Wednesday, April 30, 2014

BLOG TOUR - The Resurrection of Aubrey Miller by L.B. Simmons!

Shawn's Review

*****5 STARS*****

I had been anticipating this book since L.B. Simmons gave us the first little niblet of it months ago.  When I finally had it loaded into my Nook, it was like I had received a precious, long-awaited gift.  It was several days before I could actually begin reading it, which was nothing short of torturous, slow-moving time.  Of course I snuck in glimpses here and there every chance I got.

Let me just say The Resurrection of Aubrey Miller not only lived up to my high expectations of it, but surpassed them.  Simmons did not disappoint in her delivery of a well-written, well-researched, entertainment-packed gem of a book.  It’s pretty rare that a book is able to evoke so many different emotions in me, and this one has just been added to that short list.  Simmons hit the ball out of the park with her character development in this one.  Her characters, especially our protagonist Raven/Aubrey are multi-layered, flawed and real.  The realism is what will get you in this book.  Simmons has successfully written a story and characters that are relatable and often hit close to home.  It’s hard not to see a little bit of yourself, your journey, your struggles, your pain and your victories in this book.  That’s what will have you reaching for your Kleenex and laughing out loud…the fact that you can identify with what you’re reading.  Simmons explored some pretty heavy subject matter in this story.  It was apparent to me that she didn’t take this responsibility lightly.  The thought processes, the emotional aspects, the behaviors…they were all spot-on, and it was clear the author did her research.  I appreciate that in an author and in a book.  Simmons put real effort into this book for us, the readers.

I was a fan of L.B. Simmons before reading this book, but in my opinion, she has grown immensely and has solidified her spot in the ranks of serious authors.  The Resurrection of Aubrey Miller is a must-read book, and Simmons is must-watch author!
  





Aubrey Miller banner
Release Date ~ April 25th
Author: L.B. Simmons

☆✮ Synopsis
18780453Death.
For some, it’s simply one of life’s certainties, nothing more. For others, it’s merely a fleeting thought, one often overshadowed by the reckless delusion that they have been blessed with the gift of immortality.
For Aubrey Miller, death is the definition of her very existence. Overcome with the guilt resulting from the loss of her beloved family, she alters her appearance from the once beautiful, blonde-haired, blue-eyed little girl to that of one shrouded in complete darkness, enveloping herself in her own unbreakable fortress of solitude as a form of protection for others.
As she enters her first year of college, her goal is simple: Earn a degree with the least amount of social interaction as possible. What she never anticipates is the formation of very unlikely relationships with two people who will change her life in ways she never believed possible: Quinn Matthews, the boisterous former pageant queen, and Kaeleb McMadden, a childhood friend from her past who never really let her go.
Over the years, as their connections intertwine and grow, a seemingly indestructible bond is formed between the three…
But when death painfully reemerges, Aubrey is lost once again, burying herself deeper than ever before inside the familiar fortification of her fears.
Will the refuge of friendship, the solidarity of life-long bonds, and the power of unconditional love be enough to do the impossible?
Will they be enough to finally bring about…
The Resurrection of Aubrey Miller?
add-to-goodreads-button31
Excerpt
“Thank you so much, Quinn. This day has been…unbelievable. And I owe it all to you. You have no idea.” My voice trembles a bit with the admission, because she really has no idea what she’s done for me today.
I feel normal.
A normal girl, about to have a normal birthday celebration with her friends, in a normal (albeit spectacular) dress, with normal hair and make-up.
The only thing that’s missing is a pair of normal shoes.
“Shoes! I need shoes!” I exclaim.
“No, you don’t.” Quinn giggles and reaches for the knob of my bedroom door.
“What? Why wouldn’t I need shoes?”
That makes no sense.
She’s drunker than I thought.
That’s it, I’m officially hiding the champagne.
“You’ll see,” she says just as there’s a knock at the front door.
She winks. “Trust me. Just, stay in here. Don’t come out until someone comes to get you.”
After Quinn quietly shuts the door behind her, I remain seated. As the sounds of Kaeleb’s murmur filters into my room, a nervous excitement flitters through my belly and spreads into my chest. My joy takes flight and I breathe in deeply, contentment pumping enthusiastically with each thrumming heartbeat.
Damn, it feels good to be alive.
I don’t have to wait for long. After a very loud squeal from Quinn in the other room, there’s a knock at my door. My pulse kicks up and I rise from the bed, smoothing out my dress. With a glance in the mirror, I pluck a couple of sections of my new hair with my fingers and set them back into place. “Come in,” I remark, turning in the direction of the door.
The handle turns and as Kaeleb pokes his head around the corner, his eyes find mine. His eyebrows rise as his mouth falls slightly open, and he breaks my gaze as his focus shifts to take in my hair, my exposed neck and the line of my dress. He holds his stare briefly at the crystalline sash lining my waist, and then slowly drifts down to my smoothly-shaven legs and perfectly painted toenails. The left side of his mouth quirks up as he clears his throat, frozen in place. He tears his scrutiny away from my feet to fully step into the room, then turns away from me to shut the door.
I take advantage of the 1.5 seconds his back is turned, and survey him from head to toe. His light-blue button-up is folded to his elbows, displaying the prominence of the flexed muscles along his forearms. As he places both palms on the door and leans into them, his shirt rides up enough for me to see the designs on the back pockets of his dark jeans. They hug his ass perfectly, and for the first time in my life, I want to slide my hands right into those pockets just to feel the hardness of his toned body.
My fingers itch with the need to touch him, but I maintain control while Kaeleb braces against the door, inhaling and exhaling deeply. He stays planted there for a few more seconds until I suddenly begin to feel self-conscious. I run my hands over my hair and dress to make sure everything is as it should be.
Just as I start to ask him if he’s all right, he whips around with a full smile on his face. A few long strides later, and he’s standing right in front of me. Raising both hands, he traces the tips of his fingers along the sides of my cheeks, leaving a scorching trail as they run down my neck and thread themselves into the hair at my nape. With his thumbs underneath my chin, he tilts my head back and looks me directly in the eyes.
“You look amazing, Sunshine. Truly breathtaking.” His head dips slightly and he runs his lips tentatively along mine, the movement so sensual I can’t keep my hands off of him any longer. Fisting his shirt in my hands, I pull him into me and press my mouth hard against his, the need to taste him overriding my caution. A whimper rises in my throat and escapes into his mouth as his tongue slides in between my lips, slowly and deliberately, taking his time to stroke and caress mine. His hold tightens as his fingers curl deeper into my hair, the tinge of pain sending shockwaves of pleasure coursing through my body until they land right in between my legs, the throbbing sensation growing with each strike.
After another gentle sweep of his tongue, he lessens the kiss and pulls back slightly. His lips brush against mine before they slide over to the corner of my mouth, up along my cheek, and then rest them against my ear as he breathes, “Happy birthday. The dress is phenomenal.”
  LB Simmons About L.B. Simmons
L.B. Simmons is a graduate of Texas A&M University and holds a degree in Biomedical Science. She has been a practicing Chemist for the last 11 years. She lives with her husband and three daughters in Texas and writes every chance she gets.

Saturday, April 26, 2014

Dauntless Indies proudly presents Author Tiffany Aleman!

Meet the Author!


Q&A with Tiffany Aleman

-      What inspired you to write your first novel?
       Writing has always been a secret passion of mine. Ever since I was young I’ve liked to write. Finally, one day, I decided to put my passion to paper and my debut novel Luck of Love was born. As I was writing I couldn’t help the feeling of elation that coursed through me when I realized I was finally pursuing one of my many dreams. My kids have also been a huge inspiration for me. I want to show them that if I can follow my dreams they can too.

-      What books/authors have inspired your life most?
There are so many authors that have inspired me in one way or another that there is no way I could list them all. But if I had to pick one author I would have to choose S.C. Stephens. To me her writing is amazing and I have read every book that she has published. I feel like with every book of hers that I have read that I get sucked into this world where nothing else matters. Every emotion that her characters go through I feel like I’m going through too. With that being said, I only hope that I can achieve that type of emotion in my work. I want people to read my books and feel everything my characters feel.

-        Whom would you consider a writing mentor(s)?
Kathryn McNeil Crane and Marie Coulson. Kathryn is amazing in all that she does. She’s not only my editor but she’s also one of my dearest friends. I love that she’s not afraid to be honest with me. If she feels like something is missing in one of my manuscripts, she’ll call me and tell me. I adore the fact that if I’m having an issue trying to make a scene come to life or if I’ve hit a major writing block she’s always there to brainstorm and encourage me no matter what. Where would I be without Marie Coulson? Probably struggling with my first manuscript. She helped to give me the confidence and courage I needed to push through with my debut novel. I would have been completely lost without all of her advice on how to publish and most of the in and outs that beginning indie authors don’t really know about.

-       What book(s) are you reading now?
Currently I’m reading The Edge of Darkness by Melissa Andrea.

-       Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
I loved Catch Me by Claire Contreras and Collaboration by Michelle Lynn featuring Naveah Lee.

-       What are your current writing projects?
Currently I am working on the highly awaited sequel to Luck of Love which is titled Luck and Faith, the second book in the Serenity Falls series titled Seeking Serenity and a couple other manuscripts that I’m keeping a secret.

-        What would we find you doing when you're not at the keyboard?
Being a mom and wife first and foremost. But when all is quiet I like to sit down with a good book, a drink, and get lost in the world of fiction.

-       What are your favorite setting(s) to read/write about?
I like a little bit of everything. I’ll read anything from a feel good love story with a happy ever after to a suspense novel with one hell of a cliffhanger to a steamy erotic novel to a little bit of paranormal (Sometimes a girl just needs a little bit of vampire in her life).

-        If you could be any character in your book(s), which would you be and why?
Surprisingly enough this question isn’t too difficult to answer. I’d be Kenleigh from Serenity Falls. In all honesty that book was the hardest for me to write since it did hit a little too close to home for me.

-        I’m a potential new fan.  Sell me your book in ten words or less.
A steamy, romantic, must read with no cliffhanger.

Top Five with Brandy

Top five favorite titles (these do not have to be favorite books)

~ Love Left Behing by S.H. Kolee
~ The Breathing Series by Rebecca Donovan
~ The Thoughtless Trilogy by S.C. Stephens
~ The Fallen Crest Series by Tijan
~ The Consequences Trilogy by Aleatha Romig

Top Ten with Felicia

Top ten authors

~ Rebecca Donovan
~ K.A. Linde
~ S.C. Stephens
~ Tijan
~ CJ Roberts
~ Monica Murphy
~ Abbi Glines
~ Collen Hoover
~ Aleatha Romig
~ Marie Coulson

Serenity Falls 

by Tiffany Aleman & Ashley Poch

Synopsis:
Kenleigh Briggs suffered debilitating depression at the age of twelve after losing both parents in a tragic house fire. Her aunt assumed guardianship and forced Kenleigh to learn how to horseback ride. She soon developed a bond with the horses that helped her work out and deal with her depression.

Seven years later, young Kenleigh is now a sophomore at the University of Texas, San Antonio. During summer break, she arrives at Serenity Falls, a horse ranch devoted to helping children with disabilities learn to ride. She loves watching the kids build the same healing bonds with the horses that she did. She really finds satisfaction in paying it forward. 

Wesley Adams, the son of the ranch’s owners, is a professional bull rider who lives in Dallas. With his blond hair, Caribbean blue eyes, and tattooed muscular body, he is the epitome of every woman’s dream. Wesley is good guy, but he harbors a past he's not proud of

Kenleigh has learned to take life head on. Content with the way her life is going, Kenleigh never expected Wesley. He takes Kenleigh on the ride of her life, but will she accept him faults and all? As Kenleigh and Wesley discover a love like they have never known, will they also discover the best parts of life they are missing?



Links

IT'S LIVE! The Resurrection of Aubrey Miller by L.B. Simmons!!!

Aubrey Miller banner
Release Date ~ April 25th
Author: L.B. Simmons

☆✮ Synopsis
18780453Death.
For some, it’s simply one of life’s certainties, nothing more. For others, it’s merely a fleeting thought, one often overshadowed by the reckless delusion that they have been blessed with the gift of immortality.
For Aubrey Miller, death is the definition of her very existence. Overcome with the guilt resulting from the loss of her beloved family, she alters her appearance from the once beautiful, blonde-haired, blue-eyed little girl to that of one shrouded in complete darkness, enveloping herself in her own unbreakable fortress of solitude as a form of protection for others.
As she enters her first year of college, her goal is simple: Earn a degree with the least amount of social interaction as possible. What she never anticipates is the formation of very unlikely relationships with two people who will change her life in ways she never believed possible: Quinn Matthews, the boisterous former pageant queen, and Kaeleb McMadden, a childhood friend from her past who never really let her go.
Over the years, as their connections intertwine and grow, a seemingly indestructible bond is formed between the three…
But when death painfully reemerges, Aubrey is lost once again, burying herself deeper than ever before inside the familiar fortification of her fears.
Will the refuge of friendship, the solidarity of life-long bonds, and the power of unconditional love be enough to do the impossible?
Will they be enough to finally bring about…
The Resurrection of Aubrey Miller?
add-to-goodreads-button31
Excerpt
“Thank you so much, Quinn. This day has been…unbelievable. And I owe it all to you. You have no idea.” My voice trembles a bit with the admission, because she really has no idea what she’s done for me today.
I feel normal.
A normal girl, about to have a normal birthday celebration with her friends, in a normal (albeit spectacular) dress, with normal hair and make-up.
The only thing that’s missing is a pair of normal shoes.
“Shoes! I need shoes!” I exclaim.
“No, you don’t.” Quinn giggles and reaches for the knob of my bedroom door.
“What? Why wouldn’t I need shoes?”
That makes no sense.
She’s drunker than I thought.
That’s it, I’m officially hiding the champagne.
“You’ll see,” she says just as there’s a knock at the front door.
She winks. “Trust me. Just, stay in here. Don’t come out until someone comes to get you.”
After Quinn quietly shuts the door behind her, I remain seated. As the sounds of Kaeleb’s murmur filters into my room, a nervous excitement flitters through my belly and spreads into my chest. My joy takes flight and I breathe in deeply, contentment pumping enthusiastically with each thrumming heartbeat.
Damn, it feels good to be alive.
I don’t have to wait for long. After a very loud squeal from Quinn in the other room, there’s a knock at my door. My pulse kicks up and I rise from the bed, smoothing out my dress. With a glance in the mirror, I pluck a couple of sections of my new hair with my fingers and set them back into place. “Come in,” I remark, turning in the direction of the door.
The handle turns and as Kaeleb pokes his head around the corner, his eyes find mine. His eyebrows rise as his mouth falls slightly open, and he breaks my gaze as his focus shifts to take in my hair, my exposed neck and the line of my dress. He holds his stare briefly at the crystalline sash lining my waist, and then slowly drifts down to my smoothly-shaven legs and perfectly painted toenails. The left side of his mouth quirks up as he clears his throat, frozen in place. He tears his scrutiny away from my feet to fully step into the room, then turns away from me to shut the door.
I take advantage of the 1.5 seconds his back is turned, and survey him from head to toe. His light-blue button-up is folded to his elbows, displaying the prominence of the flexed muscles along his forearms. As he places both palms on the door and leans into them, his shirt rides up enough for me to see the designs on the back pockets of his dark jeans. They hug his ass perfectly, and for the first time in my life, I want to slide my hands right into those pockets just to feel the hardness of his toned body.
My fingers itch with the need to touch him, but I maintain control while Kaeleb braces against the door, inhaling and exhaling deeply. He stays planted there for a few more seconds until I suddenly begin to feel self-conscious. I run my hands over my hair and dress to make sure everything is as it should be.
Just as I start to ask him if he’s all right, he whips around with a full smile on his face. A few long strides later, and he’s standing right in front of me. Raising both hands, he traces the tips of his fingers along the sides of my cheeks, leaving a scorching trail as they run down my neck and thread themselves into the hair at my nape. With his thumbs underneath my chin, he tilts my head back and looks me directly in the eyes.
“You look amazing, Sunshine. Truly breathtaking.” His head dips slightly and he runs his lips tentatively along mine, the movement so sensual I can’t keep my hands off of him any longer. Fisting his shirt in my hands, I pull him into me and press my mouth hard against his, the need to taste him overriding my caution. A whimper rises in my throat and escapes into his mouth as his tongue slides in between my lips, slowly and deliberately, taking his time to stroke and caress mine. His hold tightens as his fingers curl deeper into my hair, the tinge of pain sending shockwaves of pleasure coursing through my body until they land right in between my legs, the throbbing sensation growing with each strike.
After another gentle sweep of his tongue, he lessens the kiss and pulls back slightly. His lips brush against mine before they slide over to the corner of my mouth, up along my cheek, and then rest them against my ear as he breathes, “Happy birthday. The dress is phenomenal.”
  LB Simmons About L.B. Simmons
L.B. Simmons is a graduate of Texas A&M University and holds a degree in Biomedical Science. She has been a practicing Chemist for the last 11 years. She lives with her husband and three daughters in Texas and writes every chance she gets.

Look for my review on April 30! ~ Shawn

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Review~Learning To Swim~Annie Cosby

****4 Stars****

Synopsis

When Cora’s mother whisks the family away for the summer, Cora must decide between forging her future in the glimmering world of second homes where her parents belong, or getting lost in the bewitching world of the locals and the mystery surrounding a lonely old woman who claims to be a selkie creature—and who probably needs Cora more than anyone else.

Through the fantastical tales and anguished stories of the batty Mrs. O’Leary, as well as the company of a particularly gorgeous local boy called Ronan, Cora finds an escape from the reality of planning her life after high school. But will it come at the cost of alienating Cora’s mother, who struggles with her own tragic memories?

As the summer wanes, it becomes apparent that Ronan just may hold the answer to Mrs. O’Leary’s tragic past—and Cora’s future.


About the Author


Annie Cosby

I'm a YA author who loves folklore and romance. My debut novel, LEARNING TO SWIM, is out now!

I'm currently working on the follow-up, LEARNING TO LIVE.

When I'm not writing, I'm usually freelancing, editing for awesome clients like Anna Katmore (formerly Piper Shelly) and Month9Books/Swoon Romance!

I split my days between my hometown, St. Louis, and my adopted love, Galway, Ireland.


Michele's Review

While Learning to Swim is not my usual genre of books I found that it was a great distraction to my usual fare.  Ms. Cosby’s characters are engaging, interesting, and well developed. The story line was intriguing and kept me reading, wondering how things would resolve themselves.  I can honestly say that I don’t think I have ever read anything about the Celtic folk lore of Selkies.  This in and of itself is extremely interesting and I hope that the author doesn’t abandon that story line, I find myself curious to know more about them.  All in all this is a great first novel. I look forward to the next installment and watching this author grow.  
****4 Stars****


Buy this Book


Saturday, April 19, 2014

Spotlight Saturday welcomes LACEY WOLFE!!!

Meet Lacey Wolfe!!

Lacey Wolfe has always had a passion for words, whether it’s getting lost in a book or writing her own. From the time she was a child she would slip away to write short stories about people she knew and fantasies she wished would happen. It has always been her dream to be a published author and with her two children now of school age, she finally has the time to work on making her dream come true. 


Lacey lives in Georgia with her husband, son and daughter, their six cats and one black lab who rules the house.



Q&A with Shawn and Michele

- What inspired you to write your first novel?
LW: I’ve always written, but what really got my booty in gear is when my youngest started school and it meant I had to go out and get a job. I’ve become such a homebody, that I decided it was time to give this writing thing a go, so I started with novellas since they were easier to complete.

- What books/authors have inspired your life most?
LW: Before I published, I was a book reviewer. I made friends with a lot of authors, but one in particular took me under her wing and helped me. To this day, I am so thankful for author Keri Ford and all the help she gave me.

- Whom would you consider a writing mentor(s)?
LW: I look up to so many authors, and hope that one day my writing is as good as theirs. Ella Jade is my shoulder. She’s there for me whenever I need a shoulder to lean on, and is always helping me strengthen my writing.

- What book(s) are you reading now?
LW: I just finished Out Of Time by Jen McLaughlin and waiting not so patiently for the release of the last in the series at the end of this month.

- Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
LW: I recently read Kimber S. Dawn, and need to pick up her latest read. Christy Dilg is another new author for me. Great writing. Looking forward to her next book as well.

- What are your current writing projects?
LW: I am currently head over heels into the cowboy world. I am writing my first western romance titled Counting Cowboys. It’ll be the first book in the Carver Ranch series. I also have the sequel to Hypnotized that just released this week screaming at me. I wasn’t sure if there would be a sequel to this one, but Gabe and Paisley told me there will be.

- What would we find you doing when you're not at the keyboard?
LW: Cleaning my pig pen…I mean house. I also enjoy crocheting. Other than that, I’m really boring. I could be a reality TV show to put people to sleep at night.

- What are your favorite setting(s) to read/write about?
LW: I love modern day stories set in the South. If I come across a book that takes place in Georgia, it’s on my auto buy list.

- If you could be any character in your book(s), which would you be and why?
LW: I’d be Darcy from Wanted: Wife. She gets paid $1000 and all expenses paid a week to be a guys finance. I could so live with that.

- I’m a potential new fan.  Sell me your book in ten words or less.
LW: Sensual, quirky, sweet, sexy, swoon-worthy heros.

Top Five with Brandy


Top five favorite titles (these do not have to be favorite books)

Stealing His Heart by Ella Jade
Welcome to Temptation by Jennifer Cruise
Talk Me Down by Victoria Dahl
Dexter (This counts as a title, right? Yes…good)
Haven – the show on SYFY.

Top Ten with Felicia

Top ten snacks while writing:

Tea
Hard candy
Gum
Water
Chips
Pretzels
Grapes
More Tea (I gave up coffee for the new year….crazy, I know!)
Carrot sticks (Sure…yeah. I need to be kinda healthy, right?)
Jelly Beans!

The Books!




Find Lacey!

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Review~M.L. Gardner~1929 Jonathan's Cross

*****5 Stars*****


Synopsis

Jonathan Garrett has just lost everything. He and his two best friends were operating one of the top brokerages in New York City until the stock market crash of '29. With nothing but the clothes on their backs, these men must start over. Renting a shabby apartment from a business rival with his eye on tormenting Jonathan, they begin to rebuild as best they can. Their wives struggle to make the best of their situations, each coping in her own way. They begin to make friendships that promise to last a lifetime. As the jobs become fewer and danger is at their backs, the stakes get higher for these men to find a way out. Their current poverty, their respective pasts, and their own struggles all threaten to ruin them. With hope, close friends, and a lucky twist of fate, they escape the city just in time. They return to their hometown of Rockport Massachusetts to begin a new life. Living modestly, and faring better than the friends they left behind in the city, they begin to think things are taking a turn for the better. But tragedy is never far behind.



Michele's Review

Have you ever read a book that you just wanted to devour? That you just could not wait for the turn of the page to find out what happens next? You simply must marathon read so you can get to the next installment? Yeah, that was me, reading this book.

The 1920's-1930's is probably my most favorite period of time.  I have studied the era intently for many years and am glad the author felt no need to take on the onerous task of rewriting history. Instead choosing to follow where the characters lead her. Yes, there were some details that weren't specific to the era, but this is a work of fiction and the few liberties taken by Mrs. Gardner worked for the story and were by no means unforgivable.

The characters are well developed, very personable and extremely human.  I found myself laughing with them, sympathizing with them, and more than once crying with them.  Several times I caught myself arguing with a couple of the characters about choices that were being made, I couldn't help myself.  I am very glad that I came into this series late because now I don't have to wait for the next one to come out, I can start it tonight! 

I don't say this lightly, ML Gardner has written a story that has captured my imagination and my heart.  Her book reminds  me of one of my favorite series, The Clifton Chronicles.  Mrs Gardner, you are my new Jeffrey Archer. 

Highly recommend this series- 5 Stars



About the Author ~ M.L. Gardner


M.L. Gardner is an American author currently living in Northern Utah after spending a decade in the Pacific Northwest. Having grown up a Navy brat, she's lived everywhere and considers no one place home. She collects cats and dreams of opening a no kill shelter in her backyard where she can be surrounded by her feline friends all the time, despite their love of sitting on her keyboard.

She is married with three kids and four cats and writes full time, living on cheese and Bing energy drinks.



Connect with M.L. Gardner


Goodreads ~ https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4759502.M_L_Gardner


Buy This Book



COVER REVEAL!!! Abby's Survival by B.L. Mooney!

AbbysSurvival (1)

add-to-goodreads-button31Synopsis

The sequel to Liv's Existence Love and Loss. Two tiny words, each with their own powerful impact. They can both happen at any given moment and both can forever change your soul. It’s how you allow it to change you that matters. The hard part is finding a balance when the loss gets overwhelming. How do you do that when everyone you thought you couldn’t live without leaves you? Loss is inevitable. I’ve had enough in my life to know that much. Now I’ve just got to figure out how to survive it. Ages 18+ due to adult situations and violence. Some situations may be difficult for some readers.

Excerpt

I was so excited for Olivia and Kyle. I couldn’t wait to hear how her first weekend filled with sex was. It took time, but I knew it was worth the wait for both of them. She probably wouldn’t be as available since she finally let go with Kyle. Couldn’t say I blamed her, though. I wanted to be with John every chance I got. Just thinking about what he could do had me squeezing my legs together.

Pulling into Olivia’s apartment complex, I tried to get my thoughts back on her and Kyle. There was no way I could talk about John and me. This needed to be Olivia’s day and the attention needed to be on them. I just hoped Kyle didn’t insist on staying. It was really sweet of John to offer to come over and take Kyle out for a beer while Olivia and I talked. We just had to get Kyle to go.

Just as I started to enter Olivia’s building, emergency vehicles entered the parking lot. An ambulance, a fire truck, and several police vehicles—with full lights and sirens—screeched to a stop just feet from the door. I looked to my left as the building manager opened the door and shooed me out of the way. “I haven’t been up there yet, but I just saw her boyfriend. I tried to stop him, but he shoved me out of his way.” He stopped, and I could see on his face that it registered with him who I was. “You don’t want to go up there.”

“That’s fine, sir. We’ll handle it now.” Police and EMTs ran through the door and started up the stairs. One officer stayed down to talk to the manager, and I slipped through the door when he pointed out Olivia and Kyle’s cars.

My heart was beating fast. It had to be a mistake. There was no way they were talking about Olivia’s apartment. I reached Olivia’s floor and had just seen the last officer enter her apartment. I ran faster as I heard Kyle’s tortured voice at the end of the hall.

“Live, please, please live. I need you to live for me, for us. We can work through this. You just need to live, and I’ll do the rest.” Kyle was on the floor with her across his lap. He started sobbing as the medics tried to pry Olivia out of his arms.

I gripped the doorway. “No! No! No!” The medics pumped oxygen into Olivia’s lungs with a bag over her mouth, as they were yelling vitals to each other. They ran out of the room, leaving Kyle and me alone with the blood on the floor and police looking around. Trying to get Kyle off the floor, I yelled at him, “Come on, Kyle. We need to go. She needs us.”

He just cried and painfully clutched my legs. “She’s gone. How can she leave me? She can’t leave me!”

I tried again to get him up. “You need to go tell her that! We both need to tell her. Let’s go, now!”

Kyle struggled to get up, but he did. We ran into John coming down the hall. “What happened?”

Seeing John broke down what little strength I had and the room started spinning. I only hoped I no longer had to be the strong one. I started sobbing. “I don’t know. Her face was so swollen and there’s so much blood.” I pointed to Olivia’s apartment. He looked in at the scene and gasped as he took a step back.

“We have questions we need answered.” One of the officers came out of Olivia’s apartment.

“They’re going to have to wait until later,” John said, turning back to Kyle and me to escort us out. “We need to be at the hospital. You can ask us there or wait until we’re ready to come in, but now we are going to the hospital,” he yelled over his shoulder.

“One of us will need to follow you there.”

John never turned around as we headed toward the stairs. “Do what you must, but we’re leaving.”

MeetTheAuthor

FACEBOOK / GOODREADS / TWITTER / AMAZON

B.L. Mooney started writing when the voices and storylines in her head ran out of room. They were getting too cramped and neither B.L. nor the characters could take it anymore, so she did the only thing she could do--she made room. She always knew she wanted to write, but vowed to make time for it later. Now that she's made time for writing, most everything else falls to the wayside. That seems to suit the characters that keep popping up just fine.

B.L. lives in the Midwest and her other talents include in-demand cookies, a very dry sense of humor, and stealth eavesdropping. Some mannerisms, attitudes, or twists come from random sentences picked up while passing by strangers. So speak up the next time you have something to gossip about. You never know, it may just end up on the pages of the next book you read.

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AMAZON / AMAZON CA / AMAZON UK / BARNES & NOBLE

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Saturday, April 12, 2014

Spotlight Saturday Presents Bella Roccaforte

Meet Bella Roccafort

I have been many places and done many amazing things. My motto has always been that you can choose to watch life pass you by or be the one spinning the world. You have to get out and live. Life won’t come to you!

Writing is just one of my passions that I’m lucky enough to be able to express. I also love music, reading other people’s books, but most of all spending time with my kiddos. 

The characters in INK are very near and dear to my heart. Some are very closely fashioned after real people in the real world. Many of the experiences that Shay has had actually happened, of course there haven’t been any murders – oh wait there were but not like in the book. That’s a whole other series!

INK is currently slated to be a 6 book series. I hope that you enjoy INK: Fine Lines and fall in love with Aiden and Eli just like I did!

I grew up in New England where my entire extended family lives, but have lived all over the country. I currently call Atlanta, GA home. There’s a reason they call it HOTlanta – good God!

I love to answer emails, do guest posts and digital signings. Oh who am I kidding I’m pretty much always up for anything! Contact me any time!



Links:






Buy Bella's Books:
(Click on cover for link)










Shawn and Michele Want to Know:

~What inspired you to write your first novel?

My first novel was inspired by a nightmare and a really bad birthday. I felt like I needed to write it down and get it out. It then bloomed into something so much bigger than I ever imagined.

 ~What books/authors have inspired your life most?

C.S. Marks, Sarra Cannon and Addison Moore most of all! Addison writes the Celestra series, which is fabulous! She was really there for me when I lost my manuscript and encouraged me to go for it. I can honestly say, that without Addison my books would have never been finished.

~Whom would you consider a writing mentor(s)?

Addison Moore, Sarra Cannon, Allison Hope.

~What book(s) are you reading now?

Ravenshade by C.S. Marks (I’m super lucky, it’s not out yet, but she’s letting me give it a read.)

~Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

Cristy Rey and Michelle Graves: I’ve recently met them at an event and totally have their work on my tbr list.

~What are your current writing projects?

The main project is the completion of the INK series. I’m presently wrapping up INK: Abstraction (Book 3), then I’m going to finish up INK: Sketches (Book 0, Part II). It’s a prequel to the story.

~What would we find you doing when you're not at the keyboard?

Taking care of my family or sleeping. I’m really boring.

~What are your favorite setting(s) to read/write about?

I love urban fantasy as well as fantasy worlds that are beyond my imagination!

~If you could be any character in your book(s), which would you be and why?

I’m really unkind to my characters, I don’t think I’d want to be any of them. If I had to choose I would say Trish, because she says exactly what’s on her mind all the time, with incredible finesse.

~I’m a potential new fan.  Sell me your book in ten words or less.

Nonstop, edge of your seat, unpredictable, paranormal roller coaster ride.


Brandy L Rivers Wants to Know:

Top five favorite titles (these do not have to be favorite books).

Fight Club
What Dreams May Come
Ender’s Game
Star Wars
The Walking Dead
For Felicia:
Please choose one:


Top ten books turned to movies.

·         Elfhunter by C.S. Marks
·         Celestra series by Addison Moore
·         Beautiful Demons by Sarra Cannon
·         Death’s Awakening by Sarra Cannon
·         The Trouble with Goodbye by Sarra Cannon (the only contemporary I’ve ever liked, never mind LOVED)
·         Silent Changes Melissa Strnad
·         Eternavix by Alex L Kaine
·         The Dresden Files (the whole series) by Jim Butcher
·         Dante’s Inferno
·         American Gods by Neil Gaiman