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Hidden12 Saga #1

Hidden12, Intelligence Required

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Fiction: Action/Romance-Suspense/Thriller Military...
With Multiple POV's

G.E.M.S.
Genetically Enhanced Medical Soldiers
These soldiers are birthed from highly intelligent women, who are paid greatly and have agreed to return the children at age 5 to a classified government program.
The normal human intelligence Cell is from a 7 to a 9. Those with Cell-10 are gifted with extreme intelligence.
Few ever attempt to rise above the normal, but not to fear-
Medical science and a highly classified government program is exploring that option.
Ben Callensworth and Kristyn Silktin are the only two soldiers that have been secretly created by the government, each with Cell-11 intelligence.
They possess a secret love that is against all rules and have done the unthinkable. Procreation between the created Cells is forbidden. Kristyn becomes pregnant and must go on the run to hide their child, a daughter named Haven.
As Haven grows, it becomes obvious that she is gifted with unmatched intelligence and even greater gifts yet to be explored, gifts that could even surpass a Cell-11. She must be kept hidden from government and terrorist groups for her own safety. Haven is forced to grow up in boarding schools, traveling from country to country, not knowing who she is or who her real parents are.
But an unexpected tragedy happens, and a whole new world is opened up to her as she discovers who she is and the hidden gifts she possesses. Haven, using her gifts, secretly attaches herself to a dangerous mission to save lives held captive at the hand of a deadly terrorist.

217 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 21, 2014

2 people are currently reading
61 people want to read

About the author

Gail Parker

4 books39 followers
Hidden12Saga is YA to Adult which covers multiple, exciting genres.

Women's Fiction; Military/Romance/Suspense/Thriller/Adventure/ Urban Fantasy/Sci-Fi

***Kirkus Reviews says, "Haven’s wild ride is a fast, entertaining read with plenty of ingenious weaponry, heart-pounding chases, and fantastical imagery that all leave the door open for the third installment.
~A solid second entry, with more on the way."

If you Love strong heroines, original storylines, vivid- captivating scenes, roller-coaster thrills, on edge of your seat suspense, sudden twists, supernatural, drama and cleverly layered plots, then you will love my series.
My books are written from various Points-of-view to get inside the minds of my characters. It's a movie in a book, straight story-line, so the reader doesn't get bored. A true non-stop, page turner.

**You have to read book 1 first- after all, it is the intro to all my characters!


Meanwhile, I'm from Louisiana and an animal lover that has 3 dogs, 2 cats and a bird. I live in the quiet country where you can hear the wind whistle as it carries the sounds of chattering birds and crickets. I enjoy a good cup of coffee/tea and love my family.
Never knew I could write. Hidden12, is the first thing I have ever written.





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5 stars
29 (53%)
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8 (14%)
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8 (14%)
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5 (9%)
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4 (7%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Dianne.
6,815 reviews631 followers
March 28, 2018
My Rating: 4.5 Stars

In a highly classified secret government program, highly intelligent, genetically enhanced humans are birthed and trained to be super soldiers, mental Einsteins whose I.Q.s and abilities register far above normal. The perfect “score” was a 10, but two individuals were more than perfectly intelligent, and they broke all of the rules when they fell in love. They also created a being superior to even themselves, a child who would grow up in boarding schools across the globe, never knowing who or what she was, never having a sense of family, never wanting for anything.

Now an adult, Haven is about to discover who and what she is, a Genetically Enhanced Medical Soldier, a “12,” superior in every way to every other G.E. M. S. She will also discover how she came to be and how badly both the government and terrorists want her and she will be entangled in the fight of her life, for her life and that of her own children.

Gail Parker has a gem of a science fiction tale to tell with her debut novel, G.E.M.S.! It isn’t that genetically enhanced soldiers hasn’t’ been written about, it is that this time out, the focus is on one young woman, who must dig deep to believe in the unbelievable and embrace her potential to its fullest and she must do it fast!

Let go of reality and meet Haven as she becomes an over-the-top heroine on a mission to save lives trapped in the claws of a deadly terrorist. Ms. Parker wastes no time in thrusting us into the action and creating an air of mystery and suspense as this tale unfolds. Her characters are fascinating as they relate to each other, share their POVs and the webs they have woven throughout the years. Witness a rather unusual family reunion, in-law troubles, and a battle of wits and might that only good science fiction and fantasy can bring to life! Definitely a fun read!

Who doesn’t love a good government conspiracy project that just may be exposed?

I received a complimentary copy from Gail Parker!

Series: Hidden12 Saga - Book 1
Publication Date: November 21, 2014
Publisher: Gail Parker
Genre: YA Fantasy
Print Length: 217 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Profile Image for Shirley Connor.
2 reviews1 follower
May 3, 2015
I loved this book! It hooked me in as soon as I started and I could not put it down! I finished it in one sitting. The characters are larger than life, and the pace is heart-pounding. I look forward to sequels, and I will definitely read anything else written by this author. What a thrill ride! Kudos, Gail Parker!
Profile Image for Christy McCurry.
552 reviews20 followers
February 9, 2015
Intelligence Required (Hidden12 Saga) by Gail Parker Fantastic debut to what promises to be an amazing series. the this book was so much more than I expected. When I was offered to read this for a honest review I was skeptical and I wasn't sure I was going to like it, but I can honestly say Gail Parker did a exceptional job. It blew me away I wasn't expecting to get sucked in so quickly. Hidden 12 is easy to read. It starts out giving you a little of the history jumping through the years smoothly up until present time where Haven is 21 years old married with twins.

Parker did a wonderful job on all the characters In this story.
Kristyn Silktin and Ben Callensworth where created by the government, both whom are part of the governments team of "Genetically Enhanced Medical Soldiers" or (G.E.M.S) they have trained in the same facility since the age of five. As the years pass they slowly find themselves falling in love' even though it has been forbidden by the government for these sector 11 to date little lone ever having children. When Kirstyn finds herself pregnant she fears for her herself and the live of her child so as any mother would do she does what she must to protect her child.

Story jumps 18 years ahead....
Haven the daughter of Ben and Kristyn she is highly intelligent. In order to keep her hidden from the government she has traveled the world, but has done it with either of her parents by her side.
She has always felt alone and incomplete. Now 18 years later she receives a call from her mother informing her she has purchased a one way ticket to the states. Only to be shipped off again the day after she arrives.

Haven has spent her whole life never knowing her parents except for the handful of times she has spoken to her mother over the years. Now three years later still no contact. She takes comfort in the arms of Scott which come with the evil mother-in-law Colleen.
This story is filled with suspense, mystery I was on the edge of my seat. I literally could not put this book down.

Thank you Gail Parker for providing me with a copy of Hidden 12. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the Intelligence Required series...

Profile Image for Lee Ann.
1 review
November 30, 2019
Really really enjoyed this book!! Couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next!!! Had a love story yet kept me on the edge of my seat!!!
Profile Image for BooksandBeyondFiftyShades.
1,350 reviews158 followers
February 3, 2015
Genetically Enhanced Medical Soldiers (G.E.M.S.) are soldiers birthed from highly intelligent women, who are paid greatly and have agreed to return the children at age 5 to a classified government program. They will then be trained depending on their special abilities. The normal human intelligence Cell is from a 7 to a 9. Those with Cell-10 are gifted with extreme intelligence but there are few that are above a 10. In fact, there are only two.

Ben Callensworth and Kristyn Silktin are the only two soldiers that have been secretly created by the government, each with Cell-11 intelligence. Together, they illegally went against all rules and fell in love and created a child together, Haven, who is the only Cell-12 ever. Kristyn runs away to protect Haven at all cost, even her own relationship with her daughter and Ben, the man she deeply loves.

Haven is moved every three years to keep her hidden from the government. But she does have a special guardian looking out for her and watching her as she grows and matures through life. At 18, she falls in love and gets married and has twin boys. Too bad her mother-in-law is out to sabotage her marriage and take her children away. Because of a plan set in motion by her husband and mother-in-law, Haven’s life is put at risk and she is reunited with both her parents. Between Haven, her parents, and her father’s elite team of special soldiers, they put a stop to her husband and mother-in-law’s plan. A whole new world is opened up to her as she discovers who she is and the hidden gifts she possesses. Haven, using her gifts, secretly attaches herself to a dangerous mission to save lives held captive at the hand of a deadly terrorist.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I was worried that it was going to be kind of sc-fi related but it was more action and mystery than anything else. I got so into everyone’s special talents and who could trust who, that I couldn’t wait to see how this was going to turn out. There is a pretty big cliffhanger at the end, so I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

I loved Haven’s no holds barred attitude. She was such a tough young lady, despite the life that she had led. She was so impressive with the way she instilled herself into her father’s mission without anyone finding out until it was too late to turn back. The book is told from Haven, Ben, and Kristyn’s POVs but does add in other’s thoughts from time to time during crucial plot moments. I was so pleased with the way Haven’s husband and mother-in-law was dealt with. Such a wonderful beginning to a new series.
Profile Image for Lucii Dixon.
1,104 reviews54 followers
January 26, 2015
*Book received in exchange for honest review *

Haven has a life anyone could dream of, travelling the world, living in various cities, learning new cultures and languages. but she doesn't have her parents. When she hears she's finally meeting her.mum in New York for the first time since she was little, she gets excited. When disembarking the plane in New York, more then ready to finally meet her mum, she's being chauffered to her mother's but a stranger. But when arriving at her lavish apartment, her mother acts a little cold. Haven is told her mother has brought her a house and 3 years later after being married and having babies, after.living a comfortable life, things rapidly decline and everything tilts on its axis. What will Haven do? Will she survive in the end?

What a fantastic read! I was optimistic when I went to read this but soon loved it and the characters. The story flowed from one plot into another and takes the story to a whole new level. I loved that this book was different and twists and turns around every corner. I look forward to book two!!!!!
Profile Image for Jon Abbott.
180 reviews14 followers
September 6, 2016
Mildly recommended. I purchased (on KU) the next book, which says something. The imaginary world (the world created by the author) needs a lot more development. I had some "I lack willing suspension of disbelief) moments. The central character, Haven, is a nice mix of fierce and naïve. I'd like to read more about her and less about her parents.
Profile Image for Rikki.
45 reviews67 followers
November 27, 2016
This story had a captivating storyline from the beginning. It stayed with me even when I wasn't reading. This novel could easily be taken to the next level if the characters had been more developed, and had more of their own voice. My interest swayed at times because of this. I look forward to seeing what the author can do next!
Profile Image for Mary Ann.
2,746 reviews11 followers
September 26, 2016
Do not start this at night if you have to work the next day (unless you're a speed reader). Set in what appears to be normal times one quickly discovers that gene modification can and does tip the scales. Am delighted I already have the next book read to start.
Profile Image for Beyond The Covers Blog.
2,518 reviews91 followers
February 22, 2019
Wow! That was one wild and crazy ride! I absolutely loved it! Hidden12 is action packed and fast paced. You will not get bored for one second!

Ben and Kristyn are Cell 11 G.E.M.S. (Genetically Enhanced Medical Soldiers). They have been together since they were five, training. They've gone against the governments rules. A forbidden love and procreated. Kristyn becomes pregnant and must hide to protect their child from the government and terrorists.

Haven's gifts surpass any Cell 11. She grew up without the guidance and love of her parents. She married Scott but his mother, Collen, had other plans for Haven.

The author created a unique story. What an imagination!  The characters were flawless! Being this was the author's first book I feel she did a magnificent job! Loved the classified information at the back of the book.

I can't wait for the next installments of this fabulous saga! I highly recommend!!
Profile Image for Tee loves Kyle Jacobson.
2,528 reviews180 followers
March 24, 2019
This review is new to me because I don't read Sci-Fi books. I just can't get into them and then I put them down and never finish them but I have to say that this one was very different because it had sci-fi and fantasy in it. I love fantasy so I said I am going to give it a go and I am so glad I did because I loved it.

This is a story about a girl who does bot know who she is or who her parents are. She has lived her entire life in boarding schools and has never been home long enough to find out who she is and who her family is. Traveling from country to country to go to school she is curious to know who she is.

Then comes the day when something happens and she finds our who she is and what she can do. She is shocked at first but then she is trained to be what she should have always been and she enjoys knowing who she is and what she can do.

Then she gets a chance to use her abilities when a terrorist comes to town and tries to take out everyone. She is there to stop him and use her abilities. This is an amazing beginning to a series and will have you on the edge of your seat wondering what is going to happen next.
Profile Image for Kim Walker.
94 reviews10 followers
February 7, 2015
*ARC received for an honest review*

When the government takes highly intelligent children to train as their own, what happens when two of them fall in love when they are older? Against all government rules, they have a child, and the child must be protected in order not to be thrown into the secret government society that her parent’s work for. Her mother vows to protect her at any and all costs and disappears leaving behind the man she loved to save their child. But what happens when the child grows up and trouble arises? Can she still be protected or will the government be out to get her?


What an amazing read! This story is filled with suspense, action, and romance that will leave you on the edge of your seating wanting more by the time you get to the end!

Ms. Parker has written a book that is a diamond in the rough and I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to read this book. It is written flawlessly and even though the story jumps in time frames, you do not feel like you are missing information or that the story moves too fast. It had a great sense of mystery to it, which I always love in a book and keeps you guessing as to what can be happening (which I love when I can’t figure out a story until the end). The book is action packed and brilliant with the way that she sets up the scenes so you feel as if you are there watching the whole thing take place. Plus, romance is thrown in, and I always love a good romance and this is a pleaser!

If you are looking for a new book to read, grab a copy of Hidden12 today, you will not be disappointed!!
Profile Image for Brandi Thorn.
2 reviews
June 17, 2015
I'm so glad that I found this book as it is the first in a new series! I'm not one to really get into books that have a Sci-Fi edge as this one is a little bit out there but I actually enjoyed the futuristic premise and could see that it might be reality someday. What I loved was the characters!!! I think that is essential for a first book of a series, gotta pull me in, make me love these people so that I can't help but want to see what happens to them next and author Gail Parker definitely nailed doing that! There was suspense that kept my mind wondering WHY about certain things which made me not want to put this book down....I wanted to keep turning pages to find the answers and again, I was not disappointed because my answers were cleverly and brilliantly given as I continued through the book. This book took me about three days to read, I read mostly at night before going to sleep and this one kept me up a few nights past my usual bed time! I'm so excited for the next book!!!!! I purposely kept plot and character information from my review as not to spoil it for someone who is reading this review in contemplation of purchasing it. I will say that I do not regret buying this book and will be purchasing the next one as soon as I can pre-order it!

Profile Image for Dave Neuendorf.
Author 2 books22 followers
September 25, 2016
Exciting premise, very poor editing

The description of this book moved it to the top of my reading queue. It has a strong female character, a rogue government program as the villain, and so many other features on my hot list for a good novel. But the author needs the advice of a good editor to bring the book up to its potential. Incorrectly used words are only the beginning of the problems with the writing. Badly written dialogue and shifting points of view are also there. I won't be able to make myself read the next in the series.
Profile Image for pennyg.
808 reviews7 followers
October 8, 2016
I love reading and supporting new authors when I can so I bought both books in the series. This is only my opinion and even though I appear to be in the minority, I think it would be a disservice to readers and authors alike not to be completely honest. I am afraid I can't recommend this. I was so distracted by errors in word usage and the writing style it was difficult to get through. This writer certainly has potential, a great imagination and even greater marketing skills.
3 reviews
December 3, 2016
So guys this book is amazing!!! You start out on your course and next thing you know your full speed ahead and your not wanting it to stop. This will be one book you won't want to put down. Its hooks you from the beginning and your not quite sure what might happen but you do know this is one family you don't want to cross. Their are no limits to there connections nor is their a shortage of enemies. This is a book you will want to read cover to cover in one sitting. So treat your self.
Profile Image for Barbara.
374 reviews16 followers
July 31, 2018
Lost interest in the first scene for "not realistic" based on a passionate kiss in the middle of a military operation... naaaaw, not going to waste my time further.
Profile Image for Abby Woodland.
Author 21 books93 followers
July 24, 2019
One of the most amazing books ever written! Action and suspense packed with the right mix of romance and more! Definitely something you don’t want to put down!
Profile Image for Lauren.
26 reviews3 followers
December 8, 2019
If you like reading things that sound like they are written by an 8th grader, this is it. It was an interesting concept, but I found myself constantly annoyed by the writing itself.
Profile Image for Romaine Heart.
2,337 reviews30 followers
February 24, 2019
See full review of Beyond the Covers Blog here on Goodreads and follow us on Facebook
Profile Image for Amy Gay.
2 reviews
March 15, 2017
The story line is amazing. The author has great imagination. Sadly, the writing is odd. Stilted. It didn't flow. I read books 1 and 2. As much as I want to finish this story, I can't possible muddle through any further. I really wanted to love the HomeTown Lake Charles author. I am sad that I just can't.
Profile Image for Amber Jerome.
8 reviews
July 20, 2017
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really think this story-line is kind of ingenious. This book is so versatile. Who doesn’t love a government involved conspiracy? Got it! Do you enjoy action packed novels? Covered! It also has a splash of romance, and a lot of family drama. It kind of hits a lot of audiences interests, and combines them in a pretty fabulous fashion.

I felt like the story was really unique and unfolded very well. It was also a fast paced story with not much time to fall back and get bored. It kept moving which really kept me into the story. I was able to finish this book pretty quickly, which is usually a sign that I enjoyed it.

I do have a couple of small issues, of course. If you read my blog, you will know that even my 5 star rated books usually have one small critique or two.

Characters! Again, if you have ever read my blog, I’m like a broken record. I always say, CHARACTERS make the story for me. I want to feel like I know them. I want to become attached to them. I want to feel sad when I read the last word on the last page, and we have to part ways and say our goodbyes. I want to have the urge to revisit you in the future. That’s what makes a 5 star “You made it to my special shelf” kind of book.

So you can probably guess what I am going to say. I had issues with the characters. It’s true! It’s not that I didn’t like them, in fact the opposite. I liked them very much! I just wish I could have connected more with them. I wanted to feel more for them, and know more about them. I needed that personal touch that made a character jump out of the pages of the book and into my imagination and come alive.

That being said however, this book is the first in a series of (currently) two. I’m told there will be a third. I also have my hands on the second novel in the series. I am hoping this is one of those series where you grow with the characters. Where as the story continues to develop and events unfold, you become more attached and less willing to say goodbye at the close of the book. I honestly have high hopes that will happen, and that is why I have rated this a 4 star book.

I’m thinking maybe, just maybe, the author left us just enough to want to go back for more. Because that’s the feeling I have right now. I’m excited to dive into book two (when I have the chance), and find out more about Haven and her family.

All in all, who would I recommend this book to? If you like action, government conspiracy, or secret sects of society who have special powers and can totally kick ass. Give this book a go! It’s a great read, and the series has a lot of potential to grow and become something spectacular.
Profile Image for Deb.
79 reviews12 followers
January 20, 2020
Haven grew up not knowing her parents, being shipped from safe house to safe house, city to city, country to country. She adapted well and learned the languages and cultures incredibly fast; everything she did, she excelled at. Turns out she's a level 12, where most people are between a 7 and a 9, very few reach a level 10. Her parents are the only level 11's known on the planet, and she has been tested (or whatever they did to determine it) as a 12, which so far has been unheard of. This is why her mother has her in hiding; so the military or terrorists can't get their hands on her and exploit her abilities.

Are ya with me so far?

Fast forward to Haven as an adult. She's met her mother, spent one night under the same roof as her even, before being sent to live in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Her mom bought her a house there. She's married and has twin boys. Her husband hasn't cut the apron strings from his mama yet and this woman is completely overbearing and rude and just not a nice person. Turns out, she's even more evil than you think, but I don't want to give anything away.

Anyway, later in the story, Haven is reunited with both her parents. This is the parts that kept me from giving this more stars. I can suspend belief long enough to buy the whole espionage stuff, but her parents. Oh my god, her parents. And the way Haven just shrugs off her entire lifetime spent without them! There is absolutely no anger towards them at all. When her mother tells her she'll explain later, then sends her away again THE NEXT DAY, she's like oh okay, you know best. Her father shows up and all of a sudden she's daddy's little princess. *eye roll*

Her father's men, he's special ops or something, have this corny salute or hand over their hearts or some such thing to show their support. Really? I don't know, it's all a bit much.

But the action stuff is good. Don't get me wrong, this is a pretty decent story, it's just the whole family dynamic stuff and the characters are somewhat over the top unbelievable at times. This is the first book in a four part series, and I'll probably read the next one to find out what happens next.

3.5 stars out of 5
Profile Image for Clare.
81 reviews6 followers
February 7, 2015
This book was sent to The Booktique Blog in exchange for an honest review

I was pleasantly surprised with this book, from the blurb I expected it to be a bit Dystopian but it was more action with a bit of mystery and supernatural thrown in.

I found myself involved with the book from page one, swiftly reading in just a few hours because I just couldn't put it down! The story flowed nicely with drama and goings on at every turn, I was reeled in wanting to know what's going to happen!

I really liked Ben and Joey as the protector type males in this book and Krystin and Haven were kick-ass female leads which I just adore in an action packed book.

The ending was one of those moments when you momentarily hate the author, (Sorry Gail!) I NEED the next book to find out what happens next!!

The only thing I disliked and reason it didn't quite clench my full 5 stars was the multiple POVs, I found it a little confusing at times. However it didn't deter my need to reach the end of the book.

4.5 from me. Really enjoyed this book.

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2 reviews
July 28, 2015
This is a great book from a new author. It has a great storyline and it keeps your attention to the point that you don't want to put it down. The characters are realistic and you find ones that you really like and others that you love to dislike. This is a must read that would be appropriate for ages from teens to adults. The writitng style has something for all ages which is a rarity. It isn't too graphic but it has enough realism to keep a more mature reader enthralled. I am eagerly awaiting the second book in the series. I have recommended this book to several of my friends that have enjoyed it and in turn recommended it to others. That is one of the best ways to know that a book is good, by word of mouth and not heavy marketing. Keep up the good work Ms. Parker. More writers should follow your example and create an intriguing story that doesn't need to be filled with graphic sexual scenes or unnecessary violence, yet still have an excellent book.
Profile Image for Joyffree.
3,406 reviews61 followers
March 1, 2019
Intense - Entertaining - A must read series for those who enjoy Fantasy and SciFi

They were created to be the ultimate super weapons
They were forbidden to have relations
They failed to follow the rules
She is the result of that failure

What a fabulous read!
This starts out intense - something I look for in a solid read - as a reader you are a bit blind of the overall picture until about 30% into the book -Do not fret - It works in your favor because when the "Oh NO!" and "OMG" moments happen they are intense.

I do not want to give away any spoilers but I will say I recommend for just about any age (teen on up) who is looking for a storyline that has vivid characters, a complex but easy to follow story line that guarantees it's reader an entertaining edge of your seat journey filled with mystery, intrigue, and romance.
581 reviews72 followers
October 18, 2016
I voluntarily received an ARC of Hidden12 by Gail Parker in exchange for an honest review.

Hidden12 is a unique young adult story with action, romance, and drama. All of which I enjoyed. Even with all of the aspects that drew me to the story, there was something that kept me from really connecting with Hidden12. This really frustrated me because I enjoyed the plot and characters and desperately wanted to connect with the book.


I haven't yet decided if I want to read book 2 in the Hidden12 Saga. I do want to find out what happens next, but I will be disappointed if I still can't connect with the story. Don't let my inability to connect with this book sway you from reading it, because the plot of the story is very intriguing.
7 reviews1 follower
January 23, 2016
WOW! What a great book! This is a well written book with twists and turns throughout. I loved being on the edge of my seat while I read, just waiting for the next thing to happen. This book is a great blend of different genres, in my opinion, and that just makes you want to read it even more. You have a little bit of supernatural, romance and action. I loved it! I can't wait to read the next one in the series!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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