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He was the light to his darkness, the calm that broke through the storm.
Mike Stockley has taken care of himself since he was thirteen years old. Growing up on his own made him smart; joining the Devil Wreckers gang made him dangerous. He learned how to read a man’s intent with one look in his eyes, and he knew how to change it with one swipe of his blade. Mike’s street knowledge and f**k-all attitude made him notorious. His frightening reputation made him Big Mike.
Now at forty-eight, Mike has a successful landscaping business and is away from the gang lifestyle, but he kept the skills he learned and the mindset—meaning Mike is just as feared in the streets as he always was, making him a force to be reckoned with. But what it didn’t make him was relationship material. Mike is hot-tempered and quick to jump, but he’s capable of being talked down when he has the right person in his ear.
Rayne Montgomery grew up on the right side of the tracks. He was used to having money and the finer things in life. But after being shunned by his high-class family for being gay, Rayne had to learn how to survive on his own. He has the looks, charm, the suave voice, and the body to get whatever he desires, and Rayne knows exactly what kind of man to con in order to get it.
All destructive conditions come with challenges, and Rayne’s are no different. He knows he has to change his life but he’s terrified and lonely. With the help and support of his friend Wood, he knows he can beat this disease. He can stop making the same mistakes and live happily ever after as a recovered sex addict.
Rayne just has to find a man strong enough to truly love him.
The True Lover's Series are connected standalones. Each title features a different couple but will contain previously mentioned characters.
Note: This is the final book in the True Lover’s trilogy.
There are no multiple pairings or cheating. No cliffhangers. Ends with a lovely HEA.
This is a steaming angsty, age gap, new-to-love romance.
Trigger: Mild violence
Mike Stockley has taken care of himself since he was thirteen years old. Growing up on his own made him smart; joining the Devil Wreckers gang made him dangerous. He learned how to read a man’s intent with one look in his eyes, and he knew how to change it with one swipe of his blade. Mike’s street knowledge and f**k-all attitude made him notorious. His frightening reputation made him Big Mike.
Now at forty-eight, Mike has a successful landscaping business and is away from the gang lifestyle, but he kept the skills he learned and the mindset—meaning Mike is just as feared in the streets as he always was, making him a force to be reckoned with. But what it didn’t make him was relationship material. Mike is hot-tempered and quick to jump, but he’s capable of being talked down when he has the right person in his ear.
Rayne Montgomery grew up on the right side of the tracks. He was used to having money and the finer things in life. But after being shunned by his high-class family for being gay, Rayne had to learn how to survive on his own. He has the looks, charm, the suave voice, and the body to get whatever he desires, and Rayne knows exactly what kind of man to con in order to get it.
All destructive conditions come with challenges, and Rayne’s are no different. He knows he has to change his life but he’s terrified and lonely. With the help and support of his friend Wood, he knows he can beat this disease. He can stop making the same mistakes and live happily ever after as a recovered sex addict.
Rayne just has to find a man strong enough to truly love him.
The True Lover's Series are connected standalones. Each title features a different couple but will contain previously mentioned characters.
Note: This is the final book in the True Lover’s trilogy.
There are no multiple pairings or cheating. No cliffhangers. Ends with a lovely HEA.
This is a steaming angsty, age gap, new-to-love romance.
Trigger: Mild violence
345 pages, ebook
First published August 22, 2022
221 people are currently reading
580 people want to read
About the author
A.E. Via
46 books3,239 followersA.E. Via is an author in the beautiful gay romance genre and also founder and owner of Via Star Wings Books. Her writing embodies everything from hopelessly romantic to spicy to scandalous. Her stories often include intriguing edges and twists that take readers to new, thought-provoking depths.
When she's not clicking away at her laptop, she devotes herself to her family--a husband and four children.
Adrienne Via has tons of more stories to tell, but she really would like to hear yours. Via Star Wings Books is currently accepting submissions for established and aspiring LGBTQ authors. I've contracted and successfully published a couple authors - whose information can be found on my website - who can tell you that my passion is giving other writer's stories the love and care it deserves so it could be a gift to another. Visit my site to learn more!
Go to A.E. Via's official website http://authoraevia.com for more detailed information on how to contact her, follow her, or a sneak peak on upcoming work, free reads, VSWB submissions, and where she'll appear next.
When she's not clicking away at her laptop, she devotes herself to her family--a husband and four children.
Adrienne Via has tons of more stories to tell, but she really would like to hear yours. Via Star Wings Books is currently accepting submissions for established and aspiring LGBTQ authors. I've contracted and successfully published a couple authors - whose information can be found on my website - who can tell you that my passion is giving other writer's stories the love and care it deserves so it could be a gift to another. Visit my site to learn more!
Go to A.E. Via's official website http://authoraevia.com for more detailed information on how to contact her, follow her, or a sneak peak on upcoming work, free reads, VSWB submissions, and where she'll appear next.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
August 30, 2022
this was roughly a hundred pages too long. i got bored as hell at around 75%. honestly nothing memorable or that original. didn't love the mcs either. @julia, you were so right when you said this should have been called Jameson.
Read
August 28, 2022dnf @ 75%
this book is good but the fact that i'm not flying through the pages with ease, enjoyment, and arousal is alarming. not for me.
this book is good but the fact that i'm not flying through the pages with ease, enjoyment, and arousal is alarming. not for me.
October 9, 2022
DNF @37% Ok so this was a let down 🙁, I actually liked Mike in the beginning, he is grumpy and funny but he then comes across as abrasive and it’s too much , the other guy Uhm 😐 I forgot his name because it’s that easy to forget his name but think of his difficulties. I love the author’s work too much Bishop was the one book that to this day I still reread but this 3rd book feels like it’s from a different author .
There is just something missing, no substance, the relationship development feels so superficial and it’s also feels like I’m reading about high schoolers not adults 🤦🏽♂️. I wanted so bad to continue but I’m not wasting anymore of my energy 😤.
There is just something missing, no substance, the relationship development feels so superficial and it’s also feels like I’m reading about high schoolers not adults 🤦🏽♂️. I wanted so bad to continue but I’m not wasting anymore of my energy 😤.
August 21, 2022
We’ve known Big Mike since Bishop, as he is Bishop’s dad. Family means everything to him (and one doesn’t have to be blood to be family). He’s been through a lot and on his own since a teenager. Now it’s his time to find the light to his darkness. The calm to the storm..
Rayne, we met him in Woods book. He has recently been released and trying to start over. His addiction is not all you think it is. He’s not just addicted the act of sex but what it gets him. It’s time for him to find his happiness. He loves yoga, meditating, and looking to finish his education and have an amazing career and family. His blood family is lower that scum but what he finds in Mike and the boys is exactly what he needed.
In this book you’ll see two men just trying to find love, happiness, peace, and to keep their family happy.
I absolutely loved Mike and Rayne’s journey to find love, family, friends, and most of all contentment. Let me just say that epilogue, had me balling. Perfection. Kudos Adrienne for another huge ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me.
Rayne, we met him in Woods book. He has recently been released and trying to start over. His addiction is not all you think it is. He’s not just addicted the act of sex but what it gets him. It’s time for him to find his happiness. He loves yoga, meditating, and looking to finish his education and have an amazing career and family. His blood family is lower that scum but what he finds in Mike and the boys is exactly what he needed.
In this book you’ll see two men just trying to find love, happiness, peace, and to keep their family happy.
I absolutely loved Mike and Rayne’s journey to find love, family, friends, and most of all contentment. Let me just say that epilogue, had me balling. Perfection. Kudos Adrienne for another huge ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me.
September 5, 2023
Are you kidding me?! This series was absolutely everything to me😭💕
But to the last book…this was about Mike and Rayne and damn they got me.
Mike was in the previous book always a big part of it but we never truly get to know him, until now. He is sweet,supportive,hard-working,fearless, dangerous but also dedicated protective father. He always had hookups but never really felt in love with someone until he met Rayen. He wanted to protect this beautiful, elegant, soft-hearted man.
Rayen wanted him too but it wasn’t the right time, he is a recovering sex addicted and he used it for his advantage, to become things he wanted . When he met Mike he knew he doesn’t want this with Mike, he wants more from him and he wants to give Mike more from himself. So their journey begun.
God I loved how Mike didn’t give a shit about Raynes addiction, he didn’t think less of him and he tried his best to understand and help him with his recovery. The both were so head over heels, the tension between them was so intense and breathtaking.
It took them a while until they built a relationship but to wait and watch them was so worth it.
They both had an amazing dynamic and chemistry , they were different like day and night but especially this made them perfect together.
Also their spice scenes where so delightful to read. I thought things between them would go roughly but it was completely the opposite. The were so gently and caring, I absolutely love this.
I also loved that all the other MCs from the previous books had such a huge part in it, I really liked this it really felt like you were completely included in their family life.
And I have to say I was really satisfied with the ending😭🩷
Everyone got their happy ending yes that’s what I wanted to read!!!
This whole series was definitely one of my highlights of this year.
But to the last book…this was about Mike and Rayne and damn they got me.
Mike was in the previous book always a big part of it but we never truly get to know him, until now. He is sweet,supportive,hard-working,fearless, dangerous but also dedicated protective father. He always had hookups but never really felt in love with someone until he met Rayen. He wanted to protect this beautiful, elegant, soft-hearted man.
Rayen wanted him too but it wasn’t the right time, he is a recovering sex addicted and he used it for his advantage, to become things he wanted . When he met Mike he knew he doesn’t want this with Mike, he wants more from him and he wants to give Mike more from himself. So their journey begun.
God I loved how Mike didn’t give a shit about Raynes addiction, he didn’t think less of him and he tried his best to understand and help him with his recovery. The both were so head over heels, the tension between them was so intense and breathtaking.
It took them a while until they built a relationship but to wait and watch them was so worth it.
They both had an amazing dynamic and chemistry , they were different like day and night but especially this made them perfect together.
Also their spice scenes where so delightful to read. I thought things between them would go roughly but it was completely the opposite. The were so gently and caring, I absolutely love this.
I also loved that all the other MCs from the previous books had such a huge part in it, I really liked this it really felt like you were completely included in their family life.
And I have to say I was really satisfied with the ending😭🩷
Everyone got their happy ending yes that’s what I wanted to read!!!
This whole series was definitely one of my highlights of this year.
April 25, 2024
This was kinda a miss for me. It was all over the place with the story imo. Rayne wasn’t a “sex addict” the man was a con artist who lived to scam. Honestly I respected him for it. Also Bishops Mom randomly showing up at the 82% mark after skipping out of him, his whole entire life?!?! Mike turning into some kind of lawn care vigilante?!? That math didn’t math to me? But go off sis. The last 100 pages dragged. I skimmed most of it 🤷🏻♂️
Seeing Edison and Bishop and Wood and Trent made the story bearable. I’m not one to DNF but I really wanted to I was so bored!!!
Xoxox gossip girl
Seeing Edison and Bishop and Wood and Trent made the story bearable. I’m not one to DNF but I really wanted to I was so bored!!!
Xoxox gossip girl
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2024
This book is my favorite of the series, plot wise. I loved this couple's story, it's the first time I read about a sex addict character, I never even thought that was a thing, to be honest! A lot of drama happens with the family, everyone from the previous books and I couldn’t get enough.
BUT, I thought the gun scene was creepy, unnecessary and glossed over!
BUT, I thought the gun scene was creepy, unnecessary and glossed over!
Want to read
July 2, 2022It's just been radio silence and now she just drops this here😭 finally!!!
December 28, 2022
First of all: Thank you Eliza Rae Services for the opportunity to read this ARC
It was one of my most anticipated releases this year, this is my honest opinion:
I read Bishop and Wood last summer and binged the whole backlist of AE Via, so you could say:
I love her style and stories but I struggled a lot with Mike and Raynes story.
The introduction of Rayne and the first encounter with Mike happens in "Wood" so you definitely should read the first two books, before starting this!
I had more or less 3 major problems with the story, the depiction of recovery.
Confessiontime:
I'm a recovered addict myself and work the big book 12step program
-addiction is a deadly disease- and comes for me with many symptoms, I could discover it's multilayered way to try to worm it's way through my mind on and on again.
So I can definitely relate to a lot of thoughts and behavior and past situations Rayne had to go through. And while it's always the same disease it comes with so many different stories that I don't want to judge the portrayal of Rayne's !!! (just to make that clear)
I couldn't quite relate to the "rules and regulations" from the mentioned 12step program and that was what irritated me big time.
I am aware (I talked with ppl about it) that there are a lot of 12step groups who doesn't work the bb-program as it used to be, so I give benefit of the doubt and say:
the author has done her research and depicted definitely another 12step program as I know and used to recover.
I just felt super sad for Rayne bc I always do, when I read that ppl had to work the program in more than 4weeks.
(again, deadly disease - you wouldn't want to wait for cancer-med for a year to start recovery process)
Or have certain regulations, bc I can't remember I had those...my sponsor also listens mostly and shares some experience from her view BUT I don't get told what's okay and so on...
My personal conclusion is, that this might be too personal of a topic for me, so if you have other experiences or no experience at all, I think it will be a much more enjoyable story bc even if it's based in a Real-World-Scenario- it's fictional after all -
Major Kudos tho for addressing addiction at all!!
I think it's super important to show that those exist, that we can recover and life a life in recovery like everybody else!
(If you struggle or know someone who might suffer, you can find information and help via: https://ppgaadallas.org for example)
I don't want to start a personal vendetta, I just try to explain why i struggled with the story. (I'm also only human and not faultless)
I struggled a lot with Mike:
I don't know what exactly happened, but I couldn't remember Mike being this level of violent in the previous books, and while I was totally aware that he had a gang-BG and turned 180 with is landscaping firm, employing ex-cons and giving second chances for ppl who need them, I had him rather calm&collected in my memory. I definitely remember he was super protective of Rayne in a certain situation in -Wood- but well. I felt kinda hot and cold with his alpha-hole-ishness:
I quote:
--Years of bar brawls, holding-tank feuds, and club fights had made Mike the crazy son of a bitch he was today.--
--Mike hadn’t met a man like Rayne in a very long time. One that made every one of his natural instincts kick into an unsustainable gear. He wanted to protect him, guard him, watch over him… touch him.--
That's so cute...and:
--Mike wondered what the criteria were before Rayne was allowed to get romantically involved again. He couldn’t be expected to die miserable and alone because of bad decisions he’d made in the past. That punishment didn’t seem to fit the offense. He wanted to know what it took, what kind of partner Rayne needed in his life.--
I love that he is ready to work the extra mile BUT:
--“Baby, I’ll deceive you, trick you, and lie to you all day as long as you get any and everything you want. That’s how much I love you.”--
IDK but this was a sentence I could've totally lived without.
Okay, this story was definitely so not my thing.
It comes to the situation, that Mike got hurt, bc he was preparing the wedding.
He has a tough time being a young parent, and thought he can finally show of his parenting skills. But his son elopes and "robbed him from the opportunity"
Okay, i disliked this so much. The hurt and the drama was beyond unreasonable for me.
I can get that a parent can't understand decisions their children make at many points in their life. But to start drama revolving around themselves, was simply too much for me.
Again, it was too close to my own personal history with my own parents.
I got guilt tripped a lot, had to apologize for making my own decisions and so on
(I won't drag this out here)
I think Mike is a selfish/selfcentered person, who is used to get what he wants, he has anger-management-issues and definitely a lot of space to grow.
Also, his sons - a bit older than Rayne - start questioning Mikes intentions with R, his answer:
--“Yes. This talk is over. I like Rayne, we’re together, get fuckin’ used to it because you have no other choice. That’s that.--
Okay I love that he's so certain, I love it for Rayne to be loved and I love that Mike can stand up for his life BUT, to tell other ppl they're an item especially if the other person isn't aware of it yet, puts me off big time.
The confession and relationship status is discussed a few pages later:
--“Because I want you,” Mike confessed, and Rayne’s smile turned dangerously sexy. “And whether you know it or not… I already have you.” Rayne forced a swallow before he asked on a lusty breath. “Mike. Do you… will you be my boyfriend?”--
If they would've had that convo before Mike announced his statement I would've been sooo fine with it, but it wasn't.
And last but not least: The dog & gun-situation
I can get that the author wanted to show that Mike has his gang-BG and that he's super protective.
I can get that that mofo-step-uncle deserves some beating, trying to force Rayne into something he definitely shouldn't but to imply that he would've forced the uncle to fck his own dog as punishment.
Sorry ... I can't...
the gun-situation- I quote:
--“Do you always keep a gun in your bed?”
“Yes.” Mike’s answer was blunt and swift.--
--“Because I’m concerned.” “Concerned… or scared?”
(...) Rayne shook his head and canted his hips forward so Mike could feel just how not afraid he was. His dick was solid again and pressing into Mike’s pelvis. “I don’t know what it is about you that thrills me so much.” (...) “But I hate all the violence and turmoil in your life. I want you to have peace and contentment.”
“Guns don’t bring about violence and turmoil, gorgeous. Dumbass people do.”
(...) “But I’m not a peaceful man—it’s best you know that now. I have quite a few guns around the house, but the weapons are only for protection… mine and now yours.” “I have no doubt that you’ll keep me safe.”--
Okay I honestly don't know where the author comes from, IDK if having guns in their home is considered legal or not, accepted or not and so on. BUT I can't with "Guns don't bring violence..."
Yeah obviously it's the people, it's so tough for me to explain, but it might just be that
a) I'm from germany, we don't have guns in our homes (mostly)
b) I'm still in kind of a shock state bc of certain news from the recent past
All in all, I think the story was okay, so 3 stars for this.
If you think my review is unreasonable please reach out, I'm happy to discuss those topics and am always open to see it from other perspectives.
I also already discussed those topics with two of my closest reading-buddies and thank them at this point for listening to my concerns.
It was one of my most anticipated releases this year, this is my honest opinion:
I read Bishop and Wood last summer and binged the whole backlist of AE Via, so you could say:
I love her style and stories but I struggled a lot with Mike and Raynes story.
The introduction of Rayne and the first encounter with Mike happens in "Wood" so you definitely should read the first two books, before starting this!
I had more or less 3 major problems with the story, the depiction of recovery.
Confessiontime:
I'm a recovered addict myself and work the big book 12step program
-addiction is a deadly disease- and comes for me with many symptoms, I could discover it's multilayered way to try to worm it's way through my mind on and on again.
So I can definitely relate to a lot of thoughts and behavior and past situations Rayne had to go through. And while it's always the same disease it comes with so many different stories that I don't want to judge the portrayal of Rayne's !!! (just to make that clear)
I couldn't quite relate to the "rules and regulations" from the mentioned 12step program and that was what irritated me big time.
I am aware (I talked with ppl about it) that there are a lot of 12step groups who doesn't work the bb-program as it used to be, so I give benefit of the doubt and say:
the author has done her research and depicted definitely another 12step program as I know and used to recover.
I just felt super sad for Rayne bc I always do, when I read that ppl had to work the program in more than 4weeks.
(again, deadly disease - you wouldn't want to wait for cancer-med for a year to start recovery process)
Or have certain regulations, bc I can't remember I had those...my sponsor also listens mostly and shares some experience from her view BUT I don't get told what's okay and so on...
My personal conclusion is, that this might be too personal of a topic for me, so if you have other experiences or no experience at all, I think it will be a much more enjoyable story bc even if it's based in a Real-World-Scenario- it's fictional after all -
Major Kudos tho for addressing addiction at all!!
I think it's super important to show that those exist, that we can recover and life a life in recovery like everybody else!
(If you struggle or know someone who might suffer, you can find information and help via: https://ppgaadallas.org for example)
I don't want to start a personal vendetta, I just try to explain why i struggled with the story. (I'm also only human and not faultless)
I struggled a lot with Mike:
I don't know what exactly happened, but I couldn't remember Mike being this level of violent in the previous books, and while I was totally aware that he had a gang-BG and turned 180 with is landscaping firm, employing ex-cons and giving second chances for ppl who need them, I had him rather calm&collected in my memory. I definitely remember he was super protective of Rayne in a certain situation in -Wood- but well. I felt kinda hot and cold with his alpha-hole-ishness:
I quote:
--Years of bar brawls, holding-tank feuds, and club fights had made Mike the crazy son of a bitch he was today.--
--Mike hadn’t met a man like Rayne in a very long time. One that made every one of his natural instincts kick into an unsustainable gear. He wanted to protect him, guard him, watch over him… touch him.--
That's so cute...and:
--Mike wondered what the criteria were before Rayne was allowed to get romantically involved again. He couldn’t be expected to die miserable and alone because of bad decisions he’d made in the past. That punishment didn’t seem to fit the offense. He wanted to know what it took, what kind of partner Rayne needed in his life.--
I love that he is ready to work the extra mile BUT:
--“Baby, I’ll deceive you, trick you, and lie to you all day as long as you get any and everything you want. That’s how much I love you.”--
IDK but this was a sentence I could've totally lived without.
Okay, this story was definitely so not my thing.
It comes to the situation, that Mike got hurt, bc he was preparing the wedding.
He has a tough time being a young parent, and thought he can finally show of his parenting skills. But his son elopes and "robbed him from the opportunity"
Okay, i disliked this so much. The hurt and the drama was beyond unreasonable for me.
I can get that a parent can't understand decisions their children make at many points in their life. But to start drama revolving around themselves, was simply too much for me.
Again, it was too close to my own personal history with my own parents.
I got guilt tripped a lot, had to apologize for making my own decisions and so on
(I won't drag this out here)
I think Mike is a selfish/selfcentered person, who is used to get what he wants, he has anger-management-issues and definitely a lot of space to grow.
Also, his sons - a bit older than Rayne - start questioning Mikes intentions with R, his answer:
--“Yes. This talk is over. I like Rayne, we’re together, get fuckin’ used to it because you have no other choice. That’s that.--
Okay I love that he's so certain, I love it for Rayne to be loved and I love that Mike can stand up for his life BUT, to tell other ppl they're an item especially if the other person isn't aware of it yet, puts me off big time.
The confession and relationship status is discussed a few pages later:
--“Because I want you,” Mike confessed, and Rayne’s smile turned dangerously sexy. “And whether you know it or not… I already have you.” Rayne forced a swallow before he asked on a lusty breath. “Mike. Do you… will you be my boyfriend?”--
If they would've had that convo before Mike announced his statement I would've been sooo fine with it, but it wasn't.
And last but not least: The dog & gun-situation
I can get that the author wanted to show that Mike has his gang-BG and that he's super protective.
I can get that that mofo-step-uncle deserves some beating, trying to force Rayne into something he definitely shouldn't but to imply that he would've forced the uncle to fck his own dog as punishment.
Sorry ... I can't...
the gun-situation- I quote:
--“Do you always keep a gun in your bed?”
“Yes.” Mike’s answer was blunt and swift.--
--“Because I’m concerned.” “Concerned… or scared?”
(...) Rayne shook his head and canted his hips forward so Mike could feel just how not afraid he was. His dick was solid again and pressing into Mike’s pelvis. “I don’t know what it is about you that thrills me so much.” (...) “But I hate all the violence and turmoil in your life. I want you to have peace and contentment.”
“Guns don’t bring about violence and turmoil, gorgeous. Dumbass people do.”
(...) “But I’m not a peaceful man—it’s best you know that now. I have quite a few guns around the house, but the weapons are only for protection… mine and now yours.” “I have no doubt that you’ll keep me safe.”--
Okay I honestly don't know where the author comes from, IDK if having guns in their home is considered legal or not, accepted or not and so on. BUT I can't with "Guns don't bring violence..."
Yeah obviously it's the people, it's so tough for me to explain, but it might just be that
a) I'm from germany, we don't have guns in our homes (mostly)
b) I'm still in kind of a shock state bc of certain news from the recent past
All in all, I think the story was okay, so 3 stars for this.
If you think my review is unreasonable please reach out, I'm happy to discuss those topics and am always open to see it from other perspectives.
I also already discussed those topics with two of my closest reading-buddies and thank them at this point for listening to my concerns.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
![Profile Image for Lilly [Hiatus due to School] .](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1663899589i%2F10381707._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
August 29, 2022
When I first met Rayne, I thought I had an idea of what kind of character he would be, but boy, was I wrong. A.E. Via once again wrote a beautiful story about overcoming addictions, second chances and finding true love. Seeing Rayne’s growth as he worked to find his place and learn that he deserved love was lovely. Mike was the perfect person for him and vice versa. Mike learned to also trust and give himself to his partner. I love how despite their initial attraction and sexual chemistry, they also took their time to learn about one another - especially as Rayne is a recovering sex addict. I also loved how Trent, Eddie, Bishop and Wood all made appearances. A.E. Via never fails to write beautiful, emotional stories that draw you in. Rayne concluded the True Lover's Stories beautifully. Overall an excellent book to end, a wonderful series I know I will be revisiting over and over again.
September 12, 2024
Damn, Mike’s whole possessive alpha male touch him and literally die shtick really fucking worked for me in this one. Rayne was a little too cliché for my taste (the yoga, mindfulness, gratitude, tofu thing) but the others more than made up for that. I seriously appreciated that the other couples played such a big part and we got to see all their HEAs 🥹
This was my fave of the series, I think! 4,5⭐️
This was my fave of the series, I think! 4,5⭐️
Read
August 26, 2022𝗱𝗻𝗳 @𝟱𝟲%
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i can't help but wish this book had been called jameson 🤪
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i can't help but wish this book had been called jameson 🤪
August 27, 2022
The End. Noooooo I don’t want it to end, I can’t get enough of them, this trilogy was everything I could ask for, it was everything I love deeply while reading. Being absorbed by it, so many overwhelming feelings. It was so incredibly awesome. I have no words…. Well, maybe a few lol.
Strong, fierce, fearless, hard-working, dedicated protective father, dangerous, just a few words describing Mike. We already met him in the previous stories. He’d give his life for his sons.
From the first moment where Rayne run to Mike and hide behind him, Mike wanted to protect the elegant, super sensual, soft-speaking, and much younger Rayne.
Rayne is drawn to Mike, his forceful attitude, his body, his smell, and his protectiveness.
The time isn’t right, Rayne is a recovering sex addict, who used it as a power to get what he wants. And he doesn’t want this with Mike, he wants so much more from this man.
Mike immerses himself in the matters of Rayne’s addiction to be the man Rayne deserves and needs.
They are head over heels, but it takes a while, meanwhile, the sexual tension is building.
Besides the heat building between them, there are other matters, Mike’s business, his sons Bishop, Trent and their partners, Rayne’s life, business, and struggle. It’s all absolutely thrilling to read about.
Yes, the intensity is sky high, it’s reaching even higher than the sky, there are no words to cover the heat.
Such an emotional and beautifully written story, I was so in love with them. It’s all clearly structured, the author did such an amazing job, creating engaging and delectable characters, I wanted to live with them!
A winner that’s for sure!! ALL the stars
Strong, fierce, fearless, hard-working, dedicated protective father, dangerous, just a few words describing Mike. We already met him in the previous stories. He’d give his life for his sons.
From the first moment where Rayne run to Mike and hide behind him, Mike wanted to protect the elegant, super sensual, soft-speaking, and much younger Rayne.
Rayne is drawn to Mike, his forceful attitude, his body, his smell, and his protectiveness.
The time isn’t right, Rayne is a recovering sex addict, who used it as a power to get what he wants. And he doesn’t want this with Mike, he wants so much more from this man.
Mike immerses himself in the matters of Rayne’s addiction to be the man Rayne deserves and needs.
They are head over heels, but it takes a while, meanwhile, the sexual tension is building.
Besides the heat building between them, there are other matters, Mike’s business, his sons Bishop, Trent and their partners, Rayne’s life, business, and struggle. It’s all absolutely thrilling to read about.
Yes, the intensity is sky high, it’s reaching even higher than the sky, there are no words to cover the heat.
Such an emotional and beautifully written story, I was so in love with them. It’s all clearly structured, the author did such an amazing job, creating engaging and delectable characters, I wanted to live with them!
A winner that’s for sure!! ALL the stars
July 25, 2023
1.5 stars
I hate that I really didn't like this. I didn't like the main character, Mike, or most of the story, or the pacing...it was a big miss for me, which really bums me out because I enjoyed the first two books in the series and I was looking forward to reading about Mike's happy ending, but I feel like Mike was a completely different person from the guy who was in the first two books as a small secondary character, and the guy he was in this book was an asshole. I liked Rayne, but everything else just got in the way.
I hate that I really didn't like this. I didn't like the main character, Mike, or most of the story, or the pacing...it was a big miss for me, which really bums me out because I enjoyed the first two books in the series and I was looking forward to reading about Mike's happy ending, but I feel like Mike was a completely different person from the guy who was in the first two books as a small secondary character, and the guy he was in this book was an asshole. I liked Rayne, but everything else just got in the way.
September 11, 2022
A fitting conclusion to the series. We are in a beautiful garden setting created by skillfull landscapers. I found the whole landscaping business of this family, a former con and a gang member, very interesting. The author manages to make the connection believable. Everything else? Hmn. Okay I suppose.
Rayne is an interesting character, a recovering sex addict. Not in the way you think. He used sex as a tool of manipulation to get what he wanted. Material things, money, clothes, a place to sleep. Very Zen, peaceful, kumbaya, tofu loving. Okay, okay. Oh, and his physical appearance is described as beautiful, a delicate flower. Feminine. Yet not.
Mike, big Mike, or dad, is the protector of his family, a former gang member turned landscape artist. Big, mean, beautiful, older, and stuck in his ways.
It's not a love story for the ages unfortunately. Things took a turn mid way when Mike shows signs of being overbearing, twisted, sadistic and a plain assjack. 😳
Wow, what an asshole. There's only so much yoga that can make up for living with big Mike.
I think the author went overboard on both of these characters. They were finely drawn and interesting in the previous two books. Here? Over-the-top and not very believable. Drama mamas. Dissapointing.
Rayne is an interesting character, a recovering sex addict. Not in the way you think. He used sex as a tool of manipulation to get what he wanted. Material things, money, clothes, a place to sleep. Very Zen, peaceful, kumbaya, tofu loving. Okay, okay. Oh, and his physical appearance is described as beautiful, a delicate flower. Feminine. Yet not.
Mike, big Mike, or dad, is the protector of his family, a former gang member turned landscape artist. Big, mean, beautiful, older, and stuck in his ways.
It's not a love story for the ages unfortunately. Things took a turn mid way when Mike shows signs of being overbearing, twisted, sadistic and a plain assjack. 😳
Wow, what an asshole. There's only so much yoga that can make up for living with big Mike.
I think the author went overboard on both of these characters. They were finely drawn and interesting in the previous two books. Here? Over-the-top and not very believable. Drama mamas. Dissapointing.
April 2, 2024
I want more
September 7, 2023
Great read.
September 19, 2022
Mike Stockley holds those he loves close to his heart. Growing up the way he did he learned that family isn't always blood. It is those who are there for you no matter, they have your back even in the darkest of times. Mike never minded being that for those he loves but now it is time for him to find his peace. His light even on the darkest of days. Mike thought he had that once upon a time but now he is older and knows exactly what and who he wants, and he will stop at nothing to get it. To get him.
Rayne's life wasn't easy. He might have been born into a family where he wanted for nothing, but money can't buy love or acceptance. Those things took a toll on Rayne, and he started living he wasn't proud of. Now, nearly a decade later he is almost a year into his sobriety and knows exactly what he wants out of life. It isn't the things his family could have given him it is love. The love of a man who will accept him for his faults and all.
At the end of Wood book two in the True Lover's Stories series I knew that Mike's story was going to be epic. That connection he had with Rayne in that brief moment was powerful. So powerful in fact that even over a year later I kept anticipating the release of this book. Mike was a force. He was the storm, and everyone knew not to mess with him but watching him with Rayne was something else. Rayne was able to pull Mike back from those dark places when no one ever could.
I've fallen in love with Bishop, Edison, Trent, Wood over the course of this trilogy and Mike was always this enigma. Now, I know him and love him so much because he fought for this life he had. He earned it through loss, pain and even love. I can't imagine anyone but Rayne being that person for Mike.
Quick mention to that ending, A.E. Via had me in some serious tears.
Rayne's life wasn't easy. He might have been born into a family where he wanted for nothing, but money can't buy love or acceptance. Those things took a toll on Rayne, and he started living he wasn't proud of. Now, nearly a decade later he is almost a year into his sobriety and knows exactly what he wants out of life. It isn't the things his family could have given him it is love. The love of a man who will accept him for his faults and all.
At the end of Wood book two in the True Lover's Stories series I knew that Mike's story was going to be epic. That connection he had with Rayne in that brief moment was powerful. So powerful in fact that even over a year later I kept anticipating the release of this book. Mike was a force. He was the storm, and everyone knew not to mess with him but watching him with Rayne was something else. Rayne was able to pull Mike back from those dark places when no one ever could.
I've fallen in love with Bishop, Edison, Trent, Wood over the course of this trilogy and Mike was always this enigma. Now, I know him and love him so much because he fought for this life he had. He earned it through loss, pain and even love. I can't imagine anyone but Rayne being that person for Mike.
Quick mention to that ending, A.E. Via had me in some serious tears.
May 20, 2023
3.5⭐️ I really loved the premise and I liked the characters but the execution wasn’t really there. Some parts didn’t really make sense to me.
I was interested to read a story about a recovering sex addict but Rayne wasn’t really addicted to sex, he was addicted to conning men out of money by having sex with them. So it didn’t really make sense that he had to abstain from masturbation while in recovery.
I really loved Mike’s possessiveness when it came to Rayne. This felt very damsel in distress, swoon-worthy in the first half but the second half dragged and the drama felt too convenient and over the top. This would have been much better if the last 100 pages didn’t exist.
I was interested to read a story about a recovering sex addict but Rayne wasn’t really addicted to sex, he was addicted to conning men out of money by having sex with them. So it didn’t really make sense that he had to abstain from masturbation while in recovery.
I really loved Mike’s possessiveness when it came to Rayne. This felt very damsel in distress, swoon-worthy in the first half but the second half dragged and the drama felt too convenient and over the top. This would have been much better if the last 100 pages didn’t exist.
July 3, 2024
“Because I want you,” Mike confessed, and Rayne’s smile turned dangerously sexy. “And whether you know it or not… I already have you.”
3.5 stars. This series hasn't been the most revolutionary read, but I'm glad that I finished it! I don't read enough down to earth romances with poor and working class characters, and not enough following ex-cons and people trying to reform their lives. I would have liked this a little better, perhaps, if it said some more pointed things about the penal system, but that's not really what the series set out to do. This book follows Rayne, a recovering sex addict, and Mike, a much older ex-gang member turned landscaping businessman. They ran into each other at the end of the last book, and we already know that there's a lot of chemistry and attraction there. Mike's sons have already gotten their romances, and now it's his turn.
So, I enjoyed this romance, but it's one of those books where I kinda had to turn off parts of my brain to do so. Something I've noticed about this author (and I mean, I've only read this series, so I'm not the best judge) but it really does feel like the personalities of her main characters shift and morph, depending on whether or not they're the protagonist. Not in huge, character-breaking ways, of course, but enough that it's noticeable. The Mike that we had in this book is not the Mike we had in book 2 or 3. Just like Trent seemed completely different in book 2, after being introduced in book 1. Everyone becomes more -- idk how else to put it -- protagonist-y in their own books. But this isn't a complaint, I guess. Just an observation. Didn't stop me from liking the book! Mike is overprotective and growly to an OTT degree. It's almost laughable, but it's also enjoyable. This is one of the few contemporary romances that actually deserves the 'touch him and you die' label. In a lot of ways this is a romance all about caretaking, and seeing Mike go ballistic about Rayne (whether it's for mundane things like Wood being in their business, or serious things like Rayne's safety being threatened) was really satisfying. And Rayne, of course, is determined to take care of Mike as well, and I loooooved the scenes of him cooking for Mike, or massaging him.
The sex addiction recovery storyline was an interesting one, and I liked that it imposed brakes on the relationship from the beginning, forced them to go a little slower than they might have. But there's not that much conflict to the romance. Mike is committed from day one, and he shows how smitten he is in ways that are slightly bonkers and controlling?? But it's all good, since Rayne is weirdly attracted to all that. They deserve each other. :') At the halfway mark, I was grateful that the book wasn't as dramatic as it could have been, but I spoke too soon. The conflict at the end, while understandable, fell very flat for me. That's where things got over-the-top in a bad way. The lesbian best friend characters was fun, but that friendship also moved at the speed of light. And I know she was meant to be wacky and sassy but some of her lines were... cringey.
Listened to the audiobook as ready by Tor Thom, and it was pretty good. He's never my favourite, but it's always a compelling enough performance. I'm always proud of myself when I finish a series, so I'm glad I remembered this one, and stuck with it. The characters were fun, and even if I won't remember this in a week, there's something to be said about tropey goodness.
Content warnings:
September 4, 2022
3 stars... yes there are spoilers..
Much better.. Yes, I have been rather blunt in my reviews for the AEV of late but this book was much better. I like the way sex addiction was handled as a legit issue rather than a footnote in the story. Yes, this is a romance book and yes, there is a character with a sex addiction.. so will there be sex ? Will the sex crap on Rayne's recovery? These points were swirling around in my head as I read the book. But yes, it was addressed and discussed.. Mike wasn't all about getting off which was nice but a little hard to swallow.. lol.. yes I said it.
** Sure there were parts that had me rolling my eyes.. like the drama with Rayne "raping" Mike's Queen flower. I thought that was a bit poorly done, should have used different words or maybe give Rayne a tour and explain what the flowers mean ????
** The crap with Bishop's mother was not very well thought out and Bishop acted out and wrong about it. Cut the bitch out or don't but the elopement was a slap...
** Rayne's uncle locked him in a room with HIS CELLPHONE?? Are you kidding me? What the uncle's end thought here?.. Rape him? Pimp him out? ~ it just felt like a sidebar to WTFland..
Not a bad book.. I like Rayne and Mike together..
Much better.. Yes, I have been rather blunt in my reviews for the AEV of late but this book was much better. I like the way sex addiction was handled as a legit issue rather than a footnote in the story. Yes, this is a romance book and yes, there is a character with a sex addiction.. so will there be sex ? Will the sex crap on Rayne's recovery? These points were swirling around in my head as I read the book. But yes, it was addressed and discussed.. Mike wasn't all about getting off which was nice but a little hard to swallow.. lol.. yes I said it.
** Sure there were parts that had me rolling my eyes.. like the drama with Rayne "raping" Mike's Queen flower. I thought that was a bit poorly done, should have used different words or maybe give Rayne a tour and explain what the flowers mean ????
** The crap with Bishop's mother was not very well thought out and Bishop acted out and wrong about it. Cut the bitch out or don't but the elopement was a slap...
** Rayne's uncle locked him in a room with HIS CELLPHONE?? Are you kidding me? What the uncle's end thought here?.. Rape him? Pimp him out? ~ it just felt like a sidebar to WTFland..
Not a bad book.. I like Rayne and Mike together..
August 29, 2022
I've just finished reading this, and I have to say it was a bit of a struggle. It mainly comes down to not connecting with Rayne. I was not here for him previously and didn't love him in this book. I found Mike more enjoyable, including the secondary characters. I low-key wanted it to be with Slick instead of Rayne. Yes, I felt Mike's revelation in the last book was coming out of the left field, but I got over that.
Overall, this was my least favorite out of three. Book One was so good, and book 2 was great, but in book three, the building romance between Mike and Rayne fizzled for me.
Overall, this was my least favorite out of three. Book One was so good, and book 2 was great, but in book three, the building romance between Mike and Rayne fizzled for me.
August 31, 2022
I have waited YEARS for this book and now that all of my boys are shacked up and living their HEAs...I don't know what to do with myself tbh. Do I cry? Smile and shake my head fondly at those crazy kids? I'm still processing but I'll figure it out later🙄
Since book 1, to me, Mike was just this surface-level angry bastard who had it really rough growing up. A kid raising a kid? Devastating. Growing up around gangs and violence? Tragic. Of course I was curious as shit because that's a bomb ass set up for a great ass story, right? DAMN RIGHT it was! And A.E. Via did not make me wait in vain😌
I mean, Big Mike...that meaty morsel of secretly sweet, gruff alpha male🔥 Whew! The poor thing's been repressed and caught up in a world of anger and violence, never knowing real peace...until Rayne.
Sweet Rayne, a recovering sex addict who's used sex as a weapon to manipulate others to get what he wants, never having once found something real. He's lonely and a little lost, but thankfully Mike was that asshole who did not give a damn and went after Rayne like he's been wanting to!
I've been so busy lately and it drove me crazy to not just gobble up all of those intense moments between Rayne and Mike! But I'm one of those people who can get high off the sexual tension more than the sex itself. And the attraction between Big Mike and Rayne was off the damn charts! Especially every time Mike was all, "careful how you say my name". My heart about leapt into my throat. That was so hot😭
Each story was written so beautifully with a lot of heart, heat and comfort that has now come together perfectly in Rayne and I couldn't ask for more.
It was wonderful having everyone appear so frequently throughout the book. The whole dad/sons dynamic really came together here without detracting anything from the romance and my heart was full seeing how far my boys have come. Bishop and Trent calling Mike dad and Mike referring to them as his sons kept me all warm. I'm so damn happy ALL of these men got their shit together and can now have the family they always wanted.
Now that the trifecta is complete, time to obsess over Fire and Smoke. I can't wait🔥🔥🔥
Since book 1, to me, Mike was just this surface-level angry bastard who had it really rough growing up. A kid raising a kid? Devastating. Growing up around gangs and violence? Tragic. Of course I was curious as shit because that's a bomb ass set up for a great ass story, right? DAMN RIGHT it was! And A.E. Via did not make me wait in vain😌
I mean, Big Mike...that meaty morsel of secretly sweet, gruff alpha male🔥 Whew! The poor thing's been repressed and caught up in a world of anger and violence, never knowing real peace...until Rayne.
Sweet Rayne, a recovering sex addict who's used sex as a weapon to manipulate others to get what he wants, never having once found something real. He's lonely and a little lost, but thankfully Mike was that asshole who did not give a damn and went after Rayne like he's been wanting to!
I've been so busy lately and it drove me crazy to not just gobble up all of those intense moments between Rayne and Mike! But I'm one of those people who can get high off the sexual tension more than the sex itself. And the attraction between Big Mike and Rayne was off the damn charts! Especially every time Mike was all, "careful how you say my name". My heart about leapt into my throat. That was so hot😭
Each story was written so beautifully with a lot of heart, heat and comfort that has now come together perfectly in Rayne and I couldn't ask for more.
It was wonderful having everyone appear so frequently throughout the book. The whole dad/sons dynamic really came together here without detracting anything from the romance and my heart was full seeing how far my boys have come. Bishop and Trent calling Mike dad and Mike referring to them as his sons kept me all warm. I'm so damn happy ALL of these men got their shit together and can now have the family they always wanted.
Now that the trifecta is complete, time to obsess over Fire and Smoke. I can't wait🔥🔥🔥
September 2, 2022
I absolutely loved Bishop and Wood, books one and two of Ms. Via’s True Lover Stories. The characters in these novels warmed my soul. Bishop and Edison were simply perfect for each other. Wood and Trent had insane chemistry, and that was what each one needed. Book three sadly didn’t have the same warm feelings.
Mike is Bishop and Trent’s father, and his back history is unique. He was 15 years old when he had Bishop, and the much older mom ditched them both. I really didn’t warm up to Mike in the first two books. He was always so blunt and rude at times to his son’s significant others.
I will give Mike credit. He somehow kept Bishop and adopted, in his heart, another son, Trent. Despite his past and some very serious anger management issues, he has stayed out of jail. I have to confess—I still don’t like Mike. The dislike has grown. There was one scene that felt like ice water was poured on me. He was beating up a really nasty person who honestly deserved it. At one point, he was going to seriously hurt the man’s dog; if not for Rayne, the man he loves, he would have. It was a highly repulsive and utterly disturbing idea, and it nearly ruined the entire book for me. I have to throw this out as a warning.
I needed to walk away from the story because it upset me so much. I only continued reading because there was so much of all the gang I grew to love. Mike and Rayne are solid, but I don’t get Rayne’s attraction for the life of me. The ending was sweet, and even though Rayne and Mike will never gel, in my eyes, as a real couple, I enjoyed watching Bishop, Edison, Wood, and Trent get their beautiful HEAs. This alone completed the story and made me rate it higher. Happy reading!
* * Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement * *
Mike is Bishop and Trent’s father, and his back history is unique. He was 15 years old when he had Bishop, and the much older mom ditched them both. I really didn’t warm up to Mike in the first two books. He was always so blunt and rude at times to his son’s significant others.
I will give Mike credit. He somehow kept Bishop and adopted, in his heart, another son, Trent. Despite his past and some very serious anger management issues, he has stayed out of jail. I have to confess—I still don’t like Mike. The dislike has grown. There was one scene that felt like ice water was poured on me. He was beating up a really nasty person who honestly deserved it. At one point, he was going to seriously hurt the man’s dog; if not for Rayne, the man he loves, he would have. It was a highly repulsive and utterly disturbing idea, and it nearly ruined the entire book for me. I have to throw this out as a warning.
I needed to walk away from the story because it upset me so much. I only continued reading because there was so much of all the gang I grew to love. Mike and Rayne are solid, but I don’t get Rayne’s attraction for the life of me. The ending was sweet, and even though Rayne and Mike will never gel, in my eyes, as a real couple, I enjoyed watching Bishop, Edison, Wood, and Trent get their beautiful HEAs. This alone completed the story and made me rate it higher. Happy reading!
* * Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement * *
September 8, 2022
This may be my new favorite of the series and that's saying a lot because I've read Books 1 and 2 numerous times, and LOVED both, with book 1 having a small edge. I guess it's only fitting that if anyone could top Bishop (my ultimate book boyfriend) it would be his dad. This book gave me EVERYTHING I wanted in Mike's book, and stuff I didn't even know I needed. A full five stars. Honestly, might be 6. I was so worried, reading some of the reviews, and I'm here to say I have no idea what people are talking about. Too long? I loved every word. Didn't like Rayne?? How?? I am the first to admit I was not excited about Rayne because a sex addict, who I thought he would be super sassy, flamboyant and over the top, was not high on my list of to-dos. But Rayne was so calming and wonderful, trying to achieve his own goals while giving back and taking care of Mike. I loved him! That 'get your head out of your behind and stop hurting my man' speech he gave to Bishop just about made my heart burst with pride. I think I even shed a few tears. There is a scene from Wood that made me cry, and the ending had me flat out bawling happy tears for about 5 pages. This is an AMAZINGLY written book.
I saw a few comments that it should have been called Jameson Mike and Rayne are perfectly suited. NOW, what I do feel is that Jameson needs a book! Why stop at 3 is what I say lol. A novella, a short story, give us something! I would love to see him step back into their lives with his own love/family, even if it's for a visit.
But back to this book, I literally just finished this and I am so warm and fuzzy. I LOVVVVVVVED it. Mike deserves all of this and more.
A+!
I saw a few comments that it should have been called Jameson Mike and Rayne are perfectly suited. NOW, what I do feel is that Jameson needs a book! Why stop at 3 is what I say lol. A novella, a short story, give us something! I would love to see him step back into their lives with his own love/family, even if it's for a visit.
But back to this book, I literally just finished this and I am so warm and fuzzy. I LOVVVVVVVED it. Mike deserves all of this and more.
A+!
August 21, 2022
Loved this! I was so excited to finally get my hands on this book ever since the scene in the last book showing Mike's extreme reaction to Rayne.
Mike is as alpha as they get, and written in typical A.E. Via fashion where they're tough, possessive, growly, and super protective of who they love. Every time Mike and Rayne are on-page together, the chemistry has me squirming. The looks they give each other, and how they dance around each other yet also respectfully not force themselves on the other because they are wary and aware of the other's issues. No unnecessary relationship drama, huzzah! Love that about A.E. Via's writing.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review. All opinions are my own and not influenced by the author.
Mike is as alpha as they get, and written in typical A.E. Via fashion where they're tough, possessive, growly, and super protective of who they love. Every time Mike and Rayne are on-page together, the chemistry has me squirming. The looks they give each other, and how they dance around each other yet also respectfully not force themselves on the other because they are wary and aware of the other's issues. No unnecessary relationship drama, huzzah! Love that about A.E. Via's writing.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review. All opinions are my own and not influenced by the author.
Want to read
August 31, 2022This is isn’t a review yet. I haven’t read the book I just wanted to let everyone know that it will be going into KU shortly. A.E. always releases wide the first week of release. Reviewers please don’t leave low * just because a book isn’t in KU that’s a ridiculous reasoning.
November 29, 2023
Based on the first two book in the series, I knew this one was going to be a downer. It’s actually a pretty nice story.
KU + whisper sync
KU + whisper sync
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