Monthly Archives: March 2021

Wild Sign by Patricia Briggs – a Review

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Wild Sign by Patricia Briggs – a Review

 

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Description:
In the wilds of the Northern California mountains, all the inhabitants of a small town have gone missing. It’s as if the people picked up and left everything they owned behind. Fearing something supernatural might be going on, the FBI taps a source they’ve consulted in the past: the werewolves Charles Cornick and Anna Latham. But Charles and Anna soon find a deserted town is the least of the mysteries they face.

Death sings in the forest, and when it calls, Charles and Anna must answer. Something has awakened in the heart of the California mountains, something old and dangerous — and it has met werewolves before.

 

 

Review:

Wild Sign by Patricia Briggs is the 6th book in her Alpha & Omega series. The Alpha & Omega series is another fascinating werewolf storyline that takes place in the world of Mercy Thompson. Only this series revolves around Charles Cornick, who is the enforcer for Bran (his Alpha father), and his wife Anna, who is an Omega wolf. I love this series and our heroes, Charles and Anna; the chemistry between these two is electric and the way they balance one another out is amazing.

Two FBI agents visit Charles and Anna’s home to request help on a land owned by the pack; as they explain something strange is going on there; the entire town of Wild Sign, is missing. Bran tells Charles to take Anna and another pack member, Tag to investigate what is happening.  Turns out that the land is actually owned by Leah, which we will learn more about when she was last there, and rescued by Bran.

When Charles, Anna and Tag arrive they can tell something very bad happened, and each of them can feel evil spirits and supernatural at work.  Was this the work of evil black witches?  They do find letters, as well as means of magic. This will lead to finding the woman who wrote those letters, and to a convalescent home, where Charles recognizes an old nemesis, who is currently under the control of witches that run the home.  They discover more information, during his lucid time, and Anna learns from Charles and Tag how evil this man was or is.

Charles becomes concerned, as does his wolf, when Anna begins to come under control of something evil when listening to a song, that pushes her to the past. Leah, plays a bigger part, especially the last half of the book, as her own past brings her back to Wild Sign. We do learn more about what happened years ago, when Bran brought her into the pack. Leah was never likable in this series, but she steps up in this horrific situation.

What follows is an intense, scary, exciting adventure, where multiple times Anna will find herself very much under the infuuence of this evil.  Charles and his wolf will do all they can to protect Anna, as well as Leah nearer to the end.  To tell too much more would be spoilers, which would ruin the story.  I will say the last third of the book was crazy, wild as we raced to the climatic finish, which had me holding my breath, as there were numerous twists and turns; not to mention this monstrous creature was stronger than them combined, and over the years was immortal.  Can they kill the evil being?

Wild Sign was a great story, very intense and so well written by Patricia Briggs.  What I love about our heroes, is their love for each other; as Anna, as an Omega, is not only smart, strong, she also keeps Charles sane.  I also love Brother Wolf talking to Charles, as well as Anna; they made a great couple (threesome with Charles’s wolf). Wild Sign was an exciting, pulse pounding, fast paced, captivating story. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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One Stupid Thing by Stewart Lewis-a review

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One Stupid Thing by Stewart Lewis-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 16, 2021

One Stupid Thing follows four teens as they navigate the mystery surrounding a tragic, deadly accident that leaves them wondering: who is really to blame?

It was just one stupid thing that happened…

Summer on Nantucket island. Three high school friends drinking warm beer on a rooftop. Everything is cool, until a seemingly innocent game takes a sinister turn, and the course of their lives are changed forever.

For a year, they keep it a secret, until the following summer when they meet a mysterious girl with her own dark past who may have the answers they are looking for.

A story about friendship, mistakes, and the quest for redemption, One Stupid Thing follows Jamie, Sophia, Trevor and Violet as they contend with the consequences of their choices, navigate the drama in their individual lives and try to uncover what really happened on that fateful night.

••••••

REVIEW:ONE STUPID THING by Stewart Lewis is a young adult story of suspense following three high school friends in the aftermath of an accident that killed a local man.

Told from four first person perspectives (Jamie, Trevor, Sophia and Violet) ONE STUPID THING focuses on the events leading up to and after the car accident of which Jamie, Trevor and Sophia blame upon themselves. A late night party, a little bit of drinking, and a teenaged prank leads our trio to believe they have caused the death of a local man but one year would pass, everyone would lose contact, and very little is reported or known about the accident, including the name of the crash victim. Upon his return to Nantucket, Trevor would be befriended by Violet, the step-daughter of a local businessman, and a young woman who reveals a little more about that night one year earlier. What ensues is the hunt for the truth, and the possibility that there was something more sinister behind the death of Brendan Daly.

ONE STUPID THING is a coming of age story about four young adults who face the loss of friendship, drifting apart with the reality of what happened and why. Hoping to uncover the truth with the help of Violet, Jamie, Trevor and Sophia begin to unravel the secrets of Nantucket Island, and the truth behind the death of an innocent man.

The premise is intriguing and interesting but there is more telling than showing, and in this there is limited emotional attachment. The details are narrow and bounded as the story line does not go into any depth of events, and the character’s actions are almost apathetic and impersonal. Sadly, I felt disconnected from the story line premise.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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THE DREAM GUY NEXT DOOR by Lauren Blakely-review tour

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THE DREAM GUY NEXT DOOR (The Guys Who Got Away 1) by Lauren Blakely-review tour

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 Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54892743-the-dream-guy-next-door

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 7, 2021.

Just my luck – my new next door neighbor is a unicorn.
Yep, the British hottie is clearly a mythical man because – get this – he’s a sexy, witty, charming, big-hearted single dad.
Who, wait for it, wants to find Mrs. Right and get hitched.

He’s a once-in-a-blue-moon kind of man, and it’s a darn shame I’m not on the market. If I were, his accent alone would melt me. Add in the fact that he’s a veterinarian, and my animal-loving heart would be flip flopping.

But my heart’s on the mend. I’m a single parent like him, and raising my teenage daughter is my top priority. Plus, falling for a guy who shares your property line is a line you shouldn’t cross.

Still, I’m an outgoing gal, so I do the neighborly thing and offer to be his dating insider.
Surely, I can help this small town’s most eligible bachelor ever navigate his way through all the fantastic single ladies eager to make his acquaintance.

What could possibly go wrong in helping the dream guy next door find his one true love?
So I set him up on one date, two dates, three dates — and I’m about to find out exactly how dangerous my offer is.

••••••

REVIEW:THE DREAM GUY NEXT DOOR is the first instalment in Lauren Blakely’s contemporary, adult THE GUYS WHO GOT AWAY erotic, romance series. This is thirty –nine year old, veterinarian and single father Dr. Liam Harris, and thirty-seven year old, carpenter/single mother January’s story line.

NOTE: THE DREAM GUY NEXT DOOR was first released in audible format.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Liam and January) THE DREAM GUY NEXT DOOR follows the building romance and relationship between thirty –nine year old, veterinarian and single father Dr. Liam Harris, and thirty-seven year old, carpenter/single mother January. Liam Harris is new to the small town of Duck Falls, California having moved to take over his father’s practice but meeting his next door neighbour stirs something deep within our story line hero, something he hasn’t felt for a very long time. As a single father, British born Liam Harris is hoping to find his own happily ever after but single mother January, isn’t looking to settle down anytime in the future. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Liam and January, and the potential fall-out as the heart wants what it cannot have.

Liam Harris is a single father who’s hoping to find the one woman that calls to his heart but Liam’s quest for love continues to miserably fail as he keeps thinking back to the woman next door. January is a single mother who’s first failed marriage has forced our heroine to focus on her daughter and her career. Never intending to remarry or have any more children, January struggles between head and heart when she finds herself falling for a man who wants everything and more.

The relationship between Liam and January is one of immediate attraction but January is an independent business woman who has no plans for marriage or settling down in the future. Liam Harris is looking for love but more specifically looking for a woman who is going to love his son, and take on the role of mother and guardian. As the new man in town, Liam finds himself the center of attention but there is only one woman that calls to his heart The back and forth between Liam and January is frenetic and fun. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text

We are introduced to Liam’s ten year old son ; Ethan’s parent ; Liam’s cousin Oliver; as well as January’s daughter Wednesday, and January’s best friend Alva Change.

THE DREAM GUY NEXT DOOR is a story of family, friendships, relationships and love. A story of love, loss, revelations and acceptance. The premise is engaging, entertaining and heart warming-there is no over the top drama or conflict; the romance is seductive, tender and captivating; the characters are animated, fun and flirtatious.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Dream Guy Next Door
Dear Sexy Ex Boyfriend
The What If Guy
A Guy Walks Into A Bar
Thanks For Last Night

Own a copy

Reviewed by Sandy

A #1 New York Times Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s hot, sweet and sexy. She lives in California with her family and has plotted entire novels while walking her dogs. With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than eighty times, and she’s sold more than 2 million books. In October she’ll release HARD WOOD, a sexy, standalone romantic comedy. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter

Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Newsletter ** Goodreads

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Yes & I Love You by Roni Loren-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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Yes & I Love You (Say Everything 1) by Roni Loren-Review & Excerpt

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 2, 2021

Everyone knows Miz Poppy, the vibrant reviewer whose commentary brightens the New Orleans nightlife. But no one knows Hollyn, the real face behind the media star…or the fear that keeps her isolated. When her boss tells her she needs to add video to her blog or lose her job, she’s forced to rely on an unexpected source to help her face her fears.

When aspiring actor Jasper Deares finds out the shy woman who orders coffee every day is actually Miz Poppy, he realizes he has a golden opportunity to get the media attention his acting career needs. All he has to do is help Hollyn come out of her shell…and through their growing connection, finally find her voice.

••••••

REVIEW:YES & I LOVE YOU is the first instalment in Roni Loren’s contemporary, adult SAY ANYTHING erotic, romance series. This is online movie and television reviewer Hollyn Darling Tate aka Miz Poppy, and improv actor / barista Jasper Deares story line.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Hollyn and Jasper) YES & I LOVE YOU follows the building relationship and romance between twenty-five year old improv actor and barista Jasper Deares, and online movie and television reviewer Hollyn Tate. Hollyn works in the four-story WorkAround building, a converted New Orleans’ warehouse where podcasters and social media influencers rent space and hone their crafts. Jasper Deares, a new barista at the on-site coffee café catches Hollyn’s immediate attention but our heroine suffers with facial tics, a form of Tourette’s, and doesn’t leave a very good first impression with Jasper Deares, the man with whom Hollyn will fall in love. Hoping to apologize for their awkward introduction, Hollyn reveals the truth about her struggles with Tourettes, and in doing so sets into motion the start of a relationship that will spiral out of control. While neither one was in a place for a permanent relationship, Hollyn offers a friends with benefits affair, that will quickly turn into something more, when Hollyn asks Jasper to be her ‘pretend boyfriend’ when her rock star ex Cal, another man who struggles with Tourette’s, returns to town. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Hollyn and Jasper, and the potential fall-out as Hollyn’s past comes looking for a second chances, and Jasper’s past offers our hero the role of a life-time.

Hollyn Tate struggles with facial tics, a form of Tourette’s in which, nerves and stress result in facial twinges and twitching that constantly draw attention when she would otherwise want to be left alone. Hollyn’s current line of work is the mysterious online reviewer known as Miz Poppy, a position that affords our heroine anonymity but her relationship with Jasper is about to expose the truth. Jasper Deares is a struggling actor who grew up in the foster care system, works as a barista during the day. An opportunity to invest in his own improv company finds our hero offering Hollyn the freedom to experiment with her public persona, an experiment that pushes our couple together.

The relationship between Jasper and Hollyn begins as a friends to a friends with benefits turned fake boyfriend/ girlfriend relationship that quickly turns into something more but the potential for a love triangle with the return of Hollyn’s ex, finds our hero walking away in an effort to protect the woman he loves. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and dynamic secondary and supporting characters including serial murder podcaster Andi Lockley; Hollyn’s best friend / former lover and guitar player Cal; online therapist Mary Leigh; Jasper’s ex-girlfriend Kenzie, as well as several members of the improv troupe known as Hail Yes-Antonio, Monique, Leah and Barry. Andi Lockley’s story line is next in WHAT IF YOU & ME.

YES & I LOVE YOU is a story of friendships, relationships, struggles and acceptance. Roni Loren brings to the forefront several neurodevelopmental disorders including Tourette Syndrome, ADHD and anxiety disorders, of which, a number of her characters currently struggle. The slow building premise is emotional and encouraging but idealistic ; the characters are inspiring, quirky and spirited; the romance is tender and intimate.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

 

 

Jasper remained hunched in the passenger seat, half-turned to the side, as Hollyn pulled onto the road and made her way to I-10. She was sweating now, too, and her fingers were tapping a four count on the steering wheel. She was probably supposed to talk to distract him. That was what people did in these situations, right? She’d seen those kinds of scenes in movies.
“This won’t take long,” she said, not looking his way. “Fifteen minutes tops. Maybe you just have food poisoning or something.”
“Right.”
“Or maybe your organs are going to explode.”
He made a choked sound, but then she realized he was laughing—or at least attempting to in between whatever pain he was dealing with. “Gee, doc, you really know how to delicately lay out my condition.”
“My sympathy meter for you is low right now.”
He lifted his glasses and rubbed his eyes. “I know. I’m really sorry. Like really, epically sorry.”
“Whatever.”
A few seconds of silence passed and he looked over at her. “Can you keep talking? Even if it’s just to tell me what an ass I am. Anything to distract me from this stabbing pain.”
Keep talking. The plea made her throat want to close up, Jasper’s attention on her too intense. She could feel her tics ramping up. “I don’t know what else to say. Ask me something.”
“Favorite color.”
She wet her lips. “Blue.”
“What’s your last name?”
“Tate. Yours?”
“Deares.”
She turned to look at him. “Dearest? Like your mom is Mommy Dearest?”
He sniffed derisively. “It’s Deares without the T. And that’s an old joke, Hollyn Tate.”
“Not to me.” She felt the corners of her mouth hitch up a little. “Jasper Dearest. I sound like your 1950s wife calling you to come to the dinner table and eat your pot roast.”
Oh God, did I say that out loud? I just called myself his wife.
He snorted. “Too bad your name isn’t Hollyn Darling. We could get our own retro TV show.”
The tight feeling in her chest eased a little. “I’d have to learn to make pot roast.”
“Not a food blogger then, huh?” He leaned back against the headrest and closed his eyes. “What do you do? My money’s on CIA operative.”
She focused on his profile for a moment, which was oddly compelling, the slight bump in his nose somehow making him that much more interesting to look at—imperfectly handsome. She turned her attention back to the road. She didn’t need to be thinking about his nose or how handsome he was. Asshole, remember? “I do a lot of freelance writing, but not about food. Mostly about movies and entertainment.”
“I love movies. You like your job?”
“Mostly, but it’s a lot of scrambling. I’m hoping to find a full-time position one of these days. You know the magical kind that comes with insurance and a steady paycheck?”
“Jobs like that exist?” He shifted in his seat and let out a soft grunt of pain.
“I’ve heard rumors.”
“Fascinating.” He reached out and angled the air-conditioning vent toward him.
She took a breath, trying to settle into the rhythm of the conversation. “So you do coffee and improv.”
“Yeah. And I’m going to teach some classes at WorkAround.”
“On how to trash your coworkers?”
Jasper’s head turned her way again. “Ouch.”
She didn’t look over at him. No way was she apologizing. She needed to remember she was mad, that he’d been a jerk. Not get distracted by his hotness or his struggling-actor state.
“Look, Hollyn,” he said, his voice quiet. “I’m truly sorry. What you saw tonight…that isn’t the spirit of our show.” He paused and took a ragged breath, like the speech was a lot of work. “I made a mistake. The serial-killer thing naturally brought my mind to Andi, and I bet if you asked her, she wouldn’t have taken what I said seriously. When I talked to her, she made fun of her own obsession. She embraces her weirdness.”
“Right,” Hollyn said, jaw tightening. “So I should just be cool with being made fun of. I’m the one who’s too sensitive. Got it.”
“God, no,” he said with frustration. “I’m saying I was a dick to use you in the monologue, and I’m sorry. I didn’t know about your tics. I just thought you were annoyed with me.”
Her grip tightened on the steering wheel as she took the exit for Canal Street, and she inhaled a deep breath. “I’ve grown out of the worst of them but they flare up when I’m…nervous.”
She could feel him watching her, and her fingers tapped more quickly.
“So I made you nervous?” he asked.
“Yes.”
He frowned in her periphery. “Why?”
She rubbed her lips together, not liking this line of questioning at all. Because you were funny and boy beautiful and have the sexiest smirk. “I’m not great with new people.”
He shifted in the seat again. “Good thing I’m not new anymore. You can relax now.”
She glanced over. The guy looked like hell. Flushed and sweating. But his eyes had a little spark of invitation in them.
“You’re still exceptionally new,” she said. “Cellophane wrapped with the price tag still on.”
“Nope. The seal’s been broken. We’ve texted. You helped me limp off a city street. Hey, we’ve even had our first fight and planned our TV show, Hollyn Darling. I’m no longer new to you.” He winced and gripped his side. “We’re old friends now.”
She stared at him for a moment, part of her wishing it could be true. But who was she kidding? One, how could she trust that any interaction they had wasn’t going to turn into material? And two, she’d been fooling herself when she’d thought they’d been flirting. Jasper was a comedian. Funny quips were his business. Charm was his currency. She’d read the whole situation wrong. “We’re not friends, Jasper.”***
Excerpted from Yes & I Love You by Roni Loren. © 2021 by Roni Loren. Used with permission of the publisher, Sourcebooks Casablanca, an imprint of Sourcebooks, Inc. All rights reserved. 


 

Roni wrote her first romance novel at age fifteen when she discovered writing about boys was way easier than actually talking to them. Since then, her flirting skills haven’t improved, but she likes to think her storytelling ability has. If she’s not working on her latest sexy story, you can find her cooking, watching reality television, or picking up another hobby she doesn’t need–in other words, procrastinating like a boss. She is a RITA Award winner and a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author.

Places to find Roni Loren:
Site: www.roniloren.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoniLoren
Twitter: https://twitter.com/roniloren
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4877863.Roni_Loren

NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the. rafflecopter giveaway.If you have any questions, please contact the publisher.

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Over Her Wed Body by Alexia Adams – a Review

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Over Her Wed Body by Alexia Adams – a Review

 

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Description:
Beckett Samuelson has had enough stepmothers to spot a gold digger when he sees one. So when his ailing father announces his engagement to the private nurse he’s only known for two months—who’s also forty years his junior—Beckett has to step in. But as he gets to know the woman, he realizes she’s the perfect next Mrs. Samuelson.

If only he was the intended groom.

Corazon Dela Cruz sends every spare penny she earns to her family in the Philippines. Then her latest nursing client offers her $25,000 to fake an engagement to convince his overprotective son to return to work abroad—he doesn’t need Beckett’s help. But as Corazon and Beckett spend more time together—from picnics on the beach to galas in fancy dresses—she starts to develop very real feelings.

Too bad she’s engaged to the wrong Samuelson.

 

 

Review:

Beckett Samuelson has returned home to check on his father who suffered a stroke. He’s determined to make sure the nurse is capable. Corazon “Cora” Dela Cruz is the nurse taking care of his father. She has a unique way of dealing with her patients. When these two set eyes on each other it’s instant attraction. They fight their attraction because she’s an employee and he’s returning to the all-consuming architecture career he has in Dubai. An interfering father trying to be a matchmaker just may pull Cora and Beckett apart. They’ll fight their attraction and learn to trust each other. Can these two people meant for each other come together Over Her Wed Body?

Alexia Adams’s newest book Over Her Wed Body takes the reader from high society of Vancouver, Canada the poverty rice patty area of the Philippines and the royal world of Dubai, Saudi Arabia. The story is a steamy look at the lives of architect and the nurse taking care of his father. A man who’s trust in woman was devastated at a young age with the death of his mother and the two stepmothers that came after. A nurse taking care of the father who the past ten years been helping take care of her family back in the Philippines. Their mistrust just may turn to love as they realize the strong attraction between them. When his father tries to play matchmaker, it’ll confuse the whole situation and put distant between. An incentive maybe the answer to a prayer and the happiness of father just may keep these two people who are meant to be together.

Alexia Adams writes a story of love and attraction and putting your trust into someone who you could fall in love with. She’ll have you cheering for these two characters to find their happily ever after. I’m looking forward to hopefully reading Ms. Adams next story and hopefully a sequel to Over Her Wed Body and the story of the male best friend would be a welcome addition. You’ll love traveling across the world to see if these two characters who weren’t looking for love just may find their way to each other.

Reviewed by Kim

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Wild Wind (Chaos 6.6) by Kristen Ashley-Review & Excerpt Tour

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Wild Wind (Chaos 6.6 / 1001 Dark Nights) by Kristen Ashley-Review & Excerpt Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 9, 2021

When he was sixteen years old, Jagger Black laid eyes on the girl who was his. At a cemetery. During her mother’s funeral.

For years, their lives cross, they feel the pull of their connection, but then they go their separate ways.

But when Jagger sees that girl chasing someone down the street, he doesn’t think twice before he wades right in. And when he gets a full-on dose of the woman she’s become, he knows he finally has to decide if he’s all in or if it’s time to cut her loose.

She’s ready to be cut loose.

But Jagger is all in.

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

•••••••

REVIEW: WILD WIND is instalment 6.6 in Kristen Ashley’s contemporary, adult CHAOS erotic, MC romance series, and the latest instalment in the multi-authored 1001 Dark Nights series. This is mechanic and CHAOS member Jagger Black, and store /malt shop owner Archie Harmon’s story line. WILD WIND can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary. Jagger is the son of Graham and Keely Black, step-son of Shepherd ‘Hound’ Ironside, and brother of Dutch.

Told from three third person perspectives (Jagger, Archie and Tack) WILD WIND follows the building romance and relationship between mechanic and CHAOS member Jagger Black, and store /malt shop owner Archie Harmon. Approximately ten years earlier, a then sixteen year old Jagger Black, visiting his father’s grave at the local cemetery, spied a young girl at her mother’s funeral. Leaving the young girl a note on her mother’s grave, Jagger would be surprised when a response was handed to him, and in the ensuing years would run into our heroine at irregular intervals, never having learned anything about her. Fast forward to present day wherein Jagger would witness the young girl, now a beautiful woman running after a young boy who had stolen from her shop, a young boy that would figure prominently in our couple’s lives. Enter Archie Harmon aka A, and the woman with whom Jagger would fall in love. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Jagger and Archie, and the potential fall-out as Jagger continues to struggle with the loss of his father, a man he barely remembers, but a man he has placed on a pedestal most of his life.

Jagger Black doesn’t believe he is capable of loving, and in this, his feelings for Archie are foreign and strange. Having watched his mother struggle for years after the death of her first husband, Jagger thinks he is incapable of finding his own happily ever after, in the face of never knowing the man he hoped he could be. Meeting Archie Harmon gave Jagger thoughts for the future but when the reality of their situation became overwhelming, Jagger battles between head and heart. Archie Harmon runs a vintage shop, a shop where she ‘caters’ to the struggling teens from the local school. Never one to back down from going for what she wants, Archie wants Jagger but must tread carefully as our hero continues to struggles with demons from the past.

Meanwhile, a group of troubled teens and young adults find themselves gathering at Archie’s local shop but all is not well in the less than desirable area of town, as several teens face discrimination and bullying at the hands of their peers and so-called friends. Having witnessed the abuse first hand, Jagger and his Chaos brothers take a stand in an effort to protect the young men who have become targets of the local bullies.

The relationship between Jagger and Archie begins ten years earlier when neither one knew the other’s name. Over the years, Jagger and Archie would run into one another promising to meet but having never come to fruition. Jagger’s chance to make things right comes with the knowledge that Archie may be the ‘one’ but Jagger’s demons ride him hard, and in this, he struggles to be the man his father would want him to be. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including a ‘flashback to Jagger’s father Graham and Tack, the former president of the Chaos MC. We are reintroduced to Jagger’s brother Dutch, and their parents Keely and Hound Ironside as well as the introduction to Archie’s friends Joany and Lafayette; troubled teen Mal; Archie’s parents Andy and Haley, her brother Elijah, and her step sisters Hellen and Liane.

WILD WIND is a story of family and relationships; fractured dynamics; acceptance, revelations, open wounds and healing hearts. The premise is inviting, inspiring and imaginative; the romance is heart warming, captivating and provocative; the characters are encouraging, energetic and animated. WILD WIND is a welcome addition to the CHAOS family, another biker finds his happily ever after.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

“You wanna know what I think?” Hound asked.
Jagger tipped his head back to look at his dad.
Then Hound told him what he thought.
“I think you’re in. And I think if you walk away from this girl, you’ll regret it for the rest of your life. And I think I’m here to tell you that because you need another voice sayin’ something you already know.”
“That’s what I think too,” Jagger admitted.
Hound nodded, and again he did it only once.
“Then I’ll look forward to havin’ her over to dinner and celebrating with your mom that she can finally stop worrying about you because she’s feelin’ you shoulda been done sowin’ those oats about five years ago.”
Jagger grinned at him.
His mother had never been at one with the way Jag tackled life, considering he’d always been about wresting as much of it as he could for his own.
Dutch was the quiet, responsible one.
Jag was…
Not.
Hound reached out and caught Jag by the neck, gave him a squeeze, a shove, then let him go.
And Jagger felt better.
“So, what’s her name?” Hound asked.
“Archie.”
Hound looked him right in the eye.
Then he burst out laughing.
He settled back into the bar, his fingers cradling his brew, and he was shaking his head.
“Archie and Georgie. Fuck,” Hound said.
Jag hadn’t thought of that, both him and Dutch finding girls with boys’ names.
He grinned, leaned back into the bar himself, and replied, “She doesn’t have red hair and freckles, and I seriously doubt her best friend’s name is Jughead, but I think she might have a bit of tomboy in her.”
“Well, son,” Hound picked up his beer and tipped it toward Jag, “you’re about to find out.”
Jag grabbed his beer and tapped necks with Hound.
And he was grinning again.
Because Hound was right.
He was. 


 

NOTE: The excerpt is intended for mature readers due to strong language and content.

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Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn’t taken her first breath!).

Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.

Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).

Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.

And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.

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The Engagement Embargo by Samantha Chase-Review Tour

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The Engagement Embargo (Meet Me at The Altar 1) by Samantha Chase-Review Tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

Goodreads: https://geni.us/Engagement-Goodreads

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 9, 2021

Four failed engagements. One year-long hiatus on women.

Elliott Sullivan loves being in love, but after his latest romantic disaster, his friends and family finally put their foot down—no relationships or proposals for at least a year. Ready for his heart not to be squashed under another sexy high-heel, he agrees to fully embrace life as a perpetual bachelor. Which should be easy—especially when he recruits his sister’s best friend for help. Surely he won’t fall for her, no matter how perfect she seems…

Skylar isn’t sorry to see Elliott’s latest relationship go up in flames. She’s had a crush on him for as long as she remembers—not that anything can ever happen there. So when Elliott asks for her help to stop him from breaking his dating embargo, she jumps at the chance. They’ve spent time together before and nothing has come of it. So what could possibly go wrong this time?

Sticking to his embargo would be fine if all this time with Skye wasn’t making Elliott wonder if maybe the perfect girl had been in front of him all along.

••••••

REVIEW:  THE ENGAGEMENT EMBARGO is the first instalment in Samantha Chase’s contemporary, adult MEET ME AT THE ALTAR romance series focusing on the woman who work for, and own Meet Me at the Altar Wedding and Catering services-Skylar, Lea and Josie. This is co-owner Skylar Jennings , and computer coder Elliott Sullivan’s story line.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Skylar and Elliott) THE ENGAGEMENT EMBARGO follows in the aftermath of the wedding that never was. Elliott Sullivan was about to get married but realized the woman he loved was in love with someone else. This being his fourth failed attempt at marriage, Elliott’s family imposes an engagement embargo in an effort to prevent Elliott from quickly jumping into another relationship. For one year the family ‘strongly suggests’ that Elliott forgo any future relationships but Elliott never expected his sister’s best friend Skylar Jennings to help him overcome his relationship dependency and loneliness in the forthcoming months. With a degree in psychology, Skylar knows a thing or two about relationships and grief but our heroine finds herself ‘counselling’ the man whom she has loved for as long as she can remember . What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Skylar and Elliott, and the potential fall-out as Elliott struggles between head and heart, keeping secret his relationship with our story line heroine.

Skylar Jennings has lusted after Elliott Sullivan for a very long time but refuses to cross the proverbial line between romance and friendship having watched from the side lines as Elliott’s history of failed relationships break a little bit of her heart.Elliott Sullivan wants it all-marriage, family, and a happily ever after but our hero had no idea that his sister’s best friend Skylar felt anything other than brotherly love .Sent by Josie Sullivan to ensure her brother Elliott didn’t do anything stupid or wrong, Skylar found herself ‘babysitting’ a man who seemed to accept that this was his current direction in life . Getting to know our story line heroine meant getting up close and personal for Elliott with the woman that would call to his heart.

The relationship between Elliott and Skylar begins as friendship as Elliott struggles in the aftermath of the wedding that almost was but Skylar is quick to reveal that Elliott’s ability to move forward may be a sign that perhaps he hadn’t yet found his own happily ever after. Keeping their relationship a secret is about to take a toll on their growing love, a love that is threatened by the engagement embargo Elliott begins to enforce on his own. The $ex scenes are all implied or fade to black.

We are introduced to Skylar’s friends and business partners: Josie and Leanna; Elliott’s large extended family, and Elliott’s friends Tyler, Alex and Jared.

THE ENGAGEMENT EMBARGO is a story of family, friendships, relationships and love. The fast paced premise is entertaining; the romance is passionate yet heart breaking; the characters are stubborn, dynamic and sassy.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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New York Times and USA Today Bestseller/contemporary romance writer Samantha Chase released her debut novel, Jordan’s Return, in November 2011. Although she waited until she was in her 40’s to publish for the first time, writing has been a lifelong passion. Her motivation to take that step was her students: teaching creative writing to elementary age students all the way up through high school and encouraging those students to follow their writing dreams gave Samantha the confidence to take that step as well.

 

When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading contemporary romances, playing way too many games of Scrabble or Solitaire on Facebook and spending time with her husband of 25 years and their two sons in North Carolina.

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Bad Blood:A VamPR Nightmare by Bee Murray/Niobe Marsh-Review Tour

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Bad Blood: A VamPR Nightmare (Pisces Paranormal PR 1) book one by Bee Murray and Niobe Marsh-Review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 15, 2021

Vampires are real. But whether you’re a fang-head or a groupie, there’s trouble brewing in the streets of Seattle.

Public meltdowns, drug overdoses, rehab missteps, mistresses coming out of the woodwork? There’s nothing a spoiled starlet or a washed up rocker could throw at the renowned Pisces PR Agency that can’t be turned into promotional gold.

But when Tuesday Matson stepped out of her SUV on that sanguine summer evening, she didn’t expect to walk smack into the biggest PR nightmare of her career. And to make matters worse? The high-powered star at the center of it all is her ex… and they’ve got bad blood.

Five years ago, Vinnie Quake messed up. Big time. But that was nothing compared to this. He’s desperate for help, and if that means hiring his ex? So be it.

There are some secrets that can be swept under the rug, but in a city brimming with anti-vampire sentiment, how do you turn a massacre into a coming out party? There’s more to this PR emergency than Tuesday ever expected, and if she’s not careful she’ll be the next headline—and for all the wrong reasons.

Bad Blood is a paranormal urban fantasy thriller that is perfect for lovers of True Blood, Vampire Diaries, and things that go bump in the night.

••••••••

REVIEW: “Vinnie Quake, international popstar, billionaire, global chart-topping narcissistic asshole, is a vampire… And soon enough the entire world would know. Things would never be normal again.”

Vinnie is facing his biggest challenge yet. After letting his monster slip the leash, he needs to atone for what he’s done…. So many members of staff died that day, but it was the last soul that saved him, that made him leash the beast, and get help…..

Tuesday is good at her job. In fact she’s one of the best, there isn’t much that fazes her or worries her.
She turned to work to get over a heartbreak that almost destroyed her! She’s looking to move on, but every time she tries, she’s let down! At least she’s got her job…..

Past history between Vinnie and Tuesday makes this for an interesting read, they were an item until he loses sight of what was important. A one night stand loses him the girl and his normal life!! The life he now wishes he still had! But life goes on and so must Vinnie, but there isn’t a day that goes past he doesn’t wish it was different. It should just be a case of media management and containment of details. But someone wants to make both Vinnie and Tuesday’s life difficult!

Love story? No. It’s more of a mystery book. Loved the premise and the plot. I was hoping it would turn into a second chance romance, but the further I got into the book, the less I wanted romance, and more sleuthing, but we did get a few passionate moments, which gives me hope that Vinnie and Tuesday aren’t done with each other yet. Vinnie was ok, the usual self absorbed rockstar, the type that seemed to blame everyone else instead of owning his issues.

Tuesday was a blast, her opinion had me laughing out loud on more than one occasion. But the fact she couldn’t move on and wouldn’t analyse what happened and settles for second best doesn’t really win me over, but by the end I was totally onboard with her and her way of dealing with things. And by the end of the book, I think they’d both gotten perspective, and Tuesday definitely had the better part of that deal.

So how can Tuesday help Vinnie? Especially when it’s not going to be easy? Her ideas are sound, her expertise is second to none, so can her plan work? Or can Vinnie expect to ruin it again?

There is intrigue and a hint of this continuing into the next book. A little double dealing, and treachery!

And the next book ? I’m definitely interested in reading more of Tuesday and her PR adventures.

Copy supplied for review

? Julie B

GET TO KNOW BEE MURRAY & NIOBE MARSH
An interview with the USA Today Bestselling authors of Bad Blood: A VamPR Nightmare!

TALKING ABOUT BAD BLOOD: A VAMPR NIGHTMARE

What inspired you to write this book?

NIOBE: Bee and I had talked about collaborating on something, and when she showed me the short she’d done that would eventually become Bad Blood, I HAD to be part of it. The characters were fun, infuriating, and challenging all at the same time, and I’d been itching to get back into writing Urban Fantasy with a bit of a twist. And Bee was the twist!

BEE: So, this story originated out of an anthology short piece I wrote in early 2020. I wanted to write something that differed from your normal vampire UF storyline, and I wanted the characters to be complicated. When I was talking with Niobe about co-writing something, this short story came up and it just kind of snowballed from there into this magical, dark, twisty world. We did originally intend this to be a rom-com though and then we realized that we both are super into writing crazy scenes with violence and snark so that was a fun twist! This is not a cozy rom-com. LOL

What can we expect from you in the future?

NIOBE: There will be two more books in the Pisces PR world, and Bee and I have several collaborations planned for the coming year (+ years). For my solo work, I have a historical fantasy dragon shifter series that’s clamoring to get out, and a Sci-Fi Romance trilogy scheduled for the summer. Watch for “Celestial Cruise Lines” in July!

BEE: Both Niobe and I have a ridiculous publishing calendar this year. Like she said, we have our collaboration on Pisces PR Agency and that world and then a few other things that we are prepping. I have my Matestone Guardians world of fated mates, reverse harem romance, strong heroines in their 30s, and unusual shifters that will get several new books this year. I also have a dark and twisty wolf shifter trilogy planned in the Fall.

Where did you come up with the names in the story?

BEE: I wish I could tell you I have this really complex, literary naming process. I don’t. I chose Tuesday’s name because I wanted it to stand out and had it in my head it had to be a day of the week. Sunday didn’t work. Wednesday was too Addams Family. I landed on Tuesday! 🙂 For Vinnie, I kind of imagined this dude-bro type of individual who is hella obnoxious and thinks he’s hot stuff but also talented musically. I landed on Vinnie. Niobe helped give him a proper name “Vincent Quaker” so his stage name of “Vinnie Quake” worked better.

What did you enjoy most about writing this book?

NIOBE: Everything about writing this book was an utter joy. From brainstorming to writing, it’s always a challenge to work with someone else—especially after being a lone wolf for SO long. But this was the easiest thing in the world. Bee and I have a very similar writing style, and similarly bent minds, and the story and the world of Pisces came together really easily. But the collaboration was actually the most fun. I was always eager to see what changes had been made and what had been added to the story. More often than not, we were on the same page before it was even written.

BEE: This book was so much fun to write with Niobe. She’s the best. We work so well together and we could just let this book flow together beautifully. Co-writing can be difficult, but this wasn’t at all and I honestly cannot wait to see how the series develops. My favorite parts were the middle of the night brainstorming FB messages and realizing that we are both so dark and twisty when it comes to concept. We have some dramatic time zone differences between West Coast USA and New Zealand, so it was so fun to wake up and see what changed in the story. Sometimes it felt like we shared a brain! All good things! <3

How did you come up with the name of this book?

NIOBE: We wanted something vampire related that also gave some hint to the story we were bringing to readers. Vinnie is a vampire, Tuesday is his ex. They’ve got bad blood between them… I don’t think there could have been a better title for the genesis of their story.

BEE: Yes, that. 😀

What is your favorite part of this book, and why?

NIOBE: It’s a tie between Vinnie and Tuesday’s arguments (so many arguments) and the car chases. I love car chases. I love watching them. I love writing them. I love reading them. Action and fight scenes are always the most fun. Maybe the scene in the garage with Vinnie’s cars… I can’t pick just one!

BEE: I love Tuesday so much. She’s my favorite character, and we put her through the ringer. There’s a part in this book where she has to come to terms with this shared history she has with Vinnie, and she goes and confronts the problem head on and DEMANDS what she wants. And I love that. I also love how Vinnie develops. Both main characters are deeply flawed and they show that.

If you could spend time with a character from your book, whom would it be? And what would you do during that day?

NIOBE: Frankie, for sure. I feel like we’d cruise around the city in his surveillance car, do some reconnaissance for a case, and then get hot dogs and talk about baseball. Or, he’d talk about baseball and I’d just eat my hot dog. He’s a trip and I totally want to hang out with him.

BEE: Oh yeah, the whole Pisces PR Security Team is awesome and they would get up to so many shenanigans. I think I’d want to hang with Adrienne too. You don’t get to know her very well in this book, but she clearly is Tuesday’s ride or die. I’d go get brunch with her and get all the dirt and then maybe go hit up an escape room or go hang out in a dive bar with the Security Squad and watch Olivia kick Frankie’s ass at pool.

Are your characters based on real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination?

NIOBE: I think every author works out their frustrations or relationships on paper in some form or another. From my perspective, Tuesday has a bit of my snark, Vinnie has a bit of one or two of my exes, Frankie is the guy I always wished I had for a brother… that kind of thing. Obviously some characters are imaginary, but as they grow, I’m sure they’ll take on more aspects of other actual people we know. I’m interested to see where Baldwin ends up. He’s still a bit of a mystery to me.

BEE: I rarely base my characters entirely off actual people, but I’d be lying if there weren’t some character traits that don’t get interjected here and there. Frankie is based on an actual friend of mine who basically defines “Good people but will cut you if you hurt his friends” and that was super fun to see how that developed. Baldwin has some mannerisms that remind me a little of someone I used to work with who was super smarmy. One of our beta readers compared Tuesday to a paranormal version of Olivia Pope from Scandal, and I can kinda see that.

Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel you have the reigns of the story?

NIOBE: I think characters definitely take the story their own way. You can have the best laid out plan for where things are going to go, and they’ll go rogue at the most unexpected moments. I like it when they take over and make their own decisions. I’m only in control of things 80% of the time… the rest, I leave up to them. I think my role is to make sure that I can guide the characters back to the narrative after they’ve had their fun. The challenge for me is to make their goals line up with mine.

BEE: It depends on where I’m at in the writing process. Some characters speak gently to my muse and I have to draw them out and really explore who they are. Others straight up scream it at you. Bad Blood was a mix of both. Tuesday and Vinnie didn’t change all that much from the outline. The surrounding events did and their attitudes were more defined, but the core of Tuesday and Vinnie stayed within the lines. Baldwin really changed his story arc in this though, and Adrienne demanded a bigger part and we added a few sidebar characters as well. Do I have the reigns? Eh. Most days. I am a pantser. I am sloooowly learning the value of outlining everything, so I enjoy the tangents when characters go rogue. It’s fun to write.

If your book had a candle, what scent would it be?

NIOBE: Jasmine and Blood Orange — sweet and dangerous, with a bit of sharpness underneath

What did you edit out of this book?

NIOBE: Present tense. LOL.
BEE: LOL. Tenses are hard. Mostly for me. LOL.

“My team ordered a physical for my world tour. At the time, I didn’t know they would be doing blood work… Long story short, I tested positive for the Vampiric Infectious Disease. No one knows this, but there are regulations in place to prevent the doctors who discovered it from going public… But I don’t expect any of this to remain a secret for very long. Before tonight, only my assistant knew the truth.”
Vinnie sighed heavily. 
“She helped me more than I deserved. She procured blood sources for me to feed on.” His next pause was longer, and it felt heavier, too. “Everything was fine, but I experienced a severe lapse in control today and… My household staff bore the brunt of it.” 
His tone was completely blank as he gestured to the people sitting around the room. No one moved, it was almost as though the act of explaining what had happened— that my ex-fiance was a vampire who had eaten his household staff as a pre-dinner snack was something as easily explained as a ‘loss of control’. 
Which, as a vampire, it could very well be. 
    A headache burned behind my eyes as I tried to make sense of the entire situation. I pressed my palms against my face and took a few deep breaths. That was supposed to be calming, right?
    1. If what they said is true, I have been contracted to spin a mass murder into something… less murdery.
    2. The murderer is a vampire and living a double life as possibly the most well-known music star in the world. Whatever I spin has to stand the test of many, many press outlets. 
3. The vampire in question is the ex who ruined my life four years ago and just admitted to eating his assistant and his household staff without a bit of remorse.  
The tension in the room was overwhelming. I could feel the stares of every single person at the table burning into me. They were waiting for me to say something. 
I could walk. Carlyn would understand.
Probably.
But if there was anything I hated more than Vinnie, it was the idea of giving up. To give up would be to let him win. 
He could never, ever, win. 
Decision made, I looked up and smiled as my gaze tracked over the worried faces around the table.
Without me, they were fucked. We all knew it.
I was a professional, and this was not my first uncomfortable case, it definitely wouldn’t be my last. It was more than clear that the time to turn my emotions off and focus on the issue at hand was well overdue.
    “According to Pisces PR contracts, concealing felonies comes with a surcharge. Given the number of people that Mr. Quake has… eaten and killed in cold blood this evening, that surcharge will be substantial, as will the extra fees for me having to deal with his pathetic, sorry ass.”
    Vinnie smirked at me and everything in me wished I had a spray bottle of Holy Water to spritz on him like a misbehaving demonic cat.
With vampiric infections on the rise, local drug stores have started selling really cute pressurized Holy Water canisters—Vampire mace—but I had never seen the need to carry one. I would be changing that as soon as humanly possible. I was pretty sure that a boutique near my apartment sold a range with Swarovski crystal embellishments…
    Vinnie’s manager smiled in a way that felt far too familiar for the situation. I’d always hated him. “We both know Mr. Quake’s profile is high enough that money is no object. Thank you for agreeing to help. We anxiously await your plan”
    I bristled at Baldwin’s simpering tone as he pushed a blank check across the conference table toward me. It was already made out to Pisces PR. I was nothing more than a service provider to these people—a way to solve a problem that their crazy client had created. 
It’s good that they’d come to us. Pisces PR Agency is the only game in town that has the capability to deal with something like this. But that doesn’t mean they get off easy. Oh, no. They were going to pay. Bigtime. I stared at the check in front of me for a full minute before placing my fingers on it.
Against my better judgment, I pulled out my notebook and tucked the check inside. 
It was time to get to work.

Bee Murray is the pen name chosen by a quirky writer based out of the Pacific Northwest. An International & USA Today Bestselling Author, Bee dreams of everything from grand adventures with complex characters to pun-filled romantic comedy, weird paranormal situations, extra steamy romance, and anything else her heart comes up with. Don’t expect any love triangles here, Ms. Murray is a big fan of ethical non-monogamy and it comes out in her menage romance and reverse harem stories!

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Niobe Marsh is a USA Today Bestselling penname of a prolific author (and anthology addict) of many genres of romance. Here you will find monsters, ghosts, paranormal lovers, dark heroes, and adventurous heroines in search of their happily ever after–whatever that means.

Facebook * Facebook * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

 

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