BLOG TOUR: Putting Alice Back Together by Carol Marinelli, Review & Interview

Reviewed by: Siobhán
Format: Paperback
Pages: 397
Published: 2nd March 2012
Publisher: Mira UK
Source: Publisher for Review
Genre: Women's Contemporary Fiction
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Description:

There's only so much sex, valium and red wine you can take to paper over the cracks...

Alice Lydia Jameson is the friend you wish you had. The girl who makes a party more fun, pulls a funny face to make you feel better, drinks wine out of a mug and makes you laugh while you're crying over an ex. Alice is totally happy, everything is amazing, and there is nothing at all to worry about... except, well: Her job was really great 10 years ago; The sexiest guy alive doesn't want her...because he's gay; Her credit card bills are mounting up... But maybe the biggest problem for Alice is that she has a secret. A secret so big she can't tell anyone...but how do you keep a secret like that when everything is starting to fall apart? And once it's out there, how do you ever begin to put yourself back together again?

2

Mini Review: Wither (The Chemical Garden Trilogy #1) by Lauren Destefano

Reviewed by: Siobhán
Format: Kindle Ebook
Pages:  358
Published: 4th Aug 2011 (UK)
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Source:  Bought
Genre: YA Dystopian
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Description:

What if you knew exactly when you would die?

Thanks to modern science, every human being has become a ticking genetic time bomb—males only live to age twenty-five, and females only live to age twenty. In this bleak landscape, young girls are kidnapped and forced into polygamous marriages to keep the population from dying out. When sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery is taken by the Gatherers to become a bride, she enters a world of wealth and privilege. Despite her husband Linden's genuine love for her, and a tenuous trust among her sister wives, Rhine has one purpose: to escape—to find her twin brother and go home. But Rhine has more to contend with than losing her freedom. Linden's eccentric father is bent on finding an antidote to the genetic virus that is getting closer to taking his son, even if it means collecting corpses in order to test his experiments. With the help of Gabriel, a servant she trusts, Rhine attempts to break free, in the limted time she has left

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The Fearsome Beastie by Giles Paley-Phillips

Reviewed by: Siobhán
Format: PDF
Pages: 32
Published: 18th May 2011 (UK)
Publisher: Maverick Arts Publishing
Source: Author for Review
Genre: Children's Picture Book
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Description: 

The fearsome beastie is searching for something to eat and the children are at the top of the menu. Will they be fooled by the fearsome beastie and his clever tricks?

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The Fearsome Beastie is a brand new title by poet Giles Paley-Phillips. Written in rhyme, this story is reminiscent of the cautionary fairy tales of the past but with a happy ending! - Maverick Art's Site

4

The Look by Sophia Bennett

Slight spoiler in review, highlight to read :)

Reviewed by: Siobhán
Format: Paperback
Pages: 328
Published: 1st March 2012
Publisher: Chicken House
Source: Publisher for Review
Genre: YA Contemporary
Buy: Amazon UK I Amazon US* I Book Depository
*currently unavailable for US

Description:

Ted is fifteen, and...oh yes...tall. When she's spotted by a model agency, she can't believe it. At the same time, Ted's fashionista sister, Ava, is diagnosed with cancer. With her world turned upside down, Ted has a lot of growing up to do, some of it in five-inch platforms. Should she be the model sister for Ava? Life in front of the camera is harder than it looks. And will they still be smiling when it’s over?

5

In Darkness by Nick Lake

Reviewed by: Marianne
Format: Hardback
Pages:  352
Published: 5th Jan 2012
Publisher:  Bloomsbury
Genre: YA Fiction, Historical
Source: Publisher for Review
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Description:
In darkness I count my blessings like Manman taught me. One: I am alive. Two: there is no two. In the aftermath of the Haitian earthquake a boy is trapped beneath the rubble of a ruined hospital: thirsty, terrified and alone. 'Shorty' is a child of the slums, a teenage boy who has seen enough violence to last a lifetime, and who has been inexorably drawn into the world of the gangsters who rule Site Soleil: men who dole out money with one hand and death with the other. But Shorty has a secret: a flame of revenge that blazes inside him and a burning wish to find the twin sister he lost five years ago. And he is marked. Marked in a way that links him with Toussaint L'Ouverture, the Haitian rebel who two-hundred years ago led the slave revolt and faced down Napoleon to force the French out of Haiti. As he grows weaker, Shorty relives the journey that took him to the hospital, a bullet wound in his arm. In his visions and memories he hopes to find the strength to survive, and perhaps then Toussaint can find a way to be free .

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Wasteland (Wasteland #1) by Lynn Rush

Reviewed by: Destiny
Format: Kindle ebook
Published: September 1, 2011
Publisher: Crescent Moon Press
Source: Lynn Rush for Review
Genre: YA Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance
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Description:
Bound by the blood contract his human mother signed four centuries ago, half-demon, David Sadler, must obey his demonic Master's order to capture fifteen-year-old Jessica Hanks. But as he learns more about her, he realizes she may be the key to freedom from his dark enslavement.

The only obstacle-Jessica's distractingly beautiful Guardian, Rebeka Abbott. He must not give in to their steamy chemistry, or he will lose his humanity. But fresh off a quarter millennia of sensory deprivation as punishment for not retrieving his last target, he may not be able to resist temptation long enough to save what's left of his human soul.

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Blog Tour: Between (Crossroads #2) by Mary Ting

May be spoilery if you haven't read book 1

Reviewed by: Siobhán
Format: eArc
Pages: 330
Published: 5th Jan 2012
Publisher: World Castle Publishing
Genre: YA Paranormal, Romance
Source: Author for review
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Description:
As the alkins head back to Crossroads, Claudia leads her normal life; but not for long. Having a special soul, Claudia attracts danger, and she soon finds out who Gamma asked to watch over her. The Twelve, known as Divine Elders on Earth, are very much involved when they find out that Aliah, one of the God’s first angels, escaped from the Abyss when the gates were opened by Aden. Needing Claudia’s soul to escape the only place Aliah can reside–a place between Heaven and Earth–he sends his demons in search of all Claudia Emersons on Earth. Taking her soul will enable him to be released from Between and cross over to Crossroads, which would give him immense power. As more secrets are revealed Claudia learns about the venators—nephilim, demon hunters. Now two opposing forces must work together in order to save Claudia and humanity from the most dangerous angel ever created. But along the way, trust becomes a big issue. Will love be enough to keep Claudia and Michael together? Who will make the ultimate sacrifice? Who will betray them all?

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The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

Reviewed by: Destiny
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 236
Published: January 2, 2012
Publisher: Poppy
Source: Poppy for Review
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance
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Description:
Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?

Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18C. Hadley's in 18A.

Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it.

5

Shatter Me (Shatter Me #1) by Tahereh Mafi

Reviewed by: Siobhán
Format: Hardback
Pages: 338
Published: 15th Nov 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen
Source: Gift
Genre: YA Dystopian, Romance
Buy: Amazon UK I Amazon US I TBD Hardback I TBD Paperback

Description:

Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war-- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

3

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Reviewed by: Destiny
Format: Trade Paperback
Pages: 372
Published: December 2, 2010
Publisher: Penguin Group
Source: Gift
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance
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Description
Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris—until she meets Étienne St. Claire: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home.

As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near-misses end with the French kiss Anna—and readers—have long awaited?

Review:
Anna and the French Kiss was so much more than I had ever expected in a book! I had heard that it was a cute story, but wow! I couldn't put this one down.

Anna is sent to an American boarding school in Paris and she is instantly hit with culture shock - which was absolutely hilarious but you couldn't help but relate to her. She is so likeable and real. She soon meets Etienne St. Clair, who is one of the BEST boys in YA books ever. He is cute, charming, and everything a girl would want. I can totally see why Anna was captivated by him.

Anna and St. Clair have a rocky road to romance, but where better than the City of Love? Stephanie Perkins brought this story to one of my favorite cities and I felt like I was actually there!! When i read this book, I was instantly transported to Paris and immersed in Anna's life. This was such a cute, fun, romantic book that I can't recommend it enough!

Rate: 5/5

5

Seizure (Virals #2) by Kathy Reichs

MAY BE SPOILERY IF YOU HAVEN'T READ VIRALS

Reviewed by: Siobhán
Format: Hardback
Pages:  491
Published: 5th Jan 2012
Publisher: Arrow Young
Source: Publisher for Review
Genre: YA Adventure, Mystery, SciFi
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Description

Ever since Tory Brennan and her friends rescued Cooper, a kidnapped wolf pup with a rare strain of canine parvovirus, they've turned from regular kids into a crime-solving pack! But now the very place that brought them together - the Loggerhead Island Research Institute - is out of funding and will have to shut down. That is, unless the Virals can figure out a way to save it!

So when Tory learns of an old Charleston legend about a famous she-pirate, Anne Bonney, whose fortune was never found, she can't believe her luck - buried treasure is exactly what she needs to save the Institute on Loggerhead! Trouble is, she and her friends aren't the only ones looking for it. And this time, the Virals' special powers may not be enough to dig them out of trouble . .

3

Miracle at the Museum of Broken Hearts by Talli Roland

Reviewed by: Siobhán
Format: Kindle Ebook
Pages: Unknown
Published: 12th Dec 2011
Publisher: Nothing Hill Press
Source: Kindle Freebie : Now 77p
Genre: Adult, Romance, Short Story
Buy: Amazon UK I Amazon US

Description:

All Rose needs is a Christmas miracle... or does she?

When chief romantic Rose Delaney scores her dream job at London's quirkiest new attraction, The Museum of Broken Hearts, she thinks she's got it made. Sure, it's a little depressing dealing with relics of failed relationships each day, but Rose is determined not to let it break her 'love conquers all' spirit. After discovering the museum's handsome curator is nursing a broken heart of his own, Rose steps in to fix it. Can Rose heal the rift in time for the holidays, or will this Christmas crush her fantasies forever?

Review:
I am going to keep this review short as sweet just like book. Miracle is such a sweet and lovely short story. I am usually not one for short stories because they are usually a hit or miss. However, Miracle was one of the first that really made me love a short story. I love the characters, the simple plot and setting. The Idea of a Museum of Broken Hearts is well... its fantastic! I would so go to something like that. And our main character Rose, she is so wonderful. A romantic to the core and you can't help but want her to find her Mr Right.

Having already read one of Talli's previous books, I knew I that would at least enjoy this. I went into it think it would just a fun light read and yes it is that but its so much more. Talli has managed to make this a little gem. Full of hope, romance and coming to terms with family problems.

If you haven't tried any of Talli's book I suggest start with this! It's light and quick and gives you taster of the talent that Talli Roland!!!

Rate: 5/5

3

Avenger's Angel (The Lost Angel #1) by Heather Killough-Walden

Reviewed by: Marianne

Format: Arc Paperback

Pages: 328

Published: 24th Nov 2011

Publisher:Headline Book Publishing

Source: Publisher for Review

Genre: Adult, Paranormal, Romance

Buy: Amazon UK I Amazon US I Book Depository

Description:

The first in Heather Killough-Walden's fantastic new paranormal series, the Lost Angels, features Uriel, the Angel of Vengeance. Four thousand years ago, four archangels were cast down to Earth in human form. God's favourites, they came to find their mates, the other half of their souls made only for them, without whom they will ever be complete. Uriel, Gabriel, Azrael and Michael, however, were not alone. They were followed by another, determined to find the archesses for himself, and whose power cannot be underestimated. But after centuries of fruitless searching, the archangels -- and their enemy -- have all but given up hope. Until one day beautiful and gifted Eleanore Granger crosses paths with Uriel, the Angel of Vengeance. And as a storm rages, outside forces conspire together, initiating an age old battle of good versus evil to win the first archess.

Review

Finding the one person you are destined to be with is hard enough, but throw the fact that your destined to be with an archangel into the mix, and it is destined to create havoc.

This book had me on the edge of my seat, unable to put it down. The trials and tribulations of the characters are so easy to become involved in, you will find yourself shouting at them and feeling the conflict they feel themselves.

I would most definately recommend this book to anyone who is feeling they will never find their other half. It lets you know that even in the direst circumstances, that what is for you, will most certainly not pass you by.

Rate: 5/5

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Obsidian (Lux Series #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Format: Kindle ebook
Publisher: 6th Dec 2011
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Genre: YA Fantasy, Paranormal

Description:
Starting over sucks.

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I’d pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring…. until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something…unexpected happens.

The hot alien living next door marks me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon’s touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I’m getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.

If I don’t kill him first, that is.

Review:
Obsidian is not your typical alien novel! It is far from that. Katy, the main character, moves to a small town in West Virginia. Things seem boring until she meets Daemon - He is anything but boring. I immediately loved both characters. Katy is a book blogger and was so easy to relate to in that respect. Daemon was arrogant and should have been totally unlikable, but somehow his personality created a chemistry with Katy's that was very believable and real.

Jennifer Armentrout really put a unique spin on aliens with Obsidian. Normally I steer clear of books with aliens; however, I was fascinated with the world she built. The plot was well constructed, the storyline never lagged, and I couldn't wait to see what happened next. Her writing is excellent and I can easily see why she is becoming such a popular author!

Obsidian is definitely a book for fans of YA paranormal and for those who don't normally read about aliens because Jennifer will entrance you with her story and make you believe in a whole new world of possibilities. The next book can't come soon enough!

You can purchase Obsidian here:
Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Book Depository!

Rate: 5/5

★★★★★

1

Busted in Bollywood by Nicola Marsh

Format: Kindle ebook
Pages: 383
Publisher: 6th Dec 2011
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Genre: Adult Fiction, Contemporary Romance

Description:
Shari Jones needs to get a life. Preferably someone else’s.
Single, homeless and jobless, Indo-American Shari agrees to her best friend’s whacky scheme: travel to Mumbai, pose as Amrita, and ditch the fiancé her traditional Indian parents have chosen. Simple. Until she’s mistaken for a famous Bollywood actress, stalked by a Lone Ranger wannabe, courted by an English lord, and busted by the blackmailing fiancé.

Life is less complicated in New York.

Or so she thinks, until the entourage of crazies follows her to the Big Apple and that’s when the fun really begins. Shari deals with a blossoming romance, an addiction to Indian food and her first movie role, while secretly craving another trip to the mystical land responsible for sparking her new lease on life. Returning to her Indian birthplace, she has an epiphany. Maybe the happily-ever-after of her dreams isn’t so far away?

Review:
Busted in Bollywood was everything I could hope for in a romance novel! It was cute, funny, and the characters were exceptionally charming.

Nicola Marsh tells the story in a way that you feel like you actually KNOW main character Shari and her best friend Rita. Before long, their crazy scheme to send Shari across the world to India to pose as Rita to get out of an arranged marriage almost seems like a good idea. Once Shari makes it to India, the laughs begin.

Having married into an Indian family myself, Nicola Marsh is spot-on with her descriptions of the food and culture. Many times I found myself laughing out loud and reading passages to my husband because this has actually happened to us - including when poor (pretend aunt) Anjali's sari comes unwrapped leaving her naked in public. This is one of those things that we witnessed personally at an Indian wedding the weekend I read this book!

Another thing Nicola Marsh highlights throught the novel is the food. She vividly describes in detail several traditional Indian dishes and desserts. The food is just as amazing as she describes and left me hungry at the end of each chapter.

The one description of this book that read "Sex and the City" meets "Eat, Pray, Love" was so true. Only Nicola Marsh weaves in so much humor and culture. The romance and chemistry between Shari and Drew is amazing and you are rooting for them the whole book, despite Shari seeming to have the worst luck ever. Their story remains unpredictable throughtout and I was very pleased with the ending. It was such a good story that I would love to see Nicola re-visit them in another book somehow!!

Any fans of romantic comedy novels will find Nicola Marsh's Busted in Bollywood a must-buy!!

You can purchase Busted in Bollywood here:
Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Book Depository!

Rate: 5/5

★★★★★

3

Wither (The Chemical Garden #1) by Lauren DeStefano

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 358
Published: March 22, 2011
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Genre: YA Fantasy, Dystopian

Description:

Obviously, something went terribly wrong. Genetic mutations have festered, reducing human longevity to twenty-five, even less for most women. To prevent extinction, young girls are kidnapped, mated in polygamous marriages with men eager to procreate. Sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery, a recent victim of this breeding farm mentality, has vowed to break loose from its fetters; but finding allies and a safe way out is a challenge she can only hope she will survive. A dystopian fantasy series starter with wings.

Review:
There are almost no words on where to start with a review for Wither. It is such a unique, refreshing book. The plot is so unlike any book I have ever, ever read. A genetic mutation causes all girls to die at twenty years old and all boys to die at twenty-five years old. Because of this, Rhine Ellery has been abducted by wealthy Linden Ashby's father, unaffected by this mutation, to become one of three sister wives for his son. The population is taking multiple wives at young adulthood in an attempt to re-populate society while scientists and doctors search for an antidote for this virus killing off the masses.

Wow. Just wow. Rhine, Cecily, and Jenna are all married to Linden, and couldn't be more different. I couldn't necessarily connect with any of the girls on a personal level, but I came to really like each one. Rhine is headstrong and determined to save herself from a life of luxurious imprisonment. Cecily is young, naive, eager to please, and oh-so happy to be the wife of a House Governor. Jenna is strong, bitter, and determined to ride out the end of her life getting Linden back for stealing her family.

The plot was amazing. I loved reading the intricacies of the sister wives, the way the luxurious mansion is set up to depict the outside world with holograms, and how Linden's father has created a suspicious, mysterious environment that is just begging to be unraveled.

This was a book I could not put down. It goes beyond the boundaries of normal dystopian fiction and touches on so much more. Three girls are torn from their worlds and are forced into a polygamous marriage - albeit in a luxurious, wealthy mansion they are imprisoned in - but they learn to create a family amongst themselves with their sister wives. I loved watching each of them grow and develop and the plot never grew stale. The suspense and mystery of the mansion's activities kept the pages turning quickly.

I have fallen in love with Lauren DeStefano's writing and am eagerly awaiting the release of Fever!

Rate: 5/5

5

Last Breath (Morganville Vampires #11) by Rachel Caine

Format: Paperback
Pages: 447
Published: 28th Oct 2011
Publisher: Allison & Busby
Source: Publisher for Review
Genre: YA Paranormal
Buy:Amazon UKIAmazon USI Book Depository


Description:

There is a question Claire has long been asking: why do vampires live so far out in a sunny desert when they're sensitive to sunlight? The reason doesn't have to do with sunlight but water - and an ancient enemy who has finally found a way to invade the vampires' landlocked community. Vampires aren't the top predator on earth. There's something worse that preys on them ...something much worse. Which means if Claire, and Morganville, want to live, they will have to fight on to the last breath.

Review:

Rachel Caine, Seriously! Does this wonderful and talented lady even fail me? mmmmm.... let me think, uh NO!!!! Last Breath is nothing short of A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.

Last Breath is the 11th book in the Morganville Vampire Series. It follows Claire and the gang tacking their everyday drama, vampires, love. As well as tacking a new evil that has crawled up into town and is threating to destroyed everything that Amelie has work so hard to built. And it's up to Clare to save the day but will she managed to defeat it?

Sorry for the lack of good description, trying so hard not to spoil things from this book and previous.

Yeah, it rocked!!! Morganville is probably my favourite YA vampire series ever! It really is. I have been waiting not so patiently for this book and when it turned up from the publisher I squeak, like proper fan girl squeaked.

If you have read my previous reviews for this series, you all know how much I adore the characters in this series. Claire, the brainy, yet tough girl who actually holds the group together. Shane (oh Shane) the tough, bad boy with a violent temper but is super sweet. Eve, the happy kickass goth chick and Michael, our resident vampire! Together the are best friends and take on the world. I love everyone of them. And of course, there are many more characters and all play very very important roles in the story. But my fave, my man! The Crazy, Creep, Insane and down right sexy Myrnin. Oh yeah, I love me some crazy vampires in bunny slippers. He is back and better than ever because we see a different side to him. A caring and loving side to him that broke my heart. :(

Last Breath is like most of the book, explosive. It's packed full of action. Usually in YA, it's love that is the big thing in books. And even though romance is in this book there is a lot more action. It's fast paced and thrilling. It keeps you guessing. And new evil bad guy and OMG, So freaking amazing! Unique to say the least and kinda creepy and gross but fantastic. The only thing that kinda bugged me was the POV changes. I am not a big fan of too many POV changes in my books and even though with Rachel's talent she manages it effortlessly, it kind of annoyed me that with some of the changes it went from third person to first. Although, I didn't annoying me enough to rate it under 5 stars because the plot was superb.

Now to wait for book 12, yes there is a book 12 woohoo. Are we excited? I know I am. If you haven't read this book or even started this series. Why not? Go Forth and read. You are missing out on some serious nail biting stuff and hot guys. hehe

A massive thank you to Allison & Busby for allowing me to review this fantastc novel and so very sorry it took me like forever!

Rate: 5/5

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