New Release! Late for the Ball? by Heather Gray

Back Cover Blurb:

Fulfilling one's destiny has never been so…compelling.

Myra is cast aside by her parents, betrothed to a man she's never met, and forced into a life she never wanted. In the midst of it all, she finds herself strangely drawn into something she doesn't entirely understand.

The earl is mocking, demanding and entirely unwilling to break the betrothal.  He speaks in riddles, but by night's end, one thing is clear: He is not who he seems.

Follow Myra into a world of intrigue and hidden meaning. Will she unravel the mystery before time runs out?

Excerpt:

As she reached the top of the ostentatious entrance, the Ateliers' butler announced her to the throng. "Lady Myra Sedulous." His voice rang out across the ballroom as she entered. Her name wasn't generally important enough to warrant a deluge of attention. However, being late as she was, more than the normal one or two heads twisted in her direction. Not accustomed to this amount of notice, she made her way over to the refreshments. Myra moved swiftly to avoid conversation but kept her pace unhurried. She effortlessly carried off the look of graceful purpose so many debutantes strived for but failed to capture.

Myra was reaching for a glass of lemonade when a voice stilled her.

"You must be my betrothed." The words had the slightest accent. Myra tried but could not identify it.

Greek, perchance? If a man could sound both immovable and fluid at the same time, this man did. His voice was warm like a rich cup of chocolate yet chilly as the deepest days of winter. A thought flitted through her mind. Devour the chocolate or swear it off for life?

Myra turned to look at the man. Taller than any other at the ball, he was also broad-shouldered and fearsome in appearance. His hair was indeed darker than night. A deep olive color, his skin invited her to reach out and touch it. A shadow of growth covered his jaw, showing his utter disregard for the opinions of others. Determined to smile, she shifted her attention to his eyes and instead felt the corners of her mouth droop as their inky depths burned into her, making her feel transparent and bare. "And you are?" she asked, her voice quivering despite her best efforts to keep it steady.

The man had the gall to throw his head back and laugh. This was not, however, the laugh of a man meeting his betrothed for the first time. It sounded to Myra like the feral cry of a predatory animal. Surely prey about to be devoured could feel no less cornered than she did in that moment. "Why, I am the Earl of Allegory, of course. And you, my dear, are all mine."

Author Bio:

Aside from her long-standing love affair with coffee, Heather’s greatest joys in life are her relationship with her Savior, her family, and writing.  Years ago, she decided it would be better to laugh than yell.  Heather carries that theme over into her writing where she strives to create characters that experience both the highs and lows of life and, through it all, find a way to love God, embrace each day, and laugh out loud right along with her.

Buy Links:

Available in all electronic formats (for Kindle, Nook & other e-readers) for only 50¢ from Astraea Press.  http://astraeapress.com/#!/~/product/category=662245&id=24651949 

Where to Find Me:

My Website – http://www.heathergraywriting.com

My Blog – http://www.heathergraywriting.com/blog

Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/heathergraywriting

Twitter – http://twitter.com/LaughDreamWrite

Goodreads –  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4051662.Heather_Gray

Review of Lingerie Wars by Janet Elizabeth Henderson!!

Blurb~

Englishman Lake Benson loaned his life savings to his dippy sister so that she could buy a shop. It was a big mistake. His sister has been steadily flushing his money down the drain – and now he wants it back. Years in the special forces taught Lake that if you want a job done, do it yourself. So he steps in to make the shop profitable, sell it and get his money back. The only problem is, the business is an underwear shop. And all Lake knows about underwear can be summed up in how fast he can unsnap a bra. To make matters worse, the tiny highland town already has a lingerie shop. A successful one, run by an ex-lingerie model. A very gorgeous ex-lingerie model, who’s distracting him from his mission more than he’d like to admit. If Lake wants to get his savings back, and get out of Scotland, he only has one option – wipe out the competition.

Kirsty Campbell has spent years rebuilding her life after she woke up in hospital in Spain to find her body scarred, and her ex-fiance had run off with all her money. The last thing she needs is a cocky, English soldier-boy trying to ruin all she has left. Her home town is only too happy to help her fight the latest English invasion, although Lake is beginning to sway them with his sex appeal and cut price knickers. With the help of her mother, and the retired ladies of Knit or Die, Kirsty sets about making sure that her shop is the last one standing in Invertary.
It’s Scotland versus England as you’ve never seen it before. It’s lingerie war.

Tifferz Take~

This is my first read by Janet Elizabeth Henderson and I can tell you I will be devouring more of her writing soon. I was hooked within the first pages of this hilarious story. I tell you this Lingerie war is so fun and had me smiling and laughing out loud. Betty is a priceless character! Lake is arrogant and  just wants to get his sister's store in the black and sell the store to get on with his life. Boy is he in for a surprise with Kirsty! Lake ends up having more fun than he ever though possible. Kirsty - I liked her right off the bat. I felt she was real and that the author brought out real insecurities.

I loved Kirsty's mom's knitting club and all the towns people. Lake's family is very different and his sister needs to grow up. This is sweet and sexy romance filled with witty banter and some unforgettable war tactics!  Liked how things wrapped up! I am looking forward to book 2!
Ms. Henderson's writing is addictive. I am eager to get my hands on another of her books!

Just fyi ~ this does have a handful of swear words, premarital sexual situations, descriptive foreplay, and the sex is lights out.

Chelz Review:

Lingerie Wars will put a smile on your face!!!  The storyline will draw you in from the first chapter and hold you until the very last line.  I enjoyed the plot of 2 small shops in a tiny, nosy, opinionated town fighting for customers.  The back story on Kirsty was well thought out and I was cheering on her growth and creativity when she dug deep and decided to win the war.  There were times when I could not tell how time was moving in the story.  I also felt Rainne could have been more a part of the story, especially in the early chapters and the running of the store.  Overall a fun and sexy read.


Jewelz Review:
There's a bit of a ruckus going on in the wee Scottish town of Invertary! Lake Branson, former special ops for the English army has come to pull his sister's lingerie shop out of the red and into the black. Poor Raine is a product of their parents' free-spirited lifestyle and doesn't really know the first thing about running a business - she borrowed money from her brother to buy a lingerie shop over the street from another lingerie shop (and Invertary is a small town). Not only is the competition located directly across from them, but the contract Raine signed to purchase the shop stipulated that the previous owner (whom Lake refers to as his scottish pet hobbit) comes with the shop.



Having been trained in special ops, Lake declares war on Eye Candy - the competing lingerie shop. Unbeknownst to Lake, Kirsty Campbell has issues of her own. As Lake tries to win the town over and Kirsty struggles with her own issues the friendly lingerie war becomes a little heated - by day and in an entirely different sense at night! Throw in the group "Knit or Die", Betty (the hobbit), and a whole town full of "characters" and you have the makings of a real hootinanny!

I absolutely loved Lingerie Wars! It was such a fun read that I didn't want to put it down. I was laughing then crying and at times I wanted to hit something. The plot was very well-paced and while the sub-plots were not intrusive they were still fleshed out sufficiently to add depth to the storyline. Our main characters were dynamic - they each had a past that influenced their decisions and they grew and changed as the story progressed. While some of the war-time tactics were a bit unorthodox (but none-the-less enjoyable & brought great fun to the book), the growth and change Lake, Kirsty, and even Raine experience is well-paced and believeable. I am impressed with Ms. Henderson's ability to weave a story that incorporates such realistic character growth within such a fun, over-the-top setting. I can't wait to dive into another of her books!

Source~ author for review

you can find out more about Janet Elizabeth Henderson

Check out her goodreads page here
you can pick up the kindle

At What Cost by Jessie Anderson

During her junior year, sixteen-year-old Maggie Reynolds expected to shop for prom dresses not maternity clothes. Now, instead of studying for the SATs, she’s reading, What to Expect When You’re Expecting. Maggie’s ‘Mother Dearest’ lives in fear that Maggie will somehow taint the family name, so Maggie can’t turn to her for help. Meanwhile, her father is oblivious to anything but his 9-9 job. And her boyfriend, Justin? She’s pretty sure he’ll stay by her side. While Maggie wrestles with her options, Justin offers a solution: abortion. It would solve all her problems quickly, easily, and effectively. And her parents would never know, which means they won’t throw her out and cut her off like they’d always threatened if she got herself knocked up. But an easy decision becomes difficult when Maggie’s aunt discovers her secret and sets out on a mission to stop the abortion, putting a kink in Maggie’s plan. Now Maggie must decide which choice she can live with: abortion or teenage motherhood. Either way, it’ll be a tough road to travel.
 *Young Adult RONE finalist award and the USA Best Book Award finalist in Youth Issues *

 Special Note: At What Cost can be purchased for 99 cents at Amazon and Barnes & Noble for this week only! Buy Links: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Astraea Press | Kobo | Smashwords | Audible

Lauren stared at Maggie with wide eyes. “Pregnant? You’re flipping pregnant?” Apparently, the word “flipping” was supposed to convey the substantial amount of shock Lauren had for the bomb Maggie had dropped. It worked. Maggie wished she had such a word to use herself. But she needed something stronger.

“No. I’m late.” Maggie tried to convince herself it was just a fluke. That she was late due to the stress her mother continually heaped on her or the new year of school starting, but the possibility she might be pregnant scared her to death. Still, she tried to keep her head.

Lauren wriggled like a worm on a hook. Being calm was not her forte. “Holy pig snot! That first day of school!” her voice trailed off.

 “What?”

 “When you were looking at your calendar and got all weird and sick looking.”

 “Yeah, so?”

 “That’s when you figured it out, isn’t it?”

 The thought sucked Maggie back into that disgusting, dirty bathroom where she counted and recounted the days on her calendar realizing she had skipped her period that month.

 “Yeah, but I could just be late,” she said hopefully. “The stress of school starting and all. I’m just late.” More than anything, she wanted this to be true, but the view of the calendar in her mind grated on her stability until it was a flaky pile, blown away with one wisp of breath.

 “You trying to convince me or you?”

 Maggie shot Lauren a narrow-eyed glare.

 “Well, did you and Mr. Justin Davis use… you know,” Lauren asked, tucking her arms across her chest.

 She hated when Lauren called him that.

 “What?”

 She leaned in and whispered it like a dirty word. “Protection?”

 Thinking back, Maggie couldn’t remember. Playing that night over in her head a thousand times made the details a little fuzzy. “Yeah. I think so.”

 “You think so, meaning you may not have?”

 Maggie leaned back against the bed. She shook her head. “No, I’m sure we did. I made sure.”

 “Mags! If you were drunk, how would you know? You were drunk, right? Please tell me you were drunk.”

 “Not every time. I’d know, right? I’m sure we did. We had to.” They had used something, hadn’t they? Suddenly the purple butterflies clinging to Lauren’s walls flew at her as the room spun. Maggie choked down the bile rising in her throat and breathed deeply to steady the quivering of her lips.

 “Well, if you did, it didn’t work, and if you didn’t, you’re an idiot.” Lauren slapped a hand over her own mouth. “Sorry, I didn’t mean that.”


Author Info: Jessie Andersen lives in a small town in Western New York with her husband and three kids. A former English teacher, she now spends her time writing while the kids are at school and the baby is sleeping. She volunteers at the local library and sings in the church band. You can find information about her books at her website, and you can follow her blogs at her personal blog and her book blog. You can also follow her on Twitter and on Facebook.

Suddenly You: A Modern Retelling of Mansfield Park (The Jane Austen Academy Series #4) by Cecilia Gray

Don't forget to enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway at the end of the post!

Blurb:

Fanny doesn't want to be at The Jane Austen Academy. She intends to lay low until graduation when she can try out for the Olympic track team. She doesn't need friends or love. She only needs her running.

But The Academy is in danger. In an effort to save it, Fanny joins forces with the friends she never knew she wanted. Suddenly, Fanny finds herself center stage in the middle of the Academy's biggest love triangle as the lead in the school play...only this track star can't afford to break a leg.



CJz Review:

Suddenly You is a fantastic addition to The Jane Austen Academy Series!  Cecilia Gray has done it again!  A great story that grabs your attention right away and a writing style that is smooth and flawless!  I enjoyed Fanny's story and watching her learn to trust and open up to her friends.  It was great that the other characters from the previous novels were in the story as well.  Tran was a great lead character; mysterious, constant, and unwavering in his friendship to Fanny.  I loved how Josh was a part of Fanny's story as well!  Reading a Cecilia Gray novel is like sitting in your favorite chair!  It feels just right and you don't want to get out!  I am anxiously looking forward to the next two books in the series!  I am a Cecilia Gray fan for life!

Tifferz Take~

Brilliant! I think I loved this book the most because you see all the other characters from the previous books. Plus Fanny is a stellar girl and a strong character! I felt like I could relate to her. She knows what she wants a goes after it. I would like to think I am that way too. This story plot and flow of the story were so satisfying. My kids kept asking why I was smiling and I would tell them bits about the story. I love that Tran is a big part of this story.One of my favorite parts is the car scene! It just made me giggle. I was caught off guard with Josh. He is normally a jerk and he still has his moments in this book but he earned some brownie points with me in this book. I am so ecstatic to read book #5 when it comes out. I am so thrilled that Anne gets her story and we will see all the supporting cast and what they are up to. Cecilia Gray is a fantastic and consistent author. I look forward to reading many more books by her. So, please keep them coming Ms. Gray.

Jewelz’ Review:

I absolutely loved Suddenly You.  This time we get to read about Fanny, the quiet, introverted Asian-American track star. When Fanny first came to the Jane Austen Academy she was NOT happy to be there. Her mom basically forced her to attend because she had a scholarship & it would help ease the financial burdens of being a single mom to a young woman with dreams of Olympic gold. But, Fanny wanted to attend a school with a premier track program in order to pursue her life-long dream, and Jasta did NOT fit that bill.

In her third year at the Academy, Fanny begins to come out of her shell. She has always kept to herself and been completely single-minded in her pursuit of her Olympic dream. But as things have begun to change around her, Fanny finds that she doesn’t have to pursue her dreams alone. She finds that not only does she have a wonderful group of girlfriends, but there are a few guys that are important in her life too. Guys that become great friends and one guy who is just might be more important than a gold medal.

I think this is my favorite book in the series so far. I loved getting to know Fanny – she is such a great character. She really goes through a process of self-actualization that brings an added depth to this book. The other girls grow and change in the previous books also – just not quite to the degree that Fanny does. She truly is a different (and better) person at the end of the book than she was at the beginning. I loved how we learn more about Josh and how he grows too. And then there’s Tran! Who wouldn’t fall in love with that boy? Of course, it wrapped up all too quickly, but that’s how it is with these (and Austen’s) books. The book is about the process of getting the couple together, the journey – and it was a great journey!  I look forward to the final books in this series – can’t wait to find out about Anne and Emma, not to mention how they manage to save the Academy (I hope)!

 Chelz' Review:

"Suddenly You" is a great story.  Fanny is such a sweet young lady who struggles with her dream to be an Olympian and pleasing her demanding mother.  Fanny is incredibly disciplined, and with this trait she struggles to admit and go after what she wants when it varies from her long term goals.  You will enjoy Fanny's growth and learning what the "real Fanny" thinks about. 

    The interaction between these young ladies and how they "learn" to be friends is a wonderful read. These girls are more or less a melting pot from various circumstances, not just spoiled rich girls.   It would be wonderful it all junior and high school girls would read these and try to become friends, instead of judging and being cruel.

    The epilogue is well done and I hope that Emma is "off" on her match making.  I am looking forward to the next book in the series and will definitely be picking these up again before it's released.


You can pick up a copy of Suddenly You via Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

Source:  Author for review

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When I'm With You: A Modern Retelling of Northanger Abbey (The Jane Austen Academy Series #3) by Cecilia Gray

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Blurb:

Kat is destined to be a star and her big break has arrived at last! As the assistant to a celebrity classmate on the set of a feature film, she's going to show everyone she has what it takes. That is, until she discovers pursuing her dreams may mean forfeiting her heart. Unless she can find a way to have both...


CJz Review:


This is by far my favorite book in the Jane Austen Academy series!  I was privileged to receive an early review copy of this book!  It does not disappoint!  The story swept me away by its main character Kat.  I was amazed that she was so uninhibited on the stage yet so unsure of herself in life.  I instantly loved her character because she was so genuine and kind.  I couldn't help but root and cheer for her!  I found myself engrossed in Kat's story and finished the book quickly!  The weaving of trust and friendship was a great addition.  Having never read Northanger Abbey which this book is based on, I have to say that When I'm With You has inspired me to read it now! Cecilia Gray never ceases to amaze me with her ability to draw me into a story quickly and immerse me into another world.  A smashing success, I recommend When I'm With You to any YA, Jane Austen or contemporary fan!  Five stars! 


Tifferz Take~

Okay this book rocks! I liked that Kat goes to Hollywood and finds out for herself that people are not always as they portray themselves to be. Kat does not learn this the first time around. I think that is normal and sweet that she gives people the benefit of the doubt and looks for the good in them. I liked seeing Kat so unsure of herself in real life and yet she is so confident on stage. I found myself cheering for Kat to be a success. Josh who takes Kat on this adventure is just a jerk as he was in book two and book 3. But Kat has such a good attitude. I was surprised that this story mostly took place in LA and not at the Jane Austen Academy. It was a nice surprise as it was Christmas break. Henry is a winner. I think they just click and understand each other. This story has a bit of a mystery to it and found it fun yet sad with what came about. But that is life! Overall a must read story. I am off to read book 4!!

Just Fyi~ This story does not contain any swearing or sex.

  Jewelz' Review:
This is the first book I read in the Jane Austen Academy series and I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed it. When I’m With You is a modern-day retelling of the Jane Austen classic “Northanger Abbey”. Unfortunately, I haven’t yet read Austen’s original – though I have read several of her books and consider myself a fan. So, my perspective on this book has absolutely nothing to do with how well it reproduces the original in modern day.

Kat is a star-in-the-making. She has had the lead role in the past 5 drama productions at the Jane Austen Academy and has secured the lead for the spring play. Now she believes she has her opportunity for a break into the big screen. Josh Wickham, fellow classmate and movie star, has invited Kat to come down during Christmas break to be his personal assistant on his current movie. On set, Kat has the opportunity to get to know and develop friendships with the other actors including: Henry Trenton, son of movie legend Tom Trenton, and Izzy Engel, female lead and movie starlit. As a PA, not an actor, Kat also forges relationships with the crew as she helps the caterer prepare meals, the wardrobe girls prepare costuming and assist the stylists in the hair & makeup trailer. 

Kat learns through her experiences on set and during post-production that not everyone in “Hollywood” is who they may present themselves to be. Kat has always struggled with her own identity, as life isn’t scripted as her roles in plays always are. Who is Kat Morley when she’s not in character? She begins to realize that, more than anything, she wants to be trustworthy. 

I loved reading this cute, fun book. I stayed up to finish it in one sitting. I truly enjoyed the interaction between the characters as they got to know one another. Kat learned a lot from Josh, Henry, and Izzy. She managed to learn from her mistakes and figure out who was truly trustworthy – even though they all made mistakes along the way. Their personalities were all varied and distinct which added great dynamics to their relationships. I would definitely recommend this book.

Chelz' Review:

"When I'm With You," is a perfect story "away from the academy."  Kat is a naive high school actress who ends up learning who she can really trust.  For some out of the blue reason, Josh asks Kat to be his personal assistant on the set of his next movie.  She jumps at the chance and finds herself not only trying to figure out how to accomplish Josh's list but hoping to land an "extra" part in the movie as well.  By the end of filming Kat is not only Josh's assistant but the assistant to everyone else on set too. 

    Kat is relationship challenged, especially in the friend department.  Why Kat would continue to go to Izzy for anything is beyond me.  I also find it perplexing that there is no reason why Josh brought Kat to the movie shoot.  That being said, I do think the relationship between Kat and Henry unfolds perfectly, and we get our "happy ending."  The epilogue is a beautiful transition to the continuation of the "Academy Drama."


You can pick up When I'm With You via Amazon or Barnes and Noble.



Source:  Author for review

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So Into You: A Modern Retelling of Sense & Sensibility (The Jane Austen Academy Series #2) by Cecilia Gray

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Blurb:

Modern retelling/based on Sense & Sensibility.

The last thing that the girls at the elite Jane Austen Academy need is guys. But over the summer the school has been sold, and like it or not, the guys are coming. And they're about to turn the Academy—and the lives of its students—totally upside down…

Meet sweet and sensible Ellie who hasn’t met a problem her mom’s yoga mantras can’t fix. But when her parents threaten to pull her from the Academy just as her flirtation with the cutest boy in school heats up, will Ellie be able to keep her cool?


CJz Review:

I love this series!  Cecilia Gray has a way of drawing me right into her stories and I can't stop reading them until the book is over!  Contemporary and fresh are the words that come to mind when reading So Into You!  The characters are delightful and flawed, which I LOVE!  No person is perfect so in a book they shouldn't be either!  Ellie grew and changed during this book and watching it unfold before me was awesome.  Cecilia Gray knows how to take a Jane Austen classic and recreate it in her own unique way!  I am anxious for the next book in this series and am "SO INTO"  Cecilia Gray's novels!  Five stars!!!


Tifferz Take~
So,this is book two in the Jane Austen series and the story picks up right where book one Fall For You!! I loved Ellie from book one and was delighted she got her story told. Though it was not without the unexpected and a lot of hurt. So, will Ellie stay or go? I was grateful I still got to see more of Lizzie's story, Emma, Anne. I loved the tree incident and that Ellie stood up and did her thing! I had mixed feeling about Edward but he came to his senses and I was smiling when they had their last 10 seconds.

I liked getting to know Knight and Tran they are really great guys and hope we see more of them in the next two books. We also meet Lucy, Fanny and Kat. Things are changing at the Jane Austen Academy will that be for the good or bad! I will tell you one of my favorite parts was when Ellie, Emma discovered a bit of Headmistress Berg’s past. Oh and of course I loved when Lizzie got interrogated for a day. I do wish we had a little more of Ellie and Edward at the end. I hope we will see more in book three. I think these stories would make brilliant movies! I found it I will be starting book three straight away!

Just FYI~ This book does not contain any swearing or sex.

Jewelz’ Review:

So Into You is the second in the Jane Austen Academy Series by Cecilia Gray. Based on the Jane Austen classic “Sense & Sensibility”, it follows the story of Ellie Dvorak. Ellie is a free spirit, surfer girl from Santa Cruz, and a math genius. Jasta is the only place that Ellie feels she can truly be herself – completely herself. She has a wonderful group of girlfriends and a good group of guys that they hang out with too. Sweet, fun-loving Edward has caught her eye, but she’s very uncertain about that relationship.

Unexpectedly, Ellie receives life-altering news from home that threatens her enrollment at Jasta. Ellie’s parents have always taught her to follow the path the universe has set for her, that fighting her path will only lead to sorrow. But, how can she turn her back on everything she knows, loves and is just because the path is difficult?

I thoroughly enjoyed reading “So Into You”. Ellie is such a complex character – you wouldn’t expect the easy-going surfer girl from Santa Cruz to have so much depth and to bring so much emotion to the story. It was fulfilling to watch her learn and grow through the experiences that she faced as she tried to figure out her path. Edward is such a sweet, lovable guy – but he’s flawed just like most teenage guys are. He tries so hard to do the right thing, but it doesn’t always work out.

There were some new characters introduced in this book that I really enjoyed getting to meet. Knight and Tran have my heart – love good guys like that! Fanny added depth and contrast to Ellie and her struggles. And Bergie is turning out to be more complex than I originally thought!

I’m seeing a pattern of wrapping things up quickly at the end. I do recall that Austen does this too. I’m always left wanting more at the end. The epilogue serves the purpose of transitioning into the next book with new main characters rather than bringing a solid sense of closure to Ellie & Edward’s story.

Overall, it’s a fun and enjoyable read that leaves you wanting more.

Chelz' Review:

I so enjoyed "So Into You."  I loved how this was a continuation of Fall For You.  The keeping of all theoriginal characters plus the addition of others was well done.  Ella is a great young lady that is struggling to go after what she wants after her world takes a sharp turn in the other direction. Edward is a young man who is very thoughtful and good to Ella.  However, he does not go after what he wants, instead he just keeps going down the road until someone else makes his decisions for him. 

    Again, the story wrapped up very quickly.  I did not care for the Epilogue because it takes two supporting characters and brings them to main for the next story.

You can pick up So Into You via Amazon or Barnes and Noble. 


You can learn more about Cecilia Gray and her writing on her website. 


Source:  Author for review

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