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Oakwood High #1

The Playbook

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The rumors are plenty, and the video is real.

Logan

Making girls swoon and winning games is what I’m good at. When my rival bets me to get the school nerd to fall in love with me, I accept the challenge. After all, I never lose.

I just didn’t count on falling for her instead.

She’s everything I didn’t expect. Sassy. Beautiful. Challenging. And she plays drums like a rock star. I can’t let her go now that I have her. My heart won’t let me.

The only problem? There’s a video out there that could ruin it all.

The truth always comes back to bite you. Too bad I’m learning it too late.

Grace

Staying invisible and wearing hoodies is my game. I’m a master at being a nobody. I’m fine with that. In fact, I celebrate my anonymity every Saturday night with scary movies and my own band of outcasts.

When I land on Mr. Popular’s radar, I find myself in the center of the very place I’ve never wanted to be part of: the world of the court. The elite of our school.

And the king has his baby blue eyes set on me.

The only problem? Sometimes the truth hurts. Too bad I’m about to find out how much.

The Playbook is a standalone high school romance. Trigger warning for adult situations and bullying.

342 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 28, 2021

338 people are currently reading
771 people want to read

About the author

K.G. Reuss

88 books2,758 followers
Known mostly for being strange, USA Today bestselling author K.G. Reuss knows what it takes to wear the crown of town weirdo. A cemetery creeper and ghost enthusiast, K.G. spends most of her time toeing the line between imagination and forced adulthood.

After a stint in college in Iowa, K.G. moved back to her home in Michigan to work in emergency medicine. She's currently raising three small ghouls and is married to a vampire overlord.

K.G. is the author of The Everlasting Chronicles series, Emissary of the Devil series, The Chronicles of Winterset series, The Middle Road (with co-author CM Lally) Black Falls High series, Hard Pass, and Kings of Bolten with a ridiculous amount of other series set to be released.

Sign up for her newsletter to stay updated on all the things happening in her freakishly ghoulish world. You'll also receive episode one of her new short story series, The Blood Legacy Saga, a paranormal romance. https://claims.prolificworks.com/free...

Can't get enough? Visit her website at www.kgreuss.com or join her street team at www.facebook.com/groups/streetteamkgr... .

Stay ghoul, fellow weirdos.

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5 stars
499 (42%)
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322 (27%)
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255 (21%)
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62 (5%)
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37 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
Profile Image for Helen Power.
Author 11 books632 followers
February 12, 2023
This book and trope reminds me so much of the movie “She’s All That”. It’s slightly more modern, but it definitely strikes all the same emotional chords!
Grace is the shy daughter of the coach of the high school football team. Logan is popular and, quite frankly, a bit of an a$$. He makes a bet with his frenemy that involves getting Grace to fall in love with him. He keeps track of all of their interactions in his playbook. But once he starts to get to know her, it turns out that he’s the one in danger of falling…
While Logan starts off as a genuinely terrible person, he grows a lot over the span of the book. The grovel at the end is quite beautiful and sweet and epic.

HEA?
Trigger warnings
Profile Image for Miche.
112 reviews4 followers
June 5, 2022
Logan bet that he could make the nerd fall in with him, but he didn't expect that he was the one who would fall in love instead.

In the beginning he was an idiot, and said stupid things like Grace would just be a notch on his belt (very disgusting). But then he started to have feelings for her and began to feel guilt.

Grace liked to stay as invisible as she could be, since she was bullied by Logan's friends and "girlfriend". She thought that there was something wrong with the sudden interest of Logan in her.

This book gave me a lot of "she's all that" vibes and I just LOVE this movie. I enjoyed reading it so much.
Profile Image for Half.sassed.books.
406 reviews26 followers
December 10, 2021
One click author for me

K.G. Reuss has become one of my favorite authors. This one doesn't disappoint. A bet centered storyline that had real emotions on the line in the end. Ok, I confess, a tear was shed. It was a happy one, I promise.
Profile Image for Cynthia Mejia.
328 reviews61 followers
November 26, 2022
So sweet

I really enjoyed The Playbook. Fans of movies like She’s All That and 10 Things I Hate About You will too.

Grace is a shy, high school senior. She plays in the band and is what some may consider a typical nerd. But along smart, she’s also sweet and sassy and a tad sarcastic.

Logan is the star quarterback, cocky, and somewhat of a playboy. He’s popular, dating the head cheerleader and has a promising football career ahead of him. He’s also secretly sensitive and caring.

Falling in love was not what either of them planned on. But then Logan makes a bet and Grace takes a chance and they both fall. Until the truth comes out. This is a story of learning to trust and love and forgive. It has great banter, great supporting characters, and a really good grovel.

A great read!
Profile Image for cheyguyxoxo.
61 reviews30 followers
November 28, 2021
Omg I absolutely devoured this book! I’m so obsessed with Logan and Grace😍 I will admit that in the beginning I kind of found Grace annoying just by the way she kept brushing off Logan but halfway I started to love her and she made Logan work for her! I love the side characters Ryan & Lana and I love the Easter eggs that were dropped in with Travis from Cathing Feelings and Fox from Black Falls High😍 Logan is definitely one of my new book boyfriends😍 especially at the end🥺💘 Definitely worth the read!

*I received an ARC for an honest review*
Profile Image for Shawna Jimenez more.books.forever.
1,858 reviews87 followers
November 28, 2021
I swear you can never go wrong with a K.G. Ruess book and The Playbook was no exception! I loved Logan and Grace! Their story had the perfect amount of everything, from steam, spice drama and a bit of bullying! Completely perfect. I love a good heroine that maybe a bit of a nerd but also has a spine and a strong hero that has a softer side! These two made my heart melt! This is one of those books that is a must read so you can fall in love with not only the story but the characters and add another book boyfriend to your already growing list!
Profile Image for Soula.
258 reviews19 followers
December 25, 2021
This book was pretty bad. I got to about 60% and had to skim the rest. It wasn't well written - the characters didn't have their own voices and the story was so tropey and cliched. It hurt to read. I only skimmed to confirm my predictions of the way the romance played out. What a waste of time. 🙄
Profile Image for Muffin.
32 reviews2 followers
August 9, 2022
This book just wasn't for me
Profile Image for c a r í.
917 reviews176 followers
May 25, 2022
K.G. Reuss is so amazing when it comes to writing Dark RH Romance, but somehow when it comes to her MF, it's a hit or miss with me 🥺.
Profile Image for Ruth.
693 reviews
February 22, 2023
This book did nothing for me, and I usually love a good high school romance. Logan has very few redeeming qualities. He makes the awful bet, and then he doesn't back down, even after he starts to have feelings for Grace. It takes Andy, that supposedly is the bad guy here, to back down because he falls for his girl. Logan was still hellbent on winning, despite what he was doing to Grace. Then he makes out with his old girlfriend? WTH!? That screams at me that he didn't care about Grace at all. He only cared about covering his ass. But not to worry, we get a big 10 Things I Hate About You song and dance on the field and everything is better. No more thought to the fact he's a cheating asshole.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Maddie (Bookaholic_Dreamer).
970 reviews83 followers
November 28, 2021
If 10 Things I Hate About You and She’s All That had a baby then The Playbook would be it. It took the best of both worlds from the two movies and gave you a cute, cheesy and loveable high school cliche story, but with a high level of smoking hot steam! Talk about an awesome read! K.G. Reuss cannot only write it all, but she will never steer you wrong. And The Playbook is proof of that!


The Playbook brought back nostalgia in feeling like I was reading a 90s high school movie in the form of words instead of pictures.
It was everything I wanted! Taking me back to my love of high school Enemies to Lovers romance, but with a lighter side to bullying.
K.G. Reuss lures you in from the get go, setting you on quite an adventure of intrigue with wanting to know what happens when the Jock Logan Walker strikes up a friendship with band geek nerd Grace Matthews because of a bet?
Told through the dual POVs of Grace and Logan, we are exhibited to a journey with not only seeing, knowing and understanding what exactly goes on in the minds of the main characters Grace and Logan. But we get to see who they are as people and how they fare through the hurdles that are thrown in their path. While simultaneously seeing their growth considering all else that is going on.
It led to a great time, like being in a fun house, never a dull moment, always keeping you on your toes with the entertainment aspect throughout it. Whilst bringing all the emotions and feelings from the drama, comedic moments, mystery and suspense considering the mayhem that occurs. Resulting sometimes in surprising moments, when you least expected.

Despite the rocky start that Grace and Logan may have had to their friendship, which soon develops into a relationship. It never stopped you from loving them and rooting for them all the way through. Especially with all the cute, sweet and swoony moments that occurred between the two! They are definitely one couple I will never forget and will always hold a special place in my heart!

What can I say other than, K.G. Reuss proved yet again that she is a writer of all. Always bringing the fire, no matter what trope or genre she writes. The Playbook is proof of that with Grace and Logan’s story giving me everything I wanted in a YA/NA book!
HIGHLY RECOMMEND CHECKING IT OUT! A DEFINITE MUST READ!

Profile Image for Marisol Vargas.
154 reviews6 followers
November 26, 2021
At this point, if KG Reuss wrote a grocery list, I would totally read it!

This book gave me all the feels! It’s a standalone bully romance, but it’s not as dark as the author’s other series.

I enjoyed the book completely and couldn’t put it down. I even jump in the shower with my kindly to continue reading. In KG R. fashion, I had a roller-coaster of emotions, from swooning to angry to crying.

Logan and Grace are amazing together! I loved the chemistry between the two and the banter is *cheff kiss*!! Loved Logan’s character development, from being this super cool indifferent guy to see him all sweet and caring. Grace had a smart mouth that had me howling with laughter!
The side characters are also amazing! Grace’s bff, Lana, is super fierce, loyal, and protective of Grace! And Ryan, Logan’s bff, was the voice of reason the whole book! I just loved how their characters interacted, along with Noah and Garrett.

Now talk about name dropping! Logan is the QB of the football team and while discussing colleges with the coach, Mr. Fox Evans is mentioned (from te Black Falls High series)! I got super exited! They also play a game against Black Falls High, so it was super nice to see these are in the same universe, even if Fox + company are 2 years older.

Lastly, I absolutely loved the Epilogue! It happens 4 years later, and we get to see what everyone is doing at that point in their lives. I completely loved it! Can’t wait to jump in in the next book in the series and all KG Reuss’ series as well! She’s a one-click author for me, for sure!!

*ARC provided for my honest review*
Profile Image for Brittney.
997 reviews44 followers
January 7, 2024
The Playbook by KG Reuss isn't your typical high school story—it's a rollercoaster of rumors, challenges, and unexpected love.

Logan, the charmer and game-winner, finds himself in a bet to make the school nerd fall for him. Little did he know, he'd be the one falling. She's not just any nerd; she's sassy, beautiful, and a rock star on the drums. Now that he's got her, he's not letting go, even if there's a video threatening to ruin it all. The truth has a way of catching up, and Logan might be realizing it a bit too late.

Then there's Grace, the queen of invisibility, who celebrates her anonymity. But when Mr. Popular sets his eyes on her, her world takes an unexpected turn. Sometimes, the truth hurts, and Grace is about to learn just how much.

The Playbook is more than just a high school romance; it's a journey through the twists and turns of teenage love. Trigger warnings for adult situations and bullying add a layer of realism to this standalone novel. Get ready for a ride filled with highs, lows, and unexpected moments.

#ThePlaybook #KGReuss #HighSchoolRomance #TeenageLove #UnexpectedTwists #RumorsAndChallenges #StandaloneNovel #LoveGames #RomanticJourney #YoungAdultReads #BookReview #MustRead #EmotionalRollercoaster #BookishLove #TruthHurts #NerdAndPopular #GameOfLove #RomanceReads #PageTurner #BookRecommendation #TeenageDrama #LoveAndGames #BullyingInBooks #RealisticRomance #HighSchoolLife #BookBuzz #BookWorms #HeartfeltNarrative #LoveWins #UnexpectedLoveStory
Profile Image for Lauren Townley.
168 reviews
December 9, 2021
too many things I didn’t like…

I don’t know about this one… there were some good aspects - there were also some bad ones.

Let’s start with the good: Grace had some great one liners. There were parts that did make me laugh and that’s always good! I also really liked the drum vs flute quarrels, which were entertaining. Lana was a decent character; funny and always had her friend’s back.

Now, the bad bits: I just found Logan really cringy. He was way too soft of a MC that I would usually read about. He was so dumb as well, like get your head out of your butt dumb! I didn’t like him at all and that’s a problem. Grace is an adult and she literally hated Logan by association. The worst thing he had done to her was break a barbie when she was a kid. She’s supposed to be hella smart, so hating someone because of who they hang out with is way too immature for me. Like I said, ADULT. Grace is 18. She’s 18, people! Why is she so scared of her parents? By all accounts, they’re people she can talk to, they’re supportive, not abusive. SHE’S 18!? The story would’ve been way more believable if she was 16. The epilogue was pointless. Didn’t give me anything and then it just ended. Finally, there’s a bullying trigger (the main reason I picked this one up) but there was hardly anything.

I’m in the middle here. Some parts were good and enjoyable, others were bad and frustrating. I won’t be reading this book again for those reasons.
Profile Image for Rachel (Galaxy Girl Reads).
746 reviews32 followers
January 2, 2022
I picked up Playbook specifically because it was recommended if you were looking for something similar to the movie, She's All That.

This book delivers all that and more. It's the train wreck of a beautiful, blossoming relationship thrashed by men's stupid ego competitions.

Honestly, I couldn't put it down. I love Grace. I love her snark and complete disregard for Logan's pursuit of her. She's skeptical from the start and makes him work hard for anything.

I enjoyed Logan about as much as you could expect to enjoy a very dumb jock that falls head over heels for the band geek. There are honestly so many moments that I spent shaking my head at his ignorance or blatant naivete in how petty scorned women can be.

Also. The rival tries to give him an OUT! Long before the bet ends and Logan turns him down. This is before there's any extremely incriminating evidence and i just... I was so mad at him.

Nikki is garbage. A true dumpster fire.

Ryan is an OG. Trying to talk Logan out of it all from the jump. He deserves everlasting happiness for that alone.

I would love to see Andy's love story😉 maybe one day if KG decides to write it for us.
Profile Image for TheBookworm_B.
119 reviews3 followers
December 16, 2021
📖 The Playbook
(Oakwood High #1)
by: K.G. Reuss

📚 Goodreads Rating
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 5
Shelved: Read

✨ Review ✨

This was the perfect quick read to help me through my week of finals! It was definitely what I needed that had the perfect amount of depth, but wasn’t too heavy on the emotions. There were several things I really liked about the book, but there were also things that didn’t workout for me personally. It also did get a bit cheesy at times, BUT that’s just me. Regardless, I still very much enjoyed this read! ☺️My favorite parts of the book had to be the moments shared between Logan and Grace. He was just so sweet to her! Especially in the things he would say and do for her. GAHHH they were the cutest! 😍 Towards the end of the book, the man definitely had some groveling to do, but eventually Logan was able to get back in Grace’s good graces. (See what I did there 😉) Anyways, feel free to give this one a read if it interests you!

~ As always, happy reading folks! ~ 💖

IG: @thebookworm_betch
Profile Image for Katrina.
376 reviews7 followers
October 2, 2022
Incredible YA book

The Playbook is an amazingly sweet story of high school love.

Grace is the shy band member who would love nothing more than to survive her senior year by flying under the radar. Logan is the popular football quarterback who is the “king” of Oakwood High’s royalty. When Logan makes a bet with another member of the football team, Grace finds the quiet world she has so has so carefully constructed getting much louder. Logan perseveres with winning the bet his goal, and Grace lets him in. What happens when feelings too strong to deny replace Logan’s original goal? Will Grace find out about the bet? And, if so, can she ever forgive Logan to get their HEA?

Even though this YA book might be far less dark and spicy from what we’re used to from this author, it’s no less amazing. The writing and world building are exactly what we’re love about K.G. Reuss. You will fall in love with Logan and Grace. So, hurry to your Kindle and read this book today!
Profile Image for A.
240 reviews
August 9, 2025
so if you enjoy the movie, she's all that, you'll probably enjoy reading this. A good portion (especially the first half) is pretty much a book version of the movie. The second half is where it deviates a bit.




spoilers:

The d-bag he makes the bet with turns out to be an okay guy who basically fell in love with his target, too. They call everything off, and the real villain turns out to be the MMCs b!tchy ex. The MMC grovels a bit and is eventually forgiven once he puts on a big performance and the FMC reads his diary (it was supposed to be a book where he writes down his milestones for screwing over the FMC, but it eventually turned into his diary where he wrote down all his feelings). Everything ends in a happy ending. Honestly, I enjoyed the read, but there were times when I liked the secondary characters more. part of me wanted her to end up with one of her friends, and another part of me was glad there was no 2nd lead man drama when it came to her.

This is the first book I've read by this author and I think because I enjoyed it I'll give some of her other books a shot
Profile Image for Helena Almeida.
446 reviews1 follower
March 5, 2023
The writing is far from flawless and the story is one we have heard of before; there were some confusing bits and some typos, but in the end I still thought of it as a good way to pass time.

Logan is an ass! I kept expecting him to figure that out, but he remains an ass throughout the whole book! As for Grace, for a character that starts off portrayed as a smart girl, she should trust herself a little more.

The story starts off with a bet - Logan is dared to make Grace fall in love with him. As expected, he develops feelings for her and everything that unfolds is pretty predictable.

I liked that, despite being shown as an outcast, Grace has some really good friends in Lana, Noah and Garret. Logan is just an ass, who, in my opinion, didn't deserve her.

As for the ending... it was so cheesy! Could've been cute if the author had toned it down a notch, but the way it's written, it was just cringe.
Profile Image for Amy.
318 reviews10 followers
November 26, 2021
“𝑪𝒂𝒏 𝑰 𝒌𝒆𝒆𝒑 𝒚𝒐𝒖? 𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓?” 😭😍

The Playbook is a light bully, standalone romance. After finishing it, I was filled with all the warm and fuzzy feelings. I absolutely adored Logan and Grace's story.

This is definitely a typical high school romance. Jock meets nerd with a twist. A bet. What can go wrong? Well, everything of course! I loved seeing the romance slowly develop in this story and how Logan and Grace handled each obstacle thrown their way. The amount of drama and steam was *chef's kiss*.

Grace is the quiet band geek but she comes with a back bone and sass. Logan is your overly confident popular guy but is also soft and sweet. These two together are perfectly adorable.

I also loved the mentions of K.G. Reuss's other series. Just another brilliant read in a great world she has created.

🖤
Profile Image for Samantha Hickey.
1,979 reviews48 followers
November 27, 2021
I love anything by KG Reuss and this book was no different!!

The Playbook is the story of Logan and Grace. Grace is bullied and treated like crap at school by the popular kids, but has always liked Logan, the quarterback. She is also his football coach's daughter. One night at a party, Logan is part of a bet to pick a girl, make her fall in love, then break her heart in front of the whole school. They have to complete tasks with the chosen girl they keep in a notebook. Grace is picked for Logan. But she doesn't fall for it very easily. This book will pull you in and not let you go. I don't wanna give any spoilers so just go READ THIS!!!

I loved this book! Grace is seriously so sweet and Logan grows so much by the end of the book. This book will have you feeling all the feelings, with the amazing story, some drama and some spice. This book is a must read!!!
27 reviews
December 22, 2021
Way to make a man grovel

I hav been looking for a good book to read and this was it! The animosity between Grace and Logan captured my attention within minutes of reading it. The witty character of Grace and smart mouth quick response is in everyone of us girls. Holding Logan to all his pass transgressions to earn her trust, her friendship had me pushing to read the next page. Logan’s character can relate to what a lot of guys in HS focus on… themselves until he comes across a challenge that met him him match for match.

Personally, I have fallen in love with the books K.G. Reuss writes. She continues to grow as an author in capturing what people feel, the daily struggles in peoples lives and how the real world seems to revolve. Looking forward to “Church”
Profile Image for 🍸.
414 reviews3 followers
June 13, 2022
10 things i hate (love) about this book:

1- the tropes!!! good girl x bad boy, popular boy x nerdy girl, off limits and bet 🫶🫶 this type of story is like the heaven to me!
2- logan my fav dumb boy!!
3- GRACE MY BABIE love this girl she’s so sassy and funny
4- the friendship they served so so cute
5- boys fall first and harder even she’s supposed to be just a bet
6- my girl thing you will always hit me like a punch
7- gracie’s squad is so cool!!! and ryan is such a good friend for logan i love all the secondary characters
8- all the love declarations are so cute (except the last)
9- THE ANGST IN THE END SO FUCKING GOOD
10- gracelogan my cute little babies i love them so much

4,5!!!! tbh the discount was for the end i hate the singing part like ew
Profile Image for Bre Smith.
Author 2 books9 followers
January 11, 2024
So cute!

I for real thought that I had read all of KGs books and now I’m finding out that I’ve ably read about half of them? On one hand I’m disappointed that I haven’t already read them but on the other I’m glad that I have these to read while waiting on her new releases. The Playbook was so good! It reminds me a lot of the movie She’s All That. It’s got the popular football player guy accepting a bet from his teammate about the stereotypical dorky girl. The only difference is that he doesn’t try to change her, his goal is to sleep with her and make her love him. He obviously ends up falling for her and regrets the bet but it all goes to crap when she finds out about it. This book is very predictable but it does have a 90s romance movie feel to it and I just love it. It does have a happy ending after all of the drama. It’s not very $mutty either so if you’re looking for something like that then you won’t find it here, I’d give it maybe a half 🌶️ for spice.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Profile Image for Lavender.
31 reviews
January 8, 2025
Nikki, Logan, Andy, Julian, Piper and one more of Nikki's fem bots. All of these idiots are the peaked in high school type. The only ones with a bright future here are Grace, Noah and Ryan. Cuz wtf do these people even do in school? Do they even study? All we get to see is chemistry lab practicals and that too for a romantic aspect. Why does the "clique" think peaking in high-school and becoming homecoming king and queen makes them someone successful and superior? Cuz bro 10 years from now there's 100% possibility that Nikki will be working as a secretary to Grace because WHERE are their grades ? As an Asian it's very painful to see these people use nerd as an insult, Cuz bitch if I'm a nerd then that also makes me more capable of getting into a good college unlike your bully-in-pink ass
Profile Image for Holly White.
24 reviews1 follower
January 13, 2026
nice change

Great story, great characters!!!

I love KG. I love all of her books. She is a fantastic storyteller.

This book was a fantastic change of pace from the very dark reverse harems that I’m used two from her

This book is about Logan quarterback of the high school, football team and Grace the coaches, daughter. It takes place in the chaos universe that she’s developed with a small mention of Fox Evans playing for Mayfair, but no real crossovers.

This book made for a great break from all of the ups and downs and cliffhangers she’s normally known for.

Boy meets girl boy falls in love with girl boy screws up and lose his girl boy fights to win the girl back.

If you’re interested in redemption after love, this is the book for you.
Profile Image for Breeana Winston.
18 reviews2 followers
November 29, 2021
10 Thing's I hate about You Vibes.

Holy cow. I was not expecting to fall for these characters as much as I did.

Logan is hands down an amazing guy. I thought he was a absolute tool in the beginning, who let everyone push him over.
As the book went on, we got to see a true side of him & just swoon at how much he goes above & beyond to appreciate Grace.
Grace is a loner, the nerdy band geek we never seen coming. She has so much spark & personality, you can't help but love her!
When it all falls down around Logan, secrets coming to light? I thought for sure Grace was done.
I'm quite thrilled with the outcome! Wish it wasn't over so soon.
Profile Image for cnxl.
69 reviews3 followers
November 30, 2021
⭐️ 4/5 🔥2/5

This is my guilty pleasure kind of book that I love to read when I am in a slump. The story is set in high school and is about a bet made by the popular jocks to get the nerd/lonely girl to fall in love with them. And of course, the classic clique of mean girls that hates the heroine.
This is not an original plot and has been used so many times yet I still love reading this (like I said guilty pleasure). It was a pleasant short read, my only complain has to be with little did the jock had to grovel to get the girl back.
Still, I enjoy K.G Reuss' writing and will follow her next projects.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews

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