fuonlyknew

Mr. Right is a Myth

by Melina Druga

Publication date: August 8th 2023
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

This heartfelt follow-up to Sexual Awakening follows its ambitious diarist to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where her hopes and dreams for the future are further tested by a string of social hiccups.

Cassie Economos has rules. If a new boyfriend can’t wait two months to have sex with her, he’s not the guy for her. If he refuses to wear a condom, he’s not the guy for her. And if dating him would mean maintaining a long-distance relationship, he’s… well, you get the picture.

She’s got her life planned out, and she knows better than to try to make things work with someone who can’t agree on the basics, like where to live and whether to have kids. But Cassie isn’t perfect, and the more disappointing situationships she finds herself in, the more she wonders if there’s even such a thing as a “Mr. Right.”

But Cassie doesn’t have time to worry too much about that. Her four years at U of I are passing quickly, which means it’s time for her to chart her final course: toward Chicago, the city of her dreams.

Readers are in for a rollicking ride through college life in the ’90s here, as Cassie and her friends wade through continental relationship shifts.

Goodreads / Amazon

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Enjoy this peek inside:

“I’m going to the bathroom. Have fun deciding who gets the piece of man meat.” I finish what’s left of my virgin daiquiri – virgin, what a laugh – and pick up my purse. “If I’m not back in 10 minutes, you know I fell in.”

My experience with Jesse forced me to add more things to my list of criteria to avoid in men, and my list grows longer with every ex. When I told Mom over the summer what I’m looking for in a man, she (ignorant of my history) said I’m too picky, whereas Vanessa wasn’t picky enough. I’ll end up bitter and alone, Mom said, while my sister is happily married, playing mommy.

I have stretches where I’m in a relationship and intervals where I’m single. For someone to be in my life long-term, he and I need to be partners, equals, a power couple. But how do I find a guy like that? And who would want to be my partner for life anyway? My family says I’m too stubborn, too opinionated, too independent, wear too much black and too much makeup. Not exactly the sort a man commits to.

I follow a waitress’ directions to the back of the club where young women – some dressed sexy, others casually like my friends and me – stream in and out of the restroom. I wonder how many of these chicks are in partnerships and how many are in relationships where the man wields the upper hand. I want a partnership, damn it!

I’m so engrossed in thought I don’t notice a guy standing by the last table before the restrooms taking a step backward until he bumps into me. Losing my balance, I wobble.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” he says, placing his hand briefly on my arm. “I hope you’re okay. I didn’t step on your foot, did I?”

Holy shit! This guy is tall, fit and blond. Now that’s what I consider God’s gift to women.

I smile and shake my head. “No, I’m okay. Don’t sweat it.”

He nods and turns back to his friends.

About Author Melina Druga:

Rumor has it that Melina Druga came out of her mother’s womb with a pen in her hand. While we can neither confirm or deny this, you could say she was destined to become a writer.

Melina was so young when she began writing that she can’t remember exactly when the urge began. She does remember, however, her first novel – an historical fiction story about two sisters living in an Ohio canal town in the 1840s – that she wrote at age 10.

Music keeps Melina sane, and it has gotten to the point that she cannot write without it. It keeps her awake, alert, motivated and productive. Music has even inspired her fiction. And not just The Rock Star’s Wife series. The My Chemical Romance song “Mama” was the inspiration for her historical fiction novel Angel of Mercy.

Melina lives in the Midwest with her husband, daughter, black cat, books and CD collection.

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Lifestyle

by Kasey Fallon

(Trust Fall, #1)
Publication date: July 27th 2023
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

On the outskirts of Philadelphia, the LifeStyle Club caters to individuals with certain… tastes. The only club of its kind, LifeStyle is more than happy to offer possibilities for all.

A born Dominant, owning LifeS with his three best friends suits Grayson perfectly. His new fight arena is just the thing LifeS needs. All he needs is a fighter.

Lexi hasn’t needed anyone since she was twelve. Plagued with PTSD, she runs her own gym, sets her own rules, and lets no one bring her down. But Lexi has a secret. One that threatens to control her… unless she can find a Dom that will.

All she needs is a Dom.

All the stalker sees is her.

Welcome to the LifeStyle.

Amazon

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Enjoy this peek inside:

He wasn’t sure what to expect from Lexi’s hangover, but he hadn’t expected waking up to an empty bed.

After adding a t-shirt to his lounge pants, he shuffled into the kitchen. No Lexi, but the coffeemaker had been turned on, and one mug had appeared in his dish rack.

If it weren’t for her little duffel bag on the floor of his bedroom he would have thought she’d left. He was reaching for a mug when the note caught his attention. A paper towel had been laid flat, and the word run was looped in some kind of blue goop.

Hair gel was his first thought, but as he picked it up he caught the scent. It was written in his dish soap. With a chuckle he pitched into the trash can.

Since he wasn’t sure when she would be back and didn’t want to leave the apartment open, he settled for a quick workout in his living room. The scent of sausage was heavy through the kitchen by the time she came in, panting.

Lexi didn’t say a word to him but passed him to stand at the sink. She turned the cold water on full and stuck her wrists under the spray. Grayson frowned.

“How far did you go? You’re fighting tonight, today is supposed to be a rest day for you.”

With her face flushed, she looked over her shoulder at him. It completed the look for him; flushed face, sports bra, and bike shorts that left little to the imagination, bent over in front of him. His mind immediately took a detour into being behind her in a different way. With her hair loose-

“I only went like two miles, most of it walking, that was why I took so long. Quick sprint at the end.”

She turned off the tap and dried her hands on a dish towel. He brought his imagination to heel and focused on the fact that she seemed comfortable in his place. He hadn’t been sure it was the right move, bringing her back here drunk; they hadn’t talked about it.

He shifted the sausage in the pan as the sizzling brought his attention back to the stove.

“So it’s okay that I brought you back here?” he asked.

“Yeah, it’s fine. I mean I’m yours now, right?”

Laughing dark eyes looked up at his, and though she spoke lightly, the statement hit him hard. Then she was talking again before he had time to think of a response.

“And it’s definitely okay if I’m getting breakfast,” she said with a smile.

“Good,” he said gruffly. “How do you like your eggs?”

He had to force the words through the sudden tightness in his chest. She was his. But was she really?

“I can make them,” she offered, and he shook his head.

“Go stretch while you’re still warmed up.”

“I don’t mind-”

Lexi stopped mid-sentence when he turned and pinned her with a stare. She snapped her mouth closed with an audible snap, and stomped past him towards the living room.

He smirked as he heard the music from her phone blast down the hall.

Good girl.

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About Author Kasey Fallon:

I have always been – and likely always will be – a writer.
I have led a very long life in a less-than-imagined amount of years.
From childhood abuse to earning my blackbelt; from living in my car to living at the Four Seasons; from having 4 jobs at once to being unemployed with two college degrees; to losing my loved ones and winning my life.
​
One of Life’s greatest joys for me is my dog (or any dog really). My beast’s name is Asher and he’s a gorgeous 100lb lap dog.

Website / Instagram

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The series readers are calling, “Hot, steamy, and deliciously complicated.”

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Echoing Hearts

The Echo Series Book 1

by C.R. Alam

Genre: Contemporary Romance

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From the series readers are calling, “Hot, steamy, and deliciously complicated.”

The harder they resist, the louder their hearts echo each other.

Rae Allen doesn’t believe in the happily-ever-after. After watching her mother deteriorate from a broken heart into a full depression, she vowed never to fall in love. She is living her dream, traveling the world, and getting paid for it. She does not need a man.

Dean Rowland has no complaints. He has a thriving business, more money than he’ll ever need, and supportive family and friends. Even after his fiancée ditched him at the altar, he kept going like nothing had happened. Swearing off women and affairs was his best decision.

One spring afternoon in Georgia, their lives collide. Rae’s first impression of Dean is that he’s hot; her second is he’s an ass. Dean isn’t expecting a sassy redhead trespassing into his property, let alone having to play host to her. Unknown to them, this unexpected weekend is only the beginning that will change their lives forever.

Until Rae’s rockstar best friend, Brandon, comes into the picture, stirring up jealousy and doubt between them. Struggling with unexpected passion, longing, and distrust in this emotional rollercoaster ride, will they recognize and embrace love when being in love is their biggest fear?

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

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 Echoing Hearts, an enemies-to-lovers billionaire romance.

The annoyance level on the handsome face seemed to elevate instead of dissipating with her every word. Without responding to Rae, he pushed himself off to the other side of the pool. He pulled himself out in one smooth move.

Taken aback by the unwelcoming attitude, Rae could only follow his lithe movements. She got a good look at his swimmer’s lean muscled upper body, a defined stomach that narrowed down to strong-looking hips, and a fine behind. She couldn’t help but appreciate his well-toned long legs in clinging black swimming trunks before he grabbed a large white towel to dry himself off.

Realizing she was gawking, Rae averted her gaze to the sky and tried to fill the silence. “I rang the doorbell several times. When nobody answered, I thought I’d go—”

“Snoop around a private property?” he interrupted without even giving her a glance.

Sensing the quiet hostility in his otherwise intriguingly even voice, Rae was lost for words for a few seconds. The thought that Mrs. Hamilton was lucky to have both a beautiful home and a sexy husband evaporated from her mind.

She didn’t just drive four hours for some man to accuse her of breaking and entering. She took several quick steps to confront him but stopped once he turned to her as if he had some invisible power to freeze her. But he didn’t manage to suppress her rising temper.

“I’ve actually been requested to snoop around this property this weekend.” Rae used her sweet-as-honey voice with a hint of a sting. “Mrs. Hamilton arranged it with Homes magazine. She must’ve forgotten to cc you on the memo.”

This time, he merely raised his eyebrow at her. One eyebrow.

Rae stifled a groan of irritation as she watched him pick up a cellphone and walk away to make a call. She pulled out her own phone and dialed Susan.

“Hi, you’ve reached Susan Adler’s phone. Please leave a message,” the automated reply came on.

“Susan, I’m here at the property, but there’s no Katherine Hamilton to meet me.” Rae hissed into the phone. “Instead, there’s a guy here who looks ready to chop my head off for trespassing. Call me back. Or better yet, please fix this.”

She then tried calling the number for Katherine Hamilton once more. Another voicemail.

Rae sighed and tried to clamp down on her growing frustration. She reminded herself she was good at going with the flow and finding her way out of a jam. It was just a mix-up. Nothing she hadn’t handled before.

But boy, that Mr. Hamilton really got her goat without even trying. She swept her gaze to the lake’s calm surface and took a deep breath. A spring afternoon in the south could get a bit toasty. But after spending her childhood in Minnesota, Rae would savor a sunny warm day in early April anytime.

But then a cool breeze blew in, and her nose tickled. “Haa…choo!”

The sneeze didn’t stop with one. Another two followed consecutively.

“Pollen,” the deep voice came from behind her and surprised Rae’s sneezing to a stop.

Snatching a tissue from her purse, Rae quickly cleaned her nose as she muttered, “No shit.”

Apparently, she misjudged the volume of her voice because when she turned, Mr. Hamilton’s questioning raised eyebrow indicated he’d heard her. But at least he looked somewhat amused. Perhaps, she could still clear up any misunderstanding. She could swallow her pride for the sake of professionalism.

“Look, I’d like to apologize again. Obviously, you weren’t informed of my arrival. There was a last-minute change, but I am supposed to be here,” Rae started. “But if this weekend has become inconvenient, I’m sure Homes can arrange a new time.”

Rae studied the infuriating man—still distractingly bare-chested, she noted—trying to gauge his reaction. But his mouth didn’t even twitch to indicate that he’d accepted her explanation.

Fine. I don’t need to take this crap. I tried. 

Rae turned up her smile. “I will go. Thank you for your…” she paused before injecting a trace of venom into her voice, “…hospitality.”

She spun around and was already halfway down the steps when his voice stopped her in her tracks.

“Kat is on her way,” he said. “She asked if you’d wait.”

Rae rolled her eyes and exhaled slowly to release her exasperation. He couldn’t tell her that before she stomped away?

Turning toward the man yet again, Rae said through gritted teeth, “I really don’t want to bother—”

“Too late,” he deadpanned. “Have a seat. Kat will be here soon.”

Without another word, he walked away to the far side of the house and vanished through a set of French doors. Rae was left alone where she stood with her mouth open.

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His Forever Muse

The Echo Series Book 2

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From the series readers are calling, “Hot, steamy, and deliciously complicated.”

What if you’ve known the love of your life since he was six years old and happens to be your little brother’s best friend? But the man whom Callie runs into in the middle of the desert in Morocco isn’t the little Brandon Rossi she once knew. He is a work of art.

Brandon Rossi is the boy-next-door in a rock star package. As the front man of the rock band Canis Major, a visual artist, and an avid stargazer, he expresses his thoughts and feelings through his music, arts, and tattoos. When he hits an invisible wall that hinders his ability to create, he starts on a quest to find inspiration. Who knew Brandon’s ultimate inspiration comes in the form of an unconventional beauty with golden eyes? He did. He always knew because she was the one who got away.

Calliope Chen-Bisset is a hard-working Parisian art gallerist who has gone through many hurdles in life. She was once broken, but she has tried her best to put herself back together—piece by piece. She doesn’t think she’ll be whole again until a blast from the past reminds her of who she is. The years haven’t dulled their connection. They’ve intensified it.

Brandon is willing to lay down everything for her, but will Calliope open up to him like she once did? Will she let a little fact that he is her little brother’s best friend stop her? Or will it be her past that cast a shadow on their future?

This book has mature situations and some domestic violence themes, though without graphic depiction, which may be considered triggers for some. However, it is also a story of rising from the ashes stronger. Reader discretion is advised.

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

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His Forever Muse (Childhood friends to lovers romantic suspense)

Brandon hurried into the main courtyard, brushing his damp hair back with his fingers for some semblance of order. A mosaic-tiled fountain stood at its center, surrounded by green plants, giving the courtyard an oasis vibe. On the other side of it, a woman stood talking to Chris.

Facing away from him, Brandon could see that she was of medium height, slender, and dressed in a breezy linen shirt in the color of young leaves paired with wide-legged cream pants. She wore her straight dark hair in a sleek chin-length bob. The woman looked well put together, yet casual and comfortable. It was a refreshing change from the usual head-to-toe black that gallery people usually favored.

As he approached them, the woman laughed at something Chris said. The melodic sound of her laughter froze Brandon and sent him suddenly through memories of innocent youth.

Hot summer days, band sessions in his parents’ garage, that familiar laugh filling the air, the fresh fragrance of citrus filling his randy teenage senses, sketches of a dark-haired girl with golden eyes scattered on the floor of his childhood bedroom, and heartache.

His heart ached inside his chest now as Brandon breathed out. “Calliope.”

The woman slowly turned to the sound of Brandon’s voice, or did the slow-motion effect only occur in his mind? Most likely, but the stunned look on her face was genuine.

Brandon was still in a daze as she stood before him. “Space Cadet Brandon Rossi.”

The childhood moniker snapped his brain back to the present. “Wow, haven’t heard that nickname for years.”

“And I still cringe every time someone calls me Calliope.”

Brandon studied the sophisticated woman staring back at him. She wasn’t the girl who had worn pigtails in grade school or carried a heavy backpack full of books in middle school, or even the girl who had juggled advanced classes with volleyball practices and games throughout high school. But he’d recognize that inviting laugh and those amazing eyes no matter how much she’d changed.

“It’s been a while, Callie.” Brandon moved to hug her but was shocked at how awkward he felt giving her the simple greeting. Their bodies touched just a moment, but the familiar citrus fragrance from his memory enveloped him and lingered even as they pulled apart.

“You know each other. What a small world.” Chris observed the interaction between his two guests with interest.

“We go way back.” Brandon couldn’t take his eyes off Callie. Like he’d said, it’d been a while. Too long.

“Brandon is a friend of my brother’s.” Callie turned a professional smile to Chris.

Brandon’s brows shot up at Callie’s explanation of their connection. It was true—Callie’s brother was one of his best friends and bandmates—but he and Callie had had their own history.

“Callie is Curtis’ sister,” Brandon explained “We’ve known each other since Curtis and I were six years old and she was seven.”

“Seven and a half,” Callie corrected.

Chris studied Callie’s face with new recognition. “I didn’t know Curtis had a sister. I see it now. I should’ve put it together when I saw your last name—Chen-Bisset. Curtis Bisset.

“Chen-Bisset?” Brandon questioned the new hyphenated last name.

“I added my family’s Chinese surname that my mother tried hard to forget.”

“Right,” Brandon remembered. “It suits you.”

Callie smiled but was quick to change the subject. “How do you know each other?”

“Long story, but basically mutual good friends,” Brandon answered.

Chris checked his watch. “Why don’t we get on with business now and swap stories over dinner later? I hope you don’t mind Brandon joining us for the meeting. I’d like to have his perspective as an artist.”

“Of course.” Callie nodded and walked with Chris to where she’d left her things.

Still rooted to where he stood, Brandon followed Callie with his eyes. He’d expected to experience all kinds of surprises on this trip. A blast from the past in the form of Calliope Chen-Bisset wasn’t one of them. One would think fifteen years would dull Callie’s effect on him, but apparently not. Judging from how his blood rushed through his body at double time, his adolescent self had reemerged after seeing the woman Callie had become.

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Unexpected Entanglement

The Echo Series Book 3

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From the series readers are calling, “Hot, steamy, and deliciously complicated.”

When a simple favor turns into an unexpected entanglement.

Rowan Kelly has one goal for the next two weeks: throw the most beautiful wedding for her cousin. So what if the inn she inherited isn’t quite ready or staffed? She’s resourceful and scrappy enough to make it happen all by herself. She doesn’t need some nosy, charming stranger with smiles that both irritate her and make her woman’s bits tingle to swoop in to save the day.

World-renowned hotelier Chris Sullens only planned on spending twenty-four hours in Vinalhaven. So why the hell did he sacrifice his well earned vacation and offer to help the fiery gorgeous innkeeper plan a wedding instead? He tries to keep things professional, but his self-control has its limits, especially when he suddenly has to play the role of the stubborn woman’s doting fiance.

As strange occurrences threaten the wedding, the inn’s future, and Rowan’s safety, can they work together to keep things from blowing up in their faces? Or will their unbridled passion entangle them into something more than they bargained for?

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

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 Unexpected Entanglement (A small town/island fake engagement romance)

Chris sat on one of the few seats in the small coffee shop he’d seen earlier. He’d walked the entire rows of businesses on Vinalhaven’s little down town, gone into every store, checked the menu of every food establishment.

He sipped his coffee and nodded his approval. He loved his cup of joe dark with a full body, and the girl behincd the counter served him a potent brew.

Chris checked his emails on his phone. He was supposedly on vacation, but he always had difficulty disconnecting. After working to establish three resorts in five years, he could use the rest. Maybe he’d stay a day or two longer to relax. He’s got a feeling there was more to Vinalhaven than what he’d seen.

He looked up from his phone when the door to the coffee shop opened. Two women walked in having a discussion. The contrast between the two ladies caught his interest.

The taller one was dressed in a white shirt tucked into a pair of loose blue jeans that looked more comfortable than fashionable. Her braided black hair and almond-shaped brown eyes indicated she was of Asian descent. She listened to the more petite one in cutoff jean shorts and a rust-colored T-shirt that flaunted her curves, with her hair wound and tucked under a trucker’s hat. The cap’s bill shadowed her eyes.

He overheard the tall one say, “I have a couple of new recruits I’ve been training. They’re new to the island—starting over, you can say.”

“Are they trustworthy?” Petite asked with a slight frown.

Chris’ ears perked at the rich alto timbre coming out of Petite. Not what he expected at all.

“They’ve been vetted.”

“All right.” Petite shrugged. “I’ll see you at Bright Head at nine, then?”

“I’ll be there.” The other lady smiled. “Can I buy you coffee before you go?”

“Thanks, maybe another time. I have to pick up the chefs at the ferry and then head back.” Petite winked and flashed a toothy grin. “Until tomorrow.”

Did the sexy-voiced-petite say Bright Head? 

Before Chris could gather his cup and stand, the petite woman had already disappeared out the door. He rushed out and spotted her walking around the red truck he’d seen earlier.

“Excuse me, miss,” Chris called out as he approached.

The woman stopped, turned her head toward his direction, then looked up at his face as he smiled at her. “Yes?”

“I’m sorry to bother you, but do you work at the Bright Head Farm & Inn at Long Cove?” Chris asked.”

Her gaze behind her sunglasses went slowly to the truck’s door as if saying duh. “Why do you ask?”

“I’m heading up there to see the owners.” Chris turned up the wattage in his smile to look as harmless as possible. “I was wondering if you could give me—”

Her eyes narrowed as she cut him off, “Do you have an appointment? I wasn’t informed to pick up anyone besides our chefs from the ferry.”

“I want to surprise them,” Chris casually answered. He bluffed his way through conversations with or about people he should’ve “known” all the time.

“How are they, anyhow? Rowan and Kieran?” Dropping first names always helped gain trust.

She finally smiled. “Oh, you’re a friend of the Kellys?”

“Uh…” Chris didn’t want to lie outright, so he just shrugged while maintaining an amiable expression.

“I’m sorry, what’s your name again?” she asked.

“Chris.”

“I tell you what, Chris,” she said as she retreated. “I won’t spoil your surprise, but unfortunately, I can’t give you a ride. Not enough room in the cab, you see. Two people are waiting for me at the ferry terminal with their luggage. You understand?”

“I wasn’t—”

“A shuttle from the hotel down the street runs past us.” She didn’t listen to his answer as she walked to the driver’s side door. “I’m sure they’ll be willing to drop you off.”

“Don’t you have a shuttle for your guests?” Chris questioned, a little miffed by her brusque dismissal. But he might as well try to get some information.

“Currently, I’m all there is,” she flashed him a cheeky grin. “I’m sorry, I can’t accommodate you unless you’d be willing to ride on the…”

She gestured to the bed of her truck, which was already filled with cans of paint and what looked like maintenance supplies.

“It won’t be comfortable, though.” She added, “Can I suggest a bicycle? It’s a great day for it.”

“I have a bike,” Chris answered. “But—”

“Perfect! I’m sorry, but I have to go.” She opened her door. “Maybe I’ll see you up there later?”

She hopped behind the steering wheel and started the truck.

“Count on it.” Chris stepped onto the curb by the passenger door and watched her check her side mirror.

The leggy Asian woman from earlier suddenly came running to her friend in the truck. “I forgot to tell you I’ll have to print out a new contract. I’ll bring it with me in the morning.

“Great,” Petite replied.

“All right. See you tomorrow, Rowan.” Legs waved as she walked away.

Rowan.

Chris’ rounded eyes flew to Petite’s face. She grinned and pulled out of the parking spot, leaving him standing at the curb like a deer caught in a headlights.

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C. R. Alam loves to write heartfelt and steamy love stories with strong yet vulnerable characters readers would root for. There hasn’t been a main character she’s written about whom she didn’t fall in love with despite their shortcomings. She’ll laugh with her characters, cry along with them, then laugh again in the end. When she’s not reading or writing, you’ll most likely find her in the kitchen, cooking, baking, or eating while wearing her trusted Birks, sweatpants, and “I’m emotionally attached to fictional characters” T-shirt. After a whirlwind decade of living abroad, C. R. now lives in Durham, NC, with her husband, daughter, and cat.

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

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