Sunday, May 11, 2014

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:BEST SELLING AUTHOR TRACEY GARVIS-GRAVES


We are thrilled to announce that best selling author Tracey Garvis-Graves will be releasing an Adult Romantic Suspense novel this year! Please be sure to watch the gorgeous trailer for EVERY TIME I THINK OF YOU, read the excerpt, and don't forget to add it to your reading list!

Title: Every Time I Think of You
Author: Tracey Garvis-Graves
Release date: TBA 2014

Book Description:
Thirty-year-old Daisy DiStefano has two people she holds dear: the grandmother who raised her, and her three-year-old son, Elliott. But when Daisy’s grandmother is killed in a seemingly random act of violence, Daisy must take steps to protect herself and her child.

Despite a thriving career in San Francisco, thirty-six-year-old Brooks McClain has returned home to spend what little time his mother has left before she succumbs to the deadly disease that is ravaging her. The seasoned investigative reporter has taken a position with the local newspaper and been on the job less than twenty-four hours when he’s summoned to cover the death of Pauline Thorpe.

Brooks is all business, but the more time he spends with Daisy DiStefano, the more invested he becomes; there’s something about a single mother, a defenseless child, and an unsolved crime that has stirred Brooks’s protective instincts like nothing ever has before.

And when the unthinkable happens, Brooks will do whatever it takes to clear the name of the woman he’s fallen for and the child he’ll protect at any cost.

Romantic and suspenseful, Every Time I Think of You shows how far two people will go to fight for the ones they love, and the life they’ve always imagined.

 
 
 
TRAILER
 
 
 
 

EXCERPT

My watch said 11:00 p.m. Way too late to show up unannounced, but I knocked on Daisy’s door anyway, picturing her tip-toeing quietly to look through the peephole. It took a full minute because I’d undoubtedly roused her from a sound sleep. But then she opened the door far enough for me to cross the threshold and locked it again behind me.

The apartment was dark, save for a small beam of light that spilled into the hallway from her bedroom. As my eyes adjusted I noticed her hair. I’d never seen it down before. It fell way past her shoulders and was slightly messy, like she’d been tossing and turning in her sleep before I arrived. She wore a pair of pajama pants and a tank top with narrow straps, one of which had fallen off her shoulder.

“What is it?” she asked. “Are you okay?”

“My mom died,” I said. It felt strange to say the words out loud. My voice sounded flat, unemotional.

“I’m so sorry, Brooks,” she said, but she didn’t say anything else.

I wanted something that would take away the empty, restless feeling inside of me. Something solid and real. She was standing close enough that one step was all I needed to close the gap between us. She must have taken a shower right before she went to bed because when I plunged my hands into all that hair, grabbing fistfuls and pulling her up against me, I felt the dampness and smelled the faint traces of her shampoo.

I moved my hands to the sides of her face and cupped it. She didn’t miss a beat when I pressed my lips to hers. She was probably wondering how I could possibly kiss her at a time like this, but it didn’t stop her from putting her arms around me and kissing me back like it was exactly what she needed, too.

Like the steady turn of a release valve, everything that had been bottled up inside of me escaped slowly through that kiss. I hadn’t realized how rigidly I’d been holding my body until it slackened against hers. How tightly I’d been clenching my jaw until I relaxed it to kiss her. All the tension I’d been feeling disappeared when she opened her mouth and let me in.

It was a long slow kiss, the kind that wasn’t meant to lead to anything else and was all the more powerful because of it. When I’d finally had enough I said, “I don’t know why I came. It’s late. I woke you up.”

“It’s okay,” she said softly. “I don’t mind.”

“Go back to bed,” I whispered.

She nodded and I opened the door. “Lock this behind me,” I said, and I waited in the hallway until I heard the tumble of the lock clicking into place.


About the Author:


Tracey Garvis-Graves is the author of On the Island and Covet. She lives in a suburb of Des Moines, Iowa with her husband, two children, and hyper dog Chloe. She blogs at www.traceygarvisgraves.com using colorful language and a snarky sense of humor to write about pop culture, silly television shows, and her suburban neighborhood. You can e-mail her at traceygarvisgraves@yahoo.com. She’d love to hear from you.
 
 

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MINI-REVIEWS: IF I STAY by TAMARA MORGAN and UNFILTERED AND UNLAWFUL by PAYGE GALVIN and RONNIE DOUGLAS

If I Stay (Montgomery Manor, #1)Series: Montgomery Manor #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Carina Press
Publication Date: 5/12/14
Format: eARC
Pages: 224
Source: Publisher
Rating: 3 stars


GoodReads  |  Amazon  |  B&N  |  iBooks

Ryan Lucas would rather be anywhere but Ransom Creek, Connecticut. After losing his high-adrenaline career as a Hollywood stunt driver, he's had to tuck his tail between his legs and take up employment as a chauffeur for the Montgomerys, a wealthy hotelier family.

Amy Sanders has returned home to Ransom Creek to take over her mother's former position as nanny to the Montgomerys—bringing her close to dashing Jake Montgomery once again. She grew up with a major crush on Jake, and it's not easy to leave those feelings behind, even though her friendship with the hard-edged family chauffeur, Ryan, has a sizzling undercurrent of undeniable attraction.

Amy's determined to prove to Ryan that life at Montgomery Manor isn't all bad, but each time they draw closer Jake swoops in. Amy is torn between two men—and two worlds. And Ryan is rapidly coming to learn that if he wants to make Amy his, he'll have to prove to her that life downstairs can be everything they both want



From the moment I saw If I Stay, I've been anxious to read it. Tamara Morgan is an author whose work has come highly recommended to me. As much as I anticipated this book, though, I had a hard time connecting with it. To be honest, I can't even pinpoint why that is. I don't think it was a mood issue, because I was anxious to dig in. I liked the cover, the premise. It could be that the story felt as if it were opening mid-scene. I didn't know these characters, but felt as though I were meant to. I did get my bearings on the "who's" and "what's" after just a bit, but never felt that I settled into the story.

I did like Ryan and Amy, and sympathized with what brought them to Montgomery Manor. They were both kind and yearning towards one another. Amy was a sweetheart, very plucky (never thought I'd say that word). Ryan was a bit aloof and gruff, but melted a but for Amy's charms. They both had interesting backgrounds, and I liked that the story explored where they came from, why they landed at Montgomery Manor, and what they wanted from life beyond there.

If I Stay seems to set up for a love triangle in the beginning, but didn't push it heavily. For those who're triangle averse, there's no contest between Ryan and Jake.  Jake is never a serious, or even minor contender for Amy's heart. He was such a sleeze, but eventually became sort of endearing. The plot focused more on Amy's connection to the Montgomerys and Ryan's longing to return to his former career. Their story had a very nice resolution.

Despite my lack of overwhelming enthusiasm for If I Stay, it was a nice story. I wouldn't discourage anyone from giving it a try.



Favorite Quote
  He was lucky to be around people who cared enough to change their plans to suit his weaknesses. Luckier to have a job. Even luckier still to be alive. That had to count for something.
  One of these days, he'd figure out what.



Unfiltered & Unlawful (Unfiltered, #1)Series: Unfiltered #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Payge Galvin
Publication Date: 1/14/14
Format: eARC
Pages: 224
Source: Author
Rating: 3 stars


GoodReads  |  Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble 

After a night-shift shooting of a drug dealer in The Coffee Cave, twelve strangers each walk out with more than $100,000 in dirty money, a pact never to meet again, and the chance to start over…

Until that night, Sasha "Sugar" Kovac spent her days selling coffee to the co-eds at ASU Rio Verde and her nights trying not to run back to her ex… or join the throngs of girls lusting after her friend, Adam.

But why should Sugar give in to the Harley-riding tattoo artist when his longest relationships haven't lasted more than a weekend?

Sugar's life takes a turn for the dangerous when someone comes looking for the people connected to the Cave shooting and the cash they split. To protect herself and those she cares about, Sugar has to get out of town–and fast. When Adam insists on coming with her, Sugar finds herself holed up in a tiny house with a hot man, a stash of cash, and a lot of secrets.

Can Sugar protect both her life and her heart when temptation is so close? Or is the past she's fled going to catch up with her?


Unfiltered and Unlawful has one of the greatest opening lines I've read:

  First there was sex, and then came death. I just had no idea that the two were so tangled together until everything fell apart so spectacularly.

Reminds me of a recurring nightmare I used to have, about accidentally killing someone, then covering it up despite logic. Then I just waited for the boom. To be caught and punished.

So when an obviously bad dude is killed while assaulting Sasha, all those present agree to cover it up. I could understand why Sasha wanted to, and even Jess, but why I really didn't understand why everyone else went along with this insane plan. The cover-up was rushed (one of the involved happened to have access to a family-owned crematorium. Convenient.) But. Each subsequent installment apparently follows another character. Given that each played a different role in the cover-up. I assume the details will gradually be filled in.

Unfiltered and Unlawful had an almost-cinematic feel to it. With it's unique concept and very morally-compromised characters, I could absolutely see it being a gritty indie film.

I do have the next installment, and plan to read it eventually. While I can't say it inspires urgency, I am curious about what happens next.

Favorite Quotes

  "I like that you look." His eyes swept me from top to bottom slowly. "I look at you, too. I have for a long time."


  When Adam walked out of the bathroom, he looked like an invitation to all the sins I wanted to commit.



About the authors
Tamara MorganTamara Morgan is a contemporary romance author of humorous, heartfelt stories with flawed heroes and heroines designed to get your hackles up and make your heart melt. Her long-lived affinity for romance novels survived a B.A. degree in English Literature, after which time she discovered it was much more fun to create stories than analyze the life out of them.

Whether building Victorian dollhouses, consuming mass quantities of coffee and wine, or crying over cheesy 1950s musicals, Tamara commits to her flaws like every good heroine should. She lives in the Inland Northwest with her husband, daughter, and variety of household pets and only occasionally complains about the weather.







Payge GalvinPayge Galvin has always wanted to be a writer. She also loves spending time with her friends, so after a few cosmos at the pool with her besties, the idea for her new series UNFILTERED was born. Together the group wrote twelve books about twelve strangers who share a dark secret. . . and who all want to find love—because, really, who doesn't?
 
 
 
 
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Saturday, May 10, 2014

THE WEEKLY REWIND, #98: BOOK HAUL AND GIVEAWAY

 
 
THE WEEKLY REWIND is a weekly post in which I recap the bookish awesomeness from the past week, and post a book haul.
 
 
Book Haul
(click on covers to visit GoodReads page)
 
For Review:
 
Mended (Connections, #3)  Fall from India Place (On Dublin Street, #4)  There's Wild, Then There's You (The Wild Ones, #3)    Arrest  I Want To Hold Your Hand (Green Mountain, #2)  Devil's Game (Reapers MC, #3)  The Virgin's Guide to Misbehaving (Bluebonnet, #4)  Sweet (True Believers, #2)  Then Came You (Animal Magnetism, #5)  Straddling the Line (Play by Play, #8)  For the Longest Time (Harvest Cove, #1)  Riding the Wave (Pacific Blue, #1)  The Red Bikini  One Night with a Quarterback (The Santa Fe Bobcats #1)  Right click (Click, #3)
 
 
For Review Consideration:
 
All Lined Up (Rusk University, #1)
 
Purchases:
 
Lover at Last (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #11)  Along Came Trouble (Camelot, #2) 
 
Freebies:
 
 Embrace (Evolve, #2)  The Bad Boy Billionaire's Wicked Arrangement (Bad Boys & Wallflowers, #1.5)  After Wimbledon
 
 
 
The Rundown
 I know! I have a ton of review books. But in my defense, Mended, Fall From India Place, There's Wild Then There's You, Devil's Game, Sweet, Arrest, I Want to Hold Your Hand, and The Virgin's Guide to Misbehaving are all  finished copies and were already on my review list. Then Came You, Straddling the Line, The Longest Time, Riding the Wave, The Red Bikini and One Night with a Quarterback were all irresistible. I blame you, Penguin Group. Stop being so awesome. Right Click is the third book in the Click series, one I really enjoy.
 
All Lined Up was a surprise. I do plan to read it, but where to find the time....
 
I did really good on purchases again this week! I had to have Lover at Last because I'm getting so close to being caught up on that series. Along Came Trouble was only $0.99 and I love Ruthie Knox's books, so that was a no-brainer.
 
There were a few freebies I had to pick up. Embrace is the second book in the Evolve series, and I really liked the first book. I've heard good things about Maya Rodale, so I thought I would try Wicked Arrangement. Hootie loved After Wimbledon and screamed at me to get it.
 
 
Thanks to
 
Last Week's Reviews
 
 Upcoming Reviews
  • If I Stay by Tamara Morgan
  • Inked Armor by Helena Hunting
  • Be With Me by J. Lynn
  • Hope Ignites by Jaci Burton
  • Searching for Perfect by Jennifer Probst
  • Extreme Close-Up by Julie Jaret 
 
Giveaway
Open to US only; must be 18+ years of age to enter.

 Wicked and Dangerous (Wicked Lovers, #7.5; Dangerous Tides, #1.5)  Bound and Determined
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Friday, May 9, 2014

SEXY SATURDAY SPOTLIGHT + GIVEAWAY: TEACH ME A LESSON and SINCE I SAW YOU






Sexy Saturdays with Andrea and Autumn is a weekly feature created to spread the word about spicy reads. 

Participating blogs:
 
 
I'm doing something a little different this week! I have two books here that didn't really work out for me, but I'm hoping they will hit the spot for you. Be sure to check out the book info and enter to win!

 
Teach Me a LessonGenre: Erotic Romance
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Publication Date: 4/1/14

 GoodReads  |  Amazon  |  B&N  |  iBooks

Do what you have to do, Principal. I deserve it….

High school guidance counselor by day, sex therapist by night, Charlotte Moore’s passion is people—whether helping students with the realities of life or helping their parents with the fantasies. Enter Principal Lance Hutton, the perfect subject for Charlotte’s method in recharging the sex drive—and it’s going to take some discipline. Considering this hot older man is her boss, it makes sense that he dole out the punishment. Besides, Charlotte’s begging for it.

But when Charlotte’s after-school extracurricular activities are made public, it threatens her job, her reputation, and the career of the man she’s falling head over heels in love with. Now, if this town wants a scandal, Charlotte and Lance are ready to give them one—and a lesson in bad behavior they’ll never forget.



Since I Saw You (Because You Are Mine, #4)Series: Because You Are Mine #4
Genre: Erotic Romance
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Publication Date: 5/6/14


GoodReads  |  Amazon  |  B&N  |  iBooks
 
In the “exceptionally hot” (USA Today) Because You Are Mine, Beth Kery redefined what’s possible, what’s desirable, and what’s forbidden between a man and a woman. It’s time to go further...

When enigmatic billionaire Ian Noble sets Lin the task of “taming” his brilliant yet half-savage brother Kam Reardon, she eagerly accepts. She’s more than curious about the solitary genius and everything she’s heard about him. During their electric first meeting, her fascination increases a hundredfold. Kam practically oozes raw sex appeal. Lin is interested...very interested. But does her intense attraction and willingness to go places with him she’s never gone before in the bedroom really have to do with Kam? Or is her carefully hidden desire to blame for wanting a man she knows she can never have?

An elusive outsider, Kam avoids intimacy, yet never shies away from satisfying his erotic appetites. But there’s something different about Lin—a reserve he’s anxious to break. She’s a woman he’s eager to take his time with…and possess completely. A sophisticated beauty like her would never want him anywhere but in bed, but he finds himself unable to resist her.

Immediately Lin’s smooth facade is undone by Kam’s overwhelming masculinity and by his irresistible erotic demands—a lesson in subjugation that leaves Lin confused, reeling, and open to things she never thought possible. Now, as the unpredictable nights between them grow darker, Lin and Kam are certain of only one thing: they’re made for each other.






GIVEAWAY
Open to US only; must be 18+ years of age.
 



About the authors
Jasmine Haynes, Rita Finalist for Somebody’s Lover, plus two-time Holt Medallion and National Readers Choice Award winner, is the author of over 30 classy, erotic romance tales. Look for more in the West Coast series coming soon. Of course, she’s also the author of the award-winning Max Starr psychic mystery series. And don’t miss her writing as Jennifer Skully, KOD Daphne award-winning author, bringing you poignant tales peopled with hilarious characters that will make you laugh and make you cry.
Website  |  Blog  |  Twitter  |  GoodReads

 
Beth Kery is the New York Times and USA Today best selling author of over thirty novels, novellas and serials. She writes contemporary romances as well as erotic contemporary romances, her hallmarks being emotional intensity, leap-off-the-page realistic characters and steamy sexual tension.


Website  |  Twitter  |   GoodReads

 

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Thursday, May 8, 2014

REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY: MISUNDERSTANDINGS by TIFFANY KING

 

Welcome to my stop on the Misunderstandings Blog Tour! I have a review and giveaway to share with you. Thanks for stopping by.


 
Series: Woodsfalls Girls #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Publication Date: 5/6/14
Format: ARC
Pages: 304
Source: Author
Rating:  4 stars
Just when she thought things were going up…

Two years after a devastating breakup, Brittni Mitchell has moved on from Justin Avery—or so she tells herself. But when she returns to Seattle for her best friend’s engagement party, Brittni finds herself the victim of a disastrously timed elevator breakdown. She’s trapped with the last person she wants to face, and forced to recount the past she desperately wants to forget.

She’s going to have to look back…

When Brittni left her podunk hometown for a big city college experience at the University of Washington, hooking up with a guy like Justin Avery was not part of her plan. Between Justin’s attention-grabbing tattoos, cigarette smoking, and bad boy attitude Brittni quickly chalked him up as "Mr. Wrong.” But his charm was unrelenting, and Brittni’s decision to give Justin a chance quickly turned into the worst choice she ever made.

So that she might be able to move forward.

Now she’s stuck with Justin—literally—and the complicated web of misunderstandings that tied up the truth for two years is about to unravel.

Love in an elevator. It's a great song, and an even greater catalyst for a love story. But what about when the person you're stuck with is the man who destroyed your world and broke your heart? Not so much fun. This is what brings Brittni and Justin together two years after a very painful break-up. Close proximity and lasting feelings combine to create an intensity that forces out painful secrets. Will Brittni finally give Justin the truth? Will that bring them back together?
 
I really liked Misunderstandings's two lead characters. Brittni is snarky and witty and I found being in her head to be a lot of fun. She's a bit skittish with relationships, and until Justin, had always been relationship averse, with those before and after him only lasting a couple weeks. I could definitely relate to that. Brittni is a challenge, and one that Justin was only too happy to take on. I like that he was the pursuer, but with only good intentions. It wasn't that Justin just had to have her body, or wanted the only woman on campus who didn't want him. He simply wanted Brittni. On the surface, Justin seems like the typical bad boy: piercing, tattoos, a full of swagger. But, this is a guy who is respectful and attentive and that boy is all about Brittni. I love that. And it certainly doesn't hurt that Justin was also devoted to helping his mom and siblings. These two were good together. They had a fun banter and an easy way about them that just fit.

Misunderstandings has a dual timeline, shifting between the past and present. In the past, we witness Brittni and Justin meeting and falling in love. In the present, the two hate each other. Which obviously leads me to wondering how they got from there to here.

Their past relationship was really sweet. I got a kick out of Justin having to convince Brittni to give him a chance. He was the one who wanted to move fast, and worked to overcome her reluctance. So what went wrong? That definitely goes into extreme spoiler territory. I will say that the way Justin treated Brittni was pretty infuriating, and I was so disappointed in him. I felt so much sympathy for Brittni, knowing that she didn't want to lose Justin, but feeling no control for the situation. It was a huge, aggravating mess. But when you stop to think about how quickly things can get out of control, especially at their age, it's understandable. Angry words fly fast and rash judgments can have a lasting effect. Life at that age is about messing up, learning. Brittni and Justin both mess up, they're both human.

Justin and Brittni in the present was both sad and mysterious. I just couldn't figure out where all the animosity had come from. What had Brittni done to make Justin so angry? And why was she still so hurt two years later. With them trapped in an elevator, it's clear the pressure between them was going build until it blew them wide open. The tone between Justin and Brittni slowly moved from hostile to yearning. The atmosphere was intense, with a rawness that really grabbed me. I felt Brittni's reluctance to open up, the pain they both feel, and the love that still remains. I believed in this couple at the beginning. I was frustrated, yet felt the break-up was completely believable. I believed in the happy ever after.

I happen to love stories with true, painful experiences that work to make the characters stronger, smarter. Even better when you get a love story with characters and a relationship you can believe in. That, for me, is what reading is all about.


 
Favorite Quote
 
  That grin. It had always been my downfall. If I pinpointed all my favorite memories that involved him, that grin could be found in each and every one. It held the power to melt my insides, make my pulse quicken, and make certain other areas ache with need. I loved that grin until I hated that grin.
 
 

      Woodsfalls Girls Series

No Attachments  Cross Country Christmas: A Woodfalls Girls Novella Misunderstandings (Woodfalls Girls, #2)

(covers lead to GoodReads page)



All About Justin
 

So it's no lie that Justin made me a bit crazy in Misunderstandings. But at heart, he is a really great guy who loves Brittni like crazy. Here are a few reasons I adored Justin Avery.
 
J- -oyful is how Justin makes those around him feel. His fun attitude is infectious, and he's always the life of the party.
U- nabashed in his feelings for Brittni, Justin has only too happy to let her know how much her cared.
S-elfless is a good way to describe Justin, who moved back home to help his mom care for his siblings after his dad left.
T- oying with Brittni’s heart, Justin is not. He’s in it all the way.
I- nsecurity plagues Justin. He thinks Brittni is too good for him and will eventually leave. Silly boy.
N- ever will you doubt that Justin and Brittni were meant to be, once you read their story.
 


 

Giveaway
I have a copy of Misunderstandings to give away, courtesy of the publisher.
Must be 18+ years of age; open to US only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway  


 

About the author
Tiffany KingUSA Today Bestselling author Tiffany King is a lifelong reading fanatic who is now living her dream as a writer, weaving Young Adult and New Adult romance tales for others to enjoy. She has a loving husband and two wonderful kids. (Five, if you count her three spoiled cats). Her addictions include: Her iphone and ipad, chocolate, Diet Coke, chocolate, Harry Potter, chocolate, zombies and her favorite TV shows. Want to know what they are? Just ask.



Website  |  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  GoodReads


 
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BOOK SPOTLIGHT AND GIVEAWAY: A SONG FOR US by TERESA MUMMERT

I'm excited to share A Song For Us by Teresa Mummert, along with a giveaway.
Thanks for stopping by!
A Song For Us (White Trash Trilogy, #3)Series: White Trash Trilogy #3
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Gallery Books
Publication Date: 4/22/14
GoodReads  |  Amazon  |  B&N  |  iBooks
In this highly anticipated follow-up to White Trash Damaged, Cass and Tucker have finally found their happily ever after, but can Eric, the band’s brooding drummer, ever let go of his past and find love?

From a small-town boy with fantasies of superstardom to rock star on tour with the suddenly famous band Damaged, Eric’s life has not been an easy journey. Now he struggles to let go of his past of physical abuse, a past that still haunts him. His anger is causing him to spiral out of control and he risks losing everything he has worked so hard for.

Only one person has ever gotten him to open up about his past: Sarah, the lead singer of Filth, the opening act on their first national tour—a fellow rocker with a confident façade that masks her own painful secrets. But their bands’ rocky past and Sarah’s tumultuous relationship with her bandmate and boyfriend Derek force her to keep Eric at a distance. As their friendship begins to grow into something more, Eric has to find a way to let go of his tortured past, or it could jeopardize his only chance for a happy future...
The White Trash Trilogy
White Trash Beautiful (White Trash Trilogy, #1)   White Trash Damaged (White Trash Trilogy, #2)  A Song For Us (White Trash Trilogy, #3)
(covers lead to GoodReads pages)

Giveaway
I have one copy of A Song For Us to give away, courtesy of the publisher.
Must be 18+ years of age; open to US/Can.


 
About the author
Teresa MummertTeresa Mummert is an army wife and mother whose passion in life is writing. She is the author of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling novels White Trash Beautiful and Suicide Note. Born in Pennsylvania, she lived a small town life before following her husband's military career to Louisiana and Georgia. Check out her website for samples and updates!
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