tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75081279848727294532024-03-11T00:24:33.235-04:00Welcome to my DungeonBook reviews, musings, education and book challenges relating to erotica, graphic sex and more.La Crimson Femmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18267705622599900796noreply@blogger.comBlogger3278125truetag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508127984872729453.post-88983919867402021342024-03-11T00:23:00.003-04:002024-03-11T00:23:44.187-04:00Review: LUST: A Vampire and Werewolf Power-Couple Romance
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/205647390" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="LUST: A Vampire and Werewolf Power-Couple Romance" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1705687233l/205647390._SX98_.jpg" /></a><p>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/205647390">LUST: A Vampire and Werewolf Power-Couple Romance</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4489132">Candace Blevins</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6334162717">5 of 5 stars</a>
<br /> </p><p>I debated which blog site to post this review. Even though this is called Lust, it isn't really an erotic romance. Or even erotica. The BDSM elements to this are extreme and quite frankly, might frighten my usual audience on my other website, so I decided to post my review here.</p><p>
</p><p>I loved this book. I was not sure what to expect. I knew it was going to be the conclusion to the storyarc of human being skinned alive. I also knew it was Cora's story with Marco. What I did not expect was the experimental aspects of this story. Nor did I expect to empathize and debate whether or not the skinning of humans was a problem. I mean, to the paranormal world, humans are overly abundant and a little culling wouldn't damage the ecosystem. In fact, one could postulate it would actually help our world if we had less people.</p><p> I love how Ms. Blevins slips in these thought provoking situations that make me debate both sides. The fact that I can see both sides and not be able to make a decision on which way I would go only shows how well she crafts her stories. She provides information that makes the "bad" seem not so bad. That questionable gray line and how her antiheroes are honourable in their own way is impressive.</p><p>What I gathered from this story is that those in power can easily make things happen to those who are weaker than them. It is a disturbing concept that most western society, especially Americans tend to viciously hate and try to pretend that it cannot happen. Or maybe I shouldn't say, we don't say it can't happen. We would like to believe we have some control with our protests and keyboard warrior cancel culture. Whilst the populace is distracted with trivial issues and are outraged, the true power brokers are moving pieces that we cannot even fathom. There is a kind of elegance and appeal to this hidden and powerful society. </p><p>What would it be like to be part of it? What would it be like to be impacted and oppressed by it? These are the what-ifs that play out in this series. From a humble human realizing her potential to become a power that no one wants to piss off to a strong wolf who becomes part of a power couple that can topple civilizations. The ethics these characters wrestle with as they learn more of the responsibilities and decisions they have to make for the good of the whole. This is what I like about Ms. Blevin's stories and why they appeal to me. She brings a different perspective and helps people see that sometimes, for peace and safety, there will need to be difficult choices and painful sacrifices. This story filled with lust is more than just sexual lust. </p><p>I highly recommend this book as a gateway into a fascinating world of powerful paranormals moving in a world without humans none the wiser.<br /></p>La Crimson Femmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18267705622599900796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508127984872729453.post-40289890417711093932024-03-10T23:08:00.002-04:002024-03-10T23:08:42.743-04:00Missing in Action the last 4 weeks<p> <span>Hi Everyone. Sorry it has taken me so long to post an update or a review. The last 5 weeks have been a bit of a whirlwind between the evil day job and specifically a family medical emergency. I fell behind on my reviews and posts. The medical emergency which did require 2 weeks of daily vigil at the hospital, is now coming to an end. My family member is on the mend and in another 4 to 6 months should be as good as new. The plan is to have my backlog posts and reviews up and running before the end of this month. Thanks for everyone's patience.</span></p>La Crimson Femmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18267705622599900796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508127984872729453.post-91250522010334294012024-01-25T00:00:00.006-05:002024-01-25T00:00:00.453-05:00Review: It Takes Two
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62918970" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="It Takes Two" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1673299345l/62918970._SX98_.jpg" /></a><p>
#ThrowbackThursdays <br /></p><p><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62918970">It Takes Two</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/26724">Rachel Kramer Bussel</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6105421061">2 of 5 stars</a>
<br /><br />
It pains me to rate this collection as just okay. There were three specific stories in this collection that stood out to me. Two specifically I liked and one that was just plain depressing. I am a huge fan of anything Ms.Kramer Bussel writes or is an editor. This one didn't work for me and I wonder if the maybe the title was a little too appropriate for me. There is another phrase that is more a curse - "It takes two to tango". The implications of that phrase fits this collection better for me. Somehow, this erotica collection took the fun out of sex. Or it could be that my desires are no longer staying in trend to the latest "sexy" thing.</p><p>The majority of these stories neither enticed me nor did they arouse me. I either didn't care for the characters or I didn't care about how they identified. Both their sexual orientation and sex acts felt contrived and forced. This is a libido killer for me. </p><p>What depressed me was the one story where a menage goes completely wrong and it looks like it is all through a lack of communication and fears. The self fulfilling prophesy is 100% evident in that story and I didn't like it. The melancholy tone was definitely a downer for me.</p><p>The two I really liked were earlier on in the story. Warning, both are depressing in some ways. The first is an older couple in their late 40s/early 50s and it seems as if their sex life is completely kaput. Since I am in the same age bracket, I'm intrigued. The wife makes a daring move and I love it. She spices up her marriage again and opens the line of communication through an activity both her and her husband used to love. I found this story too adorable and loved it.</p><p>The second story I thought was well written and definitely sexy starts in a depressing manner too. The two males are barely getting by. Their life is an accurate depiction of many people in the States right now. They are barely surviving in minimum wage jobs that will not sustain a livelihood. They are living in a crap motel week to week in hopes to make a better life. God my heart cries for people who are trying so hard and still can barely keep their head above the water. Their celebration together is beautiful as it strengthens their bond.</p><p>I figured out that these two I enjoyed the most because not only did they have sexy times, but they have a glimmer of hope and meaning. This is why these two stories connected whilst the others were duds for me.</p><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">*provided by <a href="https://www.edelweiss.plus">https://www.edelweiss.plus</a></p>La Crimson Femmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18267705622599900796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508127984872729453.post-653158037452113522024-01-23T00:00:00.063-05:002024-01-23T00:00:00.123-05:00Review: Blossom
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/133954178" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Blossom" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1694800946l/133954178._SX98_.jpg" /></a><p>
#ThisYearTuesday #NetGalley<br /></p><p><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/133954178">Blossom</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2993356">Helen Hardt</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6153313828">3 of 5 stars</a>
<br /><br />
New to me author Ms. Hardt continues with the kinky Black Rose Series with a reluctant submissive and a rich dominant. I am always on the look out for BDSM authors new to me. This book is probably more rosy colours kink than realistic. This is for the readers who want the spicy sexy without all the BDSM realities. This book can be read as a standalone. </p><p>My bet is that Ms. Hardt is not in the lifestyle or may have gone to a party or two. The kink in this story is what many vanillas believe the kink lifestyle to be. Can it be this way? Maybe. Have I ever seen it this way in real life? No. That's not to say that it cannot happen, just rather unlikely. Still, the heart of the story is less about kink and more about two people who found they need more than just sex. </p><p>Mary is a submissive who is experience ennui. Or is it? Her dissatisfaction with BDSM is coming across loud and clear. Even meeting a new sexy <i>Scottish</i> dominant doesn't jump start her kink. It may rev up her engine for other sexy shenanigans, but it doesn't quite convince her to submit. Ronan seems like the perfect dominant. He is sexy, rich, and wants to show Mary with gifts and expensive getaways. What more could a girl want?</p><p>Well... this is where I'm saying that Ms. Hardt may be missing a bit of the BDSM experience. What is clear to me, and maybe it's just how the author writes . . . erotic power exchange is missing. For specifically submission, the D/s in the BDSM, there is a greater need for that power exchange. It is missing throughout this book. Yes, there are submissive scenes or bottoming scenes. I get that Mary bottoms and serves Ronan. I did not however see any power exchange. This does take a certain amount of intimacy for it to feel great. That is what is missing for Mary and I believe even at the end of this book.</p><p>The romance between Ronan and Mary is a whirlwind of luxury and great food. The kink ads a bit of spice even if it feels a bit disjointed. This does take place in an exclusive expensive club hence the glitterkink category. This kinky tale is recommended to romance readers who like a bit of spice in their life.</p><p></p><p>*provided by <a href="https://www.netgalley.com">https://www.netgalley.com</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p>La Crimson Femmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18267705622599900796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508127984872729453.post-40287752053759464832024-01-18T00:00:00.046-05:002024-01-18T00:00:00.118-05:00Review: The Deep End
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30259004" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Deep End" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1468259545l/30259004._SX98_.jpg" /></a><p> #ThrowbackThursday</p><p><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30259004">The Deep End</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2958084">Kristen Ashley</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6079855940">2 of 5 stars</a>
<br /><br />
I have always found Ms. Ashley's kinky stories to be awkward. To me, it comes across as someone who doesn't get BDSM at all, but is doing their best with the research to write it. This came across even more apparent in this series which I believe isn't going to be finished. I think I remember reading something about it ending without a conclusion. After reading this first book, I'm pretty sure I know why. It isn't bad. It just makes me cringe.</p><p>This was just okay for me. Kind of meh. I stuck with the story because it has femdom in it. And it wasn't a ball kicking femi-nazi one. Plus, for some odd reason, the book seemed to be completely narrator in my head by Morgan Freeman when it was Amelle's perspective. And when it was Olivier's point of view, it was Emma Thompson narrating. How weird is that? It was some serious 3rd person disassociation for me. </p><p>From a character perspective, I couldn't get into either of these characters. The dialogue alone drove me bananas. Amelle is supposed to be this super domme. At no point in the story did she demonstrate anything that would make me consider her an amazing dominant. The story did state it enough many times in hopes of convincing me of her great abilities. </p><p>The sex scenes themselves were odd. I couldn't fully visualize the different sex romper rooms Amelle picked. The scenes between Amelle and Olly were a light in kink. Sadly, I didn't feel the connection between the two. Specifically, the erotic power exchange was missing and it is key for me when this is a D/s type of dynamic. When the kink moved into more BD, I did see incidences of topping from below. But honestly, does it matter? Because Amelle wanted the same thing that Olly wanted anyway. So it all works out.</p><p>The club in itself came across as Glitterkink for me. I liked Honey the club. Is it a realistic portrayal of most clubs? Probably not. Then again, I only go to the common people ones, never the rich people ones so what do I know? Overall this was a nice attempt at a BDSM erotic romance. If I wasn't in the lifestyle, I'd probably love it. I do love her MC series. But I'm not in the MC world which is probably why I love those books. Recommended for vanilla readers who like a little heat to their romance.<br />
</p>La Crimson Femmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18267705622599900796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508127984872729453.post-75640319241022708402024-01-16T00:00:00.045-05:002024-01-16T00:00:00.133-05:00Review: Midnight Ruin
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123416326" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Midnight Ruin" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1687148513l/123416326._SX98_.jpg" /></a><p>
#Outnow #ThisyearTuesday #ReleaseDay #NetGalley <br /></p><p><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123416326">Midnight Ruin</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5398028">Katee Robert</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6079840147">5 of 5 stars</a>
<br /><br />
Oh my stars, this is my favourite of the series so far. I mean, the first book completely wowed me and brought me into the fold. This one, I loved. Why? Because I love the dark side and I love those antiheroes. Plus, we revisit the lower city. Hades rules this part and he is beloved. But can he keep his people safe? Let's start with his right hand man, Charon. Charon has been watching and keeping Eurydice safe. Safe from what? From everything...</p><p>The original story about Eurydice and Orpheus bears little resemblance to what happened here. However, I still loved it. Why? Because it's my kind of kink. Be forewarned, if you have issues with puppy play or anything resembling BDSM not the sugarkink in most erotic romance, then this isn't the book for you. I was surprised by how Ms. Robert turned up the heat with the D/s dynamic between Eurydice and Orpheus. Turns out, so was Orpheus. He didn't know he was submissive. Let's be honest, in the original story he wasn't that dominant either. Injecting a third into this couple with Charon makes it good for me. Charon helps balance Eurydice and Orpheus. It helps that Orpheus finds Charon so sexy. </p><p>This triad works well because they each bring strengths to build a better foundation for the three of them. They also bring the right amount of yielding to soften the ragged edges. I particularly liked seeing Eurydice growing up and coming into her own. She starts out with owning her sexuality and then deciding she can make tough choices.</p><p>Whilst there are some good kinky sexy times in this story, it is the plot that is at the forefront. There is new development and a big reveal occurs. I cannot say I'm surprised by the development. What I can say, is that Hades increased his moxie by demonstrating why he's the big bad. At the end of this story, the trio are moving towards a better life but at what cost? Hades protecting all of lower city is about to make big waves. I am riveted by this hook and I cannot wait to see what happens next. It promises to be even bloodier and more violent. Bring it! This erotic romance is recommended to readers who enjoy spicy menage.</p><p><i>*provided by <a href="https://www.netgalley.com">https://www.netgalley.com</a></i>
</p>La Crimson Femmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18267705622599900796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508127984872729453.post-83315749418882783192024-01-13T00:00:00.035-05:002024-01-13T00:00:00.123-05:00Review: Carnal Magic
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59522003" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Carnal Magic" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1635870992l/59522003._SX98_.jpg" /></a><p>
#SexySaturdays <br /></p><p><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59522003">Carnal Magic</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2446369">Joely Sue Burkhart</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6146025349">4 of 5 stars</a>
<br /><br />
I totally missed out on reading this book earlier. Holy cow did I miss a great one. It started a little rough for me because Arwena was off-putting from the get go. I also didn't read the blurb because it is a Ms. Burkhart book and I read anything and everything she writes. At the end of the story, I was hoping for more!</p><p>
</p><p>What put me off at first was Arwena's pet peeve of a boss calling another person at the company, "Honey". I guess it is all in the intent and I get to pick if I am to be offended. Keep in mind, this book is in the deep South. Honey may be a term of endearment, but I have heard it applied to people at work too. I guess it can be "degrading" or as people now call it, micro aggression. I personally never had issues with it and I have experienced quite a bit of condescension as a female in IT working since the 90s. This scene was within the first few pages of the book which was concerning. I also know a little bit about Ms. Burkhart's personal life during the time this book came out so I caulked it up to her personal life bleeding in. Regardless, I plowed through.</p><p>Arwena's maternal family line is pretty wild. As we learn more about it, I'm beyond interested. Making a pack with the Devil is frowned upon - heavily. That whole lose your soul thing is pesky. This one, whilst it does skate the Christian religious undertones, the dark male being seems to be from another pantheon. What drives him is definitely in line with how Ms. Burkhart writes her erotica - kink and never mentioning BDSM. I love this about her writing style. Oh boy did this book pull me in once we started getting to the good parts. Let's just say that my dreams were also impacted like Arwena's. Yum!</p><p>This is a deliciously dark tale that will delight those who love the antihero and rough primal sex.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>La Crimson Femmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18267705622599900796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508127984872729453.post-32110564953328925522024-01-11T00:00:00.057-05:002024-01-11T00:00:00.439-05:00Review: Cruel Seduction
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63065383" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Cruel Seduction" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1666610705l/63065383._SX98_.jpg" /></a><p>
#throwbackthursdays <br /></p><p><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63065383">Cruel Seduction</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5398028">Katee Robert</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6079839785">4.5 of 5 stars</a>
<br /><br />Angry sex has never been so hawt as it is in this book. For those who haven't read this book yet in preparation for the Midnight Ruin release next week, grab your favourite toy and dive in. Wow. This story is filled with betrayal, angry sex, grudge fucking, and broken hearts. And yet it is a delicious romance! How does Ms. Robert do it? </p><p><br />
</p><p>Olympus is now fractured not only in their protective shield, but as a society as a whole. The civil unrest is at a boiling point. The new Hephaestus was the catalyst to bring the Thirteen down from within. Mission successful! Too bad Hephaestus is not the brains behind the plot. He's not even a general. He's a pathetic pawn who is all brawn no brains. I wasn't impressed with outsider Theseus who stole the title of Hephaestus. I wasn't particularly thrilled with the new Aphrodite either. I will say that so far, the Aphrodites have been ruthless and this new one, Zeus's other sister is no different. She <i>marries</i> her enemy to keep him close to the chest. Oh boy does this backfire.</p><p>I am no stranger to angry sex but this takes it to another level. All I keep thinking about in this book is </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIuU6MFqDHvKuC3EkQDIYk3XIcOVW9k9TObEoSfRUssqar7cN4an1U0ahyU-S4zdSctp-7PjTXqiojLTz9VECFpSXVBf_soGWT9TQz0tErVxEPKT7AsE95_JAodM47RAWU24-IiZz-LqChk4tPP2S15mE0ZAVIgYGugkKCWto3yXlcF6NMxR8YphpWHBzh/s220/emotional-damage.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="124" data-original-width="220" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIuU6MFqDHvKuC3EkQDIYk3XIcOVW9k9TObEoSfRUssqar7cN4an1U0ahyU-S4zdSctp-7PjTXqiojLTz9VECFpSXVBf_soGWT9TQz0tErVxEPKT7AsE95_JAodM47RAWU24-IiZz-LqChk4tPP2S15mE0ZAVIgYGugkKCWto3yXlcF6NMxR8YphpWHBzh/w320-h180/emotional-damage.gif" width="320" /></a></div>Oy vey! Learning about Theseus and Pandora's childhood is traumatic enough. The way they are treated by their adoptive father, Minos's is heinous. Whilst I can appreciate Minos's goals, I don't agree with them nor do I like the collateral damage. His brand of taking over Olympus is heavy handed and short sighted. Still, it is effective in causing utter chaos.<p></p><p>The more I learn about Theseus, the less I think of him as a bad guy. The more I pity him. At heart, he is a protector and he's just been nurtured the wrong way. I think if Athena had been able to take him when he was young, he would have been amazing. Still, he isn't stuck in his ways. He is able to find another way because of his tight bond with Pandora. Pandora is the wild card here. I like her. She is uncontrollable and she's the ultimate free love hippie. I couldn't see this poly group getting it on but with her influence on Theseus, it makes all the difference in the world. Plus she is sexy hawt and it is clear that Eris aka Aphrodite is attracted to her.</p><p>The one I feel most sorrow for is Adonis. He is collateral damage. He loves Eris and she breaks his heart for the good of the country. Really? This country that treats you so well? IS it worth it? Really, Eris, let's take a look at what this country has done for you. I am incensed by this whole situation. It is a major Cluster F. Adonis and Pandora keep bringing up good questions to both Eris and Theseus respectively. I like it. When these four get together though, ooh it is so good. Their passions against each other, when turned to be aligned, is even hotter! This poly group works for me. They are so different yet they all bring a something different to the table. This erotic romance is recommended to readers who want their angsty enemies to lover themes.<br /><br />
</p>La Crimson Femmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18267705622599900796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508127984872729453.post-25459803679476699592024-01-09T00:00:00.001-05:002024-01-09T00:00:00.131-05:00Blog Tour: Life after Promiscuity: A BDSM Love Story<p> <b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Life After Promiscuity: A BDSM Love Story</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfjY56R40Zimr6NaIcID9VO1hD5ijBDCHJDSXP-kFkUAGYJom-HlxKPmEBSZVOOBi81KcT-ij_-XzNQVJfbjNfHbRYi4BaJ_PAmKaeycTA5bMZZpuWM291nHmHzoiirxsUwTr3-SDb00qgtsiCGnlYbVGsDM9158E56f54p4fVpForZd9XQE4A3ZjIaI20/s4800/Life%20After%20Promiscuity%20ebk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4800" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfjY56R40Zimr6NaIcID9VO1hD5ijBDCHJDSXP-kFkUAGYJom-HlxKPmEBSZVOOBi81KcT-ij_-XzNQVJfbjNfHbRYi4BaJ_PAmKaeycTA5bMZZpuWM291nHmHzoiirxsUwTr3-SDb00qgtsiCGnlYbVGsDM9158E56f54p4fVpForZd9XQE4A3ZjIaI20/s320/Life%20After%20Promiscuity%20ebk.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></div><b><br /> </b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A REAL-LIFE JOURNEY INSIDE THE BDSM SCENE</span></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dorothy Freed has been involved in the BDSM scene
since the 1970s. In this memoir she writes openly, nostalgically, and lyrically
about exploring her sexuality, including her experiences as a submissive and a
Domme in a decades-long committed D/s relationship. This collection of
interlinked vignettes gives the reader a front row seat to her diverse kinky
adventures, providing sexually charged anecdotes that shed light on BDSM and
her observations and reflections about the lifestyle. It is laced with humor, warmth,
and rich descriptions of San Francisco and <i>The Scene</i> as it progressed
over many years. It’s a celebration that proves that you’re never too old for
passion.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">READ A SAMPLE: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3tC7TDN"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://amzn.to/3tC7TDN</span></b></a></span>La Crimson Femmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18267705622599900796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508127984872729453.post-74639438955988745052024-01-06T00:00:00.044-05:002024-01-06T00:00:00.131-05:00Review: Radiant Sin
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60478017" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Radiant Sin" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1653408368l/60478017._SX98_.jpg" /></a><p> #SexySaturdays</p><p><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60478017">Radiant Sin</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5398028">Katee Robert</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6079839669">4 of 5 stars</a>
<br /><br />
Cassandra and Apollo's story is here! If you haven't noticed, I am on a Dark Olympus kick. Trying to get us all caught up before the new release comes out on January 16. You don't want to miss Midnight Ruin. Whilst these books can be read as a standalone, it is better experience in the order they were written. Lately, I have seen various iterations of Apollo where he is a terrible villain. I have never been a fan of Apollo ever since I learned what he did in the original Greek Mythology to his twin, Artemis. I have also thought in the original mythology with Cassandra, it was quite unfair.</p><p>In this re-interpretation, Cassandra is a no-nonsense sexy woman who is the right hand man for Apollo. And Apollo is actually a decent guy. A Swedish Korean guy who is the spy master for Olympus. Wow. With this set up, I want to learn more. Especially as the relationship between the two in the original mythos was complicated. Well, it is no less complicated in this one and I love it. The boss to subordinate theme is erotic and divine. Apollo does not want to take advantage and Cassandra knows what label she'll receive for "sleeping with the boss". </p><p>This book heats up not only the bed-sheets but unknown foe trying to destabilize the Thirteen's powers. Whilst I did like the romance part of this story, I liked the plot better in this book. I liked it because I enjoy what if scenarios in how to destroy a nation and take it over. What is happening to Olympus is classic divide and conquer warfare. I see it now, unfortunately in our own country. I have seen it throughout my history studies of civilizations that fall apart. It does kind of take a page out of the book <i>The Art of War</i>. </p><p>This erotic romance is recommended to readers who love a good anarchy plot with sexy characters who are smart and capable.<br />
</p>La Crimson Femmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18267705622599900796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508127984872729453.post-63669347113902367202024-01-04T00:00:00.045-05:002024-01-04T00:00:00.127-05:00Review: Wicked Beauty
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58945351" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Wicked Beauty" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1632882923l/58945351._SX98_.jpg" /></a><p> #ThrowbackThursday <br /></p><p><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58945351">Wicked Beauty</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5398028">Katee Robert</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5975377216">4 of 5 stars</a>
<br /></p><p>Turn on the fans - Wicked Beauty is a smoking hawt menage. Just when I thought Ms. Robert was dialing back the erotic parts of this series, she throws in a primal menage triad. Helen's ruthless power hungry father may be dead, but this doesn't mean she's suddenly free to do what she wants. In this world, her brother ascending to the title of Zeus continues to complicate Helen's life.</p><p>Helen's never been taken seriously because her desires were stomped out by her father. She kept things close to the chest for fear of her life. When she finally gets the chance to prove herself, her way is in direct opposition for her brother, Zeus. I love how the Thirteen are titles and a person's name is replaced once they ascend. Kind of reminds me of the Pope. Helen's family is a hereditary blood line into Zeus. Unfortunately for her, what she wants will place a bad focus on her family as a power hungry as their father. Still, a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.</p><p></p><p>Helen goes for it and fights to be the next Ares. What a disaster! No seriously. I admire that Helen wants to be in a position of power. She is unfortunately completely unqualified for it. As in, she has zero background, learning, or experience in military. Ares is the god of WAR. Helen may be versed in the backstabbing art of political warfare, but serious warfare? She is completely outclassed. This is the one part of the story where I'm going . . . I hope Helen loses in the competition. I get that she doesn't want to be a good little wifey. But seriously, we are talking about a nation's security. </p><p>This being said, I did like the different challenges and games to make it to the Ares title. It is a lovely nod to Greek mythology. And, it brings forth a new foe. This is the foreshadowing I saw in the previous book. It is now showing up more prevalent with outsiders coming into a closed Olympus. Outsiders who have names of famous Greek characters. Love it! </p><p>What I love even more is the menage between Helen, Achilles, and Patrocius. These three are definitely a power house team - both in bed and not. Now I can see where this is going. This triad is truly what pulls the story together for me. The three of them together and how the story concludes works so well for me. Seeing Atlantis show up in this story as a secondary character also made me squee in delight. This erotic romance is recommended for menage lovers who want their happily ever after.<br /></p>La Crimson Femmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18267705622599900796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508127984872729453.post-13334682663466591412023-12-30T00:00:00.044-05:002023-12-30T00:00:00.237-05:00Review: Master of the Wilderness
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199174500" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Master of the Wilderness" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1695787810l/199174500._SX98_.jpg" /></a><p>
#SexySaturdays <br /></p><p> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199174500">Master of the Wilderness</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2882485">Cherise Sinclair</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6079854256">4 of 5 stars</a>
<br /></p><p>When it comes to kinky erotica romance, Ms. Sinclair delivers consistently. Returning to the Mountain Masters, Wyatt find his perfect one - Erin. This story starts out in a somber and depressing note and finishes with a sweet smoothness. I'm outraged within the first few pages as we learn about Erin's husband. I am not a fan of politicians because of the corruption. Erin's husband is the straw-man stereotype that we tend to think of and despise. Fortunately, he is more an afterthought in this story as it is all about Erin's metamorphosis. <br /></p><p>Erin's last three years have been a complete utter disaster. When she is finally able to break free, she is all alone and it seems the world is against her. I cannot imagine how she survived all by herself. Many a woman's fears are hitting Erin - no family, no money, no job, and a ruined reputation. Luckily for Erin, she does have a skill that she can start using. Not many women in her position can fall back on an in demand skill.</p><p>I love that Erin's character is an auto mechanic. She is more than that though. She's a tinkerer. She loves to fix things and she's good at it. I am always impressed with people who can take apart broken electronics and/or machines to put them back together again. This kind of ability is rare and I love it. I am immediately on Erin's side and rooting for her to succeed. Unfortunately for her, her deadbeat husband is a terrible albatross around her neck.</p><p>Erin catching Wyatt's eye is another lucky stroke for her. Quite frankly, Erin is awesome, so why wouldn't Wyatt be interested? Their slow and tentative mating dance is so cute. Especially as Erin is so gun shy. I did like how we learn about Erin's interest in kink. I especially found the nod to three well known and beloved real life authors to be adorable. They are also on my top list of kinky authors I recommend to new kinky readers. </p><p>The interactions between Erin and Wyatt is what makes this romance so good for me. It is realistic and it incorporates both of their jobs. I like how Wyatt teaches Erin how to survive in the wilderness. I love how Erin volunteers and helps children learn to make go karts. I echo Wyatt . . . where was Erin when I was growing up? How could would that have been? Too cool. Erin's down to earth personality and her willingness to help even when she's been discouraged is admirable. This feelgood romance is recommended to kinky readers and as a gateway to BDSM books.</p><p><br />
</p>La Crimson Femmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18267705622599900796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508127984872729453.post-87786354615717909042023-12-28T00:00:00.002-05:002023-12-28T00:00:00.227-05:00Review: Electric Idol
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57661359" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Electric Idol" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1629300986l/57661359._SX98_.jpg" /></a><p>
#ThrowbackThursday <br /></p><p><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57661359">Electric Idol</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5398028">Katee Robert</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5975376941">4 of 5 stars</a>
<br /><br />
Wow did I miss out when this series came out. Reading the second book in this series keeps me engaged and wanting more. I know the original story of Psyche and Eros. This interpretation is even darker and more sinister. Love it! Psyche is one of Demeter's four daughters. She is the perfect IG-esque influencer. She is so much more.</p><p>This series impresses me in how it weaves the Greek mythos with new and fresh reinterpretation. Ms. Robert does a great job of using current day concepts and slips it into this bubble universe. I like the questionable timelessness of Olympus here. Is it during current times? In the future? In the past? One doesn't know because we don't have an exact frame of reference. This makes the story more timeless for me and that is a good thing.</p><p>Second, I love the characters. I have always found the love story of Psyche and Eros to be tres triste. This is even more angst filled than the original for me. The ruthlessness of Aphrodite in this story is glorious. Her ability to manipulate and twist her son into the soulless killer is impressive. With a mother like her, Eros needs no enemies. This is why Psyche's kindness to Eros is so foreign and alluring. I love their interactions. I especially love Psyche's TSTL moments and yet they don't come across this way. Because she is so caring at the heart of it. So far, two of Demeter's daughters are forces to be reckoned with. I like how Psyche isn't a just a pretty face doomed to be a victim.</p><p>Third, the sexy times. Oohh, the first book may have been BDSM glitterkink. This one is deliciously sweet kinky with Psyche and Eros burning up the sheets. Totally enjoyable! Their chemistry is so good together and I am rooting for them and their hopeless relationship. I don't see an easy way out of their predicament.</p><p>Whilst this enemies to lovers romance is going at full throttle, a glimmer of future bad events show up. It definitely hooks me into the next book. Warning, this series may be addictive and the next thing you know, it is the wee hours of the morning and you are suffering a major book hangover. Enjoy! Recommended for greek mythos fanatics who like it spicy.</p><p><br />
</p>La Crimson Femmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18267705622599900796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508127984872729453.post-1591836711678793362023-12-26T15:15:00.001-05:002023-12-26T15:27:54.826-05:00Review: House of Sable Locks
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/200115240" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="House of Sable Locks" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1697601605l/200115240._SX98_.jpg" /></a><p>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/200115240">House of Sable Locks</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3012118">Elizabeth Schechter</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6081535652">4 of 5 stars</a>
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When I saw this book, I was surprised. I distinctly remember reading the short story, Succubus, in a Steampunk collection, and I adored it. To see a full length novel, colour me intrigued. Whilst I enjoyed this book so much, it is a conundrum to me. The BDSM in this book is both deliciously deviant and BDSM lifestyle hostile. Since this is a Steampunk fantasy book, I'm going to exclude the BDSM hostile undertone in my rating. I will explain it.</p><p>First this is a delightful steampunk theme. I enjoyed all the automations in the book. Ms. Schechter does a lovely job of creating a Victoria steampunk brothel that has me panting with desire. The different floors showcase the sex positivity in opposition to the Victorian times. I loved the role playing and themes. I especially enjoyed the expansion of the Succubus. I'm impressed with how this turned out and I loved this part.</p><p>Second, the BDSM with in this with William as the submissive put me over the moon. William's kinky scenes were definitely RACK. As we learn more about his past, we learn many of his teachings became more sinister with non-con. Here's where I'm waffling. What William experienced from his first love is less BDSM and more domestic abuse. This is where the slight ill at ease feeling for me started. To be clear, being branded is a kink and one I like. How it was done to William is the point of contention for me. The story is clear this wasn't consensual. Hopefully readers understand this distinct point. </p><p>William's experiences at the House of Sable Locks are for the most part right up his alley. He tries all the different rooms in the various floors and has a blast. I'm enjoying every bit of this and thinking that this is a great kinky sex positive erotica. Then, the story showed it is more than erotica.</p><p>Third, I did not anticipate any sort of plot. I figured we were going to have overcharged sexy times. Boy was I wrong. Ms. Schechter slips in a horror/thriller plot. I am caught off guard and didn't pay attention to the warning signs until it smacks me hard in the face. In my defense, I was in a book reading binge and this was book number 7 in the the past 48 hours. I was also reading this late into the wee morning because I was so riveted. My brain probably wasn't functioning on all cylinders. Unlike the sexy sweet Steampunk Succubus that will now feature in my spank bank.</p><p>The dark plot twist threw me for a loop and this is where the BDSM hostile label comes in force. What happens here from a woman dominating a man is beyond body modification. It is more than sadistic. It is pure serial killer psycho. My issue with this is that the story crosses the genre of Steampunk erotic romance to non-con stereotype of a female dominant. There are few stories with femdom. There are even fewer stories with kink positive female dominants. If this was a non-con slavery story from beginning to end, then it wouldn't be as big of an issue for me. Still, this is a pet peeve of mine and others may not even think twice or read into it this way. Basically, a woman cannot be a good dominant. She is only in it to torture and hurt men. *eye roll* yes, yes, one can argue that there were a few good female dominants in this story - specifically Succubus. But she is a machine, is she not? *wink*</p><p>Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I look forward to the next book that follows. I haven't seen when the book will be published. I hope it will be in the new year, 2024. This erotic steampunk is recommended to kinky readers who enjoy dark fantasy and horror.</p><p><i>I received a copy from NetGalley</i><br /></p><p><br />
</p>La Crimson Femmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18267705622599900796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508127984872729453.post-46160209126532029782023-12-26T00:00:00.055-05:002023-12-26T00:00:00.121-05:00Review: Love Grudge
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/122497367" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Love Grudge" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1698604464l/122497367._SX98_.jpg" /></a><p>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/122497367">Love Grudge</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7056719">Chantal Fernando</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6010447568">3 of 5 stars</a>
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What was going through the mind of Julianna? Listen, I'm all for "I am woman, hear me roar." I believe women shouldn't be limited in what they want to do with their life. If they want to run a company, go for it! If they want to be a housewife, go for it! If they want to be a mom, go for it! If they want to be president, go for it! But why would a motorcycle club with patched men only in the club . . . be a possibility for a woman to be the president of it? Why? I have to say I'm baffled by this story in some ways.</p><p>For Julianna, she will be third generation "running" of this motorcycle club. Her grandparents started the Angels and the president is hereditary through the either the male child or the husband of the female child. What kind of f-ed up rule is this? Apparently one that is prevalent throughout history. And how did that go? Swimmingly if we look at the European royalty or the Asian dynasties. Still, I have to give Julianna props for thinking she can take it over. <i>*climbs onto my soap box* </i>This plot device is so far out there and difficult for me to swallow. I'm not a fan of motorcycle club books. Yes, yes, then why do I read them? I don't know either. However, I do know that there are only about 4 to 5 authors who write motorcycle club series that I will read. Ms. Fernando is one of them. The reason being is that they sugarcoat and romanticize it to the point that it isn't realistic to how motorcycle clubs normally run. And I'm okay with it. I like it this way. Even so, this one is way out there for me that I wore a stupefied look on my face the entire time I read it.<i> *climbs off soap box*</i> </p><p>Back to the erotic romance at hand. Julianna and Romeo cross paths and sparks fly. Their grandparents have history and it isn't good. Once the skeletons come out of the closet it becomes drama central. Before Romeo and Julianna are willing to bring everything out into the open, their sneaking around makes their illicit love affair steamy hot. They get it on and burn the sheets up. They are a match sexually and personality wise. I like how Romeo is supportive of Julianna. Even though Julianna wants to be the number 1 in her MC, she still understands how the MC culture works and tries her best to follow and respect it for Romeo's sake. Still, this MC isn't like the Boy Scouts deciding to let girls in. It is much more change than I think the MC can tolerate. Whilst this is a happily ever after at the end of this book, I'm not seeing the best of things unfolding in the future. I am kind of on the side that let men keep their own motorcycle clubs as their "boys club". What I don't agree with in this story is how the Angels wanted to just use Julianna's skills in earning legit money yet give her nothing in return. That is completely unacceptable. Plus the guy she is to marry is a total dud. </p><p>There are a few surprises in this story that made it interesting. A couple of them I guessed and one that completely blindsided me. I like when authors can blindside me. This erotic romance is recommended to progressive MC readers who love star crossed lover themes.</p><p> *provided by <a href="https://www.netgalley.com">https://www.netgalley.com</a></p> <p><br />
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</p>La Crimson Femmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18267705622599900796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508127984872729453.post-26725779427093012872023-12-07T00:00:00.038-05:002023-12-07T00:00:00.122-05:00Review: Neon Gods
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54659771" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Neon Gods" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1610505010l/54659771._SX98_.jpg" /></a><p>
#ThrowbackThursday <br /></p><p><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54659771">Neon Gods</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5398028">Katee Robert</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5975376445">4 of 5 stars</a>
<br /><br />
There has been so much hype over this series and specifically this author. Finally I decided to look into what this is all about. Well, now I know why there was so much hype. As a lover of Greek Mythology, my tastes have always run to the darker side. I mean, the Greek gods here are definitely not benevolent. When I learned the first story is about Hades and Persephone, I am over the moon. Hades is my favourite greek god. In this reinterpretation of Hades' story, I continue to adore him.<br /></p><p>This book contains elements of BDSM that are meant to be erotic and exotic. This is what vanillas think of when people mention BDSM. Unfortunately for vanillas, this isn't how it is like in real life . . . the majority of the time. Still, it makes for a great fantasy and spank bank material for all the female readers mooning over Hades. Smexy times aside, what I found most interesting is how the Greek gods come about in this world.</p><p></p><p>Mortals become the gods. Some are through popular vote, some are inherited, and some are fought for to get the position. I'm impressed with this fresh new look into how a god is "born". I like this concept and Ms. Robert is a fine storyteller. Or should I say . . . speller. I am under her spell as I vicarious live through the character's life. This book is rich in imagery and complex in political intrigue. I love it! This is a dark erotica for those who are looking for a new look at the Greek gods.<br /><o:p></o:p></p>La Crimson Femmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18267705622599900796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508127984872729453.post-62969172296249896382023-12-05T00:00:00.056-05:002023-12-05T00:00:00.133-05:00Review: Wrath
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/200102554" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Wrath" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1697663995l/200102554._SX98_.jpg" /></a><p>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/200102554">Wrath</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20964882">S.N. Hunt</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6020034515">3.5 of 5 stars</a>
<br /><br />Depressing and dark, Wrath is a tale of betrayal, torture, and abuse. Let's dive in! I am enjoying this series even if I feel at times that I'm reading blasphemy. hah. Wrath is yet another brother who is looking for his mate. Unlike his brothers, he's been with his beast since the beginning. Unfortunately for him, a specific event has locked his beast away. His mate, Luna, is also different than the other mates and on the run.</p><p>I imagine Luna and Wrath's interactions are similar to an amnesiac loved one. Luna remembers everything yet Wrath is completely in the dark. The poignant memories are difficult for Luna to keep from sharing. The loving memories, including long ago gifts are a painful reminder of all she's lost. Whilst Luna and Wrath are together under slightly false pretenses, they enjoy a peaceful and idyllic time learning about each other. Luna remembers what she loves about Wrath. Wrath is finding Luna irresistible and yet he does not know why.</p><p>From a character perspective, these two are not the most complex nor are they multilayered. They definitely are not two dimension nor shallow either. There are somewhere in between and whilst I understand their torment, I never quite felt moved by either of them. They are both likeable. I do like their funny interactions and especially the mistaken pineapple gift. Nice shout out to all the swingers.</p><p>The plot is what pulls me in more. Learning more about the archangels issues with the demons surprised me. There are a couple of new insights that bring forth more questions. The plot did feel a bit rushed in some ways. The back history of the characters were quick flashbacks to give context but little emotional pull. The present with the fade to black torture also shields the reader from the intense emotions. What did bring the heat was the sexy times between Luna and Wrath. For those who enjoy a bit of naughty tail probing, there is a scene in here for you.</p><p>This book definitely sets it up for the next book . . . all about Lucifer. I cannot wait! This erotic romance is recommended to readers who love the bad boys with the heart of gold.</p><p><br /><i>* I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.</i> <br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div><br /><div><br /></div></div>La Crimson Femmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18267705622599900796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508127984872729453.post-70797669702322488432023-12-02T00:00:00.003-05:002023-12-02T00:00:00.129-05:00Review: At Her Pleasure: A Mistresses of the Board Room Series novel
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/195519901" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="At Her Pleasure: A Mistresses of the Board Room Series novel" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1691272899l/195519901._SX98_.jpg" /></a><p>
#SexySaturdays <br /></p><p><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/195519901">At Her Pleasure: A Mistresses of the Board Room Series novel</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/103359">Joey W. Hill</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6008516900">4 of 5 stars</a>
<br /><br />
When it comes to exploring different types of kinky relationships, Ms. Hill consistently delivers. Cyn is a different type of domme when compared to the rest of the women at TRA where she works. Cyn has been a bit of a mystery in the previous books. She is feral. Eager to read her story, I dived right into this book. At around 15% of the book I started to worry. I hated Cyn. I loathed her attitude and I don't like her style of SM. 25% into the book, I'm distressed as I love Ms. Hill's writing and I'm close to a 1 or 2 star at this point. I don't know if I can continue on because I really dislike Cyn and want to chuck her off the nearest cliff. For those wondering, if Cyn was a man and created this way, I would feel the same. I kept on plowing with the story. I'm not sure what was the turning point, but my feelings of disgust and distrust eased.</p><p>The beginning of this book showcases Cyn as an angry and belligerent teenager overcome with grief. The pain radiates off the pages with her hurt and damage. Fast forward to current day, Cyn is still an angry and even more belligerent woman. She is the kind of woman that men like to paint as the bitch. Because quite frankly, she is and she owns it. What gets me is her callousness. Her actions make it seem like she lacks complete empathy. It is even questionable if she cares that much about her circle of friends. Her friends have to really dig deep to stand by her. Why do they want to stand by her? I have seen women with less issues than Cyn who do not have friends as steadfast as the four from TRA. Then again, this is fiction.</p><p>Regarding the BDSM in this story. It isn't that it is sadistic in a physical sense that bothers me. It is the lack of intimacy and engagement. Cyn's style is not wrong. It isn't my cup of tea. It is more transactional in my opinion and I don't like it. Does she care for the men she plays with? Not really. And yet she is sometimes a bit hurt when she overhears how they describe her. Her actions are clear and loud. She comes across exactly how they describe her . . . heartless. There is a reason for it and it's a doozy. </p><p>When her past crosses her path, her protective wall starts to crumble. What does she do? She becomes even more prickly and her defensiveness increases. This is probably around the 25% mark where I'm not sure I can continue on with her kind of damaged ugliness. For other readers experiencing the same, I urge you to continue on. Because Cyn's relationship with Mick is complicated. Mick is the one person who didn't need to do anything for her, yet he made a decision to help her in the past. This one defining moment in time is pivotal for Cyn. Both of them have changed and yet their chemistry remains.</p><p>Mick is that one person for Cyn. He understands her and is the one who can bring out the best in her. Cyn's style changes, not exactly softens, but changes when she is with Mick. That missing piece of empathy and relevance suddenly appears. Even when she is cruelly sadistic to Mick, her feelings and outcomes come across differently to me. She still reigns in her sadistic tendencies both physical and emotional. As Mick learns more about her past and Cyn learns about Mick's current life choices, these two very damaged people start to heal. It is as if both of them constantly picked at an open wound to prevent it from healing. Somehow together, they are able to help mend each other and become stronger. They bring out the best in each other. This is truly a moving love story in healing. It is more than the erotic power exchange. It is the emotional bonding and supporting that blows my mind at the end. Another masterpiece from Ms. Hill - creating a completely likeable character into a lovable antihero. Cyn didn't need to prove her worthiness as a friend to me. But she definitely won me over as a complicated character. This erotic romance is recommended to readers who like angst and sexual healing.</p><p><br />
</p><p><i>I received this ARC for an honest review</i></p><p><i> </i></p><p><a href="<a href="https://booksirens.com/reviewer/EAIPX4H?utm_campaign=reviewer_sticker">https://booksirens.com/reviewer/EAIPX4H?utm_campaign=reviewer_sticker</a>"
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</p>La Crimson Femmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18267705622599900796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508127984872729453.post-64634631572439015762023-11-14T00:00:00.010-05:002023-11-14T00:00:00.129-05:00Review: Three Daddies for Christmas: A heartwarming paranormal Christmas ménage romance…
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/201803769" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Three Daddies for Christmas: A heartwarming paranormal Christmas ménage romance…" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1699394311l/201803769._SX98_.jpg" /></a><p>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/201803769">Three Daddies for Christmas: A heartwarming paranormal Christmas ménage romance…</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4489132">Candace Blevins</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5975176520">4 of 5 stars</a>
<br /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Looking for a spicy holiday read? Look no further, because this book brings everything a little girl would want in her daddy dom - times 3! For those who love daddy doms and ageplay, this is a book not to be missed. Buy it now and revel in the glorious D/s, maintenance spankings, and loving daddy dom aftercare. Keep in mind, this is a Ms. Blevins BDSM erotica so there is going to be some brutal punishment. I loved it!</p><p>Emma is yet another shifter character I have fallen for in this story-verse. Emma may be a small human and a playful coyote, but this does not mean she can be walked all over. She has inner strength to survive her childhood. There are missing pieces to her childhood and I'm wondering if Ms. Blevins is going to leave it as a black box. We will never learn the whys of Emma's childhood. This is one thing that drives me CRAZY about some of the characters in this world. I need to know the whys. I don't like not knowing. This could be why Emma bonds to Lauren so easily. Still, <i>I haz questions! *side eye to Ms. Blevins*</i></p><p>Emma's life is in an upheaval as gives her ex-dominant the heave-ho. Honestly, what he pulled on her, I would have torn him a new one. Emma is a better woman than I. This does leave her open to dating which is totally not on her list. Sometimes magic just happens and for her, she receives it in three fold when Leo crosses her path and decides to bring her home. Sort of like an orphaned puppy that needs a good home. Leo is a triplet. (Be still my beating heart.) Brother Archie and Isaac are a bit more cautious moving forward with Emma. Still, her little girl innocence with a underlying bratty attitude win them over.</p><p>What I loved most about this story is how each of the men fill a missing part in Emma. She in return fills their missing piece. This story does have great sex and kink scenes. At the heart of this story, is a lone woman who finally finds her family. She is able to put down roots and build something that will last a lifetime. Isn't that something most people want for Christmas? A home filled with laughter, joy, and warmth. I am touched with the ways Archie, Leo, and Isaac make Emma feel wanted, loved, and comforted. </p><p>As for the sexy parts of this story. Let's be real. It's a Ms. Blevins BDSM story. The kink is brutal and panty moistening. (I said it... MOIST.) The monthly or every other month maintenance doled out to Emma is on the hardcore side. Delightfully delicious! The sexy times is mouthwatering erotica and worth a little bit of "me time".</p><p>This holiday romance is recommended to paranormal readers who enjoy ageplay and kinky all the way...</p><p> <i>* I received an ARC for an honest review</i> <br /></p><p><br /></p>La Crimson Femmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18267705622599900796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508127984872729453.post-44307027660205269412023-11-09T00:19:00.001-05:002023-11-09T00:19:33.085-05:00Review: Slay
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/197728992" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Slay" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1692844657l/197728992._SX98_.jpg" /></a><p>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/197728992">Slay</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9550">Laurell K. Hamilton</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5892001199">3 of 5 stars</a>
<br /></p><p>Does Anita get married in this book? The title should be loud and clear - there is no wedding. At least not yet. Oh my goodness this book is filled with childhood trauma. I remember when I first picked up a book in this series. It was Obsidian Butterfly which is still my favourite book in this series. I was so confused about Anita's life and went back and bought (in triplicate) all the previous books to see what exactly happened in Anita's childhood. Nothing was shared. Back then, I wished that there was a little more context of what happened to make Anita to be what she is today. Well, I guess I should be careful of what I wish for. This book gives a much deeper look into her horrific childhood. I never understand how horribly cruel family members can be to the ones they are supposed to love and protect. </p><p>For those hoping that there are not therapy sessions in this book . . . I am going to crush your hope. There are no visits to any therapist but this is a tale chock full of therapy scenes. It does get old after a bit, but it still provides good insight.</p><p>For those hoping for sex scenes. YAY! There are mmmm sex scenes! The new Big Bad is here and what do they want? Yes sirree, they want Anita and sex is on the table. The amount of non-con sex and others demanded in this tale is impressive. Anita does what she always does . . . sex and slaying. It was glorious. Many of our favourite characters show up in this book. As per the usual, there is betrayal, more betrayal, and terrible betrayal. On the flip side, the redeeming undying loyalty comes paired up to the betrayals.</p><p>I ripped through this book in a night and enjoyed it from cover to cover. With all that is going on leading up to Anita's wedding, I'm on pins and needles. Will it even be possible for this wedding to ever take place? I am tuned in and anticipate at least another 2 books before we arrive at the wedding. Recommended to Jean-Claude lovers and die hard series fans. </p><p> *provided by <a href="https://www.netgalley.com">https://www.netgalley.com</a></p><br /><p> </p><p> </p><p><br />
</p>La Crimson Femmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18267705622599900796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508127984872729453.post-36977253871263897162023-11-07T08:00:00.005-05:002023-11-07T12:31:57.808-05:00Blog Tour & Excerpt : Slay by Laurell K. Hamilton<div class="separator"><p style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img alt="" src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3c6b27_d4f8b205c1a348068745f3039050ea74~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_263,h_396,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/3c6b27_d4f8b205c1a348068745f3039050ea74~mv2.jpg" style="height: 264px; max-width: 100%; object-fit: cover; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 175px;" /></p></div><div data-draftjs-conductor-fragment="{"blocks":[{"key":"7kpp7","text":"","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"cpguc","text":" ","type":"atomic","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[{"offset":0,"length":1,"key":0}],"data":{}},{"key":"2pkab","text":"Laurell K. Hamilton has captivated readers with her gritty, seductive tales of vampire hunter Anita Blake for thirty bloody fantastic years. Now, in the 30th novel in the #1 New York Times bestselling series, wedding bells are ringing. But before Anita can make it to the altar, she must face an obstacle more daunting than any supernatural threat....\n","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[{"offset":0,"length":357,"style":"BOLD"},{"offset":177,"length":15,"style":"ITALIC"}],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"5rk0","text":"Necromancer Anita Blake is small, dark, and dangerous. Her turf is the city of St. Louis. Her job: U.S. Marshall—Preternatural Branch. She’s faced horrifying monsters and brutal killers and come out the other side still standing.\n\n Considering how things in her life tend to go, Anita never expected her walk down the aisle with Jean-Claude to go smoothly. They’ve already been faced with nay-sayers and a power-hungry ancient evil, but now she has to do the one thing that actually scares her: introduce her very religious, very human relatives to her fiancé—the newly crowned vampire king of America.\n\n As Anita tries to keep the peace between the family she left behind and the family she’s chosen, dark forces jump at the chance to take advantage of the chaos. With her happy-ever-after at risk and everyone’s immortal souls hanging in the balance, Anita recons with a hard truth: Blood makes you related, but loyalty makes you family.","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"e3hkq","text":" ","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"6g6qq","text":" ","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"f3515","text":"","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"ebj96","text":" ","type":"atomic","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[{"offset":0,"length":1,"key":1}],"data":{}},{"key":"bar6q","text":"Laurell K. Hamilton is a full-time writer and the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series; Zaniel Havelock series; and the Merry Gentry series. She lives in a suburb of St. Louis with her family. Learn more online at www.laurellkhamilton.com. ","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[{"offset":0,"length":283,"style":"{\"BG\":\"#ffffff\"}"},{"offset":0,"length":19,"style":"BOLD"},{"offset":52,"length":15,"style":"ITALIC"}],"entityRanges":[{"offset":257,"length":24,"key":2}],"data":{}},{"key":"61gbk","text":" ","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"ag4h5","text":"","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"6i89e","text":"EXCERPT","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"bramb","text":"","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"8eqqf","text":"A figure rounded the bend in the stairs all that way down, and before my eyes told me who, the energy we shared danced over my skin as if he’d brushed his fingertips over parts of my body that were hidden under my clothes. I shivered as I watched him lift off the steps and start floating toward me. It made me laugh and say, “Now there’s a solution to all these damned steps.”","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{"textAlignment":"justify","dynamicStyles":{"line-height":"2.4"}}},{"key":"4o9o","text":"He rose toward the ceiling, his long black hair spilling out around him like a dark aura. His hair wasn’t streaming out around him because he was flying toward me but moving in the wind of his own power, so that his black curls writhed and boiled like a dozen hands were playing with it, but it was his magic, just his magic.","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{"textAlignment":"justify","dynamicStyles":{"line-height":"2.4"}}},{"key":"afpn8","text":"He needed one of his usual lace, leather, and sexy-boots outfits for all that hair to frame, but he was dressed in one of only two modern suits I’d ever seen him in; the first time it had been to save the feelings of a grieving family, and this time we were trying not to give my father any other reason to hate him. In that moment I knew I didn’t care if my dad liked him or not. I loved Jean-Claude and nothing my dad did would change that.","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{"textAlignment":"justify","dynamicStyles":{"line-height":"2.4"}}},{"key":"f45qd","text":"He landed lightly on first one foot, then the other until he stood beside me at the top of the stairs. I wrapped my arms around him, but the traditionally long suit jacket felt wrong on him. He either did no jacket or some version of a bolero so that it hit him somewhere between his lower ribs and just below his natural waist. He had a fabulous ass, and it seemed a shame to cover it up.","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{"textAlignment":"justify","dynamicStyles":{"line-height":"2.4"}}},{"key":"31ko0","text":"He wrapped his arms around me and laughed. “Ma petite, we chose this suit precisely so it would cover more of my body, so I did not shock your family.”","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[{"offset":44,"length":9,"style":"ITALIC"}],"entityRanges":[],"data":{"textAlignment":"justify","dynamicStyles":{"line-height":"2.4"}}},{"key":"a29g0","text":"I stared up into that beautiful face with the darkest blue eyes I’d ever seen, set in thick black lashes with a perfect curve of eyebrows that were all natural; he didn’t even need mascara. So unfair to the rest of us. His face was almost feminine in its beauty, but there was something about the line of his chin that turned all that gorgeousness a little more masculine. He was still androgynous, but it leaned a little more to the male side. The long black curls framed his face and trailed down his shoulders almost to his waist. My family thought long hair was only for girls. Putting him in a traditional men’s suit really didn’t make him look more like the type of man my family would approve of, but hey, at least we were trying.","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{"textAlignment":"justify","dynamicStyles":{"line-height":"2.4"}}},{"key":"ce64r","text":"“I won’t ever look into your face without thinking how beautiful you are, and why are you marrying me?”","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{"textAlignment":"justify","dynamicStyles":{"line-height":"2.4"}}},{"key":"4j28t","text":"“I believe that is the man’s line, ma petite.”","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[{"offset":35,"length":9,"style":"ITALIC"}],"entityRanges":[],"data":{"textAlignment":"justify","dynamicStyles":{"line-height":"2.4"}}},{"key":"5aubb","text":"I grinned and said, “Traditionally it is, but most men don’t look like you.”","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{"textAlignment":"justify","dynamicStyles":{"line-height":"2.4"}}},{"key":"qk28","text":"“That you compare yourself to me and think yourself the lesser beauty means you do not see truth when you look into the mirror, ma petite.”","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[{"offset":128,"length":9,"style":"ITALIC"}],"entityRanges":[],"data":{"textAlignment":"justify","dynamicStyles":{"line-height":"2.4"}}},{"key":"e343v","text":"“I second that,” Nicky said.","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{"textAlignment":"justify","dynamicStyles":{"line-height":"2.4"}}},{"key":"fle27","text":"I glanced at him and couldn’t help but smile at the look on his face. “I know I don’t always see the truth in the mirror. Nicky and Ethan have met who messed me up.” I turned back to Jean-Claude. “That delight is still ahead of you.”","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{"textAlignment":"justify","dynamicStyles":{"line-height":"2.4"}}},{"key":"9u30t","text":"“I am looking forward to it, ma petite, and before you complain I would give much if my mother and sister were alive for me to introduce you to them. That I can meet your family, however broken, is a gift to me.”","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[{"offset":29,"length":9,"style":"ITALIC"}],"entityRanges":[],"data":{"textAlignment":"justify","dynamicStyles":{"line-height":"2.4"}}},{"key":"d3l27","text":"","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"o5hn","text":"Excerpted from Slay by Laurell K. Hamilton Copyright © 2023 by Laurell K. Hamilton. Excerpted by permission of Berkley. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[{"offset":15,"length":4,"style":"BOLD"}],"entityRanges":[],"data":{"dynamicStyles":{"line-height":"1.295"}}},{"key":"948ha","text":"","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}}],"entityMap":{"0":{"type":"wix-draft-plugin-image","mutability":"IMMUTABLE","data":{"config":{"alignment":"left","size":"inline","showTitle":true,"showDescription":true,"textWrap":"wrap","width":175},"src":{"id":"3c6b27_d4f8b205c1a348068745f3039050ea74~mv2.jpg","height":3145,"width":2083,"original_file_name":"9780593637845.jpg","file_name":"3c6b27_d4f8b205c1a348068745f3039050ea74~mv2.jpg"}}},"1":{"type":"wix-draft-plugin-image","mutability":"IMMUTABLE","data":{"config":{"alignment":"right","size":"small","showTitle":true,"showDescription":true,"textWrap":"wrap","spoiler":{}},"src":{"id":"3c6b27_bd7af9cca30842168d22edd73235caf5~mv2.jpg","height":2000,"width":3000,"original_file_name":"Laurell K. Hamilton 2013 photo credit Ma Petite Enterprises (2).jpg","file_name":"3c6b27_bd7af9cca30842168d22edd73235caf5~mv2.jpg"},"disableDownload":false,"disableExpand":false,"metadata":{"caption":"Credit: Ma Petite Enterprises"}}},"2":{"type":"LINK","mutability":"MUTABLE","data":{"target":"_blank","rel":"","url":"http://www.laurellkhamilton.com/"}}},"VERSION":"9.14.6"}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><div data-contents="true"><figure class="Er4un WTxjYP" contenteditable="false" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="egaug-0-0"></figure><div class="JvlZN rqyPc p7Opnu public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="6mgqf-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="6mgqf-0-0"><span data-offset-key="6mgqf-0-0" style="font-weight: bold;"><span data-text="true">Laurell K. Hamilton has captivated readers with her gritty, seductive tales of vampire hunter Anita Blake for thirty bloody fantastic years. Now, in the 30th novel in the #1 </span></span><span data-offset-key="6mgqf-0-1" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span data-text="true">New York Times</span></span><span data-offset-key="6mgqf-0-2" style="font-weight: bold;"><span data-text="true"> bestselling series, wedding bells are ringing. But before Anita can make it to the altar, she must face an obstacle more daunting than any supernatural threat....</span></span><span data-offset-key="6mgqf-0-3"><span data-text="true">
</span></span></div></div><div class="JvlZN rqyPc p7Opnu public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="87n2v-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="87n2v-0-0"><span data-offset-key="87n2v-0-0"><span data-text="true">Necromancer Anita Blake is small, dark, and dangerous. Her turf is the city of St. Louis. Her job: U.S. Marshall—Preternatural Branch. She’s faced horrifying monsters and brutal killers and come out the other side still standing.
Considering how things in her life tend to go, Anita never expected her walk down the aisle with Jean-Claude to go smoothly. They’ve already been faced with nay-sayers and a power-hungry ancient evil, but now she has to do the one thing that actually scares her: introduce her very religious, very human relatives to her fiancé—the newly crowned vampire king of America.
As Anita tries to keep the peace between the family she left behind and the family she’s chosen, dark forces jump at the chance to take advantage of the chaos. With her happy-ever-after at risk and everyone’s immortal souls hanging in the balance, Anita recons with a hard truth: Blood makes you related, but loyalty makes you family.</span></span></div></div><div class="JvlZN rqyPc p7Opnu public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="ea4u2-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="ea4u2-0-0"><span data-offset-key="ea4u2-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div></div><div class="JvlZN rqyPc p7Opnu public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="aa5dl-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="aa5dl-0-0"><span data-offset-key="aa5dl-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div></div><div class="JvlZN rqyPc p7Opnu public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="e2lqp-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="e2lqp-0-0"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLF-18UOW8wbzv-SXMR_P5KdEMOMK0o8ciKvVv8TGjIvdJ-Cac5EBCz42uThtEd4eTYikib9fT4L-4xm-mJmRuLZt5KTYbIRvpJdOGxai-dKp2hzWO5clOJzFq2dEWfe9UqgNNvIE_6oekDZF93LDUg5BypDVOuQkFEu2HFTUS6lR0QaXJOPNYxMOkrac/s3000/Laurell%20K.%20Hamilton%202013%20photo%20credit%20Ma%20Petite%20Enterprises%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="3000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLF-18UOW8wbzv-SXMR_P5KdEMOMK0o8ciKvVv8TGjIvdJ-Cac5EBCz42uThtEd4eTYikib9fT4L-4xm-mJmRuLZt5KTYbIRvpJdOGxai-dKp2hzWO5clOJzFq2dEWfe9UqgNNvIE_6oekDZF93LDUg5BypDVOuQkFEu2HFTUS6lR0QaXJOPNYxMOkrac/w320-h213/Laurell%20K.%20Hamilton%202013%20photo%20credit%20Ma%20Petite%20Enterprises%20(2).jpg" title="Credited: Ma Petite Enterprises" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span data-offset-key="e2lqp-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><figure class="Er4un WTxjYP" contenteditable="false" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="2ngml-0-0"><div class="BCdCh _4cG0J crs1V eQXaeo CAVxJ bLtBhj f3bms4w UWgVD undefined W7t3M" data-focus="true" role="none" style="cursor: default; position: relative;" width="20"><div class="Q6a5A" data-hook="imageViewer" role="button" tabindex="0"><div class="vBPBf L9OMM f3bms4w" id="new-image277" style="--dim-height: 2000; --dim-width: 3000;"><br /></div><div class=""></div><div class=""></div><br /></div><div class="_0COSB" data-hook="componentOverlay" draggable="true" role="none"></div></div></figure><div class="JvlZN rqyPc p7Opnu public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="1ep81-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="1ep81-0-0"><span data-offset-key="1ep81-0-0" style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold;"><span data-text="true">Laurell K. Hamilton</span></span><span data-offset-key="1ep81-0-1" style="background-color: white;"><span data-text="true"> is a full-time writer and the #1</span></span><span data-offset-key="1ep81-0-2" style="background-color: white; font-style: italic;"><span data-text="true"> New York Times</span></span><span data-offset-key="1ep81-0-3" style="background-color: white;"><span data-text="true"> bestselling author of the Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series; Zaniel Havelock series; and the Merry Gentry series. She lives in a suburb of St. Louis with her family. Learn more online at </span></span><a class="TWoY9 itht3" data-hook="linkViewer" href="http://www.laurellkhamilton.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><span data-offset-key="1ep81-1-0" style="background-color: white;"><span data-text="true">www.laurellkhamilton.com</span></span></a><span data-offset-key="1ep81-2-0" style="background-color: white;"><span data-text="true">. </span></span></div></div><div class="JvlZN rqyPc p7Opnu public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="76pjb-0-0" style="text-align: right;"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="76pjb-0-0"><span data-offset-key="76pjb-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="76pjb-0-0"><span data-offset-key="76pjb-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span>Photo Credit: Ma Petite Enterprise</div></div><div class="JvlZN rqyPc p7Opnu public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="et8pm-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="et8pm-0-0"><span data-offset-key="et8pm-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="JvlZN rqyPc p7Opnu public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="behb9-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="behb9-0-0"><span data-offset-key="behb9-0-0"><span data-text="true">EXCERPT</span></span></div></div><div class="JvlZN rqyPc p7Opnu public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="3jsmg-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="3jsmg-0-0"><span data-offset-key="3jsmg-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="JvlZN rqyPc p7Opnu leTfN public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_line-height-2_4 rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="ff842-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="ff842-0-0"><span data-offset-key="ff842-0-0"><span data-text="true">A</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-1-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-2-0"><span data-text="true">figure</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-3-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-4-0"><span data-text="true">rounded</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-5-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-6-0"><span data-text="true">the</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-7-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-8-0"><span data-text="true">bend</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-9-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-10-0"><span data-text="true">in</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-11-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-12-0"><span data-text="true">the</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-13-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-14-0"><span data-text="true">stairs</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-15-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-16-0"><span data-text="true">all</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-17-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-18-0"><span data-text="true">that</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-19-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-20-0"><span data-text="true">way</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-21-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-22-0"><span data-text="true">down,</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-23-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-24-0"><span data-text="true">and</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-25-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-26-0"><span data-text="true">before</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-27-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-28-0"><span data-text="true">my</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-29-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-30-0"><span data-text="true">eyes</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-31-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-32-0"><span data-text="true">told</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-33-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-34-0"><span data-text="true">me</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-35-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-36-0"><span data-text="true">who,</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-37-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-38-0"><span data-text="true">the</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-39-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-40-0"><span data-text="true">energy</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-41-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-42-0"><span data-text="true">we</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-43-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-44-0"><span data-text="true">shared</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-45-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-46-0"><span data-text="true">danced</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-47-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-48-0"><span data-text="true">over</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-49-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-50-0"><span data-text="true">my</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-51-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-52-0"><span data-text="true">skin</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-53-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-54-0"><span data-text="true">as</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-55-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-56-0"><span data-text="true">if</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-57-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-58-0"><span data-text="true">he’d</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-59-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-60-0"><span data-text="true">brushed</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-61-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-62-0"><span data-text="true">his</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-63-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-64-0"><span data-text="true">fingertips</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-65-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-66-0"><span data-text="true">over</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-67-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-68-0"><span data-text="true">parts</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-69-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-70-0"><span data-text="true">of</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-71-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-72-0"><span data-text="true">my</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-73-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-74-0"><span data-text="true">body</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-75-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-76-0"><span data-text="true">that</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-77-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-78-0"><span data-text="true">were</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-79-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-80-0"><span data-text="true">hidden</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-81-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-82-0"><span data-text="true">under</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-83-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-84-0"><span data-text="true">my</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-85-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-86-0"><span data-text="true">clothes.</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-87-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-88-0"><span data-text="true">I</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-89-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-90-0"><span data-text="true">shivered</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-91-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-92-0"><span data-text="true">as</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-93-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-94-0"><span data-text="true">I</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-95-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-96-0"><span data-text="true">watched</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-97-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-98-0"><span data-text="true">him</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-99-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-100-0"><span data-text="true">lift</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-101-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-102-0"><span data-text="true">off</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-103-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-104-0"><span data-text="true">the</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-105-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-106-0"><span data-text="true">steps</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-107-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-108-0"><span data-text="true">and</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-109-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-110-0"><span data-text="true">start</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-111-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-112-0"><span data-text="true">floating</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-113-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-114-0"><span data-text="true">toward</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-115-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-116-0"><span data-text="true">me.</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-117-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-118-0"><span data-text="true">It</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-119-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-120-0"><span data-text="true">made</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-121-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-122-0"><span data-text="true">me</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-123-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-124-0"><span data-text="true">laugh</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-125-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-126-0"><span data-text="true">and</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-127-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-128-0"><span data-text="true">say,</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-129-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-130-0"><span data-text="true">“Now</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-131-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-132-0"><span data-text="true">there’s</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-133-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-134-0"><span data-text="true">a</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-135-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-136-0"><span data-text="true">solution</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-137-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-138-0"><span data-text="true">to</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-139-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-140-0"><span data-text="true">all</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-141-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-142-0"><span data-text="true">these</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-143-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-144-0"><span data-text="true">damned</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ff842-145-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ff842-146-0"><span data-text="true">steps.”</span></span></div><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="ff842-0-0"><span data-offset-key="ff842-146-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div></div><div class="JvlZN rqyPc p7Opnu leTfN public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_line-height-2_4 rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="elgup-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="elgup-0-0"><span data-offset-key="elgup-0-0"><span data-text="true">He</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-1-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-2-0"><span data-text="true">rose</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-3-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-4-0"><span data-text="true">toward</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-5-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-6-0"><span data-text="true">the</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-7-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-8-0"><span data-text="true">ceiling,</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-9-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-10-0"><span data-text="true">his</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-11-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-12-0"><span data-text="true">long</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-13-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-14-0"><span data-text="true">black</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-15-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-16-0"><span data-text="true">hair</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-17-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-18-0"><span data-text="true">spilling</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-19-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-20-0"><span data-text="true">out</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-21-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-22-0"><span data-text="true">around</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-23-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-24-0"><span data-text="true">him</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-25-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-26-0"><span data-text="true">like</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-27-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-28-0"><span data-text="true">a</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-29-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-30-0"><span data-text="true">dark</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-31-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-32-0"><span data-text="true">aura.</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-33-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-34-0"><span data-text="true">His</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-35-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-36-0"><span data-text="true">hair</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-37-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-38-0"><span data-text="true">wasn’t</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-39-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-40-0"><span data-text="true">streaming</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-41-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-42-0"><span data-text="true">out</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-43-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-44-0"><span data-text="true">around</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-45-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-46-0"><span data-text="true">him</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-47-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-48-0"><span data-text="true">because</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-49-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-50-0"><span data-text="true">he</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-51-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-52-0"><span data-text="true">was</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-53-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-54-0"><span data-text="true">flying</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-55-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-56-0"><span data-text="true">toward</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-57-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-58-0"><span data-text="true">me</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-59-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-60-0"><span data-text="true">but</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-61-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-62-0"><span data-text="true">moving</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-63-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-64-0"><span data-text="true">in</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-65-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-66-0"><span data-text="true">the</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-67-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-68-0"><span data-text="true">wind</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-69-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-70-0"><span data-text="true">of</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-71-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-72-0"><span data-text="true">his</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-73-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-74-0"><span data-text="true">own</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-75-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-76-0"><span data-text="true">power,</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-77-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-78-0"><span data-text="true">so</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-79-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-80-0"><span data-text="true">that</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-81-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-82-0"><span data-text="true">his</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-83-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-84-0"><span data-text="true">black</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-85-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-86-0"><span data-text="true">curls</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-87-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-88-0"><span data-text="true">writhed</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-89-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-90-0"><span data-text="true">and</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-91-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-92-0"><span data-text="true">boiled</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-93-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-94-0"><span data-text="true">like</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-95-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-96-0"><span data-text="true">a</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-97-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-98-0"><span data-text="true">dozen</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-99-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-100-0"><span data-text="true">hands</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-101-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-102-0"><span data-text="true">were</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-103-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-104-0"><span data-text="true">playing</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-105-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-106-0"><span data-text="true">with</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-107-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-108-0"><span data-text="true">it,</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-109-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-110-0"><span data-text="true">but</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-111-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-112-0"><span data-text="true">it</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-113-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-114-0"><span data-text="true">was</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-115-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-116-0"><span data-text="true">his</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-117-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-118-0"><span data-text="true">magic,</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-119-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-120-0"><span data-text="true">just</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-121-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-122-0"><span data-text="true">his</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="elgup-123-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="elgup-124-0"><span data-text="true">magic.</span></span></div></div><div class="JvlZN rqyPc p7Opnu leTfN public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_line-height-2_4 rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="e6nj4-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="e6nj4-0-0"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="e6nj4-0-0"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-0-0"><span data-text="true">He</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-1-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-2-0"><span data-text="true">needed</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-3-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-4-0"><span data-text="true">one</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-5-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-6-0"><span data-text="true">of</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-7-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-8-0"><span data-text="true">his</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-9-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-10-0"><span data-text="true">usual</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-11-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-12-0"><span data-text="true">lace,</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-13-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-14-0"><span data-text="true">leather,</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-15-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-16-0"><span data-text="true">and</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-17-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-18-0"><span data-text="true">sexy-boots</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-19-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-20-0"><span data-text="true">outfits</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-21-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-22-0"><span data-text="true">for</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-23-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-24-0"><span data-text="true">all</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-25-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-26-0"><span data-text="true">that</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-27-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-28-0"><span data-text="true">hair</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-29-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-30-0"><span data-text="true">to</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-31-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-32-0"><span data-text="true">frame,</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-33-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-34-0"><span data-text="true">but</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-35-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-36-0"><span data-text="true">he</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-37-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-38-0"><span data-text="true">was</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-39-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-40-0"><span data-text="true">dressed</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-41-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-42-0"><span data-text="true">in</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-43-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-44-0"><span data-text="true">one</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-45-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-46-0"><span data-text="true">of</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-47-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-48-0"><span data-text="true">only</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-49-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-50-0"><span data-text="true">two</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-51-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-52-0"><span data-text="true">modern</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-53-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-54-0"><span data-text="true">suits</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-55-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-56-0"><span data-text="true">I’d</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-57-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-58-0"><span data-text="true">ever</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-59-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-60-0"><span data-text="true">seen</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-61-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-62-0"><span data-text="true">him</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-63-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-64-0"><span data-text="true">in;</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-65-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-66-0"><span data-text="true">the</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-67-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-68-0"><span data-text="true">first</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-69-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-70-0"><span data-text="true">time</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-71-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-72-0"><span data-text="true">it</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-73-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-74-0"><span data-text="true">had</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-75-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-76-0"><span data-text="true">been</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-77-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-78-0"><span data-text="true">to</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-79-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-80-0"><span data-text="true">save</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-81-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-82-0"><span data-text="true">the</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-83-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-84-0"><span data-text="true">feelings</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-85-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-86-0"><span data-text="true">of</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-87-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-88-0"><span data-text="true">a</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-89-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-90-0"><span data-text="true">grieving</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-91-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-92-0"><span data-text="true">family,</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-93-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-94-0"><span data-text="true">and</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-95-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-96-0"><span data-text="true">this</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-97-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-98-0"><span data-text="true">time</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-99-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-100-0"><span data-text="true">we</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-101-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-102-0"><span data-text="true">were</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-103-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-104-0"><span data-text="true">trying</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-105-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-106-0"><span data-text="true">not</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-107-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-108-0"><span data-text="true">to</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-109-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-110-0"><span data-text="true">give</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-111-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-112-0"><span data-text="true">my</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-113-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-114-0"><span data-text="true">father</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-115-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-116-0"><span data-text="true">any</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-117-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-118-0"><span data-text="true">other</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-119-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-120-0"><span data-text="true">reason</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-121-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-122-0"><span data-text="true">to</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-123-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-124-0"><span data-text="true">hate</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-125-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-126-0"><span data-text="true">him.</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-127-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-128-0"><span data-text="true">In</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-129-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-130-0"><span data-text="true">that</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-131-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-132-0"><span data-text="true">moment</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-133-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-134-0"><span data-text="true">I</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-135-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-136-0"><span data-text="true">knew</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-137-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-138-0"><span data-text="true">I</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-139-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-140-0"><span data-text="true">didn’t</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-141-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-142-0"><span data-text="true">care</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-143-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-144-0"><span data-text="true">if</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-145-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-146-0"><span data-text="true">my</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-147-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-148-0"><span data-text="true">dad</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-149-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-150-0"><span data-text="true">liked</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-151-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-152-0"><span data-text="true">him</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-153-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-154-0"><span data-text="true">or</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-155-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-156-0"><span data-text="true">not.</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-157-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-158-0"><span data-text="true">I</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-159-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-160-0"><span data-text="true">loved</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-161-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-162-0"><span data-text="true">Jean-Claude</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-163-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-164-0"><span data-text="true">and</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-165-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-166-0"><span data-text="true">nothing</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-167-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-168-0"><span data-text="true">my</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-169-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-170-0"><span data-text="true">dad</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-171-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-172-0"><span data-text="true">did</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-173-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-174-0"><span data-text="true">would</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-175-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-176-0"><span data-text="true">change</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-177-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e6nj4-178-0"><span data-text="true">that.</span></span></div></div><div class="JvlZN rqyPc p7Opnu leTfN public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_line-height-2_4 rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="3l0vo-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="3l0vo-0-0"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="3l0vo-0-0"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-0-0"><span data-text="true">He</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-1-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-2-0"><span data-text="true">landed</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-3-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-4-0"><span data-text="true">lightly</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-5-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-6-0"><span data-text="true">on</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-7-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-8-0"><span data-text="true">first</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-9-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-10-0"><span data-text="true">one</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-11-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-12-0"><span data-text="true">foot,</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-13-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-14-0"><span data-text="true">then</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-15-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-16-0"><span data-text="true">the</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-17-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-18-0"><span data-text="true">other</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-19-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-20-0"><span data-text="true">until</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-21-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-22-0"><span data-text="true">he</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-23-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-24-0"><span data-text="true">stood</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-25-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-26-0"><span data-text="true">beside</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-27-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-28-0"><span data-text="true">me</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-29-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-30-0"><span data-text="true">at</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-31-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-32-0"><span data-text="true">the</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-33-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-34-0"><span data-text="true">top</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-35-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-36-0"><span data-text="true">of</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-37-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-38-0"><span data-text="true">the</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-39-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-40-0"><span data-text="true">stairs.</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-41-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-42-0"><span data-text="true">I</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-43-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-44-0"><span data-text="true">wrapped</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-45-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-46-0"><span data-text="true">my</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-47-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-48-0"><span data-text="true">arms</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-49-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-50-0"><span data-text="true">around</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-51-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-52-0"><span data-text="true">him,</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-53-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-54-0"><span data-text="true">but</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-55-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-56-0"><span data-text="true">the</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-57-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-58-0"><span data-text="true">traditionally</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-59-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-60-0"><span data-text="true">long</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-61-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-62-0"><span data-text="true">suit</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-63-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-64-0"><span data-text="true">jacket</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-65-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-66-0"><span data-text="true">felt</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-67-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-68-0"><span data-text="true">wrong</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-69-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-70-0"><span data-text="true">on</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-71-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-72-0"><span data-text="true">him.</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-73-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-74-0"><span data-text="true">He</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-75-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-76-0"><span data-text="true">either</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-77-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-78-0"><span data-text="true">did</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-79-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-80-0"><span data-text="true">no</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-81-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-82-0"><span data-text="true">jacket</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-83-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-84-0"><span data-text="true">or</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-85-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-86-0"><span data-text="true">some</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-87-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-88-0"><span data-text="true">version</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-89-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-90-0"><span data-text="true">of</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-91-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-92-0"><span data-text="true">a</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-93-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-94-0"><span data-text="true">bolero</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-95-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-96-0"><span data-text="true">so</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-97-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-98-0"><span data-text="true">that</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-99-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-100-0"><span data-text="true">it</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-101-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-102-0"><span data-text="true">hit</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-103-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-104-0"><span data-text="true">him</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-105-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-106-0"><span data-text="true">somewhere</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-107-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-108-0"><span data-text="true">between</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-109-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-110-0"><span data-text="true">his</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-111-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-112-0"><span data-text="true">lower</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-113-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-114-0"><span data-text="true">ribs</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-115-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-116-0"><span data-text="true">and</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-117-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-118-0"><span data-text="true">just</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-119-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-120-0"><span data-text="true">below</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-121-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-122-0"><span data-text="true">his</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-123-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-124-0"><span data-text="true">natural</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-125-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-126-0"><span data-text="true">waist.</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-127-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-128-0"><span data-text="true">He</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-129-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-130-0"><span data-text="true">had</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-131-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-132-0"><span data-text="true">a</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-133-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-134-0"><span data-text="true">fabulous</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-135-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-136-0"><span data-text="true">ass,</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-137-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-138-0"><span data-text="true">and</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-139-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-140-0"><span data-text="true">it</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-141-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-142-0"><span data-text="true">seemed</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-143-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-144-0"><span data-text="true">a</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-145-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-146-0"><span data-text="true">shame</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-147-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-148-0"><span data-text="true">to</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-149-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-150-0"><span data-text="true">cover</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-151-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-152-0"><span data-text="true">it</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-153-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="3l0vo-154-0"><span data-text="true">up.</span></span></div></div><div class="JvlZN rqyPc p7Opnu leTfN public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_line-height-2_4 rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="ejv6v-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="ejv6v-0-0"><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="ejv6v-0-0"><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-0-0"><span data-text="true">He</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-1-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-2-0"><span data-text="true">wrapped</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-3-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-4-0"><span data-text="true">his</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-5-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-6-0"><span data-text="true">arms</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-7-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-8-0"><span data-text="true">around</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-9-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-10-0"><span data-text="true">me</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-11-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-12-0"><span data-text="true">and</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-13-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-14-0"><span data-text="true">laughed.</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-15-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-16-0"><span data-text="true">“</span></span><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-16-1" style="font-style: italic;"><span data-text="true">Ma</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-17-0" style="font-style: italic;"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-18-0" style="font-style: italic;"><span data-text="true">petite</span></span><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-18-1"><span data-text="true">,</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-19-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-20-0"><span data-text="true">we</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-21-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-22-0"><span data-text="true">chose</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-23-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-24-0"><span data-text="true">this</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-25-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-26-0"><span data-text="true">suit</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-27-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-28-0"><span data-text="true">precisely</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-29-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-30-0"><span data-text="true">so</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-31-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-32-0"><span data-text="true">it</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-33-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-34-0"><span data-text="true">would</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-35-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-36-0"><span data-text="true">cover</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-37-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-38-0"><span data-text="true">more</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-39-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-40-0"><span data-text="true">of</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-41-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-42-0"><span data-text="true">my</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-43-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-44-0"><span data-text="true">body,</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-45-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-46-0"><span data-text="true">so</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-47-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-48-0"><span data-text="true">I</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-49-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-50-0"><span data-text="true">did</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-51-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-52-0"><span data-text="true">not</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-53-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-54-0"><span data-text="true">shock</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-55-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-56-0"><span data-text="true">your</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-57-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ejv6v-58-0"><span data-text="true">family.”</span></span></div></div><div class="JvlZN rqyPc p7Opnu leTfN public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_line-height-2_4 rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="bmjkf-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="bmjkf-0-0"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="bmjkf-0-0"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-0-0"><span data-text="true">I</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-1-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-2-0"><span data-text="true">stared</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-3-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-4-0"><span data-text="true">up</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-5-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-6-0"><span data-text="true">into</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-7-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-8-0"><span data-text="true">that</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-9-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-10-0"><span data-text="true">beautiful</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-11-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-12-0"><span data-text="true">face</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-13-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-14-0"><span data-text="true">with</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-15-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-16-0"><span data-text="true">the</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-17-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-18-0"><span data-text="true">darkest</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-19-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-20-0"><span data-text="true">blue</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-21-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-22-0"><span data-text="true">eyes</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-23-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-24-0"><span data-text="true">I’d</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-25-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-26-0"><span data-text="true">ever</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-27-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-28-0"><span data-text="true">seen,</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-29-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-30-0"><span data-text="true">set</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-31-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-32-0"><span data-text="true">in</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-33-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-34-0"><span data-text="true">thick</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-35-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-36-0"><span data-text="true">black</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-37-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-38-0"><span data-text="true">lashes</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-39-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-40-0"><span data-text="true">with</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-41-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-42-0"><span data-text="true">a</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-43-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-44-0"><span data-text="true">perfect</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-45-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-46-0"><span data-text="true">curve</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-47-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-48-0"><span data-text="true">of</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-49-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-50-0"><span data-text="true">eyebrows</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-51-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-52-0"><span data-text="true">that</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-53-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-54-0"><span data-text="true">were</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-55-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-56-0"><span data-text="true">all</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-57-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-58-0"><span data-text="true">natural;</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-59-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-60-0"><span data-text="true">he</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-61-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-62-0"><span data-text="true">didn’t</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-63-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-64-0"><span data-text="true">even</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-65-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-66-0"><span data-text="true">need</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-67-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-68-0"><span data-text="true">mascara.</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-69-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-70-0"><span data-text="true">So</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-71-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-72-0"><span data-text="true">unfair</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-73-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-74-0"><span data-text="true">to</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-75-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-76-0"><span data-text="true">the</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-77-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-78-0"><span data-text="true">rest</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-79-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-80-0"><span data-text="true">of</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-81-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-82-0"><span data-text="true">us.</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-83-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-84-0"><span data-text="true">His</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-85-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-86-0"><span data-text="true">face</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-87-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-88-0"><span data-text="true">was</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-89-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-90-0"><span data-text="true">almost</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-91-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-92-0"><span data-text="true">feminine</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-93-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-94-0"><span data-text="true">in</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-95-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-96-0"><span data-text="true">its</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-97-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-98-0"><span data-text="true">beauty,</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-99-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-100-0"><span data-text="true">but</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-101-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-102-0"><span data-text="true">there</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-103-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-104-0"><span data-text="true">was</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-105-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-106-0"><span data-text="true">something</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-107-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-108-0"><span data-text="true">about</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-109-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-110-0"><span data-text="true">the</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-111-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-112-0"><span data-text="true">line</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-113-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-114-0"><span data-text="true">of</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-115-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-116-0"><span data-text="true">his</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-117-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-118-0"><span data-text="true">chin</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-119-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-120-0"><span data-text="true">that</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-121-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-122-0"><span data-text="true">turned</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-123-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-124-0"><span data-text="true">all</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-125-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-126-0"><span data-text="true">that</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-127-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-128-0"><span data-text="true">gorgeousness</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-129-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-130-0"><span data-text="true">a</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-131-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-132-0"><span data-text="true">little</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-133-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-134-0"><span data-text="true">more</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-135-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-136-0"><span data-text="true">masculine.</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-137-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-138-0"><span data-text="true">He</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-139-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-140-0"><span data-text="true">was</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-141-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-142-0"><span data-text="true">still</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-143-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-144-0"><span data-text="true">androgynous,</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-145-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-146-0"><span data-text="true">but</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-147-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-148-0"><span data-text="true">it</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-149-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-150-0"><span data-text="true">leaned</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-151-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-152-0"><span data-text="true">a</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-153-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-154-0"><span data-text="true">little</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-155-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-156-0"><span data-text="true">more</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-157-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-158-0"><span data-text="true">to</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-159-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-160-0"><span data-text="true">the</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-161-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-162-0"><span data-text="true">male</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-163-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-164-0"><span data-text="true">side.</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-165-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-166-0"><span data-text="true">The</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-167-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-168-0"><span data-text="true">long</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-169-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-170-0"><span data-text="true">black</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-171-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-172-0"><span data-text="true">curls</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-173-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-174-0"><span data-text="true">framed</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-175-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-176-0"><span data-text="true">his</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-177-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-178-0"><span data-text="true">face</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-179-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-180-0"><span data-text="true">and</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-181-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-182-0"><span data-text="true">trailed</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-183-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-184-0"><span data-text="true">down</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-185-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-186-0"><span data-text="true">his</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-187-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-188-0"><span data-text="true">shoulders</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-189-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-190-0"><span data-text="true">almost</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-191-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-192-0"><span data-text="true">to</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-193-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-194-0"><span data-text="true">his</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-195-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-196-0"><span data-text="true">waist.</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-197-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-198-0"><span data-text="true">My</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-199-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-200-0"><span data-text="true">family</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-201-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-202-0"><span data-text="true">thought</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-203-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-204-0"><span data-text="true">long</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-205-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-206-0"><span data-text="true">hair</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-207-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-208-0"><span data-text="true">was</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-209-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-210-0"><span data-text="true">only</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-211-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-212-0"><span data-text="true">for</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-213-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-214-0"><span data-text="true">girls.</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-215-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-216-0"><span data-text="true">Putting</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-217-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-218-0"><span data-text="true">him</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-219-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-220-0"><span data-text="true">in</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-221-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-222-0"><span data-text="true">a</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-223-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-224-0"><span data-text="true">traditional</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-225-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-226-0"><span data-text="true">men’s</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-227-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-228-0"><span data-text="true">suit</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-229-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-230-0"><span data-text="true">really</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-231-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-232-0"><span data-text="true">didn’t</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-233-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-234-0"><span data-text="true">make</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-235-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-236-0"><span data-text="true">him</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-237-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-238-0"><span data-text="true">look</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-239-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-240-0"><span data-text="true">more</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-241-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-242-0"><span data-text="true">like</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-243-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-244-0"><span data-text="true">the</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-245-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-246-0"><span data-text="true">type</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-247-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-248-0"><span data-text="true">of</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-249-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-250-0"><span data-text="true">man</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-251-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-252-0"><span data-text="true">my</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-253-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-254-0"><span data-text="true">family</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-255-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-256-0"><span data-text="true">would</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-257-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-258-0"><span data-text="true">approve</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-259-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-260-0"><span data-text="true">of,</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-261-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-262-0"><span data-text="true">but</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-263-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-264-0"><span data-text="true">hey,</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-265-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-266-0"><span data-text="true">at</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-267-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-268-0"><span data-text="true">least</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-269-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-270-0"><span data-text="true">we</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-271-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-272-0"><span data-text="true">were</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-273-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="bmjkf-274-0"><span data-text="true">trying.</span></span></div></div><div class="JvlZN rqyPc p7Opnu leTfN public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_line-height-2_4 rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="claf6-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="claf6-0-0"><span data-offset-key="claf6-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="claf6-0-0"><span data-offset-key="claf6-0-0"><span data-text="true">“I</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="claf6-1-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="claf6-2-0"><span data-text="true">won’t</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="claf6-3-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="claf6-4-0"><span data-text="true">ever</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="claf6-5-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="claf6-6-0"><span data-text="true">look</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="claf6-7-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="claf6-8-0"><span data-text="true">into</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="claf6-9-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="claf6-10-0"><span data-text="true">your</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="claf6-11-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="claf6-12-0"><span data-text="true">face</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="claf6-13-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="claf6-14-0"><span data-text="true">without</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="claf6-15-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="claf6-16-0"><span data-text="true">thinking</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="claf6-17-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="claf6-18-0"><span data-text="true">how</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="claf6-19-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="claf6-20-0"><span data-text="true">beautiful</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="claf6-21-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="claf6-22-0"><span data-text="true">you</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="claf6-23-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="claf6-24-0"><span data-text="true">are,</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="claf6-25-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="claf6-26-0"><span data-text="true">and</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="claf6-27-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="claf6-28-0"><span data-text="true">why</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="claf6-29-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="claf6-30-0"><span data-text="true">are</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="claf6-31-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="claf6-32-0"><span data-text="true">you</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="claf6-33-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="claf6-34-0"><span data-text="true">marrying</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="claf6-35-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="claf6-36-0"><span data-text="true">me?”</span></span></div></div><div class="JvlZN rqyPc p7Opnu leTfN public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_line-height-2_4 rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="9lp64-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="9lp64-0-0"><span data-offset-key="9lp64-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="9lp64-0-0"><span data-offset-key="9lp64-0-0"><span data-text="true">“I</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="9lp64-1-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="9lp64-2-0"><span data-text="true">believe</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="9lp64-3-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="9lp64-4-0"><span data-text="true">that</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="9lp64-5-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="9lp64-6-0"><span data-text="true">is</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="9lp64-7-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="9lp64-8-0"><span data-text="true">the</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="9lp64-9-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="9lp64-10-0"><span data-text="true">man’s</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="9lp64-11-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="9lp64-12-0"><span data-text="true">line,</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="9lp64-13-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="9lp64-14-0" style="font-style: italic;"><span data-text="true">ma</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="9lp64-15-0" style="font-style: italic;"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="9lp64-16-0" style="font-style: italic;"><span data-text="true">petite</span></span><span data-offset-key="9lp64-16-1"><span data-text="true">.”</span></span></div></div><div class="JvlZN rqyPc p7Opnu leTfN public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_line-height-2_4 rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="1ksm7-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="1ksm7-0-0"><span data-offset-key="1ksm7-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="1ksm7-0-0"><span data-offset-key="1ksm7-0-0"><span data-text="true">I</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="1ksm7-1-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="1ksm7-2-0"><span data-text="true">grinned</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="1ksm7-3-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="1ksm7-4-0"><span data-text="true">and</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="1ksm7-5-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="1ksm7-6-0"><span data-text="true">said,</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="1ksm7-7-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="1ksm7-8-0"><span data-text="true">“Traditionally</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="1ksm7-9-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="1ksm7-10-0"><span data-text="true">it</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="1ksm7-11-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="1ksm7-12-0"><span data-text="true">is,</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="1ksm7-13-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="1ksm7-14-0"><span data-text="true">but</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="1ksm7-15-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="1ksm7-16-0"><span data-text="true">most</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="1ksm7-17-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="1ksm7-18-0"><span data-text="true">men</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="1ksm7-19-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="1ksm7-20-0"><span data-text="true">don’t</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="1ksm7-21-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="1ksm7-22-0"><span data-text="true">look</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="1ksm7-23-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="1ksm7-24-0"><span data-text="true">like</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="1ksm7-25-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="1ksm7-26-0"><span data-text="true">you.”</span></span></div></div><div class="JvlZN rqyPc p7Opnu leTfN public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_line-height-2_4 rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="a80iu-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="a80iu-0-0"><span data-offset-key="a80iu-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="a80iu-0-0"><span data-offset-key="a80iu-0-0"><span data-text="true">“That</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="a80iu-1-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="a80iu-2-0"><span data-text="true">you</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="a80iu-3-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="a80iu-4-0"><span data-text="true">compare</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="a80iu-5-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="a80iu-6-0"><span data-text="true">yourself</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="a80iu-7-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="a80iu-8-0"><span data-text="true">to</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="a80iu-9-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="a80iu-10-0"><span data-text="true">me</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="a80iu-11-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="a80iu-12-0"><span data-text="true">and</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="a80iu-13-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="a80iu-14-0"><span data-text="true">think</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="a80iu-15-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="a80iu-16-0"><span data-text="true">yourself</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="a80iu-17-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="a80iu-18-0"><span data-text="true">the</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="a80iu-19-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="a80iu-20-0"><span data-text="true">lesser</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="a80iu-21-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="a80iu-22-0"><span data-text="true">beauty</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="a80iu-23-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="a80iu-24-0"><span data-text="true">means</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="a80iu-25-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="a80iu-26-0"><span data-text="true">you</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="a80iu-27-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="a80iu-28-0"><span data-text="true">do</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="a80iu-29-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="a80iu-30-0"><span data-text="true">not</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="a80iu-31-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="a80iu-32-0"><span data-text="true">see</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="a80iu-33-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="a80iu-34-0"><span data-text="true">truth</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="a80iu-35-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="a80iu-36-0"><span data-text="true">when</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="a80iu-37-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="a80iu-38-0"><span data-text="true">you</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="a80iu-39-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="a80iu-40-0"><span data-text="true">look</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="a80iu-41-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="a80iu-42-0"><span data-text="true">into</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="a80iu-43-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="a80iu-44-0"><span data-text="true">the</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="a80iu-45-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="a80iu-46-0"><span data-text="true">mirror,</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="a80iu-47-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="a80iu-48-0" style="font-style: italic;"><span data-text="true">ma</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="a80iu-49-0" style="font-style: italic;"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="a80iu-50-0" style="font-style: italic;"><span data-text="true">petite</span></span><span data-offset-key="a80iu-50-1"><span data-text="true">.”</span></span></div></div><div class="JvlZN rqyPc p7Opnu leTfN public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_line-height-2_4 rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="da2e-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="da2e-0-0"><span data-offset-key="da2e-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="da2e-0-0"><span data-offset-key="da2e-0-0"><span data-text="true">“I</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="da2e-1-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="da2e-2-0"><span data-text="true">second</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="da2e-3-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="da2e-4-0"><span data-text="true">that,”</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="da2e-5-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="da2e-6-0"><span data-text="true">Nicky</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="da2e-7-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="da2e-8-0"><span data-text="true">said.</span></span></div></div><div class="JvlZN rqyPc p7Opnu leTfN public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_line-height-2_4 rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="2bra8-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="2bra8-0-0"><span data-offset-key="2bra8-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="2bra8-0-0"><span data-offset-key="2bra8-0-0"><span data-text="true">I</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="2bra8-1-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2bra8-2-0"><span data-text="true">glanced</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="2bra8-3-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2bra8-4-0"><span data-text="true">at</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="2bra8-5-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2bra8-6-0"><span data-text="true">him</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="2bra8-7-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2bra8-8-0"><span data-text="true">and</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="2bra8-9-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2bra8-10-0"><span data-text="true">couldn’t</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="2bra8-11-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2bra8-12-0"><span data-text="true">help</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="2bra8-13-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2bra8-14-0"><span data-text="true">but</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="2bra8-15-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2bra8-16-0"><span data-text="true">smile</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="2bra8-17-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2bra8-18-0"><span data-text="true">at</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="2bra8-19-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2bra8-20-0"><span data-text="true">the</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="2bra8-21-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2bra8-22-0"><span data-text="true">look</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="2bra8-23-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2bra8-24-0"><span data-text="true">on</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="2bra8-25-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2bra8-26-0"><span data-text="true">his</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="2bra8-27-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2bra8-28-0"><span data-text="true">face.</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="2bra8-29-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2bra8-30-0"><span data-text="true">“I</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="2bra8-31-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2bra8-32-0"><span data-text="true">know</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="2bra8-33-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2bra8-34-0"><span data-text="true">I</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="2bra8-35-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2bra8-36-0"><span data-text="true">don’t</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="2bra8-37-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2bra8-38-0"><span data-text="true">always</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="2bra8-39-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2bra8-40-0"><span data-text="true">see</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="2bra8-41-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2bra8-42-0"><span data-text="true">the</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="2bra8-43-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2bra8-44-0"><span data-text="true">truth</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="2bra8-45-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2bra8-46-0"><span data-text="true">in</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="2bra8-47-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2bra8-48-0"><span data-text="true">the</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="2bra8-49-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2bra8-50-0"><span data-text="true">mirror.</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="2bra8-51-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2bra8-52-0"><span data-text="true">Nicky</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="2bra8-53-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2bra8-54-0"><span data-text="true">and</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="2bra8-55-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2bra8-56-0"><span data-text="true">Ethan</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="2bra8-57-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2bra8-58-0"><span data-text="true">have</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="2bra8-59-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2bra8-60-0"><span data-text="true">met</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="2bra8-61-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2bra8-62-0"><span data-text="true">who</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="2bra8-63-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2bra8-64-0"><span data-text="true">messed</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="2bra8-65-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2bra8-66-0"><span data-text="true">me</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="2bra8-67-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2bra8-68-0"><span data-text="true">up.”</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="2bra8-69-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2bra8-70-0"><span data-text="true">I</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="2bra8-71-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2bra8-72-0"><span data-text="true">turned</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="2bra8-73-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2bra8-74-0"><span data-text="true">back</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="2bra8-75-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2bra8-76-0"><span data-text="true">to</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="2bra8-77-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2bra8-78-0"><span data-text="true">Jean-Claude.</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="2bra8-79-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2bra8-80-0"><span data-text="true">“That</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="2bra8-81-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2bra8-82-0"><span data-text="true">delight</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="2bra8-83-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2bra8-84-0"><span data-text="true">is</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="2bra8-85-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2bra8-86-0"><span data-text="true">still</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="2bra8-87-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2bra8-88-0"><span data-text="true">ahead</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="2bra8-89-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2bra8-90-0"><span data-text="true">of</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="2bra8-91-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="2bra8-92-0"><span data-text="true">you.”</span></span></div></div><div class="JvlZN rqyPc p7Opnu leTfN public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_line-height-2_4 rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="esfg9-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="esfg9-0-0"><span data-offset-key="esfg9-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="esfg9-0-0"><span data-offset-key="esfg9-0-0"><span data-text="true">“I</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="esfg9-1-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="esfg9-2-0"><span data-text="true">am</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="esfg9-3-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="esfg9-4-0"><span data-text="true">looking</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="esfg9-5-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="esfg9-6-0"><span data-text="true">forward</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="esfg9-7-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="esfg9-8-0"><span data-text="true">to</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="esfg9-9-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="esfg9-10-0"><span data-text="true">it,</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="esfg9-11-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="esfg9-12-0" style="font-style: italic;"><span data-text="true">ma</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="esfg9-13-0" style="font-style: italic;"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="esfg9-14-0" style="font-style: italic;"><span data-text="true">petite</span></span><span data-offset-key="esfg9-14-1"><span data-text="true">,</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="esfg9-15-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="esfg9-16-0"><span data-text="true">and</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="esfg9-17-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="esfg9-18-0"><span data-text="true">before</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="esfg9-19-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="esfg9-20-0"><span data-text="true">you</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="esfg9-21-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="esfg9-22-0"><span data-text="true">complain</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="esfg9-23-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="esfg9-24-0"><span data-text="true">I</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="esfg9-25-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="esfg9-26-0"><span data-text="true">would</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="esfg9-27-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="esfg9-28-0"><span data-text="true">give</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="esfg9-29-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="esfg9-30-0"><span data-text="true">much</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="esfg9-31-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="esfg9-32-0"><span data-text="true">if</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="esfg9-33-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="esfg9-34-0"><span data-text="true">my</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="esfg9-35-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="esfg9-36-0"><span data-text="true">mother</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="esfg9-37-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="esfg9-38-0"><span data-text="true">and</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="esfg9-39-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="esfg9-40-0"><span data-text="true">sister</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="esfg9-41-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="esfg9-42-0"><span data-text="true">were</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="esfg9-43-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="esfg9-44-0"><span data-text="true">alive</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="esfg9-45-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="esfg9-46-0"><span data-text="true">for</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="esfg9-47-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="esfg9-48-0"><span data-text="true">me</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="esfg9-49-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="esfg9-50-0"><span data-text="true">to</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="esfg9-51-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="esfg9-52-0"><span data-text="true">introduce</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="esfg9-53-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="esfg9-54-0"><span data-text="true">you</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="esfg9-55-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="esfg9-56-0"><span data-text="true">to</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="esfg9-57-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="esfg9-58-0"><span data-text="true">them.</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="esfg9-59-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="esfg9-60-0"><span data-text="true">That</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="esfg9-61-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="esfg9-62-0"><span data-text="true">I</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="esfg9-63-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="esfg9-64-0"><span data-text="true">can</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="esfg9-65-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="esfg9-66-0"><span data-text="true">meet</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="esfg9-67-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="esfg9-68-0"><span data-text="true">your</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="esfg9-69-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="esfg9-70-0"><span data-text="true">family,</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="esfg9-71-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="esfg9-72-0"><span data-text="true">however</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="esfg9-73-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="esfg9-74-0"><span data-text="true">broken,</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="esfg9-75-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="esfg9-76-0"><span data-text="true">is</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="esfg9-77-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="esfg9-78-0"><span data-text="true">a</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="esfg9-79-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="esfg9-80-0"><span data-text="true">gift</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="esfg9-81-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="esfg9-82-0"><span data-text="true">to</span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span data-offset-key="esfg9-83-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="esfg9-84-0"><span data-text="true">me.”</span></span></div></div><div class="JvlZN rqyPc p7Opnu public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="15rc6-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="15rc6-0-0"><span data-offset-key="15rc6-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="JvlZN rqyPc p7Opnu public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_line-height-1_295 rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="8vteq-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="8vteq-0-0"><span data-offset-key="8vteq-0-0"><span data-text="true">Excerpted from </span></span><span data-offset-key="8vteq-0-1" style="font-weight: bold;"><span data-text="true">Slay</span></span><span data-offset-key="8vteq-0-2"><span data-text="true"> by Laurell K. Hamilton Copyright © 2023 by Laurell K. Hamilton. Excerpted by permission of Berkley. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.</span></span></div></div><div class="JvlZN rqyPc p7Opnu public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="3r8og-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="3r8og-0-0"><span data-offset-key="3r8og-0-0"><br data-text="true" /><br /></span></div></div></div></div>La Crimson Femmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18267705622599900796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508127984872729453.post-45358536293002051602023-10-10T00:00:00.008-04:002023-10-10T00:00:00.160-04:00Review: Crave Me Roughly
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62016245" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1660860024l/62016245._SX98_.jpg" border="0" alt="Crave Me Roughly"></a>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62016245">Crave Me Roughly</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22660478">Kira James</a><br>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5892004615">3 of 5 stars</a>
<br>After reading the first book in this series, I learned of a prequel with Sara and Drogan. I had to pick it up. I thought it would fill in a bit more of the gaps. It does not. I think this book should be read after reading the 1st book in the series. <div><br></div><div>Sara does come across and unstable with a death wish in this short story. The way she courts death and uses men to play her will he kill me after sex is a bit disturbing but... it is her kink. And even if she doesn't seem satisfied with the stranger danger sex, she is an addict. This is until she meets Drogan. He possessed a magical penis. I certain hope he knows how to use it after being alive for so long.</div><div><br></div><div>I am mixed about this prequel because had I read this prequel 1st, I might not have read the next book. The next book in the series pulled me in more with the world building and entry into a MIB world with lawyers.</div><div><br></div><div>The sex in here is okay. Not sure why this was categorize as an erotic story. Maybe it is the stranger danger sex. Recommended to readers already hooked on this series and want to see how Sara and Drogan first meet.</div><div>
<br>* <i>provided by NetGalley</i></div>La Crimson Femmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18267705622599900796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508127984872729453.post-70973552030712611472023-10-07T13:22:00.002-04:002023-10-07T13:22:16.443-04:00Review: Unexpected Bliss
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/75740418" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Unexpected Bliss" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1673459782l/75740418._SX98_.jpg"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/75740418">Unexpected Bliss</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5124235">Lexi Blake</a><br>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5835396229">4 of 5 stars</a>
<br>When I am in a reading and reviewing slump, I need a little Bliss pick me up. This one hit me in all the right spots and jump started me back into reviewing books. This happily ever after for Elisa is heartwarming. </p><p>Alone in the world with no family or anyone to depend on, she finds a clue to the father she never knew. I wonder if parents understand the ramifications of keeping another parent from a child. I can understand if it is a toxic parent. But to never tell the father of your child and give them a chance? </p><p>Elisa's search for some connection lands her in Bliss and meeting Mel. Paranoid Mel with his beet juice is a featured character in this series? I would have never had thought this would happen, and yet, here we are. </p><p>This story is more than a father daughter meeting. Elisa finds not 1 but 2 men to enrich her life. As with men, they tend to under communicate and end up with a boat load of avoidable conflict. This is the one thing I didn't really like about the book - the contrived misunderstanding. Fortunately the character development, character growth, and community make this story delightful. Let us not forget the glorious threesome sex.</p><p>Sylvan and Hale have been friends for a long time. They continue to pass through life and cannot really decide what they want to do. They have had a lot of fun and causes trouble along the way. It is time for them to grow up...they just need a reason. That reason is Elisa.</p><p>Elisa and the two guys are out of step for the early part of their relationship dance. Watching their drama is popcorn worthy. I am sure the three of them are not enjoying the ups and downs. Still, when they finally get it together, it is explosive. </p><p>Of course since this is Bliss, there has to be some killer and Elisa needs to join the "club". The bit of suspense subplot was fun. This erotic romance is recommended to readers who love ménages. </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><br>La Crimson Femmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18267705622599900796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508127984872729453.post-92023059029525124502023-10-06T22:58:00.054-04:002023-11-28T08:49:54.606-05:00Review: Love the Way You Spy
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/83817584" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Love the Way You Spy" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1691854764l/83817584._SX98_.jpg" /></a><p>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/83817584">Love the Way You Spy</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5124235">Lexi Blake</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5864826267">4 of 5 stars</a>
<br /><br />A new spin off series! Woohoo! I have been waiting to read about the next generation of Taggarts. This one is about Tasha. Last we saw Tasha, she was a bit of a sullen teenager who was catfished in the worst of ways. Now smarter, stronger, and an operative, she is the one catfishing...</p><p><br /></p><p>Technically she isn't catfishing. She is blowing off steam after a pride bruising break up. Why does a one night stand have to end up complicated? Can't a girl just get a little sausage without buying the whole pig? I love Tasha. She is a loyal sister and a good friend. She had a rough start in her life but now, it seems ideal. She has loving parents and she is surrounded by a great group of friends and her family. What consistently attracts me to Ms. Blake's books is how the characters have a strong and solid community. People they can count on and care for them. I understand this is fiction and it is the one thing I read about and really love to dream about since I don't have it in my own life. I digress.<br /></p><p>Tasha at a last minute subs in for another operative. The problem is, Tasha isn't an operative. She works in the support role or as I lovingly call it . . . logistics. I love logistics. In Australia, one of my favourite countries to visit, Tasha is now working a case more than their original mission parameters. It is a SNAFU that requires the elder Taggarts to make an appearance. No one wants Ian's sexapade vaca to be interrupted. Yet here we are.</p><p>This story is balanced with humour and heartbreak. It pulls at my emotions in all different directions. I love being so entrenched in a character's well being. Tasha experiences so many ups and downs in this book. And the kink... woohoo. Yes, this is kinky maledom in a glitterkink setting. Pretty much all of Ms. Blake's BDSM clubs are glitterkink and I like it. This is a little bit more than a light tickle and slap but nothing hardcore. Tasha's hesitant dom comes with a trunk full of his own baggage. Dare doesn't exactly have "daddy issues" but he does have an asshat of a father. His <span><span data-dobid="hdw">raison d'être</span></span> is admirable and bodes well for his future as a good husband. First he needs to get in the right headspace. Next he needs to get away from his father. </p><p>This erotic romance is a wild ride and I enjoyed every minute of it. I look forward to the next book in this series. This series can be read as a standalone. Be forewarned that it will most likely hook you in to read all the other series in universe. Recommended to kinky readers who enjoy a strong female lead.<br /></p>La Crimson Femmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18267705622599900796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508127984872729453.post-47862234669316140882023-09-21T16:40:00.002-04:002023-09-21T16:40:36.079-04:00Review: Happily Ever After in Bliss
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55279975" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Happily Ever After in Bliss" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1599632951l/55279975._SX98_.jpg" /></a><p>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55279975">Happily Ever After in Bliss</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4110498">Sophie Oak</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5497528295">3 of 5 stars</a>
<br /><br />
I debated in giving this a 2 or a 3 star. I like Henry. Henry is a cool dude. I have never liked Nell. Everything about her grates on me. Between her holier than thou attitude in her actions and her annoying "peaceful protests", I am completely turned off by her. I understand where she is coming from. I just don't care and I don't want to have any interaction with her, even from a peripheral. Still, this book is more about Henry's past catching up and having Nell adjust to it.</p><p>Suffice to say, the sex scenes in here are decent. I just didn't want to imagine Nell getting it on with Henry. I realize she is young. But in my mind she constant comes across as a greasy grey haired old lady in her 60s who doesn't bath much, wears hippie clothing, and reeks of patchouli. I know several people in real life like this and they are fun to hang around. Nell, I wouldn't want to have anything to do with her. Which is unusual because almost all the characters Ms. Oak creates, I like and would enjoy hanging around them. I digress.</p><p>I liked Henry dealing with his old life coming to visit his new identity. I liked how he tried to explain it to others. I like how the town is basically a magnet for retired spies, assassins, organized crime, and the crazies. The sense of community in Bliss is truly blissful. I have been waiting for Henry's story and I liked it in spite of Nell. Seeing the cross over between two different series also makes me pretty happy and geeking out over it. Recommended to romance lovers who love their spies.<br />
</p>La Crimson Femmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18267705622599900796noreply@blogger.com0