Sandra C. Lopez's Blog, page 94
November 18, 2023
Review: POISONED IN LITTLE LEAF CREEK by Cindy Bell
It wasn’t hard to know who wasgoing to get whacked with townsfolk and family complaining about this Stella,who got a free pumpkin pie from Tessa. Soon, the old lady gets poisoned. Was itthe pie?
The first suspects we look at werethe family members since they were being cut out of the will. The next would bethe neighbor that wanted to add a 2nd story to his house and mayhave poisoned the muffin that Tessa’s goat ate.
Can Tessa and Cassie find out whopoisoned Stella and how before their Thanksgiving dinner at the diner?
An interesting holiday read from afavorite author.
Rating:4 stars
Review: NO PLACE LIKE HOME by Mary Higgins Clark
“I cannot believe I am standing inthe exact spot where I killed my mother.” Words of Liza 24 years later. Dubbed“Little Lizzie Borden,” Liza wanted to forget the past, prompting her to changeher name, marry, and have a son. But now she was back in that house. Well,there’s no place like home. How soon will it be before someone from that oldtown recognizes her? Her own husband didn’t even know. Everyone just remembereda little monster. Liza (now Celia) aimed to find the truth of what reallyhappened that night.
Meanwhile, someone was leavinghorrible reminders of her dark past. Then the sudden murder of the real estateagent sends the whole town in an uproar. Someone may know who Celia really isand she might be suspected of the murder.
An interesting mystery!
Rating:4 stars
November 17, 2023
Blog Tour: UNBRED by Oscar Valdez
Unbred: The Unconventional Journey ofthe Minority Entrepreneur
by Oscar Valdez
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GENRE: Non-fiction (entrepreneurial)
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BLURB:
Entrepreneurship is considered one of the most ancient professionsin human history. So, why then, is entrepreneurship so difficult to break intofor minorities? What are the social and economical roadblocks and what can youdo to tear them down and make a mark for yourself as a true corporate misfit?
Asa managing partner of seven separate multi-million-dollar businesses operatingin twenty-three States, I've discovered there's no single formula to becoming asuccessful entrepreneur - but there are certain rules, especially forminorities, that must be abided by to avoid operational blunders. Any book cantell you it all comes down to planning and having the right mindset, but thesegross oversimplifications are precisely why many fail to grasp the true keys tosuccess.
Throughoutthese nine chapters you'll learn all aspects of the minority entrepreneur'sjourney, from starting a venture to ensuring its success. You'll break down thebalance between structure and flexibility necessary to grow and flourish as aminority entrepreneur. You'll decode the complexities of the rules and uncoverwhat obstacles stand before you - and how to rise above them, steadfast andunbred.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Excerpt One:
Entrepreneurship is considered one of the most ancientprofessions in human history. The first thing man did to survive was find a wayto fulfill his daily necessities. Those necessities varied from one individualto another. There was always something someone had that someone else desired orwanted—hence, trading was invented, and eventually, entrepreneurship became oneof the most decorated professions with the potential of providing the sort oflifestyle people wanted.
Over the years, entrepreneurial methodologies have evolved,and as we step into the twenty-first century, entrepreneurship has become muchmore technologically oriented, allowing for more sophistication. Thisprofession is something that’s been debated for years in terms of how to becomea successful entrepreneur and what are the do’s and don’ts.
Being a successful entrepreneur is widely considered aprivilege and something hard to achieve. But most business analysts fail torealize that, for a certain portion of the population, it isn’t easy, despitefollowing every rule in the book. In modern times, where socialization has becomethe key aspect of entrepreneurship, there are people for whom this professionand the laws governing it haven't been very kind. In most countries, peoplebelonging to minority groups aren’t presented with equal opportunities comparedto those in the majority.
For a minority entrepreneur, like someone who comes fromMexico or Guatemala, or any other Spanish country, the banking systems are verydifferent in terms of providing ease of doing business and aiding them withsufficient capital to start their venture. They're not as complying as youwould expect them to be, and thus, minorities don't get loans easily fromAmerican banks.
Why? Primarily because immigrants don’t have United Statescredit histories that prove to the banks that they can pay back the loansthey’re requesting. There’s also the additional barrier of the culturaldifferences between countries, with many not offering financing at all, so thesystem of such loans can be easily overwhelming for new minority businessowners in America.
This often leads to businesses of minority entrepreneursstarting with hard-earned and long-saved personal funds instead. And after awhile without sufficient capital to sustain their company, under-capitalizationbecomes the reason for businesses closing. So, when a Latino business owneropens their business, typically it's because they've saved the money themselvesthroughout their life, doing whatever they did. They use that to fund theirventure, but their businesses often crumble due to initial failures becausethey don’t have a backup investment to keep their company afloat.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Born inGuatemala and raised in Los Angeles, Oscar dreamed of becoming a successfulbusiness owner. To become a successfulentrepreneur seemed unattainable and a far-out dream. Oscar worked his way upthe corporate ladder of successful companies gaining several awards along theway. He started several businesses only to witness those businesses fail.
At the age of43, Oscar suffered multiple health scares, causing him to retire. With newfoundtime on his hands, he joined childhood friends to start a business venture. Hispast business failures were a lesson in finding a successful entrepreneurialpath. This new venture resulted in a multi-million-dollar conglomerate, whichcontinues to grow every year.
Oscar stilllives in Los Angeles with his family and in his spare time he works towardshelping the less fortunate through philanthropy and education.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Unbred-unconventional-journey-minority-entrepreneur/dp/B0CC3TH2HY/ref=sr_1_1
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GIVEAWAY
Oscar Valdez will be awarding a $20Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
a Rafflecopter giveawayNovember 16, 2023
Blog Tour: MAMA, I GOT A DOLLAR & IF SHAPES COULD TALK by Rella B.
Abite sized introduction to finances that will begin a dialogue aboutmoney with your little ones.
Mama,I Got a Dollar!
byRella B.
Genre:Children's Educational Picture Book
"Discover'Mama, I Got A Dollar!' – a fun children's book by Rella B. Jointhe adventure of learning valuable money lessons from family members.With delightful storytelling and playful illustrations, it's amust-have for teaching financial basics to kids in an enjoyable way.Get ready for a delightful journey into the world of money!"
**Only.99cents!**
A kid finds a dollar, but whatdoes she do with it? Should she keep it or share it? See how a kid ponders andimagines all the things that she could do with that dollar.
“I’ve been learning so much aboutmoney and how it can work for me. It’s important to know how money works.Because little in life is free.” Yeah, buddy!
“Money can be gifted, borrowed,earned, and saved.”
The illustrations were so cute andcolorful. The rhymes were so simple and catchy.
This book teaches kids the basicprinciples of money. A great way to teach kids to save their money for a rainyday.
A nice read!
Rating:4 stars
IfShapes Could Talk
by Rella B.
Genre:Children's Educational Picture Book
Agentle reminder that even though our lives are all different thereare things we can appreciate and be thankful for.
"Introducing'If Shapes Could Talk' – a charming children's book by Rella B.Join young readers on a delightful journey into the world of shapesand families. In this heartwarming tale, Rhombus learns theimportance of family, love, and gratitude. With engaging storytellingand colorful illustrations, this book teaches kids about acceptanceand the joy of being unique. Order now to share this valuable lessonwith your child and celebrate the beauty of love and diversity infamilies!"
**Only.99cents!**
If shapes could talk, what wouldthat sound like? Your mom would be a red triangle and your dad would be a bluesquare. See how a rhombus describes his family and life…in shapes.
“I love my shapely family!”
The pictures were so cute andcolorful—so simple and geometric. But what happens when the rhombus notices thedifferences in others? I mean, hexagons and polka dots? Wowza!
This is a good way for kids tolearn about shapes and colors. But it’s also a good way to teach kids to behappy with what they have. After all, “comparison is the enemy of joy.”
A nice read!
Rating:4 stars
Becoming Rella B was ajourney from chasing adulthood's conventional goals to embracing mypassion for children's education. With backgrounds in education,business, and tech, I've come full circle, blending my love forwriting and self-development.
My books consist ofvery relatable characters and storylines; ranging from beingdifferent at school, peer pressure or learning the fundamentals ofmoney. I pride myself on creating books that will fosterconversations within families. Most of my books are accompanied bycoloring pages, stickers, bookmarks, and a workbook that coincideswith the topic. I hope to provide a vast amount of educational valueand endless smiles within the 'Rella B Books' community.
My mission? To inspireself-love, self-confidence, and self-expression in the nextgeneration. 'Rella B' is here to encourage kids to think outside thebox and relish their youth. I want to help them enjoy being littleand explore the world through learning and play! 
Website* Facebook *Twitter * Instagram* Youtube *Podcast* Amazon* Goodreads
Followthe tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
ASwag Bag of Rella B merch and signed children's books,
$20Amazon giftcard
– 1 winner each!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
November 15, 2023
Blog Tour: SHADOWS IN SUSSEX by Emma Dakin
Shadows in Sussex
by Emma Dakin
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GENRE: Cozy Mystery
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BLURB: ClaireBarclay and her band of tourists are full of enthusiasm for her trip to Sussexand Kent, the beautiful southeastern part of England. A tragic death of a youngman the son of the guest house manager sends Claire into comforting mode andmakes it more difficult for her provide a bright and care-free holiday. Laurawas not surprised at her son’s death as he had been a drug user and sheexpected he had taken contaminated drugs, a common fate. But the police labsaid otherwise. He was murdered. Claire’s fiancé, Detective Inspector MarkEvans, investigates, so Claire is involved and privy to much information. Toomuch. In spite of her busy life with demanding guests, she discovers the motivefor the murder and finds herself in danger.
A fun tour of Sussex with the extra treat formystery lovers as Emma Dakin ties places to favorite books
—Rhys Bowen (NYT bestselling author of the
Molly Murphy and Royal Spyness series
If you are looking for a cozy crime novel thatevokes a wonderful sense of place - look no further. Emma Dakin skilfullyweaves a new mystery into a fascinating and informative tour of SouthernEngland featuring heroine and literary tour guide, Claire Barclay, and a hostof interesting characters.
—Julie Wassmer, Author of The Whitstable PearlMysteries
This engaging story will appeal to traditionalmystery-lovers who like their murders set against the authentic backdrop ofquaint English villages.
—Clara Benson, USA Today bestselling author of theAngela Marchmont Mysteries
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Excerpt One:
Approaching the smalltown of Rye, I marked the route to Canterbury and the road to Hastings whereI’d take my guests later in the week, I didn’t know this area well but had donetwo quick reconnaissance trips earlier. Jacqueline Winspear set her books nearhere in the war years. Her descriptions had given me a sense of familiaritywith the green land around me, but the miles of delta before the sea surprisedme. Rother Manor, our guest hotel, was large, but not, I was sure, large enoughto have ever been a manor house. The name was probably applied to the houserecently to attract tourists. The common meaning of ‘manor’ was a large houseon a huge estate, but sometimes it just meant a large house. Mark told me thathis colleagues sometimes called their police district their manor. I ruminatedon the application of the word. I tended to do that. I’d not brought guestshere before, but it looked ideal, sufficiently old to satisfy the NorthAmerican appetite for a romantic setting but not so old it was decrepit. LauraWright, the manager, had seemed organized and experienced.
I loved tryingout new guest hotels and the whole experience of taking a tour to the sites ofmystery novels. The tourists shared my itch for mysteries and were usuallyinterested in what I offered. I’d had a career as a teacher of English toexecutives in many parts of the world. I enjoyed it as I was fascinated bylinguistics and the way people use language. Now at forty-eight, I had achievedstability with a reliable partner, my own house and tour business and a legacyfrom my much-missed step-father. I should be able to feel comfortable, notalways expecting a disaster. I admonished myself. This time the tour will gosmoothly. This is a beautiful house; you will enjoy it here.
Rother ManorHouse was a three-storey rambling Victorian and was as close to a gracioushouse as was possible at the edge of Rye. The grounds were beautiful. Laura'sson, Reece Martin, looked after them she’d told me. He was in his late twentiesand committed to creating beauty. The owners of the guest house were glad tohire him, Laura had told me, as staff was hard to find. It was unusual to seeso much land around a house of this age in a town but it made a picturesquesetting for my visitors. Across the street and well below it lay the cricketgrounds, still green in the July heat. Beyond the grounds, the salt marshstretched to the sea. The tourists would love this view.
I pulled myeyes away from the vista and turned into the car park, a graveled area to theleft of the entrance. After unloading my small suitcase, knapsack and briefcasefrom the van, I climbed a few steps to the front door. It was unlocked. Ientered into a long hallway and saw a side table with an open guest book and aprominent bell. I called for Laura but there was no answer. I hit the bell. Noone came. I hadn’t told her the exact time I’d be here. She was likely nearby.I wandered into the lounge which was off the hallway. A small table held twocups and saucers, sugar and a milk jug and a plate of cake. My guests weren’tarriving until tomorrow. She could have others guests tonight, but I hoped thatcake was for me. I dropped my luggage on a chair in the lounge and walked downthe hallway to the rear of the house. There was no one in the kitchen. I pushedthrough the back door and stepped into the garden. The minute I opened the doorI heard the keening of a woman in distress, a soft, desperate cry that rose inthe air and hung there. There was anguish in every tone. The hairs on myforearms rose and I stood frozen for a moment.
The wail receded, then rose again. It camefrom the area at the back of the property. I walked towards a shed. I movedcautiously to the open door and peered in.
Laura wassitting on the floor beside a young man who lay still. His skin on his arms waspale, deadly pale. His head was turned so I just saw his dark hair. He wasmuscular, wearing a black T-shirt, denim jeans, black trainers. At first, Ithought he’d fallen or had a seizure of some sort. Then I saw the Prenoxade kitopen and the syringe on the floor nearby. Prenoxade, naloxone, the life-savingremedy for drug poisoning. Tour guides carried it; police carried it; teachershad it handy and, apparently, so did mothers.
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GUEST POST
Whatis Shadows in Sussex about?
ClaireBarclay plans to take her tourists to explore Sussex and Kent in southeastEngland, aiming for a satisfying tourist experience. She isn’t expectingmurder, especially so close to her group. At first the death of the young manis thought to be another tragic case of toxic drug use, but lab results showmurder. Claire is disturbed by the death but is determined to keep her touristsaway from the tragedy. While showing her guests the sights of Rye in Sussex—theYpres castle, the Romney Marsh, the Lamb House and the fine cuisine of theMermaid Inn—Claire carves out time to help her fiancé, Inspector Mark Evansinvestigate. Everyone talks to Claire: the victim’s mother, his girlfriend andlocal acquaintances. She brings the information to the Major CrimesInvestigations Team. Her main job, however, is guiding her tourists: threeyoung women from Toronto, Canada who are interested in the events of the SecondWorld War, two couples from Friday Harbor, Washington who are interested in thetheatre and literature, ranchers from Montana who are interested in history, andan older lady from Vermont who is interested in everything. Claire manages tokeep this disparate group together, for the most part, but the murderinvestigation intrudes and the tourists are curious. Her own curiosity propelsher into an unexpected confrontation with the murderer. This is one situationwhere Claire wishes she wasn’t picked to be the recipient of a secret. There istoo much danger in that position.
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Exceptfrom
Chapter 6 of Shadows in Sussex
“My name is Mark Evans,” he said.“I'm a Detective Inspector with the Hampshire Constabulary and I'm the fiancéof your tour guide, Claire.” He didn’t mention Reece, so he was here socially.
Susan was the first to respond. “Myname is Susan and I'm at delighted to meet you. I'm a great mystery novel fanand I have met many detective inspectors in the pages of books. It’s a pleasureto meet a real English inspector. Please join us.”
“Bring a chair,” Heather said. “Iwould love to talk to you about the way English detective inspectors actuallydeal with a mystery.”
Mark smiled at me again and I couldfeel my heart expand. I knew he came to the café because I was having troublewith Richard and he wanted to help. I was sure I could handle Richard withoutany help as Heather was used to dealing with him and the three young womenseemed quite able to deflect and control him. But my heart warmed at the notionthat Mark would come and see if he could be of use to me.
I was so distracted it took me amoment to realize that Andy Forsyth was with him.
“Please join us,” I said, thenturned to the guests. “This is Detective Sergeant Andrew Forsythe. He's Mark’steammate.”
“Hello, everyone,” Andy said. “Wehave eaten, but we love to join you for tea.”
Andy was dressed impeccably inpressed jeans and a blue, open-necked sports shirt. He wore a gold earring andthe wedding band I’d watched his husband Bruce put on his finger. That had beenquite the society wedding. Bruce comes from a wealthy and supportive family andthey had hosted an elaborate reception.
Susan brought me back to thepresent.
“That would be wonderful.” Susaninvited him by a gesture to sit beside her. “What's it like to be a sergeant inthe Hampshire police force?”
He laughed. “It's pretty busy.”
“I was wondering if the policestill give those warnings that I read about in novels.”
“Not quite the way you read them inthe novels,” Andy said. “I read thrillers myself so I pay attention to policeprocedure. We do make a statement when we make an arrest, but not the one youcommonly see in fiction.”
Mark was at the other end of thetable and seemed to be having quite a lively conversation with Heather,Richard, Howard and Poppy.
I ordered some small fairy cakesand some chocolate and nuts to be passed around with coffee and tea. The guestsstayed for some time chatting with each other and with Mark and Andy. The groupwas enjoying themselves but eventually prepared to leave. The older guests werereturning to Rother Manor House. The three young ones told me they were goingto visit a pub.
“Waterworks Pub is a nice one,”Andy advised. “It's just down the street on this block.”
“Sounds perfect,” Julie said.“We're not big drinkers. We just like the liveliness of the English pubs. Atleast we think we will.”
“You have my cell number,” I said.“Just call if you need help or for anything at all.”
“We’ll be fine,” Julie said. “Thankyou for a delicious dinner.” Off they went, leaving Mark, Andy and me at thetable.
“How do you like working with DSFlynn?” I asked.
“He’s a marvel,” Andy answered me.“Meticulous, conscientious. Digs for information.”
Mark leaned forward. “He’s socompetent that if the Super gets wind of him, Andy will be recalled.”
That was a possibility.Superintendent Addison wasn’t one to waste personnel.
“What about DC Sandhu?”
They both grinned. I expect JasSandhu had that effect on most people.
“I can work with him,” Mark said.“He seems a good team player with Flynn.”
I could see that: one wasmethodical and one imaginative.
“Flynn put Jas onto tracing Reece’smovements on his last day. Once Travis has the info, he’ll put it on a chartfor us.”
“We’re looking into a gangmotivation. That’s my job,” Andy said. “I have an appointment with someone inthe know later tonight.”
“Be careful,” I said.
“Shouldn’t be a problem.”
I don’t know why I urged Andy to becareful. He was always careful. It must be some kind of superstition that makesthose of us who have no control over the situation offer a kind of blessing onthe one in danger. My mum used to caution me to stay dry if it looked likerain. Of course, I’d try to stay dry. But cautioning me was her way of tryingto protect me. It can be annoying.
“Do you still think Reece was murdered?” Iasked into the silence created by our mutual concern about a gang contact.
“Looks like it. He would beunlikely to get hold of Nembutal. None of that drug is circulating in thisarea.”
“We aren’t positive, though,” Andysaid. “All we can say is that he died of Nembutal poisoning and it is unlikelyhe gave it to himself.”
“He could have taken it byaccident, thinking it was something else.”
“He could have, but we are going totreat this case as homicide until we can prove it isn’t, or until we run out ofleads.”
Andy left us at the door of thecafé to walk back to the Rye Lodge Hotel while Mark escorted me to the RotherManor House.
I invited him to my room where Iplugged in the tea kettle and set out two cups and some biscuits—not that weneeded any more to eat. While the room was small, it had a table and two chairsnear the window.
For some reason we talked aboutbirds. Mark had recently visited his Uncle Lionel and gone on a birding venturewith him along the coastal walk of Cornwall. Mark was only mildly interested inbirds, but enjoyed his uncle's enthusiasm. Like Lionel, I was keen on birds, soI listened to Mark’s descriptions, enjoying the sound of his voice.
We spent quite a few minutes sayinggoodbye, but he finally left me for the night. I heard the front door close butcouldn’t watch him leave from my back garden window.
It was going to be a busy daytomorrow as I had to drive Richard and the older guests to Godinton House anddeposit the three young women at the train station in Ashford. I checked that Ihad fresh supplies for their daily packs: chocolates, biscuits, hand sanitizersand tissues. I wished Mark could have stayed but I understood his need to bewith Andy and available to the local constabulary. We were both working. Wewere used to being apart for weeks. Still, he wasn’t far away but I wished hewas with me. I conjured up a picture of Gulliver. I expect he was cuddled upwith Deirdre’s two dogs and was happy enough. I missed him as well.
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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Emma Dakin writes a series of mysteries set in Britain. Herprotagonist is a tour guide who takes different characters in each book to thesites of mystery novels in the countryside. She appreciates the elegant, peopleand humor of each area. But in that idyllic country, Claire stumbles on murder.Author Emma Dakin has five books so far in this series with the latest releaseSeptember 12th 2023. An historical mystery set in Vancouver in 1886 is due outsoon. She won a prestigious 2022 Lieutenant Governor’s Community History Awardfor her non-fiction account of life in the 60s.
Website: www.emmadakinauthor.com
Email: emma@emmadakinauthor.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarionCrookAuthor
https://twitter.com/author_mcrook
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GIVEAWAY
Emma Dakin will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN GC to arandomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
November 14, 2023
Blog Tour: THE TAKEN by Donnette Smith
THE TAKEN
by Donnette Smith
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GENRE: Fantasy/Paranormal/Romance
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BLURB:
AllJenna Langley wanted was a chance to finally marry the man of her dreams. Butwhen the spirit of a dead girl shows up at her wedding that only she can see,it becomes clear Jenna’s latest brush with death has caused the heightening ofher psychic abilities to reach an unfamiliar and frightening level. Her newhusband, Detective Cole Rainwater, vows to do whatever it takes to get to theroot of Jenna’s disturbing sightings. But before he can investigate thismystery, his bride is taken right under his nose.
Whatstarted as a romantic honeymoon has turned into a fight for Jenna’s life. Andthe only path to freedom is through the help and guidance of a dead girl whowas once the victim of the sex traffickers that have stolen away with Jenna.
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Excerpt One:
“Who’s there?”she demanded, taking measured steps toward the bathroom.
Dead silence.
As Jennastumbled into the bathroom, the hairs on the nape of her neck stood on end. Apresence lingered here. There was no doubt about it. A sudden chill bit intoher flesh; puffs of cold smoke billowed from Jenna’s mouth. She hugged her bodyto fend off the cold, but the arctic environment was nothing compared to theadrenaline that lit her up.
She scrutinizedall three bathroom stalls. All the doors were shut, but her psychic abilitydrew her to the one in the center. Her hand shook like a leaf in a storm as shelifted it up and placed it against the door. As she gave the door a shove, thehinges creaked—ever so slightly. A flash of dread twisted her gut as the doorslowly drifted open.
The sight of anill-defined something, perched on the lid of the toilet, sent out anear-splitting scream.
Jenna backpedaled, thudding against the cold, porcelain sink.
The shape tookform before her eyes. The edges became sharper, clearer—until the girl withblood oozing from a hole in the center of her forehead shot to her feet like arocket, her dark eyes as big as saucers. “You can see me, can’t you?”
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Review: The last thing that Jenna expectedto see right before her wedding was the ghost of a dead girl. Regardless,nothing was going to stop her from marrying Cole. So, they marry and fly off totheir honeymoon.
At first, it took a while for thestory to settle with the characters. It all started with a feel-up in the limoand a sexy wedding night. Although slow, the narrative was compelling and easyto fall into. It gets better when the dead girl re-appears and asks for herhelp.
After a quick visit to the policestation, the couple return to their honeymoon with a yacht trip and a beachparty. At times, we hit long lulls that slow down the story. But the actionpicks up when a sex trafficking scheme gets involved and Jenna gets kidnapped.Now, we’re getting somewhere. The whole time Jenna’s tied up, the dead girlkept re-appearing, telling her what happened to her. From this point forward,it becomes a fast-paced and suspenseful read. It gets you hooked like theheroin they injected into these girls. Will Cole find Jenna in time? Will Jennaget the info they wanted from the dead girl? Perhaps the ghost would be herstrongest defense against these monsters.
This was a suspenseful talepractically all the way to the end. It kind of got a little too winded towardthe end, but it was still an enjoyable read. You’ll be taken by THE TAKEN.
Rating:4 stars
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Although not a native Texan, Donnette Smith has spent more thanhalf her life living in the Lone Star State. She is an entrepreneur and formerbusiness owner of Tailor Maid Services LLC. After spending a few years workingas a journalist for the Blue Ridge Tribune, she realized her love for writingromantic detective novels. Her stories cover a wide range of genres, fromhorror, time travel, mystery, fantasy, paranormal, and thriller. But one themestays the same, there is always a detective solving a crime, and a gorgeousvictim he would lay down his life to protect. Donnette’s biggest fascination iswith forensic science and crime scene investigations. Her novels include,Cunja, a horror/mystery/suspense that debuted in 2012. Book 1 of The SpiritWalker Series, Killing Dreams, a fantasy/romance story with a paranormalelement became available in September of 2021. Book 2 of The Spirit WalkerSeries, Buried Alive, was published on March 14, 2022. And her latest, book 3of The Spirit Walkers Series, The Taken.
Links
www.facebook.com/authordonnettesmith/
www.twitter.com/Donnettetxgirl
Buy Link:
https://books2read.com/u/mdPKv5
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GIVEAWAY
Theauthor will award a golden book box with magnetic closures. Inside will be book1 of The Spirit Walkers Series, Killing Dreams, and book 2, Buried Alive. Oneof the books will be autographed. Also in the box will be a specializedbookmarker, the Spirit Walkers Series coffee mug, Chai tea, and a scented,therapeutic candle.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
November 13, 2023
Blog Tour: THE BIG SHAKEUP by Nancy Boyarsky
The Big Shakeup
by Nancy Boyarsky
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GENRE: Mystery
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BLURB:
Everyoneis innocent until proven guilty, or so they say.
P.I. Nicole Graves arrives early at work, just as Los Angeles is hit with “theBig One,” a long-predicted, devastating earthquake. When the building stopsshaking, Nicole finds Jerry, her boss, in his office dying of a gunshot wound.It appears to be suicide.
Nicole is shocked to learn that the police have decided Jerry’s death wasmurder and even more shocked that she’s their only suspect when there’s noshortage of people with motives. And there’s the question of why the detectivesare pursuing this one case when all city workers, including the police, are inan all-out search and rescue operation for survivors. All she can do is evadecapture long enough to prove her innocence and catch the real culprit.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Excerpt Four:
She got up and hurried down the hall to Jerry’s office tosee if his computer was still there. The odor she’d noticed before grewstronger as she approached his door. When Nicole opened it, the smell wasunmistakable. It was blood—blood that had been left to ripen a while. Sheturned on her flashlight and swept the room with its beam. There was somethinglying on the floor near the desk. Hair rose on the back of her neck as sheapproached it. Just as she feared, it was a body. As soon as she was close enough,she focused the flashlight on its face and rocked back on her heels. It wasDiana Chang, the young woman who’d arrived with Nate Goodman when Jerry wasbleeding out. From the amount of blood on the floor, it looked as if Diana hadbled out hours ago. She’d been shot through the forehead, and she was verydead.
Nicole got out the burner phone, ready to call 911. Onlythen did she realize that she—of all people—couldn’t report Diana’s death. Evencalling anonymously was out of the question. It might allow the police to trackher new phone and learn she’d been at the scene of yet another murder. She alsohad the feeling that, whether or not they tracked her here, they were stillgoing to blame her for Diana’s death.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My Review: It all started with anearthquake—a big shakeup—and then PI Nicole Graves found her boss underneathhis desk in a pool of blood and a gun. Was it the earthquake that killed him ora gun shot?
At first, all this could talkabout was the earthquake—the intensity level, the damages, the aftermath, andthe statistics. Right away, the story was getting off to a mild start. Then,soon after, Nicole is charged with the murder of Jerry and was booked into awomen’s correctional facility. Now, we’re getting somewhere. After she getsreleased, she spends her time trying to figure out who the real killer waswhile trying to hide from the police.
The narrative was nice and simple,but it was long and slow at times. I thought there was far too much time spenton the earthquake and its aftermath. The characters mentioned the quake toomuch and too often. Even though I wish the mystery and story would’ve movedfaster, I was still eager to find out what happened. After all, the bodies werepiling up and Nicole was still getting blamed. The whole thing was actually agripping hide-and-seek chase from the cops. What a shocking revelation torealize who the killer might actually be. But was it really him? You just haveto keep reading to find out.
A compelling mystery full ofsuspense!
Rating:4 stars
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Nancy’s award-winning Nicole GravesMysteries have been compared to Mary Higgins Clark and are praised forcontributing to the “women-driven mystery field with panache” (ForewordReviews) as well as for their “hold-onto-the-bar roller coaster” plots (RT BookReviews). Her debut novel The Swap—book one of the Nicole Graves Mysteries—wonthe prestigious Eric Hoffer award for Best Micro Press Book of the Year.
Nancy has been a writer and editor forher entire working career. She coauthored Backroom Politics, a New York Timesnotable book, with her husband Bill Boyarsky. She has written several textbookson the justice system and contributed to anthologies, including In the Runningabout women’s political campaigns and The Challenge of California. She has alsowritten for the Los Angeles Times, West magazine, Forbes, McCall’s, Playgirl,Westways, and other publications. She was communications director for politicalaffairs for ARCO.
In addition to writing mysteries, Nancyis producer and director of the “Inside Golden State Politics” podcast.
Nancy can be contacted through herwebsite, www.nancyboyarsky.com
Visit NancyOnline: www.lightmessages.com/nancy-boyarsky
Facebook:nancyboyarskyauthor
Pinterest:boyarsky2402
Goodreads:goodreads.com/nboyars
Amazon buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Shakeup-Nicole-Graves-Mysteries-Book-ebook/dp/B0C8ZNKZ78/
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GIVEAWAY :
Nancy Boyarsky will be awarding a $20 Amazon or Barnesand Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
Blog Tour: CARRIE CAN FLY TOO by Ashley and Breanna Bolliger
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Ashley and Breanna Bolliger will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
Carrie Can Fly Too is an optimistic and inspiring rhyme for the entire family. It affirms that being different shall never prevent us from achieving our lifelong dreams. All we need is a little confidence and our imagination can suddenly become a remarkable reality.
Review: This is the adorable story of abird named Carrie. While all the other birds were blue, Carrie was different asa yellow bird. Plus, they could fly and Carrie couldn’t.
“I wish I was blue, so I could flytoo."
One day, Carrie found a redbird—another bird that was different just like her. The red bird said that youdidn’t have to be blue to learn to fly…as long as you try.
The illustrations were sosimple—just cute and colorful. The message was especially endearing.
“Just because you are a differentbreed does not mean that you cannot succeed.”
A sweet story so full of hope andconfidence. A recommended read.
Rating:4 stars
About the Authors
Ashley and Breanna Bolliger are identical twin sisters born and raised in Canada. Growing up, they have always cherished creating new projects together. Their passion for writing flourished when they launched a wellness blog called Twinlife. Through the creation, they hoped their personal wellness experiences would propose positive change, motivating young adults to develop their own wellness routines to support personal mental health needs.Ashley and Breanna created "Carrie Can Fly Too" to continually raise mental health awareness, targeting younger audiences. Self-confidence is an attribute that is often not taught, yet it is a motivating factor which drives many towards achieving personal goals. Self-confidence is also fostered when the world is a more accepting place, and everyone has the opportunity to embrace their unique differences. This is Ashley and Breanna's first children's book publication, and they wish to continue writing and illustrating books in the future.
Ashley Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleybolliger/
Breanna Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breannabolliger_/
Ashley & Breanna Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialtwinlife_/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Carrie-Can-Fly-Ashley-Bolliger-ebook/dp/B0CKBXVV2L/ref=sr_1_1
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Blog Tour: THE ORDER OF THE BANSHEE by Robyn Singer
The Order of the Banshee
by Robyn Singer
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GENRE: Sci Fi Space Opera
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BLURB: It’sbeen five years since Yael and Molina reunited. Yael is one of the richest andmost infamous thieves in the universe and a member of the Order of the Banshee.She is rising through the ranks of the elite organization with her wife and herride-or-die best friends, Aarif and P’Ken, at her side, and she’s even runningher own school for thieves. Molina, former captain in the universe’s premierepeacekeeping organization, the Sunrisers, is happily married to Yael and tellsherself that’s enough.
Their seemingly perfect lives are interrupted whenthey receive news of the death of Molina’s father. When Molina returns home forhis funeral, she reunites with her former friend and now enemy: Kaybell, theemperor of the Cykebian Empire. Kaybell, eager to mend the relationship,informs Molina that her father was murdered and offers to help Molina findthose responsible and bring them to justice.
While Molina and Kaybell hunt the people responsiblefor her father’s death, Yael is hunted by an invincible assassin – one with aterrible secret. These two seemingly unrelated events are more connected thanYael or Molina could possibly imagine.
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Excerpt One:
Yael was neverpeaceful in her sleep. Sometimes it was adorable, as she’d blurt out lines fromher ridiculous dreams and punch and kick the air. Other times it was annoyingas Hell, as she’d sleepwalk, go to the fridge, and stuff food in my mouth. Andusually it was weird food she and Aarif liked that I wouldn’t normally touch.But sometimes, it wasn’t adorable or annoying. Sometimes it was scary.
“Ahh!” Yaelshrieked, shaking her knees. “Ahhh!”
“Yael, baby,wake up,” I said, getting on top of her and resting my hands on her face. “Wakeup!”
Yael’s eyesjolted open and she tried to throw me off her. That had happened a few timesbefore, but I’d learned how to grab onto her so I stayed in place. As Yaelpanted, she wrapped her arms around my waist and squeezed me like one of thestuffed animals she’d had as a kid.
“It’s okay,” Iwhispered. “It’s okay. You’re home. You aren’t back there.”
Yael’s warmbreath continued to blow against my ear. “It hurts. It shouldn’t, but it does.Every other week…I’m on the Noriker. And every time I close my eyes, I see thatbitch.” Yael roared, slamming her fists down on the bed, shaking the entireroom. “I could have killed her. Instead, she’s the fucking emperor.”
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What do you like best and least about your characters?
This a fun thing to talk about, honestly. It’s my philosophyas a writer that characters
come before everything else. If you don’t have likable,complex, and/or relatable characters, it
doesn’t matter how strong your prose is, how well-built yourworld is, or how dramatic your plot
is; your story does not work. It’s for this reason that thebulk of my time when writing a new
story goes into fleshing out my main cast as much aspossible. And as a result, there’s a lot to
love and a lot to hate about most of them. Because there’sso much to say about them, I’ll just be
discussing my two lead protagonists: Yael Pavnick and MolinaLangstone.
Yael was specifically designed to be everything I would havewanted in a hero as a kid. I
love how smart and strong she is, I love how she’s confidentagainst whatever stands in her way,
and I love the way she goes out of her way to help people,and cares so incredibly deeply for the
weird little family she’s assembled around her. I also loveher for the representation she provides,
being a Jewish, Autistic, ADHD lesbian, much like myself,and how some of this is reflected in
her major weakness: her lack of social skills. But what Ithink I like best about her is the way
that, in response to her childhood dreams being crushed andthe images of her idols shattered,
she forged her own path that went against everything she’dever been taught to believe. While
she once desired to be a member of the intergalacticpeacekeeping group, The Sunrisers, an
organization whose true purpose is protecting the rulingclass and maintaining the strict status
quo, she’s now a thief, one who believes that everyoneshould be free to live however they see
fit. If I could smack Yael over the head for anything, itwould be her insensitivity. It’s not her
fault, my baby’s deeply Autistic, but while she loves herfamily, she can also be deeply ignorant
of their feelings. And it’s this issue that causes most ofthe problems in both The Order of the
Banshee, as well as the previous book in the series, TheSunrisers.
As for Yael’s wife and co-protagonist, Molina, what I lovemost about her is how
tragically real she is. Molina isn’t nearly as capable asYael, nor is she as fun to read about, but
you’d probably get along with her much better if you met herin a cafe, as the one thing she does
have over Yael is that she’s capable of masking her Autismand acting appropriately in social
situations. While Yael shouts everything on her mind andenergetically leaps into every situation
with reckless abandon, Molina is calm, patient, andinsecure. For all her hard work as a child, she
could never keep up with the unrivaled prodigy that was herbestie, Yael. Unlike, Yael, however,
Molina did end up joining the Sunrisers and continued to bebrainwashed by their propaganda,
only to abandon years later to be with Yael, both out of asense of morality and a desire to be
with the woman she loves. Only, as we see in The Order ofthe Banshee, sometimes throwing
away everything for the person you love isn’t worth it. ForMolina, the emptiness inside her only
made her lifelong resentment of her wife even worse. Herstory is a painful one, but there are so
many aspects of it I feel people can relate to. What I mosthate about Molina is every decision
she makes in the final chapters of The Order of the Banshee.The actions she takes in response to
all the pain she’s in and all the strife she’s dealt withonly serve to hurt herself and everyone
around her, and I’m sure readers will be shouting at theirbooks, begging for her to stop.
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Robyn Singer is a lifelong New Yorker, and since shewas a kid playing with her action figures, all she’s wanted to do is tellstories. She went to SUNY Purchase to get a degree in Playwriting &Screenwriting with a minor in Film and has produced several comic books, butshe’s always had her eye on becoming a published novelist.
As an Autistic, bisexual trans woman, diversity andinclusion in stories are vitally important to her, and she seeks to representas many groups as possible in her work. While she wants to show characters ofmarginalized groups experiencing joy, she also draws inspiration fromreal-world problems which bother her.
The Sunrisers (Cinnabar Moth Publishing, November2022) is her debut novel. Order of the Banshee is book in the The RicochetTrilogy. Robyn was the author in residence for quester 1 of 20222 for CinnabarMoth Literary Collections. She writes novels and short stories of all genresand for all ages, and she continues to produce comic books. Her ongoing series,Final Gamble, began publiscation by Band of Bards in 2022.
See her ramble about her passions on Twitter https://twitter.com/emmalsinger
Follow her Instagram https://www.instagram.com/emmalsinger/
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GIVEAWAY
Robyn Singer will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawnwinner via rafflecopter during the tour.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Blog Tour: THE SEVEN SEXY SUPERNATURALS by Luki Belle
The Sexy Seven Supernaturals
by Luki Belle
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GENRE: Fiction - Short Stories, Fantasy, Paranormal,Erotica
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BLURB:
Sevenhaunting tales of women, young female adults, and an adolescent girl whoselives change irreversibly because of entities who come into the lives of thesefemale protagonists, mysteriously, invited by yearnings and distresses thatexist in these women and girls -
1) The Photo and the Letter: Larissa, a heartbroken young woman, finds acaptivating photo of an elderly friend and becomes compelled to discover moreabout the bitterly written letter that was addressed to the elderly woman, whohad a fascinating past.
2)Strength of Feathers: Vanessa, an orphan, who struggled her entire life tosurvive and achieve professional success, decides one night to overcome herfear of heights and her reluctance to be spontaneous when she meets anenigmatic, wealthy woman who has ulterior motives.
3)The Aunt: Anika, a teenage girl, niece of a notable and authoritative commanderof her nation’s army, finds herself in a precarious situation when at a bloodycrossroads of her nation’s history, she falls for a young, ambitious, andruthless military man from a long-rival nation, who is about to take overrulership of Anika’s nation and her uncle’s army.
4) Ravenous: Sabrina, a young adult, daughter of a coalminer, is forced toleave her hometown with her father and siblings. Her family is taken in by akind doctor who has mixed intentions for helping the homeless father and histhree children.
5) The Bride’s Matchmaker: Mylakena, a young rural woman, comes to live in adynamic, metropolitan city with her uncle, when she falls for two handsome,rich, and athletic young city men and realizes that her innocent infatuationhas severe consequences.
6) The Picture Ghost: Elsa, a young adult daughter of a farmer, startsattending college far away from her hometown. Her poor grades lead her to aprofessor whose art collection draws Elsa uncomfortably close to an enigmaticstranger from the past.
7) The Old Willow Tree: Helen, a highly successful businesswoman, retires in aforeign country where, while searching for a permanent home with a garden, shefalls in love with a stunning willow tree on a property that she desperatelywants to buy.
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Excerpt One:
1) The Photo and the Letter
“My dear, you have broken my heart in so many pieces that Ifeel like I live now without one, yet, feeling the pain of it being torn toshreds. It is that pain with which I must now live for the rest of my life. Howcould you betray me? When I gave my everything to you and loved you like my ownflesh and blood! My soul and harmony, I found nectar in your essence and tothink that you would do such a cruel deed to me makes me want to tear my fleshso that I strip myself of pain forever, the pain of watching you in bed with myvery own brother! I damn you! I damn you for the rest of your life! And I cursemy brother for betraying me with you! Know this now my dearest, beloved wife, Iwill leave you both to your damnation of cheating against me! You will neversee me again until the day I will return when I die, to take what belongs to mefrom you! Frederick”
2) Strength of Feathers
“You also own this place?” Vanessa asked nervously whilesitting down across from Eliza instead of beside her as she was asked to do bythe lady.
Eliza smiled “Okay let’s get it out of the way once and forall! I own this entire building and everything in it, though not everyone butall the businesses. There! Can we talk plainly now?”
“We could unless there is more to show me about how rich youare!” Vanessa snapped and gulped down the entire champagne putting down theglass with a hint of temper.
“Is there something wrong my dear?” Eliza said while gentlytouching Vanessa’s hand.
Vanessa exhaled in a frustrated way “Look LadyEliza...I...I...” the champagne was rushing to her head in her empty stomach“...I am not going to sleep with you okay! I...I...”
But before she could finish Eliza began laughinghysterically in a shrill voice letting her head jerk back from the amusement.
3) The Aunt
As a child Krem had heard rumors about his aunt, throughgossip between his mother and her sisters. They talked about Zaylinar havingbeen raised by a sisterhood in the northwestern desert that bordered Xenia andthat his aunt was sent away because she was rebellious in nature as a child.She was returned to her family only when she had been sufficiently tamed. Itwas then that her father, the Head Counsel of the Republic at the time, offeredhis daughter to the Minister’s son Ruhr. Both fathers had quickly blessed andsealed the engagement. Growing up, Krem had become emotionally attached tostories of his mysterious aunt whom he did not see until he was an adolescent.On the day when Zaylinar came to meet the young boy, the stories became verymuch alive in the teenager’s mind. The lad felt his very first pangs of loveand physical desire for his aunt. Feelings that magnified over time, withoutsubduing. Yet the enigmatic woman shunned her nephew’s affections telling himthat he could never be like Ruhr and that the only way she would ever have himwould be if he proved himself to her.
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Topic: Which storycan you personally identify with and why?
Response: Great question! I think I somewhat identify withthe young adult Elsa Cavanaugh in story 6 titled “The Picture Ghost”. The onlydaughter of kind farmer of humble means, living in a small close-knit ruralfarm community, encouraged to attend university far away from her hometown in acampus community where everything was new, strange, and difficult for her ather first semester in college. Elsa was gifted in poetry and her talent got herscholarship to the university, but the curriculum was tough for her while shehad to adjust to the new social setting where she felt completely helpless froma lack of knowledge of social norms. It was not easy for her to be assertive toget help in her coursework while dealing with the dating habits of her olderroommate, a junior student, Cassandra. Elsa’s grade suffered tremendouslyduring the first semester, and she had to take up a campus job to pay for allthe expenses that the scholarship did not cover. Cassandra is the opposite ofElsa, an extrovert, fast-talking, intelligent, sexually active, andkind-hearted. Elsa’s humble background and reserved nature, especially towardsstrange boys and men, makes her coy and prickly towards any advances from hermale classmates and towards Cassandra’s encouragement to be social andfriendly. The large size of freshmen classes led by intimidating professorsdoes not help Elsa either to overcome her coyness and timidity which in turnbadly affects her semester-end grades. Matthew Cavanaugh is sympathetic andencouraging towards his daughter, but he experiences trouble back home at thefarm which forces him to look for ways to make ends meet. Father and daughtertry to hide their troubles from each other. A glimmer of hope flickers whenCassandra suggests a way for Elsa to help save her scholarship despite her badgrades. This results in Elsa staying back during the first semester break whichleads to her fate at the end of the story from the paranormal experiences thatencounter her.
I too came from a humble background and lived in aclose-knit household and town where my higher education came to an unfortunateand unexpected halt. With some help I was encouraged and financially supported toattend university abroad, far away from my family and in a completely differentculture. Everything was hard for me in my first semester and my grades werebad! Also, like Elsa, I yearned for home and while she was a poet, I was apainter and never took advantage of the beautiful setting of my campus to paintanything because I was always frantically studying during my first semester! Myfirst roommate was also the opposite of me and had an active social life whereshe tried her best to get me involved but I was far too coy and reserved, notto mention intimidated to make friends with strangers. Furthermore, I wasstudying all the time, struggling with all my coursework and did not reallyknow how to get help. I too took up a campus job to help pay for expensesthough I did not have a scholarship. During one of the summers when I worked oncampus to save up money and to catch up on coursework for the next semester, Iexperienced some spooky things at night within my off-campus apartment on acouple of occasions and once when returning from campus late one evening. Inever quite found an explanation for these eerie occurrences :)
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
LukiBelle works in the media industry. Storytelling was a fixture from childhoodwhen she would listen to stories told by her grandparents, parents, sisters,and cousins, who would read to her from diverse cultural fiction books. Scaryand ghost stories in particular, captured Luki as a child and led to herfascination with the concept of feeling haunted or being haunted by somethingor someone, whether desirably or whether uninvited. In the Sexy SevenSupernaturals, Luki explores the amalgamation between the psychological and theparanormal, enabled by the human mind through its power to imagine, visualize,and yearn. The female characters in this book each have strong or subtleconscious desires created or triggered by subconscious or unconsciousdistresses, leading each of them to unexpected fates.
Websites
Amazon
Barnes& Noble
Luki Belle (@lukibelletheauthor) • Instagram photos and videos
Luki Belle (@lukibelleauthor) / Twitter
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GIVEAWAY :
Luki Belle will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes andNoble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
