Lindsay Detwiler's Blog, page 25
January 17, 2016
Shades of Sydney by Brittney Coon
Sydney West enjoys sampling summer boys, but this year, one refuses to be a one-night stand…
Twenty-one-year-old Sydney doesn’t believe in relationships. Her parents’ toxic divorce has taught her love is nothing but a sinister fairytale. So every summer she parties, hooks up, abandons her lover before dawn, and repeats.
That is until she meets gorgeous local surfer Jason King at the beach…
When Jason fails to flirt—or even give her a second glance—she decides something must be wrong with him, and it’s safer to stay away. But when Sydney and Jason’s best friends hook up and become Malibu’s hottest couple, they are forced to spend more time together than either of them cares for.
Armed with a sharp tongue, Sydney works to keep Jason at bay…
In a moment of weakness, Sydney lets her guard down and confides in Jason, realizing he’s more than just a hot guy—he’s also a friend. And when Sydney’s need for a summer boy results in her falling into bed with Jason, despite her better judgment, she runs away from him by morning.
The problem is, he won’t accept being another one-night stand, and will do anything to prove…
Love really does exist.
Amazon US ~ FREE on Kindle Unlimited
Excerpt One:
The thrill of the game winded down. People broke away in groups of two and three. I wanted to call it a night and see if any beer was left.
“I challenge you, Sydney, to a game of Truth or Dare,” Jason declared.
I sunk into the sofa and glared at him with my mouth agape. “Are you serious?”
Of course now is when he decides to say my name correctly.
He nodded, flashing a wicked grin.
I swallowed. My throat was too dry. I didn’t want to play. I didn’t want to admit truths to a bunch of weirdos. I guess most were drunk, so they wouldn’t remember, but it was the principle of the thing.
“Do you accept?” a boy wearing black jeans and no shirt asked.
The pressure of everyone’s eyes on me was too much. I sighed. “I guess.”
“Good. We got another game, people!” the boy shouted with excitement.
Excerpt Two:
“I can show you some tips. Been surfing all my life,” he said proudly.
“Yes,” Amelia said excitedly, dragging the poor boy to the ocean.
Rolling my eyes, I turned toward the other boy. He was tall, but not über tall, like the other guy. His muscles moved like liquid as he approached me. I had the urge to touch his abs and see if they were as firm as they appeared. His hair was tussled and golden brown, as if sun kissed. His board was a light blue with black stripes. It was a good brand, but a basic print.
“Do you need surfing lessons too or are you here in support?” the boy asked me. His silver eyes mirrored the moon, sending shivers down my shine.
“Umm…I was wanting to be surfing…”
What the hell did I just say?
His eyes sparkled with laughter, but he didn’t mock me. “I can teach you some tricks if you want.”
I looked at him closer. My stomach fell to the sand. He was the guy I bumped into at that club and he didn’t bother giving me a second look. He kept walking as if I was just another body in the crowd, no one worthy of his attention.
“Were you at Club Purple last night?” I asked.
He tilted his head. “Yes, how did you know?”
“I ran into you and we kept going the same way and then—”
“Oh, right,” he said, nodding as if it all made sense.
Excerpt Three:
“Wait,” he pulled away from me so he could look me square in the eye, “Who said anything about having sex?”
“It’s fine. I know the unspoken rule. The guy is all sweet and cooks for the girl and she gives him entry into her.”
He closed his eyes and ran a hand through his hair. His words were jumbled together as he muttered to himself. I stared at him, wondering why he was upset.
“Damn it, Sydney! Why do you chalk every damn thing up to sex? Life isn’t all about fucking. Sometimes people are just being nice. I didn’t expect anything from you tonight.”
“I assumed…” I mumbled, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.
“Don’t…at least not with me. Last time was a mistake—”
I fought back my tears. “I didn’t know…I mean I’m sorry I didn’t please you.”
“No, you did.” He leaned in close, brushing the back of his hand down my cheek. “Listen to me. It was too fast. I got caught up in the heat of the moment. You’re a sexy woman and I loved what we did, but usually I wait until the third date before sleeping with a girl.”
Out of habit, I put space between us, enough room for another person to sit in-between. “Why wait?” It was a foreign concept to me.
He stood and paced the length of the couch. “I wait to see if I like the person. Get to know her, see if I can imagine her in my future. Not as a wife or anything, just as someone that would last a lot longer than a one-night stand. I see if I could fall in love with her. If I had sex with every woman, then it would become mundane and meaningless.”
“But I don’t believe in love. That’s why I—”
Brittney Coon graduated Magna Cum Laude from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in Communication and a minor in Film and Media Production. Brittney has always been creative and turned to writing to share the stories playing through her head. In her spare time she reads, watches Friends, and hangs out with her cats. She currently lives in Arizona.
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Shades of Sydney Blog Tour Giveaway
Then Comes Love: Lindsay Detwiler’s Third Novel is Under Contract!
A year ago, I had to pinch myself in order to believe my debut novel was going to be published. Now, I am so pleased to announce that my THIRD NOVEL is under contract with Hot Tree Publishing!
Then Comes Love is going to be released on March 25, 2016, in the chick lit/ women’s fiction genre. This book has really been my passion since I came up with the idea last summer. I must admit this is my favorite book I’ve written to date. I hope it will be your favorite too :)
Stay tuned to my Facebook page for updates, and also be sure to add Then Comes Love to your TBR pile on Goodreads.
As always, thanks for your support!
Lindsay Detwiler
Sometimes in life, changes can be good…
After losing her husband, her five cats, and her home, Charlotte Noel hates feeling dependent. As Charlotte tries to find her identity in this new stage of life, she comes to realize that drama never ends, dance aerobics can be a war zone, and love is always a possibility.
You never know when a midlife crisis is going to strike…
Charlotte’s daughter, Annie, is going through struggles of her own. Recently divorced, she is feeling frumpy and worn-out. Run ragged, Annie mourns her youth and wonders where her life is headed, all while hoping she can help her daughter Amelia get it together.
Settling down can be overrated, especially when you’re falling for a rock star look-alike…
Amelia is the wild child of the family. Working three jobs, because she just hasn’t figured out what she wants in life, she realizes happiness isn’t always settling down with a steady, dependable man; sometimes it’s about following your true passion and living on the edge.
No matter what age you are, life and love can be crazy…
His Confession by S. Valentine
HIS CONFESSION by S. ValentineThe Black Door Trilogy, #1
GENRE: Erotic romance.
RELEASE DATE: 16/02/16
PUBLISHER: Limitless Publishing
COVER DESIGNER: TOJ Publishing Services
★ SYNOPSIS ★
When Gabriella Woods finds matches from a gentlemen’s club in her fiancé’s pocket, her suspicions require a search for answers.
At the club, she realizes it’s not her fiancé’s fidelity that can’t be trusted…
It’s her own.
Darion Milano is daring, intriguing, and unpredictable…
Unable to get him out of her head—and against Darion’s explicit warning—
Gabi begins a torrid affair. No longer fighting the urge to enter the depth of his dark and mysterious lifestyle, she indulges in his most intimate desires.
They become the most exciting, wild, infatuated couple everybody knows.
Until his confession changes everything…
Her heart is telling her to stay.
Her instinct is telling her to run.
She can never match his outrageous ex-wife and become the fun, fearless woman he craves…
Or can she?
Discover a world of sex, secrets, and seduction.
★ BOOK TRAILER ★
WATCH HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoVV8l943j4
★ ★ WHAT EARLY REVIEWERS ARE SAYING ABOUT HIS CONFESSION ★ ★
“His Confession was a surprisingly engaging read with believable characters who were easy to connect with.It dealt with subjects a little different to what I’m used to, but the author did a great job of pulling me into her world.” – Mia Hoddell, YA/NA author.
”His Confession pulled me through from the first paragraph! The enigmatic Darion practically leapt off the pages and I could picture his every move and facial expression clear as day in my head! This story is definitely one to add to your “want-to-read” list-especially if you love a captivating plot as well as scenes so hot that they fog up your glasses. I don’t want to say too much and spoil it for future readers but DARION and GABI put Christian and Ana to SHAME! Enough said. LOL.” – Kiarra M. Taylor, contemporary romance author of THE QUARTER CHANGE.
”I loved it and I’m excited to read more to find out what happens. Darion is a great guy who was hurt badly and doesn’t know how to handle, which in steps Gabi. Love love love her! Hopefully she fights for him! When does the next book come out, as I’m dying to know what comes next! I also hope the girls get their own stories.” – Susan Flynn, Beta reader Writers club.
”S. Valentine does an exquisite job at creating a dynamic between two characters, both from different worlds, that goes beyond a physical attraction. His Confession is book one in The Black Door Trilogy. It is a fast paced story that is full of hotness and anticipation that heats you up from your head to your toes. Gabi, is tired of always playing it safe. Darion, has demons that he can no longer control. When these two get together, boundaries are pushed, control is tested and emotions run wild.” – AV. Scott, author of High Heels & New York.
“A brilliant book which leaves you wondering what happened in Darion’s past that has left him so wary and so afraid to put himself and his heart out there not to mention to put his faith and trust in Gabi, the one woman whose managed to penetrate the walls he’s built. I can’t wait for book 2 and I’m hoping that Darion and Gabi can overcome the obstacles that stand in front of them, including Eva, Darion’s ex wife.” – Rebecca Barber, author Nobody’s Obligation.
★ ★ ABOUT THE AUTHOR ★ ★
S. Valentine grew up in England. Studying English language and literature, as well as law, she worked in a solicitors for many years before moving to Spain. She does however still visit the UK, which in a way, will always be home.Returning to her lifelong passion of writing books, she’s also a weekly columnist for The Ibizan newspaper on: lifestyle and fashion. Her other interests include reading, shopping and a nice glass of wine. She’s a social media addict, and loves connecting with new people.
For more information, please visit: www.s-valentine.wix.com/books. If you join her newsletter, you will be the first to receive sneak peeks of chapters, teasers, news, giveaway prizes and more!
WEBSITE: www.s-valentine.wix.com/books
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/SophiaValentineAuthor
TWITTER: www.twitter.com/SophiaVAuthor
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/SophiaValentineAuthor
PINTEREST: www.pinterest.com/SophiaVWrites
GOODREADS: www.goodreads.com/SophiaValentine
BLOG: www.lifestyleandliterature.wordpress.com
Newsletter sign up: www.s-valentine.wix.com/books
Barnes & Noble Book Signing Photos
There’s nothing more inspiring for a writer than a solid support system. Today, I realized how blessed I am to have so many friends, family members, co workers, and locals in my corner. A year ago, I didn’t know if anyone would ever read my first book. Today, I was blown away by the support from everyone who came to my first book signing of 2016. There was a steady stream of new and loyal fans, which helped me realize how amazing this writing journey has been.
Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. You have no idea what your kind words, your time, and your smiles meant to me today. Writing is sometimes a lonely, frustrating journey filled with disappointments. Today, I am filled with nothing but gratitude and amazement.
Thank you.
January 15, 2016
Eradicating Hatred by Tak tse Profit
ERADICATING HATRED by Tak tse Profit
Check out the new novel by Tak tse Profit, ERADICATING HATRED. Below you can find the book’s blurb, cover, trailer, teasers, purchase links and all about the author.
‘This book seeks to affect change in its readers perception of the actual circumstances that humanity shares.’ – Eradicating Hatred.
TITLE: Eradicating Hatred
GENRE: Philosophy
PUBLISHER: Xlibris US
REVIEW COPIES: eBook | Mobi
Etiam Tu: Eradicating Hatred is the first installment in the Etiam Tu book series. It is the initial explanation of the philosophy of Etiam Tu as it applies to mankinds most immediate threat to his continued existence: Hatred. This book seeks to affect change in its readers perception of the actual circumstances that humanity shares. It identifies the sources of the Hatred we are subjected to, the motivations that create and maintain it, and the numerous forms in which it is manifested. It’s goal is to alert its reader and raise their awareness, by thoroughly exploring this multi-faceted threat; examining each form and humanity’s role in maintaining their existence. Ultimately, educating each reader in an attempt to enlist their voluntary individual efforts to assist in Eradicating this evil from the collective human psyche once and for all: forever.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
The Tak tse Profit spent most of life observing conditions, circumstances and people. He spent most his adult life in service to people known and unknown, considering and noting differing factors in life: both in his and other’s. He accepted his commission to share the Philosophy of Etiam Tu: inspired by his young son’s convicting of his heart for having given up on mankind.
REVIEWS:
‘I love most books on self improvement, or about the interactions and emotions of humans. This book focuses on eradicating hatred, things such as: morals, honor, family values, faith, trust, negativity, frustration, envy, resentment, the culture of hatred and more. From the authors experiences and observations over the past 9 years, he has brought us this book. It really opens your mind, and the way he speaks about mankind being saved from itself by stopping the hatred is so true. Hatred is the dangerous issue mankind is facing. GREAT BOOK! A MUST-READ!’ – Lifestyleandliterature.wordpress.com
SOCIAL MEDIA
https://www.facebook.com/EtiamTu/
https://www.instagram.com/tak_tse_profit/
http://ahatefreeworld.blogspot.com/
http://eradicatinghatred.weebly.com/
PURCHASE LINKS
Xlibris Website: http://goo.gl/sYNoMd
Amazon: http://goo.gl/qj8l9q
Barnes & Noble: http://goo.gl/YXtVNM
BOOK TRAILER
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2RJxAYxxFU&list=PLnPZ2vtiAjbsoItzwaVyt1DgjNgGim1ro
TEASERS
January 14, 2016
My Book Bucket List, 2016 Edition
It’s a new year…and I’m already thinking about all of the books I want to read this year!
As a writer, it sometimes seems tough to fit in time to read, but it’s so important. I love how Stephen King talks in his book On Writing about this. He says, “If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time to write. Simple as that.” Reading keeps you grounded in solid writing techniques, helps you identify with readers, and helps you find your writing identity.
Thus, no matter how busy I get with teaching, grad school, writing, editing, and marketing, I always vow to make time for reading.
My TBR pile is always growing, but here are the books on my priority list for this year:
12 Years a Slave
Far From the Maddening Crowd
Eleanor & Park
The Red Queen
The entire Sookie Stackhouse series (I’m only on book 2)
Maggie’s Marriage by Gloria Herrmann
Catcher in the Rye (I know, I should have read this already!)
The Chocolate War
All the Lights We Cannot See
Sophie’s Choice
What’s on your TBR pile this year? What should I add to mine? Suggestion always welcome!!
January 12, 2016
Awakenings: The Story That Helped Me Find My Own Dream
Imagine being trapped in your body.
Your mental faculties are working. You feel frustrated, annoyed, happy, and joyful. You want to tell your best friend how amazing her new haircut looks or tell your spouse to turn off the light because it’s giving you a headache. You want to tell your son or daughter how beautiful their picture is or tuck them in at night.
But you can’t.
You are trapped in the shell of a body that abandoned you a long time ago. Your physical body has betrayed your emotional and spiritual aims. You are frozen in a shell.
The worst part? No one knows it. They think you’re completely gone.
Sound scary?
I think so.
That’s why when we watched the movie Awakenings, which is based on a true story, during my last year of college, I was haunted. I was haunted so much that it drove me to achieve my dreams, to start writing my first book, to start appreciating my life.
Awakenings is about a group of people who, in the early 1920s, suffered from encephalitis lethargica. They essentially went into a coma-like state, unable to communicate or fully function their bodies. Doctors believed they were mentally gone, brain dead essentially. Thus, their families put large numbers of them into mental institutions to be forgotten.
In the 1960s, a doctor by the name of Dr. Oliver Sacks entered a hospital in the Bronx and discovered these patients. Believing they weren’t mentally gone, he started trying to find a cure and an answer to their ailments. He did, awakening them only to find they were mentally competent.
Eventually, the patients would stop responding to treatment, returning to their coma-like states. However, Dr. Sacks saved them in many ways, awakening their families to the fact they were, in fact, mentally in there.
The movie is a profound reminder that life is fragile and that we must challenge ourselves to take advantage of every minute of it. Watching this movie, I was reminded of the gift I have–the ability to live a healthy life, to communicate, to be heard. This movie has stuck with me, reminding me when things seem impossible that they could always be worse. Furthermore, Dr. Sacks reminds me to always trust your gut. Just because someone says something doesn’t mean it is valid.
Each day we are able to make decisions for ourselves, to interact with our loved ones, and to follow our dreams is a gift. Sometimes the drudgery of common life, the exhaustion of a hectic schedule, and the frustration of a life we don’t necessarily love can get in the way of seeing this. Awakenings reminded me to never take anything for granted.
Check out this article to learn more about the movie or buy the movie here.
Shades of Sydney by Brittney Coon
Sydney West enjoys sampling summer boys, but this year, one refuses to be a one-night stand…
Twenty-one-year-old Sydney doesn’t believe in relationships. Her parents’ toxic divorce has taught her love is nothing but a sinister fairytale. So every summer she parties, hooks up, abandons her lover before dawn, and repeats.
That is until she meets gorgeous local surfer Jason King at the beach…
When Jason fails to flirt—or even give her a second glance—she decides something must be wrong with him, and it’s safer to stay away. But when Sydney and Jason’s best friends hook up and become Malibu’s hottest couple, they are forced to spend more time together than either of them cares for.
Armed with a sharp tongue, Sydney works to keep Jason at bay…
In a moment of weakness, Sydney lets her guard down and confides in Jason, realizing he’s more than just a hot guy—he’s also a friend. And when Sydney’s need for a summer boy results in her falling into bed with Jason, despite her better judgment, she runs away from him by morning.
The problem is, he won’t accept being another one-night stand, and will do anything to prove…
Love really does exist.
Amazon US ~ FREE on Kindle Unlimited
“I can show you some tips. Been surfing all my life,” he said proudly.
“Yes,” Amelia said excitedly, dragging the poor boy to the ocean.
Rolling my eyes, I turned toward the other boy. He was tall, but not über tall, like the other guy. His muscles moved like liquid as he approached me. I had the urge to touch his abs and see if they were as firm as they appeared. His hair was tussled and golden brown, as if sun kissed. His board was a light blue with black stripes. It was a good brand, but a basic print.
“Do you need surfing lessons too or are you here in support?” the boy asked me. His silver eyes mirrored the moon, sending shivers down my shine.
“Umm…I was wanting to be surfing…”
What the hell did I just say?
His eyes sparkled with laughter, but he didn’t mock me. “I can teach you some tricks if you want.”
I looked at him closer. My stomach fell to the sand. He was the guy I bumped into at that club and he didn’t bother giving me a second look. He kept walking as if I was just another body in the crowd, no one worthy of his attention.
“Were you at Club Purple last night?” I asked.
He tilted his head. “Yes, how did you know?”
“I ran into you and we kept going the same way and then—”
“Oh, right,” he said, nodding as if it all made sense.
Brittney Coon graduated Magna Cum Laude from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in Communication and a minor in Film and Media Production. Brittney has always been creative and turned to writing to share the stories playing through her head. In her spare time she reads, watches Friends, and hangs out with her cats. She currently lives in Arizona.
Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Instagram ~ Goodreads ~ Blog ~ Webpage ~ Wattpad ~ Tumblr
Shades of Sydney Release Blitz Giveaway
January 8, 2016
My 2016 Wishlist: Resolutions, Big and Small
The beauty of a new year is that it gives us permission to dream. There’s something about the changing of the calendar that inspires us to think about our goals, the upcoming year, and what surprises might be waiting for us in 2016.
I’ve seen so many resolutions over the past few week, and it got me thinking about what I hope to achieve in 2016. Some of these things are practical, some are simple, and some will probably never happen.
Then again, 2015 showed me sometimes your wildest dreams can, in fact, come true.
My Dreams and Goals for 2016
Organize my filing system~Read at least 50 books~Meet Nicholas Sparks~Drink less soda~Lose 10 pounds~Get a streak of hot pink in my hair (just one for the summer)~Get the Annabel Lee Tattoo I’ve had my eye on~Publish at least two more novels~Have someone famous read one of my novels and review it~Go to at least one new restaurant~Redo our outdoor area to be more sanctuary like~Perfect winged eyeliner~Grow my hair out~Go to a zoo or aquarium~Go to Hershey again~Go to a fun concert~Get a facial~Save more money
So there they are, my wishes or 2016. What about you? What are your hopes for the new year?
Lindsay Detwiler
January 7, 2016
The Wild Truth by Carine McCandless
The Wild Truth: The Untold Story of Sibling Survival by Carine McCandless
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
As an English teacher, I feel in love with Into the Wild. It is a harrowing, haunting, emotional tale of a man dedicated to self-fulfillment and adventure. However, I was excited to read Carine’s book to see her perspective. I was hoping this book would further illuminate the man I have come to admire through teaching his story.
I was severely disappointed in this book. Don’t get me wrong…it is very well-written and emotional in its own right. Carine McCandless is a brave, courageous woman in her own way. She’s lived through tragic circumstances of her own, and I commend both her writing and her willingness to share her story.
However, I did not feel like this book really gave me any deeper insight into Chris. Yes, it does go into more detail about their family life. I felt, however, that all of the information discussed in this book could be interpreted from Into the Wild. Thus, there wasn’t really any new information or revelation. From Krakauer’s novel, I could tell that the family situation was harrowing and the reason why Chris left. I didn’t feel that this book gave me any information I didn’t already know. I also felt like the focus wasn’t on Chris in this book. It didn’t really showcase his courageous spirit, his unique beliefs, or his devotion to living a full life. Most of the book focused on Carine. I wanted to see more about Chris. I did not feel like he was a focal point in the novel.
This book was not the emotional pairing to Into the Wild I had hoped for. I wanted to see more about her connection with Chris and the loss of him. I wanted her take on his adventure. I wanted to see more of their correspondence and pictures from his trip.
