Book Review: Down By Contact by Santino Hassell

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Down By Contact
The Barons #2
Author: Santino Hassell
Reading Level: Mature Adult
Genres: M/M Romance | Sports | LGBTQ Romance
Released: January 16th 2018
Review Source: InterMix

Two rival football players begin a game with higher stakes than the Super Bowl in this steamy romance from the author of Illegal Contact.

Simeon Boudreaux, the New York Barons’ golden-armed quarterback, is blessed with irresistible New Orleans charm and a face to melt your mama’s heart. He’s universally adored by fans and the media. Coming out as gay in solidarity with his teammate hasn’t harmed his reputation in the least—except for some social media taunting from rival linebacker Adrián Bravo.

Though they were once teammates, Adrián views Simeon as a traitor and the number-one name on the New Jersey Predators’ shit list. When animosity between the two NFL players reaches a boiling point on the field, culminating in a dirty fist fight, they’re both benched for six games and sentenced to joint community service teaching sullen, Brooklyn teens how to play ball.

At first, they can barely stand to be in the same room, but running the camp forces them to shape up. With no choice but to work together, Simeon realizes Adrián is more than his alpha-jerk persona, and Adrián begins to question why he’s always had such strong feelings for the gorgeous QB…

Down by Contact is the sequel to Illegal Contact which I was able to read both books, back to back. I'm not sure which of the two books, I like more. This is a great thing, usually the sophomore book in a series, always comes up short. Not in the case of Down by Contact. So not only did I walk away with 2 great reads, but I was introduced to Santino Hassell's writing. This is an author to have on your radar.

I guess I should have started with that this book(s), will not be for everyone. The series is male/male romance, so definitely not your typical read. So if you can swoon over two sexy males, getting hot with each other, and I mean HOT then you don't want to miss out on reading this series. Hassell does not hold back and paints a real clear picture of what is happening in his books.

In this installment, we are gifted with Simeon Boudreaux story. We got pieces of him in Illegal Contact, but nothing like being the center of your story. Simeon is the sexy QB that is on every one's radar. We find out in Illegal Contact, that he was finally outed as being gay when he made the mistake one night out at a club to trust the people he was having way to much fun with. So in this book, Simeon has been accepted by his teammates, just not the case with the rival team. There is one specific player from rival team, that has made it very public, his distaste in Simeon. That would be Adrian, the linebacker for the Predators. Funny thing is, they both used to be teammates before Simeon was traded to Barons. So game day arrives, it ends up in a fight and those two have been suspended and must not worked together at a youth center coaching some kids.

What's great about this book is that it isn't all about football, you'd be shocked to read how sweet some parts can be. Just cause they are meat heads on a football field, doesn't mean they can't be teddy bears off. How will working together for several weeks impact the relationship between Simeon and Adrian while on suspension? Will it end up turning into something worse, that not even their agents can save them from? Or will this be something great for both of them and no kid will go unharmed? Only way to find out, is grabbing your copies today. I highly suggest to read in order, just so you know who Simeon's friends are and plus, you want to read Gavin's story. That's another sexy beast right there.

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Catch Illegal Contact, the first book in the Barons series and meet Gavin (swoon-worthy) Brawley!

Book Review: I Can't Make This Up: Life Lessons by Kevin Hart | Neil Strauss

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I CAN'T MAKE THIS UP: LIFE LESSONS
Author: Kevin Hart | Neil Strauss
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Nonfiction
Released: June 6, 2017
Review Source: Atria | Netgalley

Superstar comedian and Hollywood box office star Kevin Hart turns his immense talent to the written word by writing some words. Some of those words include: the, a, for, above, and even even. Put them together and you have the funniest, most heartfelt, and most inspirational memoir on survival, success, and the importance of believing in yourself since Old Yeller.

The question you’re probably asking yourself right now is: What does Kevin Hart have that a book also has?

According to the three people who have seen Kevin Hart and a book in the same room, the answer is clear:

A book is compact. Kevin Hart is compact.

A book has a spine that holds it together. Kevin Hart has a spine that holds him together.

A book has a beginning. Kevin Hart’s life uniquely qualifies him to write this book by also having a beginning.

It begins in North Philadelphia. He was born an accident, unwanted by his parents. His father was a drug addict who was in and out of jail. His brother was a crack dealer and petty thief. And his mother was overwhelmingly strict, beating him with belts, frying pans, and his own toys.

The odds, in short, were stacked against our young hero, just like the odds that are stacked against the release of a new book in this era of social media (where Hart has a following of over 100 million, by the way).

But Kevin Hart, like Ernest Hemingway, JK Rowling, and Chocolate Droppa before him, was able to defy the odds and turn it around. In his literary debut, he takes the reader on a journey through what his life was, what it is today, and how he’s overcome each challenge to become the man he is today.

And that man happens to be the biggest comedian in the world, with tours that sell out football stadiums and films that have collectively grossed over $3.5 billion.

He achieved this not just through hard work, determination, and talent: It was through his unique way of looking at the world. Because just like a book has chapters, Hart sees life as a collection of chapters that each person gets to write for himself or herself.

“Not only do you get to choose how you interpret each chapter, but your interpretation writes the next chapter,” he says. “So why not choose the interpretation that serves your life the best?”

OK, so I have always loved Kevin Hart.  He is one of my favorite comedians.  He is so freaking hilarious!!  I don't think I have ever seen him in anything, whether stand up or a movie, where he wasn't amazing.  So when I heard he had a book coming out I jumped at the chance to read and review it.

I knew before even reading the book I would be in for a good experience.  I knew there would be funny parts, and there were.  What I wasn't expecting was how real the entire book felt.  So raw and honest and a completely different light on Kevin Hart.  It was really awesome to get to know about Kevin's life and outlook outside of his comedian persona.

I am leaving my review completely vague without going into any detail because I really think this book should be read with out any preconceived notions.  You will laugh, cringe, be angry, and cheer while reading this book.

I am rating this book 4 stars because I was enthralled reading this book and read it in two days.  There are a lot of good advice and lessons as well as laughs to be had while reading, I definitely recommend it whether you are a Kevin Hart fan or not!

Book Review: Riot by Tilile Cole

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RIOT
Scarred Souls #4
Author: Tillie Cole
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Dark | Romance
Released: March 7, 2017
Review Source: Netgalley

Stolen by the Arziani Georgian crime mob as a child, 152 was raised and conditioned to be a Mona—the most subservient of the Arziani Blood Pit slaves.

Gorgeous and kind, she has been and under the imprisoning influence of the Type B drug and under the command of the Blood Pit Master’s sister, Mistress Arziani, for most of her life, until the Master calls her back home to Georgia.

He wants her under his total control, and Master always gets what he wants.

But when 152 is gifted to the Blood Pit’s fearsome champion death match fighter as a prize, 152 suddenly finds out that the men who appear most brutal, may just own the kindest hearts. And love may be found, even when living in hell.

Freedom, family, love, 152 will have to fight for what she wants and ultimately make an impossible choice.

AHHHHHH!!!  THIS BOOK!  I stumbled upon this series when book three was released and I started there.  I WAS ENRAPTURED BY THAT BOOK.  So it's understandable that I would be counting down the days until book 4 was in my hands.  I was very excited but nervous to read Riot.  All that we went through in Ravage made me prepare for what was in store in Riot.  I was NOT PREPARED!!!

In Riot, the book starts introducing "901", the blood Pit's best, most lethal, undefeated fighter.  The Blood Pit needs something or someone he can use against 901 so far he hasn't found anything, until he introduces him to "152", his new pleasure slave.  901 is IMMEDIATELY drawn to 152's beauty.  152 finds that even though she is forced to live in hell, love can be found.

This book had me hooked from the first page forward.  I could NOT put this book down even for one second.  Basically nothing got done in my house and I had to take a vacation day to finish it.  It was that good.  Every single emotion is felt while reading this book, just like with book three.  Tillie Cole has become a favorite author now.  Anyone that can write like she writes, and describe a setting so thoroughly it's like you're there and you're experiencing what her characters are experiencing.  She is a GENIUS!!

I am rating this book 5 stars because this book had everything.  Seriously anyone that can read dark themes will LOVE this series.  Even if dark themes make you nervous (they make me nervous, I tend to stay away from dark books) I recommend giving this series a try!  I have read book three and now four and plan to go back and read book one and two because of how much I loved these books.

Blog Tour: Kept by Maya Banks

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KEPT
The Enforcers #3
Author: Maya Banks
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Erotica
Released: October 25, 2016
Review Source: Berkley

From the author of Mastered and Dominated comes the third Enforcers novel—the searing story of a woman who finds sanctuary in surrender...

He can’t change who he is...

A horrific childhood has made Silas the man he is today: dangerous, distrustful, and demanding. He’s lived in self-imposed solitude, convinced that no woman could ever accept his need for absolute control—in business and pleasure. That is, until a young violinist walks into one of his buildings and into his life.

She can’t change what she wants...

Haley has been struggling to fulfill her father’s dying wish: to attend a prestigious music school in New York City. But even working two jobs, she can’t afford the tiniest of apartments. Seeing her hopeless and near tears, Silas vows to help and protect her, no matter the cost to himself. But when Haley meets his every demand with unwavering acceptance and love, he is overwhelmed by her goodness and gentle spirit. He knows that the dark stain on his soul can never be erased—and rather than risk destroying the most beautiful thing he's ever experienced, he knows he'll have to do the hardest thing he's ever had to face. Let her go. But he's totally unprepared for the lengths Haley will go to fight for his love and a future brighter than the sun...

Maya Banks delivers once again in the incredible Enforcer series.  She takes you on an amazing journey in Kept!!

The story starts out with the heroine, Haley, trying to pursue her dreams by going to a prestigious school and becoming a musician.  It was her father's last wish for her.  Haley deals with struggle after struggle trying to fulfil this wish.  Her father was scammed by an insurance company leaving Haley without any money.  In walks Silas that is drawn to Haley's innocence immediately.  He desires to protect her above all else.

I was so excited to read this book.  In this book we get to see Silas fight through some personal demons from his horrible childhood.  He is Drake's number 2 and we me him in book 1 and 2 of the Enforcer series.  He never felt worthy of love but Haley finds a way to break down his barriers.  Silas is such a rough, alpha, his rules only type of man and Haley is a sweet, innocent, naive girl.  Silas has an intense need to protect her.  Their chemistry is undeniable!!

I'm rating this book 4 stars because it was a great story.  I was able to read it quickly and it was a very emotional, intense read but I did feel it was very similar to books 1 and 2.  I definitely recommend this sexy book!

Excerpt

Hayley sank further into the heated seat of the luxurious car as they sailed through traffic, and she smiled,

unable to believe her good fortune. How fast things changed and how quickly she’d gone from

desperation and resignation to excitement and optimism about her future.

Tears glittered and clung to her eyelashes.

I’m going to make it, Dad. Just like I promised. I’ve found a place I can afford to rent. I can continue

school like you and Mom wanted. One day you’ll see me playing with a prestigious symphony. This is all

for you, Dad. For all you sacrificed for me. I only wish you were here to see me the first time I play with a

symphony.

A fierce ache besieged her chest and she rubbed, blinking furiously to rid herself of the tears that

burned her eyes. It was hard to accept that her biggest—only—supporter was gone. First her mom, whom

she’d lost when she was but a child, but Hayley still clung to the fleeting memories she had of her mother.

Every time she looked in the mirror she saw her mother’s face. As her father often fondly remarked, she

was the picture of her mother.

It was bad enough to lose one parent. Why did she have to lose both? The only two people she had in

the world?

She leaned forward in the seat when she saw that they were approaching the street where her current

residence was located.

“You can let me off at the corner,” she said to the driver, who hadn’t uttered a single word during the

ride. “I’ll walk from there. It’s not far and the rain has stopped.”

The man glanced in the rearview mirror, obviously staring intently at her, though she couldn’t see his

eyes behind the shades he wore despite the overcast day.

“I would feel better if I dropped you in front of your building,” the man said, surprising her with the

firmness of his statement.

Hayley smiled. “No, it’s okay, truly. I’d like to walk so I can clear my head. It’s been an eventful

morning.”

His lips tightened but he didn’t argue further as he pulled to the corner and glided to a halt. When she

would have opened her door to duck out, he sent her a look of reprimand that froze her in her tracks. He

got out and unhurriedly stepped around the car to open the passenger door not facing the street.

She smiled at him again, ruefully this time, and offered her thanks, squeezing the hand he’d offered

to help her out. To her shock, the staid, somber man’s lips turned into a semblance of a smile, only the

corners slightly tipping up.

“It was my pleasure,” he offered formally before once more returning to the driver’s seat.

Seconds later the car melted away into traffic and Hayley turned to walk the half block to her

apartment, shaking her head at the most unexpected turn of events the day had offered.

Posted by arrangement with Berkley, a member of Penguin Group (USA) LLC, A Penguin

Random House Company. Copyright © Maya Banks, 2016.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Maya Banks is the #1 New York Times, #1 USA Today and international bestselling author of over 50 novels. A wife and mother of three, she lives in Texas.

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook 

Book Review: Cream of the Crop by Alice Clayton

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Cream of the Crop
Hudson Valley Series #2
Author: Alice Clayton
Reading Level: Adult
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: July 12th 2016
Review Source: Gallery Books

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Alice Clayton brings her trademark blend of funny and sexy to this second contemporary romance in the brand-new Hudson Valley series!

Manhattan’s It Girl, Natalie Grayson, has it all: she’s a hot exec at a leading advertising firm, known industry-wide for her challenging and edgy campaigns. She’s got a large circle of friends, a family that loves her dearly, and her dance card is always full with handsome eligible bachelors. What else could a modern gal-about-town wish for? The answer, of course, is...cheese.

Natalie’s favorite part of each week is spending Saturday morning at the Union Square Farmer’s Market, where she indulges her love of all things triple cream. Her favorite booth also indulges her love of all things handsome. Oscar Mendoza, owner of the Bailey Falls Creamery and purveyor of the finest artisanal cheeses the Hudson Valley has to offer, is tall, dark, mysterious, and a bit oblivious. Or so she thinks. But that doesn’t stop Natalie from fantasizing about the size of his, ahem, milk can.

Romance is churning, passion is burning, and something incredible is rising to the top. Could it be...love?

This is an Adult novel recommended for ages 18+ due to mature subject matter. 

 I LOVED it!!  Another awesome book by Alice Clayton!

Natalie Grayson, a plus size girl, grew up struggling with insecurities. She had one messy relationship which forced her to do some soul searching.  She moved cross country and reinvented herself. She gained a whole lot of confidence, a sexy wardrobe, and then moved back to her hometown, New York.  I love her!!  I love that Alice had her embrace her curves and know that she was drop dead gorgeous!  Natalie is a very take charge, go getter, and proves that in her work.  She is successful in career and in her relationships. She has proven she can get any man she wants and "can have them eating out of her hand". However all that confidence flies out of the window when a sexy farmer comes to play. 

Oscar is soooooo SEXY!!  He is the quiet, brooding, extremely hot type.  He very quickly got added to my sexiest book boyfriend list!!  The chemistry between Oscar and Natalie is scorching!!  Alice Clayton can soooo write the sex scenes!  I definitely recommend some water and a fan with this book. 

As always Alice brings her humor to the story line which never disappoints. I love her writing style!  The picture she paints of New York, both city and country (Hudson Valley), make me want to pack my bags right now and move there!

My only complaint is that I wanted to keep reading!  It was a quick read and I read it in one day.  I loved this book!  Go read this book now!!

Book Review: Stealing His Thunder by Sparrow Beckett

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Stealing His Thunder
Masters of Adrenaline #1
Author: Jay Crownover
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Released: June 21st 2016
Review Source: InterMix | NetGalley

From the author of the Masters Unleashed series, Sparrow Beckett revs things up with two lovers on a collision course in the first Masters of Adrenaline novel.

Nothing gives Addison Kennedy a rush like stealing cars. The Lexus was the perfect target, but before she can get its engine purring, she's cold-cocked unconscious. When she comes to, she finds herself on a bed with a blonde, tattooed god standing over her.

Fox Larson is shocked to discover the thief he knocked out is actually a hot girl. Bringing her home may not have been the smartest move, but he wasn’t about to leave an unconscious and defenseless woman in a parking garage. Besides, if she’s part of an auto theft crew infringing on his territory, he needs to pump her for information.

However, Addison has personal drive that won’t be denied and she’s desperate to prove Fox’s group needs her skills. Submitting to his kinks in the bedroom is a hot yet complicated bonus. When a big job goes bad, and Addison finally gets her chance, will she succeed in stealing his thunder?

This is an Adult novel recommended for ages 18+ due to mature subject matter.

 This is my first book from Sparrow Beckett and I thought it was really good!

I absolutely love how the story starts out!!  From this line in the very beginning, "It was hard to believe she’d gone from mostly law-abiding undergrad student to criminal all because of a news segment on high-end car theft", I was hooked.  That line in a nutshell describes the heroine, Addison Kennedy. She went from determined college student, to an adrenaline junkie. She hadn't  found anything that fed into this newly discovered need, like stealing cars.  One evening while trying to steal a gorgeous silver Lexus, she gets knocked unconscious.  She comes to in a strange, sexy, tattooed man's bed. 

Fox Larson thought he had knocked out a man stealing cars on his turf but discovers quickly, he, is a she. Not wanting to leave her there unconscious he takes her with him.  Fox is the real deal car thief. He is a part of a close knit crew made up of family members.  He exudes sex appeal in every way. He is the ultimate bad boy, alpha, dominate man. 

Even though Addison enjoys stealing cars, she would do anything she could to help her family. Her family means the world to her. When her grandparents are in desperate need of money for care, she decides to take her car stealing to the next level for financial gain. Convincing Fox to let her join his crew is another story. 

I really enjoyed this book.  I went into it blind not expecting the intense, kinky relationship between the main characters. Fox was, simply put, HOT!  I love the relationship between the two and I loved how feisty and fun Addison was.

I sometimes felt a little lost in the story because it seemed as though the reader was supposed to already know certain things and back stories. I also felt some of the sex scenes were a little over the top for me personally. I did like that the author realistically, in my opinion, described the progression of their relationship.  While there was instant chemistry, there thankfully, wasn't instant love. They struggled a bit with understanding their feelings. Overall, it was an entertaining book. Based on this book I would read more from this author. 

Book Review: Charged by Jay Crownover

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Charged
Saints of Denver #2
Author: Jay Crownover
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Released: May 24th 2016
Review Source: William Morrow Paperbacks

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Marked Men books comes the second installment in the Saints of Denver series featuring a bad girl and a by the book attorney who could be her salvation...or her ruin.

Avett Walker and Quaid Jackson’s worlds have no reason to collide. Ever. Quaid is a high powered criminal attorney as slick as he is handsome. Avett is a pink-haired troublemaker with a bad attitude and a history of picking the wrong men.

When Avett lands in a sea of hot water because of one terrible mistake, the only person who can get her out of it is the insanely sexy lawyer. The last thing on earth she wants to do is rely on the no-nonsense attorney who thinks of her as nothing more than a nuisance. He literally has her fate in his hands. Yet there is something about him that makes her want to convince him to loosen his tie and have a little fun…with her.

Quaid never takes on clients like the impulsive young woman with a Technicolor dye job. She could stand to learn a hard lesson or two, but something about her guileless hazel eyes intrigues him. Still, he’s determined to keep their relationship strictly business. But doing so is becoming more impossible with each day he spends with her.

As they work side-by-side, they’ll have to figure out a way to get along and keep their hands off each other—because the chemistry between them is beyond charged.

This is an Adult novel recommended for ages 18+ due to mature subject matter.

This is the first book I've read in the Saint of Denver series. Being as this is book two, I was able to read it without any issues of not reading book one.  

This story grabbed my attention from the very first page. Starting out with the heroine, Avett Walker, being incarcerated for being an accessory to her boyfriend's armed robbery.  Avett has always been a trouble maker, ever since she was little. The older she got, the more self destructive.  However, all those bad decisions and actions never landed her in jail, until now. Avett felt she had finally pushed her dad to his limits and didn't want to ask him or anyone else for help.  

In comes Quaid Jackson, the incredibly sexy man hired to be Avett's lawyer and ends up being so much more. The unlikely pair gave me all the feels.  Quaid was the focused, determined, suit wearing man - while Avett was the crazy, trouble making, pink haired woman.  Even though they seemed completely opposite, their chemistry was OFF THE CHARTS!!  

Avett's dad had always been her biggest supporter and ally. He always told her, "Don't worry, Sprite, bad decisions make for good stories." -  This is now one of my all time favorite lines in any book. -  I loved her dads character. I feel Jay wrote him so well!  The perfect protector and supporter. The definition of a father that unconditionally loves his daughter.  He comes to Avetts rescue once again and bails her out of jail.

At this point Avett wakes up and decides that all her decisions and self destruction is really hurting those closest to her. She vows to do better from then on. 

I loved this book, I feel like Jay did an amazing job developing both main characters throughout the book.  The self worth struggles of the heroine are very relatable to many people. The reader is taken on a journey of real growth and personal development. I cheered on the heroine from the beginning wanting so much for her to be successful and realize her self worth.  I love Jay's writing and the dialogue between characters.  The story flowed really well and I could not put the book down.  My only complaint was that there was a lot of internal dialogues throughout the book, that I could have done without. Also, I'm not a huge fan of insta-love and I feel there was a bit of that going on. 

Bottom line, this was another great book by Jay that I loved!

Book Review: Cream of the Crop by Alice Clayton

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Cream of the Crop
Hudson Valley Series #2
Author: Alice Clayton
Reading Level: Adult Fiction
Genres: Contemporary Romance | Humor
Release Date: July 12th 2016
Review Source: Gallery Books

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Alice Clayton brings her trademark blend of funny and sexy to this second contemporary romance in the brand-new Hudson Valley series!

Manhattan’s It Girl, Natalie Grayson, has it all: she’s a hot exec at a leading advertising firm, known industry-wide for her challenging and edgy campaigns. She’s got a large circle of friends, a family that loves her dearly, and her dance card is always full with handsome eligible bachelors. What else could a modern gal-about-town wish for? The answer, of course, is...cheese.

Natalie’s favorite part of each week is spending Saturday morning at the Union Square Farmer’s Market, where she indulges her love of all things triple cream. Her favorite booth also indulges her love of all things handsome. Oscar Mendoza, owner of the Bailey Falls Creamery and purveyor of the finest artisanal cheeses the Hudson Valley has to offer, is tall, dark, mysterious, and a bit oblivious. Or so she thinks. But that doesn’t stop Natalie from fantasizing about the size of his, ahem, milk can.

Romance is churning, passion is burning, and something incredible is rising to the top. Could it be...love?

Boom!

Alice Clayton just dropped the mic with this follow up novel in The Hudson Valley series. You normally don't expect the sequel in any series to be as great or better that the first novel, but Clayton had no issues at all proving me wrong. I LOVED LOVED LOVED Cream of the Crop, this Rom Com will have you in stitches and blushing at the same time. The first book Nuts was great, but Cream of the Crop has Natalie and she freaking rocks! Of course Oscar isn't too bad himself, sexy farmer that makes cheese is very appetizing, lol! 

Cream of the Crop is a refreshing story about two people that normally wouldn't be caught in each others different worlds, but gravity has them crossings path all the time. And when they finally meet one on one, it the the Fourth of July between those two. All this takes place in the best backdrop that Clayton describes throughout the novel. 

So do yourself a favor and pre-order this book, you are going to love it as much as I do. Clayton delivers books that will make your day so much better with her steamy-laugh-out-loud novels. 

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If you haven't read the first book in The Hudson Valley series, I strongly suggest that you do. That way you are familiar with all the characters in Cream of the Crop. And you can check out reviews from Jaime and I of Nuts that we shared HERE.