Category Archives: Teen & Young Adult Contemporary

Fantasy, Paranormal, Part of a Series, Review, Teen & Young Adult Contemporary, Urban Fantasy/Urban Fiction, Vampire, Werewolf, Witches

#Review #AudioBook – Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic (Dowser Series Book 1) by Meghan Ciana Doidge

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If you’d asked me a week ago, I would have told you that the best cupcakes were dark chocolate with chocolate cream cheese icing, that dancing in a crowd of magic wielders — the Adept — was better than sex, and that my life was peaceful and uneventful. Just the way I liked it. That’s what twenty-three years in the magical backwater of Vancouver will get you — a completely skewed sense of reality. Because when the dead werewolves started showing up, it all unraveled … except for the cupcake part. That’s a universal truth.

Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic is the first book in the Dowser series, which is set in the same universe as the Oracle, Reconstructionist, Amplifier, Archivist, and Misfits of the Adept Universe series. While it is not necessary to read all the series, in order to avoid spoilers the ideal reading order of the Adept Universe begins with Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic (Dowser 1).

 

Goodreads

 

Amazon

 

Kelly’s Review

This book! Listen to it, trust me, you will be hooked!

In my opinion, a narrator can make or break a story for me. The narrator did a fantastic job of capturing the main character, Jade, but was also able to take on the other characters as well. The narrator hooked me! There are times when it takes me a while to finish an audio book because I am just not that invested in them. I found myself making time to listen. I was like, I NEED MORE!

The characters and world building were well developed. Jade and Sienna bickered and bantered like most siblings which would bring a smile to your face because you can imagine doing this with your own sibling(s). The vampires and wolves….Let me tell you something. There is a death that I did not see coming and completely threw me off my game. For that, I applaud the author because it is hard to surprise me with something like this and I love a twist like this! (claps loudly)

This series is so much different than the normal paranormal vamps, werewolves, and witches. It is so much more. It is fun to listen to with its witty banty and mystery. Highly recommend!

 

Meghan Ciana Doidge profile image

Meghan Ciana Doidge writes tales of true love conquering all, even death. Though sometimes the love is elusive, the vampires and werewolves come out to play in the daylight, and bloody mayhem ensues.

Audio Book, Review, Romantic Comedy, short story, Teen & Young Adult Contemporary

#Review #AudioBook – The Exception to the Rule (The Improbable Meet-Cute collection) by Christina Lauren

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On February 14, an accidental email to a stranger opens the door to an unexpected relationship in a captivating short story by the New York Times bestselling authors of The Unhoneymooners.

One typo, and a boy and girl connect by chance. Wishing each other a happy Valentine’s Day isn’t the end. In fact, it becomes a friendly annual tradition—with rules: no pics, no real names, nothing too personal. As years pass, the rules for their email “dates” are breaking, and they’re sharing more than they imagined—including the urge to ask…what if we actually met?

Christina Lauren’s The Exception to the Rule is part of The Improbable Meet-Cute, irresistibly romantic stories about finding love when and where you least expect it. They can be read or listened to in one sitting. Let’s make a date of it.

 

Goodreads

 

Amazon

 

Kelly’s Review

I ran across this book when looking for a fun, sweet and quick-ish read. Then instead of reading it, I listened to it. I am not normally an audiobook kinda girl but once I started listening, I was HOOKED! The use of two narrators, one male and one female, was the key!

The accidental email that started this whole thing was just an accident, remembering the accidental email the following Valentine’s Day made me giggle, then the fact that they started competing to be the first to wish the other happy Valentine’s Day really had me LOL’ing! Obviously, you know they are going to meet but all their rules surrounding the “anonymous” emails that allow our two main characters to actually get to know each other and become friends that lead up to them actually meeting, is where its all at.

This is the perfect, sweet, funny and just all-around awesome read!

 

Christina Lauren profile image

Christina Lauren is the combined pen name of longtime writing partners and best friends Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings, the New York Times, USA TODAY, and #1 Internationally bestselling authors of the Beautiful and Wild Seasons series, Dating You / Hating You, Autoboyography, Love and Other Words, Roomies, Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating,The Unhoneymooners, The Soulmate Equation, Something Wilder and The True Love Experiment. You can find them online at ChristinaLaurenBooks.com, @ChristinaLauren on Instagram, or @ChristinaLauren on Twitter.

Part of a Series, short story, sibling best friend, Standalone, Teen & Young Adult Contemporary, Writers on the River Attending Author, YA

#wotr26 #partofaseries #YA Dear Autumn (Love Notes Season2 book 5) by Danielle Keil

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Everyone at Ryder High knows what it means to have a teal envelope taped to their locker on the first day of the month.

Autumn Avery-Romero is all sorts of confused.

First, her brother asks her to go on a pretend date with his best friend. Autumn owes her brother a favor, so she reluctantly agrees.

The next day, she finds out via the coveted teal envelope that she has a Secret Admirer.

There’s one big problem—she can’t be seen pretending to date someone and have a secret admirer. So she doesn’t tell anyone about the secret admirer. Soon, he’s sending her puzzle boxes to solve to get the clue inside.

But pretending to date someone isn’t as easy as she thought. Autumn’s feelings for her brother’s friend soon get as puzzling as the boxes she’s been solving.

She can only pick one—will she quit the game for her pretend boyfriend, or continue on to the last box from her admirer?

Goodreads- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/241036866-dear-autumn

Amazon- https://www.amazon.com/Dear-Autumn-Love-Notes-Season-ebook/dp/B0FPBW7LFG/ref=sr_1_2?crid=RIT3L1ZZO32S&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.qZ9z_FYxskayXk7LEK5kQ2__A-8D4gunOnxj5Lnd8N6ofSh7aIYnUfSjS7oz4pWPHiaNnkbEW9-ScWE312w0YYJt0-Swgp61cbmHlGsBuDGS2EmwMssf7mNBna4-p2Tei69fJP51GJbBUxDKSf-CNF8N8fEzbw1iNyvqaed1wlKqwf8vuGyBOGXj8fBRidHdWSlBEYP-2YZLnlRVEZUORbiI8Mx71DW8Sv2SgJnyUGs.st-dTYYCnnWZ-2khGU5zkv7-IcQO9XI_cRafO8Ii76M&dib_tag=se&keywords=danielle+keil&qid=1758986871&sprefix=danielle+keil%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-2

i bought this book and here is my honest review

Summer is over, school is back in session, and a new secret admirer has been chosen, but with a twist only the girl, her bestie, the people in charge and the guy know that it’s still happening. when Autumn found the famous teal envelope in her locker, after she told her brother she would do him a favor and go on a few dates with his best friend so that his ex-girlfriend gets the hint that he was in fact over the relationship. So, the secret admirer agreed to the terms and that makes it extra secret for the month, discreate clues, and the guy knowing what he is seeing isn’t actually real. How will everyone react when the cat is out of the bag that the month wasn’t skipped and it was still going on without anyone knowing, and at the end of the month will Autumn have to make a choice between her brothers’ friend if she starts catching feelings or her admirer? this is an interesting month at Ryder High and I’m all for it. I love being back at Ryder High it’s like being home.
Danielle Keil grew up and spent the majority of her life in the Chicagoland area. A recent transplant, she is enjoying the Mississippi life, especially the pool in her backyard.
Danielle is happily married for over 10 years, and has two young children, a daughter and a son, who are exact replicas of her and her husband.

Danielle’s love language is gifts, her Ennegram is a 9w1, and she loves everything purple.
The way to her heart is through coffee, chocolate and tacos (extra guac).

Box Set, Teen & Young Adult Contemporary, Writers on the River Attending Author, YA

#wotr #attendingauthor Love Notes Series Vol.2 by Danielle Keil

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Love Notes Series Volume 2 consists of Dear Calista, Dear Marley, Dear Emilia, Dear Mya, Dear Max and You’re Invited, the epilogue. This omnibus also includes an all new bonus scene for EACH book!

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/222124370-love-notes-series

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Love-Notes-2-Danielle-Keil/dp/B0DMGTY16P/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.bkMTReDCYrRvTKYhf21wOxhfHCbqqq_Tanv2_KkxQWRrhKHQtTB_2TlqNSA27uEiFN48mO39psaODktgYb-m9elOX6EzRpC1XA8gl9hoGLKe-FDmglcTyzUuFbADTJaYLZ79xxTs6Va0qfBhukAvOC-xFwHCcAGaCzoCWUS9aqAuNnrOB2LZUVpWm6oaGXOq4c58Ty3tj2zEh0SAVngcDrA1seB6tTR09fMAZvt2S_E.VfzG3tCeHZsKwrxIScldZnDsEz50bTmMm3repPTcE4c&qid=1753474534&sr=8-2

Review by Twinsie Dee

i bought this book and this is my honest review

More bonus scenes YES please. our 6th admirer is up to plan an official first date with his boo ad things is starting off tense. next is Mr. grumpy sunshine himself with doesn’t like the spotlight and keeps to himself but he has the brightest ray of sunshine in the school, and he tries to get out of his zone for her which she loves it they are total opposites united for the sweetest connection. when best friends get involved only sparks fly and smiles happen, laser tag not the typical first date but this wasn’t the typical month these two has to get to where they are. the shyest admirer about didn’t take his month but with some behinds the scenes help the actress that stole his heart was front and center in his life and all he had to worry about was the perfect date. Roles reversed when the admirer was a girl and took a chance to hold the secret for the month and Max doesn’t disappoint when he is in the spotlight that he loves to be in.

Danielle Keil grew up and spent the majority of her life in the Chicagoland area. A recent transplant, she is enjoying the Mississippi life, especially the pool in her backyard.
Danielle is happily married for over 10 years, and has two young children, a daughter and a son, who are exact replicas of her and her husband.

Danielle’s love language is gifts, her Ennegram is a 9w1, and she loves everything purple.
The way to her heart is through coffee, chocolate and tacos (extra guac)

Box Set, Teen & Young Adult Contemporary, Writers on the River Attending Author, YA

#wotr #attendingauthor Love Notes Series Vol. 1 by Danielle Keil

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The Love Notes Series Volume 1 includes Dear McKinnon, Dear Kerri, Dear Jade, Dear Spencer, and Dear Sofia, plus a new bonus scene for each book!

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/222121795-love-notes-series

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Love-Notes-1-Danielle-Keil-ebook/dp/B0DPCXB4SL?ref_=ast_author_dp_rw&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.hs0lgfaTsmWEtpgRfUvoXaGGE1bBq3ksZaMh2O10wLPcx_BCJG2iPJzLfO1HgGzb9cgCeWqS3n-TemKX5D_4LtAuI2u5J6MOHnkW7zdrsbe2W7oBFM8rXpC7xlVJytdZZPZipECaKE_40J24-eHi9IF6xwb05KtbjfyHxJy7NZRIOqBBYlCbrWLDRYEufnq_qouf5E5rfEVJpFGQcIIm6fYY9hsd8VrDnWaEAdc9e0w.QHmXxQnxClKjjkyEyPRZs7aKBcKO6l0BjBSVEd1vozk&dib_tag=AUTHOR

Review by Twinsie Dee

i was given this book by the author for an honest review

Did I buy this just for the new bonus scenes YES, did I also buy it because I love these books one THOUSAND percent. fall more in love with these couples as the fella’s plan their first official dates with their ladies. Admirer #1 learns not to take a bookworm into a bookstore and tell her to go wild, Admirer #2 having a make out session at an MLB game on national tv. Admirer 3 takes his to the movies to show off his thoughts on the mind of what the director sees behind the lens. Admirer 4 was used to being head-to-head with his lady even though she has him in trail phase and their romance in school and out of school were very different will he get a yes during this date. Finally, number 5 he was invested in helping for every month solve clues he got his turn to woooo his lady and keeping it simple is key. these bonus scenes didn’t disappoint at all I’m always loving this world.

Danielle Keil grew up and spent the majority of her life in the Chicagoland area. A recent transplant, she is enjoying the Mississippi life, especially the pool in her backyard.
Danielle is happily married for over 10 years, and has two young children, a daughter and a son, who are exact replicas of her and her husband.

Danielle’s love language is gifts, her Ennegram is a 9w1, and she loves everything purple.
The way to her heart is through coffee, chocolate and tacos (extra guac).

Horror, Standalone, Teen & Young Adult Contemporary

#Review- You’re Not Supposed To Die Tonight by Kalynn Bayron

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Instant New York Times bestseller!

At Camp Mirror Lake, terror is the name of the game . . . but can you survive the night?

This heart-pounding slasher by New York Times bestselling author Kalynn Bayron is perfect for fans of Fear Street.

Charity has the summer job of her dreams, playing the “final girl” at Camp Mirror Lake. Guests pay to be scared in this full-contact terror game, as Charity and her summer crew recreate scenes from a classic slasher film, The Curse of Camp Mirror Lake. The more realistic the fear, the better for business.

But the last weekend of the season, Charity’s co-workers begin disappearing. And when one ends up dead, Charity’s role as the final girl suddenly becomes all too real. If Charity and her girlfriend Bezi hope to survive the night, they’ll need figure out what this killer is after. As they unravel the bloody history of the real Mirror Lake, Charity discovers that there may be more to the story than she ever suspected . . .

This was a fun read! I haven’t read teen horror since I was a kid. It was actually my favourite genre to read. much to my daddy’s dismay of course.

This story is about Charity and her friends who work at a camp during the summer. But it’s not your typical camp. They use it for a terror simulation that customers can pay for, which sounds super fun. Only things start taking a turn for the worse. People go missing, although Charity and others think said people just up and quit, people start getting hurt and weird things just start happening.


The camp holds a dark and dangerous secret and unfortunately for Charity and her friends, they get to find out what that secret is. Against their wishes of course.

When I got to the delicious twist, I gasped. I suck at predicting things, so it made my heart super happy that I wasn’t expecting what happened to happen.

So things come to light, people get killed, all at Camp Mirror Lake.

One click now – https://amzn.to/3IrxeHs

Coming of Age, Standalone, Teen & Young Adult Contemporary

#Review – Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson

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An instant New York Times bestseller! “Grown exposes the underbelly of a tough conversation, providing a searing examination of misogynoir, rape culture, and the vulnerability of young black girls. Groundbreaking, heart-wrenching, and essential reading for all in the #MeToo era.” —Dhonielle Clayton, New York Times bestselling author of The Belles 

Award-winning author Tiffany D. Jackson delivers another riveting, ripped-from-the-headlines mystery that exposes horrific secrets hiding behind the limelight and embraces the power of a young woman’s voice.

When legendary R&B artist Korey Fields spots Enchanted Jones at an audition, her dreams of being a famous singer take flight. Until Enchanted wakes up with blood on her hands and zero memory of the previous night. Who killed Korey Fields?

Before there was a dead body, Enchanted’s dreams had turned into a nightmare. Because behind Korey’s charm and star power was a controlling dark side. Now he’s dead, the police are at the door, and all signs point to Enchanted.

“Never have I read a story that so flawlessly hits the highest high and lowest low notes of Black girlhood in pursuit of the American Dream.” —Nic Stone, New York Times bestselling author of Dear Martin and Jackpot

This book was chef’s kiss in the best of ways. Now I’ll start by saying that as a white woman, I liked being educated as to what black women face when they need help from authorities. It definitely helped open my eyes, so thank you to the author for helping with that.

Now this book…first, it has several triggers. I never thought I had triggers. I read extreme horror. I should be immune right? Well, I was wrong. I told a friend who read this book at the same time I did, that it bothers me because I would have been the exact same way if I was in Enchanted’s shoes. I’m beyond thankful I met my husband when I did.

Okay now for the review. Enchanted wants to be a singer and she has the voice for it. She goes to an audition at the help of her friend and catches the eye of Korey Fields. He grooms her into being someone she isn’t and it all goes down hill from there.

From their very first interaction, my hackles rose and I instantly didn’t like him. I think I was infuriated for most of the book. So kudos to the author for bringing that out in me.

This book is fast paced, action packed, filled with drama, a strong female lead and more. I absolutely loved it and it fits right up there with my love for Allegedly.

If only people listened to the first girl. Maybe then it wouldn’t have taken over 16 to get something done.

Can be read in KU – https://amzn.to/3DRiteV

Ghosts, Paranormal, Review, Teen & Young Adult Contemporary, Urban Fantasy/Urban Fiction, YA

#Review #Haunting – The House on the Hill by William Joseph

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Welcome to The House on the Hill. It is a house unlike any other. Lonely, dilapidated, and with a tragic story.

Now meet Kacy Marie Aspen. A young and curious girl with schizophrenia who just turned seventeen. Upon discovering the house and witnessing several odd figures standing out front, she soon finds herself being stalked by them almost everywhere that she goes.

As she struggles to determine if what she is seeing is real or in her head, will she confront these strange characters and find out their story? Or will she descend into madness and learn that it might be all in her head?

Goodreads

Amazon

Review by Twinsie Kelly

It wasn’t every day that the spirits from the local abandoned building wanted to befriend you.

There is a great story buried within these words. I have read other books by this author, and they can get a bit on the scary side. I was really expecting this to be more of a scary, haunting type of story. Or there to be more of a ghostly struggle. I don’t even know if I am describing my struggle accurately. **Note: I am going to attempt to give this review with no spoilers. Proceed with caution.**

Kacy, the main character, has struggled with hallucinations, is medicated and sees a doctor. Nothing else is really explained regarding same. She is drawn to this haunted house and many ghosts. This is where it gets sort of weird for me. The ghosts go silent and we go into a ton of just words about shopping and hanging out with her friend, but it seems to be on repeat just in different areas. I am not sure if it was filler and there was a certain amount of words that had to be met for the book or if there was a point to this, but it caused me to put the book down a couple of times because it just didn’t seem to “fit.” BUT, I am not a quitter! I had to know what happened so I trudged on when all of a sudden…BAM! The story is right here, right now, and is going nuts! It’s crazy, it’s sad, there’s a touch of insanity, there’s gunshots, there’s fire, there’s friendship, there’s crying, and then happiness! Then it was over…

There is truly a great story buried within these words, but you do have to get through some extra stuff to get to it. When you do, it’ll be worth it!

William Joseph profile image

William Joseph is an exciting Horror, Paranormal, and Psychological Thriller writer from New Jersey, USA. He loves to draw the reader into believable worlds, creating everyday characters the readers can relate and connect with, and then forcing them to face their deepest and darkest fears. William Joseph’s writing has been detailed as twisted, dark, terrifying, raw, and emotional.

Paranormal, Part of a Trilogy, short story, Teen & Young Adult Contemporary, Witches, Writers on the River Attending Author, YA

#WOTR #attendingauthor #shortstory #ya A Snap of Magic (Snap of Magic 1) by Danielle Keil

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Meet Cecilia Chevalier, teen witch. Well, she doesn’t know she’s a witch. But when her powers develop on Halloween night, she does what any teenager who just discovered she has magic would her History grade, because that C- just can’t happen. Get revenge on her cheating ex. Make a table in the cafe disappear Okay, maybe that last one wasn’t on purpose. And the ones before it don’t exactly go according to plan. But learning to control magic is hard! When it’s only a snap snap away, Cecilia’s impulses are harder to control than ever.

Her life gets even more complicated when her best friend Ezra does some research on his family tree, and finds out that his and Cecilia’s families are oddly connected through witch ancestors.

With Ezra looking into the past, especially Cecilia’s mother who left her when she was born, and her magic malfunctioning, what else will go wrong?

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/219632347-a-snap-of-magic

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Snap-Magic-Danielle-Keil-ebook/dp/B0DJ1SFGRT?ref_=ast_author_dp&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.YcQRtHta-Cof0yI18HquSpzgiv5kecT3QG5W81q2BPpqrAY8E7ib5EQnQ8XC8h5OH6ts1t1YOyUXTePYY6GYa2UQTq-ks6Px55XGX_QPzS35H_Yeul_kBGn7kAz2P-0xLZsPUurCzet1eBCs6jQeYeiL_gT5uDeweQwLTvwNEl0-ztbJirR9U8kfdFtk4V_0fP-jvT_6yzKKvYimgxQr3TDsJNsF6Zj9Mo6Fozp6XYA.xMYkabBXxJ5iUt9vtJqT0MU_gYDrtVGeavQCDtERS2A&dib_tag=AUTHOR

Review by Twinsie Dee

i bought this book and here is my honest review

Oh Snap, CC was just your normal high school girl, and loved everything Halloween, the whole town did actually think of it as Halloweentown they went all out carnival the school put on and so much more. Just when she thought it was a normal night CC was having some strange things happening her pool for the duck pond at the carnival one minute it was empty because it fell over and the next its full, she wanted to raise her grade and one snap and the toughest teacher made a mistake on the classes’ grades, and much more. CC was just wanting her bad luck to stop but she got so much more with the help of her bestie Erza, CC was going to get a snap snap reality check. ugh this was so cute and perfect cozy read for spooky season.

Danielle Keil grew up and spent the majority of her life in the Chicagoland area. A recent transplant, she is enjoying the Mississippi life, especially the pool in her backyard.
Danielle is happily married for over 10 years, and has two young children, a daughter and a son, who are exact replicas of her and her husband.

Danielle’s love language is gifts, her Ennegram is a 9w1, and she loves everything purple.
The way to her heart is through coffee, chocolate and tacos (extra guac).

Part of a Series, Sweet Romance, Teen & Young Adult Contemporary, Writers on the River Attending Author, YA

#wotr #attendingauthor #ya #partofaseries Dear Emilia (Love Notes 8) by Danielle Keil

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Everyone at Ryder High knows what it means to have a teal envelope taped to their locker on the first day of the month.

Skye Turner came close to having one, but considering she and her boyfriend, Andrew Del Marco, had been dating for a week already, she couldn’t take it.

So she decides cheat the Secret Admirer system and divert the teal envelope to someone else.

Emilia Rosemary is just like every other girl when she gets her envelope— shocked.

But the envelope isn’t from a real Secret Admirer. It’s from Skye, posing as Emilia’s crush, Chase McNeill.

Skye and her friends develop a plan to have both Emilia and Chase surprised with the big reveal at the Homecoming dance.

But when Chase learns the truth, will the plans be ruined?

Will Emilia be upset when she finds out her friends deceived her?

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62837531-dear-emilia

Amazon https://amzn.to/3wMHX9Q

Review by Twinsie Dee

i bought this book her is my honest review

Dear Emilia,
our sweet girl with her nose in a book and pencil in her hand, for someone so smart yet so not willing to open up and let your feelings be known don’t worry we got you
Love Us…….
Emilia was the brains of Ryder High too smart for her own good but wanted to have someone who made her just as happy as the others around her. Well, our girl is in luck when she finds the famous teal envelope on her locker will she be able to find her admirer before the month is up or will she be embarrassed when it comes out who is behind the envelope. This proves just how far a friend is willing to go to make their friend a happily ever after. But the journey will surprise you, how it ends will have you swooning, and always remember the follow the second star to the left and straight till morning, will Wendy and Peter get their happy ever after? after all you just need faith trust and can’t forget the pixie dust.

Danielle Keil grew up and spent the majority of her life in the Chicagoland area. A recent transplant, she is enjoying the Mississippi life, especially the pool in her backyard.
Danielle is happily married for over 10 years, and has two young children, a daughter and a son, who are exact replicas of her and her husband.
She also is a fur mom to their Corgi, Cozmo, who loves barking, mud, and peanut butter.
Danielle’s love language is gifts, her Ennegram is a 9w1, and she loves everything purple.
The way to her heart is through coffee, chocolate and tacos (extra guac).