Etiquette and Espionage

Review Time! Etiquette and Espionage is the YA debut of bestselling author Gail Carriger. I've read most of Gail's adult steampunk series, Parasol Protectorate (which are amazing) so I had this one on my radar for some time. I'm excited to review this for you guys today because I can't even put my excitement for this book into words! You can purchase a copy of this book from The Book Depository | The Nile | Bookworld | Fishpond. Thanks to Hachette for the review copy! 

(Goodreads) It's one thing to learn to curtsy properly. It's quite another to learn to curtsy and throw a knife at the same time. Welcome to Finishing School.

Fourteen-year-old Sophronia is a great trial to her poor mother. Sophronia is more interested in dismantling clocks and climbing trees than proper manners—and the family can only hope that company never sees her atrocious curtsy. Mrs. Temminick is desperate for her daughter to become a proper lady. So she enrolls Sophronia in Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality.

But Sophronia soon realizes the school is not quite what her mother might have hoped. At Mademoiselle Geraldine's, young ladies learn to finish...everything. Certainly, they learn the fine arts of dance, dress, and etiquette, but they also learn to deal out death, diversion, and espionage—in the politest possible ways, of course. Sophronia and her friends are in for a rousing first year's education.

The Short Story? - Set in the same world as Carriger's Parasol Protectorate series, Etiquette and Espionage follows the adventures of Sophronia Temminick as she attends her first year at Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality. The perfect combination of adventure, the supernatural and Garriger's signature "posh" humour, Etiquette and Espionage is high quality reading for the YA audience! Filled with mystery, friendship and the unpredictable, Carriger's YA debut is nothing less than impressive! 

The Long Story? - I've been waiting so long to read this novel and now that I've finished reading it, I regret nothing! It was an absolutely delight to read, beautifully written, rich language and very witty humour, I expected nothing less from Carriger. Etiquette and Espionage is probably aimed at a younger audience since the characters are essentially fourteen however the plot suggests that it's a story that can be enjoyed by all. I was sold on the idea of a "finishing" school where the proper ladies of society learn everything from high fashion to poisoning husbands ( tell me that doesn't sound good! I DARE YOU!) and Carriger definitely delivered. I loved the mystery element of the whole novel, I loved the steampunk and I loved the supernatural. It's not a very action-packed novel and it would have been nice to see a little more "finishing" but I have no doubt that book one is just a learning curve for Sophronia and her friends! I'm a little disappointed at the lack of romance since Carriger writes it so well but the seeds have been planted and I'm sure something will blossom in book two! In other words, bring it on! 

The characterisation was great, I've got a good grasp on Sophronia's character from Etiquette and Espionage, she's unpredictable, quirky and trouble in the form of a fourteen year girl. However she's also quick on her feet and fiercely loyal to her friends, she's good at solving mysteries and although she's far from finishing, she's a lady in the making! Dimity is so lovely, if I could have a partner in crime, I would pick Dimity, she's probably not the most reliable or the best pupil but she's funny and girly and the complete opposite of Sophronia. I was also quite taken by little Vieve who I thought was such an adorable character, not to mention that Vieve's a genius! I thoroughly liked Soap's character throughout the novel, he's charming and sweet and incredibly helpful! Overall, not a bad cast of characters at all! 

If I'm certain about anything, it's that Carriger knows how to write a wonderful historical YA. There is something for everyone to enjoy in Etiquette and Espionage, humour, steampunk, the supernatural, mystery and adventure! Dangerous, exciting and just a little fancy, Etiquette and Espionage is a remarkable debut that brings just as many thrills as laughs! Get your teacups out, slip on your gloves - we're going to finishing school!

What's it Worth? - Hand Over The Paycheck

Badass Bookie xx

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The Goddess Inheritance

Review Time! So you probably noticed the lack of posts lately and I'm SO sorry but I've had midterms and it's all been really stressful! Things are settling down a little so today I have a review of The Goddess Inheritance by Aimee Carter, the final book in the Goddess Test trilogy! I've followed this series from the start and it's brilliant, you can purchase a copy of The Goddess Test from The Nile | The Book Depository | Bookworld | Fishpond. Thanks to HarlequinTeen for the review copy!

(Goodreads) During nine months of captivity, Kate Winters has survived a jealous goddess, a vengeful Titan and a pregnancy she never asked for. Now the Queen of the Gods wants her unborn child, and Kate can't stop her — until Cronus offers a deal.

In exchange for her loyalty and devotion, the King of the Titans will spare humanity and let Kate keep her child. Yet even if Kate agrees, he'll destroy Henry, her mother and the rest of council. And if she refuses, Cronus will tear the world apart until every last god and mortal is dead.

With the fate of everyone she loves resting on her shoulders, Kate must do the impossible: find a way to defeat the most powerful being in existence, even if it costs her everything.

Even if it costs her eternity…

The Short Story? - What a fantastic end to a trilogy! I'm sad to see these characters go but I'm glad that I've been on this epic journey with them. The Goddess Inheritance was definitely a very strong addition to the trilogy. There was action, romance, drama and all that good stuff! It was a roller coaster ride of a novel, everything tied up nicely and I liked how it was a little bit bittersweet. Some of the writing was a little patchy but in the grand scheme of things, I really thought The Goddess Inheritance very well done!

The Long Story? - I'm very happy with the way this trilogy ended, it wasn't perfect but plot wise, this was definitely a worthy ending to a brilliant trilogy. I'm a huge fan of greek mythology and the premise of the series is fantastic. I'm especially taken by the war between the olympians and the titans that Carter has incorporated into the plot of The Goddess Inheritance. It's jam-packed with action, it's edgy and it's fast-paced. The problem with such an ambitious plot is that it can get a little choppy which, unfortunately, it did in parts. Some parts were very rushed and confusing and that made it uncomfortable to read. This choppy writing style is present throughout the trilogy but once you get used to it, it's really not a huge problem and I honestly think nothing could make this plot less appealing. I loved everything about it, the romance, the action, the tension, the loss and the sacrifice, definitely one I would recommend to YA readers of paranormal romance!

Since it is a trilogy, I have grown close to the characters over the course of the books and I love them. Kate continues to surprise me, I sympathised with her throughout the novel. She's torn between the two people she loves the most in the world - her husband and her child. She's also got the weight of the world resting on her shoulders yet everyone else just wants her to stay out of the fight because they think she's weak. It's frustrating to see everyone dismiss Kate and I feel like I connected with her through her helplessness. It was satisfying to see her in the epic final battle and I think she deserved that bittersweet ending. Henry, there is something so appealing about a guy of few words and who is unable to show his emotions. It must be frustrating for Kate but OMG, it's so sexy! He's like the broody, mysterious immortal. EVERYONE'S TYPE! Surprisingly I also really liked Cronus as a character, even though he was portrayed as the antagonist, I feel like all the characters really forced him to play the bad guy! Overall a great cast of characters, I'm going to be sorry to leave them behind!

If you haven't read this series, I sincerely hope you find the time to do it because *I* personally think it's a great trilogy to read and now that all three books are out, you can buy them all and read them one after another! Carter has truly outdone herself with this final instalment, I'm very impressed and I can't wait to see what she has planned for us next! The perfect balance between romance and action, The Goddess Inheritance ended the trilogy on a high note!

What's it Worth? - Hand Over the Paycheck

Badass Bookie xx

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Perfect Scoundrels

Review Time! One simply does not review an Ally Carter novel without abusing CAPLOCKS and EXCLAMATION MARKS!!! After a long and painful wait, we finally have the 3rd book of Ally Carter's Heist Society series! This is one of my favourite series in the world and ugh, I'm still fangirling. You can purchase a copy of Perfect Scoundrels from Fishpond | The Nile | Booktopia | Bookworld. Thanks to Hachette Childrens for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Katarina Bishop and W.W. Hale the fifth were born to lead completely different lives: Kat comes from a long, proud line of loveable criminal masterminds, while Hale is the scion of one of the most seemingly perfect dynasties in the world. If their families have one thing in common, it's that they both know how to stay under the radar while getting--or stealing--whatever they want. No matter the risk, the Bishops can always be counted on, but in Hale's family, all bets are off when money is on the line. When Hale unexpectedly inherits his grandmother's billion dollar corporation, he quickly learns that there's no place for Kat and their old heists in his new role. But Kat won't let him go that easily, especially after she gets tipped off that his grandmother's will might have been altered in an elaborate con to steal the company's fortune. So instead of being the heir--this time, Hale might be the mark. Forced to keep a level head as she and her crew fight for one of their own, Kat comes up with an ambitious and far-reaching plan that only the Bishop family would dare attempt. To pull it off, Kat is prepared to do the impossible, but first, she has to decide if she's willing to save her boyfriend's company if it means losing the boy.

The Short Story? - If there is anything I know for sure, it's that Ally Carter never fails to impress. If any author can keep a reader hooked without a cliff hanger ending, it's Carter. Perfect Scoundrels was everything I hoped it would be and more, my favourite novel of the series so far, Carter pushes boundaries to a whole new level with this action-packed instalment of Kat's life of crime. Putting both Kat's abilities and her relationship with Hale to the test, Carter's Perfect Scoundrels is a phenomenally epic read!

The Long Story? - Ally Carter is a genius because ordinary people don't just don't have the brain capacity to spin such a complicated plot yet manage to tie every single loose thread before the last page. What a mind-blowing plot! I definitely wasn't expecting this heist to be so personal to the gang and I wasn't expecting all these developments between Kat and Hale. The feels I got just reading about all the obstacles that Kat had to go around romantically and on the job, just broke my heart. Perfect Scoundrel was nothing less than an emotional roller coaster. Unpredictable, complex and incredibly clever, the detail in this plot was just astonishing. I still cannot get over how sneaky Carter is, I'm half convinced her books are actually based on her own life because no one can write fiction THIS WELL. This is action-packed perfection. If you like edgy, dangerous and exciting books about teenage criminals, I definitely recommend Ally Carter's Heist Society series to you!

I'm a sucker for characters with charm and if there is anything that this group of teenagers have, it's charm. They're all charming in their own way and it's not just the looks although Hale is definitely very, VERY good-looking. It's the way they act and the manner their hold themselves. It's the cool and collected nature of their personalities. I WANT TO BE JUST LIKE THEM. Kat has grown so much from the first book, she's the same girl but...not. I feel like she's more confident and that her emotions come through better. She's easier to connect with and her relationship with Hale is just so natural and cute in the "not all in your face way". Their love for each other is subtle but it's very much there. To see their relationship strained under the intense plot that is Perfect Scoundrel really affected me because these characters are just so real to me. Hale definitely stole the show in this book, the death of his grandmother really affected him and his emotional unstableness in this book was heartbreaking to read. Perfect Scoundrels was definitely a book filled with emotional ups and downs and that's what makes a brilliant book. Fantastic!

I can't tell you how much I loved this book, Perfect Scoundrels was perfection in bookish form. Ally Carter is a literary genius. Filled with action and seductively dangerous and exciting, I highly recommend Perfect Scoundrels and the series as a whole to everyone who hasn't read it. This rush I get when reading this series is indescribable, absolutely fantastic! I await whatever Carter has planned for us next! A MUST READ!

What's it Worth? - STEAL IT. 

Badass Bookie xx

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Life in Outer Space

Review Time! Life in Outer Space is the first book published through Hardie Grant Egmonts Ampersand Project. A project dedicated to publishing YA works of fiction by unpublished authors. Melissa Keil  is the first author to be published through this project! YAY for Aussie YA fiction and 2013 YA Debuts! You can purchase a copy of Life in Outer Space from Fishpond | The Nile | Booktopia | Bookworld. Thanks to Hardie Grant Egmont for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Sam Kinnison is a geek, and he’s totally fine with that. He has his horror movies, his nerdy friends, World of Warcraft – and until Princess Leia turns up in his bedroom, he doesn’t have to worry about girls.

Then Sam meets Camilla. She’s beautiful, friendly and completely irrelevant to his life. Sam is determined to ignore her, except that Camilla has a life of her own – and she’s decided that he’s going to be part of it.

Sam believes that everything he needs to know he can learn from the movies ... but now it looks like he’s been watching the wrong ones.

The Short Story? - Keil's Life in Outer Space is a heart warming story about growing up and pushing social boundaries. The story of a group of high school misfits and the girl who changes everything, Life in Outer Space is everything that I imagined it would be. Funny, quirky and adorkably cute, Keil's debut is unlike anything I've ever read. With a brilliant yet socially awkward male protagonist and his equally as awkward motley crew, Life in Outer Space offers readers a refreshingly realistic and relatable take on growing up and the power of friendship, love and everything dorky!

The Long Story? - Under normal circumstances, this probably wouldn't have been my cup of tea. I'm not normally one to be found reading novels about growing up (unless there are hot boys involved) or books with geeky references throughout it (because I don't get 95% of them) but somehow I found myself enjoying Life in Outer Space very much. There is something refreshingly about this debut, I loved that it pushed social boundaries, I loved the emphasis on friendship and I like the routine of the whole novel, it's so steady yet funny and not at all boring. I would have liked to see a little more romance which is funny because everyone else LOVES this book because of the minimalistic romance but I'M A GIRL (sue me!). I can't say that I understood many of the geeky references made throughout the novel but I enjoyed it nevertheless. There is something light and fluffy about this plot and I can definitely see why this book appeals to readers of both genders. Definitely a debut worth checking out!

The characterisation really did it for me. I wouldn't say I'm typically geeky or a "misfit" but I could definitely connect with Sam. I loved that the book was written through the perspective of a boy, honestly it's such an interesting perspective, authors should write through boys more often! Sam was so cute and adorkable, I just wanted to cuddle him and never let go! I loved reading about his adventures with his friends and his relationship with Camilla. His awkwardness and wittiness was irresistible and I want more than anything to plop down on the couch next to him and watch horror movies! His character development was well done, I'm glad to see him become more confident because there is no reason for him to have low self esteem, he's absolutely brilliant. Camilla was one of my favourite secondary characters, she's so down to earth and groovy! She doesn't care about what everyone else thinks and yet somehow everyone adores her for being who she is. She's such a lovely girl! All of Sam's other friends are all so lovely as well, I simply adored them all! I want to be their friend!!! Great characterisation!

I would highly recommend Life in Outer Space to any readers looking for a light hearted contemporary YA without a heavy emphasis on romance. This is the kind of novel everyone should read because it shows true appreciation for friendship which is what high school is about. It's about friendship not boys and I liked how that came through in Keil's debut (although you know I wouldn't hate the book either if it's overly romantic :D). All in all, I very much enjoyed Life in Outer Space and I'm sure many of you will too!

What's it Worth? - Squeeze Into the Budget/ Hand Over the Paycheck

Badass Bookie

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Prodigy

Review Time! Prodigy by Marie Lu is the long anticipated sequel to Legend, a phenomenal 2011 YA Debut. You can read my review of Legend - HERE (It's really good!!!). I was so excited to read Prodigy and it was an added bonus that I read it so soon after I finished Legend so the story was still fresh! You can purchase a copy of Legend from The Book Depository | The Nile | Fishpond | Bookworld. Thanks to Penguin for the review copy!

(Goodreads) June and Day arrive in Vegas just as the unthinkable happens: the Elector Primo dies, and his son Anden takes his place. With the Republic edging closer to chaos, the two join a group of Patriot rebels eager to help Day rescue his brother and offer passage to the Colonies. They have only one request—June and Day must assassinate the new Elector.

It’s their chance to change the nation, to give voice to a people silenced for too long.

But as June realizes this Elector is nothing like his father, she’s haunted by the choice ahead. What if Anden is a new beginning? What if revolution must be more than loss and vengeance, anger and blood—what if the Patriots are wrong?

The Short Story? - Inspired by Les Miserables, Lu's dystopian YA series is an absolute stunner! With the perfect combination of action and romance, Prodigy exceeded all my expectations for the series! Beautiful character building, well written and the plot was exploding with secret agendas, twists and turns! A land mine of a plot, a beautifully flawed yet strong romance and two characters that stole my heart in their own ways. Lu has truly outdone herself with this extraordinary sequel to a phenomenal debut. Prodigy was completely and utterly amazing!

The Long Story? - One of the worst things that can happen with a series or trilogy is a downhill story. You don't want to read a mind blowing debut and then a completely lacking sequel. Fortunately in this case, Prodigy met all my expectations and then some! I absolutely loved it! There was drama, tension, action, mystery and to wrap it up, a romance tagline. It was just the perfect combination of everything that I love all between a beautiful cover. Well written and brilliantly planned, it's going to be pretty hard to beat a plot like this, I feel sorry for whatever book I have to review next! I also loved the introduction of new characters, the new turn of events AT THE VERY END are going to be very interesting. Undoubtedly, the next book is going to be even more amazing than Prodigy and I can't wait for it! Lu has done a spectacular job with this dystopian YA series, truly a polished gem!

To fall in love with a book, you must fall in love with the characters first and I fell head over heels in love with both June and Day. Initially I was a little hesitant about the characters because they're awfully young for such a dramatised plot, I mean at 15 I wasn't starting revolutions or saving the republic however both have shown outstanding maturity and ugh, I just love them soooo much! June, it's astounding how much she's grown since Legend, she's really had it tough and the way she's dealt with everything is just so brave! Day, apart from being incredibly good looking was so perfect. He wasn't too nice and yes, in parts he was a little bit of a jerk but the way he always pulls through and his love June is so sweet! One of the best coupling in the YA genre, I couldn't be any happier! Although I love June and Day together, I can't help but wonder whether there will be anything between June and Anden. It probably won't be a love triangle but the best romances are the ones that survive all the obstacles!

I like to think of myself as a reasonable book critic, I always try to see the positive and the negative and in this case, I just can't find a negative! I enjoyed it immensely and while it wasn't The Gathering Dark ( which is my favourite book in the entire world!), Prodigy was as close to perfection as I'm willing to say! I highly recommend checking out this series, definitely worth a read! Lu better have something mind shattering planned for book 3 if she wants to meet all my high expectations! Two thumbs up for Prodigy!

What's It Worth? - Hand Over the Paycheck/ Break Out the Piggy Bank

Badass Bookie xx

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Debut of the Month - All About The Ruining + Giveaway

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Book Profile

Name - The Ruining (Goodreads)
Author - Anna Collomore
Genre -  Psychological Thriller
Release Date - February 7th 2013

Annie Phillips is thrilled to leave her past behind and begin a shiny new life on Belvedere Island, as a nanny for the picture-perfect Cohen family. In no time at all, she falls in love with the Cohens, especially with Libby, the beautiful young matriarch of the family. Life is better than she ever imagined. She even finds romance with the boy next door.

All too soon cracks appear in Annie's seemingly perfect world. She's blamed for mistakes she doesn't remember making. Her bedroom door comes unhinged, and she feels like she's always being watched. Libby, who once felt like a big sister, is suddenly cold and unforgiving. As she struggles to keep up with the demands of her new life, Annie's fear gives way to frightening hallucinations. Is she tumbling into madness, or is something sinister at play? 

Available - The Book Depository | Indiebound | Bookish | Barnes and Noble

The Insider's Scoop

1.) I am a part-time nanny, just like Annie, my protagonist. However, I wrote The Ruining several months before my friends here in Paris contacted me to offer me the job. It's 100% coincidental that I wrote a book about a nanny...then took a job as a nanny.

2.) I wrote three different endings for The Ruining. They were all drastically different, and sometimes I go back and wish I could swap out the one I went with for a previous (more sinister) one!

3.) Bits and pieces of Owen, Annie's love interest, were drawn from real life. My boyfriend at the time I was writing the novel had a Rhodesian Ridgeback named Zizzy (Owen's dog is Izzy), was known to eat sardines from a can, and liked to play Words with Friends. Another previous boyfriend was a volunteer EMT. And like Owen, one of my brothers competed in the National Spelling Bee. (There really was a crying room.)

4.) I had a marathon writing session with one of my good friends (Jess Rothenberg, author of The Catastrophic History of You and Me), just before my first draft was due. I wrote 40+ pages over the course of two days, fueled by sparkling wine and an array of gourmet snack items. It was one of my favorite friend-writing-sessions ever.

5.) I wrote The Ruining during lunch breaks, nights and weekends (while working full-time) over the course of 2 1/2 months...and my mental state (as a result of stress and a lack of sleep) was really weird. It's probably why I was able to portray Annie's slipping sanity in a somewhat convincing way.

"Gripping, unputdownable stuff."--Booklist

"This story unwinds as a corker of a read...gripping stuff." --Kirkus, Starred Review

~Giveaway~

Anna is giving away (1) Hardcover Copy of The Ruining 

Rule of Entry -

- US ONLY

- Ends 18th of March

- Must be 12 or older

- Optional Entries :

   * Leaving comment on either of Anna's posts +1 each

   * Follow Me on Twitter +1

   * Follow Anna on Twitter +1

   * Tweeting Giveaway +1

   * Follow Badass Bookie via GFC/Linky or RSS +2

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Badass Bookie xx

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Debut of the Month - All About Anna Collomore (The Ruining)

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Debutante Profile

Name – Anna Collomore 

Debut – The Ruining 

Genre – Psychological Thriller 

Website– HERE

Facebook -  HERE

Twitter - HERE

Anna Collomore is the debut author of The Ruining (Penguin/Razorbill, February 2013). A former book editor from New York City, Anna now lives and writes in Paris. When she's not reading or writing, Anna can be generally be found in patisseries, thrift stores, parks, flower shops, or (embarrassingly) bars that mimic Brooklyn.

Dream Debutante Dress -  It's Vera Wang bridal, but I figure the blush pink tone makes it versatile.

Notes from a YA Debutante

10 Things About Anna: 

1.) I have only 1.12 remaining kidneys.

2.) I was really little when the AIDS crisis was full-on emerging. My childhood friend had recently kissed me, and I became convinced I had AIDS. For months (it felt like a year), I thought I was going to die. I was afraid to tell my parents. Finally I asked someone how you get AIDS and realized my error. It was probably the most anxiety I've ever felt in my life.

3.) I went through a short phase one summer in which I searched for dead animals (with a wheelbarrow) and gave them funerals.

4.) I lived in Mumbai, India, for about 15 months. Once when I was bopping around town, my friend Salim (who was driving the car we were in) drove over a man. The man did not have any legs and had been crossing the street on his wheeled platform--then the light changed and Salim gunned it. Thankfully, the man wasn't hurt--but our car was almost the focus of a mini-riot. 

5.) I live in a tiny chambre de bonne (servant's room) on the very top floor of a 6-story building in Paris. My floor is technically the 7th, but it is unnumbered and the elevator only goes to the 6th. So you go to the 6th, enter a secret door, take a spiral staircase up to another floor, and then walk down a hallway of unmarked doors...until you get to my room. I have a sloping roof with one little window, but it is not without it's charm--it's a storybook Parisian garret. 

6.) I nearly got kicked out of my dorm in college (and could have been kicked out of college altogether) for lying to my RA in order to protect a friend.

7.) I interviewed LeBron James for the teen section of my local newspaper when I was 17, and he had just been featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated. He gave me an autograph signed, "Thanks, beautiful," and I pinned it to my bedroom wall, where it stayed for about 6 months.

8.) I used to be able to quote along with every single Saved by the Bell episode in existence. 

9.) My junior year of high school, I received a fake detention. My teacher thought it would be hilarious because I was such a big nerd. However, I wasn't that fazed--I served it and he had his laugh, and a couple years later he got fired for harassment...so I guess the joke's on him?

10.) My favorite song to sing loudly in or out of the shower is Lady in Red. 

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Bookie's Note: I just absolutely adore our February Debutantes don't you? Anna, what an INTERESTING life you've had, so many fun and quirky memories. I must ask, 1.12 kidneys? O_o What an unusual number of kidneys to have! I'm so jealous that you live in Paris and that you've lived in India, honestly I would love to pack up, spin the globe and just live somewhere exotic for a couple of months! :D

Remember to come back tomorrow to see the second half of Anna's feature and for a giveaway! :)

Badass Bookie xx

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