R.E. Hargrave's Blog, page 200
August 1, 2019
#LongLiveKink
Come explore.Discover a kinky romance that will open your eyes to a whole new world...
FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST,GET ALL THREE NOVELS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE!
Get it here for $3.99
An erotic read meant for adults, The Divine Trilogy is not your typical romance.
When you first meet Catherine and Jayden in To Serve is Divine, they aren’t looking for love at all. Catherine O’Chancey is a young submissive whose second Dom turned out to be an abusive fake. This is the story of her subsequent recovery and reentry into the BDSM lifestyle with the help of a new Dominant, Jayden Masterson. Come with me, and I’ll take you on the journey alongside Catherine and Jayden while their bond grows and deepens. It’ll be sexy and intense, but never fear, you get to be there to see the tender side of her new Dom as he helps her through her past tragedies.
The Divine Trilogy offers a different view of the BDSM world.
One that will enlighten readers and show them that those who live this Lifestyle often do so because it is a deep-seated need within their psyche, something that can't be ignored. And that need is okay because, when practiced properly, BDSM is all about being Safe, Sane, and Consensual. Find within the pages a sampling of the different dynamics which can occur amongst kinksters. Everything from hardcore pain sluts to docile “littles” who want to be pampered and coddled, but the important thing to remember is that everyone has a place of acceptance, without judgement, in this Lifestyle.
Time and again reviewers have said they couldn’t put this book down... even when they don’t usually read this genre.
The Divine Trilogy is available at multiple retailers individually or as an all-in-one omnibus. PLEASE NOTE: Only the omnibus is on sale this month.
Bk 1: https://www.books2read.com/TSiDBk 2: https://www.books2read.com/ADLBk 3: https://www.books2read.com/Surreal
FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST,GET ALL THREE NOVELS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE!
Get it here for $3.99
An erotic read meant for adults, The Divine Trilogy is not your typical romance.
When you first meet Catherine and Jayden in To Serve is Divine, they aren’t looking for love at all. Catherine O’Chancey is a young submissive whose second Dom turned out to be an abusive fake. This is the story of her subsequent recovery and reentry into the BDSM lifestyle with the help of a new Dominant, Jayden Masterson. Come with me, and I’ll take you on the journey alongside Catherine and Jayden while their bond grows and deepens. It’ll be sexy and intense, but never fear, you get to be there to see the tender side of her new Dom as he helps her through her past tragedies.
The Divine Trilogy offers a different view of the BDSM world.
One that will enlighten readers and show them that those who live this Lifestyle often do so because it is a deep-seated need within their psyche, something that can't be ignored. And that need is okay because, when practiced properly, BDSM is all about being Safe, Sane, and Consensual. Find within the pages a sampling of the different dynamics which can occur amongst kinksters. Everything from hardcore pain sluts to docile “littles” who want to be pampered and coddled, but the important thing to remember is that everyone has a place of acceptance, without judgement, in this Lifestyle.
Time and again reviewers have said they couldn’t put this book down... even when they don’t usually read this genre.
The Divine Trilogy is available at multiple retailers individually or as an all-in-one omnibus. PLEASE NOTE: Only the omnibus is on sale this month.
Bk 1: https://www.books2read.com/TSiDBk 2: https://www.books2read.com/ADLBk 3: https://www.books2read.com/Surreal
#LongLiveKink
Come explore.Discover a kinky romance that will open your eyes to a whole new world...
FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST,GET ALL THREE NOVELS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE!
Get it here for $3.99
An erotic read meant for adults, The Divine Trilogy is not your typical romance.
When you first meet Catherine and Jayden in To Serve is Divine, they aren’t looking for love at all. Catherine O’Chancey is a young submissive whose second Dom turned out to be an abusive fake. This is the story of her subsequent recovery and reentry into the BDSM lifestyle with the help of a new Dominant, Jayden Masterson. Come with me, and I’ll take you on the journey alongside Catherine and Jayden while their bond grows and deepens. It’ll be sexy and intense, but never fear, you get to be there to see the tender side of her new Dom as he helps her through her past tragedies.
The Divine Trilogy offers a different view of the BDSM world.
One that will enlighten readers and show them that those who live this Lifestyle often do so because it is a deep-seated need within their psyche, something that can't be ignored. And that need is okay because, when practiced properly, BDSM is all about being Safe, Sane, and Consensual. Find within the pages a sampling of the different dynamics which can occur amongst kinksters. Everything from hardcore pain sluts to docile “littles” who want to be pampered and coddled, but the important thing to remember is that everyone has a place of acceptance, without judgement, in this Lifestyle.
Time and again reviewers have said they couldn’t put this book down... even when they don’t usually read this genre.
The Divine Trilogy is available at multiple retailers individually or as an all-in-one omnibus. PLEASE NOTE: Only the omnibus is on sale this month.
Bk 1: https://www.books2read.com/TSiDBk 2: https://www.books2read.com/ADLBk 3: https://www.books2read.com/Surreal
FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST,GET ALL THREE NOVELS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE!
Get it here for $3.99
An erotic read meant for adults, The Divine Trilogy is not your typical romance.
When you first meet Catherine and Jayden in To Serve is Divine, they aren’t looking for love at all. Catherine O’Chancey is a young submissive whose second Dom turned out to be an abusive fake. This is the story of her subsequent recovery and reentry into the BDSM lifestyle with the help of a new Dominant, Jayden Masterson. Come with me, and I’ll take you on the journey alongside Catherine and Jayden while their bond grows and deepens. It’ll be sexy and intense, but never fear, you get to be there to see the tender side of her new Dom as he helps her through her past tragedies.
The Divine Trilogy offers a different view of the BDSM world.
One that will enlighten readers and show them that those who live this Lifestyle often do so because it is a deep-seated need within their psyche, something that can't be ignored. And that need is okay because, when practiced properly, BDSM is all about being Safe, Sane, and Consensual. Find within the pages a sampling of the different dynamics which can occur amongst kinksters. Everything from hardcore pain sluts to docile “littles” who want to be pampered and coddled, but the important thing to remember is that everyone has a place of acceptance, without judgement, in this Lifestyle.
Time and again reviewers have said they couldn’t put this book down... even when they don’t usually read this genre.
The Divine Trilogy is available at multiple retailers individually or as an all-in-one omnibus. PLEASE NOTE: Only the omnibus is on sale this month.
Bk 1: https://www.books2read.com/TSiDBk 2: https://www.books2read.com/ADLBk 3: https://www.books2read.com/Surreal
#LongLiveKink
Come explore.Discover a kinky romance that will open your eyes to a whole new world...
FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST,GET ALL THREE NOVELS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE!
Get it here for $3.99
An erotic read meant for adults, The Divine Trilogy is not your typical romance.
When you first meet Catherine and Jayden in To Serve is Divine, they aren’t looking for love at all. Catherine O’Chancey is a young submissive whose second Dom turned out to be an abusive fake. This is the story of her subsequent recovery and reentry into the BDSM lifestyle with the help of a new Dominant, Jayden Masterson. Come with me, and I’ll take you on the journey alongside Catherine and Jayden while their bond grows and deepens. It’ll be sexy and intense, but never fear, you get to be there to see the tender side of her new Dom as he helps her through her past tragedies.
The Divine Trilogy offers a different view of the BDSM world.
One that will enlighten readers and show them that those who live this Lifestyle often do so because it is a deep-seated need within their psyche, something that can't be ignored. And that need is okay because, when practiced properly, BDSM is all about being Safe, Sane, and Consensual. Find within the pages a sampling of the different dynamics which can occur amongst kinksters. Everything from hardcore pain sluts to docile “littles” who want to be pampered and coddled, but the important thing to remember is that everyone has a place of acceptance, without judgement, in this Lifestyle.
Time and again reviewers have said they couldn’t put this book down... even when they don’t usually read this genre.
The Divine Trilogy is available at multiple retailers individually or as an all-in-one omnibus. PLEASE NOTE: Only the omnibus is on sale this month.
Bk 1: https://www.books2read.com/TSiDBk 2: https://www.books2read.com/ADLBk 3: https://www.books2read.com/Surreal
FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST,GET ALL THREE NOVELS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE!
Get it here for $3.99
An erotic read meant for adults, The Divine Trilogy is not your typical romance.
When you first meet Catherine and Jayden in To Serve is Divine, they aren’t looking for love at all. Catherine O’Chancey is a young submissive whose second Dom turned out to be an abusive fake. This is the story of her subsequent recovery and reentry into the BDSM lifestyle with the help of a new Dominant, Jayden Masterson. Come with me, and I’ll take you on the journey alongside Catherine and Jayden while their bond grows and deepens. It’ll be sexy and intense, but never fear, you get to be there to see the tender side of her new Dom as he helps her through her past tragedies.
The Divine Trilogy offers a different view of the BDSM world.
One that will enlighten readers and show them that those who live this Lifestyle often do so because it is a deep-seated need within their psyche, something that can't be ignored. And that need is okay because, when practiced properly, BDSM is all about being Safe, Sane, and Consensual. Find within the pages a sampling of the different dynamics which can occur amongst kinksters. Everything from hardcore pain sluts to docile “littles” who want to be pampered and coddled, but the important thing to remember is that everyone has a place of acceptance, without judgement, in this Lifestyle.
Time and again reviewers have said they couldn’t put this book down... even when they don’t usually read this genre.
The Divine Trilogy is available at multiple retailers individually or as an all-in-one omnibus. PLEASE NOTE: Only the omnibus is on sale this month.
Bk 1: https://www.books2read.com/TSiDBk 2: https://www.books2read.com/ADLBk 3: https://www.books2read.com/Surreal
#LongLiveKink
Come explore.Discover a kinky romance that will open your eyes to a whole new world...
FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST,GET ALL THREE NOVELS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE!
Get it here for $3.99
An erotic read meant for adults, The Divine Trilogy is not your typical romance.
When you first meet Catherine and Jayden in To Serve is Divine, they aren’t looking for love at all. Catherine O’Chancey is a young submissive whose second Dom turned out to be an abusive fake. This is the story of her subsequent recovery and reentry into the BDSM lifestyle with the help of a new Dominant, Jayden Masterson. Come with me, and I’ll take you on the journey alongside Catherine and Jayden while their bond grows and deepens. It’ll be sexy and intense, but never fear, you get to be there to see the tender side of her new Dom as he helps her through her past tragedies.
The Divine Trilogy offers a different view of the BDSM world.
One that will enlighten readers and show them that those who live this Lifestyle often do so because it is a deep-seated need within their psyche, something that can't be ignored. And that need is okay because, when practiced properly, BDSM is all about being Safe, Sane, and Consensual. Find within the pages a sampling of the different dynamics which can occur amongst kinksters. Everything from hardcore pain sluts to docile “littles” who want to be pampered and coddled, but the important thing to remember is that everyone has a place of acceptance, without judgement, in this Lifestyle.
Time and again reviewers have said they couldn’t put this book down... even when they don’t usually read this genre.
The Divine Trilogy is available at multiple retailers individually or as an all-in-one omnibus. PLEASE NOTE: Only the omnibus is on sale this month.
Bk 1: https://www.books2read.com/TSiDBk 2: https://www.books2read.com/ADLBk 3: https://www.books2read.com/Surreal
FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST,GET ALL THREE NOVELS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE!
Get it here for $3.99
An erotic read meant for adults, The Divine Trilogy is not your typical romance.
When you first meet Catherine and Jayden in To Serve is Divine, they aren’t looking for love at all. Catherine O’Chancey is a young submissive whose second Dom turned out to be an abusive fake. This is the story of her subsequent recovery and reentry into the BDSM lifestyle with the help of a new Dominant, Jayden Masterson. Come with me, and I’ll take you on the journey alongside Catherine and Jayden while their bond grows and deepens. It’ll be sexy and intense, but never fear, you get to be there to see the tender side of her new Dom as he helps her through her past tragedies.
The Divine Trilogy offers a different view of the BDSM world.
One that will enlighten readers and show them that those who live this Lifestyle often do so because it is a deep-seated need within their psyche, something that can't be ignored. And that need is okay because, when practiced properly, BDSM is all about being Safe, Sane, and Consensual. Find within the pages a sampling of the different dynamics which can occur amongst kinksters. Everything from hardcore pain sluts to docile “littles” who want to be pampered and coddled, but the important thing to remember is that everyone has a place of acceptance, without judgement, in this Lifestyle.
Time and again reviewers have said they couldn’t put this book down... even when they don’t usually read this genre.
The Divine Trilogy is available at multiple retailers individually or as an all-in-one omnibus. PLEASE NOTE: Only the omnibus is on sale this month.
Bk 1: https://www.books2read.com/TSiDBk 2: https://www.books2read.com/ADLBk 3: https://www.books2read.com/Surreal
July 31, 2019
B@@K REVEAL: Phoenix Rising by Giulia Lagomarsino #PreORDER
Phoenix Rising
Giulia Lagomarsino
(Reed Security Series, #16)
Publication date: August 26th 2019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Phoenix Rising is book 16 in the Reed Security Series and it is suggested they be read in order.The men and women of Reed Security are back, but after all the turmoil of the past year, how do they adapt and move forward? For some, it’s easy, but others, the past year is only the beginning of what they will have to deal with. Some of them were shot and almost died. Morgan and Chance were taken and tortured in their own respects and now must deal with the after effects. Payton was torn from her mother and spent a year and a half without her. The wives lost their jobs, and many had to run from their families and friends to keep them safe. But one thing remained the same through all of this, they are each others’ family and will do anything to help each other through. They are Reed Security, and they will rise from the ashes.Add to Goodreads / Pre-order
Author Bio:
I'm a stay at home mom that loves to read. Some of my favorite titles are Pride and Prejudice, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and Horatio Hornblower. I started writing when I was trying to come up with suggestions on ways I could help bring in some extra money. I came up with the idea that I could donate plasma because you could earn an extra $500/month. My husband responded with, "No. Find something else. Write a blog. Write a book." I didn't think I had anything to share on blog that a thousand other mothers hadn't already thought of. I decided to take his challenge seriously and sat down to write my first book, Jack. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed writing. From there, the stories continued to flow and I haven't been able to stop. I hope my readers enjoy my books as much as I enjoy writing them. Between reading, writing, and taking care of three small kids, my days are quite full.Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter
BOOK BLITZ: Good Guy by Kate Meader #GIVEAWAY
Good Guy
Kate Meader
(Rookie Rebels #1)
Publication date: July 30th 2019
Genres: Adult, Romance, Sports
He’s a Special Forces veteran making his pro hockey debut. She’s a dogged sports reporter determined to get a scoop. She’s also his best friend’s widow . . .Fans can’t get enough of Levi Hunt, the Special Forces veteran who put his NHL career on hold to serve his country and fight the bad guys. So when his new Chicago Rebels bosses tell him to cooperate with the press on a profile, he’s ready to do his duty. Until he finds out who he has to work with: flame-haired, freckle-splashed, impossibly perky Jordan Cooke.Also known as the woman he should not have kissed the night she buried her husband, Levi’s best friend in the service.Hockey-stick-up-his-butt-serious Levi Hunt might despise Jordan for reasons she can’t fathom—okay, it’s to do with kissing—but her future in the cutthroat world of sports reporting hangs on delivering the goods on the league’s hottest, grumpiest rookie. So what if he’s not interested in having his life plated up for public consumption. Too bad. Jordan will have to play dirty to get her scoop and even dirtier to get her man. Only in winning the story, she might just lose her heart . . .In this standalone romance set in the Chicago Rebels world, a new generation of players take to the ice and learn that all’s fair in love and hockey.Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / iBooks / Google Play—EXCERPT:“Was this night worth your time? Don’t you have a boyfriend who’d like to see you once in a while? Or a life that doesn’t revolve around work?” They stepped into the elevator and he slapped at the lobby level button. Stab. Slap. He was angry and he didn’t know why. He hated not knowing something.“This is my life, Hunt.” She giggled, the sound going straight to his dick where it proceeded to tease, caress, and kiss the traitor wide awake. “God, playing video games with you guys is gold. And then when your pal showed up proving you’re not such a cold-hearted, friendless Terminator type after all and that you might have a personality underneath that hard-ass demeanor? Icing on the cupcake.”He opened the door to his building, ushered her out, and tried not to enjoy her bobbing pony-tail.“So is it true?” she threw out over her shoulder.“Is what true?”“The Disney ice cream cake thing?”“Where are you parked?”“Around the corner. You don’t have to—”But he was already eating the ground with every stride like it had offended his honor.“Levi, what is your problem?”“Nothing. Just making sure you get in your car and leave.” He was pissed and horny and only now realizing that he had no idea what Jordan’s car looked like.“Here I am.” She stood by a Honda Civic, two cars back.Retracing his steps, he tried to get his emotions under control which should not have been a problem. Emotion-wrangling was his bag. Controlling the narrative was his forte. At least, he’d thought so until he met Jordan again.“I don’t have a boyfriend.” She pushed her key into the lock.“Say again?”“You seem to be under the impression that I had someone I could be spending time with tonight instead of enjoying Erik’s weird winking and odes to herring, or Theo’s conspiracy theories as to why Chicagoland has so many mattress stores, or your curmudgeonly ways with hints of Tin Man.” She hummed If I only Had a Heart from The Wizard of Oz.He passed over the Tin Man reference, probably because he was inexplicably relieved at the implication of her other statement. “Don’t have an opinion on your dating practices. Just something Kershaw mentioned.”“And you believed him?”“I didn’t not believe him. Strange thing to make up.” Especially with the graphic detail of naked photos. If she wasn’t seeing someone, then what was all that about?She opened the door a couple of inches but still stood there. Pertly perking. “You know, the sooner you cooperate the sooner I’ll be out of your hair.”“I’m doing everything management has ordered.”“Under sufferance.”“What you see is all you’re getting.” He was done here. Done with her teasing scent and dick-springing laugh. Done with trying to negotiate a truce between his hands and his cock. Just. Done. “Safe home now.” He turned to walk back, but didn’t get far.“Coward.”He pivoted. “What?”“You’ve never liked me for some stupid, God-knows-what reason and now you can’t be man enough to sit still for a few questions.”He ignored the last part which was half—okay, all—true, and focused on the first part. “I’ve liked you fine.”She took a step toward him, then another until she was right in his space. She looked up at him, her expression filled with fury and spirit. Typical, maddening, heart-stoppingly gorgeous Jordan. “Admit it. You can’t stand me. When I kissed you five years ago—”“We’re not talking about that.”“When I kissed you five years ago,” she insisted, her voice rising with each word, “it was as if I ripped out a piece of your mind! You didn’t like me. You certainly didn’t think I was right for Josh and then when we had that moment, when we were at our lowest, we were drawn to each other. You hate that of all people, it was me who made you go to this fragile, needful place. It happened and you need to get over it so we can do this interview and you never have to see me again!”
Author Bio:
USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR
Originally from Ireland, Kate cut her romance reader teeth on Maeve Binchy and Jilly Cooper novels, with some Harlequins thrown in for variety. Give her tales about brooding mill owners, oversexed equestrians, and men who can rock an apron or a fire hose, and she's there. Now based in Chicago, she writes sexy contemporary romance with alpha heroes and strong heroines who can match their men quip for quip.
Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Goodreads / Bookbub / Amazon
GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
July 30, 2019
BOOK BLITZ: Paranormal Misdirection by Dima Zales #GIVEAWAY
Paranormal Misdirection
Dima Zales
(Sasha Urban #5)
Publication date: July 30th 2019
Genres: Adult, New Adult, Urban Fantasy
With my seer powers finally under my control, I’m ready to plunge into the unknown to find my father.He may have abandoned me, but I’ll go to the ends of the Otherlands to save him from his torment.Only problem? With unexpected allies and even more surprising enemies, this rescue mission might be more than I bargained for.Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / Google Play—
Author Bio:
Dima Zales is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of science fiction and fantasy. Prior to becoming a writer, he worked in the software development industry in New York as both a programmer and an executive. From high-frequency trading software for big banks to mobile apps for popular magazines, Dima has done it all. In 2013, he left the software industry in order to concentrate on his writing career and moved to Palm Coast, Florida, where he currently resides. Dima holds a Master's degree in Computer Science from NYU and a dual undergraduate degree in Computer Science / Psychology from Brooklyn College. He also has a number of hobbies and interests, the most unusual of which might be professional-level mentalism. He simulates mind reading on stage and close-up, and has done shows for corporations, wealthy individuals, and friends. He is also into healthy eating and fitness, so he should live long enough to finish all the book projects he starts. In fact, he very much hopes to catch the technological advancements that might let him live forever (biologically or otherwise). Aside from that, he also enjoys learning about current and future technologies that might enhance our lives, including artificial intelligence, biofeedback, brain-to-computer interfaces, and brain-enhancing implants.In addition to writing The Sorcery Code series and Mind Dimensions series, Dima has collaborated on a number of romance novels with his wife, Anna Zaires. The Krinar Chronicles, an erotic science fiction series, is an international bestseller and has been recognized by the likes of Marie Claire and Woman's Day. If you like erotic romance with a unique plot, please feel free to check it out, especially since the first book in the series (Close Liaisons) is available for free everywhere.Anna Zaires is the love of his life and a huge inspiration in every aspect of his writing. She definitely adds her magic touch to anything Dima creates, and the books would not be the same without her. Dima's fans are strongly encouraged to learn more about Anna and her work at http://www.annazaires.com.Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter
GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
July 29, 2019
BOOK BLITZ: Out to Find Freedom by Lila Rose #GIVEAWAY
Out to Find Freedom
Lila Rose
Publication date: July 30th 2019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play—
Death and pain.They surround me. Hold me hostage, refusing to let go.But I want to survive. Want to fight. I just don’t know if I have it in me.Maybe dying would be better.It’s the break in the shadows that gives me hope.When I look at him, all I can see is light.So now I’m out to find freedom.
Private investigator Ryan Warden doesn’t know he’s moved next door to people he would put behind bars in an instant. Nor does he realise a sleepless night could lead him on the right track with the case he’s working on.He certainly doesn’t expect Emerson Spence.What he does know is he has to stay away from her. She’s been beaten and broken. She deserves to live freely while learning and experiencing things in life like any young woman should.He’s too old for her. It’s better to stay away.
Author Bio:
Lila was born in Brisbane Australia, her step-dad was in the Army which caused them to move around a lot. They finally settled in country Victoria, Australia. Being the youngest of four children she admits she was spoilt a bit. Even drove her mum crazy when she refused to eat meat at a young age.Now, Lila lives with her husband and two children.
Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter
GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
July 28, 2019
BOOK BLITZ: Shoes on the Stairs by Jan Steele #GIVEAWAY
Shoes on the Stairs
Jan Steele
Published by: Acorn Publishing
Publication date: July 27th 2019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary
Inspired by the many frustrations of parenthood and the ever-present fear of failure, SHOES ON THE STAIRS centers around a mother’s struggle to accept what she has left behind after her death. She takes the reader on a journey of both laughter and tears while learning even the smallest of gestures can make a significant and lasting impact.Claire Blackwell can’t find that damn white light. Thanks to a mishap at an intersection, she’s dead and stuck somewhere between Heaven and what seems like Hell as she is forced to watch her husband and children unravel without her. While she struggles to find answers for her limbo state, her family begins to see her, offering what she believes, is a gift of second chances.As she navigates through this new, untouchable world and the challenges it creates, she is forced to face some sad and potentially dangerous truths. Determined, she works to mend her relationship with her family, but her stubborn teenage son refuses to acknowledge her, and when tensions escalate with his long-time bully, her inability to control the physical world around her leaves her fearing for her family’s safety. With her time running out, she must find a way to save them before the progress she has made is lost and she fades from this world forever.Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo—EXCERPT:Back in the kitchen, Brad stood at the counter, amused by something on his phone while he sipped his coffee.“Did you see this on Facebook?” He turned his phone screen in my direction.“I haven’t been on Facebook in ages. Too busy for that time-suck.”But truthfully, it wasn’t the time that kept me away as much as it was the lives of my “friends”, which always sounded monumentally better than my own, that stopped me from scrolling through the pages. The job promotions; the endless pictures of exotic vacations; the perfect children doing perfect things; the perfect, perfect lives everyone seemed to live. Everything and everyone were perfect on Facebook, and although deep down I knew no one lived the utopian life they portrayed on social media, the braggery still ate at me and left holes of inadequacy and unhappiness.“Bridget Radcliff just published a novel. Isn’t she a friend of yours?”“What?” I glanced at Brad’s phone. Bridget’s post made its way to his page from a friend of a friend of a friend in the small, claustrophobic world of fake-believe.“Looks like it made it onto Amazon’s bestseller list.”“Wow, fantabulous,” I said without an ounce of energy in my voice. “Another smut novel makes it onto the bestseller list. And if you must know, she’s an acquaintance, not a friend.”I didn’t know if it was really a smut novel, but I assumed it was only because I couldn’t imagine Bridget writing anything else. But this, I admit, was one of my flaws. I assumed a lot about everything. I assumed I’d marry a prince and become a princess. I assumed I knew everything there was to know at fifteen. I assumed I’d want sex every day for the rest of my life and my marriage to Brad would be like living inside a rainbow every day. I assumed I wouldn’t miss my career when I stayed home to raise the kids. I assumed my children would be the best at everything because I assumed I would be the best mother there ever was. But now, even with all I knew about assumptions, about how they are idealistic dreams I refused to prove wrong, I still gave them weight in my life. Why would assuming Bridget wrote something scandalous be any different?A little jealousy bounced within me. Even with Bridget being a divorced mother of two, she somehow found the time to write a best-selling novel. And that picture of her on Brad’s phone, all trim and sunshiny-beautiful holding her book, lit a fuse in me, or maybe it was already lit but had met the nitroglycerine.In any case, I was ready to explode. I moved to the sink and gazed out the window, counting slowly to ten, fully aware of the emptiness growing within me. Each person’s success reminded me of my own career as a teacher I’d willingly given up for this.
Author Bio:
Jan Steele grew up in the burbs of Chicago and after thirty-two years of shoveling snow, moved to San Diego with her husband and children. She has taught everything from Kindergarten through high school but found her passion for writing years later while living as an expat in Asia for four years. She is a contributing author of Chicken Soup for the Soul, Miracles and More (2018), an MFA student at UC Riverside, and shares a blog with her sister-in-law. In addition to writing, she loves to travel, volunteer, watch college basketball and sunsets.Inspired by the many frustrations of parenthood and the ever-present fear of failure, SHOES ON THE STAIRS centers around a mother’s struggle to accept what she has left behind after her death. She takes the reader on a journey of both laughter and tears while learning even the smallest of gestures can make a significant and lasting impact.
Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
July 27, 2019
BOOK BLITZ: A Divided Mind by M. Billiter #GIVEAWAY
A Divided Mind
M. Billiter
Published by: Tangled Tree Publishing
Publication date: July 27th 2019
Genres: Adult, Psychological Thriller
Sometimes that little voice in your head isn’t always yours. What if the only friend you have isn’t real? When the voices in his head begin to make sense, high school senior Branson Kovac turns to the one friend he’s still got… only to discover he’s not really there.Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo—EXCERPT:For everyone’s concern about me hurting myself or someone, cutting into a frozen frog didn’t prompt any crazed thoughts. Now the kid next to me who kept tapping me on the shoulder like he had a nervous tick, he deserved a beatdown just for annoying me.“Branson, help me out. What is this?” He pointed to a part of the frog.“For the hundredth time, it’s the liver.”“Oh, that makes sense.”No shit.I was identifying the other parts of Kermit’s anatomy when tick boy tapped me again on the shoulder.“What?” I glared at him and he backed away. That sudden jolt of anger triggered the shadow people. I shook my head, but it was still there. I saw a shadow of a person pick up the scalpel and attack tick boy with exact precision, cutting him across the throat. The only color I could see was red.
Author Bio:
M. Billiter is the alter ego of contemporary, award-winning romance author, Mary Billliter. After writing more than a dozen love stories, she is exploring the other side. Best known for her emotional honesty, Mary doesn't write about well-adjusted people, but rather the wounds in life. M. Billiter writes with clarity and raw emotion to explore difficult subjects and issues close to her heart.
Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Bookbub
GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
