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Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite
Mixed Messages by Jodi Culliney is a heartwarming love story about Lana Miller and Liam Livingston, who met by fate. Unaware that Lana’s former colleague and crush at the hospital is Liam’s cousin, the two meet and have a magical night together. Their relationship is genuine, but they decide to keep it a secret, not revealing their names, occupations, or family backgrounds to each other. Liam heads back to South Dakota, while Lana stays in New York. Still, they cannot let go. They keep texting, swapping secrets, and trusting each other with things they dare not tell anyone else. Unknown to them, their relationship is a ticking time bomb as Lana’s well-planned life, and her insecurities and trauma, are about to clash with Liam’s drifting career and the outgoing playboy persona that many know him for.
Mixed Messages is the third book in the Love, South Dakota Style series by Jodi Culliney. The characters feel real because they face relatable challenges. Despite her success in her profession and academic achievements, Lana still suffers from her father’s abandonment and from being bullied because of her simple background. On the other hand, Liam is a smart and good-hearted person, but is not taken seriously by his friends and family because of his short-term relationships. Yet somehow, the two opposites click, bond, and fall in love. I love that they had a chance to get to know each other first without the weight of each other’s pasts. The highs and lows of their relationship, along with the suspense of waiting for them to reveal their true identities, will take you on an emotional roller coaster. The story is well-paced; every scene was necessary, and the side characters’ stories were also engaging. Fans of the series will catch up with couples from previous books. I was really invested in the drama. There is also a mystery about Liam’s sister that I hope will be addressed in the upcoming books. I really enjoyed this book, not only for the love story but for the vital lessons about not letting bad experiences dictate your future.
