Release Blitz & Reviews – The Anti-Fan and the Idol, Rachel Van Dyken

July 5, 2022 | Posted in Release Day Blitz, Review | By

Make it or break it… Or maybe just break them?

The Anti-Fan and the Idol, an all-new steamy and emotional enemies-to-lovers novella set in the My Summer In Seoul world from New York Times best selling author Rachel Van Dyken 1,001 Dark Nights, is available now!

Make it or break it…

Or maybe just break them?

Ai-Ri has been training under YK Management in Korea for two years without any results. She doesn’t fit the typical mold for a successful K-POP idol image, literally down to her blood type. She has six more months before college entrance exams which means she only has six months to make it as an idol before her dreams are crushed.

Things take a turn when two of the most famous male idols break away from their group and decide to form their own co-ed group, a rarity.

And wonder of all wonders, they need one more girl.

It would be the perfect opportunity, except she hates them.

They are arrogant, entitled, rich little snobs who want the world to worship the ground they walk on. To make matters worse, the only reason they came to her was because they are desperate, which means she needs to prove herself even more.

Tempers and personalities collide when she’s forced to either accept the position or give up on her dream.

But what happens when you suddenly go from anti-fan and enemy number one to stuck in a love triangle between two boys you were born to hate but are somehow falling in love with? And will the group survive the heartbreak that follows when she finally makes her choice?

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

Grab your copy today, exclusively on Amazon! Amazon: https://amzn.to/3spKkKH Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/antifanidol Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/3NIWqqj Audible: https://adbl.co/3a7PRz4

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3LzFZvE

 

Kara's Review

5 out of 5 stars

The Anti-Fan and the Idol: A My Summer In Seoul Novella from Rachel Van Dyken is a fun, emotional and quick story in the K-POP world. After reading My Summer in Seoul I knew I wanted this book! Ah-Ri is running out of time to get her big break. Too bad it comes from Ryan and Haneul, jerks from her past. They have a short time to make it big. The first co-ed band. Failure is not an option so they have to put aside their differences and work together. Dance together. Sing together. Touch on accident, touch on purpose. Turns out they don’t hate each other after all, but  it’s risky and they can’t afford to get caught. While they are practicing and getting ready, they all learn things about themselves. They laugh, they heal, they grow. And when it’s their time, they shine. Together. Wow! This short story packs a full novel punch. I was sucked in from the first page and didn’t want it to end. I hope we get to see these characters again!  

Sandra's Review

5 out of 5 stars

The Anti-Fan and The Idol is a novella spin-off to Rachel’s My Summer in Seoul standalone. I am not a big fan of K-POP but these books are amazing and a glimpse into the world phenomenon. These are all-new characters!! This is their last chance. Haneul and Ryan are best friends and bandmates and they need this to work. A co-ed K-pop group. They only needed one more girl to accept the challenge and their last chance was a girl who wasn’t a fan. It doesn’t help that they have bullied Ah-Ri. She never backs down and that is why they want her. She is different. She is no quitter and they only have a limited time till the Showcase. It’s all or nothing at this point and when she accepts… it’s on. What they didn’t expect was to like her. To really like her and that was dangerous in their industry. I can’t really get into the story anymore than that but I can say that I laughed, swooned, and cried. The book is short but it’s an emotional one. It definitely packs a punch and I hope RVD writes more in this world. Quotes: “Anyone ever tell you how sexy you look when you curse?” he asks. My breath hitches. The lights suddenly go off in the dance studio. “Power outage?” I say. “Good timing,” he replies. “You were a bad idea from the start.” “And you were bad from the very beginning.” I lift my chin. “What could you possibly want?” she asks. “A small spoon,” I answer. “Like I said, NO ramyeon!”
silhouettes of the young couple of the bride and groom in the backlight
About Rachel Van Dyken Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she’s not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor. She keeps her home in Idaho with her husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from readers!

Connect with Rachel Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RachelVanDyken Website: http://rachelvandykenauthor.com Newsletter: http://bit.ly/RVDNewsletter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachvd Twitter: https://twitter.com/RachVD Amazon: http://amzn.to/2cNVwL9 Goodreads: http://bit.ly/RVDGR Rachel’s Rockin’ Readers: http://bit.ly/RachelsRockinReaders

For More information about 1,001 Dark Nights, visit Facebook: https://bit.ly/3ONzTtZ Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rTZdo3 Website: https://bit.ly/2AIIr3A Stay up to date on all 1001 Dark Nights releases, join their mailing list today! https://bit.ly/2zgxaHu

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Release Blitz & Reviews – Gage, Sawyer Bennett

July 5, 2022 | Posted in Release Day Blitz, Review | By

Gage: A Pittsburgh Titans Novel
Sawyer Bennett
Release Date: July 5, 2022

Synopsis:

Read the first THREE chapters of Gage

Veteran player Gage Heyward retired from the league following a successful career. Now the Titans need him, but does he have what it takes to get back on the ice and pull this team together?

After achieving the goals I set for myself, I walked away from my professional hockey career. It was a tough decision, but the right one at the time. When the Titans organization approached me about joining the team they were rebuilding following a devastating plane crash, I felt a passion for the game and a competitive spirit I hadn’t felt in years. The opportunity to make a huge difference to a lot of people spoke to me, and I accepted their offer and headed to Pittsburgh without a second thought.

Jenna Holland is also new to town, having moved from Phoenix to Pittsburgh to take a job with the Titans. Her past has left her with scars—both physical and emotional—and she’s slow to trust others. But the more I learn about Jenna, the more I want to know. The more I need to know. Because the beautiful blonde with honey gold eyes and a wall around her heart has me enamored.

My game on the ice is the best it’s ever been, but it’s my game off the ice I’m focused on these days. Because while Jenna may not be willing to take a chance, I know the potential is there for something big. Something life changing. Now I just need to convince her to take the shot.

Download Gage: A Pittsburgh Titans Novel
Amazon | Nook | Apple | Kobo | Google | Print

Buy the digital and signed paperback direct from Sawyer Bennett: https://bit.ly/STORE_Gage
** Digital files must be read within the BookFunnel app **

 

Kara's Review

5 out of 5 stars

Gage is the third book in the Pittsburgh Titans series by the fabulous Sawyer Bennett. Gage is the definition of swoon. He’s mature, caring, funny, sexy and honest. It’s refreshing to read a hero who isn’t playing games, cares about what people think of him and admits that he wants a woman. Jenna is new to town and friends with Baden and Sophie. As soon as Gage sees her he can’t look away. Yes, he sees the scars, but he sees the beautiful woman with the mesmerizing eyes. There’s something about her and he just knows she’s meant to be in his life. He says friends, but he means more. He just has to get her to see it. Jenna has been living in the shadows for a long time. She’s self conscious of her scars and doesn’t trust people to see beyond them. Until Gage. She’s not sure what he sees when he looks at her, but after getting to know him more, she trusts his honesty. She’s also wildly attracted to him and he makes her want to find herself again. I loved this story! The journey Jenna goes on to let go of her past and move forward was inspiring and brave. How she learns to trust Gage and believe what he says to her. And Gage, sweet mama! That man. The things he says and does. How he talks about his family and friends. He’s loyal and smart and sexy and …everything! He’s older and wiser and knows what he wants and goes after it. I couldn’t love this story more!

 

Sandra's Review

5 out of 5 stars

Gage is the third book in the Pittsburgh Titans series by Sawyer Bennett. Each book can be read as standalone but I recommend reading the series since each couple is unique and tied into the series.

Gage is back! He is out of retirement to help build the Titans back up after losing most of the team in a tragic plane crash. He is one of the oldest players but in the best shape of his life. He only plans of being in Pittsburgh for the season to lift the team’s spirit and hopefully get to the playoffs. What he didn’t expect was her… Jenna Holland. A new woman in a town and in the office. A beauty like no other. He just needs to show her that he means business. He wants her, scars and all.

Jenna was nervous and excited about moving to a new city and starting a new job. She is ready to be out of her comfort zone, one inch at a time. She only has two people in town, Baden and Sophie but on moving day she meets him… Gage Heyward. A hockey player who makes her skin tingle. But she doesn’t believe the flirting he is giving off. Doesn’t believe a man like him would want a woman like her but when he shoots his shot, she is confused and excited at the same time. Will he make his shot?

Awe!! I love these two. Gage is so swoony with his respect and patience. Love and admiration. Jenna is stronger than she believes and one hell of a badass. I knew this was going to be an emotional ride knowing some of Jenna’s story and Gage is perfect for her. He totally filled her bucket and she filled his.

Quotes:

“Sometimes… you can lurk in the dark for so long, it’s hard to leave the security it becomes.”

The man is dangerous, for with a few words, he makes me want him fiercely in all ways.

Just know that when you’re comfortable enough to share the pieces of you that you hate, I want you to know that I won’t hate them.

 

About the Author:

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.

If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).

Connect with Sawyer:

Facebook | Reader Group | TikTok | Instagram
Goodreads | BookBub | Join Sawyer’s Newsletter

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New Release & Reviews – The Callahan Family Box Set, Carrie Aarons

July 1, 2022 | Posted in New Release, Review | By

The Callahan Family Box Set by Carrie Aarons is live!

A family engulfed in scandal, one small town, and the baseball dynasty that ties them all together. Grab these five small town, sports romances and a brand new Opening Day extended epilogue in this box set from bestselling author Carrie Aarons.

The Callahan Family Box Set includes five standalones:
Warning Track
Stealing Home
Check Swing
Control Artist
Tagging Up

PLUS: A brand new, never-before-released Opening Day extended epilogue featuring a chapter from one half of each couple! 15k of new content from your favorite family dynasty!

More about the books inside:

WARNING TRACK

Colleen Callahan is exactly where she’s always dreamt of being.

Hayes Swindell would prefer hell over the place he ended up.

Fate has other plans, though. If their forbidden chemistry is found out, it could mean the end of both of their careers. Except hurtling so close to the danger zone has never felt more right.

Should they head for disaster together, risking it all, or course-correct and save themselves the ultimate price of heartbreak and scandal?

STEALING HOME

Walker Callahan has loved from afar for as long as he can remember.

Hannah Giraldi never wants to fall in love again.

Can Walker risk his own future and show her how to trust again? Or will the feelings he’s kept hidden for years throw him out of the game before he can even attempt to play?

Is there a way to heal all of the broken parts, or will Hannah go down swinging while attempting one more shot at a happily ever after?

CHECK SWING

Sinclair Callahan is a trust fund baby.

Francesca Kade is an independent goal-getter.

Can he shoulder the responsibility he’s always shrugged off? Or will he balk at the real-life complications and strike out completely?

Will she ever be able to trust that he’ll put both her and his responsibilities before his vices? Or will their differences cost them the game?

CONTROL ARTIST

Dahlia Akana has no idea where she’s going in life.

Garrett Chester has always known exactly what he wants.

When secrets, lies, and a humiliating public scandal rock their world, will she be able to stay with him? Fight for him? Or will her age-old tactic of fleeing erase any shot at a happily ever after?

Can he put the rumors to rest, piece together a career in shambles, and be the hero she needs?

TAGGING UP

All Anna Callahan wants is her independence.

Clark Nyle swore a long time ago he’d never be committed to anyone.

But, when their secret is finally discovered, it sends the already skittish bad boy running for the hills. And although she claimed to want freedom with no strings, Anna can’t help but feel the sharp pull to be with him forever.

When they’re found out, he’s forced to choose between his demons and the disapproval of his closest friends … or her.

 

Sandra's Review

5 out of 5 stars

⚾️ WARNING TRACK 
Warning Track is the first book in a new series by Carrie Aarons. I love Carrie’s books and when she announced a new series i was beyond excited. A baseball family? Yes, please! That’s all I really knew since I don’t read blurbs. 

Colleen has been training for this her whole life. She never expected it to happen at the age of twenty-eight while her father was carted off to prison but here she is…the new GM of the Packton Pistons. A baseball team that needed to work on its reputation after the family was disgraced by her father. She knew it would be hard being so young and a woman but now it’s all she has time for. Work. To prove she was made for this. To prove she earned her position. To prove she can bring this team to victory. And after meeting their new-star player, she is even more determined to prove that she is not her father. 

Hayes doesn’t want to be there. He was supposed to be in LA with his team. Instead, he was in PA because of crooked Callahan and his illegal trades. He was stuck for one season then he was out. If he didn’t love the sport so much he would just slide by on this team. He hated the Callahans for what he did. They were enemy number one in his book. The problem? Colleen. She was beautiful, smart, professional, and he wanted her bad. 

Off-limits: not to be interfered with, considered or spoke of. Yep! That is exactly these two. They don’t want a scandal or a bad reputation. A GM and a ball player would do just that. Then there is love. They just clicked even when they first met. Is love worth it? What will happen at season’s end? Will she prove to everyone including herself that she deserved her title? Will he go back to LA? 

I ♥️ Hayes and Colleen!! If I didn’t start this book on a crazy day then I would had finished it in one sitting. I loved their banter and flirting. The sexual build-up. Their overall characters. They are just good people. I can’t wait for the rest of the series. I don’t know who is up next but I have an idea and I am for it. Thank you, Carrie for another amazing book and start to a series. 💞

Quotes: 

Her body is liquid sin, flowing with its petite curves and exposed skin, that if I reached out and touched, would most likely slide like warm butter under my fingertips.

“You’re fucking beautiful like this. Hair down, wild and uninhibited.”

Right now, I have no idea what my future holds. But there is a ticking clock counting down in the back of my head, like something out of Peter Pan. Eventually, it’s going to catch up to me, like that goddamn crocodile.

⚾️ STEALING HOME 
Stealing Home is the second book in the Callahan Family series. Each can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend reading Warning Track since it will give you a better look into the family. It is also where I started to fall for Walker, and wanted to hug Hannah and punch her husband in the junk. 

Six years ago Walker watched the woman he loved walk down the aisle and towards his teammate, Shane. She was always Shane’s but he felt something for Hannah from the moment he met her. That connection only got stronger and stronger through the years from afar. They chatted at parties but never in a flirty way. He knew she didn’t belong to him but to an asshole. He didn’t get it but they had a family together. What he didn’t expect was what happened that night outside of the stadium. The night that changed everything…

Six years ago Hannah married a man she loved. Five years ago he started to show his true colors. He was an abuser. She stayed for her kids. She stayed because she thought she was weak. Now, she was done. She had to be strong for herself and for her kids. She couldn’t go back. It was time to start over but first she had to go through more hell. And by her side was Colleen the owner of the baseball team Shane used to play for. She also found safety with Walker. A man who was so sweet and was there for her one of her worst days. She saw and felt something between them but it was too fast to give her heat to another man. Could she even trust another man after what Shane had put her through? She also didn’t want a knight in shiny armor. She had to do this on her own. 

Wow. I think Carrie did an amazing job at writing such a hard subject. I knew this one wasn’t going to be all hearts and rainbows. It made it more raw. Hannah is a badass woman and mother. Walker is a hot sweetheart. I loved them along with the littles. They are adorable and deserve happiness. All of them. I am excited for the next Callahan to find his! 

Quotes: 

Hannah doesn’t lean in, but she doesn’t back away. Coaxing, ever so slowly, I kiss her with the tenderness of a thousand feathers.

“Walker … you don’t want to date me.” She leans her head back against the seat, sighing as she looks at me. 
“You have no idea how false that statement is. I’ve been waiting six years for a date with you.” My voice is quiet, but deadly serious.

“I know I’m not just seeing you, Hannah. Your girls are your world. I want to be a part of that, too. I’m not shy in telling you that I want every part of you, especially the part where you’re this fantastic, strong mother.”

⚾️ CHECK SWING 
Check Swing is the third book in the Callahan Family series by Carrie Aarons. You can read as standalone but I highly recommend the series since they are all unique, beautiful, and amazing. I have been waiting for Sin’s story. The bad boy in the family. Just his name is swoon worthy and trouble. 

Sinclair is the black sheep of the family. The party boy who can’t keep a job even when they are handed to him. His family ownsthe Packton Pistons, each member works for the team in some capacity. He hit rock bottom a little over a year ago and now it was his time to get in the game of life. One year sober and his father sends him to spring training to be an assistant video production manager. A job he didn’t earn but one he hopes to enjoy and stick with. What he wasn’t planning for was her. A woman who intrigues him from the moment he sees her. And, the perk was that she had no idea who he was. He hated not telling her, it let him be himself though. To not just be a Callahan but Sin. A man who made her laugh, hot and bothered, and have a spring training fling with. 

That was what it was only supposed to be. Three months. No strings attached. Frankie didn’t want anything more than that but when he left, she was heartbroken. Now, she was in Packton with a promotion. She was excited about her new job. What she didn’t expect was to see him. And gets the shock of a lifetime when he is a Callahan. He might want to start fresh but can she trust him after lying about who he was? Was it all a lie? His feelings? His troubles? What else was he hiding? 

I loved these two! Sin is more than anyone expected. I knew he was something but damn. And Frankie is a badass. She knows what she wants and doesn’t play around. They are both determined and motivated. Together, they are full of passion, love, and laughter. I am so hoping there are more stories in this series! I can see the next book…

Quotes: 

Sinclair is trouble, that’s for sure. Just the kind of trouble I want to try several times before I know better.

“I wasn’t aware you were emotionally off-limits. Now my plan to get you to fall in love with me is thwarted.” She snaps her fingers as if to say aw shucks.

Like she said, trying harder is worth a lot. In this instance, it’s worth everything.

⚾️ CONTROL ARTIST 
 
Control Artist is the fourth book in the Callahan Family series by Carrie Aarons. Each can be read as standalone since they are different couples but I highly recommend reading the series since they are tied together. If you have then you have met Dahlia (Hannah’s sister) and Garrett (the rookie).

Dahlia moved to Packton two years to support her sister and nanny her nieces. It was supposed to be temporary but she hasn’t had the pull to move on. Yet. Which is surprising to her since she was a nomad and loved to travel and not settle in one place. Her family doesn’t get it. They just want her to be happy and Hannah doesn’t see that. Dahlia doesn’t see her future tied to one man! Children, and a white picket fence. She doesn’t want that. She wants to be free. Garrett would be perfect for just that. A roll in the hay with the rookie with a Texas drawl except he was just too young and too cocky for her. But he was persistent, and someone who is that cocky about his bedroom skills usually can back them up. Would giving up her resolve be worth it?

Garrett was new to this lifestyle. Money, women, parties, and everything he could ever ask for. He grew up poor and was living it up. He finally made it to the Big Show and after his rookie year, he was living high. Too high. No, not drugs. The lifestyle. He was arrogant, cocky, and stubborn. He knew his game was on top but now his personal life was hitting the tabloids. Baseball was his life. He wouldn’t go back to the trailer park. But what was wrong with having a little fun? And he knew he would have fun with the feisty Dahlia. He wanted her and he wasn’t going to just walk away from a challenge. But once he had a taste, he wanted more and more. To know her. To enjoy her. He might have been the playboy but she was the nomad. Would should take the risk with him to become more than sex buddies? Would the tabloids ruin everything before they could really get started?

This series just keeps getting better and better. I am not sure if there is more to come but I sure hope so! Garrett is cocky yes but he is also sweet, misunderstood, and a hot mess. I loved seeing all of his sides. The shameless flirt. And he met his match with Dahlia. She is a badass who feels a little lost but knows she will find her way. I love them both. Together, they are explosive and a little out of control, and sweet and it’s them. They made me laugh, cry, and get hot and bothered. ♥️

Quotes:

“I just met you, you’re my boss, and you’re complimenting my boobs? I think I found my new best friend.” I laugh.
She winks at me and takes on a valley girl accent. “That’s because I’m like, a cool boss, not a regular boss.”
“And a Mean Girls reference? Marry me.” I wink back at her.

“You feel like dancing, darlin’?” That deep voice is much too close to the sensitive slope of my ear. I don’t move though, and stop my body from swaying, not wanting to give him the upper hand.
“I hate country music.”
“Aw, sweetheart, that’s not what your hips were saying a moment ago.” That tone is pure sex.

His mouth is vicious, searing hot, and skilled beyond his years. He wasn’t lying when he said he could make me come so many times I’d lose my voice, because with the way his tongue is filthily commanding mine, I can feel an orgasm building. From just a kiss. 

⚾️ TAGGING UP 
Tagging Up is the fifth book in the Callahan Family series by Carrie Aarons. I do believe this is the last book in the series but there is potential for more so here’s hoping! Each book can be read as standalone but I recommend reading the series since they are all unique in their own ways. 

Clark was there drowning his sorrows. Anna was there after losing a patient. Two single friends. A little bit too much drinking. Some pent up lust. This book starts out with a bang and I am here for it. 

Clark knew it shouldn’t have happened. Anna is his best friend’s little sister. She was off-limits and he was so not a relationship guy. He never went back twice. And he has known Anna since she was only sixteen. She was too young for him even if she was twenty-three now and he was thirty. She deserves someone who could give her more than one night. She was beautiful, sweet, witty, and didn’t let anyone especially him bullshit her. She told it how it was. And now, Anna was telling him that she is a woman who knows what she wants and it’s more sex with him. Without strings. Without telling her cousin, Walker. It’s none of anyone else’s business.

Anna was tired of everyone treating her like a child. A fragile child who can’t make her own decisions. She was a nurse for f*ck’s sake. She might be the baby of the family but she wasn’t some kind of princess. She was a badass who has wanted Clark since she was seventeen years old and if sex was all he was willing to give, she will take it. In the bathroom. In bed. In a plane. Up against the wall. You get my point. But she also wants to show him that he is good enough. He deserves more. But what will happen when feelings latch on? 

I have been slowly falling for Clark throughout the series and his story was so worth the wait! This man has layers. He isn’t just the team playboy and fun guy. He is so much more. And Anna, I love her too. Together, they are fire and complications. It’s one hell of a ride! 

Quotes: 

I will never, not until the day I die, forget the look on his face when he stepped into me and grabbed the back of my neck. It was possessive, so fucking hot, and like he knew exactly how I wanted to be kissed.

My soul must be floating somewhere up above my body, because I swear I just died. Fucking died and went to lust heaven, because holy Christ, Clark Nyle is dirty talking to me.

“You have no idea how good you can be.”

⚾️ OPENING NIGHT 
It’s eight years later and Opening Day for the Callahans! I absolutely love this family and their loves and children. It was so awesome catching up with all of them. It’s fun when we get to see them in the future with each getting their own POVs. It also makes me want more! Come on, Carrie…second generation? Pretty please. If not, I will forgive you since you wrote this extra epilogue. ♥️⚾️ 

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited!
http://mybook.to/Callahan_family

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3wnYfBT

Meet Carrie Aarons

Author of romance novels such as Fool Me Twice and Love at First Fight, Carrie Aarons writes books that are just as swoon-worthy as they are sarcastic. A former journalist, she prefers the love stories of her imagination, and the athleisure dress code, much better.

When she isn’t writing, Carrie is busy binging reality TV, having a love/hate relationship with cardio, and trying not to burn dinner. She lives in the suburbs of New Jersey with her husband, two children and ninety-pound rescue pup.
 
Connect with Carrie
Website | www.authorcarrieaarons.com
Goodreads | https://goodreads.com/carrieaarons
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Facebook | https://facebook.com/carrieaarons
Facebook Group | https://bit.ly/2DDt1xX
Instagram | https://instagram.com/authorcarriea
Twitter | https://twitter.com/authorcarriea
Bookbub | https://bookbub.com/profile/carrie-aarons
TikTok | https://bit.ly/3fzcrkI
Newsletter | https://bit.ly/authorCAnewsletter

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