Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Review: The Sleepwalker Tonic (Nightmares!, #2) by Jason Segel & KirstenMiller

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Pub. Date: September 8, 2015
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Source: Print ARC
Rating: 5 Stars


Blurb:
Nightmares! The Sleepwalker Tonic is the sequel to the hilariously scary New York Times bestselling novel Nightmares! by multitalented actor Jason Segel and bestselling author Kirsten Miller. You thought the nightmares were over? You better keep the lights on!

Charlie Laird has a dream life.

1) He has a weirdo stepmom who runs an herbarium.
2) He lives in a purple mansion with a portal to the Netherworld.
3) Since they escaped from the Netherworld, he and his best friends have been sleeping like babies.

But Charlie can’t shake the feeling that something strange is afoot. Charlotte’s herbarium used to be one of the busiest stores in Cypress Creek. Now her loyal following is heading to Orville Falls for their herbal potions.
Weirder, though, Orville Falls is suddenly filled with . . . zombies? At least, they sure look like the walking dead. Rumor has it that no one’s sleeping in Orville Falls. And Charlie knows what that means.

Things are getting freaky again.

Praise for Nightmares!, book one

A New York Times bestseller

"Charlie Laird, who learns fear will eat you alive if you feed it, makes an impression, and...readers will want to accompany him again."— The New York Times Book Review

"A touching comical saga...about facing things that go bump in the night."— US Weekly "Coraline meets Monsters, Inc. in this delightfully entertaining offering from actor [Jason] Segel and co-author [Kirsten] Miller."— Publishers Weekly

"[Nightmares!] succeeds at scaring and amusing in equal measure...[It's] sweet, charming, and imaginative."— Kirkus Reviews

"Segel...and Miller build an entertaining, cartoony world full of scary (but not too scary) monsters, silly jokes, plucky kid heroes...with a promise of adventures to come."— Booklist

"An engaging and creative story...woven with a generous amount [of] humor."— VOYA

"There's humor and a fairly high ick-factor."— School Library Journal

"Cleverly crafted...This novel presents just the right mix of 'scary and humorous.'"— ILA Literacy Daily


 Review:
I don't think there's anything in the world Jason Segel can't do. Not only is he is one of my favorite shows of all time, he's written a book that borders on a hilarious version of Goosebumps. Minus all the cheesiness. After the first book, Nightmares!, Charlie has officially faced his fears after being thrown into (technically he walked into...) the Netherworld. What I loved about this book was the fact that it had "zombies". And who in their right mind doesn't love a good zombie book? Especially when it's written in a clever and funny way. 

People in the town over, Orville Falls, are having trouble sleeping. In turn they start taking a sleep tonic that doesn't really put them to sleep... Instead, they turn into mindless zombies. Sounds like a job for Charlie, his little brother Jack and their stepmother. They must find a cure and they need to find it fast. Will the family be able to do what they need to do in order to save the day (night)? I had so much fun diving deep into Charlie's world again. It's been awhile since I've been able to go into a book and completely immerse myself in the exciting, fun, and "scary" story that I never wanted to end. 

Overall, The Sleepwalker Tonic is definitely a book every child and grown-up alike should read. Jack and the gang prove to be just as fun as they were in the first book, if not more in this one. Also, I have to make note again on the illustrations. They're absolutely fabulous. I love being able to have visuals throughout the book; it makes it all the more magical. Parents, don't pass up these books to read with your children. It will have you both laughing as you follow Charlie on his amazing journey!

*Thank you to the author for providing a coy for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 


Buy Links:


Blurb:

The hilariously frightening, middle-grade novel Nightmares! is the first book in a trilogy about a boy named Charlie and a group of kids who must face their fears to save their town.

Sleeping has never been so scary. And now waking up is even worse!

Charlie Laird has several problems.

1. His dad married a woman he is sure moonlights as a witch.
2. He had to move into her purple mansion, which is NOT a place you want to find yourself after dark.
3.He can’t remember the last time sleeping wasn’t a nightmarish prospect. Like even a nap.

What Charlie doesn’t know is that his problems are about to get a whole lot more real. Nightmares can ruin a good night’s sleep, but when they start slipping out of your dreams and into the waking world—that’s a line that should never be crossed.

And when your worst nightmares start to come true . . . well, that’s something only Charlie can face. And he’s going to need all the help he can get, or it might just be lights-out for Charlie Laird. For good.



My Thoughts:
I shouldn't have feared not liking this. The book pretty much had me at JASON SEGEL. The book was very engaging and I believe children of all ages (even adults) will enjoy the fun and "spooky" tale of a boy whose nightmares turn to reality. Everyone has them; in fact, I had one just last night. But unlike our dear boy Charlie, mine don't scare me as much. 


Charlie's nightmares stem from a haunted old house and his wicked step-monster, also known as is step-mom. See, Charlie thinks she might be a witch that may or may not (unlikely) be out to get him. Soon, Charlie makes it to the Netherworld, where his brother has been taken by an evil witch. In this little "nightmare" world, all scary things are possible and getting out is proving to be very hard indeed. If he doesn't make it out in time, he could die. Yes, you read that right, die. Because in the Netherworld, sleeping children usually go there while asleep. Nothing can truly hurt them when they are in the dream state, even if everything feels real. Charlie on the other hand, goes in there while not asleep.


See how that could be a problem?

The reader is taken on a magical ride as Charlie tries to overcome his fears and save his baby brother. Along the way, we meet some amazing characters. Overall, I think that this will be a great family story to read aloud. The illustrations are simply wonderful, the writing is...wow, just like a movie in my head. I could totally see this as a blockbuster hit.If you're looking for a story that;s entertaining and funny, make sure you pick this one up!

*Thank you to the publisher for providing a copy for an honest review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

4.5 Stars
Buy Links:

About the Authors:
Jason Segel- New York Times bestselling author Jason Segel used to have nightmares just like Charlie, and just like Charlie, he's learned that the things we're most afraid of are the things that can make us strong...if we're brave enough to face them. Jason likes acting, writing, making music, and hanging out with his friends. Sometimes he writes movies. Sometimes he writes songs for movies. Sometimes he stars in those movies and sings those songs. You might know him from The Muppets and Despicable Me. Your parents might know him from other stuff. Nightmares! is his first novel.

Kirsten Miller-  
I'm the author of the Kiki Strike book series (All Ages) and the Eternal Ones book series (Ages 13+). My latest novels are How to Lead a Life of Crime (Razorbill, 2/2013) and Kiki #3 The Darkness Dwellers (Bloomsbury, 1/2013). 


About the Illustrator:
My name is Karl Kwasny. I draw pictures for a living. I'm Australian, but I currently live in Brooklyn, NY.
I am represented in Australia by the Jacky Winter Group.
For commission enquiries, please contact:
The Jacky Winter Group
email: info@jackywinter.com
TUMBLR
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Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Review- Mister Max- The Book of Kings (Mister Max #3) by Cynthia Voigt

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Blog Tour Review + Giveaway: MAX THE BRAVE by Ed Vere


Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Pub. Date: September 8, 2015
Genre: Childrens
Source: Print ARC
Rating: 5 Stars


Blurb:
Max the Brave is a brilliant new picture book from Ed Vere. This is Max. Max the Brave, Max the Fearless, Max the Mouse-catcher...But, in order to be a Mouse-catcher, Max needs to know what a mouse is, so off he goes to find out. This hilarious new picture book from the phenomenally-talented Ed Vere introduces a new and lovable character, with Ed's trademark bold illustrations and clever story.

“A cat-and-mouse game to be laughed at and reread.” – Kirkus
“Full of playful humor...enhanced by the humorous text, character expressions, and a not-scary monster to boot. Highly recommended.” – School Library Journal
“Both the punchy text and illustrations command attention, and plenty of readers will get a kick out of feeling superior to Max.” – Publishers Weekly
 Review:
My children were quite excited when this book came in the mail. Not only did we receive the book but we also got a cape and a sticker! To say my family was thrilled is an understatement. Max the Brave is a hilariously cute story about a cat who wants to catch a mouse. That would be too easy, if only he knew what a mouse was! 

We follow his journey as he tries to find out what exactly a mouse looks like. I thought the art work was beautiful in a simplistic way. It's reminiscent of "Are You My Mother?" and that was one of my favorites as a child. I liked being able to to follow Max on his quest along with my children. Who, I might add, fell in love with the story.

I highly recommend investing in this adorable book for children. It can be a family affair.

*Thank you to the publisher for providing a copy for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.


About the Author:
Other Ed Vere titles to look out for: Banana; Bedtime for Monsters; Mr. Big; The Getaway Ed Vere studied fine art at Camberwell College of Art and has been writing and illustrating children's books since 1999. He is published in both England and the US. Ed is also a painter, working from his studio in east London and is represented by galleries in London and Los Angeles. After a year and a half living in Barcelona, Ed now lives and works in London.

Buy Links: 
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Monday, September 7, 2015

Release Blitz feat Trailer:
Gypsy Brothers Series by Lili St. Germain
with new bonus novella, Alternate




ALL 7 books in the COMPLETE Gypsy Brothers series are now in ONE SET!
This dark, adrenaline-induced, revenge BIKER series is ONLY $0.99 for one week. DO NOT miss this epic sale!

If you are already a fan of the series -- Lili has INCLUDED BONUS EXCLUSIVE NOVELLA!




Buy Gypsy Brothers

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / iBooks



Synopsis:

My father was most certainly NOT an innocent man. As the leader of the Gypsy Brothers Motorcycle Club, he was guilty of many things. But he died for a crime that he didn’t commit, framed by an enemy within who then stole his club and everything he had ever worked to protect.

Including my innocence.

When Dornan Ross framed my father, he set into motion a series of events that could never be undone. My father was murdered by Dornan Ross and his sons when I was fifteen years old.

Before my father died, Dornan Ross and his sons stole my innocence, branded my skin and in doing so, ensured that their lives would be prematurely cut short. That they would suffer.

I’ve just turned twenty-one, and I’m out for blood. I'm out for revenge.

But I didn't expect to fall for Jase, the youngest brother in the club.

I didn't expect that he would turn my world upside down, yank my heart out of my chest and ride away into the sunset with it.

Now, I'm faced with an impossible choice - Jase, or avenging my fathers death?

**This bundle contains all books in the Gypsy Brothers series plus a bonus exclusive novella.**



Dornan:

I see the panic in her eyes, and it makes my cock throb.

Yes. It’s my turn now, you silly little girl.

I’m going to twist her diabolical fucking soul until she’s completely at my mercy, knees on the ground and mouth on my cock, sucking and begging for forgiveness all at the same time. There’s going to be so much more blood in our future, and it’s going to be beautiful.

“I know you think this is going to be bad,” I say, pleasure and rage sizzling in my veins, “but however bad you think this is going to be, it’s going to be So.Much.Worse.”



Jase:

There’s something to be said about a person who’s been put in hell and doesn’t lose themselves.

But what if you find yourself there instead?

“Say it,” Chad said, sliding one finger inside Rails so that she flinched. Even with the drugs, the rough way he was poking and prodding at her must have hurt. “Say you’re no better than us. Say you’re one of us and I’ll let her go.” I looked to Rails, but she wasn’t even there. Whatever drug was in her bloodstream, it looked effective.

“I’m no better than you.” I ground out.

“And?” Chad prompted, snaking his tongue out to lick Raelene’s earlobe.

I shuddered.

“And I’m one of you.”

“One of what?”

“A fucking Gypsy Brother!” I screamed.

Normal men don’t want to hurt the women they love.

Normal men don’t have a darkness inside them.

But I’m not normal. I never was. I might’ve been patched in by force, but it doesn’t change the fact that I’ve got GYPSY BROTHERS forever etched into my skin, and their blood running through my veins.

I might look like a good person on the surface, but it doesn’t change the fact that I’m Dornan Ross’s son.



Elliot:

Why’d we have to meet the way we did, in a goddamn nightmare? She was so beautiful and passionate in the moments her demons weren’t dragging her beneath the murky waters and drowning her. Selfishly, I wished she would try harder to be that girl who laughed and said funny things, dazzling me with her smile, instead of the girl who held my gun in her lap and willed herself not to eat it.

“It’s okay, Elliot,” Juliette said, trailing her hand over my cheek. “I’d leave me too, if I could.” I swallowed back all the words I’d never be able to say to her.


About the Author:

Lili writes dark romance, suspense and paranormal stories. Her serial novel, Seven Sons, was released in early 2014, with the following books in the series to be released in quick succession. Lili quit corporate life to focus on writing and so far is loving every minute of it. Her other loves in life include her gorgeous husband and beautiful daughter, good coffee, Tarantino movies and spending hours on Pinterest.

She loves to read almost as much as she loves to write.

Follow Her Here: Website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads


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Saturday, September 5, 2015

Spotlight- BLACK WIDOW:FOREVER RED BY Margaret Stohl


Upon reading the ARC, I realized that it was so bad ass to get a book about Black Widow. She is awesome. The story, while very good, fell a tad bit short for me. My full review will be coming up closer to release day but for the time being, I think this is a book people should look out for. Margaret Stohl's light truly shines through when you read.


Publisher: Marvel Press
Pub. Date: October 13, 2015
Genre: Superheroes


Blurb: 
Enter the world of the Avengers' iconic master spy

Natasha Romanoff is one of the world's most lethal assassins. Trained from a young age in the arts of death and deception, Natasha was given the title of Black Widow by Ivan Somodorov, her brutal teacher at the Red Room, Moscow's infamous academy for operatives.

Ava Orlova is just trying to fit in as an average Brooklyn teenager, but her life has been anything but average.The daughter of a missing Russian quantum physicist, Ava was once subjected to a series of ruthless military experiments-until she was rescued by Black Widow and placed under S.H.I.E.L.D. protection. Ava has always longed to reconnect with her mysterious savior, but Black Widow isn't really the big sister type.

Until now.

When children all over Eastern Europe begin to go missing, and rumors of smuggled Red Room tech light up the dark net, Natasha suspects her old teacher has returned-and that Ava Orlova might be the only one who can stop him. To defeat the madman who threatens their future, Natasha and Ava must unravel their pasts. Only then will they discover the truth about the dark-eyed boy with an hourglass tattoo who haunts Ava's dreams. . . .

Black Widow:Forever Red features all the heart-pounding adventure readers expect from Marvel, written by #1 New York Times best-selling author Margaret Stohl. Uncover a new side of the Marvel Universe that will thrill loyal fans and newcomers alike, as Stohl reveals the untold story of Black Widow for the very first time.


Preorder Links:

About the Author:
Margaret Stohl is the #1 New York Times, PW, USA Today, LA Times and Internationally bestselling co-author of the BEAUTIFUL CREATURES NOVELS (Fall 2009-2012) and author of THE ICONS SERIES (Spring, 2013.)

From the author:

Goodreads Peeps! Please note I no longer review the books on my shelf, "stars"-wise. I do list books I read, and they're all automatically marked as 5 stars. That's because a) I don't list books that I didn't like enough to finish and b) I didn't want to delete the ratings I had already given. If I particularly love a book and feel inclined to comment, you'll still see the comments here. Sadly, I have to ask: please don't reproduce these comments on book jackets, websites, or in any other medium for the marketing of books. They're only meant for fellow goodreaders. Thanks so much!

ABOUT ME:

Writing has gotten me in and out of trouble since I was 15 (back then, mostly just in trouble.) For 10 years, I designed &/or wrote for lots of video games, one of which was nominated for “Most Innovative Game Design,” but I lost to a rapping onion. If you know games you get why my two bad beagles are named Zelda and Kirby.

School: I spent more years in it than a person ever should, because let’s face it, reading books is so much better than having a job. I fell in love with American literature at Amherst and Yale, earned an MA in English from Stanford, and studied creative writing under the late great poet George MacBeth at the University of East Anglia, Norwich. I taught Intro to Film as a TA at Yale and Romantic Poetry as a TA at Stanford. Don’t tell the people at Yale but sometimes I taught the section before I’d seen the movie it was about...

I live in Santa Monica, CA, with my family, most of whom were enslaved into working with me in one form or another on my first YA book for Little, Brown. I’m not kidding; when my daughters wanted to go to school I said “Why are you so selfish? Get back in there and edit,” and by said I mean yelled and maybe threw things, it’s all a haze. Now the Beautiful series has wrapped, but you can see the movie on February 13, 2013 or read my new book ICONS on May 7th. Nothing gold can stay, Ponyboy.
 
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Friday, September 4, 2015

Blog Tour Review: ANNE & HENRY by Dawn Ius


Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pub. Date: September 1, 2015
Genre: YA Contemporary Retelling
Source: Print ARC
Rating: 2 Stars


Blurb:
In this wonderfully creative retelling of the infamous—and torrid—love affair between Anne Boleyn and King Henry VIII, history collides with the present when a sizzling romance ignites in a modern-day high school.

Henry Tudor’s life has been mapped out since the day he was born: student body president, valedictorian, Harvard Law School, and a stunning political career just like his father’s. But ever since the death of his brother, the pressure for Henry to be perfect has doubled. And now he’s trapped: forbidden from pursuing a life as an artist or dating any girl who isn’t Tudor-approved.

Then Anne Boleyn crashes into his life.

Wild, brash, and outspoken, Anne is everything Henry isn’t allowed to be—or want. But soon Anne is all he can think about. His mother, his friends, and even his girlfriend warn him away, but his desire for Anne consumes him.

Henry is willing to do anything to be with her, but once they’re together, will their romance destroy them both?

Inspired by the true story of Anne Boleyn and King Henry VIII, Anne & Henry beautifully reimagines the intensity, love, and betrayal between one of the most infamous couples of all time.

Review:
Everybody knows the story of King Henry and Anne Boleyn. And if you don't, then I kindly suggest you go read up on it! It's so interesting that a girl, such as Anne, was able to sway a King from his beliefs. She singlehandedly changed the face of religion in England but of course we all know how that ends. It's tragic how Anne's life ended but did she deserve it? Was it coming to her? 

A couple of months back I saw a new book up on goodreads that would be a retelling or a modern day story o Anne & Henry set in high school setting. I groaned in defeat when I saw that it would be months before it came out. Finally the day came that arcs we're going out so I requested one right away. The day I received an approval, I quickly dropped everything to read it. Anne & Henry starts off at a masquerade ball. Henry sees a beautiful raven haired girl across the room and he's pretty
much done for.

All he can think about is Anne. She's spunky, outspoken, and sexy. She's everything that his girlfriend Catherine isn't, including not belonging to their high class society. So why in the world does Henry feel such an attraction to this girl that doesn't even fit into his world? The ending broke me. Like literally. Even after all these weeks, my heart still hurts. I hated the book though, I loved the writing, and the author has made it into my "to watch" list. Why then do I still hate the book? Henry!

Why oh why did Anne have to be so infatuated with him?bI know exactly why he was infatuated with her.  (Check out paragraph three for the reasons he can only think of her) Henry was a sissy boy who couldn't make any damn decisions for himself. I could have loved him but instead I loathed how pretentious his way of life was. Sure, one could argue that it's his family's fault but bottom line is, he's a coward. A phony. 

I better stop now before I write a novel on why I dislike him so much!

Overall, this is an okay story because Anne really is a cool chick. But don't expect anything good to come out of it. We all know what happens. I'll just leave it at that. If you're looking for a book that will possibly piss you off, then this is the one for you! Don't say I didn't warn you. 

*Thank you to the publisher for providing a copy for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Buy Links:

About the Author:
DAWN IUS is a short-story author, novelist, screenwriter, professional editor, and communications specialist. She is the Assistant Managing Editor of the International Thriller Writers Association’s monthly magazine, THE BIG THRILL, co-founder and senior editor of Vine Leaves Literary Journal, and the author of ten educational graphic novels published by the Alberta Canola Producers Commission. When she’s not slaying fictional monsters, she’s geeking out over fairy tales, Jack Bauer, Halloween, sports cars, and all things that go bump in the night. Dawn lives in Alberta, Canada, with her husband, Jeff, and their giant English Mastiff, Roarke. 

Dawn also writes paranormal young adult fiction under the last name DALTON.
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Thursday, September 3, 2015

Review: DARK WILD NIGHT (Wild Seasons, #3) by Christina Lauren

Publisher: Gallery Books
Pub. Date: September 15, 2015
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: Print ARC
Rating: 1,000,000,000,000 Stars (okay, 5 Stars)

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1O3rFYp

Blurb:  
What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.
But what didn't happen in Vegas seems to follow them everywhere.


Lola and Oliver like to congratulate themselves on having the good sense to not consummate their drunken Las Vegas wedding. If they’d doubled-down on that mistake, their Just Friends situation might not be half as great as it is now.

... Or so goes the official line.

In reality, Lola’s wanted Oliver since day one—and over time has only fallen harder for his sexy Aussie accent and easygoing ability to take her as she comes. More at home in her studio than in baring herself to people, Lola’s instinctive comfort around Oliver nearly seems too good to be true. So why ruin a good thing?

Even as geek girls fawn over him, Oliver can’t get his mind off what he didn’t do with Lola when he had the chance. He knows what he wants with her now ... and it’s far outside the friend zone. When Lola’s graphic novel starts getting national acclaim—and is then fast-tracked for a major motion picture—Oliver steps up to be there for her whenever she needs him. After all, she’s not the kind of girl who likes all that attention, but maybe she’s the kind who’ll eventually like him.

Sometimes seeing what’s right in front of us takes a great leap of faith. And sometimes a dark wild night in Vegas isn’t just the end of a day, but the beginning of a bright new life...


Review:
 Hot nerd alert! Hot nerd alert! Fuck me <=I never say that vulgar word. But seriously, fuuuuccckkkk mmmeeeee! How is it even remotely possible to like this so much more than the other books, when I loved them so much? How? I'll give you one word: OLIVER. Sigh... What more do I even have to say to convince you to read this? Seriously, what do I have to do?

If you haven't read these books yet then I honestly think you're a wacko *gives you serious side-eye*. Finn and Harlow were my favorite and I didn't think anything would top that. That is until I fully got to be inside Lola and Oliver's head. It's like Christina Lauren reached into my mind and heart and put it all down in paper and into a book. Alas, I can't draw worth a crap, but I am nerdy.

Lola and Oliver are the only ones who didn't follow the flow and end up married like their friends. If you remember from the first book, three best girlfriends met some hot men and what do you know, they all get drunk and get married. Of course, Oliver and Lola got it annulled right away then on their merry way. When they meet back up in San Diego where Oliver owns a comic shop, the two become close. As in best friend territory.

As in friend zone. But Lola wants more. What she doesn't know or can't see is that Oliver wants her just as bad. Timing is everything though. Lola is hitting it big time with a movie deal for her graphic novel. Top that plus deadlines for another book, plus a whole lot of other crap, well let's just say, it can be pretty overwhelming. Oliver is Lola's rock; always there for her whether it be an ear to listen to, just hanging out, or bring an automatic plus one to events.

What happens when lines start to blur? Are the two willing to sacrifice a beautiful friendship for something that may not end up working out? Will Lola ever ever learn to open up? There was so much sexy, so much awesome, and so much beautiful angst that I couldn't help but get butterflies the whole time I was reading. Oliver has a dirty, dirty mouth on him. Sigh... He's my favorite and that's saying something. I feel so bad saying that considering I thought it couldn't get any better than Finn.

Overall, it's no secret that I love these authors. Not only are they the sweetest, their books and writing have grown so much since the very first book they published. I HIGHLY recommend all of their books.

*Thank you to the publisher for sending a copy for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Buy Links:

About the Author:
 Christina Lauren is the combined pen name of long-time writing partners/besties/soulmates/brain-twins Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings. The coauthor duo writes both Young Adult and Adult Fiction, and together has produced ten New York Times bestselling novels. Their books have been translated into 23+ languages. (Some of these books have kissing. Some of these books have A LOT of kissing.)


We don't respond to private messages here, so please contact us via twitter (@seeCwrite for Christina and @LolaShoes for Lauren) or our site. Thank you!!


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