Laura Beege's Blog, page 86

Let's talk about endings...

... more specifically the ending of These Things About Us. 

If you haven't read the book yet, stop right here. This post is going to be full of spoilers!


There have been dozens - and I mean dozens - of people who have been disappointed with the ending of These Things. I've been getting emails about it nearly every day now. 
Believe me, I get it. I know why you're disappointed. 
It was fast. It was abrupt. It was an unsuspected stop. And it wasn't happy.

And nearly all of it was intended that way. In an Interview I said that I started writing stories, already having in mind how I wanted my readers to feel at the end of them, even though I might not have the end envisioned just yet. 
Knowing fully well that I was taking a great risk, I wanted the readers at the end of These Things to feel cheated. I didn't just want readers to realize that Tony and Trace were cheated out of a possible future together by Tony's father. I wanted to make them feel just as betrayed. 
Guess what. Judging by the number of complaints and 'Are you serious?'s I'm getting, I succeeded with that.  

Additional to that: Everything went down that fast, because I couldn't give Tony and Trace the time to acclimate to the situation. It wouldn't have been true to their story. They had just started exploring the romance between them. They didn't have an explosion of epic love. They worked through their issues and fought to trust each other and their relationship was constantly moving - until someone interfered. And that interference was a catalyst. But it didn't just speed up the romance (them sleeping together), it also speeded up the inevtiable end of it. 


So... If you have stumbled across the blog because you were disappointed with the Happily Never After kind of ending, let me assure you that you are meant to be disappointed. 
Because I'm cruel like that. 
And because my local cookie store accepts readers' tears instead of money. ;)

I passed my exams, have a book!

I'm dancing through my apartment at the moment because there is so much positivity in my life right now.

A) My exams are over. I passed them. - This is a huge deal to me. I suffer from test anxiety. With them off my chest, I feel like I just spent a week at a spa with sexy male masseurs ;)

B) I can finally tell you a tid bit about my new book. YES! You read that right. I will have another book coming out. In early 2014 you'll be able to read Graeme and Ruby's story. All I am willing to give away so far: It's NA. It's not contemporary. There's kissing.

C) Because I am in the mood to celebrate (which already cost me a massive hangover earlier today) I am giving away ecopies of These Things About Us -- To everyone. Starting tomorrow, you can get These Things for free on Amazon for the rest of the weekend! Enjoy!


Now, let's crank that terribly annoying techno beat up, get out the champagne and paaart-eey!

These Things for your Nook

Finally. FINALLY. You can get These Things About Us for more devices than your kindle. :) 
I'm happy to announce that TTAU is now available through Barnes and Noble, and more retailers will follow within the next few weeks.

If you're one of the patient people who've been asking me about getting TTAU for their Nook, here it is: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/these...

Thank you for sticking around, Kitties!
Enjoy your reading. 

xx Laura

Augustmas (Christmas in August)

I love Christmas. I love waiting for Christmas. And since it's still four months to go, I decided we should celebrate pre-christmas. Augustchristmas. Augustmas!

From August 24 to August 29 you can get These Things About Us for only 0.99$!
It will automatically be applied to Amazon purchases, on Smashwords you have to use a Coupon Code: HW73T

Merry Augustmas!

Sneaky and underCOVER

A few of you might know that I wanted a couple on my cover initially. So... thanks to those who bought These Things About Us last week, I was able to afford one!

TTAU now has a NEW COVER! And I am truly, madly, deeply in love with it! Check it out.


What do you think? :)

These Things About Us is OUT NOW + Blog Tour!

Hey you guys...

GUESS WHAT?!

Exactly! Wooohoooo! These Things has hit the wild!!!!! (I feel like this deserves all the exclamation points in the world.) :D I couldn't be happier.
Now, I can finally give you all the story of Trace and Tony.

You can buy the book through Amazon.
Amazon.com
Amazon.co.uk
...and many more countries!

Or on Smashwords.

That, however, is not all. That's right. More excitement.
A lot of awesome bloggers are helping me welcome These Things About Us into the world on my super awesome, fun, delicious blog tour! We'll get some Reviews, some Interviews, some special content and more!
Check out the schedule:

Sunday, August 4th
She Reads New Adult

Monday, August 5th
LisLesLivres
Bend in the Binding
Tyhada Reads

Tuesday, August 6th
Paperbook Princess
Brittany and Bianca Blab Books

Wednesday, August 7th
Fictional Candy
Fab Fun & Tantalizing Reads

Thursday, August 8th
Jeneé's Book Blog
Books She Reads

Friday, August 9th
Amanda's Nose in a Book
Books and Flicks

Saturday, August 10th
Cecilia Robert
Guest-Blogging over at The Book Lovers

Sunday, August 11th
The Book Lovers
Books, Coffee & Wine

New Release Date!

Hi! 
It's been a while since I blogged about anything and this is going to be nothing but a quick announcement. I will try to get this blog going soon!

 These Things About Us has a new release date! It used to be 07/30/2013 but the cover model, who is a dear friend of mine, asked if it was able to postpone the release to her birthday. Of course, I agreed. 
Tony and Trace's story will be released into the wild on... *drumroll*

08|04|2013(only five days later)

These Things About Us - 1st Teaser!

A few months ago, I wasn't even sure if a single person out there (besides my mom and my best friend) would want to read These Things About Us -- Now, more than two months before TTAU hits the ebook stores, 100 unique people have added TTAU to their goodreads shelves. It's very humbling to see that people I don't know show interest in my stories. I love you guys!
No more rambling! I promised I'd release a teaser at the 100 mark! Let me introduce you to Antonia and Trace:


“If I did make those sounds, that’s still better than whatever your ladyfriend has in store for later. You should go back to her now. She probably misses you.”
“Oh, you haven’t heard this one yet. You might actually like her, Kitty.” A small grin unfolded on his lips.
“Stop calling me that. I’m not a drowning cat.”
“No, but you flinch every time someone calls you by your name.”
“I don’t.” Did I?
“Good night, Kitty.”
“Don’t come in here again!” I yelled at the closing door.






Add These Things About Us to your Goodreads shelves!

Book Excitement (2): Unexpected by Faith Sullivan

Title: Unexpected
Author: Faith Sullivan
Expected release date: April 2, 2013
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Category: New Adult
Ebook available at: Kindle ($1.99) 
Paperback available at: Amazon ($6.99)




Book Description:

September 11, 2001.

A day that forever changes the destiny of college overachiever, Michelle Rhodes.

Shattered, confused and alone, no one understands the trauma consuming her until she meets Connor Donnelly.

A native New Yorker, he believes he can aid in getting her life back on track. But what if he's even more broken inside?

Offering her a chance at a fresh start, Connor convinces Michelle to move in with him. Hiring her to waitress at his bar, their mutual attraction only complicates matters.

As more details surrounding Connor's past emerge, Michelle uncovers the full magnitude of the loss he's trying to hide. Refusing to let her feelings for him hinder his recovery, she makes a decision that winds up hurting them both.

By sacrificing her heart, Michelle thinks she is helping Connor come to terms with his grief. Little does she know, Connor is gambling everything for the sake of having a future with her.

What happens is truly unexpected.

Excerpt:

Chapter Six

“W...what?” I stutter despite myself.

He gives me a crooked grin. “All night, I’ve been freezing my ass off out here waiting for you. I didn’t think you were gonna show.”

If his first remark didn’t floor me, the second leaves me utterly confused. “Whoa, slow down, buddy. How do you even know my name?”

Again, he laughs. “Does it really matter? I’m here to talk some sense into you.”

The dimples in his cheeks distract me. He has such a cute smile. But I’m not letting him off that easily. “Sorry to disappoint you, but I’m done with New York.”

“Really? You could’ve fooled me.”

“And why’s that?”

“Because you should never run from something that scares you.” His hazel eyes catch the moonlight as they bore into mine. “And this time, you won’t be alone. I’ll be with you.”

This whole conversation is getting way too intense. Standing up, I wrap my arms around myself. I have to get out of here. This guy is crazy.

I jump as the front door opens and my ex-boyfriend Tony emerges, giving me a hopeful look. We broke up after our senior year. He understood I wasn’t planning on sticking around, so I set him free. He met someone else over the summer, and I only talked to him once on the phone when I got back. But with the way he’s looking at me now, I can tell he feels sorry for me, and that’s something I won’t tolerate.

Inching closer to the steps, I attempt to play it cool. “Oh hi, Tony. It’s good seeing you. I wish I could stay and chat, but I was just leaving.”

“I don’t think so.”

I whirl around. That’s it. Who does this guy think he is? “Listen, you little...” I begin, but Tony interrupts by grabbing my arm.

“Michelle, calm down. There’s no need to freak out,” Tony says, slowly releasing his grip on me. “Do you remember me telling you about Sal, my roommate at school, the one from New York?” I nod, but I can care less at this moment. “Well, this is his older brother, Connor. I kind of told him all about you, and I thought it’d be a good idea if you two met.”

I shake my head and sigh. “So you made him wait out here alone in the cold?”

I can tell Tony’s nervous. He’s running his fingers through his hair. “I thought you’d bolt otherwise.”

“She nearly did,” Connor chimes in.

Frustrated, I slam my fist on the porch railing. “The both of you just stop it, right now! I knew it was a bad idea to come here. I don’t need some random guy from New York giving me advice on how to live my life.”

Pushing off the swing, Connor gets to his feet. “Well, what are you doing with your life then? What’s plan B?”

I advance toward him. “I don’t have a plan B, asshole. I don’t have all the answers, but apparently you do.”

Connor closes the gap between us. “I wish I did, but I think you can figure it out. You were brave enough to take on the big, bad city once. Why not try it again under different circumstances?”

Tony clears his throat, and for a moment, I forgot he was there. “Michelle, Connor owns a bar downtown. He thought you could go back and work for him. Give it another go.”

“I’m no bartender,” I retort.

“You sure aren’t,” Connor fires back.

Tony holds up his hands in an attempt to keep the peace. “Just hear him out, Michelle.”

“Fine,” I say glaring up at him.

“Go on, Connor. Tell her about it,” Tony urges, knowing I may flee at any moment.

Connor’s eyes find mine again, but I look away as he starts speaking. “My family’s owned a pub on Beekman Street for years. Not too long ago, my dad had a heart attack, so I took over. I can offer you a waitressing job plus room and board above the bar for as long as you want it.”

For a minute, I stop and consider the possibility. It actually doesn’t sound that bad, and it’d be a welcome change from my original intention of becoming the next film school prodigy. It would be fresh start, and I wouldn’t be alone. But can I really go back there?

Sensing my trepidation, Connor pats me on the shoulder. “Listen, I know it’s not what you imagined. Tony told me how smart you are and how you were hoping to make it big at NYU. I can understand how working in a bar sounds like a letdown after that. But honestly, I think it’d be good for you.”

“And why do you care about what happens to me?” I ask, raising my eyes to his.

“Because I was there that day, and so were you.”

About the author, Faith Sullivan:

I really hate talking about myself. My goal is to have the shortest author bio imaginable. I would much rather have a conversation with my readers.

Are you able to escape within my pages?
Does my writing make you feel something?
Are there characters that you can't get out of your head?

Let me know!

Author Links: Blog | Twitter | Goodreads


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Book Excitement (1)

There are so many amazing books out there and even more are being published every week! So... I thought I'd tell y'all which book I'm looking forward to. (Click on the Cover to be taken to Goodreads)

Stripped by Brooklyn Skye

Here's a blurb for your entertainment:
College freshman Quinn Montgomery will do anything to avoid the mistake her sister made—killing herself over a boy. But when she is forced into nude modeling at a local college to support her family after a bankruptcy, she begins to crack, just enough to let Torrin, the university’s top varsity oarsman, see that the real Quinn is not as feisty and unapproachable as she wants everyone to think. But letting someone in comes at a steep cost and, it turns out, Torrin is connected to Quinn’s family in more ways than she could ever imagine.

May 14th 2013
Doesn't that sound plain awesome? I have a feeling there will be angst (LOVE IT!) and secrets mixed with the perfect dose of romance! Plus, the cover is sooo pretty!
What book are you excited about?