Author: Kelly

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Spotlight feature of Amanda Bouchet’s Breath of Fire + a giveaway

We are super excited to host Amanda today. I (Kelly) fell in love with world.  I love Cat, Griffin, Carver, Flynn & Kato.  I can not wait to dive into the second book in this series.  But until then here is a note to readers of The Kingmaker Chronicles.

Breath of Fire comes out on January 3rd and I couldn’t be more excited about it! I hope that readers who met Cat and Griffin and followed their exploits in A Promise of Fire will be looking forward to this second installment in The Kingmaker Chronicles, and I hope that new readers will be interested in giving this fantasy romance trilogy a try. The story picks up right where A Promise of Fire left off and with a shocking moment of truth: Cat’s secrets are finally revealed to all. But with the cat out of the bag (pun definitely intended!), important plans can now form to move Thalyria toward unification under Cat and Griffin’s joint rule—plans that will certainly keep Beta Team on their toes. But while Cat’s violent past and lingering self-doubt still haunt her on a deep level, Griffin won’t let her back down from the fate she’d love to avoid. As Griffin propels her toward her inevitable destiny and Cat tries to come to terms with the prophecy that’s haunted her for eight years, readers can expect plenty of adventure and danger, more of Cat’s smart-mouthed humor, exciting Beta Team moments, and a romance that heats up to positively scorching levels. Friendships solidify into unshakable bonds, and perilous quests lead the members of Beta Team into uncharted territory where monsters, magic, and mayhem abound. With Breath of Fire, I hope that readers get swept away and caught up in the emotion and adventure as Cat and Griffin try to navigate their developing and intensely passionate relationship while also taking on the daunting and dangerous task of conquering the world. But most of all, I hope you simply enjoy the book!

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Breath of Fire

Series: The Kingmaker Chronicles, #2

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ISBN: 9781492626046
Pubdate: January 3, 2017
Genre: Fantasy Romance

Amazon | Audible | B&N |

SHE’S DESTINED TO DESTROY THE WORLD…
BUT NOT IF SHE CAN HELP IT
 

“Cat” Catalia Fisa has been running from her destiny since she could crawl. But now, her newfound loved ones are caught between the shadow of Cat’s tortured past and the threat of her world-shattering future. So what’s a warrior queen to do when she knows it’s her fate to be the harbinger of doom? Everything in her power.

Griffin knows Cat is destined to change the world—for the better. As the realms are descending into all-out war, Cat and Griffin risk sacrificing everything they’ve fought for. Gods willing, they will emerge side-by-side in the heart of their future kingdom…or die trying.

Excerpt: 

We assemble in the Athena courtyard after breakfast on the fourth day. Griffin and I are already mounted, but the rest of Beta Team—Kato, Flynn, and Carver—are still finishing their good-byes, strapping on the last of their gear, and readying their horses. If I’m not mistaken, Flynn is moving slowly because he keeps shooting discreet glances toward Jocasta from under lowered auburn brows. Carver, his long, leggy gait slower than usual, only just left his family under the shaded arcades that band the castle’s ground floor like an ornate, marble ribbon. And Kato, all blond hair, blue eyes, and corded muscle, moves with casual purpose and lionesque indolence—unhurried in his stride but powerful and inherently ready for action. Despite the stakes of the journey, none of them seems to feel any real urgency to leave.

I don’t like lingering over farewells, and their lagging makes me feel like I have ants in my pants. It’s all I can do not to start hopping in the saddle. Panotii is champing at the bit, and so am I. He prances sideways and bumps into Brown Horse. Brown Horse doesn’t move an inch and regards us with calm, intelligent eyes. He’s so much like his rider that I almost laugh.

Unable to hold back a smile, I drink in Griffin with my eyes. Actually, I look at Griffin all the time. I think about him even more, and every time I do, it’s like a wild kick of adrenaline straight to the heart. It’s distracting. He’s distracting.

A tingling warmth spreads beneath my skin. “I can’t wait to gallop.” I haven’t been outside the city walls since Ios. Panotii and I need to stretch our legs, see for miles, and feel the wind in our faces. It’s good for a horse. For a person who’s been confined to a cage, it’s cathartic. Castle Sinta and its grounds may be big, beautiful, and full of Griffin, but in some ways, it’s still a cage. Real freedom is answering to only yourself, and being responsible for no one. Since that’s a moral vacuum, none but the truly wicked are ever truly free.

That must be how Mother feels—free.

Panotii keeps dancing, and I stroke his sleek, chestnut neck, trying to soothe him. “Panotii wants to run, too.”

“You’ll burn yourselves out.” Griffin’s silver-hued eyes hold a hint of warning. “And you’ll burn us out chasing you. We have a long way to go.”

I make a sour face. “Did I ever tell you I detest the voice of reason?”

“Did I ever tell you you’re adorable when you’re riled up?”

I scowl. “I’m never adorable.”

“You’re right,” he says mock-seriously. “You’re very scary. Especially with that curl bouncing over your cheek.”

I shove the stupid curl behind my ear. My wavy hair is turning even more unruly with the approach of the rainy season. It’s overcast for the first time in weeks, and I can smell the moisture in the air, somehow both sultry and refreshing, as if a cloud were about to burst over the scorched land, but the Gods aren’t quite ready to stick a dagger in it yet. My hair doesn’t know the difference. Anything too short to stay firmly in my braid is now springing out with gusto and frizzing all around my head.

Out of habit, I check my knives. My old set hangs from multiple belt loops. My new set is secured to flat, leather straps circling my thighs. My sword is on my back in a sling Griffin had fashioned for me along with the thick boar’s hide armor that hugs my upper body from shoulders to waist in a sleeveless, close-fitting shell. A direct hit will pierce the leather, but it’ll provide protection from slices or glancing blows, as will the new vambraces on my forearms.

I told Griffin I’d be too hot and confined, which I am, but he insisted in that steady, intractable voice of his that if I want to ride with warriors, I’d better have the equipment.

He knows I’ve been fighting without any of this since before I could walk, but I humored him because I love him. Apparently, that’s how couples work. Compromise. Gah! Now there’s so much metal and leather weighing me down that I almost couldn’t get on my horse.

 

*****

bouchet1_headshot_color_photo-credit_richard-beban_2015Award-winning author Amanda Bouchet grew up in New England and studied French at the undergraduate and graduate levels, first at Bowdoin College and then at Bowling Green State University. She moved to Paris, France in 2001 and has been there ever since. She met her husband while studying abroad, and the family now includes two bilingual children, who will soon be correcting her French.

Learn more about Amanda here: Website | Facebook | Twitter: @AuthorABouchet | Goodreads 

To Buy: http://www.amandabouchet.com/breath-of-fire.php

*****

Win one of ten copies of A Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet, the first book in her The Kingmaker Chronicles series, plus a signed bookplate!

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Kissin’ the week of December 5th-11th Goodbye

12.05.16

Kelly reviews Defy The Dawn by Lara Adrian

12.06.16

Kelly reviews The Hero by Donna Grant

12.07.16

Spotlight feature of The Hero by Donna Grant

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Miracle On 5th Avenue by Sarah Morgan

12.08.16

Kimberly reviews When All The Girls Have Gone by Jayne Ann Krentz

12.09.16

Kimberly reviews Size Matters by Alison Bliss

12.11.16

Twelve Days of Bookmas by Jayne Ann Krentz Day 11+ a giveaway

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Twelve Days of Bookmas by Jayne Ann Krentz Day 11+ a giveaway

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Books-n-Kisses is happy to have Jayne Ann Krentz on the blog today for day 11 of her Twelve Days of Bookmas.  We are also excited to help her celebrate her newest release When All The Girls Have Gone. Which both Kimberly and Kelly loved (make sure to check out our reviews below). So without further fanfare I am turning the blog over to Jayne Ann.

TWELVE DAYS OF BOOKMAS

By Jayne Ann Krentz

In which I answer the twelve questions that I am most frequently asked and recommend a book for that hard-to-buy for person on your holiday list.

 

ELEVENTH DAY OF BOOKMAS

Question # 11:  What’s with the dust bunnies?

Don’t get me started.  The dust bunnies have taken over my Jayne Castle world.  Go back.  Save yourselves.  Send help.

Ahem, where was I? Oh, right – trying to explain the dust bunnies. For those who don’t read my stories of futuristic paranormal romantic-suspense — written under my Jayne Castle name — this must seem like very weird territory. (It’s actually weirder than you can possibly imagine).   If you do read those books then you know what this is about.  Dust bunnies are native to the planet Harmony.  They are playful, cheerful creatures who are fascinated by bright, sparkly objects.  They are also capable of forming a psychic bond with their chosen human companion.

But dust bunnies have a dark side.  As the saying goes, by the time you see the teeth it’s too late.  Here’s the thing, though: they are fiercely loyal to their human friends.  If you happen to have a dust bunny pal you can rest assured the little dude will have your back in a bar fight.

Day 11 Book Recommendation for Holiday Gifting:

Considering the other-worldly subject matter of this blog it seems only fitting that today’s recommendation is an other-worldly title.  I’m going to go with a tale of high adventure and cool science set in the near future.  I absolutely loved this book.  The movie was terrific, as well.  If you’ve got a science nerd on your holiday shopping list I can recommend the following (assuming she or he hasn’t already read it).  THE MARTIAN by Andy Weir.

 

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when-all-the-girlsTITLE: When All The Girls Have Gone
CHARACTERS: Charlotte & Max
AUTHOR: Jayne Ann Krentz
PUBLICATION DATE: November 29, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Jayne Ann Krentz, the New York Times bestselling author of Secret Sisters, delivers a thrilling novel of the deceptions we hide behind, the passions we surrender to, and the lengths we’ll go to for the truth…

When Charlotte Sawyer is unable to contact her step-sister, Jocelyn, to tell her that one her closest friends was found dead, she discovers that Jocelyn has vanished.

Beautiful, brilliant—and reckless—Jocelyn has gone off the grid before, but never like this. In a desperate effort to find her, Charlotte joins forces with Max Cutler, a struggling PI who recently moved to Seattle after his previous career as a criminal profiler went down in flames—literally. Burned out, divorced and almost broke, Max needs the job.

After surviving a near-fatal attack, Charlotte and Max turn to Jocelyn’s closest friends, women in a Seattle-based online investment club, for answers. But what they find is chilling…

When her uneasy alliance with Max turns into a full-blown affair, Charlotte has no choice but to trust him with her life. For the shadows of Jocelyn’s past are threatening to consume her—and anyone else who gets in their way…

Make sure to check out Kimberly’s review HERE & Kelly’s review HERE

 

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Jayne Ann Krentz is the author of more than fifty New York Times bestsellers. She has written contemporary romantic suspense novels under that name, as well as futuristic and historical romance novels under the pseudonyms Jayne Castle and Amanda Quick, respectively. Learn more at about JayneAnn on her blog and connect with her on Facebook.

 

 

 

 

 

 

GIVEAWAY TIME

To enter for a chance to win a copy of Amanda Quick’s Otherwise Engaged.  

Please leave a comment/question for Ms. Krentz and fill out the rafflecopter form below

18667949TITLE: Otherwised Engaged
CHARACTERS: Benedict Stanbrigde & Amity Doncaster
AUTHOR: Amanda Quick
PUBLICATION DATE: April 22, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

Miss Amity Doncaster, world traveler, is accustomed to adventure and risk. Benedict Stanbridge, a man of science and a spy for the Crown, has faced danger in the darker corners of foreign lands. But they are about to face a threat that is shockingly close to home . . .

One does not expect to be kidnapped on a London street in broad daylight. But Amity Doncaster barely escapes with her life after she is trapped in a carriage with a blade-wielding man in a black silk mask who whispers the most vile taunts and threats into her ear. Her quick thinking, and her secret weapon, save her . . . for now.

But the monster known in the press as the Bridegroom, who has left a trail of female victims in his wake, has survived the wounds she inflicts and will soon be on his feet again. He is unwholesomely obsessed by her scandalous connection to Benedict Stanbridge—gossip about their hours alone in a ship’s stateroom seems to have crossed the Atlantic faster than any sailing vessel could. Benedict refuses to let this resourceful, daring woman suffer for her romantic link to him—as tenuous as it may be.

For a man and woman so skilled at disappearing, so at home in the exotic reaches of the globe, escape is always an option. But each intends to end the Bridegroom’s reign of terror in London, and will join forces to do so. And as they prepare to confront an unbalanced criminal in the heart of the city they love, they must also face feelings that neither of them can run away from.

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Spotlight feature of The Hero by Donna Grant

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Buy Links: Amazon | Kindle | B&N | Nook  | Audible  | BAM | IndieBound | iBooks | Kobo

THE HERO’S HOMECOMING

Owen Loughman is a highly-decorated Navy SEAL who has a thirst for action. But there’s one thing he hasn’t been able to forget – his high school sweetheart, Natalie. After over a decade away, Owen is returned home to the ranch in Texas for a dangerous new mission that puts him face-to-face with Natalie and an outside menace that threatens everything he holds dear. He’ll risk it all to keep Natalie safe – and win her heart. . . .

Natalie Dixon has had a lifetime of heartache since Owen was deployed. Fourteen years and one bad marriage later, she finds herself mixed up with the Loughman’s again. With her life on the line against an enemy she can’t fight alone, it’s Owen’s strong shoulders, smoldering eyes, and sensuous smile that she turns to. When danger closes in, she holds close to the only man she’s ever loved…

Make sure to check out Kelly’s review HERE

Add THE HERO to your Goodreads  list.

Excerpt: 

Excitement or dread? She wasn’t sure she knew.

This wasn’t the first time she’d been on the ranch since her breakup with Owen. In fact, she’d been there several times since discovering Ragnarok, but this time was different.

This time, Owen could be there.

“I’m close,” Callie said.

The line disconnected. Natalie didn’t see the black fence that lined either side of the drive, or the cows and horses that grazed peacefully.

Her gaze was locked on the white house that drew closer with each second. By the time she parked in front of the two- story ranch home with its wide, wrap- around porch, all she could think about was the dinner she’d had the week before with Callie, Virgil, and Charlotte.

She put the car in park and glanced around. There was no sign that anyone else was there. Since she expected someone to come out at the sound of her car, she assumed Owen and his brothers hadn’t yet made it to the house.

Or perhaps, luck was on her side, and those choppers hadn’t been bringing the brothers.

She got out of her car, but it was more difficult than she imagined making herself go up the steps to the porch. She might be involved in all of this, but she’d never witnessed a murder scene firsthand.

Frankly, she didn’t want to.

But Orrin’s life was on the line. Everything she and Callie could discover only helped their chances of learning who took Orrin and where Ragnarok was.

She reached the front door. At least she wouldn’t have to see Virgil’s and Charlotte’s bodies. They had already been taken away.

That was her last thought as she walked through the doorway and found herself fl at on her back. Natalie knew the instant the large hands grabbed her that it was Owen.

Her heart skipped a beat, even as she instinctively reacted and used her momentum to pull Owen over her head. She got up, but in the next heartbeat, he had her pinned to the wall.

The heat of him was the first thing she felt. Then it was his hard body trapping her. She felt herself softening, needing to feel him after all these years.

She thought he would threaten her. Instead, he knocked off her cap. His dark brown eyes widened in shock.

How she wished her heart didn’t feel like it was about to explode out of her chest. He was . . . breathtaking. She drank in the very sight of him. Sharp, chiseled features that looked as if they had been fashioned from granite stared back at her. Gone was any hint of the teenager she’d known. Before her stood a man in all his masculine glory.

He’d always been tall, his muscles honed at an early age from working on the ranch. Now, however, Owen filled out his wide shoulders. His light tan tee stretched tightly across his chest, molding to every ripple of muscle in his arms and shoulders. The shirt was tucked into camo pants she imagined were for the desert by their sand and khaki color. His hair was longer, the dark strands shoved away from his face in long waves.

Her surprise at having Owen against her was quickly hidden. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted two more figures. How she wished she would’ve waited for Callie.

“Hi, boys,” Natalie said. It was the only thing she could think of. Owen frowned, the irritation clear in his sensual chocolate gaze. “What the hell are you doing here?”

“She’s looking for me.”

At the sound of Callie’s voice, most of the apprehension left Natalie. Now she wouldn’t have to face the Loughman men on her own.

She barely paid attention to anything going on around her. She was too intent on staring into Owen’s eyes. It was obvious that he was irritated to find her there, but he had yet to release her.

And she didn’t remind him of that fact.

Her allowing him to keep her pinned was an indication of how long it had taken her to get over him. And how she hated herself for it. After all she’d suffered, she should be shoving him away.

Her body had other ideas, however. With her blood burning through her and her nipples hard, she ached for his touch.

Yearned for it.

His eyes dropped to her mouth. Her breath hitched, caught in her throat. Yes! She wanted his kiss. It didn’t matter where they were or who was around.

Dimly, she heard Callie and Wyatt talking. Much to her annoyance, Owen released her. She was more hurt than she wanted to admit.

Perhaps it was for the best. She’d sworn off all men. Especially Owen. She quickly moved to stand beside Callie.

“Someone please tell us what’s going on?” Owen demanded. Callie shrugged. “I work here.”

Natalie looked at Owen and said, “I came to help.”

Owen’s breath locked in his lungs as he stared at Natalie’s long, brown hair streaked with strands of copper.

He wanted those deep green eyes of hers to land on him again, to fill with desire . . . again.

She was even more beautiful than he remembered.

The years had transformed her into a seductress who left him breathless and needy.

The girl had become a woman, and what a woman she was. He knew the weight of her breast in his hand, knew how it felt to sink into her body and hear her scream in pleasure.

And yet, the woman before him now held a hint of wariness that hadn’t been there before. What happened to her to take away that lighthearted girl he once knew?

Copyright © 2016 by Donna Grant and reprinted by permission of St. Martin’s Paperbacks.

 

The Sons of Texas Series

the-protector

 

Add book 2 The Protector to your Goodreads list.
Amazon | Kindle | B&N | Nook | BAM | iBooks | IndieBound | Kobo | Powells | Tantor Audio

EVERYTHING’S HOTTER IN TEXAS
When Marine Force Recon captain Cullen Loughman learns that his father’s been kidnapped, he will do whatever it takes to find him. In order to achieve his mission, Cullen will need to team up with the best of the best—someone who just happens to be the most stunning woman he’s ever laid eyes on…

This isn’t the first rodeo for ex—Air Force pilot Mia Carter. Still, Cullen’s bad-boy good looks and charm are distracting her from duty. . .and it appears that the feeling is mutual. As Mia and Cullen make their descent into a dark, dangerous world, their attraction reaches the boiling point. But is their desire worth the risk when a ruthless enemy is waiting in the wings—or will their Lone Star love conquer all?

If you pre-order THE PROTECTOR you will receive a bonus scene that features Owen and Natalie from THE HERO. The scene will NOT be shared anywhere else. It will be exclusive to those who pre-order THE PROTECTOR and fill out this form:

Pre-order form to THE PROTECTOR: http://bit.ly/TheProtectorPO

 

AUTHOR CHAT:

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For those hosting before Dec. 9th, please include Donna’s Author Chat as part of your post. All the information is included below.
Date: Thurs., 12/1/2016

Time: 7pm CST / 8pm EST
Link to the FB Event is https://www.facebook.com/events/267169100347430

Hash Tag: #TheHeroDG

 

donna_grant_newAuthor’s Bio & Picture:
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Donna Grant has been praised for her “totally addictive” and “unique and sensual” stories. Her latest acclaimed series, Dark Kings, features a thrilling combination of dragons, Fae, and immortal Highlanders who are dark, dangerous, and irresistible. She lives with her two children and an assortment of animals in Texas.

Author Links:

Website:  http://www.donnagrant.com/

FB Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDonnaGrant

Twitter: https://twitter.com/donna_grant

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1141209.Donna_Grant

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/donnagrant1/
Tumblr: http://donnagrantauthor.tumblr.com/

Audible: http://www.audible.com/search/ref=a_search_c4_1_2_1_srAuth?searchAuthor=Donna+Grant&qid=1432841454&sr=1-2

Tantor: https://tantor.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=donna+grant

 

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#TBT Kelly’s review of Hell On Wheels by Julie Ann Walker ~ Catch Up From The Beginning

Hell on Wheels
Black Knight Inc #1
AUTHOR: Julie Ann Walker
PUBLICATION DATE:   08/07/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He’s the bad boy she’s always wanted…

Nate “Ghost” Weller has loved Ali Morgan nearly half his life. But he’s done something so heinous he’s convinced she’ll never forgive him if she discovers the truth, so he keeps his feelings and his secrets to himself. Then she blows into town with a mother lode of bad guys on her tail and Nate can’t deny she’s in serious trouble. Unfortunately, he’s the only one who can help her.

She’s the good girl he’s kept at arm’s length…

Ali knows Nate as the most solemn, aloof man on the planet. Sadly, he’s also the sexiest. For years she’s avoided him, unable to stomach his dark scowls and brooding silences… especially when she secretly yearns for his touch. Now she must rely on him to save her from the malevolent shadows ghosting her every move. When the bullets explode, so does their passion. But can love really conquer all? Or are some things just too terrible to forgive?

REVIEW:
OMG!! How do I start this review.  How about the freakin heart ache, gut wrenching, soul crushing, heart soaring beginning, middle and ending.  Julie put me through so many emotions in this book.  At one point I was bawling so hard I had to put the book down step away compose myself before I could finish.  But it was so worth the tears to get to the ending.
That being said.  I LOVED this 1st book of the Black Knight Inc series.  Julie has done an amazing job of bringing this world of secret government agents to life for me.  Often times the first book in a series is a little slow, because the author is setting up the world.  But Hell on Wheels start with an emotional bang and just keeps rolling.

Nate aka “Ghost” has been through hell and back, literally.  Not only has he just lost his best friend in the whole world, he has to be the one that deliver the news to his family. And when Griggs’ little sister, who is not so little anymore and the star of every one of Nate’s fantasies, turns to him in her time of sorrow who is he to turn her away.  He is the shoulder that Ali needs to cry on right now.  Right or wrong he is going to be here for her.  At least for today.

Ali, is still grieving over the lose of her brother when strange things start happening around her.  She knows she is being watched.  She keeps seeing shadows out of the corner of her eyes.  But when someone tries to mug her infront of her house, Ali knows the truth.  Someone it out to get her.  So she does the one and only thing she know will keep her safe she runs to Nate.

But can events from the past stop them from being together?  Or will they let fate take control?

There is so much that happens in this book between Nate and Ali.  The past, the present and the future all lay with these two trusting and believing in each other.  And for one of them trust is going to be the hardest thing even when the other believes wholeheartedly in them.

If you want to know what happens, you will just have to read the book and believe me it is so worth it.  But WARNING you will need tissues!!!!!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy (from Netgalley) of the book in exchange for an honest review.
This review is my opinion and not a paid review.

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Kissin’ the week of November 14th-19th Goodbye

11.14.16

Natasha reviews Born Of Legend by Sherrilyn Kenyon

11.15.16

#TBT Kelly & Kimberly review Born In Blood by Alexandra Ivy ~ Catch Up From The Beginning

11.16.16

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews All I Want For Christmas by Jenny Hale

11.17.16

#TBT Kimberly’s review of Beach House No. 9 by Christie Ridgway ~ Catch Up From The Beginning

11.18.16

Kelly reviews The Bourbon Thief by Tiffany Reisz

11.19.16