Shakuita Johnson's Blog: The Ramblings of Me, page 30
January 10, 2014
Cover Reveal – Fully Automatic by Jade C. Jamison
You might think you know Brad’s story, but think again. There’s so much more to his story than what Valerie told. See Brad before Valerie came into his life and, when he was playing back burner to Ethan, see what Brad was up to when no one else in the band was looking.
Valerie might have thought she and Brad were inevitable and maybe, in the back of his mind, Brad might have felt that way too, but he didn’t just sit around waiting for her. See the secret side of Brad that you had no idea existed. What kept the driving force behind Fully Automatic focused even while his heart was breaking?
When Brad caught Nick outside the apartment after work, he asked him to take a walk. “How you feeling?”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, the past few weeks have been pretty emotional. You holding up okay, man?”
“Yeah.” Nick shrugged. He was quiet for a little bit but then said, “Things have been a little weird, though.”
“Yeah.” He cleared his throat. “I was thinking about calling a meeting.”
“You think that would help?”
Brad took a deep breath. “Honestly? I have no fucking idea. But…I hate the idea of waiting for the next time, you know? I’d like a promise from Ethan that we’re done with this phase of our lives.”
“You don’t really think he’d make a promise like that, do you?”
“No. Wishful thinking.”
They walked in silence for a minute and then Nick said, “You know what’s going on with Val and Ethan, right?”
A ringing started in his ears, and he felt dread as a shiver tickled his spine. He knew he wasn’t going to like what Nick had to say, but he needed to know. “What?”
Nick stopped walking and Brad turned to face him. “I’m only telling you this because it’s only fair to you. I’m not sure what all is or was going on between you and Val, but I don’t want—anyway, uh…Ethan proposed to Val.”
It felt like the air had been knocked out of his lungs. When he got his bearings, he sucked in a deep breath of air. Had he heard Nick right? “What?”
“Ethan asked Val to marry him. I, uh…don’t know if it’s totally official yet, but…”
Brad couldn’t hear him after that, and it felt as though the world turned black. He already knew. If Ethan proposed, he knew Val accepted. He felt numb.
Somehow he had the presence of mind to say, “Don’t say anything about me and Val to Ethan. That shit’s over.”
“Yeah. No way. It’s not like she was cheating on him.”
Brad felt like he was going to throw up. He grew quiet, walking back to the apartment with Nick, but his mind was trying to find a way to deal with the worst news it had ever received.
GOODREADS / FACEBOOK / WEBSITE
Jade C. Jamison was born and raised in Colorado, moved from one city/town to the next, and she’s decided she likes it so much she wants to stay…although travel is not out of the question. She lives in a big town in Colorado (not unlike Winchester!) with her husband and four children. She is working on becoming a crazy cat lady. Okay, so maybe not.
Still want more? Jade has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Theater, a master’s degree in English, and a master of fine arts in Creative Writing. Obviously, she loves school and the student loan folks love her. She works in human services by day, teaches English and creative writing at night, and—in between playing soccer mom and community leader—writes like a fiend. Someday soon, she’ll narrow it down to just writing, but let’s get all those kids off to college first.
AMAZON / BARNES & NOBLE / SMASHWORDS
AMAZON / BARNES & NOBLE / SMASHWORDS / KOBO
AMAZON / BARNES & NOBLE / SMASHWORDS / KOBO
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January 9, 2014
Requesting a Bit of Feedback…
A little something that I have been working on but not sure if I want to run with it or if it makes any sense. Any suggestions or thoughts welcomed
Rumspringa *unedited*
Chapter 1
Sy awoke suddenly on her sixteenth birthday and instantly felt a change. It was finally happening. It was finally here. Rumspringa… The much anticipated ‘rite of passage’ ceremony. Her and everyone born today would either come into power or be exiled to fend for themselves with no guidance. The boys would go through one away from the girls. They will be tested in four categories of magic. Earth, water, air, and fire. Successful completion of these trails not only decide your place in the community but your husband. The guy you spend your life with who’s magic is in sync with yours and makes you an unstoppable force.
She had been awaiting this day ever since her older sister went through her Rumspringa last year. Sinsa was so happy and powerful. There mother liked to say she was the most powerful Venefica she’s ever known. The Venefica – Sorceress are some of the most powerful witches in existence. Nothing like a Mystic – vampyra shape-shifting witch, those things are vicious, but the Venefica are actual witches. They could control any element but specialize in one more than the others. Sy’s sister’s deadliest power was with air. She could make anything happen with the element, from gentle spring breezes to the most devastating tornadoes. It was both awesome and terrifying.
She wanted to be in the same league as her sister. Matter of fact she wanted to surpass it. She sprang from bed and ran outside to fill up enough pails to bring in water for a cleansing bath to clear her mind and help her focus for her upcoming trails. She didn’t want to chance anything today. Nothing could be undone and there were no do overs. You got one chance for each trail. So you had better rock it the first time or be prepared for life outside the community. The Amish like upbringing of each family did nothing to prepare anyone for life after Rumspringa failure.
The city was all hustle and bustle, while their little village life was calm and quiet. They went without modern convinces and grew there own food. If we can’t grow it or make it then we don’t need it, was the village motto. It served them well for centuries. Sy was determined not to ever be casted out her home. She had heard the horror stories whispered in the night. More than half of the Venefica who were forced out didn’t last the month before they were killed or killed themselves. Evil things stalked the nights. Monsters that even the biggest badasses were afraid of.
After several trips, Sy finally sat in her bath to enjoy the hot water on her skin. Mixed with a few oils and herbs, she immediately felt more at ease. More in control. She had pretty tight control over ever element right now but the trails were meant to push you to the limit – try to see if you could break. This was the time that one element broke ranks over the other three. Occupying the head of the pack status. Venefica would always be able to call any element to do their bidding but the Adducere – lead – would be their greatest weapon. If all else failed to keep a person safe the Adducere would finish the job. Leaving no room for doubt that the job was done.
Sy wanted her Adducere to be fire. She had always held a special bond with the element from the time of her birth. She came out her mother’s womb bathed in it. A large circle was burned into the ground around her mother as she was brought into this world. Everyone just knew it would be Sy’s Adducere. She loved playing with the element. Forever testing and bending it to her will. For her Adducere to be anything else would devastate her. No other element called to her like that of fire. Kind in it’s ability to warm the coldest heart and deadly when aggravated and fueled with malice.
It would also stand to make sense for her husband’s Adducere to be air. Helping to fuel her flames and spread them quicker to their target. As she lay in the cleansing bath she dreamed of what her life would be after the trails. How much better and carefree. No longer expecting the worse. Once the Rumspringa was passed successfully no one could cast you out. You were safe from the unknown. You were considered an adult and no longer treated as a child.
As the water begun to grow colder Sy figured it was time to put on her ceremonial white habitus – dress – and made her way downstairs. Her mother and older sister were already waiting for her in the kitchen in their black habitus that signaled they had already completed their Rumspringa. She would be in hers in a matter of four days. Their was only one element tested a day to give the wielder time to recharge before the next. The tests took some much from the participant that the Elders didn’t want anyone claiming fatigue hindered their Rumspringa. Rest ensured authenticity of the trail.
“Finally! I was beginning to think I would have to come and drag you from bed,” Sinsa said. “On the day of my Rumspringa I was up already hours before you are now.”
“I have been awake. I took a cleansing bath to soothe my nerves,” Sy replied.
“All right you two. Enough. Sy has a big day today Sinsa, don’t distract her. The next four days will determine her entire future,” their mother said.
“Yes mother,” they replied.
“Come eat this porridge. You will need your strength. Forgoing food will hinder you,” her mother said.
Sy went to the table and ate the food her mother had prepared for her. She could feel her sister step behind her to secure her hair in a bun after combing through it. She said a silent prayer asking for a steady hand and patience. She would need them both. She concentrated on breathing in and out as to not hyperventilate from the stress that was now starting to creep in the closer the time came for the Rumspringa to start. Their were two other girls and three boys undergoing the same torrid of emotions as her at this exact moment.
She couldn’t help but be weary. No one had been cased out in the last fifteen Rumspringas and she hoped that trend continued. She did not want her Rumspringa being the first. Surely it could only mean something bad if any of her birthday mates were cast into the cold and unforgiving world alone at sixteen with no one to turn to. Even their families would turn their backs to them, offering no aid. You had only the clothes on your back and five hundred dollars from the community. You either made it into more or you ran out and did whatever else you could for more.
“Come Sy, we must leave now to get to the Circle a bit early. We don’t want to chance lateness,” her mother said.
“I’m ready mother,” Sy said.
“Of course you are. You will do fine,” Sinsa reassured her.
January 8, 2014
My Mind Is All Over The Place
Well I’m still on the high of publishing my first novel and I intend to ride it out for as long as it lasts. That being said now that I have finished the first book, I’m getting ideas for all kinds of things. I’m not complaining. It’s a good thing, but I just had a plan to finish the Dark Indiscretions Series first but other ideas pop up and I’m writing notes so I don’t forget and before I know it I’ve gotten a few paragraphs in. I said all that to say this: how do other authors do it? How do you maintain any shred of sanity with all these book ideas vying for space in your head? I try to sleep at night…idea pops up. I’m at work…scene plays out in my head. Half the time I don’t know what’s what. I have notes all over the iPhone and laptop. I guess it’s a good thing that I’m not planning to be a one book author (well at least my subconscious isn’t) but with classes starting again I’m starting to doubt where I’ll have the time to write anything besides research papers. Ha who am I kidding I do those the night before 
January 6, 2014
Goodreads Paperback Giveaway
The Goodreads Paperback signed copy giveaway is currently going on until Feb. 3, 2014. It’s another fun thing in anticipation with my first Book Blast! Here is the link to enter. Just click it and enter for your chance to win 1 of 4 copies personally signed by me! Don’t miss this! You can also find it under the Giveaways tab
Goodreads Book Giveaway
Dark Indiscretions
by Shakuita Johnson
Giveaway ends February 03, 2014.
See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.
January 5, 2014
Cover Reveal – Dazed by Kim Karr
It’s it pretty? Now a bit about the book.
Title: Dazed (Connections #2.5)
Release date: April 1st, 2014
DAZED SYNOPSIS:
Jagger Kennedy never went looking for fame, he just fell into it. After scoring a major modeling contract, his clean-cut good looks and charm catapulted his career. But when his actress girlfriend breaks his heart, he moves to L.A. to try his hand at acting. He’s not looking for love—he just needs to make a change.
Aerie Daniels is a woman in control … until she meets Jagger. Her surprising connection with him leaves her dazed and it’s unlike anything she’s ever felt. But just when she lets her walls fall, she makes a startling discovery about Jagger that breaks her fragile heart into a million pieces.
To keep from losing the woman who’s changing his world, Jagger is willing to give up anything—including his career. But even that might not be enough to regain Aerie’s shattered trust…
How about a little teaser?
Where you can find the book:
✿ AMAZON preorder
✿ B&N preorder
✿ iTUNES preorder
✿ Trailer —> Will be set to public Sunday at 6 see below
Enjoyed this reveal so much that you want to start with the first two while you wait? Sure no problem!
INFORMATION ABOUT BOOK #1
Title: Connected (Connections #1)
CONNECTED SYNOPSIS:
What if a ‘Once in a Lifetime’ could happen twice? Suffering from a past full of tragedy, Dahlia London’s soul has been left completely shattered. Happily ever after is a far cry from reality in her world. But, when she is reconnected with her past, the bonds that form are irrefutable.When River Wilde, lead singer of The Wilde Ones, comes back into Dahlia’s life, the intensity that fires their relationship combined with underlying feelings that have never died lead her to believe she has met her soulmate. Struggling with confusion as old connections fade and new ones begin, Dahlia’s grief begins to lift–but guilt remains. River wants to be the one to mend all that is torn within her. But with a past that is never really gone, can their future survive?
** CONNECTED ** (available now – first book of the series)
✿ Excerpt
✿ Trailer
✿ AMAZON
✿ B&N
✿ iTUNES
✿ KOBO
INFORMATION ABOUT BOOK #2
Title: TORN (Connections #2)
TORN SYNOPSIS:
Rock star River Wilde brought Dahlia London back from the brink of hopelessness with his unwavering love and devotion. But their entwined history is about to test the strength of that love…
Dahlia was certain she had found true love and met her ‘Once in a Lifetime’ when she reconnected with River. But Dahlia’s world comes crashing down when someone from her past resurfaces, and all of River’s carefully hidden secrets are exposed.River wants to show Dahlia that life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass—it’s about dancing in the rain! But how many times can one broken heart be mended? Will River and Dahlia be able to face the turmoil together or will they be torn apart?
** TORN ** (available now – follow up to Connected)
✿ Excerpt
✿ AMAZON
✿ B&N
✿ iTUNES
✿ KOBO
Want to connect with the author because she’s super awesome?
Website
Goodreads
Thanks for stopping by and enjoying this awesome new cover
January 2, 2014
Teaser Before The Cover Reveal
I will be posting the cover reveal of Nina Mason‘s novel The Queen of Swords this month. In the mean time here is a teaser poster for your enjoyment! I can’t wait to see this cover and read this book!
January 1, 2014
December 30, 2013
New Year, New Possibilities
This year has been a pretty long one. I like to think that each year brings new challenges and possibilities. This one will be no different. This year I’ve published my first book Dark Indiscretions, I’ve buckled down on school work and the end is in sight seeing as I only have 6 to complete my BA in Psychology starting in Jan. I made the decision to get PRK eye surgery and everyday I’m loving the results and the ease of waking up and not having to find my glasses or worried about if they are scratched or not. I’ve ended some friendships. Some much needed, while others came at a surprise. You live you learn. I’ve reached my last year of my 20s. Not a big deal because I don’t look a day over high school sometimes anyway so 30′s not a big deal. I’ve taught myself many things that I didn’t think possible or wouldn’t have in the past. I’m happier and more carefree. I hope to continue the trend in 2014.
Promo Items
Speaking of 2014 I’ve got some serious things going on. My Book Blast begins in February. Reviews will pour in around March. My first visit to Boston before I move to look at purchasing my first condo. Hoping to have my second novel published in my current series and hopefully a new one started. I want to write more poetry and possible publish that as well. I will take my writing to a much higher level by challenging myself to do the impossible. I want to read more than I read this year and embrace this era of social media that has befallen our generation. I will be a college graduate and a new grad student. My commitment to the AF will be over and a new chapter will begin in Boston. A new city with a fresh start and unlimited possibilities. I plan to work/volunteer with trouble children. Help those who can’t help themselves. I will stay away from unhealthy relationships, be that friendships or romantic. I will put myself first before all others because you can’t help anyone if you don’t take care of yourself first. I hope to get in touch with more indie authors like myself. I hope to grow my little Facebook Series Page into a big deal. I plan to push myself to my limit in 2014 and even then keep doing impossible things and making them possible.
Endless possibilities with the only limits being the ones I set for myself. No longer allowing others to decide what my future will or won’t be.
What about you? What possibilities are you hoping for in 2014? Nothing is unreachable. The only person on this Earth that can stop you from reaching your goals is yourself.
December 28, 2013
Stats From Free Kindle Promo on Amazon
The ending total of books downloaded for my free kindle promotion was 559. It’s a pretty big number but I was hoping for more. Ended up in the top 8 of Free Gay Fiction before it was over which was pretty cool. Hopefully that helps increase sales now that it is back to regular price. Made the charts in other countries as well. Here are a few snapshots. They aren’t the last ones but from the second day the book was on promotion. From the US, CANADA, and some EUROPE countries. Wish I would have remember to snap them from the last day but next time!
December 27, 2013
Seeking Bloggers!
Reblogged from Vampires, Crime and Angels...Eclectic Me:
My friend is looking for bloggers to promote her cover reveal for a new Vamptasy Publishing release on March 22.
The book, titled The Queen of Swords, is a paranormal romance/urban fantasy about a white witch who returns every hundred years to try and free her soul mate, who's been earthbound by a dark wizard's curse.
Please read the full post for more information. Thanks guys!
Anyone want to do a cover reveal? Here's your chance.
