Destiny Rhodes is an independent woman, who feels cursed with bad luck. Things get even worse when her brother, who enjoys a drink or two, forfeited her home, Doom Bar Hall, in a card game. He lost their home to none other than Divers O’Roarke – a man who she is not on good terms with, to say the least. Whilst he’s determined to get her out of the picture, Destiny is no doormat, refusing to give up her home to this handsome, yet very frustrating man.
The dialogue was witty and faced-paced. Destiny and Divers are polar opposites, which created wonderful chemistry between them. Whilst Destiny is a wonderfully feisty character, Divers is harder to read, choosing to keep his cards close to his chest.
There were many twists and turns along the way, keeping the reader hooked. The Cornish setting was intriguing: a place teeming with smugglers and excise men. This added a unique dimension to the novel, and I found myself completely immersed in Destiny’s story.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and can’t wait to read more of Shehanne Moore’s books! A riveting read that will have the reader hooked from start to finish, O’Roarke’s Destiny is a perfect novel for those who enjoy a suspenseful, sizzling romance.
As part of today’s post, fabulous romance author Shehanne Moore has kindly agreed to join us to answer a few questions about her books and writing process.
Now, for the questions . . . .
IB: What first inspired you to write historical romance?
SM: I have always been fascinated by the past. When it comes to us living in the present, we are here because of everything our ancestors lived though, war, plague, famine, disease, you name it in fact. But no matter the many differences between their lives and ours, certain things have always held good. The way they thought, the things they wanted and needed are not so far away as all that. So when it comes to the past, I prefer to write stories set there and I guess I settled for the romance tag because it was easier when I set out to get a romance book published. Let’s face it we all like a bit of it in our lives.
IB: You have a reputation for creating suspenseful plots. When you write, do you start with a solid plan, or invent new twists as you go along?
SM: Oh gosh, if only. The honest truth? I don’t have a scooby. I just have a scenario. Let’s just say that with Destiny I was having the Tuesday night wine night with a very good friend and we’d just put our house on the market that day and sold it, that day too to the first viewer who bought it on the spot without even wanting to see round it. He knew how long we’d lived in that house and thought it might be painful. So my friend was pretty gobsmacked and I said, ‘I should have flung myself in along with it.’ And that was where the idea for Destiny came from. But all it was, was an idea. I started to write it without the least notion of where it was going except that I fancied Cornwall as a location and I had some notion of the book opening at the point where this has chastely worked for a good while and now the hero has decided to get married. And like the voice whispered, ‘Stuff that. How about there’s past between them?’ So then, the hero who had a completely different name from in the book was exactly what he said. A house and garden designer. But after a few chapters he told me he didn’t like any of this, end of. And that is the shambles I work with every time. I don’t have a clue ever what the next chapter will be, where any of it is going, anything. At least I looked on the bright side of this one. It wasn’t as bad as in the Viking and the Courtesan where there was never meant to be a Viking at all. No time travel. Nothing. When I get really stuck as I did with Splendor I ask myself what are the goals and what would be this kind of person’s next move. That was simply for her to run up even more debt. It led to the whole of the next bit.
IB: If you could spend a day with one of the heroines in your books, which one would it be and what would you do?
SM: Well now Ada, that is a very interesting, excellent question in fact, especially if any one of them is out to smooth over whatever they’ve been up to. And not wanting get in a fight, or indeed for them to get in one with one another, as I hear the chorus of, ‘Me! Me!’ I have to say each one of them has something to offer the unsuspecting ‘day with them tripper’. ALL of it good of course…ahem. As the then fiancé of Splendor found out, a day with her, involved her dressing as a man and being challenged to a duel. You’d also need deep pockets to fund her shopaholic problems. Though I suppose if that day was in debtor’s prison, that problem wouldn’t arise. Brittany now, from a book I am about to re-release, that day would involve nonstop drinking and clubbing–fine if you can keep up– and as with Malice, who would only be interested in wrecking your marriage, it could involve several sudden disappearances. Sapphire, would be a possibility. Although in the past she’s been known to plant stolen goods, she is totally reformed. Kara? Alas? And Fury? In addition to the fact both refrain from belting me in the jaw? Well I suppose a day on a pirate ship with Fury would be all right provided she dropped the airs, graces and conditions. And same goes for Kara, so long as the trip round a Scottish glen didn’t involve getting her son back. Destiny…..? I guess a few hours might be all right, so long as you let her set the table and didn’t touch any of the dishes. AS for my forthcoming heroine? I am not even going there.
IB: You are known for being very supportive of emerging writers. What tips would you give budding romance authors who want to succeed in publishing their stories?
SM: Never stop believing in yourself and the story you want to tell. Publishing has changed beyond all recognition. Research on that. Yes, it is wonderful to have the agent/traditional publishing house but don’t waste years on that path. Even if it is granted it is may not be ‘everything’, just as going out on your own is not ‘nothing.’ Be realistic. Realistic too in what you can comfortably output. Be true to yourself in terms of your voice. Learn the craft and never give up.
Question 5: Is there anything new on the horizon, book-wise?
SM: Indeed, in addition to the rerelease of the Writer and the Rake, which I got my rights back on, Wryson’s Eternity, the follow up to O’Roarke’s Destiny is in the final editing and proofing stages.
IB: Ooh, I can’t wait (I’ll be downloading Wryson’s Eternity to my Kindle the day it’s released!).
Thank you so much Shehanne for being here today. It’s been fascinating hearing about your books and writing process.
Shehanne’s books are available from Amazon and lots more on her own site Cornish Rogues | shehanne moore
The Introverted Bookworm 
84 responses to “Book Review and Author Interview: O’Roarke’s Destiny by Shehanne Moore”
A great review, Ada; and a great conversation, Ada and Shehanne!
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!! Thank you so much. Ada isn’t just a wonderful writer but a wonderful interviewer too.
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Thanks so much. I very much enjoyed interviewing you — it was a blast! 💙😃
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Hi Dave, thanks so much for stopping by and your kind comment. It was indeed a great conversion with the queen of romance herself! I enjoyed interviewing Shehanne very much. She’s a fab writer and lady!
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You’re oo kind Ada. You ar ea pretty ace writer yourself.
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Hi Dave, thanks so much for stopping by and your kind comment. It was indeed a great conversion with the queen of romance herself! I enjoyed interviewing Shehanne very much. She’s a fab writer and lady!
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Ada, thank you so much for both buying and reviewing Destiny. It means the world to me. As does the fact you invited me to your wonderful blog and asked great questions. You aree a star.
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The pleasure was all mine! Thanks for agreeing to stop by Introverted Bookworm; it was fab to have to you over. And you’re the star, lol ⭐ Can’t wait to read Wryson’s Eternity (so excited!!!) 💜💜💜
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xxxxx Ada.
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I’m so glad we behaved re any heroes and any days out… xxx
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Excellent review, and a super fun interview. I’ve read a lot of Shey’s books! And I enjoyed every one of them. I’m excited for the next one. 🙂 Great fun, Ada and Shey.
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Hello Diana, thank you so much for stopping by to check out Shey’s interview and review! Yes, I’m excited too! Wryson’s Eternity sounds wonderful; I can’t wait to start reading it. Thanks again for your kind comments — much appreciated 💙
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My pleasure
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Diana, how lovely to see you. You’re a grand lady, writer and supporter. You write some ace books yourself. You and Freya Pickard have converted me to fantasy so there you go. x
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Thanks for the kind comment, Shey. You’ve converted my to romance! Lol.
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Oh, Diana, thank you, truly. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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Diana, I’m looking forward to reviewing your fabulous book, Lairs and Thieves, in mid-December, and was wondering if it would be okay if I put in a link to your trailer for Seasons’ Weaver at the end of the review? If that’s okay, then let me know and I’ll drop it in! Best wishes, Ada 🌸🌸🌸
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Sure! I’d love that! I’m so glad you got a sneak preview. The trailer will be on my blog on Tuesday, so your timing is excellent. Wow, did you start my weekend off right, Ada. Thank you!
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No problem, Diana! I saw it earlier on, and it’s captivating! A most excellent trailer indeed. I’m sure others will be just as intrigued as I am. Have a great weekend 😃📚💜
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🙂 🙂
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Thank you for the review and what a great Q&A!
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Hi Esther, thank you so much for your kind comments. It was a very fun Q&A indeed! 💜 Thanks for dropping by to check it out. 😃
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Introverted Bookworm asks the best questions! Very intuitive. I couldn’t have asked for better. Thank you for the lovely commnet Esther
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haha, thanks! Just trying to satisfy my own curiosity, really! Glad the questions were fun to answer💜
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Ada – a wonderful interviews Your questions were excellent, bringing a fresh perspective on Shey’s most excellent writing skills. What I love about Shey’s characters is that each character is beautifully flawed. They are selfish and generous, authentic, relatable and totally real. They make mistakes, take huge risks, and love with passion. Readers fall in love with Shey’s characters. Their struggles and triumphs mirror our own, making Shey’s work not only entertaining but profoundly impactful.
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Hello Rebecca, thanks for your lovely response! Yes, I agree with you — Shey’s characters are wonderfully flawed and relatable. She really keeps the reader engaged (the witty banter between characters is magic). I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to demolishing her new book as well once it’s released. Thanks for stopping by; your presence here is much appreciated! 💙😊
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🤗🤗🤗
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Alas Ada, my characters are never very good at shutting up, I ask them to but, they just have to have the last word with one another., every one else too, cos like that they also generally know best. . I can’t thank you enough that you get my characters. You and Rebecca,. and that new book is there. Final tweaks on a bit that I’ve never been happy with.
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Gosh, Rebecca, I hardly know what to say. I am sitting with my face covered, thinking…. We all have flaws –ofen ones we are gloriously unaware of–and I just can’t not write flawed. I tried but it jsust wasn’t me. We all do make too many msitakes, have little quirks, we all do struggle and have triumphs, that’s human nature. So your words are words I treasure. Thank you. Truly.
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You are the treasure, Shey!! Your writing resonates and challenges readers to live authentically. Many thanks for being a writer.
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xxxxx Rebecca. Well, life is messy I guess. Thank you once again. Truly.
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love these kinds of books ♡
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Samantha Joe “Sambucca” thank you xxxxxx
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Are you on Google Play Books or Apple iBooks?? 😀
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I’m not but that does mean to say I can’t…… I am going to check that out actually, probably today.
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Good cos I love cozy mysteries!
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f I can’t I can send you a pdf. xx
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Hi Samantha! Thanks so much for stopping by and for supporting Shehanne! Much appreciated! 💙💜💚
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Sure 😀 gh0stkitt3n@hotmail.com
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Just pressed send.
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It takes courage to write in this manner: “I don’t have a clue ever what the next chapter will be, where any of it is going, anything.”
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Either that or pure insanity. But so far–touch wood–I’ve not fallen off the tightrope. xxxxx for the lovely comment. I’ve never looked at it like that.
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Yeah, totally! I see what you mean. It’s cool that a great story comes forth from her process. Hats off to her! Thanks for the kind comments and for stopping by — much appreciated! 💜🙂
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I often say, ‘ Hold the hat,’ Ada, when I have to go away and think about the latest developments BUT it is kind of funny, like being handed things in bits and pieces. these pieces never don’t appear.
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LOVE Shey and LOVE this interview.
I’ve read all Shey’s books but The Writer and the Rake. Looks like I’ll read that now. I’m sure I have a copy.
I’ve also reviewed all the books on my ART GOWNS blog. I drew all her girls.
My pride though is, from reading her books, I came up with a now infamous saying; “Never judge a book by its cover, unless there’s a gown on it!“
I also draw Shey! She’s one of my gown models.
WOW! What a fab post! Thank you Ida and Shey! xx
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RESA xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx My ladies and I adore you. And I have them in your gowns, drawn by you on my walls. Just amazing what you did. I have a ball scene in this forthcoming that I put in BECAUSE of you. I also have all the drawings you’ve done of me. The Writer and the Rake is being re-released. I got my rights back and as soon as Eternity is out there, Ithat one is going back out behind it. Lovely to see you. xxxx
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A ball scene! I can hardly wait to read …is it “Wryson’s Eternity”?
Wonder if can draw a ball scene? Maybe the AGM’s could be extras in the bg.?
So, I found “The Writer and the Rake” in my files.
This conversation reminded me.
Have you, or will you be changing it, doing any rewrites?
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx PS Ida did a fab interview!
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Resa, you are very delux yourself. Yes there’s a ball scene in Wryson’s Eternity. I will just say there wasn’t going to be. But then I thought of you. I think there’s a ball scene in Writer and Rake too. I have tidied the book generally, I was on a deadline with that book. And that was fine till I had one of my … how about you change all of this’ moments. ‘Certainly from the moment I come on.’ said the hero. So I did and then the devil was at my back. So really what I’ve been doing was just some tweaks. I LOVED Ada’s interview. The questions are amazing and right up my street.
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Hello Resa, thanks so much for stopping by to check out Shey’s interview and review! Wow, that is wonderful! And you drew her girls, which is just amazing. Didn’t know Shey is your gown model! Very cool (I can kind of see her going about like one of her characters now — a real life Lady Fury/Destiny lol!) Thanks so much for the kind comments 💙💜💙
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Yeah I have a big framed pic of the ladies on the dining room wall. It is deliberately shabby chic in there and I think they look right there. Resa has also kindly drawn me . and I have pics up of them up too. One is on my family wall in our kitchen. Resa is amazing at art gowns and she doesn’t just draw them she makes them too out of all sorts. Then she auctions them for charity but I understand it is only for the right to wear them for a night. She names them all and has some pics on her blog. Her backstory is something else actually when it comes to design and she is so generous with hre time.
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I adore this interview/review.
Thanks for the cool post with a deluxe lady!
❦🌹🌟
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Carolyn Haynes I just saw you had reblogged this. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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You are an excellent reviewer. It was interesting to learn the author’s thought process.
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Aww, thanks Anna — you’ve made my day! Thanks for such a kind comment. I really appreciate it and you taking the time to take a look at the review 💙😃
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Ada is a wonderful, detailed reviewer. Thanks from me too for taking the time to read, he inerview too. She is also brilliant at knowing the questions to ask.
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Aww, thanks Shey! Easy to ask the right questions when you love the author’s books (and think the author is awesome as well!). You’re an inspiration! 🙂💜
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You’re damned amazing yourself. When I saw your questions I could hardly beleive my luck actually. There you go. Then there’s your ‘braw’ book on fires in Scotland. and you are doing great things here too . That is before I get to everything in your life.
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Ach, Shey, you’re too kind 🤗 xxxxxxx (lost for words now, lol!)
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Calling it like it is.
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This is such a wonderful book review and an interview with an author. Firstly, I love your questions, second – I find that talking about a certain book with an author is a great way to deepen readers’ understanding of the character, plot, the author’s message, or theme. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Hello Aiva! Thanks so much for your kind comments; you’ve made my day! I enjoyed interviewing Shehanne — she’s a fab lady and her characters are very intriguing (and wonderfully flawed!). Thanks again for checking out the review! Best wishes, Ada 💜🙂💙
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Ada, you are a fab lady and writer yourself. I can’t wait to read more of your work. You are also amazingly supportive, epsepsh of my flawed characters xxxx.
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I meant flawed in the best possible way; they are interesting, turbulent, and captured my heart, making me want to root for them! Sometimes romances can make the reader feel bad about themselves; the characters are too ‘good’ and don’t make any mistakes or take real chances, but not so in your books, which is why I LOVE your style! ♥📚
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Ada, my darling I can’t write books like that. I tried initially and I could have had a contract with a big romance publisher but then I sat down to make the requested changes–it was to what later became Loving Lady Lazuli, and I thought, ‘Girl you’re selling out. This isn’t you.’ So I got back with the bad boys and girls of hist roms. xxxxxx truly. Readers and writers like you who get my characters, make everything worthwhile that way.
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Wow, that’s amazing! I’m so glad that you did. You’re a big inspiration, Shey, that is very cool (I’m so glad us readers didn’t miss out and you stuck to your guns!). As a reader, I want to feel validated and accepted, which your characters help with, because they are so human, dynamic and full of passion. That’s what makes your writing relatable and enjoyable. Thanks for sharing this and your work with us on the blog and in general. You’re a guest of honour here on introverted bookworm, and it’s been ace to have you 💜💙💜💙😊
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Ada did a fantastic job here. The questions were right up my street, like she had detailed inside info!!! That is why I loved them so much. I didn’t even have to think. It was a real chat. As you say, it is a great way to deepen readers’ understanding of a theme etc. and that for me was exactly what these questions were. Thank you so much for reading.
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Wonderful review and fun interview!
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Hi Priscilla, thanks for the lovely comment — you’ve made my day! 🙂
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Ada is the vry best, so she is.
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💜💜💜
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BUON WEEK-END
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You too, friend! 🙂
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👌
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A compelling review and interview! The chemistry in O’Roarke’s Destiny sounds electric, and Shehanne Moore’s insights are inspiring for writers!
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Hey Akhtar, thanks for your comments. Yes, you’re spot on — the chemistry between her characters is electric; she’s an expert at crafting witty banter and lots of sparks fly between the heroes and heroines in her books. Thanks for stopping by to check out the interview and review 😊
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Ada, now you’re the one being too kind. I am abso thrilled with your review and questions. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx for the lovely comment.
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Wow, Akhtar, thank you so much, truly. I have to say, all credit to Ada. Her questions were brilliant. She just knew instinctively the ones to ask. And she’s a wonderful reviewer too.
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Thanks for the review, Ada, and for writing the book, Shehanne! I love a good enemies to lovers trope, so I look forward to reading Destiny and Divers story. I just ordered a copy for my Kindle. I’m a bit of a slow reader, but look forward to tackling it this week. My husband is working on a big home renovation so reading is definitely better than staring at some grown men throw demolition debris in a dumpster rental haha Thanks again!
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Hi Kasey, thanks so much for stopping by to check out the review and interview. Shehanne will no doubt be delighted that you downloaded her book! I’m also a big fan of the enemies to lovers trope as well. I hope your home renovations are going okay and the book keeps you occupied. That’s the best thing, I think, about books — they help you drown out the noise and chaos elsewhere! Thanks again for your kind comments. Your presence here is much appreciated 💜😊📚
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BUONA SERATA
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BUONA DOMENICA
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😄
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🙋♀️
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[…] in the Cornish Rogues series as much as I enjoyed the first, O’Roarke’s Destiny (see my review here). What surprised me is that I enjoyed Wryson’s Eternity even more! The themes explored really […]
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