A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

 

❤❤❤❤❤

One of the best thrillers I've read! I devoured this book in one day and couldn't put it down. The writing makes you feel like you're right there along with Pippa as she investigates a 5 year old murder for a class project.

The only issue I had with it was the verbal variations as it was clearly written with British terms, but I've gotten used to most of the differences from previous books.

This was a roller coaster ride that I never wanted to end, with plot twists you won't see coming, which is a rarity for me anymore, so I was pleasantly surprised. I immediately bought the books in hardback so my co-worker could borrow them, mainly so I'd have someone else to discuss my theories with!

🙈 Mystery

💀 Thriller

SUMMARY:

The case is closed. Five years ago, schoolgirl Andie Bell was murdered by Sal Singh. The police know he did it. Everyone in town knows he did it.

But having grown up in the same small town was consumed by the murder, Pippa Fitz-Amobi isn't so sure. When she chooses the case as the topic for her final year project, she starts to uncover secrets that someone in town desperately wants to stay hidden. And if the real killer is still out there, how far will they go to keep Pip from the truth?

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Never Have You Ever by Elizabeth Hayley (The Love Game #1)

 

❤❤❤❤❤

Sassy comedy at its finest! Never Have You Ever is the perfect mix of enemies to lovers and mistaken identity. I was expecting a quick light-hearted comedy, but was pleasantly surprised with a little drama and shocked when I reached the end!

Most of the story revolves around Sophia trying to get her life in the sorority back, but along the way she discovers that it might take more than that to make her happy. I also hope her brother makes more an appearance in the following books, since I secretly want to slap him a bit, lol.

Drew absolutely stole the show for me, although I was dying to see things from his POV towards the end (read and you'll know why!) He's a complete sweetheart who jumps at the chance to have an education, even if it means deceiving those around him.

I stayed up reading this is one sitting and then was happily surprised when Truth or Dare You appeared on my Kindle the next day! Such an amazing new series from a wonderful duo and I can't wait to see what comes next for Drew and Sophia!!!

😄 Comedy

💋 Romance

SUMMARY:

Who is this guy?

Sophia Mason's junior year of college isn't exactly off to the best start. The semester has just begun, and the president of her sorority has already ousted her from the house. With nowhere else to turn, she ends up at her brother's apartment -- only to find it inhabited instead by a handsome stranger.

On paper, Drew Nolan doesn't have much going for him as an uneducated bartender from a sketchy family. But when a spoiled rich kid asks Drew to take over his life so he can travel around Europe instead of attend classes, Drew sees the opportunity to get the college education he's always dreamed of.

Forced into a cover-up under the same roof, Sophia and Drew forge an unlikely friendship. As the two grow closer, lines blur and boundaries stretch, and they find comfort in living the lie they've adopted. But reality comes knocking all too soon, and Sophia and Drew will have to weigh what's worth fighting for and what should never ever have been.

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Dare to Play by Carly Phillips (Dare Nation #3)

⚾⚾⚾⚾⚾

This was a home run in my book! Dare to Play will capture your heart and steal it for the duration of the story.

Carly Phillips has a way of drawing you into a story with plenty of laughter, steamy romance and witty banter - but it's those deeper moments that surprise you, that's what I always enjoy most.

Jaxon Prescott is a player, but throughout this story, he will win you over and become the book boyfriend of your dreams! Everything he does will make you sigh, the man can do no wrong after he meets Macy.

Macy Walker, heaven help her, has everything on her plate at once, and the last thing she needs is a complicated love life. Trying to raise her half-sister (who's a typical teen tyrant in mourning) is no easy task, especially when the wicked witch of a mother comes back into their lives.

I couldn't put this book down until the end, as I needed closure on all fronts. This is by far my favorite book by Carly Phillips and I'm enjoying the Dare Nation series immensely! Do yourself a favor and read this asap, as it can be read as a stand alone. You won't regret a moment!

😄 Comedy
 💧 Drama
💋 Romance

SUMMARY:

He's the bad boy of baseball who's about to lose everything. She needs a husband to get custody of her teenage sister. Suddenly a marriage of convenience doesn't look so bad.

Pitcher, Jaxon Prescott has a lot on his plate. Major league baseball. Reputation as a Player. And as of this morning? He's on the verge of losing it all. He didn't mean to sleep with his general manager's daughter. Sometimes the paparazzi finds out who's in your bed before you do. But a sizzling moment went viral and now everything he's worked for is at risk.

What's a bad boy to do? Marry his little sister's best friend to save his image, even if it's the opposite of everything he wants to believe in.

Macy Walker is the sole guardian of her half-sister until the girl's mother returns and wants her daughter back. In order to win custody, Macy needs to provide stability and marrying someone would do the trick. Luckily for her, her best friend's brother needs a wife.

They're this close to getting exactly what they want -- as long as they don't fall in love.

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Rules for Dating Your Ex by Piper Rayne (The Baileys #9)

💋💋💋💋💋

The perfection conclusion to the Baileys series! Rules for Dating Your Ex is the story we've all been waiting for since meeting Sedona Bailey, and my heart couldn't be happier right now.

First and most important: If you haven't read Lessons from a One Night Stand yet, go grab it for free and then binge-read the entire series until you've caught up. Now you may continue to read...

Sedona Bailey had her heart broken during the most emotional and trying time of her life, but she had to do what was best for her and her unborn baby...even if that was to leave the father.

Jamison Ferguson (be still my heart with his accent) hit rock bottom after a career-ending injury, causing him to stay away from the two most important people in his life until he can prove himself worthy again.

I can't possibly express how much I love the entire Bailey clan, including their significant others and offspring. Grandma Dori is still by far my favorite and she's even feistier in this book!

While I'm sad to see the Baileys series come to an end, I've enjoyed the ride immensely, finding new characters to love and obsess over, and I'm thrilled for a new series to begin.

Watching Jamison have to win over Sedona, Palmer and the rest of the clan was the highlight of my week. The family interactions are hilarious and heartfelt as always, leaving you wishing there was a family reunion you could crash and somehow become an honorary Bailey.

Piper Rayne have outdone themselves with this series and I will recommend it until I'm blue in the face. It's definitely one that I'll have on my yearly reading list to binge!

😄 Comedy
 💧 Drama
💋 Romance

SUMMARY:

If your ex arrives in your hometown eighteen months after you walked out on him while you were eight months pregnant, follow this short list of rules before you give him a second chance.

Rule #1 - Don't stand in the way of your brothers who want to rough him up.

Rule #2 - Don't meet him for coffee and agree to allow him to meet your daughter.

Rule #3 - Don't drool when your daughter falls asleep on his chest for the first time. It's just your ovaries talking.

Rule #4 - Don't let him hold your hand. While we're at it, no hugs, no kisses on the cheek...just no physical contact in general. That only leads to remembering better times.

The last one is the most important...

Rule #5 - When you find yourself needing someone's help and you're tired of always asking your family, don't let him be the one who's there for you.

Because all those good qualities of his will suck you right back in and you'll have no chance of fighting your feelings, especially now that he's ready to be a father to your daughter.

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The Friendship List by Susan Mallery

💙💙💙💙💙

This story will inspire you! The Friendship List is a captivating story of two people that choose to start living their lives again after love and loss.

This book put all of my emotions through the ringer, between tears of sorrow and laughter, my heart is inspired by these stories.

Ellen has basically put her entire life on hold to raise her son since she was a teenager, and she's determined to show him that she can have a life of her own if he goes away to college.

Unity on the other hand...her story is so heart-breaking -- being a widow at such a young age, never believing she can achieve any of her life goals now that she's alone...I was torn between wanting to hug her or shake some life back into her.

This is a book that will inspire you to take chances, pursue your dreams, and live your life to the fullest. For that, I will be forever grateful to Susan Mallery.

 💧 Drama
💋 Romance

SUMMARY:

Two best friends jump-start their lives in a summer that will change them forever...

Single mom Ellen Fox couldn't be more content -- until she overhears her son saying he can't go to his dream college because she needs him too much. If she wants him to live his best life, she has to convince him she's living hers.

So Unity Leandre, her best friend since forever, creates a list of challenges to push Ellen out of her comfort zone. Unity will complete the list, too, but not because she needs to change. What's wrong with a thirtysomething widow still sleeping in her late husband's childhood bed?

The Friendship List begins as a way to make others believe their just fine. But somewhere between "wear three-inch heels" and "have sex with a gorgeous guy," Ellen and Unity discover that life is meant to be lived with joy and abandon, in a story filled with humor, heartache and regrettable tattoos.

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Can't Help Falling in Love by Samantha Chase (Magnolia Sound #5)

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

This book is on fire! Can't Help Falling in Love has plenty of swoon-worthy moments, tug at your heart scenes with a certain little boy, and plenty of romance to make your heart melt.

Prepare yourself to dive into Hunter and Violet's story - one where they definitely come from opposite sides of life. Hunter wants to put down roots and provide a stable life for his son, while Violet loves to travel the world and see new things.

I always love revisiting the citizens of Magnolia Sound! This definitely starts out as a slow burn romance, but there's more behind each of their stories than meets the eye. I jumped in with both feet and loved the ride. The true star of this book is Hunter's son Eli, he's a little ladies man in the making!

💋 Romance

SUMMARY:

Hunter Jones never thought that shared custody would be part of his life, but it's the only way to make sure his son still has both parents in his life. But when his ex's increasing unpredictability leads to a missed day care pick up, he's not so sure shared custody is the best option anymore. Never mind that he's now the one being accused of bad parenting by a total stranger.

Violet Drake has zero patience for poor parenting. There's nothing that angers her more than seeing parents behave in the same irresponsible way her own parents did throughout her childhood. But after going off on a perfect stranger late to pick up his son, her conscience gets the best of her and she realizes she may have been a little harsh.

Violet is only supposed to be in Magnolia Sound for a short time to help out her best friend, so getting involved with a single dad is the absolute last thing she should be doing.

Their timing is all kinds of wrong, but sometimes you just can't help yourself.

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The Trouble With Quarterbacks by R.S. Grey

🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈

You had me at Foosball! The Trouble With Quarterbacks isn't your regular Sports RomCom - this one had everything you could want:

**Hilarious moments
**Adorable nephew
**Just a smidge of drama
**Plenty of stolen kisses

From their first encounter, I knew I was going to love everything Candace and Logan brought to this story. From tender moments, to dealing with the crazy paparazzi, this book draws you in and won't let your heart go.

I always know that I'm guaranteed plenty of laughter and romance with any R.S. Grey book, and I have to admit this is probably my favorite one so far! Hot NFL Uncle and a British preschool teacher, with two hysterical flatmates, what more could you ask for?

😄 Comedy
 💧 Drama
🔥 Steamy Romance

SUMMARY:

CANDACE: KAT & YASMINE! DO NOT DALLY! Come straight home after work. Kat, don't take the long route from the subway station just so you can pass by Cute Hot Dog Guy. This is important!

I've had THE BEST DAY. You won't believe it. There I was in my preschool classroom, washing a bit of poo out of some soggy trousers, when this absolute babe came to collect his nephew from my class.

Truthfully, I thought I'd blacked out for a moment when I first saw him. He was a proper hunk with glorious brown hair, quite tall, and he had these arms. Are muscly arms supposed to turn me on? I'm panting just thinking about them.

Anyway, he told me he's a professional foosball player. At least, I think that's what he said. The tots can get quite loud near pick-up time.

YASMINE: Foosball? What are you on about? Have you gone mad?

KAT: Oh sod off. So what if I like to have a good look at Hot Dog Guy's arse on my trek home after a hard day's work? It's called self-care.

CANDACE: Kat, you're hopeless. Yasmine, yes -- foosball! I suppose it's a big thing over here in the States? We must investigate and learn everything we can.

By the way, he's called Logan.

Logan + Candace. I think that sounds quite nice! I can hear the wedding bells now. Dum dum da-dum.

YASMINE: Oh good grief. I suppose we can do some snooping when I get home. I'll grab wine on my way.

Now available at:

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Smitten by Lauren Rowe

🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵

This story will truly make your heart sing! Smitten is a feel good romance with minimal angst, that will leave you humming a certain tune with a smile.

Fish and Ally are two of the kindest, most genuine characters I've ever read. They both just want to find that special someone who will support their dreams and love them for who they truly are.

This has by far been my favorite audiobook this year! Not only do the narrators do a terrific job of bringing the story to life, but being able to hear the songs play throughout the book, provides the ultimate reader experience. I'd give the performance 10 stars if I could!

💋 Romance

SUMMARY:

I met Alessandra at a party. Tried to impress her. Was almost positive I was going to fail.

I think I said something along the lines of, "I'm a Goat called Fish who's hung like a bull -- but not really. I'm actually pretty average." Smooth. I know. Try not to be jealous.

When she laughed -- and I mean, really laughed -- I knew she wasn't like the other girls I'd been meeting on tour. Hell, she wasn't even in the same stratosphere as those fangirls and gold-diggers.

At one point during the party, Alessandra said, "There's nothing like a girl's first love." I knew she was talking about the smash hit by my band, 22 Goats. Alessandra said it was the first song she'd heard by us and it "hit her like a ton of bricks." Ironic, seeing as how I was having the same reaction from being in her presence.

I made it my mission to impress her. Give her the kiss of a lifetime that night. But since I've always been the dude with zero game, nothing went according to plan.

I'm not giving up, though. I'm going to win this girl over. I'm done sitting on the sidelines, watching the bad boy getting the girl. This time, the nice guy will finish first. Even if it's the last thing he'll do.

Now available at:

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Keeping You Away by Kennedy Fox (Ex-Con Duet Series #1)

❤❤❤❤❤

Y'all better buckle up for Tyler's story! Keeping You Away brings us Tyler's side of the story, which I've been waiting on pins and needles for since the previous duet.

Tyler sacrificed so much to help Liam and Maddie find their happily ever after, so it's only fair we get to follow along as he tries to get a fresh start in the pursuit of his own.

The best part of any Kennedy Fox series is the characters, who never fade into the background, and you'll fall in love with them all over again with each visit.

As usual, the amazing duo of Kennedy Fox (Courtney and Lyra) weave a tale that will draw you in, counting down the days until the conclusion is release. They have me bartering my soul for the next book in the series, this is bound to be my favorite duet of theirs yet.

 💧 Drama
💋 Romance

SUMMARY:

I never planned on returning to Alabama, but circumstances brought me here after years of being gone. Though Lawton Ridge is my hometown, I was hesitant to go back because of her -- my sister's best friend. The last time we were together, she was eighteen, and I was a broken soldier transitioning to civilian life.

Gemma wrote to me while I was overseas and we developed a bond I hadn't anticipated. I crushed her heart the day I left, something I've never forgotten. But now that her dad is my new boss, life just got way more complicated.

Too sweet, too innocent, too good for a guy like me -- I should walk away again.

After serving five years in prison for something I didn't do, I trust no one, but Gemma gradually breaks down my walls and exposes the pain I've hidden underneath. For her own sake, I should keep my distance, but it's nearly impossible when I hear her sweet humming while I work and she slowly draws me back in. It's a battle I didn't train for, and one I'll lose if I don't keep my restraint -- especially since she's engaged to another man.

Now available at:

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After All by Kristen Proby (Romancing Manhattan #3)

💙💙💙💙💙

An office romance with sass! After All will make you laugh, cry, swoon and maybe even tar/feather someone. You definitely don't want to miss this wonderful conclusion to the Romancing Manhattan series.

Nora is the perfect assistant, going above and beyond her job description. You can't help but love her strength and heart.

Carter already lost one love in his life, so his soul focus is on his daughter. There are moments you'll want to shake both of them, but hang in there.

Such a beautifully written story about finding love after loss, even when you're scared of being hurt again. This was a must read for me and I couldn't put it down until I finished. I'm definitely going back and reading the first two in the series!

 💧 Drama

💋 Romance

SUMMARY:

When Carter Shaw's wife died five years ago, he was left to pick up the pieces not only of his own broken heart but also that of his devastated eight-year-old daughter, Gabby -- leaving him with no time for anything else, let alone dating. But recently, Carter has noticed women again and soon even begins dating. No one has stuck around for long, mostly thanks to one very angry Gabby.

Nora Hayes has worked as Carter's assistant for years. Recently divorced herself, Nora spends many hours at the office and helping Carter with his daughter whom she adores. Despite loving her job and being wrapped up in the Shaw family, Nora's never given her handsome, kind workaholic boss a second thought, especially in the romance department.

But then the snowstorm of the century hits, and Nora finds herself stranded at work with Carter overnight. And suddenly, she sees Carter in a whole new, sexy light. The sadness that's lived in his eyes for so long has now been replaced with pure, unadulterated lust -- and Nora isn't quite sure what to do about it. For after the pain of her divorce, she never thought she would give love a second chance.

Carter and Nora have always believed in never combining business with pleasure. But how can they possibly deny the all-consuming chemistry between them...?

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Southern Sunrise by Natasha Madison (Southern series #4)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A second chance romance w/the next generation! Southern Sunrise brings us the second generation of the Southern series. Ethan has been the center of each book and he finally gets to tell his own story.

After receiving life-changing news, Ethan leaves everyone he loves behind, in order to find out who he really is and come to terms with the truth he must face.

Emily has tried to pick up the pieces of her shattered heart and move on, but she's never been truly happy since Ethan left, even trying to find happiness again with someone else.

This story has multiple views of heartache and trials. I've loved watching all the characters grow and develop through each book, and I love how the author beautifully breaks the readers heart, just to put it back together again!

 💧 Drama
💋 Romance

SUMMARY:

Emily
I fell in love with him when I was fourteen. Under the stars, he told me he loved me, and under the stars we promised to love each other always. But under the stars, he broke my heart by walking away.

He left me without a second glance. I was just an afterthought. Now he's back, but this time, I'm not falling for his Southern charm.

Maybe.

It's time I get my happily ever after, even if part of me wishes he was still mine.

Ethan
I found out on my twenty-first birthday that everything I thought I knew was a lie, and the man I had grown up thinking was my father wasn't.

The pain I felt blinded me, making it impossible to hear what anyone said.
I left them all behind, including her, my best friend and the woman I was going to marry.

Five years late, I'm back, only to find the woman I still love has another man's ring on her finger.

She's going to marry my best friend unless I stop her. And this time, I only have until sunrise to change her mind.

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Beard Science by Penny Reid (Winston Brothers #3)

🍌🍌🍌🍌🍌

A perfect blend of humor and romance! Beard Science sets the bar of what every romantic comedy should strive for. Yes, I'm late to the Winston Brothers party, but I'm trying to make them last since there's only so many of them!

Jenn and Cletus are my favorite by far! This story was filled with plenty of witty banter among the Winston siblings (and some of their significant others), as well as secondary characters that will win your heart too.

Fair warning: You won't want to eat or drink while reading, for safety reasons, trust me.

If you have the option, I highly recommend the Audible version, as the accents bring the characters to a whole new level of amazeballs and draw you into the story even more.

My heart ached for Jenn and how she'd been treated by those who are supposed to care the most for her. She's honestly one of the sweetest characters I've ever read, and I want a #TeamCletusJenn shirt so bad!

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The Change Up by Meghan Quinn

⚾⚾⚾⚾⚾

Best friends to lovers perfection! The Change Up is amazing from start to finish. Nobody knows you better than your best friend, until it comes to matters of the heart...

I love watching men become super protective of their female friends, especially once they realize that they might have feelings for them, beware the alpha male.

Maddox is everything you expect from a baseball player, but the side of him that comes out when he's around Kinsley will make you fall for him instantly. We're talking book boyfriend, soft-hearted material here.

Kinsley is clueless as to the hotness that is her best friend, until she starts to develop feelings that she's afraid to pursue. She's all heart!

A feel-good, friends to lovers romance that will leave you with a smile on your face. Meghan Quinn is an author I can one-click and always be guaranteed laughter and romance.

😄 Comedy
⚾ Sports Romance

SUMMARY:

BREAKING NEWS: The Bad Boy of Baseball, Maddox Paige, is totally and utterly whipped.

Okay, that might not be the headlines in the newspaper this morning, but it's the reality of my current situation.

It all started a month ago when I received a call from my best friend, Kinsley. She got a new job in Chicago and needed a place to stay. I've known the girl since I was five, what harm would it be to have her stay at my place for a while?

Ha! Total disaster.

Now instead of going out every night with my teammates, I'm couch surfing and sketching endless photos of my best friend...but that's the least of my concerns.

The disaster, you ask? I'm rapidly falling head over cleats in love with my best friend, my roommate, and my number one fan.

And she has no idea...

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Royal Bastard by Avery Flynn (Instantly Royal #1)

👑👑👑👑👑

A RomCom with laughter and heart! Royal Bastard is the perfect read to brighten up your day and make you smile.

I feel like the girl is always "the American" in these types of stories, so this was a pleasant surprise to have the guy in that role. Nick is determined to teach his Grandfather a lesson for ruining his life and breaking his Mom's heart.

Brooke is the girl that just wants to make everyone proud, even if that comes at her own expense. She's determined to save the town that had her back when she needed them most, even if she has to deal with some stubborn, lazy American boy.

In true Avery Flynn fashion, this book will keep you entertained from start to finish! I love stories where people underestimate the underdog and it only makes them fight to surprise you. Nick is my new book boyfriend and I'll fight anyone who says differently!

😄 Comedy
💋 Romance

SUMMARY:

Efficient, level-headed, and always focused, Brooke Chapman-Powell takes her position as the Earl of Englefield's personal secretary very seriously. So when the Earl asks her to teach his in-all-likelihood-uncouth-and-rather-forward American bastard grandson how to be a proper earl, Brooke is determined to do whatever it takes to make a go of it.

Nick Vane has about two gazillion things that land higher on his to-do list than becoming an English earl. Things like naps. Hosting poker nights. Oh, and raking in the profits from his latest invention. Accepting the title his grandfather had denied him since birth because the old man was on his way out without an heir? Didn't. Even. Register.

But Miss Prim and Proper just won't give up, and before he knows what's what, he's on a plane to England. Well, what's an American to do when a sexy, uptight Brit insists he learn manners? He'll teach his grandfather and her a lesson...

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The Modern Gentleman by Meghan Quinn

The perfect romantic comedy to make your day! The Modern Gentleman is perfect for fans of How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days - in fact, I love it even more than the movie.

Wes is so lovable, you can't help to fall for him! June has no filter and no shame in calling people on their bull, so she was an automatic favorite for me.

The chemistry between Wes and June was off the charts crazy, and it was definitely a journey I'd gladly take all over again! This is a must read if you love a good RomCom, and I guarantee you won't be able to put it down until the end.

Meghan Quinn is an author that I have to plan my surroundings around where I read her books, because I will laugh so loudly (or snort) that I scare most people.

Her characters are always so genuine and unfiltered, that it's always a guarantee that I'll be buying the paperback before I even finish reading the Kindle version.

😄 Comedy
💋 Romance

SUMMARY:

Have you ever hit rock bottom?

I embarrassingly have.

It's why I'm wearing my girl's decorative scarf over my head, clutching her lady drink to my chest, and singing ever so softly to Joni Mitchell while swaying back and forth.

This is what therapists refer to as LOSING IT.

Oldest story in the book: boy meets girl, boy falls for girl, boy screws up MASSIVELY, girl tells boy to suffocate in the fruits of his very own unborn children.

Heard it before? I'm sure you have.

So what's so different about this story? Well, it's about me, The Modern Gentleman, New York City's top advice columnist, and my rather ungraceful downfall from my pristinely polished pedestal.

It's about a girl I met who threw all my proven theories to the wind and left me awkward, needy, and absolutely head-over-wingtipped shoes in love.

This is a story about June Lacy and how she single-handedly dismantled The Modern Gentleman.

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