Showing posts with label anticipated reads. Show all posts
Showing posts with label anticipated reads. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 4, 2022

Brawler's Weakness by Gina Azzi {cover reveal}


Gina Azzi has just revealed the cover for Brawler's Weakness!


This is the second book in the Tennessee Thunderbolts series, and I don't think you're ready! We get a sneak peak at these two in Hot Shot's Mistake, and you can already tell they are going to be an AMAZING couple!

Having read Hot Shot's Mistake, I know that this is going to be an age gap romance! I am so ready to get my hands on this book, and find out everything that goes down between Maisy and Axel.

Mark July 7th on  your calendar, because that is when the book will be released.

There’s only one woman I truly care about: my daughter. Until Maisy Stratford flounces into the front office of the Tennessee Thunderbolts with a heartfelt smile and a tray of baked goods.


As the Bolts’ newest hire, Maisy is optimistic, enthusiastic, and a goddess at manifestation.


Everything I’m not.


Known as Brawler, I’m a gruff, quiet, rough-around-the-edges, NHL defenseman. I haven’t dated in decades. I’ve never been married and my daughter’s a twenty-one-year-old mischief maker. I don’t know how to talk about feelings or place my trust in the hands of a woman. Even one with a heart of gold.


With my daughter Lola egging me on, I finally ask Maisy out.


But I don’t want to be her rebound; I want to be her forever. Even if I don’t know how to tell her that. Even if she’s not ready for me.


If I’m being honest, I’m not ready for her either. 


Pre-Order Your Copy Here!

Add to your Goodreads TBR List!



Meet Gina Azzi


I’m Gina Azzi, a book-obsessed, coffee-drinking, globetrotting, mama of soon-to-be three! I write sweet with a dash of spicy New Adult and Contemporary Romance full of good men putting in work to win the hearts of even better women.

A total Jersey girl at heart, I struggle with insatiable wanderlust and currently reside in Ontario, Canada with my family. 

 

When I’m not dreaming up storylines or writing all the words, you can find me hanging with my littles, attempting to bake, or planning my next adventure.

 

Connect with me on social media or at ginaazziauthor@gmail.com. I’d love to hear from you!

 

Happy Reading!

Xo,

Gina


Connect with Gina Azzi

Website | Newsletter | Facebook | Reader GroupTwitter | Instagram | BookBub | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page



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Tuesday, May 3, 2022

The MRS Degree by Sara Ney {a review}

From USA TODAY Bestselling Author Sara Ney comes a new series about strong, single girls falling in love: accidentally. Today is release day for The MRS Degree! This is the second book in the series, and I have been anticipating this book since finishing The Player Hater!

If you read The Player Hater, then you've already been introduced to Penelope and Skipper. You also know how The Player Hater ended, and that may have piqued your curiosity. Well I'm here to tell you that The MRS Degree picks up just about where we left off. We back track slightly but it's worth it to build the scene where Pen sees Jack for the first time in about 8 years. It sets the stage for everything that is about to go down.

I knew that Penelope and Jack's story was going to be intense and a tad bit emotional, and I was not disappointed one bit. From that scene at the door, to the "secret" being revealed to EVERYONE, to the eventual reconnection, it was all just so good.

These two college sweethearts were separated out of fear. Pen thought that she was doing what was right based on a conversation she and Jack had. She was protecting him, and allowing him to follow his passions. At the same time she was running from a difficult conversation. Had they talked it through, the outcome would have been different. Now though they get their second chance at forever. This time with a sidekick at their side.

Penelope, Jack, and Skipper grabbed my attention, and I did not want their story to end. The characters were wonderful, and the storyline captivating. So glad to see them getting their happily ever after.

Jack is an amazing character. He was loving, caring, charming, all while being a genuine stand up guy. He loves hard, and he is a protector as well. You could see how the truth that Penelope revealed affected him. You could see him taking initiative to do whatever it took for his family.

As for Skipper, she's just an amazing kid. So full of energy, loves to talk, and loves her family with all that she is. The bond that she has with her Uncle is incredible. He's part of her support system. 

I loved how Sara Ney handled this topic. It wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. Decisions had to be made. Feelings were felt. Truths were revealed. The world our characters knew was just flipped upside down. It shook them all a bit. 

I also quite enjoyed how we went back to Jack and Penelope's relationship in college. We were able to learn more about the connection our characters had, and the love they had was undeniable. Going back and forth between that time, and current time was something that helped build the book.

The set up for The Make Out Artist has me intrigued. I will definitely be adding that one to my anticipated reads list for July.

This second chance, single parent, secret child, sports romance was so dang good. Sara Ney has created a great group of characters. They draw in the reader, and at least for me, have me wondering what is going to happen next for them.

Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts on The MRS Degree. This book gave me everything I wanted. Highly suggest you pick up the Accidentally in Love series.

Happy Reading,
Laura




I never thought I would get pregnant in college.

When I did, I thought leaving Jack Jennings was doing him a giant favor—he had a bright future ahead of him as a football star—the last thing he needed was me and a baby standing in his way of his dreams.

Honestly? I figured he would eventually forget about me.

I would raise our child in secret and watch Jack on television, and the pain of what I’d done to him would heal.

The last person I expected to see on my brothers doorstep seven years later was Jack; obviously, or I wouldn’t have answered it.

A superstitious athlete, dreams were keeping him awake at night that were preventing him from excelling on the field—dreams he was hoping I could make…disappear.

He looked so good. So much older.
Kind. Handsome.

Turns out, he hadn’t forgotten about me either, and he hadn’t put our past behind him.

Grab Your Copy Here!
Add to your Goodreads TBR!

Meet Sara Ney


Sara Ney is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the How to Date a Douchebag series, and is best known for her sexy, laugh-out-loud New Adult romances. 

Among her favorite vices, she includes: iced lattes, historical architecture and well-placed sarcasm. She lives colorfully, collects vintage books, art, loves flea markets, and fancies herself British. 

Connect with Sara Ney


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Thank you to Sara Ney, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced review copy of The MRS Degree.

Friday, April 29, 2022

May Anticipated Reads

Happy almost May!


It's time to discuss my anticipated reads for the upcoming month! I'll tell you right now there are two that are standing out, and I cannot wait to get my greedy little hands on them.

Can you guess which they are?

Let's jump in!

My Fake Fiancé by Piper Rayne {cover reveal}


Piper Rayne has just revealed the cover for My Fake Fiancé! This is the 8th full length novel in the Greene Family series that takes place in Sunrise Bay Alaska. Mandi Greene will be our main character in this installment, and I am curious to see where this goes. I think I know who her love interest is going to be based on previous occurrence in a book.

So if you are someone who enjoys small town romances, a large family who is all up in your business, and falling for your fake partner, then go preorder this book! I know I have!

Also save the date for August 23, 2022, as that is when My Fake Fiancé is releasing.
 

Cover Design: Hang Le Designs
Photographer: Wander Aguiar Photography



I never felt truly desired by a man—until him.

My sisters are always the ones who catch a guy's eye at first sight. I'm used to attracting guys because I'm funny, or kind, or have a beautiful face. Never has my curvy figure drawn the attention of a man as hot as Noah.

But the second he stepped foot into my small town Alaskan inn, his gaze swept over me with desire, igniting a flame I thought was dead. He flirted with me, and I might've left two chocolates on his pillow at turndown, but that's where it stayed.

Over the years, he's floated in and out of town while a friendship developed between us. Which is probably for the best because I'm not a one-night stand kind of woman.

Which is funny because when he propositions me to be his fake fiancé in order to end a family feud, it turns out I am the kind of woman willing to pretend to be the one he's in love with.

 

Pre-order your copy today on Amazon, Apple, Nook, Kobo, or Google Play!


Coming soon to Audible!

 

Add to your Goodreads TBR!

 

Meet Piper Rayne

Piper Rayne is a USA Today Bestselling Author duo who write "heartwarming humor with a side of sizzle" about families, whether that be blood or found. They both have e-readers full of one-clickable books, they're married to husbands who drive them to drink, and they're both chauffeurs to their kids. Most of all, they love hot heroes and quirky heroines who make them laugh, and they hope you do, too!





Thursday, April 28, 2022

Rule by Caitlyn Dare {a review}

Rule is the third, and final installment in River's storyline within the Red Ridge Sinners series from Caitlyn Dare. I'm not ready for it to be over, but thankfully Kat has her story coming soon! The other good news is that River and her guys are finally getting their happily ever after. So that is always something to look forward to!

Rule picks up right where Reap left off. We're jumping right into the action, and nothing is held back. Hold on to your hats, because this book is going to take you on a wild ride. There are going to be twists and turns that you didn't see coming, and you may find your jaw dropping like I did.

Rule was absolutely fantastic. all of the storylines were wrapped up, and there was no lingering questions when it came to this foursome. The journey toward their happily ever after was was something else entirely. Right when you think it's going to happen, here comes the twist. That twist also hits the emotions pretty strongly.

I want to say something about the moment with the Night Crawlers and The Sinners, but I can't. It would spoil things. But there is something that happens that just has you questioning everything. It was at this point where I was trying to solve the mystery by taking a look at all the possible suspects. Even The Sinners were not escaping my scrutiny. Once things were revealed though, it all made sense. That's all I can say on that without ruining your reading experience.

We get to meet Zach's mom in this book too. Prepare yourself for that, because she had me laughing. She wasn't afraid to ask the questions that many people probably wonder, and I loved her for that. It was the perfect comedic moment that this emotional story needed.

Now I've said since the first book that River's age was an issue for me. That holds true. I can't deny it. She consented though to everything, so I need to look at it from that point of view. Here's the thing though, I can't lie about the fact that I did enjoy the relationships that River found herself in. Each of those men brought out a different side of her, and in a way she brought out a different side of them. She helped these men to be vulnerable.

As for the suspense of the book? Hands down loved it. Caitlyn Dare has drawn me in with these MC romances, and I find myself gravitating toward them. I am excited to read Kat's story, especially knowing what I do about her love interests at this point. I'm curious to see how it all plays out, and what Diesel's reaction/response is to it all. 

Oh, and if you're wondering, Diesel is my favorite. Daddy D has had my attention from the beginning.

One last tidbit I want to touch on is the fact that there are content warnings for this book. The majority pertain to Jax. We all know that man has been through some very rough times in his childhood that have scarred him to this day. If you need to know the specific content warnings, send a message on Instagram, Facebook, or through email and I will fill you in. 

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on Rule. This MC romance trilogy was absolutely fabulous. Caitlyn Dare has created an amazing group of characters, and the storytelling is top notch. These books are hard to put down, and they just grab ahold of your attention. Everything is just background noise while reading these stories.

Happy Reading,
Laura





The truth is out—I’m in love with three Sinners. 

Zach, Jax, and Diesel might want to make me theirs but there’s still too many secrets between us, ones that could ruin everything.

Ones that could break us.

They might rule my body.
Own my heart.
But ultimately, they have the power to break me.

Only it isn’t our future we have to worry about, because the past is about to catch up with us. And when it does…

Nothing will ever be the same again. 

RULE is a full length dark enemies-to-lovers/bully romance. This is a why choose novel, meaning the main character has more than one love interest. It is book three in the series.

Grab Your Copy Here!

Free in KU

Add to your Goodreads TBR!


Binge the completed trilogy starting with book 1 Ruin here!


Meet Caitlyn Dare


Caitlyn Dare is a Top 50 Amazon bestselling author of dark romance. 
 

She writes angsty, gritty stories about alphaholes you’ll love to hate and the feisty girls who bring them to their knees.


Her bestselling series include: Savage Falls Sinners MC, a dark high school reverse harem romance; and Rebels at Sterling Prep, a dark bully high school romance.


To learn more about Caitlyn Dare & her books, visit here


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Thank you to Caitlyn Dare, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced review copy of Rule.

Fool Me Thrice by Lizzie Morton {a review}


Fool Me Thrice by Lizzie Morton was just released. This romantic suspense book will have you on the edge of your seat at all the best moments. Put on your detective hats, it's time to figure out who is under that hoodie, and causing all the chaos for the Becket family.

Fool Me Thrice is the third, and final, book in the Fool Me trilogy. In the first two books we were following Michael Becket, and seeing how the hooded figure affected his life. That person also was affecting the life of his mom and sister. It was what caused them to be separated. Now in Fool Me Thrice, we are checking in with Josie. Because if you read Fool Me Twice, then you know how that book ended. It was intense. That scene will appear in this book as well, but first we need backstory. Not only that but we need to see how Josie and Evan meet, and all that ensues until the big suspenseful moment occurs. As this is an ongoing story, I can't say much more than what I have. 

Let's dive into my thoughts...

OH MY WORD! This story grabbed ahold of me, and did not let go. From the very first chapter to the very last page, I was all in.

Simply put, Josie and Evan are amazing.

Josie is simply trying to live her life and make it as real as possible. Which being hid away, and having to use a fake identity, makes it a bit more difficult. She has her eyes set on college though, and she's going to do amazing things. Yet you can always see her holding herself back a little bit. She's guarded herself, and that is to be expected. It's hard to form attachments when you might have to run again. 

Evan is 100% devoted to his job. This Becket case that he's been working on has taken a lot of his energy, but he's determined to see it through to the end. Yet once he meets Josie, he finds himself drawn to her. Which he should be avoiding at all costs! First she's his job (forbidden!), and second she's a decade younger than him (age gap!). Not to mention that his job can be dangerous, so it makes relationships tricky.

Their introduction though once the hooded figure make an appearance begins to change everything though. I loved how their connection built throughout the story. You could see Evan fighting this the best he could. Yet there was Josie fighting back, and going after what she wanted. I also loved how Evan would listen to everything Josie said. It was as though he was soaking it all in for his memories while trying not to fall.

I kept waiting for the "cat" to appear and make their presence known. Once they did, I kept looking for signs another appearance was about to happen. I was trying to figure out who it was, and how they always knew where Josie was. How was she always found?

How everything played out in the cat and mouse game was intense. It is romantic suspense perfection. I honestly did not figure out who was behind it all until closer to the end. There were plenty of candidates swirling around in my mind though.

Go start this series with Fool Me Once, and be prepared to fall for Lizzie Morton's writing, and her characters. Absolutely fabulous!

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts about Fool Me Thrice. This was a 5 star read for me, and the story absolutely captivated me. If you enjoy romantic suspense books that feature an age gap with a little bit of a forbidden relationship as well, then you need to check this one out.

Happy Reading,
Laura





Run, Josie, Run. Those are the words he wrote to me and that's exactly what I'm doing.

I thought I was saving all of us, I thought I'd fooled him thrice. The only person I fooled was myself. Trapped in the darkness, I wondered if losing would be the easy way out.

Until Evan.

Off limits. Dangerous. Everything I should stay away from.

The end was coming, I could feel it. But just when the odds were in my favour, the tables turned, taking me right back to where it all began, wondering who I could trust.

If any one.

Only one thing is certain in this game of cat and mouse: there can only be one winner.

I'm determined to make sure it's me.




Add to your Goodreads TBR!


Start from the beginning!






Meet Lizzie Morton

Author Lizzie Morton is an author of Contemporary Romance and New Adult novels. She lives in the U.K with her partner and three children.

Previously she has worked as a Personal Trainer and Back Pain Specialist and trained as a Chef at Leeds City College.

Her first novel was originally just a note in her phone but became a full manuscript, ready for release in August 2020.

When she isn’t reading or writing, her favourite things include running, snaffling and changing nappies.


Connect with Lizzie Morton



Thank you Lizzie Morton for providing me with an advanced review copy of Fool Me Thrice.



Friday, April 22, 2022

The Secrets to Heartbreak by Brittany Taylor {a review}


Are you like me, and loved The Rules of Heartbreak by Brittany Taylor? Did the tension between Colton and Vada catch your attention? If they piqued your curiosity, then you need to pick up The Secrets to Heartbreak. This latest installment of the Heartbreak series will fill you in on everything you need to know regarding Vada and Colton's relationship. Plus it's the brother's best friend trope, so you know that sold me!

Going into The Secrets to Heartbreak I was a bit nervous. I LOVED The Rules of Heartbreak, and I wasn't sure how Colton and Vada's story would go. As nervous as I was, I was also excited to dive in, and find out everything that happened. I had to know what these secrets were!

The Secrets to Heartbreak did not disappoint. Colton and Vada's story was fabulous. Every single moment of it I enjoyed. Even the part where I wanted to smack some sense into Colton's parents. I honestly cannot think of a single moment that rubbed me the wrong way or had me not enjoying the book. I mean was Colton's dad the literal worst? Yes, but we have to love to hate someone!

This book had steamy moments. It had emotional moments. It had me wondering what was going to happen next! Basically I fell hard for these characters, and their story. Of course I also loved that we were able to reconnect with Dallas and Sloan as well.

Ryan's storyline tugged on the heartstrings quite a bit. Even more so when things were revealed down the line. Honestly I'd love to have a short story about what happened between Ryan and his love interest, and why that was kept so hush hush.

Back to the dads for a moment. I do find myself wondering about them. Colton dad is problematic to say the least. Whereas Vada's just doesn't seem to exist. And so they piqued my curiosity a bit. I can't help but think of Colton's dad and what his end game was with that big dramatic moment. It just doesn't make sense in my mind. Again though it gave me a character that I loved to hate. So there's that. I was hoping for Vada and Dallas's dad to make an appearance so we could see first hand the relationship (or lack there of) that he has with his kids.

Like I said above, I loved this story and the characters. From the small town setting, to my favorite trope being front and center, to the familial issues, it just all was so good. Now that Colton and Vada's story has wrapped, I am beyond ready for Cassidy's story! I feel like it is going to be a doozy. 

Highly suggest you read The Secrets to Heartbreak. It is a good story featuring my favorite trope, and there is plenty of drama happening throughout the book. Plus who doesn't like to be let in on secrets?

Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts on The Secrets to Heartbreak. I hope you'll check out this latest addition to Brittany Taylor's library.

Happy Reading,
Laura



 Secrets aren't meant to be kept forever.


Colton Adler was one hundred percent off limits up until the night we shared together nearly two years ago. Both of us forged a deal between illicit touches and unrelenting kisses.

A secret.

A promise. 

A vow made to one another that we would never be anything more than the one night.

Regardless of the feelings I still harbored for him, I understood Colton could never truly be mine.

Since then, we’ve kept our secret buried deep, pretending as if it never happened at all.

But now, after attending my brother’s wedding, Colton was a flashing wave of hot and cold. One minute he was teetering on the edge of giving in to false promises of a forever with me; the next he retreated, reminding me once again that I would never truly be his.

Secrets aren’t meant to be kept forever and it didn’t take long for me to learn I wasn’t Colton’s only one.


Order Your Copy Here!


Add to your Goodreads TBR List!



Meet Brittany Taylor


Brittany Taylor grew up all over the world including places such as California, England and Texas. Today she resides in Connecticut with her husband, son and two cats. She loves reading, but loves writing even more. 

Her favorite things in life are her family, binge watching Netflix, and tacos. 


Brittany Taylor has been obsessed with reading since kindergarten. She followed her lifelong dream in 2017 when she published her first novel, Without You. Ever since, she's been hooked and can't write the stories in her head fast enough


Connect with Brittany Taylor

Website | Newsletter | Facebook | Amazon Author Page | Goodreads | Instagram | BookBub | TikTok


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Thank you to Brittany Taylor, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced review copy of The Secrets to Heartbreak.


The Scorecard by Maren Moore {a review}


The Scorecard by Maren Moore is officially available! Friends, this book is quite possibly my favorite in the Totally Pucked series. Or really I should say of all the hockey romances that I've read from Maren Moore. Graham and Emery have captured my attention. I cannot wait for you to all pick up this book and give it a read. Just know that it does end in a cliffhanger, so you're not going to get your HEA right away. Rumor has it that The Final Score will be out at the end of May, but that's not concrete right now.

The Scorecard started off with Emery having a girls night at her brother's house. As the girls were talking, the conversation naturally turned toward hockey players. This had the girls creating a list, a scorecard if you will, of a few players. That list was supposed to be thrown away, after all it was just made in fun. Yet when Graham showed up to the house, he happened to find it. He saw his name in 5th place, and that didn't sit right with him. Graham also doesn't understand why Emery seems to hate him so much. It's been bugging him for a while now. Especially as his attraction to her grows. Not that he can do anything about that though, it's his best friend's little sister after all. Things quickly take a turn after a night out. This hate to love relationship has just entered a new phase. Lives are about to change. Feelings are about to shift. A future together is a definite possibility. But it could be all thrown out the window with the news that is about to drop. 

Let's dive into my thoughts...

4.5 stars my friends. That is what I rated The Scorecard over on Goodreads. Freaking obsessed with this couple!

The Scorecard grabbed my attention immediately partly because it's Graham's story, but also because it's the brother's best friend trope. Which if you know me at all, you know I absolutely love that trope. This is also a hate to love story (some could consider it enemies to lovers, but I don't), a forced proximity romance, a fake relationship relationship, and it also has a surprise pregnancy! Oof that's a lot.

We find out early on why Emery has issues with Graham, and it makes complete sense. I don't blame her one bit, I would be irritated with him as well. But all it takes is that one night to change it all. Yes the "hate" is still there, but it's starting to lessen. As Emery gets to know Graham though, that hate is definitely turning toward love. 

Loved getting to meet Graham's mom and sister. The Tennessee scenes were some of my favorites. Being in Tennessee allowed us to get to know Graham a lot more, and see him be a bit vulnerable. This also affected Emery's way of viewing Graham. She was able to see this side of him that he doesn't show to others. It shows what a family man he is, and where his passions off the ice lay. He's sharing what he sees as a piece of his future with the woman he loves.

For those who are not familiar with Emery, she's a new lawyer. It's taken a lot of hard work and dedication to get where she is. At her job, her boss tapped her to work on an extremely important case. I found myself a bit confused about all of this as we had no information about it. We knew the client name, and we were able to briefly meet them, but that was it. I have questions regarding that. I'm not sure how that is going to tie into the storyline between Emery and Graham. I'm guessing that will be revealed in part 2.

Then there is the fact that the "scorecard" from the beginning was not really referenced much throughout the book. To be honest, this is part of what held me back from giving the full 5 stars. I thought we would see Graham working his magic to move up the list, and him showing Emery why he deserves that top spot vs one of his teammates. So that was a bit of a let down.

Oh, and I want to mention the pregnancy because this is the second thing that affected my rating. Now it's not the fact that Emery is pregnant. That doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things. It's the timeline of her pregnancy. We know that Graham is the dad. We know that. I trust that. But knowing what else we know about OTHER characters who are also pregnant, Emery had to deliver prematurely. Yet that was not mentioned. That pregnancy timeline for Emery, Graham, and the other characters just wasn't flushed out properly. There was info that didn't line up. Am I looking too deeply into this? Quite possibly. But as someone who has given birth four times, I know a few things. So that just irritated me. Sorry.

I'm able to look past those couple of "issues", and I still feel 100% confident in my 4.5 star rating. I loved the book. I loved the characters. I am now counting down the days to The Final Score so that I can find out what happens next in their story. Because the tidbit at the end had my jaw dropping.

Cannot wait to see how Maren wraps up Emery and Graham's story, and to see what happens next for our characters from the Totally Pucked world.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on The Scorecard. I hope you'll pick this one up, and fall for the characters the way I have. Truly this is my favorite of the series.

Happy Reading,
Laura


Pretending to be married to my brother’s best friend and my biggest enemy is the last thing I imagined I’d be doing.

But there was a thin line between lust and hate, and when I fell into bed with the NHL’s rookie playboy, I found out just how easy that line got blurred.

We were enemies with benefits, but then two pink lines changed it all.

Now he was bringing me back home to his family’s farm and faking it became real… in more ways than one.

He was meant to be the enemy but falling for him meant letting him win.

The Scorecard
Graham: 1
Me: 0

**The Scorecard is book 1 of the duet and is approximately 60,000 words. This book does end on a cliffhanger.


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Where to find Maren Moore

Facebook | Reader Group | Instagram | Goodreads |Amazon


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Thank you to Maren Moore, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced review copy of  The Scorecard.