Category Archives: YA

Sci Fi, Teen & Young Adult Contemporary, Writers on the River Attending Author, YA

#WOTR22 #Review – The Seer (The Aberration Book 3) by Michel Prince

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The Seer (The Aberration Book 3) by [Michel Prince]

Since Aberrations started appearing across the globe, the world was trapped in a communal nightmare. Children tossed away, instead of nurtured. Their gifts only seen as dangers, not a blessing, all hitting the teenagers right as they are trying to come into themselves.

At some point we all get lost in our dreams of what will be or what could be, but for Peyton Lark, trying to find the right path in his visions has him slipping into a delirium of insanity. The Seer among those who’ve hidden away on an island knows when visions increase, they are closing in on becoming reality.

While he has the ability to see danger coming, it doesn’t mean he can find the path to avoid it. With his other half, his love Claire Lawrence, being taken from him over and over in painful nightmares his main focus turns to saving her, with the rest a distant second. But the path isn’t changing no matter how much he tries to manipulate the dream.

Can Peyton find the way to save those around them from a weapon created for their complete annihilation? Or will he at least be able to spin the dream to save the one person who anchors him fully?

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

I couldn’t wait for Peyton’s story and I am so glad we finally have it! Peyton came from a good home with good parents but because of his birthdate, was sent to an aberration camp where he endured the unthinkable. Once he was able to escape, he found his place with others like him in Satori. They have all, Aberrations and Harveys (the normal), had to run as they are now being hunted by an Aberration Elder that is the current president. Peyton is a computer whiz and incredibly smart but his greatest strength is also his weakness. He is a seer and gets visions of the future. The only problem is that the future is always changing. He sees the same nightmare over and over where Clair is ripped away from him and no matter what he does or how hard he tries; he cannot manipulate anything to make this future change. He is finding that he is starting to blame himself but also questioning who he can trust. He feels like he is literally going insane. These hunters will never stop and finally Peyton has a breakthrough. He is thinking about things the wrong way. He needs to have EVERYONE work together. No prejudices and social classes. No more what ifs plaguing him to the point of madness. The time has come to band together and get ready for the inevitable. However, when the inevitable comes, another crazy twist comes at us and brings an entirely new type of torture to endure and get through. This story is an incredibly well written YA that can definitely get us adults on edge and turning the pages like crazy. I highly recommend this series and cannot wait for the next installment!

Michel Prince

Standalone, Thriller, YA

#review #yathriller The Lake by Natasha Preston

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Esme and Kayla once were campers at Camp Pine Lake. They’re excited to be back this year as CITs (counselors in training). Esme loves the little girls in her cabin and thinks it’s funny how scared they are of everything–spiders, the surly head counselor, the dark, boys . . . even swimming in the lake! It reminds her a little of how she and Kayla used to be, once. Before . . . it happened.

Because Esme and Kayla did something bad when they were campers. Afterwards, the girls agreed to keep it secret. They’ve moved on–or so they say–and this summer is going to be great. Two months of sun, s’mores, and flirting with the cute boy counselors. But then they get a note. THE LAKE NEVER FORGETS. And the secret they’ve kept buried for so many years is about to resurface.

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43785684-the-lake

Amazon https://amzn.to/3c6jGx8

Review by Twinsie Dee

I bought this book and this my honest opinion

Esme and Kayla are returning to their old summer camp this summer as counselors in training it’s the one place they swore they were never going to return to after what happened the last time they were there. But they were here and ready to try and have some fun, but nothing ever stays hidden when you want to keep it buried. Creepy things start happening and the girls are wondering if their secret is coming back to hunt them. Wow Natasha knocked this one outta the park it had me on the edge of my seat until the very last page.

#1 New York Times Bestselling Author of The Cellar and The Cabin. Romance and YA Thriller writer, boy mum, Tom Hardy enthusiast. Always buried in a book and a glass of wine.

Paranormal, Review, Sci Fi, Writers on the River Attending Author, YA

#WOTR – #Review – The Amalgam (The Aberration Book 1) by Michel Prince

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The Amalgam (The Aberration Book 1)

Genetics, radioactive spiders, mutation following tainted energy drinks. No one knows what triggered teens to suddenly get powers. Abilities emerge, first sought, then destroying lives with only one link between those effected. Their birthdays all end in double zeroes.

Riley Weston wished he could be an awkward kid in high school, but life had other plans. The Aberration Laws made all around him suspect, until the wheel of fate turned to point her arrow at him.

At first being labeled an Aberration would get you locked away for the greater good. When it was discovered children born in the year two-thousand are the only ones getting powers, no one is immune. Even if your powers have yet to emerge. The government is set on owning all those in possession of abilities.

For Riley, a camp, ran by Aberrations, hides, trains, and keeps them safe. But the world wants their powers. To meld them into a force no army could defeat. Riley, and those like him, now walk the world scared, angry and afraid. Which is not the combo you want with unlimited powers.

Can Riley learn to control his gift before outside forces find him? Or before inside sources give away more than just him, but the whole camp.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

Did you read the blurb?! Mutations, aberrations, genetics….YA Sci Fi? Sign me up! This is something straight out of a superhero comic! I live for this stuff! This story is an intricately woven fantastical tale that never leaves you with a dull moment. Right from the jump, Riley’s house is being searched and he is in a sort of panic room or safe room. He has been forced to live in secrecy for fear of being taken to a type of detainment camp to be experimented on. The time has come for him to secretly be taken to a secret camp with others like him. His mom and dad basically have to smuggle him out and make a secret trade for this to happen. All hell breaks loose and Riley is swept away to the camp. Only, it’s not exactly a camp. This is a massive center with tons of others that are “special” like him and others that are “normal” with no powers. He quickly finds out that not everyone can be trusted. And as his power starts coming to fruition. Only he finds that he doesn’t have just one power like the other aberrations,  but multiple. Now we have a teenage boy that has been thrust into a crazy situation that he is trying to navigate, he needs to learn his powers, all while being scared and confused. This is a dangerous combo. But wait, there’s more! He finds an incredible group of friends that he can absolutely rely on but when you are told that you may be “the one”…How are you supposed to react?! And don’t forget, we still don’t know who to trust. 

There is an incredible explanation as to why these kids have powers. The way that these teens figure it out and explain it, brings a historical type of element to this book. Gods and goddesses from way back when could all be part of who they are today. And when stuff really starts to go haywire, the truth starts coming out with even more twists coming your way. 

Seriously, if you need something different to shake things up, this is the book that will do it for you. I am on the edge of my seat waiting for the sequel. Bravo, Ms. Prince! Loved it!

Michel Prince

Michel Prince is an author who graduated with a bachelor degree in History and Political Science. Michel writes young adult and adult paranormal romance as well as contemporary romance.

With characters yelling “It’s my turn damn it!!!” She tries to explain to them that alas, she can only type a hundred and twenty words a minute and they will have wait their turn. She knows eventually they find their way out of her head and to her fingertips and she looks forward to sharing them with you.

When Michel can suppress the voices in her head she can be found at a scouting event or cheering for her son in a variety of sports. She would like to thank her family for always being in her corner and especially her husband for supporting her every dream and never letting her give up.

Michel is a member of RWA Pro and Midwest Fiction Writers. In 2013 she was awarded Elite Status with Rebel Ink Press. She lives in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, and cat.

Fantasy, Paranormal, Review, Shifters, Writers on the River Attending Author, YA

#WOTR21 – #Review – The Amulets by J. Lawson

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The Amulets (The Amulets Trilogy #1)

A centuries-old war, a lineage of magic thought long dead, and a girl desperately struggling to find her place.

Jordan has a secret; one that’s kept her intentionally antisocial. So, when new girl Georgia moves to town and begins working at the same bookstore, she is naturally apprehensive. Yet, discovering their unanticipated connection makes her question everything she’s ever believed.

When they discover unusual happenings linked to the old mill, they along with Sawyer, handsome grandson of the town crank, find themselves forced to investigate a potentially evil source of conflict threatening the safety of their town. Will Jordan and Georgia’s common gifts, along with Sawyer’s courage and charm, be enough to get the answers they need to save the town? Or does letting yourself care just mean you have more to lose?

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

Who says we need less dreamers and more concrete intellects? Jordan’s boss! Psh! First, I love that our main character works in a bookstore and promotes fantasy books, just saying. The Amulets, for me, was a pure and wholesome young adult book. It was very sweet. Jordan is a shape-shifter and has kept this secret for many years. She is afraid if she gets close to someone that she will ultimately lose them because they won’t understand. This is something she struggles with throughout the story. Their small town is truly a small town. Everyone knows everyone and you only fall into a few different categories with school and work. And, if you make it out, you don’t come back. Until Georgia shows up one day to work at the same store as Jordan. These two are definitely kindred spirits and you can feel the bond forming right from jump. Their friendship is something most of us wish we had. Then we have Sawyer, a super cute guy who brings them coffee! Score! Jordan and Georgia are both shapeshifters and Sawyer is not. The secrets now become very delicate. On top of this, the town has lost their dang mind! This causes the trio to do some investigative work which ends up getting really hairy in the end. And when I say hairy, I truly mean hairy. Reality can be just as crazy as the stuff people imagine. 

The story started a bit slow for me but I think with this being the first in the trilogy the world building was needed. It is super sweet too. No swearing and no crazy make-out sessions. There are a couple kisses shared between Jordan and Sawyer, and they were perfect. I definitely think that this is geared toward a younger YA group. Once the story got moving, it was hard to put down. And now that I reached the end I need to know what happens next. 

J. Lawson

J. Lawson was born and raised in Davenport, Iowa. She moved to Peoria, Illinois in 2008, where she currently resides with her husband, son, and two dogs. She graduated from Western Illinois University with a Master’s in English Literature. She has been published in multiple literary magazines, and The Amulets (book one in The Amulets Trilogy) is her debut novel. Lawson enjoys reading fantasy, thriller, mystery, and most varieties of fiction. She also loves 80s-90s rock music.

www.facebook.com/AuthorJ.Lawson

twitter.com/AuthorLawson

www.authorjlawson.com

Mystery, Part of a Series, Shifters, Writers on the River Attending Author, YA

#wotr #attendingauthor #seriesstarter The Amulets (the amulet series 1) by J.Lawson

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A centuries-old war, a lineage of magic thought long dead, and a girl desperately struggling to fihe4iiioood her place.

Jordan has a secret; one that’s kept her intentionally antisocial. So, when new girl Georgia moves to town and begins working at the same bookstore, she is naturally apprehensive. Yet, discovering their unanticipated connection makes her question everything she’s ever believed.

When they discover unusual happenings linked to the old mill, they along with Sawyer, handsome grandson of the town crank, find themselves forced to investigate a potentially evil source of conflict threatening the safety of their town. Will Jordan and Georgia’s common gifts, along with Sawyer’s courage and charm, be enough to get the answers they need to save the town? Or does letting yourself care just mean you have more to lose?

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45017206-the-amulets?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=6Tq33Blph8&rank=4

Amazon https://amzn.to/3uAgEto

Review by Twinsie Dee

I was giving this book by the author and this is my honest opinion

Jordan lives in a small town and doesn’t really hang out with too many people only because she has a huge secret that she’s never told she can shape-shift into a wolf. She’s never met anyone else that’s like her until a mother and daughter move into town. They become close and Jordan  discovered that the new girl can also shape-shift but instead of a wolf she shifts into a bobcat. So now Jordan has a friend and she couldn’t be happier, she had someone else who was like her and she didn’t feel so alone anymore. There are a lot of mystery things that are happening in this small town that Jordan and Georgia just can’t explain so they decided to investigate what they find will shock them both or will it?  This was a good read but a little rough for me to get into in the beginning just felt like it was all over the place in the first chapter but then got back on track in the next chapter. It was a very good and quick read.

J. Lawson was born and raised in Davenport, Iowa. She moved to Peoria, Illinois in 2008, where she currently resides with her husband, son, and two dogs. She graduated from Western Illinois University with a Master’s in English Literature. She has been published in multiple literary magazines, and The Amulets (book one in The Amulets Trilogy) is her debut novel. Lawson enjoys reading fantasy, thriller, mystery, and most varieties of fiction. She also loves 80s-90s rock music.

New Release, Paranormal, Part of a Series, YA

#WOTR21 #NewRelease #YA – The Amalgam (The Aberration Book 1) by Michel Prince

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The Amalgam (The Aberration Book 1) by [Michel Prince]

Genetics, radioactive spiders, mutation following tainted energy drinks. No one knows what triggered teens to suddenly get powers. Abilities emerge, first sought, then destroying lives with only one link between those effected. Their birthdays all end in double zeroes.

Riley Weston wished he could be an awkward kid in high school, but life had other plans. The Aberration Laws made all around him suspect, until the wheel of fate turned to point her arrow at him.

At first being labeled an Aberration would get you locked away for the greater good. When it was discovered children born in the year two-thousand are the only ones getting powers, no one is immune. Even if your powers have yet to emerge. The government is set on owning all those in possession of abilities.

For Riley, a camp, ran by Aberrations, hides, trains, and keeps them safe. But the world wants their powers. To meld them into a force no army could defeat. Riley, and those like him, now walk the world scared, angry and afraid. Which is not the combo you want with unlimited powers.

Can Riley learn to control his gift before outside forces find him? Or before inside sources give away more than just him, but the whole camp.

Goodreads

USA Today Bestselling author, Michel Prince, graduated with a bachelor degree in History and Political Science. Michel writes new adult and adult paranormal romance as well as contemporary romance.

“Ms Prince writing is like summer breeze caressing your body, slow and sultry.”-Amazon review of First and Ten.

“Michel Prince is a wonderful author with a real talent for writing.”-Amazon Review of Triple B Baking Co.

“Prince explores in her novels is interracial romance and friendships. Prince pokes fun at stereotypes, but never allows stereotypes to guide her plot. The focus is on creating two strong, independent characters who can stand on their own, but complement each other as a couple.”- Amazon Review of Silly Girl

“One Last Sunset is a well written story by the awesome Michel Prince that left me wanting to learn more about the rest of the Long family.”- Amazon Review for One Last Sunset.

“I could not put it down, and will definitely be looking for more from this Author.”-Amazon Review of Silly Girl.

With characters yelling “It’s my turn damn it!!!” She tries to explain to them that alas, she can only type a hundred and twenty words a minute and they will have wait their turn. She knows eventually they find their way out of her head and to her fingertips and she looks forward to sharing them with you.

When Michel can suppress the voices in her head she can be found at a scouting event or cheering for her son in a variety of sports. She would like to thank her family for always being in her corner and especially her husband for supporting her every dream and never letting her give up.

Michel has been awarded Elite Status with Rebel Ink Press in 2013, the service award for her local RWA chapter Midwest Fiction Writers 2013, 2014, won 2015 Sweetest Romance from IREA for Chrysalis and is a PAN member of RWA. She lives in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, and new puppy.

Review, Sci Fi, Thriller, YA

#Review – #NewRelease – The Haven (The Unknown #2) by J.W. Lynne

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The Haven (The Unknown, #2)

NINE NIGHTS AGO, EIGHT CHILDREN WERE KIDNAPPED.
NOW, THEY ARE ABOUT TO FACE THE GREATEST CHALLENGE OF THEIR LIVES.

From the author of the heart-pounding mystery thriller THE UNKNOWN comes a riveting sequel that climaxes with a shocking twist you’ll never see coming. THE HAVEN is book two in a completed series of two full-length novels that tell the tale of five girls and three boys who are taken from their homes in the middle of the night and wake up in a frightening and mysterious world full of secrets.

If you like fast-paced thrillers with intriguing mystery, captivating suspense, unexpected twists and turns, a dash of romance, and surprising climaxes that bring everything together, don’t miss this original new series!

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

I am so happy that I got to continue the journey with this group of strong kids! The book picks up right where The Unknown left off. The only thing is, the kids are definitely tired of Nevah, the AI on the ship, and ready to rebel. The story is action packed right from the beginning with lots of thought provoking situations that will keep you on your toes. When I read The Unknown, I thought I was going to have a problem reading from so many different points of view but quickly overcame that because all of their points of view are equally important, especially in this sequel. There are many moving parts and to see how each kid copes and reacts to these different situations is very humbling. I love how they quickly become a family. 

“After all, the most frightening worst-case scenario is the one that’s unknown.”

“Life is dangerous. Death awaits all of us and loss lurks everywhere.”

The twists that this story throws their way is intense and absolutely makes this a page turner!

J.W. Lynne

J.W. Lynne writes inventive stories with twists, turns, and surprises. In ABOVE THE SKY, teens uncover the truth in a society founded on lies. In THE UNKNOWN, eight children are kidnapped in the night and wake up in a mysterious world full of secrets. In LOST IN LOS ANGELES, a young woman must decide whether to trust an intriguing young man who she meets in a coffee shop. In LOST IN TOKYO, a college student carries out her missing mother’s bucket list in a desperate attempt to finally find her. KID DOCS dives into the behind-the-scenes action at a hospital where gifted young children are trained to become pint-sized doctors. In WILD ANIMAL SCHOOL, a teen spends an unforgettable summer caring for elephants, tigers, bears, leopards, and lions at an exotic animal ranch.

Apocalyptic, Dystopian, Review, Sci Fi, YA

#Review – The Unknown (The Unknown, #1) by J.W. Lynne

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The Unknown (The Unknown, #1)

EIGHT CHILDREN WERE KIDNAPPED.
BUT WHY?

Eight kids, ages nine to seventeen, awaken to find that almost everything they have ever known has been stolen from them. They were ripped from their beds in the middle of the night and transported to an unfamiliar and unforgiving new world where there are strict rules, and they are punished if they refuse to obey.

As the kids grapple with their mysterious new reality, they struggle with disconcerting questions. Where in the world are they? Why were they taken away from their families? Will they ever get to go back home? And the most frightening question of all: Will this be the place where they die?

CYBILS AWARD NOMINEE!

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

Unique twist on the dystopian genre! This is insanely thrilling! First, I need to say that I was a little worried about starting the story as it is told from most of the children’s POVs and there is a manifest at the beginning. I thought I would have to go back and forth to remember who exactly I was reading, but after the first few rounds through the characters I knew exactly whose POV I was reading without double checking. The characters formed in my head as if I were right there in the mix. These children are kidnapped one night and all thrown together in an unknown place. What is even weirder is that there are no adults. Nobody to tell them what to do or why they are there. The world building is great. As the children get to learn more about themselves and each other they are all learning about their new “prison”. There are so many unknowns with the story that will keep you turning the pages. Some aspects of the story definitely have the creep factor but absolutely gripping. I believe this story is the start of a really amazing series. There were so many things that you learn about the children and this new world that when you reach the cliffhanger you will be completely invested in the story. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT IS NEXT! This is the first book I have read by JW Lynne but I am now a fan!

J.W. LynneJ.W. Lynne writes inventive stories with twists, turns, and surprises. In ABOVE THE SKY, teens uncover the truth in a society founded on lies. In THE UNKNOWN, eight children are kidnapped in the night and wake up in a mysterious world full of secrets. In LOST IN LOS ANGELES, a young woman must decide whether to trust an intriguing young man who she meets in a coffee shop. In LOST IN TOKYO, a college student carries out her missing mother’s bucket list in a desperate attempt to finally find her. KID DOCS dives into the behind-the-scenes action at a hospital where gifted young children are trained to become pint-sized doctors. In WILD ANIMAL SCHOOL, a teen spends an unforgettable summer caring for elephants, tigers, bears, leopards, and lions at an exotic animal ranch.

Part of a Series, Rockers, YA

#Audio #Rereading – Rock and a Hard Place (Jamieson Brothers Book 1) by Angie Stanton

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Rock and a Hard Place

Perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen, Jenny Han, and Susane Colasanti, Angie Stanton’s swoon-worthy romance–about an ordinary girl and a young rock star–will keep readers on the edge of their seats . . . and leave them wanting more.

In an instant, Libby’s life went from picture-perfect to a nightmare. After surviving a terrible car accident, Libby is abandoned by her father and left with her controlling aunt. A new town, a new school, no friends–Libby is utterly alone. But then she meets Peter.

The lead singer in a rock band with his brothers, Peter hates that his parents overly manage his life. Constantly surrounded by family, Peter just wants to get away. And when he meets Libby, he’s finally found the one person who just wants to be with him, not the rock star.

But while Peter battles his family’s growing interference in both his music and personal life, Libby struggles with her aunt, who turns nastier each day. And even though Libby and Peter desperately want to be together, their drastically different lives threaten to keep them apart forever.

Goodreads

ebook

Audio – HERE

Rock and a Hard Place By cover art

Review by Twinsie Angie

Original Review HERE from December 2012 (Be kind. I had just started blogging and reviewing…LOL)

New Review

I was given this audio book from the author for an honest review.

I read this book when I first started blogging and 6 years later when the author offered an audio I jumped.

I enjoyed the narration of the story and the narrators voice was enjoyable to listen too.  Sometimes a bad narrator can make a book not so enjoyable.

I still enjoyed this story like I did 6 years ago.  I loved the theme of family and dreams plus wants and desires.

I am still not a huge YA reader, but the story of Libby and Peter did pull at me.  I will say the entire time I am reading of Peter and his brother being rock stars I kept seeing the Jonas Brothers in my mind.  LOL  The story has deep themes and Libby will just slay you with her sweet and innocent persona.

I don’t get much time to “reread” but I am so glad I grabbed this audio when offered.  I remembered loving this story and it hasn’t changed for me at all.

Angie Stanton is a life-long daydreamer who grew up with her hands on a book and her head in the clouds. As an adult, she’s put her talent to good use writing award winning contemporary fiction about life, love, and the adventures that follow.

Angie has a Journalism degree from the University of Wisconsin and is the best selling author of Waking in Time, If Ever, Rock and a Hard Place, Snapshot, Royally Lost, Under the Spotlight, Snowed Over, and Love ‘em or Leave ‘em.

Angie is a proud winner of a Midwest Book Award for Waking in Time.
Waking in Time is also a finalist in the National Readers Choice Awards as is her book If Ever and Love ’em or Leave ’em.

In her spare time, Angie sneaks off to New York City to enjoy the best entertainment experience on earth, Broadway. She is currently working on a series of Broadway-themed books, and is a contributing writer to BroadwayWorld.com.

Angie’s latest release is If Ever, a sexy, playful love story spanning from LA to New York and London.

For more information on Angie and her books, please visit:
www.angiestanton.com
Facebook.com/AngieStantonAuthor
Twitter: @angie_stanton
Instagram angiestanton_author.

Friends to Lovers, M/F/F, YA

#WOTR21 #BookSpotlight #MM #YA #BestFriends #OppositesAttract #FriendsToLovers – Forever Better Together by AD Ellis

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Forever Better Together

Can best friends find true love? What if your best friend is your adopted brother?

Griffin can’t fathom his life without Quincy, but he also can’t ignore the crazy sexual attraction buzzing between them.
When Quincy offers up a contract to determine if the sexual tension brewing between them is worth jeopardizing their nearly decade-long friendship, Griffin finds himself helpless to say no.
Will they lose everything they’ve found in each other, or will they seize the opportunity to turn their friendship into something even better?

Forever Better Together is a male/male opposites attract, friends-to-lovers story with delicious sexual tension, a sizzling hot striptease, and emotions guaranteed to punch you in the gut.

Goodreads

A.D. Ellis is an Indiana girl, born and raised. She spends much of her time in central Indiana as an instructional coach/teacher in the inner city of Indianapolis, being a mom to two amazing school-aged children, and wondering how she and her husband of nearly two decades haven’t driven each other insane yet. A lot of her time is also devoted to phone call avoidance and her hatred of cooking.
She loves chocolate, wine, pizza, and naps along with reading and writing romance. These loves don’t leave much time for housework, much to the chagrin of her husband. Who would pick cleaning the house over a nap or a good book? She uses any extra time to increase her fluency in sarcasm.
A.D. uses she/her pronouns.