Book Reviews – Page 126

* Review * HER UNLIKELY PROTECTOR by Regan Black

May 23, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * HER UNLIKELY PROTECTOR by Regan Black

Her Unlikely Protector by Regan Black
Series: Escape Club Heroes #5
Published by Harlequin Romantic Suspense on May 25, 2021
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She keeps her heart to herself

But a new case changes everything…

Officer Aubrey Rawlins has learned the hard way—trusting people only ends in disaster. So when Leo Butler shows up in her precinct, claiming his sister has gone missing, she remains sympathetic but detached. As danger stalks the investigating pair, she’s unsure if what’s growing between them is real. But can Aubrey open up to let in her unexpected protector?

Unexpected twists will have your attention quickly in Regan Black’s return to her Escape Club Heroes series. HER UNLIKELY PROTECTOR is fast paced and attention grabbing as a brother’s only hope of finding his missing sister is a dedicated street cop. Solid characters, a unique plot and a sweet happily ever after will have you riveted.

Aubrey is a unique character who goes out of her way to help any and every person she can in life. She’s optimistic and truly believes that good will win out and it was endearing to get to know her.

Leo is pushy and interfering in the beginning of the book and in one aspect that was irritating, but in another it made us adore him because he was so dedicated to his little sister. I ended up liking him a lot.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who likes a good mystery with interesting characters and a hint of romance to round out the story.

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* Review * BOUND BY A RING AND A SECRET by Jennifer Faye

May 23, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * BOUND BY A RING AND A SECRET by Jennifer Faye

Bound by a Ring and a Secret by Jennifer Faye
Series: Wedding Bells at Lake Como #1
Published by Harlequin Romance on May 25, 2021
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A mistaken identity…
…a proposal that changes everything!

Photographer Gianna is done with men. Retreating to her villa on the shore of Lake Como, Gianna is stunned to find gorgeous Dario renting her house! When Dario is mistaken for her long-gone fiancé, they realize a fake engagement could solve problems for them both. Pretending to be in love should be easy, but what happens when very real feelings start to grow?

Charming and addictive! BOUND BY A RING AND A SECRET is book one in Jennifer Faye’s Wedding Bells at Lake Como duet and it is sure to delight her readers with it’s witty banter and gentle romance. I enjoyed the characters very much and was spellbound throughout.

Gianna wasn’t easy to like at first as she burst onto the scene and was a bit unfair to Dario, but I grew to like her and enjoy their connection.

Dario was a doll and I adored him from the very first page. It was a joy to watch him overcome his obstacles and shine on the path he always dreamed of.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an unexpected romance with endearing plot qualities and a sweet happily ever after.

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* Review * THE BAIT by Carol Ericson

May 23, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

The Bait by Carol Ericson
Series: A Kyra and Jake Investigation #3
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on May 25, 2021
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They’re after a vicious serial killer.

And this time it’s personal.

Decades after The Player’s infamous murder spree, a third copycat killer terrorizes LA. Detective Jake McAllister and victim advocate Kyra Chase launch a risky dark web investigation—complicating their relationship and exposing their troubled pasts. But when the copycat kidnaps Jake’s daughter, Kyra defies her partner to lay her life on the line. Just one chilling question remains: Is The Player back?

Non-stop twists and turns! THE BAIT is book three in the Kyra and Jake Investigation series by Carol Ericson and it kept me captivated from start to finish. Each book is leading up to a big reveal and the atmosphere grows more tense as time passes. I’m looking forward to figuring out all of the secrets in the last book to come!

Kyra and Jake are testing the waters as a couple after meeting and falling for each other as they worked to figure out who the copycat serial killer was, but each time they think they will have some down times another twisted psycho jumps into the game. I enjoy their chemistry as they bounce ideas off of one another day in and day out but find time for subtle closeness that makes them seem real.

I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who likes a touch of romance along with addictive action and suspense.

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* Review * FROM EXPOSE TO EXPECTING by Andie Brock

May 20, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * FROM EXPOSE TO EXPECTING by Andie Brock

From Exposé to Expecting by Andie Brock
Published by Harlequin Presents on May 25, 2021
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The most shocking story of all:
“I am going to have a baby.”

Following the sexiest time of her life with Leonardo Ravenino, journalist Emma Quinn is left mortified by his swift rejection. To let off steam, she writes a private, scandalous exposé on the tycoon…and is horrified when it’s accidentally published! Yet that’s nothing compared to the surprise that soon follows…

Leo’s enraged to see the woman who ruined his name on his doorstep. But once he discovers Emma’s pregnant, he knows what he has to do. Claiming his child will be easy. Trusting Emma and their palpable chemistry? Unimaginable!

Passionate and intense! FROM EXPOSE TO EXPECTING by Andie Brock quickly drew me in as a surprise baby turns the tide with this billionaire playboy. I enjoyed the characters and the plot was fairly fast paced with a few twists here and there.

Emma is easy to like and charming in a naive sort of way. She is a go-getter when it comes to kick-starting her career, but a few quirks led to some problems that could have been handled better.

Leonardo is broody and standoffish, but I liked him very much. Upon learning about his past it all becomes clear why he is the way he is and he’s very redeemable.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a surprise baby story with a hint of royalty in the background and endearing characters.

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* Review * DEADLY DOUBLE-CROSS by Lena Diaz

May 20, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * DEADLY DOUBLE-CROSS by Lena Diaz

Deadly Double-Cross by Lena Diaz
Series: The Justice Seekers #4
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on May 25, 2021
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He runs an organization dedicated to pursuing justice for others,

but can he do the same for himself?

Someone is trying to destroy former chief of police Mason Ford, but he won’t go down without a fight. Neither will crime scene analyst Hannah Cantrell, who’s convinced he’s become a killer’s target and will do whatever it takes to help Mason survive. However, that doesn’t mean she’s ready to risk falling in love with him. Can Mason and Hannah discover the truth before a killer strikes again?

Attention grabbing from start to finish! With book four in her powerful Justice Seekers series Lena Diaz sweeps her reader into the story immediately and doesn’t waiver for a minute in DEADLY DOUBLE-CROSS. The pace is fast and intense and the characters are spell-binding. I loved every minute of it!

Mason is an electrifying character. Throughout the series we’ve known the head of the Justice Seekers had a back story, we just didn’t know how intense of a story it was going to be. He’s loyal to a fault and definitely won me over quickly.

Hannah is a fun character. Though she’s quickly thrust into the middle of Mason’s drama, she takes it well and lets her level-headedness lead the way as they go on the run.

I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys a powerful bout of intrigue mixed in with a close-knit group of friends and co-workers as each one slowly falls for their forever love in the midst of danger.

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* Review * HER IMPOSSIBLE BABY BOMBSHELL by Dani Collins

May 20, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * HER IMPOSSIBLE BABY BOMBSHELL by Dani Collins

Her Impossible Baby Bombshell by Dani Collins
Published by Harlequin Presents on May 25, 2021
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He’d planned for everything…
Except becoming a father!

A life of hardship and crushing responsibility left billionaire Tsai Jun Li never wanting a child to suffer the same. He made sure he couldn’t have children. So when Ivy Lam, the woman he shared one mesmerizing encounter with, appears claiming she’s pregnant, he needs proof!

After a painful relationship, Ivy’s night with Jun Li was a magical fresh start. Now she’s preparing for unexpected motherhood…but she didn’t plan on being whisked away to Shanghai! Because it’s suddenly clear Jun Li won’t relinquish his claim…to his baby or to Ivy!

An unlikely connection sets the pages on fire! HER IMPOSSIBLE BABY BOMBSHELL by Dani Collins brings an unexpected surprise baby story like no other to life with challenging characters and heartfelt revelations. Fast paced and endearing.

Jun Li comes across as your typical broody billionaire at first, but beneath the surface lies a man with deep vulnerability and emotional scars. He was abrupt, but once he warmed up to Ivy, a new man emerged.

Ivy is easy to like and sympathize with, but left a bit of a mystery in parts.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a standoffish connection that ends up being a deep and meaningful happily ever after.

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* Release Blitz/Review * DOIN’ A DIME by Lani Lynn Vale

May 18, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * DOIN’ A DIME by Lani Lynn Vale

Doin' A Dime by Lani Lynn Vale
Series: Souls Chapel Revenants MC #4
on May 18, 2021
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Live-in property & pet caretaker needed. Six-year minimum. Background check required. Generous compensation. Marriage of convenience required.

The moment that Wyett Villin read the ad on her local community’s page, she knew that it would be perfect. It didn’t matter how big the house was, what kinds of animals she had to take care of, or what the compensation was. She didn’t give a flip as long as it got her out of her childhood home and away from the person that she despised the most.

Only, she had no clue that by accepting the position, she would be agreeing to watch over the mini-mansion and two large dogs of Hunt McJimpsey, computer hacker extraordinaire, sexy nerd, and convicted felon of Souls Chapel, Texas.

She’d meant to make her life easier, not complicate it more.

***

Hunt McJimpsey was careful. He knew exactly what he was doing and practically planned every single step that he took to make sure that he always had his tracks covered.

But one single mistake costs him five years of his life, and if he’s going to go down for the crime, he might as well make it spectacular.

Three years into his prison sentence, he’s a changed man, and definitely not for the better.

He’s harder, angrier, and even more brilliant and conniving than before he went in.

He thinks that by keeping up with his dogs’ babysitter, his property caretaker, and reluctant wife, that he’s only doing his due diligence as a responsible person. Only, what starts out as curiosity for his property turns into genuine like for the woman that is caring for what means the most to him.

When an opportunity to get out of the hellhole known as prison arises and the only thing he has to do is join a motorcycle club and sign some of his free time away to help those less fortunate, he jumps at the chance.

Not only because he’s ready to get the hell out of prison, but because he’s ready to meet the woman that he’s been falling for, one visit a week, for the last three years.

They’re unorthodox, but they are divine! Book four in the Souls Chapel Revenants MC by Lani Lynn Vale just might be my favorite in the series yet. There’s just something about Wyett and Hunt in DOIN’ A DIME that warmed my heart and had me pulling hard for them from the moment they crossed the pages. I’m enjoying this series and looking forward to more to come.

Hunt is a complex character who admits to his flaws and refuses to apologize for them. I loved him from the start and couldn’t wait to see him truly connect with Wyett.

Wyett is a doll and seeing her be mistreated by the family that is supposed to love her was heartbreaking, but her strong nature and take no prisoners attitude made her a compelling character.

I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys a series revolving around a group of misfits who are banding together to right wrongs and falling for the women around them one guy at a time.

Doin’ a Dime
Souls Chapel Revenants MC Book 4
Lani Lynn Vale
Release Date: May 18, 2021

About the Book

Live-in property & pet caretaker needed. Six-year minimum. Background check required. Generous compensation. Marriage of convenience required.

The moment that Wyett Villin read the ad on her local community’s page, she knew that it would be perfect. It didn’t matter how big the house was, what kinds of animals she had to take care of, or what the compensation was. She didn’t give a flip as long as it got her out of her childhood home and away from the person that she despised the most.

Only, she had no clue that by accepting the position, she would be agreeing to watch over the mini-mansion and two large dogs of Hunt McJimpsey, computer hacker extraordinaire, sexy nerd, and convicted felon of Souls Chapel, Texas.

She’d meant to make her life easier, not complicate it more.

***

Hunt McJimpsey was careful. He knew exactly what he was doing and practically planned every single step that he took to make sure that he always had his tracks covered.

But one single mistake costs him five years of his life, and if he’s going to go down for the crime, he might as well make it spectacular.

Three years into his prison sentence, he’s a changed man, and definitely not for the better.

He’s harder, angrier, and even more brilliant and conniving than before he went in.

He thinks that by keeping up with his dogs’ babysitter, his property caretaker, and reluctant wife, that he’s only doing his due diligence as a responsible person. Only, what starts out as curiosity for his property turns into genuine like for the woman that is caring for what means the most to him.

When an opportunity to get out of the hellhole known as prison arises and the only thing he has to do is join a motorcycle club and sign some of his free time away to help those less fortunate, he jumps at the chance.

Not only because he’s ready to get the hell out of prison, but because he’s ready to meet the woman that he’s been falling for, one visit a week, for the last three years.

Purchase Links

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2YhELyn
Apple: http://apple.co/3chz4sw
Nook: http://bit.ly/3chiV68
Kobo: http://bit.ly/39pv476

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2YjB4rT

About Lani Lynn Vale

Lani Lynn Vale is a Wall Street Journal & USA Today Bestselling Author of over thirty titles. She is married with three children, two dogs, two cats, a donkey, and a couple (a couple also meaning over twenty) chickens.

When she’s not writing, you can find her curled up in her favorite chair reading.

Lani is married with three children and lives in the Great State of Texas.

Website: http://www.lanilynnvale.com/
Facebook: https://bit.ly/LLV-fb
Instagram: https://bit.ly/LLV-IG
Twitter: https://bit.ly/LLV-twitter
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/LLVgoodreads
BookBub: http://bit.ly/LLVbb

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* Review * PAUSE by Kat Mizera

May 18, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Pause by Kat Mizera
Series: ROCK HARD #2
on May 18, 2021
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Four sexy rockers.
Four intense women who don't know they love them.
Four hard rockin' love stories for the ages.

Stu Killorn is the epitome of rock and roll.

From his smoldering guitar licks to his dangerous good looks, he’s been on the top of the world and experienced the lowest of lows—including a stint in prison. With his new band he has a second chance at life—and fame. All he has to do is keep his head down and avoid emotional entanglements.

Law student Lindsay Sager is all work and no play. Her only connection to the music world is playing supportive bestie to the lead singer of a new band. Lindsay’s focus is on passing the bar exam so she can’t afford any distractions... not even a sexy Scottish guitarist who rocks her world.

Stu and Lindsay’s sexual chemistry is combustible and their desire to keep things simple turns very complicated. She’s the first woman he can’t seem to stay away from, but when his past comes roaring into the future, can they find a way to move forward together?

I loved them together! With the second book in her Rock Hard series Kat Mizera is bringing an angsty couple together in PAUSE and I simply adored them. There wasn’t a lot of relationship development in actually being together or what the future holds, etc., but the heartfelt conversations, the explosive sexual chemistry and the downright gentle souls they both let show was so endearing. I can’t wait for more in the series!

Stu is everything. From the start of this new band, we’ve been able to get a feel for him and knew he had heartache in his past, but man he poured it out even more than I was expecting. I felt for him on every level. What a heart!

Lindsay is fun and down-to-earth, but Stu brings a side of her to life that not many see. I enjoyed her closeness with Lexi, her friendship with the entire band and how openly she let herself enjoy new things.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series so far to anyone who enjoys the rock-star mentality partnered with a whole lot of heart and happily ever afters.

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* Review * GONE TOO FAR by Debra Webb

May 18, 2021 Leave a Comment

Gone Too Far by Debra Webb
Series: Devlin & Falco #2
Published by Thomas & Mercer on April 27, 2021
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As veteran detectives of the Birmingham Police Department, Kerri Devlin and Luke Falco have seen it all. So when the city’s new hotshot deputy district attorney turns up dead as part of a double homicide, the partners immediately get to work.

But this is no ordinary case. Devlin and Falco quickly link the murdered DDA to one of their own: former BPD detective Sadie Cross. But Sadie’s fractured memory is yet another puzzle to decipher, as she only recalls bits and pieces of her violent past…a past that may hold clues to the motive behind the murders.

As the group slowly begins to unearth the truth, they soon discover that the more secrets are revealed, the more fatal the consequences.

Debra Webb hooked me from the first page! With the second in the Devlin and Falco series, GONE TOO FAR brings murder and turmoil too close to home when the ADA is murdered right under the nose of a former police detective and Devlin and Falco are left to decipher the pieces as danger is nipping at their heals. Great suspense, interesting characters and more twists and turns than you can count. I’m looking forward to more from these two!

One double homicide takes them on a run through corruption while what feels like a bullying situation turns into so much more before they can think twice.

I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys a fast paced police investigation with tidbits of family life and office politics mixed in throughout.

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* Blog Tour/Review * ALL THE BEAUTIFUL THINGS by Stacey Lynn

May 14, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Blog Tour/Review * ALL THE BEAUTIFUL THINGS by Stacey Lynn

All The Beautiful Things by Stacey Lynn
Series: Love and Lies Duet #2
Published by SL Books on May 11, 2021
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She’d been betrayed too many times to hand over her trust.
I’d lost too many people to love too easily.

Together, we were a mess. A constant struggle for peace. Yet it was in each other we found everything we were looking for.

Until tragedy struck and I feared the worst.
Pushing her away would have been the best. Kept us safe and unshaken.

But it was too late. My little fighter had determined what she wanted, and she was willing to go down swinging to finally earn her happily ever after.

It was her determination that kept us together, even through the worst of it.
If we finally made it to the other side, all the ugly things we’d survived could lead to something beautiful.

A powerfully emotional journey of healing. With the second book in her Love and Lies Duet Stacey Lynn brings all the emotions and feels to the surface as Lilly uncovers the secrets that Hudson has been hiding. I wasn’t quite as captivated in this half of the story as I was in the first, but as a whole the duet was beautifully written and a strong emotional journey.

Lilly has fallen for this family just as she learns they are an addition to the list of lies that have been fed to her throughout her life. Watching her grow the strength to figure out what’s real and what’s not is a rewarding.

Hudson is a really nice guy, and though he was part of the subterfuge, he never had ill will against Lilly.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an emotional read filled with characters who aren’t perfect, but who love hard.

“An emotional and thought-provoking romance fueled by a page-turning suspense.” – Jewel E. Ann, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author

All the Beautiful Things, the highly anticipated conclusion to the unforgettable Love & Lies Duet by Stacey Lynn is available now!

She’d been betrayed too many times to hand over her trust. I’d lost too many people to love too easily.

Together, we were a mess. A constant struggle for peace. Yet it was in each other we found everything we were looking for. Until tragedy struck and I feared the worst. Pushing her away would have been the best. Kept us safe and unshaken.

But it was too late. My little fighter had determined what she wanted, and she was willing to go down swinging to finally earn her happily ever after.

It was her determination that kept us together, even through the worst of it. If we finally made it to the other side, all the ugly things we’d survived could lead to something beautiful.

Read today!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2QeAlaK
Apple Books: http://apple.co/3lsBGGr
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/beautifulthings
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Kobo: http://bit.ly/3qX1rj2
Google Play: http://bit.ly/3rWV5So

Add ALL THE BEAUTIFUL THINGS to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/3r0HU1b

Start the epic Love & Lies Duet today!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3qTSEi8
Apple Books: http://apple.co/38RANBY
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/uglythings
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Add ALL THE UGLY THINGS to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2P3hrTq

Excerpt from All the Ugly Things:

She worked in a shithole diner and probably lived in a shithole place when she was the daughter of a state judge, probably grew up in private schools with a Mercedes gifted to her on her sixteenth birthday and more money than my own parents had. This shouldn’t be her life. She’s better than this. Better than her circumstance and I believe her. She just needs someone to help. The memory of Melissa’s pleading eyes made me squeeze my own eyes shut. “Fucking bleeding heart.” Since she could walk, she had a calling to save everything from kittens and frogs and turtles in the road to classmates and children where she worked. One last request. Promise me. I’d wanted to throttle her slim, pale throat. I gripped the door handle and scowled at the silver-plated handle, before I threw it open. “Happy now?” I asked, and somehow, I knew she was. Lilly was still in the back when I entered. Where Dad said she always stood, there was an old laptop with notebooks spread open. I took the seat at the far end and waited, snagging a menu from the counter on my way. The food was cheap, basic diner food, perfect for the clientele a place like this brought in. Greasy, thick burgers, patty melts, and Reubens. Sandwiches and burgers and two salad options. It was late enough none of it appealed to me. Probably why my dad came for the pies. Fortunately for me, he’d said they were the best he’d ever tasted, and I’d inherited his sweet tooth. The creak of old, squeaky door hinges rang out and I lifted my head. Lilly came out carrying a tray stacked with food, focused on the four-top. I didn’t move for fear of distracting her. Not a great first impression to make if she ended up covered in grease and condiments. The guys at the table did more shoulder-slapping, whooping and hollering like they were watching the Super Bowl and not their food being delivered. I kept my eyes on them, waiting for one to give me a reason to put an end to all of them. The dark-haired guy would be first. He sat at the outer edge of the booth and as Lilly leaned forward to deliver a tray to the guy next to him, his hand hovered inches from her backside. The blond across the table egged him on with a nod but she stood back, put space between them, and barked, “Even think of touching me and none of you are leaving with your dicks still attached to your body.” “Oohh. I’ll show you mine happily,” one said, hands dropping to his lap. She glared at him, resting bitch face I was certain she learned in prison firmly in place. It didn’t look right on her. Too hard. Too forced. What would she have been like as a smiling, happy teenager before life was stolen from her? Damn it. I felt it then. That pull my dad had when he first saw her. She’d lost too much.

Meet Stacey Lynn:

Stacey Lynn likes her coffee with a dash of sugar, her heroes with a side of bossy, and her wine a deep shade of red.

The author of over thirty romance novels, many of which have been best-selling titles on Amazon, AppleBooks, and Barnes & Noble, she loves being able to turn her vivid imagination into a career that brings entertainment and joy to her readers. Focused on sports romance and emotional, small-town romance, she also loves stretching herself in different genres.

Born in Texas and raised in the Midwest, she now makes her home in North Carolina and loves all things Southern. Together with her ultimate tall, dark, and handsome hero, she has four children. Her life is a chaotic mess that fights with her Type-A, list-making, neurotically organized preferences and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Connect with Stacey:
Facebook: http://bit.ly/379Te19
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Website: http://bit.ly/2uyDibF

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