1920s Harlem.
This novel has a lot to recommend it if you are the right audience. The writing is cinematic, from the moment Miles strides back into Leigh's life by joining her on stage for an impromptu duet, to his many flowery verbal declarations of love throughout their courtship. The world building and descriptions of day to day life in Harlem in the 20s seemed well researched and added a lot of interest to the story.
Unfortunately this book did not work for me based on tone and themes that simply don't match my taste and preferences. I found the level of flowery dialogue and sincerity to be over the top. Some of the conflict is flimsy and lame. Miles left Leigh years ago and upon returning he does not explain himself plainly, nor does he explain why he intends to stay this time...Consequently I had doubts about the HEA. A man who can write a romantic song but not have and honest and ugly conversation is not a reliable hero. Additionally, the text featured some purity language around the heroine and her decision to have sex with Miles both in the past and present, and all the talk about what a gift her virginity is did squick me out even if it does fit the time period.
2.5 Stars
This novel has a lot to recommend it if you are the right audience. The writing is cinematic, from the moment Miles strides back into Leigh's life by joining her on stage for an impromptu duet, to his many flowery verbal declarations of love throughout their courtship. The world building and descriptions of day to day life in Harlem in the 20s seemed well researched and added a lot of interest to the story.
Unfortunately this book did not work for me based on tone and themes that simply don't match my taste and preferences. I found the level of flowery dialogue and sincerity to be over the top. Some of the conflict is flimsy and lame. Miles left Leigh years ago and upon returning he does not explain himself plainly, nor does he explain why he intends to stay this time...Consequently I had doubts about the HEA. A man who can write a romantic song but not have and honest and ugly conversation is not a reliable hero. Additionally, the text featured some purity language around the heroine and her decision to have sex with Miles both in the past and present, and all the talk about what a gift her virginity is did squick me out even if it does fit the time period.
2.5 Stars
January 12, 2025
Leigh and Miles decide to run off and make their music dreams come true. They're just friends and are ignoring the one moment they had as more to focus on music. But they both still yearn to relive it.
Okay, I was looking for more period romance and I found it. Plus, you know we stan Sheryl Lister over this way, so I picked it up with no problem. I really lover writing style. Things flow so well, and there's a rhythm to how the story gets told. Leigh and miles had such a gentle love story. I love the way they supported each other, and leaned on each other. Miles was a man with a plan and he wanted his woman back. He built up her trust the way he needed to, and asked her to let him show and prove. He had his fears but he pushed through. Leigh's talent and drive made me admire her. And I love the way she took care with herself and her heart but still wanted to take a chance. The angst when I thought the opps would win and keep them apart!!! I was nervous. Lol. But love prevailed. Good book.
Okay, I was looking for more period romance and I found it. Plus, you know we stan Sheryl Lister over this way, so I picked it up with no problem. I really lover writing style. Things flow so well, and there's a rhythm to how the story gets told. Leigh and miles had such a gentle love story. I love the way they supported each other, and leaned on each other. Miles was a man with a plan and he wanted his woman back. He built up her trust the way he needed to, and asked her to let him show and prove. He had his fears but he pushed through. Leigh's talent and drive made me admire her. And I love the way she took care with herself and her heart but still wanted to take a chance. The angst when I thought the opps would win and keep them apart!!! I was nervous. Lol. But love prevailed. Good book.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews