Monday, November 30, 2015

White Trash Zombie Gone Wild (White Trash Zombie #5) by Diana Rowland

White Trash Zombie Gone Wild (White Trash Zombie #5) by Diana Rowland

This is an adult urban fantasy novel (Rated R)

♥♥♥1/2
(Three and a half Crazy Hearts)


Book Summary

Angel crawford has buried her loser past and is cruising along in undead high gear--that is, until a murder-by-decapitation sends her on a hazardous detour. As Angel hunts for the killer, she uncovers a scheme that would expose zombies to the public and destroy the life she's built, and she's determined not to rest until she finds out who's behind it.

Soon she's neck-deep in lies, redneck intrigue, zombie hunters, and rot-sniffing cadaver dogs. It's up to her to unravel the truth and snuff out the conspiracy before the existence of zombies makes headline news and she's outed as a monster.

But Angel hasn't quite escaped the pill-popping ghosts of her past--not with an illicit zombie pharmaceutical at her fingertips. Good thing she's absolutely sure she can handle the drug's unpredictable side effects and still take down the bad guys...or maybe she's only one bad choice away from being dead meat--for real this time.

Angel knows a thing or two about kicking ass, but now the ass she needs to kick might be her own.

My Review

I have a love/hate relationship with this series. I tend to fall for the first love interest that’s presented in a story and all my loyalty belongs to that character no matter what.

Beware Spoilers Ahead…

So I love Marcus. And Marcus has been made into a bad guy even though he’s the one who saved Angel’s life. And she’s killed any chance for a relationship there. And that hurts.

Then came Angel’s zombie baby and I disliked him and how the last book ended. But what the hell. It was like that ended of the book didn’t happen??? After reading this one.

So now in this book, we finally get answers surrounding Nick and several other answers. Thank the heavens for that. But then this barely there Nick romance thing disturbs me. I’m not feeling it.
In fact, I’m rooting for Randy now who came off as smelling like roses. And why? Why did the author do that when there is no chance she’s going there?

Anyway, I liked the message this story had to tell about abuse of drugs and such. However, the story lacked something…

Overall, it was an okay read.

Audio Review
Allison McLemore is the saving grace for the series. If not for her, I might have given up this series. She does such wonderful job at narration.

My book boyfriend is Randy.


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*Disclaimer - I am not the owner of this picture. I found it on the web for causal fun use on my blog for which I receive no compensation. If this picture belongs to you (you are the copyright owner) please let me know and I will remove it.

Sunday, November 29, 2015

Perfect Touch by Elizabeth Lowell

Perfect Touch by Elizabeth Lowell

This is a contemporary romance suspense novel (Rated NC-17)

♥♥♥♥
(Four Cowboy Hearts)


Book Summary

The queen of romantic suspense returns with a heart-racing tale in which a former soldier turned rancher and a beautiful designer race to stop a vicious killer—a battle for survival that threatens to explode in an intense and irresistible passion

An art dealer and owner of her own design studio, Perfect Touch, Sarah “Sam” Maddox travels the world to find the ideal artwork for her clients. Her sophisticated, comfortable life in San Francisco is light years away from the poverty of her family’s dairy farm, and Sam will do whatever it takes to keep her business strong. A dedicated urban career woman focused on her work, she doesn’t have time or energy for a family or distracting romantic entanglements.

Jay Vermillion recently inherited Vermillion Sky, a working ranch near Wyoming’s breathtaking Grand Teton Mountains—and the estates of the rich and restless. While he was fighting in two wars, his father tried to keep the homestead running, until illness stole his fight and then his life. Jay’s determined to restore Vermillion Sky, but first he’s got to settle a vicious battle with his former stepmother over some of his late father’s paintings. The last thing on his mind is a finding a wife and creating a sixth generation of Vermillions.

When Jay hires Sam to handle his father’s artwork, it’s love at first sight—a mutually inconvenient attraction that is soon complicated by a double murder at the edge of the ranch and a potential betrayal even closer to home. Working together to unmask a murderer, Sam and Jay try to fight the intense heat between them. Then the killer targets Sam. And suddenly, Jay, the war-weary soldier, finds something he’s once again willing to die for . . .



My Review

I’ve never read anything  by this author before and I will look for more of her books in the future. This story was a solid read that reminded me of authors I’ve read in the past, Nora Roberts and Mary Higgins Clark.

I received this hardback ARC from the publisher for an honest review.

This story is solid from a storytelling perspective. I really liked the two main characters and rooted for them all the way. I felt their attraction and wanted the best for both of them. The story was fast pace and kept moving. At some point, I found it hard to put down.

Now, I knew I was most likely getting a HEA based on the tone of the story, hence it was somewhat predictable. I knew the who done it early on as well as the twist. I’m not sure if it’s my genius, lol or a lack of twist storytelling on the author’s part. But it was obvious for me where this story would lead. I was surprised on one front with the mom. I’ll leave it at that.

Otherwise, I think the author tried to dance over the insta love with the “pre-talks” the characters had before the story begin that we were only told about.  I also felt like the ending was rushed to give us an “epilogue” when we didn’t really get one. Still it was a really good read.

Overall, I would recommend this as a light read. I would describe it like comfort food when you want to curl up and smile while reading.

My book boyfriend is Jay.

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*Disclaimer - I am not the owner of this picture. I found it on the web for causal fun use on my blog for which I receive no compensation. If this picture belongs to you (you are the copyright owner) please let me know and I will remove it.

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Poughkeepsie Begins (The Poughkeepsie Brotherhood 0.5) by by Debra Anastasia

Poughkeepsie Begins (The Poughkeepsie Brotherhood 0.5) by Debra Anastasia

This is an adult contemporary romance novel (Rated NC-17)

♥♥♥♥♥
(Five No Shit Hearts)


Book Summary

It ends with the beginning. This legendary, indie, cult-favorite series ends its tale with the story of the Poughkeepsie brotherhood before the tattoo. Before the train station, before the church, before a criminal empire there was a foster home and three teen boys who chose each other as family, because the ones they were born into didn’t exist

Still in high school, Beckett is already laying the groundwork for a grander life ahead, one where his brothers want for nothing and get some respect for once. But even as he plans, Beckett must decide if he’s ready to make that choice—diving in to a life that trades his chance at a future, his chance at something as simple as first love with a girl named Candy Cox, for their chance to find happiness.

Blake, Beckett, and Cole’s devotion to each other is forged by fists and the driving need to belong somewhere, to do more than just survive this life. Readers of the series know they each get there in the end, but before we count smiles, we must first shed tears. These early days of the Poughkeepsie brotherhood will play on your heartstrings before serrating them with a knife; they’ll lift your soul with music, only to leave you with nothing but a desperate prayer for hope.

And when you reach the end of the beginning, you’ll be ready to start the series all over again.



My Review

I have to admit, I don’t think I’ve been this excited about a book all year. And Debra A. didn’t fail us. She brought us intrigue, edge of the seat excitement, angst, charm and the brothers in a light I didn’t think was possible. I mean how could I love Blake, Beckett, and Cole any more than I already did.
I’m trying to decide which of the books I liked better. But I have to say, this one is a strong contender.

This could be read first or it could be read last in the series. I think last is almost better. I think you at least need to read Poughkeepsie, first. There is a certain mystery in the story that may be foiled if you read this one before that. But I think all in all, it doesn’t matter as long as you read. One of my favorite series EVER.

The brothers had a world of hurt and disappointment they had to deal with. This is their struggle and their almost beginning. Debra A with her satire begins a heart-wrenching story of a brotherhood of love and pain that’s unparalleled in what I’ve read this year.

It’s hard to say more without spoiling, but if you loved the series, this book won’t disappoint. And if you haven’t read the series, check it out now.

And there is a Poughkeepsie App, It's super cool. Search for my reviews. I did a review on it a while back.

My Book Boyfriend Beckett (Blake & Cole)


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*Disclaimer - I am not the owner of this picture. I found it on the web for causal fun use on my blog for which I receive no compensation. If this picture belongs to you (you are the copyright owner) please let me know and I will remove it.

Thursday, November 12, 2015

Cruel & Beautiful by A.M. Hargrove & Terri E. Laine

Cruel and Beautiful by AM Hargrove and Terri E Laine new adult contemporary romance

Goodreads reviewers love Cruel and Beautiful:

"a romance that will break your heart and melt it at the same time"
"heart-breakingly good"
"This book is about love, the truest and purest kind there is."
"heartwarming and gut wrenching"
"I haven't cried so hard over a book in a good while."
"Beautiful. Simply beautiful."

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Cate Forbes, a dedicated college student with a carefully plotted future, doesn’t know the first thing about love. When she accepts a blind date with a rumored tasty piece of eye candy, she thinks she can get by with a night of fun. Cate’s plans quickly unravel when she gets one look at the sexy…

Drew McKnight.

The relentless hockey-playing medical resident knows what he wants—a career in Oncology and Cate. Although he’s heard the gorgeous brunette is a little relationship skittish, a single night out isn’t what he has in mind. Determined to have her—in every way possible—he shows her just what a future with him would hold.

Only life has other plans. The unthinkable happens and everything begins to shatter. Both in too deep, they will have to fight the cruel and hang onto the beautiful.




My Drew


Listen to the Cruel and Beautiful soundtrack on Spotify!




ABOUT A. M. HARGROVE

AMHargrove-AuthorPhoto

One day, on her way home from work as a sales manager A. M. Hargrove realized her life was on fast forward and if she didn't do something soon, it would be too late to write that work of fiction she had been dreaming of her whole life. So she rolled down the passenger window of her fabulous (not) company car and tossed out her leather briefcase. Luckily, the pedestrian in the direct line of fire was a dodge ball pro and had über quick reflexes enabling him to avoid getting bashed in the head. Feeling a tad guilty about the near miss, A. M. made a speedy turn down a deserted side street before tossing her crummy, outdated piece-of-you-know-what laptop out the window. She breathed a liberating sigh of relief, picked up her cell phone, called her boss, and quit her job. Grinning, she made another call to her hubs and told him of her new adventure (after making sure his heart was beating properly again).

So began A. M. Hargrove's career as a Naughty and Nice Romance Author.

Her books include Adult, New Adult and Young Adult Romances, including, The Guardians of Vesturon Series (Survival, Resurrection, Determinant, reEmergent, and the novella Beginnings); Dark Waltz and Death Waltz (The Praestani Novels); The Edge Series (Edge of Disaster, Shattered Edge, and Kissing Fire); The Tragic Series (Tragically Flawed and Tragic Desires); Exquisite Betrayal; Dirty Nights: The Novel; and The Hart Brothers Novels (Freeing Her, Freeing Him, and Kestrel).

Please find her at www.amhargrove.com.


ABOUT TERRI E. LAINE

TerriELaine-AuthorPhoto

Wife and mother of three, I've always been an avid reader. In my early years, my best friend and I would tell each other stories over the phone when we were bored. We called them our "soap operas" and generally revolved around whatever boy we liked at the time.

Over five years ago, I got this crazy idea to write a novel and try to publish it. And the rest is history. This journey has been a blessing, and a dream realized. I look forward to many more memories to come.

Find more about me and social media links at www.terrielaine.com.










Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Shadows Strike (Immortal Guardians #6) by Dianne Duvall

Shadows Strike (Immortal Guardians #6) by Dianne Duvall

This is a paranormal romance novel (Rated NC-17)

♥♥♥♥
(Four Ethan Hearts)


Book Summary


The Immortal Guardians protect the innocent in secret. Sometimes the secret gets out...

U.S. law enforcement agent Heather Lane can read minds. But not the future. The dream of battle and blood that recurs every night must be a fluke, some obscure terror from her own mind. What its significance might be, she can’t guess: an attack from seven psychotic vampires at once, only separated from nightmare by an eighth very different immortal. A handsome, brave man fighting at her side, a man she misses when she wakes.

Then the dream comes true. Heather is flung into a war between predators and protectors of humanity, the man from her dreams beside her again. Except now that she’s awake, she isn’t sure she can trust Ethan, or the shadow organization he represents. The U.S. military doesn’t trust either of them. But against an onslaught of evil like the one that’s coming, it will take everything they have just to survive...



My Review

So, the good and the not so good.

The story starts off great. I found it to be as intriguing as all the other books in the series. But then I think the story strayed away from the couple and onto the bigger picture. And having the bigger picture is awesome, one of the things I like most about this series.

However, I think that we didn’t get as much from the couple because as a couple they were all that interesting. There wasn’t the push and pull and that’s not always necessary. But it was like they fit right away and what was there to talk about after. And Ethan was a favorite of mine. So I hoped for more maybe.

That’s the main reason why I didn’t give it perfect marks, but the story flowed smoothly. And we got to see as usual some of the other couples come into action. Which is great, because I’ve loved each of them.

I will still eat this series up like a kid with Halloween candy. It’s one of my favorites and very well written. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

Audio Review
Kristen Potter does an excellent job with narration. I can’t imagine anyone else reading the series.

My book boyfriend Ethan.


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*Disclaimer - I am not the owner of this picture. I found it on the web for causal fun use on my blog for which I receive no compensation. If this picture belongs to you (you are the copyright owner) please let me know and I will remove it.

Monday, November 9, 2015

Sojourn Cover Reveal ~ LOVE LOVE LOVE this series!

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Title: SOJOURN
Author: Cecilia London
Series: The Bellator Saga
Release Date: December 7th, 2015
SYNOPSIS
Haunted by her experience at The Fed, Caroline tries to create a new identity. A new present, a new future. She can’t escape the memories that dog her when she least expects it, leaving her mired in a depression that she finds difficult to escape. Caroline needs to regain her physical and mental strength if she intends on surviving the journey to find the elusive rebellion. But that’s easier said than done with the ghosts of the past constantly whispering in her ear. The road is long and dangerous, and there are no guarantees. She and her companions have no idea what they will find when they arrive at their destination. And what they finally discover may change everything. Part Three of a Six Part Saga. Sojourn (approximately 89,000 words) is not a standalone and must be read after the first two books in the series. Ends in a cliffhanger. For readers 18+. This book contains adult situations including explicit sex and violence.
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About the Author
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Cecilia is my pen name.
I may or may not live in San Antonio, Texas.
I've been known to apply quotes from 'The Simpsons' to everyday life.
I live for baseball season.
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Friday, November 6, 2015

Tequila & Lace (Saddles & Racks #2) by Kimberly Knight

Tequila & Lace (Saddles & Racks #2) by Kimberly Knight

This is a contemporary romance novel (Rated NC-17)

♥♥♥♥1/2
(Four and a Half Army Hearts)


Book Summary

Army Strong and dripping with sin ...

Paul Jackson had his dreams mapped out. He’d graduate from high school, attend college, go pro for football, marry his high school sweetheart and live happily ever after. Until his high school sweetheart threw away everything he never knew he wanted. Throwing caution to the wind, he put his country's dreams before his own.

The Army was a perfect distraction from her. It helped him become a man. To serve, to protect, to fight, to become strong. But when Paul returns home after three tours, he knows there’s nothing better than sexy woman, a shot of tequila and a pocket full of cash. 

But he still thinks about her … 

Joselyn Marquez’s life changed the night of her seventeenth birthday. A forty-eight hour roller coaster trip sent her running for her life. She was homeless, and her family had disappeared. All odds were against her. 

But sometimes the odds work out.

Years later, she’s an FBI agent serving as an undercover escort to investigate sex trafficking in Las Vegas. When the investigation connects her past, will she be able to do the right thing or will she still keep running from the night of her seventeenth birthday?

Tensions will rise.

Sparks will fly. 

Passions will soar. 

And the past will come knocking …





My Review

This author has a knack for making you think you’re going down a predictable path and then bam, we head in another direction.

I must admit the beginning of the story made me cringe and I had to put the book down for a bit before I had courage to read through. And mind you I read all kinds of stuff. But everyone has a hot button or trigger for lack of a better word. And I found mine.

The good thing was I picked up the book again and the sensitive subject matter is handled with care and fade to black. Thank the heavens.

The rest of the book, I thought I know what’s going to happen. I was right and wrong. The end leaves you wanting for more and I can’t wait for the next book.


My book boyfriend Paul.



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*Disclaimer - I am not the owner of this picture. I found it on the web for causal fun use on my blog for which I receive no compensation. If this picture belongs to you (you are the copyright owner) please let me know and I will remove it.

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Devoted in Death (In Death #41) by J.D. Robb

Devoted in Death (In Death #41) by J.D. Robb

This is an adult/crime/mystery/thriller (Rated NC-17)

♥♥♥♥1/2
(Four and a half Devoted Hearts)


Book Blurb

Eve Dallas tracks a couple whose passion is fueled by cold brutality in the newest crime thriller from the #1 New York Times–bestselling author of Obsession in Death and Festive in Death.

When Lieutenant Eve Dallas examines a body in a downtown Manhattan alleyway, the victim’s injuries are so extensive that she almost misses the clue. Carved into the skin is the shape of a heart—and initials inside reading E and D . . .

Ella-Loo and her boyfriend, Darryl, had been separated while Darryl was a guest of the state of Oklahoma, and now that his sentence has been served they don’t ever intend to part again. Ella-Loo’s got dreams. And Darryl believes there are better ways to achieve your dreams than working for them. So they hit the road, and when their car breaks down in Arkansas, they make plans to take someone else’s. Then things get messy and they wind up killing someone—an experience that stokes a fierce, wild desire in Ella-Loo. A desire for Darryl. And a desire to kill again.

As they cross state lines on their way to New York to find the life they think they deserve, they will leave a trail of evil behind them. But now they’ve landed in the jurisdiction of Lieutenant Dallas and her team at the New York Police and Security Department. And with her husband, Roarke, at her side, she has every intention of hunting them down and giving them what they truly deserve . . .


My Review

This was a home run for me. I cringed and devoured the book.

The story set us up by meeting the killers when they first meet. We follow their twisted journey as they develop the taste for their type of craft. I think that set me up to be more invested in the story. I wanted them caught and no one else hurt.

Then, we meet victims while they are still alive. This part hurt my heart the most. Especially the first victim we learn about. I wanted him to have survived. Then we meet a pair and watch their fate. I won’t say what happens to them for spoilers.

Then add the gang with Roarke with his brand of hostess and you have one special books. I think this is one of my favorites of the later books in the series.

Audio Review
Susan Erickson is an amazing narrator. She continues to do an excellent job with this series.


My Book boyfriend is Reed. (not Roarke this time, read to see why)




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*Disclaimer - I am not the owner of this picture. I found it on the web for causal fun use on my blog for which I receive no compensation. If this picture belongs to you (you are the copyright owner) please let me know and I will remove it.

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

The Single Undead Moms Club (Half-Moon Hollow #4) by Molly Harper

The Single Undead Moms Club (Half-Moon Hollow #4) by Molly Harper

This is an adult paranormal romance novel (Rated NC-17)

♥♥♥♥1/2
(Four and a Half Single Mom Hearts)


Book Summary


In the next book in Molly Harper’s Half Moon Hollow paranormal romance series, Libby (a widow-turned-vampire) struggles with her transition, and finds out it sucks to be the only vampire member of the PTA…

Widow Libby Stratton arranged to be turned into a vampire after she was diagnosed with late-stage cancer. It wasn’t the best idea she’s ever had, but she was desperate—she’s not about to leave her seven-year-old son to be raised by her rigid, overbearing in-laws.

On top of post-turning transition issues, like being ignored at PTA meetings and other mothers rejecting her son’s invitations for sleepovers, Libby must deal with her father-in-law’s attempts to declare her an unfit mother, her growing feelings for Wade—a tattooed redneck single dad she met while hiding in a closet at Back to School Night—and the return of her sire, who hasn’t stopped thinking about brave, snarky Libby since he turned her.

With the help of her new vampire circle, Libby negotiates this unfamiliar quagmire of legal troubles, parental duties, relationships, and, as always in Harper’s distinct, comedic novels, “characters you can’t help but fall in love with” (RT Book Reviews). 



My Review

I have to say I’m never completely disappointed with a Molly Harper book. I know what I’m getting too. Light reads, with feisty heroines and guys that try to keep up. Although the formula is somewhat the same, no two books are ever alike.

However, in this one, the author surprises us by creating a love triangle. I can’t quite recall her ever doing that before. And both guys are swoon worthy, so please Ms. Harper, give that other guy a HEA.

This book had some of the magic the first book in the Jane Jameson series had as the heroine stumbled around in her new “undead” life. I really liked this book a lot and it was refreshing to read after so many serious books.

I must also say, I miss the wolf pack in Alaska. Will we ever get more of those books???

Audio Review
Amanda Ronconi is brilliant as always, spot on at bring the humor on the page to life.

Overall, I recommend this author and her series. Start off with Jane Jameson series with book number one. I dare you not to laugh your ass off.


My book boyfriend Wade.


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*Disclaimer - I am not the owner of this picture. I found it on the web for causal fun use on my blog for which I receive no compensation. If this picture belongs to you (you are the copyright owner) please let me know and I will remove it.

Monday, November 2, 2015

Own the Wind (Chaos #1) by Kristen Ashley

Own the Wind (Chaos #1) by Kristen Ashley 

This is a contemporary romance novel (Rated NC-17)

♥♥1/2
(Two and a half Shy Hearts)


Book Summary

Too hot to handle...

Tabitha Allen grew up in the thick of Chaos—the Chaos Motorcycle Club, that is. Her father is Chaos' leader, and the club has always had her back. But one rider was different from the start. When Tabby was running wild, Shy Cage was there. When tragedy tore her life apart, he helped her piece it back together. And now, Tabby's thinking about much more than friendship...

Tabby is everything Shy's ever wanted, but everything he thinks he can't have. She's beautiful, smart, and as his friend's daughter, untouchable. Shy never expected more than friendship, so when Tabby indicates she wants more—much more—he feels like the luckiest man alive. But even lucky men can crash and burn...



My Review

Can I say I thought I lost points from my IQ score while reading this book? If you’re old enough to remember the learn to read books with Dick and Jane and their dog Spot. That’s what I felt like while I was reading this book. I hate to say it, but it was like this book wasn’t smarter than a fifth grader.

I get the dialogue, but honestly every character spoke the same no matter who they were. Then add that same talk to inner dialogue.  Words like “Wanting to give him what he wanted. I sat up and gave him what he wanted.” This alliteration wasn’t brilliant. It made the writing sound stupid.

Add that to choppy plot as we meaninglessly moved though time made the book disjointed. I think she should have approached from the present and reflected back to the past when she needed to make a point. Because honestly, I didn’t really connect with any of the characters until we moved into a stable present for a significant part of the book and not jumped in time.

The first 20% of the book could have been cut and it might have been better. Also, the book didn’t feel like it had any sort of ARC. I kept thinking the story should end and we’d end up with another mini-plot like a TV mini-series to keep things going.

It wasn’t until the last 10% or less where things got interesting. I must say this book didn’t feel like an MC book. It felt like a romance book where the guy was a biker. Much like a romance book where the guy is a billionaire or a professional athlete, the job hardly plays a role in the story. And that’s what we had here.  I kept expecting for us to dig deeper into the MC and we got surface stuff. It’s not like another MC book series I read where I feel like I’m in the club.

The book did have its moments and Shy eventually tugged my heart some. I liked his no-nonsense straight forward approach.

Anyway, thank goodness the marketing people added the sample of book two at the end of this book. Otherwise, I might not have moved forward despite the fact that I’d read book 3 out of order and loved it.

Audio Review
Angela Starling does the best she could with the “script” she was given. The characters were distinguishable for the most part and I didn’t have problems following.

Overall, I can’t recommend even though I liked Shy and Tabby. The story was just too off the mark. But give it a go if you like K.A. and/or MC books. You might enjoy it more than me.

My book boyfriend Shy.


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*Disclaimer - I am not the owner of this picture. I found it on the web for causal fun use on my blog for which I receive no compensation. If this picture belongs to you (you are the copyright owner) please let me know and I will remove it.