#IABBAddict: Dissident by Cecilia London

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ABOUT THE BOOK

Author: Cecilia London

Title: Dissident

Pages: 273

Genre: Contemporary Romantic Suspense

Date published: March 17, 2015

Synopsis:

“I will always be with you…” 

Rising Democratic star Caroline Gerard hasn’t had an easy year. After losing her husband, she is raising two small children alone while trying to navigate the tricky and sometimes shallow halls on Capitol Hill. A string of nasty speeches has her scrambling to apologize to any number of candidates, including newly elected Republican Jack McIntyre. Falling in love again is the last thing on her mind. 

Jack McIntyre might have a reputation as a playboy, but he has his sights set solely on his new colleague. Can he break through Caroline’s grief and capture her heart? 

Told mostly in flashback and set against a chilling fascist backdrop, Dissident is a rollercoaster ride of political intrigue, passionate contemporary romance, and undying love. 

For readers 18+. Ends on a cliffhanger.

AMAZON // GOODREADS

EXCERPT

“You’re lovely,” Jack murmured into her ear. Was that directed at her, or was he mimicking the lyrics? He was holding her closer than she thought was necessary for a dance between friends, but she wasn’t about to complain. They moved slowly but they’d been practicing all night and were starting to fatigue. Caroline leaned into his shoulder as if it were the most natural thing in the world, not realizing that they had almost completely stopped dancing. “Caroline?” She heard Jack’s sweet voice again. “I’m not sure we’re dancing anymore.” “Does it matter?” She lifted her head up. Jack looked into her eyes. “Not unless it matters to you.” He slowly brought his lips to hers. She didn’t turn away this time but closed her eyes and waited. It was sweet, kind, tender…and definitely not platonic. And it felt incredibly good, the pleasure wafting over her. She’d forgotten what it was like to be kissed, really kissed. She didn’t want him to stop. Jack cupped her cheek in his palm and pulled her closer to him with his other hand. Caroline brought her hands up to his hair and held them there, not wanting it to end. She had been wondering what it would be like to run her hands through those gorgeous, perfect silver locks. His hair was soft, and she traced her fingers through it as Jack teased her tongue with his. She wanted to tug at it, bring him even closer to her, but then saw Nicky’s face in her mind and pulled away. Caroline covered her mouth with her hand. “What was that for?” Jack withdrew his hand from her waist. He seemed to be confused. “I-” “It was the music,” she stammered. “We - it’s a romantic song. It’s hard not to get sucked into it. It’s fine.” She thought Jack looked a little unnerved, but he recovered quickly. “Sure. Just a little kiss between friends. It didn’t mean anything.” “Right.” Caroline kissed him on the cheek. “See? Nothing whatsoever.” “Yeah.” Jack looked at his watch. “It’s late. I’d better head home. I have to get up pretty early tomorrow.” “Not a problem.” She exhaled, grateful for the escape. “Thanks for the dance lessons.” “Anytime,” Jack said. “I mean that.” “I know.” “See you on Tuesday?” he asked. “Lunch, maybe?” “You bet.” She turned off the music and escorted Jack up the stairs, watching him through the window as he started his Cadillac and drove away. It was nothing, that kiss. That song, the entire night…they’d gotten too caught up in the entire thing. Dancing could be an extraordinarily sensuous experience between two people who knew what they were doing, and Jack was an excellent instructor. It was only natural that she felt such incredible physical chemistry with him. That was it. Nothing more. But Caroline was still trying to avoid the thought running through her mind – her increasing desire for him to turn his car around, run through her front door, and take her in his arms again.

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<span style="font-family: georgia, utopia, 'palatino linotype', palatino, serif; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: justify;">ABOUT THE BOOK</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, utopia, 'palatino linotype', palatino, serif; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1456860150l/28270232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1456860150l/28270232.jpg" width="213" /></a><b>Author</b>: Cecilia London</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: 'times new roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<b>Title</b>: Dissident</div>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: 'times new roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<b>Pages</b>: 273</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: 'times new roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">Genre</b><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">:</span><span style="background-color: white;">&nbsp;</span>Contemporary Romantic Suspense</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: 'times new roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: 'times new roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<b>Date published</b>: March 17, 2015</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">
<b style="background-color: white;">Synopsis:</b></div>
<i><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>“I will always be with you…”&nbsp;</i></div>
</i><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Rising Democratic star Caroline Gerard hasn’t had an easy year. After losing her husband, she is raising two small children alone while trying to navigate the tricky and sometimes shallow halls on Capitol Hill. A string of nasty speeches has her scrambling to apologize to any number of candidates, including newly elected Republican Jack McIntyre. Falling in love again is the last thing on her mind.&nbsp;</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Jack McIntyre might have a reputation as a playboy, but he has his sights set solely on his new colleague. Can he break through Caroline’s grief and capture her heart?&nbsp;</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Told mostly in flashback and set against a chilling fascist backdrop, Dissident is a rollercoaster ride of political intrigue, passionate contemporary romance, and undying love.&nbsp;</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<i><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>For readers 18+. Ends on a cliffhanger.</i></div>
</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1pJu7g6" target="_blank">AMAZON</a> // <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28270232-dissident" target="_blank">GOODREADS</a></span></b></div>
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<b style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-size: large;">EXCERPT</span></b></div>
<blockquote style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre-wrap;">“You’re lovely,” Jack murmured into her ear.

Was that directed at her, or was he mimicking the lyrics?

He was holding her closer than she thought was necessary for a dance between friends, but she wasn’t about to complain. They moved slowly but they’d been practicing all night and were starting to fatigue. Caroline leaned into his shoulder as if it were the most natural thing in the world, not realizing that they had almost completely stopped dancing.

“Caroline?” She heard Jack’s sweet voice again. “I’m not sure we’re dancing anymore.”

“Does it matter?” She lifted her head up.

Jack looked into her eyes. “Not unless it matters to you.”

He slowly brought his lips to hers. She didn’t turn away this time but closed her eyes and waited. It was sweet, kind, tender…and definitely not platonic. And it felt incredibly good, the pleasure wafting over her. She’d forgotten what it was like to be kissed, really kissed. She didn’t want him to stop. Jack cupped her cheek in his palm and pulled her closer to him with his other hand. Caroline brought her hands up to his hair and held them there, not wanting it to end.

She had been wondering what it would be like to run her hands through those gorgeous, perfect silver locks. His hair was soft, and she traced her fingers through it as Jack teased her tongue with his. She wanted to tug at it, bring him even closer to her, but then saw Nicky’s face in her mind and pulled away.

Caroline covered her mouth with her hand. “What was that for?”

Jack withdrew his hand from her waist. He seemed to be confused. “I-”

“It was the music,” she stammered. “We - it’s a romantic song. It’s hard not to get sucked into it. It’s fine.”

She thought Jack looked a little unnerved, but he recovered quickly. “Sure. Just a little kiss between friends. It didn’t mean anything.”

“Right.” Caroline kissed him on the cheek. “See? Nothing whatsoever.”

“Yeah.” Jack looked at his watch. “It’s late. I’d better head home. I have to get up pretty early tomorrow.”

“Not a problem.” She exhaled, grateful for the escape. “Thanks for the dance lessons.”

“Anytime,” Jack said. “I mean that.”

“I know.”

“See you on Tuesday?” he asked. “Lunch, maybe?”

“You bet.”

She turned off the music and escorted Jack up the stairs, watching him through the window as he started his Cadillac and drove away. It was nothing, that kiss.  That song, the entire night…they’d gotten too caught up in the entire thing. Dancing could be an extraordinarily sensuous experience between two people who knew what they were doing, and Jack was an excellent instructor. It was only natural that she felt such incredible physical chemistry with him. That was it. Nothing more.
But Caroline was still trying to avoid the thought running through her mind – her increasing desire for him to turn his car around, run through her front door, and take her in his arms again.</span></blockquote>
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#IABBAddict: Seizing Control by Kylie Hillman

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Join us every Thursday for IABB #Confessions

ABOUT THE BOOK

Author: Kylie Hillman

Title: Seizing Control

Pages: 375

Genre: Romance, Suspense, MC, Contemporary

Date published: September 30, 2015

Synopsis:

When a monster owns your past, can you control your destiny? 

Only daughter of the volatile President of the Black Shamrocks MC and long-suffering sister to four overprotective brothers, Madelaine O'Brien has survived circumstances that would have broken a lesser woman. 

Mik 'Mad Dog' Kennedy is her salvation, her reward for continuing to fight, and the matching piece of her soul. 

With her life happy and on track, will the reappearance of the monster from her past be the event that finally breaks her? Or will he be the catalyst she needs to put it all behind her, once and for all? 

They say when life gives you lemons; make lemonade. What happens when life keeps sending you demons who refuse to stay buried? Do you lie down and accept defeat or rise to the seemingly unwinnable challenge, and start SEIZING CONTROL? 

Disclaimer: This story contains graphic situations that may not be suitable for all readers.

AMAZON // GOODREADS

EXCERPT

Brendan smiles and shrugs. “I hit him. He trying to put your beautiful face in the cake.”
Relief flooding me that it was innocent, I laugh at Benji and he pokes his tongue out at me, a small smile gracing his face. My heart lightens further at his playfulness. I've missed it. Things are still pretty tense between us, nearly nine months after our blowout over Brendan. I can see where Benji and my friends are coming from but I can't face the drama that I know will ensue if I break up with Brendan. Since I haven't told anyone about my fears, Benji and Joel feel it's okay to constantly voice their objections to my relationship with him. They normally finish their rants with nasty descriptions of my intelligence. It’s not fun.
“Fuck, I reckon it must be time for presents.” I hear a very familiar voice shout. My heart skips a beat, and my body practically melting, everything that’s wrong in my life fading into insignificance. I search the gaudily decorated, crowded hall for where his voice is coming from, grinning widely when I spot him.
Mik is standing on a chair near the front door with a big smile on his face. His radio silence during the last week had led me to believe that he wasn’t coming tonight, dampening my enthusiasm for the party.
Since Mik was voted as Sergeant at Arms for the MC nearly a year ago, he hasn't been able to commit to anything because he never knows when he might be needed by the Club. What could possibly keep that bunch of men so busy has me stumped. Mik won't tell me what he is up to whenever I ask and I stopped asking Dad years ago. I don't think the Black Shamrocks are outlaws by definition, but I’m pretty sure they flirt with the thin blue line at times.
“Mik!” I shriek. “You came.”
I’m running towards him before he has time to jump down from the chair. Brendan grabs my arm, but I shrug him off, dodging the crowd who’ve turned to see who interrupted the speeches. Benji’s behind me trying to get his present from Mik first so I pick up my pace. Benji might be the football star but he’ll never be able to run as fast as me.
Once I’m close enough, I launch myself into Mik’s arms.
He catches me—just like I knew he would—because I’ve been launching myself at him like that since I was five years old. I wrap my legs around his waist and my arms around his neck and kiss his smooth cheeks. He holds my weight easily, with his arms folded under my ass, as he plants a quick kiss on my lips.
“Hey, Angel. Happy to see me?” he chuckles, his hazel eyes flashing at me.
I love how his eyes light up when he sees me. He gets a twinkle in them that I'm certain only I create. The feeling’s mutual; the only time I feel as if I’m as whole as I can be is when he’s around. He makes me feel as if the hole in my chest that’s been there since my mom died isn't as big or as painful anymore. “Of course I am, you big idiot. I thought you weren’t coming.”

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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>ABOUT THE BOOK</b></span></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'times new roman'; text-align: left;">
<b>Author</b>: Kylie Hillman</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'times new roman'; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'times new roman'; text-align: left;">
<b>Title</b>: Seizing Control</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'times new roman'; text-align: left;">
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<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'times new roman'; text-align: left;">
<b>Pages</b>: 375</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'times new roman'; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: 'times new roman';">Genre</b><span style="background-color: white;">:</span>&nbsp;Romance, Suspense, MC, Contemporary</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'times new roman'; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'times new roman'; text-align: left;">
<b>Date published</b>: September 30, 2015</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'times new roman'; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="background-color: white;">Synopsis:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
When a monster owns your past, can you control your destiny?&nbsp;</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Only daughter of the volatile President of the Black Shamrocks MC and long-suffering sister to four overprotective brothers, Madelaine O'Brien has survived circumstances that would have broken a lesser woman.&nbsp;</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Mik 'Mad Dog' Kennedy is her salvation, her reward for continuing to fight, and the matching piece of her soul.&nbsp;</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
With her life happy and on track, will the reappearance of the monster from her past be the event that finally breaks her? Or will he be the catalyst she needs to put it all behind her, once and for all?&nbsp;</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
They say when life gives you lemons; make lemonade. What happens when life keeps sending you demons who refuse to stay buried? Do you lie down and accept defeat or rise to the seemingly unwinnable challenge, and start SEIZING CONTROL?&nbsp;</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Disclaimer: This story contains graphic situations that may not be suitable for all readers.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #3c1f00; font-family: georgia, utopia, 'palatino linotype', palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">
<a href="http://amzn.to/1Ub0TUe" style="color: #b5653b; font-size: large; line-height: 18.2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">AMAZON</a><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 18.2px;">&nbsp;//&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27411924-seizing-control" style="color: #b5653b; font-size: large; line-height: 18.2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">GOODREADS</a></div>
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<b style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-size: large;">EXCERPT</span></b></div>
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Brendan smiles and shrugs. “I hit him. He trying to put your beautiful face in the cake.”<br />Relief flooding me that it was innocent, I laugh at Benji and he pokes his tongue out at me, a small smile gracing his face. My heart lightens further at his playfulness. I've missed it. Things are still pretty tense between us, nearly nine months after our blowout over Brendan. I can see where Benji and my friends are coming from but I can't face the drama that I know will ensue if I break up with Brendan. Since I haven't told anyone about my fears, Benji and Joel feel it's okay to constantly voice their objections to my relationship with him. They normally finish their rants with nasty descriptions of my intelligence. It’s not fun.<br />“Fuck, I reckon it must be time for presents.” I hear a very familiar voice shout. My heart skips a beat, and my body practically melting, everything that’s wrong in my life fading into insignificance. I search the gaudily decorated, crowded hall for where his voice is coming from, grinning widely when I spot him.<br />Mik is standing on a chair near the front door with a big smile on his face. His radio silence during the last week had led me to believe that he wasn’t coming tonight, dampening my enthusiasm for the party.<br />Since Mik was voted as Sergeant at Arms for the MC nearly a year ago, he hasn't been able to commit to anything because he never knows when he might be needed by the Club. What could possibly keep that bunch of men so busy has me stumped. Mik won't tell me what he is up to whenever I ask and I stopped asking Dad years ago. I don't think the Black Shamrocks are outlaws by definition, but I’m pretty sure they flirt with the thin blue line at times.<br />“Mik!” I shriek. “You came.”<br />I’m running towards him before he has time to jump down from the chair. Brendan grabs my arm, but I shrug him off, dodging the crowd who’ve turned to see who interrupted the speeches. Benji’s behind me trying to get his present from Mik first so I pick up my pace. Benji might be the football star but he’ll never be able to run as fast as me.<br />Once I’m close enough, I launch myself into Mik’s arms.<br />He catches me—just like I knew he would—because I’ve been launching myself at him like that since I was five years old. I wrap my legs around his waist and my arms around his neck and kiss his smooth cheeks. He holds my weight easily, with his arms folded under my ass, as he plants a quick kiss on my lips.<br />“Hey, Angel. Happy to see me?” he chuckles, his hazel eyes flashing at me.<br />I love how his eyes light up when he sees me. He gets a twinkle in them that I'm certain only I create. The feeling’s mutual; the only time I feel as if I’m as whole as I can be is when he’s around. He makes me feel as if the hole in my chest that’s been there since my mom died isn't as big or as painful anymore. “Of course I am, you big idiot. I thought you weren’t coming.”</blockquote>
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#IABBAddict: Spinne the Spider's Big City Adventure by MaeMae Spencer

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ABOUT THE BOOK

Author: MaeMae Spencer

Title: Spinne the Spider's Big City Adventure

Pages: 42

Genre: children's book

Date published: October 2, 2015

Synopsis:

Born with only six legs, Spinne is a unique spider. Through hard work she's living life the same as any other spider, without letting her disability disable her. With the love and support of her family, she knows she can accomplish great things. 

Lately she has been dreaming of an adventure all her own. One day when she's older, her mom says, she will have plenty of adventures. Knowing this doesn't keep her from dreaming. 

After accidentally falling asleep on a car, Spinne finds herself zooming from the country to the big city. Looks like that big adventure is going to happen sooner than she realized. Is she ready? Find out in Spinne the Spider's Big City Adventure!

AMAZON // GOODREADS

EXCERPT

Stars twinkled overhead, creating a blanket of light in the sky. Spinne sat on the ledge outside the window of the house, looking up.
"Mom, there has to be more to life than this," she said, waving one of her six legs.
"There is, dear. There is a whole wide world out there. But not all of it is nice, or safe, or kind," she answered as she spun a cocoon around their dinner.
Spinne had been born with only six legs, and it made some tasks like creating an effective web more difficult. Having less legs than every other spider she knew was the way it had always been, so she made it work. "You've said it yourself, we should judge by who someone is on the inside, not what they look like on the outside. I'm good inside. How can we be sure I won't be just fine out there?" This was a conversation they'd had more than once. Spinne wanted to see the good in everyone, and she didn't understand why her mother was so sure about those she hadn't met.
Spinne's mom finished her task and slid down from the web to sit beside her. She looked up at the sky, at the same stars Spinne was studying. "When you were little — a few days old — a group of young ants wandered by. They noticed right away that you were different. One of them made a rude remark about your missing legs and that ant's mother, who was walking along behind, looked over and saw you. She didn't correct her son's mistake, which tells me she didn't think there was anything wrong with what he said."
With wide eyes, Spinne looked up at her mom. "What did you do?"
"I was shocked at his words and even more shocked at his mother's reaction. I was furious enough to give her a piece of my mind but, by the time I recovered, they were gone. What I did instead was cry, and then I promised myself — and you — that I would protect you from that sort of behavior as long as I live. I haven't seen those ants since that day, or I would certainly let them know how inappropriate their responses to you were."
The moonlight shone down, reflecting off the tear as it slipped down her mom's face. The memory must have been very painful for her, if bringing it to mind made her cry again.
Spinne had never seen her mother cry before and felt awful about it. She wanted to make everything better, and searched her brain for something to say.
"Not everyone is like that, though. There are lots of good ones out there… right?"
She wiped the tear away. "Sure, there are plenty that are good."
Not convinced by her tone of voice, Spinne opened her mouth to ask why she didn't sound sure, then closed it again. Maybe she should leave well enough alone.

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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>ABOUT THE BOOK</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26259378-spinne-the-spider-s-big-city-adventure" style="clear: left; color: #00635d; float: left; font-family: Lato, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Spinne the Spider's Big City Adventure" height="320" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1444681518l/26259378.jpg" style="border: 0px;" width="213" /></a><b>Author</b>: MaeMae Spencer</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<b>Title</b>: Spinne the Spider's Big City Adventure</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
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<b>Pages</b>: 42</div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">Genre</b><span style="background-color: white;">:</span> children's book</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
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<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<b>Date published</b>: October 2, 2015</div>
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<b style="background-color: white;">Synopsis:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Born with only six legs, Spinne is a unique spider. Through hard work she's living life the same as any other spider, without letting her disability disable her. With the love and support of her family, she knows she can accomplish great things.&nbsp;</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
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Lately she has been dreaming of an adventure all her own. One day when she's older, her mom says, she will have plenty of adventures. Knowing this doesn't keep her from dreaming.&nbsp;</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
After accidentally falling asleep on a car, Spinne finds herself zooming from the country to the big city. Looks like that big adventure is going to happen sooner than she realized. Is she ready? Find out in Spinne the Spider's Big City Adventure!</div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1Qta6Rz" style="color: #b5653b; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">AMAZON</a>&nbsp;//&nbsp;<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26259378-spinne-the-spider-s-big-city-adventure" style="color: #b5653b; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">GOODREADS</a></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">EXCERPT</span></b></div>
<blockquote style="text-align: left;">
Stars twinkled overhead, creating a blanket of light in the sky. Spinne sat on the ledge outside the window of the house, looking up.<br />"Mom, there has to be more to life than this," she said, waving one of her six legs.<br />"There is, dear. There is a whole wide world out there. But not all of it is nice, or safe, or kind," she answered as she spun a cocoon around their dinner.<br />Spinne had been born with only six legs, and it made some tasks like creating an effective web more difficult. Having less legs than every other spider she knew was the way it had always been, so she made it work. "You've said it yourself, we should judge by who someone is on the inside, not what they look like on the outside. I'm good inside. How can we be sure I won't be just fine out there?" This was a conversation they'd had more than once. Spinne wanted to see the good in everyone, and she didn't understand why her mother was so sure about those she hadn't met.<br />Spinne's mom finished her task and slid down from the web to sit beside her. She looked up at the sky, at the same stars Spinne was studying. "When you were little — a few days old — a group of young ants wandered by. They noticed right away that you were different. One of them made a rude remark about your missing legs and that ant's mother, who was walking along behind, looked over and saw you. She didn't correct her son's mistake, which tells me she didn't think there was anything wrong with what he said."<br />With wide eyes, Spinne looked up at her mom. "What did you do?"<br />"I was shocked at his words and even more shocked at his mother's reaction. I was furious enough to give her a piece of my mind but, by the time I recovered, they were gone. What I did instead was cry, and then I promised myself — and you — that I would protect you from that sort of behavior as long as I live. I haven't seen those ants since that day, or I would certainly let them know how inappropriate their responses to you were."<br />The moonlight shone down, reflecting off the tear as it slipped down her mom's face. The memory must have been very painful for her, if bringing it to mind made her cry again.<br />Spinne had never seen her mother cry before and felt awful about it. She wanted to make everything better, and searched her brain for something to say.<br />"Not everyone is like that, though. There are lots of good ones out there… right?"<br />She wiped the tear away. "Sure, there are plenty that are good."<br />Not convinced by her tone of voice, Spinne opened her mouth to ask why she didn't sound sure, then closed it again. Maybe she should leave well enough alone.</blockquote>
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#IABBAddict: Poison by Lan Chan

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ABOUT THE BOOK

Author: Lan Chan

Title: Poison

Series: Wind Dancer, #1

Pages: 193

Genre: Young Adult Dystopian

Date published: August 31, 2015

Synopsis:

Since the night her mother was murdered, sixteen-year-old Rory Gray has known one truth: There are no good Seeders. 

In post-apocalyptic Australia, the scientists known as Seeders have built a Citadel surrounded by food-producing regions and populated with refugees from the wars and famine. To maintain their control, the Seeders poisoned the land and outlawed the saving of seeds.

It’s been six years since Rory graced the Seeders’ circus stage as the Wind Dancer and still the scars on her body haven’t healed. Even worse are the scars on her heart, left by a Seeder boy who promised to protect her.

Now the Seeders are withholding supplies from Rory’s region for perceived disobedience. Utilising the Wanderer knowledge she received from her mother, Rory must journey to the Citadel through uninhabitable terrain to plead for mercy.

However, the Citadel isn’t as Rory remembered. The chief plant geneticist is dying and rumours fly that the store of viable seed is dwindling. The Seeders are desperate to find a seed bank they believe Rory can locate, and they will stop at nothing to get it. 

To defy the Seeders means death. But Rory has been close to death before--this time she’s learned the value of poison.

Recommended for fans of The Hunger Games, strong protagonists, circuses and nature!

AMAZON // GOODREADS

EXCERPT

I run until it feels like my lungs will burst and every drag of air is excruciating. Then I stumble around in the dark for hours until I finally give up and start to climb again. I go up as far as I can, as high as the branches will support me, and wait for the coming dawn.
I’m awoken by the hollowness in my stomach. My eyes are grainy and the light is too bright, but I force them open. I’m way above the first canopy, and this high up, the forest is covered in a layer of mist so dense it could be snow. But no layer of weather would be magical enough to obscure the other sight. High above the treetops, pushing upwards so the tips of the skyscrapers disappear into the clouds, is the Citadel. I hadn’t even noticed it was so close. On this level, the Iron Gates and the six-metre wall surrounding the Citadel are obscured by trees. Besides Warden Tower and the distant gleam from the dome over the Forgotten Garden, the skyline has changed dramatically from what I once knew. Skyscrapers have risen and fallen, and there’s a sense that the entire city is slowly expanding over the mountain it rests on.
It feels wrong to be trying to get back into the Citadel after so long. I barely escaped the first time, and only because I suspect Papa made some kind of untoward deal with the Seeders in exchange for my freedom. Yet seeing it so close, knowing it’s not just a figment of my imagination, fills me with a sense of urgency.
I’m not ready. I don’t have enough information about what I’m getting myself into. So I do the only thing that comes naturally when I’m unsure. I start to climb and don’t stop until the branch I cling to is little more than sapwood. I seat myself with my belly against the tiny leader branch and hug the tree as it sways precariously against the prevailing wind. In this moment, I actually feel like I’m a part of the eternal dance between the earth and the sky. The branch tips horizontally, and I close my eyes and pretend I’m on a ride at the fair that accompanies the circus around the regions.
I smile and then catch myself as a sickening thought occurs to me. Do I really love soaring over the earth, or is it something the Seeders have planted in me by conditioning? If it’s the latter, does it say something about me that I’ve embraced being up so high?

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<a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1440216877l/26143713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; clear: left; color: #3c1f00; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="26143713" border="0" height="320" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1440216877l/26143713.jpg" style="border: 0px; color: #181818; font-family: Lato, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: start;" width="200" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Author</b>: Lan Chan</div>
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<b>Title</b>: Poison</div>
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<b>Series</b>: Wind Dancer, #1</div>
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<b>Pages</b>: 193</div>
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<b>Genre</b>: Young Adult Dystopian</div>
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<b>Date published</b>: August 31, 2015</div>
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<b>Synopsis:</b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Since the night her mother was murdered, sixteen-year-old Rory Gray has known one truth: There are no good Seeders.&nbsp;</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">In post-apocalyptic Australia, the scientists known as Seeders have built a Citadel surrounded by food-producing regions and populated with refugees from the wars and famine. To maintain their control, the Seeders poisoned the land and outlawed the saving of seeds.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">It’s been six years since Rory graced the Seeders’ circus stage as the Wind Dancer and still the scars on her body haven’t healed. Even worse are the scars on her heart, left by a Seeder boy who promised to protect her.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Now the Seeders are withholding supplies from Rory’s region for perceived disobedience. Utilising the Wanderer knowledge she received from her mother, Rory must journey to the Citadel through uninhabitable terrain to plead for mercy.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">However, the Citadel isn’t as Rory remembered. The chief plant geneticist is dying and rumours fly that the store of viable seed is dwindling. The Seeders are desperate to find a seed bank they believe Rory can locate, and they will stop at nothing to get it.&nbsp;</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">To defy the Seeders means death. But Rory has been close to death before--this time she’s learned the value of poison.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Recommended for fans of The Hunger Games, strong protagonists, circuses and nature!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1Qt8APF" style="color: #b5653b; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">AMAZON</a>&nbsp;//&nbsp;<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26143713-poison" style="color: #b5653b; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">GOODREADS</a></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">EXCERPT</span></b></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: left;">
I run until it feels like my lungs will burst and every drag of air is excruciating. Then I stumble around in the dark for hours until I finally give up and start to climb again. I go up as far as I can, as high as the branches will support me, and wait for the coming dawn.<br />I’m awoken by the hollowness in my stomach. My eyes are grainy and the light is too bright, but I force them open. I’m way above the first canopy, and this high up, the forest is covered in a layer of mist so dense it could be snow. But no layer of weather would be magical enough to obscure the other sight. High above the treetops, pushing upwards so the tips of the skyscrapers disappear into the clouds, is the Citadel. I hadn’t even noticed it was so close. On this level, the Iron Gates and the six-metre wall surrounding the Citadel are obscured by trees. Besides Warden Tower and the distant gleam from the dome over the Forgotten Garden, the skyline has changed dramatically from what I once knew. Skyscrapers have risen and fallen, and there’s a sense that the entire city is slowly expanding over the mountain it rests on.<br />It feels wrong to be trying to get back into the Citadel after so long. I barely escaped the first time, and only because I suspect Papa made some kind of untoward deal with the Seeders in exchange for my freedom. Yet seeing it so close, knowing it’s not just a figment of my imagination, fills me with a sense of urgency.<br />I’m not ready. I don’t have enough information about what I’m getting myself into. So I do the only thing that comes naturally when I’m unsure. I start to climb and don’t stop until the branch I cling to is little more than sapwood. I seat myself with my belly against the tiny leader branch and hug the tree as it sways precariously against the prevailing wind. In this moment, I actually feel like I’m a part of the eternal dance between the earth and the sky. The branch tips horizontally, and I close my eyes and pretend I’m on a ride at the fair that accompanies the circus around the regions.<br />I smile and then catch myself as a sickening thought occurs to me. Do I really love soaring over the earth, or is it something the Seeders have planted in me by conditioning? If it’s the latter, does it say something about me that I’ve embraced being up so high?</blockquote>
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#IABBAddict: Artist by Juli Valenti

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ABOUT THE BOOK

Author: Juli Valenti

Title: Artist

Series: Redemption Reigns MC, #2

Pages: 193

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Date published: November 8, 2015

Synopsis:

Cecili “Artist” Warren knew what she was getting into when she asked to prospect for Hells Redemption Motorcycle Club. At least, she thought she did. What she hadn’t been prepared for was the grueling training, long working hours at her tattoo shop, and falling for the man who’d tested her limits day after day. 

Shakespeare Carter, Vice President of Hells Redemption, was ruthless in all aspects of life – from his role within the club to the demands he placed on Artist. It was no secret he was a hard man, but even ice melted when confronted with fire. 

After a close friend of Artist’s is shot during a hit on the club, she becomes determined to seek out retribution. Little did she know that would be much harder than any of them ever expected. 

With Shakespeare’s help, can she prove to be as strong as he thinks she is? And, more, will she come out alive on the other side and still recognize herself?

AMAZON // GOODREADS

EXCERPT

“How many times do I have to tell you not to lean on your back foot when firin?’ That’s why you’re missin,’” Shakespeare barked, scolding her, and it took everything she had not to bash him in the face with the butt of the rifle.

It had been eight months since Artist had been given her prospect patch and officially started her road into being a member of Hells Redemption. Since then, she’d been put through grueling tasks and training, testing her worth and her dedication to the MC, and to herself. Most days she fell in bed exhausted, too tired to think or relive the days. But some days, days like today, she was almost driven to violence.

“I’m trying, damn it,” she whispered through gritted teeth, re-centering herself to the target and preparing to fire once more.

Since Poet had put Shakespeare, HR’s Vice President, in charge of her gun skills, it was his pleasure to put her through hell. When she got up in the morning, it was a vigorous workout routine before hopping on her 2013 CVO Harley and meeting him at the shooting field about seven miles from the clubhouse. There, he would quiz her on the weapons he brought, put her to task cleaning and putting them together, before spending hours target practicing. From there, she was sent on her way, sore and exhausted, to her day job.

It wasn’t the training, the gruelingly long days, or the chill of the New Mexico winter that bothered her, though. What bothered Artist was the man’s attitude. Shakespeare was constantly on her ass about everything – her feet weren’t perfectly positioned, her arm wasn’t extended the way he wanted it, she was relying on sights instead of instinct. It was irritating as hell. Two months ago, she'd called him on it exactly one time.

“Excuse me, prospect?”

Her blood chilled, immediately cooling her temper at the tone of his voice. Her VP’s face had hardened, an eyebrow raised, framing a dangerous expression. Artist sighed, knowing she’d lost the battle and points before she'd even been given the chance to play.

“Nothing, VP. Sorry.”

The man standing before her seemed impossibly large, his stature almost dwarfing her as he stepped forward. He grabbed the pistol from her hands and leaned in close. “I’ll stop treatin’ you like a fuckin’ idiot when you stop actin’ like one. We’re done for the day. Get gone.”

Artist nodded, her eyes to the grass and dirt at her feet, ashamed to look at him. She knew better than to snap at any of the members, especially him, and it didn’t take a rocket scientist to know he was going to tell Poet. Who, in turn, would tell Titan. The day was getting better and better.

“Oh, and Artist?” he called, causing her to turn back. She swallowed her pride and glanced up at him, meeting his eyes with sheer force of will though fearing the threat that was sure to come. “Free pass this time around – but don’t push me. You won’t like what happens.”

GIVEAWAY

***GIVEAWAY***Sometimes... Sometimes the littlest things can bring the biggest smiles.And so, having finished Harry...
Posted by Author Juli Valenti on Tuesday, March 1, 2016

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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>ABOUT THE BOOK</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27233106-artist" style="background-color: white; clear: left; color: #00635d; float: left; font-family: Lato, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Artist (Redemption Reigns MC, #2)" height="320" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1445488081l/27233106.jpg" style="border: 0px;" width="200" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="font-weight: bold;">Author</b><b>:</b> Juli Valenti</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="font-weight: bold;">Title</b><b>:</b> Artist</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="font-weight: bold;">Series</b><b>:</b> Redemption Reigns MC, #2</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="font-weight: bold;">Pages</b><b>:</b> 193</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="font-weight: bold;">Genre</b><b>:</b> Romantic Suspense</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="font-weight: bold;">Date published</b><b>: </b>November 8, 2015</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<b><div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Synopsis</b>:</div>
</b><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Cecili “Artist” Warren knew what she was getting into when she asked to prospect for Hells Redemption Motorcycle Club. At least, she thought she did. What she hadn’t been prepared for was the grueling training, long working hours at her tattoo shop, and falling for the man who’d tested her limits day after day.&nbsp;</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Shakespeare Carter, Vice President of Hells Redemption, was ruthless in all aspects of life – from his role within the club to the demands he placed on Artist. It was no secret he was a hard man, but even ice melted when confronted with fire.&nbsp;</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
After a close friend of Artist’s is shot during a hit on the club, she becomes determined to seek out retribution. Little did she know that would be much harder than any of them ever expected.&nbsp;</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
With Shakespeare’s help, can she prove to be as strong as he thinks she is? And, more, will she come out alive on the other side and still recognize herself?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://amzn.to/1Qt1iLM" target="_blank">AMAZON</a> // <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27233106-artist" target="_blank">GOODREADS</a></div>
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">EXCERPT</span></b></div>
<blockquote>
“How many times do I have to tell you not to lean on your back foot when firin?’ That’s why you’re missin,’” Shakespeare barked, scolding her, and it took everything she had not to bash him in the face with the butt of the rifle.<br />It had been eight months since Artist had been given her prospect patch and officially started her road into being a member of Hells Redemption. Since then, she’d been put through grueling tasks and training, testing her worth and her dedication to the MC, and to herself. Most days she fell in bed exhausted, too tired to think or relive the days. But some days, days like today, she was almost driven to violence.<br />“I’m trying, damn it,” she whispered through gritted teeth, re-centering herself to the target and preparing to fire once more.<br />Since Poet had put Shakespeare, HR’s Vice President, in charge of her gun skills, it was his pleasure to put her through hell. When she got up in the morning, it was a vigorous workout routine before hopping on her 2013 CVO Harley and meeting him at the shooting field about seven miles from the clubhouse. There, he would quiz her on the weapons he brought, put her to task cleaning and putting them together, before spending hours target practicing. From there, she was sent on her way, sore and exhausted, to her day job.<br />It wasn’t the training, the gruelingly long days, or the chill of the New Mexico winter that bothered her, though. What bothered Artist was the man’s attitude. Shakespeare was constantly on her ass about everything – her feet weren’t perfectly positioned, her arm wasn’t extended the way he wanted it, she was relying on sights instead of instinct. It was irritating as hell. Two months ago, she'd called him on it exactly one time.<br /><i>“Excuse me, prospect?”</i><i><br /></i><i>Her blood chilled, immediately cooling her temper at the tone of his voice. Her VP’s face had hardened, an eyebrow raised, framing a dangerous expression. Artist sighed, knowing she’d lost the battle and points before she'd even been given the chance to play.</i><i><br /></i><i>“Nothing, VP. Sorry.”</i><i><br /></i><i>The man standing before her seemed impossibly large, his stature almost dwarfing her as he stepped forward. He grabbed the pistol from her hands and leaned in close. “I’ll stop treatin’ you like a fuckin’ idiot when you stop actin’ like one. We’re done for the day. Get gone.”</i><i><br /></i><i>Artist nodded, her eyes to the grass and dirt at her feet, ashamed to look at him. She knew better than to snap at any of the members, especially him, and it didn’t take a rocket scientist to know he was going to tell Poet. Who, in turn, would tell Titan. The day was getting better and better.</i><i><br /></i><i>“Oh, and Artist?” he called, causing her to turn back. She swallowed her pride and glanced up at him, meeting his eyes with sheer force of will though fearing the threat that was sure to come. “Free pass this time around – but don’t push me. You won’t like what happens.”</i></blockquote>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">GIVEAWAY</span></b></div>
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<div id="fb-root"></div><script>(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJuliValenti/posts/573603566148977" data-width="500"><div class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJuliValenti/posts/573603566148977"><p>***GIVEAWAY***Sometimes... Sometimes the littlest things can bring the biggest smiles.And so, having finished Harry...</p>Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJuliValenti/">Author Juli Valenti</a> on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJuliValenti/posts/573603566148977">Tuesday, March 1, 2016</a></blockquote></div></div></div>