Rachel A. Olson's Blog, page 33

@DannikaDark #FiveWeeks, #BlogTour, #SevenSeries

Five Weeks (Seven Series, Bk #3) By Dannika Dark 
Blurb: Izzy has always loved the freedom and adventure of life on the road, but she’s recently decided to settle down—as much as a rogue wolf can. When her boyfriend gets her a job working at a hot Shifter bar, she runs into the last person on earth she expected to see again.
Jericho isn't the famous rock star he once was, though he still plays in a local band and loves to party. Beautiful women come and go, but music is his only passion—until a sassy redhead named Isabelle Monroe shows up unexpectedly.
Fate reunites two former friends living with one foot in the present and the other in the past. But will they have a future when one of them is forced to choose between life and death? Old habits die hard, and sometimes the toughest addictions to shake are the ones that control our hearts.



Available for purchase at 
       
Excerpt
He slipped a pink glow necklace around my neck and twisted two around my wrists as bracelets.
“This way I can spot you easily in the crowd if we get separated.”
“Does this normally go on in Austin?”
“Nope. First time. Hopefully nobody gets killed and we can do it again.”
A new band came on, and as the rhythmic beat thumped, Jericho tugged my hand and led me to the edge of the woods.
The pink glow from my stick illuminated his face, and he closed in on me with a carnal look in his hypnotic eyes.
Slow.
Steady.
Watching my lips.
I couldn't breathe. I licked my lips nervously as the energy pulsed between us.
He curved his right hand around the back of my neck and grazed his callused fingers across my nape. I shivered, and a rush of desire moved through me like strong alcohol.
Jericho closed his eyes and drew in a deep breath through his nose. He licked his lips and leaned in close, whispering against my ear.
“You’re going into heat soon, aren’t you?”
I nodded and his fingers curled in, sending a thrill through my body.“Maybe you shouldn't be here,” he breathed.
The music swelled, and laser lights beamed through the crowd, briefly passing over us.
Jericho moved closer, and I placed my hands on his bare chest. My fingers explored his firm abs and dared to move lower until they slipped inside his jeans. He sucked in his stomach and hissed through his teeth.
“Is it that obvious?” I asked.
His mouth moved away and paused on my cheek. “My brothers can’t tell—not even Austin, and he’s an alpha. Otherwise they would have mentioned it. He must not have a strong nose like he claims.”
“Then how is it you know?”

“You have that look. I've seen that look. I remember that look.” His left hand traveled to my hip and tightened.




About the Author

This is the segment where you learn a little more about who I am, so here's what I can tell you:  I drink copious amounts of vitamin water placed precariously close to my laptop while writing. These are two healthy habits I have no intention of breaking. I'm a transplant living in the south, but I was born in the 70's to a military dad who moved us around the world.
When I'm not writing (which is all the time), I'm hunting down Indie music, watching movies, reading, eating Tex-Mex, discovering new ways to humiliate myself bowling, and burning up my laptop battery on the Internet. I have a relaxed, easy-going personality and don't like drama. I live with a cat who thinks she is a dog, or a goat (she eats plastic, so I'm not sure which).
Throughout my life, I've had insomnia. Counting sheep never worked and eventually I would imagine those sheep were the sole source of food after an apocalyptic battle where only thousands survived. I made up stories in a futile attempt to bore myself to sleep. The problem was, I got so wrapped up in my "head stories" that I would continue them through the following nights, changing it up each time to make it more exciting. Eventually, I started writing my ideas down - creating short stories, and then I discovered my love for poetry.
It's almost embarrassing how many spiral notebooks and stacks of paper I have of poetry and lyrics.
Another passion: digital art. I design all my book covers, marketing, and series art. I'm a very visual person and pursued photography as an avid hobby for many years.
I am not a YA author (I feel like I have to state this only because I've had a few people ask), but I think it's wonderful there are so many books available to teens in Urban Fantasy and Paranormal.
I am finally doing what I have always wanted to do: giving my characters a pulse through writing full time. I focus on adult urban fantasy romance, but I don't like labels and I enjoy blending genres to break out of the confines of predictability.
But it's what I love to do.
Danni
You can stalk, I mean find Dannika here: 
               

Giveaway


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Presented by 

The Luckiest Blog Tour @WendyLOwens

Title: The Luckiest Author: Wendy Owens Genre: NA Contemporary Romance Hosted by: Lady Amber's Tours
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Once upon a time Mackenzie Phillips thought she’d found her happily ever after. She had married her high school sweetheart and had started her perfect family. But one tragic night Mac’s perfect life was ripped away from her, leaving her beautiful fairy tale existence in ruins.
When everything worth living for is suddenly taken from you, how do you keep going? People told her how lucky she was just to be alive after that night, but she didn’t agree.
Years passed with Mac living in a fog, until another unfortunate turn of events placed her world on its head once again. Now, still carrying the tender wounds of her past, this widow has to face the realities of life again.
Broken and truly alone, she must find work. In walks her new employer, Dean Johnson, a guy who is just broken enough himself, that she thinks he might actually be able to understand her. But Mac soon discovers that that bond with Dean may instead force her to face demons she isn’t yet ready to deal with.



Wendy Owens is a writer, born in the small college town, Oxford Ohio. After attending Miami University, Wendy went onto a career in the visual arts. After several years of creating and selling her own artwork she gave her first love, writing, a try. It’s become a passion ever since. Wendy now happily spends her days writing the stories her characters guide her to tell, admitting even she doesn’t always know where that might lead. Her first series, The Guardians, is a YA fantasy series about angel and human hybrids.
Since then she has branched into NA Contemporary Romance and released titles to include Stubborn Love, Only In Dreams, and Do Anything. Her next romance, The Luckiest is scheduled to be released in July 2014.
When she’s not writing, this dog lover can be found spending time with her tech geek husband, their three amazing kids, and two pups. She loves to cook and is a film fanatic.
For more info on Wendy's young adult fiction visit http://wendy-owens.com/

If you want to follow her on social media you can visit: Twitter: https://twitter.com/WendyLOwensFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wendy-L-Owens/191731754221996?fref=tsGoodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5038955.Wendy_Owens


iBooks - https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-luckiest/id882088600?mt=11



I glance in, but the box is dark inside all of the tissue paper. My hands retrieve the first item. “Buckeyes!” I exclaim.
“I can see why she’s your best friend.” Dean leans on one elbow, watching me explore the contents one by one.
I reach in, continuing to pull out items—a black hair scarf with cherries, a pair of earrings from one of my favorite local jewelry designers in Cincinnati, Abbi Glines’s newest steamy romance. My cheeks go hot as Dean sees the cover, lifting his eyebrows.
“Well, I think that’s it,” I say, lifting the box, the sound of something shifting inside catching my attention. “Oh, there’s something else.”
I reach in, and as I do, I can feel Dean’s eyes locked on me. I feel something long and cool slip into my hand. Locking my fingers around it, I let the box fall away. Instantly, I see Dean straighten up, a half-cocked grin on his face.
Much to my horror, I look down to see a pink rubber penis-shaped device in my hand. I freeze, but my cheeks are on fire. All I can think about is the different ways I am going to torture Monica before I kill her.
“I can explain,” I begin. I’ll tell him she’s crazy—like actually certifiable.
He’s still grinning at me as he gives me a slight nod. He closes the gap between us even more.
“You know, I can help with that,” he offers, and I can’t help but wonder if he’s serious, or perhaps maybe I’m wishing.
“You think I’m that easy?” I hit the ball squarely back to him. I consider licking my lips, but worry that may be over the top. I’m looking directly at him, and damn, he’s incredible.
“A guy can hope.” He pauses, playfully lifting an eyebrow. “Can’t he?”
I grin. In fact, I can’t do anything but grin. He moves closer, and I glance down, realizing I’m still holding the device. My breath hitches, but he still moves closer. He’s facing me, never moving those gorgeous blue eyes away from me. He slides his arm around my waist, and as he presses himself against me, I’m sure I can feel an erection. This surprises me, and my hand releases the dildo, which falls to the floor with a thud.
“What’s wrong? Can’t contain your excitement around me?” he whispers, his breath warm on my neck, just below my ear.
My mouth is watering, my heartbeat quickens, and my head is now spinning. I pull back, the distance giving me a slight bit of clarity. The idea of this kind of pleasure is tempting. The bulge in his jeans tells me he is interested.
In an attempt to casually conceal the pink rubber shaft, I use the toe of my platform sandals to kick it under a nearby chair. Dean cocks a brow, his face shifts, and he laughs softly.
“What?” I shrug innocently.“Did you just kick a dick under a chair?” He’s still laughing.
“Watch it, or I might make a habit of it.”“Ouch,” he hisses, then winces, grabbing himself as if he were imagining the attack.
My eyes dart past his shoulder, where Storm is coming up the stairs. She has on her headphones, staring at the face of her phone. I nod my head at Dean, indicating we’re no longer alone. I shift, moving to walk past him. He grabs my hip, pulling me into his grasp.
“We’ll continue this later,” he promises. He takes my hand and leads me past Storm and out of the bus without a word. I wonder if she can tell what had been transpiring from the look on my face.
As we move around the side of the bus, I feel his hand shift to the small of my back. It’s like he knows all the places to touch me to drive me absolutely insane.

Lady Edy Book Blitz @ShewandaP

Title: Love EdyAuthor: Shewanda Pugh Genre: YA RomanceHosted by: Lady Amber's Tours
When Edy Phelps falls hard for her best friend, she knows nothing can come from it. Forget actual chemistry, or the fact that she cherishes his mother more than her own; centuries of tradition say that Hassan will grow up, marry the girl his parents pick, and forget his best friend: the dancer with the bursting smile. Except he can't. In a world erupting with possibilities for the boy with a body of steel and dreams of the NFL, everything seems promised while nothing at all is; when he's denied the girl he wants most. Two hearts. Two families devoted through generations of friendship. Could Edy and Hassan really risk all that? And yet ... how could they not?


Shewanda Pugh is a tomboy who credits Stephen King with being the reason she writes romance. In 2012 she debuted with the first novel in a three part contemporary adult romance series, Crimson Footprints. Since then, she's been shortlisted for the AAMBC Reader's Choice Award, the National Black Book Festival's Best New Author Award, and the Rone Award for Contemporary Fiction in 2012 and 2013. She has an MA in Writing from Nova Southeastern University and a BA in Political Science from Alabama A&M University. Though a native of Boston, MA, she now lives in Miami, FL, where she can soak up sun rays without fear of shivering.



Author Links: Goodreads: http://bit.ly/goodedy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Author.ShewandaPugh?ref=hl Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShewandaPWebsite: www.shewandapugh.com


Buy Links: Amazon: http://bit.ly/loveedyBarnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/loveedynookKobo: http://bit.ly/1sx86AVApple iTunes: http://bit.ly/1nuPDgcSmashwords: http://bit.ly/1iIDhPN

Friday night. The sky hung heavy, seamless, with heaven’s stars blotted out by overbearing skyscrapers. Shrieks and a cacophony of cheers rang out, hysteria supreme in a microscopic stadium rocking on the edge of Boston’s South End. Thin and buckling bleachers rattled with the stomps of impending mania, shrill whistles and hefty shouts: those were the true sounds of redemption. Fourteen years and not a single touchdown against Madison High; fourteen years, but no more.It had come at the hands of a freshman running back who couldn’t stop moving, a last-minute, fidgeting substitution. To others, his appearance must have seemed a concession, but Edy Phelps knew better. Edy Phelps knew him better.He was hunger and discipline, jittery and ravenous, so rattled that nerves kept him shifting and stretching and pacing along the sidelines. Obsession fueled him, and kept him keen on an opportunity unwilling to come. Except that night, chance came to Hassan Pradhan. His chance. Finally.It happened in a breath. A snap of the ball. A fake pass and Hassan thundered downfield at a speed only fear could sustain. His moment. His only moment. Take it. Take it. Run. Fly.He could hear her thoughts—no, feel her thoughts. Edy was sure of it. They’d always had a connection. And it was in that way she aided him. Fists pressed to her lips, teeth slammed together, screaming with her soul. Soar. I know you can do it.Just as the clock whittled to nothing, Hassan vaulted into the end zone.A collective roar swallowed Edy and the crowd leapt as one. A win. Few would recall the last.On her left, Hassan’s parents cheered: mother in a starched linen suit and pumps too prim for a game, father in a white button-up, belly pressing the fabric, sleeves rolled to the elbow. His mother, Rani, was without the brilliant red bindi she couldn’t do without, giving her forehead that naked look. On Edy’s opposite end were her parents, their absolute best friends, in the long-sleeved alumni tees reserved for football season, mother free of the skirt suits that dictated her days. Edy abandoned them all for the sidelines, for Hassan. She weaved round patches of shrieking upperclassmen, hopped over rows of empty benches, apologized to the fat man whose cocoa she sloshed, and ignored the slice of a sudden, early winter wind.He’d done it.All those nights, all those talks, round and round about the possibility of getting in a game, the two of them in bedroom shadows, careful to keep their voices low. Some nights he thought a chance would never come; others, he insisted it had to. Either way, he always said that if it did, when it did, he would do something worth remembering. And he had.At the sidelines, Edy’s gaze swept a team clustered so thick, so honeyed together with the sweetness of victory, that she worried she might never find her neighbor, her best friend.  Ice cut the air, and the glare of stadium lights had her like an ant under a magnifying glass in the noonday sun. She remembered the way the Dyson twins would burn insects and snicker, and she thought no, she’d be hot if she were a tortured ant, not cold. The fog of her breath seconded her motion.She spotted him.Edy had come to hug someone already occupied, someone surrounded by sweeping blonde curls, dark curtains of perfect hair, nestled by an endless supply of short skirts. Hassan draped an easy arm around a cheerleader with shimmering flaxen locks, mouth curling into a grin when a brunette of with pouty lips cried foul and claimed him as her own. Soft tans and the curves of certain womanhood donned them both. Edy looked from them to her own angular body and knew what she would find: all edges and sharpness, slender, muscles sculpted from a life of dance. The baggy jeans, football jersey, and sloppy poof of a ponytail she wore didn’t give her much to run with either. That hair used to be the brunt of Hassan’s endless jokes. Big enough to tip you back,” he’d say, before tugging it in absentminded affection. She fingered that hair with the same sort of absent- -mindedness, before looking up to see a blonde plant rosy lips on Hassan’s cheek.Ugh.Edy didn’t care about the movies, the books, the popular culture that insisted football player and cheerleader, jock and pretty girl, were a natural sort of fit. It wasn’t. They weren’t. It absolutely couldn’t be.A girl like that couldn’t understand what made him him. So what if he was . . .  obscenely gorgeous, with sun-licked bronze skin, silken black locks, and eyes an ever-glimmering, gold-flecked green. He had a quiet sort of beauty, made for old Greek sculptures and timeless works of art. Not that he was quiet. He was explosive, with good looks and athleticism. But beyond that were pleasures and disappointments, what he loved and could not bear. Imprinted on Edy’s mind were the crinkles at the corner of Hassan’s eyes when he smiled, the clench of his jaw when irritation set in, the rich and sonorous laugh that had slipped octaves lower in recent years. A girl like that blonde could be nothing to him—could know nothing of him. She knew a moment and a touchdown. That was it.Edy’s hands made fists.The blonde moved in to kiss his cheek again, just as a teammate shouted his name. Hassan jerked back, only to be caught at the corner of his mouth by her lips.A whoop rang out from the guys.Heat flushed Edy’s veins and her fingernails dug, digging, digging, until tears blurred her vision.Wait.He was her best friend, family really, if you considered the way they were brought up. So, she really had no reason to—The blonde threw her arms around Hassan. The team swarmed and the two disappeared from sight.They were kissing, weren’t they?Edy closed her eyes, forcing back the hottest tears and the bitterest taste of sudden envy.She loved him. Dear God, she loved her best friend.It fell down on her at once, uncompromising truth and the weight of reality like a cloak too heavy to bear.The boy that had grown by her side, promised to another in a tradition as old as marriage itself, another girl of his ethnicity, religion, beliefs: that’s the boy she loved. A single line existed between Edy’s family and his, between the Pradhans and Phelps, who otherwise acted as one.But Edy loved him.And, of course, there was no recourse for that.

Doesn't Play Well With Others Cover Reveal @CaseyAHarvell #DPWWO

Doesn't Play Well With Others Cover RevealBy Casey Harvell Disclaimer: This book is going to be for mature audiences (18+) ONLY due to seriously excessive foul language and minor sex and violence.
Selene Warren has it rough. After her mom passes when she's little, she gets stuck with her aunt (a crack-whore.) Life with Selene’s aunt lacks any type of love or support. Selene constantly struggles and when she turns fifteen her aunt is diagnosed with H.I.V. It soon becomes apparent that her aunt expects her to take over the family business and Selene runs for dear life.
She manages pretty well for a couple years. One day she saves a scruffy looking kid from a window. Before she knows it she adopts a stray of her own. Life seems a bit better until Selene gets stabbed trying to protect the kid.
Selene makes it, but discovers the kid is no normal runaway--he's the only son of a VERY rich and prominent family. A new friend comes forward to clear Selene of possible kidnapping charges, but for the life of her Selene can't figure out why the hell a rich kid would rather live on the streets than on a ritzy estate.
Alex wants to break down the walls around Selene so badly. Selene’s life leaves her with no room to trust anyone. For as long as she can remember she’s had to rely on herself. Will Selene be able to escape her degenerate world? Because she doesn't play well with others.
Doesn’t Play Well With Others on




Pre-order links:Kobo
B&NAlso available for pre-order (release 8/26/14) on iTunes. Will be available for purchase on Amazon 8/26/14 




Excerpt“Well, color me the picture of fucking responsibility.” “Listen kid if we’re going to stick together you have to get one thing straight. I don’t like people.” “I know that I’m screwed and I still can’t help the word vomit that spews from my mouth.” “I won’t take dirty money and if you think it’s anything but that then you’re a fucking moron.” “Abso-fucking-lutely.” “Whatever the fuck is wrong with me right now denies me the opportunity to lie like I should.” “What the fucks a Thor?” 






About the AuthorAmazon Bestselling and USA Today Recommended Author Casey Harvell resides in the great Hudson River Valley of NY with her husband and their two sons. Casey is slightly zombie obsessed. She uses the word ‘boom’ and attaches the ‘pants’ on the end of words frequently. 


You can find all of Casey’s books on her website.Find Casey on Facebook.Find Casey on Twitter.Find Casey on Goodreads.



Other Books by Casey HarvellThe Decisions Series: Righteous Decisions (Decisions Series Book One) eBook always free! Harsh Decisions (Decisions Series Book Two) 
The Electric Series—USA Today Must-Read Romance Series! Charged ~Reboot~ (Electric Series Book One) eBook always free! Shocked (Electric Series Book Two) 
Stand Alone: Lingering… Aliens, Death & Zombies: A Compilation of Short Stories 
Coming Soon (2014-2015):  Soul Decisions (Decisions Series Book Three) *Final Series Book Wired (Electric Series Book Three) *Final Series Book Eclipsed Agony Don’t You Cry Proceed With Caution 

Crossover Cover Reveal @paigematthews_3

Secrets Can Destroy. Can they overcome theirs?

Faith Maguire has spent the last six years traveling the world running from her past and the secret she hides. After finding her fiancée cheating on her in Milan, Faith heads home to Fuquay Varina, NC. Faith plans to lick her wounds and take some time off until she is offered a position documenting the upcoming tour for Double Cross.
Gabe Cross has spent the last six years trying to forget the girl that broke his heart. As Gabe prepares for another three months on tour, he’s ready to do whatever he needs to do to keep the hurt and pain buried in women and booze. The plan was concrete until she shows up on tour.
Faced to confront the hurt and pain six years forgot-Gabe and Faith must learn how to move on from their pasts in order to have a future, but will their secrets prevent them from having their second chance?  
Release Date: September 2, 2014
Goodreads TBR Link 

Author Stalker Links Facebook / Twitter / Website    

Kyluna Release Day Blitz @altcbs

Title: Kyluna, The Jein's Journey Series Book 2Author: Cheryllynn Dyess Genre: Fantasy/Fiction
Hosted by: Lady Amber's Tours

Jein has traveled many places looking for a new home for her people. The Goddess led her here to Kyluna. After discovering her life and history was false Jein struggled within to stay true to herself but she knew where she had to go, for her people and for her.


FB Release Party: https://www.facebook.com/events/1427940507464772/



As a youth I loved to write and originally set out to deal with life. I never dreamed I would be writing to share with the world. As an adult my writing continued and have always been told I was talented. I finally listened and put my imagination to the test and started to write a book. Amazingly it took very little time to create an entire world and people and story line. This book reflects how I perceive life and how I feel it should really be! God has given me a great talent, wonderful support team and I'm finally using my gift from him! Calastan is the first book in the Jein's Journey series that introduces you to Jein in her seventeenth year. Jein is a beautiful young woman who refuses to follow tradition and wants to do things her own way (kinda reflects my personality to the "T"). I am a mother of four and Nana to two ~ my driving force is to show them to NEVER give up on dreams and goals, they can be reached if you believe.
Author Links:cdyesswrites@gmail.comwww.facebook.com/cdyesswriteswww.twitter.com/cdyesswriteswww.goodreads.com/cheryllynn_dyesswww.amazon.com/author/cheryllynndyesshttp://cdyesswrites.blogspot.comhttp://www.cdyesswrites.wix.com/cdyesswww.google.com/+CDyessWrites1www.facebook.com/altcbswww.twitter.com/altcbshttp://altcbs.blogspot.comhttps://plus.google.com/107539114686092167121


Amazon buy link - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LGXSA8Y




Calastan, the capital of Euphasia, is the home of young Jein Kyominias. Jein is female hunter, who in her world is against traditions. Growing up in a matriarchal society, Jein has taken her role and molded it to fit her. By the age of seventeen she was one of the best hunters for her age. She was only supported by her father in this endeavor and went against the wishes of her mother, sisters and all the members of government. She won competitions, went on hunts with male led groups and lived on her own with no life mate. She has struggled all her life with the path she had chosen. Then those who fought against her uniqueness has now turned to her for help. Jein and her hunting mate, Yurani, was charged to go into Resolution to find and establish a new home for her people to expand into.

Once in Resolution, Jein and Yurani found more than they ever expected. A land already claimed by some who were actually part of their own people’s history. More hunters come to Resolution to help her and Yurani. Then secrets about Jein’s life were revealed that gave way to Jein choosing a path no one would have ever expected. She learned she was not the first born female and this means she is not to lead, in the traditions of her people. The history of her family revealed that she was not the only great hunter in her family line of females. Knowing all she does now about her own people, family and now herself Jein pushes forward to find the new home she was charged to find. Jein has always been private about her emotions on everything and now she is opening up, showing her friends and those she loves her true self. Laughing, teasing, and sharing more than she ever did before.

Allowing her heart to open up and receive love from a man, moving forward without the guidance of her government or her family and trusting in the words of an Oracle Jein has set out searching for a land that is worthy to be their new home. It was clear that Resolution was not it. Journeying with Jein is Yurani, Rohm, and Lendsei. This next part of the journey will show Jein that being herself is as much a struggle as fighting to be herself.

A proud Jein struggles to allow herself to become one with a new land and a new her. Come follow along in Jein’s next journey and see where it takes her and what changes happen.

Two Breaths Too Late @RockyIsWriting #holdon2hope

Two Breaths Too Late
Rochelle Maya CallenYoung Adult9.10.14 (World Suicide Prevention Day)
www.RochelleMayaCallen.com 





Ellie Walker is a high school senior who commits suicide and then is forced to face the brokenness she leaves behind. 


EXCERPT:
1.

Death,

You aren't a tunnel of light, a choir of angels, or even an ascension of the soul. You are a twitching leg, a spasm of breath, a moment of fear when I realize that the noose I tied didn't snap my neck and I am left dangling with the chair tipped over too far from my toes. You are blackness blotting out my vision, my lungs heaving in breaths that aren't there, because the rope cuts into my throat choking the life out of me, slowly. 

Too slowly.

My fingers claw at the rope that I found in the closet behind liquor bottles and expired cans of vegetables. Life seeps out of me; the oxygen choked out, the carbon dioxide choked in. Where was the peace and quiet? Where was the release? The absence of fear? That is why I hid the rope under my mattress, why I waited till mom and dad left for work, why I climbed on a chair and tied the noose, why I wrapped it around my neck and pulled it tight, said a prayer, squeezed my eyes shut, and stepped off the chair. 
Leaving the screams, the bruises, the scars, the secrets and loneliness behind.

But you aren't taking me away.

I am suffocating in silent screams and the smell of ash. The floor is too far and I am too high. My chest caves in and just as blackness eats my last sliver of being conscious, I realize I regret. I realize I am too late. Death, you aren't beautiful or free or romantic like in all of the novels I have read. You are a girl who had no hope left, dangling from a ceiling beam who, two breaths too late, realized she wanted to live.

I thought you would save me, Death. 
But you are a liar.
Just like everyone else.

The Day He Died...
A Message from the Author of Two Breaths Too Late.

 He was about 6 when I met him. He was my new friend's younger brother and all long limbs, brown hair, and big brown eyes. He had one of the biggest smiles I had ever seen.

 The kid was brilliant. He read constantly. Loved learning. By 11, he was taking college classes. Languages. Science. His mind was a powerful beast that conquered many subjects. We all knew he would do amazing things with the brilliance he had within him.

 He would shine. He would soar.

 We were all ready and waiting to see it happen. We all grew up. I went to college. Gradated. Got married. He became a handsome teenager and was still wining over hearts (everyone loved him and that big smile). He joined a church band. Got his associates degree before 15. He had friends and a family who loved him.

 Then one night, he ran out of his house—his parents running after him—to the bridge that went over highway 95...and jumped.

 As a mother, I can't imagine that moment—that split second when you are looking at your child and his feet are solidly on the ground and he is so close to being within reach and that defining, heart breaking moment when he isn't any longer.

 He was 19.

 I heard the news by phone while standing in my kitchen. The shock rendered me breathless. What had happened to this brilliant young man? We found out later that he had been recently diagnosed with schizophrenia and after watching his brother have a fierce battle with the illness, he couldn't find the hope to live on.

 His family had everyone wear brightly colored shirts and his band played at the funeral. The music was joyous and beautiful and people hugged and danced as pictures of his beautiful smile were projected onto a huge screen.

 It had been the week of Easter. It was a beautiful celebration of his life—a life that ended far too soon.

We have all suffered loss in some way. We know the ache. The feeling of too much space because something or someone is supposed to be there to fill it.

 The loss of someone to suicide happens everyday. Every minute. It is estimated that worldwide nearly a million people take their own lives. One million fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, sons, daughters who are lost because they had no hope left.

 The day I found out about this brilliant young man's suicide, I was brought back to a moment years earlier, when I was 11 years old and standing on a chair with a noose dangling in front of me. I had stepped down from that chair that day—despite bruises, pain, loneliness, and secrets—and lived. Lived to see heart breaks, awards won, graduations, friendships, jobs, and a million other happy and terrible moments. Ugly or perfect, those moments were mine and there I stood in my kitchen with my round and pregnant belly and listened as my mother told me the news about a boy who had all those moments taken away.

 Almost a year ago, I posted a flash fiction piece I had written about suicide and a reader contacted me and said that I should write a novel based on it. I was intimidated. Scared. How could I take on something like that? It hit such a personal chord with me that I thought I might unravel in its creation.

 I am not going to lie. This novel always brings tears to my eyes. Not because I am a literary genius or a masterful story-teller, but because with every word I write and second that passes, I know there is someone out there who is deciding to give up on on their beautiful and terrible moments and my heart breaks and I wish I could type faster, or yell louder, or reach out and squeeze every single one of those one million souls and whisper, “Hold on...just a little longer.”

 This novel isn't about happy endings. It isn't about happily-ever-afters. It is about the beautiful and terrible moments that make up a life and the possibilities that live in even the darkest of places that sometimes we are just too blind to see. I will use a portion of the proceeds from this novel to donate to To Write Love On Her Arms as well as launch a suicide prevention project entitled, HoldOn2Hope.

The project will launch in September. If all goes well, there will be a LIVE event for teens in the DC metro area as well as the project's online media awareness component will last a full year. My heart is in this project and I know that a project like this needs a ton of love and support to thrive.

 That's where you come in. I hope together we can change this staggering statistic. I send you love and light today. Please know that you are precious in this big 'ol world and it would not be as bright or beautiful without you in it.
 XOXO,
Rochelle


*Website will be LIVE on Sept 1st.*




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Lure of the Vampire Release Day Blitz @tenavarney

Title: Lure of the Vampire: A Pop Culture Reference BookAuthor: Bertena Varney     Genre: Non FictionCover Artist: Patti Roberts- https://www.facebook.com/PattiParadoxPublisher: Indie Publishing House. LLC - https://www.facebook.com/IndiePublishingHouseHosted by: Lady Amber's Tours

[image error] Lure of the Vampire is a pop culture reference book that takes you on a journey through the mythology and history of the monstrous vampires – through the romantic and, at times, scary vampires in movies, television, and books. Included in this definitive guide are interviews with “real” vampires and an extensive bibliography, lists, and websites for readers to continue their journey long after they have read the book. The author discusses a variety of vampire-related topics, such as why vampires are currently so “gentle”  in movies, such as Twilight, compared to classics such as Dracula, and why women are lured to the “vampire boyfriend” and read every romance book about these bad boys that they can get their hands on.
Lure of the Vampire provides the readers with clear cut sections beginning with the mythology of the vampire and going next to history, literature, movies, recreation, websites, and to modern times where the author interviews real life vampires.
This is the third and final updated edition of this book. The previous editions have won multiple awards including Amazon and Kindle Best Seller in pop culture and reference categories.
Her vampire live action role playing character was used by Elizabeth Loraine in collaboration on a fiction novella, titled Lillian: A Vampire’s Story which is available at the end of this book for free!
FB Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/785391264839082/


Bertena Varney is a sociology professor at Southcentral KY Community College (SKYCTC)  in Bowling Green, KY. She holds masters’ degrees in sociology, criminology, social science and education. She is from Winchester, KY and attended Morehead State University in KY.

She was named to the Top Women in Horror in 2012 by Venom and Honey and Blaze McRob’s Tales of Terrors in 2014 and has been nicknamed the Vampire Professor.
She is an Amazon and Kindle Bestselling author of Lure of the Vampire and Lure of the Vampire: Revamped. She is also contributor and coeditor for Vampire News: Tasty Bits to Sink Your Fangs Into, Vampire News: The Not So End Times, Vampire News: Really...Vampires Suck!, and contributor to Vampires Romance to Rippers an Anthology of Risque Stories, Vampires Romance to Rippers an Anthology of Tasty Stories, and The Witching Hour and Sirens Compendiums.
She is also the Examiner.com expert on True Blood, vampires, television, movies, and more.In her free time she does lectures at libraries conventions and conferences. Some of these include the Harry Potter Convention in Salem, Mass., The Sirens Convention in Vail, Colorado, ScareFest Horror Convention in Lexington, as well as smaller events and discussions in New Orleans, Chicago, London, Paris and other fun places.

SPECIAL:When writing this book it began as a master’s thesis and then was edited and formatted differently so that vampire fans would enjoy the information as well. Over the last 3 years she has been asked by fans to create a course online, like the one she teaches in person, and that class has finally been created and will be ready to begin when the book becomes available for sale hopefully on August 1.
She is enrolling students now as a 50% discount of the normal class tuition. The special included anyone who participates in this tour will receive the class for only $50.00. It is normally $100.00! Once the student pays for the class via PayPal or credit card and purchases the book, they should email the author to get the invite to the class. The class covers each chapter in the book and provides the student with the questions that they must answer, videos for them to watch, an essay for them to write and final: there are also discussion boards that are open for class discussions. Upon completion the student will receive a certificate of completion via email to show that they have completed a course in Vampirology (the study of vampires).
This is a fun course that vampire fans will love. If interested please look at course here - http://mysticalparanormalacademy.ning.com/classesoffered/introduction-to-vampires-classThen  email her at vampireprofessor@yahoo.com or message on her Facebook profile - https://www.facebook.com/bertena.varney to get payment and registration information for the class.

Places to Find Bertena VarneyFacebook Profile- https://www.facebook.com/bertena.varneyFacebook Page- https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bertena-Varney-Author/117922531618827Website/Blog – www.bertena.comFacebook Page for Blog- https://www.facebook.com/midnightmusingswithbertenaTwitter - @tenavarneyGoogle Plus- https://plus.google.com/u/0/112946967970597058088/postsAmazon Author Page- http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B007GNHV0QExaminer profile- http://www.examiner.com/user-vampireprofessor-36Email: vampireprofessor@yahoo.com and vampireprofessor@gmail.comBuy Links – Amazon.com - http://www.amazon.com/Lure-Vampire-Culture-Reference-Book/dp/1500389803/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1404686889&sr=1-1&keywords=Indie+Publishing+house

Upcoming Events:Estill County Library, Irvine, KY October 30 - Lecture on Angels and Demons and Vampires Inner Light Festival, Lexington, KY September 20 and 21 Working with Angels www.innerlightfestivals.com The ScareFest, Lexington, KY September 12-14 Guest Speaker on Angels and Vampires www.scarefestcon.comKiller Nashville, August 22-24 Signings of Vampire Books www.killernashville.comThe Mystical Paranormal Fair, Lexington, KY August 8-10 - Workshops on Angels www.mpfair.comFestival of Healing and Spiritual Awareness, Elizabethtown, KY July 18- 19 - Angel ReadingsThe Mystical Paranormal Fair, Lexington, KY July 11-13 - Workshops on Angels www.mpfair.comThe Ghost Hunters Shop, Lexington,KY, July 10 - Lecture on AngelsCan anyone guess what her next book is about? Angels!

Soundtrack to the book- This is the music I listen to while working on my books. It’s a folk rock group that happens to be my son’s group. He wrote the music and lyrics as well as plays the guitar and sings. I loved typing away while he would play music and sing, it was so peaceful. The Group is called Approaching the Unreal – Go to the link below to download the songs for FREE. When it asks how much you are willing to pay put in zero dollars or any amount that you wish to pay to help support these young upcoming artists. https://approachingtheunreal.bandcamp.com/

Reviews Layla Cook ~ Fairy Author and Assemblage ArtistBertena Varney began the journey in creating this book when she was doing her graduate studies. She researched academic databases, interviewed authors, and even did ethnographic research on the subculture of vampires. She is an academic as well as a fan of vampires and has done a great job with blending the two in this book. This is the perfect reference book that is quick grab and covers more than just the typical vampire shows. 
Scarlette D'Noire ~ Vampires: Romance to RippersThe Vampire Professor is the go-to girl and Lure of the Vampire is the go-to book on all things vampire.
Audrey A’Cladh ~ Vampire Minister and Counselor, Vampires: Romance to RippersBertena gives a fresh and unbiased look at the complex subject of vampires; where most books rehash the same tired notes, she unearths overlooked melodies! ~The Lure of the Dead Boyfriend~In the beginning was a bald monster with a long face, pointed ears and chin, elongated fingers and sharp talon claws, which lost its humanity and control over its monstrous side. It was lured to a young maiden’s window. All of a sudden, with a sudden rush that could not be foreseen and with a strange howling cry that was enough to awaken the terror in any beast, the figure seized the long tresses of hair. He held her to the bed…she screams…shrieks...and he seizes her neck in his fang like teeth… a gush of blood and a hideous sucking noise follows.
This picture of rape and torture is the bedroom scene of the 1847 penny dreadful, Varney the Vampire: Feast of Blood. The author Thomas Prest painted pictures of the vampire being a sexual monster wanting to devour women, women who were portrayed as being very passive and weak. In these stories the vampire bite was a metaphor for rape and the monster wanted his victim aware of every agonizing violation. This is the vampire that was created when men ruled the horror world: a creature cursed to walk the earth for eternity searching not for love but for food.
Now today, the story reads more like this, “He met my eyes with his penetrating gaze. Suddenly it was hard to breathe. ..My heart pounded in my chest… my knees threatened to buckle. I had never seen such a gorgeous man…something about him felt dark and dangerous and desirable. I lifted my chin to give him better access to my neck. He smiled, showing a hint of fangs.” This excerpt is from Lynda Hilburn’s The Vampire Shrink.  Lynda discussed on her blog that since women have taken over the horror genre the vampire has evolved into a gorgeous, sensuous, sexual, romantic, bad boy of the night.
Even though vampire literature is usually snubbed by many writers and fans, over the last ten years the rise in vampire literature has increased exponentially. Many book reviewers claim that vampire literature displays women as sluts and submissive. This may be true in some series but overall this trend has changed quickly. Many writers such as C.J. Ellisson, author of The Vampire Vacation Series, have developed a strong empowered female character that is a monogamous vampire who loves her human husband. The scenes are hot but very respectful to women and actually show how they may embrace their sexual side without embarrassment.Many more vampire authors have their female character as empowering and strong. They walk alongside the vampire in their journey rather than being the damsel in distress or the hapless victim of his sexual prowess. The current trend for this new genre of vampire romance literature is one that offers the readers an escape from the pressures of the real world while delivering to them either a soul mate or an erotic lover in the form of a vampire. So, just what is the lure of the dead boyfriend to the modern female reader?
Buy Links for my other booksRomance to Rippers Volume 1 An Anthology of Tasty Stories- http://www.amazon.com/Vampires-Romance-Rippers-Anthology-Stories/dp/1940871018/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1404740763&sr=8-3Romance to Rippers Volume 2 An Anthology of Risque Stories-http://www.amazon.com/Vampires-Romance-Rippers-Anthology-Stories/dp/1940871034/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1404579110&sr=8-9Lillian: A Vampire Tale = a novella- Book 1-written by Elizabeth Loraine based on my charactershttp://www.amazon.com/Lillian-vampire-tale-Elizabeth-Loraine-ebook/dp/B00653N3K0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1404579110&sr=8-2&keywords=bertena+varneyLillian 2- The Mask- a novella- Book 2 written by Elizabeth Loraine based on my charactershttp://www.amazon.com/Lillian-vampire-tale-The-Mask-ebook/dp/B0090OOM9C/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=13ES0NE4WGVFPF24SC12Lillian 3 to be released in OctoberVampire News 2011- Tasty Bits You can Sink Your Fangs IntoPrint Link - http://www.amazon.com/Vampire-News-Volume-1-Stavros/dp/0982812140/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1404579110&sr=8-7&keywords=bertena+varneyFREE Ebook link - http://bitemereallyhard.com/bite-me-really-hard/download-center/Vampire News 2: The Not So End TimesPrint Link - http://www.amazon.com/Vampire-News-Times-Edition-Volume/dp/0982812159/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1404579110&sr=8-5&keywords=bertena+varneyFREE Ebook Link - http://bitemereallyhard.com/bite-me-really-hard/download-center/Vampire News 3: Vampires….. They Suck!To be released July 18 here is the FREE Link - http://bitemereallyhard.com/bite-me-really-hard/download-center/Special Thanks to Scarlette D’ Noire and Indie House Publishing, LLC for helping me with this final edition of Lure and for putting me in contact with Patti Roberts, the awesome cover artist and BZ Hercules who worked tirelessly editing and formatting the book for us. They are an awesome team to work with and are highly professional and recommended.Thank you to them for making this possible! They are awesome! CONTEST: Follow the above and I will pick 5 winners for a Free eBook and 1 Winner of a FREE enrollment in the Vampire Class. Winners announced August 15.           
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@ColleenHelme #DeepInDeath, #BlogTour

Deep In Death 
(A Shelby Nichols Adventure #6)
By Colleen Helme

Blurb:

Running “errands” for her mob-boss employer, Joey “The Knife” Manetto, often ends with Shelby in trouble, making her cautious about continuing her association with him. Instead, she focuses on a new client who hires Shelby to find her missing mother. What seems like a routine case turns into something more sinister and deadly than she ever imagined. In the meantime, Uncle Joey has summoned Shelby to his office, where she runs into her former nemesis. Shelby inadvertently hears something that makes her fear for the lives of Uncle Joey and his hit-man, Ramos. This time, Uncle Joey is not sure he wants to involve Shelby in something he knows could get her killed. Keeping Shelby’s involvement to a minimum has disastrous results, sending Shelby on a dangerous path. As her investigation unfolds, Shelby finds death at every turn, and soon realizes she is in over her head. Can she escape from danger in time? Or will she find herself deep in death?



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BOOK TRAILER





Excerpt

A twinge of pain burned through my arm, and I gently rubbed the spot where I’d been shot nearly three weeks ago. Getting a shot in the arm may sound like a simple thing for most people, but when it’s done by a bullet, it’s a whole different story. At least it was healing nicely, and the scar wasn't too big, but every once in a while my arm ached like it had happened yesterday, probably because I was overdoing it again. After a few seconds the pain subsided, and I finished pulling on my shirt and got dressed.
Today was my first day back at work since the shooting, and I was ready to take on a new project. This time the job was a client from my consulting agency, which suited me just fine. My last job for Uncle Joey, the local mob-boss, had gotten me both arrested for murder and shot by a bullet in the arm, so I was a little nervous about doing anything for him again.
A few months ago I had to tell Uncle Joey my secret that I could read minds so he wouldn't kill me. We’d worked out a compromise, and over the course of our association, we’d even become close. Crazy as it sounded, I’d started to think of him as my real uncle, even though he wasn't. Since most of his errands seemed to get me into trouble, he’d also saved my life a few times. Well, to be honest, it was his hit-man, Ramos, doing most of the saving. But it was Uncle Joey who’d told him to watch out for me.
I sighed every time I thought of Ramos. He had a troubled past which only I knew about, and I’d helped him come to terms with it. Besides saving my life several times, there was also a physical attraction that I only dared admit out loud to my best friend, Holly. Of course after seeing him, she had a crush on him too, and since we were both happily married, I had to think it was all right. But with all of that going on, I had to wonder about myself. I mean, Uncle Joey was a big, bad mob-boss who had threatened to do me bodily harm, and Ramos was his hit-man. They were the bad guys and I had a soft spot in my heart for them. Was something wrong with me?
My husband, Chris, had no qualms about severing all ties with Uncle Joey, and it put me in a hard spot trying to please them both. But since the last job, things had changed. After I got shot, Chris had a long talk with Uncle Joey, and I hadn't heard from him in three weeks. In some ways it was a relief, but in others, I kind of missed him…and Ramos…well…mostly Ramos. Still, I wasn't about to call and offer my services. Not considering what had happened last time. Nope. I wasn't ready to get shot again. In fact, I would be pretty happy if I never saw another gun in my life.
I took a deep cleansing breath and checked the time. I had an appointment with my client at ten this morning, and it was time to go. Her name was Tiffany and this was her senior year of college. Since I didn't have a real office, I’d told her we could meet at the campus library in-between her classes, and with her busy schedule, meeting on campus worked out great for both of us.
I drove through town with my windows down and breathed in the crisp fall air. It was the first part of October and the sky was the perfect color of blue. The trees were just beginning to change into brilliant autumn colors, and framed against the blue sky, the pure beauty and serenity lifted my spirits. With everything I’d gone through lately, I knew I was lucky to be alive.
I parked at the visitor parking meters near the library and headed toward the front of the building. It had been several years since I’d been there last, and a wave of nostalgia washed over me. I’d only been to one year of college before I’d talked Chris into marrying me. It was love at first sight for me, but it had taken some gentle persuading on my part to help Chris see how perfect we were together. Right after our marriage, we’d gone off to law school in another state. Josh had been born exactly nine months later followed by Savannah two years after that. There were times when I regretted not finishing college back then, but I wouldn't trade the life I had now for anything.
I loved my family and, as it turned out, I had a pretty good career without a degree, and I was proud of what I’d accomplished. Of course, if I hadn't gotten shot in the head during a bank robbery, which left me with the ability to read minds, it might be a different story.
It was still hard for me to believe how my life had turned upside down simply because I’d stopped at the grocery store for some carrots. Who would have thought? Now I had my own consulting agency where I could get paid for helping people, and most of the time, all I had to do was read their minds. Not that it was always that easy, but after getting shot, I’d take some simple cases for a while.
A young woman sat on a bench near the fountain where we’d planned to meet. Her gaze caught mine and her eyes widened slightly before she recognized me. As I approached, she smiled and gave me a quick wave. She had long blond hair and a sweet face, but her somber eyes seemed out of place for someone her age, like she’d gone through some hard times.

Since she was a college student, I was a little nervous that she couldn't afford my one-hundred-and-fifty-dollar-an-hour fee. But we’d talked about that before I had agreed to meet her, and she’d seemed fine with it then. She stood to greet me.


About the Author
As the author of the Shelby Nichols Adventure Series, Colleen is often asked if Shelby Nichols is her alter-ego. “Definitely,” she says. “Shelby is the epitome of everything I wish I dared to be.” Known for her laugh since she was a kid, Colleen has always tried to find the humor in every situation and continues to enjoy writing about Shelby’s adventures. “I love getting Shelby into trouble…I just don’t always know how to get her out of it!” Colleen lives in the Rocky Mountains with her family. Besides writing, she loves a good book, biking, hiking, and playing board and card games with family and friends. She loves to connect with readers and admits that fans of the series keep her writing.



You can find Colleen here:

            

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Presented By

Distraction Book Blitz @abt3mcpherson

Title: DistractionAuthor: Angela McPherson           Genre: NA Contemporary Romance Publisher: Untold PressHosted by: Lady Amber's Tours
Aside from the normal changes in her life, college junior, Elle Richards, can always count on her friendship with Tristan. The longing for him to love her back is something she keeps well hidden, even from herself. No matter how many miles apart they are, regular phone calls and texts keep them close…until the day everything changes.
Wide Receiver Tristan Daniels has a good thing going. Much to his, and every single woman’s surprise, he’s in a committed relationship. The possibility of going pro looks more than promising…until his spur of the moment transfer to a rival college is approved. Now, Tristan will be forced to be in the presence of the woman he’s secretly loved for as long as he can remember. Elle.Being away from one another was enough to keep Tristan and Elle distracted, but angst, confusion, and troubled secrets launches them into a breathless, heart pumping story you won’t want to miss!
Recommended for mature audiences 18+


Born and currently residing in Midland, Texas, Angela shuffles three busy children (not including her husband) all over the place. She works in a busy pediatric doctor's office as a nurse during the day, and writes at night. She is addicted to coffee——who isn’t? And firmly believes chocolate can fix all——especially chocolate ice cream. She laughs a lot, often at herself and is willing to try anything once (she thinks). When Angela isn’t rushing kids around, working or writing, she’s reading. Other than life experience, Angela turns to a wide variety of music to help spark her creative juices. She loves to dance and sing, though her kids often beg her not to. 

Website: http://angelamcphersonblog.wordpress.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YAAuthorAngelaMcPherson Twitter: @abt3mcpherson Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7074174.Angela_McPherson Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00EJ4535K