ENTANGLED TEASER-NOAH'S POV

“You like squid?” I ask, fascinated. She looks at me and shrugs.

“ I've actually never had it but I’m up for trying new things.” This girl is definitely unpredictable and that’s a relief. I find predictable boring.

“I’m impressed.” I smile, leaning back against the seat. It’s a nice place. The lights are dim and there’s a bar, it’s called the conveyor belt for sushi. We didn't sit there though. I wanted something more private. And this place is quaint and not too crowded. For a Friday, you’d think it would be. But it’s small and I think everyone goes to the other, bigger sushi bars. I’m not complaining. In New York, they had several sushi bars on the strip, down the road from me. I could walk to them, I sometimes did, especially if I drank too much. Tonight, I will have only water.

“So what’s your idea of a first date?” Maddy asks, pulling me out of my daze. The waiter brings us our drinks. I guess the past will be brought up whether I want it to be or not. I take a sip of my water and swallow, hoping I don’t choke on my nerves. I push my glass aside and lace my fingers together on top of the table.

“Well, I’ll be honest with you, my idea of a first date is dinner and then skip the dessert and head straight for the sex.” I watch her eyes widen in surprise, which I was afraid would happen. I guess it's better to be up front about it, she did ask.“But that’s part of me I've left behind. I've done some crazy shit I’m not proud of which is why I moved. I’m trying to right some wrongs and prove to my parents I’m not a complete fuck up and I can make it on my own, without getting into trouble.” I take another sip and notice her relax slightly, but keeping her gaze on me. Maybe she was surprised by my brutal honesty.

“So you said that was your idea of a first date, what is your idea now?” I lay my hands in my lap and contemplate my answer. Considering now I haven’t really been on any dates, I can’t say what my idea would be. But I can imagine the kind of date I’d take Maddy on.

“Still working on that.” I say, instead. And then…it’s saved by the sushi.

Chewing and smacking seems to be keeping us occupied for the time being. I don’t mind though. It gives me a reason to observe the effort Maddy takes to attempt her chop sticks. It’s cute to watch her struggle; she hasn't had as much practice as me.

“Are you just going to laugh at me the whole time or are you going to tell me what I’m doing wrong? These damn things won’t cooperate.”

I give her a sidelong glance chuckling. “Is it okay if I laugh first and then help you?” I pick up my chop sticks and show her how to hold them properly. “It’s tricky but you put them between your fingers, like so.” I hold them effortlessly and then reach over to set them between her fingers. The contact is quick as I pull back and ignore the itch to touch her again. Her fingers slip and the chopstick drops. Frustrated, she tries again. After a couple more tries, she finally gets it.

“Oh I think I finally got it now, see?” She holds it up in front of me and I can’t help but smile seeing her excitement.

“Good job. More practice and you’ll do it without thinking about it.” I say as I stick a bite in my mouth and wink.

“Show off.”

“Maybe.” My mind wanders in the gutter for a moment but I bite my tongue. It takes every ounce of strength to remind myself that I’m not that guy anymore, the one who would say things to swoon a girl to get her to bed. I won’t be him again. I hated him.

"Do you want to try mine?” She picks her food up using the chop sticks and reaches over to give me a bite. It feels weirdly intimate, but I act casual and take a bite even though I don’t like being fed like a toddler. I chew and swallow. “I like it.”

“Yeah, I really like it too. I didn't think I would. Now can I have a bite of your octopus?” I hold in my laughter and she doesn't notice how her question sounded.

I pick up a small bite for her with my chop sticks but before I can send it in her mouth, she’s already stolen the bite with her chop sticks.

Oh hell no.

“Wait, what the hell are you doing?” She’s chewing it and clearly enjoying it, judging by the expression on her face.

“Sorry, you were taking too long…the fish was staring at me, totally creeping me out. But hey I used my chop sticks without dropping them.” She claps her hands excitedly. I’m not smiling and she’s not clapping. “Are you upset?” It strikes me as odd that I would feel offended I didn't get to feed her.

“Not upset, just disappointed. You fed me so it’s only fair I return the favor.” God, I’m such a lame ass.

“Well, I've been craving ice cream since we left, why don’t you feed me a bite. It has to be a flavor I've never tried before.” I perk up. Ice cream will definitely hit the spot.

“Deal.” She returns to her food. “Maddy?” She looks up, our eyes meet making me forget what I was going to say. Focus, Noah. I swallow and look down at my plate. “Thank you for making my first date worth all the shitty ones.”

“ You've had shitty dates? Or do you mean the ones that didn't go home with you?” Ouch, that was a low blow, but well-deserved.

I shake my head, “No, I’m not talking about those. I mean the dates that didn't involve you.” Okay that was stupid; I just said the same thing she did. 

Shattered Grace Blog Tour: Spotlight & Giveaway

Shattered Grace

 

Seventeen-year-old Grace grows up knowing she’s different, but she always attributed it to a mother who didn’t want her, a father who abandoned her, and a curse that sets her apart. Despite those struggles, her grandfather remained her rock and confidant. Her life irrevocably shatters the day her grandfather dies.

The day of his funeral sets off a chain of events, making Grace question everything she’s ever known to be true, and as a result, who she can truly trust. She inherits his house, part of his money, his Guardian, and something that ties them together. Just before Grace’s 18^th birthday, she is thrust into a world she couldn’t fathom existed. She’s been destined for greatness, but at what cost? With eyes now open, she must decide to either be Chosen, or watch those around her suffer the consequences.

Torn between the man who’s come to protect her, and the one sent to destroy her, she teeters on the edge of contemplation…

What does it mean for those she loves….and the rest of mankind?

Excerpt

 



He turned and rested his shoulder against the door frame, staring deeply into her eyes. Even in the dim light, Grace could see the instant his gaze switched from playful to intense. Down there in the closed confines of the underground, it became more than just a stare. It seemed like the stare sucked the air right out of the hallway, because she suddenly couldn’t breathe. Her heart rate spiked simultaneously, making it that much harder to gasp for the depleted oxygen quietly. Grace took a step backward and her shoulder blades pressed into the wall. She held the bag against her chest, hoping to seem at ease, even though his gaze made her want to squirm.

Slowly, Quentin folded his arms over his chest as well and crossed one foot over the other, never taking his eyes from hers. A devilish grin turned the edges of his mouth up like horns, and she couldn’t take it anymore. “What?”

“Nothing,” he replied, turning his head and smirking at the wall. When he pushed himself away from the door frame, the hole-boring intensity was gone. “Relax.” Right, she sighed mentally.

 

 

About the Author



K Anne Raines is the author of Shattered Grace, book one in the Fallen from Grace Series. She is a Washington State University graduate and the senior accountant at a local firm in her home town. K Anne’s impassioned but regular commitment to chocolate covered raisins inspires creativity at home...where ever the raisins are, there she is with her laptop. A lover of great sushi and other fine food, K Anne prefers coffee in the morning, the right wine in the evening, and her fireplace at all times. A Northwest native, K Anne Raines is the mother of three, cat lover, avid exerciser, and blanket hogger.

 

 

 

Links:

Facebook Author Page A: http://www.facebook.com/raineskanne?ref=ts&fref=ts

 

Facebook Author Page A: http://www.facebook.com/kanne.raines?ref=ts&fref=ts

 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KAnneRaines

 

Goodreads Shattered Grace Book: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16150885-shattered-grace

 

Goodreads Author Page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6580110.K_Anne_Raines

 

Amazon Book Page: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BMI5J2I/ref=tsm_1_fb_lk

 

 

 

 

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Review & Spotlight: Sacred by Elena K Arnold

About the Book

Synopsis:

Growing up on Catalina Island, off the California coast, Scarlett Wenderoth has led a fairly isolated life. After her brother dies, her isolation deepens as she withdraws into herself, shutting out her friends and boyfriend. Her parents, shattered by their own sorrow, fail to notice Scarlett's pain and sudden alarming thinness. Scarlett finds pleasure only on her horse, escaping to the heart of the island on long, solitary rides. One day, as she races around a bend, Scarlett is startled by a boy who raises his hand in warning and says one word: "Stop."

The boy—intense, beautiful—is Will Cohen, a newcomer to the island. For reasons he can't or won't explain, he's drawn to Scarlett and feels compelled to keep her safe. To keep her from wasting away. His meddling irritates Scarlett, though she can't deny her attraction to him. As their relationship blossoms into love, Scarlett's body slowly awakens at Will's touch. But just when her grief begins to ebb, she makes a startling discovery about Will, a discovery he's been grappling with himself. A discovery that threatens to force them apart. And if it does, Scarlett fears she will unravel all over again.

My Thoughts: 4/5 Stars

First of all, thanks to Jean at Jean Booknerd and Elena for providing me with an arc and allowing me to be a part of this tour! I enjoyed this book!

The story takes place on Catalina Island, off the California coast. It sounds like a magical place. Scarlett has lost her brother. Her family has been torn apart and are all struggling to cope with their losses. So to keep herself busy and distracted, Scarlett rides her horse. She starts thinning out and shuts her family and friends out, so horse riding is the only thing to help her. That's when she meets Will, a very mysterious boy who shows up often our of nowhere. At first, you get a creepy stalkerish vibe from him. But soon, you understand why he's always around. And it's a good thing he is at times. Now there's a religious aspect to this story, which I didn't completely understand because I don't follow the Jewish religion. But it was still interesting. So if religion is not an issue, readers will overlook it. Though some may not like that part of the story. But I still enjoyed it. 

Scarlett was a relatable character. I felt her pain and loss. I can understand why she was so mopey and distraught through a lot of the book. Being really close with my brother, I can't imagine the emotions I would feel if I lost him. He's one of my best friends in life. So to see her grief, I felt like it was my own. Her parents are having a hard time dealing with it as well, that they overlook their own daughter's feelings. The family is ultimately broken because of it. Scarlett wants her family back and needs them more than ever. I felt pretty connected to her. At the beginning of the book, she's dating or was dating Andy. Honestly, I didn't care for him too much. He seemed insensitive to me. I just had an unpleasant vibe from him and was glad when he wasn't in it much, plus after an encounter with him, I wanted him out of the picture altogether. 

Will was great. I really liked him. At first, I wasn't sure. However, after some time, he grew on me and when he was around, I found myself smiling a lot. I liked his description and though, the things that are revealed about him are still iffy, I like him well enough. He becomes Scarlett's rock, the one who helps her cope with all she's dealing with. At least in her life. She deserves to be happy again, smile and laugh and not be losing so much weight. Grief tends to cause weight loss but it can be dangerous too. While we're stuck in our grief, we don't pay attention to our health or don't care. It's not good. I'm glad to see a change in her throughout the book. So Will is a good addition to her life. I hope they work out in the next book.

The details were great. I enjoyed the writing style and Elena wove religion in there that seemed to be right for the story. I'm not big on religion in the first place, but none of it bothered me while reading. There was a paranormal twist as well. The only thing I found lacking slightly was the romance. There was some but I would have liked a little more development between Scarlett and Will in their relationship. But overall, it was a great read. The emotions I went through with the characters was believable and realistic. In the end, it showed how loss and grief can bring hope in your life. You just have to have faith...in something. I look forward to the sequel, Splendor.

Next....

The passionate romance that began in Sacred concludes in Splendor.

Scarlett loves the touch of her boyfriend, Will. But when he leaves Catalina Island to start college on the East Coast, she wonders whether their passion can survive a long-distance relationship—and whether she can face the home front on her own. Scarlett's senior year should be a breeze, but her parents have recently separated, and her already-wild best friend, Lily, is becoming involved with a dangerous boy named Gunner . . . a boy Scarlett is also attracted to. A boy she doesn't want to be—and shouldn't be—attracted to. 

To take her mind off her troubles, Scarlett focuses on caring for her newly pregnant mare and delving deeper into the Kabbalah. Her religious exploration offers a way to stay connected to Will, who is a Kabbalah mystic, and a key to understanding her disturbing dreams about him. But as she gets wrapped up in her mare, her Kabbalah studies, and her conflicting feelings for Will and Gunner, Scarlett misses the warning signs that lead to a heartbreaking loss. 

About the Author

ELANA K. ARNOLD completed her M.A. in Creative Writing/Fiction at the University of California, Davis. She grew up in Southern California, where she was lucky enough to have her own horse--a gorgeous mare named Rainbow--and a family who let her read as many books as she wanted. She lives in Long Beach, California, with her husband, two children, and a menagerie of animals. She is represented by Rubin Pfeffer of the East/West Literary Agency. Sacred is her debut novel.

LINKS:

Website: http://www.elanakarnold.com/home.html

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElanaKArnold

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ElanaKArnold

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5772357.Elana_K_Arnold

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Entangled, A Novel-SYNOPSIS

Okay, well here is what I've been working on the last several months. I have most of it all done. But I still have a lot to finish. So there are MANY late nights in my future. I am shooting for a July release. I am so excited because this one is not only my first New Adult book but it's also in dual POV. So we get a glimpse of both MC's lives and we all know how much I love the broken boys. Now you get to meet my bad boy Noah.

Here's the synopsis:

Maddy Walker has lived a difficult life in a small town in Colorado.  After losing her mother in a horrific car accident as a child, her father becomes nonexistent due to the aftermath. She has to pick up the pieces of her crumbled life and move on. For all intents and purposes she’s an orphan. But thanks to her best friend Andi and her family, she’s not completely alone; spending most of her childhood and adolescence with them. After turning 18, she and Andi move in together and she makes a decision to move forward with her life, working and putting her past behind her. Now 23, another tragedy hits her world and she must relive everything she has tried to forget.

Noah Parker is ready to move away from the busy New York City life…and his dark past where he is harboring a lot of guilt and pain. He just wants a fresh start and being the destructive bad boy in town is not a way to do that. He doesn't ever date girls; it’s all about sex for him. He figures if he could block his pain and bury it deep, it will go away. Little does he know, it never just goes away. Moving to a small town close to his aunt, he’s hoping for a good change.

What he doesn’t expect, is to meet Maddy. She turns his world upside down. He finds himself wanting to get to know her, not on a sexual level but a deep, emotional one. It seems they have more in common than they ever imagined. And they are both having a hard time denying their attraction to one another. But the more time they spend together, the more they learn about themselves and that in order to move on, you have to learn to let go. Can Noah and Maddy make their growing relationship work together in the midst of more heartbreak and tragedy, or are their lives already too complicated as it is? In both Maddy and Noah’s POV, this is their story of loss, pain and learning to overcome it all through love.

Recommended for mature audience 17+ due to language and sexual content

Blog Tour and Spotlight: Fear Collector by Gregg Olsen

Thanks to Jean and Gregg Olsen for making this blog tour possible!

Synopsis

"YOU'LL SLEEP WITH THE LIGHTS ON AFTER READING GREGG OLSEN." --Allison Brennan

Ted Bundy. America's most notorious serial killer. For two women, he is the ultimate obsession. One is a cop whose sister may have been one of Bundy's victims. The other is a deranged groupie who corresponded with Bundy in prison--and raised her son to finish what Bundy started. To charm and seduce innocent girls. To kidnap and brutalize more women than any serial killer in history. And to lure one obsessed cop into a trap as sick and demented as Bundy himself. . .

Praise for Gregg Olsen's novels

"WICKEDLY CLEVER! TWISTED." --Lisa Gardner

"OLSEN WRITES RAPID-FIRE PAGE-TURNERS." --The Seattle Times

"GRABS YOU BY THE THROAT." --Kay Hooper

    

About the Author

Gregg Olsen

Throughout his career, Gregg Olsen has demonstrated an ability to create a detailed narrative that offers readers fascinating insights into the lives of people caught in extraordinary circumstances.
 
A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Olsen has written eight nonfiction books, eight novels, a novella, and contributed a short story to a collection edited by Lee Child.
 
The award-winning author has been a guest on dozens of national and local television shows, including educational programs for the History Channel, Learning Channel, and Discovery Channel. He has also appeared on Dateline NBC, William Shatner's Aftermath, Deadly Women on Investigation Discovery, Good Morning America, The Early Show, The Today Show, FOX News, CNN, Anderson Cooper 360, MSNBC, Entertainment Tonight, CBS 48 Hours, Oxygen's Snapped, Court TV's Crier Live, Inside Edition, Extra, Access Hollywood, and A&E's Biography.
 
In addition to television and radio appearances, he has been featured in Redbook, USA Today, People, Salon magazine, Seattle Times, Los Angeles Times and the New York Post.
The Deep Dark was named Idaho Book of the Year by the ILA and Starvation Heights was honored by Washington's Secretary of State for the book's contribution to Washington state history and culture. His Young Adult novel, Envy, was the official selection of Washington for the National Book Festival.
 
Olsen, a Seattle native, lives in Olalla, Washington with his wife, twin daughters, three chickens, Milo (an obedience school dropout cocker spaniel) and Suri (a mini dachshund so spoiled she wears a sweater).

Links:

Website: http://www.greggolsen.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreggOlsenAuthor

Twitter: http://twitter.com/Gregg_olsen

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15035.Gregg_Olsen

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Cover Reveal: Light in the Shadows by A. Meredith Walters

Synopsis

"Light in the Shadows" (book #2) by A. Meredith Walters
Release date: March 26, 2013

How do you keep going when you feel like your life is over?

Maggie never thought she’d see Clay again. So, she attempts to put her life back together after her heart has been shattered to pieces. Moving on and moving forward, just as Clay wanted her to.

Clay never stopped thinking of Maggie. Even after ripping their lives apart and leaving her behind to get the help he so desperately needed. He is healing...slowly. But his heart still belongs to the girl who tried to save him.

When a sudden tragedy brings Maggie and Clay face to face again, nothing is the same. Yet some things never change. Can the darkness that threatened to consume them be transformed into something else and finally give them what they always wanted? And can two people who fought so hard to be together, finally find their happiness? Or will their demons and fear drive them apart for good?

The thing about love, is even when it destroys you, it has a way of mending what is broken. And in the shadows, you can still see the light.

My Thoughts

I LOVE this cover. I LOVE Find You in the Dark. It's one of my favorite reads of 2012 and I devoured that book in a day. I am so excited for the sequel. I am just hoping for a happy ending! What do you all think about this magnificent book cover? I don't think it could be more perfect, more symbolic and definitely not more amazing than this. SO EXCITED!!! March needs to get here already!

Review: Ten Tiny Breaths by KA Tucker

Ten Tiny Breaths by K.A. Tucker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

WOW. Let me get my emotions together before I write this review. But damn, this was absolutely amazing!!!!!! Epic. Perfect. Love love love it!!!!!

Review coming soon!

Ten Tiny Breaths....







Ten. Tiny. Breaths.

One...Two...Three...Four...Five...Six...Seven...Eight...Nine...Ten

Seize them.
Feel them.
Love them.

Wow, I am still in awe of this book. Amazing doesn't describe my feelings, not even close. So excuse my mumbling because this book had me all kinds of emotional.

We all know how drunk driving can effect our lives. But have we taken consideration to how it effects those around us, those that were also involved...their families? Probably not. When we're at a party and drinking, we don't think. We just do...and we make poor choices that will forever change your life. And possibly others. This book shows the aftermath of a tragic car accident. The negative side to drinking and getting behind the wheel, because we think "oh hey, I feel fine, I can drive" and then BOOM! DEAD.

DEAD. DEAD. DEAD. DEAD. You see, drinking and driving is a NO-NO. Don't do it. JUST. DON'T.

Side story:
My ex went to a party with his friends....they were all drunk(and underage, idiots) and his friend was so drunk but he freakin drove them all home. Well, he swerved not seeing a truck and tried to get away from it and wrapped around a telephone pole....all the kids died. Everyone, dead. Gone. Seriously? He was stupid for going with them. It pissed me off. But he left behind his whole family to mourn him. And he was 17. I was angry with him. Of course my heart is not made of stone...so I was sad and cried a good deal. But was angry for not thinking about what he left behind...his parents and younger brothers...and me. That shit hurts and you don't realize the consequences of driving after "a few" drinks. Please, don't do it.

Okay, sorry to get off track. But this story has to do with Kacey Cleary...and all that was left behind. There was a car. And then there was another car. And then there was her family....dead. She lost her mom, dad, best friend and boyfriend. All she had left was her amazingly strong younger sister Livvie. They had each other. They have to pick up the pieces of their broken life. The aftermath of a good night gone wrong. All because some kids weren't paying attention to the road after a night of drinking...and it cost Kacey her family...her life. She was in the car when everyone else was dead and she was the only survivor. Imagine the burden she has to carry with her through life, that her family didn't make it but she did. I've been there too. Well, that was stupid...I haven't been as far as losing my family but I've been in a bad drunken accident with friends and luckily it was not that bad. But still, we don't think when we are behind the wheel...intoxicated.

Ten tiny breaths....

One.
Two.
Three.

Just breathe...

This book brought so many emotions to the surface. I cried, laughed, swooned, laughed some more, cried, broke down, clenched my fists, yelled, cried more, laughed, and then I don't know...I went insane. There were twists I suspected and when they were confirmed, I cried and yelled. It was so overwhelming. These characters really touched my heart in ways I never thought possible and when I saw what they were going through, I wanted to hug them and kiss them and take their pain away. Every. Single. Character in this book left a place in my heart. They were each amazing and relative to the story. I hated this journey that I had to ride through but with Kacey, Livvie, Storm, Mia, Cain, Dan, Ben and of course Trent by my side the whole time, it was bearable. I just hate drunk driving...I know what it can do to everyone and its scary. But it's a lesson everyone needs to learn.

There are 5 stages of grief...Kacey had to face these stages in order to cope with her loss.

1. Denial-She didn't want to admit her losses.

2. Anger- She was angry that her life changed and she was left instead of her family. She didn't understand why her family all died but she lived. Wouldn't we all question this?

3. Bargaining- She promised Livvie she would try to live again. After the accident and once she got out of therapy, she closed herself off. She didn't want to make friends or talk to anybody...except Livvie but even there was tension between them at times. But she promised to try...

4. Depression- Being the one to pick up the pieces after such a tragic event is not easy...it will take it's toll on the emotions. I can't imagine what she went through...oh wait, I did. I felt every bit of emotion as she did.

5. Acceptance- She finally faced her fears and dealt with her loss...understanding that what happened wasn't her fault. She blamed herself for that night....her dad was talking to her and for one second, all it took was that one second to look away and a car hit him. But it wasn't his..or her fault.


This book was a lesson and I know I sure as hell learned it. I felt it. I lived it(through the characters that is). Tucker brilliantly placed me in the story and I was on this roller-coaster that changed my life. I loved it. Every. Single. Minute.

Kacey and Livvie move to Florida from Michigan after a tragic accident that claimed their life. Now they have to finally learn to live again. With the help of their new neighbor, Storm...a hilarious, amazing stripper who helps to slowly piece every part of Kacey and Livvie's life back together. Of course there's the help of her 5 year old adorable daughter Mia..who can melt your heart. She's the cutest little girl ever.


“Mia bows dramatically. “Welcome, kind Sir. Princess Mia has been awaiting your presence.”


My Kacey....




Strong, Brave, Broken, Lost, Amazing, Smart, Sarcastic, Loving, Awesome


My Trent....





Amazing, Sexy, Sweet, Funny, Charming, Loving, Gorgeous, Hot, Broken, Protective....PERFECT!


This story was wrapped up in so many emotions. I loved every character in this book. I'll never forget it. Ever.


“Hope. Hope that something beautiful may come from this tragic story.
Fear. Fear that it won’t.
Forgiveness … forgiveness.”




“Do You think it matters if they're tiny or deep? he asked. Well, if they're not tiny breaths and they're not deep breaths, then they're just ... breaths. Then you're just breathing for the sake of ... breathing.
... Seize them. Feel them. Love them ...”




“I could lay here and stare at him forever. I don’t want to let go. Ever.”




“I can feel his very existence as if it's wrapping its hand around my soul, cradling it, trying to protect it from harm and I'm terrified. Terrified because I don't ever want the feeling to end.”




“Trent has kept his promise. He makes me smile every day.”




“I barrel into his arms, my mouth connecting with his. Seizing him. Feeling him. Loving him.”





“I'll make you whole again, Kacey. I promise you, I will.”





Everything about this book was perfect. I loved every second with these characters and I will carry them in my heart for a long time. I can't wait for Livvie's book next. Thank you Mrs. Tucker for a superb and unforgettable story.




View all my reviews