Casey Peeler's Blog, page 48
August 23, 2013
Find out the Truth! Truth Blog Tour @HDcoverTherapy
Book Info:
Claire Nichols endured the CONSEQUENCES of Anthony Rawlings’ vendetta. When she first arrived to his home, her goal was survival. Through strength and compartmentalization Claire captivated her captor. Her resilience in the face of his rule threatened Anthony’s well developed plan. Domination became desire and power turned to love. Their passion and adoration in a world of opulence appeared perfect. Yet, reality was a roller coaster of emotion. Claire’s world teetered on the edge of sanity as Antony monitored her every move. When given the opportunity to flee, Claire drove away. A fateful decision which set a well laid plan into motion. However, unbeknownst to either of them, there were others who saw past the perfect facade of Anthony Rawlings. There were others who saw the TRUTH. Conspiracy and unfulfilled promises result in an early prison release for Claire. Not just a release – a pardon. According to the law, her crime never happened! Will it be that easy? Faced with freedom from her past… can Claire seize it? Can she build a new life, mend her broken spirit, become the woman she once was, and seek her own revenge? Or is it all a game? And does the game master have different plans? How does Sophia Burke fit into the puzzle that is Tony and Claire? Will her presence affect the future of this well esteemed man? Can he dominate twice? Is that his goal? TRUTH continues the tumultuous saga of CONSEQUENCES, introduces new players, and uncovers more intrigue. Aleatha Romig skillfully weaves past transgressions through current deception to create a fervent world of obsessed desire. In this reality can an all-consuming relationship survive? When buried sins are discovered they threaten not only Tony and Claire’s future — but their very lives! Will the TRUTH be revealed in time?
Buy Links:
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/truth-aleatharomig/1113690384?ean=2940015928396
Get to know Aleatha Romig!
1. Do you listen to music while writing? If so, what’s your favorite?
Sometimes. When I do listen to music it is usually Elton John, Billy Joel, or jazz. I truly like quiet.
2. Is there a snack and/or drink that you always have to have while writing?
If it is earlier in the day, I love my coffee. As the day progresses, I like iced tea—then if it is after dinner, I tend to like wine!
3. Did anything inspire you to write “Consequences” and “Truth”? Or was it more random than anything?
I believe it was more random. I had the “thought” of the opening scene of Consequences. Everything has grown from that. The characters have taken on lives and personalities of their own. I’ve loved watching them blossom!
4. Do you have any advice for aspiring writers, like myself? What is something that you learned as an experienced writer, that you wish you knew before publishing your first book?
Ha ha! I love that you consider me “experienced”—I don’t. I consider myself new in this amazing world. That said, I’ve learned a lot in the short time I’ve been in the writing world, and I continue to learn more all the time! Just last week I was in Atlanta at the RWA national meeting. I walked away so inspired by the successful authors, I quit my job! What I’ve learned personally, is to write what you love—write what you know—write what you want to read. You aren’t alone. If you enjoy writing it, someone will enjoy reading it. (and some won’t—but that’s all right). I’ve also learned that there is an AMAZING network of authors who are incredibly generous with their knowledge. All you need to do is ask. At RWA I learned I need to write—write—write! The truly successful authors are producing books at an amazing pace. That is why I knew I needed to leave my dental hygiene job. It wasn’t an easy decision. I loved my coworkers, dentist, and patients, but I just couldn’t do it all anymore. I decided writing needs to be my priority.
5. Can you name some funny and/or random things that happened while you were writing
“Truth”? (It can be something that happened in the story, or something that happened with your family. Anything at all!)
I wrote about six beginnings to Truth. That’s based on the Epilogue of Consequences. I took the story many different directions. It wasn’t until I came to terms with where I wanted the story to go that I was finally able to start truly writing. Once I did, Mr. Jeff told me that no one would like it. He said the readers would be upset. It wasn’t that I didn’t care—but, I can’t write that way. I have to write what I want to write.
I’ve learned that it isn’t possible to please EVERYONE. Therefore, I’ve decided to please myself. Funny thing—the ratings and reviews are fantastic for Truth.
6. In three words, describe Tony. In another three words, describe Claire.
Tony—complicated—broken—and unaware
Claire—survivor—needy—resourceful
7. Tell me a bit about yourself. What was your childhood like?
I’m married to my high school sweetheart. We have three great children—two grown and graduated from college and one still in high school. My family and my writing are my two priorities in life. I love to travel. That has been a great bonus with writing. I’m so excited to travel and meet readers. It is a very exciting time for Mr. Jeff and me.
My childhood was a long time ago. I was raised by a single mother who did her best. I always wanted brothers and sisters. I’m blessed with siblings from marriage, but I basically grew up an only child. I swore I wouldn’t do that to my child…thus three!
8. When did you start writing novels?
I began Consequences, my first novel, in 2010.
9. As you’re also a novelist, who was or is your favorite author when you grew up and why?
I wasn’t much of a reader until I had to read “The Incredible Journey” for a report. It was the first time a book held me captive. My favorite novel of all time is “Gone With The Wind”. I honestly fell away from reading while my children were little. It was John Grisham who brought me back. I love thrillers. I love trying to figure things out and being surprised. Since then, my interests have broadened—Romantic Suspense—Erotic—Psychological Thrillers… I enjoy a wide range.
10. Who is your inspiration?
I have met many authors who I consider inspirational; however, I’d say my grandmothers were my inspiration. That isn’t because they wrote books—they showed me, by example, how hardwork and sincerity make a lasting impression.
Aleatha Romig is a bestselling author, who has been voted #1 “New Author to Read” on Goodreads July 2012 – Present! She was also #9 most followed author on Goodreads – July / August 3013.
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August 21, 2013
——-> Temptation Series by S.M. Donaldson
Lying with Temptation Book Description:
Gabby Lewis is your all American girl, she’s athletic, smart, and gorgeous and doesn’t have a clue that she is. She’s always been a very loyal friend and popular by association, until the end of her high school senior year when her best friend and the guy she thinks she’s in love with betray her. The worse part of it is that her business and embarrassment become the talk of the entire small town she lives in. She takes an early admission to college along with her best guy friend Cade; she’s going to turn over a new leaf in life.
Linc Addison is a star athlete and one of the most sought out quarter backs in the Southeastern United States. He’s the boy next door, who feels like his entire life he’s been used for his talents mainly by his father. The only person he’s ever really been able to count on is his cousin Russ. His high school girlfriend, cheated on him constantly, but wanted to keep him around so she could keep the correct social status. Now that he’s rid his life of her, he’s moved on to welcome the college life.
The day Linc walked in his coed dorm room and saw Gabby unpacking he felt like he’d won the lottery and lost his ability to make complete sentences. She turned around to see one of the most gorgeous creatures she thinks God has ever put on this Earth. Can they break down each others walls, and find the peace they seek with each other; can they take on all of the temptations and obstacles that come their way?
This is the first book in the Temptation Series…
Buy Lying with Temptation on Amazon
Acting on Temptation Book Description:
Anna Lewis is just tired. She’s tired of being predictable. She’s tired of khaki skirts, sweater sets and pearls. She’s tired of her overbearing mother trying to push the Perfect boyfriend on her. She wants to stand up for herself do normal things kids her age do. She’s eighteen not thirty-eight. With her mother still on her case, an ex-boyfriend who’s an ass that won’t leave her alone, it’s not going to be easy. She was ready to move on with her life, leave the step-ford wife her mother was trying to turn her into behind. The only way she sees of doing that is going off to college. She’s always admired the strength that her sister Gabby radiates and wishes she could be more like her. After Gabby asks her to come to college with her and live in the house with her and her roommates how can she turn it down?
Russ Addison has pretty much always been a football star. Going to college with that status could get him any girl he wants, with no strings attached. That is until he was introduced to her. He was in pure awe over the angel he met last year, Anna Lewis. He was both excited and scared about the possibility of living with her. Her sister and everyone else in the house had threatened him and his balls to stay clear of anything romantic with Anna. He would just have to stay away from her in the romantic sense and be her friend…Her best damn friend. Because he knows he’ll never be good enough to be anything more to her.
After everyone is moved in and ready to start the fall semester, Russ starts to figure out that everything may not be what it seems with Anna. He also realizes that he can’t stay away from her no matter how much he tries. Anna knows she can’t seem to have enough time with Russ and she can’t help but wonder why he thinks so little of himself. Will they be able to stay away from each other or will they have to act on the temptation of each other.
Buy Acting on Temptation on Amazon
Excerpt:
It is also intended for mature audiences 17+
***********************************************************
Linc
I’ve got to get up and go take a freakin cold shower so I can go to sleep…I can hear her breathing . It’s taking everything I have in me not to crawl over there. I get in the shower and I smell her soap, her shampoo, jeez this girl…I think I’m going to have to move out just so I can date her. After a LONG COLD shower I walk back and climb into bed.
The next morning I wake up to a blood curdling scream. I look over and I don’t see Gabby in the bed. I run out in my boxers about that time Cade is coming out of her bedroom in his boxers. Gabby is in the bathroom screaming, we can hear stuff being thrown around in there, I’m scared someone has came in and is hurting her in there. Cade and I try to open the door but it’s locked… Cade yell’s at her, “Gabby what’s wrong open the damn door!” She still screaming, I look at Cade and he looks at me we both throw our shoulders into the door breaking the frame so we can get in. We both stop suddenly as we bust in. Cade looks at Gabby, “Fuck Really Gabby! A damn mouse you had me and Linc break the door for a fucking mouse!”
I was about to be pissed too until I saw her up on the vanity in nothing but a towel.
She’s mad, “Cade get it out of here, you know I hate those things.”
Cade rubs his head, “I should leave you in here with it Gabby, why didn’t you just run out of the bathroom?”
“Well because it was blocking the door.”
About the Author
Photos by Shelly Sale
S.M. Donaldson is a wife and mother based on the Gulf Coast of the Florida Panhandle. She’s funny, sarcastic and has been known to have a potty mouth. She’s worked in many different fields in her life but, she has always dreamed of writing short stories and books. She recently penned her first series of novels Sam’s Choice and Sam’s Fight for Freedom. She is currently working on The Temptation Series.
To learn more about S.M. Donaldson visit her at:
www.facebook.com/S.M.Donaldson.Author
www.goodreads.com/AuthorSMDonaldson
Twitter: @ SMDonaldson1
August 20, 2013
It’s LIVE!!!…Enduring Light by Alyssa Rose Ivy
Enduring Light (The Afterglow Trilogy #3)
Fighting darkness takes light.
Desperate to save James, Charlotte scours Energo for answers with Calvin and Liam at her side. Kevin and Samantha head to Alaska to find the one item that might destroy Blake, but the search is only the beginning.
As time runs out, Charlotte and Kevin discover that keeping Energo from eternal darkness will take a sacrifice no one expects.
About Alyssa Rose Ivy:
Alyssa Rose Ivy is a New Adult and Young Adult author who loves to weave stories with romance and a southern setting. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. After years as a perpetual student, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and two young children, and she can usually be found with a cup of coffee in her hand.
Links:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlyssaRoseIvy
Author Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5047249.Alyssa_Rose_Ivyhttps://www.facebook.com/AlyssaRoseIvy
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/alyssaroseivy/
Website: http://www.alyssaroseivy.com/
ENDURING LIGHT Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15742564-enduring-light?ac=1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlyssaRoseIvy?fref=ts
August 19, 2013
Thanksgiving at Charley’s
Thanksgiving at Charley’s by kcmarie823 featuring a mini dress
Mini dress
sheinside.com
Rag & Bone brown heel boots
mytheresa.com
Accessorize turquoise necklace
accessorize.com
Orange home accessory
etsy.com
Renewed by C.N. Watkins Cover Reveal
Book Description:
Stefan has finally met his match.
As Jennifer consumes his life and takes away the control he desperately craves, Stefan must reevaluate everything he once thought he needed in his life.
When Jennifer finally learns the truth about Stefan her head continues to scream run. Kennedy, her crazy best friend, is convinced that Stefan is perfect for Jennifer, but Jennifer still has questions of her own. With a huge diamond ring sitting on her finger, she is forced to choose between listening to her head or listening to her heart.
Will Stefan and Jennifer make it to forever? Does happily every after really exist?
You never know what you have until it walks right out your front door…
Excerpt:
“You are the first woman I’ve ever made love to.”
His confession hit me hard.
“What do you mean?” I couldn’t believe we were discussing this in the middle of sex, but I wasn’t about to stop him from sharing something so intimate about himself.
He crawled up and laid next to me, turning me on my side so that we faced each other. He swept my hair behind my ears and calmed his breathing, “I have always been the Dom, Jen, that’s what I do best. I inflict pain and make women beg for me. All my past relationships, if you can even call them that, have been Dom and sub. I’d never given up my control for anyone, and I never planned to until you came along.
“You changed something inside of me. I’m not sure I’m ready to give up all my control, and I may never be ready, but you make me feel like it’s okay to make love. It’s okay to express how fucking in love with you I am. I want to be raw with you. I want our relationship to be happy and exciting. If I ever lost you, I would go crazy. Literally, bat shit crazy.”
We both chuckled.
“You are the light of my life. I know sometimes I may be unreasonable, but be patient with me. I promise I won’t let you down.”
Add Renewed to your TBR on Goodreads
More about C.N. Watkins:
CN Watkins is a self publisher of Awakened and Renewed. She lives in Oklahoma with her amazing husband, her beautiful daughter, two dogs, and a baby on the way. She enjoys spending time with her family, shopping, and spending time outside when she has the free time. She loves to write at night when the house is quiet so her ideas can flow freely.
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6539909.C_N_Watkins
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CNWatkins
She’ll steal his heart…but is he ready to love again?
Blurb:
Violet Simon has spent her entire life preparing to take her father’s place at the head of their multi-billion dollar automotive parts company. Shortly before her twenty-fifth birthday, she decides to take a month-long vacation and do a few things well outside of her comfort zone.
Morné Styger still isn’t over his wife’s death, but he’s attempting to make a fresh start in Los Angeles. When the enigmatic Violet calls hims up at Adventures Inc. seeking a month of thrills, he’s eager to impress his first high profile client. But with her violet eyes and innocence, Morné has a hard time trying to keep things professional.
Neither of them could have been prepared for the forceful attraction they shared, and neither will back down from their dreams. So where does that leave love?
Goodreads link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17791624-letting-go
About the author:
Danielle Taylor has lived in and travelled to many countries. She enjoys many different genres – both writing and reading – and always seems to have a project on the go. Feel free to like her page on Facebook and don’t be afraid to drop her a line.
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Danielle-Taylor/217716295040976
Blog: http://authordtaylor.wordpress.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DTaylor_Author
Goodreads link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17791624-letting-go
August 17, 2013
Forgiven by Rebecca Brooke —> Blog Tour
SYNOPSIS
What happens when one moment changes the course of your entire life? Do you sit back and accept it, or fight to live the life you choose? Caleb Jacobs has a past that has haunted him for two years. Knowing he can never forgive himself for the events that led to his departure, Caleb chooses to live a quiet life—concentrating on school, sports, and shots. But when he is paired with Angie for a history project he realizes that no matter how much you try to hide from your past, one way or another it will find you.
Angelina Powers knows what she wants from life. Growing up with only an alcoholic father for company, Angie learned early on in life that you can only count on yourself. But that doesn’t stop her wishing for her white knight. She’s confident, happy and focused…until she meets Caleb. So how will she feel when her potential white knight turns out to be more of a black shadow?
TEASER
I looked down into those beautiful brown eyes and once again I was lost. I put my finger under her chin and lifted her face up to mine. My eyes connected with hers at I slowly lowered my lips to hers. I pulled back for a second, “How drunk are you?”
“A little,” she said with a giggle.
I probably shouldn’t have kissed her again, but I couldn’t stop myself. I had to taste her. I pressed my lips to hers. Her lips were so soft, they were incredible. She slipped her hands up my chest, around the back of my neck and into my hair as I continued to kiss her. I could feel the heat from her fingers through my shirt, it made me harder than I already was. I lost it and deepened the kiss. I slid my tongue into her warm mouth tasting every part of her. She tasted amazing as her tongue danced around with mine. I realized I was getting too excited as my hand slid up her ribs toward her breast. Fucking hell, we were in the middle of a frat party and here I was feeling her up. I pulled my mouth away and leaned my forehead against hers as we both caught our breath from the most amazing kiss of my life. “What are you doing to me?” I whispered.
Author Bio
Rebecca Brooke grew up in the shore towns of South Jersey. She loves to hit the beach, but always with her kindle on hand. She is married to the most wonderful man, who puts up with all of her craziness. Together they have two beautiful children who keep her on her toes. When she isn’t writing or reading (which is very rarely) she loves to bake and watch episodes of Shameless and True Blood.
FOLLOW HER LINKS
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rebecca-Brooke-Author/397664770332282?fref=ts
Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17934308-forgiven
Website - http://rebeccabrookeauthor.blogspot.com/
August 16, 2013
Another Round of Jordyn’s Daemon A$$ Kicking skills!
JORDYN AND THE CAVERNS OF GLOOM Synopsis:
Lies.
My so-called family lied.
My friends lied.
The only guy I ever liked lied.
My mentor, the one I was supposed to trust lied.
My entire existence is built on lies and yet now they want my help. Scratch that, now
they need my help. I’ll play the good soldier, but I am no longer the person I was before. This time it will be on my terms. I will trust no one.
I am a weapon. I am Jordyn.
Buy Links:
Casey’s Thoughts
Wowza! Jordyn #1 left you hanging and wanting more and what happens in Jordyn #2?… You might just feel the same way! Just sayin’! 
When Jordyn leaves everything she loves, thought she knew, people she thought that could be trusted, and decides to live on her own… she soon realizes that she is needed more than ever… and by the people that she thought didn’t care.
In this book you can use all senses to see Jordyn grow and become independent. She also has a bit of a chip on her shoulder, but who could blame her? She defiantly feels that she has gotten the bad end of the deal.
In Jordyn and the Cavern of Gloom, Jordyn has to put herself out there to save people that she once held close to her, but she also has to trust the person that hurt her most of all.
This book is full of Jordyn having a little bit of an edge. She is def trying to figure out where she belongs, who to trust, and who to love. She accomplishes a lot within this book. It is a little different from Jordyn #1 because it’s not about Jordyn & Emry’s relationship… it’s about saving the lives of two people that mean the world to Jordyn.
Now, let’s talk Emry… he’s still the smooth talking Soul Trader, but Jordyn tries her best to keep him at a distance. Oh, how I
I do want to say that I think that my fav character within this book is Boon. I just
This book is full of putting up a front to protect your heart, action, deamon ass kicking, mind reading, saving lives, making deals with the light and darkness, and ends with possibly the biggest issue ever!… I can’t wait for Jordyn #3!
Author Bio:
Tiffany King is the author of The Saving Angels Series, Wishing for Someday Soon, Forever Changed, Unlikely Allies, Miss Me Not and Jordyn: A Daemon Hunter Novel book one. Writer by day and book fanatic the rest of the time, she is now pursuing her life-long dream of weaving tales for others to enjoy.
She has a loving husband and two wonderful kids. (Five, if you count her three spoiled cats). Her addictions include: Her iphone and ipad, chocolate, Diet Coke, chocolate, Harry Potter, chocolate, and her favorite TV shows. Want to know what they are? Just ask.
Twitter- @AuthorTiffany
Facebook- Tiffany King
Pintrest- Tiffany King
Blog- authortiffanyjking.blogspot.com
Goodreads- Tiffany King
Novel Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18295681-jordyn-and-the-caverns-of-gloom?ac=1
August 15, 2013
Shameless Stops @HDcoverTherapy today!
Title: ShameLess
Author: Mel Ballew
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Hosted By: Love Between The Sheets
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17431382-shameless
Barnes N Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shameless-mel-ballew/1116335477?ean=2940148694816
Synopsis
“If all you can do is crawl, start crawling. Soon, you’ll be able to stand.”
S’renaty James lives a privileged life most her age only dream of living. She is beautiful and popular with her entire life ahead of her. Life could not get any better.
Until her entire life shifts, crashing around her…
Bound by devastation, persecuted by the ones she used to call ‘friends’, haunted by disturbing nightmares, and filled with self-blame, she vows to overcome.
Stefan is everything S’renaty swears to avoid. He is carefree and charismatic. He is primitive, complicated and a total badass. He makes her melt like fine chocolate under a hot summer’s sun the first time their eyes meet. There is something about him, and she makes it her mission to find out.
When he meets S’renaty James, he is not prepared for what comes over him because for the first time ever, a girl leaves him breathless. Now, his primary responsibility is to keep her safe.
He will do anything to protect her. Even lie…
Stefan is the one person she has trusted with her heart. After keeping an unforgivable secret, he could be the one to shatter it to pieces. In fact, he may even destroy her beyond repair. Will she overcome and forgive, letting go of the pain, guilt and shame? Or this time, will she be stronger than the hardest lesson of her life — and, become totally ShameLess?
Chelly’s Thoughts
4 Stars
S’renaty James (Ren) has had a tragic life. On prom night her best friend, Elle, walked in on Ren making out with her boyfriend (or so she thought) and drove off in a fit of rage. After chasing her down to explain the situation, Elle and Ren were pulled over on the side of the road and were struck by a truck. Ren survived, Elle didn’t, and Ren believed it was entirely her fault. Everyone else in town believed it was, too, including her boyfriend of 2 years, Tucker. Now, she has no one left. Two years in therapy and she still carries the guilt of killing her best friend. In an effort to escape her past and start over, Ren decides to go to college out of town.
Ren meets her new roommate, Jade, who is bubbly, energetic, almost exactly how Elle used to be, and they are immediately best friends. At her first frat party, Ren runs into Stefan Esposito, whom she had met before, but never thought she’d see again. Ren also sees Tucker, one of the people she was trying so hard to get away from, and runs. Soon Ren has two guys vying for her heart. She has a past with Tucker, but he left her when she needed him most. Now he’s back and trying to make things right, but does he deserve a second chance? Stefan immediately makes it clear he wants Ren, but can she let him in and let herself be loved? Can they help each other move past the shame of their pasts?
Romance plays a huge part in ShameLess, but it is not just a love story, by any means. Throughout the entire story there is mystery and suspense: What deal did Stefan make? Who is the stranger following Ren? Who are the texts coming from?
I really enjoyed this story. From the first couple of pages, I was hooked, and the plot twists had me floored. I did have a little trouble connecting with the characters at first, but by the end I was totally hooked and it left me a little teary eyed. I especially loved the quotes at the beginning of each chapter and the writing style of the author was beautifully descriptive. I look forward to reading Tucker’s story in FearLess.
Excerpt:
On the heels of the truth surfacing in my head, my body reacts. Rapidly, I do a half-turn, lunging down and digging my right foot into the sand, and spin. I push off, hard with my foot, and take off darting back down the sand heading in the direction we just came from. I don’t wait for a response or a reaction from Stefan. I just run fast and hard. I allow my body to dictate its speed. I sprint, running parallel with the raging tides inspiring my motivation. It’s absolutely fucking freeing. Emotional tension blends with the sexual tension surging, pushing me, and giving me additional grit to push on.
“Who needs a rest now?” I cry out into the air now blowing at my back. Dazed, Stefan didn’t see that one coming, and I chuckle as I continue racing down the beach.
In no time, he catches up to me as we near the house. He grabs my hand, halting me, pulling me to his side. Both of us are covered in sweat, and sex oozes off him. I just want to scream. Instead, I lean forward, placing my hands on each of my knees, gasping through huffing breaths. Damn that felt great!
Before I know what is happening, he whisks my entire body up slinging me over his shoulder, and takes off running. We both plunge straight into the ocean. The frigid water bitch slaps me; no cold shower needed. Together, we come up for air. Freezing water runs down our faces.
“What the hell, Stefan?” I stutter out through chattering teeth as shivers possess me. Between the cool breeze off the ocean, and the frigid water, I can’t get warm.
He pulls me to him, wrapping me in his arms, “I told you, you would be in my arms, Star. And, cheaters always get due punishment. I don’t play.” His words, playful, and firm, offer heated softness. I allow myself to welcome the warmth. How is there any possible way to respond to that? I can’t.
Time halts.
In the next instant, Stefan takes both of his hands to each side of my face, saying, “You will always be in my arms,” then leans in closer introducing his lips to mine in a more passionate kiss than any I have had with him or by anyone else.
In this moment, it feels like the first one. I’m dying inside. This icy water holds no refuge to the fervor his body offers mine. He attempts to pull away, but I bring him to me this time, and take all of him, seizing his lips with my own. I bite his bottom lip, sucking it in, nibbling a little harder, and letting him know I want all of him, not just his lips. I want all of him!
Time has a way of transcending. It surpasses more than the grandest of any of our unanswered prayers. It offers us gifts every single day. Pap is right. Each day is truly a gift. Our past is a gift for our present to open. I’m in the present with the most amazing guy. Right now, nothing else matters except for opening my gift, and accepting my present. God knows exactly what we need exactly when we need it. I thank God for giving me the strength to be here, in this moment.
Tomorrow may still be a mystery, but today is unraveling, slowly. It’s like opening a gift, and one I have every intention of treating with care…unwrapping it gently to savor its blessing. Here is to the present; to us!
Author Bio:
Mel Ballew resides in rural Pennsylvania with her husband and daughter, along with their two adorable cats.
An avid reader, she has always had an equal passion for writing and has written her entire life, to date. Her mother initially birthed, inspired, and encouraged these loves. The two often discussed writing together but unfortunately, that dream never came to fruition.
Years later, this happened, that happened—life happened.
She stepped away from writing to place more focus on being wife and a full-time mom. Today, she would not have changed a thing. The day her daughter was born became the first day she realized a significant rhythm to her heart was also born. Her daughter, now preparing to go off to college, has grown into a beautiful and responsible young adult.
A twisted turn of events in September 2009 left Mel unable to work outside of the home. Forced to consider other options, and while embracing a therapeutic approach of transcribing all of the challenges facing her, post-accident, she returned to journaling. Once again, the writer within her has been re-birthed—awakened from slumber.
Mel is a hopeless romantic. Blessed, she has her very own soul mate, which she calls husband, best friend, and lover.
She is a simple country gal, with a profound love of true simplicity. She is just as hopeless in her love of nature and regards many of her writing aspirations to appreciating its beauty, although every single story is birthed from her dreams. Sometimes, in life, simply enjoying a chilled glass of sangria on a warm summer’s eve or indulging in her love of chocolate and peanut butter is an expression of enjoying such simplicity. For her, these moments are truly d’vine.
August 13, 2013
Sandcastles & A Good and A Bad Prince… I <3 Moon Boy… Love Me by Jillian Dodd … A Review X 2!
My mom says that you can’t love someone until you learn to love yourself.
So even though Vincent is getting more and more scary.
Even though he’s doing a nationwide search for me.
I’m going to learn to love myself.
Well, I’m going to try.
Mostly, I want a boy to love me.
But which one?
Dawson – The gorgeous boy who made a mistake, but whose molten lava kisses and steaminess I can’t freaking resist.
or
Aiden – The God of all Hotties, who is practically infused with love potion. Who I thought liked me, but now says he wants to be my friend.
or
Brooklyn – The boy that first stole my heart. Who has always loved me. Well, until the whole cabana incident.
I mean, it was bad enough when there was sort of a love triangle, but now that I’m talking to B again, it’s like I’m in a love rectangle, or a rhombus, or something.
Oh, and did I mention Cooper Steele?
The new soccer coaching, health teaching, tattooed hunk?
Who Garrett sent to school to guard my body.
I mean, be my bodyguard.
But back to loving me.
I should forget about boys and worry about me.
Love me.
Like, eventually.
Casey’s Thoughts
5+++ Stars
Season 1… Episode 4… Love Me! This is currently my favorite “TV” series!! Jillian Dodd has freakin done it again! Since I started this Keaytn Chronicles adventure I cannot get enough of moon boy, hottie god, boots, the cave, drama, stars, and the biggest love triangle I’ve ever seen!
As usual, Love Me picks up right where Date Me ended. I loved how Jillian started the book comparing it to a TV series… I’ve been doing that since day one!
In Love Me, Aiden (aka Hottie God) is wooing Keaytn. He honestly has to be a god… I’m as convinced as Keatyn! He is perfect! He goes above & beyond to woo Keatyn. He wants her to be treated like a princess. He makes her see that a relationship isn’t just about sex. He is the guy I hope my daughter finds… But then there is his tongue… Might need to rethink that thought
Dawson is still hot, but is all about sex as usual. He tries a few attempts at wooing Keatyn to try and stay in the game, but in my opinion they are pretty lame.
Brooklyn …. Awe B! I’ve had a thing for him since the beginning even though I’m Team Aiden. He will melt your heart and you’ll be in a puddle in the floor at one point during this book!
Now lets discuss Cooper Steele… Keatyn new defense against Vincent. Former MMA fighter, hot body, tatted out and all the girls want a piece of him… Which plays a fun roll in this book… Nothing like a group if catty girls going after a guy.
Each time a book is opened in this series I act like a freakin teenager! I get giddy, laugh, cry, feel hurt, bitchy, and totally get Keatyn… Even though I want to shake her at times for being such a teenager! But that’s part of the fun!
I really felt that in Love Me Keatyn is starting to get it… She’s starting to see life and what she wants… I am a little worried about how Thanksgiving is going to go because I see Vincent or Cooper Steele playing a huge roll in it! Guess I’ll have to wait for Adore Me to get the answers I want! If you haven’t read episode one: Stalk Me… 1-click it now cause you are totally missing out! Until then I’m building sandcastles, drinkin Hampton’s Koolaid, and dreaming of Moon Boy!!!!
Chelly’s Thoughts
5 Stars
OMG! I cannot tell you enough how much I freaking LOVE Jillian Dodd!!! Love Me is book 4 in The Keatyn Chronicles and if you haven’t read the first three, go one-click now…I’ll wait…
Where do we start…Love Me picks up right where Date Me left off. Aiden is “wooing” Keatyn with the stars on her ceiling and we’re all swooning immediately. Seriously, is this guy real? Aiden is not only the God of all Hotties, but also the sweetest guy in existence, but is he truly that guy, or is he too good to be true? Dawson is still in the picture; his relationship with Keatyn is SMOKIN’ HOT, but is the physical relationship enough, no matter how amazing it is? With all the drama going on at school, you almost forget about Vincent, but Keatyn learns never to let her guard down.
With everything going on in Keatyn’s life, it’s hard to remember how young she is and what she’s already been through to get where she is now. Aiden had me melting every time I turned around, and where Aiden was super sweet, Dawson was equally as HOT. But as Keatyn learned, the physical relationship can only get you so far. Keatyn upset me a little bit the way she kept “ping-ponging” between the guys…I wanted to shake her and be like, “Open your eyes! Can’t you see who truly loves you and who just wants you naked?!” Between those two, I’m team Aiden all the way, but I’m still holding out hope for Brooklyn to be our elusive Moon Boy…he broke her heart (what boy hasn’t?) but he was Keatyn’s (and my) first love and I think he’s got a good chance of redeeming himself.
Before she figures out who will be cast in the script of her happily ever after, Keatyn finally realizes her mom was right…she must learn to love herself before she can truly love someone else. Keatyn has grown up so much since we first met her in Stalk Me, and I am so proud of the woman she is becoming. Yes, she still makes mistakes, and yes, there were times I wanted to be like, “WTH Keatyn? Use your head!” But she is learning from her and mistakes and I still love her, as we all do. I’m anxiously awaiting the release of Adore Me…November can’t get here quick enough!
