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Dead Serious Case #3 Mr Bruce Reyes by Vawn Cassidy: RB, Exclusive Excerpt and Giveaway

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.                           .

Crawshank’s Guide to the Recently Departed, Book 3

Tristan Everett was finally getting used to the strangeness that was his life. Being able to see the dead and helping them solve their unfinished business and cross into the light wasn’t so bad after all, especially when he was accompanied by his best friend, dead drag queen Dusty Le Frey. His boyfriend, sexy Scotland Yard detective Danny Hayes, now knew the truth about Tristan’s “gift,” and they were about to move in together officially.

Life was good.

That is until Death—honest to god, Death (aka The Grim Reaper)—pitches up in Tristan’s kitchen with an unusual request: stop Dusty’s ghostly hookup Bruce from crossing into the light, which may result in dire consequences. i.e an accidental apocalypse.

Determined to do the exact opposite, and avoid potentially the end of the world, Tristan and Danny assemble their own ragtag gang of one prickly witch, one snarky psychic private investigator, one living drag queen with an affinity for feathers, and one dead one with an affinity for a deceased rugby player in tiny shorts. Together they must solve a forty-year old cold case, while juggling a dose of the flu, a broken leg, a supernatural storm, and an immortal death deity with the looks and temperament of a sexy but grouchy CEO.

Seriously… what could possibly go wrong?

Title: Dead Serious Case #3 Mr Bruce Reyes

Authors: Vawn Cassidy
Length: 90K
Series: Crawshanks Guide to the Recently Deceased, Book 3 (needs to be read as a series)
Genre: Paranormal, Mystery/Suspense

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions 

Goodreads

“Did you tell Danny about it?”

“You mean, tell my boyfriend, the guy who’s only just learned ghosts are real, that I had a cup of tea in London’s most snobbish restaurant with Death, who told me the world was going to end if I didn’t steal some bones from the Forensic Anthropology department and stop your dead boyfriend from solving his unsolved business and crossing into the light?” I break off and start coughing again.

“Ah.”

“Exactly,” I sigh. “Still trying to figure out how to start that conversation.”

“Well, look on the bright side. Bruce’s body hasn’t been found yet, so we’ve still got some time.”

Suddenly, I sneeze violently, forcing my glasses to shoot off my face and land with a plop in my now stone-cold cup of tea. I pluck them out of the mug and grimace, holding onto one of the arms as it drips. Jacob Marley shifts and cracks one eye open before stretching up and licking the tea from the lenses, leaving smear marks over the glass.

For fuck’s sake.

Giving up, I set the mug on the bedside table along with my glasses and slide further down into the bed, displacing Jacob Marley, who gives a loud mewl of indignation and shifts to the end of the bed, then settles with his back to me as he lifts his tail and moons me. I swear to god he does it on purpose.”

“My head is killing me,” I mutter miserably. I turn on my side and try to ignore the heaviness in my chest as I grab another tissue and wipe my nose.

“You should get some sleep, sweetie,” Dusty says softly and spoons up behind me.

I let out a little hum of contentment as she starts to sing. Unlike when she’s trying to force me into doing something she wants and belts her way through chorus after chorus of West End hits, eighties chart-toppers, and sixties classics, this time she quietly croons the Mamas and the Papas’ version of Dream a Little Dream of Me to me.

Dusty’s comforting voice and the patter of the rain, mix with Jacob Marley’s rusty-old-tractor purr to wrap around me and I find myself slipping easily into sleep under her touch.

Vawn Cassidy is an MM author living in the UK. She’s often known for her world building skills and sense of humor. She loves to write in different genres and has penned contemporary romance, paranormal mystery/romance and dark historical with a supernatural twist.

You can sign up to her mailing list by visiting her website, she can also be found on social media.

Connect with Vawn:
www.vawncassidy.com
www.facebook.com/vawncassidyauthor
www.facebook.com/groups/cassidysbayboys
www.instagram.com/vawncassidyauthor
www.goodreads.com/vawncassidy
www.bookbub.com/profile/vawn-cassidy
www.amazon.com/~/e/B098XMW7M1
Newsletter Signup – https://tinyurl.com/VawnCassidyNewsletter

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Kicking it in Vegas: Out and Kickin’ Book 2: Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt , New Release Review and Giveaway

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.                                      .

I woke up in Vegas with a hangover and a ring on my finger.

At my last recollection, the bachelor party was off to a great start. During dinner I met sexy celebrity Chef Oliver who was far more intriguing than his surly public persona let on.

Afterwards, my buddies and I set out to bar-hop at some of Sin City’s biggest hot spots. To my surprise, I ran into Oliver again as he was unwinding by tossing back drinks at a bar. What followed was a hot night of dancing and drinking… and a very confusing morning.

Not only did we spend the night together, we got married. Oliver is quick to suggest divorce, but I’m not ready to give up so easily. We may be opposites in every way imaginable, but there’s a chemistry between us I can’t deny or ignore.

Can I convince Oliver to give our unlikely romance a chance? Or will what happened in Vegas end in Vegas?

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Goodreads

Cam

“Divorced?” I asked, my voice coming out sounding like a squeak.

Oliver nodded as he pulled on his clothes. “Yeah. I have a buddy who’s an attorney. He’ll handle everything, don’t worry. Let’s just make this a clean break. No mess, no fuss.” He peered in the mirror and skillfully tousled his hair. “I just need your contact info so when Grant gets the paperwork drawn up, I’ll know where to send it.”

We hadn’t even been married twelve hours and Oliver was already talking about divorce. My mind raced. I know we barely know each other, but we had to have a reason to get married, right? “Wait.”

Oliver stopped what he was doing and looked at me. “Yes?”

My heart thudded. I knew I was taking a risk. “Maybe we don’t.”

“Don’t what? Wait? I can call Grant right now if that’s what you mean.” He pulled his phone out of his pocket and tapped to light up the screen.

I took a deep breath and a few steps to cross the room before putting a hand on Oliver’s. “No, I mean, maybe we don’t have to get divorced right away.”

He frowned. “What are you talking about? Of course we do.”

I took the phone from his hand and gently set it on the dresser. “I mean, we don’t have to. Look, I know you’re probably not a romantic at heart like I am. I’m a huge marshmallow who believes in love. And I honestly believe that we wouldn’t have gotten married last night if there wasn’t something between us. A spark, something. I don’t know. I just don’t think we need to go get the courts involved just yet. Give us a chance to get to know each other first. Then we can decide whether we want to stay married.”

Oliver shook his head. “I don’t think that’s a great idea.”

My lower lip wobbled as tears threatened to fall. I’d finally gotten married and I couldn’t remember it and it was to a guy who didn’t even want me. “Don’t you think it’s worth a try? Besides, it’s not that easy to get a divorce, is it? Back home, there are residency requirements and waiting periods. Is Nevada like that, too?”

He scrubbed his hands over his face and growled, deep and sexy, in what seemed like frustration. “I don’t know. An annulment then. I’ll figure it out.”

I put my hand on his arm. “Don’t you think we deserve a chance?”

If you read Kickin it with the Best Man, which was book one, this book gives us the bachelor weekend of those two main characters. And even though it is their weekend, obviously we are focusing on another couple.

And if you read my review of that book, a lot applied here. Silly, cute, super sexy fast beach read. But this one was a bit sillier and more far fetched than the first. Why? Because Cam (friend of the grooms) and Oliver (chef at the restaurant where the fancy dinner happened the first night) run into each other at a bar, ditch the grooms and other friends, bar hop some more and then get married before the night is over.

I know getting married in Vegas is a trope. Waking up married, marrying a stranger, getting married while wasted, etc. In Vegas. By an Elvis impersonator. Little eye rolling.

There’s a lot of sex in a short book, but whatever. But it just doesn’t give you the chance to get to know these guys at all so I just couldn’t get invested. For 140 some odd pages, it could keep my attention. Anything longer than that and I would have tapped out.

Sure it’s fun and sexy and completely unrealistic. As long as you go in knowing those things, it’s a nice fast read to fill the time.

3 pieces of eye candy

Riley Long is an author of gay romances novels spanning many genres from contemporary to paranormal. They live a quiet life in Virginia, with their husband, son, and two very silly pit bulls.

They spend their evenings writing, reading, and watching bad television (or not so bad television).

For fun, Riley participates in NaNoWriMo, GISH, and reads with her book club, the BAMFs.

They like things with silly acronyms.

Riley can tell you two different stories about getting covered in dairy products for a hug.

Connect with Riley:
https://www.facebook.com/WriterRileyLong
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1097122257097073
https://www.instagram.com/writerrileylong/
https://sendfox.com/writerrileylong

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Inhale by DP Denman: New Release Review

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What can you do when love takes you by surprise? Just breathe.

Cole Rinne is a model with an impossible problem. An invasion of his privacy ends up in the hands of a blackmailer, and the details could go public any day. His only hope is to ditch the spotlight and hide in the shadows. Then he meets someone with a solution.

Gage Marx is a PI who specializes in impossible problems. He’s used to solving the unsolvable. The only thing he’s ever declared a lost cause is himself.

From the start, Cole’s case holds more surprises than Gage expects. The most shocking is that for the first time in over two years, Gage’s broken heart is showing signs of life.

Their plan to wade slowly into love comes apart when an unexpected opportunity threatens to turn it all into a long-distance relationship. Will occasional reunions be enough to keep them together, or will their separate careers tear them apart?

cw: grief

– damaged lead finds love
– professional model
– learning to love again
– private investigator stories
– hurt/comfort

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Well, I didn’t not like it. It was just a bit disjointed with several things going on at once and none of them getting the attention- or resolution- they deserved.

Cole is a model and social media influencer being blackmailed over video of him and another guy having sex. Cole freaks out. Which, ya, totally freak out worthy. BUT, he is a low level model and SM influencer. He still earns extra cash working under the table for his sister. He never hid the fact that he was gay. The other person was a willing of age participant. So all of his angst about it ruining his career just sounded hollow to me.

Gage is a workaholic private investigator hired by Cole’s sister when he goes off grid. Gage finds him and decides to help him try to find out who the blackmailer is. Gage has been nursing a broken heart for 2 years, so burying himself in work is his favorite avoidance ploy. Gage admits his broken heart to Cole when the flirting is turned up. Cole doesn’t listen and they decide to take it slowly.

Then Cole gets sent to NYC to work. And he stops talking to his sister because she clearly doesn’t know what boundaries are. Gage is now nursing a double broken heart because Cole is 3000 miles away.

Gage also gains some local infamy after he finds a stolen dog and gets a feel good story on the news. Which floods his business with potential clients. Enter the perfect assistant for him. Honestly, I think this was thrown in so that he could visit Cole in NYC without completely leaving his business unattended.

Anyway. We do get a HEA. But there’s just so much that wasn’t resolved or was resolved as an afterthought. It’s mentioned more than once that the black mailer is probably a different person from who set up the cameras. Well they were all happy that they found who did the recordings and never mentioned the black mailer again.

Cole had a big fight with his sister and it’s mentioned that they will have a family get together to work things out, but we don’t see it.

The other person in the sex video is barely mentioned.

There’s a few other things, but way too spoilery.

It was very surface told story which way too much introspection and not enough well thought out plot and resolution.

3 pieces of eye candy

Enemy Combatant (The Renegades Book 2) by Cara Dee: Release Day Review

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.                                    .

The Renegades #2 • Romantic Suspense • Stockholm Syndrome • Hurt Comfort • Action • MM
“The best intelligence is the knowledge that your enemy doesn’t know you have.”

Crew Finlay’s ego had taken a hit or two. He couldn’t lie. As a Marine, he’d been one of the best. As a private military contractor, he’d…messed up a bit. Or failed spectacularly. Whatever. And now? A year into his new gig, working in private security for Elliott Jones, Crew had a lot to prove. He refused to screw this up too. They had people to bring home. So when he found himself holding a cartel freelancer hostage, he steeled himself and vowed not to fall for the bastard’s lies. As if Crew would believe this man was an undercover Fed. Come on.

Nah, this tall, older drink of water was full of it. Adrien Mercier, or whatever his real name might be, was going down. Until one day, when Adrien turned the tables, and then Crew was the one sitting with his hands cuffed behind his back.

Amazon – All Regions

Poor Crew. He’s actually a good soldier but so far not a great PMC and he is still making stupid mistakes in book 2 of The Renegades. He is paired up with Ryan (Darius’ brother) in Europe trying to track down one of the bad guys.

One of the biggest stupid mistakes wasn’t solely his. Since Ryan was in on the mission to kidnap this cartel guy, he can take responsibility for him actually being an undercover Fed. HA!

After securing a place to stay in Italy, Ryan goes off to help out with another part of the mission leaving Crew along with their prisoner. He starts off pretty well with the mild torture techniques. Cooking himself delicious food but none for his captive. Sleeping on a cot with a mattress. Swimming in the cool lake when it’s a million degrees out.

After the truth comes to light, the chains and hand cuffs come off. And the pants. And there’s Crew’s next mistake. Because now HE is the prisoner.

The rest of the book is spent on a yacht with no land in sight while Adrien waits for word about the cartel guy he’s been working undercover for. He wants to wrap this up and go home. He has worked undercover on and off for years. But Crew wants this guy alive because he believes he knows where the hostages are. (yes, you absolutely need to read book 1)

There’s a lot of different names, countries, cartels, who is working with whom, who is trying to kill who, etc, etc. It twisted my brain, but that’s just how I am. Obviously this is a very well thought out plot.

And then there’s more naked times. And then Crew makes another bad decision. Bad according to his friends. I guess we’ll find out in book 3 if his decision was good or bad.

But I will say, I need more Crew and Adrien please.

4 pieces of eye candy

Heartless by Robin Knight: RB, Excerpt and Giveaway

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.                                .

Sometimes love is a three-piece puzzle.

ASHTON
If money makes the world go round, then the real estate market in New York is the engine that keeps it spinning. As one of Manhattan’s elite realty agents, it’s my job to wine, dine and do whatever it takes to close the deal. Yes sir, I act the part and look the part. Designer suit… immaculate. Hair… precision. Body… perfection. Well, maybe not quite, but I’m not about to let anyone know the flaw in this outwardly flawless power single.

So when my secret chink-in-the-armor begins to show, I’ll do whatever I need to protect myself, especially when it comes to putting Jax Lockhart — the newest, slickest, sexiest agent at Vanquest Realty — in his place.

With the help of my assistant Bailey, I’ll do what it takes to bring Jax down. The last thing I was ever expecting was to fall for the enemy… and my assistant Bailey too!

BAILEY
Without any possible rhyme or reason, I’ve been in love with my boss Ashton since the day I started working for him. I have no idea what this irresistible attraction is, especially when he’s the total opposite of me? He’s filthy rich and handsome beyond words, possessing the kind of confidence, ambition and uber-success that I could never match… or even want to match. That’s okay, I have no problems pining over him from afar while I live my quiet little life, looking after my Grammy and scraping together enough to pay the bills.

But then one day Jax Lockhart walks into the offices of Vanquest Realty… the very same Jax Lockhart I’d fallen head over heels in love with at the orphanage where we’d both grown up.

Now what was I to do? Continue dreaming about the boss I could never have? Or rekindle the flame that two kids shared a lifetime ago?

I’m tempted to keep both of my secret crushes a secret… until I find out that both Ashton and Jax each have secrets of their own.

HEARTLESS is an enemies-to-lovers, opposites-attract, hurt/comfort standalone 50k MMM romance, with steam, swoon and a love that will never die.

Title: Heartless
Authors: Robin Knight
Length: 50k
Series: Standalone
Genre: Contemporary, Menage/Poly/Harem.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Goodreads

I turned to see Victor walking toward me. By his side was a guy so hot my knees almost buckled… although he wasn’t the kind of hot I was used to seeing in the Vanquest offices, or anywhere else in the realty business.

He had a rough diamond vibe happening.

His suit was slightly off kilter.

His skin was clearly in need of a good moisturizer, the kind they keep behind lock and key at the day spa.

And his hair and beard were in desperate need of Francois, my barber.

“Ashton, I said ‘are you alright?’” Victor repeated. “I got a call from the hospital. What happened to you?”

“Nothing. I just fell over.” I held up my right hand as exhibit A.

“Fell over. That’s not what they told me. They said you were hit by a bus.”

“Almost hit by a bus. Victor I’m fine.”

“Good, so long as you’re alive, that’s all that matters. Now, there’s someone I’d like you to meet.”

Beside me I sensed Bailey giving off a seriously weird vibe as he kept his eyes down and started drawing figure eights on the tiled floor with the toe of his shoe.

The hot guy held out his hand for me to shake. I offered him my right hand instinctively, then promptly changed it, pulling my bandaged hand back and offering him my left hand instead.

The hot guy graciously shook it, switching to use his left hand as well, happily accommodating my needs.

Victor introduced us. “Ashton, I’d like you to meet Jax. Jax Lockhart. He’s my newest shining star who’s ready to knock it out of the ballpark.”

“Really?” I said. “That’s exciting news. Where are you from, Jax?”

The rough-around-the-edges stud smiled, and I had to steel my knees yet again. There was something about him that I couldn’t quite put my finger on, a certain je ne sais quoi you might even say, although nothing like mine.

“I’m from the west coast. I’ve sold property everywhere from Malibu to Palm Springs, but I’m excited to take a bite out of the Big Apple now.”

Ouch, did he really say that?

How could someone look like a suited-up Son of Anarchy yet use a pun that painful?

It made him brim with a sense of something that irked me.

What was it?

Innocence, perhaps.

No, naivety.

No… it was authenticity.

He oozed authenticity.

It sent a shiver down my spine.

There was just something about authentic people that I didn’t quite trust.

This guy had an agenda, I could smell it a mile away.

.                                .

Robin Knight is the author of gay fiction novels, novellas, and short stories, ranging in genre from gay adventure, gay romance, gay suspense, and gay comedies.

The heroes of Robin’s books love to spend their time jumping off the page, stumbling through misadventures, and falling in love.

Robin has worked in advertising, politics, journalism, and event management, but nothing is as fun as telling stories.

Connect with Robin:
www.authorrobinknight.com
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001541476005
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B002F89TV6/about

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Better Latte Than Never by CC Bridges: Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

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.                            .

Finn’s love stories always end in death.

He’s made millions writing as author Morgan Heart and his fans can’t get enough of his tragic love stories. But a bad breakup results in a killer case of writer’s block, and Finn needs to try something drastic to fix it, like. . .going to a coffee shop to write. There’s got to be a reason it’s a cliche, and in his world, cliches sell.

He shouldn’t be flirting with the hot, younger barista. He shouldn’t be using said beautiful barista as another character to kill off in his new book. And he sure as hell shouldn’t be getting his heart involved, especially since he’s still keeping his real identity secret.

Working at his aunt’s coffee shop is a temporary thing. . . that’s been going on for eight years now. One day soon Enzo is finally going to make it big with his art and move on. But when Finn walks into the cafe – confident, mature, put together, everything Enzo is not – he can’t help developing a huge crush, even if Finn is a customer.

As their relationship deepens, Finn’s deceptions and Enzo’s insecurities threaten to undermine everything they are starting to build together. If they can each confront their inner demons, then Finn might be writing a happy ending for the first time in his life.

Better Latte Than Never is an m/m age gap, coffee shop romance featuring a slow burn attraction that grows steamier than an espresso machine.

Warnings: Mention of partner betrayal, death of character’s parents in the past

Title: Better Latte Than Never

 Author Name: CC Bridges

Cover Artist: Kanaxa

Amazon – All Regions

“What brings you to our cafe?” He winced at how terrible that sounded. Apparently Enzo completely forgot how to flirt when it was a customer he thought was hot. He could charm the old ladies like nobody’s business, but a cute guy? Nope.

Finn nodded at his laptop. “Came for the Wi-Fi and stayed for the coffee. And then the surprise party.” He picked up his fork and stabbed the last piece of cake left on his plate. “This cake is amazing.”

“Everything my aunt bakes is amazing.” Enzo watched the bit of chocolate make its way to Finn’s mouth and the sensual way his lips closed around the metal of the fork. That shouldn’t be turning Enzo on right now, but God, if he didn’t want to follow that piece of cake with his own tongue against Finn’s lips.

“So what do you make that’s amazing?” Finn asked with a wink, and that was when Enzo knew they were in business, or at least on the same wavelength.

He could feel the blush creeping up his cheeks. “I don’t bake, but I do brew a mean cup of espresso.”

“I’d love to have a taste.”

“You’ve got—” Enzo gestured to his own face. A smear of chocolate had found its way to Finn’s chin. “Here.” He picked up a napkin from the table and brushed it away.

Finn took the napkin, his fingers tangling with Enzo’s for a moment. His eyes were smoldering. “Thank you.”

Enzo cleared his throat and pulled at the collar of his shirt. Who’d turned up the heat in here? “What are you working on?”

“My book. It’s not behaving.” Finn glared at his laptop. “I’m hoping coming here will help spark…something.”

Enzo opened his mouth to tell Finn exactly what he hoped it would spark when he felt a tug on his sleeve. He looked over to find Scottie had left his mother’s side. The kid seemed to like Enzo. Any time he and his mother visited while Enzo was working, Scottie would trail him around the cafe.

“Enzo, I saw you had your sketchbooks,” he whispered. “Are you going to draw me again?”

Before he could reply, Tami had made it to their side of the room. “Scottie, leave him alone. That was a special occasion!”

Enzo had done caricatures one day as a promo for the cafe. Scottie had loved the little drawing Enzo had done of him as an astronaut. “It’s not a problem. Let me get this gentleman some more coffee first. Are you drinking regular, or would you like to try my espresso?”

“I’d love to try your espresso.” Finn smiled, and for a moment it felt like they were the only two people in the entire cafe.

But Enzo had to get back to work, shattering the illusion. He went behind the counter, quickly chatted with his aunt so she could leave for the day while brewing Finn’s espresso. Then he grabbed his sketchbook and tucked it under his arm before bringing out the coffee.

“Here you go.”

“Thank you. About that drawing you’re going to do?” Finn accepted the cup of coffee but didn’t drink it.

Enzo gestured with his sketchbook. “Oh, it’s nothing. I’m going to make a cartoon for Scottie over there.”

“Mind if I watch? Unless you’re the kind of artist who can’t work while someone is looking at them?”

“You’re procrastinating, aren’t you?” Enzo teased. “Let me guess. Deadline?”

“You have no idea.”

Enzo shook his head. “You can watch if you want. I’m used to it.”

This is a new to me author, but the premise sounded cute so why not? Featuring an age gap, as well as a success gap, and both of those things can easily be death to a relationship. Together with secrets, it can be a recipe for disaster.

One MC is successful in his chosen field, but hiding it from the other. Meanwhile, Enzo, the picture of a struggling artist, has his own insecurities to deal with, and they begin to hurt their relationship as well.

There’s definitely some life lessons for these characters, as they work to grow as people and in their relationship.

I did struggle a bit with this book, as I found the interactions stiff between the two MC’s, and for me, I wasn’t sure if it was intended to be that way, or the writing was a bit too stiff for me. I started and stopped this book a couple of times before finally getting into it later in the book. In the end, they struggled to get to find the right place to land in their relationship, but just like I needed, an HEA.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

CC Bridges spent her childhood visiting other worlds in books, comics, and the starship Enterprise. It’s no surprise that she ended up a librarian, being surrounded by the books she loves so much. She writes about amazing worlds with honorable heroes. Her hobbies include paying money to get locked in a room for an hour so she can solve puzzles to escape, along with the aforementioned reading. She lives with her husband and son on the Jersey Shore. She is currently pursuing an MFA from Southern New Hampshire University

Author Website: https://www.ccbridges.net

Author Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/ccbridgeswriter

Author Facebook (Author Page): https://www.facebook.com/ccbridges10

Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccbridgesauthor/

Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2780312.C_C_Bridges

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