Archive for the ‘YA’ Category

What Happened to Coco
VB Furlong
Publication date: December 4th 2021
Genres: Thriller, Young Adult

When a girl disappears, long-buried secrets resurface…

Coco is missing. Her room’s a mess, and her phone is left behind in her dorm at Lainsbury Hall School

Ella, Coco’s childhood best friend, is desperate for her to return, although she knows that if she ever sees Coco again, there’ll be a lot of explaining to do.

Bea knows that her new group of friends attracts drama, and she thinks she has the last shred of common sense between them all. Only, if that was true, she would leave Genevieve, her toxic ex, well alone.

Conrad is confident that Coco will return safe and well. Only, the way his secrets are unravelling, he’s worried he won’t be when this is all over.

Harrison and Coco are the perfect couple. Everyone knows that. But looks can be misleading. Even the smartest boy in school can make a terrible mistake.

In order to navigate the web of secrets and lies that Coco leaves behind, her circle of friends needs to unravel a few of their own.

But the question remains: What happened to Coco?

Goodreads / Amazon

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Enjoy this peek inside:

In the misty darkness lit only by a blue streetlamp, Ella knew that she was not alone. She turned and saw the faceless figure far down the drizzly street. It came towards her at speed. It didn’t seem to be moving, but she knew that it was gaining on her. She started to run, but her legs would not move. She was stuck, as though in quicksand.

When she dared check over her shoulder once again, the figure was only about five steps away, and she could see raspy breaths escape the black silhouette in a wispy white cloud. The scene whirred in front of Ella as she pulled on her legs, sobbing, begging them to move. But they would not. All she could hear was the breathing, slow and rattling, as though it was the figure’s very last. Four. Three. Two.

It was the skeletal hand on her shoulder that woke her. In the darkness of her room, she was alone. She turned her alarm off and felt uneasy in the silence. She was soaking wet, her back from sweat, her face from tears.

She washed her face, hardly daring to open her eyes and look into the mirror above the sink. She felt watched, hunted. As she brushed her teeth, she turned on all her lights and opened the dreary brown curtains that Lainsbury Hall School had placed in all the dorms. But even in her bright vanity lamps that took over her dressing table, drowning her in bright white light as she did her make up, her eyes darted around the corners of her mirrors, checking all angles of the room in the reflection for the faceless spectre. She was not herself today. Then again, she hadn’t been herself yesterday, either.

Author V B Furlong

VB Furlong is a trainee lawyer and writer of young adult novels living in Berkshire, UK. She wrote her first “novel” at aged ten and has not stopped since then. Through her writing she aims to explore many of the issues she faced herself growing up, in the hopes that others facing the same issues feel some solidarity. Her friendships are a huge part of her life and consequently is a major theme in her writing, exploring the way in which we interact with each other, especially in difficult times.

Originally from Mumbles, Swansea, VB Furlong enjoys the sun and the sea, and walking her three dogs across the cliffs. These walks have offered her inspiration for many pieces of writing, including What Happened to Coco which she is excited to introduce as a coming of age boarding school thriller.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

 

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Alex McKenna & A Winter’s Night

The Alex McKenna Series Book 3

by Vicki-Ann Bush

Genre: YA Paranormal, LGBTQ

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The third installment in the award-winning Alex McKenna Series, this LGBTQ teen paranormal adventure perfect for fans of Aidan Thomas’ CEMETERY BOYS and LOST IN THE NEVER WOODS.

For a minute, everything in Alex McKenna’s life was perfect. He only had one year left of high school, his girlfriend Margaret was the love of his life, and he couldn’t ask for a more supportive family.

His psychic powers were growing and he was learning more and more about his family’s abilities as Strega witches. Things were good.

Until the night it all fell to pieces.

As Margaret lies in the hospital after a serious car accident, her disembodied spirit searches for a way back to the living. Alex is desperate to save her and the victims of his next case: an ominous being haunting the hospital and stealing the souls of infants and the elderly, sending them straight to Hell.

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The football field glittered as the warm sun kissed the
frosted layer blanketing the tall grass. Alex tightened
the collar of his black peacoat and slipped his hands
into the cover of deep pockets. Margaret was late, and the bell
would ring in a few short minutes. She had to make a stop at
Buttercooky Bakery for her first period class. In an attempt to
understand the second language that was a common exchange
in the McKenna/LaBoccetta household, she decided to take Italian,
and the class was having a “Tastes of Italy” day. Since
Margaret was all about the desserts and knew nothing of the
baking world, she settled on the decadent treats from her favorite
go-to for anything sweet.
“What a lovely morning. Don’t you agree, Alex?”
Alex glanced over his left shoulder. May Cunningham
smiled softly as she gazed out toward the open field.
“It’s nice, but I think I’d prefer it a few degrees warmer.”
Alex scrunched his shoulders.
“After that hellish realm you were in, I should think the crisp
air would be a welcome change.”
“What are you up to this morning, May?”
The celestial form glided up a few rows of the bleachers and
sat down. She patted the empty space beside her. Alex took the
cue and followed, settling down next to her.
“Nothing, really. It’s been fairly quiet since your last case.
Word in the spirit world is no one should mess with Alex
McKenna. He’ll have you banished to the underworld.”
“You’re kidding, right?”
“I pinky swear it’s true. You’ve become quite the man in the
realm of the dead. But you should be careful—you know better
than most that being feared also makes you a target for those who
wish to gain your power.”
“I will. Thanks, May.” Alex nodded and smiled.
“Where’s the lovely Margaret today?”
“She’s coming, just running late.”
“Well then, you have a nice day, Alex, and try to stay out of
trouble.”
“I always do, but you know trouble never cooperates.”
Alex grinned. Over the years he’d met many souls, May was
by far the kindest.

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Alex McKenna & The Academy of Souls

The Alex McKenna Series Book 2

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After surviving a harrowing case, Alex McKenna just wanted to rest. Unfortunately, his plans are interrupted by the ghost of Seven-year-old Haven, who is lost in an in-between realm.

Despite his great-grandmother’s warning, Alex crosses the bridge between the living and the dead, sending him and his girlfriend into the world of the Academy of Souls, a high school for dead teens who are unable to complete their journey.

There, Alex meets Ophelia, Haven’s teenage sister, who’s been searching for her for more than a century. Together, with a few friends he meets along the way, Alex must cross the treacherous terrain of the Underworld in-between, to save Haven from clutches of the Soul Gatherer and reunite the sisters.

**Kindle Sale for only $1.99!**

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Stepping under the hot rain, he tilted back his head and let the water wash away the memories that suffocated his mind. Learning to let go of the death of an innocent was harder than anything he’d ever done. It wasn’t working.

Jolted by the picture of Tom’s dead body lying in his living-room, Alex huddled by the wall of the shower. Looking down at his trembling hands, the pruned tips of his fingers beckoned for him to get out. He had lost track of time. Soaping down, he quickly rinsed and shut down the tranquility. Reaching for the towel that he had thrown on the lid of the toilet, he briskly dried his body and wrapped up. A chill tickled the back of his neck and he shuddered. From the corner of his eye, the flash of a bright light poked his temple with the same precision as an ice pick. Alex grabbed the side of his head and squeezed. Tilting his chin down, he momentarily lost his balance. The vision beside him spiraled with a kaleidoscope of luminous shades of green. Slowly, the ribbon of color etched out to form an opening in the center. The eye of the storm.

Alex squinted, straining to focus on the anomaly. Reaching out, he caught a glimpse of the goosebumps mapping their way over the skin of his forearm. He recoiled his hand to his side. What the hell am I doing? Stepping away, he pressed his back against the door and faced his unwanted guest. In the heart of the calm, stood a little girl. Her chestnut braid caressed down the front of her long white nightgown, masking portions of the pale blue lace trim. Soft brown eyes held the weight of sadness. Both arms stretched out, fully extended, her small hands trying to wriggle closer to him. The child’s mouth mimicked the mechanics of conversation, but only silence escaped her pale, pink lips.

“Who are you?” Alex whispered.

The little girl’s words fell silent.

“I can’t hear you. Can you understand me? If you can, nod your head.”

The child nodded yes.

“Are you lost?” Alex inched closer.

Placing her arms by her side, she nodded again.

“Are you in danger?”

Her head turned away.

Alex’s shoulder’s stiffened Not a yes, but not a no either.

“Are you trying to find someone?”

The girl’s mouth moved, her lips forming a long trail of silent sentences.

“Whoa. Stop. I still can’t hear you.” Alex furrowed his brow.

The little girl put her hands up, covering her face.

“Hey, it’s okay. I’ll figure something out, hold on.”

Alex sized up the room looking for anything to aide in their communication. Staring at the half-fogged mirror, his eyes widened. Hastily, he turned the shower back on and twisted the knob until it rested solely on the hot water. Within moments the air thickened and a veil of steam covered the reflective glass. With his pointer finger, he laid out the alphabet across the balmy surface. Turning back toward the child, she was smiling.

“You understand?” Alex pointed to the letters.

Clapping her hands, she nodded yes.

“Okay. I’ll ask you a question and then starting with A, I’ll point to the letters. You nod to let me know if it’s the right one. Good?”

Rapidly, she agreed.

“Let’s start with something simple. What’s your name?”

Alex pointed to the letters one at a time until he hit H. The girl drew up a hand to indicate stop.

“Okay great. Now let’s go to the vowels. A?”

She nodded yes.

Once again, he started pointing. When he reached V, she jumped up.

“Let’s see we have, H—a—v… huh. I’m not sure, let’s keep going. It’s probably another vowel. How about, I?”

She adamantly shook her head no.

“E?” Alex outlined the letters on the bottom corner of the mirror.

The clapped once again

“H—A—V—E… Haven? Is that it? Are you Haven?”

The girl grinned and patted both hands on her chest.

“Nice to meet you, Haven. I’m Alex.”

The little girl pointed to her eye.

“Something’s wrong with your eyes?”

She closed her eyes and shook her head. First pointing to her eyes again, she then pointed to him.

“Eye? Eye—or wait, I? Haven is it I?” Alex tapped the letter in the alphabet string.

She replied with a nod and pointed to Alex again.

“Hmm. What are you trying to say? I, me, I, Alex, I’m Alex! Haven, you already know who I am?”

Haven shook her head in agreement.

“Did you know me before you died? How do you know me?” Alex fired the questions like bullets.

Without warning, Haven’s face dropped, and her body stiffened. Snapping her gaze to peer over her shoulder, she turned back to Alex. Wide eyes and gape mouth—she was screaming.

“Haven. What’s wrong? Haven!”

Before the last syllable escaped his breath, she was gone.

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Alex McKenna & The Geranium Deaths

The Alex McKenna Series Book 1

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For Alex McKenna, high school is just a distraction from the love of his life, Margaret, with whom he can’t wait to spend more time once they get to college.

In many respects, Alex is just an average seventeen-year-old boy…except for the fact he’s a transgender medium born from a long line of Strega witches, possessing the ability to communicate with ghosts.

With the help of Margaret and his talented Strega great-grandmother, Alex will learn how to strengthen his abilities. The dead need Alex to help them reconcile issues they left behind—and he finds that he needs them, too. As his abilities multiply, assisting the dead becomes an outlet to channel his new energy, giving him the strength to come to terms with who he is as a transgender male, and how far he will choose to go.

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Alex held Margaret, his firm hand pressing her head to his shoulder. His breath brushed across her ear. “Don’t look, no matter what you hear. That’s how it gets you.”

All the other victims had turned to ice. Alex couldn’t understand why, but the rules didn’t apply to him. None of the deceased were family, so maybe that was his armor. His family history protected him somehow.

They were huddled behind the furnace in the basement while they attempted to construct an escape plan. Although in a frenzy, Alex knew the level of heat from the unit should be enough to throw the beast temporarily off their trail. The foul spirit followed the warmth from the living, which made hiding from its ghostly grips difficult. The tighter he held Margaret, the more he worried about Wilby. His little brother had bolted in the other direction.

Alex was careful not to touch the hot, metal tank as he peered around it. He made the mistake a few years back of carelessly brushing against it while moving some boxes. The scar on his right arm left a permanent reminder. Alex crinkled his nose—the damp walls and seventy-year-old pipes needed more than a little fresh air.

It was dark in every corner except for a sliver of light emanating from the single ground-level window. He hated the basement, and especially the furnace room. It was the part of the below-ground space that wasn’t finished, and he felt like he stepped into a portal to hell every time he was there. He could sense the darkened soul still lurking in the shadows but couldn’t hone in on it. Only the goosebumps standing to attention on his arms confirmed his suspicions. He eased back behind the tank. His plan worked for the moment, but it also limited their options. Now he needed a solid way to find Wilby and escape.

“I think I know how we can get out of the house.” Alex spoke softly. “But you’re gonna have to trust me.”

She nodded her head, her eyes widened with fear. Neither were normally the type to rattle easily, this one had them both off-balance.

“I know you’re really scared right now. So am I. But I also know you can do this. I’m going to lead the creature toward the attic.”

“Alex. No.” Margaret grabbed his t-shirt and gripped tightly.

He softly smiled.

“It will follow me. Then you get the hell out of here and find Wilby. Try my mom’s room first; he used to hide under her bed when he was little. It made him feel safe.

“Luckily, that thing stayed on our heels. I know the darkness is down here with us. My bumps are strong. After I get its attention, I’ll run for the stairs. You give it a minute or two before following. Get Wilby, and then head back down here and out that window.” Alex pointed to the ground window. It was big enough for Wilby and Margaret to fit through. “See the large wrench on the bench? Use it to break the window. My mom has rags over there, too. Line the ledge so you guys don’t get cut.”

“Why don’t we just break one of the windows in the den? They’re larger.”

“No. It would be harder to break through one of the double panes, and it would attract a lot more attention. This way you’ll barely be heard.”

Margaret shook her head. “I can’t leave you.” A tear streamed down her cheek.

“I need you to do this for Wilby.” Alex hesitated. He yearned to kiss her but settled for a pal hug. “Text me when both of you are out.”

“How are you going to get the hell out of the house?”

“Don’t worry, I got a plan.” There was no plan, but he had to tell her something so she would agree. Margaret’s fierce when it comes to protecting the ones she loves.

He pulled away and eased out into the open. A chill ran up his spine—it was close. Alex squinted, trying to distinguish the difference in the shadows. He took a step forward; a blast of cold air startled him, raising the hair on his arms and roiling the butterflies in his stomach. He was headed straight toward the evil spirit.

A low, gravelly hum tainted his ears. Could Margaret hear it? He shook his head. No, he was not about to call out and give up her location. He shifted his eyes toward the right, his heart pounding. The beast lunged forward and reached out with a translucent, icy hand. Alex ducked and swerved. Spinning around, he ran straight for the door, and crossed the threshold before it could stop him. He scrambled up the stairs and made the mistake of turning back. It was a costly move. He tripped, and his body hit the floorboards, scraping his knees. He could feel stinging cuts but chose to ignore it.

A frozen grip seized his leg and a layer of ice spread across the denim like a fungus. Furiously, Alex kicked free and scrambled back to his feet, running for the staircase to the second level. The entrance to the attic was in the hallway. Once he got the spirit there, he could buy Margaret the time she needed.

He reached the top of the staircase, rounded the corner, and reached for the knob. There was no need. The door flew open, slamming it into the wall. Chips of plaster exploded and nicked Alex near his left eye. He didn’t stop. Taking the steep steps two at a time, he ran to the center of the room. He heard the door slam and knew his plan had worked.

He was alone with the dark soul and nowhere to go.

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Originally from New York, I’ve been living my author adventure in Nevada for the past thirty-six years. Ominous landscapes have served up sweet delectables for my craving mind.

When I’m not writing you can find me cuddled up with my husband, our Chihuahua-Yorkie mix, Curie, she’s the sweetest girl, and completing our little family, our boy Cuba, a proud, and sometimes mushy great Dane.

My likes include, movie and TV binging, going out to eat for breakfast, and dining alfresco. Oh, and Disneyland…and coffee…and wine.

Dislikes are simple, cruelty of any kind.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

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Watch a video about the author and her books!
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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

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Join Us For This Tour:  October 4 to October 22, 2021

Book Details:

Book TitleThe Sand Pounder – Love and Drama on Horseback in WWII by M. J. Evans
Category: Young Adult Fiction (Ages 13-17)
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher:  Dancing Horse Press, 284 pages
Release date:  September 2021
Content Rating:  Rated G – Completely clean

 

“The Sand Pounder is one of those rare historical novels with a charm that appeals to both young and old readers.” – Vincent Dublado for Readers’ Favorite 

“M.J.
Evans does an excellent job of winding the era’s history and the
lesser-known job of the Sand Pounders into a realistic story of a mature
teen’s determination to make a difference in her world.”
– Diane Donovan for Midwest Book Review

“A gripping YA historical novel packed full of twists, turns and memorable characters. Highly recommended!” – The Wishing Shelf Book Review (UK)


Book Description:

Fearing
an invasion by German and Japanese forces during World War II, the U.S.
Coast Guard enlisted horsemen to patrol the beaches along the east and
west coasts. The unit was called “The Sand Pounders” and they rode their
horses up and down the beaches from 1942 to 1944.

In Tillamook,
Oregon, a young equestrian decided to join them. There was only one
problem…they were only accepting men. That didn’t slow her down.

​”The Sand Pounder” is a Young Adult historical fiction set during World War II.

Buy The Book:
Amazon

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GUEST POST
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Why I referred to the Japanese Internment Camps During WWII as Concentration Camps

I was born in Oregon in 1951. That was just a few years after World War 2. My father was only slightly involved in the war as it ended just after he enlisted, thank goodness! However, Fort Steven on the Oregon Coast was the only place in the continental U.S. that was shelled during the war. He would take me and my siblings to see the fort and tell us about the war. However, one element of the war that he never told me about was the rounding up of the Japanese Americans on the west coast and shipping them in cattle cars to Internment camps inland.

I learned about the internment camps when I became friends with Japanese kids whose parents and/or grandparents had been sent to them. I learned even more when I went to visit a college friend who lived just a few miles over the Oregon/California border from the camp at Tule Lake.

When I started researching for my book, “The Sand Pounder,” I read a book titled, “Beyond the Camps,” written by an author friend by the name of Denny Dressman. His book detailed the personal experiences of numerous Japanese Americans who, once released, settled in Denver where I now live.

As I added together all the stories that I was told from these various sources, I was shocked and saddened by how our government treated these people. While the Japanese families that I wrote about in my book are fictional, the experiences I relay through my writing really did happen to others. The Internment camps were supposed to be designed to keep the Japanese safe but that certainly wasn’t the way it was handled. I realize that fear can make people do strange and horrible things.

I hope we can learn from history. As Winston Churchill paraphrased the famous quote from Santayana

“Those who fail to learn from history are condemned to repeat it.”

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Meet the Author:

Award-Winning,
Best-Selling author, M.J. Evans grew up in Lake Oswego, Oregon, and
graduated from Oregon State University. She spent five years teaching
junior high and high school students before retiring to raise her five
children. She is a life-long equestrian and enjoys competing in Dressage
and riding in the beautiful Colorado Mountains.

connect with the author: website ~ instagramfacebook ~ goodreadspinterest

 

Tour Schedule:

Oct 4 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Oct 4 – Westveil Publishing – book review / giveaway
Oct 5 – Working Mommy Journal – book review / giveaway
Oct 5 – Cover Lover Book Review – book spotlight / giveaway
Oct 6 – Cheryl’s Book Nook – book review / giveaway
Oct 7 – Lisa’s Reading – book spotlight / giveaway
Oct 8 – Sefina Hawke’s Books – book review
Oct 12 – Splashes of Joy – book review / guest post / giveaway
Oct 12 – FUONLYKNEW – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Oct 12 – The Lost Review Of Odd Books – book review
Oct 13 – Kam’s Place – book spotlight / guest post
Oct 14 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book review / giveaway
Oct 15 – wottaread – book spotlight
Oct 15 – Books for Books – book review
Oct 18 – Connie’s History Classroom – book review / guest post / giveaway
Oct 19 – Literary Flits – book review / giveaway
Oct 20 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Oct 20 – Rajiv’s Reviews – book review / giveaway
Oct 21 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
Oct 22 – Writer with Wanderlust – book review / guest post / giveaway

 

Enter The Giveaway:

 

THE SAND POUNDER Book Tour Giveaway

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

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Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour for Amanda911 organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.

Author Mark Schreiber will be awarding a $50 Amazon or B&N Gift Card to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Don’t forget to enter!

And you can click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour and more chances to win.

Amanda911

by Mark Schreiber

Genre: YA (crossover)

Synopsis

“Sixteen-year-old Iowa schoolgirl Amanda Dizon may be the nation’s most unremarkable teenager, until she falls down a well and finds herself instantaneously transformed from irrelevant to influencer.  Mark Schreiber’s sly, rollicking masterpiece, Amanda911, follows Amanda’s escapades and sends up the craven, fame-obsessed virtual culture of today’s adolescents.   As insightful as Dickens and as innovative as Heller, Schreiber is the definitive satirist of the social media generation.”—Jacob M. Appel, author of Einstein’s Beach House

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Excerpt

I can’t believe you guys! exclaimed Nicole. You never heard of MakeItRain? It’s crowdfunding for personal tragedy.

But I only fractured one ankle, said Amanda. The doctor said I can probably go home tomorrow.

But nobody knew that when the story broke, did they?

What is this figure? asked Amanda’s mom. $305,050? Is that the goal?

The goal is ten thousand dollars! Nicole shouted above the music.

$305,050 is the amount pledged. So you can easily afford to buy me a Jaguar. I just want a basic one. And you’ll have money left over to buy a car painted rainbow colors for yourself, and probably a house with a life-size stuffed unicorn.

A life-size stuffed unicorn?

This can’t be legitimate, whispered Amanda’s mother.

Amanda’s mom grabbed her daughter’s arm. Can you please give us a minute, Nicole?

She helped her daughter into a wheelchair and wheeled her into the corridor, where it was quiet enough to talk in normal voices, and bright enough to see each other clearly.

She knelt down so that their gaze was level. Are you OK, darling?

Are you kidding? This is the best day of my life!

You suffered a traumatic experience.

The well? I should have fallen down that thing a long time ago!

Listen, this is all nice and fun, and I’m glad all your classmates have finally taken an interest in you, even if they have ulterior motives…

Mom, cut to the chase.

But none of this is real. It’s just entertainment. The RainMan account, the six million friends…

It’s seven million now!

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Author Mark Schreiber

Mark Schreiber was born in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1960, graduated high school at age fifteen and began writing novels full-time. Princes in Exile, which explores a prodigy’s struggle to accept his own mortality at a summer camp for kids with cancer, was published in 1984 and made into a feature film in 1991. It has been published in ten countries, received two awards in Europe and was shortlisted for the Austria Prize. Carnelian, a fantasy, was published by Facet in Belgium. Starcrossed, a rebuttal to Romeo and Juliet, was published by Flux and translated into French and Turkish. His illustrated science book, How to Build an Elephant, was published as an Apple app by Swag Soft. He has written over forty books and received two State of Ohio Individual Writer Fellowships. For the last seven years he has been a digital nomad, living on four continents. He currently resides in Costa Rica.

Website / TikTok / Instagram / Twitter / Mark Schreiber

Buy links: Amazon / Pleasure Boat Studio / Google

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

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Baited
Bound Series Book 3
by Jennifer Dean
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance

Normal seniors worry about if they will get rejected from their dream school, what they are going to wear to their last prom, or if it’s possible to stay close with the friends they grew up with after high school.

But Emma Morgan has come to learn that normality is a thing of the past. Especially when her eighteenth birthday is a mere reminder of the newly accepted deal she has made to lure a vengeful immortal named Thomas back into Alexander territory. A plan that will certainly make the humans of her world safer but comes with the risk of not living to see graduation.

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Blinded

Bound Series Book 2

Despite the attack that almost took her life, Emma Morgan has accepted the risk that comes from being in love with an immortal like Liam Alexander.

But continuing to seek the approval of her older brother is a whole different struggle, and when tensions finally reach a breaking point between the siblings, looming enemies take advantage of the distraction. And even though the Alexanders are quick to form a search party for their newest coven member, Emma learns that finding her brother may come at a high price.

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Bound
Bound Series Book 1

When fate leads Emma Morgan back to her small hometown of Washington, she learns that the life she knew three years ago has changed once she meets the charmingly, mysterious Liam Alexander. But when her brother Sean, voices his disapproval, Emma finds her loyalty in the way of her newfound curiosity of the youngest Alexander. Only the more she tries to avoid Liam the more she finds him in her constant company.
A risk that leads down a dangerous path for both once Emma begins to discover a secret about the Alexanders that no human should ever know.
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Hours later, we all sat chuckling as Pamela mocked her boyfriend, Kyle Bellmen. The smile I held was finally genuine, as I’d been granted my wish: to revel in the normality of my old life without the tense spotlight of talking about my new one.

The laughter in the cabin was at its loudest of the night. Even Heather was joining in with us. Then a thud drew our attention to the starboard side of the boat.

“What was that?” Heather asked.

Without a need for a command, Erika turned down the music. She stood silent, listening as she stared at the ground. After a few seconds of silence, she looked back at the group with a shrug.

“Something probably fell that wasn’t secure on deck. I’ll check it out to be sure.”

She jogged up the steps and creaked open the door hatch to make her way onto the deck. We all sat silent, waiting for news of what she would discover.

“Oh my god,” Erika whined out.

I was out of my seat and up the steps before any of the others had moved. When I reached the doorway I stepped onto the deck only to be met with a darkness that forced me to blink excessively to adjust to the sight.

But my stomach tensed, as I knew that it was taking too long to adjust to the dark when we were so close to the docks. I turned to use the lampposts from the boardwalk as a guide only to realize there were none. My eyes had finally begun to adjust enough to stiffen at the sight.

There were no lampposts because we weren’t near the docks. There was no light except for the cabin lights from below deck. And just as the other girls began to shout out, “What the hell,” and “Oh my god,” I felt my own unease. We were stranded in the middle of the Pamlico River.

I looked to Erika, who seemed to be pleading with me for an explanation—one that I didn’t have.

“I swear the boat was securely tied up to the dock. And even then, it would be impossible without the engine on, right?”

She was scratching her head while looking in all directions, clearly panicking, as most would. But glancing beyond her toward the bow, my eyes caught sight of the problem. Shit.

So much for being normal.

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Jennifer has studied Creative Writing and Literature and lives in Nashville, Tennessee. To find out more about her and her novels you can visit www.jenniferdean.net.

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Whisper
Tracy Bilen
Publication date: May 8th 2021
Genres: YA Romantic Thriller

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Stop him.

After her friend Samantha is murdered, seventeen-year-old Olivia is the only one who still hears her voice.

Years ago, Jacob closed his eyes. In a park. Playing hide-and-seek. His little brother is still missing. And Jacob’s mom is the FBI agent who couldn’t find him.

Now Jacob has dreams he can’t explain. And draws faces of those about to die.

In a town terrorized by a serial killer, Jacob meets Olivia. Sparks ignite.

Until the voice in Olivia’s head echoes the warning in Jacob’s dream…

You’re next.

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Enjoy this peek inside:

CHAPTER 1: OLIVIA

My dad used to tell me there are people inside of marbles. They were always talking to him. Whenever I wanted to play a game, he would pick the one with marbles. Only we wouldn’t actually move the marbles. My dad would just stare at them. Finally I stopped asking to play games. But that didn’t matter. My dad would still get out the game with the marbles, and he’d put the marbles in their little resting spots and watch them. And listen.

At Samantha’s house, her three-year-old sister, Cara, is playing a marble game with one of her friends. They’re off in a corner by themselves, probably wondering why all these people are stuffed inside the house, wearing dark clothes, crying randomly, and talking in hushed voices. Cara wasn’t at Samantha’s funeral. Does she understand that her sister is never coming home?

I move away from Cara and fill a plate with cubes of cheese, triangles of salami, and round crackers. I chew, swallow, and make small talk. But mostly I just stare out the window at the pool and remember the last time I was here. Sixth grade. A pool party for Samantha’s birthday. She and I were friends then. We stopped being friends sometime in seventh grade. I think it had something to do with green slime, a ham sandwich, and a guy we both liked, though I’m not really sure anymore. It all seems pretty stupid now, which gives me a lumpy ache in my throat, and makes me feel like a fraud for being here. But the whole junior class was at the funeral, all ninety-eight of us.

Make that ninety-seven.

Plus a good part of the rest of the high school. And although not everyone made their way here after the funeral, the house is still packed, with people spilled out onto the lawn, hovering by the pool, and clutching their paper plates as if they’re life preservers.

My best friend, Julia, slides up next to me. Her chestnut brown hair is arranged in its usual French braid, except a lot of strands that she missed are poking out today. She takes a loose bit and wraps it around her finger.

“Brings back memories, huh?” she says, following my gaze to the pool. “Remember that sleepover in sixth grade?”

“Yeah, that was fun.” Except now my brain jumps right from sleepover to sweet dreams. The Sweet Dreams Strangler.

I shake my head, trying to blot out the images seared into my mind by the news media. Images of Samantha, lying in a field wearing a beautiful dress, her head on a pillow, hair neatly arranged, hands folded.

Beautiful. But dead. Strangled. I don’t know what to say, even to Julia. I look back out the window. A cardinal is perched on the feeder, picking through seeds, scattering debris on the ground.

“It sure is stuffy in here,” Julia says.

I’m about to agree when a wall of cold air hits me. “Mrs. Young must have read your mind. Wow. That feels good.”

Julia scrunches up her face. “What are you talking about?”

“The air. She turned on the air. Don’t you feel it?”

“No. Are you under a vent or something?” Julia peers up at the ceiling.

“Here, switch places with me.”

“It’s just as hot here—”

“It’s just as cold—”

We say it at the same time. “I guess it’s just your wishful thinking.” Julia pats my shoulder. “Enjoy. I’m going to get some more to drink.”

I nod and head across the room, by the TV, where hopefully it’s warmer.

Goose bumps pop up on my arms. I rub them, but it doesn’t help.

Next to me Josh Wallace tosses a cube of cheese into his mouth. Is that sweat dripping off his forehead? Why am I the only one shivering?

I spot a decorative blanket on the couch. Should I? I tap Marcus on the shoulder. “Sorry, could you lean forward? I just need to get something behind you.” I tug at the blanket and drape it over my shoulders.

Julia is back with a drink in her hand. “Why do you have a blanket wrapped around you? Are you feeling okay?”

“Not really,” I answer. “What’s that noise?”

“What noise?”

“That buzzing sound. Is that the TV? Maybe someone turned it on without switching on the cable box.” I fumble with the buttons on the TV. An image flashes across the screen, and a voice blares.

Funeral services were held today for Samantha Young, the fourth victim of the Sweet Dreams Strangler.

Mrs. Young hovers in the doorway between the kitchen and the living room. All the color drains from her face.

I can’t seem to move. Julia turns off the TV. The buzzing grows louder, and then I realize that it’s voices I’m hearing, lots of them, all blending together into one big buzzing sound.

And then the buzzing fades away until I hear only one voice.

Olivia.

It’s not real. I know it’s not real.

Olivia.

It’s not real because the voice is Samantha’s, and Samantha is dead.

Olivia!

It’s not real because the voice is not coming from a person. It’s coming from a fricking figurine on the mantel. From a yellow bird with black wings and a black head. I pick up the figurine, and I hold it in my hands. This is what my dad meant when he said there were people living in marbles. And then it speaks again.

Olivia! Stop him!

Even though I’m kind of expecting it, Samantha’s voice scares me all the same. It makes me jump and my hands open up and that figurine smashes on the floor and breaks. And I’m a little glad because maybe now the voice will stop. But suddenly I’m burning up, the salami and cheese rumbles around in my stomach, and before I can sit, the room spins all around me and darkness sets in.

Author Tracy Bilen

Tracy Bilen is the author of What She Left Behind and Whisper. She is a high school French teacher in Michigan where she lives with her husband and children. Tracy studied at the Sorbonne in Paris and taught Spanish at a high school ski academy. She loves biking, traveling, and red velvet cake.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

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Journey To New Salem
The Witches of Vegas Book 2
by Mark Rosendorf
Genre: YA Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
The Witches of Vegas are back, and their lives will never be the same again.
A year has passed since The Witches of Vegas saved the city from the evil Wiccan vampire, Valeria. Since then, the show has hit an all-time high. So has the romance between teen witch Isis Rivera and teenage magician, Zack Galloway.
Things couldn’t be any better for them until Isis develops seizures that cause her power to spiral out of control. Fires and earthquakes are just the beginning of the chaos caused by the misfired witchcraft. Unable to find a cure, Isis’ family journeys to New Salem, a fabled village of witches which may or may not even exist. Meanwhile, Zack ends up face to face with the only being who may have a cure…Valeria. But does he dare pay her price?
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The Witches of Vegas
The Witches of Vegas Book 1
Where can Witches and their vampire mentor practice their powers without being discovered or persecuted?
By using their magic, the Witches of Vegas become the number one act performing on the Las Vegas Strip—a great achievement for them, but not so much for the magicians—who can’t possibly keep pace.
Isis Rivera is the adopted fifteen-year old daughter of The Witches of Vegas. Zack Galloway is the teenage nephew and assistant to the last magician left in the city. Although they should be rivals, when Valeria, a four-hundred-year-old witch with a long-seeded grudge against humanity arrives in Sin-City, both teens act to bring their families together to stop the evil hag in her tracks.
But can the combined witches’ powers and the ingenuity of the magicians be enough to stop Valeria from taking over the city and possibly the world?
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Mark Rosendorf ‘s writing is based on the personalities and experiences he has come across throughout his life, coupled with his own wild “if only I could do that” imagination. He is the author of the young adult series, The Witches of Vegas. He is also credited with The Rasner Effect series, a suspense/thriller trilogy published between 2009 and 2012.
Born November, 25th, 1974, and raised in Queens New York, Mark holds a Master’s Degree from Long Island University’s Human Development and Leadership program. He is a licensed Guidance Counselor for the New York City Department of Education’s special education district. He began his counseling career in September, 2001. Prior to that, he worked in the hotel industry.
Mark has also moonlighted as a professional magician. Today, he teaches magic and Illusion to his students in order to teach teamwork while developing their confidence.
Having accomplished his goals of becoming an author, Mark decided on an early retirement from writing. Then, one night, at two a.m., a new and unique story shot into Mark’s brain like a lightning bolt, screaming for him to write it. Mark found himself spending several nights taking notes on the characters and their stories. That is how The Witches of Vegas was born.
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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
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$15 Amazon gift card,
Print copy of Journey to New Salem (US only),
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-1 winner each
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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

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The Girl in the Storm
A Season of Angels Book 1
by Christopher Stanfield
Genre: YA Supernatural Thriller, Mystery
Seventeen-year old Genevieve Reidell loves to paint, and values her closest friends above all, but when a gunman terrorizes her high school, her near-reckless bravery sets her on a path that will change the entire course of her life. Her best friend is shot and dying but when Genevieve holds her, the bleeding stops and the wounds close. But when she tries to save another friend, she can’t. Overcome with guilt Genevieve struggles to understand.
But when a stranger arrives at her home with a mysterious book and an ominous warning, she learns about her destiny. Angels have protected her, but the time has come to unravel the mysteries that have haunted her for years. Genevieve must learn to harness and control her gifts and accept that whatever she does might not be enough. The Devil must be stopped, and Genevieve is ready to walk into the storm. She’s cheated death before, but can she save herself again without losing those she loves?
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**Only .99 cents until the end of March!**
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She Hunts in Shadow
A Season of Angels Novella
What comes after the Storm? The Hunt.
Genevieve’s simple life has been undone. In the wake of her fateful choice, one thing remains clear: Lucifer Morningstar must be stopped and Hell ripped beyond his reach. But to do so she’ll need a soul who knows the fetid hellscape. A Demon must be sent. A Demon she can trust. All she has to do, is find him.
There are mysteries to unravel, secrets to confront and allies in the strangest places. She knows what must be done, even if it means trusting a red-haired Demon with a sharp tongue and an annoying habit of killing first and asking questions later.
It’s a daring gamble, but with Lucifer scheming in the shadows, it may be the only play she has to make. The War for Souls will soon commence, but before it does, the hunt begins.
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The Woman in Darkness
A Season of Angels Book 2
The War for Souls has just begun, but time is already running out…
In the wake of one tragic, fateful night, Genevieve leaves behind every aspect of her simple life, including her name. Now she’s known as Lilith, and with the memories of her erased from those she loved, it’s as if she never existed. As she seeks her new purpose, dreams of a sad, broken woman with raven hair— a woman in a place more terrible than nightmares— continue to haunt her.
Madeline is a fractured soul trapped in Hell after taking her own life. Lilith believes this stranger may be the key to shattering Lucifer’s hold over that frightful realm. But to find Madeline she’ll need a soul who knows the fetid hellscape. A Demon has been sent. But he must first brave the dark of Hell and survive the madness in himself.
While Lilith sets her daring game in motion, Lucifer plots a scheme that will determine the fate of all souls, both living and in death. Lilith must get to Madeline, fast. For if she fails, there will be no end to the darkness Lucifer will bring.
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Christopher Stanfield is a West Texas native whose love of writing began at the age of fourteen, when inspired by a love of mythology, science fiction and fantasy, he began writing stories by hand whenever the time could be spared. After high school and a brief flirtation with college, he would spend the next eighteen years cultivating a career in Information Security at a small community bank located in his own hometown. But even then, his love of writing endured, and while dreams of characters and stories continued to occupy his imagination, he found an outlet for that creative muse by creating advertising copy for his employer. Through challenges and distractions, hard choices and the rudimentary demands of life, the dream of telling stories never waned. It was and ever remains more than merely a career. With that in mind, he enrolled in the BA Creative Writing program at Southern New Hampshire University, with an eye towards honing his craft and expanding upon his knowledge of the industry so that he might one achieve his dream of becoming published.
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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

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Join us for this tour from Feb 1 to Feb 19, 2021!

Book Details:

Book Title:  Battle of the Bullies by Fenyx Blue
Category:  YA Fiction (Ages 13-17),  301 pages
Genre:  Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary
Publisher:  Wisdom Works, LLC.
Release date:   October 29, 2020
Content Rating:  G. There are not any explicit sex scenes or any excessive use of bad language

Book Description:

Ebony, Eris, and Emani Robertson have been through so much more than most high school freshman. When they were younger, they survived a school shooting that killed their friends and left their oldest sister unable to speak. After giving home-schooling a try, they enroll in a promising new academy, hoping for the best. The Robertsons soon discover, however, that their new classmates are anything but kind. A mysterious group of bullies known as the Dimes rules the hallways and spreads fear everywhere they go. All three sisters end up being targets of the gang and have to find a way to defend themselves. The triplets couldn’t be more different, but their loyalty to each other and to their school never fails. Along with a diverse group of friends, the Robertsons do everything they can to uncover their identity of the Dimes and restore order to the school. As if their lives weren’t complicated enough, they also get sucked in to a much bigger game-discovering who was responsible for the attack on their old school. Can they bring down the Dimes and
bring the murderer to justice, all while trying to make it through ninth grade?

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Meet the Author:

BLUE: Bold, Loving, Unapologetic, and Evolving are words to describe Fenyx Blue. Ms. Blue is an author, Youtuber (FENYX BLUE INK), speaker,
ministry leader, mentor, instructional coach and her school district’s former “Those Who Excel” Teacher of the Year. Ms. Blue is a soldier in the Blue Fenyx movement encouraging every phoenix in the world to rise
up. Blue’s mission is to inspire, motivate and educate. Blue speaks to audiences about their purpose and power and works to coach other authors through their journey to become published. Her novels are tools for teachers while being candy for students. Fenyx Blue has penned four books in her poetic collection in which she shares true life tales and lessons: Her first Young Adult novel entitled Who Failed Johnny? (Book 1 of The Triplet Trilogy), second YA novel Battle of the Bullies, a Children’s book called Worth the Weight: A Rare Gem, and a Poetry Book by the name of The Blue Ink Movement. With the help of her extended family and friends network, her self-published books will touch many lives this year.

connect with the author:  website ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads

 

Tour Schedule:

Feb 1   – Living in a Bookworld – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Feb 1   – Sadie’s Spotlight – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 2   – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Feb 3   – Books, Tea, Healthy Me – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Feb 3   – All Booked Up Reviews – book review
Feb 4   – She Just Loves Books – book review / giveaway
Feb 5   – Literary Flits – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 8   – Splashes of Joy – book review / author interview / giveaway
Feb 9   – I’m All About Books – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 9 – Windows to Worlds – book review
Feb 10 – FUONLYKNEW – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 11 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 12 – Lisa’s Reading – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 15 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
Feb 16 – The Phantom Paragrapher – book review
​Feb 16 – Cheryl’s Book Nook – book review / giveaway
Feb 16 – High Society Book Club & Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Feb 17 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Feb 18 – Stephanie Jane – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 19 – My Fictional Oasis – book review
Feb 19 – Writer with Wanderlust – book review / guest post / giveaway
Feb 19 – Reading Authors Network – book review / giveaway

 

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The Grimm Cases banner
Welcome to my stop during the blog tour for The Grimm Cases series by Lyla Oweds. The Grimm Cases is a Young Adult/ New Adult Paranormal Mystery series with 5 books out so far.

This blog tour is organized by Lola’s Blog Tours. The blog tour runs from 18 till 31 January. See the tour schedule here.

Origins (The Grimm Cases #1)
By Lyla Oweds
Genre: Paranormal Mystery
Age category: Young Adult/ New Adult

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Origins

Blurb:

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The things I see aren’t for the faint of heart.

And I am no longer willing to ignore them. Not even when my family, and my best friend, tell me to keep quiet about what’s happening. They say people will think I’m crazy.

Maybe I am.

But the spirit haunting my professor’s house is definitely trying to tell me something, and I’m the only one who can see it.

The one person who can help me is my best friend’s brother. But I don’t know if I can trust him or his friends. Or if I can step outside the protective bubble I’ve built around myself.

At this point it’s a toss up: the ghosts will kill me or my panic attacks will.

Either way, I figure I’m going to die.

Links:
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Amazon

All books in the series:
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Get the first 3 books and the novella Home as a box set!.

Mu
Mu is the box set collection which combines books 1-3 as well as the novella Home in one handy box set. You can buy it here.

About the Author:

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Lyla Oweds is a paranormal romance author who resides in the beautiful Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania. She grew up near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and is a native of Baltimore, Maryland, and has a deep appreciation for the paranormal, hauntings, and Edgar Allan Poe. As such, she loves all things fantasy, mystery, crime, and horror.

She is the author of the Paranormal Reverse Harem series, The Grimm Cases and related novellas. She has also published the first book of Gloria Protean’s story, The Red Trilogy. You can find out more about her current and upcoming works at her website, http://lylaoweds.com.

When not reading, writing, or working as a web programmer, Lyla can be found doing adult-y things such as being a mom, decorating the house, and baking. She also frequently enjoys makeup videos, massages, wine, and coffee.

Author links:
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Amazon
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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

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