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Showing posts with label Book Excerpt Teasers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Book Excerpt Teasers. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Angels In Seashore Cove by Maggie Van Well (Author Guest Post / Book Review)

In association with Booktrope Publishing, Jersey Girl Book Reviews is pleased to host the virtual book promo event for Angels In Seashore Cove by author Maggie Van Well!






Author Guest Post

Facts and Fiction about Long Island, NY


Most of the time when people hear I’m from Long Island they think two things. One: Traffic and two: They hear in their head “Lawn Guyland.”

Well, today I’m going to tell you the facts and maybe dispel a few myths for you.

1)      Fact, Long Island has traffic. Lots of it. Nassau County at rush hour is basically one very large parking lot. It’s okay, though. It offers us the opportunity to nap on the way home. J Okay, I’m kidding…but only a little bit, that’s the crazy part.



2)      Fiction (kinda) There are only two counties. Well, geographically, there are four counties on Long Island, but Brooklyn and Queens are never included sine they’re part of New York City. So if someone says they’re from Long Island, you can rest assured they’re either from Nassau or Suffolk.



3)      Fact, we have awesome beaches. Even though we are very close to the mainland, we are indeed an island, surrounded by water. Our beaches are as different as they are beautiful. On the north shore, the beaches are rocky, sometimes surrounded by high cliffs. The south shore is flat and sandy.



4)      Fiction, we pronounce it Lawn Guyland. No…just, no. I have lived here all my life and I’ve met maybe three people who actually pronounce it this way and chances are they were from Queens, or from out of town. We do, however, pronounce coffee as cawfee, and dog doesn’t not rhyme with log here.


5)      Fact, we have the best bagels and pizza. I'm not kidding. I've traveled. And while Chicago can give us a fair challenge in the pizza race (they still lose, IMO :) ) no place comes close to our bagels.



Long Island truly is a wonderful place to live. It is any wonder I decided to build my own town there? Come visit us in the fictional town of Seashore Cove and get a feel for what life is like living on Long Island.




About The Author




Maggie Van Well writes contemporary romance, sometimes with a supernatural twist. She lives on Long Island with her husband, four insane children (no idea where they get that from) and two entertaining Italian Greyhounds: Rosie, and Santa's Little Helper. She also has two ringed-neck doves, because, ya know, who doesn’t like getting woken up at two in the morning by cooing? 

Maggie’s love of the ocean was her inspiration for the fictional seaside town of Seashore Cove. She’s addicted to café mochas, Godiva chocolate, and hidden object games.

Author Website
Amazon Author Page
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Book Review



Angels In Seashore Cove by Maggie Van Well
Book 2: Love and Laugh in Seashore Cove Series
Publisher: Booktrope Publishing
Publication Date: February 15, 2016
Format: Paperback - 282 pages
               Kindle - 581 KB
               Nook - 474 KB
ISBN: 978-1513708478
ASIN: B01BU3VUDG
BNID: 2940158054884
Genre: Contemporary Romance


Buy The Book: 
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Goodreads


Buy The Series: Love and Laugh in Seashore Cove Series
Book 1: Crazy Little Thing Called Matchmaking
Book 2: Angels In Seashore Cove
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Goodreads


Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review.


Book Description:

Two romances. One chance. 

Back in college, Dianna Sheldon made a pledge to the Saving-It-Sisters, promising to save herself for “The One.” As her thirtieth birthday approaches, Dianna decides to break that pledge before she reaches that milestone. But she discovers that attempting to break a promise is not as easy as it seems, especially with her best friend, Sean, blocking her every step of the way. 

Sean Donovan has always been a wild child, but Dianna always managed to keep him grounded. When she tells him she wants to lose her virginity, he makes it his mission to stop her from making a huge mistake. 

Adriel is a guardian angel watching over his charges on Earth, Dianna Sheldon and Sean Donovan as they head down a path that will lead them away from each other — and their ‘happily ever after.’ 

So Adriel enlists the help of an archangel, Jude, to come up with a plan to save these two souls. They send down two rookies to nudge Dianna and Sean onto the right path, and in the interim, hopefully right a sixteen-year old wrong. 



Book Excerpt:


The doorbell responded in synchronized rhythm to Sean’s repeated pushing of its button. Without messing up the tempo, he reached for his cell phone and checked the time again. 9:06. Dianna should be ready by now.
“What the hell, Sean?” Tucker called from the backseat of the charcoal gray Land Rover idling in Dianna’s driveway. “Just go in and get her. You walk in every other time.”
Sean faced him, still pressing the doorbell. His brother leaned out of the back window, glaring. Dianna’s brothers, Derek and Patrick were in the front, their brows raised in question.
“Not in the mornings. I always text first. She has yet to answer the one I sent when we were pulling up the street. What if she’s in the shower?”
Tucker grinned. “What’s your point?”
“Touché, my brother.” He faced the door again. If she didn’t answer in the next few seconds, he’d do just that. Text or no text.
She’d never been a morning person, but this was ridiculous. He’d gotten about as much sleep as she had, probably less and he was up and ready to roll.
Even though last night had been weird.
He wasn’t sure whether it was the baffling and hazy images of Dianna constantly invading his dreams. Or the shouting voices he swore he’d heard.
The door violently swung open. Dianna stood there in a plush white robe she’d had since freshman year in high school, glaring at him. Her hair a mass of golden frizz, haphazardly twisted into a long braid that hung over her right shoulder.
He bit his lip to keep from laughing.
“Ring that doorbell again and I swear you’ll die young.”
“You’re not dressed yet?” Sean turned to yell to the guys. “She’s not dressed yet!”
A chorus of groans followed.
“I am dressed,” she replied. “For bed, which is where I’m going.” She turned and lumbered back toward her room.
Sean entered before the door closed completely. “We’re supposed to go to the beach, remember?”
Dianna stopped and turned to him. Her eyes lost focus and she swayed.
“Princess!” Sean ran forward, wrapping his arms around her before she fell. “Jeez, you’ve had six hours sleep.”
“Yeah, well, I’m not a weirdo like you.” She yawned and grabbed onto his shoulders, pulling herself upright. “I need at least nine, plus, I didn’t sleep well last night.”
Thinking things would move faster if he took control, Sean threw her over his shoulder and headed down the hall to her room, not stopping until he reached the foot of her bed. “C’mon.” He landed a quick smack to her ass. “We need to get going.”
She didn’t budge or try to hop down.
“Dianna?”
“This is surprisingly comfortable. We should stay this way.”
With a grunt of annoyance, he tossed her onto her bed. “The guys are waiting.”
“Just what I need.” She flipped onto her stomach and hugged her pillow. “To spend the day with four obnoxious men.”
“This was your idea. One last hurrah before summer ended.”
No response, save for the steady breathing.
“Dianna, are you sleeping?”
“I would be, but I have this annoying voice in my head.”
Sean rolled her onto her back and sat her up. “You need to focus.”
When he was confident she wouldn’t fall over, he went to her dresser and searched the top drawer.
A mass of silk and lace. Nope, time to move on from this one.
He pulled at the second drawer.
Typical. No rhyme or reason.  He had to search through sweaters, blouses that really should be hanging in her closet, and skirts before he came across her stash of bathing suits. He tossed a fuchsia and white polka dot bikini at her. “Here, wear this.”
She looked at the two pieces of fabric he offered and shook her head. “I don’t think so. Remember what Tucker did the last time I wore that?”
No, but he could guess. Knowing his brother, he hugged her and somehow, her strings accidently came undone. Searching further, he found a black one-piece. “How about this one?”
She nodded—or swayed—he wasn’t sure, and reached for her suit. He swore if anyone could sleep on her feet, it would be Dianna.
“Good, put it on.” Back at her dresser, he had to rearrange clothing in order to get the drawer closed.
When he was finished, he turned and then the air left his lungs.
Standing, her eyes closed, Dianna let the ratty old robe slip down her shoulders to reveal a royal blue, lace-top negligee that molded itself to her full breasts like plastic wrap over a hot soufflé.
His heart raced out of control. His eyes weren’t cooperating much either. Try as he might, he couldn’t tear his gaze away from the way the silk hugged her every curve, right down to her ankles. “Di-Dianna, what are you doing?”
She opened one eye and peeked at him. “I’m getting dressed—oh, yeah, you should probably leave.”




Book Excerpt Teaser:







My Book Review:

Angels In Seashore Cove 
is a wonderful romance story about finding true love with a little help from above.

Author Maggie Van Well weaves an entertaining tale set in Seashore Cove, Long Island, that follows the friendship to romance relationship between Dianna Sheldon and Sean Donovan.

Written with a nice balance of humor, emotion, and romance, the reader is easily drawn into Dianna and Sean's story. Longtime best friends, Dianna and Sean get a little help in discovering true love from guardian angel Adriel, archangel Jude, and two rookie angels, who try everything under their heavenly power to get them together!

Angels In Seashore Cove is an enjoyable and lighthearted romance tale that will keep the reader thoroughly entertained. You can't help but really like Dianna and Sean, I found myself laughing and cheering them on as their friendship to romance blossomed with some heavenly assistance. I would be remiss if I didn't mention that I loved the two rookie angels and their crazy antics, I found myself snickering as I turned the pages, bless their heavenly hearts.

Angels In Seashore Cove is the second book in the Love and Laugh in Seashore Cove series. Each book in the series can be a stand alone read.


RATING: 5 STARS 




Friday, December 11, 2015

A Hero Grinch for Christmas by Samanthya Wyatt (Book Review)

In association with Reading Addiction Virtual Book Tours, Jersey Girl Book Reviews is pleased to host the virtual book tour event for A Hero Grinch for Christmas by author Samanthya Wyatt!







Book Review



A Hero Grinch for Christmas by Samanthya Wyatt
Publisher: Independent Self Publishing
Publication Date: December 6, 2015
Format: eBook - 123 pages
               Kindle - 943 KB
ASIN: B01920EWRA
Genre: Holiday / Military Romance


Buy The Book:


Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Reading Addiction Virtual Book Tours.


Book Description:

Dani will not allow The Grinch to hide from Christmas. She will cure Hunter of his nasty mood, even if it kills her. But who will save her from his passionate kisses.

War hero, Hunter Armstrong, has seen enough devastation to last a lifetime. At the end of his latest Army term, he accepted his discharge papers and never looked back. His uncle’s home is tucked away in the majestic mountains, a perfect place for him to hide from Christmas and his own memories. But he can’t hide from the delectable Dani. The last thing he needs is a female in his life. But this one has the face of an angel and eyes you could drown in.

Dani Wimer left the Colorado Mountains and relocated in the bright lights of New York City. Every December she returns to the village of Wyattsville. When a hunky military guy enters her aunt’s shop, he seems lost and angry. His scowl is intimidating, but that doesn’t bother the spunky girl who celebrates the holidays like it’s Christmas every day. She decides to put a smile on his Grinch face and ends up losing her heart in a passionate whirlwind.


Book Teaser:


Dani stood under the spray of hot water chasing the chill from her bones. She was warm and safe and thinking about her gruff host, remembering the night Hunter came into Fay’s shop. He seemed like a lost soul, but she’d felt a strong pull toward him. Tall, blond, muscular, all the things that attracted a woman. But she’d seen something else in his eyes. A surge she couldn’t explain, and she’d felt herself drowning.

She’d taken a risk by touching him. Covering his hand in compassion. But she was glad she’d initiated the move. He hadn’t pulled away. At least not right away.

She knew his brusque demeanor must be because of his uncle’s death. And today? He didn’t seem too happy to find her on his doorstep. To be fair, she had been in an accident. Just a spin—a very scary spin—off the road. But she’d been in danger from the cold and snow.

He’d taken one good look at her and acted with real concern and caring.

Yes. There was more to the man than his gruff exterior.

Dani snapped out of her daydream and turned the knobs shutting off the water. All she had to do was come up with something to make him smile.



Book Excerpt:


Just like a picture on a Christmas card, the little town of Wyattsville was nestled between two snow-capped mountains. Population 763, a quaint village where his uncle settled after his third marriage failed.

Hunter Armstrong stared out the window while snowflakes grazed the glass, glistening in the nighttime sky. In the distance, every inch of ground was covered with snow. He hadn’t been here in two years, but nothing had changed. The soft glow of lights coming from various windows and storefronts along Main Street reminded him of everything he used to love. Although he should find comfort and joy in the familiar surroundings, instead, he closed his eyes in anguish.

Wheels squeaked and the engine resounded to a soft hum as the train came to a grinding halt. He regarded the passengers around him and waited as they moved to the aisle, gathered their belongings, and one-by-one, headed for the rear door.

They’d reached the end of the line, Wyattsville, Colorado.

With a heavy sigh, he grabbed his gear and loped down the two steps of the train. Blinking lights lined the roof of the depot, with silver, red, and gold decorations, and pine branches tangling around the supporting poles. All that was missing was a group of carolers. Even with Christmas around the corner, he’d expected the town to be vacant. Empty. Judging by the number of people gathered, either a celebrity was on the train, or some sort of festivity loomed.

God, he hated this. Hated waking up every morning to bright and cheerful people, even worse now that the holidays had arrived. A cluster of people were vying for someone’s attention. Whoever stood in the center of the crowd must be important and well loved. The hugs and tears made Hunter’s own circumstances more real. No one was there to meet him.

He shook off his unease, and put one booted foot in front of the other, determined to forget the party. The circle of people opened as he walked by, revealing a man in uniform.

A hero’s welcome home.

Pain filled memories flashed through Hunter’s mind. Recollections of buddies he’d lost in combat.

He studied each person, wondering which were relatives—friends—maybe a lover. Hunter’s comrades had not been so lucky.

He hefted the duffel bag higher onto his shoulder and plowed forward, making his way through the crowd. As he stepped off the platform, he spotted several teams of horses hitched to sleighs. He guessed it was a special treat to celebrate the soldier’s return.

With one last glance, he turned the corner and headed toward the center of the village. His hide-away for the next . . . however long, he hadn’t decided yet. There wasn’t any place else he wanted to go. In the mountains he could lose himself; no one knew he was here and he preferred it that way. He sure as hell didn’t want to celebrate Christmas.

Once people discovered his whereabouts, there’d be questions. Especially from the lady he suspected had been his uncle’s sweetheart. Had Denny lived, maybe his fourth wife. He remembered the happy glint in his uncle’s eyes the last time they’d seen each other, which suggested maybe the couple shared more than a friendship. After three failed marriages, the man had sworn off women. But Hunter knew better.

For a moment, a smile tried to form on his face, but misery overrode the effort. He just couldn’t be happy; he’d failed his uncle.

His eyes grew misty. He should have come sooner. Of course, he hadn’t had much of a choice. If the military wanted a GI to have a life outside the Army, they would have issued one. He was a Ranger. Dedicated to his profession.

Well, no more. He’d burned that bridge. All he had was time now. A little late, but he’d made a vow, and he intended to fulfill it.



My Book Review:

If you are looking for an emotional holiday romance that will put you in the Christmas spirit, then look no further, A Hero Grinch for Christmas is that book.

Author Samanthya Wyatt weaves an emotional holiday tale that follows spunky Dani Wimer's spirited determination and persistence to spread Christmas cheer to Mr Grinch himself, Army veteran Hunter Armstrong.

Set in Wyattsville, Colorado, decorated Army veteran Hunter Armstrong returns to the house that he inherited from his Uncle Denny. Hunter is definitely not in the Christmas spirit, and all he wants is to be left alone and hide away from the painful memories that haunt him. But that is about to change when Hunter meets sassy Dani Wimer at her Aunt Fay's shop. Dani decides to deliver some Christmas cheer to Hunter, but when her car slides into a ditch, she suddenly finds herself stranded with the hero Grinch. Can Dani ease Hunter's pain and show him that the magical spirit of Christmas is filled with love, hope, and redemption?

A Hero Grinch for Christmas is a wonderful holiday romance tale that easily draws the reader into Hunter and Dani's story. You can't help but feel empathy for Hunter as he battles his demons, even though his nasty demeanor could make a person want to turn around and leave. But Dani isn't one to walk away, her fiesty determination to help Hunter is touching, you can't help but smile as she keeps chiseling away and breaking down the wall around Hunter's heart, all with a smile on her face.

This is a fast paced short holiday tale that has enough emotion, drama, angst, and romance that keeps the reader turning the pages. You can't help but hope that Dani can break through the hard exterior of the war hero, and show him how to once again fill his heart with hope and love. There is nothing better than a holiday romance story that reinforces the belief in the magic and spirit of the Christmas season!


RATING: 4 STARS 





About The Author



Samanthya Wyatt lives with her husband in the Shenandoah Valley. She left her accounting career and married a military man traveling and making her home in the United States and abroad. Once she found historical romance novels, she couldn’t put a book down. She fell in love with the characters and needed to know their happy ending.

One day she put words to paper creating a story of her own. The more she wrote, the more she became involved with the characters, and they seemed to take a life of their own. She relishes the challenge of penning a story with strong characters, a bit of humor, and active scenes while creating new characters and bringing them together in a romantic tale. It took years of writing, joining RWA, joining chapters, entering contests, submissions & rejections which created the author she is today. By keeping her spirit and turning criticism into drive she has achieved her career as a published romance author.


Author Website
Author Blog
Wordpress Blog
Facebook
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Nightowl Reviews
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Virtual Book Tour



Click on the above link for the schedule of tour participants




Friday, November 6, 2015

Wrapped In Lace by Prescott Lane (Book Review)

In association with Ardent Prose, Jersey Girl Book Reviews is pleased to host the virtual book tour event for Wrapped In Lace by author Prescott Lane!






Book Review




Wrapped In Lace by Prescott Lane
Publisher: Independent Self Publishing
Publication Date: November 2, 2015
Format: Paperback - 205 pages
               Kindle - 3243 KB
ISBN: 978-0989339988
ASIN: B017881ZKK
Genre: Contemporary Romance (Holiday)


Buy The Book:


Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour.


Book Description:

When I was a little boy, the best thing about the holiday season was unwrapping presents on Christmas morning — tearing off the paper and tossing it on the floor. Now that I’m a man, I like to unwrap slowly, deliberately, taking my time to savor what lies before me. I still like to throw the wrapping on the floor, but now I know the best gifts come wrapped in lace.

And unlike when I was a kid, I won’t get sick of this present by New Year’s. I’ll definitely be playing with this girl day after day after day.

After six years avoiding my hometown, the last thing I expected when I returned was a wannabe bad girl to unwrap my heart and rip open my soul. But that’s exactly what happened. Now if I can just get the hell out of my own way, maybe I’ll finally get the best gift of all — her!

Come get unwrapped by Drew this holiday.


Book Excerpt:



“There was this guy.”
“OOH, a guy.”
“Shut up,” I said, laughing.  “We flirted and drank all night, and he was so hot and sweet and. . . .”
“You are totally gushing over a boy.  I can’t believe it.”
“I am not,” I protested, but I knew I was.  “I don’t even know his name.”
“Why not?”
“I threw up before we got that far.”
Sabrina fell back on my bed laughing.  “You did not.”
I hid my head back under my pillow.  “I did.”
“Girl, you are hopeless,” she said, still laughing.  “How hot was he?”
I came out from hiding.  “Pretty damn hot.”
“As in you’d shave for him?  That hot?”
“As in I’d wax for him.”
Sabrina started to fan herself, and I got up and headed to my bathroom, looking for some aspirin.  “We’ve got to find this wax-worthy gentleman,” Sabrina called out.





Book Teasers:











My Book Review:


Wrapped In Lace is a wonderful holiday romance story about two childhood best friends who are unexpectedly reunited in their hometown during the Christmas holiday after being apart for ten years, and their discovery of the holiday season's magical gift of receiving a chance at love.

Author Prescott Lane weaves a beautiful romantic tale that takes the reader on a emotional roller coaster ride as they follow Drew and Piper's love story. Their story is set in the small southern town of McAdenville, North Carolina, nicknamed Christmas Town USA. Told in alternating first person narratives by Drew and Piper, their reuniting is wrought with family drama, hurt, betrayal, forgiveness, and the amazing discovery of unrequited love fulfilled, it is a story that tugs at the heartstrings, but will also make the reader a believer in the ability of finding true love.

The story has enough drama, romance, angst, betrayal, difficult personal and family issues, and a swoon worthy best friends reuniting and discovering true love theme that will easily captivate the reader's attention. You can't help but feel compassion for Drew and Piper as their story unfolds with intriguing twists and turns that will keep you turning the pages, and hoping that they will get their chance at love. I loved how the author draws the reader into Drew and Piper's story with flashbacks to their childhood past intertwined with the present filled with emotional family drama, and a slow smoldering craving and build up of sexual tension that leads up to a passionate romance that will send tingles down your spine. I would be remiss if I didn't mention the author's rich description of the setting, she easily transports the reader to the small southern North Carolina town known for its holiday decorations, it is sure to get them in the holiday spirit.

Wrapped In Lace is a beautiful holiday romance story of true love and moving forward in life that will resonate with you for a very long time.


RATING: 5 STARS 






About The Author



Prescott Lane is the author of First PositionPerfectly Broken, and her new release, Quiet Angel. She is originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, and graduated from Centenary College with a degree in sociology. She went on to receive her MSW from Tulane University, after which she worked with developmentally delayed and disabled children. She married her college sweetheart, and they currently live in New Orleans with their two children and two crazy dogs. Prescott started writing at the age of five, and sold her first story about a talking turtle to her father for a quarter. She later turned to writing romance novels because there aren't enough happily ever afters in real life. Happily Ever Afters Guaranteed.


Author Website
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Pinterest
Goodreads



Other Books By Prescott Lane

Perfectly Broken
First Position
Quiet Angel










Monday, November 2, 2015

Wrapped In Lace by Prescott Lane (Book Release Day Promo Event)

In association with Ardent Prose, Jersey Girl Book Reviews is pleased to host the book release day promo event for Wrapped In Lace by author Prescott Lane!







About The Book




Wrapped In Lace by Prescott Lane
Publisher: Independent Self Publishing
Publication Date: November 2, 2015
Format: Paperback - 205 pages
               Kindle - 3243 KB
ISBN: 978-0989339988
ASIN: B017881ZKK
Genre: Contemporary Romance (Holiday)


Buy The Book:


Book Description:

When I was a little boy, the best thing about the holiday season was unwrapping presents on Christmas morning — tearing off the paper and tossing it on the floor. Now that I’m a man, I like to unwrap slowly, deliberately, taking my time to savor what lies before me. I still like to throw the wrapping on the floor, but now I know the best gifts come wrapped in lace.

And unlike when I was a kid, I won’t get sick of this present by New Year’s. I’ll definitely be playing with this girl day after day after day.

After six years avoiding my hometown, the last thing I expected when I returned was a wannabe bad girl to unwrap my heart and rip open my soul. But that’s exactly what happened. Now if I can just get the hell out of my own way, maybe I’ll finally get the best gift of all — her!

Come get unwrapped by Drew this holiday.


Book Excerpt:


I sat back and studied the canvas. I’d finally gotten it right — the way his lips turn up in that smile that makes both my heart and panties melt. It had taken me over a dozen tries to get it just perfect, but I finally had. Unfortunately, I didn’t feel any better. I thought if I could capture Drew’s smile on my canvas, my pain would somehow lessen. Because I’d always have his image, that his leaving me wouldn’t hurt so bad. It hadn’t worked. The pain in my heart was just as sharp, just as overwhelming as it was yesterday and the day before. I knew I’d never get over him. I knew it like I knew the deep blue color of his eyes, the rough spots on his hands. I knew it like I knew the way his lips tasted, the feel of his thick brown hair.



Book Teasers:








About The Author



Prescott Lane is the author of First PositionPerfectly Broken, and her new release, Quiet Angel. She is originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, and graduated from Centenary College with a degree in sociology. She went on to receive her MSW from Tulane University, after which she worked with developmentally delayed and disabled children. She married her college sweetheart, and they currently live in New Orleans with their two children and two crazy dogs. Prescott started writing at the age of five, and sold her first story about a talking turtle to her father for a quarter. She later turned to writing romance novels because there aren't enough happily ever afters in real life. Happily Ever Afters Guaranteed.


Author Website
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Pinterest
Goodreads



Other Books By Prescott Lane

Perfectly Broken
First Position
Quiet Angel