Book Review: The Curse Breakers (Curse Keepers #2) by Denise Grover Swank

The Curse Breakers 

(Curse Keepers #2) 

by 

Denise Grover Swank 

Pub April 29th 2014 

by 47North 

ARC for Review 

Summary
For more than four hundred years, the Curse Keepers guarded the barrier between the human and spirit realms. All that changed the day Ellie Lancaster met Collin Dailey. Prophecy demanded they defend the world from evil?even as it ignited a passion that threatened to consume them both.

Now Ellie faces a frightening new life, abandoned by the man she loves and tormented by malevolent spirits unleashing their vengeance upon the earth. Her only shot at protecting humanity?and herself?from the demon scourge is to claim the mark of the god Ahone as her own. Finding it means trusting Dr. David Preston, a handsome professor of Native American studies whose skepticism is surpassed only by his attraction to Ellie. Together they must finish what the Curse Keepers began, defying the forces of darkness to face hell on earth?and unlock the truth of Ellie's destiny.

Oekus Has Some Splannin To Do

I fell in love with the story and concept of this read in the first installment. By the end of the 1st book I couldn’t wait to see how it was going to all end. The Curse Breakers is the 2nd book of the Curse Keepers Series. I have to be honest when I say that this one was a little hard to get into. Insert sad face here ** ** I will say that as soon as it got to about 55% things really started happening. It has been a long time since I read the first so all of the recapping was good for me. I didn’t mind the back story but the characters just didn’t really start jumping out at me until way later. Not to say this was a bad read if anything Swank threw in some pretty crazy ups and downs shocking twists and turn and such. I guess I’m just anxious cause I want Ellie to destroy everyone already! One of those twists was David a new love interest. Collin aka Ellie’s soul mate…really pooped the bed in the first book so he has some making up to do, at this point I don’t know who I want Ellie with? I love David and I’m always mad at stupid Collin but he’s her soul mate. Gah!! All and all I do recommend this series especially if you are into native American anything.

C-atastrophe, Ellie’s life and heart have been shattered by the person who was supposed to protect her and be her other half.
U-rgency, Tom the town’s sheriff wants to get to the bottom of the mutilations around the island. Ellie seems to be at the center of everything so questioning her becomes priority.
R-emorse, Collin hurt Ellie but the pain he feels at losing her is not enough for him to help her. In the shadows he will do what he can but something else keeps him at bay.
S-earching, Ellie and Claire her best friend will seek help outside of her hometown. Traveling at great risk is worth acquiring the professors help.
E-mpathy, David is all out of F’s when he is approached by a frantic Ellie. With other things on his mind he brushes her off as though she is nothing and continues about his way.


B-adgers, angered by their condemnation they will seek revenge against the god that cursed them the best way they know to do that is by capturing and killing Ellie.
R-ecognition, after locking eyes with one of the researchers Ellie knows David is part of her path. David feels horrible about the way he treated Ellie something about her pulls at his soul.
E-erie, nearly escaping death more than once Ellie must make a stand against these foes. There is only one thing to do…Seek Collin and make him help her.
A-woken, surrounded by an unfamiliar feeling and the god who promised four hundred years of punishment is the last thing Ellie expects. The only other thing more horrifying is finding out what this god wishes to do to Ellie.
K-nife, finding the benevolent gods mark and etching it on her skin permanently leaves her at a great loss when she realizes his actions in everything that has transpired.
E-scape, seeing her father however orchestrated it may have been brings Ellie great peace. Her heart is torn in so many directions she doesn’t know what is left from right.
R-esolving, knowing there is something she can do with David’s help Ellie is as ready as she can be to destroy her most recent bane.
S-erenity, things are far from over but being by David’s side and enjoying the moment is all Ellie can focus on at the moment. Shocked at Collins arrival she listens to what he has to say and those revelations are heart shattering even though Ellie is happily with David.


The ending wasn’t the end by any means but I enjoyed it. I have no idea what Ellie is going to do about Collin or David! I’m not even going to pretend by picking a guy. Throughout the story the reader can feel the magic between Collin and Ellie but at the same time there are so many secrets it would never work. David is quite the opposite but even though he stirs deep emotion from Ellie that magic is just not there! I hope no one dies…gosh it is pure agony when a main character dies. Allegiant anyone? UGH! There is a lot yet to be revealed and I look forward to following this series throughout the vast ups and downs!

My Rating

4.0 Cosmic Native American, Eon long War, Perfect Pawn Placement, All is well for now, but don’t get too comfortable filled stars

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About The Author

 York Times and USA Today bestselling author Denise Grover Swank was born in Kansas City, Missouri and lived in the area until she was nineteen. Then she became a nomadic gypsy, living in five cities, four states and ten houses over the course of ten years before she moved back to her roots. She speaks English and smattering of Spanish and Chinese which she learned through an intensive Nick Jr. immersion period.  Her hobbies include witty Facebook comments (in own her mind) and dancing in her kitchen with her children. (Quite badly if you believe her offspring.)  Hidden talents include the gift of justification and the ability to drink massive amounts of caffeine and still fall asleep within two minutes. Her lack of the sense of smell allows her to perform many unspeakable tasks.  She has six children and hasn’t lost her sanity. Or so she leads you to believe.

You can find out more about Denise and her other books at: www.denisegroverswank.com.

✿ Website ✿ Blog ✿ Goodreads ✿ Facebook ✿ Twitter ✿

Book Review: The Curse Defiers (Curse Keepers #3) by Denise Grover Swank

The Curse Defiers 

(Curse Keepers #3) 

by 

Denise Grover Swank 

Pub September 30th 2014 

by 47 North 

ARC for Review 

Summary
For centuries the gods have waited—for the betrayal that will release them, for the traitors who will defend them, for the warrior who will challenge them. Now at long last the gate between the human and spirit worlds is open, and with it, an army of vengeful demons poised to swarm the earth. Only the Curse Keepers, Ellie Lancaster and Collin Dailey, can stop it…if they can break free from a tangled web of treachery, jealousy, and lies.

Torn between two men—her heart belongs to David, yet her soul is bound to Collin’s—Ellie no longer knows who she can trust. Demons slipping through the gate are leaving a trail of bodies in their wake, each death a chilling reminder of the power of the ancient spirits to bring humanity to its knees. Faced with an unimaginable future, Ellie realizes the time has come to turn her back on prophecy and choose her own destiny—even if it means defying the gods themselves.

In the thrilling conclusion to the Curse Keepers trilogy, humanity faces its final battle for survival!

The Alpha Omega is Ready to Party

BAM!! This is what I’ve been waiting for!! As far as book 3 in the Curse Breakers Series goes…it has by far been my favorite one! There is no slump, not to too much back story crowding the things happening, and boy oh boy they sure do happen! From start to finish I devoured this book I could not wait to see what would happen with these characters. One of the major plot twists was pretty predictable but that’s okay it didn’t take away from the surge of emotions when the main characters find out. Seriously y’all The Curse Defiers has set the bar pretty high for the next in the series. OH, did you think it was a trilogy too? Nope! It is going to be a 6-7 book series! Yikes?! Right?! The ending was great not a cliffhanger per say but intense enough that I’ll be anxiously awaiting the next.

C-hilling, an encounter that brings a vague prediction will be just the beginning of what Ellie must face.
U-ndone, Claire has come back from her honeymoon and brings very surprising news to Ellie regarding her role as Ellie’s advisor.
R-ecoil, something evil and dark surrounds the house Ellie grew up in. The time has come to consider walking away. At Claire’s persistence Ellie agrees.
S-ign, through all of the research Ellie and David have done they know someone who may have some ever sought answers. Returning to David’s home fills Ellie with reservations. Allison, David’s ex doesn’t know she is just another pawn in the game of the gods.
E-vil, a sudden attack shocks David to his core making him realize exactly what they are up against. He feels useless but Ellie needs him more than they know. Filled with a new found determination these two will take a great risk at a great cost.


D-angerous, Ellie’s new ally wants to live freely he will help her as much as he can. Ellie is no longer very trusting but she knows to trust her gut. In this instance she knows she needs Tsagasi, he has already proven himself useful when she asks the right questions.
E-vents, Ellie’s memory has been repressed for so long it will take her new found powers to make them emerge. Having the strength is not an issue, but there are scary things out there making a blood oath will ensure her safety.
F-rozen, coming face to face with the events that destroyed her life is hard for Ellie. Knowing who was behind the murder of her mother rocked her foundation. Being on a precipice isn’t easy Ellie knows she will have to face this truth soon.
I-ndignant, Ellie’s new alliance informs her she will need Collins help. Going to him has never been easy but he is trying to prove to her his sincerity. Collin is committed to making things as right as he can, his love for Ellie has made him change.
E-lders, things have gone terribly wrong. The warehouse was not what they expected, Ellie knows she is up against cunning forces. Nothing and no one will stop her from making things right, even if it means risking her own life.
R-ealization, rocked to the core Ellie taps into her power making everyone feel her pain. Things have drastically changed, rest is not an option. The demon terrorizing everyone is on the run now that Ellie knows who she is there is a new book in play. Nothing can hide that demon from her wrath.
S-urprise, everything Ellie has known changed in an instant. Another piece of an important puzzle has survived, Ellie knows this is a message from her father that she can defy those that intend to cause harm.


That ending…that ending right there! It was like, bang, pow, zap, punch, stab, BOOM! I just ate it up! Update: Ellie still hasn’t decided between Collin or David. Oh wait! She has actually, she chose David. The only thing is there is this crazy connection between Ellie and Collin!!! I will say that something changed between them at the end of the book. #TeamDavid is looking pretty smug right about now! Wait! Does that mean I’m #TeamCollin? Well I’ll be darned! I guess I am…call me a hopeless romantic but if there is a magical soul connecting earth shattering bond then I want my main girl to have it! David seems to be Mr. Right Now but who knows I could just be plain crazy. Any who, all the gods were there and we were introduced to new characters all of which I thought were fabulous additions. I am so eager to continue this series I sure hope Swank releases the next one tomorrow! Lol but cereal guys stick it out with this series the 3rd was KILLER!

My Rating

4.5 Alley, Raven Mocker, Curse, Ring, Tree, Gate, Letters, Guardians, Grill, Brothers, Forest, Blood Oath, Murder, Hood, Carpet Store, Roof, Phone, Death, Steven, Sacrifice, Dual, Chase, Sword, Attic, Fire, Heirloom, Peace for Now, But Something Big is Just Around The Corner, Filled Stars!!

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About The Author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Denise Grover Swank was born in Kansas City, Missouri and lived in the area until she was nineteen. Then she became a nomadic gypsy, living in five cities, four states and ten houses over the course of ten years before she moved back to her roots. She speaks English and smattering of Spanish and Chinese which she learned through an intensive Nick Jr. immersion period.  Her hobbies include witty Facebook comments (in own her mind) and dancing in her kitchen with her children. (Quite badly if you believe her offspring.)  Hidden talents include the gift of justification and the ability to drink massive amounts of caffeine and still fall asleep within two minutes. Her lack of the sense of smell allows her to perform many unspeakable tasks.  She has six children and hasn’t lost her sanity. Or so she leads you to believe. 

You can find out more about Denise and her other books at: www.denisegroverswank.com.

✿ Website ✿ Blog ✿ Goodreads ✿

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Book Review: The Curse Keepers(Curse Keepers #1) by Denise Grover Swank

The Curse Keepers 

(Curse Keepers #1) 

by 

Denise Grover Swank 

Pub November 19th 2013 

by 47 North 

ARC for Review 

Summary 
The wall between our world and that of vengeful spirits has protected humanity for more than 400 years. It’s about to come crashing down.

Ellie Lancaster has lived her whole life by the site of the mysterious Lost Colony of Roanoke, the Virginia settlement that vanished without a trace around 1590. Only the descendants of the two men who banished the spirits of an enemy tribe from the material realm know what really happened to the colony. Ellie is one of those descendants—a Curse Keeper. Her father took pains to teach her what he knew of the curse and the responsibilities of its guardians. He taught her that if the two Curse Keepers ever meet, the curse will be lifted, the gate will open, and the raging Native American spirits will be unleashed to seek their revenge.

Despite her father’s seriousness, Ellie has always taken the legend for a harmless fairy tale. Until she meets the darkly handsome, but downright infuriating, Collin Dailey and realizes everything she was told is true. For when they meet, it’s like the air is sucked from the room. Collin’s presence is electrifying… and it’s not just attraction Ellie feels, but the inexorable pull toward her destiny. The prophecy is real, and now Ellie and Collin must battle supernatural forces and their loathing—and passion—for each other to set things right.

The Curse Keepers are all that stand between the world and its destruction.

The Way I See It 

The Curse Keepers was a GREAT read! I would categorize this as a new adult paranormal or urban fantasy. The tempo was well paced as it kept me steadily turning the pages to find out more. There is a heavy presence of Native American lore that truly enhances the story, making it that much more appealing. The main characters are complex and very likable in their own way. I especially enjoyed Ellie’s relationship with her family and friends she was awesome in that regard. Her immediate dislike of Collin lead to their relationship being one of mistrust. The way she acted towards the curse was a bit frustrating, because she refused to see what was in front of her. It took me a bit to side with our leading lady. Once she started accepting things I was able to understand why she acted the way she did towards the curse. The magic and momentous moments where magical and monumental! I’m completely invested in this series, I can’t wait to see what happens next! 

T-ale, everyone in Ellie’s small community has different theories of how an entire village disappeared hundreds of years ago. Some are tall and some are small and she refuses to believe any at all. 

H-istory, Ellie’s best friend knows the truth, even though things were supposed to remain a secret Ellie could not resist. 

E-vil, a force no one guessed was coming took Ellie’s mother from her at a young age. Nothing has ever been the same.

C-old, dating men for stability might not be the most exciting thing Ellie can do but relationships never seem to be right for her. 

U-nknowingly, the two keepers touch has started a series of events that Ellie cannot run from. Her life is about to change in a drastic way. Soon she will have to face her biggest fears. 

R-epulsed, looking at Collin gives Ellie a physical reaction but her dislike of him is heady and she is not afraid to let everyone know. 

S-earch, after admitting her irresponsible mistake Ellie will do what it takes to make sure she can regain the tool she will need for her part of the ceremony. 

E-erie, becoming the focus of evil spirits is never a good thing. Ellie’s time is running out she and Collin need to find everything they need soon.


K-indle, Collin never thought he would ever be close to anyone but something about Ellie pulls his heart like a magnet. 

E-vade, coming close to losing Ellie has woken a deep desire to protecting her for as long as it takes no matter the price. 

E-ntwined, Ellie never thought she would experience a pull like this joining herself completely to Collin is both beautiful and terrifying. 

P-resent, Collin never thought Ellie would be the one to save him he knows the end is near. Soon she will see the truth and loathe him for it. 

E-llie, losing people she cares for has never been easy now the threat is so near but she cannot bear to be the cause of another death. Sacrificing herself seems to be her only option. 

R-emorse, Collin has made many mistakes but seeing the pain he’s caused Ellie is by far the one that cuts him to the core. 

S-acrifice, the gates need to be closed and there is only one way to do it. This has been a long time coming but Ellie can’t help the fact her heart has been ripped out of her chest. Things happened the way they were supposed to the only one who cannot accept the outcome is Ellie. 

So, not a cliffhanger ending but intense enough that you will want to pick up the next book right away. I could tell at 90% the situation would be pretty dire by the end and boy oh boy was I right. My heart went out to Ellie the pain she is forced to experience will crush her. Knowing what must be done she will embark on her next task. I love that she realizes her destiny and is determined to see it through. I’m hoping to delve more into Collin to find out more about him and what he will do to make things right. Like I mentioned before the Native American lore is totally awesome! I can’t wait to see where this series is going and how will Ellie fulfill her destiny. Y’all know how big of a fan of HEA’s I am so I’m hoping these characters can have that some day. 

                          My Rating 

4.0 Lost Colony, Insurance Adjuster, Waitressing Job, Bed & Breakfast, Protection Spell, Blank Memories, Tin Cup, Wooden Bowl, Missing Map, Dead Birds, Messengers, Pure Soul, Eternally Bound, Gates, Cursed, Broken Heart, Determined Spirit filled Stars!!! This was a really great read that I highly recommend!!!

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About The Author

 York Times and USA Today bestselling author Denise Grover Swank was born in Kansas City, Missouri and lived in the area until she was nineteen. Then she became a nomadic gypsy, living in five cities, four states and ten houses over the course of ten years before she moved back to her roots. She speaks English and smattering of Spanish and Chinese which she learned through an intensive Nick Jr. immersion period.  Her hobbies include witty Facebook comments (in own her mind) and dancing in her kitchen with her children. (Quite badly if you believe her offspring.)  Hidden talents include the gift of justification and the ability to drink massive amounts of caffeine and still fall asleep within two minutes. Her lack of the sense of smell allows her to perform many unspeakable tasks.  She has six children and hasn’t lost her sanity. Or so she leads you to believe.

You can find out more about Denise and her other books at: www.denisegroverswank.com.

✿ Website ✿ Blog ✿ Goodreads ✿ Facebook ✿ Twitter ✿

Release Day Launch: Business as Usual (Off the Subject #3) by Denise Grover Swank

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Business As Usual
Off the Subject #3
By:  Denise Grover Swank
Published:  April 10, 2014
Mature Content:  18 & Up
Source:  Publisher
Purchase At:  Amazon

GR's Summary:

Lexi Pendergraft has given up on finding love after a disastrous encounter with her last boyfriend. Instead, she focuses on two things: One, setting up a summer program for underprivileged middle-school aged students. And the second, getting to the bottom of her brother Reed’s recent strange behavior. His secret is destroying his relationship with his fiancée Caroline, and Lexi will do anything to help him save it. Especially after he gave up his dream to give Lexi a chance at a semi-normal college experience, something her parents threatened to steal from her after her rape a year ago. 

Ben Masterson is determined to make it through his final semester of his senior year at Southern University. After recently losing his full ride scholarship, he’s suffering from sleep deprivation while trying to keep up with his mechanical engineering courses and working three part time jobs. He thinks he’s lucked out getting a job in the university math lab. The only problem is his boss—Reed Pendergraft.

As part of a role in a community theater play, Lexi wears a black wig and feels a confidence she hasn’t experienced in over a year. When she wears it to a bar close to the theater, she doesn’t think Ben, a bartender there, recognizes her. While Ben’s intrigued about what she’s up to, he’s smart enough to stay far away from his overprotective boss’s sister. Until fate forces him to help her, but why won’t she tell him her real identity?

 Off the Subject Series:

My Review of Redesigned

My Thoughts:

The Off the Subject Series, by Denise Grover Swank, is a great New Adult Contemporary Romance Series.  Each book can be read as a standalone novel, but the characters in each story are connected.  In Aftermath, we got Scarlet and Tucker's story.  In Redesigned, we got Caroline (Scarlet's best friend), and Reed's story.  In Business As Usual, we get Lexi (Reed's younger sister) and Ben's story.

I have been anticipating Lexi's story, since I first met her in Redesigned.  I absolutely adore her.  Se is super sweet, warm hearted, and ambitious!  She was the one responsible for getting her stubborn older brother Reed, and Caroline together.  Lexi is extremely loyal, and just wants the best for those that she cares about.  She is a very determined, and hardworking individual who worked behind the scenes to help underprivileged students get opportunities that they otherwise would not have access too.  She works tirelessly because she truly cares!  

Unfortunately, she suffered a very traumatic experience, and is trying to get back on her feet.  Her confidence has been shaken, and she fears that she will never be the same.  Lexi has lost her sense of empowerment and confidence when it comes to men, sex, and relationships.  However, when she attends a celebration after a play she was in, she finds herself feeling differently about herself; all because of the black wig on top of her head.  She feels sexy, strong, and in control.  That night, she ends up meeting Ben, a gorgeous bartender that attends the same college as she does. The sparks fly, and these two end up crossing paths on a regular basis.  However, Lexi needs to lose the wig, and confess who she really is, and Ben has a secret of his own.  Will the secrets that they both keep, destroy their chance at love? 

Lexi and Ben were great characters.  I loved how Ms. Swank made this story focus on Lexi's journey to reclaim the power that she had lost at the hands of a perpetrator.  This story really focused on the healing process, and Lexi's strength and courage.  I loved Ben too.  He was a very gallant character.  He was the kind of guy that stood up for others, and was protective of those in need.   He was attracted to Lexi, but he was also drawn to her essence. I was so excited that there was plenty of appearances made by Scarlet, Reed, and most of all Caroline. I love these characters, and can never get enough of them.  Ms. Swank has brought them all to life, and they really do jump off the page!  Also, there were a few surprises, and plot twists along the way.  I read Business as Usual rapidly, and loved every moment of it!

My Rating:

I give, Business As Usual, by Denise Grover Swank, 4 Powerful, Poignant, and Pleasurable Stars!  If you are looking for a new contemporary romance series that has depth, awesome characters, and great story lines, check out this series!  You will love it!

Excerpt:

The song ends and I look across the room, hatred filling every pore of my body for the person who’s putting Alexa through this charade. Tina’s watching us with amusement. I look down into Alexa’s face and she steps away from me. Our song is done. Our commitment is up.

Only I’m not ready to let her go yet. Maybe I can save her at least part of her embarrassment.

I cradle her cheeks and stare into her eyes, looking for any sign that she finds my touch revolting. But her breath comes in short bursts and her pupils are dilated. My thumb strokes her right cheek bone, and it amazes me how smooth her skin is. I should stop prolonging my torture, but I don’t want to hurry this moment. I want to sear it into my brain.

I lower my face to hers and her mouth parts in anticipation. Our lips touch lightly and I run my tongue along her upper lip. Her hands return to my shoulders as she takes a step closer, pressing her chest to mine, her mouth parting as she sighs. My tongue accepts the invitation, twining with hers.

Her arms tighten around my neck and I slide a hand behind her head. Blood rushes to my groin and the way she’s pressed against me, she has to know I’m getting a hard-on, yet she doesn’t step away. She presses closer instead.

Still, I take my time with the kiss, making it last. I want more, so much more, but we’re on a dance floor, surrounded by at least thirty people, being watched intently by a group of perverts in the corner. I want to keep this pure. I want to take the thing Tina meant as a punishment for Alexa and turn it into something meaningful. At least for me. But the way Alexa clings to me tells me the experience has power for her too, even if it’s just because she’s sacrificing herself for some other guy.

I finally lift my head and stare into her lust-filled eyes and I want to curse the gods who put her in my path only to take her away.

“Thank you,” she breathes out with a sigh.

“Do think that was enough to appease her?”

Her eyes cloud with momentary confusion. “Oh…yeah.”

“If it’s not, I want you to promise me that you’ll ask me for help.” I sound like a pervert myself, but the thought of someone like Tattoo Guy pawing her nauseates me.

She seems to understand my intention because she gives me a grateful look. Tears fill her eyes. “Thank you.”

I want to kiss her again, to take her out the back door and away from Tina and her vile crew, but that’s not what Alexa wants. I step back and interweave my fingers with hers. It takes every ounce of fortitude in my body to take her back to that table. When we get there, I pull out her chair to show this table full of disgusting low-lifes how to treat a woman.

Tina claps her hands. “I think there might be hope for you two yet.” She waggles her eyebrows at Alexa, then looks up at me. “I told you Reed’s—”

Alexa leans forward, her eyes wild. “I think I need another drink.”

I stare at her in disbelief. She’s trying to interrupt Tina because she thinks I don’t know who she really is—Alexa Pendergraft, baby sister to that asshole Reed Pendergraft. And with a sigh, I realize it’s better this way, all around, because I would throw everything away to get one shot with this girl.

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About Denise Grover Swank:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Denise Grover Swank was born in Kansas City, Missouri and lived in the area until she was nineteen. Then she became a nomadic gypsy, living in five cities, four states and ten houses over the course of ten years before she moved back to her roots. She speaks English and smattering of Spanish and Chinese which she learned through an intensive Nick Jr. immersion period.  Her hobbies include witty Facebook comments (in own her mind) and dancing in her kitchen with her children. (Quite badly if you believe her offspring.)  Hidden talents include the gift of justification and the ability to drink massive amounts of caffeine and still fall asleep within two minutes. Her lack of the sense of smell allows her to perform many unspeakable tasks.  She has six children and hasn’t lost her sanity. Or so she leads you to believe.

You can find out more about Denise and her other books at: www.denisegroverswank.com.

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