Emma Michaels's Blog, page 10
June 27, 2014
Contact Release Blitz and Giveaway!
Contact by Laurisa White Reyes
Mira wants to die. She’s attempted suicide twice already and failed. Every time she comes in contact with another person, skin to skin, that person’s psyche uploads into hers. While her psychologist considers this a gift, for Mira it’s a curse from which she cannot escape.
To make matters worse, Mira’s father is being investigated for the deaths of several volunteer test subjects of the miracle drug Gaudium. Shortly after Mira’s mother starts asking questions, she ends up in a coma. Although her father claims it was an accident, thanks to her “condition” Mira knows the truth, but proving it just might get her killed.
PRAISE FOR BOOK:
“CONTACT is a page turner that will keep you guessing right along with Mira, right up until the last revelation. And it will make you reconsider the next time you wish you knew someone else’s secrets!” – Margaret Petereson Haddix, author of the Missing and The Shadow Children series
AUTHOR LAURISA WHITE REYES:
Laurisa White Reyes is the Editor-in-chief of Middle Shelf Magazine and the author of two middle grade fantasy novels: The Rock of Ivanore and The Last Enchanter. She is also the mother of five kids, a graduate student, a fan of Broadway musicals, and a lover of all things chocolate.
Website * Goodreads * Twitter * Facebook * Pinterest
Blast Giveaway
$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 7/20/14
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the publisher. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
June 24, 2014
Contact Blog Tour and Giveaway!
Contact by Laurisa White Reyes Published by Hallowed Ink Press on June 23rd 2014
Genres: New Adult, Suspense, Urban Fantasy, Young Adult
Pages: 302
Amazon • Goodreads
It takes only half a second…
…Like those commercials where a crash test dummy rockets forward at high speed and slams into a wall.
…In that instant, every thought in Emma Lynn Walsh’s head collides with mine—every thought, memory, hope, disappointment and dream.
…I open my eyes to see Dr. Walsh peering at me, a puzzled expression on her face.
“Let—go—of—me,” I order though clenched teeth.
Mira wants to die. She’s attempted suicide twice already, and failed. Every time she comes in contact with another person, skin to skin, that person’s psyche uploads into hers. While her psychologist considers this a gift, for Mira, it’s a curse from which she cannot escape.
To make matters worse, Mira’s father is being investigated in the deaths of several volunteer test subjects of a miracle drug. Shortly after Mira’s mother starts asking questions, she ends up in a coma. Although her father claims it was an accident, thanks to her “condition” Mira knows the truth…but proving it just might get her killed!
GoodReads | Facebook | Twitter | Website | Blog
After earning her B.A. in English in 1995, Laurisa White Reyes spent many years writing for newspapers and magazines before gathering enough courage to live her dream of writing novels. Contact is her third published book. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in creative writing, is a book editor for Hamilton Springs/Xchyler Press, and is the Editor-in-chief of Middle Shelf Magazine. She lives in Southern California with her husband and five children.
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Giveaway
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June 23, 2014
Contact Release Day Blitz!
Title: Contact
Author: Laurisa White Reyes
Genre: Young Adult Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Hallowed Ink Press
Blurb:
It takes only half a second…
…Like those commercials where a crash test dummy rockets forward at high speed and slams into a wall.
…In that instant, every thought in Emma Lynn Walsh’s head collides with mine—every thought, memory, hope, disappointment and dream.
…I open my eyes to see Dr. Walsh peering at me, a puzzled expression on her face.
“Let—go—of—me,” I order though clenched teeth.
Mira wants to die. She’s attempted suicide twice already, and failed. Every time she comes in contact with another person, skin to skin, that person’s psyche uploads into hers. While her psychologist considers this a gift, for Mira, it’s a curse from which she cannot escape.
To make matters worse, Mira’s father is being investigated in the deaths of several volunteer test subjects of a miracle drug. Shortly after Mira’s mother starts asking questions, she ends up in a coma. Although her father claims it was an accident, thanks to her “condition” Mira knows the truth…but proving it just might get her killed!
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20707931-contact
After earning her B.A. in English in 1995, Laurisa White Reyes spent many years writing for newspapers and magazines before gathering enough courage to live her dream of writing novels. Contact is her third published book. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in creative writing, is a book editor for Hamilton Springs/Xchyler Press, and is the Editor-in-chief of Middle Shelf Magazine. She lives in Southern California with her husband and five children.
Links:
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5244611.Laurisa_White_Reyes
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Laurisa-White-Reyes/e/B006IL8HUK/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lwreyes
Blog: http://laurisareyes.blogspot.com
Web: http://www.laurisawhitereyes.com
Buy Link:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L4RYEZ0
Goodreads * Facebook * Web * Twitter
June 20, 2014
New Release Spotlight!
We have a treat for you! Author Kristina Cook has recently released the first two books in her UNDONE BY LOVE series!
Today we highlight the series and bring it to spotlight.
UNLACED (Undone by Love, #1)
From nationally bestselling author Kristina Cook comes an award-winning historical romance set in Regency England–first time in digital!
All Lucy Abbington wants is to get through her first London season without losing sight of her true ambition—gaining some informal training in veterinary arts so that she can retire peacefully to the countryside with her beloved horses. Instead, she’s caught up in a whirlwind of balls, marriage proposals, and ton intrigues. Worse, she finds herself irresistibly drawn to her sponsors’ maddening neighbor, Henry Ashton, the Marquess of Mandeville. The handsome, arrogant, sometimes infuriating Mandeville stokes a passionate fire within her that won’t be denied, no matter the consequence.
Deep, emotional scars secretly plague Henry, Lord Mandeville. As a result, he’s avoided romantic entanglements at all costs. Only, now he needs a wife—someone from a wealthy, powerful family to further his political aspirations. Instead, he finds himself all but obsessed with the beautiful but unconventional Lucy Abbington—a woman whose passions and wit stir desires he’d rather ignore. And yet…she might just be the one woman who can heal his wounded heart.
Lucy and Henry’s heads say no, but their hearts say yes. Will they find themselves undone by love?
CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FOR ONLY $.99!
AMAZON † BARNES & NOBLE
UNDRESSED (Undone by Love, #2) –now available!
In the course of a day, Colin Rosemoor has managed to lose everything—his reputation, his standing in society, his club affiliation, and the affections of the woman he’d planned to marry. But when Colin enlists the help of his friend, Hugh Ballard, to help him win back his lady—and his honor—a chance meeting with Hugh’s long-lost sister changes everything.
Brenna Maclachlan is perfectly satisfied living on the highlan estate in Scotland where she was raised. She spends her days managing the manor, her nights gazing at the stars in her observatory. But when an English earl and his wife appear on her doorstep and convince her that she’s really their daughter, Brenna finds herself whisked off to London where she’s completely out of her element. While most of the ton finds Brenna’s independent streak and headstrong manner wholly unacceptable, Colin finds her refreshing…and irresistible.
With Colin’s sister Jane playing matchmaker, the pair find themselves drawn to one another, unable to resist their growing attraction. Will secrets, lies, and circumstances keep them apart, or will they find themselves undone by love?
AVAILABLE TODAY!
AMAZON † BARNES & NOBLE
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kristina Cook is the author of more than a dozen books for adults and teens, ranging from historical and NASCAR romance to paranormal and contemporary young adult fiction (also writing as Kristi Astor and Kristi Cook). When she’s not writing a book or reading a book, she’s probably online somewhere, talking about a book. Kristina lives in New York City with her husband and two daughters, but in the summer months escapes with them to sunny Miami, where she lounges on the beach and teaches creative writing classes at Miami-Dade College.
WEBSITE † FACEBOOK
June 19, 2014
Seamonster Cover reveal!
SEAMONSTER by AMALIE HOWARD
YOUNG ADULT
AVAILABLE TODAYNOVELLA
They say that love is the death of duty …
Speio Marin is land-bound, tied to the side of the Waterfell queen-to-be, Nerissa. There’s only one problem–she wants nothing to do with any of the Aquarathi or her undersea kingdom, preferring instead the freedom of pretending to be human. Torn between his own desires and his duty to serve his future queen, he spirals into an abyss of malcontent. Speio’s mistrust of humans is no secret, and he sees them only as a threat to the existence of his people.
Until he meets Anya Delmonico–a mysterious and enigmatic girl, teetering on the edge of survival. Anya is sedate and secretive, yet reckless enough to brave a hundred-foot cliff jump. Caught between a dark past and an ex-boyfriend who refuses to let her go, Anya knows that getting involved with anyone new is the last thing she should do. But when her past catches up to her, Speio turns out to be the only one she can trust, refusing to let her face her demons alone.
When Anya discovers the truth about Speio, putting her life in mortal danger from the Aquarathi as well as her own sinister pursuers, will he risk everything to protect her? Or will he choose duty above all?
AVAILABLE ON
AMAZON
Check out Book 1
Amazon † B&N † iBooks † Kobo
You can pre-order book 2, OCEANBORN today!
Amazon † B&N † iBooks
AMALIE HOWARD grew up on a small Caribbean island where she spent most of her childhood with her nose buried in a book or being a tomboy running around barefoot, shimmying up mango trees and dreaming of adventure. 22 countries, surfing with sharks and several tattoos later, she has traded in bungee jumping in China for writing the adventures she imagines instead. She isn’t entirely convinced which takes more guts.
She is the author of several young adult novels critically acclaimed by Kirkus, PW, and Booklist, including Waterfell, The Almost Girl, and Alpha Goddess, a Spring 2014 Kid’s INDIE NEXT title. Her debut novel, Bloodspell, was an Amazon bestseller and a Seventeen Magazine Summer Read. As an author of color and a proud supporter of diversity in fiction, her articles on multicultural fiction have appeared in The Portland Book Review and on the popular Diversity in YA blog. She currently resides in New York with her husband and three children. Visit her at www.amaliehoward.com.
Website † Twitter † Facebook † GoodReads
June 18, 2014
The Girlfriend Series Blitz!
Little White Lies (The Girlfriends #1)
In Little White Lies, Book # 1 of the Girlfriends Series –eighth grader Rachel Scott finally has the perfect boyfriend. He’s good looking, athletic and wealthy. The only problem is he doesn’t actually exist. Rachel’s escape into her fantasy world worries her parents and they insist she meet with the school counselor. Frustrated with her life and without her best friend’s approval, Rachel heads down a dangerous path, looking for love in all the wrong places.
Little White Pills (The Girlfriends #2)
In Little White
Pills, Book #2 of The Girlfriends Series -Tenth grader Steph Baxter has it all,
perfect looks, perfect grades and a perfect life. She’s a model high-school
student and a member of the cheerleading squad. But in her quest for
excellence, she makes dangerous choices. Soon her simple solution becomes a
complex problem. Follow Steph and her best friend Rachel as they cope with
Steph’s unexpected journey. Can Steph find support before it’s too late?
Little White Magic (The Girlfriends #3)
In Little White
Magic, Book #3 in The Girlfriends Series – Tenth grader Rachel Scott is sent to
work at a remote summer camp with her best friend Steph. Hoping to find a boyfriend,
she enlists the aid of a Tarot card reader. The cards lead her on a journey
filled with unexpected twists and turns. Will the girls’ friendship survive as
Rachel becomes obsessed with her mission to save a new friend?
Little White Castles (The Girlfriends #4)
All Rachel wants
is to unravel the mystery of her missing mother. Why did she disappear over a
decade ago without saying goodbye?
With the support
of her friends, Steph and Dylan, and the guidance of her Tarot cards she must
decide if the explanation lies in a faraway town.
A family
emergency and her mother’s odd behavior threaten to disrupt her quest. But the
Tarot and a new friend with psychic powers gives her courage to find the
answers that really matter.
Can the truth transcend
Rachel’s fantasies?
Amazon Amazon CA Amazon UK
Amazon Amazon CA Amazon UK
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Little White Lies Chapter 1
My name’s Rachel and I invent stories. My parents call me a fibber — a liar, to be exact. Lying makes me feel better. To me it’s just pretending. A designer home, trips to Maui and Disney World and, of course, my imaginary boyfriend, Walker Johnson. We met at summer camp. My imaginary summer camp.
“Liar, liar pants on fire,” I hum as I push open the door to the school counselor’s office for my weekly meeting. Her small room has one dirty window. Books and black binders line the shelves in the corner. The smell of sweat fills the room. Four boys from my class have just finished talking with Ms. Paxton. Probably fighting at lunch again. I sigh as I slump into my usual place at the round table.
Ms. Paxton leans forward, clasping her hands together. I try not to stare at them, but I can’t help myself. They’re spotted with freckles and veins that pop up. I never want to have hands like that even when I’m old. But she has a kind face and I like her.
Last week my best friend, Stephanie, and I saw Ms. Paxton jump into a Mercedes convertible after school. A good-looking man was in the driver’s seat. We almost died. Who would have thought Ms. Paxton could be hot?
“Rachel, how’s your week going?”
“Great.” It’s only Tuesday, not many things have gone wrong yet. What does she expect me to say? “Not much to report, Ms. Paxton.”
She leans back in her chair and waits. She knows me. After all, I’ve been coming to her sessions since the beginning of the term. My parents make me. They say I have issues. Some days, like today, my issue is being in this room. Great!!
“Tell me about your weekend.”
“Same old, same old.” I wince when I realize I sound like my dad.
Ms. Paxton’s eyebrows rise. That’s her signal that she needs to hear more.
“Well, I hung out with Steph. We burned some CDs, watched dance shows on TV and ate junk food. I made a ton of popcorn. We added half a pound of melted butter and Parmesan cheese. Then we finished with bowls of chocolate ice cream and some vinegar chips.”
Ms. Paxton’s eyebrows lift another inch.
The last time we talked, I whined about my weight. I’m supposed to be following Weight Watchers, but I can’t seem to stick to the program. Why shouldn’t I reward myself every once in a while?
“I got another great e-mail from Walker.”
“What about?”
“He wants me to join him in Vermont next summer.”
“Really?”
I listen carefully to the tone of her voice. I think she’s still a believer.
Little White Pills
My fate is the Land Of Perfection. Perfect grades, perfect body, perfect life. But I’m faltering. I’m not who you think I am.
I stroke the side of the plastic vial of little white pills, considering what to do. I twist off the cap, pop one down my throat and gulp some water. It’s all good. They’re prescription, you know. Not mine, of course, but legal. Just something to take the edge off my day. I tuck my secret deep in my pocket and get ready for school.
I’m the girl you love to hate. I have it all. Brains, looks, friends. My best friend Rachel says so and she’s right about everything. So I’d like to agree with her – but most days, about this particular topic, I think she’s wrong. So what if I’m pretty, get straight A’s and have a ton of friends? None of that makes me feel good.
I’m only in the tenth grade and Dad and Mom keep asking what I want to do with the rest of my life. My life. I tell them I haven’t a clue. What I do know is I plan to be ultra-careful about the path I choose. I won’t follow my dad.
I don’t want to spend my life hating what I do. I don’t want to wake up in the morning and look in the mirror and think ‘Is this all there is?’ I need to discover what’s out in the world at my own pace. That’s the problem. My parents are fast-track kind of people, looking for the best, wanting the most expensive stuff. Every day they push, push, push. Push themselves. And push me.
My grandpa wanted Dad to be a lawyer. So he went to Harvard Law School. But now he’s a busy orthodontist in Portervale, north of Seattle. I have no idea why he changed his mind. Now he spends all day making smiles sparkle. One day I wish he would make me smile.
My mom used to be a model. But then she got married and had me. I wasn’t part of her plan. I think she’s still recovering from the fact she got pregnant. Now she’s a home stager. She gets to spend other people’s money to make their houses look fabulous in order to sell them. The owners then move on to their next fantastic place.
I think her work is boring. Everything is super organized and the sofas look like you shouldn’t sit on them or they’d bruise. The designer kitchens shine but never have a yummy smell. So Mom fakes it. She uses a mini Crock Pot and chucks in some gingerbread goop. This aroma makes the house feel homey so clients will fall in love with the place. I suppose it works because she’s always busy. She loves ‘decluttering and neutralizing’ a home, as she calls it, to help buyers see its full potential. But she should look carefully at her daughter’s potential.
Me? I’m Steph, Child Number One of the Baxter household. Actually, I’m the one and only, and this is my story.
Little White Magic
Rachel
Normally I love a Tarot card reading, but today something is wrong, wrong, wrong. Madame Ariana’s azure eyes skewer me like a laser.
I shrink back in my chair. “What do you see?”
In the silence, her silver bracelets jingle as she places twenty-two cards in a circle, her long fingers caressing each one. I know what she’s doing—the Soul Mate spread. I’ve studied the cards throughout my senior year. She points to the card in the middle.
“The King of Wands,” she says in an ominous tone.
“What does that mean?”
She spins one of her five rings slowly with her left thumb. I stare at the largest ring, the one with the dragon. My stomach plummets. I’ve always hated dragons. There’s something about the blood-red eyes that is beyond scary. I make an effort to refocus.
“Does that card represent the past?”
“Be patient, Rachel. The cards will let you know.”
I’m here to find out if Channing really loves me or if this is just a summer romance. I guess I’m nervous because he’s my very first real boyfriend. I’m not counting my neighbor last year who I thought might be interested in me. Channing could have any girl in Camp Winnoski. Every day I wonder why he chose me.
The neglected cottage has thick purple curtains and black walls. Three plump crystals dangle from glossy beaded strings in the window. Good. Three is my lucky number. A dusty stench thickens the air. Even though it’s late in the afternoon, it’s so dark outside it feels like midnight. Another summer storm is brewing.
Madame Ariana talks about the past. But I don’t want to think about my mom abandoning me, dad always working, changing schools. Not today. I want her to tell me about Channing. About the future.
“You are ready for a deeper connection with your soul mate. But I see confusion and conflicts. The King of Wands will be your mentor. He will inspire you. In time, harmony will rule.” She leans across the scarred pine table and whispers, “You will be two jewels polishing each other’s rough edges.”
That sounds cool, but …
The lights flicker and thunder rolls in the distance. Raindrops drum on the tin roof, making my heart beat faster. Madame Ariana’s blue shawl rises and falls over her bony shoulders as she arranges a new spread. “Ah, the King of Wands again.”
I study the card. The regal figure is sitting on a fancy throne, wearing a robe and crown and holding a wand with a bunch of leaves sticking out the top. I wish I could remember its significance. I’ll check it out later in my favorite Tarot book.
“But he’s reversed,” I add.
“Yes.” Madame Ariana stares at me. “The energy of the card is blocked.”
Wonderful. I peek at my watch. My best friend, Steph, is waiting outside. She must be wondering what’s taking so long. I want Madame Ariana to hurry, because I need to shower before dinner. The line for the camp washrooms is ugly if you don’t arrive early. But I want to hear that Channing is The One!
She leans forward and speaks carefully into the microphone on the table. “The vision is still taking shape.”
I get to keep the tape. When I return to camp I’ll have to dredge up a tape player. That will be a pain. Camp Winnoski has almost zero technology. We’re allowed brief emails to our parents in the office on Sunday afternoons with mega supervision. What a drag. I’m still in withdrawal from saying goodbye to my iPad and iPhone. I mean, that’s punishment!
As Madame Ariana taps the card, I notice the tattoo on her wrist—a snake curled around something I don’t recognize.
“Yes, still taking shape,” she murmurs. “The cards say you must confront your strengths and weaknesses. Show neither doubt nor fear. The vision indicates you will be strong.”
“What vision?” I suddenly have my own vision. I can see my hard-earned money evaporating.
“You must put forth effort and legwork,” she continues.
Hmm, sounds like school. And this is my summer to be free. Well, sort of. Working as a camp counselor isn’t exactly a holiday.
Annoyance chokes my brain. “Is my boyfriend, Channing, the King of Wands?” Obviously, I have to be specific.
“Does he inspire you?”
Well. All I know is that he’s one hot guy who is attracted to me—and I’m wondering why.
Madame Ariana delivers vague suggestions and I try to concentrate. She isn’t giving me answers and this session is costing me a lot. My dad and stepmom would come unhinged if they found out that a large part of my salary is going to a Tarot reader. I can hear my dad’s voice: “Rachel, I can’t understand why you believe such nonsense.” I love him, but he’s way too practical. He doesn’t believe in coloring outside the lines, if you know what I mean.
Raindrops splatter and slide down the grimy windows, leaving spidery trails. Can’t Madame Ariana read the disappointment on my face? Surely if she understands the universe, she knows what I want to hear.
“Trust your instincts. The answers will come.” She switches off the recorder and hands me the tape. “I’ll tell you more next time.”
Or not. I pay her sixty-five dollars and leave. As I open the door, sunlight and fresh air stream into the room. The storm is over. Steph, wet hair clinging to her face, grabs my hand and we begin the thirty minute hike back to camp. Our sneakers squish through the muddy puddles on the winding path in the Vermont forest.
“What took so long? What did she say?”
“She told me lots of things about myself I already know. There were clues about the future, but she didn’t tell me what will happen. Just that there will be conflicts.” Simply saying that word makes me shudder. I reach inside the pocket of my cargo pants and touch my special comfort stones. My tourmaline for compassion, my amber for protection, and my malachite for spiritual guidance.
“Oh, that sucks. I know you wanted to hear about Channing.”
Steph grabs me around the waist. I put my arm around her and we lope along like we used to when we were little. We were experts at three-legged races.
“There’s something that really bugs me. Apparently I will meet my mentor, the King of Wands. Madame Ariana wouldn’t say who it is. But I can’t afford to go to her again. I wonder if she’d lower her price if I cleaned her cabin. The place is disgusting. It smells like my brothers’ socks.”
“Okay, girlfriend, I recognize that look,” Steph says. “What are you plotting?”
I give her shoulder a squeeze. “I’m going to find the King of Wands.”
Little White Castles
In the middle of a Saturday morning, two days after Christmas, my dad launches a thunderbolt into my world. My mom, who evaporated when I was four, has sent me a letter.
As he hands over the promised message, his eyes brim with tears. He moves closer on the couch in our family room and gently squeezes my shoulder. Dread saturates my brain now that the moment is here. Maybe reading this is one giant mistake. All I know is that once I open the letter, my life will change forever. Finally, I’ll understand why she disappeared. I’ve imagined every possible reason. But now is the moment of truth.
Taking a gulp of air, I rip the envelope open and study the shaky handwriting. Forcing the words from my throat, I read aloud so that my best friend Steph and my stepmom Diane, who are sitting on the other sofa, can share in the news.
My darling daughter Rachel,
I tried many times to connect with you. But I couldn’t do it. Years have passed, I know. I don’t expect you to forgive me. I can’t forgive me. But…now, I’m ready to explain. I’ve spoken with your father. Hopefully he can arrange the details. Right now, I’m living in Prickly Pear Junction, Arizona. I’m looking forward to seeing you.
Fiona
I stare at Dad, searching for his reaction, and he pulls me into a hug. Memories from the past float through my mind.
“Rachel, I thought this letter was important and that you should know where your mother is living. She phoned me last week. We’ve talked, but I haven’t made any firm plans. I wanted to speak with you first.”
His eyes are red and he turns away to wipe his face. I slowly re-examine the note, inspecting each line for a clue. A bubble of annoyance expands in my brain. This letter tells me nothing. Absolutely nothing.
How can she do this to me? I’ve waited years to hear from her and now all I have is this meaningless bunch of sentences. Why didn’t she say something that would help me?
Steph shoots across the room and pulls me to my feet. “I’m so sorry—I know you expected more.”
“Yeah,” I mutter as I race upstairs to my bedroom, abandoning the letter, just like my mother abandoned me.
Steph follows, grabs my shoulders, and gives me a shake. “Talk to me, Rachel. What are you thinking?”
“I just want to understand. After twelve years of waiting to hear something, I need to know what’s going on with her. Is that too much to ask?” I collapse onto my bed and pound the pillows in frustration. “I don’t want to wait. I want to talk to her today.”
“Rachel, get up.”
I turn over and look at her through bleary eyes. “And don’t think that food will be the answer to this. I’m not always starving.” Well, not always, but most of the time.
“I know you. Eating won’t solve this problem. But what can I do to help you feel better?” She crosses her arms and gives me one of her serious, no-nonsense stares.
I sit up slowly and hug my knees. “Here’s the thing. I thought—I mean I really, really believed—I’d discover something new about what happened when she lived with Dad.”
“Maybe today isn’t the day.”
“You’ve got that right,” I say on a sigh. “I can’t imagine their conversation. My mom’s disappearance hurt him, too. Even after all these years, some days he can’t hide his resentment.”
Steph sits next to me. “Listen, nothing has really changed. You knew she was out there somewhere.”
“But things are different now. Fiona or my mother—I never know how to think about her. I can’t remember much of my life with her. Now she wants to meet me. Why? After all these years! What does she want from me? I thought I was ready for this moment. I dreamed about this moment. But now that it’s here, I’m a mess.”
“Well, at least we know your mother is somewhere in Arizona.”
“Right. Dad thought she was living in New Mexico. But I guess not. All I’ve heard is that she moves around a lot. She works in restaurants. That’s all I know.”
“Don’t you want to meet her? This is just nerves, Rachel. You’re in shock.”
I shake my head. “I don’t know what to think. I’m stunned that she wrote to me. I mean, I wanted her to write, but it’s going to take a while to sink in.”
“Hey, turn around. How about one of my famous neck massages?”
As Steph vigorously kneads my tight muscles, I let my mind wander. What would happen if I went to Arizona? What would that accomplish? So, I would meet my mother. Then what? I’ve always considered the meeting, but I’ve never thought about what would happen next.
“Rachel, let’s look up this Prickly Pear place and find out some information. That might help you make up your mind about whether or not you want to go.” Steph slides her phone out of her pocket. “I’ve never heard of the town.” She taps the name into Google. “Woo-ee! Check this out. You won’t believe it. You’re totally going to adore this.”
“Read it to me.”
I flop back onto the bed and close my eyes. Steph’s voice drones on and on about the vegetation, the weather, the hiking trails, and the Jeep tours available at Prickly Pear Junction, just outside of Phoenix. Yeah, yeah.
Suddenly my eyes fly wide open. Wide, wide open. “Read that part again, please.”
“Sure. ‘This sleepy town is more new age than Sedona. Tourists will discover opportunities for aura readings, crystals, vortex information, flower essences, the Tarot, and other occult practices. Explore the events of the past and their influences on the present. Open your mind and spend your holiday in Prickly Pear Junction.’”
“Steph,” I shriek. “I’m meant to go there. I know it. I know it.”
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Jodie Esch lives on an island in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, dog, cat, chickens and alpacas. When not living in her fictional world, she spends her time as the ‘Waste Management Queen’ picking up manure on the property. She is passionate about words and is obsessed with writing and reading.
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June 17, 2014
Full Moon Book Highlight!
Title: Full Moon
Author: Jordan Deen
Series: The Crescent #3
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal
You know her story. You know her painful initiation into the werewolf world and you’ve seen her struggle to find the truth.
Now, Lacey Quinn is ready for the war to be over. Are you?
Lacey has been used, lied to and cheated out of the only thing she ever wanted: independence. Struggling with her newfound knowledge of being pack leader, Alex coming back into her life and the kidnapping of Lily’s mate—Matt—Lacey is faced with one of the biggest decisions of her life: fight or flight. While she knows running from the war will risk many lives, but staying means she would never have the life she wants and quite possibly never know a world without werewolves, witches and war.
Sometimes doing the right thing isn’t always the first or most obvious choice. Lacey Quinn is about to challenge what everyone thinks is the right thing to do. Unfortunately for her, most will not agree with her decision or the painful outcome.
Sometimes, love means death.
PRE-ORDER:
AMAZON | B&N
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Just please stop…, I said one last time as the ribbons encircled my wrists and my ankles and started pulling in opposite directions. There would be no end to the suffering until there was an end to me. The only way to stop the pain was to let myself go. To let it overtake me and to be one with the pain. I released the tension in each of my muscles and loosened my balled up fists. If I was going to die now, it would be on my own terms. As soon as the realization had registered in my mind, the onyx prisoner twisted onto itself and around me to squeeze my stomach and my ribs. It was determined to kill me and to make me suffer while it was doing it. I couldn’t fight back. I wouldn’t fight back. It was futile. I remained limp and it seemed to only further anger my captor.
The next thing I knew, I was upside down and the ground was racing quickly towards my face. The shackles around my wrist were released and I was again screaming for my freedom. My arms flailed and hopes for developing an ability to fly rushed through my mind. If only I could fly… then my head hit the ground.
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Jordan Deen is an Award-Winning Young Adult and New Adult Author from East St. Louis, Illinois. Her debut novel, THE CRESCENT was a 2010 Reader’s Favorite Award Winner. Her second novel, HALF MOON released in 2011. BREAKING LAUREN is her third novel and was a finalist in the Texas Literary Awards. The sequel, LOSING LAUREN will be released on 12/5/2013.
She can usually be found curled up in her favorite chair with a book or her laptop. She is the proud mother of one crazy little boy and an even crazier teacup Yorkie.
Jordan is Indie published, as well as traditionally published with Black Rose Writing.
‘Life is about the journey…’
Website | Twitter | Facebook
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June 16, 2014
Gone: Book Highlight!
Title: Gone
Author: Anna Bloom
Genre: Mature YA (intended for readers ages 16-19)
Publication: July 28th, 2014
Rebecca Walters harbours a dark secret, and as the fifty-three bangles she wears on her wrists as a self-imposed sentence of guilt remind her, she can’t even begin to consider moving on. Not after what happened on that night six months ago… a night which she can’t remember and yet managed to change her life forever.
When Rebecca comes across Joshua Adams, man equally haunted by past tragedies, on a moonlit beach, both of their lives are destined to change forever, and when the girl made out of the sun meets the boy made out of the moon and sea, anything can happen… but will the knowledge of their murky pasts bring them together or drive them apart?
Will Rebecca finally be able to claim her freedom? Will she stay and fight to be the girl she found on the sandy beaches of Cornwall or is she destined to keep running and hiding from a past that won’t stay Gone? One thing’s for certain: either way, nothing will ever be the same again.
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Keep your eye out for the official COVER REVEAL on June 27th! If you would like to take part in the reveal, you can sign up HERE!
Walking down the lane from the pub I decide to take a detour to the beach. The light is fading but the glimmer of light from the sun setting on the horizon is just enough that I can make my way down the path without landing on my face.
I spend a lot of time on the beach at night. This isn’t like the beach in Newquay which is filled with drunks attempting to get it on under the cover of darkness. Our quiet beach in St Agnes is perfect for a solitary ten minutes. If I go home now I know Aunt May will be twitching around me like she has the last half a year, ever since my life ended at the end of one drunken night. She doesn’t know what to say to help my get out of the ‘phase’ I’m going through. Six months in, I think we can rule out the chance of it being a phase. This is just me. I’m a guy without a plan. Aunt May tries, but having her wandering around wringing her hands, asking me every three minutes if I’m hungry and need some food is not a relaxing way to spend an evening.
I don’t know what people want. Do they expect that one day I will wake up and suddenly be over the fact that I carelessly lost my girlfriend one night?
As I walk down onto the beach I keep thinking of Faye’s words. “Bridge Cottage.” “Painting.” “Mum and Dad.” They hammer inside my head.
I know everyone is waiting for me, for some resolution. They want to know that I’ve let go of the past, and that if I can do it, they all can too. But I can’t. I want them to, but I can’t do it myself. I can’t even acknowledge to myself what happened. I can’t even think about it or let the thought enter my mind.
Small steps, that’s what a counselor told me a few months ago. “Just take small steps, Josh, and everything will work out.” Today I have picked up a paint brush and drunk a pint of cider. That’s got to be two small steps in the right direction. I’m not sure what direction those things are taking me in, but it’s heading somewhere at least.
As I tread over the dark sand I can see someone sitting on my rock. That’s just plain rude. Everyone knows it’s mine.
Edging myself closer, I lip off my flip flops and sink my toes into the cool sand as I walk down the beach and try to get close enough to investigate without being seen.
It’s her.
My feet come to a grinding halt.
I want to move in the opposite direction but my damn legs won’t listen. Instead I stand there,
looming behind her on the sand, like an axe murderer.
“I can see your silhouette in the sand.”
Busted.
“What are you doing?” On my rock?
“Thinking. What are you doing?”
“Thinking too.”
“That’s nice.”
“Yes it is.”
I stand there like an idiot working out what to say next. “Nice bangles.”
“Thanks. They make me walk like a percusssion instrument.”
“Why so many?”
“None of your business, dreadlock boy.”
“Well you’re a charmer aren’t you?”
“I was sitting here first. You’re the one with the stalking, stealth-like sand walk.”
“It’s my rock.” It’s my rock? It’s my rock? Really. . .?
She does not say anything. Let’s be realistic there is not much to say to that comment. She just sits there looking out to the sea, and I stand there my feet sunk into the cool sand.
“I like your dreadlocks,” she says after an age has passed.
“Thanks. They’re a lifestyle choice.”
She turns to look at me and for a moment, just one brief moment my mind swirls with colours. The make-up is gone and the waning sun illuminates her skin. She look different. So different. A better different.
I should walk away. I don’t talk to holiday makers unless I’m taking their money in the shop.
I don’t.
Instead I fold my legs and sit on the sand, my fingers automatically picking up a splinter of driftwood as I cast my eyes up at the sun and then I start to draw.
“So do you have a name girl with the bangles?” I’m trying to remember what the young girl who was with her in the shop called her yesterday. Becca? Something like that?”
Turning to me with a frown on her face she bites her lower lip. Jeez, I only asked her name.
The frown and the angry glare instantly make me recall her name. “Bex.” I answer for her. The frown deepens.
“No one calls me that, only my sister.”
“Well I don’t know what else to call you?” I prompt. Her feistiness is rather amusing, it’s actually doing a good job of distracting me from the usual shit I try to keep out of my head.
Her top lip curls a little in distaste at my goading. She really doesn’t want to tell me her name. Who doesn’t want people to know their name? My eyes flick over her with a little more interest. She is rather pretty. Hot, Dan would call it. But I would go with pretty. Pretty is a more delicate sounding word, easy to pair with the freckles and flame hair.
Oh good god. I’ve realized what I am doing? I’m looking at another girl. I try and turn myself
away from her a little. She must register the motion because she speaks, her voice low like she is sharing a secret.
“Rebecca.” She clears her throat. “My name is Rebecca.”
Something about her low tone makes me cast my eyes back over her. Well not exactly willingly, my eyes just won’t damn behave themselves and head straight back to the smooth sunlit skin.
She looks nervous, her fingers brushing over her overload of bangles.
“Does Rebecca have a second name?” My feet do this bizarre thing where they scoot over the sand towards her toes.
“No.”
“What no surname? So you are Rebecca No Name?”
She scowls further. “Yes. I am Rebecca No Name.”
Her tone and the death stare she lays on me make me do something I am not expecting in the least. I laugh. Fucking loud. I laugh like I never stopped.
“Well Rebecca No Name. I am Joshua Adams, it’s a pleasure to meet you and your bangles.”
I lean forward and shake her hand my fingers grazing against hers, sand rolls between our connected skin.
Rebecca No Name digs her toes into the sand, burying them deep. “Walters. It’s Rebecca Walters.”
“Bex Walters, now that has a nice ring to it.”
“It’s Rebecca Walters.” She spits her name out like it burns her lips to say it.
“Okay, okay.”
“So Rebecca Walters where are you on holiday from?”
“Nowhere.”
Seriously. It’s like talking to a wall. I don’t even know why I am still sitting here. This makes an
evening with Aunt May look like a social highlight.
I get up and start to brush the sand from my legs.
The girl with attitude stares up at me from the ground and I hesitate. “London. I come from London, and I’m not on holiday. My family have moved into Bridge Cottage.”
Just like that the air gushes out of my lungs. The girl with the attitude and the wrong clothes and the frown lives in the house that I was fully expecting to move into one day.
The cottage I expected to grow old in.
I sit back on the sand with a bump.
“I am leaving though, in two weeks.” Her gaze is on the sea as she speaks. “Two weeks. I’ve just got to get through two weeks.” She repeats almost to herself.
Two weeks of what?
“Who are you running from?”
Rebecca, Bex, the girl with the attitude turns to me, her eyes hidden in the shadows of the dipping sun.
“Myself.”And that I just don’t know how to answer, so I don’t. I pick my stick back up and start to draw some more.
Anna Bloom is a contemporary romance writer who writes about life as it happens. Combining a busy schedule of looking after two small children whilst working in a local school and completing The Uni Files series she also spends a lot of time imagining kissing hot guys – all in the name of her art.
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June 13, 2014
Facade of Shadows Book Highlight!
Title: Facade of Shadows
Author: Rick Chiantaretto
Genre: YA, dark fantasy
>>ADD TO GOODREADS<<
Judas Iscariot (portrayed as the first of the undead), the gods and myths of ancient Egypt, and vampires all play a role in this novel of the clash between good and evil on Earth. In Façade of Shadows, the supernatural beings of Egyptian lore work together with modern-day vampire slayers to wage a pivotal battle against the dark powers of the underworld. A group of young slayers and their immortal Protector, the son of ancient gods, travel through time and space while struggling to save the population of an unsuspecting town—the first target for domination by the vampires—in a conflict that foreshadows the fate of the world. If you enjoy action, humor, tragedy, even romance involving the genre of vampires and their nemeses, this is a riveting read to add to your collection.
Purchase:
Only 99¢
Amazon
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TOUR
Good Choice Reading Blog Tours is currently organizing a review tour for Facade of Shadows from July 21st – 25th. You can sign up for the tour HERE.
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When she got to class, Dominique was glad to find another new student; she always felt more comfortable when she wasn’t the only new one. The teacher seemed nice enough too. Dominique handed her the schedule to prove she was in the class and the teacher, anxious to begin, quickly made seating assignments for the two new students.
“Why don’t you sit over there?” she suggested to Dominique, gesturing to a seat in the back corner. “And you can sit over here.” The teacher pointed out a desk to the other student. Dominique took one step toward her seat and noticed… her. The girl was paying strict attention, even though the teacher wasn’t saying anything that concerned her. Dominique wondered if she was taking notes on the new seating arrangement, as she feverishly moved her pencil. The other new student noticed the discomfort on Dominique’s face.
“Don’t worry,” he said in a calm but confident tone, “I’ll sit there, and you can have the one by the window.”
Dominique felt a wave of relief. There was something about that girl that she just didn’t like. “Thank you,” she said to the student. She felt him brush her arm as he pushed past her; he felt like iron. This was the first time she had been able to get a good look at him. His arms were impressively muscular. He was dressed completely in black and looked back at her with stunning blue eyes.
“No, thank you,” he said.
Maybe this class won’t be so bad after all, Dominique thought, feeling herself melt under his gaze. He smiled, as if he knew what she was thinking.
“I’m Lucas, but most of my friends call me Luke,” he said, pushing his hair out of his eyes with one hand and thrusting his other at her. She took it firmly.
“And may I call you Luke?”
That made his smile widen, “You may call me anything you wish.”
“Well, Luke, I’m Dominique,” she stated with a sheepish grin, slightly embarrassed as she felt her cheeks turn warm.
“I know,” he said, his cold hand penetrating the warmth of Dominique’s own.
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I’ve often been accused of having done more in my life than the average person my age but if I were completely honest, I’d have to tell you my secret: I’m really 392.
So after all this time, I’m a pretty crappy writer.
I have two books published and a bunch half written (when you have eternity, where’s the reason to rush?). I’ve been favorably reviewed by horror greats like Nancy Kilpatrick, and my how-to-write-horror articles have been quoted in scholarly (aka community college freshmen’s) papers.
I enjoy the occasional Bloody Mary, although a Bloody Kathy or Susan will suffice.
Mostly, I just try to keep a low profile so people don’t figure out who I REALLY am.
Goodreads | Website | Twitter | Facebook
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June 11, 2014
Heart & Soul Cover Reveal!
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AVAILABLE July 7th!
Contemporary Romance
She’s heartbroken. He’s heartless.
Gabriele
Baumann-Smith is deliriously in love with her young husband Lennon.
Except,
it turns out that Lennon Smith isn’t his real name. In fact, he’s full of
secrets: a cottage on the southern British coast, an old girlfriend and… an
identical twin brother.
Callum
Jones—not his real name—can’t believe his brother’s widow came to England. He’d
warned Mick—Lennon—that an inheritance could put the girl’s life in danger, and
he was right.
“Mrs.
Smith” is the last thing Callum needs to worry about right now. She’s
beautiful, sure, takes his breath away at times. But when she looks at him, who
does she see?
Gabriele’s
heart is battered and bruised. Can one brother fix what the other left behind?
And will they live long enough to find out?
About The Minstrel Series:
every love story needs a song
The
Minstrel Series is a collection of contemporary romance novels set in
the singer/songwriter world. The books are companion novels, with shared
settings and characters, but each is a complete stand-alone story with a
HEA (happily ever after) and no cliffhangers!
The books include MP3 links to original music by talented Indie Artists, so you can hear the characters sing!
Books in the Minstrel Series can be read in any order, but are best enjoyed in sequence.
#1 – Sun & Moon (digital versions Free everywhere!)
#2 – Flesh & Bone
#3 – Heart & Soul (July 7th!)
- Peace & Goodwill (Christmas Novella coming fall of 2014)
http://theminstrelseries.blogspot.com
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Lee
Strauss is the author of The Minstrel Series (contemporary romance),
The Perception Series (young adult dystopian) and young adult historical
fiction. She is the married mother of four grown children, three boys
and a girl, and divides her time between British Columbia, Canada and
Dresden, Germany. When she’s not writing or reading she likes to cycle,
hike and do yoga. She enjoys traveling (but not jet lag :0), soy lattes, red wine and dark chocolate.
Lee also writes younger YA fantasy as Elle Strauss.
WEBSITE † FACEBOOK † TWITTER † TUMBLR † GOODREADS
