Meradeth Houston's Blog, page 44
July 16, 2014
SOULLESS by Crystal Collier Cover Reveal & Review of MOONLESS
Have you met the Soulless and Passionate? In the world of 1770 where supernatural beings mix with humanity, Alexia is playing a deadly game.
SOULLESS, Book 2 in the Maiden of Time trilogy
Alexia manipulated time to save the man of her dreams, and lost her best friend to red-eyed wraiths. Still grieving, she struggles to reconcile her loss with what was gained: her impending marriage. But when her wedding is destroyed by the Soulless—who then steal the only protection her people have—she's forced to unleash her true power.
And risk losing everything.
What people are saying about this series:
"With a completely unique plot that keeps you guessing and interested, it brings you close to the characters, sympathizing with them and understanding their trials and tribulations." --SC, Amazon reviewer
"It's clean, classy and supernaturally packed with suspense, longing, intrigue and magic." --Jill Jennings, TX
"SWOON." --Sherlyn, Mermaid with a Book Reviewer
Crystal Collier is a young adult author who pens dark fantasy, historical, and romance hybrids. She can be found practicing her brother-induced ninja skills while teaching children or madly typing about fantastic and impossible creatures. She has lived from coast to coast and now calls Florida home with her creative husband, three littles, and “friend†(a.k.a. the zombie locked in her closet). Secretly, she dreams of world domination and a bottomless supply of cheese. You can find her on her blog and Facebook, or follow her on Twitter.
COMING October 13, 2014
PREORDER your print copyor Sign up for Crystal Collier's newsletter to receive release news and freebies.
In the English society of 1768 where women are bred to marry, unattractive Alexia, just sixteen, believes she will end up alone. But on the county doorstep of a neighbor’s estate, she meets a man straight out of her nightmares, one whose blue eyes threaten to consume her whole world—especially later when she discovers him standing over her murdered host in the middle of the night.
Among the many things to change for her that evening are: her physical appearance—from ghastly to breathtaking, an epidemic of night terrors predicting the future, and the blue-eyed man’s unexpected infusion into her life. Not only do his appearances precede tragedies, but they are echoed by the arrival of ravenous, black-robed wraiths on moonless nights.Unable to decide whether he is one of these monsters or protecting her from them, she uncovers what her father has been concealing: truths about her own identity, about the blue-eyed man, and about love. After an attack close to home, Alexia realizes she cannot keep one foot in her old life and one in this new world. To protect her family she must either be sold into a loveless marriage, or escape with the man of her dreams and risk becoming one of the Soulless. (Goodreads)
I am massively behind on my reviews, so today's double-duty: Crystals awesome new cover, and a chance to talk about the first book in her series! So, where to start? Collier describes her novel as Jane Eyre meets Supernatural, and I have to agree! It's quite the epic book, and I was easily immersed in the mystery, the characters, and the rich setting. I tend to find Victorian England to be a bit overdone, but the author makes it engaging--with all of its good, and bad sides. Alexia was an interesting character, and I enjoyed seeing her growth. There were a few times I wanted to yell at her to just bug someone to give her the answers she was seeking when it seemed so obvious that everyone was keeping thing from her, but then again, I tend to yell at book characters quite a bit :) And, in keeping with the time period, the way Kirin handles dolling out information in small snippets felt accurate, though personally it would have driven me nuts! Anyhow, I enjoyed the world building in this novel, and the depth of the various characters, and look forward to reading more about them in Soulless!!
SOULLESS, Book 2 in the Maiden of Time trilogy
Alexia manipulated time to save the man of her dreams, and lost her best friend to red-eyed wraiths. Still grieving, she struggles to reconcile her loss with what was gained: her impending marriage. But when her wedding is destroyed by the Soulless—who then steal the only protection her people have—she's forced to unleash her true power.And risk losing everything.
What people are saying about this series:
"With a completely unique plot that keeps you guessing and interested, it brings you close to the characters, sympathizing with them and understanding their trials and tribulations." --SC, Amazon reviewer
"It's clean, classy and supernaturally packed with suspense, longing, intrigue and magic." --Jill Jennings, TX
"SWOON." --Sherlyn, Mermaid with a Book Reviewer
Crystal Collier is a young adult author who pens dark fantasy, historical, and romance hybrids. She can be found practicing her brother-induced ninja skills while teaching children or madly typing about fantastic and impossible creatures. She has lived from coast to coast and now calls Florida home with her creative husband, three littles, and “friend†(a.k.a. the zombie locked in her closet). Secretly, she dreams of world domination and a bottomless supply of cheese. You can find her on her blog and Facebook, or follow her on Twitter.COMING October 13, 2014
PREORDER your print copyor Sign up for Crystal Collier's newsletter to receive release news and freebies.
In the English society of 1768 where women are bred to marry, unattractive Alexia, just sixteen, believes she will end up alone. But on the county doorstep of a neighbor’s estate, she meets a man straight out of her nightmares, one whose blue eyes threaten to consume her whole world—especially later when she discovers him standing over her murdered host in the middle of the night. Among the many things to change for her that evening are: her physical appearance—from ghastly to breathtaking, an epidemic of night terrors predicting the future, and the blue-eyed man’s unexpected infusion into her life. Not only do his appearances precede tragedies, but they are echoed by the arrival of ravenous, black-robed wraiths on moonless nights.Unable to decide whether he is one of these monsters or protecting her from them, she uncovers what her father has been concealing: truths about her own identity, about the blue-eyed man, and about love. After an attack close to home, Alexia realizes she cannot keep one foot in her old life and one in this new world. To protect her family she must either be sold into a loveless marriage, or escape with the man of her dreams and risk becoming one of the Soulless. (Goodreads)
I am massively behind on my reviews, so today's double-duty: Crystals awesome new cover, and a chance to talk about the first book in her series! So, where to start? Collier describes her novel as Jane Eyre meets Supernatural, and I have to agree! It's quite the epic book, and I was easily immersed in the mystery, the characters, and the rich setting. I tend to find Victorian England to be a bit overdone, but the author makes it engaging--with all of its good, and bad sides. Alexia was an interesting character, and I enjoyed seeing her growth. There were a few times I wanted to yell at her to just bug someone to give her the answers she was seeking when it seemed so obvious that everyone was keeping thing from her, but then again, I tend to yell at book characters quite a bit :) And, in keeping with the time period, the way Kirin handles dolling out information in small snippets felt accurate, though personally it would have driven me nuts! Anyhow, I enjoyed the world building in this novel, and the depth of the various characters, and look forward to reading more about them in Soulless!!
July 15, 2014
Giveaway Winner and RISE UP Volume 1
Thanks SO much to all the awesome people who entered my giveaway last Friday :) I seriously appreciated all your help! And, after tallying entries and doing a little random.org magic, Leandra Wallace was the necklace winner! Woot! Major congrats!!
Okay, one more thing I wanted to showcase today:
“We all know how fragile life is, especially when faced with a life threatening illness.” ~Nic, Flirty and Dirty Book Blog.
Fiction introduced us. Reality binds us together.
Stephanie Thomas—co-founder of The Indie Bookshelf—has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer called glioblastoma. Stephanie isn’t only a blogger; she’s a loving wife, and mother to three young boys.
In the independent author community, we have an extraordinary network of fellow authors, and readers. A special group of people who bridge this gap—helping authors connect with readers—is book bloggers. These men and women dedicate hours upon hours to reading and reviewing our works, and spreading the word to help us reach new readers.
Now, one of these women needs our help.
100% of the proceeds of the Rise Up anthology (volumes one and two) will go directly to Stephanie and her family to help them on this unexpected leg of their journey together.
Inside the pages of this collection, you’ll find amazing works of fiction. But please remember the reality, and help support Stephanie and her family.
Included in Volume One of this collection are the following novels:
What Happens Tomorrow - Elle Michaels Insipid -- Christine Brae Bouquet Toss -- Melissa Brown Can't Go Home -- Angelisa Stone Point of Submission by Remy Landon Breakaway by Lindsay Paige and Mary Smith A Love by Any Measure by Killian McRae Discovering Lucy - Laura Dunaway Something's Come Up - Andrea Randall and Michelle Pace By A Thread - RL Griffin Honest Love - CM Hutton Serendipity - Stacey Bentley Haven from the Storm - Sarah Dosher Damaged - Nina D'Angelo
Pick up your copy here and help support an awesome cause!
Okay, one more thing I wanted to showcase today:
“We all know how fragile life is, especially when faced with a life threatening illness.” ~Nic, Flirty and Dirty Book Blog.
Fiction introduced us. Reality binds us together.
Stephanie Thomas—co-founder of The Indie Bookshelf—has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer called glioblastoma. Stephanie isn’t only a blogger; she’s a loving wife, and mother to three young boys.
In the independent author community, we have an extraordinary network of fellow authors, and readers. A special group of people who bridge this gap—helping authors connect with readers—is book bloggers. These men and women dedicate hours upon hours to reading and reviewing our works, and spreading the word to help us reach new readers.
Now, one of these women needs our help.
100% of the proceeds of the Rise Up anthology (volumes one and two) will go directly to Stephanie and her family to help them on this unexpected leg of their journey together.
Inside the pages of this collection, you’ll find amazing works of fiction. But please remember the reality, and help support Stephanie and her family.
Included in Volume One of this collection are the following novels:
What Happens Tomorrow - Elle Michaels Insipid -- Christine Brae Bouquet Toss -- Melissa Brown Can't Go Home -- Angelisa Stone Point of Submission by Remy Landon Breakaway by Lindsay Paige and Mary Smith A Love by Any Measure by Killian McRae Discovering Lucy - Laura Dunaway Something's Come Up - Andrea Randall and Michelle Pace By A Thread - RL Griffin Honest Love - CM Hutton Serendipity - Stacey Bentley Haven from the Storm - Sarah Dosher Damaged - Nina D'Angelo
Pick up your copy here and help support an awesome cause!
July 14, 2014
After Reading: AUTUMN IN CARTHAGE by Christopher Zenos
A quick reminder that if you want to enter the giveaway I have running, today's the last day! I'll be picking a winner tonight. Details here! :)
The nether side of passion is madness.
Nathan Price is a college professor with crippling impairments, seeking escape from his prison of necessity. One day, in a package of seventeenth-century documents from Salem Village, he stumbles across a letter by his best friend, Jamie, who had disappeared six months before. The document is dated 1692—the height of the Witch Trials. The only potential lead: a single mention of Carthage, a tiny town in the Wisconsin northern highland.
The mystery catapults Nathan from Chicago to the Wisconsin wilderness. There, he meets Alanna, heir to an astonishing Mittel-European legacy of power and sacrifice. In her, and in the gentle townsfolk of Carthage, Nathan finds the refuge for which he has long yearned. But Simon, the town elder, is driven by demons of his own, and may well be entangled in Jamie’s disappearance and that of several Carthaginians. As darkness stretches toward Alanna, Nathan may have no choice but to risk it all…
Moving from the grimness of Chicago’s South Side to the Wisconsin hinterlands to seventeenth-century Salem, this is a story of love, of sacrifice, of terrible passions—and of two wounded souls quietly reaching for the deep peace of sanctuary. (Goodreads)
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this novel in exchange for a review (and LibraryThing for facilitating!)
I think the best way to describe this novel is Outlander meets Discovery of Witches. Considering how much I adored both of those novels, this instantly went on my to-be-re-read shelf because I honestly loved it. The opening, with such a frank description of academia (which rang incredibly true to life), drew me in, and then Carthage was such an interesting place that I could hardly put the book down. The main character, Nathan, wrestles with demons I have seen quite a bit of in those that I work with. Academia attracts several types of people, and to be honest, one of those types often struggles against depression (or several related troubles that are often, inappropriately I know, grouped together). In the characters growth and experiences, I found myself rooting for him, and completely wishing I could move to Carthage (except for the winters--give me somewhere warm!). A little interesting twist on the inhabitants, and well, I was all in. I don't want to give away too much, because that's part of the allure of the novel, but this was an amazing book that I highly recommend. I'll be re-reading it this autumn for sure.
The nether side of passion is madness.Nathan Price is a college professor with crippling impairments, seeking escape from his prison of necessity. One day, in a package of seventeenth-century documents from Salem Village, he stumbles across a letter by his best friend, Jamie, who had disappeared six months before. The document is dated 1692—the height of the Witch Trials. The only potential lead: a single mention of Carthage, a tiny town in the Wisconsin northern highland.
The mystery catapults Nathan from Chicago to the Wisconsin wilderness. There, he meets Alanna, heir to an astonishing Mittel-European legacy of power and sacrifice. In her, and in the gentle townsfolk of Carthage, Nathan finds the refuge for which he has long yearned. But Simon, the town elder, is driven by demons of his own, and may well be entangled in Jamie’s disappearance and that of several Carthaginians. As darkness stretches toward Alanna, Nathan may have no choice but to risk it all…
Moving from the grimness of Chicago’s South Side to the Wisconsin hinterlands to seventeenth-century Salem, this is a story of love, of sacrifice, of terrible passions—and of two wounded souls quietly reaching for the deep peace of sanctuary. (Goodreads)
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this novel in exchange for a review (and LibraryThing for facilitating!)
I think the best way to describe this novel is Outlander meets Discovery of Witches. Considering how much I adored both of those novels, this instantly went on my to-be-re-read shelf because I honestly loved it. The opening, with such a frank description of academia (which rang incredibly true to life), drew me in, and then Carthage was such an interesting place that I could hardly put the book down. The main character, Nathan, wrestles with demons I have seen quite a bit of in those that I work with. Academia attracts several types of people, and to be honest, one of those types often struggles against depression (or several related troubles that are often, inappropriately I know, grouped together). In the characters growth and experiences, I found myself rooting for him, and completely wishing I could move to Carthage (except for the winters--give me somewhere warm!). A little interesting twist on the inhabitants, and well, I was all in. I don't want to give away too much, because that's part of the allure of the novel, but this was an amazing book that I highly recommend. I'll be re-reading it this autumn for sure.
July 11, 2014
Last Day of My Blog Tour (and a #giveaway)
Wow, it has been a whirlwind week! I've had a totally amazing time! And it's far from over :) Today, swing by these awesome places to say hello, enter the giveaway, and all that good stuff!
-Faith Sullivan Writes : Review
-Observation Desk: Guest Post
-Fathomless Reveries: Review
Also, if you're looking for something fun to read this weekend, my whole series is still on sale :) Check out Colors Like Memories and The Chemistry of Fate (both just 9 pennies!), and especially snag a copy of Surrender the Sky, just $2.99!
And, because it's the last day, I thought I'd do a little giveaway, just for fun, here on my blog and over on facebook. I thought I'd make another cute necklace, with the word/short phrase of your choice, that I've done before. What do you need to do to enter? Share a tweet, or link on facebook, or anywhere really, and leave the link in the comments. Easy? Easy. I'm even adding some potential tweets here :)
Gabby lives by 2 rules: don’t expose her kind & don’t fall in love. SURRENDER THE SKY. #YA #ebook Sale: 2.99! http://amzn.to/1tg1aZp
They are everywhere, can be anyone, and are always the last person you’d expect. THE CHEMISTRY OF FATE.#NA Only .99$! http://amzn.to/1lrx5A8
"I greeted his tombstone the way I always did-with a swift kick." COLORS LIKE MEMORIES #YA .99$ this week! http://amzn.to/1kRU2Nm
I'll pick a winner on Monday!
Something like this is up for grabs!July 10, 2014
THIS IS SARAH by Ally Malinenko Spotlight!
Really quick, before today's post, this is where I'm chillin' today. Come say hi!! I'm bringing the chocolate!-YaReads: Interview
-Michelle’s Paranormal Vault of Books: Review
-Part of that World: Review
When Colin Leventhal leaned out his bedroom window on the night of May 12th and said goodbye to his girlfriend, he never expected it would be forever. But when Sarah Evans goes missing that night, Colin's world unravels as he transforms from the boyfriend next door to the main police suspect. Then one year later, at her memorial service, Colin makes a phone call that could change everything. Is it possible that Sarah is still alive? And if so, how far will he go to bring her back?
As Colin struggles with this possibility, across the street, Sarah’s little sister, Claire learns how to navigate the strange new landscape of life without her sister. While her parents fall apart, Claire remains determined to keep going, even if it kills her.
THIS IS SARAH serves as a meditation on loss, love, and what it means to say goodbye.
A little excerpt from Colin:
I get up early to run because it’s easier in the morning. There's no one up yet at five am, and the streets belong to me. I don’t even bring music anymore. I only want to hear the steady thwack of my sneakers on the pavement, the rustle of leaves in the breeze, and the huff of air coming out of my lungs. It sets up a rhythm that allows my brain to shut off for a while so my mind stays empty. Not thinking feels good. It’s one of the few things that still feels good. I crest the hill at the top of Cedarhurst and pick up speed going down. My lungs feel clean and clear, and I think about sprinting the last five or six blocks back to my driveway. My energy seems a little low, but I figured I can probably push it. The sound of my feet hitting the pavement intensifies, and I pump my arms hard, small tears forming in my eyes from the wind. I clear my mind. I am no longer Colin. I’m just muscle, tissue, and bone— a complex and delicate machine pushing its way against gravity and inertia, covering distance on this rock floating in the darkness of an ever-expanding space. When Claire pulls her bike alongside me, I nearly jump out of my skin. Where the hell did she come from? She pedals hard, riding off the seat, her blonde hair whipping back. She passes me, looks back, and smiles. As the distance between us grows, I’m overcome with loss and a sort of panic, like I need to catch up to her. I’m not sure what it is, but I watch her move away from me—her blonde hair streaming, her legs working the pedals—and every muscle in my body screams to catch her.Suddenly Claire is everything in the world, everything beautiful, alive, peaceful, and good, and it’s all getting away from me.The farther she gets from me, the closer she gets to the monsters, and all I want in the world is for Claire to always be safe.Jesus Christ, I just want to be able to save one of them.She looks back at me once and smiles before pumping the pedals again. In that moment, that small bright moment, her hair and her smile reflecting the early morning sun, she looks just like Sarah. Just like Claire looked that day in the hallway.Suddenly I feel so hollow and empty, carved out like the husk of some dead cicada. I watch her get away from me and feel more lost than ever before. She rounds the bend and disappears from my line of sight. Something inside of me snaps, and I stumble forward. My feet, now clumsy, get all tangled until I stop and bend over—heaving, coughing, spitting foam—my heart wild inside me. In my head, an image forms of Sarah, when I made her laugh so hard she nearly choked on her sandwich at the diner.That was Sarah.Sarah and me, in a moment we won’t have again. A moment that was once real but now felt like it belonged to another life. Neither of us foresaw it ending this way.The year before or the week before or the day before. We never saw it coming.If I knew when she stood on that driveway, staring up at me, with me hanging out of the window looking down at her, if I knew, I would have told her everything.
Ally Malinenko is the author of the poetry collection The Wanting Bone (Six Gallery Press) and the children's fantasy Lizzy Speare and the Cursed Tomb (Antenna Books). She lives in Brooklyn with her husband.
Amazon Website Twitter BookFish Books Goodreads
July 9, 2014
Blog Tour Day 3
Hi everyone! My tour has been a blast so far, though I'm definitely busy :) Today, why don't you come say hello here:
-Literary Winner: Excerpt
-Reading and Writing Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, and Romance: Guest Post-A_TiffyFit’s Reading Corner: Review
There are prizes and other fun things :) So grab a mug and swing on by!
Before you go, tell me, what's your favorite thing about summer?
July 8, 2014
Teaser Tuesday and Blog Tour Day 2
Hi everyone!! How's this lovely Tuesday going? I hope things aren't crazy and you have something good to read :) Today I'm hanging out here:
-Once Upon a YA Book: Review
-The Shadow Realm: Guest Post
-Forever Obsession: Review
Come visit?
Let's see, I figured I'd also share a little snipped from the fourth Sary book, which is in the middle of being edited. Pardon the rough edges, this hasn't been to my editor yet! A little piece from Leon:
I chose Maria because she was beautiful. Because I knew she had a lot of friends in this city. And because I knew from my informants that she would cross this sidewalk with her assignment and other coworkers every evening, on their way to the subway.It was perfect. The Sary leadership probably thought the city was safe now that they were evacuating it, but that was what made me relish the idea of this reveal even more.Maria stepped out from the other side of the square. Her long, dark hair caught by the wind and tossed across her face.The man who was also her assignment laughed and brushed it away. His fingers lingered a little too long as their eyes met. Maria looked away too quickly, telling me more than she intended. Something bubbled there, between them. Something she’d never let herself feel.Something that I could allow to grow. That everything I sought would change. Once the Sary were free, it would be possible for us to live. To really and truly have what we deserved.The rest would just be a bonus.
This is where they are, the Zacalo of Mexico City.July 7, 2014
After Reading: VIOLET STORM by Anna Soliveres
Before we get into today's awesome read, I just want to note that my book tour, run by Xpresso Tours, kicks off today! There's a giveaway and all kinds of other fun, including a promo price on Surrender the Sky for just $2.99 :) Also, Colors Like Memories and The Chemistry of Fate are also on sale for 99 pennies each. So, yeah, whole series? Totally on sale. Now's a good time to grab a copy and swing by one of the following spots to see what's up!
-bookish: Review-Mom With A Kindle: Review-Pink Fluffy Hearts: Diary of a Coffee Addict: Review-From the Shadows: Interview
Now on to our AWESOME book:
Several hundred years into the future, The Cleansing, known to some as the End of Days, forced the government to create Arks to shelter its people. When Earth became habitable again, new territories rose up from the ashes: Agria, the City of Light, and the Outer Boundaries. For a while, they lived in peace.
A brilliant surgeon known for his invention of Modi’s—the only cure for the deadly disease, vaincre—has gone rogue with his experiments, and the Monarchy is desperate to shut him down. That's where Aeva Storm comes in, a champion athlete with an ego to match. Aeva is the surgeon's secret weapon against the Monarchy. And they'll never know what hit them. After reconstructing her body to become a Modi unlike any he's ever created, Aeva is forced into a fight against all odds. She'll have to break loyalties, hurt family, and turn her back on newly awakened love. Thousands of lives hang in the balance in a battle that will set forth a new era.Join Aeva on her quest to see whether she's got what it takes to go up against the most powerful humans ever created. (Goodreads)
I stumbled across Anna's blog shortly before her release and was immediately captivated by the cover and sound of her novel. It was different, fascinating, and well, I knew I had to read it! And after getting my hands on it, I was even more blown away by how awesome it was! Witnessing the world in a completely different state, with some technology and "procedures" that are incredibly horrific, as well as interesting, left me sitting up to the early morning hours because I had to finish just one more chapter. Aeva's a strong character, inside and out, and I appreciated the way that she looked at the world. The fact that she'd been an athlete in a brutal game was a cool twist, and suited her well. And what she's thrown into? It's just nuts. And definitely leaves you wanting more. I'm definitely trying to not be impatient for the next book, because I know I'll be reading it as soon as I can!
Have you heard of this novel? Had a chance to check it out?
July 3, 2014
Vote for Eric!! #NACrushTourney14 #Manic4Eric
Just a friendly little reminder that you should go vote for Eric today in the New Adult Crush Tournament! And in case you missed the incentives, here are a few:
Not convinced yet?? How about this fun little interview by Ashley Bodette of Eric and Ivy?
Ashley: So Eric, let’s just jump right into our interview. The first thing I’d like to know is this: what made you decide to become the owner of a garden center? I mean, it seems like a lot of hard work with not a ton of pay…Eric: I’m living my dream so I can’t complain. Well, maybe not everything is the way I’d like it to be, but I’m running my own business—something I’ve wanted to do since before I can remember. I love being outdoors, and I learned everything I know about horticulture from Gram who won first place in the county fair every year for her rose bushes. Making a living off things that grow is in my blood.Ashley: Well, I can see why you care about it so much. My next question is for Ivy. I realize, when you first met Eric, it was under some pretty stressful circumstances. After Lauren told you what Eric did after your first meeting, what did you think about him?Ivy: I couldn’t believe Eric was even listening to half the things I rambled on about when he drove me back to my stranded car. I was impressed he took the initiative to come to the theater’s rescue…It made me all tingly inside to know that we might have more in common than I thought. He was older, way out of my league, and not to mention totally hot. He carried me like I weighed nothing more than a feather. I thought, “He must be strong from all of the manual labor he does around the garden center. I could so fall for a man who works with his hands. I bet they’re skilled in other areas as well.” (Ivy’s cheeks are getting a little pink!) Ashley: So, Eric, I know you already told Ivy this once, but I think all of the ladies out there (including me!) would like to know: what’s your idea of a perfect date?Eric: *A slow grin takes over his face* I guess it’d be a stormy night with the rain tumbling down the roof and splashing up against the windows. We’d relax in our sweats or pajamas or whatever in front of the TV, watching old movies and eating popcorn. We’d be curled up in front of the fire, and I’d kiss her whenever a blast of thunder would rattle the foundation. But before things went too far, I’d go upstairs and run a bubble bath surrounded by candles. I’d call out to her, and she’d come looking for me only to find me already waiting in the tub. Do you need me to go on?Ashley: *swooning* (Yes, please!) *fanning myself* Well, Eric, I think that says a lot about you…and it’s no wonder Ivy is in love with you! Now Eric, there was a beautiful moment you had with Ivy, once you found her after she left (and punched a certain somebody)…can you tell us about it?Eric: God, I had missed her so much. My hands were still numb from punching that certain somebody, but somehow I found the courage to meet her eyes. Her hair hadn’t been combed and her face was all tear-stained, but she had never looked more beautiful. Looking at her, I said, “You are my heart now. Whatever happens to you happens to me.” We had been through so much together, and with everything that threatened to come between us, my love for her only grew stronger. I don't feel complete without her. I was missing a part of myself until she entered my life. She's the one who made me feel whole.Asley: *still swooning over here* Eric, you have got to be one of the most wonderful men I’ve ever read, and Ivy is a lucky woman. I think we’ve got time for one more question…When did it first hit you that Ivy was the one?Eric: It was the day we met when she hopped up next to me on the seat of my truck. I took a second to enjoy the moment. A girl hadn't ridden next to me in quite some time. My dog Shep, hearing the engine roar to life, came running with the heel of Ivy's shoe in his mouth. Ivy took one look at Shep and lost it. She was laughing so hard that she was practically crying. There was something about her laugh that made me want to join in. She reached out to give him a scratch behind the ears. He usually doesn't let people touch his head, but he seemed to like Ivy. And I kinda liked her too. The warmth of her touch combined with the sweetness of her voice left my head spinning. I felt myself falling for her. I know I wouldn't have minded staying parked with her from now until eternity.
Ashley: Wow. Seriously Ivy, you are the most blessed woman in the world to have this man in your life. Thank you both for being here today, and I hope we can do this again sometime!Okay, what are you waiting for? Go vote for Eric!!
Not convinced yet?? How about this fun little interview by Ashley Bodette of Eric and Ivy?Ashley: So Eric, let’s just jump right into our interview. The first thing I’d like to know is this: what made you decide to become the owner of a garden center? I mean, it seems like a lot of hard work with not a ton of pay…Eric: I’m living my dream so I can’t complain. Well, maybe not everything is the way I’d like it to be, but I’m running my own business—something I’ve wanted to do since before I can remember. I love being outdoors, and I learned everything I know about horticulture from Gram who won first place in the county fair every year for her rose bushes. Making a living off things that grow is in my blood.Ashley: Well, I can see why you care about it so much. My next question is for Ivy. I realize, when you first met Eric, it was under some pretty stressful circumstances. After Lauren told you what Eric did after your first meeting, what did you think about him?Ivy: I couldn’t believe Eric was even listening to half the things I rambled on about when he drove me back to my stranded car. I was impressed he took the initiative to come to the theater’s rescue…It made me all tingly inside to know that we might have more in common than I thought. He was older, way out of my league, and not to mention totally hot. He carried me like I weighed nothing more than a feather. I thought, “He must be strong from all of the manual labor he does around the garden center. I could so fall for a man who works with his hands. I bet they’re skilled in other areas as well.” (Ivy’s cheeks are getting a little pink!) Ashley: So, Eric, I know you already told Ivy this once, but I think all of the ladies out there (including me!) would like to know: what’s your idea of a perfect date?Eric: *A slow grin takes over his face* I guess it’d be a stormy night with the rain tumbling down the roof and splashing up against the windows. We’d relax in our sweats or pajamas or whatever in front of the TV, watching old movies and eating popcorn. We’d be curled up in front of the fire, and I’d kiss her whenever a blast of thunder would rattle the foundation. But before things went too far, I’d go upstairs and run a bubble bath surrounded by candles. I’d call out to her, and she’d come looking for me only to find me already waiting in the tub. Do you need me to go on?Ashley: *swooning* (Yes, please!) *fanning myself* Well, Eric, I think that says a lot about you…and it’s no wonder Ivy is in love with you! Now Eric, there was a beautiful moment you had with Ivy, once you found her after she left (and punched a certain somebody)…can you tell us about it?Eric: God, I had missed her so much. My hands were still numb from punching that certain somebody, but somehow I found the courage to meet her eyes. Her hair hadn’t been combed and her face was all tear-stained, but she had never looked more beautiful. Looking at her, I said, “You are my heart now. Whatever happens to you happens to me.” We had been through so much together, and with everything that threatened to come between us, my love for her only grew stronger. I don't feel complete without her. I was missing a part of myself until she entered my life. She's the one who made me feel whole.Asley: *still swooning over here* Eric, you have got to be one of the most wonderful men I’ve ever read, and Ivy is a lucky woman. I think we’ve got time for one more question…When did it first hit you that Ivy was the one?Eric: It was the day we met when she hopped up next to me on the seat of my truck. I took a second to enjoy the moment. A girl hadn't ridden next to me in quite some time. My dog Shep, hearing the engine roar to life, came running with the heel of Ivy's shoe in his mouth. Ivy took one look at Shep and lost it. She was laughing so hard that she was practically crying. There was something about her laugh that made me want to join in. She reached out to give him a scratch behind the ears. He usually doesn't let people touch his head, but he seemed to like Ivy. And I kinda liked her too. The warmth of her touch combined with the sweetness of her voice left my head spinning. I felt myself falling for her. I know I wouldn't have minded staying parked with her from now until eternity.
Ashley: Wow. Seriously Ivy, you are the most blessed woman in the world to have this man in your life. Thank you both for being here today, and I hope we can do this again sometime!Okay, what are you waiting for? Go vote for Eric!!
July 2, 2014
LET ME KNOW Cover Reveal
Before we take a look at the awesome cover, just a quick note: Vote for Eric tomorrow!!! Trust me, you want to :) I have a very fun post to prove it, too! And, then, well, there's this:
Rather convincing, right? :)
Okay, now for the cover: today we have the cover reveal for Stina Lindenblatt’s LET ME KNOW. This is the gorgeous sequel to Tell Me When. Title: Let Me Know
Author: Stina Lindenblatt Release Date: September 1st 2014 Publisher: Carina Press
Add Let Me Know on Goodreads!! About the Book: This shouldn’t be happening again…
Amber Scott thought her screaming nightmares would end now that her stalker is locked up and awaiting trial. But they return when her slam-dunk case starts to fall apart. Explicit letters she allegedly wrote surface, suggesting she was the mastermind behind her assault, a willing victim.
Amber only feels safe in the arms of her boyfriend Marcus, the one person she can lean on. Until damning evidence from Marcus’s past collides with the case and the media circus drags them both down. To protect Amber’s reputation, Marcus has only one option: end their relationship. He won’t risk further damage to her case, even if it means breaking her heart.
Amber has to find the strength to step into the spotlight and bring awareness to victims’ rights before she’s convicted in the court of public opinion. And she’s really not sure what’s worse—that her kidnapper could walk free, or that the seemingly endless attention and speculation will drive Marcus away permanently…
See how it all began for Amber and Marcus in Tell Me When.
Preorder LET ME KNOW now: Nook | Amazon | Kobo | iBooks
About Stina: Born in England, Stina loves to travel, and has lived in England, the US, Canada, and Finland. She spent a semester in graduate school living in central Finland, and a summer during her undergrad degree working in Helsinki. She has a Master’s of Science degree in exercise physiology and has worked with elite athletes. In her free time, Stina is a photographer, mother of three adorable kids, and devoted wife. She currently lives in Calgary, Canada.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Author Goodreads
About Tell Me When: Amber Scott should be enjoying life as a college freshman. She should be pursuing her dream of becoming a veterinarian. She should be working hard to make sense of her precalculus math class.
She shouldn't be waking up her college roommate with screaming nightmares. She shouldn't be flashing back, reliving the three weeks of hell she barely survived last year. And she definitely shouldn't be spending time with sexy player Marcus Reid.
But engineering student Marcus is the only one keeping Amber from failing her math course, so she grudgingly lets him into her life. She never expects the king of hookups will share his painful past. Or that she'll tell him her secrets in return, opening up and trusting him in a way she thought she'd never be able to again.
When their fragile future together is threatened by a stalker Amber thought was locked away for good, Marcus is determined to protect her—and Amber is determined to protect Marcus…even if that means pushing him away.
Tell Me When Goodread | Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Exclusive Excerpt:
Amber: When I was younger, and believed in Santa, I would wake up at four every Christmas morning. I would
then sneak into Michael’s room, and we would tiptoe downstairs to check out the presents Santa had left while we slept. I never had to wake my brother. He was always waiting for me.
Like the little girl I used to be, I wake to find my alarm clock glowing 4:00 a.m. While I’m no longer the girl with the brother eagerly waiting for her, I’m still the girl who sneaks downstairs to peek at her gifts.
And in this case, Marcus.
We haven’t had a chance to be intimate since he arrived less than forty-eight hours ago, beyond small, chaste kisses or hugs. After almost losing him, I’m happy we can have even those. But they haven’t been enough to stop my nightmares.
The only sound greeting me as I creep downstairs is the soft thud of my bare feet against carpeted steps, and the slight rustle of my pink satin robe. Underneath is one of my gifts to Marcus: matching pink satin panties and bra.
The soles of my feet touch the cold tile floor and I pause. Once I’m positive Mom’s mom senses haven’t kicked in, and she’s realized what I’m up to, I tiptoe toward the guest room and inch the door open. The room is dark, other than the faint glow from the Christmas lights next door.
As my eyes adjust to the darkness, I spot Marcus sleeping. I stand in the doorway, wondering how I got so lucky. If I hadn’t been failing my math class last term, I might never have given him a chance. A chance to prove he’s more than the sexed-up guy everyone assumes he is. While I might not be thrilled that so many girls on campus are intimately familiar with his body, a warmth floods through me at the thought that he’s mine.
“Are you planning to stand there staring at me,” Marcus murmurs, “or did you have something else in mind?” His tone is teasing and edged with a desire to do things to my body. Things that will leave me beyond satisfied. My breath hitches and I struggle not to melt away.
Rather convincing, right? :)Okay, now for the cover: today we have the cover reveal for Stina Lindenblatt’s LET ME KNOW. This is the gorgeous sequel to Tell Me When. Title: Let Me Know
Author: Stina Lindenblatt Release Date: September 1st 2014 Publisher: Carina Press
Add Let Me Know on Goodreads!! About the Book: This shouldn’t be happening again…Amber Scott thought her screaming nightmares would end now that her stalker is locked up and awaiting trial. But they return when her slam-dunk case starts to fall apart. Explicit letters she allegedly wrote surface, suggesting she was the mastermind behind her assault, a willing victim.
Amber only feels safe in the arms of her boyfriend Marcus, the one person she can lean on. Until damning evidence from Marcus’s past collides with the case and the media circus drags them both down. To protect Amber’s reputation, Marcus has only one option: end their relationship. He won’t risk further damage to her case, even if it means breaking her heart.
Amber has to find the strength to step into the spotlight and bring awareness to victims’ rights before she’s convicted in the court of public opinion. And she’s really not sure what’s worse—that her kidnapper could walk free, or that the seemingly endless attention and speculation will drive Marcus away permanently…
See how it all began for Amber and Marcus in Tell Me When.
Preorder LET ME KNOW now: Nook | Amazon | Kobo | iBooks
About Stina: Born in England, Stina loves to travel, and has lived in England, the US, Canada, and Finland. She spent a semester in graduate school living in central Finland, and a summer during her undergrad degree working in Helsinki. She has a Master’s of Science degree in exercise physiology and has worked with elite athletes. In her free time, Stina is a photographer, mother of three adorable kids, and devoted wife. She currently lives in Calgary, Canada. Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Author Goodreads
About Tell Me When: Amber Scott should be enjoying life as a college freshman. She should be pursuing her dream of becoming a veterinarian. She should be working hard to make sense of her precalculus math class.
She shouldn't be waking up her college roommate with screaming nightmares. She shouldn't be flashing back, reliving the three weeks of hell she barely survived last year. And she definitely shouldn't be spending time with sexy player Marcus Reid.
But engineering student Marcus is the only one keeping Amber from failing her math course, so she grudgingly lets him into her life. She never expects the king of hookups will share his painful past. Or that she'll tell him her secrets in return, opening up and trusting him in a way she thought she'd never be able to again.
When their fragile future together is threatened by a stalker Amber thought was locked away for good, Marcus is determined to protect her—and Amber is determined to protect Marcus…even if that means pushing him away.
Tell Me When Goodread | Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Exclusive Excerpt:
Amber: When I was younger, and believed in Santa, I would wake up at four every Christmas morning. I would
then sneak into Michael’s room, and we would tiptoe downstairs to check out the presents Santa had left while we slept. I never had to wake my brother. He was always waiting for me.
Like the little girl I used to be, I wake to find my alarm clock glowing 4:00 a.m. While I’m no longer the girl with the brother eagerly waiting for her, I’m still the girl who sneaks downstairs to peek at her gifts.
And in this case, Marcus.
We haven’t had a chance to be intimate since he arrived less than forty-eight hours ago, beyond small, chaste kisses or hugs. After almost losing him, I’m happy we can have even those. But they haven’t been enough to stop my nightmares.
The only sound greeting me as I creep downstairs is the soft thud of my bare feet against carpeted steps, and the slight rustle of my pink satin robe. Underneath is one of my gifts to Marcus: matching pink satin panties and bra.
The soles of my feet touch the cold tile floor and I pause. Once I’m positive Mom’s mom senses haven’t kicked in, and she’s realized what I’m up to, I tiptoe toward the guest room and inch the door open. The room is dark, other than the faint glow from the Christmas lights next door.
As my eyes adjust to the darkness, I spot Marcus sleeping. I stand in the doorway, wondering how I got so lucky. If I hadn’t been failing my math class last term, I might never have given him a chance. A chance to prove he’s more than the sexed-up guy everyone assumes he is. While I might not be thrilled that so many girls on campus are intimately familiar with his body, a warmth floods through me at the thought that he’s mine.
“Are you planning to stand there staring at me,” Marcus murmurs, “or did you have something else in mind?” His tone is teasing and edged with a desire to do things to my body. Things that will leave me beyond satisfied. My breath hitches and I struggle not to melt away.
