There are times you think you can cope, that you can make it despite the hollow feeling in your chest. Then there are the times when you realize you can’t breathe through the pain of loss.
When Gable Buchanan Carter walks into Athena’s life, it’s like a light is switched on inside her chest. Suddenly she can breathe.
But just as much as she wants him, Gable just as much wants nothing to do with her.
It’s like a cold stab of ice right to the gut at the knowledge that the person you want, that you love, wants nothing to do with you.
At least, that’s what she thinks.
In reality, Gable wants Athena Grace Murphy with every piece of his soul.
But how can he confidently say he’s doing the right thing by bringing her into his life when it’s so dangerous? She’s already lost every person she loves, how can he put her through the possibility of losing one more?
That’s right, he can’t.
So he’ll stay away from her. Even if it kills him.
Lani Lynn Vale is an American author of humorous romantic suspense novels. Born in the Great State of Texas, she has lived the majority of her adult life in East Texas where most of her novels are based. She’s married to her high school sweetheart whom her readers refer to as “LLV’s Bearded Half.” She published her first novel, Boomtown. in the summer of 2013 after the birth of her third child. She’s gone on to publish over 100 novels, with most of them going on to become USA Today Bestsellers.
From New York Times Bestselling author Kristen Proby comes On the Wild Side, a sizzling single mom, cowboy, small town romance in the beloved Wilds of Montana Series!
Brady Wild has focused on one thing this entire adult life: riding bulls. A three-time world champion, Brady’s body has taken a beating over the years and he knows he’s nearing the end of his impressive career. He’s had no time for relationships with his dangerous career but the minute he sees sexy single mom, Abbi Kastella, he knows it’s game over for his resolve to be single.
Abbi is a mom, first and foremost, and she’ll do whatever needs to be done to keep her daughter safe from the danger that’s chased them for half a dozen years. She’s finally been able to set down roots in Bitterroot Valley for herself and Daisy. She adores this community that has welcomed them with open arms, her new business is thriving, and she has a circle of friends that she loves and trusts. And don’t even get her started on the hazel-eyed, muscled up cowboy that makes her whole body tremble with need. Life is good in this little Montana town and Brady is showing her and her little girl what real love is supposed to be.
Despite Brady’s best intentions he can’t resist his blue-eyed siren, or the sweet little girl that has him wrapped around her little finger. But when Abbi’s past catches up with them, Brady quickly realizes that the secrets that Abbi’s been keeping from him are far worse than any damage his career could do to them. Will they lose everything before it even really begins? Or will love prevail so they can get started on their forever On the Wild Side?
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Real live cowboy: check. Single mom with a past: check. Cute as heck kiddo: check. One of my favorite new series from one of my favorite authors: check. What do all of these things have in common? They are at the heart of ON THE WILD SIDE, the fourth book in the Wilds of Montana series from one of my all-time favorites, Kristen Proby. Did I love it? Yes, I did, because this series is awesome, and never fails to win me over big time, book by wonderful book.
Brady Wild and Abbi Kastella have been dancing around each other for forever. Abbi and her daughter, Daisy, are like adopted members of the Wild family, and it’s all that Brady can do to ignore his growing feelings for Abbi. Try as he might to fight it, both Abbi and Daisy have gotten under Brady’s skin and into his heart, and it’s not long before he’s all in.
Abbi’s life hasn’t always been easy, and while she has created a safe life for herself and Daisy, there are dark shadows that keep her from ever feeling truly settled. Just when Abbi finally feels like Brady and his love can help her overcome everything, her past threatens to end all that she has come to love in Montana, and she isn’t sure that her newfound happiness will be enough to save her.
Kristen continues to deliver heart, heat, passion, and intensity with ON THE WILD SIDE, along with all of the family shenanigans, small town life, and friend moments that make her one of my go-to authors. This book is a solid addition to the series, and I enjoyed every single word. I can’t wait to get more of the Montana Wilds with SHE’S A WILD ONE, Millie’s book. In the meantime, this is a must-read, and will win your heart. ❤️
Meet Kristen
Kristen Proby is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of over seventy published titles. She debuted in 2012, captivating fans with spicy contemporary romance about families and friends with plenty of swoony love. She also writes paranormal romance and suggests you keep the lights on while reading them.
When not under deadline, Kristen enjoys spending time with her husband and their fur babies, riding her bike, relaxing with embroidery, trying her hand at painting, and, of course, enjoying her beautiful home in the mountains of Montana.
She’s the girl he left behind. He’s the boy she tried to forget. But after seven years apart, one passionately reckless night will tie them together forever…
As teenagers, Callie Ironside and Lewis Adair were inseparable. So much so, Lewis still can’t work out where it all went horribly wrong, or why he’s spent the last seven years in London away from the love of his life.
Callie knows exactly where it all went wrong and while she tried to move on—learning pastry techniques in Paris and dating French men—returning home to Ardnoch to work in her mother’s bakery, only reminds her of the future she lost with Lewis.
But when a visit to London brings them unexpectedly together, the passion, pain and animosity between them leads to a one-night stand. For Lewis, it’s the beginning of winning Callie and his life in Ardnoch back. For Callie, it’s a mistake that’s shaken up the devastating heartbreak she fought hard to forget. However, Lewis is determined to fight for her, and proves it when their night together results in more than just unresolved feelings.
As they come to grips with impending parenthood and the mistakes they’ve both made, Callie and Lewis will not only have to decide to fight for a love that has endured so many years apart, but a mysterious adversary who seems intent on destroying the future they’re building together.
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And, just like that, I’ve fallen in love. Again. No surprise, really. I’ve loved the Highlands series by author Samantha Young from the very first book, and NORTHERN TWILIGHT was everything that I was hoping for in the story of Callie and Lewis.
I’m a sucker for second-chance romance, and, my bookish friends, Sam has done an amazing job with this one. Already in love with Callie and Lewis from when they were kids, seeing them grown, living lives that had NOT turned out the way that I (or they) expected, well, my heart was hurting a bit. The choices that were made, the steps away from each other, lives lived apart, this was not the fairytale love that I was hoping for.
But this is Sam, writing about Callie and Lewis, and there was no way that they were not going to be the love story of a lifetime. These two have grown into really wonderful people, and, although it takes them a minute or two to figure it out, still the perfect match for each other. Color my heart happy.
There is just the right amount of intrigue and suspense, ALL of the lovely family and town camaraderie, and plenty of the sizzle (excuse me, can these kids really be old enough for this?!), making NORTHERN TWILIGHT another win in the series, and possibly one of my most favorites to date.
This place, these characters, have stolen my heart, and I am super-excited that there is more Ardnoch, coming to us in FOREVER THE HIGHLANDS, Fyfe’s and Eilidh’s story. In the meantime, Callie and Lewis will have your heart, and you will absolutely love this must-read story. Enjoy. ❤️
Meet Samantha
Samantha Young is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. She’s been nominated for several Goodreads Choice Awards. Samantha writes adult contemporary and paranormal romance, YA urban fantasy and YA contemporary fiction and is currently published in 31 countries. She resides in Scotland.
After meeting Efa in Doctor Single Dad, the last book in The Doctors series by author Louise Bay, I was excited to see her get her own story. We already knew that she was smart, and set to head off on an American adventure, and Louise does not disappoint. THE BOSS + THE MAID + CHEMISTRY is signature Louise, and the perfect segue from The Doctors into this new group of characters.
Ben Fort is doing his best to hide in plain sight, but leave it to Efa, who wants nothing more on earth than to work for him, to out his secret in no time at all. This should alert Ben to the fact that life as he knows it is about to change, but sometimes it takes a while to figure out that you’ve met your match.
Efa and Ben are actually perfect together, and I enjoyed reading their story so much. Their banter, the way that they grow together, and yes, the steam factor, make me want to see more of them. As well, Ben has his guy friend group, which is something that Louise does well, and that I’ve always enjoyed in her books. As always after reading one of Louise’s books, I’m already ready for the next one, and can’t wait to get Leo’s story in THE PLAY + THE PACT = I DO. In the meantime, snap this one up and enjoy! ❤️
Meet Louise Bay
International, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author, Louise Bay writes contemporary romance novels that make you laugh – the kind she likes to read.
Ruined by the bonk-busters of the eighties, Louise was inspired by Judith Krantz and Jackie Collins, but wants to be Emily Henry when she grows up.
Louise loves the rain, RHOBH, London, days when she doesn’t have to wear make-up, hanging out with her kid, elephants and champagne (not necessarily in that order).
What isn’t great is having the hots for the same woman your twin does.
Been there, done that, have the t-shirt.
Since Auden Carter made that mistake in his teens, he’d promised himself never to do that to his brother again.
Hence why he’s tried so hard to stay away from Maven, the sexy bakery owner that seems to have been put on this planet to tempt him.
After months of watching his brother never make a move, Auden’s had enough. He tells his twin to either shit or get off the pot. Only, come to find out, his twin was never on the pot. He’d never had the hots for Maven at all, but her cute little assistant.
Unfortunately, at this point, he’d done his level best to appear undesirable to Maven, and had gone out of his way to make it very clear that he wasn’t interested.
He has a lot of work to do to convince her that he’s not the guy he’d been acting like for the last few months.
Luck is on his side, though, and soon Maven needs his help, giving him the perfect opportunity to worm his way into her life…and her heart.
But that help she needs turns into a desperate plea for protection, and all he has to do is quit his beloved job to give it.
It’s not every day that you are in love with your boss’s daughter, who just so happens to be the chief of police of Dallas, Texas—your beloved police department that you’ve worked at for your entire career.
It’s also not every day when that boss pulls out every stop, and ruins your life to the point where you’re not sure you can find your way out of the downward spiral he’s forced upon you.
There is one thing Auden knows for certain, though. Maven is worth it. He’ll fight the chief of police, or the entire world, putting his life on the line to do it, as long as it keeps her safe.
Lani Lynn Vale is an American author of humorous romantic suspense novels. Born in the Great State of Texas, she has lived the majority of her adult life in East Texas where most of her novels are based. She’s married to her high school sweetheart whom her readers refer to as “LLV’s Bearded Half.” She published her first novel, Boomtown. in the summer of 2013 after the birth of her third child. She’s gone on to publish over 100 novels, with most of them going on to become USA Today Bestsellers.
Having been a diehard romance reader and blogger for so many years now, I cannot believe that it took me such a long time to enter into the fantastical world that is the creative amazingness that is Lani Lynn Vale. I mean, seriously, how one person has so many zany, action-packed, original stories in their head just blows me away, and I do mean every single time. Case in point, CLAP BACK, the 4th book in Lani’s Carter Brothers series.
CLAP BACK is Auden Carter’s and Maven Brumfield’s book, and I absolutely loved it. These Carter boys fall fast and hard, and Auden is no different. He knows that he wants Maven, and that’s what’s happening, whether her father, who is also his boss, is on board or not. Because when one Carter is involved, all of them are, and they are a force to be reckoned with.
Maven’s life has been all kinds of crazy, and things haven’t settled down yet. She’s worked for a long time to get out from under the controlling thumb of her father and brother, and there’s no better help for it than having a whole family of Carters on her side.
The twists and turns and ‘wait, what?!’ moments abound, making CLAP BACK another winner for me. Next up is Atlas and Elliette in RENT FREE, and I can’t wait. If you haven’t met the Carter Brothers (and fam!), what are you waiting for? Grab these gems and get ready to have a blast. Happy reading! ❤️
The Bodyguard and the Bombshell by Lexi Blake is now live!
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake comes a new story in her Masters and Mercenaries series…
The Bodyguard…
Nate Carter left Australia’s elite SASR unit after a tragic accident. Shattered by the experience, he thought taking a job in the States might be a good way to start over. His father’s former employer, McKay-Taggart, has a position for him in the bodyguard unit. He never imagined himself risking his life for celebrities and the wealthy, but it will do for now. It will also give him a chance to reconnect with old friends, including the girl who’d been like a little sis to him ten years before.
These days, however, his feelings for Daisy O’Donnell are anything but brotherly.
The Bombshell…
Daisy O’Donnell is a girl on a mission, and it does not include falling for one of her brother’s best friends. She has plans, and while chaos always seems to follow her, she’s determined to see this through. Daisy finds herself in need of a bodyguard when a job goes terribly wrong. She’s sure her dad will find someone suitable, but she didn’t expect a big, gloriously masculine Aussie to show up ready to take a bullet for her. Maybe spending some time with Nate Carter won’t be so bad after all.
An explosive match…
Thrown together by danger, Nate and Daisy can’t resist the insane chemistry between them. But when his past and her present collide, they must decide if they can hold it together or go their separate ways forever.
**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do.**
New York Times bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband and three kids. Since starting her publishing journey in 2010, she’s sold over three million copies of her books. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance that she found success. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings.
From New York Times bestselling author Kristen Proby comes an all-new Small Town, Single Dad, Brother’s Best Friend, Cowboy romance.
Ryan Wild thought he had everything he could ever want. A billionaire before thirty, he’s finally moved back home to Bitterroot Valley, built a beautiful house on his ranch, and has recently adopted a teenage boy that has brought nothing but joy into his life. The only thing that’s been missing is the feeling of Polly in his arms since their incredible night together months ago. Memories of her touch aren’t nearly enough to satisfy him, and Ryan will do anything he can to make her his.
Polly can’t forget the one night she spent with Ryan all of those months ago, but she understood that it was a one-time deal. Yes, she still thinks about the sexy billionaire cowboy and his strong arms wrapped around her, but she’s a busy woman, with a thriving clothing shop and a group of friends that keep her on her toes. When you add in a house that always needs repairs, Polly’s days and nights are completely full. But when Ryan starts coming around, tempting her with that killer smile, heated bedroom eyes, and generous gifts, how is she supposed to stay away from him?
Polly knows how important the bond between father and son is and feels guilty for taking some of Ryan’s attention away from Jake, especially when Ryan whisks her away to Paris for the romantic vacation of her dreams. And just when the three of them start to settle in together, where Polly, Jake and Ryan start to feel like a family, she starts getting warnings and prank phone calls. Someone wants to come between them and their growing relationship.
The love they share is beyond their wildest dreams, but when danger lurks, will they be torn apart forever?
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So, can I move to Bitterroot Valley, Montana? Because I’m ready, thanks to Kristen Proby, who continues to create a place and people that feel just like home. The Wild family and their circle are, as with Kristen’s previous series, the kind of folks that make you wish that you were part of it, and in WILDEST DREAMS, the third and latest book, I have found my current favorite.
I just love Ryan Wild. He’s smart, business savvy, straightforward, and, as his family are seeing, very much a family man. He knows what he wants, and isn’t afraid to go for it, whether it’s a business deal, becoming found family for his foster son, or pursuing Polly Allen, who is pretty amazing in her own right.
Polly, owner of Pocket Full of Polly (love it!), is a shrewd businesswoman, and one that lifts other women up at the same time. She’s known the Wilds for her whole life, and thinks of them as best friends and family, but Ryan, well he’s in a class by himself, ever since the night that he showed her a whole other side of himself.
Yes, these two are passionate about each other, but what I love the best in their relationship is that they really LIKE each other, they communicate with each other, and they support each other in all of the ways. They are truly relationship goals, and the way that they love their friends and family makes them even more of a power couple.
This series continues to get better with each book, which is saying something, because I’ve loved all of them. Next up is Abbi and Brady in ON THE WILD SIDE, which promises to be as amazing as all of the others, and I cannot wait. If you haven’t met the Wilds of Montana, now’s the time. One-click your way through these books, and I guarantee, you’ll want to move to Bitterroot Valley, too. Happy reading! ❤️
Meet Kristen
Kristen Proby is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of over seventy published titles. She debuted in 2012, captivating fans with spicy contemporary romance about families and friends with plenty of swoony love. She also writes paranormal romance and suggests you keep the lights on while reading them.
When not under deadline, Kristen enjoys spending time with her husband and their fur babies, riding her bike, relaxing with embroidery, trying her hand at painting, and, of course, enjoying her beautiful home in the mountains of Montana.
Toxic: very harmful or unpleasant in an invasive or sinister way.
One word. Two consonants. Five letters. Two people.
Quinn James Carter met Solei Shayne Rodriguez his senior year of high school.
At first, he tried to stay away from her. But the heart wants what the heart wants, and if there were two people in this world who were meant to be together, it was Shayne and him.
Sadly, life doesn’t work out like you plan.
A single, brash, knee-jerk reaction has them both deciding that their relationship is never going to work. A cop and a notorious criminal’s sister can’t have a happily ever after, can they?
Consequently, they go their separate ways.
They live their lives.
And time after time, they come right back to each other, giving the term ‘toxic relationship’ a new meaning.
Anger, jealousy, hurt, and pain run hand in hand with their persistent need to stay in each other’s lives, no matter if it’s in a healthy way or not.
But eventually, time catches up to them.
Fate decides their path for them, and one of them has to wind up nearly dead for them to admit that they can make it work if they want to. They only have to try.
THIRST TRAP, the third book in the Carter Brother series by Lani Lynn Vale, is Quinn Carter’s and Shayne Rodriguez’s story, and it takes ‘second chance romance’ to a whole new level. Between Quinn and Shayne getting in their own way, family, life, and the universe, these two cannot catch a break. They are the quintessential star-crossed lovers. Their journey to together is not an easy one, but thank goodness for family and perseverance, two hallmarks of Lani’s writing.
I found I CAN’T EVEN to be a crazily suspenseful yet fun read, but THIRST TRAP is more serious, but none the less compelling a story. I couldn’t help but pull for Quinn and Shane, all while wondering what fresh heck was waiting around the next corner to trip them up, and there were some doozies. This made their HEA all the sweeter, and, as usual, cemented this book as another LLV favorite.
I can’t wait to see what Lani has in store for the Auden, the next Carter brother to get a book, and Maven, his love interest in CLAP BACK, headed our way soon. Knowing Lani, it’s sure to be one heck of a story, so make sure to get yourself all caught up and ready to roll.
Lani Lynn Vale is an American author of humorous romantic suspense novels. Born in the Great State of Texas, she has lived the majority of her adult life in East Texas where most of her novels are based. She’s married to her high school sweetheart whom her readers refer to as “LLV’s Bearded Half.” She published her first novel, Boomtown. in the summer of 2013 after the birth of her third child. She’s gone on to publish over 100 novels, with most of them going on to become USA Today Bestsellers.
Hold Me Until Morning by A.L. Jackson is now live!
I should have known I’d be playing with fire when I found the sexy as hell woman moving in next door…
It was pouring rain, so I figured the neighborly thing to do would be to lend a hand.
I nearly dropped to my knees when I realized who she was.
Hailey Wagner.
It’s been six years since I’ve seen her, and she’s always been the one person on earth who is off limits.
My past sins I’ve kept like an ugly secret made sure of that.
Too bad this single mom with the soulful eyes still makes my pulse speed the way it did back then, and I soon find our chemistry is just as strong.
When I find her ex threatening her, I insist on staying with Hailey and her little girl until I’m sure they’re safe.
I thought I could handle being under her roof. Only the tension between us strains, and with one forbidden kiss, all restraint is lost. We collide in a lightning bolt of greed, the two of us locked behind her door night after night.
Falling so hard I know there will be no coming back from it.
But being with Hailey exposes the past I’ve been trying to hide, and I’ll do anything to protect her from it. Because if I don’t? We’re both going to pay the consequences…
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What a perfect ending to the Time River series! Author A.L. Jackson wowed me once again, delivering a book that pulled out all of the stops, giving me all of the feels, and keeping me guessing right up to the very end.
Amy has proven time and again that she is the mistress of romantic suspense, and HOLD ME UNTIL MORNING is another shining example. I thought that I’d read my most favorite book in the series, but then I met Hailey and Cody, and all bets were off. These two had my heart at every turn, and Amy delivered a story that I could not put down. Suspense, passion, irresistible small town and family connections, and a plot that had me completely immersed. My heart ached for the things that both Cody and Hailey had experienced, and in the next moment was soaring because their blossoming love was just everything.
As always, our favorite characters from the earlier books are in fine form, and the most precocious and adorable children I’ve read lately kept me smiling. And can I just say that everyone needs a Lolly in their lives.
I’m sorry to see the end of Time River, because it has truly given me some of my most favorite of Amy’s couples, and their stories will remain with me. If you’re already a fan, these books are must-reads, and if you’re just meeting A.L. Jackson, they’re a great place to start. Either way, make sure to dive in and enjoy. ❤️
Meet A.L. Jackson
A.L. Jackson is the New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance. She writes emotional, sexy, heart-filled stories about boys who usually like to be a little bit bad.
If she’s not writing, you can find her hanging out by the pool with her family, sipping cocktails with her friends, or of course with her nose buried in a book.
A Cinderella story set in the dramatic world of reality TV dating shows.
MY ROYAL SHOWMANCE, an all-new swoon-filled romantic comedy from New York Times bestselling author Lexi Blake & Blue Box Press is now live!
Anika Fox knows exactly where she wants to be, and it’s not on the set of a reality TV dating show. She’s working her way up at the production company she works for and she’s close to achieving some of her dreams. The big boss just wants one thing from her. She’s got a potential problem with the director of The King Takes a Bride and she wants Anika to pose as a production assistant and report back.
As the king of a tiny European country, Luca St. Marten knows the world views him as one of the pampered royalty of the world. It couldn’t be further from the truth. His country is hurting and he’s right there on the front lines with his citizens. When he’s asked to do a dating show, his counselors point out that it could bring tourism back to Ralavia. It goes against his every desire, but he agrees.
When one of the contestants drops out at the last minute, Anika finds herself replacing the potential princess. She’s sure she’ll be asked to leave the first night, but Luca keeps picking her again and again. Suddenly she finds herself in the middle of a made-for-TV fantasy, and she’s unsure what’s real and what’s simply reality TV.
Dive into the second standalone novel in the Park Avenue Promise Series today→ https://amzn.to/4bKpRor
Keep reading for a look inside My Royal Showmance!
“Ani, you’re my best producer. Do this for me and I’ll green-light your movie. The silly one about… What was it about?” “It’s the story of one of New York’s first woman firefighters. Her life and struggles.” It is my dream project, and it certainly isn’t silly. It’s about empowerment and the fight against discrimination in the workplace. Jess’s surgically perfected nose wrinkles slightly. “Could she be fighting aliens?” I growl. It’s an alpha sound I’ve worked on over the years since no one takes a small blonde woman seriously in my business until they catch sight of our three rows of teeth. Not that I’m like that in my normal life. I’m a regular young woman. I try to be nice and kind to everyone around me, and if they cross me, I will bury them and no cop will look in my anime eyes and think me capable of murder. Sometimes the patriarchy works in my favor. Not that I want to give up bodily autonomy and equal pay just so I can murder someone a little more easily. But for now I’ll take what I can get. “Fine.” Jess has her hard negotiator expression on. “What’s the budget?” I can do it for ten million, but she’s sentencing me to six weeks of dealing with women who think they are going to end up being queen. It will be spray tans and claws, and I will hear the words “the right reasons” so many times. “Fifteen.” Her eyes narrow like she knows exactly what I’m doing. I sit and wait. Like she taught me. Don’t show a minute of your emotions, Ani. “Fifteen,” she agrees. “And you’ll be fast-tracked. If you get this done, I might even be persuaded to tell publicity they have a slightly larger budget.” She really wants this. I wish I could talk to my friends, but I know what’s at the end of this conversation. I won’t be able to explain why I’m taking a crappy assignment. Ivy has her own issues and won’t question it. She’ll be all “rah-rah, girl power,” but Harper likes a mystery, and, even more, she loves to point out when things are going wrong. Still, I’d like their advice, but I’m not going to get it. I’m on my own. “I’ll do it.” Jess smiles like she would have gone to twenty. She wouldn’t have, but I give her a frown because it’s always good to let the boss think they’re still in control. “One more thing, dear,” she says, sliding a stack of papers my way. Yep. There’s the very long and binding nondisclosure agreement. My mouth is going to have to stay closed. But my eyes will be wide open.
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Saucy Southern Readers 