Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Dec. 25 WWW


To play along just answer the following 3 questions:

1) What are you currently reading?
2) What did you recently finish reading?
3) What do you think you'll read next?

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Merry Christmas to all of those who celebrate it. I hope you are having a great day.

1) What are you currently reading?

I am currently reading both Bonnie R. Paulson's Psycho Inside Me and Stephen King's Under the Dome.

2) What did you recently finish reading?

I recently finished reading Brooklyn Skye's Stripped Without You. To see how I felt about it come back on Friday to read my review.

3) What do you think you'll read next?

I think I will be reading Goodbye Caution next or Lisa Acerbo's Apocalipstick.


Please share your WWW and tell me what you think of any of these books.
Happy Wednesday and Merry Christmas.


Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Perfectly Damaged Cover Reveal

Make sure to check out the TEASERS, PLAYLIST & enter the GIVEAWAY for $50 in Amazon Gift Cards below!

This is a standalone book scheduled to be released end of January/Mid-February. Exact release date to be announced.

Come join our Facebook Release Day Event – CLICK HERE


Author: E.L. Montes
Book Title: Perfectly Damaged
Cover Designer: Mae I Design and Photography
Genre: Contemporary Romance
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Schizoaffective disorder: a mental illness in which a person experiences a combination of mood disorder and schizophrenia symptoms.

I know about this illness—very well—because I suffer from it. It’s been four years since my diagnosis, and ever since, I’ve been living in a dark hole. Voices constantly invading my thoughts. Hallucinations. All of which force me to question if what I’m experiencing is even reality.
But here I am, still hanging on, still breathing and living through it.
That is, until he stumbled into my life. Logan Reed. I don’t want any part of him. I’ve pushed him away, but he isn’t easily deterred. I’ve told him I’m different, but he doesn’t care. He’s trying to slowly break me down. I’m trying just as hard not to let him. He doesn’t know how truly damaged I am; what will happen when he does?
I know the truth—he’ll never be able to look at me the same way again. Just like everybody else.


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Playlist on Spotify (click below link to listen)

https://play.spotify.com/user/1258382527/playlist/34DCiwQijcHw7N7N0H3av8

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Facebook & Goodreads, Amazon, Twitter, Authorgraph

Other books by E.L. Montes:

Buy on Amazon: http://amzn.to/12wBrwi
Buy on B&N: http://bit.ly/1925cFT

Buy on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1cEGPlQ
Buy on B&N: http://bit.ly/1cZP8ZU

a Rafflecopter giveaway


I'm looking forward to this book's release, I cannot wait to read it. Let me know what you think of this book and its cover. Also, don't forget to enter the giveaway. Good Luck!

Teaser Tuesday: Under the Dome

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!


TitleUnder the Dome

Author: Stephen King


Teaser: "Take him downstairs. I want to wash my hands. I feel dirty just touching him."

I'm enjoying reading this book so far. I don't know why I put off reading this for so long.


Please leave a comment and tell me what you think of this teaser.
And share your own teasers.
Happy Tuesday!

Monday, December 23, 2013

Musing Monday #11

Musing Mondays asks you to muse about one of the following each week...
  • Describe one of your reading habits.
  • Tell us what book(s) you recently bought for yourself or someone else, and why you choose that/those book(s).
  • What book are you currently desperate to get your hands on? Tell us about it!
  • Tell us what you're reading right now – what you think of it, so far; why you chose it; what you are (or, aren't) enjoying.
  • Do you have a bookish rant? Something about books or reading (or the industry) that gets your ire up? Share it with us!
  • Instead of the above questions, maybe you just want to ramble on about something else pertaining to books – let's hear it, then!
Right now, I am working on reading Stephen King's Under the Dome. I have attempted to read this book several times in the past but I always get sidetracked or caught up in other things. I always seem to stop after the first two chapters. Now that there is a television show based on this book I really want to read it so I can watch the show. Usually I read very quickly and I like to read a book straight through; however, seeing as how this book is 1072 pages long and it's the holidays, I will probably be reading this book over a period of time. 


I think I might want to read this book slowly so that I can truly understand it since it is such a lengthy book. Last year I read Leo Tolstoy's Anna Karenina and I absolutely loved it, however I had to read it in parts over a couple of months so that I could truly appreciate the work. I might post small posts about the book while I read this book also.

Please leave a comment and tell me what you think of Under the Dome. Have you read it or watched the television show? What are your experiences with it and other Stephen King novels. Also, don't forget to share your Musing Mondays.

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Changes

I just wanted to write a quick apology to anyone who was on the blog during the past hour or so. I was changing pretty much everything regarding my header and background so things might have looked a little weird for a bit.

I have wanted to change the way this blog looked for a little while but I just never knew how or what I wanted to change it to. I hope you all like it and have a happy Friday :)

Dec. 20 Feature & Follow Friday


 Feature & Follow Friday is a weekly event hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read

This week's question: Pick a book in your favorite genre that you'd recommend to a reluctant reader.

My Answer: Paranormal Romance is my absolute favorite genre.

I recommend April Bostic's The Howling Heart.


I really loved this book when I read it for a blog tour that I was involved in earlier this year. I love romance and anytime that there is a paranormal element in it, I am happy. This is a great book about werewolves, packs, secrets, and love that I think many people will enjoy.



Please leave a comment and share your FF. Happy Friday!!! :)


When It's Love Book Blitz & Giveaway



Synopsis:
When Sydney Morrison learned the dark truth about who she really is, her whole world turned black. Tormented by her identity and deeply depressed, she confides in no one, not even her hot and adoring best friend, Henry.  But Sydney does tell Henry about the epic crush she has on her famous writing teacher, Professor Sparling. 

Convinced she doesn’t stand a chance with the professor, Sydney is shocked when he takes a special interest in her. The two begin a torrid online affair that pulls Sydney out of her shell and makes her feel desired and daring. And as Sydney tumbles into a journey that’s erotic beyond her imagination, her relationship with Henry gets complicated.

Then Sydney’s darkest secret begins to hunt her down just when she thinks she’s escaping it. Suddenly nothing is what is seems to be and Sydney finds herself torn between truth and love.



Author Info:
Emma Lauren has lived in Texas and Michigan. She met the man of her dreams when she was only 18, and 7 years later she married him. They now have three rambunctious kids who keep Emma on her toes. Emma loves animals, romantic stories, 80s music, chick flicks, and cupcakes. When she's not writing she's probably doing laundry.

Author Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Excerpt: 
Professor Sparling is so out of my league.  What he could he possibly see in me?  But he sees something, obviously, because he reached out to me, and I don’t want to lose his interest.  What I feel for him is pure passion and I’m exploding with it.  Of all the intense emotions I’ve 
experienced in life– rage, fear, depression and frustration – this passion is the only one that’s felt impossible to contain.

My hands are shaking as I type: Professor Sparling, I wanted to impress you because I’m drawn to you.

If only I could write just how drawn I am to him.  But that would come across either way too romantic, or way too forward.  It’s not like I can just write to my professor that I spent half of the time in his classes thinking about either kissing him for two hours straight, or unzipping his pants. I can’t even say that I’ve been waiting fourteen weeks for him to really notice me. But most of all, I can’t tell him that he’s the one I believe can lead me out of the dark places where all I feel are shame and grief.  I want to end my internal ache, push the pain away, and live the life of a normal college student.  College years are supposed to be carefree, but I haven’t gone to any parties. I never even go out for dinner unless the Harts invite me over to Ottawa Estate, or Henry drags me somewhere.  All I’ve wanted to do at Addison is be at home alone with my cats.  My most social activity is watching movies with Henry.  This little online flirty exchange, though, is giving rise to the part of me that has been totally shut down.  Apparently along with the sadness inside my body lives a full-fledged diva, and these emails are waking her up like a kiss from Prince Charming.  The diva’s voice is nothing like that of my withdrawn, anti-social persona who always dresses in gray and thinks she can’t compete with the Melanies of the world.
I stare at my computer screen waiting for a reply.  It comes within seconds.

Sydney, Please call me Paul.  And tell me, to which part of me are you drawn?

Call him Peter?  No way.  I can’t think of him as Paul.  Not yet, at least.  Part of the appeal, after all, is the fact that he’s my professor.  I bet he’d like it if I dressed up as a schoolgirl in a teeny pleated, plaid skirt.  I’m sure he would teach me a lesson or two!

I can’t believe this is happening.  I am flirting with Professor Paul Sparling, man of my dreams, or at least man of my sexual fantasies.  I wished for this a million times, but I never expected it to come true.   And I never imagined it would begin with email.





Please leave a comment and share what you think of When it's Love and don't forget to enter the giveaway.

Outside the Coffin: Winter Vacation 2013!!!

Happy Holidays Everyone!!

So as this is my first year in college/university (whichever you call it) and this is my first winter vacation, I am enjoying a relaxing time off. I am majoring in English Literary Studies which means that I am and will have to take many, many, many literature classes. This past semester was a very different experience than I thought it would be. I have done things that I never thought I would have been capable of doing. I have always been a shy person who doesn't necessarily like talking; however, this year I was able to go away to school. Granted it is only two hours away but I learned a lot about myself. I learned that I am able to go away and be away from my family for weeks or a month at a time. Usually, I like to stay in my house and be by myself with my books (hence the book blog), but these past few months I have begun to go out more and I made new friends that I will hopefully know for a long time.

(me)

For this winter vacation, I am happy to spend a longer time with my family. I realized how much I have missed them and how much I want to spend time with them. I am also grateful that I get to see my friends that I haven't seen in months. 

(outside my dorm room)

Winter is one of my favorite times of year because of the all of the snow and the feelings in the air. I think it is a magical time with the holidays coming. People are getting ready for the holidays and there are Christmas movies and books to be seen. There is also the feeling of lighting candles, baking, drinking tea, wearing sweaters that just makes this time of year one of my favorites. Even right now as I right this I am cuddled up on the couch with a cup of tea, a blanket, and my cat who keeps hitting my arm while I type.

(Snowman cupcake that my friend made)

I don't know if I have a favorite holiday book per se but some that come to mind are A Christmas Carol, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and Polar Express. I have seen A Christmas Carol performed several times and I enjoy it nearly every time. I also like the book. Of course, How the Grinch Stole Christmas is an amazing book and movie. I absolutely love pretty much everything that Dr. Seuss has written and I love the movie adaptation. I loved the Polar Express book when I first bought it many years ago, but I must say that the movie slightly irritates me. I think the songs are what does it for me. It's funny to say but I think the movie in general is just too happy for me. The hot chocolate song is usually where I need to start fast forwarding. 

I think Christmas music overall brings a really happy feeling which is great buuuuuutttt when it begins to play on the radio and in stores right after Halloween, by mid December I am sorta over the fact that Santa Claus is coming to town and that I'm dreaming of a white Christmas. But, it can't be avoided so what are you going to do? I'm not a Grinch, I love Christmas. My room is decorated, I have a tree in my bedroom, and I cannot wait until next week to start my baking.

(where I went sledding)

I hope everyone has a happy, safe, and fun holiday. I want to start making these "Outside the Coffin" posts a regular thing because sometimes I like to talk about other things than just books and I feel like I can do that on here. 

Comment below your favorite holiday book or movie. Let's see what everyone is likes for the holidays. Also, what do you think I should talk about next week Outside the Coffin.

Blog Tour: What's Left of Me

Title: What's Left of Me

Author: Amanda Maxlyn

Genre: Contemporary, Coming of Age, Romance

Publish Date: December 13, 2013

Publisher: Bandit Publishing

Length: 329 pages

Format: paperback, ebook

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Description:

Life works in mysterious ways.
Four years ago I became known as the girl with cancer.
I refuse to cry.
And I refuse to give in.
A relationship with a man is the last thing I’m looking for right now, but one night with Parker changes everything. He is persistent, and he knows what he wants. Me.
He doesn’t treat me like I’m fragile.
But he doesn’t know, and I’m not ready to tell him.
What if it changes everything?
Tragedy found me when I was seventeen.
Love found me when I was twenty-one.
My name is Aundrea McCall, and this is my journey.
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My Review: To start things off: a box of tissues must be placed next to you before you read this book. I pretty much never cry at books or movies, but this book had the tears flowing during numerous parts. Aundrea has cancer, but she does not want to live her life as if she is ill. That is what made me admire Aundrea. I liked that she wanted to go on with her life as if nothing changed.

During a night out with her friends Aundrea meets Parker who at first seems like a one night stand, however he is thrown back into her life. Parker is an amazing guy who is a very realistic character. I think he reacted perfectly to events in the story, especially when he finds out about Aundrea having cancer, a fact that she had been hiding from him.

I loved the relationship between Aundrea and Parker. I liked how Aundrea attempted to not get serious with Parker for obvious reasons, while Parker did everything in his power to get Aundrea to admit her feelings for him. This book was an emotional roller coaster for me. I was happy and excited during the date scenes with Aundrea and Parker. Then I was miserable and crying during the hospital scenes.

This novel encompasses the journey that Aundrea travels through her treatments and the ups and downs of her relationship. We get to see how her friends and family handle developments in her treatment. Overall, I think everyone had very realistic reactions and feelings. Aundrea's side effects, symptoms, and moods are all very well detailed and provide an in depth look into a cancer patient's life.

I did not like the epilogue whatsoever. But not because of any literary reasons. It wasn't because it was poorly written, unnecessary, or that it didn't connect with the rest of the novel. I didn't like it because it was mean. It was just down right mean and hurtful and it made me cry and I can't say anything about it without giving any spoilers so you'll just have to read it for yourselves.

 I give What's Left of Me 5 stakes because it was one of, if not the most, emotional books that I have read all year. I love Aundrea and Parker and I think this novel was beautifully written. I think it captured emotions that some film makers wish they could produce. All of the characters felt well developed and I cared about all of them. I now know that I have to look for other books written by this author.

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About Amanda:

I am the mother of two little boys, married to the love of my life, and living in one of the smallest towns in Minnesota. When I’m not chasing or cleaning up after my boys (yes, all three), I can be found writing or snuggled up with my kindle, a glass of wine, and spending time with my fictional friends and family.
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AmandaMaxlynAuthor
Website - http://amandamaxlyn.com/
Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7264050.Amanda_Maxlyn
Twitter - https://twitter.com/AmandaMaxlyn
Instagram - http://instagram.com/amandamaxlyn

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Giveaway:


Please leave a comment and share what you think of this emotional book and don't forget to enter the giveaway.

Dear Emily Release Giveaway

For more fun & giveaways, come join our Facebook Release Party & Blog Tour Event ~ Sunday, December 8th 7-9pm EST – CLICK HERE

Happy Release Day to Trudy Stiles for her debut novel "Dear Emily". Make sure to check out the TRAILER, TEASERS & enter the GIVEAWAY for a Kindle HDX below!

Now Available

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Author: Trudy Stiles
Book Title: Dear Emily ~ Series: Forever Family #1
Genre: New Adult/Romance


Two women. Carly & Tabitha. Both have suffered life-altering events that have left them both traumatically damaged.
Carly Sloan’s life was perfect until the night her security and innocence was torn from her. The vast repercussions from that horrific night threaten to destroy her stability and her chances for a happily ever after. Kyle Finnegan comes into Carly’s life at the height of her turmoil. Can he help her find what she desires most?
Tabitha Fletcher, on the other hand, has suffered from a very young age. She has been hiding from her past, which was full of abuse, loss and turmoil. She has been so brutally damaged that she has very little hope of redemption. The revolving door of men only leads her deeper into misery.
What circumstance brings these two women together unexpectedly and can they help each other heal? And will they each find what they need?
Redemption.
Love.
Family.
This book is not suitable for young readers. It is intended for mature adults only (18+). It contains strong language, adult/sexual situations, non-consensual sex and some violence.
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*** BOOK TRAILER & TEASERS ***

Dear Emily from t. h. snyder on Vimeo.

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About the Author:

Trudy Stiles is a New Adult author, avid reader, mom to two beautiful children and married to the love of her life. She just wrote her debut novel, "Dear Emily, and cannot wait to share it with everyone.
You'll know that she's writing when you see her plugged into her laptop with her earbuds and she always has a playlist ready for her writing sprints.
When she's not writing, she's carting her children to their various activities while avoiding any kind of laundry or housework. She also loves to run along the boardwalk of the beautiful New Jersey shore.
She's always been an avid reader and frequently escapes into the fictional worlds of the many characters that she has come to love. Well now there are some fictional characters in her head dying to get out!
This first story is called "Dear Emily" and will begin the "Forever Family" series.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authortrudystiles
Website: www.trudystiles.com
Twitter: @trudystiles
Author page on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7255897.Trudy_Stiles
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*** GIVEAWAY ***

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Blog Tour: Unbearable





Title: Unbearable


Author: Shantel Tessier

Series: Undescribable #2

Publish Date: December 10, 2013

Length: 400 pages

Format: ebook

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DescriptionGrief.
How do you survive the loss of a mother you thought didn't love you...until it was too late?
Forgiveness.
How do you forgive the person who hurt you the most?
Fear.
How do you survive the person who won’t let you go?
Jealousy.
How can your heart continue to trust the person you thought you knew?
Betrayal.
How many secrets are too many?
Lust.
How can you say no, when your body screams yes?
Passion.
How can you deny a love that has no boundaries?
Slade and Samantha's story continues...


My Review: Unbearable is the continuation of the novel Undescribable. I think that reading the first book is definitely necessary to understand what is happening in this book just because it would provide some information on Slade and Samantha's relationship.

That being said I was momentarily confused by the first page referring to her as Angel and then the next page calling her Samantha. This back and forth went on a lot in this book and I think it is a little odd. I usually find nicknames and pet names to be cute and sweet but not when they are interchangeable.

I really liked Slade. I think he is a really great guy especially in the beginning. He attempts to give Samantha the space she needs even though she is baffled by it and is constantly trying to have sex with him which came across as a bit needy rather than sexy. I understand that she is going through an emotionally trying time but it just seemed a bit over the top.

In my opinion, this book was a little slow and dragged on in places. Also, I feel that reading the first book is definitely necessary. I give this book 3 stakes and I don't know that I would read another of this series.

Book Trailers:
Undescribable:


Unbearable: 


GiveawayBlog Tour giveaway – 
4 signed paperback of Undescribable & Unbearable
5 swag packs
1- Kindle paperwhite (US only)
1- $100 Amazon gift card for International.




Meet the AuthorShantel is a Texas born girl who now lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma with her high school sweetheart, and their three year old little princess. She considers herself extremely lucky to be a stay at home wife and mother. When she’s not reading or writing, she spends her time with family and friends.

Author LinksTwitter | Facebook | Goodreads





Where to Get Your Copy: UndescribableAmazon | Barnes & Noble [Now only $0.99]

UnbearableAmazon | Barnes & Noble


Please leave a comment and tell me what you think of Unbearable and don't forget to enter the giveaway. Good Luck!!!!


Blog Tour: The Hart Family

Title: Broken Hart, Shattered Hart, Loving Hart, Unbroken Hart 
                      (This is a box set of all 4 books)

Author: Ella Fox

Series: The Hart Family

Genre: Romance

Publish Date: November 8, 2013

Length: 658 pages

Format: ebook




Blog Tour:

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Description


Broken Hart (Hart #1)
Sabrina Tyler is head over heels in love with her boss and best friend, Dante Hart. She thinks that Dante has no romantic interest in her but she's wrong. Dante doesn't believe in love or commitment or any kind. Sabrina has gotten under his skin, but Dante has no intention of acting on it. One wild night changes their relationship forever, but Dante lacks faith in love and doesn't believe in Happily Ever Afters. Can Sabrina break through and fix what's broken in Dante Hart

Shattered Hart (Hart #2)
Damien Hart will never allow himself to fall into a committed relationship. He's seen the worst of the worst, and he knows that there isn't a woman on earth that will ever change his mind.  All of that changes the moment he meets Brooke Tyler. Damien's entire view of women and relationships is rocked by her, and though he tries, he can't make himself stay away. Brooke is everything Damien never knew that he wanted. Will he be able to let go of his past and take a chance on love?
This is an EROTIC romance. Get a fan ready, because Damien is going to heat you up!


Loving Hart (Hart #3)
Destiny gave them each other...From the moment he saw her, Spencer Cross knew that Delilah Hart was special. Understanding that she needed him to be strong for her, Spencer endured a childhood filled with secrets, lies and abuse. Delilah gave him a reason to live as she protected his heart and kept him from going off the rails. Delilah knew that fate had delivered the love of her life to her at a very early age. Spencer was her anchor and the reason she believed in true love. She'd never doubted that they were meant to be together forever. Until chance threatened to rip them apart...Will Delilah be able to convince Spencer to let go of his demons, or will she be forced to walk away with only the memories?

Unbroken Hart (Hart #4)
There were reasons why Dante didn't believe in love, reasons why he kept people at bay. For the first time, you will find out how Dante really felt about Sabrina from the very beginning. Catch up with the couple that started the Hart Family series. Dante is as steamy as ever!


My Review: I can honestly say that Ella Fox is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I recently reviewed her Catch My Fall from the Catch series and I cannot wait for the rest of the series. Now I have the privilege of reading and reviewing the Hart Family series. 

I loved each member of the Hart family and was happy to see that this series featured a different member of the family, except for the last one which is about Dante and Sabrina again. 

Broken Hart about Sabrina and Dante was incredibly sweet and sexy at the same time. I was happy to see that Sabrina was not going to give up on their relationship simply because  of Dante's issues. Dante and his siblings have issues when it comes to relationships because of their parents. Their parents were horrible people who should not have been raising children but despite it all the children turned out to be great people.

I really liked how each story was intertwined so that you still get to see about previous couples in each book. I think Dante, Damien, and Spencer are all amazing men who I was happy to see that they finally found love. 

The sexy scenes in this series are great and very well detailed :) The women in these books are very lucky.











    










Quick Opinion: Overall, I was happy with the Hart Family series. I love having arc series because I think they are more fun as you get to hear more about characters in previous books without it dwelling on them too much. I also like series involving families and friends because there is the familiar connection. I give this series 4-4.5 stakes and I am now a huge fan of Ella Fox.

Meet the AuthorElla Fox writes like a woman possessed whenever she gets the chance!  She is the author of The Hart Family Series, The Renegade Saints Series and The Catch Series.

When she’s not writing, Ella indulges the gypsy in her blood and travels the country.  Ella loves reading, movies, music, buying make-up, reading Tmz, Twitter and pedicures, not necessarily in that order. She has a wild sense of humor and loves to laugh.  Her favorite thing in the world is hanging out with her family and watching comedy movies.

Author LinksFacebook | Twitter | Website | Author Goodreads

Where to Get Your CopyAmazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | Goodreads

Please leave a comment and let me know what you think of the Hart Family. I really loved them and I hope you do too.