Casey Peeler's Blog
February 9, 2018
I’ve got nothing…
I’ve got nothing…
Ha! Just kidding y’all!
Actually, I’m extremely blessed, but as Catherine and I talked books and life at Toscanos Bistro last night, I had no idea what I was going to write today. This morning… before work… I got up and just wrote.
Since last week, I’ve been focusing on what I am, who I want to be, and how I can accomplish it all. If you know me, you know I’m extremely goal oriented. After going all in on my marathon, coming home to try and make my life cohesive with my business’, and starting a book to pitch to a publisher, I’m exhausted. I’m tired of going all the time and to be quite frank, I feel like I’ve got the back wheels of my truck stuck in a mud hole and the more I push the deeper I get. Have any of you been like this?
For me, I don’t do chaos well. I prefer a consistent schedule… even if it’s a million miles an hour full throttle 24/7 than hours of unplanned time in my day. I know… some of y’all might think I’m crazy, but this blog is about keepin’ it real. THIS IS REAL.
You see, I’ve been spending all my time this week focusing on Casey Peeler’s brand. I know exactly what it is, and how to share it. The bigger problem goes back to this fall when the devil put his little ugly hands in my world because he knew that something AMAZING was about to happen. That’s right. I’m going to call him out. When my facebook page was hacked, I had no idea it was going on until it was too late. I went from over 10k likes to 2k and none were United States followers. At this time, I was releasing several short stories that were a little different than my normal, but Beyond the Lights was released in December as part of Kelly Elliott’s Wanted World. I knew that Kindle World was a blessing for me. Her readers will love my style, but my world had been rocked. Through all of that, I saw the bigger picture. I had been wanting to go back to my roots of true sweet southern reads, and with all of my post, live videos, and followers, I felt that this was God saying, “It’s time.”
Time for a change…
Since October, I’ve prayed about what to do, but it wasn’t until Christmas that I knew in my heart what needed to happen. I wanted to blog again, rebrand my covers to portray who I am and what the stories are truly about, but most importantly, I wanted to share my life with other women like myself. I want a community for women that is a blessing for all involved. I want to share my ideas on how to accomplish all of your goals, but spend more time with your family and friends. That is what you will see happening here. My brain is bursting with an idea, but with an idea comes doubt, fear, but you must have faith to put the plan into action.
This week, I decided to not focus on running another full marathon as planned. My coach and I had a nice talk, and it’s part of who I am. I love goals and am driven by them, but she told me that I don’t have to have one in every area all the time. So, right now, I’m not focusing on another race. (Now, in two months that could totally change.) I will, however, run with my friends and gosh darn it, if we want to run a half marathon on a whelm, let’s do the dang thing! It won’t be full on training to qualify for Boston because for me that goal isn’t what it used to be. It’s not a priority in my life right now.
This week, I decided that I want my business’ to be cohesive. When someone says the name, Hardcover Therapy or Casey Peeler, your first thoughts are a southern chic community for women. That is the goal for this month and I’ve been spending every free moment trying to wrap my brain around it. I want a place where we can celebrate all the blessings and everyday stresses in our life while talking quick tips for women/moms, new book releases, southern fashion, and how to always have hope in every situation.
If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram, you’ll notice things are changing. There is a very transparent picture of myself and my family. You’ll also notice that I don’t post stories all the time. Y’all I teach high school and yeah, I can’t bust out my phone in the middle of class! LOL! The biggest difference you will see is that it’s more about us as women and real life. I want to celebrate each of you, learn more about you and who you are, when you discovered my books, and when we’ve met. I feel that over the past few years, I’ve worked and worked, and feel that at times, I worked so much that I was just there. I wasn’t really present in the moment. I want to be present, and I want to know each and every one of you that follow this blog, follow me on social media, and truly live in the present.
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With that being said, I want to hear from each of you. What would you love to see happen on this blog? What would you love to see happen on my social media? What would help you grow as a southern woman who is busy and yes… blessed, stressed, and reading-obsessed!
Have an amazing weekend y’all!
With Love & Mason Jars,
Casey
February 2, 2018
What makes a champion?
Over the past few weeks, I’ve done a lot of soul-searching. I’ve always prided myself on being driven and goal oriented, but what happens when you take a break from the everyday hustle?
For me, that was December and January. I took time off from writing to pursue my marathon goal. In doing so, I felt motivated in that area and even had more time for my family and everyday moments that sometimes I take for granted. It was wonderful, but it was also pure chaos for a girl who lives by a schedule. As an individual who needs consistency, deadlines, and goals in her life, I couldn’t function with all of the non scheduled time. (I know for some folks y’all are probably going that’s crazy, but it’s how I work.)
[image error]As soon as my marathon was over, it was back to the grind and bringing those 2018 goals to the forefront. I’ve spent the past two weeks searching for my purpose in life. I honestly feel that God has a purpose for me that I haven’t quite honed in on.
Currently, I’m reading #BEMORE: 22 Secrets to Your Powerful Life by Sandi Krakowski. I’m actually using it as a daily devotional instead of reading it all in a day, and in one week it’s already impacting my life. I’m a positive individual and I think that is one of my gifts. In doing this more and more, I’ve realized that there is only one way this will happen, and that is putting my complete trust in Him- no matter the circumstance. I’ve been practicing this since November consistently day in and out no matter the situation, and it’s amazing how making this a goal each day how it’s changed my life even more positive. If you’re looking for a book to help you find your full potential with a faith approach, I highly recommend this one! We all need to #BeMore in our everyday life.
Lately, I’ve asked myself these questions…
What sets me apart from others that do what I do? What makes my goals a reality? How can I make all of my business’ work together more cohesively? What can I do to make my Bostom Marathon qualifying time in November?
All of these are items that will help me hone in on my purpose in life, but the biggest part is believing in yourself.
[image error] Last week Carrie Underwood released a song, The Champion, featuring Ludacris. If you’ve not heard it, just click the here.
With everything going on in my life and probably yours, you have to believe in yourself in order for your purpose to shine. When this song came on The Highway, I was hooked. The words, meaning behind the song, and how it made me think about my life, I knew it would be in this weeks post and immediately was added to my running playlist.
Y’all, it’s exactly how I feel about myself. We are all champions in our own unique way, but it’s what you do to reach the champion status that is different for all of us. Ludacris got it right.
It takes…
Courage,
Honor,
Attitude,
Motivation,
Perseverance,
Integrity, being
Optimistic, &
Never giving up.
All of these make a champion. We might not all see our name in lights as Carrie says, but if you look at “the light’s” as your gift/purpose it takes on a brand new meaning. For me, this song released at the most perfect time, I know that I am the champion of my own story, and with my eyes on Him fully that I will do great things in the book titled, Casey Peeler.
Tell me…
What is your purpose in life? How do you ensure that you reach your full potential each and every day?
With Love & Mason Jars,
Casey
January 26, 2018
LOVE all the moments.
Good. Bad. Indifferent.
Each moment is a piece of our own puzzle that makes us unique. Most of us don’t think about the moments that are indifferent. Those seem to be the ones that we don’t’ recall, make out of sight out of mind, but those are the moments that bind the good and bad.
Last week, we had way more snow than normal in North Carolina. I don’t love snow days. In fact, I despise them. Maybe that’s the teacher in me and not wanting to miss a day when it’s sunny and poolside. However, last week it was like my body needed the time. I need a day or three at home to recharge. I’m always so busy and going one hundred miles an hour. I’m sure y’all can relate.
So guess what I did? I got to read a book or maybe an entire series in 48 hours. Yes, I had a total book hangover for two days in a row, but it was so worth it. Little did I know the life lessons within those pages would leave a burning mark on my soul and allow me to realize that we must love every moment even the unplanned ones that make your heart stop.
Have faith in the little things…
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Life has a funny way of throwing a bump in the road when it’s going too well. I think all people can relate to this.
For my family, the last six months have been a blessing from God. Yes, there have been times that the devil tried to work his way in, but I just told him to go on. Faith is what made that possible or looking at the bigger picture.
In the Keaton Series by B.A. Wolfe, Cassandra learns that faith is what matters. You must believe and love every moment in life even if the roadmap isn’t what you originally map out. I don’t know about y’all, but I’m one that maps things out and goes for it. The change or bumps throw me for a loop until I can refocus and see the end in sight. (Just ask my husband or running coach LOL)
Life too perfect…
Have you ever thought your life was too perfect? Or maybe just a season of our life? In this story, Cassandra’s life changes for the better and when she loses the one she loves she falls apart. However, there was a bigger plan. One that left a mark on my soul.
Cassandra knew she had found love, but instead, she felt lost in every sense of the word. However, her road that wasn’t planned brought her to the most perfect life for her. Do any of you feel the same way?
Over the past few years…
Do you ever think to yourself… What if I had more money? What if I could pay off this bill? If I did all of this, I’d be happy. I’d be content.
I’ve come to the conclusion over the past year that isn’t the case. The only way to be happy and content in this early life is to LOVE all of the moment. Be content in every moment- good, bad, rich, poor, or just an average day. It’s something that has struck a nerve with my heart, and I’m learning to live this way. It’s honestly amazing what happens when you put the hope in Him and not in the what ifs of this world. I challenge each of you to take a moment and LOVE the moment your in.
With Love & Mason Jars,
Casey
[image error]When I read the Keaton Series, it made me think about Cadence in Tutus & Cowboy Boots. She had little faith in people and life, but one person helped her see the hope in all situations.
**I give the Keaton Series a 4 Star rating. The plot was amazing, but there were multiple grammatical issues**
January 19, 2018
Goals. Hopes. Dreams.
Goals. Hopes. Dreams.
Those three words can mean different things to different people. However, all three are intertwined with each other.
Most of you know that I am an extremely goal oriented individual. When I set a goal, I achieve it, but what happens if you come up short?
For me, I put all my hopes and dreams into one basket and the goals weren’t achieved this past weekend. You see, I ran a marathon with hopes of a Boston Qualifying time. I had never ran a marathon, moved up my race date by six weeks, but I had faith that I would achieve it along with an amazing coach and training plan.
Since November 2017, I had put my sole focus on training for this full marathon. I always have a “to do” list a mile long, but until January, I knew that I wouldn’t write much, read, or do anything other than teach, enjoy my family, and run my butt off! I loved every minute of it.
This past weekend, I ran, and mentally I had been ready since I made the decision to run the Charleston Marathon. You see, this race was different. I had a time goal, but I also had been spending a lot of time talking to God about the race, my purpose in life, and it all being in his plan.
Last Friday, I was so ready. I was excited, yet calm. Saturday morning I woke up the exact same way.
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This is me before the race. I was all smiles and ready to roll. As the race started, I was all good. My pace is perfect and by mile three I’ve shed my long sleeve shirt and in my tank. However, by mile six it was back on. The wind was brutal. Y’all, out of my running friends, I’m the one that is in a tank when it’s barely above freezing. Needless to say, my goal of meeting the time was still on point until mile eighteen.
We all know that running is mind of matter, but so is everyday life. I’m a firm believer that if you believe it, you’ll achieve it with hard work. I strive to make my dreams a reality.
At mile eighteen, I looked up and saw my family. That was the biggest blessing! My mind NEEDED them at that point. As the race went on, the struggles began as well. At mile twenty twoish, I knew that my goal time was out. It was a hard thing to swallow, BUT at that point, I decided to enjoy every moment of the race. My time was horrible, but I didn’t care at the end. I finished. I have become one percent of the population, and come November, I WILL meet my goal and make my hopes and dreams a reality.
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Yes, this pic isn’t istaworthy, but I don’t care. My Daddy took it, hence the hand you see up top. I’m all smiles at the end of 26.2, and my Mama had my cup of coffee waiting as soon as I crossed the finish line.
It was an amazing feeling, and yes, I cried because that’s a feeling like none other. I honestly thought at one point I was crazy for signing up for this, but like I said, by the time I was back at the condo I was plotting the next one. It reminded me of having a baby. When you in the race, you swear you’ll never put your body through this again and feel all the pain, but once you cross the finish line it’s like moment your hear your baby cry and see her for the first time. All the pain, crazy thoughts, and negativity are weakened. Over time they dull, and you signup for a new race just like a mama welcomes another blessing to the world.
It’s all about support…
There is no way that I would have made it through those 26.2 without an adequate support system- my family, friends, coach, and running tribe helped make this race possible. Sometimes in life, we feel like we must do everything on our own as women. It’s not true. We need people in our lives that build us up, help us push our limits, and make those hopes and dreams a reality. It doesn’t have to be a marathon. It could be applying for a new job or stepping out on your own in business. Make sure that you surround yourself with people that will believe in your hopes, goals, and dreams because they will be the cheerleaders for your own race.
[image error]All smiles at the end of 26.2 at the Charleston Marathon
January 12, 2018
Loss. Music. Hope.
[image error]Download at http://amzn.to/2lW4dG2
Since The Flight of Hope was announced, I couldn’t wait to read it. HJ Bellus and I are “boot” sisters and she had told me about this book when we were in Kentucky. I knew it was different, but as a reader/writer/woman, that’s what helps us grow. Change helps us evolve and become something great. Can you imagine if there was no change in our lives?
At the end of November, I made a few changes. I decided that my full marathon would be bumped up to January instead of March. I also decided to keep all of my businesses going. I knew if I went all in with marathon training there would be no way to be super momma like some believe. Selfishly, I knew that would also allow me time to read over Christmas break and you guessed it. The Flight of Hope was #1 on my list.
As the break approached, I packed my kindle in my backpack. I was going to read any free moment I had. I didn’t care if it was sitting in my car during my planning period or at Carlee’s dance studio.
Life can be hectic….
Well… have you ever wanted to do something so bad but it’s like there are not enough hours in the day? Y’all I had been running four businesses, marathon training, teaching, and being a mom/wife. How is it that I minimize things and I can’t find time for a book? I’m still clueless on this one. Have you ever felt this way?
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The week of Christmas I was determined to start and finish it. Normally, I can read a book within a day or two. It took almost a full week, but y’all, it was so worth it.
Have you ever loved someone so much you can’t image what life would be like after they are gone? What if it was the two most import people in your life? For me, the thought is devastating. I couldn’t imagine Billy and Carlee not living this life with me. They are my heart and soul. However, we know that God has a plan for all of us and he knows what’s best.
In the Flight of Hope, Marlee loses her heart and soul. She can’t see a light in the darkness. Jed, a country music star, is struggling with an outside force that will tear your heart out. The two cross paths and the bond created is hope. This story will make your heart hurt, break, shatter, but the light of hope will heal it all. If you are looking for a novel that will make you feel the entire spectrum of emotions then I highly recommend you download this book today.
Life thoughts…
So many times we as women put everything we have into our families that we lose who we are as individuals. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that at all, but we also need to take time for ourselves… to feel our own cup so to speak.
For me, I do a daily devotion each morning and run 3-4 days a week. Saturday is always a long run day with friends and it’s so therapeutic. Some days I’ll go to the coffee shop alone and read a book.
As women, we need time to fuel our soul. Tell me… how do you refill your cup?
January 5, 2018
Blessed. Stressed. Reading Obsessed.
WOW, Y’all! How in the world has it been TWO years since I last wrote on this blog? I honestly can’t believe how fast that time has flown.
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Hardcover Therapy is back and I’m so excited I can hardly stand it. I might have to cut a cartwheel… or maybe not. Instead, I’ll go and run a few miles. However, there will be a few changes. Did you see that tagline? Blessed, Stressed and Reading Obsessed? What did you think?
For me personally, I know I’m not alone. My cup is running over and I truly am blessed with my faith, family, career(s), and so much more. The past two years I have had some ups and downs, but no matter what, I have remained positive. I want to always show a positive light on life.
Life can get a little stressful at times, but I wouldn’t trade my life for the world. I think all of us women can relate to that. (The everyday things that have to be done at home, running our children to extracurriculars, the extra bill showing up in the mail, etc.)
Hardcover Therapy will now be a place for us as women to come to enjoy the little things in life called blessings, find ways to remove the little stresses, and of course, discuss the books we are obsessing over.
Since I took a break from this site here’s what has happened in my life…
[image error]My WORLD
Carlee & Billy are still my top priorities. I love spending every moment I can with them and my family/friends. The past two years I’ve grown so much in my own skin it’s crazy. For the first time in my life, I’m okay with me inside and out. I’ve realized that as long as my faith is strong, my family is by my side, and I remain positive through the hard times that I will be fine in this life. I’ve truly started to embrace the small moments in life. I can put down my phone or laptop and take a moment to bake cookies with Carlee or to have a lunch date with my husband with my phone on silent. It can wait… they are what truly matter in life.
Author Casey Peeler has written a total of nine full-length novels and five novellas. It has been amazing and I’ve learned so much about myself as a writer as well. I’m def still that #SweetSouthernReads kinda girl. I’ve got a new release in March with several WIP currently.
I’ve dilly-dallied in two direct sales companies- Plunder Design & NuSkin. Plunder Design was brought to me by one of my fabulous readers, Olivia. She had the cutest jewelry and it had a very unique southern style to it. She stayed on me for six months before I gave in. It’s very southern chic and super affordable. Y’all like the average price is $20 or less! Now, I just dilly with it and have an online site.
[image error]NuSkin Cooperate Office Provo, UT
NuSkin however changed my life with one little tube of toothpaste. In February, I came across it and said why not. It’s free to join. Needless to say my husband was like what in the heck are you selling now. LOL. Little did we know that our lives were about to change. My husband worked for an assisted living facility and wanted to step out on his own. This business allowed us to be able to do that without the worry of making sure we had a roof over our heads and bills paid. Ya know what I mean? I didn’t know at the time that I would fall head over boots for this company, products, and beliefs. The company is one I believe in and will be going to South Africa in March as a reward for my success. Why does this matter? Well, here’s where things get interesting.
As a child I was obsessed with Africa. My Mom always believed I’d be her missionary in Kenya. So for me, this is a dream come true to visit. Their Nourish the Children foundation has touched my heart, and soon I’ll be an ambassador for the company. What does this mean? I will be able to go and do the outreach my Mom believed I’d do as a child. It’s funny how things come full circle isn’t it? Has that ever happened to you?
[image error]Shug & Honey tee accented with Plunder earrings
Last May, my sister and I launched a women’s shirt line called Shug & Honey which is featured in my stories. It’s been fun to work with her and create southern style shirts along with unique watercolor designs. There have been some ups and downs with this business. We are both mom bosses and sometimes this is what gets put on the back burner. It’s an adventure we enjoy but def more of a hobby for us.
All of these items are featured under my SHOP tab.
Now to life…
During the past two years, I’ve discovered who I AM. I am strong, goal oriented, determined who loves her faith, family, and living life to the fullest.
[image error]JuneBug Jam my 1 year RUNiversary
If you would have asked me a little over a year and a half ago to run a marathon, I’d have laughed at you! Y’all in SEVEN days I’ll be running 26.2 miles at the Charleston Marathon! I use to only run if something was chasing me, but two friends changed that with a 5k. Needless to say, it created a fire in my feet and I LOVE it. I’ve had some BIG goals for this race, and it’s all about mindset. So bring on that 3:45 and keep pushing for the 3:40! I promise to let you know how it goes.
Running has seriously helped me realized a lot about myself. I’m strong, determined, consistent, and it’s the time I take for myself four days a week. It’s like when I sit down and escape in a good book.
So tell me…
How has your life changed the past two years? Are you looking for a place to connect with women who are busy moms who want to escape the everyday hustle with a good book? If so, stay tuned because I’ve got the place for you.
With Love & Mason Jars!
Casey
November 24, 2015
One ending is another beginning…
Hey Y’all!
Most of you know that since I began this journey as Hardcover Therapy my life has changed tremendously. I’ve gone from reader/reviewer to author/reader/reviewer.
Over the past few months, balancing both sites has become difficult. I’ve felt pulled in what I need to do because this site is where it all began, but I’ve made the decision to move my blog post to my author website.
After today, I will continue to review, post my favorite titles, give recommendations for books, country music, and southern style, but it will be on at Author Casey Peeler.
I’m so thankful for each and every one of you that visit this website daily, weekly, monthly, or whenever you have a spare moment. Please take a moment to follow me on my author page. I love seeing your comments and thoughts. You’ve been my family since I started this crazy journey, and I would love nothing more than you to continue on this adventure with me.
With
Casey Peeler aka Hardcover Therapy
http://www.authorcaseypeeler.com
November 22, 2015
Tutus & Cowboy Boots @AuthorCasey
Title: Tutu’s & Cowboy Boots
Author: Casey Peeler
Release Date: Dec 28, 2015
Find on Goodreads
Cadence Lewis has been dancing since she could walk. Living in New York with her parents she has the chance to go to the best dance school in the country, but when her father does the unthinkable she’s forced to leave her dreams behind and move to a small southern town with her mom. Cadence is having a hard time adjusting to her new life when she meets Jade Carpenter. Jade starts to show Cadence that small-town life isn’t so bad, but when Cadence has a chance to go back to New York she is on the next flight and will do anything to get her old life back.
iTunes| Barnes & Noble | Kobo
~Amazon: coming soon~
As I approach the house, I can see that Gran is already in the garden. Knowing this isn’t going to go well with her, I suck it up and just deal with this shit literally.
“Lord have mercy, child. What happened to ya?” Gran says, looking toward me.
“Your boy down there had me take the cow shit to the compost pile and you can see the shit won,” I say with my arms crossed.
“Bless your heart. Did you not use the tractor?”
“Tractor?” At that exact moment, I hear an engine and I’ll be damned. Barrick is using a bucket to haul the rest of the manure down there. He looks toward us and waves. It’s on like donkey kong.
Casey Peeler grew up in North Carolina and still lives there with her husband and daughter.
Growing up Casey wasn’t an avid reader or writer, but after reading Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neal Hurston during her senior year of high school, and multiple Nicholas Sparks’ novels, she found a hidden love and appreciation for reading. That love ignited the passion for writing several years later, and her writing style combines real life scenarios with morals and values teenagers need in their daily lives.
When Casey isn’t writing, you can find her near a body of water listening to country music with a cold beverage and a great book.
Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads
Enter to win 2 signed copies of Tutu’s & Cowboy Boots BEFORE release day here!
November 18, 2015
Can you resist the #Addiction?
Title: Addiction
Series: Seven Deadly Sins
Author: Shantel Tessier
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: November 17, 2015
Cover Design: Perfect Pear Creative
Photographer: Dave Kelly Artistics
Cover Models: Lance Jones & Jami Watts
I’m a sinner with no regrets. I’m a man with no shame.
I’m a lover with no soul.
What am I?
You’re a loner with no friends.
You’re a beggar with no place to go.
You’re a face with no name.
Who are you?
It doesn’t really matter what I am or who you are. Everyone has sin in common. But I pride myself on doing it better. Through the eyes of another, I am envied. If they only knew the wrath I have endured. Greed can be a motherfucker, but it is what makes us strive to be better. Lust can make you burn, but without it you would freeze to death. Some of us are a glutton for punishment and want to feel the pain that reminds us we’re still alive rather than overcome by sloth.
The lure of these seven deadly sins is like an addiction. And I intend to indulge in each of these unforgivable sins.
Everyone is addicted to something. For me, I absolutely love the sunshine, flip flops, and books. Other however are addicted to the darker side.
Shantel Tessier’s Addiction is a book that takes you on that side of life, but even those who feel as if they are in control fall to an addiction of some sort.
Taylor doesn’t do drugs and wants nothing to do with them. Blane, her brother, has made a deal with the devil and without trying Taylor becomes involved.
Cade is the mastermind behind the entire operation, but what he doesn’t expect is to become addicted to an individual. One whom he will have to break all rules to get his next hit.
Addiction is a story that had my heart beating like crazy. There’s an element of danger and fear of the unknown. I wanted to keep Taylor safe, but I didn’t know if that was going to be the case.
Shantel Tessier does an amazing job at creating a dynamic plot with drama, unique situations, not to mention the steam level is through the roof . This is one that will make you want to believe in the lies, and pray that everything goes according to the plan. If you’re looking to feed you next book addiction, one click Addiction by Shantel Tessier right now.
Addiction by Shantel Tessier from Becca the Bibliophile on Vimeo.
I cross my arms over my chest, getting more comfortable. “Come in,” I call out.
The door opens, and she comes walking in as if she owns the place. Shoulders pulled back and chin up. She is dressed much differently than she was last night, but it doesn’t change the fact she’s beautiful. She’s pulled her long, dark hair up into a messy ponytail with loose pieces framing her flawless face. She has an oversized white t-shirt on that hangs off one shoulder. The color of her bra strap gets my attention. Black—my favorite color. She’s wearing a pair of black yoga pants that hugs her thin legs. Even though they cover more of her legs than her shorts did from last night, they seem more sexual. More intimate in a way that makes me want to peel them off her slowly.
“I need to have a word with you …” I arch a brow at her hard tone even though it did sound cute “… sir,” she adds a little softer, and I hide my smile. So she doesn’t have as much backbone as she wants me to think she has.
“I don’t think we’ve been properly introduced,” I say as I stand. I reach out my right hand toward her. “My name is …”
She holds up her hand stopping me. “I know who you are.” She cocks a dark eyebrow. “A word?” She’s all business.
I smirk as I sit back down. “Of course. And please, call me Case.” I gesture to the chair that sits across my desk.
“I’ll stand. This won’t take long.” She takes in a deep breath, and I allow myself a quick look at her large chest hidden behind that t-shirt. I can’t touch her, but I sure as hell can enjoy the view.
“What can I do for you?” I ask with amusement. I can think of several things I could do for her, all of which would require her being naked and bent over my desk. I rub my hands on my thighs as I feel my cock start to harden at the thought of her, open-mouthed, moaning in pleasure.
“My brother told me that he owes you.” She gets right to the point.
My face hardens at that statement. My amusement is replaced with anger. What else did he tell her? “I don’t see where what business I have with your brother is any of yours,” I say flatly.
She crosses her arms over her chest and lets out a huff. The motion blows the dark strands around her face. “That is where you are wrong. I don’t know what he owes you, but I’m willing to pay it.”
I refrain from chuckling at that. I lean forward and place my forearms on my desk. She quickly scans the tattoos on my arms and then looks back at me. “Taylor…”
“Call me Miss Williams,” she informs me lifting her chin.
“Miss Williams, I assure you that you cannot pay what he owes me.”
I watch as her tough act starts to unravel. “I don’t have a lot of money, that’s true. But maybe I can make payments,” she offers, her voice sounding more desperate than demanding.
I shake my head. “This isn’t about money.”
She stomps her foot, and I chuckle. Her beautiful blue eyes narrow on me as she uncrosses her arms and points an angry finger at me. “Name your price!” she demands. “Everyone has a price.”
If she only knew how right she is, but I say, “There is no price.”
She throws her arms out to her side. “I came here …” She pauses as she looks around the room as if it can give her some sort of an answer. Then she mutters a curse in frustration. When she looks back up at me, she looks desperate. Her eyes have softened, making them look lighter than they are. Her lips part as she breathes in a sigh, and her shoulders slump in defeat. And I hate that I like the way it looks. That it makes me feel like she needs me. That I hold all the answers. Too bad she’s not gonna get them.
“Pulled in from page one and I’m still addicted to this book even after finishing it. The twists and turns Shantel takes you on will have your head spinning and your heart pounding.” ~Judy Miracle
“If you’re looking for a new Addiction then this is the book for you!! Shantel will have you Addicted by the first chapter. I couldn’t put it down.” ~Kelly Tucker
“Addiction is a great story with lots twists and turns that will be sure to keep you on your toes.” ~Rachael Duncan (Author)
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Shantel is a Texas born girl who now lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma with her high school sweetheart, who is a wonderful, supportive husband and their four year old little princess. She loves to spend time cuddled up on the couch with a good book
She has published five books in the Undescribable series and 2 books in the DASH series. She considers herself extremely lucky to get to be a stay at home wife and mother. Going to concerts and the movies are just a few of her favorite things to do. She hates coffee, but loves wine. She and her husband are both huge football fans, college and NFL. And she has to feed her high heel addiction by shopping for shoes weekly.
Although she has a passion to write, her family is most important to her. She loves spending evenings at home with her husband and daughter, along with their two cats and dog.
HOSTED BY:
November 16, 2015
Crush is LIVE!
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The danger isn’t over.
It’s only just begun.
Circumstances brought them together and their undeniable connection won’t let them part. But when the past and the present collide, emotions run high—things are said, lines are crossed, and rules are broken. Both focused on crushing the enemy, the retribution is almost too much to bear. Still, there’s no undoing what has already been done, and every action has a consequence.
He loves her and she loves him, but love isn’t a shield.
Sometimes your only choice is the one you’d rather not make. Pushed to the limit, the tainted love of Logan and Elle is in jeopardy. With outside forces driving a wedge between them, they have to dig deep within their souls to release the ghosts of their pasts, and fight even harder for what neither knew they needed—each other.
Can love really conquer all?
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Kim Karr is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author.
She grew up in Rochester, NY and now lives in Florida with her husband and four kids. She’s always had a love for reading books and writing. Being an English major in college, she wanted to teach at the college level but that was not to be. She went on to receive an MBA and became a project manager until quitting to raise her family. Kim currently works part-time with her husband and recently decided to embrace one of her biggest passions–writing.
Kim wears a lot of hats! Writer, book-lover, wife, soccer-mom, taxi driver, and the all around go-to person of her family. However, she always finds time to read. One of her favorite family outings was taking her kids when they were little to the bookstore or the library. Today, Kim’s oldest child is seventeen and no longer goes with her on these, now rare and infrequent, outings. She finds that she doesn’t need to go on them anymore because she has the greatest device ever invented–a Kindle.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon Page | Instagram
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