Dirty Heartbreaker: Hamilton Steelhawks Book 3 by A C Sheppard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
So I LOVE hockey, which means as a reader I also really love my hockey romances. This one was definitely one of my favorites. I loved the chemistry between the characters, and I’m a sucker for people who fight their feelings and then give in at the end. The whole book was just fantastic, and I highly recommend!
Perfect Office Pact by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4.5/5 Stars
I really enjoyed this book! I liked the 3rd person dual POV a lot. Sometimes if not done well, it can be confusing but not with this read. It wasn’t too long of a book and I enjoyed the character dynamic.
Perfect Office Pact by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A wonderful read. I felt that these two were totally misunderstood and mismatched at first. They kind of grew on you as they story went along It’s a quick read and a sweet story overall. I loved the writing and the characters. The contemporary feel and POV was refreshing. Cade is a total cad. I enjoy this author’s books and she writes books that feel so real and very modern.
Deceptively Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Deceptively yours is a second chance romance novel it was steamy, full of drama and angst, danger, action, and the chemistry between the characters was on fire. It was fast paced and I didn’t want to stop reading. You might want to check trigger warnings though but I don’t really have any sensitivities so I didn’t have any issues reading. I’m glad that after Harper ended their relationship that they had another chance because they were good together. It did have the happy ending that they deserved.
Perfect Office Pact by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Mira has graduated at the top of her class and has just landed a job at Jordan Realty. Unfortunately, her new boss, Declan, was one of her professors that she is sure hates her. But, when Declan oversteps his boundaries and invades her privacy, the two strike up a deal. He will help her be the best in the office and, in return, she will not tell anyone what he did. Throughout the story, the two grow closer while feelings grow deeper. But, what happens when one of them wants out of the deal?!?
These characters were easy to become engrossed in. There is some miscommunication, inability to express feelings, humor and angst. There are times that I wanted to smack them and tell them to figure it out! But, the story is enjoyable and it kept me engaged.
Deceptively Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book in the Titans of Chicago series. It is a dark second chance romance which deals with several subjects that could be triggering such as abusenand grief. I couldn’t help but be completely captivated with this story and I couldn’t put it down. My heart broke for our main characters Gabriel and Harper and I will be honest at times I did wonder if all the trauma and angst between them was going to be worth trying to reach their happy ever after.
Harper and Gabriel were young sweethearts. Soul mates who planned on spending the rest of their lives together. Nothing could tear them apart or so they thought.
When Harper gets the news of her parents death and then is taken away by her uncle they still hoped their love would survive. However circumstances around Harper means that in her mind to protect him from the truth she ends their relationship.
Fast forward and Harper has moved on with her life but she has never forgotten her first love. And when she gets news of Gabriel’s parents passing she wants to reach out but will she be welcome?
When Gabriel sees Harper again all the old anger, resentment and hurt crashes to the surface again. And even though he can’t deny the chemistry between them how can he ever trust her again?
With the added danger that is lurking in the background will this be the thing to bring them back together or will it push them further apart at the risk to their safety?
I really enjoyed this book and even though at times I felt like shaking Gabriel for the way he treated Harper I kept having to remind myself that he doesn’t know the truth of it what she went through. This story is gripping and I couldn’t put it down until I found out if they made it and got their happy ever after or not
Deceptively Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Anise Storm’s first book in her Titans of Chicago is Deceptively Yours. Harper Grimes and Gabriel Blake were soul mates planning to marry after graduating. Both of them had grown up together and fallen in love. One evening, Harper and Gabriel were eating dinner at Gabriel’s home when his parents came home. Mr. Blake asked Harper to meet him in his office for a minute. Harper’s parents were killed in a car accident. Devastated, Harper is shocked to learn her uncle was picking her up to live with him in Portland. Despite the Blake family offering to let Harper stay with them in Chicago, he refuses and takes Harper away.
Jayson, Harper’s cousin, tormented her two months later. Jayson rapes Harper and takes pictures of his acts. He sends them to her to prevent her from telling anyone. She felt as though she had unwillingly cheated on Gabriel. In a single phone call followed by pictures, Harper breaks Gabriel’s heart. She also stopped contact with everyone she knew in Chicago.
Nine and a half years later, Harper discovers Gabriel’s parents died in a mysterious plane crash. She knew she had an inheritance, and Mr. Blake had been trying to help her despite her uncle denying she had anything. Her friend, Jackson, had helped her look into Mr. Blake’s work, and they found something off. Just before the plane crashed, her uncle was making incremental payments to someone in Chicago. Now the same payments were being made. Harper fears that Gabriel is in danger and tries to warn him on the phone. He hangs up on her. Determined, Harper has to warn Gabriel of the danger. When White is flying to Chicago, a blizzard strikes the city. She finds Gabriel at a bachelor’s auction for a charity. When it is time to bid for the date, Harper uses over half her savings to pay for the date. However, Gabriel has other plans. Unprepared, Gabriel is angry but won’t turn Harper away since all the hotels are full. He takes her back to his penthouse.
Anise Storm’s Deceptively Yours covers several deep topics in a passionate romance story. The sixteen years Harper and Gabriel had before her parents’ deaths held onto hope. Even a decade after Harper foolishly ended the relationship, Gabriel and Harper never moved on to another real relationship. While they were apart, some of their dreams had come true, while others had fallen through due to unfortunate events that happened in real life. Despite the chemistry between them, the pain of betrayal is brought to light through Gabriel’s eyes. The alternating views are well-transitioned, and they keep the momentum of the story moving forward without being a repetitive rehashing of each detail. The personalities are well-developed, and the vivid depiction of their physical attributes adds to the appeal of this book. Readers who enjoy well-developed romantic suspense novels will find Deceptively Yours a great book for their personal library.
Dirty Heartbreaker: Hamilton Steelhawks Book 3 by A C Sheppard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Dirty Heartbreaker is Book 3 of the Hamilton Steelhawks series and a new author to me! This is a contemporary sports hockey romance and one of my favorite tropes. Romance on and off the ice, drama and angst, I loved this story. Although I have not read the first two books in the series, I did not feel lost, but I will be definitely circling back to start this series from the beginning. I was hooked from the first page and looking forward to more in this series.
Steelhawks hockey start, Colby Shelton, is hot both on and off the ice. He loves his team but also loves the ladies. There is one lady that is on his mind that he cannot let go…Gabby Abbandonato. As Gabby’s professional career ends, she is a talented designer in figure skating costumes…she does not want to be the type who falls for the hockey player….with sizzling moments with Colby…its hard not to fall. But heated moments lead to silence as Colby is not the committed type. When Colby’s hockey teammate and Gabby’s friend get married..whom is part of the wedding party..none other than Colby and Gabby. Can they work together for the sake of their friend’s upcoming wedding while sparks still are undeniable between them…or will the past and stubbornness be in the way to true happiness…
Definitely read and find out…I loved this story of Colby and Gabby <3.
Dirty Heartbreaker: Hamilton Steelhawks Book 3 by A C Sheppard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This Hockey/enemies-to-lovers/sports romance is steamy in all the right places and there is enough tension between Colby and Gabby that it makes for a wonderful read. This is the 3rd book in the series but no worries, yes the main characters from the other 2 booms are included in this one, but you will be able to follow the story line with no problems. You do not have to be too familiar with Hockey or even ice skating to enjoy this book.
Wonderful story.
Perfect Office Pact by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book kept me turning pages late into the night so I could see what was going to happen! Mira just graduated from real estate school and has been picked as the top prospect for Jordan Reality. She is young, living in an apartment above her parent’s garage, and sharing an office with Cade, the big mouth from school who came in second place. She is hoping to win Rookie of the Year and learn all she can from working at such a great company. She is excited about the job, but not the boss Declan. He was one of her professors for a few classes and she thinks he may hate her. Declan is a genius and runs a huge company at the age of 30. Declan ends up crossing a line and crossing boundaries in her privacy. She could get him in trouble but instead they make a pact. She will keep his secret if he helps her be the best. He pushes the boundaries because he just wants to know her better and she starts to learn more about his quirks. There are a lot of great characters between the people at work, Mira’s family, and her friend group and the story lines were perfect! Now I need to go back and read Bree’s story in the first book!
Hidden Mischief by Alyndra Quinn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the beginning of a series and the first book that I have read from this author. The way the book is described had me ready to sit down with a blanket and coffee to enjoy it. I was able to get into the story right away. The characters were amazingly written and had the growth that I love in stories. The author was able to descriptively write about the scenes and the characters to where I felt like I really understood them and was able to fully picture their surroundings. The spice level in this book I thought was decent. However, with the inclusion of BDSM, I really thought that the spice would be page melting and way more intense. This would be a great starting place for someone who is dipping their toes into reading BDSM. It shows some great things but doesn’t overwhelm the reader. I love the rediscovering that the main female character is doing. It really shows that no matter what you go through or where life takes you, you can alway go back to your roots. If you are looking for a book to take your mind off of things and it was a quick read. This book would be for you. If you are looking to get into the darker side of romance this would be a great way to dip your toes into the BDSM world. I can’t wait to read more from this author and continue this series.
Reviewed by: @bbohls
Dirty Heartbreaker: Hamilton Steelhawks Book 3 by A C Sheppard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was able to read this in a day. I just couldn’t put it down! The development of the story is so natural and realistic you can’t help but be sucked in and held there. The scenes are hot but not too detailed and drawn out. I absolutely loved the character development and relationship development between the main characters and everyone around them. Would highly recommend.
The Rocklyns Collection: Contemporary Romance Boxed Set by Alicia Street
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Rocklyns Collection is an amazing collection of romance stories by Alicia Street. She is a masterful author, building realistic characters that you grow to understand and love through her magnificent writing skills. I love how these books continue to build upon the next book in the series, giving you a glimpse into several members of the Rocklyn family, including some siblings and cousins. Every book in the series ends with our main characters getting their happily ever after. The Rocklyn vineyards sound like a real place where people would go to vacation and enjoy the company of small-town living. The characters have such a huge variety of personalities and interests, that it makes for a wonderful set of storylines to keep you engaged in reading their stories. The author has a talent for writing stories full of romance with characters that are so caring for the needs of others, what a great testament to the importance of loving your neighbor and helping those in need. This series has a lot of great morals and examples of giving back to the community that help build up the characters in a wonderful light.
@Brandy Rymer
02/2024
Deceptively Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Deceptively Yours (Titans of Chicago Series) by Anise Storm – Review by Jessica Stone
So, this is the first book in a new series by Anise Storm about a group of Billionaire men whom call themselves titans.
Right off the bat for any sensitive readers please heed the trigger warnings, this book is spicy and has so subjects that some might be sensitive too.
So this book is about Harper and Gabriel, to friends whom have known each other all of their lives who naturally ended up deeply in love with one another until tragedy strikes and they are forced apart in the blink of an eye. To save Gabriel from heartache and even more pain Harper ends things with him and promptly disappears from Gabes life. Until 9 years later when a dangerous situation forces Harper to seek out Gabriel and thrusts them back together(rather reluctantly in gabs part)
Will he find it in his heart to forgive and move past the hurt he experience, will Harper finally open up to gabe and be honest about why she broke his heart all those years ago.
I lovedddd these characters so much, I honestly can’t decide if I like Harper or Gabe more, I love the headstrong character that Harper is, but the vulnerability that she still has. And I adore the sweet spot that Gabe still finds himself having for Harper even after all the hurt he’s felt. Their relationship is just so day one, they were made for each other. Alsoooo, the dark sexy side of Gaberial that is alpha whole, demanding, takes what he wants just does it for me. And Harper being this shy sweet girl who is actually a little naughty is what I believe all women should be able to feel and experience.
All and all I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the characters were fun and interesting without being overloaded with unnecessary information, the world building was spot on, and the story was fun and engaging with a splash of good ole smut. I can’t wait to read what the author has in store for the rest of this series.
Deceptively Yours, Titans of Chicago Series, Anise Storm, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Contemporary Romance, February 2024, Jessica Stone
Hidden Mischief by Alyndra Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a well written story which is focused entirely on the two main characters. This is the first book that I have read by this author and I enjoyed getting familiar with their writing style. I didn’t necessarily connect with the story itself but I found the main characters interesting enough that it didn’t matter. I loved the connection between them. They had an undeniable chemistry that just seemed to work for them.
I thought this book was a great way to get a feel for this authors writing style. I showed what kind of work they produced and has definitely piqued my interest for further books. I am going to explore what else they have to offer, including any more in this series.
Dirty Heartbreaker: Hamilton Steelhawks Book 3 by A C Sheppard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is a great sports romance story with a enemies-to-lovers theme. The players had an interesting history which coloured their first few interactions and set the tone for the entertaining story we got. It is quite a slow burn story but for me, that just gave us more time to get to know the characters and love them for who they are.
The book is a well written story that is a great mix of good story-telling, romance and spice. This is the first book that I had read by this author and it can definitely be read as a standalone. Having read this book however, I know I will be going back to read the others because I enjoyed this one so much. This is a great book and I am excited to read more.
Fashionably Fake by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Jumping on mid series, I wasn’t entirely sure what I was expecting. I was pleasantly surprised to figure it could truly be read as a stand alone; however, rven with that being said I will be going back to read the previous books in the series just based solely on the little tidbits you get on the previous characters storyline throughout the book.
Suckered into helping a friend, Jackson, after he tells a lie the will majority affect both thier lives. Once Ros agrees to help keep up the ruse, things really get interesting. Will the two be able to stay just friends? Get a HEA? Or ruin a great friendship forever? Pick up the book and give it a read to find out. I would recommend it.
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/74958545-fashionably-fake” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Fashionably Fake” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1671716644l/74958545._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/74958545-fashionably-fake”>Fashionably Fake</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20965421.Morgana_Bevan”>Morgana Bevan</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6249005044″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Ros is a fashion designer, Jackson a Scottish actor. Neither one of them has been lucky in the relationship department. Jackson tells the publicity that he and Ros are together. Which makes her angry. But can she bring her walls down and really fall in love with Jackson. Can he get Ros to truely fall for him. This was such a great read. It’s the 4th book but can be read as a stand alone.<br />
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6813301-tori”>View all my reviews</a>
Deceptively Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book was an ok read for me. I thought the overall story was good but it just didn’t hit all the way for me. I liked Gabriel’s character development more than Harper but feel that Harper wasn’t as developed as a character the way I felt he was. I would have liked to see more for Harper. I also feel like the details in his development made you want to really hate him. It was a little too dark for my comfort.
Hidden Mischief by Alyndra Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Ashton is a strong, Independent woman when she is in her job is formidable but there is a secret which is buried deep down and she is nervous to let lose, her submissive side. Ashton believed she had “retired” from the scene but when she decides to give Shattered Embrace a chance but will see get what she wants and who she wants??
Zach in his day to day job is the CEO of a major company, but he has a secret where he and his brother co-own a BDSM Club. Memberships are hard to come by and have a vigorous process until one application peaks his interest, so when he discovers its the new consultant they have hired he decides to give into the obvious chemistry they have but is she really the submissive he wants and requires?
This is the first book I have read by this author and lets say it won’t be the last. I loved the character of Ashton, all strong and determined in her day job but knows what she wants and is ready to take it if needs be. When you add into the mix of Zach’s character the chemistry just explodes off the page.
The way the story weaves and slowly opens up Ashton’s story is brilliant and the at time soft approach of Zach is beautiful to read. The secondary characters also add another layer to the story and hoping that some of them get there stories in the future.
Thank you for adding another book boyfriend to my list and hope to read more of the wonderful group of people in the future.
Dirty Heartbreaker: Hamilton Steelhawks Book 3 by A C Sheppard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Dirty Heartbreaker is book three in the Hamilton Steelhawks series. I would recommend reading this series in order because some of the characters were in the previous books and it makes for a better reading experience overall.
I couldn’t put this one down. It was steamy and had a good plot and it was a sports Romance. I am definitely a sucker for those! I enjoyed the main characters Colby and Gabriella. They make the story enjoyable and I was egar to see how their story would play out.
I am looking forward to reading more by this author in the future!
Happy Reading!
Deceptively Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’ve been a die hard fan of this author since the first titan series that they did, so when I saw this had released i was right there ready to get it. I loved the trope in this book; lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers. It is an HEA, but PLEASE read the content warnings before you jump in to the book. I made the mistake of not paying attention was quite thrown off by some of the things that happened in this book. That being said, I think the author did a beautiful job of managing the trauma that comes with some of the events of the books, and I look forward to the next!
The Rocklyns Collection: Contemporary Romance Boxed Set by Alicia Street
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Rocklyn’s Collection is a variety of romances between the Rocklyn cousins that brings the reader to experience different types of relationships. Happy, sad, love, friendship, love and hate. A love for one another that reads right through the page and into the reader’s heart. Not without its share of drama each of the 7 books focuses on a different Rocklyn offspring. One of those series you don’t want to put down. Just one more page, 2 hours later not realizing what that one page turned into.
7 stories and my favorite’s were books 1, 3, & 4. And no, I can’t pick one from there. Some of them feature second chance romance. Some feature workplace type romance. And some feature just needing to know who that person is and doing everything in their power to find out.
Book 1 Lovers in Training features the oh so stubborn Shannon and her savior/client Tate who can’t get enough of her.
Book 2 Maybe Lovers features bartender Carly and elusive not readily available Dr. Jeff.
Book 3 Rainy Day Lovers features Roman who had always been taken by the woman who gave him courage to take the next step and get himself off the streets, Raina.
Book 4 Encore Lovers features Emerson and the oldest Rocklyn winery son Matt Jr. as they rediscover what once was, when he made the regretful decision to walk away and marry someone of his father’s choosing.
Book 5 Never Lovers features the rekindling childhood romance between Patrice and Monty. Getting past the tragedies that tore them apart and finding out another again while being snowed in together.
Book 6 Improbable Lovers features the aloof(to his family) form military man Grant and stuntwoman Keisha while they navigate this feeling between them. Two both stubbornly independent people are in a new territory when they realize they want the other to be part of their lives.
Book 7 Windswept Lovers is the final book in this series set and it features wild child Tucker Rocklyn finally finding a woman in Max that can bring him to his knees. Just one problem: she’s the housekeeper of the woman that wants to make him hers.
Just a brief insight into each story. The instant love through some has you wondering what substance the story has, but it’s there. It’s used as a building block of development. Others it builds to love. It’s a series I will probably start over again on a rainy day. Maybe just maybe you may feel the same way as well!
The Rocklyns Collection: Contemporary Romance Boxed Set by Alicia Street
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Rocklyns Collection: Contemporary Romance Boxed Set (Books 1-7)
Collections like this make me happy, I can binge a series of books instead of the dreaded waiting for the next book to come out.
We get to know the Rocklyn family and follow them as they fall in love with their people. Each couple meets in a different way and face their own challenges but they work through it to end up with their happy endings.
I loved each couple for different reasons, but think my favorite meets was Raina in Rainy Day Lovers which is the third book in the collection.
This series has been a great way to fill my days as I recover and plan to see what else has to offer.
Fashionably Fake by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fashionably Fake: A Fake Relationship Hollywood Romance (Kings of Screen Celebrity Romance Book 4)
Jackson needs help deflecting a scandal in the press and instantly inserts his foot into his mouth and turns Ros’s life on its ear.
Ros’s friendship with Jackson has grown a lot since they met at the wedding and she doesn’t want to mess it up no matter the conflict in her head and heart. Her childhood tramas continue to impact her and how she lives her life.
This was a sweet story about friends becoming lovers and everything they each go through in the transition. It was great catching up with the boys. They are such a fun group.
The Rocklyns Collection: Contemporary Romance Boxed Set by Alicia Street
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love Alicia Street books. They’re always just so juicy. They have such amazing stories, and this collection doesn’t disappoint. Each of the 7 books offers a story packed with all the yummy things. Great characters, great world building, romance, and a great story. It took me 3 days, but I was literally fighting sleep because they were so good. I couldn’t pick a favorite if you asked me to, but just know this, you won’t be let down. I can’t wait to read them again!!
Review By
Manda Kelly
Fashionably Fake by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
This was a fun, contemporary friends to lovers romance…Fashionably Fake is Book 4 in this series…I thought this story was very enjoyable..the chemistry between Ros and Jackson was off the chart. Friendship, undisclosed feelings and banter..what will come of Ros and Jackson……..
Hollywood is all about facade….that is what Jackson is finding out being a well known actor, knowing he needs to clean up his act a bit. When Jackson confronts Ros with a proposition of one year of being together as a “couple”, what could he lose…..but Ros is hesitant, swearing not to get her heart broken again…she decides to take Jackson on his offer. Knowing how their friendship is…what can happen when Ros and Jackson blur the lines of that friendship when Ros is trying to fight off the feelings while Jackson is trying to embrace them.
Definitely have to read and find out what happens. This is a very good story, easy to read and I just loved the banter between Jackson and Ros.
Hidden Mischief by Alyndra Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Hidden Mischief is the first book in the Shattered Embrace series. It honestly read like a debut novel, it might be, I haven’t read this author before, so pardon me if I’m wrong. I had a really hard time settling on a rating. I ended settling with a 3.5 and I know that seems like I didn’t like it but I did I just wasn’t enamored with it. I understood Ashton’s trauma and appreciated Zachary’s willingness to work through it with her, and help her explore herself more, and come to terms with what she likes for herself. Joining his club in search of a Dom/Sub relationship was just the very beginning. I liked them together too but everything happened so fast and I just feel like there’s so much more story to tell. I’d like to continue the series to get a better feel for the characters and see the authors writing talent grow.
The Rocklyns Collection: Contemporary Romance Boxed Set by Alicia Street
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
WOW! This has been the most incredible boxed set I have read in quite a long time. I thought it was going to take me ages to get through this as it is 7 books, but I literally devoured them in one weekend. After loving the first two, I was worried that the series would have a lesser quality as the books went on. I’m pleased to say that they were all phenomenal, which is nearly an impossible feat with 7 entire books! You’ll be on an emotional rollercoaster throughout this series as we get to know all of the characters’ quirks and relationship webs. I kept falling in love with each character, all of which were incredibly well-developed. The flow of each story was seamless, and I never felt any awkward moments where I was pulled out of the book. I am experiencing such a deep book hangover as I didn’t want to part with these characters at all. This author has definitely made it to my watch list and I’m highly recommending this boxed set to everyone I know!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Fashionably Fake by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This series has been so incredible, and this installment is no different! The author has such a way of crafting their stories that once you open the first page, you cannot pull away. I lost an entire afternoon being sucked into this world, but I have zero regrets. The book is told in dual points of view which is an automatic bonus for me. It helps shape the story to hear from both Ros and Jackson’s perspectives. I’m a big fan of fake relationship tropes as well, and the author truly brought a refreshing take to them. While this is part of the series, it is possible to read this as a standalone, so don’t let this being the 4th book put you off at all! I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for us next.
Reviewed by @shannlynn
