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Exposure
Through darkness and light, true love will find a way to conquer all.
Lexi’s life has never been easy. Her mother’s violence, neglect, and eventual abandonment leave Lexi and her brother, Matt, desperately trying to survive on their own.
A chance meeting with a handsome stranger, Noah, has her heart racing. And her future looks bright for the first time in her life.
One tragic night everything is taken away and Lexi’s life is once again thrust into the unknown.
Forced to pick herself up and carry on with her life, she longs for the missing pieces of her heart. Hoping that somehow true love will find a way back to her.
From author Kolleen Fraser comes a heartbreaking and uplifting second-chance romance--rebranded, edited, and published by Hot Tree Publishing.
Lexi’s life has never been easy. Her mother’s violence, neglect, and eventual abandonment leave Lexi and her brother, Matt, desperately trying to survive on their own.
A chance meeting with a handsome stranger, Noah, has her heart racing. And her future looks bright for the first time in her life.
One tragic night everything is taken away and Lexi’s life is once again thrust into the unknown.
Forced to pick herself up and carry on with her life, she longs for the missing pieces of her heart. Hoping that somehow true love will find a way back to her.
From author Kolleen Fraser comes a heartbreaking and uplifting second-chance romance--rebranded, edited, and published by Hot Tree Publishing.
300 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2018
3 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Kolleen Fraser
6 books43 followersI’m a foul mouthed Canadian Netflix addict. I have a dark & twisted sense of humor as you will come to see.
I’m a writer, a beta reader, a wife, mom and a domestic goddess, who hates housework.
I’m a writer, a beta reader, a wife, mom and a domestic goddess, who hates housework.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 1, 2025
Look at that. I wrote a book. I think it’s pretty awesome, you should probably read it. 💜
November 21, 2021
This was a great read! I'm looking forward to read more from this author.
February 1, 2018
WOW!!! This was an AMAZING book!!!
If I could I would give this book more than 5 stars!!!!
I am one hot mess – this was an intense roller coaster of emotions. I literally could not put this book down, I put off eating, drinking, sleeping and peeing until absolutely necessary. This story sucked me in from the very first page and kept me on edge as I flipped page after page. This story had me experiencing some of the most heart wrenching emotions to the absolute sweetest tears of happiness.
It is impossible to read this book and not fall in love with all the characters. Kolleen did a fantastic job developing all the characters in this story. He characters bury themselves deep in your heart and will stay with you long after you close the book or turn off your e-reader. The writing was captivating and flowed effortlessly.
The story starts by introducing you to Lexi she lives a tragic life and hopes to one day be saved. She tries to stay away but ends up returning to the home she wishes wasn’t hers, she can’t leave her brother Matt. Lexi has turned to self harm to ease her pain. Can she start over in a new place?
Matt and Lexi leave their old lives behind without a glance back and hopes they can stay ahead of the system and build a better life. He has Lexi learn self defense so she can protect herself when she leaves the apartment. He tries to give Lexi a better life but he has found himself living a dangerous lifestyle. One that could harm him or someone close to him.
Things start to look up for Lexi when she meets Elise, her husband Marco and her brother Nathan. Lexi finally has the family she always dreamed of and found that rare kind of love. Tragedy rips them apart, sending Lexi into the system. Broken and not really feeling much like living she finds out that her mother had a sister and she has been a foster mother before and wants to take her in. Through pain she finds love from Lana and her new sister Bex. She has finally found real family but she has lost the family she had made and loved so dearly, her brother and the love of her life…GONE! Butterflies lead her on a better path and she goes for her dreams never going a day without thinking of the ones she has lost.
Years later through work she is brought face to face with her past! If you want a book that gives you all the feels, this is IT! If you need a good cry this is the book to pick up it had me ugly crying like never before. If you are looking for a happily ever after this book will have you shedding tears of joy. This book was a great start to 2018 for me and this story is one of those that leaves a lasting imprint. I am sure I will be thinking of this story months from now! I hope with the release of this book, Kolleen will gain more fans who will FALL IN LOVE with her writing and her SPECTACULAR characters!!!
This book is going on my favorites of 2018!!! It is an ABSOLUTE must read!
If I could I would give this book more than 5 stars!!!!
I am one hot mess – this was an intense roller coaster of emotions. I literally could not put this book down, I put off eating, drinking, sleeping and peeing until absolutely necessary. This story sucked me in from the very first page and kept me on edge as I flipped page after page. This story had me experiencing some of the most heart wrenching emotions to the absolute sweetest tears of happiness.
It is impossible to read this book and not fall in love with all the characters. Kolleen did a fantastic job developing all the characters in this story. He characters bury themselves deep in your heart and will stay with you long after you close the book or turn off your e-reader. The writing was captivating and flowed effortlessly.
The story starts by introducing you to Lexi she lives a tragic life and hopes to one day be saved. She tries to stay away but ends up returning to the home she wishes wasn’t hers, she can’t leave her brother Matt. Lexi has turned to self harm to ease her pain. Can she start over in a new place?
Matt and Lexi leave their old lives behind without a glance back and hopes they can stay ahead of the system and build a better life. He has Lexi learn self defense so she can protect herself when she leaves the apartment. He tries to give Lexi a better life but he has found himself living a dangerous lifestyle. One that could harm him or someone close to him.
Things start to look up for Lexi when she meets Elise, her husband Marco and her brother Nathan. Lexi finally has the family she always dreamed of and found that rare kind of love. Tragedy rips them apart, sending Lexi into the system. Broken and not really feeling much like living she finds out that her mother had a sister and she has been a foster mother before and wants to take her in. Through pain she finds love from Lana and her new sister Bex. She has finally found real family but she has lost the family she had made and loved so dearly, her brother and the love of her life…GONE! Butterflies lead her on a better path and she goes for her dreams never going a day without thinking of the ones she has lost.
Years later through work she is brought face to face with her past! If you want a book that gives you all the feels, this is IT! If you need a good cry this is the book to pick up it had me ugly crying like never before. If you are looking for a happily ever after this book will have you shedding tears of joy. This book was a great start to 2018 for me and this story is one of those that leaves a lasting imprint. I am sure I will be thinking of this story months from now! I hope with the release of this book, Kolleen will gain more fans who will FALL IN LOVE with her writing and her SPECTACULAR characters!!!
This book is going on my favorites of 2018!!! It is an ABSOLUTE must read!
February 1, 2018
I loved Lexi and her story! Lexi's whole life is filled with tragic circumstances that are mostly out of her control. For such a short time, she finds love, friendship, and happiness with Noah, Elise, and Marco before it is ripped away from her and she has to start again. Lexi is a beautifully woven character that will make you laugh and cry with her. And it isn't just the main character that is so wonderful, it is all of the characters in this book. Noah is strong and sweet and generous with Lexi and his own family. It is clear from the beginning that he is a selfless person who lives to create happiness for those around him. Marco, Elise, Bex, and all of the other secondary characters are still written with so much heart that you can completely understand why Lexi has such an intense connection to them and needs to have them in her life. Bex's antics made me laugh more times than I can count. Overall, this is a story of tragedy and healing with love and even comedy in the mix which is just perfect. My one and only slight complaint is that I wanted more of the story that pertains to Marco and Elise's mother and also Marco and Bex. Maybe there is a future plan for that, but I loved Marco and Bex just as much as I did Lexi and Noah so I just want to know their stories as well. Regardless, this is one I will re-read in the future and keep on my bookshelf as a favorite.
February 1, 2018
I was given an ARC by the author for an honest review. I love this book! Lexi was dealing with things no kid should have to deal with, but she and her brother Matty were surviving. She was strong and despite everything she was going to make it. Yes, this book is second chances and happily after, but oh the feels. I laughed and cried and got a little anxious while reading this one. I was so into the characters and the story that I didn’t see what was coming then thought to myself “that was so obvious why didn’t you see that?” Well, because I was consumed. I was feeling everything and flipping pages to find out what was happening next. There were times when I felt the storyline was rushed but the more I read they didn’t seem so rushed after all.
Kolleen created some wonderful characters with this one and I hope she has plans to tell all of their stories.
October 3, 2020
‘Exposure’ by Kolleen Fraser mainly tells the story of Alexa, and the repeated struggles and tragedies that form the adult she ends up becoming. While there are also elements of a second chance romance, I would not categorize this book as a romance for the majority of the story.
I did enjoy reading the book, however I felt the first half read at a very slow pace. The second half was definitely more interesting, however I did not appreciate the overly violent scenes. The romance portion of the story, between Alexis and Noah, was completely railroaded by the mid book tragedy. Noah’s response and treatment of Alexa following the incident, however, did not make sense to me, given that he was supposed to love her so deeply.
I like where the author was going and the story itself was a strong one. I would definitely recommend giving it a chance!
~Lynne💜
I did enjoy reading the book, however I felt the first half read at a very slow pace. The second half was definitely more interesting, however I did not appreciate the overly violent scenes. The romance portion of the story, between Alexis and Noah, was completely railroaded by the mid book tragedy. Noah’s response and treatment of Alexa following the incident, however, did not make sense to me, given that he was supposed to love her so deeply.
I like where the author was going and the story itself was a strong one. I would definitely recommend giving it a chance!
~Lynne💜
April 4, 2018
Exposure by Kolleen Fraser is a very well done story. I love the cover, and while I think it speaks well for the story, it does not show anything of the dark side within. The writing is gripping and will carry you along in a torrent of emotion.
While this is a romance, Exposure is not your typical romance. The main character, Lexi is born into a horrid life with an even horrible mother. Her one beckon of light is her brother Matt. When their mother abandons them, they strike out on their own and try to make it. Lexi manages to carry on, even meeting a boy and making a best friend.
But, it's not to be and when someone close to her is murdered. Lexi has to start all over again in a cruel world where people take your soul. Kolleen Fraser does a spectacular job of putting you smack-dab in the middle of all the darkness that is Lexi's life. The author helps you understand what it's like to be a high school cutter with nowhere to turn, a rapist step-father, and a brother who does his best to care for them.
Be ready with some tissue to wipe away your tears with this book.
There were a few formatting issues, like a blank page between each chapter that were distracting, and I felt the writing could be a tad stronger with the addition of some of the 5 senses. The sex scenes were good but could use some 5 senses as well. For this reason, I give the book 4.8-stars. Kolleen's ability to bring you all the way into Lexi's world feels like real life.
I recommend Exposure to anyone who likes to read a love story with extremely flawed characters who overcome adversity to triumph.
While this is a romance, Exposure is not your typical romance. The main character, Lexi is born into a horrid life with an even horrible mother. Her one beckon of light is her brother Matt. When their mother abandons them, they strike out on their own and try to make it. Lexi manages to carry on, even meeting a boy and making a best friend.
But, it's not to be and when someone close to her is murdered. Lexi has to start all over again in a cruel world where people take your soul. Kolleen Fraser does a spectacular job of putting you smack-dab in the middle of all the darkness that is Lexi's life. The author helps you understand what it's like to be a high school cutter with nowhere to turn, a rapist step-father, and a brother who does his best to care for them.
Be ready with some tissue to wipe away your tears with this book.
There were a few formatting issues, like a blank page between each chapter that were distracting, and I felt the writing could be a tad stronger with the addition of some of the 5 senses. The sex scenes were good but could use some 5 senses as well. For this reason, I give the book 4.8-stars. Kolleen's ability to bring you all the way into Lexi's world feels like real life.
I recommend Exposure to anyone who likes to read a love story with extremely flawed characters who overcome adversity to triumph.
October 2, 2020
Lexi has had a tough life, and when her mother abandons her and her brother Marco, they have to fight for survival, and learn self defence to protect themselves, and Lexi has another method to help her cope and ease her pain. There are amazing secondary characters in this tale. This is a beautifully written story which is flawless, and is an emotional roller coaster throughout as well as intense, heart-wrenching, tragic, and with healing and unconditional love. I was intrigued and hooked throughout this addictive page turner, and I recommend for all.
April 7, 2018
I was given an ARC by the author for an honest review and can genuinely vouch for this being a worthwhile read. Lexi is a survivor despite being dealt a rough hand in life through no fault of her own. I was completely absorbed by Lexi's character and her brother, the complex relationship she had with her mother, and prayed all the way through she would find her happy ever after. A pleasure to read.
April 19, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this book. Lexie’s story brought out a bunch of emotions. Though there was a lot to the story and I normally prefer standalone stories I think this one time I wouldn’t have minded her story being a duet. Because SO much happens to this poor girl.
I’m interested in seeing if the author will bring Marco & Bex’s story to life or if we get to assume they have their HEA. Or will we get a spin-off for a grown up Jess? 🤔
I’m interested in seeing if the author will bring Marco & Bex’s story to life or if we get to assume they have their HEA. Or will we get a spin-off for a grown up Jess? 🤔
September 30, 2020
Lexi is a really easy narrator to like and root for! She’s had a tough life and just when she was finding a place she felt she belonged, life got tougher again. Her journey was surprising and challenging and I liked that we got to follow her over a long period of time because her story wouldn’t have been complete any sooner, which also made it realistic. Nothing is resolved all at once. Messages of being stronger than you believe, never losing hope, and knowing your worth are all woven beautifully into this story. A heart warming romance with lots of family drama, as well as family love—and we can all take away that we are worthy of love and life no matter what we’ve encountered along the way!
March 23, 2018
I picked this book up and couldn't put it down! I was immediately wrapped up into the story of Lexi. It was such a great story line and I truly hope we see a book 2 with Bex!
August 30, 2020
This is the first book Ive read by Kolleen Fraser and I loved it. I found myself so emotionally invested in not only Alexa and Noah but in all the characters.
Alexa had grown up in such a volatile home life with only her brother to depend on and she took to cutting to deal with all her emotional trauma. One day she meets Elise and for the first time in her life she has a true friend. Noah, Elise's brother, and Alexa have immediate chemistry, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.
Alexa's journey had my heart hurt but at the same time gave me hope.
I don't want to give anything away because I loved going in blind and experiencing all the emotions this book evoked. I enjoyed Kolleen's writing and will definitely be reading more from this author.
Alexa had grown up in such a volatile home life with only her brother to depend on and she took to cutting to deal with all her emotional trauma. One day she meets Elise and for the first time in her life she has a true friend. Noah, Elise's brother, and Alexa have immediate chemistry, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.
Alexa's journey had my heart hurt but at the same time gave me hope.
I don't want to give anything away because I loved going in blind and experiencing all the emotions this book evoked. I enjoyed Kolleen's writing and will definitely be reading more from this author.
August 24, 2020
This story broke my heart and healed it all over again so many times. Lexi’s journey was as tough as it could be and she perseveres. If you’re looking for a book that will suck you in and send you asking a rollercoaster of emotions then you should definitely pick this one up.
August 17, 2020
Alexa’s childhood is a nightmare. She suffered physical and emotional abuse at the hands of the one person in this world that should’ve loved and protected her. In order to survive, she turns to self-harm to quiet the voices in her head that tell her she isn’t enough.
Noah has always had his sister and his best friend, Marco. They are making their dreams come true and living their lives to their fullest. Then he meets Alexa and the stars align.
This is the first book I have read by Kolleen Fraser. The subject matter is tough, but I feel that Kolleen wrote it beautifully. I felt so many emotions throughout the book, so I would suggest bringing your Kleenex! This would have been a 5⭐️ read for me if the last quarter of the book hadn’t been so rushed. There were parts in the middle that I think could have been scaled back on in order to really capture the love between these two. All in all, great story, great writing ❤️ I am looking forward to Bex and Marco’s story!!
Noah has always had his sister and his best friend, Marco. They are making their dreams come true and living their lives to their fullest. Then he meets Alexa and the stars align.
This is the first book I have read by Kolleen Fraser. The subject matter is tough, but I feel that Kolleen wrote it beautifully. I felt so many emotions throughout the book, so I would suggest bringing your Kleenex! This would have been a 5⭐️ read for me if the last quarter of the book hadn’t been so rushed. There were parts in the middle that I think could have been scaled back on in order to really capture the love between these two. All in all, great story, great writing ❤️ I am looking forward to Bex and Marco’s story!!
September 27, 2020
Readers Warning: There are scenes of attempted rape, assault and violence and self-harm.
I loved Lexi. She was a strong girl even though she did have the issue of cutting. I think that showed how she tried to gain control of herself after the tragedies that happen. Lexi and her brother are forced into hiding after one of Lexie's mom's boyfriends try to rape Lexi them her mom beats her for it and leaves. this time she left for good taking everything while Lexie was at school. Not able to pay the behind rent and bills, Mattie grabs her and they run to stay with a friend of his. Sitting on the steps alone, scared and sad, a boy walks out and talks to her. she calls him Stranger in the dark and he calls her hot mess on a step. she gets up and kisses him saying she wanted him to be her first kiss. weeks later she was tired of staying hidden in the house they were renting and Mattie was never there working probably illegally to pay the bills and give them food they weren't used to having. She asked for him to teach her self defense so he called a friend, Mattie took her to his Gym and Z taught her self defense. and she helped him answer phones a few times a week. She made a friend, met the love of her life at 16 then tragedy strikes ripping it all away and she spends the next five years struggling to find her place in the world alone with a new family. Beautiful. The heartbreaking, fabulous story of a young girl pulling herself from a very bad family situation and trauma and becoming the woman she dreamed of, with the man she dreamed of... but the road was very hard. I am not sure I could have made it as she did! I absolutely loved this story and devoured it in one night!
Expect tears, but every one is worth it! Highly recommended
I loved Lexi. She was a strong girl even though she did have the issue of cutting. I think that showed how she tried to gain control of herself after the tragedies that happen. Lexi and her brother are forced into hiding after one of Lexie's mom's boyfriends try to rape Lexi them her mom beats her for it and leaves. this time she left for good taking everything while Lexie was at school. Not able to pay the behind rent and bills, Mattie grabs her and they run to stay with a friend of his. Sitting on the steps alone, scared and sad, a boy walks out and talks to her. she calls him Stranger in the dark and he calls her hot mess on a step. she gets up and kisses him saying she wanted him to be her first kiss. weeks later she was tired of staying hidden in the house they were renting and Mattie was never there working probably illegally to pay the bills and give them food they weren't used to having. She asked for him to teach her self defense so he called a friend, Mattie took her to his Gym and Z taught her self defense. and she helped him answer phones a few times a week. She made a friend, met the love of her life at 16 then tragedy strikes ripping it all away and she spends the next five years struggling to find her place in the world alone with a new family. Beautiful. The heartbreaking, fabulous story of a young girl pulling herself from a very bad family situation and trauma and becoming the woman she dreamed of, with the man she dreamed of... but the road was very hard. I am not sure I could have made it as she did! I absolutely loved this story and devoured it in one night!
Expect tears, but every one is worth it! Highly recommended
September 10, 2020
𝑰 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒘𝒉𝒚 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒃𝒆𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝒊𝒏𝒌, 𝒘𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒉𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒔𝒌𝒊𝒏, 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒂 𝒑𝒉𝒐𝒕𝒐 𝒂𝒍𝒃𝒖𝒎 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒈𝒐.
This story is absolutely flawless!!
The book has less than 200 pages but gives us a detailed account about life, change, acceptance, progress, love and suffering.
Lexi's journey will suck you in her story of growth. I couldn't stop reading, couldn't stop admiring her determination and couldn't stop hoping for her happy ending. She outruns her inner demons, faces life square in the face, picks up the shattered pieces of her soul and finds love, family, friends and acceptance.
.
.
Lexi lives with her elder brother Mathew in a abusive household. After her mother bails on them, they move away to start a new life. Lexi finds acceptance, while her brother slowly falls apart due to the burden. When an encounter leaves Lexi's pregnant bestfriend dead and Mathew missing, she crumbles and blames herself. With the new life with her aunt, she follows her passion, builds a name for herself and aims to find her brother. Meeting Noah, her teenage love was something she always dreamed of but when she finally meets him she doesn't know if she should cry or smile.
.
.
This story will make you feel the heartache, cry, laugh and smile.
The author didn't leave any loose ends!
ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT & WILL DEFINITELY RECOMMEND.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••
I've recieved an ARC in exchange for an honest review
This story is absolutely flawless!!
The book has less than 200 pages but gives us a detailed account about life, change, acceptance, progress, love and suffering.
Lexi's journey will suck you in her story of growth. I couldn't stop reading, couldn't stop admiring her determination and couldn't stop hoping for her happy ending. She outruns her inner demons, faces life square in the face, picks up the shattered pieces of her soul and finds love, family, friends and acceptance.
.
.
Lexi lives with her elder brother Mathew in a abusive household. After her mother bails on them, they move away to start a new life. Lexi finds acceptance, while her brother slowly falls apart due to the burden. When an encounter leaves Lexi's pregnant bestfriend dead and Mathew missing, she crumbles and blames herself. With the new life with her aunt, she follows her passion, builds a name for herself and aims to find her brother. Meeting Noah, her teenage love was something she always dreamed of but when she finally meets him she doesn't know if she should cry or smile.
.
.
This story will make you feel the heartache, cry, laugh and smile.
The author didn't leave any loose ends!
ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT & WILL DEFINITELY RECOMMEND.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••
I've recieved an ARC in exchange for an honest review
September 30, 2020
Exposure by Kolleen Fraser drew me in from the very first page and didn't let go. I stayed up way too late and read this book in one sitting. I loved Lexi's story. Lexi's life has been full of neglect and abuse, and just when she finally begins to feel some happiness with an amazing group of friends, it is all tragically ripped away from her and she's forced to start over.
The emotions are high with this book. Although I cried numerous times throughout this story, I also found myself smiling so many times as well. I loved all of the characters in this book. Lexi is amazing, and Noah...I just loved Noah and the way that he loved Lexi.
Lexi's story is full of tragedy and there is some abuse, violence and self-harm. Exposure is a story that really does pull at the heartstrings, and as the story progressed, I just couldn't put it down until I knew if Lexi would ever find the HEA that she so greatly deserved.
This author was new to me and I was definitely impressed with her writing. She has created a heartfelt story of loss, grief, friendship, love, and hope. 5+ stars!
The emotions are high with this book. Although I cried numerous times throughout this story, I also found myself smiling so many times as well. I loved all of the characters in this book. Lexi is amazing, and Noah...I just loved Noah and the way that he loved Lexi.
Lexi's story is full of tragedy and there is some abuse, violence and self-harm. Exposure is a story that really does pull at the heartstrings, and as the story progressed, I just couldn't put it down until I knew if Lexi would ever find the HEA that she so greatly deserved.
This author was new to me and I was definitely impressed with her writing. She has created a heartfelt story of loss, grief, friendship, love, and hope. 5+ stars!
October 3, 2020
Lexi's childhood was filled with horrible experiences that no child should have to go through at the hands of those who are supposed to keep them from harm, so it marked her. The pain she carried around manifested itself into cutting & man I could taste her pain when it came to that. She & the one person who had her back, Matt (her brother) took off to get away from the nightmare. Lexi ends up making friends and meets a boy so she thinks things are looking up. Poor Lexi, life was never kind to her as the darkness comes for her once again, and my eyes were flooding by this time. Honestly I really don't want to talk anymore about Exposure because going in blind is the best. The only reason that I didn't give it 5 stars was the ending seemed a bit too rushed after the emotional journey I barely survived. Anyway, that's all from me, now it's your turn to hit those one click buttons! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
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November 2, 2020Dnf at 26%. The story had a lot of potiential but I had a hard time relating to any of the characters and the dialogue needs work. I really wanted to know more about the characters, their deeper emotions and what made them think the way they did. The characters just fell flat to me.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews