Sutton Shields's Blog, page 8

Author Spotlight: Susan Fodor Presents A Silver Tides Christmas!

 

And now, on this beautiful Christmas Eve, I am elated to present a special piece written exclusively for Christmas by my fellow giveaway elf co-worker (Santa would be proud of us. I expect candy in our stockings come Christmas morning), Susan Fodor. For the record, I adore her. <3 And I have absolutely no doubt y'all will love this very special Silver Tides Christmas piece as much as I did (I read it, like, three times--loved it that much). 
A Silver Tides Christmas


Cordulla had us lined up like the Von Trapp children inspecting our outfits with a grim expression. Beside me, Miranda was wearing a red dress straight out of White Christmas, minus the white fur. She had the fitted bodice and the full red skirt that stopped just below her knees. Her outfit was completed with ruby red heels that glistened in the studio light. Her black hair flowed down her back, and her amethyst eyes were more pronounced from the makeup artist’s ministration.
My blonde hair had been set in curls to cascade down my back, and my makeup was understated but beautiful. Even though our colourings differed, the makeup and hair had levelled us in attractiveness---well mostly.
My dress was exactly the same design as Miranda’s but in the deep emerald colour reserved for Christmas elves. My shoes were adorable emerald coloured Mary-Janes with elastic strap so they slipped on and off easily. They were half a size too small, Cordulla’s usual passive aggressive gift, but I was optimistic the material would give enough so I could wear them again. Cordulla shook her head at me with her usual disdain and moved on to inspect Daniel.
Charlie and Daniel were wearing blinding white suits. It didn’t flatter Daniel’s sensible golden-blonde haircut and crystal blue eyes or Charlie’s dark eccentric locks, cream skin and caramel eyes. For once they were dressed worse than the girls. Charlie was wearing a green shirt and Daniel a red one. There was no mistaking that Cordulla was again trying to pair Daniel to Miranda. I bite my lip ignoring the slight.
Cordulla had chosen all our outfits for the first annual Christmas address from the royal family. A small stage had been set up with four Santa chairs and opulent gold decorations in the background. It looked like the backdrop for a pirate’s treasure trove rather than a Christmas interview, but that was Cordulla and it was still her kingdom.
“I’ve organized all the questions,” Cordulla said, glaring at each of us in turn. “There is nothing too hard for you to answer. Be honest. Be winning and try not to embarrass me.”
An impish grin spread over Charlie’s lips. I worked to keep the nervous giggles at bay, my stomach felt like a shaken soda can.
“Mother,” Daniel said valiantly, “we won’t let you down.”
“I know you won’t,’ she said to Daniel maternally, “and Miranda is always perfect.”
“It will be fine,” I assured her, but she dismissed my words with a flick of her wrist.
“I’m going to our stage,” she said, all business. “The selkie king and queen will do their message. Then the cameras will switch to your interview and well wishes. Finally Harold and I will wish the people our best. Do. Not. Mess. This. Up.” She popped the p in ‘up’ as her eyes fell on me. I shifted uncomfortably.
She spun on her gaudy gold heels and marched out of the makeshift studio.
“That was intense,” Miranda exhaled.
“I feel like my sphincter is frozen shut,” Charlie added with a goofy grin.
“Charming,” I replied, suppressing a giggle.
“That’s medical humour,” Charlie defended, playfully. “A sphincter is a circular band of muscle that surrounds an opening or passage in the body and narrows or closes the opening by contracting.”
“You totally memorised that out of a veterinary studies book,” Miranda said, deadpan.
“It’s a turn-on isn’t it?” Charlie teased.
“Ok,” Daniel said, trying to get us to focus. “This is what Mother doesn’t want us to do. Let’s get set up for this interview.”
“First,” Charlie said to Daniel suggestively. “I need you to take off your shirt.” He raised his eyebrow provocatively.
“Excuse me?” Daniel asked, the stress of the interview dulling his sense of humour.
“Mya’s wearing green, seems only right that you and your Other be wearing the same colours.”
Daniel surveyed our outfits for the first time. “Any excuse to get me topless,” Daniel smirked.
“It’s not my fault you’re so hot,” Charlie replied with a goofy grin.
Miranda and I took their jackets as they swapped shirts. I averted my eyes while Miranda openly appreciated the boy’s muscular chests. 
“The shirt’s a bit tight,” Daniel teased, as he put his jacket back on.
 “We can’t all be built like Thor,” Charlie responded, unfazed.
The lights flicked on without warning. The whole room was bathed in blinding light.
“Take your seats. Take your seats,” called a shrill voice with a strange accent. It almost sounded like outback Aussie which would be weird in an underwater city.
“It’s too early,” Daniel argued.
“Everything is going faster than we predicted,” the voice assured, clapping his hands. “I’m Ivan. I’ll be interviewing you today. Now get in your seats.”
We moved to the chairs, still dazed by the sudden onslaught of the interview. My heart was bouncing from my stomach to my throat, up-and-down like a yo-yo. I squinted at the dark figure in the director’s chair unable to make out who it was from the blinding light. Something didn’t feel right, but I wrote it off as nerves.
“Lights. Camera. Action,” Ivan announced, like a ringmaster. “I’m Ivan Sparks and I’m interviewing the royal rat pack. I’m not going to waste time with introductions, you all know who they are, let’s get right into it.”
Waves of nausea washed over my body, as I realized Cordulla was setting us up for failure with the world’s most annoying interviewer. I took a calming breath. Miranda glanced at me with a raised eyebrow, as if to say, “Who is this guy?”
“Daniel,” Ivan said, leaning forward, his identity still obscured. “You’re sitting between two saucy minxes, how will you ever choose?”
Daniel’s jaw clenched with displeasure, but the cameras were rolling and we had to be on our best behaviour. “I think everyone is aware who my Other is, and that is who I will be pledging my devotion to and no-one else.”
“That’s vague,” Ivan teased. “Charlie, you’ve been living with Mya, do you want to share any of her secrets.”
Charlie’s eyes lit with mischief, I gave him pleading eyes to behave. “‘Living together’ is a loaded term,” Charlie said, subdued. “I’ve been guarding her while the kingdom has been transitioning into a new Atlantis, and Ivan, a gentlemen never discloses a lady’s secrets.”
I gave Charlie a grateful smile.
“Boring,” Ivan drawled. “Miranda, are these guys as squeaky clean as they’re trying to convince us? I read Silver Tides, I know you’ll be honest with me.”
“Well for starters, I should sue Ms Fodor for defamation, my character was totally maligned in that book. You’ll see in Submerge and Drift that I’m not at all what everyone thinks I am.”
“So there are two sequels in the works?” Ivan asked, excited.
“Opps, I’ve said too much.” Miranda smiled without remorse.
“We’re not supposed to talk about that,” Daniel said, jumping in to change the subject. “In answer to your question, we’re so squeaky clean detergent won’t stick to us.” He flashed a charming smile, making my heart beat faster. He was an exceptional guy.
“Point taken,” Ivan said backing off. “Mya, you've almost died so many times this year, your story could be called ‘The Girl Who Would Not Die.' How do you think you'll fair in the New Year?”
I blushed all the way up to my hairline. That was definitely a Cordulla question.
"Harsh," Miranda whispered under her breath, giving me an encouraging look.
"It's been a challenging year," I agreed. “My life has been threatened, but I've survived. I’ve gotten through princess training and the kingdom is improving daily because of all our efforts.”
“Yes, but you’ve got to admit you’re a pretty wimpy heroine,” Ivan baited.
I exhaled, letting my nerves settle in my toes so they couldn’t affect my thinking. “There are some people that view kindness, optimism and compassion as weakness. Those people would say that showing respect to people who disrespect you is pathetic. I don’t believe that. I believe that true strength is displayed by being kind in the face of petty meanness. I believe that remaining true to myself in the face of the shifting views of the world around me is heroic. If people don’t like it, that’s ok. I still respect them and treat them with common courtesy. I want courtesy to become common again.”
“I agree.” Daniel smiled, squeezing my hand. “A true lady exercises her influence by quiet example, not force.”
“Oh please.” Miranda rolled her eyes. “Quiet example? Have we stepped into Pride and Prejudice…”
“Have you ever read Pride and Prejudice?” Ivan interjected.
“I saw the movie,” Miranda snapped. “All these archaic views of women being quiet are ridiculous. Mya may not run around kicking people’s butts, but she’s done a lot for Atlantis. She’s done a lot for me. She’s my hero.”
My eyes misted. “You’re amazing,” I told her.
“This is horrendous,” Ivan complained, “false reunions and not the usual cat fights and tantrums that are common palace occurrences.”
“There are no catfights or tantrums,” Daniel disagreed, firmly.
“Except when Daniel borrows my clothes without asking, and then returns them unwashed,” Charlie whined playfully. Daniel looked at him as though he’d cracked.
“It’s true,” Miranda joined in. “Daniel borrows my dresses all the time, and they come back all stained.”
Daniel looked between the two of them bewildered.
“You are a bit of a fashion hog.” I said, shrugging.
Everyone burst out laughing.
“This is what the kingdom wants to see,” Ivan said excited.
“Well, for the record,” Daniel said, “Charlie is always borrowing my clothes.”
“And Daniel doesn’t wear my clothes,” Miranda added. “Although he’s welcome to.”
Daniel smiled at Miranda. “Thanks.” My stomach flip-flopped. They were having a moment.
“Charlie,” Ivan moved on. “What are you getting Mya for Christmas?”
“None of your business,” Charlie replied with a goofy grin and dimpled cheeks. “Although I did get a lovely diamond tiara for Daniel.”
“You shouldn’t have,” Daniel said with mock giddiness, putting his hand over his heart.
“Anything for my brother from another mother,” Charlie responded, gallantly.
“I got them both leather jackets,” I said, “because they need to man up.”
“Plus, nothing compliments a tiara like a Harley Davidson jacket,” Miranda added.
“Can I let you in on a secret,” Daniel said, leaning toward Ivan. “The biggest problem we have in the palace is that the women are always upstaging us.”
“So true!” Charlie exclaimed, dramatically.
Looking around at my friends smiling and joking filled me with warmth. Cordulla was going to kill us, but Christmas was bringing us together.
“It’s not hard to do.” I teased. “You boys are so understated.”
Miranda giggled. “They really are wall flowers, can’t you tell?”
“You all seem very close,” Ivan asked suggestively, “how close?”
I bristled at the question. Charlie gave me a weak smile, and guilt tied a knot in my stomach.
“We’re close enough to cover for each other,” Miranda responded, death glaring the directors chair.
“We are close enough to be there for each other,” I added.
“We are friends,” Daniel said, reproachfully.
“And we’re family,” Charlie finished.
“So be careful how you talk about my family,” Daniel warned.
“What’s going on here?” boomed a harried voice. “The selkie interview is about to finish, where is all the camera crew?”
The four of us exchanged confused looks. Ivan began to laugh heartily, the familiar roguish laughter of our Cornish friend.
“Blaine?” Miranda asked, rising to her feet.
“Christmas fools!” Blaine announced, dropping the weird voice and accent and moving in front of the light.
“That’s not a thing, dude,” Daniel replied, shaking his head.
Charlie chuckled. “You totally got us.”
“Get this,” Miranda howled, taking off her ruby shoe and throwing it at him. It bounced off his body. “That was totally uncool,” Miranda raged.
“There’s no need to overact,” Blaine laughed, remorseless.
Inciting another shoe to glance off his foot. “Come on, you all loved it. You were so boring and in the end, it was actually heart warming,” Blaine teased. “Tear.” He ran his finger down his cheek.
“Mya, shoe,” Miranda demanded, holding out her hand.
“Come on.” Blaine laughed. “What kind of a person throws a shoe?”
“You’re not going to Austen Powers your way out of this,” Miranda shouted.
A bald fat merman was wiping sweat from his brow as he ran into the fray. “There’s no time for this,” he puffed, handing Miranda her shoes, “please princess, put on your shoes. I don’t want to be executed.”
Miranda begrudgingly put them back on, while Blaine continued to laugh and taunt us.
“Young man you must leave,” the bald man insisted, pushing Blaine from the room.
“Are you ok?” I asked, Miranda.
“He’s just annoying,” she said upset. “He’s pranked me three times now and I’m feeling a bit behind.”
“We’ll do the interview again, and this time it won’t be so weird,” I encouraged.
“I know,” Miranda agreed, “but it felt like I belonged for a moment there.”
I nodded understanding what she meant. “You do belong.” I smiled.
“There’s no time for this,” the man pleaded, “please sit.”
The second interview was boring; with questions about how much we appreciated Cordulla and the celebratory balls she’d organized. We all wished that Blaine’s interview had aired instead, but it wasn’t even taped. Our group loitered in the greeting hall wanting to preserve some of the Christmas joy from our first interview. I should find Mum to go home, but it was fun to have nothing to do for a change.
***
“I just wanted to steal a moment before you go back to Geelong and the middle of summer and not being able to sleep,” Daniel said, tucking a stray curl behind my ear.
“Absolutely,” I agreed, excited for any time with Daniel.
He took my hand and led me through the white crystal halls of the palace. My emerald shoes tapped on the resplendent white tiles. I wasn’t surprised by the fact that we were heading to the Octopus’s Garden, but I was surprised by the cold air that stung my arms as we stepped into a snow-covered garden.
Daniel took of his white jacket and slipped it over my bare arms, as I stared slack-jawed at the winter wonderland. “How do you like your first Christmas Eve in Atlantis?” Daniel asked.
“It’s snowing,” I said in disbelief. “We’re in Australia, at Christmas and it’s snowing?” The smile on my face was so wide it was hurting my cheeks, but I didn’t care.
“It’s been a hard year,” he said, wrapping his arms around my waist and kissing my nose. “We probably have a few more hard years ahead of us, but I wanted to give you something amazing for Christmas.”
“You already gave me something amazing,” I replied, feeling sappy. “You gave me yourself, and that’s enough.”
He smiled. “I’m pretty great,” he joked, “but I still think you deserve more. So I’m giving you tonight, with all of us.”
He turned me around, and there was my Mum, King Leo, Dad, Charlie, Miranda and Daniel’s parents George and Sophia.
“How did you do this?” I asked gob-smacked. “I mean Dad, Sophia and George are human and Atlantis has tropical conditions under the sea? How?”
Daniel smiled. “You’re not going to be content with ‘Christmas miracle’ are you?” he asked.
“Not at all,” I responded, genuinely intrigued.
“I asked the Finfolk if they could work on the thermostat. For two hours, we can have snow without freezing up the weather controls. As for the humans, Finfolk submarines are superior to anything they have on land.”
“Thank you so much,” I squealed kissing Daniel.
I ran to Mum and hugged her. “Merry Christmas,” she said squeezing me.
“All this trouble for nothing,” Dad complained with his thick Russian accent. “We have snow in Russia always, better in Australia.”
“Welcome to Atlantis Dad.” I laughed, hugging him. He patted my back awkwardly; showing any emotion other than grumpiness was not his forte.
“This is amazing…” I began, when something solid and cold hit me in the back, knocking off Daniel’s jacket.
“That’s for not mentioning me in the interview,” Blaine teased with his hot Cornish accent. “I expect the others to forget about how important I am, but you, you cut me deep.”
Miranda threw the next snowball at Blaine before I even had a chance to form a complete ball. The snow was crumbly and easy enough to form into a ball but I wanted to keep it loose so when it hit it would explode on its target.
We scattered, every person fending for their own survival. Daniel wasn’t kind either, it was game on as he ducked and weaved hitting everyone mercilessly. He even hit Sophia in the face, before hiding from his father’s wrath.
The movies don’t show how hard snowballs hit or the challenge of running while being pelted with snow. I ducked behind a rock shelf for cover and fell over Daniel.
“I won’t hit you if you don’t hit me,” I said super fast.
“Fine,” he agreed.
I huddled beside him. My fingers were red from the cold. None of us were dressed for snow, but at the sea depths we swam the cold couldn’t hurt us: but I still felt the chill to my core.
“Are you having fun?” he asked, hopefully.
“It’s the best,” I replied, honestly.
He pulled me into his lap. “I’m sorry about how I’ve been this year,” he said hugging me. “It’s been so intense leading Atlantis, and I’ve had some really unsavory moments.”
“I’ve had some less than appealing moments too,” I replied.
“Not as bad as me,” he said.
“You have been a cotton-headed-ninny-muggins,” I joked.
“You are the worst insult giver,” he joked.
“I try.” I laughed, unworried. I looked outside, as the people I loved pelted each other with ice, and felt happy. Everyone was laughing and smiling, it was what Christmas should be.
“I really want to build a snow-man,” I said, “but everyone is having so much fun out there.”
“We will all have fun as long as we’re together,” Daniel responded, sentimentally.
“I like Christmas-Daniel, this is a good version of you,” I said stealing a kiss.
Taking Daniel’s hand we stood together. Two snowballs hit in rapid succession.
“I’m making a snow-man,” I called out, holding my hands up in surrender.
The others quickly joined us, as we rolled the snow into huge balls. Dad and George gave directions, and the rest of us worked in building a snow-family, complete with pets.
The lights buzzed and Daniel approached me. “It’s heating back up now,” he said, regretfully.
“This was perfect.” I smiled; warm inside despite my freezing extremities.
“I have two more gifts for you,” Daniel said. “I made you a snow cake.”
“Ahhh,” I cooed, before Daniel shoved it into my face. “Thanks.” I laughed, clearing the snow from around my nose and eyes.
Charlie slipped a snow cake into my hand behind my back. “I made one for you too,” I told Daniel surprising him with snow in the face.
“Well played.” He threw his head back and laughed. It had been so long since I’d seen him happy. I drank in his mirth letting it fill me with hope for a happier New Year.
“So what’s my other gift?” I asked.
“Greedy,” he teased, taping my nose with his finger. “I’ll give it to you tomorrow.”
The temperature was rising quickly. Water droplets were sliding down every member of the snow family.
“I’m going to go,” I told Daniel.
“Don’t you want to stay and watch it all disappear?” he asked, surprised.
I shook my head, nostalgic. “I want to keep it like this in my memory, I want it to be perfect and never see it fall apart.”
Daniel hugged me close. “Your wish is my command.”
***
Dad and the Essos were hilarious in the submarine ride to shore. They kept recounting the events of the night, clinging to life as the tiny sub carried us to Queenscliffe Pier. Returning to the warm summer night and dry land comforted them. We bid each other farewell, knowing we’d see each other soon enough, since we were having Christmas lunch together.
Charlie rode in the back with me. I saw Mum and Dad hold hands in the front. It was a weird relationship, but it worked. I hoped Daniel and I would always be as happy as we had been, but the past months since Miranda’s arrival had been tumultuous at best.
***
Mum and Dad went straight to bed allowing the balmy summer night to thaw their bodies. Charlie jumped in the shower, while I sat on the back step enjoying the heat radiating from the ground. Summer was so hot; sometimes it felt like the heat from the sun and the heat from the earth’s core were combining to pressure cook us. Even with the moon high in the sky, the night was too hot for sleep.
Charlie popped his head out the back door. “Shower’s free.”
“I’m just taking a moment to warm up,” I said, languid.
He stepped out onto the veranda and sat down beside me, his familiar scent filling my nostrils. “It was a great night.” He gave me a lopsided grin.
“The best,” I agreed.
“I wanted to give you something,” Charlie said, bashful.
His nervousness intrigued me. “Can I eat it?” I asked.
“No you can’t eat it,” he gave me his goofy smile, “or if you do, you need to have lots of fiber to make it pass through.”
“You always take it one step too far,” I laughed. Noticing the long box in his pocket, I pointed and asked, “Is that a box or are you just happy to see me?”
“Really? And I take it too far?” He pulled the unwrapped gift from his pocket. “I wanted to give you this before the Christmas-crazy hits tomorrow.”
“You didn’t have to get me anything,” I said, flustered.
“I didn’t,” he said. “I mean. I did. I bought it for you ages ago. I was going to give it to you for your 13th birthday, but well, whatever, I didn’t.”
“I really do wish that I remembered knowing you,” I sighed, accepting the box.
“I don’t,” Charlie responded, playfully. “I’m much better looking now.”
“And so humble,” I teased.
It was too dark to read the brand on the box. I opened it, inside was a Pandora style charm bracelet.
"You bought me a Pandora bracelet?" I exclaimed, "but they're so expensive.” Even though we'd come into money, my thriftiness had not decreased.
"It's an Amore and Baci bracelet," Charlie corrected. “All the other girls wanted Pandora bracelets, but you wanted one that was actually made in Europe, because of the sweat shops in Asia and all that.”
"I wanted one of these so bad in year 7," I said picking up the bracelet. In the moonlight the shapes we discernible but not the detail. 
"I know," Charlie responded, lifting it out of my palm and wrapping it around my right wrist. "That's why I bought it for you. I knew your Mum never would. You know the whole, 'one bracelet will feed a child in Africa for 90 days---that's three months.'"
I giggled at his impersonation, remembering the conversation well.
"Anyway," he said, his warm fingers working the catch and attaching it to me. "There are three charms. An Eiffel Tower, because you always wanted to travel the world. There's a book, to document all your adventures and there's a star, to guide you home. I was tempted to fill the bracelet with everything that mattered to you, but leaving it unfinished gives you the opportunity to add things that you think are significant."
I ran fingers over the charms, clunking them against each other. "That's really thoughtful," I said, swallowing the lump in my throat and blinking back the tears. "How old were you when you bought it?"
"Fifteen," he responded, coyly. "I was an earlier bloomer."
I laughed and pushed him playfully. "Thanks, I love it."
"You're welcome," he replied. "Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas," I responded.


Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
I hope you join Mya, Daniel, Charlie and Miranda in their misadventures in Submerge. Sadly my release date has been pushed back to early February, due to unforeseen challenges. Thanks for all the love and support you've shown.
Susan Fodor

Silver Tides (Silver Tides Series)





Blurb for Silver Tides:

Mya Belan was invisible. A social misfit tolerated at the popular table only because of her best friend Jaimie… but ignored by everyone at school.

On the night of the big beach party before senior year everything changes. Mya rescues a drowning stranger from the sea and as the amnesiac boy “John” struggles with the after affects of his accident, Mya finds herself drawn to him - first as she nurses him and then as they form an unexpected friendship.

As Mya’s social star rises, so do the mysteries surrounding John. The more time Mya spends with him the more their attraction grows. But John is harbouring secrets that threaten to tear them apart. His flawless features and enchanting charisma hide an unbelievable truth.

Could John’s secrets put Mya and her family in danger?

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Author Spotlight: C.J. Duggan's Bookshelf

 
 




The Boys of Summer (Summer #1) : 




Blurb for The Boys of Summer: 

It seemed only natural to nickname them the ‘Onslow Boys’. Every time they swaggered in the front door of the Onslow Hotel after a hard week’s work, their laughter was loud and genuine as they settled onto their bar stools. I peeked through the restaurant partition, a flimsy divider between my world and theirs. I couldn’t help but smile whenever I saw them, saw him ... Toby Morrison.

Quiet seventeen-year-old Tess doesn’t relish the thought of a summertime job. She wants nothing more than to forget the past haunts of high school and have fun with her best friends before the dreaded Year Twelve begins.

To Tess, summer is when everything happens: riding bikes down to the lake, watching the fireworks at the Onslow Show and water bomb fights at the sweltering Sunday markets.

How did she let her friends talk her into working?

After first-shift disasters, rude, wealthy tourists and a taunting ex-boyfriend, Tess is convinced nothing good can come of working her summer away. However, Tess finds unlikely allies in a group of locals dubbed ‘The Onslow Boys’, who are old enough to drive cars, drink beer and not worry about curfews. Tess’s summer of working expands her world with a series of first times with new friends, forbidden love and heartbreaking chaos.

All with the one boy she has never been able to forget.

It will be a summer she will always remember.

Warning: sexual references, and occasional coarse language.

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An Endless Summer (Summer, #2):


Blurb for An Endless Summer:

Sean looked out over the lake, squinting against the sunlight. He turned to me, his expression sobering as his eyes flicked over my face in silent study.
“Come on, Amy, I saved you once, I’ll save you again.”
I met his stare unflinchingly. “I don’t need saving.”
A wicked grin formed slowly on his face. “Don’t you?”

After a rebellious summer night that almost claimed her life, Amy Henderson – the Onslow publican’s only daughter – is sent away to suffer a fate far worse than any other punishment:

Boarding School.

Three years on, a now nineteen-year-old Amy returns to Onslow for the summer. What once was a cauldron of activity with live bands, hot meals and cold beers, the Onslow Hotel now lies dark, deserted and depressing. All fond childhood memories of loitering on the hotel stairs and eavesdropping on customers’ colourful conversations are in the distant past.

How had her dad let it come to this?

With the new threat of putting the Onslow up for sale, Amy reluctantly turns to a local tradesman for help: Sean Murphy, the very same Onslow boy who saved her life all those years ago. With his help and that of some old friends, the task is clear: spend the summer building the hotel back up to its former glory or lose it for good.

In an endless summer, Amy soon realises that sometimes in order to save your future, you have to face your past, even if it’s in the
form of a smug, gorgeous Onslow boy.

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That One Summer (Summer, #3):


Blurb for That One Summer:

Loving Chris Henderson would be wrong. Diabolically disastrous. I mean, what is there about him to love? He’s moody, bossy, brooding, a control freak, and that’s on a good day … but there was one achingly obvious fact that haunted my every thought, every minute of every day …

He sure could kiss.

As the countdown to the new millennium begins, there is one thing everyone agrees on: no one wants to be in Onslow for New Year’s Eve.

So that can only mean one thing: road trip!

No longer the mousey, invisible, shy girl from years ago, Tammy Maskala is finally making up for all those lost summers. A new year with new friends, which astoundingly includes the bossy boy behind the bar, Chris Henderson.

She likes her new friends (at least most of them), so why does she secretly feel so out of place?

After chickening out on the trip, a last-minute change of heart sees Tammy racing to the Onslow Hotel, fearing she’s missed her chance for a ride. The last thing she expected to meet was a less-than-happy Onslow Boy leaning against his black panel van.

Now the countdown begins to reach the others at Point Shank before the party is over and the new year has begun. Alone in a car with only the infuriating Chris Henderson, Tammy can’t help but feel this is a disastrous start to what could have been a great adventure. But when the awkward road trip takes an unexpected turn, Tammy soon discovers that the way her traitorous heart feels about Chris is the biggest disaster of all.

Fogged up windows, moonlight swimming, bad karaoke and unearthed secrets; after this one summer nothing will ever be the same again.

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Author Spotlight: Elle Casey's Epic Bookshelf!

 



Because Elle's bookshelf is so epically extensive, we're featuring a sampling of her amazing novels! Please find a link to her Amazon Author Page below to check out all of her incredible works!



Shine Not Burn :



Blurb for Shine Not Burn: IT HAPPENED IN VEGAS.

I can't be held responsible. Things that happen there are supposed to stay there, right? Right? Yeeeah. Not so much.

Andie's just days away from tying the knot, but there's just ooooone little glitch. Apparently, she's already married. Or someone with her name is married to a guy out in Oregon of all places, and the courthouse won't issue her a marriage license until it's all cleared up. Tripping her way through cow pies and country songs to meet up with a man who gets around places on horseback is her very last idea of how to have a good time, but if she's going to get married, make partner at the firm, and have two point five kids before she's thirty-five, she needs to get to the bottom of this snafu and fix it quick ... before her fiance finds out and everything she's been working toward goes up in flames

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Rebel (Rebel #1), A New Adult Romance Novel : 



Blurb for Rebel (Rebel #1), a New Adult Romance Novel. NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR, Elle Casey, brings you ... REBEL ... Book 1 of a 3-Book new adult romance series. No cliffhanger!
**CONTENT WARNING** Contains sexy adult situations, creative foul language, and some mild violence. May not be appropriate for younger readers.**

Teagan Cross, college senior, rebel, and wiseass extraordinaire, goes from princess to pauper in a single phone call. Overnight, her life of privilege becomes one of survival, and no matter where she turns, it seems like the world is out to get her. She's not going to fall apart, though. She's a rebel and she's strong ... determined to live life on her own terms ... and nothing's going to stop her from getting things done and making things right. But when a twist of fate brings her to the doorstep of a different kind of Rebel, she's forced to figure out when something's worth fighting for and when something's worth letting go.
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Don't Make Me Beautiful : 




Blurb for Don't Make Me Beautiful. A ROMANTIC SUSPENSE NOVEL. No one knew a woman lived there or that she even existed. A monster, living in darkness...

At twenty-two, Nicole doesn't even look human anymore. The beast made sure of that. So she hides. A monster, consigned to a life of fear and solitude. This is all she deserves, she is quite sure of that.

And then one day out of the blue, the autographed baseball caught by Brian Jensen at the latest Marlins game enters her prison and manages to turn her world completely upside down.

Temptation comes in the form of pity at first, and then perhaps something more. Does she dare to believe the things she's told, that this is not the life she was meant to live? That being a monster is not her forever-fate? And will she be willing to risk everything, to reach out and accept the helping hands around her and share her deepest, darkest secrets? She knows only too well that hands can hurt. Finding out whether they can also heal is a risky proposition, especially when the beast is still out there. Looking for her.

**This story was inspired by true events. If you liked the movie "Sleeping With the Enemy", then you might like this story too. CONTENT WARNING: Violence, foul language, and adult situations. Not meant for younger readers.**

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The Changelings, (War of the Fae, #1) : 



Blurb for The Changelings (War of the Fae, #1).
WAR OF THE FAE is a 4-book, YA Contemporary Fantasy series, written for older teens and adults.  Its follow-on series is Clash of the Otherworlds, a 3-book series available on Amazon.
Jayne Sparks, a potty-mouthed, rebellious seventeen-year-old and her best friend, shy and bookish Tony Green, have a pretty typical high school existence, until several seemingly unrelated incidents converge, causing a cascade of events that change their lives forever. Jayne and Tony, together with a group of runaway teens, are hijacked and sent into a forest, where nothing and no one are as they seem. Who will emerge triumphant? And what will they be when they do?
**No sex or drugs.  Yes, contains some violence and foul language - some might say excessive foul language.  Not meant for middle-grade readers (less than 15 years of age).**
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Wrecked (Wrecked #1) :




Blurb for Wrecked:  PRODUCT DESCRIPTION  Contains some foul language and non-explicit sex scenes between older teens.  May not be appropriate for younger, middle-grade teens
High Seas and High Adventure from the author of the War of the Fae and Apocalypsis series.If you liked The Breakfast Club and The Swiss Family Robinson, you'll love WRECKED!

An ill-fated Caribbean cruise and four teenagers: a nerd, a jock, a mouse, and a beauty queen...an island, a treehouse, some nefarious interlopers...life and death...fear and loathing...love and laughter.


Follow Jonathan, Kevin, Candi and Sarah as they find their typical high school lives and their worlds totally WRECKED. 
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By Degrees : 



Blurb for By Degrees:  

CONTENT WARNING: This is a New Adult Romance, perhaps not suitable for younger readers due to foul language, sexual situations, drug use, and obnoxious rock-n-roll musicians.

Scarlett Barnes has another name she goes by sometimes. People call her The Normalizer when they need her to take care of a certain kind of problem. A certain kind of Hollywood problem...

Celebrities all suffer from the same disease. I call it the create-your-own-reality disease. Most of them start out normal, like you and me, but somewhere along the way they lose sight of up and down, left and right, and then eventually right and wrong. It's my job to fix that.

Who hires me? Agents usually. Producers sometimes. Occasionally a spouse or other concerned family member (although I'm usually skeptical of those calls, but that's another story). They know they can trust me to be professional, discrete, and above all, not personally involved with my clients. I come in, I take over their lives, and I get them back on track. Help them remember what it's like to be an average Joe.

I attribute my success to my take-no-prisoner's attitude. I don't have time for games or playing around. I've closed down every job in thirty days or less, and no one, not even the most outrageous celebrity screw-up will ever change that, hard as they might try.

Case in point, my latest job acquisition: his friends call him Tear-It-Up Kilgour, but I just call him Tarin - lead singer and guitarist for the band By Degrees. I have thirty days to get his butt back on planet earth before he loses his record deal, his movie contract, and possibly even his life. I've never failed so far, and I don't plan on failing this time either, even if Tarin has other ideas.
 
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***To see all of Elle's incredible books, please visit her Amazon Author Page!




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Author Spotlight: C.S. Moore's Bookshelf & Holiday Fun!

 
 


Landlocked (A Water Witch Novel) : 




Blurb for Landlocked: 

Maribel dreams of the ocean, but has never been.

Her overprotective aunt and uncle have kept her away from the place that calls to her at night. And trying to push them into taking her isn’t an option. She knows how much it hurts them to talk about the very thing that took her parents’ lives so many years ago in a boating accident. In fact Maribel never pushes anything with her loving adopted family, until she meets Jaron.

He is unbelievably hot and the only boy that she has ever been attracted to. For the first time in her life she feels exhilarated and truly alive. She can tell that he feels it too, so why does he keep disappearing on her? And why is it that as soon as her secretive brooding knight shows up, her world is turned upside down? People are following her, she’s having terrifying nightmares, and she suddenly gets the feeling that her beloved aunt and uncle are keeping something from her. Can she unravel the secrets of her past without her life falling apart along the way? Will the truth forever change the way she sees the people that she loves?

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Scars of the Earth:


Blurb for Scars of the Earth:

Amanda is a healer.

So naturally she is accustomed to falling into nightmares. She had witnessed terrible things ever since she could remember, horror scenes that an innocent child's mind should never have to process.

Life as a healer had three rules:


Never question the Ancients.

Never stay in a scar with a demon.

And never fall in love.


As fate would have it, she was about to break all three.

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An American Love Story:


Blurb for An American Love Story:

Tessa is visiting her hometown for the first time since her breakup almost nine months ago. Even though it’s just a short visit for the Fourth of July weekend, it kills her to be there. She and Phillip had made so many memories, both good and bad there—but her loving family is so worried, she has to go back.

Heartbreak and regret make each day worse than the last, but still she refuses to take back her ex. In fact she has sworn off men all together…until she gets roped into a blind date with a soldier. She doesn’t want to go, but even she can’t say no to going out with a soldier on the Fourth of July.

The last thing she expected was the tall, dark, and handsome man that showed up to take her out. Garrett awakens a long dormant part of her as soon as she lays eyes on him, but can he heal her shattered heart?


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Author Spotlight: Sarah Dalton's Bookshelf & Holiday Cheer!

 



And now some holiday cheer from Author Sarah Dalton!


Favourite Christmas gift of all time: It has to be a Casio keyboard when I was 8 or 9. My family were struggling a little at the time, and I really wanted it but didn't dare ask for it. When we were looking round the shops I think my dad realized how much I wanted it and bought it in secret. Then on Christmas day I saw it under the tree and it was the biggest surprise ever.


What would you buy the main character of your book for Christmas? I would buy her a torch. That way she wouldn't have to keep creeping around psychiatric hospitals in the dark!

Note from me: Just based on what Sarah would buy her main character for Christmas...I MUST read her books. Now. 



The Blemished (Blemished #1 ):



Blurb for The Blemished: 

A beautiful world comes at a price...

In a world filled with stunning clones Mina Hart is Blemished. Her genes are worthless and that takes away her rights: her right to an Education, her right to a normal life and her right to have a child.

Mina keeps a dangerous secret which she never thought she could share until she meets Angela on her first day at St Jude's School. But their friendship is soon complicated by Angela’s adoptive brother Daniel. Mina finds herself drawn to his mysterious powers and impulsive nature. Then there is the gorgeous clone Sebastian who Mina is forbidden from even speaking to…

The Blemished is a frightening take on a fractured future where the Genetic Enhancement Ministry have taken control of Britain. It will take you on a ride filled with adventure, romance and rebellion.

Book one in the popular YA dystopia series 'Blemished'.

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The Vanished (Blemished #2) : 



Blurb for The Vanished. 

“You’re part of the vanished now. That’s what we all are. The people who have been forgotten.”

Mina Hart fought her way out of Area 14. She made it to The Clans so that she can live a normal life with her friends and her father. But what she finds is no safe haven.

As her best friend turns against her and the Compounders treat her with distrust, Mina begins to suspect foul play at the very heart of her new home. Just to make matters worse, the threat of war is coming. The Clans are turning against each other, and Mina is caught in the middle.

Join Mina as she is reunited with her father, meets new and surprising friends and tries to figure out her complicated love life. The Vanished promises even more rebellion and romance with betrayal just around the corner…

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The Unleashed (Blemished #3) : 




Blurb for The Unleashed. 

“I wanted to live. I wanted us to have a future, and there was nothing else on my mind. With Daniel by my side I ran so fast my lungs ached.”

Mina’s world is turned upside down as an important person from her past materialises to take her away from the Compound. She finds herself separated from her friends and facing life-changing decisions on her own.

Meanwhile Daniel is on a mission to find Mina when he becomes involved in the Resistance – along with the rest of the Freaks. His visions take their toll as he learns of an event that could devastate the people he loves the most. Only he can stop it.

Angela finds herself on the adventure of a lifetime as she helps Sebastian find his father in Area 14. After action and adventure on the way there, the group are thrown into another life and death situation... can Angela find a way out?

Fans of the popular YA dystopia series Blemished will not be disappointed by this thrilling conclusion. It will keep you guessing right up to the very last page.

Trust no one.

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The Fractured: Elena (Fractured #1) (Blemished #2.5):  



Blurb for The Fractured: Elena. 

In a fractured Britain, the Genetic Enhancement Ministry have taken control. Parents buy designer babies and those with genetic faults are labelled Blemished and shunned from society.

Elena Darcey is just as perfect as the other clones, but there is something different about Elena, because she’s in trouble. After helping Area 14’s most famous criminals escape, Elena has to get out before her teacher-- the formidable Margaret Murgatroyd --finds out that she is a sympathiser for the Blemished. The perfect opportunity arises as a beauty pageant promises the winner a trip to London. Will Elena cope with the cut-throat world of a beauty pageant filled with sabotage, violence and betrayal? If she makes it to London, will she find the safe haven she craves? Does she discover more than she'd expected after meeting the mysterious Jake Bloom?

The Fractured is the first part of a spin off series based on The Blemished, which will focus on some of the secondary characters and their stories. Part one follows the life of Elena as she experiences a life changing event.

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The Fractured: Maggie (Fractured #2) (Blemished #2.6) :




Blurb for The Fractured: Maggie: 
In a fractured Britain, the Genetic Enhancement Ministry have taken control. Parents buy designer babies and those with genetic faults are labelled Blemished and shunned from society.

Margaret Murgatroyd failed in her mission to capture three Blemished escapees. She fears the Ministry will demote her to full-time teacher and remove her Ministry rights. But Margaret is surprised as she’s given a new opportunity with new responsibilities, the only problem are old memories it brings up. Margaret remembers herself as a young girl, Maggie Powell, and the mistakes she made as a young lab technician working at the Genetic Enhancement Ministry as it first embarked on its take-over of Britain. She remembers the mistakes she made, the people who betrayed her and the way it shaped her as a woman.

The Fractured is the first part of a spin off series based on The Blemished, which will focus on some of the secondary characters and their stories. Part two follows the life of Margaret as she remembers the heartbreaking events of her past.

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My Daylight Monsters : 



Blurb for My Daylight Monsters: 

I always thought my demons came out in the day, rather than at night. I’ve never been scared of the dark. I’ve only ever been scared of real things: getting ill, having injections, physical pain… death. Those are my monsters, not ghosts or vampires or whatever else can hide under your bed at night.

I was wrong.

The dark makes everything worse.

When Mary’s psychiatrist advises a short stay at a psychiatric unit, her worst nightmares are confirmed. How can she get better in a place that fills her with dread? When she meets the other patients, she begins to gather some hope, until she realises that the death toll in the hospital is rising without explanation. Something sinister stalks the corridors and maybe she is the only one who can stop it…

Mary has to confront the Things that she sees if they are to stand a chance. But will she survive a confrontation with death itself?

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White Hart (White Hart #1) : 



Blurb for White Hart: 

Mae never asked to be Craft-born. She never wanted that burden.

The King of Aegunlund has been waiting for the first Craft-born girl to reach adulthood so that he could marry off his son, Prince Casimir, and bring riches back to the Red Palace. The realm needs magic again.

In Mae's town of Halts-Walden, the ambitious Miller claims his daughter Ellen is Craft-born. Mae knows this is a load of hogwash, but she's glad Ellen will have the unfortunate pleasure of becoming Queen instead of her. All she has to do is sit back and wait until Casimir and Ellen are married, then she will finally be free of the threat of her fate. But on that day an event so shocking and terrible occurs that Mae finds herself entering the Waerg Woods on a quest she never thought she'd have to follow.

Join Mae as she rides her white stag through the dark, enchanted forest with a pampered prince at her heels. She's out for revenge and nothing, no one, will get in her way.

Coming in 2014! Add to your shelf on Goodreads! 



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Author Spotlight: Amber Garr's Bookshelf & Holiday Fun

 



And now some holiday fun from Author Amber Garr:



Favorite Christmas tradition? 







I kind of have two favorite Christmas traditions - neither of which I do anymore. The first was waiting until Christmas Eve to decorate the tree. My family did this every year when I was a kid, and it was a really big deal. At the end of the night, we’d each get a brand new ornament to hang and Christmas pajamas to have for the big morning. Now that we all live in separate states, that tradition doesn’t happen. But mostly because I decorate the tree (with all of my childhood ornaments, most of which are mermaids or fish) a couple of weeks before Christmas so that I can enjoy it longer!


And the second tradition that I loved as a kid but don’t get to do anymore is caroling in the old school house. Every year, usually on Christmas Eve, one of the small towns near us would open up the school-turned-town hall, pass out white candles and a cheat sheet, and we’d all sing carols in the candle light. I imagined there were at least 100 people participating each year and it always signified the start of the season for me. I’m not even sure if they still do that, but the tradition certainly became a part of our family’s ritual for many years.

Note from me: Who loved Amber's traditions as much as I did?! <3   I can relate to getting a new ornament every year and brand new PJ's for the big day. And, oh, how do I wish I had a memory like caroling in the old school house!!! P.S. Um, I'm kinda really in love with the seahorse ornament hanging on that gorgeous Christmas tree! <3




Touching Evil, Leila Marx, #1 :



Blurb for Touching Evil, Leila Marx #1 : With one touch, Leila can see it all. Leila Marx is trying to put her life back together after her fiancé is murdered. When Detective Garrick Pearson enlists her help with a difficult case, she is thankful for the distraction and the opportunity to use her talents as a touch clairvoyant. Leila and Garrick delve into the mystery behind a series of missing teenage girls and mummified corpses while discovering their own growing attraction to each other. Conner Hoffman is an intriguing lawyer and striking half-demon who enters Leila’s life unexpectedly. Although her visions are terrifying, she is fascinated by his charm and his legacy. When it becomes evident that the murders are linked to a paranormal event, Conner introduces Leila to a world unbeknownst to ordinary society. She suddenly finds herself immersed in supernatural politics, sorcery, and danger as she becomes the killer’s next target. Staying alive will mean relying on friends, accepting the unbelievable, and trusting in her heart again.

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Promises, Book One of The Syrenka Series : 



Blurb for Promises: Book One of The Syrenka Series. Sometimes following your heart can end up destroying the ones you love. When seventeen-year-old Eviana Dumahl is faced with the responsibility of an arranged marriage and clan leadership, she is forced to choose between the life required of a mermaid and one of a teenage girl simply infatuated with the wrong guy. Kain, her devoted fiancé, would make a wonderful husband except that she’s been in love with Brendan, a shape-shifting selkie, ever since they were kids. Choosing to abandon her family, her clan, and her life with Kain will have dire consequences far beyond anything she could have imagined. A war is brewing amongst the clans and Eviana unwittingly becomes a pawn in the intricate schemes of a twisted mastermind. With Brendan’s life on the line, she has no choice but to involve those she once considered friends. Amidst encountering senseless tragedies and immense loss, Eviana discovers that she is more valuable as a clan leader than anyone ever suspected. Her survival is not only dependent upon the loyalty of her friends, but also on her acceptance of a life she so adamantly tried to escape. Promises is the first book of The Syrenka Series trilogy following Eviana and her friends through the perils of growing up in a discrete world that inherently threatens human society.

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Betrayal, Book Two of The Syrenka Series : 




Blurb for Betrayal: Book Two of The Syrenka Series. Life as a mermaid can be suffocating. Eviana Dumahl has returned home as a clan leader, an orphan, and a heartbroken teenage girl. Her parents are dead and her boyfriend, Brendan, has decided that he needs some time away. While battling her inner turmoil, Eviana is forced into the war that Lucian Sutherland has incited amongst her own kind. With the help of Kain, her friend and formally betrothed, the two work together to prove that they deserve their birthrights as young merfolk leaders. When the Council requests a demonstration of Eviana’s mermaid powers, she finds herself with an opportunity to win back Brendan’s heart. But her orders to train with a repulsive merman and the presence of an attractive new suitor challenges Eviana to embrace her leadership and resist temptation. Lucian is after her, and no one seems to understand why. Loyalties are tested as the casualties increase, showing Eviana that sometimes it is impossible to delineate between friends and enemies. Betrayal is the second book of The Syrenka Series trilogy following Eviana and her friends as they navigate through the challenges of existing in a secret world.

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Arise, Book Three of The Syrenka Series : 



Blurb for Arise: Book Three of The Syrenka Series. With power comes the responsibility to accept its consequences. After the betrayal of those closest to her, Eviana Dumahl struggles to cope with her new reality. Kidnapped, broken, and confused, she is forced to engage in a war that will alter merfolk politics forever. With her estranged father leading the charge, Eviana has no choice but to stand by his side. Her continued existence hinges on the acceptance of the power growing inside her, even when that means embracing the family’s dark lineage. Kain Matthew will sacrifice the world for Eviana. And he is not alone. As time runs out, her friends fight to save her life and theirs. An unlikely alliance gives them the edge they need to take a stand, although it keeps Eviana’s heart trapped in the past. A new discovery explains some of her previous mistakes, but it may not be enough to stop her father’s plans. Merfolk, selkies, and water sprites work together to save their kind, only in this final battle, not everyone will survive. In the striking series conclusion, Eviana will learn the true meaning of power, sacrifice, and love.

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Waterproof :




Blurb for Waterproof:  Dying of thirst is the new reality.

Five years after the last drop of clean water disappeared, global societies collapsed and nuclear war shattered all hope of recovery. In a place now only a skeleton of its former self, survivors fight to avoid capture by the government. Forced to work in factories that produce the only drinking water available, those who go in, never come out.

Zach and Vivienne have lived as deserters since they were teenagers. Fighting amongst their own and scrounging for the necessities of life, they’ve learned to rely on each other in every way. Yet when tragedy strikes and the true objectives of the government facility are revealed, their world is ripped apart. A fate once thought to hold their demise may be the sole answer to their survival. Who can they trust? Who can they believe?

In this life, it pays to be waterproof. 

*Disclaimer: May contain language, sex, and violence not suitable for a younger audience

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The Syrenka Series box set with bonus short stories : 




NOTE: You can also purchase The Syrenka Series box set (Kindle Edition) PLUS THREE bonus short stories!!! How awesome is that?! 
 
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Author Spotlight: Jenn Cooksey's Bookshelf & Awesome Holiday Fun!

 
 
It's time for the brilliant brain of Jenn Cooksey to jingle some bells!  
Favorite Christmas gift : Okay, so I wouldn't necessarily say it's my fave Christmas present, but my husband gave me a green fleecy robe almost a decade ago and it can practically walk around by itself because I sorta live in it, so it's probably the gift that's lasted the longest. Plus, it's been the source of much teasing among those who know of my "go to outfit."   Favorite Christmas tradition : And again, I don't know if I'd call it my fave tradition, but my family and I do tend to look forward to Christmas Eve when my husband breaks out the Jack and Coke and inevitably starts talking like Jimmy Stewart and encourages everyone else to do so as well.  

Note from me: Seriously, isn't Jenn the definition of awesome?! <3





Shark Bait (Grab Your Pole, #1) : 




Blurb for Shark Bait: 

Previously homeschooled Camie Ramsey is being shoved into the shark-infested waters of public high school, where even helium filled, penguin bespeckled arm floaties likely won’t help keep her inexperienced, fifteen-year old head above water in that rip current of hormones and emotions.
Camie’s worldly wisdom might be severely lacking (i.e., the closest she’s come to being kissed was sitting too close to the TV whilst Jake Ryan leaned in to give Samantha that fateful 16th birthday kiss), but she does understand her only hope for survival is if she’s thrown some kind of “social” life preserver before she sinks like a freaking rock. However, what will her fate be when she endeavors to flag down the only lifeguard on duty, the enormously popular and ridiculously beautiful Tristan Daniels? The most sought after and virtually most unattainable guy in school who not only makes Camie’s heart flatline on a recurring basis, he’s also the one guy who seemingly doesn’t know she exists.

Feeling like an inept piece of chum that could ultimately be swallowed by Jaws, can Camie get Tristan to rescue her from floundering in the treacherous deep, or is she destined to be Shark Bait?
______________________________________________

Author's Note:
While the tales themselves are fictional, some of the events and characters are very loosely based in reality and on my experiences—but don’t worry, the names of the characters, most of their unfortunate fashion sense and/or questionable taste in music has been changed to protect the not-so innocent.
______________________________________________

Due to language and some adult content, this book may not be suitable for readers under the age of 16.

 Scoop it up on Amazon & add it to your shelf on Goodreads!

The Other Fish in the Sea (Grab Your Pole, #2):


Blurb for The Other Fish in the Sea:

In Shark Bait, readers everywhere met and fell in love with the new girl, Camie Ramsey, and swooned over her sure to be future husband, Tristan Daniels. Now, in the long awaited second installment of the Grab Your Pole series by Jenn Cooksey, The Other Fish in the Sea, Camie and Tristan are back, but so are their friends!

So, find a breathing apparatus and shimmy into your scuba gear, because it's finally time to dive deeper into the lives of the GYP gang, but be warned, it's a big world out there and an even bigger ocean where danger might be lurking around the next corner and realistically, anything could happen.

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Shark Out of Water (Grab Your Pole, #3):


Blurb for Shark Out of Water:

With the Amazon Bestseller Shark Bait, the first novel in the Grab Your Pole series, debut author Jenn Cooksey delivered a fun, snarky, and realistic beginning to a larger story that has found its way into the hearts of readers everywhere. Thus, many were unprepared for what was coming in the second installment of the GYP series, The Other Fish in the Sea, when Cooksey took us on a runaway roller coaster ride of emotion and solidly landed hit after hit, including a brutal sucker punch that left readers around the globe reeling.

In Shark Out of Water, the highly anticipated third installment in this humorous yet honest and real coming of age story, we delve even further into the lives of the GYP gang and many questions are sure to be answered, however, are you really ready for what lies ahead in the continuation of their adventure? Well, grab your pole and let’s find out.
________________________________________
Due to language and some adult content, this series may not be suitable for readers under the age of 16.

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Author Spotlight: E.L. Sarnoff's Bookshelf!

 


Dewitched: The Untold Story of the Evil Queen (Dewitched #1):




Blurb for Dewitched: 

After serving time for Snow White’s attempted murder, the Evil Queen is about to get a makeover. Just not the kind she expected. Thinking she’s being sent to a luxurious spa that will enable her to restore her beauty and recapture her title, Fairest of All, Jane Yvel instead finds herself at Faraway, a rehab center that caters to Fairytalelanders addicted to evil.

Upon confronting her love-hate relationship with her magic mirror and the demons of her past, she is sent back to the world of happily-ever-after. Her goal: to discover the true meaning of beauty. Her assignment: to work for Marcella, a demanding Princess-In-Waiting. Jane finds herself irresistibly drawn to Marcella's dashing fiancé, Prince Gallant, and his exquisite seven-year old daughter, Calla Rose. Will the Evil Queen who had no heart end up with a heart that’s broken?

Wickedly funny, darkly shocking, and deeply moving, DEWITCHED unravels the Snow White story as we know it and will make you see the evil legend in a new light as she rewrites her life.

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Unhitched: The Untold Story of the Evil Queen (Dewitched #2):




Blurb for Unhitched: 

Reformed Evil Queen, Jane Yvel, now has it all--her handsome Prince Gallant, a loving daughter, and a successful career. The only thing missing is a baby with her husband, something she both desires and fears in light of her sordid past.

But happily ever after may go up in smoke when Jane discovers a love letter to Gallant from a woman from his past--Princess Aurora aka Sleeping Beauty.

Jane becomes obsessed with her prince’s affair. As she gathers evidence, she gets disturbing news that will change her life forever and makes a shocking discovery that threatens both her life and Gallant’s.

Will the Fairest of All be able to save her fairy tale marriage and those she loves? Or will the forces of evil triumph?

The evil legend’s journey continues in this wickedly funny, deeply moving, and darkly shocking sequel to DEWITCHED: The Untold Story of the Evil Queen.


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Author Spotlight: Amy Martin's Bookshelf & Holiday Fun!

 


Amy shares holiday traditions & memories:



Favorite Christmas gift of all time:
My parents gave me a Raggedy Ann doll for my first Christmas. I kept that doll for years and have tons of pictures of me dragging that poor thing around with me wherever I went.

Fave Christmas tradition:
Whenever my husband and I are by ourselves for the holiday, we always make pancakes for Christmas dinner.

Note from me: Oh my gosh, Amy's Christmas Raggedy Ann story brought back SO many wonderful memories! I loved my Raggedy Ann doll so much that my mama dressed me up as Raggedy Ann for Halloween one year. Okay, I'm getting all emotional now. <3 

And pancakes for Christmas dinner = so much awesome. Love that! <3 





In Your Dreams (In Your Dreams #1):




Blurb for In Your Dreams (In Your Dreams #1): 

Sixteen-year-old Zara "Zip" McKee lives for three things: basketball, books, and bailing out of tiny Titusville, Illinois, where the junior high and high school are in the same building and everyone's known everyone else since birth. But when Kieran Lanier moves to town and passes out on her desk on his first day at school, Zip's life gets complicated in a way she never dreamed.

Kieran has narcolepsy, and although he sometimes struggles to stay awake, he has no trouble capturing Zip's heart and trusting her with his most guarded secret--he sees bits and pieces of the future in his dreams.

But just when Zip thinks that maybe she can handle having a boyfriend who sees things before they happen, her budding relationship with Kieran gets a jolt when Kieran's parents reveal that his sleeping disorder is not what it seems and may be putting them in harm's way. And when Zip begins to have unsettling dreams, she must decide if she can live with knowing the future in advance when she's afraid of what might happen.

*Recommended for Young Adult readers 13 and up (mild cursing, some adult situations)

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As You Wake (In Your Dreams #2):




Blurb for As You Wake (In Your Dreams #2): 

Book 2 of the In Your Dreams series.

Zara "Zip" McKee and Kieran Lanier thought they had put the threats from Kieran's past behind them in the first installment of the In Your Dreams series. But when danger comes for them once again, Zip, Kieran, and their families find themselves on separate summer road trips that none of them had anticipated. When all paths converge in North Carolina, the two families are forced to deal with each other and the secrets they've kept out of love and fear.

But Kieran is keeping the biggest secret of all from everyone but Zip. He hasn’t had a dream—about the future, about anything—for months. And while Zip and Kieran are grappling with what the new twist in Kieran’s sleeping disorder might mean, a mysterious stranger reveals information that could change Kieran's life--or end it.

*Due to language and some adult situations, this book is recommended for readers 13 and up.

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Author Spotlight: Katie Hayoz's Bookshelf & Holiday Fun!

 


Holly-jolly goodness from the desk of Katie Hayoz:




Favorite gift: When I was a kid, we were allowed to open one gift before dinner on Christmas Eve, then we had to wait until after dinner to open the rest. I have five brothers and sisters, so years ago the pile of presents under the tree was INSANE. It actually took over most of the room and trying to decide which package to open was a challenge. But one year there was a garbage bag with a shiny silver bow there for me. I opened that one before dinner, and inside were about 20 pink feathered muffs (you know, those things you put your hands in to warm them if you're a Victorian lady without mittens). It was the craziest, weirdest gift. But I loved those things! I used them as fancy Barbie comforters, Barbie throw rugs, I put them around tin cans to make fuzzy containers for change... It's the only gift from childhood that sticks in my memory. 
Who I'd like to meet under the mistletoe: OMG, Robert Downey, Jr. I freaking love that man.
Most frightening moment: We used to celebrate St. Nick's day, where St. Nick would come and leave bags of oranges and peanuts and coloring books outside the front door. But he didn't just leave the stuff. In our family, he'd announce his presence in the dark of night by banging on all of the windows as he ran like lightning around the house. It was freaky and creepy and I loved it. I always grabbed my bag of goodies off the porch with shaky hands. I had the sense St. Nick would nab me if I strayed too long.

Note from me: Okay, okay, I totally wouldn't complain if I found Robert Downey Jr. waiting under the mistletoe. Actually kinda thinking I wouldn't complain if I found any man under the mistletoe. Most years I either don't hang mistletoe ('cause w/my luck, what's the point, right?) or I would hang it with loads of hope and watch it take great pleasure in mocking me, so...yeah...moving on... 

Um, the St. Nick banging on doors and windows would've scared the flipping candy canes out of me as a kid. *shivers* And yet...totally cool. 



Untethered (YA Paranormal) : 




Blurb for Untethered: 

A young adult novel about jealousy, obsession, and astral projection.

Sixteen-year-old Sylvie isn’t comfortable in her own skin. In fact, there are times she can’t even manage to stay inside it. But if there is one thing she’s sure of, it’s her love for Kevin Phillips. She’s willing to stake everything on it -- her family, her friends, and possibly her soul.

Junior year is off to a less than stellar start for Sylvie: Her parents are splitting up, her little brother is sitting at her lunch table, and she’s the target of the school bully. Plus, she accidentally astral projects, slipping out of her body again and again at all the worst times. Sylvie is cast as the class freak and a medical misfit. She wishes she were somewhere else. Someone else. But it's only when her best friend catches the attention of the boy Sylvie's loved in secret since the fifth grade that Sylvie makes up her mind to do something drastic.
Sylvie intends to get Kevin by any means possible -- even if it involves treachery, deceit, and the insidious side of the paranormal. After years of trying to ignore her ability to astral project, Sylvie finally decides to embrace it. But she also decides to embrace the shadows that accompany her on her out-of-body experiences. Opening herself up to the shadows and their evil, Sylvie comes up with a dark plan. She is positive her scheme will give her what she wants, but she doesn’t count on it all spiraling out of control.

Untethered by Katie Hayoz explores the intoxicating and dangerous world of jealousy and obsession when coupled with paranormal ability. It is a touching, sometimes funny, sometimes heart-breaking novel that speaks to the self-doubt lurking in us all. 
 
˃˃˃ Runner up in the Mslexia Children's and YA Novel Competition.

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