Stiff: A Graves Family Romance

Graves Brothers #1

by Kim Linwood

Small town. Big ego. Huge... plans?

Carter Graves is as smooth as the weave of his designer suit, and just as out of my price range. He sweeps into Wittville ready to wheel, deal and melt some panties, quickly topping my short list of men I love to hate and would hate to love.

Before I know it, he's got his sexy eyes set on me and his talented hands all over my business.

My family's business, of course. What were you thinking?

The contract he waves in my face will turn my quiet little life upside down, but it's his seductive smile that threatens to do the same to my heart. If he really thinks being the hottest guy in town is enough to make me roll over and let him turn us into just another faceless franchise, he's got another think coming.

I'm not signing unless he can convince me he wants more than just another notch on his resume. Or his bedpost.

There's just one problem with my strategy.

The harder I make him work, the harder it will be to watch him go.

Stiff is a full length stand-alone romance with no cheating and a resounding happily ever after.

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Contemporary Romance

462 pages, Paperback

First published August 10, 2018

Reviews

[Book-Bosomed blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.35 Stars

If this casket is rocking, don’t come a knocking!


Sadie Williams, 23, is left in charge of her family run funeral home and deciding the fate of the business when her parents take an early retirement vacation.

Carter Graves, 26, is also looking to the future of his family’s funeral home chain, and top on his priority list is sealing the deal—professionally and personally. He wants the business and the girl too. But till he gets Sadie to trust him, he won’t be scoring either.

“Carter’s smooth on the surface, rough around the edges and drives me crazy and wild in equal measure, but he’s also kind, useful in a pinch, and not nearly as superficial as his blustery negotiator act might lead people to believe.”

Carter was cute, playful, and likable. He was a full of himself at times but still a total good guy. There’s plenty of banter between them as well as the supporting characters to keep things interesting. The setting was unique while largely still feeling upbeat.

Told via their dual alternating first person POV, it’s a pleasing blend of sweet and lighthearted with a moment of touchingly sad, while never sacrificing those all import steamy scenes.

“‘Whatever you want and as many ways as you want it. Standing up or on all fours. You can be on top. Really, I’m open to anything, so long as it involves you, me and as much dirty, filthy, time as you’ll give me.’”

Fans, like myself, of low angst, sexy, safe reads will enjoy this one.

There’s also an unexpected cameo from One Flight Stand, which almost derailed me as I flipped back to one of my favorite reads for a quick refresh that made me want to read it again. But next up is Driven Wild: A Graves Brothers Romance, Carter’s brother Brandon’s book with resident embalmer Zoe. I’m definitely intrigued by all of the Graves brothers and sister so looking forward to all of their stories as well as hopefully more appearances from Grandma Graves.

Safety Recap: No cheating. No sex scenes w/OP. No OW/OM drama. No appearances of OW/OM at all. h is not a virgin/H is not a manwhore. No rape or sexual abuse. HEA.

*Title purchased from Amazon. All reviews written by Book-Bosomed Book Blog are honest opinions.

[Crystal N · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 - I liked it and am looking forward to more. I liked both main characters, it made me smile, but something about the pacing was a little slow. Like I found my brain wandering a few times.

[Judy Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

CUTE, SWEET, & OH SO SEXY!!!
Title: Stiff
Series: A Graves Family Romance
Author: Kim Linwood
Designation: Book 1 of Series, Full-Length, Standalone Contemporary New Adult Romance, NO CLiffhanger, HEA #smalltown #familysaga #enemiestolovers #oppositesattract #wealthyplayboy #sexyhero #saucyheroine #explicitlanguage #explicitsex
My Rating: Five Sinfully Sexy Stars****
Wow! What a fabulous beginning to a great new series from Kim Linwood! Stiff is the long-awaited and highly anticipated first release in the brand new A Graves Family Romance Series by Kim Linwood and this may be my favorite book to date. Yup, I've been counting the days until the release, but the verdict's finally in - I loved it!! I adore Linwood's sultry prose, lighthearted storylines, witty dialogue, charmingly irreverent heroes, and smart, feisty heroines, and never has her talent as a skilled wordslinger been more apparent than in Stiff. I snickered, snorted, chuckled, fumed, sniffled, and outright sobbed through the entire book and loved every single second! Stiff is a fast-paced, well crafted, easy to follow, standalone contemporary mash-up of opposites attract, wealthy playboy, small town, and enemies to lovers tropes. But regardless of the label, it's filled to the brim with engaging characters, snappy dialogue, laugh-out-loud humor, undeniable attraction, fiery passion, dreamy romance, and a whole lot of good old-fashioned family drama. The narrative is beautifully written in the first person with clearly defined his and her perspectives. I'll admit, my favorite element of every story is the cast of characters and this is where Linwood truly shines. I was immediately smitten with the two protagonists, charming but entitled wealthy playboy Carter Graves and beautiful, feisty Sadie Williams. OMG, these two characters were so perfect for each other and such a hoot, but so were all the secondary yet very memorable players of this cast. When you finish a 300 plus page book and can remember the names of everyone in the story, then the author has definitely done an extraordinary job of developing her characters, and I remembered them all, just like they were my own friends and family. This is just one of the reasons why I'm such a loyal Linwood fan. And another, she always takes the time to develop the relationships between her characters. I realize we've all become a generation that wants everything to move at light speed, but faster is not always better. Don't get me wrong, I don't enjoy a narrative filled with endless fluff and ramblings but like great food, good story development takes time and effort, and Linwood does it exceptionally well. By using exceptional character and story development, Linwood gives her readers time to soak in the details and settle into the story. When I finish one of Linwood's books, I'm always happy, satisfied, and well entertained. No spoilers from me but I will say this... Charming, entitled, and irreverent wealthy playboy from the big city, determined to kill two birds with one stone by charming the girl and acquiring her father's locally owned funeral home for his father's family franchise-check! Small town girl and acting director for her family's locally owned funeral home determined to make good, protect her family's investment and employees from the big money Graves Funeral Franchise, bring cheeky Carter Graves to heel and down a few pegs, and definitely NOT become just another notch on his bedpost-check! Large cast of colorful characters-check! Family drama, laugh out loud humor, loads of fun, and lots of shenanigans-check! Undeniable attraction, fiery passion, dreamy romance and a sweet, heartwarming ending-you bet! That and a whole lot more! And FYI, even Brett and Philmore, the cheese guys from One Flight Stand, make a quick appearance but an even quicker getaway. They're still on the run from the law! lol...

Did I like this book? No, I LOVED it! Would I recommend it? You bet, and I am but only for adult readers since it does contain explicit language, dreamy romance, and steamy sex. Will I read this author again? Absolutely! Just as soon as she releases her next book. And finally, was I entertained? Completely! Fabulous entertainment and an awesome read! Well done, Kim Linwood! I can hardly wait to read Carter Graves' brother, Brandon, and Zoe's story, and I've been racking my brain trying to figure out who will be paired with Axton Graves, so please hurry and put me out of my misery!

[Laronda · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 33%

This book started out promising but it soon took a turn. Not sure where the funny is or maybe I hadn't got to that part yet. It seemed like a lot of chatter, like I was stuck in a conversation with nonstop talking but I'm not sure what to focus on. I checked out mentally so now I am all the way out.

[Mary Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is quite an engaging story and one I enjoyed reading. The book is quite unusual in that the story revolves around funeral parlors. As the main characters, Sadie and Carter have to come to terms with both their professional and personal relationships, which are very much up and down. In addition, other characters play a major part in the story and when brought together as a whole, makes for a very intriguing storyline that has plenty of twists and turns, laughter and sadness. Everything adds to the overall enjoyment of the book.

Sadie doesn’t realise how much the Funeral Parlor means to her, until her parents tell her they are selling it to a chain. As acting manager of Williams Funeral Parlor, Sadie wants veto rights and to negotiate a better deal with Graves Funeral Homes; they may not be as big as Graves, but they ran a good business and Sadie is not going to blindly hand everything over. Carter had been in Wittville checking out local suppliers; he wants to throw a few complicated arrangements at the flower shop to see how they cope. Sadie has six flower orders to fill that afternoon, but the minute she and Carter are introduced, he is all she can think about. Carter knew it was Fate. Sadie is feisty, but no pushover; if she had been he doubts he would have given her a second thought. When there is an impasse regarding the flowers, Carter agrees Sadie can have them in exchange for a date. Sadie cannot believe she is going out with a man who looks like a movie star; to her he is just a little too perfect and what can he possibly see in her? Carter wants to become more involved in the family business, instead of being a negotiator and the face of Graves; Carter is ready to take some ownership of the projects he is involved with. When Carter turns up at the Funeral Parlor, Sadie is suspicious of him; has she found the flaw she was looking for when they first met. Sadie is to make the final call on the contract, but Carter is not taking her seriously at all and the more he goes on, the less she wants to hear. For Carter this is supposed to be a formality. Sadie doesn’t agree, so Carter doubles the offer; but he also has one stipulation. Carter’s overconfidence backfires; he has paid too much attention to Sadie and not enough to the business. Nevertheless, Carter refuses to let this be a failure on his record, professionally or personally. Ever since the meeting with Carter, Sadie has felt off balance and out of her depth; no matter how hard she tries to focus on work he keeps invading her thoughts. If it were just the business on her mind it might not be so bad. Carter isn’t the kind of man who will back down easily; even if they never get their date, its personal now. Carter isn’t Sadie’s usual type and somehow she doubts she is his, but there is definitely chemistry between them. Agreeing to go on a business dinner with Carter, Sadie is not ready for what looks like the perfect set up to a romantic dinner. Nothing that involves her or Carter will ever be completely professional; they both know it. Carter flips from businessman to playboy, and it makes Sadie cautious about accepting him at face value. Who is the real Carter Graves and why is Sadie really fighting this sale so much? A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.

[Judy Robichaud · Rating 5 out of 5]

“STIFF” IS ABSOLUTELY FREAKING HILARIOUS. HANDS DOWN, MY FAVORITE ROM-COM FOR 2018, EARNING A 5 STAR RATING.

📢 🌀 📘 ⚛️❁.•°*”˜˜”*°•.❁ 📢❁.•°*”˜˜”*°•.❁ ⚛️ 🌀 📢
⚛️.•°*” 📘 📢 📘STIFF BY KIM LINWOOD 📘 📢 📘 ”*°•. ⚛️

Stiff by Author, Kim Linwood is absolutely freaking hilarious.

Sadie & Carter couldn't be more perfect for each other. Their witty banter back and forth along with Sadie's inner dialogue kept me laughing out loud for most of the book.

What do you get when you mix the funeral business with a fickle funeral director named Sadie who scared stiff of the dead, a charming and hot stranger Carter looking to buy the local family run funeral parlor, hilarious antics, silly shenanigans not to mention the fun loving and always up for anything best friend and embalmer with a thick skin named Zoe, trailer crashing parents hoping to retire early by selling the family funeral business, interfering and argumentative siblings and finally Maria Garcia, local florist and dear friend and matchmaker to the single Sadie?

You get one of the funniest books I've ever read. There is NEVER a dull moment in this book. Some of my favorites parts of this book involved a fallen ladder, (that left me in tears from laughing so hard), a button-down bondage predicament which left me with serious ab cramps and a trailer park confession that had me hootin' and hollerin' and begging for more.

The most moving part of this book for me was saying a final goodbye to someone very special.

It was an honor and a pure pleasure reading this book and I can honestly say, this feel good, lighthearted romantic comedy is just what I needed and believe you me, you will never look at the funeral parlor business or a billboard sign the same way again.

I highly recommend this funny, feel good romantic comedy. There's always a time for laughter. So get in on all the hilarity, start your laughing fit and grab your copy of the 5 star romantic comedy, Stiff by Kim Linwood today. Hands down, my favorite rom-com for 2018.....

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

[Sunny Shelly Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are words I never thought I’d write about a romance book, but Stiff is an adorable love story about two... funeral home owners!

Sadie’s parents run a small-town funeral parlor, and are looking to retire. While they are on vacation and she’s running the business, they entrust her to work out the final details of the contract with the Graves family, who operate big-box-type funeral homes. (And could that name be any more perfect?!?!) Sadie’s already against the idea of her parents selling out, so her world is really rocked when drop-dead gorgeous Carter Graves — who she has an awkward meet-cute with at the local flower shop — turns out to be the rep handling the rest of the negotiations.

Carter and Sadie flip-flop between arguing like crazy and making out like horny teenagers. The attraction is sizzling, and there is a lot at stake personally for both of them as well, so the story goes deeper than being just fluff. Sadie doesn’t want to lose the intimate connection her family’s business has with the community, and Carter is desperately trying to prove to his family that he is more than the pretty face they trot out to close a deal

Stiff is full of so many funny moments, like an awkward billboard desecration and a game of naked hide and seek in a room of caskets. I adored Sadie and Carter; they are well-written and their romance is definitely an intriguing one. The secondary characters are wildly entertaining as well, so the Graves family series is off to a wonderful start with Stiff. I really hope that Zoe and Bran get a story ASAP!

I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.

[Amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Graves Family series begins with a highly entertaining story packed with lots of amusement plus emotional scenes. I was quickly drawn into the lives of two people who seem to be vastly different from one another, but both just want to be given the chance to prove their worth. Kim Linwood has definitely created a compelling story, as STIFF caused countless laughs and had me feeling the heat when passion became overwhelming.

When Sadie Williams first met Carter Graves, it was in a flower shop where she needed to place a large order. Before leaving, she somehow agrees to going out to dinner with him. What she did not realize is that her upcoming date is with the man whose family wants to buy the funeral home which is owned by her parents and she is currently running. The offer made by Carter is great, but Sadie wants time to make certain every aspect is the best for her and any employees. But she did not count on how his persistence in getting her to sign would personally affect her life.

STIFF has several situations that deeply touched me with their realism. But it is the many hilarious events which I will fondly recall, and a few of them will have me smiling every time. Kim Linwood expertly entwines emotion and humor to make her delightful story constantly enjoyable. Sadie and Carter are both likable individuals. Their spirited personalities often clash, and many of their comments contain clever retorts. There are also many interesting secondary characters, and I am eager to discover more about these appealing people as the series continues.

[Christine Karmelreads2665 W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Closet Coffin Makeout


One way to make owning a funeral home fun. Sadie is the only child of people that own a funeral that she has been left in charge of running while her parents go on vacation.

Life changing decions are left up to her that will not only after her life, her parents and the town in which she lives but maybe most importantly her future happiness

Sadie and Zoe get up highjinks in the story that will have you laughing out loud.. Sadie ha a twist in her that is at odds with her career choice that will have you laughing and smiling.

Carter is a second son trying to carve out a place in the family business. He is more than just a pretty face to be posted in front of the camera for the benefit of the family business.

When these two meet brain cells will short circuit and unable to process current thoughts while in others presence. They will go round and round trying to settle matters.

Should business and pleasure mix to get the desired? Stay tuned to read about the make out sessions in a closet and spray paint art that leads to a rescue.

The title of the book gave me a moment pause about reading it but I am glad I took the chance reading it as it had me. Laughing and smiling but didn't creep me out.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader's copy of this book.
Bravo! 👏🏻 Wow, what a great book! This author really brings all the emotions into this story. It’s so well balanced, with enough humor, lust & love to balance out the angry, insecure, sad & tearful parts. I really enjoyed the dry & sarcastic humor. I haven’t read a contemporary love story that involves funeral homes before either! 😂 (so points for uniqueness of the story!) The book flowed well, held my interest, kept me riveted to the end, with a few grumbles from me for being interrupted at times. The characters (Sadie & Carter) are great, the right amount of contrast to make me not like them one minute, question their sanity at times, but love them overall in the end. The chemistry really came alive in the pages, but I felt the love developing between them too.

[Lexee Toste · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story!!! It was a fun read and the characters were fantastic. This is not a short story. You are getting a full book with plenty of time for things to develop. I loved getting to know the characters and seeing them grow within the situation. Carter is looking to get more responsibility with his family business and sees the acquisition of Sadie's family business as the way to do so. They run into each other before knowing about the business connection and have an instant connection. They set up a date but before that can happen they go to a business meeting. Sadie is not willing to give in to Carter, especially as he keeps hitting on her when they are trying to talk business. I loved the antics that the two of them get up to. It's definitely a fun read! I loved some of the twists and can't wait for the rest of the series and other family members to get their happy endings.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Leslie Ooten · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty good read. The writing flowed well, and I liked Carter and Sadie together for the most part. Sadie was really hard on Carter after she found out who he was, and I wasn't sure why she pushed so hard with the negotiations. She was getting everything she wanted and more, and still she fought him. When she wasn't being difficult with him, I loved their banter back and forth. It made for great chemistry. I thought it was pretty crappy how her parents dumped the whole situation in her lap. If they didn't think she wanted to take over, why would they put her in charge of the deal? It didn't make a whole lot of sense to me. The story being set in a funeral home environment was something I've never read before, and made the story line interesting. I will definitely be reading whatever is next from this author!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sadie's family owns a funeral home which Carter's family is in the process of buying to add to their chain of funeral homes. Sadie surprisingly finds herself reluctant to sign it away, especially to sexy hot Carter who she find herself equally irritated with and attracted to. Carter wants to prove to his family that he's more than just a pretty face and is determined to close the deal and make Sadie his.

This funny, sweet, sexy romance has a great cast of characters, especially Sadie and Carter. The writing is great and so is the chemistry between Sadie and Carter. I had a smile on my face through most of this book. It's just such a fun read with some hot love scenes that really spice things up! I loved it.

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hilarious story with a funeral business for background! This story had funny characters that made me enjoy what was going on between the protagonists. Sadie was witty, smart, strong and a passionate heroine. Laughed a lot with how she was dealing with Carter, her comments and adventures with her BBF. Carter was a man who had to invoke the goddess of patience at every moment. Loved Zoe character. What a strong minded and mouthy girl! The author left me eagerly waiting for her story. But all wasn’t laughing. Sadie and Carter had to deal with some emotional situations that give balance to the story. Interesting, entertaining, passionate and well written story that I liked.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is really good, in spite of the funeral home business stuff being. I really like Carter, he is the playboy type but he also knows a good woman when he sees one. Sadie dragged her feet way too long with her decision making skills which seemed to stall the plot progress. In the end though, Carter is the man and his decision making skills are on point in all areas. Their story is very realistic, it made me laugh, its compassionate, heartwarming, emotional & very enjoyable sexy moments. Can't wait to read where author will be lead next, hope it will be Zoe's story, she is hilarious and I love her straight forwardness.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the latest from Kim Linwood! Sadie and Carter are an amazing couple that had me hooked from the beginning. What's starts as an immediate attraction then a big misunderstanding. When Carter shows up in Sadie's town of Wittville, Pennsylvania it's for business, but that changes when he meets her. It just so happens that the business bringing him to town has to do with her family's business. All the supporting characters in this story add their own layer to Carter and Sadie's story. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader copy of this book.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who would have thought that a romance centering around a funeral home would be so entertaining, but Kim Linwood did a wonderful job doing just that. First, and foremost, this book kept me laughing throughout it. It is also really steamy hot at times, that will give you a different type of reaction. Then, there is the story, that is one that I had such a hard time putting it down, because it is so good. I really enjoyed this book from page 1, and all the way to the end, and I can't wait for more from this series.

[Linda Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stiff is a fantastic unique contemporary romance by the very talented Kim Linwood.
The storyline flows really well and hooks you in from the beginning of the book and doesn't let you go till you read the end.
I really enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend you one click it straight away.
Sadie and Carter have crazy banter as well as the chemistry.
They definitely know how to keep you entertained throughout.
I'm voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Lisa Hoak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a 4.5 for me. I had to laugh at the mention of Brett and Philmore - the purveyors of artisanal cheese. Loved their cameo in a previous book. I hope this will be a series with books for Zoe & Bran and maybe Josie & Axton.

This is a voluntary review of an advance reader copy. Carter was a little pushy but Sadie held her ground against him. This book was amusing, could pull tears from a cold-blooded person and make them swoon.

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Graves Family Romance but is read as a standalone. You'll love the story of Carter and Sadie. Their back and forth banter will amuse you and keep you page turning. Their chemistry is amazing and they are so likable. A lot of drama occurs when he tries to buy her families funeral home to add to his families chain of homes. Well written and a cute read that I read as a reader copy and voluntarily chose to review. Opposites attract.

[Crissy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stiff was an okay read for me. I enjoyed the back and forth banter between Sadie and Carter and there was definitely chemistry between these two characters. However, their actions were frustrating and childish at times; especially Sadie. She acted more childish than I liked at times so she was a little aggravating. This story had sweet, funny and steamy moments with both parts I enjoyed and parts I disliked, but overall it was an okay read.

[Lofty · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2*
Carter meets his match when negotiating a takeover deal with the funeral home Sadie’s parents own.
Sadie is surprised to find her parents are selling the business determined not to be a pushover she states her terms. But will the sexy cocky Carter meet them?
I found the book a little slow at times but an enjoyable read. Hopefully carters family will have their book?
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[ChristinaB.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so sweet. I loved Carter and Sadie together right from the beginning. I loved all their interactions, the highs and lows, and how neither one of them backed down. I loved getting to know their families as well, especially the Graves siblings (some very funny moments with them all).
It was very well written full of emotions, sexy and cute scenes. I loved how hot they were together, I thought they were perfect for each other.

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed his book and I thought it was different and fun. With a heavy dose of snarky humor, drama, steamy chemistry and witty banter, Sadie and Carter's romance grabs your attention and keeps it. If you are a fan of quirky reads that make you laugh while also providing scenes that burn up the pages, you should definitely give this book a read! I'm posting a voluntary, honest review.

[P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stiff (ARC) by Kim Linwood: ***** Sweet/hot, sexy, hilarious!
A slow start but then I was hooked. This book is full of emotion with LOL funny, some tears, some angst, love, hate, romance, sexual tension and erotic sizzle. I loved the central characters AND the circle of close friends and family. Really good! Disclosure: I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing it.

[Suez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sizzling romantic story definitely leaves you feeling good … The storyline is hilarious and entertaining!! Sadie and Carter’s characters will capture and hold your attention till the very end as you find yourself enjoying their ongoing witty banter and laughing right along with them. This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a cute, sweet and sexy read from this author! If you like small town romances, you'll love Carter and Sadie! Good character development and enjoyable secondary characters that bring this story together. I can't wait to read the next book in this series--hoping it's Zoe's story! Sexy, sweet and fun contemporary romance--solid 4 star read.

[Book-Lovin-Momma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty original story line, with a funeral home family business involved. I really enjoyed Carter and Sadie's funny, engaging banter. It kept me engaged, and the tongue-in-cheek humor, as well as the more emotional parts, made this a good read. There were also some awesome steamy scenes, and the chemistry between Carter and Sadie was sizzling.

[MaD · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the characters - main and supportive - are engaging and likable. The background for the story is different and interesting. All in all, a laugh out loud funny, ball you eyes out sweet romance with undeniable chemistry and heat that had me glued to the pages.

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by this author and I thought it was really good. I liked Sadie and Carter together and thought the back-and-forth banter between them was fun. There were quite a few times I found myself laughing out loud. I will definitely be checking out more books by this author.
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. This is my honest review.*