I'm sharing Jo from Jo the Great recent video about her thoughts on if BookTube is racist. Like she states, this is not the first video of this kind to be brought up about diversity within the book world but more specifically the BookTube community nor will it be the last as everyone else keeps sharing their own stances. However, I do agree with most of her points and feel like I should share her video around as I did for Christina Marie a while back.
As I tell my own children no one is perfect ... we all have our flaws even if we don't realize what they are ... but talking about our thoughts, getting them out there into the world, and calmly discussing them with others IS the only way I feel that we as a whole can move forward. So, please hear out Jo ... follow her ... follow me ... comment wherever you like and lets get this momentum of communication to begin.
Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check out Christina Marie's Black Bookish Peeps Database too.
Showing posts sorted by date for query Momentum Books. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by date for query Momentum Books. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Sunday, September 2, 2018
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
My New Years Resolution: #readallthebooks! - January Bookstagram Challenges Wrap Up | @KensingtonBooks #BookChallenges #photography #KBooksChallenge
My FOURTH Ever Book Challenge was just terrible ... I mean I started strong but then I just gave up. 🤣 🤣
Thursday, December 28, 2017
Idolizing In: Always Series, Book 3 | #BookReview @CherieMHudson @lexxie_couper
- This was an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon: Paperback - Pages: 280 | Release Date: June 30, 2016 | Publisher: Momentum Books : Moonlight | Obtained: NetGalley"Undeniable" [Always Series, Book 3] by Cherie M. Hudson (aka Lexxie Couper)
Author's Book Description : Listen to your heart.
Sit still for a moment. Close your eyes. Listen. Just listen. What do you hear? When I do that, I hear … fuzz. Okay, not really fuzz, but it’s hard to explain what I hear. Put your hands over your ears. Hear that? That’s kind of like what I hear, but not really …
I feel sound. Does that make sense? Being deaf in one ear and partially deaf in the other sucks. People think I’m dumb. I’m not dumb. I just can’t hear you. I’ve worked out however, people thinking you’re dumb actually works to your advantage. When people think you’re dumb, they don’t expect anything from you. And when they don’t expect anything from you, you don’t have to engage with them. I’m okay with that.
So why the hell is my sister’s boyfriend’s cousin, an annoying Australian named Caden, so adamant he wants to talk to me? I can’t work out if he’s laughing at me, or if he can see what I can see … the world is worth laughing at. What kind of name is Caden any way?
I also can’t work out why, for the first time ever, I wish I could truly hear the way normal people do. Surely it has nothing to do with the fact I wonder what his heart would sound like beating in his chest if I lay my head on it. I can’t work it out and I don’t like it.
Damn it.
My Book Review : 5 out of 5 stars! Yes, Caden loves his cousin like a brother and would do anything he can for his cousin’s family (and has on more than one occasion) but that isn’t the real/only reason he travels whenever he could to San Diego, California during his time off from his university in Australia. The real reason is because of his cousin’s sarcastic, snarky, big hearted sister-in-law Chase (Chastity). He has been in love with her from just about the beginning of their “relationship” and now he just has to prove it to her any way he can. But while Chase tries to keep him at bay, others conspire against them. Will Caden’s actions be enough to win her heart for good or will he fumble up any chance they have of being together?I really liked this contemporary new adult romance that is written in a diary style kind of way. It was easy to follow along (as this is the first novel from its Always Series that I’ve read) and I enjoyed how it gave the reader a way of viewing/learning about Caden and Chase’s thoughts on WHY they did the things they did throughout the novel. All in all, it was easy to realize that though Chase and Caden were perfect for one another they both had some growing to do in comprehending what they wanted out of life and each other. In their novel, you get to see their growth, their love for one another, and see how much Chase needed to come to an understanding about her past and what she wanted out of her future. This novel is VERY well written.
Caden and Chase have very similar personalities, though when they had bad things happen to them when they were younger they took very different approaches to life and how they handled the circumstances that are thrown their way. Because of that, it makes for a whole lot of drama in their novel, but the tension that grows finally has them fessing up to their true feelings for each other so it all works out for the best. And how they fessed up …. in truth I was charmed. Together they make a great couple that I rooted for from the start. Their story is one that is unique but meaningful enough that it’ll definitely stick with me.
I HIGHLY recommend this novel to those looking for an incomparable contemporary new adult romance!
Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : Amazon (Paperback) USD : Unconditional (Book 1) | Amazon (Paperback) USD : Unforgettable (Book 2)
My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Misplaced Princess
My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : The Books I'm Thankful For (so far) in 2017
Author's Novel Extras : Chapter One of UNDENIABLE
Author's Series Extras :
Book Teaser(s) :
I plan to one day own a rescue mutt of indecipherable parentage and call him Puss-Cat, just to mess with people's heads. ~ within Chapter 1 - titled 'Caden'
If anyone tells you love makes you invincible, tell them they're full of shit. Love makes you paranoid and insecure and nervous you're going to fuck it all up and lose the best thing that's ever happened to you. ~ within Chapter 5 - titled 'Caden'
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Cherie, then please check out her Amazon Acct.
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Blog Tour - Playing It Cool by Amy Andrews | Spreading the Word & GC Giveaway
Today I'm showing off Amy Andrews' "Playing It Cool," which is the SECOND novel in her Sydney Smoke Rugby Series!!ALSO -- Be sure to check out Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post to be able to sign up for this blog stop's GIVEAWAY(s)!! [Blog Tour will run from September 12 - 23, 2016 & Giveaway will run until September 29, 2016]
[Sydney Smoke Rugby Series, Book 2] by Amy Andrews
Author's Book Description :
- Score one for the curvy girls.
Harper Nugent might have a little extra junk in her trunk, but her stepbrother calling her out on it is the last straw… When rugby hottie, Dexter Blake, witnesses the insult, he surprises Harper by asking her out. In front of her dumbass brother. Score! Of course, she knows it's not for reals, but Dex won't take no for an answer.
Dexter Blake's life revolves around rugby with one hard and fast rule: no women. Sure, his left hand is getting a workout, but he's focused on his career for now. Then he overhears an asshat reporter belittle the curvy chick he'd been secretly ogling. What's a guy to do but ask her out? It's just a little revenge against a poser, and then he'll get his head back in the game.
But the date is better than either expected. So is the next one. And the next. And the heat between them…sizzles their clothes right off.
Suddenly, this fake relationship is feeling all too real…
This book is available to order on :
** Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads & LibraryThing! **
About the Author :Amy Andrews is an award-winning, USA Today best-selling Aussie author who has written over fifty contemporary romances in both the traditional and digital markets. She has written for Harlequin Mills & Boon, Entangled, Harper Collins, Momentum, Tule and Escape. She's sold over a million books and been translated into thirteen different languages including manga.
Amy spent six years on the national executive of Romance Writers of Australia including a two year term as president and after many years of unofficial mentoring of emerging writers, Amy and her fellow Harlequin author Anna Cleary have started their own manuscript assessment business, Word Witchery, which specialises in romantic fiction. With unique insight into what makes a story that sells, Amy and Anna aim to help every manuscript shine.
Amy loves good books, fab food, great wine and frequent travel - preferably all four together. She lives on acreage on the outskirts of Brisbane with a gorgeous mountain view but secretly wishes it was the hillsides of Tuscany.
My Previous Review(s) for this Author : The Hero
My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2016 | Blog Tour - Playing It Cool by Amy Andrews | Release Day Launch, Spreading the Word & GC Giveaway
Book Excerpt(s) :
Dex pulled up at her place and was knocking on her door twelve minutes later. She was still in that dress but she could have been wearing a sack as far as he was concerned. He just wanted to hold her.
“Dex?” She frowned at him clearly not expecting him back although the slight tremor in her voice did betray her excitement that he had.
“I don’t think I’m going to be invited to any Nugent family BBQ’s in a hurry.”
Harper laughed, folding her arms as she settled against the door frame. “Oh no. What happened? Did you punch Chuck?”
Dex snorted. “No. But I may have...implied you were using me for sex.”
She blinked. “Implied?”
“Well...stated is probably more accurate.”
She laughed harder. “What the hell?”
“What can I say?” He shrugged. “They were pissing me off.”
She fluttered a hand over her heart and gave an exaggerated sigh. “My hero.”
His gaze fell to where her hand nestled against the roundness of her breast. She was so soft there. When Dex returned his attention to her face she was watching him closely.
“Thank you for defending my honour.”
He chuckled. “By besmirching it?”
“Meh,” she said dismissively. “Whatever works.”
They grinned at each other for long moments. “Do you need to go home?” she asked.
Dex hesitated. He should. Griff had organised for some ex-military guy who specialised in survival training to do some sessions with them. For some unknown reason these started at four in the morning—some crap about conquering mental conditioning—and tomorrow was their first session.
“Not yet. What’d you have in mind?”
She pretended to ponder for a beat or two. “How about more Star Wars?” she mused, her face a picture of innocence.
“Not quite the stars I had in mind.”
“Me neither,” she grinned and grabbed him by the front of his shirt, pulling him inside.
“Dex?” She frowned at him clearly not expecting him back although the slight tremor in her voice did betray her excitement that he had.
“I don’t think I’m going to be invited to any Nugent family BBQ’s in a hurry.”
Harper laughed, folding her arms as she settled against the door frame. “Oh no. What happened? Did you punch Chuck?”
Dex snorted. “No. But I may have...implied you were using me for sex.”
She blinked. “Implied?”
“Well...stated is probably more accurate.”
She laughed harder. “What the hell?”
“What can I say?” He shrugged. “They were pissing me off.”
She fluttered a hand over her heart and gave an exaggerated sigh. “My hero.”
His gaze fell to where her hand nestled against the roundness of her breast. She was so soft there. When Dex returned his attention to her face she was watching him closely.
“Thank you for defending my honour.”
He chuckled. “By besmirching it?”
“Meh,” she said dismissively. “Whatever works.”
They grinned at each other for long moments. “Do you need to go home?” she asked.
Dex hesitated. He should. Griff had organised for some ex-military guy who specialised in survival training to do some sessions with them. For some unknown reason these started at four in the morning—some crap about conquering mental conditioning—and tomorrow was their first session.
“Not yet. What’d you have in mind?”
She pretended to ponder for a beat or two. “How about more Star Wars?” she mused, her face a picture of innocence.
“Not quite the stars I had in mind.”
“Me neither,” she grinned and grabbed him by the front of his shirt, pulling him inside.
Book Preview(s) :
Giveaway(s)!! :
Soo .... COMMENT on this post!! And you could WIN!! =0)
Blog Tour Schedule:
September 12th
Stuck In Books Excerpt
The Book Bee Excerpt
Diane’s Book Blog Excerpt
JOJO THE BOOKAHOLIC Excerpt
September 13th
I Love Romance Review
From Me to You ... Video, Photography, & Book Reviews Excerpt
My Slanted Bookish Ramblings Review
Romance Playlist Guest Post
Smut Book Junkie Reviews Review
September 14th
CReneeBookWorld Review
Reading Tigress Excerpt
Books,Dreams,Life Excerpt
SBB Reviews Review
NightWolf Book Blog Review
September 15th
The Silver Dagger Scriptorium Excerpt
After Dark Book Lovers Review
Alpha Book Club Review
A journey to a lifetime Review
September 16th
Romance Book Nerd Excerpt
T&G Book Boutique Excerpt
Southern Vixens Book Obsessions Excerpt
The Lusty Literate Excerpt
September 17th
The Pervy Ladies Book Blog Review
Friends Till The End Book Blog Excerpt
Brittany's Book Blog Playlist
Fiction Conviction Book Blog Excerpt
September 18th
Ruby's Books Review
Reading Addict Excerpt
Evermore Books Excerpt
Liz's Reading Life Excerpt
September 19th
A Fortress of Books Review
Romantic Reads and Such Review
Sweet Reading Review
Four Chicks Flipping Pages Review
September 20th
bookshelf dreaming Revew
Ashley Book Blog Review
Renee Entress's Blog Review
What Is That Book About Guest Post
September 21st
I'm A Sweet And Sassy Book Whore Review
Short and Sassy Book Blurbs Review
Amo & Sarah Book Corner Review
Captain Reads A Lot Excerpt
September 22nd
babbling about books and more Review
Crazy Chaotic Book Babes Review
TBR Book Blog Review
September 23rd
queenzany Review
Nose Stuck in a Book Excerpt
G & T's Indie Café Excerpt
Find Amy Andrews :
Monday, September 12, 2016
Blog Tour - Playing It Cool by Amy Andrews | Release Day Launch, Spreading the Word & GC Giveaway
Today I'm showing off Amy Andrews' "Playing It Cool," which is the SECOND novel in her Sydney Smoke Rugby Series!! Today is it's Release Day!! So, help me wish it & Ms. Andrews a HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY!!ALSO -- Be sure to check out Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post to be able to sign up for this blog stop's GIVEAWAY(s)!! [Blog Tour will run today (September 12, 2016) & Giveaway will run from September 12 - 29, 2016]
[Sydney Smoke Rugby Series, Book 2] by Amy Andrews
Author's Book Description :
- Score one for the curvy girls.
Harper Nugent might have a little extra junk in her trunk, but her stepbrother calling her out on it is the last straw… When rugby hottie, Dexter Blake, witnesses the insult, he surprises Harper by asking her out. In front of her dumbass brother. Score! Of course, she knows it's not for reals, but Dex won't take no for an answer.
Dexter Blake's life revolves around rugby with one hard and fast rule: no women. Sure, his left hand is getting a workout, but he's focused on his career for now. Then he overhears an asshat reporter belittle the curvy chick he'd been secretly ogling. What's a guy to do but ask her out? It's just a little revenge against a poser, and then he'll get his head back in the game.
But the date is better than either expected. So is the next one. And the next. And the heat between them…sizzles their clothes right off.
Suddenly, this fake relationship is feeling all too real…
This book is available to order on :
** Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads & LibraryThing! **
Amy Andrews is an award-winning, USA Today best-selling Aussie author who has written over fifty contemporary romances in both the traditional and digital markets. She has written for Harlequin Mills & Boon, Entangled, Harper Collins, Momentum, Tule and Escape. She's sold over a million books and been translated into thirteen different languages including manga.
Amy spent six years on the national executive of Romance Writers of Australia including a two year term as president and after many years of unofficial mentoring of emerging writers, Amy and her fellow Harlequin author Anna Cleary have started their own manuscript assessment business, Word Witchery, which specialises in romantic fiction. With unique insight into what makes a story that sells, Amy and Anna aim to help every manuscript shine.
Amy loves good books, fab food, great wine and frequent travel - preferably all four together. She lives on acreage on the outskirts of Brisbane with a gorgeous mountain view but secretly wishes it was the hillsides of Tuscany.
My Previous Review(s) for this Author : The Hero
My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2016
Book Excerpt(s) :
Dexter Blake liked a woman with some junk in her trunk. And the tall, curvy chick on the sidelines was packing a whole lot of booty. She had one of those itty-bitty waists, too. And her cups floweth’d over.
Staring at her chest was practically a religious experience.
Unfortunately, she only had eyes for Chuck Nugent, the pretty boy sports reporter for Channel Five. He was currently doing his sycophantish spiel on the field, a cameraman following him around as he interviewed the players still milling around for their obligatory post-match interviews.
She was impatient for his attention, too, if her pacing was anything to go by.
Lucky bastard.
As far as Dex was concerned, she could keep pacing. Watching everything jiggle was the cherry on the top of his pie tonight. There was nothing better than winning a hard-fought game of rugby union. But watching a fine-looking woman strutting her stuff came a very close second.
“I’d say don’t look now, booty at six o’clock, but I can see you’re ahead of me.”
Dex smiled at Tanner Stone, the captain of the Sydney Smoke and his good mate, as he pulled up beside him then dropped at the waist to stretch out his hamstrings.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Hey, Dex,” Bodie Webb said as he pulled up on the other side. “Your kinda ass on the sideline.”
A low whistle came from behind them. “I hope you’re planning on hitting that, Dex,” Lincoln Quinn murmured as he also appeared, casually waving at some teenage girls hollering at him from the dispersing crowd.
Dex chuckled. “Since when did you all turn into pimps?”
Linc clapped him on the back. “Just lending a hand.”
“Thanks. I can get my own ass.”
And, sadly, as much as sideline-chick ticked every box, her ass was off-limits. One look at her told him she was the kind of girl a guy loved. Got into a relationship with. The kind he married. Made babies with.
She was the commitment type.
Over a decade of avoiding romantic entanglements had alerted Dex to the signs, and this woman had I don’t do casual written all over her.
And he didn’t do commitment. His career came first. He’d fought hard for his place on the team, and at thirty, he probably only had a few good years left. He couldn’t afford to take his eyes off the ball for a second. He knew how easy it was to lose everything. To have it all go to shit when you least expected it.
He was never going back to Perry Hill.
There would be time for commitment later. Rugby was it for now.
“But you don’t,” Tanner said.
“Just because I don’t walk around with a permanent hard-on like Linc—”
“Hey!”
Everyone ignored Linc’s half-hearted protest. The cocky back rower wore his horniness like a badge of frickin’ honour. “—doesn’t mean I go without.”
And if he did—it was none of their damn business.
Chuck finished his interview with the skipper of the losing team and, spotting Tanner, headed toward them.
“Christ,” Dex said. “Dickhead approaching.”
Tanner sighed. “Best to just think of our contracts and smile for the camera.”
“Ooh, helllllo,” Bodie purred. “She’s on the move, too.”
Dex’s gaze flicked to the woman again, tracking her progress as she hurried after Chuck. Her hips swung enticingly and her chest moved interestingly beneath her T-shirt.
Christ, it was a turn-on.
“Chuck,” she called, hurrying to catch up with him.
Idiot. Dex would never let a woman trail behind him like that. Not when she could walk in front and he could check out her luscious ass.
“What in hell does she see in that guy?” Bodie asked.
Dex had no idea, but the urge to throttle the smarmy reporter—something that was never far from the surface—spewed like the sudden rush of a geyser in his chest.
“Chuck,” she called, louder this time, almost caught up with him.
Dickhead stopped. Turned. Then glared before looking around him as if he was embarrassed. He hissed, “What the fuck, Harper?” He’d kept his voice low, but the edge of fury carried it farther than Dex was sure Chuck would have liked.
“I told you to stay in the stands, not embarrass me by running onto the goddamn field in a pair of jeans you’ve barely managed to squeeze your lard ass into. I have a certain image to maintain, and it does not involve being followed around by fat chicks.”
Dex’s jaw clamped tight as the hackles rose on the back of his neck. Fat chick? He could see the stain of red creeping up her neck from here, and the spewing geyser in his chest turned viscous, like lava.
“God, he’s a fuckwit,” Bodie whispered.
“Excuse me,” Dex growled.
Lava burning in his chest, he strode purposefully toward Chuck and the woman, who was hissing something back at the reporter Dex couldn’t quite hear. He was sweaty and dirty and every damn muscle bitched at him, but Dex paid none of it any heed.
The urge to deck the smarmy front man rode him hard, but by the time he pulled up beside Chuck, Dex had another plan.
A better plan.
One that involved less potential penalty. And more potential booty.
“Hey, Chuck,” he said, forcing himself to smile as he clapped the reporter hard on the back. It was satisfying to hear a strained, involuntary cough from the man.
“Oh Dex, hi,” Chuck said, sleazy smile in place, turning as if he were trying to block the woman from Dex’s view.
No chance with those puny coat hanger shoulders.
“Great game tonight,” Chuck enthused. “If you could just give me thirty seconds, I’ll be right over.”
“Actually, Chuck,” Dex glanced at the woman and smiled at her. She was even more magnificent up close, with a whole lot of pissed-off glittering in the depths of her Marsala brown eyes. “I was hoping you might introduce me to the lady.”
It was amusing to watch the pretty boy almost choke on his tongue. For a moment, Dex thought he was going to say lady, what lady? But he finally turned to acknowledge the woman behind him. “Of course. This is Harper…Nugent. My…”
The woman—Harper—folded her arms across her chest, and all the blood rushed from Dex’s big head to his little one. “Come on, Chuck, you can say it,” she said, her voice dry with amused sarcasm. “It starts with S. Ssssister.”
Something eased in Dex’s chest. So she was not getting naked with Pretty Boy. There was a God.
“Step!” Chuck said quickly, his voice sharp.
She rolled her eyes as she smiled at Dex and offered her hand. He absently noted there were streaks of paint on her fingers. “Nice to meet you.”
Dex was a tall guy. Big. Not as big as some of the team’s front row, but he was still six foot and had trouble buying shirts that weren’t tight in the shoulders. This tall—hell, Amazonian—woman could look him straight in the eye. He’d never met a woman who could do that in a pair of flats, and it was a strange kind of turn-on.
“The pleasure’s entirely mine,” he murmured, returning her firm and sure grip with one of his own.
He liked a woman who could handshake like a boss.
“Yes…anyway,” Chuck said, his expression pained, as Harper’s hand fell away. “Harper has to run. A girlfriend crisis or something.”
Dex’s eyebrow kicked up. A girlfriend crisis? A crushing sense of disappointment slugged him in the chest.
She was a lesbian?
She laughed and shook her head. “Not that kind of girlfriend.”
His gaze was drawn to her mouth, a plush, sexy crescent in the midst of her flawless olive complexion. He didn’t think she was wearing any makeup, but she was sporting some kind of clear lip gloss that emphasized the luscious curve of her lips.
They glistened, wet and tempting.
Dex laughed, too, as relief flowed like champagne bubbles through his veins. “I am so pleased to hear that.”
Chuck cleared his throat. “Yes. Well. I have to interview the team.” He looked pointedly at his sister.
“Fine. Just don’t forget to pick up Jace and Tabby after you’re done. They’re fine in the stands with Jenny while you wrap up, but she can’t take them home and I’ve told your mother that you’re bringing her kids now instead of me.”
“I’m not going to bloody forget them, Harper,” Chuck replied testily.
She shot an apologetic smile at Dex then turned to go. He and Chuck watched her. The outline of her sexy, rounded butt in the denim of her jeans actually made Dex a little light-headed. It was a sight to behold.
“God, she has a fat ass,” Chuck muttered, disgust colouring his voice.
Dex’s hands tightened to fists. What a monumental wanker. He opened his mouth before he engaged his brain. “Harper! Wait up.”
She looked over her shoulder, a puzzled expression drawing a crease between her brows. “Dex,” Chuck said, putting a hand on Dex’s arm as he took a step in Harper’s direction.
“Tanner’s waiting,” Dex said, shaking off the hand before jogging the short distance to where she’d stopped.
“Hey,” she said, tossing the long strands of her rich dark hair behind her shoulder, clearly still puzzled.
He smiled. “I was hoping you might like to go out with me one night.”
She blinked, the crease between her eyebrows almost cavernous now. “Oh.”
Dex chuckled. It wasn’t the standard response he got from women. Normally, they were tripping over themselves to be asked out by him. Hell, most of them didn’t wait to be asked. It was well known that he didn’t generally date, so they were more than happy to do the asking.
A man with a less healthy ego might have been insulted by Harper’s tepid response. But he could sense her reticence was real as she glanced at the guys to her left, all gawking and smirking, clearly talking about them. Her gaze travelled over his shoulder to where Chuck stood—glaring, if the prickle between Dex’s shoulder blades was anything to go by.
Her gaze returned to him. “Um…”
Hmm. Maybe this wasn’t going to be as easy as he’d thought. He looked pointedly at the mobile she held. “Give me your phone.”
She glanced at it for a moment, frowning some more. “Why?”
Dex gave an exaggerated sigh and plucked it out of her unresisting hand. “It’s okay,” he assured her as she murmured a protest, and his fingers busily navigating to her address book. “I’m just going to put my number in because obviously I don’t have my phone available to put yours into mine.”
She crossed her arms as she watched him enter the details, and it took him twice as long.
“There,” he said, passing the phone back to her.
She glanced at the entry, and his heart tap-danced in his chest as a smile pulled at the curve of her mouth. She quirked an eyebrow at him. “Dex the Stud?”
He grinned and shrugged. “What can I say?”
“And what do you expect me to do with this?”
“As soon as you’re done with your girlfriend thing, give it a ring and we can set up a time and a place for our date.”
“Well, that’s a step up from the last guy, who put his number into my phone hoping I’d send him nude photos,” she said, her tone flippant.
Dex blinked. What the actual fuck? “Absolutely no class.”
“Well, to be fair, he did request arty ones.”
He laughed. “Hey.” He held his hands up in faux surrender. “Never let it be said that I stand in the way of artistic expression, if you feel so inclined with my number. But definitely lose his.”
She laughed back, and it grabbed him by the balls. Like everything else about her, it was big and rich and real. But then her gaze flicked over his shoulder again, and her smile slowly slipped from her face.
Dex gave an exaggerated sigh. “You’re not going to ring it, are you?”
She shook her head, a glossy smile playing on her glossy mouth. “No chance in hell.”
“Why?”
She glanced at her stepbrother again. “Some things just aren’t worth the hassle.”
Dex couldn’t agree more. But he didn’t think Harper Nugent was one of them. Undeterred, he grabbed for her phone again, his reflexes lightning fast after a decade of professional rugby. “You leave me no choice,” he chided as he quickly rang his own number.
“Hi, Dex the Stud,” he said as the ring tone eventually gave way to his message bank. “It’s Dex.” He waggled his brows at Harper, and she smiled and rolled her eyes. “I’m ringing to remind you to call Harper Nugent on this number and ask her on a date again. Do not take no for an answer. Even”—he grinned at her—“if she offers nude arty photos in lieu.”
Dex hit the end button and passed the phone back to her. “There now. You’re in my phone. And I will be ringing you.”
She glanced at the phone then at him before flicking a look at the guys again. Linc was grinning like a loon as he shot Dex two thumbs-up.
“Sure you will,” she said, the tight, polite smile on her face making Dex want to slap Linc upside the head.
She bade him farewell and walked away, and for the first time in his life, Dex looked forward to something other than rugby and inflicting bodily harm on Linc.
…
Harper’s phone rang three hours later. She was a bottle of wine down with her best friend Em, who was in the middle of a boyfriend-number-sixteen crisis. Em was cute, peppy, and up for anything.
She just had really lousy taste in men.
When Em went into a relationship, she went all in, something which Harper had always admired even if her friend consistently chose the wrong guys to be “in” with. The type who were only out for a good time, not a long time. But she always sprang back, and Harper was in awe of her friend’s tenacity and absolute conviction that the right person was out there for everyone.
Although not tonight. While Harper was drinking wine, Em’s breakup booze of choice was butterscotch schnapps, and tonight it was leading her to seriously consider becoming a nun. To prove her seriousness, she was currently Googling how to re-virginise.
So, Harper was both tipsy and completely distracted when she answered the phone.
“Hi,” she said as Em made gagging noises at pictures on a website she was skimming.
“Hey, Harper.”
The hairs on the back of her neck stood up in instant awareness as they had earlier tonight when Dexter Blake had singled her out for a bit of attention.
Her mind went blank for a beat or two. He rang?
Of course he had. She had clearly been some kind of bet or dare or something with his team buddies. At twenty-three, it wouldn’t be the first time she’d been the butt of some douche’s idea of a good time. I dare you to ask the fat chick out. Snigger, snort, backslap.
Some men were such assholes.
But it had been so good, even momentarily, to put her sanctimonious step-brother in his place.
“Harper? It’s Dex the Stud. Remember me?”
His voice was warm and rich with amusement, and Harper shut her eyes. Remember him? She’d relived him asking her out about a dozen times, no matter how much she’d told herself it had all been some sick joke. It had been the first thing she’d told Em after her friend had stopped crying and asked for something happy to cheer her up.
Then they’d Googled him.
“Harper?”
His voice was sharper this time and Harper pulled herself together, sitting straighter in the chair. “Yes. Of course… Hi.”
“You sound kinda…outta it.”
Harper eyed the empty wine bottle and the full one she’d just cracked open. “Well…I’m kinda drunk, so that’s probably why.”
His low chuckle slid seductive fingers down her neck. “The girlfriend emergency?”
“Yup.”
Em looked over her shoulder. “Who is it?”
“Dex.”
Her eyebrows practically hit her hairline. “The rugby dude?”
“Is that the girlfriend?” Dex asked in her ear.
“Yup,” she said to them both.
“Ask him if he knows how to re-virginise.”
Harper shook her head. “I’m not asking him that.”
“Asking me what?” His voice sounded delicious when it was amused. Thick and gooey, oozing all over her body. Like chocolate topping.
God, she loved chocolate topping.
“You should totally ask me whatever it is.”
“Trust me, you don’t want to know.”
“Are you kidding?” Em interrupted. “He’s a professional rugby star. Everyone knows they get laid all the time. What he doesn’t know about a woman’s anatomy probably isn’t worth knowing. He’ll know about re-virginising.”
Harper thought it more likely he’d know about de-virginising.
“Did she just say re-virginising?”
Had Harper been sober, she would have paid more heed to Em’s sage words about the mating habits of professional sportsmen and not the sweet seduction of a chocolate-topping voice. She sighed. “Yup.”
“Why would anyone want to re-virginise? Hell… Can someone re-virginise?”
“I don’t know and yes, apparently, according to the internet. Spiritually and surgically.”
“That sounds…painful.”
Harper laughed. “Yes. For both.”
“And seriously, would you want some strange dude with a scalpel down near your lady parts?”
She shuddered. “I can think of better uses for a dude down near my lady parts.” His bark of laughter was loud in her ear, and she realised what she said. Her face flamed. “Oh God, sorry. I said that out loud, didn’t I?”
“You certainly did, Harper Nugent.”
“I take it back.”
“Oh no,” he chuckled some more. “You can’t take that back.”
Harper groaned internally. Jesus. Where was her filter? She glanced at the wine bottle. Somewhere at the bottom of that, no doubt.
“Fine. Ignore it then. It’s the booze. White wine makes me mouthy.”
“I can’t wait to see that.”
His voice had dropped an octave and roughened with the merest hint of a promise. It went straight to those aforementioned lady parts, and Harper actually squirmed in her chair to ease the sudden ache.
“She’s not serious, is she?”
It took her a moment to realise he’d moved on, and she leaped at the opportunity gratefully. “No. She’s pissed. Both at men and in the alcoholic sense.” Em had already been several shots of Schnapps down when Harper arrived. “Re-virginising is just one of many options we’ve already discussed tonight. I think she wants to make a voodoo doll next.”
He laughed again. “I like the sound of her.”
Harper sighed, looking at the gorgeous mop of caramel curls and the alabaster wedge of cheekbone making up Em’s profile. She looked like one of those babies from old-fashioned adverts for Pears soap. Only all grown-up.
“She’s gorgeous. You should ask her out. You’d make beautiful babies.”
There was a long pause. Long enough to make Harper think, somewhere in her alcohol-addled brain, babies were not on Dexter Blake’s agenda.
“Thanks,” he said, voice low and amused. “I think I’ll stick with my original plan, though.”
“Oh?”
“You and me. A date.”
“Oh.” Harper’s stomach tightened. She’d seen the way his teammates had been watching them tonight. The way the younger guy had given the thumbs up. She could have kissed Dex for his timing, but a girl had her pride, right? Plus she never wanted to be one of those people who were gossiped about for punching above her weight.
“Look. I’m very flattered that you want to go out on a date with me, but—”
“You should do it,” Em interrupted.
Harper blinked at her best friend. “What?”
“I told you I liked the sound of her,” Dex said in her ear.
Em shrugged. “It’d be worth it just to piss off Chuckers.” If it was possible, Em disliked Chuck more than Harper did.
Harper considered that angle for moment, her head still spinning a little. It was a powerful argument. Why not? If Dex was using her to win some kind of ridiculous frat boy dare, why shouldn’t she use him, too?
“Okay, fine.” Clearly there was a level of drunk where pride rapidly diminished. “But I’m not sleeping with you. Or letting you anywhere near my lady parts.”
That low chuckle again. It ruffled seductively along flesh and nerve endings, and Harper fought the urge to stretch. And purr.
“You know you said that out loud, too, right?”
The lazy smile in his voice ruffled things even lower. “Yes. I know.”
“I will be on my best behaviour. I promise I won’t even bring condoms.”
Sober Harper nodded, pleased with the concession. Drunk, uninhibited Harper knew full well he could ruin her without the aid of a condom, and she seemed perfectly fine with that, too.
Uninhibited Harper was dangerous. She was going to have to cut that bitch off at the knees.
Giveaway(s)!! :
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Blog Tour Schedule:
September 12th
Stuck In Books Excerpt
The Book Bee Excerpt
Diane’s Book Blog Excerpt
JOJO THE BOOKAHOLIC Excerpt
September 13th
I Love Romance Review
From Me to You ... Video, Photography, & Book Reviews Excerpt
My Slanted Bookish Ramblings Review
Romance Playlist Guest Post
Smut Book Junkie Reviews Review
September 14th
CReneeBookWorld Review
Reading Tigress Excerpt
Books,Dreams,Life Excerpt
SBB Reviews Review
NightWolf Book Blog Review
September 15th
The Silver Dagger Scriptorium Excerpt
After Dark Book Lovers Review
Alpha Book Club Review
A journey to a lifetime Review
September 16th
Romance Book Nerd Excerpt
T&G Book Boutique Excerpt
Southern Vixens Book Obsessions Excerpt
The Lusty Literate Excerpt
September 17th
The Pervy Ladies Book Blog Review
Friends Till The End Book Blog Excerpt
Brittany's Book Blog Playlist
Fiction Conviction Book Blog Excerpt
September 18th
Ruby's Books Review
Reading Addict Excerpt
Evermore Books Excerpt
Liz's Reading Life Excerpt
September 19th
A Fortress of Books Review
Romantic Reads and Such Review
Sweet Reading Review
Four Chicks Flipping Pages Review
September 20th
bookshelf dreaming Revew
Ashley Book Blog Review
Renee Entress's Blog Review
What Is That Book About Guest Post
September 21st
I'm A Sweet And Sassy Book Whore Review
Short and Sassy Book Blurbs Review
Amo & Sarah Book Corner Review
Captain Reads A Lot Excerpt
September 22nd
babbling about books and more Review
Crazy Chaotic Book Babes Review
TBR Book Blog Review
September 23rd
queenzany Review
Nose Stuck in a Book Excerpt
G & T's Indie Café Excerpt
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Friday, March 4, 2016
Blog Tour - You Were Here by Cori McCarthy | Spreading the Word & ARC Giveaway
Today I'm showing off Cori McCarthy's "You Were Here," which is her recently released novel. [Blog Tour & Giveaway will run from March 1 - 31, 2016]by Cori McCarthy
Author's Book Description :
- Cori McCarthy delivers an emotionally taut page-turner from multiple points of view–combined with stunning visual storytelling.
Jaycee is about to accomplish what her older brother Jake couldn’t: live past graduation.
Jaycee is dealing with her brother’s death the only way she can–by re-creating Jake’s daredevil stunts. The ones that got him killed. She’s not crazy, okay? She just doesn’t have a whole lot of respect for staying alive.
Jaycee doesn’t expect to have help on her insane quest to remember Jake. But she’s joined by a group of unlikely friends – all with their own reasons for completing the dares and their own brand of dysfunction: the uptight, ex-best friend, the heartbroken poet, the slacker with Peter Pan syndrome, and… Mik. He doesn’t talk, but somehow still challenges Jayce to do the unthinkable-reveal the parts of herself that she buried with her brother.
Cori McCarthy’s gripping narrative defies expectation, moving seamlessly from prose to graphic novel panels and word art poetry, perfect for fans of E. Lockhart, Jennifer Niven, and Jandy Nelson. From the petrifying ruins of an insane asylum to the skeletal remains of the world’s largest amusement park, "You Were Here" takes you on an unforgettable journey of friendship, heartbreak and inevitable change.
Praise for "You Were Here" :
- “The mix of forms as well as the insights each character gleans through their urban explorations render this book both readable and teachable on multiple levels.” – Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, STARRED Review
- “Readers who appreciate stories of searching for personal truths will be happy to join this meaningful quest for identity and independence.” – Booklist
- “"You Were Here" is wrenchingly beautiful in its honest and achingly accurate portrayal of grief and how it breaks us--and the way unconditional friendship puts us back together.” – Jo Knowles, award-winning author of See You At Harry’s and Read Between the Lines
- “Through razor-sharp wit, no-holds-barred momentum, and heart-wrenching twists, Cori McCarthy dares you to climb through the broken, abandoned wreckage of the past, stand on the edge of the world, and face something even scarier: the truth.” – K. A. Barson, author of 45 Pounds (More or Less) and Charlotte Cuts it Out
- “The urban explorers of "You Were Here" dive deep into the forgotten man-made spaces all around them--and their own feelings of loss, love, and fear. McCarthy deftly intertwines the characters' stories, filling them with authentic pain and heartache as well as soaring moments of grace and humor. I dare you to read it!” – Maggie Lehrman, author of The Cost of All Things
This book is available to order on :
** Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! **
About the Author :
Cori McCarthy studied poetry and screenwriting before falling in love with writing for teens at Vermont College of Fine Arts. From a military family, Cori was born on Guam and lived a little bit of everywhere before she landed in Michigan. Learn more about her books at CoriMcCarthy.com
Book Excerpts :
“What do I see?” I asked, turning back to the halo effect created by Margaret’s splayed hair. “It was a game. She died because she was playing a game.”
“Just like Jake,” Natalie said.
“Right,” I quipped, trying to mask not only my annoyance at Natalie’s psychoanalyst tone but also a flare of grief. My chest grew tight. Why wouldn’t it go away? Why did all this still buckle me to the ground? Tears burned my eyes, and I took my hair out of my ponytail. This never happened when I came here with Mik. Mik didn’t talk or prod. Mik let me be while we walked around Jake’s old haunt, wondering if he was actually haunting it.
“My dad said that OU will raze the TB ward.” Bishop pointed out the window toward the building on the very top of the hill, by far the spookiest and most unkempt in The Ridges compound. “It’s the only fully abandoned building.”
“Raze?” I asked, suddenly angry. “When?”
“End of the summer, I think. My dad said it was going to cost a ton but that leaving the old building there while it was falling in is just asking for lawsuits.”
“Jake loved the TB ward,” I said. “They haven’t stripped it down like this building.”
“TB?” Zach asked.
“Tuberculosis,” Natalie said.
Bishop squinted at his friend. “TB has been one of the leading terminal diseases in society since the dawn of civilization, Zach.”
“But it doesn’t exist anymore,” Zach said. “Like leprosy.”
“It totally exists,” Natalie said. “And so does leprosy. Where do you learn these things?”
“TB is still the leading cause of death for all people with HIV,” Bishop said. “But don’t worry, Zach. You won’t get it.”
I was surprised to find Zach looking at me. “What kind of things are in there?”
I shrugged. “I’ve never been, but I know it’s more dangerous. All the windows and doors are boarded up to keep drunk undergrads out.”
“So there’s no way in?” Bishop asked.
I shook my head. “Didn’t say that. Every building in The Ridges compound is connected by basement tunnels. If we get into the basement, we can get into any building.”
We all shuffled to our feet and stood around the last portrait of Margaret Schilling.
“I’m in,” Bishop said, and I nodded. Bishop was cool; we’d been partners for two semesters straight in woodshop. He said odd, grandiose things sometimes, but I liked him for it. Plus there was a pretty good chance that Mik would show himself with only Bishop around.
“I’ll take you two to the exit,” I told Natalie and Zach.
“Well, hey,” Zach said. “What if I want to come?”
Natalie looked at him, stunned. “You want to go? What about Kolenski’s three kegs?”
“Kolenski gets kegs every couple of weeks.” Zach shoved his hands in his pockets. He had sobered up since they’d entered The Ridges, and now he just looked worn down. Even his hair had flattened. I’d written him off years ago, but the way he’d helped me find Jake’s footprint and waylaid Natalie…maybe he wasn’t such a garden-variety “dude.”
“Who else can say that they did this the night after graduation?” he added with a shrug.
“So Natalie’s the loose end?” I said. “Big surprise.”
“Wait a second. It was my idea to follow you in the first place. And I…I want to see it.”
“Really?” Zach asked her. “Even if it’s dangerous?”
“I’m going to minor in history. It’ll be like walking around inside of history.”
I knew Natalie well enough to know that she was deluding herself, but when I opened my mouth to point it out, I saw something instead. Bishop did too.
“Apple.” He pointed to the ground. “Guys. There’s an apple.”
A shiny, green Granny Smith apple sat in the doorway. I picked it up.
“Where the hell did that come from?” Zach asked, fear trilling his voice. “Is someone else here? That wasn’t there a few minutes ago, right? Right?”
They all looked up and down the hall. Nothing.
“Maybe Jake’s ghost put it there. Or Margaret’s,” I said. A thump of what could only be described as happiness resounded through my chest. It was foreign and weird, and yet welcome.
“You’re smiling,” Natalie said. “Why are you smiling? You never smile.”
I rubbed the apple on my shirt and took a huge crunching bite. Natalie looked like she was going to pass out. I winked. “This way to the basement.”
“Just like Jake,” Natalie said.
“Right,” I quipped, trying to mask not only my annoyance at Natalie’s psychoanalyst tone but also a flare of grief. My chest grew tight. Why wouldn’t it go away? Why did all this still buckle me to the ground? Tears burned my eyes, and I took my hair out of my ponytail. This never happened when I came here with Mik. Mik didn’t talk or prod. Mik let me be while we walked around Jake’s old haunt, wondering if he was actually haunting it.
“My dad said that OU will raze the TB ward.” Bishop pointed out the window toward the building on the very top of the hill, by far the spookiest and most unkempt in The Ridges compound. “It’s the only fully abandoned building.”
“Raze?” I asked, suddenly angry. “When?”
“End of the summer, I think. My dad said it was going to cost a ton but that leaving the old building there while it was falling in is just asking for lawsuits.”
“Jake loved the TB ward,” I said. “They haven’t stripped it down like this building.”
“TB?” Zach asked.
“Tuberculosis,” Natalie said.
Bishop squinted at his friend. “TB has been one of the leading terminal diseases in society since the dawn of civilization, Zach.”
“But it doesn’t exist anymore,” Zach said. “Like leprosy.”
“It totally exists,” Natalie said. “And so does leprosy. Where do you learn these things?”
“TB is still the leading cause of death for all people with HIV,” Bishop said. “But don’t worry, Zach. You won’t get it.”
I was surprised to find Zach looking at me. “What kind of things are in there?”
I shrugged. “I’ve never been, but I know it’s more dangerous. All the windows and doors are boarded up to keep drunk undergrads out.”
“So there’s no way in?” Bishop asked.
I shook my head. “Didn’t say that. Every building in The Ridges compound is connected by basement tunnels. If we get into the basement, we can get into any building.”
We all shuffled to our feet and stood around the last portrait of Margaret Schilling.
“I’m in,” Bishop said, and I nodded. Bishop was cool; we’d been partners for two semesters straight in woodshop. He said odd, grandiose things sometimes, but I liked him for it. Plus there was a pretty good chance that Mik would show himself with only Bishop around.
“I’ll take you two to the exit,” I told Natalie and Zach.
“Well, hey,” Zach said. “What if I want to come?”
Natalie looked at him, stunned. “You want to go? What about Kolenski’s three kegs?”
“Kolenski gets kegs every couple of weeks.” Zach shoved his hands in his pockets. He had sobered up since they’d entered The Ridges, and now he just looked worn down. Even his hair had flattened. I’d written him off years ago, but the way he’d helped me find Jake’s footprint and waylaid Natalie…maybe he wasn’t such a garden-variety “dude.”
“Who else can say that they did this the night after graduation?” he added with a shrug.
“So Natalie’s the loose end?” I said. “Big surprise.”
“Wait a second. It was my idea to follow you in the first place. And I…I want to see it.”
“Really?” Zach asked her. “Even if it’s dangerous?”
“I’m going to minor in history. It’ll be like walking around inside of history.”
I knew Natalie well enough to know that she was deluding herself, but when I opened my mouth to point it out, I saw something instead. Bishop did too.
“Apple.” He pointed to the ground. “Guys. There’s an apple.”
A shiny, green Granny Smith apple sat in the doorway. I picked it up.
“Where the hell did that come from?” Zach asked, fear trilling his voice. “Is someone else here? That wasn’t there a few minutes ago, right? Right?”
They all looked up and down the hall. Nothing.
“Maybe Jake’s ghost put it there. Or Margaret’s,” I said. A thump of what could only be described as happiness resounded through my chest. It was foreign and weird, and yet welcome.
“You’re smiling,” Natalie said. “Why are you smiling? You never smile.”
I rubbed the apple on my shirt and took a huge crunching bite. Natalie looked like she was going to pass out. I winked. “This way to the basement.”
Book Preview(s) :
Giveaways!! :
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Thursday, August 7, 2014
Made the Grade: Demon Rock Series, Book 3
- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 402 KB | Expected Release Date: August 4, 2014 | Publisher: Carina Press | Obtained: NetGalley"Ménage with the Muse" [Demon Rock Series, Book 3] by Nico Rosso
Author's Book Description : What happens when two very different satyr rock stars find their Muse...and discover it’s the same woman?
Musician Mia Dillon’s having the week of her life. Sharing the stage with the world’s biggest acts at a hedonistic festival is a rush, but she discovers new thrills as she frees her sensual side. A brief flirtation with sexy drummer Wolfgang quickly escalates as they lose themselves in wild music and the desert heat.
And then there’s Ethan. Silent, almost samurai-like, he’s the best guitarist she’s ever seen. He’s broken out of his quiet reserve just for her.
But Wolfgang and Ethan share two secrets. One: they’re demons. Two: they’re starving. The ancient rules of demons have shifted and if they don’t feed soon, the lights will go out for good. Mia’s energy has marked her as The One...for both of them.
Mia’s never had two men—let alone two demons—at once. Nobody’s heard of demons sharing a Muse, either. But the three of them make a sexual melody unlike anything else. Mia’s never felt so alive, but with the enemy growing closer by the minute, it will take everything Wolfgang and Ethan have to keep her that way.
My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars! This is an intense novel about a female musician trying to make a name for herself (and her band) when she falls into a world of magic, intrigue, and into the hearts of two demons.
This is the first novel that I've read from this series and while I liked the characters, what captured me the most about this novel was its overall plot and intrigue. I really liked how Ethan, Wolfgang, and Mia built-up their relationship and made the choice that no matter what fate decided for them they were choosing each other because of how they felt for one another. Like I said before it’s a very intense novel, but I enjoyed how sweet and accepting Ethan & Wolfgang was about everything happening to them.
The only issue I had with this novel was it seemed that the momentum during the last 25% of it gets thrown off a bit as I felt like it dragged a bit while I was reading through it.
Nevertheless, I do recommend this novel and series to anyone who likes paranormal erotic romances, especially if you don't mind reading about threesomes.
Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here :
Author's Novel Extras : Menage with the Muse - Overview & Excerpt
Author's Series Extras : Pinterest: Demon Rock | Demon Rock Series - Overview | Heavy Metal Heart - Overview & Excerpt | Slam Dance With the Devil - Overview & Excerpt | Music for Heavy Metal Heart | Kent Gaol Needs a Muse | Slam Dance with the Devil Song Lyrics | Writing Process Blog Hop
Book Teaser(s) :
A mortal hadn’t seen this aspect of himself since the time of the Etruscans. He’d expected her to bolt and bang on the metal door below until he could open it for her. Instead she ran toward him.
Mia reached the landing and slowed to cautiously circle him. He maintained the flame in his palm, lighting the animal aspects of himself for her.
He ventured, “This might be the first time a woman’s chased a satyr.” ~ within Chapter 5
He was urged to move, but had to fight through doubt.For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Nico, then please check out his website.
“I haven’t...in a long time,” he said.
“How long?” she asked, hooking her fingers in the waistband of his jeans. “You’re a rock guitarist. Two days? A week?”
“Hundred years. More.” The waltz had been a revolution, and very carnal for the time. He expected Wolfgang to laugh and Mia to pull away.
She didn’t, and Wolfgang’s attention was wrapped up in her.
Mia’s fingers curled over the top edge of his jeans, finding the skin of his hip. He stepped forward for more.
She said, “That is a long time.”
“I’ve been concentrating on the music.” And there’d been no inspiration for his body.
“I don’t think much has changed since then.” Her flingers moved along the front of his lower belly.
He put his hand on her hip. It was a test. Could he be bold with her? “Everything changed in the last day.”
This did get a low laugh from Wolfgang, free from malice. It was knowing. ~ within Chapter 9
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