Heather Lyons's Blog, page 5
August 25, 2014
Cora's POV from A MATTER OF HEART
Today marks exactly two years since A MATTER OF FATE, the first book in the Fate series, has been in the wild. I am constantly thrilled and humbled that so many readers have taken a chance on Chloe, Jonah, and Kellan--and as a thank you, I'd like to post a so-far unseen Cora Carregreen POV I did for A MATTER OF HEART, the second book in the series. If you have yet to read AMOH, look away. It's spoiler-y! But if you have read it, please know that this is rough and unedited.
THANK YOU ALL FOR COMING ALONG ON THIS JOURNEY WITH ME. *virtual cupcakes for all*
* * * * * Cora
My cousin’s boyfriend—er, fiancé—eh, actually, more importantly, Connection, is many things. He is as cool of a cat as you can get. Dude looks like a model, all tall with mussed dark hair that dips into his dreamy blue eyes—gods, tell him that and I’ll kick your ass. He’s got this body that I’ve appreciated far more than I ought to for somebody marrying a family member: it’s a series of lean muscles that don’t scream bodybuilder (thank goodness, because that’s just gross looking; c’mon, you know I’m right) but have nothing in common with a geek’s skinny, detailess ones, either. It’s sort of the perfect sort of body to drool over, if you catch my drift. Not that I’m judging him solely by his looks or anything, because that would be just icky, but dude is also incredibly smart and the sort of guy you go to when you want some answers. Not vague ones or half-assed ones, but fully-formed, thoughtful ones that will help you get to where you want to go, mentally. But more importantly, if somebody pinned me down and said, “Describe Jonah Whitecomb or die,” I’d have to go with, “He’s the most calm, collected person of my acquaintance.” Because nothing shakes this guy, with the exception of my cousin. So. I’ve seen Jonah out of his element exactly once before, and it was for a really terrible couple days when he and Chloe had a fight. I say fight when I actually mean she caught him locking lips with his ex-girlfriend, which is NOT COOL AT ALL. And I judged him, YES I DID, but I also got to meet said ex-girlfriend who was . . . dare I say it? Pretty damn awesome, which makes sense because Jonah is a pretty damn awesome kind of guy himself, but I digress. The point being, I met Callie Lotus and she and I had a talk in which I offered to kick her skanky ass, and she basically opened herself up to me and admitted she’d thrown herself at him like a Mac truck slamming into a runaway truck sand—. . . gods, I don’t know what they call that thing. Sandhill? Ramp? You know what I mean. The sand things that they put on hills so trucks that go out of control and crash into them and not into other cars. And that’s what Callie basically did. She crashed into Jonah, and him being an Emotional and all, he sort of fell prey to a whole lot of guilt (which, okay, is totally warranted, but that’s neither here nor there right now), and he kissed her goodbye. Good logic? Oh, hells no. Horrible, horrible logic. But logic I could still get. And it was made a little more believable when Jonah basically freaked the hell out when Chloe caught him and then refused to speak or see him. He sort of went, well . . . bonkers, if I’m gonna put it nicely. Totally melted down. Acted like the worlds were ending and he was ending with them. I didn’t get it for awhile; I really didn’t. It’s because I don’t have a Connection, I’m told. So, anyway, dude freaked out then and then resumed his normal cool cat behavior once he and Chloe kissed and made up. Ha. Kissed and made up. See what I did there? Okay, okay. Anyway, since then, Jonah has been as he’d always been. Cool. Collected. Calm. The person people gravitated to when they, themselves, were freaking out. He’s the voice of reason. The port in the storm. Yadda, yadda, more stereotypical sayings, if you know what I mean. THE POINT BEING, now that Jonah’s freaking out once more, I know it has to do with Chloe. “Whoa, cowboy!” I have to yell at him. He’s called me, demanding to know where Chloe is, and as I’m not her, well, I won’t say mother, because hers couldn’t give a rat’s ass where she is at any given moment, but her babysitter, yeah, I have no idea. “Slow down a moment, huh?” “WHERE IS SHE?” he repeats, and now he sounds vaguely threatening. Love the guy, as he’s the closest thing I’ll ever get to a bro-in-law, but HELLO. Nobody talks to me like this. “Close it down, Jonah,” I hiss back, and then I hear his twin brother’s voice in the background say something along the lines of, “I told you calling that girl would be a waste of time.” And, well, that pisses me off, because the truth is: me and Kellan Whitecomb are like oil and water. Not in a “They must secretly dig one another and are both things added to cake mix to make it yummy” way or an “They are soulmates who have witty banter” way, but in a genuine “These two people don’t get along and would probably cut the other down in public if it so suited their purposes.” Ahem. Okay, so I’ve actually taken Kellan down before. Obliterated his relationship with Chloe, and it wasn’t because I disliked him or anything, but it was because HE WASN’T JONAH. Um, I lied there. I sort of dislike him, and here’s why: · He’s a smug son-of-a-bitch.· He’s annoying good-looking (duh, he looks like his twin, but it’s like he knows he’s so fabulous looking that he just acts like it, and that BUGS).· Girls flock to him like ducks to breadcrumbs.· He’s sex on a stick. No, really. Ask anyone. Is there anyone except me who hasn’t had sex with him yet?· He’s a bad influence. Anytime Raul gets into trouble outside of work, it’s because of Kellan. I just know it.So, yes. I bombed his relationship with Chloe, and dude has given me the evil eye ever since, if he actually deigns me worthy enough to even acknowledge, which, admittedly, isn’t often. And that’s fine. Because who needs him? EVEN STILL. To know I’m on speakerphone, and he’s dissing me because I don’t have tabs on Chloe? “Did you try calling her?” I ask Jonah. Two can play at the ignoring game. “DON’T YOU THINK I THOUGHT OF THAT ALREADY?” I figure I need to slap him a little when I see him next. My ears are ringing. “Let me call.” “I HAVE HER PHONE!” In the background, “Hang up, J! You’re wasting time on her!” My teeth grind together. “Wanna tell me why my cousin, who is practically attached to your hip, Jonah, would disappear without any means of communicating with you? Considering girl cries if you’re gone for more than ten hours on an assignment?” There is some kind of scuffle on the other end and Kellan is the one to answer. “If you hear from her, you will call us,” he barks out in that supercilious way of his, and then he HANGS UP ON ME. Asshat.
© Heather Lyons 2012
THANK YOU ALL FOR COMING ALONG ON THIS JOURNEY WITH ME. *virtual cupcakes for all*
* * * * * Cora
My cousin’s boyfriend—er, fiancé—eh, actually, more importantly, Connection, is many things. He is as cool of a cat as you can get. Dude looks like a model, all tall with mussed dark hair that dips into his dreamy blue eyes—gods, tell him that and I’ll kick your ass. He’s got this body that I’ve appreciated far more than I ought to for somebody marrying a family member: it’s a series of lean muscles that don’t scream bodybuilder (thank goodness, because that’s just gross looking; c’mon, you know I’m right) but have nothing in common with a geek’s skinny, detailess ones, either. It’s sort of the perfect sort of body to drool over, if you catch my drift. Not that I’m judging him solely by his looks or anything, because that would be just icky, but dude is also incredibly smart and the sort of guy you go to when you want some answers. Not vague ones or half-assed ones, but fully-formed, thoughtful ones that will help you get to where you want to go, mentally. But more importantly, if somebody pinned me down and said, “Describe Jonah Whitecomb or die,” I’d have to go with, “He’s the most calm, collected person of my acquaintance.” Because nothing shakes this guy, with the exception of my cousin. So. I’ve seen Jonah out of his element exactly once before, and it was for a really terrible couple days when he and Chloe had a fight. I say fight when I actually mean she caught him locking lips with his ex-girlfriend, which is NOT COOL AT ALL. And I judged him, YES I DID, but I also got to meet said ex-girlfriend who was . . . dare I say it? Pretty damn awesome, which makes sense because Jonah is a pretty damn awesome kind of guy himself, but I digress. The point being, I met Callie Lotus and she and I had a talk in which I offered to kick her skanky ass, and she basically opened herself up to me and admitted she’d thrown herself at him like a Mac truck slamming into a runaway truck sand—. . . gods, I don’t know what they call that thing. Sandhill? Ramp? You know what I mean. The sand things that they put on hills so trucks that go out of control and crash into them and not into other cars. And that’s what Callie basically did. She crashed into Jonah, and him being an Emotional and all, he sort of fell prey to a whole lot of guilt (which, okay, is totally warranted, but that’s neither here nor there right now), and he kissed her goodbye. Good logic? Oh, hells no. Horrible, horrible logic. But logic I could still get. And it was made a little more believable when Jonah basically freaked the hell out when Chloe caught him and then refused to speak or see him. He sort of went, well . . . bonkers, if I’m gonna put it nicely. Totally melted down. Acted like the worlds were ending and he was ending with them. I didn’t get it for awhile; I really didn’t. It’s because I don’t have a Connection, I’m told. So, anyway, dude freaked out then and then resumed his normal cool cat behavior once he and Chloe kissed and made up. Ha. Kissed and made up. See what I did there? Okay, okay. Anyway, since then, Jonah has been as he’d always been. Cool. Collected. Calm. The person people gravitated to when they, themselves, were freaking out. He’s the voice of reason. The port in the storm. Yadda, yadda, more stereotypical sayings, if you know what I mean. THE POINT BEING, now that Jonah’s freaking out once more, I know it has to do with Chloe. “Whoa, cowboy!” I have to yell at him. He’s called me, demanding to know where Chloe is, and as I’m not her, well, I won’t say mother, because hers couldn’t give a rat’s ass where she is at any given moment, but her babysitter, yeah, I have no idea. “Slow down a moment, huh?” “WHERE IS SHE?” he repeats, and now he sounds vaguely threatening. Love the guy, as he’s the closest thing I’ll ever get to a bro-in-law, but HELLO. Nobody talks to me like this. “Close it down, Jonah,” I hiss back, and then I hear his twin brother’s voice in the background say something along the lines of, “I told you calling that girl would be a waste of time.” And, well, that pisses me off, because the truth is: me and Kellan Whitecomb are like oil and water. Not in a “They must secretly dig one another and are both things added to cake mix to make it yummy” way or an “They are soulmates who have witty banter” way, but in a genuine “These two people don’t get along and would probably cut the other down in public if it so suited their purposes.” Ahem. Okay, so I’ve actually taken Kellan down before. Obliterated his relationship with Chloe, and it wasn’t because I disliked him or anything, but it was because HE WASN’T JONAH. Um, I lied there. I sort of dislike him, and here’s why: · He’s a smug son-of-a-bitch.· He’s annoying good-looking (duh, he looks like his twin, but it’s like he knows he’s so fabulous looking that he just acts like it, and that BUGS).· Girls flock to him like ducks to breadcrumbs.· He’s sex on a stick. No, really. Ask anyone. Is there anyone except me who hasn’t had sex with him yet?· He’s a bad influence. Anytime Raul gets into trouble outside of work, it’s because of Kellan. I just know it.So, yes. I bombed his relationship with Chloe, and dude has given me the evil eye ever since, if he actually deigns me worthy enough to even acknowledge, which, admittedly, isn’t often. And that’s fine. Because who needs him? EVEN STILL. To know I’m on speakerphone, and he’s dissing me because I don’t have tabs on Chloe? “Did you try calling her?” I ask Jonah. Two can play at the ignoring game. “DON’T YOU THINK I THOUGHT OF THAT ALREADY?” I figure I need to slap him a little when I see him next. My ears are ringing. “Let me call.” “I HAVE HER PHONE!” In the background, “Hang up, J! You’re wasting time on her!” My teeth grind together. “Wanna tell me why my cousin, who is practically attached to your hip, Jonah, would disappear without any means of communicating with you? Considering girl cries if you’re gone for more than ten hours on an assignment?” There is some kind of scuffle on the other end and Kellan is the one to answer. “If you hear from her, you will call us,” he barks out in that supercilious way of his, and then he HANGS UP ON ME. Asshat.
© Heather Lyons 2012
August 20, 2014
Cover reveal: THE COLLECTORS' SOCIETY!
Today, I'm thrilled to share with you the gorgeous new cover for my upcoming book THE COLLECTORS' SOCIETY!
This is Alice as you have never seen her before...An Adult Romantic Fairy Tale, full of adventure and fantasy, think . . . The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen + The Matrix + Romancing the Stone, and you've got yourself THE COLLECTORS' SOCIETY. EEK! Oh man, I am so excited for you guys to read this story--it'll be released on October 23, 2014!
Cover design by Victoria Faye of Whit and Ware
THE COLLECTORS’ SOCIETY GoodreadsTHE COLLECTORS’ SOCIETY Synopsis: From the author of the Fate series and The Deep End of the Sea comes a fantastical romantic adventure that has Alice tumbling down the strangest rabbit hole yet.
After years in Wonderland, Alice has returned to England as an adult, desperate to reclaim sanity and control over her life. An enigmatic gentleman with an intriguing job offer too tempting to resist changes her plans for a calm existence, though. Soon, she’s whisked to New York and initiated into the Collectors’ Society, a secret organization whose members confirm that famous stories are anything but straightforward and that what she knows about the world is only a fraction of the truth.
It’s there she discovers villains are afoot—ones who want to shelve the lives of countless beings. Assigned to work with the mysterious and alluring Finn, Alice and the rest of the Collectors’ Society race against a doomsday clock in order to prevent further destruction . . . but will they make it before all their endings are erased?
Seriously, guys. SERIOUSLY. How beautiful is this cover?!?
*dies* No really. *dies*Website ** Author Goodreads ** Twitter ** Facebook
This is Alice as you have never seen her before...An Adult Romantic Fairy Tale, full of adventure and fantasy, think . . . The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen + The Matrix + Romancing the Stone, and you've got yourself THE COLLECTORS' SOCIETY. EEK! Oh man, I am so excited for you guys to read this story--it'll be released on October 23, 2014!
Cover design by Victoria Faye of Whit and Ware
THE COLLECTORS’ SOCIETY GoodreadsTHE COLLECTORS’ SOCIETY Synopsis: From the author of the Fate series and The Deep End of the Sea comes a fantastical romantic adventure that has Alice tumbling down the strangest rabbit hole yet.
After years in Wonderland, Alice has returned to England as an adult, desperate to reclaim sanity and control over her life. An enigmatic gentleman with an intriguing job offer too tempting to resist changes her plans for a calm existence, though. Soon, she’s whisked to New York and initiated into the Collectors’ Society, a secret organization whose members confirm that famous stories are anything but straightforward and that what she knows about the world is only a fraction of the truth.
It’s there she discovers villains are afoot—ones who want to shelve the lives of countless beings. Assigned to work with the mysterious and alluring Finn, Alice and the rest of the Collectors’ Society race against a doomsday clock in order to prevent further destruction . . . but will they make it before all their endings are erased?
Seriously, guys. SERIOUSLY. How beautiful is this cover?!?
*dies* No really. *dies*Website ** Author Goodreads ** Twitter ** Facebook
August 4, 2014
Update for THE DEEP END OF THE SEA available!
The Deep End of the Sea
has been updated!
Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and iTunes, you can now buy/update existing copies with a newly re-edited special edition e-book that includes two character interviews (one with Medusa and the other with Hermes and myself) and my writing playlist. It is my understanding that, if you've already purchased the book, all you need to do is update the book on your e-reader.
To all of you who have bought/read/reviewed/sent me notes/etc.. The Deep End of the Sea , I send you thanks and virtual cupcakes. It truly thrills and humbles me that you guys have been willing to see Medusa in a different light.
Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and iTunes, you can now buy/update existing copies with a newly re-edited special edition e-book that includes two character interviews (one with Medusa and the other with Hermes and myself) and my writing playlist. It is my understanding that, if you've already purchased the book, all you need to do is update the book on your e-reader.
To all of you who have bought/read/reviewed/sent me notes/etc.. The Deep End of the Sea , I send you thanks and virtual cupcakes. It truly thrills and humbles me that you guys have been willing to see Medusa in a different light.
July 30, 2014
Cover reveal: 42 Hours by Bethany Lopez!
We are thrilled to share the gorgeous cover for 42 Hours from Bethany Lopez. We also have an excerpt, so be sure to check it out!
Title: 42 Hours (Time for Love #3)Author: Bethany LopezAge Group: NAGenre: Contemporary RomanceRelease Date: 8/19/14Cover Design - B Designs Photographer - K Keeton Designs Models - Nathan Weller and Kayla Ann Add 42 Hours on GoodReads Eight years ago, Scott and Gaby shared one very special night. Not wanting to ruin their friendship, they didn't take things further...but neither of them has forgotten.
When Scott’s friends stage an intervention to make him realize that his fiancé, Victoria, is all wrong for him, he takes time to evaluate his life. He’s earned a big promotion and just bought his dream car, but those things are just superficial. The one time he was truly happy, was with Gaby.
Gaby is in a good place in her life. She loves her job, has the best friends and family a girl could ask for, and is dating a sweet and sexy guy, but she’s never stopped thinking about that night with Scott.
Eager to find happiness again, Scott makes a plan to win Gaby’s heart during a weekend getaway, but she doesn’t want to be his rebound girl. Will 42 hours be enough to convince Gaby that it's finally their time for love?
Excerpt
“The other night, at the bar, right before the band started…. You came back from the bathroom, looking all flushed and embarrassed. Then you downed TJ’s beer… I’d meant to ask you about it then, but the music came on, and we all got distracted. Did something happen?” I flushed at his question, as I remembered the scene that had gotten me all flustered. “Oh… God… I just,” I felt like such a child, I could barely even talk about it, and it wasn’t as if I’d walked in on them having sex or anything. “I ran into Brock’s brother Brendan … The lead singer. Anyway, he and some girl were going at it pretty hot and heavy in the hallway.” “Oh,” Scott looked at me suddenly, then cleared his throat and looked back out the windshield. “So you were embarrassed?” I let out a nervous laugh and admitted, “Yeah, because I was taken by surprised, and I kind of, um, stood there and watched for a minute. Then, Brendan caught me, and said hi, like it was no big deal. I just felt like a prude.” “Hmmm,” Scott began, as if unsure what to say next. “Have you never been in that situation before?” I averted my eyes, then responded softly, “What? Practically having sex in a bar? No.” “No,” Scott said, his voice rough. “Where you’ve been so in the moment, that you couldn’t control yourself, and didn’t care if you got caught or not.” I squirmed in my seat, his words affecting me more than they probably should. My body felt warm, so I turned up the AC a bit and pointed the vent in my direction. “No,” I admitted, my voice barely audible. When Scott didn’t respond, I started to worry that he thought I was referring to the night that he and I’d slept together, so I blurted, “Oh… I wasn’t trying to say that you and I didn’t have passion…” I felt the blush roll over my face like a heat wave. “I mean, it was our first time… And it was lovely…” Shit, I was digging in deeper. “What I meant was that I’ve never had someone take me up against the wall in the club like that.” Oh. My. God. Had I just said that. I wanted to melt into the floorboards. I brought my hands to my face, hiding my mortification.Here's a fun photo of Bethany with cover model Nathan Weller!
The Time For Love Series
8 Weeks GoodReads | Amazon 21 DaysGoodReads | Amazon About Bethany Lopez
Award-Winning Author Bethany Lopez began self-publishing in June 2011. Since then she has published various YA and NA books. She is a lover of romance, family, and friends, and enjoys incorporating those things in what she writes. When she isn't reading or writing, she loves spending time with her husband and children, traveling whenever possible.
Facebook | GoodReads | Amazon | Twitter | Pinterest | Blog | Newsletter
July 22, 2014
new book announcement! THE COLLECTORS' SOCIETY!
Oh guys. GUYS. I am so excited to announce I have a new book coming out this fall, one that's an Adult Fairy Tale that has a wee bit of fantasy/sci-fi/steampunk/mystery/adventure/horror, too!
So, what's it about?
Think . . . League of Extraordinary Gentlemen + The Matrix + Romancing the Stone = The Collectors' Society
I'll have an official cover reveal on August 20th, along with an official blurb, but until then, there's this:
Welcome to Wonderland.
But this isn't Wonderland as you know it from the stories you've been told as a child. No . . . This is Alice and friends as you have never seen them before-all grown up. Heather Lyons is working on an Adult Fairy Tale that will keep you on your toes and aching for more.
So, what's it about?
Think . . . League of Extraordinary Gentlemen + The Matrix + Romancing the Stone = The Collectors' Society
I'll have an official cover reveal on August 20th, along with an official blurb, but until then, there's this:
Welcome to Wonderland.
But this isn't Wonderland as you know it from the stories you've been told as a child. No . . . This is Alice and friends as you have never seen them before-all grown up. Heather Lyons is working on an Adult Fairy Tale that will keep you on your toes and aching for more.
June 8, 2014
The Fate Series Book Trailer!
Oh guys, I am so, so excited to share with you all a book trailer that I recently had made for the Fate series. The fab people over at Burning Heart Productions made it for me, and I could not be happier with how it turned out.
What do you think? Perfect, right? YAY!
What do you think? Perfect, right? YAY!
June 1, 2014
Cover Reveal: DISTANCE by Andrea Heltsley!
DISTANCE by Andrea HeltsleyCover by Regina Wamba of Mae I DesignsReleasing on all platforms July 27, 2014
A note from Andrea: I'm so excited to share the cover of my upcoming release, Distance with everyone! Regina Wamba of Mae I Designs designed the cover!!!! I hope you love it as much as I do!
Synopsis:Lexi has sworn off guys for good.
She’s always been a hot mess, but accidentally finding her boyfriend of three years cheating on her is just too much for her to handle.
All she wants is to get this summer done and over with, so she and her best friend Elena can travel cross country for college. Then she will finally be free of this town, the friends that dropped her in favor of her ex, and her klutzy reputation.
Lexi's policy was working perfectly, until a guy named Mason comes to her rescue. Not once but twice in one night. For once, her mishaps have led to something good.
She’s feeling things that scare her, but she’s drawn to him. Can Mason break through her walls, or will she stick to her plan and steer clear of him? This is a new adult romantic comedy.
Recommended for ages 17+ due to mature content.
Add it to Goodreads
AUTHOR BIO:
Andrea Heltsley is a new adult and young adult author. She started writing in 2012 and hasn’t stopped since. She lives in Tennessee with her husband and two Italian Greyhounds. Ice cream, coffee and candy are always necessities. When writing, Andrea loves to listen to all kinds of music and always has a candle burning. When she’s not writing, you can find her nose in a book. Her favorite forms of entertainment are reading, Shakira and The Vampire Diaries.
ANDREA'S LINKS:http://andreaheltsley.blogspot.com
https://www. twitter.com/andreaheltsleyhttp://www. facebook.com/andreaheltsleyhttp://pinterest.com/aheltsley/http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5766043.Andrea_Heltsley
Enter to win a $10 Amazon GC HERE.
May 20, 2014
Cover reveal: FINDING KEEPERS by Kristi Strong!
What do you get when you combine the writing of Kristi Strong with the digital talents of Elizabeth Sharp? A brand new cover of awesomeness!
Finding Keepers is Kristi Strong’s first Young Adult novel, and first non-fantasy novel.
Blurb
Starting a new life is never easy, but Alyssa Doe has turned it into an art form. Abandoned by her parents at age twelve, four years in foster care has taught Alyssa how to get through life the hard way. Now sixteen and growing desperate for a stable life, Alyssa finds herself puzzled by her newest keeper, twenty-five year old Jessica Sona. A feisty woman who does not accept no for an answer, Jessica’s insistence on safety, family, and unconditional love begin to break down Alyssa’s walls and bring her hope, a dangerous emotion. Can such a thing as family and love exist for a girl whose birth name is Doe, or will Alyssa be forever left finding keepers?
Excerpt
“None of us stand a chance,” Alyssa mumbled as she pushed her eggs around. Jessica looked up from her plate, but remained silent, giving Alyssa time to process her thoughts. “The rules made sense,” Alyssa said, glancing up at Jessica, the lack of surprise on the woman’s face confirming that some of the memories had fallen from Alyssa’s lips as she relived the past, along with her reading Alyssa’s records. “I get it, especially now. The alarms were to make sure no-one snuck over to the other bedrooms, or tried to run away. A couple of the teenagers tried, because they were lonely, I guess. They didn’t even realize when Jenna did it, because she disabled the alarm, until they found the pregnancy test she stole from the pharmacy and questioned the boys ... The obsession with cleanliness and order a necessity, because with eight children in a house, things would become chaotic so quickly.” She felt a tear trickle down her cheek and rubbed it away angrily. “But I was just fourteen. I wasn’t trying to be bad when I set off the alarm. I just had a nightmare and was so scared. They didn’t believe me though, and so they sent me away the first chance they got.” “Do you still have nightmares?” Jessica’s voice was soft, low, her gaze on Alyssa’s hand holding the fork, the trembling causing the fork to vibrate the eggs where it rested. Alyssa nodded. “Every night. The police car comes for me, and ... ” The words were strangled, as if her heart was pushing them out, while her head was forcing them back in. Confessions were dangerous, ammunition to use against you in group therapy, proof that you were not right in the head and needed more intensive care, institutionalized care. “Alli,” Jessica’s hand slipped over Alyssa’s where it lay on the table, trembling like a leaf. “My door is always open, no matter if it is day or night. You don’t have to be alone in the darkness anymore. I’m here now, and forever.”
About Kristi's Novels
While Finding Keepers is her first Contemporary Young Adult novel, she also has three books currently published in her New Adult Fantasy series, the Land of Kaldalangra.
The Lady of Steinbrekka (The featured fantasy book in the 2014-2015 LCPS Battle of the Books competition) Rhea Aralia lived an uneventful life in Virginia, until the fateful night of her kidnapping. Taken to a strange realm of destruction, despair, and mysterious people with dark secrets, the young woman must learn a new way of life to survive. With the help of her new companions, Rhea discovers the courage to defy the tyrant King Verikhan and his heir, the cleverness to deceive the court, and the power within herself to transform this world of darkness into one of beauty and hope. Will Rhea triumph over those who seek her destruction, or will she be forever lost in the darkness known as Kaldalangra?
Heart of Kylassame
It has been two years since the reign of the tyrannical King Verikhan has ended, and the realm of Kaldalangra flourishes. Nyssa has taken her place as Queen of the realm, with her secret love, Sebast, now openly at her side. She rules with a fair hand, striving for justice and prosperity for all of her people. Rowan and Rhea travel the realm, spreading peace and healing wherever they go. In Kylassame, they have formed a strong bond with friends and spread deep roots in the community. The people of Kaldalangra are joyful, and life in their world is better than ever before. But a string of tragedies has the ability to bring Rhea to her knees, and with her, the entire realm. While Rowan struggles to recover the village of Kylassame from a devastating crime, Rhea’s faith in her own strength weakens, with dire consequences. Re-enter the world of Kaldalangra, and join the adventure as Rhea and Rowan endeavor to continue upon their chosen destiny.
Soul of Asimina
In the land of Kaldalangra, one woman stands at a crossroads Sabina de Nespa has known a life of freedom and peace, thanks to the actions of her heroic parents. As a child of royalty, she has kept her intentions pure and her heart guarded, always aware that the crown of the realm may one day rest upon her brow. When two strangers stumble across her path, she finds her peace shattered as dangerous family secrets begin to emerge, along with a malignant force that threatens to destroy her entire world. These men have the ability to help her rise to brilliant heights, or cause a devastating plunge into darkness. It is now up to Sabina to continue her parents’ legacy of honor, courage, and strength through adversity. With the fate of Kaldalangra upon her shoulders, she has vowed to follow the path of righteousness, or die trying.
About the Author:
Fixing broken computers, wrangling a very spirited little toddler, and creating new fantasy worlds are all parts of the average day for Kristi Strong. While she has called Virginia her home for two decades, her head has rested in two countries, three states, and far too many houses to count. She was more than happy to give up her nomadic lifestyle and settle down with her husband, daughter, cat and chinchilla.
Want to learn more and connect with Kristi? Strong Novels BlogStrong Novels FacebookStrong Novels TwitterStrong Novels Email
Finding Keepers is Kristi Strong’s first Young Adult novel, and first non-fantasy novel.
Blurb
Starting a new life is never easy, but Alyssa Doe has turned it into an art form. Abandoned by her parents at age twelve, four years in foster care has taught Alyssa how to get through life the hard way. Now sixteen and growing desperate for a stable life, Alyssa finds herself puzzled by her newest keeper, twenty-five year old Jessica Sona. A feisty woman who does not accept no for an answer, Jessica’s insistence on safety, family, and unconditional love begin to break down Alyssa’s walls and bring her hope, a dangerous emotion. Can such a thing as family and love exist for a girl whose birth name is Doe, or will Alyssa be forever left finding keepers?
Excerpt
“None of us stand a chance,” Alyssa mumbled as she pushed her eggs around. Jessica looked up from her plate, but remained silent, giving Alyssa time to process her thoughts. “The rules made sense,” Alyssa said, glancing up at Jessica, the lack of surprise on the woman’s face confirming that some of the memories had fallen from Alyssa’s lips as she relived the past, along with her reading Alyssa’s records. “I get it, especially now. The alarms were to make sure no-one snuck over to the other bedrooms, or tried to run away. A couple of the teenagers tried, because they were lonely, I guess. They didn’t even realize when Jenna did it, because she disabled the alarm, until they found the pregnancy test she stole from the pharmacy and questioned the boys ... The obsession with cleanliness and order a necessity, because with eight children in a house, things would become chaotic so quickly.” She felt a tear trickle down her cheek and rubbed it away angrily. “But I was just fourteen. I wasn’t trying to be bad when I set off the alarm. I just had a nightmare and was so scared. They didn’t believe me though, and so they sent me away the first chance they got.” “Do you still have nightmares?” Jessica’s voice was soft, low, her gaze on Alyssa’s hand holding the fork, the trembling causing the fork to vibrate the eggs where it rested. Alyssa nodded. “Every night. The police car comes for me, and ... ” The words were strangled, as if her heart was pushing them out, while her head was forcing them back in. Confessions were dangerous, ammunition to use against you in group therapy, proof that you were not right in the head and needed more intensive care, institutionalized care. “Alli,” Jessica’s hand slipped over Alyssa’s where it lay on the table, trembling like a leaf. “My door is always open, no matter if it is day or night. You don’t have to be alone in the darkness anymore. I’m here now, and forever.”
About Kristi's Novels
While Finding Keepers is her first Contemporary Young Adult novel, she also has three books currently published in her New Adult Fantasy series, the Land of Kaldalangra.
The Lady of Steinbrekka (The featured fantasy book in the 2014-2015 LCPS Battle of the Books competition) Rhea Aralia lived an uneventful life in Virginia, until the fateful night of her kidnapping. Taken to a strange realm of destruction, despair, and mysterious people with dark secrets, the young woman must learn a new way of life to survive. With the help of her new companions, Rhea discovers the courage to defy the tyrant King Verikhan and his heir, the cleverness to deceive the court, and the power within herself to transform this world of darkness into one of beauty and hope. Will Rhea triumph over those who seek her destruction, or will she be forever lost in the darkness known as Kaldalangra? 
Heart of Kylassame
It has been two years since the reign of the tyrannical King Verikhan has ended, and the realm of Kaldalangra flourishes. Nyssa has taken her place as Queen of the realm, with her secret love, Sebast, now openly at her side. She rules with a fair hand, striving for justice and prosperity for all of her people. Rowan and Rhea travel the realm, spreading peace and healing wherever they go. In Kylassame, they have formed a strong bond with friends and spread deep roots in the community. The people of Kaldalangra are joyful, and life in their world is better than ever before. But a string of tragedies has the ability to bring Rhea to her knees, and with her, the entire realm. While Rowan struggles to recover the village of Kylassame from a devastating crime, Rhea’s faith in her own strength weakens, with dire consequences. Re-enter the world of Kaldalangra, and join the adventure as Rhea and Rowan endeavor to continue upon their chosen destiny. Soul of Asimina
In the land of Kaldalangra, one woman stands at a crossroads Sabina de Nespa has known a life of freedom and peace, thanks to the actions of her heroic parents. As a child of royalty, she has kept her intentions pure and her heart guarded, always aware that the crown of the realm may one day rest upon her brow. When two strangers stumble across her path, she finds her peace shattered as dangerous family secrets begin to emerge, along with a malignant force that threatens to destroy her entire world. These men have the ability to help her rise to brilliant heights, or cause a devastating plunge into darkness. It is now up to Sabina to continue her parents’ legacy of honor, courage, and strength through adversity. With the fate of Kaldalangra upon her shoulders, she has vowed to follow the path of righteousness, or die trying. About the Author:
Fixing broken computers, wrangling a very spirited little toddler, and creating new fantasy worlds are all parts of the average day for Kristi Strong. While she has called Virginia her home for two decades, her head has rested in two countries, three states, and far too many houses to count. She was more than happy to give up her nomadic lifestyle and settle down with her husband, daughter, cat and chinchilla.
Want to learn more and connect with Kristi? Strong Novels BlogStrong Novels FacebookStrong Novels TwitterStrong Novels Email
May 19, 2014
Cover reveal: MISSIONARY POSITION by Daisy Prescott!
Guys, I am so thrilled to be able to share with you the gorgeous new cover of Daisy Prescott's upcoming book MISSIONARY POSITION. I just adore all of her book covers, don't you?
Sex? AbsolutelyLove? Not my thing.I didn't do love or butterflies, but I loved him.I was screwed, and not in a good way.
Selah Elmore is a smart, independent woman who knows exactly who she is and what she wants. She loves her life being a professor of the human form and popular pirate erotica author. However, when she leaves the Pacific Northwest to spend six months studying sculpture in West Africa, she learns she doesn't know a thing about love.
Cocky, suit-wearing Gerhard charms her during a stopover in Amsterdam, but dashing, adventurous Kai sweeps her off her feet in Ghana.
Sparks fly on three continents when perpetually single Selah discovers there's more to love and life than she ever imagined.
Missionary Position is a standalone contemporary romance spin-off from Geoducks Are for Lovers. It isn't necessary to read that novel or Ready to Fall prior to reading this.
About Daisy
Before writing bestselling contemporary adult romances, Daisy dreamed of being an author while doing a lot of other things. Antiques dealer, baker, blue ribbon pie-maker, fangirl, freelance writer, gardener, pet mom and wife are a few of the titles she's acquired over the years.
Born and raised in San Diego, Daisy currently lives in a real life Stars Hollow in the Boston suburbs with her husband, their dog, Hubbell, and an imaginary house goat.To learn more about this author and her writing visit: http://www.daisyprescott.com, chat with her on Twitter (@daisy_prescott), or find her on Facebook: /daisyprescottauthorpage
Sex? AbsolutelyLove? Not my thing.I didn't do love or butterflies, but I loved him.I was screwed, and not in a good way.
Selah Elmore is a smart, independent woman who knows exactly who she is and what she wants. She loves her life being a professor of the human form and popular pirate erotica author. However, when she leaves the Pacific Northwest to spend six months studying sculpture in West Africa, she learns she doesn't know a thing about love.
Cocky, suit-wearing Gerhard charms her during a stopover in Amsterdam, but dashing, adventurous Kai sweeps her off her feet in Ghana.
Sparks fly on three continents when perpetually single Selah discovers there's more to love and life than she ever imagined.
Missionary Position is a standalone contemporary romance spin-off from Geoducks Are for Lovers. It isn't necessary to read that novel or Ready to Fall prior to reading this.
.jpg)
About Daisy
Before writing bestselling contemporary adult romances, Daisy dreamed of being an author while doing a lot of other things. Antiques dealer, baker, blue ribbon pie-maker, fangirl, freelance writer, gardener, pet mom and wife are a few of the titles she's acquired over the years.Born and raised in San Diego, Daisy currently lives in a real life Stars Hollow in the Boston suburbs with her husband, their dog, Hubbell, and an imaginary house goat.To learn more about this author and her writing visit: http://www.daisyprescott.com, chat with her on Twitter (@daisy_prescott), or find her on Facebook: /daisyprescottauthorpage
May 13, 2014
Blog Tour for A MATTER OF FOREVER
A Matter of Forever is finally coming! This blog post will be updated throughout the next few weeks as we celebrate the release of AMoForever with a blog tour! I hope you follow along and see all the cool, exclusive stuff that will be posted!
May 14Vilma’s Book Blog - Guest Post
TSK TSK What to Read - Review
Living in a Bookworld - Excerpt
May 15Short and Sassy Book Blurbs - Review
Romance Obsessed Book Blog - Review
Back Porch Romance Book Reviews - Chloe & co.'s favorites!
May 16Cristina’s Book Reviews - Review
Andrea Heltsley - Review
Movies, Shows N Books - DreamCast
Romance Schmomance - Excerpt
May 17Starbucks N Books - Review
The Hive Book Reviews - ReviewTomeTender - Character Interview (Kellan)
May 18Desert Divas Book Addiction - Review
Hope to Read - Character Interview (Jonah)
Lis Les Livres - Excerpt
May 19The Road is You - ReviewConfessions from Romaholics - Review
Rumpled Sheet Blog - Excerpt
May 20Pandora’s Books - Review
Elora Nicole - Guest Post
Librosintinta - Excerpt
May 21Lovin Los Libros - Playlist
LuLo Fangirl - Author Interview
Deal Sharing Aunt - Author Interview
May 22Reading the Alphabet - Review
Read-Love-Blog - Excerpt
The Bookie Monster - Review
May 23A Bookish Escape - ReviewBook Labryinth - Review
Romance Addict - Review
Works of Fiction - Review
May 24Born to Read - Excerpt
Reading Between the Wines Book Club - Guest Post
Kindle Obsessed - Review
Breaking Books - Review
May 25Paperbook Princess - Review
Ramblings From This Chick - Guest Post
The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club - Author Interview
May 26The Book Hookup - ReviewNerd Alert Book Love Blog - Review
Fiddle Faddle - Guest Post
Ladybug Literature - Excerpt
May 27Cocktails & Books - Review
Once Upon A Twilight - Review
The Book Trollup - Excerpt
Little Whimsy Books - Excerpt
