Rachelle Ayala's Blog, page 72

A Surprise Visitor - Hidden Under Her Heart (A Story of Abortion and Courage) Chapter 2 - Scene 1

Lucas parked his Subaru Outback at the trail head and pulled his mountain bike from the rack. Road training was nice, but nothing developed his reflexes better than mountain biking. He flexed the wrist he broke a year ago, costing him a chance to try out for the Olympic Triathlon team.His training partner, Zach, strapped on his helmet and tapped his bike handles. “So what’s up with you and the hot nurse?”Lucas tightened his helmet. “She likes me.”He wasn’t about to admit to screwing up with the mouth-to-mouth prank. After all, he was making progress, and she did kiss him back, a little.“You get laid?” Zach took a swig from his water bottle.“Nope. She’s not that type.”“Hang with me and I’ll show you the Zach attack. Women don’t stand a chance.” Zach hopped on his bicycle and barreled down a dirt path into the preserve.Lucas clenched his handlebars and skidded across a bed of pine needles. Maryanne was so pretty and smart, and challenging. He’d stop by the clinic and soften her up with more flowers. Besides, he was tired of superficial relationships with women who wanted him to gratify their physical desires and didn’t care if he’d had a bad day.The sun peeked from the tops of the coniferous trees, casting shadows among the rocks and curves. Zach was several yards ahead of him, whooping and hollering like a wild man, barely avoiding a spill on a hairpin.The Bluetooth earpiece paired with Lucas’ cell phone rang. He answered it. “Yeah?”“Hey, bro.” It was Sandra, his twenty-two year old sister. “Where are you?”“What do you mean, where am I? I’m in California.”“Well, Ma’s saying you think you’re too good to call.”“I’ve been busy.” He skidded and put a leg down to dodge a fallen log. Zach disappeared around a switchback. Lucas pumped hard up a steep incline and rounded a bend near a clearing. The unbroken view of the tree tops and clear blue sky never failed to take his breath away, not to mention the hard exercise.“You didn’t pick me up at the airport so I had to take a cab.”“Cab? What are you talking about?” Don’t tell me she’s here.“I’m at your apartment with the manager. He won’t let me in unless he speaks to you.”His breath swished between his teeth. It was typical of his family to spring surprises on him. “How long are you staying?”“Until I find a job.”Zach gestured at the sky, and Lucas braked to join him. Hawks flew circled lazily over the ridge.“Who’s on the phone?” Zach asked.Lucas covered the mouthpiece. “My sister’s at my apartment.”Zach grimaced. “Too bad. You still hitting on that nurse?”Lucas waved him off and spoke into the phone. “Put him on.”The apartment manager came on and Lucas gave his permission. The phone must have been handed back to Sandra because he heard her thank the manager and shut the door.“Listen, I have rules,” Lucas said.“Rules smules. This place’s a mess. How’ll you ever get a girlfriend into this pig sty?”Lucas removed his helmet and wiped his forehead. “Rule number one. No alcohol. I don’t care if you’re over twenty-one. No drinking, no smoking, no drugs. And rule number two, no overnight friends, men or women.”“You didn’t even make your bed. Is that a woman’s thong?”“Stay out of my room! That’s the other thing, you get the couch.” Lucas rubbed the back of his sore neck.“Wow, you’re a real gentleman. I’m calling Ma to let her know I arrived safely, no thanks to you.”“You could have at least called ahead.”“Ma don’t call no one. You want to talk to her, you call.” She hung up.

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#BookReview SLOW HANDS (The Wrong Bed) by Leslie Kelly

Slow Hands by Leslie Kelly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Despite all the cliche's, ice princess, auctioning off gigolos for charity, and the paramedic with the heart of gold, this book was cute and fun.

The bios and photos of two bachelors are mixed up. One is a blue collar paramedic while the other is a rich jetsetting stockbroker, an expert at pleasuring women.

Maddy, a high powered financier, bid on what she expected to be a stockbroking gigolo and got more than she could handle, an actual honest to goodness boy next door who can smoke the socks off her as if he had the experience of a high paid escort.

Through multiple twists and misunderstandings, as well as plenty of hot action, the score is settled, and the story ends happily. The best part of the book for me was the banter between Maddy and Jake as they talked around the mistaken identity, each hearing what they expected, but saying the exact thing that inadvertently mislead the other. The author did diffuse the tension so that instead of an explosive revelation, the truth came out in private. Not as melodramatic, but more genuine and touching.

View all my reviews

No Flower Zone - Hidden Under Her Heart (A Story of Abortion and Courage) Chapter 1 - Scene 2

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Maryanne ducked into the allergy clinic the next morning and pulled up her patient list on the computer. She had several patient notifications to catch up on before the allergy patients filed in for shots. Priya hit the switch that rolled up the steel shutters to the waiting room. No receptionist was on duty but patients had checked in with Bariatrics across the hall.
“Ahh… chooo!!!” Someone sneezed and blew a nose.“Wait, you can’t leave that here.” Priya’s voice rose. “Hey, come back here.”Maryanne glanced from her table. A colorful mixed bouquet sat on the receptionist’s counter, probably for Vera. She was petite and beautiful with a string of suitors, although none the marrying type. Her last boyfriend ended up in state prison for kidnapping and accessory to murder.More sneezes followed by coughing emanated from the waiting room. Maryanne hurried to the waiting room followed by her boss, Dr. Lee. A young woman was hunched over struggling to breathe.“She’s having an asthma attack,” Dr. Lee said, helping the patient onto a gurney. “Nebulize her with albuterol. And if that doesn’t resolve, a shot of epinephrine.” “You’re going to be okay.” Maryanne prepared the medicine and strapped the nebulizer mouthpiece over the woman’s head. “Take a deep breath and hold it as long as you can, then breathe normally. Meanwhile I’ll get your blood pressure.”The patient nodded weakly, her eyes wide open, but her breathing stabilized. After the patient was discharged, Maryanne hurried through her e-mail and replied to patients wanting clarification on their test results.Dr. Lee’s firm hand rested on her table. “Get rid of them.”“Huh?” Maryanne hit “send” on the email and opened the chart for her first patient.“The flowers. The patients are getting sick.”“Yes, sir.” She pushed away from her workstation and bumped into Vera at the door.“You’re late,” Maryanne said. “Dr. Lee’s pissed, and you have to remove those flowers. I’ve got more charts to work on before Mrs. Soto comes in for her breathing test.”“I had to drop off my niece and the traffic was horrible.”“Yeah, yeah, save it for the boss.”“Hey, I covered you yesterday. You took a long break. Jerry from Security said you saved a patient’s life. What happened?”“I’ll tell you later.” Maryanne went back to her computer and navigated to her patient schedule. Lucas Knight’s booming laughter echoed from the day before. He hadn’t respected her, thought she was easy. Jerk!A few minutes later, Priya tapped her shoulder. “Your first patient’s here, and those flowers are for you. Vera took them to Bariatrics to hold them.”“Who are they from?”“I didn’t open the envelope,” Priya said. “But you better tell whoever it is to stop it.”Maryanne thanked Priya, the senior nurse who’d convinced Maryanne and Vera to quit sex in hope of a marriage proposal. All that resulted were several men who went all out and lost interest when she wouldn’t put out. Not that they had bodies worth compromising for. Not like an athlete’s firm, taut muscles. She shook off the image of Lucas’ inviting chest and picked up Mrs. Soto’s paperwork.Maryanne greeted Mrs. Soto and led the way to the examination room. She turned the corner and bumped into an open file drawer. The charts scattered to the floor. She grumbled under her breath and felt like punching the wall. Why was she so easily frustrated these days?“You feeling okay?” Mrs. Soto said. The motherly-looking woman was a long-time patient and always gave the younger nurses advice. “Men trouble?”Maryanne attached a blood pressure cuff and pressed the button to start the reading. “No, just the usual jerks hitting on me.”Mrs. Soto’s eyebrows bent in a quizzical angle. “Well, you hold out for the one who’s different. Remember what we talked about last time?”“Yes, don’t give in.” Maryanne detached the cuff. “Normal 125/76, you’re doing great.”Mrs. Soto rubbed her arm. “There’ll be someone who thinks you’re special. Mark my words.”If only there were. Maryanne entered the data for the breathing test and cheered on Mrs. Soto as she took a deep breath and blew into the tube.She left Mrs. Soto in the doctor’s office and picked up another patient for a skin test. She had nonstop allergy shots the rest of the morning and used her break to catch up on patient e-mails. She was the last one in the clinic when lunchtime rolled around.Maryanne slung her purse over her shoulder and pushed the button to lower the rolling shutters to the waiting room. She swept a few plant and flower fragments on the counter into the wastebasket. A light brown hand slipped under the corrugated metal right before it hit the counter top. Maryanne tripped over the receptionist chair and missed the switch, but the shutters reversed itself automatically.Lucas Knight stood there, rubbing his upper arm. “My arm’s swollen and I wonder if you could take a look at it.”“Sorry, I’m on lunch break.” She pushed the button to lower the shutters. “And don’t try that again.”She locked the clinic and strode past him, keeping her eyes averted. His footsteps paced right behind her. The automatic doors opened, and bright sunlight assaulted her. She fumbled in her purse for her sunglasses and dropped her EpiPen.Lucas picked it up and handed it to her. “Ever poke yourself with one of these?”“Haven’t had the pleasure.”One side of his mouth twitched and lifted. “Want me to try?”She put on her sunglasses and marched toward her car. Maybe if she ignored him, treated him like a pesky mosquito, he’d get the hint and leave. That scene on the hospital floor wasn’t funny and neither were his pick-up lines.He tailed her to the side of her car. “Nice wheels, a Ford Focus Electric? I’ve never driven an electric.”“Dealer’s down the street.” She crossed her arms. This guy had the social skills of a gnat and the body of a stallion. Her eyes involuntarily settled on his too tight jeans. And why did he have to wear those tight racing jerseys? The kind with a single zipper down the front.“I’d rather drive around with you. I’d feel safer. My own nurse.” He put his hand out. “Miss Torres, I presume.”He tried too hard. And suave, he wasn’t.“You presume too much, Mr. Knight. I have only thirty-five minutes left for lunch, so if you’ll kindly return to the waiting room, or better yet, check yourself into the ER, I can have a bite in peace.”“Sure you don’t want to bite me instead?”Maryanne unlocked the car. “Where’d you learn those lines? Saturday night comedy? No, don’t bother answering.”He opened the door and she slid into the driver’s seat. He bent toward her, closing in on her face. Maryanne held still, not backing away. Her insides tingled. She’d bite first, and talk later.Wetting his lips, he stared into her eyes. “Call me Lucas, and I’m sorry.”He shut the door before Maryanne could take another breath.

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#AuthorInterview Elena Dillon Releases BREATHE - a Young Adult Thriller

Wow! Today I am pleased to have Elena Dillon on Rachelle's Window. Elena has just published her debut novel, Breathe, a story about a teenage girl whose sister has been murdered. Talk about amazing first lines. "Most days I can almost forget someone murdered my sister." If that doesn't drag you in, I'm wonder if you have a pulse. Elena, how did you come up with the story concept for Breathe?

Elena: My husband watches a  lot of those CSI and Law and Order shows. It got me thinking. What would it be like if you were a sibling left behind in the aftermath of a serial killer? Besides of course the natural anger and grief there would be a big change in the family dynamic. A middle child would suddenly be the oldest. What would the family be like a few years later when all the cameras went away and they were left to pick up the pieces. That's where it started. I knew Jasmine would have a lot to deal with besides missing Daisy.

Your characters' voices are so authentic. You must be either a teen in disguise, or have spent a lot of time with teens recently. Did the high school scenes come easily to you?

Elena: Well I have older children. I am around teenagers a lot but that is probably not where it comes from.  When I had kids I kept waiting for the age I loved. I loved my kids, of course but when people talk about their favorite age, teenagers are it for me.  My husband says it's because I never matured much beyond fifteen and he's right. I think teenagers are smart, creative and fun. I love how enthusiastic about life they are. So really it comes pretty easy.

In your biography, you said you were a native Californian who has never lived somewhere else. Why did you pick Lafayette, Louisiana for your setting? Did you truly pull out a map of the United States and finger-dart?
 
Elena: No I just picked somewhere I always wanted to go. I love the South and I have always wanted to go to New Orleans but I needed the town to be a little bit smaller and not quite so well known so Lafayette was perfect.


What audience did you write Breathe for? Is there a message you would like to send to them?

Elena: Of course I think I wrote for teenagers but I think also for other people who love YA like I do.  I think the message would be that love means sacrifice and if you love someone you will put their needs above your own.

Okay, now for some fun questions:

1. What was your most embarassing moment in high school?
        I feel like High School was just one long embarrassing moment. I was so self conscious. I felt like everyone was always staring. So pretty much everyday was embarrassing. Lol.

2. What one quirk or characteristic of yours did you give your character? Who was it?
        The compartmentalizing thing that Jasmine does comes from me. It's inevitably what my friends point out when they read Breathe.  That's you! Compartment girl!

3. Blue jeans or slinky dress?
        Blue jeans for sure but a slinky dress definitely has it's time and place. =)

4. Hot chocolate or iced tea?
        Iced tea

5. Hercule Poirot or Ms. Marple?
        Hercule Poirot!  He was always in the Agatha book's I loved.

About the Author


Elena lives and writes in a suburb North of Los Angeles.  She has never lived anywhere besides California which is probably a good thing since she hates being cold and is terrified to drive in the snow. She loves being a wife and a mother to her three kids and three dogs, although really the bulldog is the fourth child who has never matured beyond the toddler stage.
A self proclaimed nerd, she has been writing since she was a child. She has only recently, however, come out of the closet about this to her family and friends.  They now understand better, but not completely, why she talks about characters in stories as if they are real people.
Find out more at: Elenadillon.comFollow me on Twitter:  twitter.com/elenadillonFind Me on Facebook:  facebook.com/ElenaDillonAuthor
More about Breathe: [buy from Amazon or Barnes and Noble]
Jasmine’s life wasn’t normal for a 16 year old girl.  It hadn’t been normal since the murder of her older sister, Daisy, two years ago. Her life had been changed forever. The monster that murdered Daisy was never caught.  That was the reason her family decided to move away from their hometown in Southern California, to start over.  Hopefully in a place where the last name Rourke wouldn’t bring on staring or judgment or morbid curiosity.
In Lafayette, Louisiana things are quite a bit different but in a good way.  Good manners, Cajun accents and a whole lot of Southern Hospitality all make her think things are going in the right direction.  On top of that the most gorgeous boy she has ever met is interested in her. Her new friends are better than she could have hoped for even if she is worried about what they might think when they find out who she is.  Life would be perfect if odd things didn’t keep happening.  Creepy phone calls, texts, and flowers in her locker start adding up quickly to something terrifying. Could the Monster have followed them to Lafayette? Was he coming after her this time?  Maybe she was just worrying unnecessarily…or not.

Punked Kiss - Hidden Under Her Heart (A Story of Abortion and Courage) Chapter 1 - Scene 1

Maryanne Torres pointed the needle up and tapped the syringe.“What are you doing?” The patient blinked, his once cocky grin tightening into a grimace.“Making sure there are no air bubbles. Wouldn’t want a bubble in your vein, would you?”He pulled his arm back. “Wait, what happens if I get an air bubble?”“You’d get an embolism, light-headedness, shortness of breath, pass out and die. Nothing to worry about.” Let’s see Mr. Big Flirt lob that one back. “Hold still.”Snickers came from her coworkers beyond the privacy curtain.The man leaned forward, and the left side of his cheek dimpled. He flexed his bicep. “Bet I can break that tiny, little needle of yours.”“And get it embedded in those precious muscles? I don’t think so. Chance of infection, septic shock—” She shook her head slowly. “Possible amputation.”“Okay, you win, nurse.” He closed his heart-breaker eyes and turned toward the curtain.Wuss. She might be an allergy nurse, but she held the advantage and the needle. It pierced his skin right below his shapely deltoid. He winced. Dark freckles danced over warm brown skin. A straight nose with a slight flair over full fleshy lips and a chiseled jaw blended into short cropped frizzy hair.She rubbed his arm with alcohol, his body heat and a hint of cologne inviting her to linger. Probably a player. Bet he flirts with all the nurses. She picked up the second vial, cat and dog antigen.“How many am I getting?” the man asked.“Four. And since you’re new, it’ll be every week for six weeks until you’re at maintenance dose.”He trained clear emerald eyes on her. “Guess I’ll be seeing a lot of you.”Maryanne steadied her breathing and stuck the second needle deeper. “Luck of the draw. You might get Vera or Priya.”“Ow!” He jerked his arm. “I’ve got a swim meet coming up. Is my arm gonna be sore?”She dabbed the tiny spots of blood with a cotton ball. “No, but you might experience massive swelling, itching, and an anaphylactic reaction.”“Ana what?” He sucked his breath.Maryanne kept a straight face and gestured for his other arm. “Two more.”She administered the dust mite shot. “Don’t worry. We observe you for forty-five minutes before letting you walk out.”“I hate needles. Did you have to poke me so hard?”Maryanne waved the last syringe, tree pollen. “I like poking you.”He caught her wrist. His long fingers stroked the back of her hand while his thumb rubbed her palm. “Not fair when I can’t poke back.”Heat spread from his strong grip. Maryanne’s willpower wavered. Ever since she’d sworn off sex, she’d been tempted by a slew of hot guys. And Lucas Knight, by the stats on his chart, was an inferno—6’ 2” tall, 179 lbs, a triathlete, blood pressure 110/65, resting heart rate in the fifties. Her gaze raked his bare chest dotted with sprinkles of tight curls. Would they feel soft or coarse?“Last shot, then forty-five minutes in the waiting room to make sure you don’t have a seizure.” She tamped down her hormones and drilled the needle into his firm upper arm.“You hit a nerve. What did I do?” His deep voice vibrated close to her ear.Maryanne handed him a tissue. “I’ll call you in forty-five.”She couldn’t fall off the wagon this quickly, not with the bet she had with Vera. Whoever held out the longest and received a marriage proposal would win bragging rights. Besides, she was tired of being used. Maryanne suppressed a sigh as Lucas pulled on tight long sleeved nylon jersey.“What?” He grazed her with a sidelong glance. “Hasn’t the pleasure of pain and torture been enough? My arm’s tingling and buzzing. I might pass out any minute, drop my blood pressure and die, and you’re bored?”She tidied her counter, disposing the used needles in the bio-hazard container, and closed his chart. “See you in forty-five. I’m on break now.”“Cool. Let’s grab a cup of coffee.” He pulled aside the privacy curtain and swept his hand in an after-you gesture.Her pride would have been hurt had he not hit on her, but she’d show him she was not to be trifled with. She took her purse from under the table and opened the door to the waiting room. “You. In the waiting room, in case you have to be resuscitated.”He followed her past the edge of the waiting room. “It’s a free country.”“Mr. Knight.” Maryanne put on her most professional tone. “The waiver you signed says K-care is not responsible for you if you don’t follow the policies. Someone has to watch you in case you have a reaction to the shots.”He opened the door  for her. “I have you. Come on, let’s grab a bite.”The swell of his full lower lip spread, enticing her. If he didn’t look so damn sexy, she’d bite. Er, a sandwich, that’s what. She flicked her shoulder length hair back. “Follow me if you want, but I’m not giving mouth-to-mouth.”He stumbled a few steps and grabbed his throat. His shoulders hunched, he collapsed onto his hands and knees on the walkway. Sputters and short coughs gurgled from his throat.“Mr. Knight. Oh, my gosh!” Maryanne poured the contents of her purse on the sidewalk. “My EpiPen, where is it?”“I might… need air.” Lucas rolled on his back, pointing to his mouth.Where was the EpiPen she kept for emergencies? Maryanne fumbled for a pulse, while bystanders formed a circle, peppering the air with excited exclamations.Lucas held his throat, his eyes wide and panicky. He could be going into shock. Maryanne took a deep breath and plastered her mouth over his. His chest tightened and thrashed under her. He was having a seizure. The gagging chokes twitched his abdomen. God, don’t let this be the death rattle.“Over there, over there,” someone shouted.She labored to help him breathe. Beads of sweat prickled over her forehead. A hand caressed the back of her neck, and the lips underneath hers puckered. A light breath fanned from his nostrils and What the? a velvety tongue swept her upper palate with tantalizing grace. Air bubbles fluttered behind her eyelids, spinning lightheaded, and she gasped, almost swooning into his kiss. He tasted minty and refreshing, and her lips responded hungrily, yearning to sink in.Cheers and applause rang from the crowd.“She saved his life.”“Woo hoo! Hot! I got it on video.”“Ah, come on, he was faking it!”“No he wasn’t.”Maryanne pushed away and gaped at the audience while Lucas rolled on the ground holding his stomach, a gale of booming laughter erupting from his chest. Her cheeks heated instantly. Asswipe. And even worse, she’d kissed him back and liked it.A security guard helped her up. “Everything okay? Man having a seizure or what?”“No, he’s fine.” But I’m not. Head down, Maryanne gathered her belongings and wove through the dispersing crowd.

[Check back for the next scene. I will be publishing these as I revise.]

Writing Past Pain - Broken Lives and Broken Characters #GuestPost by Rachelle Ayala

From The Blood Burden Series Blog
Every one of us has experienced grief and depression, especially when someone we care about dies. These feelings settle on us at unexpected moments and can turn our mood from cheerful to despondent. Anger and frustration surface erratically and sometimes we wonder whether we’d ever feel “normal” again. Then when we’re calmly enjoying ourselves we might experience a sudden pang of guilt, like “how dare you have fun when your loved one is lying in the dirt? Have you forgotten so quickly?”

The main characters in Broken Build live under the cloud of a horrible secret. Jennifer Cruz Jones has a past she runs away from. Dave Jewell spent time in a mental care facility, unable to come to grips with the life he lost. The premise for Broken Buildcame from a problem I’ve often thought about. What would you do when you find the person who ruined your life is the one you’ve fallen in love with?
In order to portray my two characters, I relived every death I had experience among my family and friends. I pictured myself at the funeral, remembered the pain and wallowed in the guilt. What I didn’t expect was that between my second and third revision, I experienced another personal tragedy. A friend of mine and a fellow church member was gunned down at her work.
All the feelings of rage, helplessness, the fantasies of turning the clock back, the what if’s and the anger at the villain boil over. The unreality of it and numbness alternate with severe sadness. And catching yourself enjoying something turns into another bout of guilt.
Here are the sensations I jotted down:“The dull agony, not really there, no energy to go forward, just going through the motions. Thinking about the departed, extra sleepy and prone to tears. The feeling of not really existing and not wanting to do anything but get by. The back of my head feels like exploding, like it’s a ticking time bomb, tick, tick, tick, and I want to lash out. Want to turn the time back.”

The following weeks were filled commiseration among friends, a memorial service and then the graveside ceremony. How desperately we cling to the memory of our dear departed while convincing ourselves everything is “okay.”

I don’t know why this happened, and I certainly don’t mean to imply it was for me to improve my book. Never! But all I can say is that Dave and Jen’s feelings became more real to me, and I believe there is an authenticity to my descriptions of their behavior.
Broken Build (Silicon Valley Romantic Suspense)  was released September 11, 2012. Introductory price of 99c and a best seller in its category.
Synopsis: When a woman wrongs a man… can a man forgive and love? Jen Jones hides a horrible secret behind her new degree, toned body, and exciting job at Silicon Valley’s hottest startup—until a man linked to her past is killed in a hit-and-run. CEO and founder Dave Jewell is about to land a huge deal. He doesn't need blood on his car, threatening phone calls, and Jen wrapped in broken code and blackmail.
A gang of thugs hunts Jen, and she takes refuge in Dave’s protective arms. Together, they must thwart a killer and rescue an innocent victim from their past. Love blossoms, but a damaging revelation points straight at Jen, threatening to tear them apart forever.
Content advisory: language, sexual situations
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING“Broken Build is an exciting story full of twists and turns, murder and deception, with a steamy romance.”

“A smart & fascinating read with vivid writing and a very likeable main character...”

“A Suspenseful - Romance with Mind-bending Mysteries!!”

Broken Build is available at: Amazon, Createspace, Smashwords Blog  I  Facebook  I  Twitter  I  Amazon  I  Goodreads  I  Shelfari  I  Pinterest

Love Triangles in the Double Helix Series by Jade Kerrion #SciFi

Love triangles abound, at least in fiction. We love to take sides and to root for one team or another. The Double Helixis a science fiction/urban fantasy series; it isn’t specifically a romance, but love is universal and forms the core of this story. Let’s take a look at the key players in this love triangle.
Zara Itani is a Lebanese-Venezuelan assassin. Sultry and beautiful, she is lethal with blades and guns, and her attitude is more abrasive than steel wool. Her relentlessly practical, take-no-prisoners style results in her having little patience for people who will not tackle a problem head-on. Strong-willed, an alpha female in every possible way, Zara respects strength and courage. She also has a deeply hidden streak of compassion that she will deny to her deathbed. She is “a catalyst of events, most of them cataclysmic.”
It should come as no surprise that, on a whim, she frees Galahad, the lab-created perfect human being from his laboratory prison. Galahad is Zara’s perfect match. He possesses more than an incisive intellect, impeccable manners, and stunning good looks. He’s the only one who can beat Zara in a fair fight. Everyone wants him, but Zara has him. Zara and Galahad are clearly made for each other.
When could perfection possibly not be good enough? When you can compare perfection to its imperfect source, of course.
Danyael Sabre is an alpha empath and the genetic source of Galahad’s physical template. They have the same pale blond hair, the same striking dark eyes, the same sculptured features. Physically, they’re identical. In every other way that matters, they’re not. After twenty-five years of imprisonment in the laboratory where he was created, Galahad is eager and impatient to seize the world. On the other hand, Danyael, after a traumatic childhood as an undiagnosed alpha empath, wants nothing more than to be left alone to do his job as a doctor in a charity clinic in poverty-stricken Brooklyn neighborhood. 
Zara’s impulsive action in freeing Galahad upends Danyael’s hard-won normal life. Inevitably, Zara and Danyael meet, and just as inevitably, she dislikes him. Danyael’s psychic shields, designed to deflect attention, are partially to blame, but she would have found fault with him anyway. She thinks he’s evasive and a coward, unwilling to face his past or embrace his empathic mutant powers. He thinks she’s an interfering troublemaker with a ruthless and cruel streak, but is too polite to say so. When she finally falls in love with him, they are not certain if she did so on her own accord or whether she was influenced by his emotion-altering mutant powers.
No question, Zara and Danyael are made for each other too.
Who will Zara choose? The perfect human being who wants her and everything that life can offer him, or the alpha empath who watches silently from the sidelines of life? One thing is certain; being loved by Zara isn’t safe. On a normal day, Zara can wreak more havoc with love than most people can with hate. Good luck to the unfortunate guy Zara chooses, because he’ll need it.
You can follow the Zara-Galahad-Danyael love triangle, beginning with Perfection Unleashed , the first novel in the award-winning Double Helix series.
Author Bio:
Jade Kerrionunites cutting-edge science and bioethics with fast-paced action in her award-winning Double Helix series. Drawing rave reviews for its originality and vision, and described as “a breakout piece of science fiction,” Perfection Unleashed , and its sequels, Perfect Betrayal and Perfect Weapon , are available in print and e-book through Amazon and other major retailers.
About The Double Helix series: 
His genetic code sourced from the best that humanity offers, Galahad embodies the pinnacle of perfection. When Zara Itani, a mercenary whose abrasive arrogance exceeds her beauty, frees him from his laboratory prison, she offers him the chance to claim everything that had ever been denied him, beginning with his humanity.
Perfection cannot be unleashed without repercussions, and Galahad’s freedom shatters Danyael Sabre’s life.
An alpha empath, Danyael is rare and coveted, even among the alpha mutants who dominate the Genetic Revolution. He wields the power to heal or kill with a touch, but craves only privacy and solitude—both impossible dreams for the man who was used as Galahad’s physical template.
Galahad and Danyael, two men, one face. One man seeks to embrace destiny, and the other to escape it.
The award-winning Double Helix series, consisting of Perfection Unleashed , Perfect Betrayal , and Perfect Weapon , will challenge your notions of perfection and humanity, and lead you in a celebration of courage and compassion. Science fiction, urban fantasy, and action-adventure readers will enjoy this thrilling roller-coaster ride as it twists and turns through a world transformed by the Genetic Revolution.
Social media and buy links:
Connect with Jade Kerrion: Blog / Facebook / TwitterPerfection Unleashed: Amazon / Amazon UK / SmashwordsPerfect Betrayal: Amazon / Amazon UK / SmashwordsPerfect Weapon: Amazon / Amazon UK / Smashwords

#BookChat GHOST LEOPARD by Lars Guignard

Imagine you're totally lost in a strange city with no idea where you are and no way home.

Now imagine that elephants and snake charmers start telling you that you've been chosen to save the world.

Would you even believe them?

What would you do?

Zoe Guire isn't sure. Having that elephant talk to her was really weird, and, as a rule, Zoe doesn't do weird. Except the thing is, when Zoe goes along on her mom's business trip to India, things get very weird, very quickly. Soon after she arrives, Zoe finds herself tagging alongside a kid named Zak, lost in a crazy city, with no money and no way home.

And those are the least of Zoe's troubles. Because if she's to believe the scary-looking snake charmer guy sitting in the corner, she and Zak have been chosen -- chosen to protect some kind of mythical animal called the Ghost Leopard from who knows what.

Now, the further they get into the mountains, the more crazily impossible things get. Carpets fly and statues talk and if either Zoe or Zak want to make it back to their parents, or the sixth grade, or anything even close to normal, they're going to have to make some new friends, learn some new tricks, and listen, really listen to that talking elephant. Because if they don't, the world will never be the same again.

Q/A with the Author:
Q:Why did you write Ghost Leopard?
A: I wrote Ghost Leopard because I spent spent time in India as a kid and I wanted to give my own kids an idea of what that was like. I actually went to a boarding school there in the Himalayan mountains and I told them about it and after that, they were always asking me questions about India which we would discuss at dinner. It became a ritual.
Kids --Daddy, did you ride elephants?
Me --Yes.
Kids -- Did the elephant's bite?
Me -- Not me. But I've heard they can.
Kids -- What were the showers at the school like?
Me -- You want to know about the showers? What about jumping off the roofs of trains and fun stuff like that?
Kids -- We want to hear about the showers. You said there was a guy who shoveled coal to make them hot.
You get the idea. They kept asking questions all the time, and I realized, after about the millionth time, that I needed to write a book about it. But the thing was, I also realized that I needed to set the story up so that other people would understand it. And that meant I couldn't just write about this school and stuff out of context,I actually had to bring the characters to that place, or at least to a magical interpretation of that place. So Ghost Leopard was born as an introduction to an imaginary, fantasy driven land where nothing is what it seems.

Q: What do you want the reader to get out of it?
A:  First off, I want the reader to be transported to a fun and magical world. I want the kids who read the book to have a good time. But there's more to it than that. Like Zoe in the book, I want the reader to take a journey within themselves. I want each of them to try and understand who they are and what they're really capable of. Because everyone has a special talent and just as Zoe and Zak begin to learn what their talents are in the book, I'd like to inspire every kid to do the same thing. To figure who they are and develop that special part of themselves that makes them unique.

Reader's responses/reviews
a) From E.J. Whalen "Just finished Lars Guignard's "The Ghost Leopard" and would highly recommend this fast-paced page turner for all kids who like stories that feature magic, mystery, and adventure in an exotic location. Guignard's vivid descriptions of India -- both the chaotic city scenes and the trip through the majestic Himalayas -- bring the beauty of the country alive to young readers. His main characters, Zoe and Zac, are appealing and well drawn. It's fun to watch this pair of unlikely allies form a friendship as they race against time to rescue a supernatural creature from a villain out of ancient Indian mythology -- and discover their own hidden potential in the process.
Looking forward to reading the next story in the series!
P.S. I wouldn't be surprised if all kids, after reading this book, long for a "Stryker" of their own."

b) From Jordan Williams "I have two boys (age 9 and 12) who still enjoy being read to before bed. Its always a challenge to find a story that keeps both of them captivated. The Ghost Leopard was perfect! There was plenty of action to satisfy my youngest `s desire for high paced adventure while my eldest was mesmerized by a story set in India. Zoe and Zak created an intricate mystery my boys deliberated over for weeks. After reading and loving both Potter and Jackson, we have been hard pressed to find our next adventure. Guignard's book did the trick. We are hoping Zoe and Zak are planning other adventures really soon."

c) From Stereo Mike "So I just finished reading this with my 8 year old son (before this we completed the "Lightning Thief" series and before that Harry Potter) and all I can say is "Wow!" What a well thought-out, fun adventure. The characters of Zoe and Zack are so well drawn and perfectly contrasted that they effortlessly draw you into the story. It's also apparent that Lars Guignard has spent some time in India (googled some things mentioned in the book) and India as seen through his eyes is a place I want to visit. All-in
-all I give this book a high-recommend and we look forward to reading more in what (hopefully) will be a series."    

d) From Anna P. "I really enjoyed reading Zoe & Zak and the Ghost Leopard! It was very addictive and hard to put down! It was very descriptive which made it easy to understand. By the end of the book, I had a clear image of all of the characters and their personalities in my head. I can't wait for the next book in the series!"

Behind the scenes. What happened while writing the book?
A: A funny thing happened when I was writing Ghost Leopard.I realized that there were a lot more stories and details in my head than I had room to write in the first book. The thing was, part of my motivation to write the book was to have my kids read it so that I could answer their questions once and for all. But what I didn't know was that they'd just have more questions. What did they do next? Did Zoe win the contest? What happens to Zak? Do they stay in India? Basically, they wanted me to write more, but I couldn't jam anymore details into Ghost Leopard, so instead I'm writing the next book, which takes place at the school, and that way I can get in some of the stuff that I couldn't fit in the first time round.

I hope the next book answers all their questions, but you know, I've been wrong before. And oh, the other thing that happened is that my kids want to go to school in India now. We don't now if that's going to happen, but if it does, I suppose I'll have only myself to blame.

Please visit Lars at his Amazon Author Page


www.larsguignard.comTwitter: @Lars_GuFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/LarsGuignardAuthor
Book Links:Lethal CircuitBroodGhost Leopard


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#BookReview PRECISE by Rebecca Berto #LiteraryFiction

Precise by Rebecca Berto
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mental illness is never pretty, and Precise does not gloss over it. The story moves along slowly as it draws out scenes that depict the toxic attitude that a mother has on her only child.

The author skillfully makes the reader feel disjointed by the stream of consciousness style and the episodic nature of the chapters. She takes common scenarios, a Scrabble game, a trip to the park, and imbues horror elements into it with the stalking mother.

Kate tries to resolve her issues, but as in parental abuse cases, the parent's power is too strong. The father is ineffective in reining in his wife, and everyone else is perplexed because her mother seems so calm on the surface. Yet she undermines Kate's spirit so much I'm not sure Kate can ever break free. I don't expect her problems to be solved in such a short novella. That would have been a cheap way out.

This story was not meant to be enjoyed, but meant to make you think. Kudos to Rebecca Berto on a successful debut.

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#BookReview BREATHE by Elena Dillon (Young Adult thriller and romance)

Breathe by Elena Dillon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book pulled me in from the very first line: "Most days I can almost forget someone murdered my sister."

Jasmine wanted to be an ordinary teenager, like everyone else, but the fact that her sister's murderer had never been caught and the incessant media attention on her and her family meant they were always on edge. She and her family moves from Burbank, California to a small town in Louisiana. For the first time, she could be anonymous, the new girl in school, unburdened from her past.

I cheered for Jasmine as she made new friends, took on a lot of responsibility for her younger siblings, and falls for the hottest guy on campus. Little things disturbed me and I knew the drama would not be over. However the author painted life in the small town vividly and still gave time for pranks, pep rallies, and normal girltalk. She contrasted the familiarity of the small town where residents knew each other for generations and were often related, with the impersonal atmosphere of California.

Once I hit 55% I knew I wouldn't sleep until I completed the book. The villain was cold and calculating, and the story unfolded in an edge-of-your-seat cat and mouse game. The narrator's voice was authentic and engaging, and I absolutely loved the boys in the story, from the loquacious Trenton to the bratty younger brother to the heart-throb boyfriend.

Extremely well done and fast paced, with a heroine you can't help loving and rooting for.

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