Dissonance

๐—•๐—ผ๐—ผ๐—ธ: Dissonance ๐Ÿ“š
๐—”๐˜‚๐˜๐—ต๐—ผ๐—ฟ: Tabitha Winters โœ๏ธ
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๐Ÿš€ ๐‘๐ž๐ฏ๐ข๐ž๐ฐ:
“Dissonance” by Tabitha Winters marks the gripping start to the SPKS series. The story centers around Ellie Brynne, a psychologist who was given the approval by Dr. Donnelly to do an emergency evaluation of Sonny Bonaventureโ€”a man who claims to have murdered over fifteen women in a year. Sonny is terrified of Inspector Gรฉrard Renault and insists on being admitted to Hopkins State Hospital to stay hidden from him.

Things take a darker turn when both the chancellor and Dr. Donnelly are found dead at Claremont University. Ellie is then partnered with Inspector Renault to investigate the string of murders haunting the campus. With bodies continuing to appear, she must act quickly to unravel the truth and stop the killer.

This is a suspenseful, twist-filled read that Iโ€™d highly recommend to thrill-seekers and mystery lovers alike. The author’s storytelling is engaging, and I found myself hooked right up to the final page. Iโ€™m already looking forward to diving into Book 2: Deception.

  • ๐— ๐˜† ๐—ฅ๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด: 5/5

โ˜… Book Is Available On Amazon

Anti-Money Laundering and Financial Crime

๐—•๐—ผ๐—ผ๐—ธ: Anti-Money Laundering and Financial Crime ๐Ÿ“š
๐—”๐˜‚๐˜๐—ต๐—ผ๐—ฟ: James Dunkay Conteh โœ๏ธ
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๐Ÿš€ ๐‘๐ž๐ฏ๐ข๐ž๐ฐ:
“Anti-Money Laundering and Financial Crime: Awareness and Compliance” by James Dunkay Conteh is an enlightening and informative read. The book offers financial institutions and the general public valuable insights into the methods employed by money launderers, equipping them with the knowledge needed to detect and prevent such illicit activities effectively.

Conteh emphasizes the importance of continuous assessment, evaluation, and revision of regulatory frameworks to counter financial crimes on a global scale. He highlights the role of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and its collaboration with international organizations to enhance the stability and integrity of the global financial system. A robust Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) program, the book explains, should include key components such as transaction monitoring, customer due diligence, and comprehensive risk assessments.

The author also underscores the critical role of employee training and awareness in the success of AML/CFT efforts. Conducting thorough investigations is essential to dismantling criminal networks, recovering illicit assets, and maintaining public trust in financial institutions.

This book is both eye-opening and empowering. It encourages readers to be vigilant and proactive in the fight against money laundering. Through his writing, James Dunkay Conteh inspires us to become informed global citizens committed to combating financial crime. Packed with practical guidance and thought-provoking insights, this book serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to drive meaningful change on a global scale.

  • ๐— ๐˜† ๐—ฅ๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด: 5/5

โ˜… Book Is Available On Amazon

Milo

๐—•๐—ผ๐—ผ๐—ธ: Milo ๐Ÿ“š
๐—”๐˜‚๐˜๐—ต๐—ผ๐—ฟ: Adrienne Burnheimer โœ๏ธ
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๐Ÿš€ ๐‘๐ž๐ฏ๐ข๐ž๐ฐ:
“MILO” is a touching childrenโ€™s book by Adrienne Burnheimer that tells the story of a little mouse named Milo, who lives in Lower Manhattan, New York. Milo adores visiting The Tall Skies Restaurant, where he finds not just food, but a friend in Francesco โ€” a gentle chef who quietly leaves him tasty scraps.

Each day, Milo enjoys the generous leftovers Francesco sets out, and through these small acts, a silent but meaningful friendship blossoms between them.

But one day, loud, frightening noises shatter Miloโ€™s routine. He watches people running in panic, and fear drives him to hide in a hole underground. When he finally comes out, the world he knew has changed โ€” the restaurant and its neighboring building have vanished. Confused and worried, Milo wonders: What happened? Where is Francesco?

This beautifully illustrated book is ideal for young readers and makes a great addition to family or classroom reading time. Through Miloโ€™s story, children can explore themes of empathy, kindness, and the unspoken connections that bring comfort. With engaging artwork and a heartfelt narrative, “MILO” invites readers on an emotional journey through a small mouse’s eyes.

  • ๐— ๐˜† ๐—ฅ๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด: 5/5

โ˜… Book Is Available On Amazon

Interview with author Chuck Griffith

  1. Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better.

Hi! Iโ€™m Chuck Griffith. Iโ€™ve worn a lot of creative hats over the years: designer, filmmaker, and now childrenโ€™s author. I have a masterโ€™s degree in education and used to teach in New York City, which
definitely shaped how I think about kids, learning, and storytelling.

These days I live in Austin, Texas, where I still work in creative fields, but Monty Moves to Honeytown Beach is my first time writing for kids.

  1. What is the inspiration behind your book Monty Moves to Honeytown Beach?

It all started with a simple doodle of a yellow jacket named Monty. I started thinking about what it feels like to be different or not immediately accepted, and how even quiet or overlooked kids have something amazing to offer. Montyโ€™s journey reflects that. Heโ€™s kind of introverted, not the loudest voice in the room, but he finds his own way to shine and help others.

  1. When did you realize you wanted to be an author?

Iโ€™ve always loved stories, whether through film, design, or the classroom. But the moment I started sketching Monty and imagining his world, I realized I wanted to tell stories just for kids. My background in education definitely pushed me in that direction. Iโ€™ve seen firsthand how powerful a good story can be for young minds.

  1. Please tell us something about your book Monty Moves to Honeytown Beach.

Itโ€™s the story of Monty, a smart and kind yellow jacket who finds a bee colony in trouble. The bees need help saving Flower Field, but they donโ€™t trust Monty because heโ€™s not one of them. Still, Monty steps up and shows that being different doesnโ€™t mean you canโ€™t make a difference. The illustrations are hand-drawn, and the entire book was made without using any AI tools. Itโ€™s a story made with heart, for kids who need a reminder that they can be heroes in their own quiet way.

  1. For which age group is your book Monty Moves to Honeytown Beach suitable?

Itโ€™s best for kids aged 4 to 8. The language is approachable for early
readers, and the message is great for starting conversations about kindness, inclusion, and believing in yourself.

  1. What is your favorite quote?

I really love the line, โ€œJust because Iโ€™m not a bee doesnโ€™t mean I canโ€™t help.โ€ It captures Montyโ€™s whole journey and mindset. He knows who he is, and he still shows up for others.

  1. What do you like the most about your country?

I appreciate the diversity. There are so many stories, backgrounds, and perspectives here. Itโ€™s not always perfect, but that mix of voices is what makes things interesting. Itโ€™s something I try to reflect in my creative work.

  1. What suggestion do you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?

Make it part of everyday life, and keep it fun. Let kids pick what excites them, and donโ€™t stress about it being โ€œserious.โ€ Some of the best lessons sneak in through silly stories and bedtime reads.

  1. What does literary success look like to you?

If a child finishes Monty and feels a little braver, a little more seen, or just wants to read another book, thatโ€™s success. Itโ€™s all about connection and impact.

  1. Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?

My nieces and nephews have been a huge inspiration. Their energy, questions, and unique little personalities constantly remind me what really matters. Theyโ€™re the reason I wanted to write something that felt real, kind, and full of heart.

Buy Monty Moves to Honeytown Beach on Amazon

Interview with author Kevin Moonn

Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

A1. My name is Kevin Moonn, Iโ€™m a first year Creative Writing and English Literature student at the University of East Anglia and I love to write science fiction and fantasy stories. Coming from a Christian background, I aim to apply Godโ€™s morals and teachings into every work that I complete. Furthermore, Iโ€™m ethnically from India, Kerala, and a lot of The Last Chimaera represents the culture of my community and background.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “The Last Chimaera”?

A2. Some of the physical difficulties that I faced when creating this book was cover designing and a lack of time. As everyone knows, being a university student doesnโ€™t come cheap, therefore, I had to design the cover myself and ask a friend to edit my book. As someone who just came out of surgery recently, I lacked the time to edit/ write my book and design my cover. The medicine made me drowsy and unmotivated, yet I managed somehow! Learning how to design a cover also proved difficult, since this was not my area of expertise. However, Iโ€™m happy with the way it came out and the details that I implemented into it, for example the kalarippayattu shield on the โ€˜R.โ€™

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

A3. Technically, the main ideas werenโ€™t inspired from books exactly but rather anime and manga. Full metal alchemist portrayed the evil that comes from human desire when they try experiment on children and animals. Failed experiments in that anime inspired the creation of chimaeras. However, many books that have inspired my book writing journey are the Hunger Games and Percy Jackson, basic but impactful.

Q4. Whatโ€™s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

A4. When I travel to India, a place that I love seeing is my great grandfatherโ€™s and grandmotherโ€™s house and back garden. Unlike places like America and England, her back garden is a forest, her house is practically a shack. Though wild animals, like snakes and mosquitoes, wander the forest, it reminds me of the relentless determination my great grandparents had when raising 8 children while taking care of animals like cows and dogs even at an old age, 98 to be exact. The shack is a reminder of their kindness and love. Therefore, despite its dangerous surroundings nowadays, it is still a beautiful place to see.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘The Last Chimaera’?

A5. The inspiration for The Last Chimaera came from an old childrenโ€™s story my father used to tell me a child, about 2 children, a father and a tiger. They were naughty children who did not obey their parents and lived as they liked. One day they disobeyed their father again and ran away. They encountered a tiger and it pounced on them however, before it could, the father rushed in and saved them. At first, I thought this was a stupid childrenโ€™s story meant to scare me and make my dad look stronger than he is. But I realised later that parents love us so much that they would jump in the face of danger to protect us. Another inspiring quote is from the Bible, John 15:13, โ€œThere is no greater love than thisโ€”that a man should lay down his life for his friends.โ€

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘The Last Chimaera’?

A6. It took me 2 years, not including the writerโ€™s block I had for another 2 years in between. However, it did take a long time because I worked on 2 other books at the same time, a fantasy series that will come out soon โ€“ stay tuned.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. Amazon and lulu publishing.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Last Chimaera’?

A8. The Last Chimaera was chosen as a title with thought behind it. Like any other book, it foreshadows contents of the story and like any title, plays a huge role for the story. It made sure I made my readers question who the last chimaera is. The book designing was more complicated, however. I always knew I wanted the 2 brothers facing each other, and so I did. But every book cover has meaning integrated into it other than just 2 characters. The corn is meant to symbolise the cycle of life and death. The shield on the โ€˜Rโ€™ in the title is meant to foreshadow the underrepresented martial arts, kalarippayattu, as the main fighting technique.

Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

A9. Taking inspiration from real life events helped me keep things fresh, as a writer and for my readers. Watching things unfold helps give me new and fresh ideas. Every book is a mixture of interactions and events that have unfolded in the authorโ€™s life.

Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice youโ€™ve been given about writing?

A10. Stay consistent. Whether itโ€™s a few words a day or a whole page, consistency is so important.

Buy The Last Chimaera on Amazon

Interview with author Cathy Warshaw

Q1 What is your favorite line from your book ‘The Obsidian Eye’?

โ€œThe truth isnโ€™t just buried in the pastโ€”itโ€™s protected by those brave enough to find it.โ€ This line captures the heart of the Sisterhood Sleuthsโ€™ journeyโ€”uncovering ancient mysteries not for glory, but because truth matters, even when itโ€™s dangerous. It reflects the themes of courage, legacy, and the powerful idea that young people can be the protectors of truth in a complicated world.

Q2 What would you say is your strength as an author?

My greatest strength as an author is my ability to weave empowerment into adventure. I donโ€™t just tell exciting storiesโ€”I equip young readers with life lessons through suspense, danger, and mystery. I create diverse, intelligent characters who are brave not because theyโ€™re fearless, but because they choose truth, loyalty, and resilience even when the odds are against them. My writing blends entertainment with emotional growth, making my books thrilling and meaningful.

Additionally, my dedication to crafting an entire universeโ€”with songs, apps, games, and merchandiseโ€”shows my strength in visionary storytelling. I’m not just writing books. I’m building a world where teens can learn, feel seen, and believe in their power to make a difference. Thatโ€™s rareโ€”and powerful.

Q3 How do you manage your work schedule?

I want to say Iโ€™m a scheduling wizardโ€”but truthfully, Iโ€™m not. The entrepreneur in me has taken the wheel for a while, which means my writing has been riding in the back seat. With an eight-book series in progress and currently working on Book Four, I havenโ€™t felt too much pressure.

Q4 How do you handle literary criticism?

I learn from it. I’ve only been writing fiction since 2024 and am always willing to learn.

Q5 What do you like about audiobooks?

Iโ€™m a huge fan of anything audio! Honestly, I fall asleep most nights with an earbud in, listening to crime storiesโ€”yes, I know itโ€™s a bit unusual, but I love it. Thereโ€™s just something powerful about hearing a story unfold through voice.

Thatโ€™s why Iโ€™m especially excited to announce that The Obsidian Eye and The Land of Promise are both being turned into audiobooks. And these wonโ€™t be your average narrationsโ€” Itโ€™ll feel like stepping into the story itself.

Q6 What inspired you to start writing?

I love telling this story. One morning, I woke up with a full story in my headโ€”it just wouldnโ€™t let go. I had never written fiction before, but something told me I had to get it down. So I locked myself in a room for three days, told everyone (including the dogs!) to leave me alone, and started writing. Thatโ€™s how The Obsidian Eye was born.

Q7 What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?

For me, good writing starts with the heart. If the writer doesnโ€™t feel something, the reader wonโ€™t either. But beyond that, I believe the most important elements are:

Authentic characters โ€“ Readers connect with people, not just plots. Characters should feel real, flawed, and growing.

Emotional truth โ€“ Whether itโ€™s a mystery, fantasy, or real-life drama, the emotions have to ring true.

A strong voice โ€“ The tone and rhythm of the writing should feel distinct and natural, like the author is sitting across from you, telling the story just for you.

Pacing and purpose โ€“ Every scene should move the story forward or deepen the readerโ€™s connection.

Mystery and wonder โ€“ No matter the genre, I believe stories should spark curiosity and give readers something to unravel.

In my case, I always write with teens and young adults in mind. So I also try to include life lessons, moments of courage, and a sense that they matterโ€”that their voice, their choices, and their future are powerful.

Q8 What is your work schedule like when you are writing?

I follow the energy of the story, and when inspiration hits, I go all in. That might mean shutting the door, telling everyone (even the dogs) to give me space, and disappearing into my fictional world until a chapter is done.

Balancing my work’s creative and business sides can be tricky, but the story always comes first when I’m writing.

Q9 What is the significance of the title ‘The Land of Promise, The Seven Seals’?

The title carries both spiritual and symbolic weight.

โ€œThe Land of Promiseโ€ refers to Israel, a place deeply rooted in history, prophecy, and hope. It represents more than a geographic locationโ€”it symbolizes a journey toward purpose, identity, and truth. For the Sisterhood Sleuths, it’s a land full of ancient secrets, spiritual echoes, and modern danger. Their adventure there is about uncovering whatโ€™s been hidden and whatโ€™s worth fighting for.

โ€œThe Seven Sealsโ€ draws inspiration from biblical prophecy, where the seals represent revelation, judgment, and unveiling of hidden truths. In the story, the Seven Seals become a powerful metaphor for unlocking knowledge that The Society has buried for centuries. Each seal the team uncovers peels back another layer of deception, revealing not just conspiracies, but truths about humanity, belief, and destiny.

Together, the title speaks to the bookโ€™s core themes: faith, mystery, legacy, and the courage it takes to uncover what others want to stay hidden.

Q10 What did you want to be when you grew up?

Honestly, I didnโ€™t have a clear vision back then. I was a struggling studentโ€”concentration was hard, and life wasnโ€™t easy. My teenage years were difficult, being an introvert and terribly shy, without guidance or support, I couldnโ€™t see what the possibilities were. It felt like a lot of trial and error for a long time.

But looking back, Iโ€™ve lived an extraordinary life. Iโ€™ve lived in Israel, helped open a Hilton Hotel, owned a restaurant in West Hollywood, launched one of the first online dental management programs, and had several nonprofits. At 62, I went back to school and became a certified Life Coach for teens. And now, at 73, Iโ€™m an author and songwriter, still learning and creating.

I often say itโ€™s a miracle I even graduated from high school. But what Iโ€™ve learned is that you donโ€™t need a traditional path to create a meaningful life. I took every opportunity I could to grow, build, and give backโ€”college or not.

“You donโ€™t need a perfect past to build a powerful future. You just need to say yes to the next step.” โ€“ Cathy Warshaw

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MacKenzie’s Last Run

๐—•๐—ผ๐—ผ๐—ธ: MacKenzie’s Last Run ๐Ÿ“š
๐—”๐˜‚๐˜๐—ต๐—ผ๐—ฟ: Gayle Rosengren โœ๏ธ
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๐Ÿš€ ๐‘๐ž๐ฏ๐ข๐ž๐ฐ:
“MacKenzie’s Last Run” by Gayle Rosengren is a compelling and emotionally charged read. The story follows thirteen-year-old MacKenzie Lawrence and his twin sister, Tessa, as they navigate life after losing their father in a tragic mass shooting over a year ago.

During an Easter family dinner, their mother reveals that sheโ€™s planning to marry a man named Simon. Unable to accept this news, MacKenzie delivers an ultimatum: she can choose either Simon or him. His family dismisses his words, but Mac is serious. Determined to make his mother understand how he feels, he hatches a plan to run away from home. At dawn, he sneaks away and takes refuge in a secluded lake house.

What happens next? Does Macโ€™s plan go the way he imagined, or does something unexpectedโ€”and possibly dangerous occur?

This story is gripping from start to finish. The pacing is brisk, with never a dull moment. The cover art is eye-catching, and the book is sure to resonate with fans of children’s fiction. I especially loved Mac’s characterโ€”heโ€™s relatable, brave, and full of heart. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it.

  • ๐— ๐˜† ๐—ฅ๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด: 5/5

โ˜… Book Is Available On Amazon

The Last Chimaera

๐—•๐—ผ๐—ผ๐—ธ: The Last Chimaera ๐Ÿ“š
๐—”๐˜‚๐˜๐—ต๐—ผ๐—ฟ: Kevin Moonn โœ๏ธ
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๐Ÿš€ ๐‘๐ž๐ฏ๐ข๐ž๐ฐ:
โ€œThe Last Chimaeraโ€ by Kevin Moonn is a captivating read that pulls you in from the very first page. The story revolves around two brothers, Renji and Abner, who live with their mother after their father abandoned the family. Despite their motherโ€™s warning not to go outsideโ€”due to a string of recent child abductionsโ€”Renji and Abner sneak out to play.

Tragically, Renji is kidnapped by members of the mysterious Rika organization. Abner is consumed by guilt, blaming himself for not listening to their mother. Since the incident, their mother has grown distant from him. Meanwhile, Renji and other abducted children are subjected to experiments. Renji is mutated after choosing a tiger, and he begins to lose control of his own body. The fierce instincts of the tiger take over, turning him into something monstrous.

Will the brothers reunite? What becomes of Renji as the tiger blood courses through his veins?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The plot is refreshingly original, and the authorโ€™s world-buildingโ€”especially the concept of the Rika organization and human-animal mutationโ€”adds a thrilling layer to the narrative. Donโ€™t hesitate to pick this one up!

  • ๐— ๐˜† ๐—ฅ๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด: 5/5

โ˜… Book Is Available On Amazon

Love Lost and then Found in the Civil War

๐—•๐—ผ๐—ผ๐—ธ: Love Lost and then Found in the Civil War ๐Ÿ“š
๐—”๐˜‚๐˜๐—ต๐—ผ๐—ฟ: William Tirre โœ๏ธ
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๐Ÿš€ ๐‘๐ž๐ฏ๐ข๐ž๐ฐ:
“Love Lost and then Found in the Civil War” by William Tirre is a compelling and emotionally rich novel. The story follows twenty-four-year-old Simon Albrecht, who is engaged to Emily, the daughter of a wealthy planter. When Simon refuses to enlist in the Army of Northern Virginia, Emily’s father, Henry Lee, forces her to break off their engagement.

Overhearing this, Josiahโ€”a slave and the illegitimate son of Henry Leeโ€”asks Simon to take him to Canada in pursuit of freedom. Disguised as Simonโ€™s manservant, Josiah travels north with him. Though his papers appear legitimate when theyโ€™re stopped by slave hunters, suspicions linger. Eventually, Josiah is abductedโ€”but later, he is reunited with Simon.

Along the way, Simon meets Gabrielle, a woman who has escaped from sexual slavery. The two fall in love. As the story unfolds, readers are left wondering: What becomes of Josiah? Will he gain his freedom? Will he find love?

Tirreโ€™s writing is powerful and evocative. Simonโ€™s courage and moral conviction are truly inspiring, showing us the strength it takes to stand firm in oneโ€™s beliefs. This gripping tale weaves together themes of slavery, abduction, love, and resistanceโ€”making it a truly unforgettable read.

  • ๐— ๐˜† ๐—ฅ๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด: 5/5

โ˜… Book Is Available On Amazon

The Ascension

๐—•๐—ผ๐—ผ๐—ธ: The Ascension ๐Ÿ“š
๐—”๐˜‚๐˜๐—ต๐—ผ๐—ฟ: J.M. Shaw โœ๏ธ
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๐Ÿš€ ๐‘๐ž๐ฏ๐ข๐ž๐ฐ:
The Ascension by J.M. Shaw is the gripping first installment in the Callum Walker Series. The story centers around Callum, a humble maintenance worker who lives a quiet lifeโ€”until rumors surface of a monstrous, wolf-like creature with glowing red eyes attacking people. Instead of returning home one night, Callum sets out to track this terrifying beast.

Endowed with the rare gift of psychic perception, Callum uses his abilities to battle evil. He eventually defeats the creature, Amarok, and learns of a greater threat: Amarokโ€™s master, Kincaid, whose dark plans are already unfolding. Despite his victory, Callum decides to keep his powers hidden, hoping for a chance at a peaceful life.

However, trouble brews at work. A new colleague, Liam, is determined to uncover proof that Callum is using magic. This suspicion arises from a vision seen in a “sight stone” belonging to Quinn, a high-ranking governor within an organization known as The Order. Quinn is eager to expose Callum, believing his powers could be instrumental in fighting an oncoming darkness.

Through a mystical encounter with a fairy, Callum hears a chilling prophecy: “A human with natural magic will arise at the darkest hour. This person will end the war and save us all.” But Callum feels unworthy of such a destinyโ€”he knows nothing of any war and doesn’t believe himself to be powerful enough.

The novel features rich world-building, a fast-paced plot, and a cast of intriguing characters. Magic and mystery fill every chapter, leaving no room for dull moments. Callum is a compelling protagonist, and I found myself thoroughly invested in his journeyโ€”I can’t wait to dive into the next book in the series.

  • ๐— ๐˜† ๐—ฅ๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด: 5/5

โ˜… Book Is Available On Amazon

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