Book Review: Deadly Summer

Deadly Summer (Darling Investigations #1) by Denise Grover Swank

Ten years ago, Summer Butler was television’s most popular teenage sleuth. Since then, she’s hit—what gossip sites just love to call—the gutter. Nearly bankrupt, betrayed, estranged from her greedy mother, and just about unemployable, she’s coaxed into that desperate haven for has-beens: reality TV.

Winging it as a faux PI, she’ll solve off-the-cuff mysteries in her hometown of Sweet Briar, Alabama. For added drama, there’s police chief Luke Montgomery, inconveniently Summer’s first and only love.

It’s when Summer stumbles upon a very real corpse that Darling Investigations takes an unexpected twist. The growing list of suspects is a big draw to viewers, but the reality is that Summer doesn’t know whom she can trust. Someone has written this killer new scene especially for her, and unless Summer gives the role everything she’s got, it could be her last…

Kindle Edition, 362 pages

Expected publication: January 9th 2018 by Montlake Romance

MEOW . . .MEOW . . .MEOW 

I'm not a stranger to Denise's books, I found this one to be somewhat fresh from all her other books. Summer was the childhood stardom, but something happen and her career went downhill. 

She took a chance in trying a new reality show as an investigator, although she has no background and no license. All the show needed was a made up story and her acting as an investigator.

The made-up story however lead to an actual case and curiosity takes over.

For most part of the book, I like the fact that it was an semi-reality/script acting type of thing/ Denise did well as being the "director" of the show/book.

The romantic notion of the story, sure it was a little long ending but I can understand from each point of view. She/he broke their heart, but when one still cares for the other it's hard not to wonder how far one will push to shove their feelings.

I enjoy the little twist between fake cases and an actual real murder case, I was glad that Summer took it in her control to keep investigating her first "not so fake" case because she knew in her guts that something was off from the get go.

I look forward to the next book.

Book Review: Family Jewels

Family Jewels (A Rose Gardner Investigation #1) By Denise Grover Swank

The first book in the Rose Gardner Investigation series, a spinoff of the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today best selling Rose Gardner Mystery series.

Trouble always comes to those who court it. Rose Gardner’s ability to see glimpses of the future has gotten her into hot water time and again, but so have her curiosity and her sense of daring. Those very qualities helped her defeat the most powerful man in Arkansas—a man so adept at hiding his crimes there was no way to defeat him inside of the law—but her success came at a steep personal price. Now she’s throwing herself into her landscaping business, trying to live a life that’s as orderly as one of her gardens.

Rose’s best friend, Neely Kate, is struggling with her own losses, so when she suggests they help a local man find a missing necklace, Rose agrees. It’ll give both of them a welcome distraction, and besides, it’s a simple investigation. What harm could befall them? But things that should be simple rarely are. In seeking out the necklace, Rose and Neely Kate find themselves in the thick of a power struggle in the Fenton County underworld, one that could dethrone Rose’s friend James Malcolm, the surprisingly moral king.

The last thing Rose should do is court more trouble, but she’s not the type to step away from a friend in need—and she’s also not so sure she wants an orderly life.

Expected publication: November 29th 2016 by DGS

MEOW . . . MEOW . . . MEOW

HOW EXCITING!!!! I'm an die hard fan of the series when it was formerly known as the Rose Gardner Mysteries. But now I think this became an more "Mature" book of Rose, sure she's dealing with some nuptials but at the same time she's truly discovering who she is.

But honestly I think when Rose played the role of Lady, I think that is her persona, she just has to find a way to bring Lady into the daytime.

It seems that both Neely Kate and Rose are trying to move on, but the past always seems to come up. Now let's talk about Rose's love life, her heart opens up to everyone it's a trait of her and while she not with Mason (anymore) I'm not sure how I feel about the recent romance that stirring.

There was even a moment between her and James Malcolm that was shocked me, I didn't think that there was something more between them. To be honest I'm not sure I want her with Malcolm only because he lives on the side of crimes and her involvement with crimes is what split up her and Mason.  I still hope for a reunion for Mason and Rose,

As far as Neely Kate, she is for sure ready to move on but again she wondered what happen to Ronnie because she's been trying to be officially "divorce" to him but he's disappeared. Did JR Simmons or even Kate Simmons have a role in that?

I like that Neely Kate is wanting to put her and Rose's investigation skills to the test but now the trouble lies where they are being dragged back to Skeeter's world. How can they be consider serious investigators when they are in the world of Skeeter Malcolm.

I'm happy that Joe and Neely Kate finally have a relationship but god darn it JOE!!! WHY do you insisted on keeping things from her?

I give this 5 Cat Paws, as usual I love Rose, now I love her even more with she and Neely Kate being the single women with an "I take no crap from no one" attitude. Can't wait to read the EXPOSE Novellas and the next investigation, maybe Mason will have an appearance?

Strap in your heels, Sparkles Investigation is coming. 

No really I hope Rose can get Neely Kate to come up with something much more serious.

Book Review: Thirty-Six & a Half Motives

Thirty-Six and a Half Motives (Rose Gardner Mystery #9) by Denise Grover Swank

Book Nine in the New York Times best selling Rose Gardner Mystery series by Denise Grover Swank.

Rose Gardner should be celebrating the arrest of her fiercest enemy, J.R. Simmons. But problems are like weeds—pluck one and five more spring up. Rose’s boyfriend is on the verge of leaving her for good, her best friend, Neely Kate, is grappling with marriage problems, and her sister has a devastating secret. To make matters worse, she discovers J.R. Simmons has not been neutralized. His network of allies and henchman extends further than she suspected, and J.R.’s so intent on revenge, his lackeys might just destroy Fenton County to get it for him.

But the girl who once spent her days alone and afraid is now a strong, independent woman with a network of her own, including Neely Kate, Skeeter Malcolm—the reigning king of the Fenton County underworld—and other loyal friends on both sides of the law. Racing against time, they must dig up J.R.'s empire by the roots, unmasking his allies and unearthing his secrets, both the behind-the-scenes manipulation he’s been orchestrating in Fenton County for decades and the dark stains of his personal life.

If Rose succeeds, she tells herself the quiet and peaceful life she once dreamed of will be at the end of the tunnel. But her quest to destroy J.R. will require her to explore the person she has become. 

Kindle Edition, 403 pages
Published May 17th 2016 by DGS

MEOW . . . MEOW . . . MEOW

MY GOD!!! This book is insane!!! Like have everyone lost their marbles????

My heart breaks for Mason and Rose, they are in such a tough spot right now with their relationship and I truly truly hope that they will work things out. But not until Rose is able to cut off all ties with the criminal world and hangs up her role as Lady in Black . . . For good.

Digging into the past of the Simmons household proves to be a tough one, but there's a reason for everything but when J.R. Simmons is involved, nothing ever has a reason and his power in Fenton County puts everyone on high alert.

For Neely Kate, all the hardship she's gone through I can't say I blame her for her decisions, sometimes you have to let go of all the negative things in order to have an positive outlook. I think she gain back pieces of herself as well discover new things about herself as well embrace all that she knows.

Hilary and Kate are two people, you don't want to mess around with. While we knew a lot about Hilary, we almost know nothing about Kate. Kate has her own secret past, one that only her father had made interference in and honestly I didn't think J.R. had really cared about his daughter because he spent so much time trying to keep Joe in order.

Okay I know I haven't been a huge Joe fan lately, but what happens in this book really starts to change my opinion on Joe. WHILE I am not suggesting for a Joe and Rose reunion, I think Joe will need to relies on who he call friends. Trust me he's going to need it.

Skeeter Malcolm; I thought he would stay zipped-tight on what he knows about the Simmons household, but because of Rose's influence on him that he realizes that it's better to have allies you call friends rather that have enemies and be alone. He finds the strength to fight, to go up against the biggest power of all because in the end he has more to lose than JR Simmons does. Even if JR Simmons EGO is the size of a bear.

Also have you or are you a skillet fan? Listen to Skillet new song Invincible because it reminds me so much of Skeeter Malcolm.

There were so many twists and turns in Thirty-Six, more than any other books in the Rose Gardner series. I wish I could say all that I want to say but they all contains spoilers . . .

While the ending kills me for many characters, I can only hope that Family Jewels the first book in the Rose Gardner Investigation will bring some light to the darkness.

This is an PUURRRFECT book; let's just say that you gotta read it.

Book Review: Thirty-Five & a Half Conspiracies

Thirty-Five and a Half Conspiracies (Rose Gardner #8) by Denise Grover Swank 

Book eight in the New York Times and USA Today bestselling Rose Gardner Mystery series.

Rose Gardner has survived plenty of close scrapes in the past, but her latest bit of trouble has landed her in the Fenton County holding cell on trumped up charges. The most powerful man in southern Arkansas, J.R. Simmons, is determined to put her behind bars for good and destroy everything she holds dear, including her boyfriend, Mason, and her friend Skeeter, reigning king of the Fenton County crime world. In a stunning betrayal, it seems as if J.R.’s son, Rose’s ex-boyfriend, might have turned tail and joined his father.

But Rose doesn’t have to face this fight alone. Her tight-knit group of friends is dedicated to helping her figure out—and foil—J.R.’s plan for ruining her, Mason, and Skeeter. But even with their support and the use of her special power, Rose is at a disadvantage. J.R. is a criminal mastermind who has been using his money, power, and web of influence to hide his conspiracies for years. How can she hope to find solid evidence implicating someone who’s mastered the art of not getting caught?

Time is running out, and soon Rose realizes that reassuming her role of the Lady in Black might be her only chance at ferreting out the evidence that will save them all. In so doing, she will risk not only her life, but the possibility that her secret identity will be unveiled to all. 

Released November 3rd, 2015

Review

35 and a Half Conspiracies delivers the most mysterious of mystery in the Rose Gardner series.

Who's conspiracy who's?

The fate lies with the Lady in Black but doesn't it also lies within Rose as well.

With a power struggle on the rise and all hell is about to break loose, can Rose protect her identity as the Lady in Black but also the people she loves?

Or will Rose be force to make a decision that may change her life as well the relationships she has with her love ones.

PURRRECT!!!!! I'd seriously have to give this one PURRFECTIONS, I have never been so in gasp in worry about something terribly happening. Thirty-Five push limits of all limits, now we must wait until May to see what follows next. 

 

MEOW . . . MEOW . . . MEOW

When we left 34 Rose was being hauled away to jail . . . Now she must stand trials for the false evidence that J.R. Simmons has placed on her. 

Mason is probably facing his worst fears in this book, the thought of losing Rose makes him sick. He felt that he failed to protect her from JR Simmons once JR had let the fabricated evidences surfaced. 

For the Team Joe fans; Joe had stepped on too many toes and did too many thy bidden, while later on in the book he surfaced again with the true purpose of protecting Rose. It might be too late. 

As far as for Joe's sister Kate, she is enigmatic or mysterious so to speak. I have no idea where her loyalties lies. Is she working alone or is she working for someone else that is not her father? 

Rose's LADY IN BLACK identity is at risk, but when Rose is being Frame by the orders of JR Simmons. She REFUSED to stand down. I admire Rose's strength and courage in this book, however I worried that she was going a little too far and not think about the repercussion of the after math. 

For Team Mason Fans: Better have a box of Kleenex next to you. Some part are happy, even one got me jumping in cheers but . . . . I'll just leave it at that.  

For Neely Kate Fans: She is such a tongue-twister! I did not expect that from her or her other secret of secrets. While Neely Kate knows about Rose being the Lady in Black, but what I did not expect her plan if things started to go down. She's an sneaking spy. 

The other thing about that Journal that Rose had in 34 and Joe took it? Well that was rarely brought up but I guess with all the things going on that maybe Denise just couldn't do it all in this book. The other thing that was sparsely left out was Hilary's pregnancy and all the crazy ideas we readers have. there's no confirmation on is it Joe's or is it JR's?

32 & a Half Complications

Thirty-Two and a Half Complications (Rose Gardner #5) 

by Denise Grover Swank 

The fifth book in the USA Today Bestselling Rose Gardner Mystery series.

There’s no denying trouble finds Rose Gardner like a divining rod finds water, especially when Rose lands in the middle of a bank robbery. But after the robbers steal her deposit bag—containing a large amount of cash—she soon finds out that trouble is threatening her business as well, thanks to her sister Violet’s financial mismanagement.

To top it off, Rose’s ex-boyfriend, Joe Simmons, has moved back to Henryetta to fill the chief deputy sheriff position. Rose’s involvement as a witness is the perfect opportunity for Joe to reinsert himself into her life. But Mason Deveraux, Fenton County Assistant District Attorney and Rose’s new boyfriend, has waited too long for Rose to give her up without a fight.

Rose’s pregnant best friend, Neely Kate, suggests they find the robbers using Rose’s visions and Neely Kate’s knowledge about everyone in town. The women are soon hot on the trail of the stolen money, but Rose is caught off guard when Neely Kate’s snoopiness detects the biggest complication of all: Rose might be expecting a baby of her own. 

Kindle Edition, 350 pages

Published June 24th 2014 by DGS 

Review

Things are heating up in Rose Gardner's life . . . her new relationship with Mason is fast-growing but is it too fast? 

Thievery! Thievery! Thievery! 

With a loss of money might put Rose's and Violet's business out of business before it can flourish. 
Rose will do anything to get her money back but how far is she willing to go? 

Things just might put Rose in the face of dangers, how about helping Skeeter Malcom? 

I give this 4.5 cats Tails Up, the dynamics in Rose's life is giving her her own voice, she's truly growing into the person she needs to be. 

Meow . . . Meow . . . Meow 
WARNING there might be spoilers. 

Rose is starting her new life at her mother's now hers farmhouse, and honestly I'm so happy that Rose is starting off new in this book. Yes she is still dealing with some sort of guilt about her and Joe but the reality was what Rose was getting from Joe was not all 100% genuine even though Joe said it was. 

Joe is too conflicted with his father and the political power he has, but with his on and off again fling with Hilary that makes even more tough to actually trust Joe's words. But now Joe is the new sheriff of Henryetta county and he's willing to do ANYTHING to try and win Rose back. 

Mason and Rose romance just keeps getting hotter!!!! Mason fits right in with Rose life and he truly does love Rose even when he tends to be overprotective. He knows not to hold her back but he also knows that Rose ends up digging for trouble which drives him crazy. 

Rose and Violet shop are in dangers of bankruptcy or very deep in debt, but with a bank robbing that Rose got stuck in the middle of it all lost the money that would keep everything afloat. Unsure of what to do she turns to Bruce who might be able to help her, all Rose want is her money back but first she must help the new mob King Skeeter Malcolm to find out who is plotting to kill him. 

Aside from family and a few selected friends, Rose never shares that she gets visions but a little slip of the tongue by Bruce Wayne now makes Skeeter want Rose to work for him in return to get her money back that was stolen. But Skeeter asked Rose for a vision to make sure that she's legit and Rose ends up seeing and experience something she never had before. 

However helping out a mob king isn't the least of her problems, she also might be expecting which is too fast in her brand new relationship with Mason. 

The new adventure Rose's life I believe are just starting and I can't wait to read more! 

Book Review: Falling To Pieces

Falling to Pieces (Rose Gardner #3.5) by Denise Grover Swank

A serialized novella for the Rose Gardner Mystery series.

When Joe walks out of Rose’s life, she can’t imagine life without him. But with support from her friends—and an unexpected person—Rose finds her way to climb out of her despair.

After his father’s blackmail forces him to leave the love of his life to protect her, Joe is thrown into the race for Arkansas State Senate. But while Rose has people to help her grieve, Joe finds himself completely alone—except the one person he detests is the only person who’s offering comfort


The story takes place between the end of Thirty and a Half Excuses and the beginning of Thirty-One and a Half Regrets. (release January 9, 2014)

The novella will be released to Denise Grover Swank newsletter subscribers to be read for free in three parts: October, November and December.

The novella will be available for sale January, 2014 

ebook, Serialized Newsletter Edition, 103 pages

Published January 2014 by Denise Grover Swank (first published November 9th 20

Review

How do you piece up your broken heart?

How do you stand against your family?

The answer . . .

Time and a lot of healing

You don't, you must abide them

Two different path means sacrifice

Read the after math of Rose and Joe's breakup in Falling to Pieces

I give this 4.5 Cats Tails Up, read inbetween the lines.   

MEOW . . .  MEOW . . . MEOW

So honestly I'm still a Team Mason, although picking up the pieces reflects a lot on Joe and his feelings through the whole dinner nightmare ordeal. But Joe will always do what daddy wants him to do.

I like that this novella focus a lot on Joe since we already seen how Rose felt but now we saw the aftermath. Even Violet played a role in trying to protect Rose but Rose makes her own choices and she has to learn from her choices. 

I still can't believe how much JR is such an influence of a lot of Fenton county problems even if it's not stated, he's is the mastermind behind all things. Honestly the Simmons family is as stuck up a rich family can be, if any low class person steps within feet of them they are speck of dirt. 

Needless to say Rose didn't stand a chance and Joe was never going to be able to run his own life.

Rose is very heartbroken, I love how Neely Kate invited her a gathering where she even invited Mason. I love that small interaction they had with one another. I love that Mason was giving Rose space even when Rose thought he was avoiding her but Mason didn't want to push her. 


This novella really showed what was going on after the breakup, now having to have read all the Rose Gardner Series I truly think that Rose will never go back to Joe. Joe probably won't ever be able to get Rose back no matter how hard he tries.

Spoiler thoughts if you haven't read 32, or 33 or even the novella . . . 
And to make note about Hilary baby daddy, I still think JR is the father because when you think of it he could have easily knock her up after Hilary and Joe did it when he was in a drunken state so the fact that who's the father still yet remains a secret and that Hilary won't consent to a paternity test means that she has something to hide.

Kitty Blitz: The Gambler

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1JG0WNm

iBooks: http://apple.co/1Q2xdDE

B&N: http://bit.ly/1hNGEf1

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1EuF3Vy

The third book in the New York Times and USA Today bestselling Wedding Pact series.

Libby St. Clair believes in fate--so much so, she's willing to pin everything on a curse a fortune teller placed on her and her two best friends when they were kids. The curse, that each of them will marry before thirty, have a disaster of a wedding, and end up with a man other than her original fiancé, has come to fruition for both of her friends, who are now deliriously happy. But Libby's attempt to quick-start the curse by proposing to her wrong-for-her boyfriend ends in a wild dash from the altar. She's rescued by her friend Noah, the only person who understands her impulsive decisions--because he's the same way.

Having spent most of his adulthood fleeing responsibility and commitment, Noah McMillan is finally ready to grow up. Of course, figuring out how is still a work in progress. When he realizes he's in love with Libby, he flies to Kansas City to put a stop to her wedding. But Libby's already pulled a runaway bride. Eager to cheer her up and prove that he can be the man she deserves, he takes her on a madcap car trip that will bring them all the way to the City of Sin.

In Vegas, those who risk it all either win big or lose everything, so what will happen if Libby and Noah take a gamble on love?

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Denise Grover Swank was born in Kansas City, Missouri and lived in the area until she was nineteen. Then she became a nomadic gypsy, living in five cities, four states and ten houses over the course of ten years before she moved back to her roots. She speaks English and smattering of Spanish and Chinese which she learned through an intensive Nick Jr. immersion period. Her hobbies include witty Facebook comments (in own her mind) and dancing in her kitchen with her children. (Quite badly if you believe her offspring.) Hidden talents include the gift of justification and the ability to drink massive amounts of caffeine and still fall asleep within two minutes. Her lack of the sense of smell allows her to

perform many unspeakable tasks.

 She has six children and hasn’t lost her sanity.

Or so she leads you to believe.

Website:

http://www.denisegroverswank.com

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/DeniseGroverSwank

Email:

DeniseGroverSwank@gmail.com

Catch up with the rest of The Wedding Pact Series

iBooks: http://bit.ly/1umqo38
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1z2IStB
Google Play: http://bit.ly/1wXQ2BL

iBooks: http://apple.co/1Jfrmtg

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1F8Rdjo

Nook: http://bit.ly/1H4wHii

Google Play: http://bit.ly/1GbsH50

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1dyXBrp

Kitty Blitz: The Player

iBooks: http://apple.co/1Jfrmtg

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1F8Rdjo

Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1FlGu8x

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1K7nBY6

Amazon AU: http://bit.ly/1Jfuwx3

Nook: http://bit.ly/1H4wHii

Google Play: http://bit.ly/1GbsH50

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1dyXBrp

Book two in the USA Today bestselling Wedding Pact series. 

Divorce attorney Blair Hansen is convinced that marriage should be based on practicality, not passion. But as her own wedding approaches, she finds herself remembering her law school boyfriend, the only man she's ever loved, and regretting what might have been. Then a twist of fate lands Garrett back in her life, and the man who loomed large in her past is suddenly casting a shadow over her wedding, making her question everything. To complicate matters further, the job she loves is in peril, and she can feel the ‘perfect’ life she’s fashioned for herself start to crumble under her feet. Could everything she's believed about life and love be wrong? 

Garrett Lowry is a divorce attorney who's ready to settle down. The problem is that he can’t find a woman who suits him nearly as well as the one he loved and lost. He broke her heart by playing the field after their break up—something he’s always regretted. But after months of pining for Blair, Garrett stumbles across her in a freak coincidence—and then destiny keeps throwing them together, the coincidences becoming ever more unlikely. He’s convinced it's a sign they should give their love a second chance, but Blair is engaged to another man—a man who is absolutely wrong for her. 

Can Garrett convince Blair that a player once isn’t a player forever, and that happy endings aren’t just for dreamers?

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Denise Grover Swank was born in Kansas City, Missouri and lived in the area until she was nineteen. Then she became a nomadic gypsy, living in five cities, four states and ten houses over the course of ten years before she moved back to her roots. She speaks English and smattering of Spanish and Chinese which she learned through an intensive Nick Jr. immersion period. Her hobbies include witty Facebook comments (in own her mind) and dancing in her kitchen with her children. (Quite badly if you believe her offspring.) Hidden talents include the gift of justification and the ability to drink massive amounts of caffeine and still fall asleep within two minutes. Her lack of the sense of smell allows her to

perform many unspeakable tasks.

 She has six children and hasn’t lost her sanity.

Or so she leads you to believe.

 

   The shock on Blair’s face matched his own surprise at his out-of-nowhere declaration. 

   Nana Ruby was going to kill him. 

   He’d had no intention of laying claim to the ring, and in truth, he could give a rat’s ass about it. But damned if he was going to stand by and let his punk cousin marry Blair, let alone with that ring.

   Now, instead of diffusing the situation, he’d ratcheted it up to Def-Con 1. Jesus, he had to get things under control. 

   “I won’t rip the ring off the bride-to-be’s hand, if that’s what you concerned about,” he said, dropping Blair’s hand and trying to control his racing heart. “We’ll wait for Nana to come tomorrow night. She can help make the decision.”

   This brought on a new round of shouting and dismay. Whiney Neil tossed out the phrase “you’re her favorite.” While that was probably true, he doubted Nana could help him get the girl, which was his real goal. That one was all on him. 

   Blair looked on in confusion, making it abundantly clear they’d kept her in the dark about the questionable ownership of her ring. But soon her bewilderment turned to anger as she narrowed her eyes at him. 

   “It’s time for all of you to pay up,” his aunt said shaking the plastic cat jar. “Blair, you got off easy this time. You only owe a dollar. Neil, you owe two, and you, Gene Neilson Fredrick, must owe at least five between the drinking and the cursing.”

   Uncle Gene and Aunt Debra had a stare off for several seconds before Gene caved. He must have decided to choose his battles because he dug out his wallet and sheepishly stuck a five-dollar bill into the jar. Neil put in his money and Garrett handed over a dollar when Debra shoved the jar in Blair’s direction. 

   His aunt scowled at him. “Surprisingly, you don’t owe anything.”

   Garrett tucked his money into the jar and winked at Blair. “Oh, this is for the bride. Call it an early wedding gift. But it this is for cursing, as the label suggests, you owe some money yourself, Aunt Debra.” His eyebrows rose with mock recrimination. 

   “And I do believe I need to have a discussion with my mother about my true parentage. No one ever told me I was a bastard.”

   Debra’s face turned red, although Garrett couldn’t tell if it was from 

embarrassment or anger. Probably both.

   He’d earned a scowl from Blair for donating the money on her behalf, but now he could tell she was trying to hold back a grin.

    "That was an unfortunate loss of self-control.” The woman’s face twisted into disgust as she pulled her wallet out of her purse and pulled out one dollar. She screwed an indignant expression on her face. “The Lowrys seem to bring out the worst in me.”

   Blair tipped her head, her eyes dancing with mischief. “Actually, Debra, you owe two dollars. One for informing your nephew of his illegitimacy and the second for spelling out the home of you know who.” 

   Debra’s eyes widened in shock. 

   “Blair!” Neil cried out in horror. 

   Garrett knew the Fredricks liked to tiptoe around his aunt’s self-righteous attitude. 

   He was glad to see Blair hadn’t kowtowed like the rest of them.

   “You know who?” Garrett asked in amusement. He couldn’t help but take pleasure in riling up his aunt and irritating his cousin. Especially since Blair seemed to find Debra as obnoxious as he did. “Dare I ask who that is?”

   Blair lifted her eyebrows. “Why, the prince of darkness himself.”

   “Lord Voldemort?” Garrett teased, shooting his aunt an amused look.

   She wasn’t so pleased. “Who is this Lord Voldemort you keep talking about? Do we need to add him to the kitty list?”

   Garrett burst out into laughter. He was surprised his aunt didn’t already know about the notorious villain. 

   “No, Mom,” Neil said. “He’s a character from a children’s book, which explains why Garrett is so enthralled with him.”

   Garrett noticed he left Blair off the naughty list, but it didn’t stop him from giving her a look of reproach. She glanced away, trying to hide her grin. 

   So his Blair was still there, lurking below the prim and proper exterior. Just like he’d found her years ago.

  iBooks : http://bit.ly/1umqo38

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1z2IStB

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1sALL2z
Amazon AU http://bit.ly/1EdMrQK

B&N: http://bit.ly/1SIrO7j
Google Play: http://bit.ly/1Gbsw9N

Kobo - http://bit.ly/1FBNApg