book

The Vicar and the Rake (Society of Beasts Book 1) by Annabelle Greene: Quick Review

August 17, 2021 by Denise

As a young man, Sir Gabriel Winters left behind his status as a gentleman, turning his back on his secret desires and taking a self-imposed vow of celibacy. Now a chaste hard-working vicar, his reputation is beyond reproach. But, try as he might, he’s never forgotten the man he once desired or the pain of being abandoned by his first love.

Edward Stanhope, the Duke of Caddonfell, is a notorious rake, delighting in scandal no matter the consequence. With a price on his head, he flees to the countryside, forced to keep his presence a secret or risk assassination. When Edward finds Gabriel on his estate, burning with fever, he cannot leave him to die, but taking him in puts them both in jeopardy.

With the help of a notorious blackmailer, a society of rich and famous gentlemen who prefer gentlemen, and a kitten named Buttons, they might just manage to save Edward’s life—but the greatest threat may be to their hearts.

Amazon

Book 2: The Soldier and the Spy

I love historicals, and yes, I say that every time, but it truly makes me happy to read an m/m historical. Because I know there are people out there that believe that being anywhere on the LGBTQ+ spectrum is only a thing that has been around for 20-40 years. It’s not, there is evidence, lots of evidence dating back as far as historical records, and even further back before paper could record anything.

This book was so well written, and yes, it’s a debut book by this author, but it was just so well done. The characters were so rich and had depth, but also kept true to themselves, even as their worlds were crumbling around them in one way or another.

The fact that Gabriel and Edward knew each other as children really helped this story to feel true to the time period of the book. They likely would not have crossed paths much at a later point in their life, despite the mess that Edward found himself in. Maurice was a conundrum to me. He supported his brother no matter what, but seemed to have a bit of an icy heart…until he looked into someone else’s eyes. 🙂

The background mystery, I will say, did get a bit confusing for me, and I was surprised at the end. However, following along with the suspense seemed to really take some of the focus away from the romance for me. Some of the questions weren’t answered, some were cleaned up quite neatly.

Also, there was a cute cat, and that should be worth an additional 1/2 star there. 🙂

All in all, I thought this book was well done, and fully fleshed characters. Just needed a little more smoothing of the suspense for me.

4 pieces of eye candy

The Quiet House (Audiobook) by Lily Morton, Narration by Joel Leslie: Exclusive Excerpt, New Release Audiobook Review and Giveaway

August 16, 2021 by Denise

Levi Black has mostly recovered from the events of a year ago. The only lingering effects are that he’s much more well-known in York than he’d like to be, and he’s a lot more cautious about walking around his house naked.

However, those events brought him the capricious and fascinating Blue, so he’s not complaining. On the contrary, he’s happy, in love, and looking forward to Blue finally moving in with him. And if sometimes he wonders what Blue sees in a boring cartoonist, he keeps that to himself.

Blue Billings is finally ready to throw off the memories of his past and move in with the person who means the most in the world to him. His psychic abilities have grown in the last year to his mentor Tom’s consternation, but Blue is determined to look on the bright side. He’s also focused on ignoring all the warning signs that he’s received lately.

However, even deeply buried secrets have a way of rising to the surface. And when a surprise from Blue’s past turns up and draws them away to a lonely house on the Yorkshire moors, Levi and Blue must fight for their survival once again.

From best-selling author Lily Morton comes the second book in the Black & Blue series. The books are intended to be listened to in order.

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Audible

Heaving a sigh, Levi flicks the indicator and swings the car into a layby. Switching the engine off, he turns to me.

“So help me. You’d better tell me everything, Blue,” he says grimly. “I think it’s indicative of our strange life that I’m actually hoping you’ve picked up an animal familiar along the way.”

I bite my lip. “Not exactly an animal.” His fingers tighten on the steering wheel like he’s imagining it’s my neck, so I break into an explanation. “But would a grumpy-looking old git who can’t speak be any good to you?”

“What?” he says through gritted teeth.

I nod, smiling like a maniac. “Yes, and we could be seeing a lot of him too, because Tom says a Crow pops in for a visit when there’s trouble ahead.”

There’s a long pregnant silence. “So, that old bloke you saw in the back lane was actually a harbinger of doom and appeared on the night before your dad came into our lives, and you forgot to mention it?” I wince, and his eyes sharpen. “Or decided not to tell me because you thought I’d put my foot down about traipsing over the desolate moors to stay with some rich old bloke in a haunted house.” I try on a winning smile, and he huffs out another heavy sigh. “You can’t do this, Blue. You can’t keep secrets like this.”

My smiles drops away. “I know,” I say earnestly, grabbing his arm and squeezing it. “I do know,” I say. “And I’m so sorry, but I just wanted … I just wanted to know things,” I finish lamely. “And I didn’t want another row. Our last one made my stomach feel bruised for ages.”

He sighs heavily. “Wait here,” he commands.

I hold my breath as he gets out of the car and shuts the door behind him, leaving Tom and I sitting in silence. He crosses in front of the vehicle, the mist swirling around him like he’s a creature from a horror novel. I exhale in surprise as he throws his head back and screams very loudly.

“Well, that went well,” Tom says, his tone cheerful. I throw him a speaking glance. “Don’t look like that,” he advises me. “This is where keeping secrets gets you. Your boyfriend screaming himself silly in a layby.”

My original book review found here.

And now the audio version. Oh man I was excited for this. Loved the book and Joel Leslie is one of my favorite narrators. Bring it on!

It’s really well done. I had previously read and listened to the first book in the series, and although I loved it, the Irish accent lilted up at the end of every sentence to make it sound like a question and that drove me a little bonkers. This time, it’s there a little, but not nearly as prevalent and fairly easy to look past. Especially since this book has a fairly large cast of characters that we hear from often. I think there are about 10 different regular characters and that doesn’t include the scary ghost voices- and there are several of them as well. And yet every voice is different. In tone, accent, volume- all different. I honestly don’t know how the narrator kept track. But they are all so distinct you can pretty easily remember who is talking just by the voice.

And I will say that the audio is a bit scarier than the book. Ok, a lot scarier. Those ghost voices…shudder.

Joel Leslie brings these characters to life in a way that will make this a regular re-listen in your library.

4.5 pieces of eye candy

Lily writes contemporary romance novels, and specialises in hot love stories with a good dose of humour.

Lily lives in sunny England with her husband and two children, all of whom claim that they haven’t had a proper conversation with her since she bought her first Kindle.

She has spent her life with her head full of daydreams and decided one day to just sit down and start writing about them. In the process she discovered that she actually loved writing, because how else could she get to spend her time with hot, funny men!

She loves chocolate and Baileys and the best of all creations – chocolate Baileys! Her lifetime’s ambition is to have a bath in peace without being shouted by one of her family.

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Ghost Light Killer (London Podcast Mystery, #2) by Dahlia Donovan: Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

August 13, 2021 by Denise

Several months after their first brush with death, Dannel Ortea and Osian Garey are back with a thrilling murder investigation in the second London Podcast Mystery Series novel.

While helping their flamboyant neighbour with his play, Dannel and Osian discover more than a ghost haunting the stage at the Evelyn Lavelle theatre. It’s all fun and games until a friend is found kneeling over a dead body.

Is he the murderer or an unfortunate witness?

When one body turns to two, then to three, will the killer ever be found?

As Dannel and Osian work together to solve the mystery, the murderer focuses on them. Their drive to clear their friend’s name puts them centre stage. But not everything under the glow of the bright lights glimmers.

Will anyone be left when the curtain falls?

Author: Dahlia Donovan
Title: Ghost Light Killer
Series: London Podcast Mystery, #2
Genre: M/M Cosy Mystery
Release Date: August 7th
Word Count: Approx. 60k

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Cosplay Killer (book 1)

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“Not you two again.” Detective Inspector Haider Khan had pushed through the throng of onlookers, coming to a halt when he spotted Dannel and Osian. He pinched the bridge of his nose for several seconds. “Why am I not surprised?”

“We’ve got witnesses. It wasn’t us,” Dannel insisted immediately. “Definitely not us.”

“Inside voice.” Osian bent forward to whisper.

“Sorry.” Dannel grabbed Osian’s hand. “We were definitely not in the room where it happened.”

Haider narrowed his eyes on them when Osian muffled his snort of amusement against Dannel’s arm. “Small mercies, I suppose.”

Surveying the room and the crowded hallway, the detective inspector waved over the constables who’d come with him. He dispatched them to herd the witnesses out into the auditorium. His partner, Detective Inspector Powell, joined him; her eyes widened when she caught sight of Dannel and Osian.

Dannel didn’t want to risk unnecessary attention. He’d seen before how that almost led to Osian’s arrest. “We’ll join the other witnesses.”

“Not so fast.” Haider glanced around the room. Archie still stood in the far corner, pale and shaking, watching the paramedics finish up and step aside for the coroner. “While DI Powell speaks with your friend, why don’t we move down the hall and you two tell me what happened?”

I cannot and will not give anything away about this book. It is a mystery after all. 🙂

What I will say is Os and Dannel are at it again. They are kind of pulled into investigating, despite telling Haider “no we will not!”, the murder of one of their friends’ mother. It goes downhill from there, of course. But the enjoyment of the reader only just begins.

I love these two together. They are smart and funny, and just know each other so well. Os does what he needs to to take care of Dannel when he needs time to be away. And Dannel, while he doesn’t really understand Os’s grief, and how that progresses, he respects it, and does what he can to honor it. They are just great together, both funny and sensitive. It’s the relationship that works best for them, and hits the readers heart.

Something that really struck me with this was the author did not leave the PTSD for Os back in book 1. She carried it through here, giving him options for how to deal with it, how to move forward and even help other emergency responders deal with their own grief and PTSD. I appreciated that so much, because PTSD doesn’t just “go away”, and carrying this through, acknowledges that.

There is the fun cast of characters. A “ghost” that appears and shuts and locks doors when you least expect it. We get to see more of Ian, who is the neighbor that we all want in our life. And of course the mystery that only Os and Dannel can find the clues to. They may bumble right in to solving it.

Another well done book in this series, and I’m certainly ready to read more of their antics in London. 🙂

4 pieces of eye candy

Dahlia Donovan wrote her first romance series after a crazy dream about shifters and damsels in distress. She prefers irreverent humour and unconventional characters. An autistic and occasional hermit, her life wouldn’t be complete without her husband and her massive collection of books and video games.

Website: http://dahliadonovan.com
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1108750876162947/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/dahliadonovan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DahliaDonovan
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Newsletter sign up: http://eepurl.com/Q0n0X
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/8184061.Dahlia_Donovan
Publisher Website: https://www.hottreepublishing.com/book-author/dahlia-donovan/
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2U83sik
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dahliadonovanauthor/

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Jaywalking (In Step, Book 1) by Rachel Ember: Release Day Review

August 11, 2021 by Denise

Second edition. This novel was previously published as a novella of approximately 30,000 words. The second edition is roughly twice as long.

Emile leads a quiet but contented life as a university professor, with a perfect dog, comfortable home, and loyal friends. Maybe there’s something—or someone, missing. But dating is hard enough for vanilla people. Emile doesn’t just have to find someone he wants to date—he has to find someone he wants to kneel for.

Jay likes playing soccer, reading poetry, and handsome men in tweed vests. Men like Emile, who Jay can’t forget after they connected on a rainy July night. Their encounter awoke a powerful urge in Jay to take, command, and control that has haunted him ever since. Jay had hoped that starting college would distract him, but that hope died when he showed up for the first day of his literature class and discovered Emile was his professor.

When Emile tells Jay they can’t be together, Jay is still determined to figure out a way for the two of them to explore what they share. And Emile craves Jay’s gentle dominance too much to resist him.

Jaywalking includes an age gap, a professor-student relationship, BDSM, a very polite dog, explicit sex, and a happy ending

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Preorder on Amazon

Before I start talking about the book, take a look at the cover…it’s super adorable, isn’t it? And notice book 2, just as cute! I’ve said it a million times, a cover can absolutely produce a sale. It doesn’t have to have a naked torso on it (although those are nice too)…but when you find the cover the tells you several things about the book, and it draws you in. That’s the cover you need. I had never heard of this book, and the second I saw the cover, I knew I wanted to read it.

And now I am likely going to gush even more. 🙂

This book was so well done. It was sweet, lovely, had some heat, and a good pet to round it off. It really did tick many boxes for me. It had age gap, which with the age of Jay, did make it a bit weird for Emile, but Jay didn’t question it at all. I really felt that Jay found confidence in himself, by just acting confident. It was a case of “fake it till you make it with him”. He did seem to do that also with the BDSM side, but it was fairly light BDSM, so I wasn’t concerned. If it had delved much deeper, I would have questioned it much more with a lack of training.

However, I think Emile appealed the most to me. He was confident in his job, enjoyed his life, had good friends, and a sweet dog. His ex…well that was not as good, but definitely paid off in the end. Life, for Emile, was going fairly well, and then he has this attraction dropped out of nowhere that was inappropriate and against all his ethical standards. (As it should be.) In this case, love conquered. Emile struggled to keep the two sides of his life separate, but as we all know, that can only be held for so long.

I absolutely loved this book. And I can’t even say how much I am looking forward to book 2, Oliver, Blake and Cujo’s story. That one is going to be a wild ride, I think. 🙂

4.5 pieces of eye candy

Soon to be college freshman Jay, and definitely not a college freshman Emile, meet at a poetry reading. Sparks fly, but Emile bails. Life goes on. Until Jay walks into Emile’s Literature 100 class.

This book is a mix for me. Emile is a sub, Jay thinks maybe he is a Dom? Maybe? But this book is SO not BDSM at all. Just because Emile likes to kneel at Jay’s feet does not a sub make. And Jay’s childhood neighbor, who is a Dom (but they never discussed going to the same college or comparing schedules) brings him to an invite only demonstration. Which was completely fade to black so we have no idea how Jay felt in the situation.

Both men are adorable, in a stereotypical way. Emile in vests, cords and bow ties and Jay in track pants and tshirts. And they seem to have a lot of time for each other even though Jay is in school full time, plays soccer for school AND took on a part time dog walking gig.

Overall it is readable, but it absolutely has a crisis of character not knowing what to be. Is it YA? Is it BDSM? Is it age gap? All of those? Jay is awfully confident for someone who has little experience. Just didn’t seem to fit. And the thing with Jay’s college roommate? So odd.

3 pieces of eye candy

Rachel lives in the Midwest United States with her family, which includes an ever-growing menagerie of pets. If she isn’t writing (or reading) she enjoys riding and traveling to competitions with her horses.

High Alert: A Sweet with Heat Gay Romance by Becca Seymour: RB, Exclusive Excerpt, Release Day Review and Giveaway

August 11, 2021 by Denise

It’s a tale as old as time.

I’ve crushed on my brother’s best friend since I sprouted hairs on the unmentionables. Once upon a time, he was straight, until he wasn’t… and talk about bad timing.

And when we’re finally at a place for me to make my move, sexy rural firefighter Dan clams up and acts weird and I’m left with pants that are too tight and my heart feeling bruised… but he’s a good friend and I’m grateful he’s in my life.

Because of course Dan is a good guy.

Though him being “good” and ridiculously easy on the eyes and possibly the best man I know only makes me want him more.

When we’re thrust into a situation that brings both of us close to danger, it’s hardly the time to be chasing first kisses or finally acting on my crush. But Dan doesn’t seem to mind.

I just know that when the stakes are high and emotions are running wild, sometimes you have to show your hand and go all in.

And that’s exactly what I plan to do.

High Alert was originally a 7,000-word short story in the March 2020 charity anthology “When the Smoke Clears.” It is now a 64,000-word full-length novel, complete with smouldering low-angst loveliness and a group of Aussie men who will capture your hearts.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Easing off my knees, I stood, groaned, and angled back. A satisfying pop of my joints followed. Before I could respond to Dan’s question, his “Fuck, I hate that sound,” had me chuckling.

“But it feels so good.”

His scrunched-up face looked somehow cute, despite his unshaven jaw and the streaks of dust on his cheeks. “But it sounds bloody awful.”

I grinned and went back to his question. “As for the next job, I’m not sure yet. There’s a few things I want to get done. Maybe start the firepit.”

“Just in time for summer, huh.” He quirked his brow.

With a roll of my eyes, I said, “If you don’t want there to be a fire for toasting marshmallows, then keep up the snark.”

“I wouldn’t dare, not if marshmallows are on offer.”

“Wise decision.”

Oh this book was so sweet. And it was a love story not only between 2 men, but also a love story to Australia and the fires and floods they endured last year.

Classic story of crushing on your brother’s best friend. This time the age difference is only 2 years (why does it always seem like more in books?) AND he wasn’t the annoying little brother, he was often included in whatever they were doing.

Now everyone is a grown adult, the little brother Ross is the high school librarian, and the brother’s best friend, Dan, just moved back to their small town. Dan also has a crush on Ross, but neither know the other’s feelings. Poor Craig, older brother/best friend does know how they feel. Poor Craig.

Dan doesn’t want to lose the friendships he has with Ross and Craig so he decides to take it slow. Feel Ross out. Just be there until the time is right. Ugh, it was so cute without being saccharine sweet. It was almost like they were becoming best friends as well. So if you like slow burn…this is slooooooooooooow burn.

Speaking of burn. Paying homage to the devastating fires Australia had, Craig and Dan are both volunteer firefighters called in to help with the huge brush fires. Ross finds and helps a koala and her baby with burned paws, making note of the devastation to wildlife. And then the floods. It’s all so apocalyptic, but it happened. The country was ravaged by one extreme and then the other.

There is a great little side story about a guy who used to be in a group of bullies in high school who tried to torment Ross coming back to town. It was well done.

And without getting preachy one way or the other, respect is paid to the indigenous people of Australia, their stories and customs.

Overall this could have been a very in your face book about Australia with just the romance as a side note. But all of the facts were woven into the story so well you never felt like you were being lectured- but you did learn things.

And above all Dan and Ross were just perfect together. None of the silly stuff about treating him as the little brother even though they are all adults. No one was proving who they were. There was no relationship drama or angst. Just two normal guys from two normal families who fell in love.

4.5 pieces of eye candy

Becca Seymour lives and breathes all things book related. Usually with at least three books being read and two WiPs being written at the same time, life is merrily hectic. She tends to do nothing by halves so happily seeks the craziness and busyness life offers.

Living on her small property in Queensland with her human family as well as her animal family of cows, chooks, and dogs, Becca appreciates the beauty of the world around her and is a believer that love truly is love.

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A Case for Christmas (The Lords of Bucknall, Book 2) by J.A. Rock & Lisa Henry: Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt and New Release Review

August 5, 2021 by Denise

He loves no-one and never will.

Lord Christmas Gale is a genius and a misanthrope, and, quite to his disgust, adored by all of Society for his capacity to solve mysteries. When a man approaches him seeking help in locating a lost dog, Gale rebuffs him. But what begins with a missing dog ends in murder and intrigue–two of Gale’s favourite things, if it weren’t for the orphan that comes attached to them. Oh, and Benjamin Chant.

He has sworn to never love again.

The Honourable Mr. Benjamin Chant isn’t sure how he got swept up in Gale’s mad investigation, but there’s something intriguing about the man–a vulnerability that most of the world doesn’t notice, but which captures Chant’s interest, and his sympathy, from their first meeting. After a disastrous love affair in the past, Chant has sworn to never give his heart away again. Especially to a man who does not want it.

But it isn’t just their hearts at stake.

When their investigation takes a dangerous turn and their lives are threatened, both Gale and Chant are forced into the realisation that perhaps two imperfect men might fit perfectly together–that is, if they can outwit the killer who is intent on seeing them both dead.

A Case for Christmas is the second book in the Lords of Bucknall Club series, where the Regency meets m/m romance.

A Case for Christmas

The Lords of Bucknall, Book 2

By JA Rock and Lisa Henry

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Goodreads

A Husband for Hartwell (The Lords of Bucknall Club Book 1)

A Rival for Rivingdon (The Lords of Bucknall Club Book 3) (Release Day 9/14/21)

Chant put an arm around Gale’s shoulders as comfortably as though they were the oldest and dearest of friends. They sat in silence for a moment. Then Chant’s hand drifted up, his fingers threading through Gale’s hair. Gale stiffened. Forced himself to take measured breaths. What on earth… ? Chant carded the strands gently, and Gale felt a strange but not unpleasant prickle go up his spine. Chant’s fingers brushed the hair at Gale’s temple, and then his nails dragged very lightly to the back of Gale’s scalp where they dug in just a little. This time, Gale’s whole body seemed to jump like a candle flame.

He swallowed hard. “What… what are you doing?”

“Shall I stop?”

“No. I—I just don’t understand what…” He trailed off.

“Have you truly never known the pleasure of having your hair stroked?” There was a smile in Chant’s voice, but a sadness in his tone that made Gale at once defensive.

“I… I’m sure I…” But he could think of no instance where anyone had run their fingers through his hair this way. The room grew completely still, until there was nothing but Chant’s gentle touch, and Gale’s awkward pattern of tensing, then letting go, and then tensing again as he tried to acclimatise himself to the sensations. “No,” he muttered finally as though conceding a great defeat.

“Do you dislike it?”

“The only thing I dislike about it is that I am perpetually dreading the moment you’ll cease,” Gale snapped.

“Well, then I shall never cease.”

Gale snorted in spite of himself.

“If you will indulge me, I’ll arrange you so that it is easier for both of us.”

“Chant…”

Chant seemed to be waiting for the rest of whatever Gale had to say. But Gale did not have more to say. He inhaled and then released his breath, trying to slacken his body but to little avail. “All right,” he whispered.

I absolutely love historicals, especially the Elizabethan era. And because m/m historicals are challenging to find, I usually gobble them up right away. (As an example, I was supposed to read three books before I received this arc…as soon as I received it, it jumped to the front without question). I also love stand-offish, snarky characters, and enjoyed Christmas Gale so much in book 1. He could never remember (wink wink) how many sisters he had, or their names. He just made me laugh. So, this was an instant read for me.

Gale is a reluctant hero, who once again gets caught up in mysteries and his detective work. And his banter with Chant was fantastic. It allowed their personalities to shine through, both the grumpy of one, and the sunshine of the other. However, they really seemed to be a great couple together, offsetting each others’ quirks.

The side characters were fantastic, and it just made the book that much more fun, but was still interwoven with a mystery to be solved.

I’m not sure I could have enjoyed this book more, and I’m ready for book 3.

4.5 pieces of eye candy

About JA Rock:

J.A. Rock is the author of over twenty LGBTQ romance, suspense, and horror novels, as well as an occasional contributor to HuffPo Queer Voices. J.A.’s books have received Lambda Literary, INDIEFAB, and EPIC Award nominations, and The Subs Club received the 2016 National Leather Association-International Novel Award. 24/7 was named one of the best books of 2016 by Kirkus Reviews. J.A. lives in Chicago with an extremely judgmental dog, Professor Anne Studebaker.

https://jarockauthor.com

About Lisa:

Lisa likes to tell stories, mostly with hot guys and happily ever afters.

Lisa lives in tropical North Queensland, Australia. She doesn’t know why, because she hates the heat, but she suspects she’s too lazy to move. She spends half her time slaving away as a government minion, and the other half plotting her escape.

She attended university at sixteen, not because she was a child prodigy or anything, but because of a mix-up between international school systems early in life. She studied History and English, neither of them very thoroughly.

She shares her house with too many cats, a dog, a green tree frog that swims in the toilet, and as many possums as can break in every night. This is not how she imagined life as a grown-up.

Lisa has been published since 2012, and was a LAMBDA finalist for her quirky, awkward coming-of-age romance Adulting 101, and a Rainbow Awards finalist for 2019’s Anhaga.

To connect with Lisa on social media, you can find her here:

Website
Facebook
Instagram
Goodreads
Bookbub
Twitter

She also has a Facebook group where you’ll be kept in the loop with updates on releases, have a chance to win prizes, and probably see lots of lots of pictures of her dog and cats. You can find it here: Lisa Henry’s Hangout.