Laurisa White Reyes's Blog, page 17

12 DAYS OF CLEAN ROMANCE - HIS CHRISTMAS WISH by Melissa McClone

   His Christmas Wish by Melissa McClone Carly Bishop loved Christmas…until tragedy struck. Distraught and grief-stricken over the deaths of her fiancé and brother, she left Hood Hamlet and her Christmas spirit behind, to start over somewhere new. But now, six years later, her family needs her. Carly returns home to face her past and give her niece and nephew the best Christmas ever. Burdened with guilt, Jake Porter believes he could have saved his two friends on that fateful day and kept Carly from experiencing such a heart-wrenching loss. When she arrives in town, Jake wants to make amends so they can both finally move forward with their lives. As Jake helps Carly experience the magic of Christmas so she'll embrace the holiday again, will he also be able to open her heart to something else she’d given up on…love?  Jake forced himself not to stare. Drool. He reached for a knife. She looked good. Okay, hot. Better than he remembered. The cold temperature outside brought a natural color to her cheeks. Thick lashes, ones she’d had since she was younger, framed expressive hazel eyes that no longer held the optimistic promise of tomorrow, but hinted at new depths he hadn’t seen before. Those pink full lips smiling at him made him think about kisses. And the one time he should have kissed her, but instead he’d hesitated and lost her. Not that he needed kisses now. A taste of those glossed lips, simply a nibble, was all he wanted, but that wouldn’t be a smart move. Kissing her would be downright stupid. As he sliced the apple, the knife slammed against the cutting board. “Be careful.” Carly neatly placed cheese and crackers on a plate. “You don’t want to lose a finger.” Right now, he was more worried about losing his heart. Insane. His heart was off-limits, especially to a woman who was the only person aside from his father to call him Jacob and who’d left town six years ago never to return until now. Okay, not exactly true. She hadn’t been gone six years. Five years, seven months, and twenty-eight days, if he wanted to be exact. Not that he’d been counting. Granted, she’d had her reasons. Good ones. But that hadn’t made her leaving any easier. Which reminded him. She wasn’t here to stay. Hannah had mentioned Carly was staying a little over two weeks. Long enough to turn everyone’s life upside down, including his. He wanted no part of it. No part of her. Jake cut another piece of apple. This time, he didn’t put as much pressure on the knife.      "A wonderful debut of the Mountain Rescue Romance series with relatable characters with whom I could share emotions as I laughed, cried and loved every minute of this heartwarming and at times heartrending contemporary holiday romance."—Amazon Reviewer "His Christmas Wish is one of the the best holiday books I’ve read, hands down. With a hero and heroine to root for, 2 adorable kids, the winter wonderland backdrop of small town Hood Hamlet and a heartwarming storyline, this may well be my favorite Melissa McClone romance yet."—Amazon Reviewer "I truly enjoyed this book! It was an extremely well written romance book perfect in time for the holidays! A very refreshing sweet romance novel, I couldn’t put it down. I highly recommend it!"—Amazon reviewer        Author Melissa McClone USA Today bestselling author, Melissa McClone has published over forty novels with Harlequin and Tule Publishing Group and been nominated for Romance Writers of America's RITA® award. With a degree in mechanical engineering from Stanford University, Melissa worked for a major airline where she traveled the globe and met her husband. But analyzing jet engine performance couldn't compete with her love of writing happily ever afters. Her first full-time writing endeavor was her first sale when she was pregnant with her first child! When she isn't writing, you can usually find her driving her minivan to/from her children's swim practices and other activities. Melissa lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, three children, two spoiled Norwegian Elkhounds, and cats who think they rule the house. They do!            
Giveaway Details $25 Amazon Gift Code or $25 in PayPal Cash Ends 1/1/19 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner may be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, BookBub, Instagram, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader & Clean Wholesome Romance and is sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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WRITER 2 WRITER: CLIFFHANGER CHAPTER ENDINGS

HOW TO WRITE A REAL PAGE-TURNER, PART V

Today is our fifth and final post in this series. In week #1 I defined what a page-turner is and why authors should write them. Week #2 I shared five Sure Fire Fun-Suckers, what to avoid that are sure to put your readers to sleep. Week #3 I discussed the first of three Page-Turner techniques, Shorter Chapters. Week #4 was the second technique, Multiple Points of View. Today let’s tackle the third technique:

#3: CLIFFHANGER CHAPTER ENDINGS

Now, the three techniques I presented are by no means exhaustive. There are many other techniques writers use to create page-turners, such as varied pacing, action, and so forth. But the three I discuss here can be applied not only to new writing projects, but also to manuscripts in need of a little umpf. They don’t require entire rewrites, just a little tweaking here and there.

So, what is a cliffhanger chapter ending? Simply, it is the sort of chapter ending that leaves a nagging question in your reader’s mind, a question they feel compelled to answer by turning the page to find out what happens next.

There are four types of chapter endings that can get the job done:

1. FORESHADOWING
Foreshadowing is a hint or suggestion that something important, scary, shocking, or life-altering is about to happen. Take a look at this chapter ending from Devil in the White City by Erik Larson:

“Even Depew, however, did not foresee the true magnitude of the Forces that were converging on Burnham and Root. At this moment he and they saw the challenge in its two most fundamental dimensions, time and money, and these were stark enough.
Only Poe could have dreamed the rest.”

 The question readers are left asking is – Dreamed the rest? What rest? And if only Poe, the master of horror and suspense, could have dreamed it up, it must be something truly, and deliciously, awful!

Turn the page.

2. UNANSWERED QUESTIONS
While all cliffhanger endings create a question in your reader’s mind, some create a partial image or expectation that can only be fully realized by reading on. The following example is from Wonder by R.J. Palacio:

“My name is August, by the way. I won’t describe what I look like. Whatever you’re thinking, it’s probably worse.”

The author here gives us just the briefest suggestion that something is wrong with this kid’s face, but what?

Turn the page.

3. HEIGHTEN SUSPENSE
 Chapter endings can also be used to increase anticipation for the reader. You’ve built up his expectation of something truly traumatic or climatic, and just as that expectation is about to pay off you draw it out just a little bit longer. Take a look at how Dan Brown achieves this in The Da Vinci Code:

“Langdon could hear the tape rewinding now. Finally, it stopped, and the machine engaged. Langdon listened as the message began to play. Again, the voice on the line was Sophie’s.
‘Mr. Langdon,’ the message began in a fearful whisper. ‘Do not react to this message. Just listen calmly. You are in danger right now. Follow my directions very closely.’”

That’s the end of the chapter! And of course, we have to know what those directions are and what danger he is in!

Turn the page.

4. DROP THE BOMB
Finally, chapter endings can be used to provide a sudden and startling revelation that will make your reader gasp. Here is a biggie from The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.

“The crowd draws in a collective breath and then you can hear a pin drop and I’m feeling nauseous and so desperately hoping that it’s not me, that it’s not me, that it’s not me.
Effie Trinket crosses back to the podium, smoothes the slip of paper, and read out the name in a clear voice. And it’s not me.
It’s Primrose Everdeen.”

Gasp!

Turn the page.

TRY IT OUT:

Now, take some time and read through your current work in progress. Search for that AH-HA moment in each chapter, where something remarkable or shocking happens or is revealed. End your chapter there, either right before or after that climactic moment. That’s right. Just cut it.

Begin your next chapter either where you left off, or if you’re writing in multiple points of view, switch to somewhere/someone entirely different. Then come back to that AH-HA moment later on.
Not every chapter has to be a cliffhanger chapter ending, and not every ending has to illicit a gasp from your readers, but there should be plenty of motivation for your readers to turn those pages late into the night.

If you’re not confident about pulling this off, I highly recommend you pick up a book or two that you consider page-turners and study–not just read, but study–that author’s techniques and then apply them to your own writing.

$5 GIVEAWAY - THIS TIME by Azaaa Davis

This TimeNadira Holden, Demon Hunter Book 1by Azaaa Davis Genre: Urban Fantasy
When demon hunting is outlawed, it's time to resurrect a legend.

Not even death can stop her.


Fearsome demon hunter Nadira has been torn from her next life and resurrected in present-day New York. The demons she once battled have made peace with humans. Or, so they claim. But brawls between demons and humans are becoming more frequent, and human leaders are disappearing.

Tasked by the shadowy organization that trained her, she must battle her own personal trauma and once again fight for the souls of mankind. Will Nadira remain a beacon of light to those fighting for humankind? Or will she lose her humanity to the darkness within?
Don't miss This Time―the first novel in the Nadira Holden, Demon Hunter series―by author Azaaa Davis!


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Azaaa Davis is a writer of urban fantasy novels.
She fell in love with reading as a high school freshman and continues to read, write, and draw today. Her background in social work helps her portray realistic characters in fantastic--and sometimes terrifying--situations. A New York native, Azaaa currently lives in New Hampshire with her husband and daughter.
She debuts with This Time, A Nadira Holden Novel, about demon hunters, family ties and the magic of love.
Azaaa is working diligently to finish writing more fantasy novels while raising her daughter. Her next book is expected to be released in early 2019. Thank you for showing an interest in her stories!


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$25 GIVEAWAY - SO THIS IS LOVE by Brooke St. James

 So This is Love by Brooke St. James Abigail Spencer loved her job. She was a marine biologist who maintained some of Miami's most spectacular ponds and aquariums. She had the opportunity to travel around the city, meeting new people and working in beautiful locations. So, even though it was just another day at the office when she suddenly met the man of her dreams, she wasn't in an office at all. Every girl imagines meeting her prince charming. It's doubtful, however, that any of these fantasies include it happening when they're soaked with sweat and knee-deep in pond scum. Fate can be funny that way.   "Oh, thank goodness!" Tori said when I walked into the office that morning. She was holding the phone to her ear, but she was talking to me as I approached her U-shaped reception desk. She stared at me from over her reading glasses, and she waved me forward like she had been anxiously awaiting my arrival. I was twenty minutes early, so I had no idea why she was so relieved. "Abigail's here now," she said to the person on the phone. "She just walked in. I'm looking at her right now. Okay, I'll tell her. Bye." I stood in front of Tori's desk and watched as she hung up the phone before looking at me with a relieved smile. "I'm so glad you're here." "I'm always here," I said cautiously. "I mean, I'm glad you're early. I was gonna call you and tell you to hurry. That was Lance. We have to rearrange your schedule today. He needs you to head out on a pond job… like right now. It's a priority."   This was definitely another winner! Loved Ash and Abigail and how their relationship grew. Brooke's books are always an instant click for me, I don't even have to read the blurb of what its about. I appreciate that she writes clean books and would recommend them highly. I've read everything she's written and can't wait for the next!! What a great book! The main characters' backgrounds are refreshingly original. So many romances are formulaic or copycats of other books out there. Additionally, the chemistry between Ash and Abigail is so strong it's practically tangible. This book is the perfect mix of sweet and spicy. Read it! I loved this book- when are the rest coming out?!?!?! I truly relate to Abigail as I am in a profession where I am usually more dirty than clean. I appreciate the religious aspect of the book without it being pushed hard, it's just part of the characters life. Thank you Brooke for amazing books and keeping them at a price that buying the entire series doesn't break my bank account!      Author Brooke St. James Brooke St. James is a bestselling author of contemporary romance novels with Christian and inspirational themes and happy endings. She was born and raised in south Louisiana but has had the opportunity to travel and live throughout the U.S. An avid reader, writer, audio book addict, and fan of all things artistic, Brooke constantly has her hands in some creative activity. She's currently back home in Louisiana enjoying life with her husband, children, and two lazy dogs.  
 Get copies of All In & Something Precious for just 99 cents!      
Giveaway Details $25 Amazon Gift Code or $25 in PayPal Cash Ends 1/1/19 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner may be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, BookBub, Instagram, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader & Clean Wholesome Romance and is sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.  
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$25 GIVEAWAY - POWDERFINGER by Keller Yeats

PowderfingerNick Swann Investigates Book 1by Keller YeatsGenre: Horror
"Powderfinger" is a present-day scary horror story set mainly on the decrepit, abandoned but soon to be redeveloped, bank of an old canal between two towns. It centres on an old tar works known as Raven's Gate. Nick Swann is a world weary mid-forties widower and Assistant Probation Warden at St Joseph's Hostel for young male criminals, situated overlooking the canal and Raven's Gate. A woman is brutally killed on the bank opposite the Hostel on a night when Nick is on duty. Nick believes his lads had nothing to do with it, though consequently Nick is suspended for issuing too many late passes at once. Then another woman is killed and Nick becomes drawn into discovering the culprit. He works with DCI Findlay and DS Deacon as the murder toll rises. Together with help from his old friends Alan and Hugo, Nick's research uncovers a long series of similar murders in the same area, stretching back through the centuries. "Powderfinger" as the killer is dubbed, appears to be some kind of ancient mellifluous, malevolent, murderous being that attacks anyone it considers to be disturbing its peace and quiet. Eventually, as the story climaxes, Findlay, Deacon, Nick and Alan set a trap to lure "Powderfinger" to his doom and rid the area of this beast once and for all. Yet, traps can swing both ways.

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WyndwraythNick Swann Investigates Book 2
This is the second horror novel in the Nick Swann series. This scary story finds Nick now living in an old stone farmhouse on the lonely and mysterious shores of Llyn Isaf, in Wales. He becomes intrigued by its mist-covered lake island, Ynys Y Niwl and its dark, ancient and long deserted mansion, Wyndwrayth.
Its moldering edifice holds many secrets and treasures, some of which draw Nick and his old friend Alan, into dangerous realms. Death stalks the island and as the dangerous spectral figures of The Millar of Souls, The Paladin and Gideon reveal themselves, it becomes increasingly difficult to discern between reality and dreams.  As the death toll rises, Nick finds himself, along with his new partner, Wendy and her Wolf, Mir embroiled in a struggle not just to maintain sanity but to stay alive.


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Keller Yeats is a writer with a love of history and music. He has written several published articles about rock music and several unpublished short stories. He drew upon his years of experience working as a Probation Warden, for his first published novel, "Powderfinger." A horror story with a supernatural twist. "Wyndwrayth" is his second novel in this Nick Swann researches and investigates series, with more to come. In addition, he is a published graphic artist and a qualified, though no longer practicing, jewellery maker and designer. He now lives together with his wife, a Siberian Husky, a Welsh Collie and three cats, in a cottage by the sea in Anglesey.

Website * Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest * Amazon * Goodreads

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12 DAY OF CLEAN ROMANCE - TAMING SCROOGE by Sophia Summers

 Taming Scrooge by Sophia Summers Ezra Stone wishes Christmas would go away. Star Henley wants to save it. When a desperate city council, panicked about losing their iconic main street, urges Star Henley to charm her way into developer Ezra Stone’s life, they hope to change his mind, unaware they could break his heart. If the small town, Sanders Corners, can’t save its tree festival and protect their Main Street festivities, her father’s tree business and her Christmas shop will go out of business along with the rest of the town. She can’t let that happen, even if it means ingratiating herself into the cold, hard life of their town’s one and only billionaire nemesis. When a conniving city council forces them to work together on the festival of trees, the two clash as often as they connect, but everything could change on December 25.  He reached into the decorated boughs and her heart pinged just a tiny amount in sympathy. Balls fell and clattered down around him, his whole arm lost in the decorated greenery. It wasn’t easy, and she did want the tree to stay intact for the short drive. “Look, I’ll call Colton up here to help you.” “Yes, you’d better.” When he pulled his hand back out, he pinched his fingers together and released them, the adhesive obvious. She smirked. Sap was a bear to wash off. “This soon becomes more trouble than it’s worth.” “Pardon me?” “This giving of the tree thing. I appreciate the help loading. But no one will be there unloading.” He seemed to stop himself, but his irritation was obvious. “Well, I suppose our apologies are in order.” He waved his hand. “It’s ok, I understand tradition and all that. Look, I’ll try to load it and we’ll make sure someone plants it afterward.” He reached his hand back in and started sliding the tree closer to the back of the truck. Colton arrived, threw burlap over the top, wrapped it securely, and then he and another man hefted the tree up into the truck. Mr. Stone nodded. “Thanks.” He climbed up into his truck. Then his appraising glance returned. “I’m here for the duration of the build. Wanna go to dinner sometime?” “What?” The word, her tone, escaped her lips before she could stop it. “Are you asking me out?” He grinned, a smile that she guessed women melted over. “I am, you free?” “No, I’m not.” Was he for real? His face became a mask, then he nodded. “Good enough. Thanks again.” His truck door closed, and he pulled out of the parking lot. Clinton clucked his tongue, watching him pull away. “Wait, is he driving your truck?” She groaned. “No. He has the same one.” Too bad such a remarkable looking man with great taste in trucks was so ungrateful, involved in destroying her town and her store and entirely void of holiday spirit.       A fun, clean, quick Christmas story. I liked the loose references to A Christmas Carol. Great escapist. This book was written so well that I could picture myself in town on main street at the Christmas Shoppe!! Only other thing I will say is, grab a cup of hot chocolate, a blanket and curl up in your favorite comfy reading chair because you won't want to put the story down until it's finished! I loved this book! It is funny, heartwarming and romantic. What can you do when you are both attracted and infuriated with someone? A very good book.I very much love Christmas stories. This is one of the best Scrooge stories I have read... a good clean book for everyone. Truth and trust win out in this sweet romance with Scrooge getting his Star! I could picture this town and their quaint shops. Sophia Summers continues in her engaging writing style.      Author Sophia Summers Billionaires, Royals, Marriages of convenience, Cowboys, and Spies. Sounds exciting, doesn’t it? Sophia Summers is an award-winning author who just wants to relax a little and enjoy a great beach read. She lives in a quiet southern town brimming with an extra dose of hospitality and a whole lot of charm. She writes historical romance under a different name.          Giveaway Details $25 Amazon Gift Code or $25 in PayPal Cash Ends 1/1/19 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner may be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, BookBub, Instagram, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader & Clean Wholesome Romance and is sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.   a Rafflecopter giveaway

$300 HOLIDAY CASH GIVEAWAY

$300 Holiday Cash GiveawayDecember 1st to 21stCould you use an extra $300 this holiday season? This awesome group of authors & bloggers have joined together to make that possible for one lucky reader. A huge thanks to our sponsors for making this giveaway possible. Sponsor List I Am A ReaderClean Wholesome RomanceJulie Coulter BellonSally BrittonKrysten Lindsay HagerCoupons and Freebies MomBookHoundsRachel Magee authorB.B. ShepherdAuthor Krystal M. AndersonRockin' Book ReviewsAuthor Dorothy DreyerLori's Reading CornerLaurisa White Reyes, AuthorI'm All About BooksKim KobySimple WyrdingsAll the Ups and DownsD.A. RoachMichele Wilder, AuthorEvery Free Chance BooksWin Book MoneyMy Life. One Story at a Time.Donna Amis DavisBeauty in the Binding BlogJeanBookNerdAuthor Crystal MarcosZapkode MarieAuthor Jess Heileman  Giveaway Details $300 Amazon Gift Code or $300 in PayPal Cash Ends 12/21/18 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner may be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, BookBub, Instagram, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader & Clean Wholesome Romance and is sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.   
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BOOK COVERS REVEAL - THE CRYSTAL KEEPER, BOOKS 4-6

DRUMROLL PLEASE!

I'm so excited to reveal the new covers for books 4-6 of THE CRYSTAL KEEPER SERIES. Enjoy!

BOOK LAUNCH: HOW TO BUILD YOUR AUTHOR PLATFORM by Dorine White

HOW TO BUILD YOUR AUTHOR PLATFORM
Dorine White
Skyrocket Press
Non-fiction

New authors will appreciate this simple, easy-to-follow guide to social media. From Twitter to Instagram, newsletters to blogs, author Dorine White explains the basics of how to create an online presence and develop a fan base.

It's never too early or too late to begin building your author platform. In this concise, step-by-step guide you will learn the tricks to getting your name and brand out into the world. Take all the confusion out of the process with this unique look at building your platform through the eyes of publishing professionals.

Find out what editors and agents are really looking for when scoping out prospective clients. Get the inside scoop as best-selling authors share their ups and downs with social media. Learn how to start the process with easy-to-follow instructions. All writers need a platform. It is time to begin yours!



About the Author:

Dorine White is the author of five books for young readers and is the owner of the award-winning blog, THE WRITE PATH. She lives in Washington state with her husband and six children. Visit her website at: https://www.dorinewhite.com/

$25 GIVEAWAY - RITE TO REIGN by Multiple Authors

Rite to ReignBoxed SetGenre: YA Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance

Something wicked this way comes…Willful witches, supernatural sorcerers, cruel queens, and powerful priestesses fall out of favor and rise to rule in this highly sought-after collection of spellbinding stories!
More than 20 award-winning and bestselling authors have come together to curate this bewitching boxed set collection of the best PARANORMAL ROMANCE and URBAN FANTASY books in the genre, each brimming with stories of royal magic.
Journey through worlds of danger and mayhem, where witches and warlocks battle for influence and wizards fight for unrestricted power.
But reader beware: the highly addictive stores in RITE TO REIGN will put you under their spell. One click to secure your limited edition copy today!

Featuring Stories from :

USA Today bestselling author Heather Marie AdkinsTeresa RomanJJ King writing with Candace OsmondUSA Today bestselling author SJ Davis writing with P. MatternScott HungerfordUSA Today bestselling author Shawna RomkeyUSA Today bestselling author Ash KraftonUSA Today bestselling author Christine AshworthAnna SantosMelissa WintersColleen S. MyersAndie M. LongAlex H. SinghSabrina RamothL.C. IrelandLouisa BacioGrace WhiteHelen ScottCarma Haley ShoemakerKyndra HatchMirren Hogen & Stephanie BarrE.B. BlackElla MiddaughKat ParrishTanya Dawson

**Only .99 cents!!** Add to Goodreads Amazon * Apple * B&N * Kobo




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