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Blind Date, Checkmate

by Veronica Blade (Goodreads Author)

3.62 of 5 stars 3.62 · rating details · 168 ratings · 35 reviews

NOTE: This is a novella of appx 105 pages

Should a woman who’s unable to forget her first love give “happily ever after” one more try?

Shelby Winters’ one great love went sour. If she can’t feel that way about a guy again, why bother? When Shelby’s best friend sets her up on a blind date with Logan, the guy who broke her heart, he pursues her relentlessly, forcing her to ma...more

Paperback, 105 pages

Published January 15th 2012 by Crush Publishing Ink (first published December 24th 2011)

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Something Witchy This Way Comes by Veronica Blade

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Nov 08, 2012 Lissa & Alexa The Novel Lasses rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Adult & Young Auult Readers of Romance

Recommended to Lissa & Alexa by: Gifted

Veronica Blade has teamed up once again with Crush Publishing to deliver this heartwarming novella about heartache and renewed loved. Veronica does it again with cover art is a simple design to let you know the fire that brews in pages beneath.

Although it is a short read Veronica Blade did an excellent job at capturing the turmoil that seems to plague every woman at some point in her life. However, for this tale we meet Shelby a twenty-six year old successful realtor who had her heart ripped ou...more Veronica Blade has teamed up once again with Crush Publishing to deliver this heartwarming novella about heartache and renewed loved. Veronica does it again with cover art is a simple design to let you know the fire that brews in pages beneath.

Although it is a short read Veronica Blade did an excellent job at capturing the turmoil that seems to plague every woman at some point in her life. However, for this tale we meet Shelby a twenty-six year old successful realtor who had her heart ripped out of her chest nine years prior when her soul mate Logan moves away and dumps her.

Never fully mending from the loss, Shelby has one bad relationship after the other and is only able to commit to a vagarious workout routine (If only I had followed Shelby commitment instead of the Ben & Jerry’s). She finds herself on a blind date with the very guy who crushed her so many years before.

When Logan weasels himself back into Shelby’s life claiming he never stopped loving her, will she be strong enough to guard her hear? Determined, head long not to allow her heart to be broken, Shelby throws up every wall she possible can at Logan. Will it be enough though? Does Logan love her? What will be the defining moments in Shelby’s life? Will she live happily ever after?

I look forward to future writing from this author no matter the genre Veronica Blade does such an excellent job at weaving every story she writes and still in some way leaves you hungry for more.

Disclosure: I participate in Author Reviews and a copy was provided to me by the author. No payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was not any obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed here are entirely mine and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist, or the readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
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Jun 05, 2012 Michelle (MsRomanticReads) rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle-freebie, contemporary, june-2012, romance, short-stories-novellas, second-chance-at-love, 2012

2.5 Stars

Shelby Winters never got over her teenage love. After dating for three years, her Logan had to move away when his parents divorced. They tried to make the long distance work until one day he called and dumped her. Not only had he broken his promise to come back to her once he turned eighteen, but he'd also broken her heart irrevocably. All that happened nine years ago.

When her best friend strong arms her into agreeing to a blind date, Shelby is more than surly but gives in eventually. I...more

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Feb 12, 2012 Stephanier76 rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

http://freak-ya-tastic.blogspot.com/2...

I have to thank Veronica Blade for this free e-copy. Like always, I enjoy her story. What can I say? I'm a fan.

This book is a oneshot book, not really a young-adult read but that can be read by young-adult readers since there isn't any explicit contents. I'm sure this cute romance will please you.

I read this short novel in less than an afternoon, as much hooked by the characters as hooked by this love story. How can someone resists when it's about two peop...more

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Jan 17, 2012 Gena Robertson rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is a wonderful novella that took me on an emotional ride. I immediately identified with Shelby, who had loved so intensely with her first love and was so hurt by the ending of that relationship and all of the unanswered questions it left her with that she was unable to move on. It was if her mind stopped maturing at that age, and she was always an insecure teenage girl when it came to her relationships with men. And her heart truly belonged to Logan.

Now, 10 years later, Logan is back in her...more

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Jan 07, 2012 Julie Witt rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed

I just have to say from the get-go that Ms. Veronica Blade is fast becoming my favorite up and coming author to date! I was lucky enough to get to read and review her book Something Witchy This Way Comes and loved it, so I was really looking forward to reading more of her work. Blind Date is different in that it is a contemporary romance, and a novella, but I wasn't disappointed at all! It was such a great read - fun, flirtatious, painful, romantic - it ran the gamut of emotions in such a short...more I just have to say from the get-go that Ms. Veronica Blade is fast becoming my favorite up and coming author to date! I was lucky enough to get to read and review her book Something Witchy This Way Comes and loved it, so I was really looking forward to reading more of her work. Blind Date is different in that it is a contemporary romance, and a novella, but I wasn't disappointed at all! It was such a great read - fun, flirtatious, painful, romantic - it ran the gamut of emotions in such a short time!

Shelby's first love was Logan, and Shelby's first heartbreak was Logan. When they were 17 his parents divorced and he had to move to California with his father, but they swore they would stay together, and he would come back for her when he turned 18. But he didn't - instead he called her and broke up with her, and this left her devastated. Now, 9 years later, she still can't commit to a relationship because she can't make herself trust that any man she gives her heart to won't leave her eventually. I think anyone who has been hurt by a relationship gone bad can relate to this! Imagine her surprise when her best friend, Ginny, sets her up on a blind date with Logan of all people!! It turns out he never stopped loving her and wants her back. He is now a very famous author who is on the cover of all the latest tabloids with a different girl on his arm in every picture, but that was because he never stopped loving Shelby and no one could measure up in his eyes. He finally grows a pair and decides to go back to his home town and win her back.

This book is a great example of back and forth - for every move he makes, she counters, hence the term "checkmate"! This is a very quick read because in such a short time, you really become invested in the characters. You want Logan to have a good reason for why he broke Shelby's heart in the first place, and you want Shelby to finally be able to be happy with her one true love. The characters, including the secondary characters, are well fleshed out, and the plot moves at an amazing pace! I, for one, couldn't stop reading it!

I definitely recommend that you check out this awesome new author, and have a little fun finding out if Shelby and Logan can find their way back to each other :D(less)

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Jan 03, 2012 April rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Remember that first heart-pounding, sweat-inducing and thought-overtaking love of your life? You both swore you would be together forever and nothing would come between you. Now, do you remember what happened to that love? Did it last or did fate intervene and crush those hopes and dreams? For Shelby and Logan, their deep and all-consuming love story was brought to a halt, long ago, leaving Shelby reeling and broken. Logan has become a big time writer and a magazine cover drool-inducing celebrit...more Remember that first heart-pounding, sweat-inducing and thought-overtaking love of your life? You both swore you would be together forever and nothing would come between you. Now, do you remember what happened to that love? Did it last or did fate intervene and crush those hopes and dreams? For Shelby and Logan, their deep and all-consuming love story was brought to a halt, long ago, leaving Shelby reeling and broken. Logan has become a big time writer and a magazine cover drool-inducing celebrity, while Shelby has become a successful Realtor who has put together a decent life. Career-wise, both are shooting toward the moon, heart-wise, they are diving into the Bermuda Triangle.

Little does Shelby know what she is about to encounter when her best friend sets her up on a blind date. Never in a million years would she fathom who her eyes behold waiting for her in the restaurant as her date. Sparks are about to fly and they are not necessarily the good kind - yet.

Blind Date, Checkmate is a lovely and fun story to sink into. Many readers will be able to relate, on some level, with the characters of Shelby and Logan - of their story. I totally fell in love with Logan who is thoughtful, caring, hot and goes after what he wants. He is also on the sensitive side, which is a delightful addition to such a hottie. Shelby is an intelligent, strong and stubborn woman who wants to keep Logan as far away from her as possible. The problem? He will have none of it. I do have to admit that there were a couple of times that I wasn't so sure how I felt about Shelby. Overall I really liked her, but wanted to thump her a couple of times throughout the story.

Veronica Blade is an incredibly talented story teller. I fell in love with her work with her YA novel Something Witchy This Way Comes and greatly enjoyed this novella of the "adult" nature. The story she weaves is delightful and tight, excellent characterization and an intriguing plot. To be able to span different genres so effortlessly says a lot about an author and I eagerly await more from Ms. Blade - in all genres! If you haven't checked her out yet, you are truly missing out! I highly recommend Blind Date, Checkmate for anyone looking for a fun and relaxing read that will suck you in from beginning to end!(less)

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Dec 27, 2011 Ashley rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Blind Date, Checkmate by Veronica Blade

Pages: E-book equivalent to about 100 printed pages.
Publisher: Crushed Publishing
Genre: Adult Romance
Buy the Book: Kindle($0.99!)

Should a woman who’s unable to forget her first love give “happily ever after” one more try?

Shelby Winters’ one great love went sour. If she can’t feel that way about a guy again, why bother? When Shelby’s best friend sets her up on a blind date with Logan, the guy who broke her heart, he pursues her relentlessly, forcing her to

...more

Blind Date, Checkmate by Veronica Blade

Pages: E-book equivalent to about 100 printed pages.
Publisher: Crushed Publishing
Genre: Adult Romance
Buy the Book: Kindle ($0.99!)

Should a woman who’s unable to forget her first love give “happily ever after” one more try?

Shelby Winters’ one great love went sour. If she can’t feel that way about a guy again, why bother? When Shelby’s best friend sets her up on a blind date with Logan, the guy who broke her heart, he pursues her relentlessly, forcing her to make a choice: give her heart what it’s always desired and risk total devastation or shut Logan out and lose her only shot at happiness. To Shelby, it’s a lose-lose situation. Or is it?

If you're looking for a sweet romance with just enough sizzle to leave you breathless, then Blind Date, Checkmate is your book! It tells the story of Shelby, a successful realtor living in Sacramento who has a habit of exercising when she needs to work off some sexual tension. Her heart was broken 9 years ago, by the love of her life, and now he's back... and he won't take no for an answer!

This novella is relatively short, but it's definitely an emotional roller coaster. From the moment I met Logan, I was rooting him on. It's almost like a chick flick, where you just know that the guy is going to get the girl, because if he doesn't then true love doesn't exist and your whole life is a lie. And even if I didn't like what Logan did to Shelby when they were teenagers, the fact that he moved back to Sacramento just to make things right with her counts for a lot.

Veronica Blade has this innate ability to keep the sexual tension running high throughout the course of the entire story, only allowing some closure at the tail end of it. As was the case with her debut novel, Something Witchy This Way Comes, if you read my review, you would remember this lovely little graphic:

And yes, that still holds true for Blind Date, Checkmate. Just like in Something Witchy, there were so many moments in the novella that I just wanted Shelby to give in to Logan, rip his clothes off and jump his bones. The steaminess was on at all times, and since this is an adult novella and the characters are in their twenties, references to sex don't have to be veiled with innuendos. Shelby wanted Logan, badly, and quite honestly I did too!

Read this yummy excerpt and you'll know just what I'm talking about:

As if I were his prey, he caged me against the wall with his arms. I pressed my back into the cold plaster so I wouldn't feel his thighs brushing mine. He only moved closer, a breath away, the friction of our bodies sending an inferno through me.

Oh yes, that had definitely been missing in my life.

"You want me to follow through, I'm ready right now," he growled softly.

Blind Date, Checkmate was a fun and sexy story about rekindling a romance. And it's a pretty quick read, so buy it! 5 out of 5 stars.(less)

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Jan 31, 2012 Tee loves Kyle Jacobson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Veronica has done it again! I absolutely loved Something Witchy This Way Comes. SWTC was a young adult book and this book was for a more mature audience and I have to say she captured my heart with this one!

I am a big old sap for love stories especially when you have to fight for the love to stay alive. In this story Shelby has moved away from home and started a new life after losing the love of her life Logan. They dated for many years in high school but then Logan had to move away and when he...more Veronica has done it again! I absolutely loved Something Witchy This Way Comes. SWTC was a young adult book and this book was for a more mature audience and I have to say she captured my heart with this one!

I am a big old sap for love stories especially when you have to fight for the love to stay alive. In this story Shelby has moved away from home and started a new life after losing the love of her life Logan. They dated for many years in high school but then Logan had to move away and when he left he took Shelby's heart with him. Shelby tried dating different guys but it never worked out for long because all she thought about was Logan and how much she loved him. It didn't matter what she tried she could not get rid of him because he was everywhere she looked. See Logan was a famos Author and he was all over the billboards and magazines and the news. So no matter how hard she tried to forget him she could not.

Logan loves Shelby he is miserable without her but the long distance thing just does not seem to be working for them. So he breaks up with her in hopes that she will find someone to love. The only thing is he can't get over her and he wants her back. He is afraid that she will tell him to get lost because she is still angry with him but he loves her and will do anything to be with her but will that be enough for him? Will Shelby let him back in?

Her best friend tired of seeing her hurt and alone tries hard to fix Shelby up with Mr Right only thing is Mr Right is not her idea of right. Then her best friend sends her on a blind date and tells her she will know who it is when she gets to the resturant. Once Shelby gets there to the resturant her life will forever be changed because the person sitting there patiently waiting for her is someone she definately did not want to see.

What is a girl to do when she loves someone and the other person doesn't love her or so she thinks? Can time heal all wounds? What will Shelby do with this stranger she is sitting next to? When love is all you have is it enough to mend the heart and restart a relationship you thought was lost? Read this book to find out and you will not be disappointed!

Veronica I look forward to reading more from you! Thanks a bunch for this great read.(less)

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Aug 24, 2012 Claire Taylor rated it 5 of 5 stars

I was given this book by the author on a read to review basis.

Veronica Blade has fast become one of my favourite authors, and her books always have me up way past my bedtime since I can’t put them down – Blind Date, Checkmate was no exception to this. As a novella, it’s short, sweet and fast paced.

The characters are well developed, and Shelby’s hurt from her first love, Logan, ending their relationship is evident. She still loves Logan (doesn’t everyone still have some feelings for their first...more

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May 15, 2012 Monaliz rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ebook, read-2012

My rating: 3/5 stars
Read the review in my blog!

May contain some spoilers
Earlier I read Veronica's Something Witchy This Way Comes and A Bite's Tale: A Furry Fable and since this is my third book from her, guess you could say I'm officially a fan!

Like with her other books, Veronica manages to write some effortless dialogues, and guess you could say that really is her specialty. The story is full of action and full of romance (though no dirty scenes, so younger audience can read this too) and i...more

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Mar 24, 2012 Bonnie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: chick-lit, read-in-2012, first-reads

For a pint-size romance, Blind Date, Checkmate, weighing in at just under 100 pages, might be your ticket.

This was a cute story of the reacquaintance of two long-ago lovers. The story is fairly straight-forward; it is realistic but is enjoyable due to this realism. Perhaps the situation is unique but the characters are recognizable and relatable. Logan (sweet or total stalker?) was likeable despite his--well--stalker-like qualities. Shelby isn't so blinded by love as to give up her mind, but lea...more

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Apr 04, 2012 Laura Jerwood rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, kindle, r-n-r

I'm slowly coming to the conclusion that Novellas are not really for me. Generally I like stories to build and have a lot of padding if you know what I mean.

This one however broke the mold. I really liked it. I "bought" the characters and the reasoning and wasnt left feeling like I'd only got half the story.

I won't put any spoilers in, partly because I read this a while ago and somehow my review seems to have disappeared (as have a few others since they changed stuff on here) and partly because...more

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Jan 16, 2012 Susan Hatler rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelby can't forget her first love, Logan, who moved away and broke her heart when she was young. It's even harder to forget him now that he's a famous author who's constantly hitting the A-list Hollywood events, appearing all over the tabloids looking very hot and unforgettable (as if he hadn't been already!). When Logan, shows up in Shelby's northern California home town wanting to purchase a permanent residence, Shelby needs to decide if risking her heart one more time could lead to the happy...more

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May 25, 2012 Wendi rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is the type of book that makes you wish that you were the main character and that you could only wish that a decent guy like this would come around. Maybe it's just me. I liked this book and was saddened that it ended. It's the type of book you want it to continue and continue and continue. I would recommend reading this if you love romance books, I for one am not a fan of romance books BUT I won this book through the goodreads giveaway and for the author's kindness of giving me a book, I o...more

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Apr 21, 2012 Megan rated it 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars

I think what draws me into Veronica Blade's stories so much is how relatable each one is. I always become stubborn when a guy expresses his feeling for me. Though I don't have the same reason Shelby does, I feel the same way when it comes to letting myself hope. I tend to push all people away when they get too close, subconsciously. Reading these stories helps me realize I need to open up more and I'm thankful for the insight I receive from each one of these amazing books. And OMG Blind D...more

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Feb 05, 2012 Jeannie Lee rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance

I loved this story! At first, I was thinking what a sorry character Shelby was being. But, about half way through the story I realized that I act just like her!! Don't ask what brought that home to me. My point is, the characters were very realistic and you felt their emotions so keenly. I enjoyed the torture she endured, how she thought everything was being done just to crush her. Ok, I fully admit, this sounds alot like me......
I fell in love with Logan, Jared.....it would be hard to decide. T...more

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Oct 23, 2012 Tifferz rated it 5 of 5 stars

Oh my goodness this book is so fun! I read it twice! Yup twice! Ms. Blade normally writes YA, but this book is for a more mature audience and I have to say she did a excellent job! This story is about first love and second chances. Do you remember yours? Did it last? Well Shelby gets a chance. If you want to know if Shelby gets her happy ever after with Logan. I found that Shelby is stubborn and the fact that she wants to protect herself a good thing. It was a nice to see a girl make a guy (in...more

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Mar 20, 2012 Tarra (Twilight Book Junkie) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: for-review, own, kindle

Congrats Veronica, you have done it again! Again you have written a story that i could not put down. And this isn't even my usual genre of reading! But i absolutely loved it. You have proven you can not only write for the YA (i'm still in love with "Something Witchy This Way Comes" by the way") but that you can write just as great for the older crowd. I read this book in 2 days. I loved the story, i think it's something every girl/woman can relate to in a sense of first loves and having our hear...more

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Jun 08, 2012 Ali rated it 3 of 5 stars

What a cute read! There is nothing like a woman scorned! and Shelby is just that. The book starts off with Ginny setting up Shelby on a blind date to help her get over her lost love Logan. Logan happens to be the blind date Shelby is about to meet up with.

This is a very short story that was very far from my normal reading choices, I found that I really enjoyed Shelbys snippiness and attitude towards Logan.

Anyone who has ever been dumped *and really who hasnt* will enjoy this.

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Jan 31, 2012 Jen - At Random rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: i-own

Blind Date, Checkmate was a little predictable but still a nice light read that would make for good lunch time or waiting room reading. The characters are likeable for the most part. Shelby was insanely stubborn but I suppose she had good reason to be. Can she get over the past and fall in love again? Logan is a writer and a ladies man who has seen the err of his ways. But is he too late to reclaim his first and only love?

To see this review and more, check out my blog at http://lratrandom.blogsp ...more

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Aug 06, 2012 Rachel Lynn Sterling rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is a story of recapturing and reconciling young love. I very much enjoyed the characters and the chemistry they created. The writing was good and the storyline, although probably not very original, was executed in an entertaining and consuming way. It held my attention and had me routing for the relationship from beginning to end. Great, fun read!

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Jun 23, 2012 Charissa rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012

2.5 Stars. Romance. Didn't like the heroine--she's a brat. The writing style was very simplistic and the plot was obvious and ended too easily (as I could tell it would from the beginning). Simply put, I didn't buy into either of the characters emotions and agendas.

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Jun 07, 2012 Kendra rated it 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed it and thought it was so clean on there was no sex scenes just some minor kissing. It was a really great read and I am glad that I got it on my kindle.

1 like · like · see review

Jul 10, 2012 Tara rated it 5 of 5 stars

Ginny sets up her friend Shelby on a blind date.. Little does Shelby know its her long lost love Logan.. They rekindle their relationship and all is well..

1 like · like · see review

Jan 28, 2012 Blair Mirth rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

http://bittenbybooklust.blogspot.com/...

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Feb 29, 2012 Keanna Lewis marked it as to-read

this seems like a classic read and tells what everyone is thinking.

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Jun 08, 2012 Amanda rated it 5 of 5 stars

Very cute story. It was even free! Quick read but worth the time.

1 like · like · see review

May 03, 2012 Jessica rated it 4 of 5 stars

Blind Date, Checkmate is the perfect pick for romance lovers looking for a quick, entertaining read. What makes it such a good novella is the fact that it's so easy to identify with the main character, Shelby. There are very few women out there who haven't gotten their hearts broken at some point and I think we all have a friend or family member who is perhaps a little overly concerned with our love lives. I can't say much more without giving away too much, so I'll just end this by saying give i...more

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Jan 18, 2012 Laura YA indie princess rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A cute quick read.

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Jan 21, 2012 Debra rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: review-copy-read

For a more detailed review, please visit my blog -

Debra's Book Cafe

Thank you

Debs

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About Veronica Blade

Brain candy. Cleansing your reading palate one book at a time.

Veronica Blade lives in Southern California with her husband and children. By day she runs the family business, but each night she slips away to spin her tales. She writes stories about young adults to relive her own childhood and to live vicariously through her characters. Except her heroes and heroines lead far more interesting lives...more

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