Devon Ashley's Blog, page 16
February 5, 2013
Fracture Soul by Rachel McClellan (ARC), Blog Tour Stop & Giveaway! (INT)
I'm a huge fan of the Fractured Light series, so I'm excited to be a part of this blog tour. And I've got quite a bit for my stop: a review, an interview with Rachel McClellan for my Writers' Block segment, and a giveaway for either an eBook or a Hardback of Fractured Soul! So read on, peeps, read on...
Fractured Soul (Fractured Light #2)
Rachel McClellan
Exp. Pub: February12, 2013 Next Week Peeps!
Llona will do whatever it takes to protect her new found friends and home, but the dark plot that is threatening Lucent Academy, a school that’s supposed to be a safe place for Auras, may be too powerful for even Llona to defeat. This fast-paced tale of love, loyalty, and overcoming the darkness will keep you on the edge of your seat until the last page!Picking up where Fractured Light left off, Llona finds herself pushed into attending Lucent Academy at her aunt's request. Her fellow auras are about as exciting as ketchup on toast, brought up to believe that their power of light can only be used for good (never to defend oneself) and that competition is a bad thing (everyone must be equal, even taking turns to be the leader when running). Blah. No wonder Llona can't help but screw with the system a bit, not only trying to encourage competition, but constantly sneaking outside the school to run free. Unfortunately, every time she seems to leave, she runs into trouble, and once again finds herself having to use light to defend her life. But it's different this time. Llona actually wants to go looking for the Vykens that threaten her existence; she wants to use her power in the way her heritage forbids...because she doesn't wanna be weak anymore, waiting to just be picked off. But not only is the danger intensifying on the outskirts of the school, but inside as well, and convincing her Aunt Sophie that the Aura organization has been infiltrated all the way to the top, proves to be deadly impossible.
Ahh...I love this series. Besties Llona and May are back, and trying to figure out life with a bunch of girls that have been trained and isolated their whole life. May seems to slip in easily enough with the other Furies, but Llona finds it more difficult with the Auras. She feels trapped, and feels the need to escape most nights by jumping the walls of the school to go running. But she wasn't expecting to run into a Vyken that first night, and needing to fight for her life. But it was exhilarating! And something she almost began to crave, so she repeatedly disobeys the rules and warnings of the guardians protecting the school, and begins seeking out the Vykens that have been growing in numbers around her. Fractured Soul brings new friends and new species, and a wicked reason for Llona's new urge to hunt. Christian's back too! Ahh, yummy, yummy, Christian. He manages to get assigned at the school to keep an eye on his favorite charge, and continues to pursue a forbidden relationship with Llona. She fights hard in the beginning, trying to obey some of the rules given to her upon entering the academy, but if someone like Christian was trying to break down your defensives, do you seriously think you'd say no forev.er? Not likely! And that ending... I almost died. Seriously Rachel, what the heck are you doing to us?!!!! Gah! Pick it up peeps! And if you haven't read the Fractured Light, you need to catch up fast.
ARC provided by author/publisher for honest review.
Today I have the lovely Rachel McClellan, obviously. :) Headbangs to Metallica (right on!). Manages to function without coffee intake (say what?!). And never suffers from writer's block (so not fair...). Let's take a few minutes to get to know this groovy chic!
Website
Blog
GoodReads
What was your favorite book as a kid? I loved anything by Christopher Pike or L.J. Smith.
What is your favorite genre to read and what makes it so awesome? I love anything related to the supernatural: urban fantasy, paranormal, horror, etc. Life can be incredibly hard so I like "escaping" to worlds were good triumphs over evil, where a normal person can suddenly be the most important person in the world, where our imagination is pushed to the limits and on and on. Tell us your favorite author. Which book is your total fave from that author? I love Dean Koontz, specifically the Odd Thomas series.
If the Earth suddenly became uninhabital, would you rather live under the sea or in space? Space for sure. I would feel to claustrophobic in the water. Plus, I just know I'd discover another world.
What do you do when you experience that lovely problem called writer's block? I honestly don't get writers block anymore ever since I decided to follow my golden rule, which is "Never begin a novel unless you know the ending." This gives me a clear goal to work towards. When you were little, what did you think you'd be when you grew up? I wanted to be everything from a veterinarian, lawyer, physical therapist, psychologist, doctor. Honestly I didn't consider an author, even though I loved to write, because I didn't think "someone like me" could actually write a book. What food/drink would absolutely devastate you if they stopped production on? Fudge. My life would be over. Do you like to listen to music when you read or write? Tell us a few of your favorites. I love Chevelle, Red, Hurt, old school Metallica, Lincoln Park, Tool, and James Dooley are just a few. Must have my music! Which is your favorite fairytale? I love Sleeping Beauty. I hear Tim Burton is doing a retelling of it. Can't wait!
This or That
Underworld or Twilight - UNDERWORLD!!!!!
Original or Remake - Most of the time Remake
Sweet or Salty - Both. Together.
Drama or Comedy
Fantasy or Romance
Spring or Autumn
Michael Jackson or Whitney Houston - Old school Jackson
Walter Mathau or Jack Lemmon
Dirty Dancing or Footloose - Dirty Dancing for sure
American Idol or X-Factor or The Voice
Movie Theatre or Loveseat
Tea or Coffee - neither
Rain or Sunshine - Rain, followed by sunshine
Skiing or Surfing- Snowboarding
Tree House or Man Cave
Choose a challenge...if you dare!
Write a sentence using all these words: wolfpack, mirror, pop rocks, cuckoo clock, Edward Cullen, hairspray: Edward Cullen looked in the mirror for the millionth time, and, while hairspraying his hair, thought of the wolfpack he'd encountered earlier, and how desperately he wished he could be like them: cool, confident, non-pale, but then the cuckoo clock chimed, waking him from his fantasy involving a particular lead wolf, pop rocks, and a snowy white lamb.
GIVEAWAY!!! (INT)
Cedar Fort is giving my peeps a chance to win a copy of Fractured Soul, and the winner has the choice of either an eBook or a Hardback. Haven't read Fractured Light yet? From February 4th - 17th, ebooks are just $2.99 at Amazon
and Barnes and Noble. Totally worth picking up! And here's the trailer for your viewing pleasure. :)There are more chances out there to win a copy. If you'd like to enter more, check out the Tour List. But before you go, don't forget to check my header text for all my current giveaways. a Rafflecopter giveaway
January 31, 2013
Previously Loved Books Giveaway: February 2013 (US)
FEBRUARY'S GIVEAWAY Nobody by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
There are people in this world who are Nobody. No one sees them. No one notices them. They live their lives under the radar, forgotten as soon as you turn away. That’s why they make the perfect assassins.
The Institute finds these people when they’re young and takes them away for training. But an untrained Nobody is a threat to their organization. And threats must be eliminated.
Sixteen-year-old Claire has been invisible her whole life, missed by the Institute’s monitoring. But now they’ve ID’ed her and send seventeen-year-old Nix to remove her. Yet the moment he lays eyes on her, he can’t make the hit. It’s as if Claire and Nix are the only people in the world for each other. And they are—because no one else ever notices them. To enter, visit the Previously Loved Book Giveaway page!
January 30, 2013
Cover Release: Catacombs
Yay! Today is the cover release for the next installment of The Immortal Archives series: Catacombs (Book 3). I'm working hard on getting this ready so I can give you a summer release.
A dark secret has been trapped within the catacombs beneath the headquarters of the pure vampire organization for centuries, waiting for the day to wreak vengeance. That day has finally come... Expected Publication: Summer 2013Add it to GoodReads.
January 27, 2013
Nobody by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (ARC) & Giveaway
NOBODY
Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Pub.: January 22, 2013
There are people in this world who are Nobody. No one sees them. No one notices them. They live their lives under the radar, forgotten as soon as you turn away.
That’s why they make the perfect assassins.
The Institute finds these people when they’re young and takes them away for training. But an untrained Nobody is a threat to their organization. And threats must be eliminated.
Sixteen-year-old Claire has been invisible her whole life, missed by the Institute’s monitoring. But now they’ve ID’ed her and send seventeen-year-old Nix to remove her. Yet the moment he lays eyes on her, he can’t make the hit. It’s as if Claire and Nix are the only people in the world for each other. And they are—because no one else ever notices them.
How can someone want me dead if no one knows I'm alive? Claire has spent her entire fifteen years trying to get someone to notice her. Classmates, teachers, people that drive cars. Even her parents have to leave a sticky note on their back door to remind them to retrace their steps, just in case they come home without her. And sadly, they do it all the time. Because Claire is a Nobody - a being with no energy, unrecognizable without strenuous effort - she just doesn't know it yet. Nix has spent his entire existence embracing his Nobodyness, trained by a secret society to use his ability to kill the Nulls, cruel, heartless people that bring harm to the Normals.
When Nix is sent out on his twelfth kill to kill an Omega - an extremely dangerous person that requires a kill from a distance - something strange happens to him. For the first time ever, he questions his assignment, and Nobody's are taught never to question, 'cause they're nothing. But Claire doesn't seem like the typical Null, or she's by far the most cleverest Null of all, the way she can make him doubt her Nullness. But once he fades into nonexistence and Claire can still see him, he spares her life and begins to question why his society sent him to kill his own kind. Until he realizes why they did - only a Nobody can see another Nobody. Now on the run with Claire from his society's Sensors - people with abnormally strong senses that can almost pinpoint the presence of a Nobody - he must retrace his kills to search for a pattern, 'cause he no longer believes they were all just Nulls, and in order to be free of them, he must figure out the society's true objectives.
I was attracted to Nobody for it's unique concept, of assassins being people with such little energy they can slip past people easily, and when they fade, can completely fall off the radar and pass through solid objects, even taking things into the fade with them as it becomes an extension of their existence. And for that part of the novel, I was really intrigued.
The main problem writing this type of story is making its characters relatable and likeable. Were Nix and Claire relatable? Nix, no. Claire, maybe, to those who flew through high school under the radar, and felt lonely in the process. As for likeable? Claire was somewhat, but the girl was so starved for attention that she literally ran and threw herself before the man trying to kill her just because he took notice of her. That's just crazy. But there's a tiny bit of likeablity in her naivety and optimism...'cause she just knew that someday, someone was gonna pay attention to her. And who thought it'd be an assassin, 'cause like she thought, how could anyone want her dead when nobody even knows she's alive? So with relatability an issue, it's no wonder I got all the way to 70% before I truly begin to care about the two Nobodies, 'cause up until that point, even their speak and thoughts were coming off quite depressing. Especially the way they had to convince themselves they were nothing just to enter the fade. It wasn't until they were given a new purpose that their story began to shine like the energy emanating off their bodies in the fade. So should you read Nobody? Yeah, it's worth a read on the assassin concept alone, just don't be surprised if the two characters and their fast paced love story reads a bit slow. For me, Nobody was good read, it just wasn't as good as Ms. Barnes other books.
ARC provided by publisher for honest review. Also, I currently have a giveaway going for two of Ms. Barnes' books, Nobody and Every Other Day (4 DreamCatchers!), which is definitely worth your time. Giveaway ends January 31st!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Pub.: January 22, 2013
There are people in this world who are Nobody. No one sees them. No one notices them. They live their lives under the radar, forgotten as soon as you turn away. That’s why they make the perfect assassins.
The Institute finds these people when they’re young and takes them away for training. But an untrained Nobody is a threat to their organization. And threats must be eliminated.
Sixteen-year-old Claire has been invisible her whole life, missed by the Institute’s monitoring. But now they’ve ID’ed her and send seventeen-year-old Nix to remove her. Yet the moment he lays eyes on her, he can’t make the hit. It’s as if Claire and Nix are the only people in the world for each other. And they are—because no one else ever notices them.
How can someone want me dead if no one knows I'm alive? Claire has spent her entire fifteen years trying to get someone to notice her. Classmates, teachers, people that drive cars. Even her parents have to leave a sticky note on their back door to remind them to retrace their steps, just in case they come home without her. And sadly, they do it all the time. Because Claire is a Nobody - a being with no energy, unrecognizable without strenuous effort - she just doesn't know it yet. Nix has spent his entire existence embracing his Nobodyness, trained by a secret society to use his ability to kill the Nulls, cruel, heartless people that bring harm to the Normals.
When Nix is sent out on his twelfth kill to kill an Omega - an extremely dangerous person that requires a kill from a distance - something strange happens to him. For the first time ever, he questions his assignment, and Nobody's are taught never to question, 'cause they're nothing. But Claire doesn't seem like the typical Null, or she's by far the most cleverest Null of all, the way she can make him doubt her Nullness. But once he fades into nonexistence and Claire can still see him, he spares her life and begins to question why his society sent him to kill his own kind. Until he realizes why they did - only a Nobody can see another Nobody. Now on the run with Claire from his society's Sensors - people with abnormally strong senses that can almost pinpoint the presence of a Nobody - he must retrace his kills to search for a pattern, 'cause he no longer believes they were all just Nulls, and in order to be free of them, he must figure out the society's true objectives.
I was attracted to Nobody for it's unique concept, of assassins being people with such little energy they can slip past people easily, and when they fade, can completely fall off the radar and pass through solid objects, even taking things into the fade with them as it becomes an extension of their existence. And for that part of the novel, I was really intrigued.
The main problem writing this type of story is making its characters relatable and likeable. Were Nix and Claire relatable? Nix, no. Claire, maybe, to those who flew through high school under the radar, and felt lonely in the process. As for likeable? Claire was somewhat, but the girl was so starved for attention that she literally ran and threw herself before the man trying to kill her just because he took notice of her. That's just crazy. But there's a tiny bit of likeablity in her naivety and optimism...'cause she just knew that someday, someone was gonna pay attention to her. And who thought it'd be an assassin, 'cause like she thought, how could anyone want her dead when nobody even knows she's alive? So with relatability an issue, it's no wonder I got all the way to 70% before I truly begin to care about the two Nobodies, 'cause up until that point, even their speak and thoughts were coming off quite depressing. Especially the way they had to convince themselves they were nothing just to enter the fade. It wasn't until they were given a new purpose that their story began to shine like the energy emanating off their bodies in the fade. So should you read Nobody? Yeah, it's worth a read on the assassin concept alone, just don't be surprised if the two characters and their fast paced love story reads a bit slow. For me, Nobody was good read, it just wasn't as good as Ms. Barnes other books.
ARC provided by publisher for honest review. Also, I currently have a giveaway going for two of Ms. Barnes' books, Nobody and Every Other Day (4 DreamCatchers!), which is definitely worth your time. Giveaway ends January 31st!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
January 21, 2013
FALLING AWAY Teaser & Giveaway! (INT)
Valentine's Day is just around the corner! I'm feeling a little generous today, so I've decided to grant the requests for another teaser! Not only do you get an entire chapter, but if you comment on this post, you're entered for a chance to win a copy of the book once it's released! Check it out!
FALLING AWAY (A Falling Novel #2)
Expected Pub Date: February 14, 2013
Jenna’s first two years of community college are almost over and it’s time to decide where to finish her degree. Should she attend Yale to be with Robert, or off to Rutgers, where she really wants to go? As Sophie and Jhett’s engagement is announced, she begins to question if she'll live happily ever after too. Right on cue with her doubts, a familiar boy pops up in her dreams again. But Evan's entrance is as abrupt as his exit, and Jenna’s left worrying about his safety. Concern and curiosity get the best of her and checking up on him puts her within arm’s reach of a man that still adores her, and one unexpected act of indiscretion will turn her world upside down and inside out.
New Adult Paranormal Romance (think old-school paranormal. Twilight Zone-ish, not sparkly supernatural creatures.)
Recommended for Ages 17+ for Language and Sexual Situations.
For Theme Song and Author's Cast, check out the Official Book Page.
***Note: teaser is from rough draft version and could be altered before the final version***F five F
Ah, Christmas. Trees were blinking, sleigh bells were ringing and carolers were singing. But sadly, it wasn’t the halls I wanted to deck. That honor belonged to Robert’s mother. “Jenna, seriously. Don’t put a silver ornament next to another silver ornament. Everyone will be staring at that spot because it’ll be the only spot that doesn’t have a change of color, and they’ll wonder what fool put those two together.” Wow. Really? That’s the fifth time she snapped at me the past hour, and I now understood why the help they had in this house wasn’t allowed to put up the decorations. Apparently no one but Mrs. Penelope Jennings was talented enough to do it right. Even the garlands we hung had to be measured and pinned at exactly fifteen inches apart. Exactly! Just for fun, I occasionally nudged it to sixteen when she wasn’t looking. I was definitely gonna have to ask Issy where she kept the hidden stash of After-Penelope liquor. She was their maid, and a thirty year old immigrant from South America. Only Robert’s mother called her by her formal name, Esmeralda. And I knew there was no way in hell Issy didn’t have to drink herself to bed every night in this household. I mumbled an apology, which of course she rolled her eyes over ‘cause I didn’t speak at a proper auditory tone. I shot a pitiful look of absolute misery Robert’s way and he solemnly mouthed, “I’m sorry.” I wanted to kill him for sitting across the room watching football while I rotted away in hell, but even Robert had proven unworthy to decorate after his many years here. I was half tempted to continue screwing up on purpose, but figured it wasn’t worth the nagging that was sure to follow. A few more hours and my servitude to the devil would be over. And I’d have Robert give me a full body massage to relieve the tension, but in this household we weren’t allowed to be in the same bedroom together. We might have sex, you know? As if we’d want to with his mother right down the hall. The woman was a life-sucker. Trust me when I said our energy levels were at absolute zero by the time we headed to bed, so sex was the last thing on our minds around here. My only condition for coming to Robert’s family home for Christmas was this: at no time was he allowed to ever leave me alone with his mother. To do so would mean I’d get to stab an ice pick in his eye. So when Robert’s dad tried to get him to follow him to the study to go over Robert’s finances, I knew the whispered conversation that followed involved that very request. Having been subjected to Penelope’s criticism’s plenty of times himself, I began to get sympathy glances from his father as well. My only solace was Julie, the wife of Robert’s brother Reynold. Finally an ally! We clicked instantly when we met last year at Christmas (super joyous then too, by the way) and realized neither one of us were who Penelope wanted her boys to be with. Guess it’s saying something when both boys go with the complete opposite of their mother. Unfortunately, mumsie noticed our bonding, and we couldn’t help but notice the ol’ divide-and-conquer philosophy when it came to dishing out the decoration assignments. Julie was already married into the family, so since I was the only one left Penelope could truly ruin, of course I got stuck with her. I just wished this freakin’ house was decorated already. Who the hell waits until December twenty-third to decorate their house when they have a huge party planned for Christmas Eve? It’s almost like she planned this just to make us suffer. Probably her Christmas present to herself. Four hours later my servitude was done. After dinner I kissed Robert good night and sank into the bathtub for two hours before dragging my wrinkly, over-hydrated ass back out. I actually got to sleep in the next morning. Now that it was party day, Penelope was too focused on the caterers and waiters to notice I was missing. Robert actually came and woke me up at eleven, thinking I was never gonna come back out. He dragged me out of bed, passed me my coffee and shoved me into the bathroom. And after flashing me a super sexy grin and a wink as he closed the door on the way out, I really wished he would’ve stuck around a bit longer. I would have totally made it worth his while. Robert and I snuck out of the house with Reynold and Julie to hit up a movie and a quick bite to eat before dressing for the party. No one wanted to be near Penelope as she constantly yelled at the guest staff, and it was impossible to lose the madness anywhere in the mansion. For the first time in days we each had a smile plastered across our face, the tension finally seeping from our systems. But all groans, moans and headaches made a sudden reappearance the moment we pulled into the drive and parked in the garage. Robert said the party included the same people year after freakin’ year. Business associates, important clients, close friends and neighbors, and family that used the opportunity to make their obligatory yearly visit while Penelope was forced to behave in front of her other guests. Wish I had thought of that. And of course, my most favorite gal pal in the world, Anne Bridgeway, who took the opportunity to wear a dress with a plunge line that dipped all the way down to her belly button. Hey, look at that. An outie! And it’s pierced…of course. Bet the girl had a large tramp stamp too. It was only an hour into the party and already I was bored out of my mind. Robert and I were forced to mingle with these people, most of which I couldn’t care less if I ever met again. By two hours I needed something to refresh me. The bartender was limited on Ginger Ale so I offered to grab my own from the kitchen. Big mistake. Jenna Enemy #1 was in there and it was too late to walk back out without being seen. She forced a sharp smile as she swirled the cocktail in her hand. “Mrs. Jennings,” I said politely, making my way to the refrigerator, determined to exit as soon as possible. “Jenna, good. I’d been meaning to get you alone. I didn’t want to say this in front of Robert.” Shit. “You know, it still surprises me you want to go all the way to Rutgers when Yale can offer you a better education.” Ugh. This again? My choice of schools was such a broken record. “Are you and Robert having problems?” You wish, bitch. “No ma’am. I’ve always had my heart set on Rutgers. I guess I’d be remiss if I didn’t follow what I feel is right for me.” I opened the door disguised as cabinetry and scanned for my soda. “So it’s the education you seek? I thought perhaps it was because going to Rutgers would cut your drive to Penn State by two hours.” Thank the Lord I was buried head first in the refrigerator, ‘cause there was no way to hide the way my eyes just bugged out, filled with fear over what she may know. Damn it! I knew I should have withdrawn cash from the ATM to purchase those damn tickets! I should’ve known the old crow would find a way to get a hold of Robert’s purchase information and comb through it meticulously. Damn it, damn it, damn it! Forcing a slow breath into my lungs, I calmed my face and emerged from the refrigerator with my soda in hand. It probably wasn’t good that I wanted to smack the smug grin off the face of my boyfriend’s mother, huh? “Why would I wanna do that?” “You tell me. Someone purchased tickets to and from Penn State when Robert was out of town at a swim meet, so I know it wasn’t him.” Unbelievable. I crossed my arms and leaned back against the counter as I returned the chilly glare. “Seriously? You’re going through his finances? He’s not a kid anymore. He’s twenty years old.” With a belittling expression, she said, “Exactly. And until he’s proven he can make proper decisions, I’ll check behind him to make sure he doesn’t stray off the right path. And that includes making sure others don’t compromise him as well.” Afraid to let this conversation go any further, I silently acknowledged her statement with a tip of the head and turned to leave. “You haven’t given me an explanation,” she snapped at my backside, raising her voice, as if it held authority and could demand my feet to lock in place. I huffed, but I didn’t bother looking back. As I continued through the entry way, I rudely replied over my shoulder, “That’s ‘cause I don’t owe you one.” Man I really hated that woman. Nothing I’d ever done had been good enough for her. All ‘cause of what? The fact that I wasn’t born to the right parents? I wasn’t born into a family she’d known all her life? I worked my ass off to get where I was today, and I hadn’t taken anything from her these past couple of years. And maybe that was the problem. Thus far I’d refused their money, their connections that could get me into the most prestigious schools in the nation, and especially her neverending attempts to increase my knowledge of social etiquette. Robert’s been the one to foot the bill for what I couldn’t afford, and usually only then ‘cause he’s so freakin’ stubborn he does it behind my back. But even he didn’t borrow from his parents, living comfortably off the money his grandfather left him. And since I hadn’t accepted anything from her, she had nothing to hold over my head. And she knew it. That’s why she was up my ass over this, the only questionable purchase I’d made to date. I wondered how long she’d been waiting for something like this to happen. And there was no doubt in my mind she’d tell Robert next. Good thing I mentioned it to him once before. The last thing I needed was him thinking I was keeping secrets. I snatched a glass of ice from the bartender and filled it halfway with Ginger Ale, then made my way back to Robert. His back was to me ‘cause Reynold and Julie had found him. If I wasn’t so pissed I would’ve taken the time to smile over the way he wrapped her up in his arm, protecting her from the madness of this room. I sighed as I cut my way into the triangle, silently digging my way through Robert’s jacket for the thin silver flask Reynold gave him for Christmas. Appropriate gift for this household. I felt their eyes bore a hole directly into my head as I poured whatever the hell’s in there into my glass. “You know, that doesn’t really go with Ginger Ale.” “Don’t care.” I slapped the flask into his chest, waiting for his hand to take over, then took a few sips. It was nasty, though I’d probably think that even if I had mixed a proper cocktail. I could sense their amusement without even looking their way, but it was Julie’s eyes I met first, and she had this pained expression, like she knew exactly what was going on in my head. Robert tucked the flask back into its secret location and tried rubbing the tension out of my neck. I sighed, shook my head and mumbled “bitch” before I took a few more sips. “So who won the first round?” Reynold asked with a knowing smile. “Probably your mother. She caught me off guard.” “What. Happened?” He wasn’t so much as mad, but there was a definite tone to Robert’s words. “She’s nosy and she thinks I’m cheating on you or something.” “Why would she think that?” “I’ll tell you later.” I shook my head and slightly rolled my eyes. The glass felt cool against my cheek. “That is unless your mother beats me to the punch. If she actually thinks that’s what happened.” Now Robert was sighing. I looked to Julie. “Does it ever get any better, or should I expect this until the day I die?” “You could always do what we did,” Reynold cut in. “Yeah? What’s that?” “Move to Seattle. She hates the rain and doesn’t visit, so we only have to deal with her on lovely occasions such as Christmas.” Hiding behind the drink she was about to sip, Julie muttered, “Probably because she’ll melt.” I tried to keep my giggles silent ‘cause I didn’t think either of her sons were close enough to hear that, but Julie and I shared a look of camaraderie and raised to clink our glasses. “I’m gonna need your digits before we leave this place.” Gotta find all the allies I can. “Alright…” Robert’s grip tightened against my shoulder. “We’ll catch up with you guys later.” I waved goodbye as Robert’s fingertips drifted down my arm to my hand, then led me through the sea of people and up the stairs. Gratefully, he bypassed the media room, where a bunch of young adults our age had congregated…including little Miss Robert’s-wife-wannabe, Anne Bridgeway. I really hated how amazing she looked in that sleek, black dress, even if she was revealing too much. A tickle of sorts fluttered inside my stomach when I realized he was defiantly leading me into his bedroom, an action his mother still forbade and would probably castrate him for. Or more likely go after me, as I doubt she’d ever do anything to her precious son. He closed the door behind us, flicking on the table lamp, which dimly lit up the warm tones of mahogany wood, silky midnight blue linens, and what I would consider these garish gold accents. No, it didn’t look like this when Robert lived here as a kid. It wasn’t until he went away to Pennington that his mother took the fun out of it and made it seem like he’d never spent a day in his life here. Admiring the plumpness of the bed, I meandered towards it and sat on the monstrous pillow top. Robert chose the desk to lean against, which was about ten feet farther from where I wanted him right now. “Alright. Give it to me straight. All of it. I want to be prepared when my mother ambushes me.” I rolled my eyes at the thought, imagining her waiting, practically itching, to strike against my happiness. I moved to sip more of my concoction but the stench was like a two-by-four to the face, snapping my head in the opposite direction. I set it down on the bedside table, sure to use the coaster in order to avoid the wrath of Penelope for making a water ring on her expensive furniture. I sighed, then whined, “God! It wasn’t even a big deal but the woman is just so freakin’ nosy. Did you know she was checking behind on all your purchases?” His eyes darkened when he scowled. “Really? Technically, my father was responsible for handling my trust once my grandfather died. I’ve been given a partial, but the full amount won’t come until I’m twenty-five, so I’m afraid that gives my mother some access by association. But I’m with you, if she’s monitoring my credit card statements, then we’re going to have to start buying things with cash from now on. “What exactly did she see that upset her?” I pursed my lips. “Bus tickets to Penn State.” His eyes scrunched up a bit. Confused, he asked, “For you? Or for someone else?” “For me. Remember when you came back from Bucknell and I told you I met up with an old friend?” “Vaguely.” Uh…yeah. I told him when he was sick on purpose. Sue me – I was totally hoping he’d forget that confession. “Well, I heard through the grapevine that he got hurt with some sort of head trauma.” I leaned sideways and allowed the side of my head to rest against the high bedpost. “When we were in high school, he was in a coma for six months before I met him at the hospital, and I knew the doctors were worried about how his brain would recover. So when I heard he’d been in another accident and I couldn’t find out how he was doing, I decided to just hop on the bus and go visit him for a few hours.” “Why didn’t you tell me about all this?” I shrugged. “I did, I just didn’t elaborate. I was back the same day, my friend was fine, and life went on, ya’ know?” “Well, I guess my mother thinking you slipped off to meet another guy wasn’t completely unfounded then, was it?” I smiled weakly, the brunt of the alcohol really beginning to daze me now. “No, I suppose not. But forgive me; I didn’t realize I needed to run all my actions through an approval process first.” He chuckled as he rose and strutted towards me. My heart tried to amp up from anticipation, but thanks to the numbness overtaking my body, it could only sputter its excitement. “No, baby. You don’t. You’re allowed to be friends with whoever you want and see them whenever you want.” His lips gently brushed my forehead, feather-light, as his hand reached out to caress my face, stroking my cheek softly. “And don’t worry about my mother. I’ll talk to my father. See if I can’t get him to pull her rein in a bit. Months, if not years, of snooping and this is all she’s come up with? She needs to quit bugging us and let us live our lives already. “But just in case, what do you want me to say if she corners me?” If. As if there’d be an if. Of course she was gonna corner him. “Wedding?” he asked. “No. I went on a Friday and she’ll notice that. Tell her funeral. Say it was a girl that grew up in the system with me. Car accident.” That ought to make her feel like an ass for snooping. Maybe. Hopefully? Probably not. He nodded in agreement. The faint glow in the room really made his chocolate-colored eyes look rich and velvety, and they burned with desire for me. Heat flushed my cheeks as he finally leaned down to warm my lips with his. My hand instinctively reached for his neck, my fingernails gently scratching the buzzed hair along the bottom of his hairline. I moaned my content, and could kiss these lips forever. And right on cue came the witch of unhappiness. The door swung open without knocking. I was feeling really groovy inside, a nice warm and yummy numbness, so her abrupt entrance didn’t faze me. Robert, however, jumped a little in surprise. “Mom! Do you mind?” “As a matter of fact, I do,” she snapped hotly, her face filled with disgust for me. Fuck it. I ain’t getting up. My head repositioned against the bedpost and I mentally prepared myself for whatever scolding she was about to give us. “You know, there’s a party going on downstairs and your attendance is required. And you know my rules about bedrooms.” Funny how she only denied us sharing a bedroom. As if we couldn’t sneak off to the media room, the sauna, or any other freakin’ room in this mansion to go at it. Maybe she kept it in the bedroom, but the younger generations tended to explore their horizons…and their sexual locations. “Yeah, Mom. You’re afraid I’ll have sex with my girlfriend of two and a half years, whom I live with. Trust me, we don’t have to wait until you’re distracted with a dinner party to jump into bed.” “One less chance at pregnancy, the way I see it. Now hurry up.” That was the most overdramatic swish and turn exit I think I’d ever seen. No wonder she and Anne got along so well. Robert was shaking his head with so much annoyance that the darkened features and pouty lips actually aroused me. “You know…” I teased, gently pulling on his tie so he’d lean closer. “Technically, she never said we couldn’t share the shower.” Huffing under his breath, a growl rumbled from his chest before he pressed hard against my mouth, taking the very breath from my lungs. But his lips pulled away too soon. “Remind me of that when we get back home. When I’m not worried my mom will bust down the door to get in.” He reached for my hand and pulled my reluctant feet into motion. “I wonder if we have Anne to thank for the authority sweep of the bedrooms again. Bet’cha your mom wouldn’t have cared if she was the one you snuck in here.” Sure enough, as we passed the media room on our way back down, Anne was mysteriously absent from her group of chummy friends. Robert sheltered me the rest of the night, moving me in and out of rooms opposite his mother. I wasn’t sure if it was for my benefit, or if he feared a stand-off between us in front of their guests. Now that would be a Christmas to remember. The night finally came to a close and only a few stragglers remained. Anne, of course, was one of them. She actually had the nerve to come up and say goodbye, pretending she had nothing to do with earlier. I’d latched onto Robert the entire night, never letting go, so she finally decided to call tonight a loss in terms of finding him off by himself. “Well,” she said, looking to Robert and completely ignoring me, “we’ve survived yet another uneventful Christmas gathering forced upon us. Only three hundred and sixty-five more days until we have to do it all over again.” “Oh, darn,” I lamented. “Anne, the night’s so young. Are you outie like a bellybutton already?” I wrapped my arm around Robert even tighter, who was completely oblivious to my twist of words. Anne, however, understood it completely and smirked. “Oh, well. Thanks for coming. Toodles.” I wiggled my fingers goodbye, Robert quietly said, “goodnight,” under his breath and together we bailed on the few remaining guests. He kissed me long and gentle in the hallway and whispered his love before finally parting ways. I was so ready to sleep I barely had the energy to shower before I crashed into bed. It took me a moment to figure out what was happening when I awoke. The room was dark, and my insides were all warm and tingly, and Robert was hovering over me, nibbling on my neck. I whimpered my approval and reached around his back to bring our bodies together. “Merry Christmas, baby.” “Mmm…” I moaned, realizing he was completely naked between the sheets. “Merry Christmas. And if you’re staying… Best. Present. Ever.” “Might as well. What’s she really going to do? Kick us out? Never let us come back?” I beat my fists against the back of his shoulders and a burst of giggles erupted from my chest, Robert quick to muffle them until they ceased. “I stand corrected. Now that would be the best Christmas present ever!” We were still chuckling as he slid off the panties that matched the satin slip I was wearing. “Shh… I still don’t want her coming in here.” I couldn’t help it, my euphoria was getting the best of me, but when I focused my mind on the pleasures Robert’s hands and lips were creating, the giggles soon faded to nonexistence.
Did you miss the first TEASER I did for Falling Away? When Chance and Robert Meet? Read it here.
GIVEAWAY (INT) Your choice of an ebook (.epub or .mobi) or a paperback to be awarded once it's released! For every 50 legitimate comment entries, I'll add another book to the giveaway! Primary Entry: Leave a general comment regarding Falling Away for a free entry. (one per person)Additional Comment Entries: You can share this giveaway on Facebook, Google + or Twitter DAILY but you must provide the PUBLIC link in the comment for your entry to count. Comments lacking valid links will be deleted. Winners will be chosen by random.org and must be 17 or older, or have parents' permission.Ends February 12th. Check out who I'd cast and theme song on the Official Book Page.
FALLING AWAY (A Falling Novel #2)Expected Pub Date: February 14, 2013
Jenna’s first two years of community college are almost over and it’s time to decide where to finish her degree. Should she attend Yale to be with Robert, or off to Rutgers, where she really wants to go? As Sophie and Jhett’s engagement is announced, she begins to question if she'll live happily ever after too. Right on cue with her doubts, a familiar boy pops up in her dreams again. But Evan's entrance is as abrupt as his exit, and Jenna’s left worrying about his safety. Concern and curiosity get the best of her and checking up on him puts her within arm’s reach of a man that still adores her, and one unexpected act of indiscretion will turn her world upside down and inside out. New Adult Paranormal Romance (think old-school paranormal. Twilight Zone-ish, not sparkly supernatural creatures.)
Recommended for Ages 17+ for Language and Sexual Situations.
For Theme Song and Author's Cast, check out the Official Book Page.
***Note: teaser is from rough draft version and could be altered before the final version***F five F
Ah, Christmas. Trees were blinking, sleigh bells were ringing and carolers were singing. But sadly, it wasn’t the halls I wanted to deck. That honor belonged to Robert’s mother. “Jenna, seriously. Don’t put a silver ornament next to another silver ornament. Everyone will be staring at that spot because it’ll be the only spot that doesn’t have a change of color, and they’ll wonder what fool put those two together.” Wow. Really? That’s the fifth time she snapped at me the past hour, and I now understood why the help they had in this house wasn’t allowed to put up the decorations. Apparently no one but Mrs. Penelope Jennings was talented enough to do it right. Even the garlands we hung had to be measured and pinned at exactly fifteen inches apart. Exactly! Just for fun, I occasionally nudged it to sixteen when she wasn’t looking. I was definitely gonna have to ask Issy where she kept the hidden stash of After-Penelope liquor. She was their maid, and a thirty year old immigrant from South America. Only Robert’s mother called her by her formal name, Esmeralda. And I knew there was no way in hell Issy didn’t have to drink herself to bed every night in this household. I mumbled an apology, which of course she rolled her eyes over ‘cause I didn’t speak at a proper auditory tone. I shot a pitiful look of absolute misery Robert’s way and he solemnly mouthed, “I’m sorry.” I wanted to kill him for sitting across the room watching football while I rotted away in hell, but even Robert had proven unworthy to decorate after his many years here. I was half tempted to continue screwing up on purpose, but figured it wasn’t worth the nagging that was sure to follow. A few more hours and my servitude to the devil would be over. And I’d have Robert give me a full body massage to relieve the tension, but in this household we weren’t allowed to be in the same bedroom together. We might have sex, you know? As if we’d want to with his mother right down the hall. The woman was a life-sucker. Trust me when I said our energy levels were at absolute zero by the time we headed to bed, so sex was the last thing on our minds around here. My only condition for coming to Robert’s family home for Christmas was this: at no time was he allowed to ever leave me alone with his mother. To do so would mean I’d get to stab an ice pick in his eye. So when Robert’s dad tried to get him to follow him to the study to go over Robert’s finances, I knew the whispered conversation that followed involved that very request. Having been subjected to Penelope’s criticism’s plenty of times himself, I began to get sympathy glances from his father as well. My only solace was Julie, the wife of Robert’s brother Reynold. Finally an ally! We clicked instantly when we met last year at Christmas (super joyous then too, by the way) and realized neither one of us were who Penelope wanted her boys to be with. Guess it’s saying something when both boys go with the complete opposite of their mother. Unfortunately, mumsie noticed our bonding, and we couldn’t help but notice the ol’ divide-and-conquer philosophy when it came to dishing out the decoration assignments. Julie was already married into the family, so since I was the only one left Penelope could truly ruin, of course I got stuck with her. I just wished this freakin’ house was decorated already. Who the hell waits until December twenty-third to decorate their house when they have a huge party planned for Christmas Eve? It’s almost like she planned this just to make us suffer. Probably her Christmas present to herself. Four hours later my servitude was done. After dinner I kissed Robert good night and sank into the bathtub for two hours before dragging my wrinkly, over-hydrated ass back out. I actually got to sleep in the next morning. Now that it was party day, Penelope was too focused on the caterers and waiters to notice I was missing. Robert actually came and woke me up at eleven, thinking I was never gonna come back out. He dragged me out of bed, passed me my coffee and shoved me into the bathroom. And after flashing me a super sexy grin and a wink as he closed the door on the way out, I really wished he would’ve stuck around a bit longer. I would have totally made it worth his while. Robert and I snuck out of the house with Reynold and Julie to hit up a movie and a quick bite to eat before dressing for the party. No one wanted to be near Penelope as she constantly yelled at the guest staff, and it was impossible to lose the madness anywhere in the mansion. For the first time in days we each had a smile plastered across our face, the tension finally seeping from our systems. But all groans, moans and headaches made a sudden reappearance the moment we pulled into the drive and parked in the garage. Robert said the party included the same people year after freakin’ year. Business associates, important clients, close friends and neighbors, and family that used the opportunity to make their obligatory yearly visit while Penelope was forced to behave in front of her other guests. Wish I had thought of that. And of course, my most favorite gal pal in the world, Anne Bridgeway, who took the opportunity to wear a dress with a plunge line that dipped all the way down to her belly button. Hey, look at that. An outie! And it’s pierced…of course. Bet the girl had a large tramp stamp too. It was only an hour into the party and already I was bored out of my mind. Robert and I were forced to mingle with these people, most of which I couldn’t care less if I ever met again. By two hours I needed something to refresh me. The bartender was limited on Ginger Ale so I offered to grab my own from the kitchen. Big mistake. Jenna Enemy #1 was in there and it was too late to walk back out without being seen. She forced a sharp smile as she swirled the cocktail in her hand. “Mrs. Jennings,” I said politely, making my way to the refrigerator, determined to exit as soon as possible. “Jenna, good. I’d been meaning to get you alone. I didn’t want to say this in front of Robert.” Shit. “You know, it still surprises me you want to go all the way to Rutgers when Yale can offer you a better education.” Ugh. This again? My choice of schools was such a broken record. “Are you and Robert having problems?” You wish, bitch. “No ma’am. I’ve always had my heart set on Rutgers. I guess I’d be remiss if I didn’t follow what I feel is right for me.” I opened the door disguised as cabinetry and scanned for my soda. “So it’s the education you seek? I thought perhaps it was because going to Rutgers would cut your drive to Penn State by two hours.” Thank the Lord I was buried head first in the refrigerator, ‘cause there was no way to hide the way my eyes just bugged out, filled with fear over what she may know. Damn it! I knew I should have withdrawn cash from the ATM to purchase those damn tickets! I should’ve known the old crow would find a way to get a hold of Robert’s purchase information and comb through it meticulously. Damn it, damn it, damn it! Forcing a slow breath into my lungs, I calmed my face and emerged from the refrigerator with my soda in hand. It probably wasn’t good that I wanted to smack the smug grin off the face of my boyfriend’s mother, huh? “Why would I wanna do that?” “You tell me. Someone purchased tickets to and from Penn State when Robert was out of town at a swim meet, so I know it wasn’t him.” Unbelievable. I crossed my arms and leaned back against the counter as I returned the chilly glare. “Seriously? You’re going through his finances? He’s not a kid anymore. He’s twenty years old.” With a belittling expression, she said, “Exactly. And until he’s proven he can make proper decisions, I’ll check behind him to make sure he doesn’t stray off the right path. And that includes making sure others don’t compromise him as well.” Afraid to let this conversation go any further, I silently acknowledged her statement with a tip of the head and turned to leave. “You haven’t given me an explanation,” she snapped at my backside, raising her voice, as if it held authority and could demand my feet to lock in place. I huffed, but I didn’t bother looking back. As I continued through the entry way, I rudely replied over my shoulder, “That’s ‘cause I don’t owe you one.” Man I really hated that woman. Nothing I’d ever done had been good enough for her. All ‘cause of what? The fact that I wasn’t born to the right parents? I wasn’t born into a family she’d known all her life? I worked my ass off to get where I was today, and I hadn’t taken anything from her these past couple of years. And maybe that was the problem. Thus far I’d refused their money, their connections that could get me into the most prestigious schools in the nation, and especially her neverending attempts to increase my knowledge of social etiquette. Robert’s been the one to foot the bill for what I couldn’t afford, and usually only then ‘cause he’s so freakin’ stubborn he does it behind my back. But even he didn’t borrow from his parents, living comfortably off the money his grandfather left him. And since I hadn’t accepted anything from her, she had nothing to hold over my head. And she knew it. That’s why she was up my ass over this, the only questionable purchase I’d made to date. I wondered how long she’d been waiting for something like this to happen. And there was no doubt in my mind she’d tell Robert next. Good thing I mentioned it to him once before. The last thing I needed was him thinking I was keeping secrets. I snatched a glass of ice from the bartender and filled it halfway with Ginger Ale, then made my way back to Robert. His back was to me ‘cause Reynold and Julie had found him. If I wasn’t so pissed I would’ve taken the time to smile over the way he wrapped her up in his arm, protecting her from the madness of this room. I sighed as I cut my way into the triangle, silently digging my way through Robert’s jacket for the thin silver flask Reynold gave him for Christmas. Appropriate gift for this household. I felt their eyes bore a hole directly into my head as I poured whatever the hell’s in there into my glass. “You know, that doesn’t really go with Ginger Ale.” “Don’t care.” I slapped the flask into his chest, waiting for his hand to take over, then took a few sips. It was nasty, though I’d probably think that even if I had mixed a proper cocktail. I could sense their amusement without even looking their way, but it was Julie’s eyes I met first, and she had this pained expression, like she knew exactly what was going on in my head. Robert tucked the flask back into its secret location and tried rubbing the tension out of my neck. I sighed, shook my head and mumbled “bitch” before I took a few more sips. “So who won the first round?” Reynold asked with a knowing smile. “Probably your mother. She caught me off guard.” “What. Happened?” He wasn’t so much as mad, but there was a definite tone to Robert’s words. “She’s nosy and she thinks I’m cheating on you or something.” “Why would she think that?” “I’ll tell you later.” I shook my head and slightly rolled my eyes. The glass felt cool against my cheek. “That is unless your mother beats me to the punch. If she actually thinks that’s what happened.” Now Robert was sighing. I looked to Julie. “Does it ever get any better, or should I expect this until the day I die?” “You could always do what we did,” Reynold cut in. “Yeah? What’s that?” “Move to Seattle. She hates the rain and doesn’t visit, so we only have to deal with her on lovely occasions such as Christmas.” Hiding behind the drink she was about to sip, Julie muttered, “Probably because she’ll melt.” I tried to keep my giggles silent ‘cause I didn’t think either of her sons were close enough to hear that, but Julie and I shared a look of camaraderie and raised to clink our glasses. “I’m gonna need your digits before we leave this place.” Gotta find all the allies I can. “Alright…” Robert’s grip tightened against my shoulder. “We’ll catch up with you guys later.” I waved goodbye as Robert’s fingertips drifted down my arm to my hand, then led me through the sea of people and up the stairs. Gratefully, he bypassed the media room, where a bunch of young adults our age had congregated…including little Miss Robert’s-wife-wannabe, Anne Bridgeway. I really hated how amazing she looked in that sleek, black dress, even if she was revealing too much. A tickle of sorts fluttered inside my stomach when I realized he was defiantly leading me into his bedroom, an action his mother still forbade and would probably castrate him for. Or more likely go after me, as I doubt she’d ever do anything to her precious son. He closed the door behind us, flicking on the table lamp, which dimly lit up the warm tones of mahogany wood, silky midnight blue linens, and what I would consider these garish gold accents. No, it didn’t look like this when Robert lived here as a kid. It wasn’t until he went away to Pennington that his mother took the fun out of it and made it seem like he’d never spent a day in his life here. Admiring the plumpness of the bed, I meandered towards it and sat on the monstrous pillow top. Robert chose the desk to lean against, which was about ten feet farther from where I wanted him right now. “Alright. Give it to me straight. All of it. I want to be prepared when my mother ambushes me.” I rolled my eyes at the thought, imagining her waiting, practically itching, to strike against my happiness. I moved to sip more of my concoction but the stench was like a two-by-four to the face, snapping my head in the opposite direction. I set it down on the bedside table, sure to use the coaster in order to avoid the wrath of Penelope for making a water ring on her expensive furniture. I sighed, then whined, “God! It wasn’t even a big deal but the woman is just so freakin’ nosy. Did you know she was checking behind on all your purchases?” His eyes darkened when he scowled. “Really? Technically, my father was responsible for handling my trust once my grandfather died. I’ve been given a partial, but the full amount won’t come until I’m twenty-five, so I’m afraid that gives my mother some access by association. But I’m with you, if she’s monitoring my credit card statements, then we’re going to have to start buying things with cash from now on. “What exactly did she see that upset her?” I pursed my lips. “Bus tickets to Penn State.” His eyes scrunched up a bit. Confused, he asked, “For you? Or for someone else?” “For me. Remember when you came back from Bucknell and I told you I met up with an old friend?” “Vaguely.” Uh…yeah. I told him when he was sick on purpose. Sue me – I was totally hoping he’d forget that confession. “Well, I heard through the grapevine that he got hurt with some sort of head trauma.” I leaned sideways and allowed the side of my head to rest against the high bedpost. “When we were in high school, he was in a coma for six months before I met him at the hospital, and I knew the doctors were worried about how his brain would recover. So when I heard he’d been in another accident and I couldn’t find out how he was doing, I decided to just hop on the bus and go visit him for a few hours.” “Why didn’t you tell me about all this?” I shrugged. “I did, I just didn’t elaborate. I was back the same day, my friend was fine, and life went on, ya’ know?” “Well, I guess my mother thinking you slipped off to meet another guy wasn’t completely unfounded then, was it?” I smiled weakly, the brunt of the alcohol really beginning to daze me now. “No, I suppose not. But forgive me; I didn’t realize I needed to run all my actions through an approval process first.” He chuckled as he rose and strutted towards me. My heart tried to amp up from anticipation, but thanks to the numbness overtaking my body, it could only sputter its excitement. “No, baby. You don’t. You’re allowed to be friends with whoever you want and see them whenever you want.” His lips gently brushed my forehead, feather-light, as his hand reached out to caress my face, stroking my cheek softly. “And don’t worry about my mother. I’ll talk to my father. See if I can’t get him to pull her rein in a bit. Months, if not years, of snooping and this is all she’s come up with? She needs to quit bugging us and let us live our lives already. “But just in case, what do you want me to say if she corners me?” If. As if there’d be an if. Of course she was gonna corner him. “Wedding?” he asked. “No. I went on a Friday and she’ll notice that. Tell her funeral. Say it was a girl that grew up in the system with me. Car accident.” That ought to make her feel like an ass for snooping. Maybe. Hopefully? Probably not. He nodded in agreement. The faint glow in the room really made his chocolate-colored eyes look rich and velvety, and they burned with desire for me. Heat flushed my cheeks as he finally leaned down to warm my lips with his. My hand instinctively reached for his neck, my fingernails gently scratching the buzzed hair along the bottom of his hairline. I moaned my content, and could kiss these lips forever. And right on cue came the witch of unhappiness. The door swung open without knocking. I was feeling really groovy inside, a nice warm and yummy numbness, so her abrupt entrance didn’t faze me. Robert, however, jumped a little in surprise. “Mom! Do you mind?” “As a matter of fact, I do,” she snapped hotly, her face filled with disgust for me. Fuck it. I ain’t getting up. My head repositioned against the bedpost and I mentally prepared myself for whatever scolding she was about to give us. “You know, there’s a party going on downstairs and your attendance is required. And you know my rules about bedrooms.” Funny how she only denied us sharing a bedroom. As if we couldn’t sneak off to the media room, the sauna, or any other freakin’ room in this mansion to go at it. Maybe she kept it in the bedroom, but the younger generations tended to explore their horizons…and their sexual locations. “Yeah, Mom. You’re afraid I’ll have sex with my girlfriend of two and a half years, whom I live with. Trust me, we don’t have to wait until you’re distracted with a dinner party to jump into bed.” “One less chance at pregnancy, the way I see it. Now hurry up.” That was the most overdramatic swish and turn exit I think I’d ever seen. No wonder she and Anne got along so well. Robert was shaking his head with so much annoyance that the darkened features and pouty lips actually aroused me. “You know…” I teased, gently pulling on his tie so he’d lean closer. “Technically, she never said we couldn’t share the shower.” Huffing under his breath, a growl rumbled from his chest before he pressed hard against my mouth, taking the very breath from my lungs. But his lips pulled away too soon. “Remind me of that when we get back home. When I’m not worried my mom will bust down the door to get in.” He reached for my hand and pulled my reluctant feet into motion. “I wonder if we have Anne to thank for the authority sweep of the bedrooms again. Bet’cha your mom wouldn’t have cared if she was the one you snuck in here.” Sure enough, as we passed the media room on our way back down, Anne was mysteriously absent from her group of chummy friends. Robert sheltered me the rest of the night, moving me in and out of rooms opposite his mother. I wasn’t sure if it was for my benefit, or if he feared a stand-off between us in front of their guests. Now that would be a Christmas to remember. The night finally came to a close and only a few stragglers remained. Anne, of course, was one of them. She actually had the nerve to come up and say goodbye, pretending she had nothing to do with earlier. I’d latched onto Robert the entire night, never letting go, so she finally decided to call tonight a loss in terms of finding him off by himself. “Well,” she said, looking to Robert and completely ignoring me, “we’ve survived yet another uneventful Christmas gathering forced upon us. Only three hundred and sixty-five more days until we have to do it all over again.” “Oh, darn,” I lamented. “Anne, the night’s so young. Are you outie like a bellybutton already?” I wrapped my arm around Robert even tighter, who was completely oblivious to my twist of words. Anne, however, understood it completely and smirked. “Oh, well. Thanks for coming. Toodles.” I wiggled my fingers goodbye, Robert quietly said, “goodnight,” under his breath and together we bailed on the few remaining guests. He kissed me long and gentle in the hallway and whispered his love before finally parting ways. I was so ready to sleep I barely had the energy to shower before I crashed into bed. It took me a moment to figure out what was happening when I awoke. The room was dark, and my insides were all warm and tingly, and Robert was hovering over me, nibbling on my neck. I whimpered my approval and reached around his back to bring our bodies together. “Merry Christmas, baby.” “Mmm…” I moaned, realizing he was completely naked between the sheets. “Merry Christmas. And if you’re staying… Best. Present. Ever.” “Might as well. What’s she really going to do? Kick us out? Never let us come back?” I beat my fists against the back of his shoulders and a burst of giggles erupted from my chest, Robert quick to muffle them until they ceased. “I stand corrected. Now that would be the best Christmas present ever!” We were still chuckling as he slid off the panties that matched the satin slip I was wearing. “Shh… I still don’t want her coming in here.” I couldn’t help it, my euphoria was getting the best of me, but when I focused my mind on the pleasures Robert’s hands and lips were creating, the giggles soon faded to nonexistence.
Did you miss the first TEASER I did for Falling Away? When Chance and Robert Meet? Read it here.
GIVEAWAY (INT) Your choice of an ebook (.epub or .mobi) or a paperback to be awarded once it's released! For every 50 legitimate comment entries, I'll add another book to the giveaway! Primary Entry: Leave a general comment regarding Falling Away for a free entry. (one per person)Additional Comment Entries: You can share this giveaway on Facebook, Google + or Twitter DAILY but you must provide the PUBLIC link in the comment for your entry to count. Comments lacking valid links will be deleted. Winners will be chosen by random.org and must be 17 or older, or have parents' permission.Ends February 12th. Check out who I'd cast and theme song on the Official Book Page.
January 15, 2013
Broken by A.E. Rought (ARC)
BROKEN
A.E. Rought
Imagine a modern spin on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein where a young couple’s undying love and the grief of a father pushed beyond sanity could spell the destruction of them all.
A string of suspicious deaths near a small Michigan town ends with a fall that claims the life of Emma Gentry's boyfriend, Daniel. Emma is broken, a hollow shell mechanically moving through her days. She and Daniel had been made for each other, complete only when they were together. Now she restlessly wanders the town in the late Fall gloom, haunting the cemetery and its white-marbled tombs, feeling Daniel everywhere, his spectre in the moonlight and the fog.
When she encounters newcomer Alex Franks, only son of a renowned widowed surgeon, she's intrigued despite herself. He's an enigma, melting into shadows, preferring to keep to himself. But he is as drawn to her as she is to him. He is strangely... familiar. From the way he knows how to open her locker when it sticks, to the nickname she shared only with Daniel, even his hazel eyes with brown flecks are just like Daniel's.
The closer they become, though, the more something inside her screams there's something very wrong with Alex Franks. And when Emma stumbles across a grotesque and terrifying menagerie of mangled but living animals within the walls of the Franks' estate, creatures she surely knows must have died from their injuries, she knows.
Emma Gentry spent the past few months spending all her free time at the cemetery mourning the loss of her boyfriend Daniel. She's trying to move on, knowing Daniel would want her to, but her heart just isn't in it. At least, not until new guy Alex Franks comes to school. From the get-go these two have an attraction. But the weird part is how many similarities Alex and Daniel seem to have: a matching hazel eye with a black freckle (Alex's eyes are mismatched hazels), the ability to open Emma's locker using the same sequence of hits, the use of an unusual secret nickname. And if that wasn't weird enough, Alex's body is covered in scar lines from recent surgeries. And for some strange reason, Alex's father is incredibly annoyed of their newfound friendship, to the point he actually crushes her broken hand more. As their relationship progresses, Emma realizes there's more to Alex than meets the eye, and his surfacing knowledge of private memories she had with Daniel is downright creepy. I was actually intrigued at the idea of a Frankenstein retelling, but I'm sorry to say this rendition just didn't do it for me. The descriptions were overkill for me. It's wonderful that an author has a vocabulary database that can rival the dictionary, and has the ability to come up with some neverending, and sometimes strange, analogies ('things that make you go hmm'), but there was so much of that going on in this book my head actually hurt. Also, the story was just too simplistic. With the hint of Frankenstein in the synopsis, you'd have to be completely out of it not to realize that Alex was put together by Daniel's organ donations, and that some memories and feelings seemed to have come along with them, so the secret of this book is obvious right off the bat, and makes reading the rest almost pointless. Perhaps if the Frankenstein reference was deleted from the synopsis, it might have actually been a more intriguing novel. A subplot or two could have done wonders, too. The other problem I had with this book is that for like 80% of the novel, nothing happened! Seriously. Emma was depressed. Mom was mad. Emma meets new boy Alex, but was still depressed. Mom was still mad. Emma comes out of funk a bit, but then Alex was depressed. Mom slightly less mad. This novel was completely depressing to read, as the tone was so negative, you almost don't care if these two came out of the predictable Frankenstein danger alive in the end. Not to mention, Alex's father was so insane its a wonder someone in the medical profession hadn't noticed his behaviorial issues and acted on them yet. The guy's a psycho, and his little partner too, who we're never given a reason for how he became involved with the doctor, or why he does the things he does, which are pretty extreme, and he's too important of a character not to give us this reason. I don't know, peeps. Read at your own risk. It's not a horrible book, it's just not that great. I did like the interactions between Emma and Alex, and truthfully, they were they only reason I continued this novel, even though their relationship got to love in just a few weeks (but the way this story drags you'd think it took all school year). Broken is a slow, depressing, predictable read, but if you're one to apprectiate overdescriptions and endless analogies, you may really enjoy this book.
ARC provided by publisher for honest review.
A.E. Rought
Imagine a modern spin on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein where a young couple’s undying love and the grief of a father pushed beyond sanity could spell the destruction of them all.A string of suspicious deaths near a small Michigan town ends with a fall that claims the life of Emma Gentry's boyfriend, Daniel. Emma is broken, a hollow shell mechanically moving through her days. She and Daniel had been made for each other, complete only when they were together. Now she restlessly wanders the town in the late Fall gloom, haunting the cemetery and its white-marbled tombs, feeling Daniel everywhere, his spectre in the moonlight and the fog.
When she encounters newcomer Alex Franks, only son of a renowned widowed surgeon, she's intrigued despite herself. He's an enigma, melting into shadows, preferring to keep to himself. But he is as drawn to her as she is to him. He is strangely... familiar. From the way he knows how to open her locker when it sticks, to the nickname she shared only with Daniel, even his hazel eyes with brown flecks are just like Daniel's.
The closer they become, though, the more something inside her screams there's something very wrong with Alex Franks. And when Emma stumbles across a grotesque and terrifying menagerie of mangled but living animals within the walls of the Franks' estate, creatures she surely knows must have died from their injuries, she knows.
Emma Gentry spent the past few months spending all her free time at the cemetery mourning the loss of her boyfriend Daniel. She's trying to move on, knowing Daniel would want her to, but her heart just isn't in it. At least, not until new guy Alex Franks comes to school. From the get-go these two have an attraction. But the weird part is how many similarities Alex and Daniel seem to have: a matching hazel eye with a black freckle (Alex's eyes are mismatched hazels), the ability to open Emma's locker using the same sequence of hits, the use of an unusual secret nickname. And if that wasn't weird enough, Alex's body is covered in scar lines from recent surgeries. And for some strange reason, Alex's father is incredibly annoyed of their newfound friendship, to the point he actually crushes her broken hand more. As their relationship progresses, Emma realizes there's more to Alex than meets the eye, and his surfacing knowledge of private memories she had with Daniel is downright creepy. I was actually intrigued at the idea of a Frankenstein retelling, but I'm sorry to say this rendition just didn't do it for me. The descriptions were overkill for me. It's wonderful that an author has a vocabulary database that can rival the dictionary, and has the ability to come up with some neverending, and sometimes strange, analogies ('things that make you go hmm'), but there was so much of that going on in this book my head actually hurt. Also, the story was just too simplistic. With the hint of Frankenstein in the synopsis, you'd have to be completely out of it not to realize that Alex was put together by Daniel's organ donations, and that some memories and feelings seemed to have come along with them, so the secret of this book is obvious right off the bat, and makes reading the rest almost pointless. Perhaps if the Frankenstein reference was deleted from the synopsis, it might have actually been a more intriguing novel. A subplot or two could have done wonders, too. The other problem I had with this book is that for like 80% of the novel, nothing happened! Seriously. Emma was depressed. Mom was mad. Emma meets new boy Alex, but was still depressed. Mom was still mad. Emma comes out of funk a bit, but then Alex was depressed. Mom slightly less mad. This novel was completely depressing to read, as the tone was so negative, you almost don't care if these two came out of the predictable Frankenstein danger alive in the end. Not to mention, Alex's father was so insane its a wonder someone in the medical profession hadn't noticed his behaviorial issues and acted on them yet. The guy's a psycho, and his little partner too, who we're never given a reason for how he became involved with the doctor, or why he does the things he does, which are pretty extreme, and he's too important of a character not to give us this reason. I don't know, peeps. Read at your own risk. It's not a horrible book, it's just not that great. I did like the interactions between Emma and Alex, and truthfully, they were they only reason I continued this novel, even though their relationship got to love in just a few weeks (but the way this story drags you'd think it took all school year). Broken is a slow, depressing, predictable read, but if you're one to apprectiate overdescriptions and endless analogies, you may really enjoy this book.
ARC provided by publisher for honest review.
January 11, 2013
Splintered by A.G. Howard (ARC)
Splintered
A.G. Howard
Pub. Date: January 1, 2013
This stunning debut captures the grotesque madness of a mystical under-land, as well as a girl’s pangs of first love and independence. Alyssa Gardner hears the whispers of bugs and flowers—precisely the affliction that landed her mother in a mental hospital years before. This family curse stretches back to her ancestor Alice Liddell, the real-life inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Alyssa might be crazy, but she manages to keep it together. For now.
When her mother’s mental health takes a turn for the worse, Alyssa learns that what she thought was fiction is based in terrifying reality. The real Wonderland is a place far darker and more twisted than Lewis Carroll ever let on. There, Alyssa must pass a series of tests, including draining an ocean of Alice’s tears, waking the slumbering tea party, and subduing a vicious bandersnatch, to fix Alice’s mistakes and save her family. She must also decide whom to trust: Jeb, her gorgeous best friend and secret crush, or the sexy but suspicious Morpheus, her guide through Wonderland, who may have dark motives of his own.
Forget what you think you know about Wonderland - 'cause it's all been fluffed and sugar-coated. Sure, Alice went to Wonderland, met all sorts of crazy characters in a vividly, colorful world and got back out to talk about it (eventually), but the tale told to author Lewis Carroll wasn't entirely truthful. Alyssa Gardner has officially become her mother, and is on the verge of becoming crazy herself now that she can hear all the commentary coming off the living plants and bugs around her. She even goes so far as to kill as many as she can just to shut them up and stop bugging her, then uses them to create unusual works of art. But it's not her fault. It's her ancestor Alice's, who accidentally stepped into Wonderland and screwed the world royally out of whack, which led to a curse placed upon the female descendents in her family. Enter Alyssa, a few generations down the line. She thought her mom was crazy too, but now she knows better. So when her mom is scheduled for electroshock therapy and she learns the curse could be broken by going back and fixing Alice's mess, Alyssa's bound and determined to get it done fast. But like all things in Wonderland, it won't be easy. Her friend Jeb accidentally comes along for the ride, and when they get there, they find a much more evil and sinister version than the one portrayed in the popular children's book. And that childhood friend Alyssa had in her dreams growing up? That was Morpheus, a Wonderland native that's been trying to get Alice's lineage back in to clean up the mess. But though he seems geniuinely concerned for Alyssa's safe return, like all Wonderland characters, he's got a few motives that may just endanger her along her twisted journey. Splintered was a refreshing read! Alice in Wonderland was never one of my favorites growing up, but I love it when these popular tales get a dark and twisted facelift. From Rabid Rabbit to the zombie flowers to the Jabberlock boxes that imprison their captives indefinitely, Wonderland is a harsh place to be. It's no wonder the original Alice caused so much damage. So if you prefer your fairytales a little dark and messed up, Splintered is for you!
ARC provided by publisher for honest review.
A.G. Howard
Pub. Date: January 1, 2013
This stunning debut captures the grotesque madness of a mystical under-land, as well as a girl’s pangs of first love and independence. Alyssa Gardner hears the whispers of bugs and flowers—precisely the affliction that landed her mother in a mental hospital years before. This family curse stretches back to her ancestor Alice Liddell, the real-life inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Alyssa might be crazy, but she manages to keep it together. For now.When her mother’s mental health takes a turn for the worse, Alyssa learns that what she thought was fiction is based in terrifying reality. The real Wonderland is a place far darker and more twisted than Lewis Carroll ever let on. There, Alyssa must pass a series of tests, including draining an ocean of Alice’s tears, waking the slumbering tea party, and subduing a vicious bandersnatch, to fix Alice’s mistakes and save her family. She must also decide whom to trust: Jeb, her gorgeous best friend and secret crush, or the sexy but suspicious Morpheus, her guide through Wonderland, who may have dark motives of his own.
Forget what you think you know about Wonderland - 'cause it's all been fluffed and sugar-coated. Sure, Alice went to Wonderland, met all sorts of crazy characters in a vividly, colorful world and got back out to talk about it (eventually), but the tale told to author Lewis Carroll wasn't entirely truthful. Alyssa Gardner has officially become her mother, and is on the verge of becoming crazy herself now that she can hear all the commentary coming off the living plants and bugs around her. She even goes so far as to kill as many as she can just to shut them up and stop bugging her, then uses them to create unusual works of art. But it's not her fault. It's her ancestor Alice's, who accidentally stepped into Wonderland and screwed the world royally out of whack, which led to a curse placed upon the female descendents in her family. Enter Alyssa, a few generations down the line. She thought her mom was crazy too, but now she knows better. So when her mom is scheduled for electroshock therapy and she learns the curse could be broken by going back and fixing Alice's mess, Alyssa's bound and determined to get it done fast. But like all things in Wonderland, it won't be easy. Her friend Jeb accidentally comes along for the ride, and when they get there, they find a much more evil and sinister version than the one portrayed in the popular children's book. And that childhood friend Alyssa had in her dreams growing up? That was Morpheus, a Wonderland native that's been trying to get Alice's lineage back in to clean up the mess. But though he seems geniuinely concerned for Alyssa's safe return, like all Wonderland characters, he's got a few motives that may just endanger her along her twisted journey. Splintered was a refreshing read! Alice in Wonderland was never one of my favorites growing up, but I love it when these popular tales get a dark and twisted facelift. From Rabid Rabbit to the zombie flowers to the Jabberlock boxes that imprison their captives indefinitely, Wonderland is a harsh place to be. It's no wonder the original Alice caused so much damage. So if you prefer your fairytales a little dark and messed up, Splintered is for you!
ARC provided by publisher for honest review.
January 8, 2013
Jennifer Lynn Barnes Giveaway! (US/CAN)
Howdy Gals and Gents! Egmont USA is offering up a sweet giveaway for my peeps - a paperback of Every Other Day (see my review here) and a hard copy of the upcoming Nobody, releasing this February! Check out the descriptions below...
There are people in this world who are Nobody. No one sees them. No one notices them. They live their lives under the radar, forgotten as soon as you turn away. That’s why they make the perfect assassins.
The Institute finds these people when they’re young and takes them away for training. But an untrained Nobody is a threat to their organization. And threats must be eliminated.
Sixteen-year-old Claire has been invisible her whole life, missed by the Institute’s monitoring. But now they’ve ID’ed her and send seventeen-year-old Nix to remove her. Yet the moment he lays eyes on her, he can’t make the hit. It’s as if Claire and Nix are the only people in the world for each other. And they are—because no one else ever notices them.
Every other day, Kali D’Angelo is a normal sixteen-year-old girl. She goes to public high school. She argues with her father. She’s human.And then every day in between . . . she’s something else entirely.
Though she still looks like herself, every twenty-four hours predatory instincts take over and Kali becomes a feared demon-hunter with the undeniable urge to hunt, trap, and kill zombies, hellhounds, and other supernatural creatures. Kali has no idea why she is the way she is, but she gives in to instinct anyway. Even though the government considers it environmental terrorism.
When Kali notices a mark on the lower back of a popular girl at school, she knows instantly that the girl is marked for death by one of these creatures. Kali has twenty-four hours to save her, and unfortunately she’ll have to do it as a human. With the help of a few new friends, Kali takes a risk that her human body might not survive . . . and learns the secrets of her mysterious condition in the process.
Pretty sweet, right? Sorry, but this giveaway is only offered for US and Canada residents. Good Luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway
January 7, 2013
YA Faeries & Fantasy Giveaway Hop! (INT)
For this giveaway I'm offering up a SIGNED COPY of a darker faerie tale, DUST (Of Dust and Darkness #1)!
Voted
Best I've Read 2012!
"DUST is filled with beautiful imagery, unforgettable characters and a vivid look into the darker side of human (or fae!) nature." JA Redmerski, author of The Edge of Never."This is so NOT a Tinkerbell tale...as this story is dark and illustrates the cruelty faeries are often capable of. And they can be very cruel!" Michele at The Reading Lark.
4. The number of times my delicate wings have been broken and clamped behind my back.
68. The number inked upon my skin, marking me the sixty-eighth pixie to be stolen.
87. The number of days I’ve been wrongfully imprisoned.
88. The first day the faeries will regret stealing me.
Healthy. Cheery. Vivacious. All traits Rosalie has before becoming enslaved by the faeries to make an endless supply of pixie dust. Now that Rosalie has been traumatized by slave labor, extreme desolate conditions and multiple deaths, this hardened pixie is anything but. When this rebellious teenager attempts an escape, she’s isolated in cramped quarters until she learns her place. Just as she begins to let go of all that hope, she finds an unlikely friend in Jack, the faerie assigned to guard her. Interspecies dating is forbidden in the fae world, so their growing attraction is unacceptable. And even if Jack can find a way to free her, they know the prison is the only place they can truly be together. a Rafflecopter giveaway
January 6, 2013
TOUR STOP & GIVEAWAY - The Edge of Never by J.A. Redmerski (ARC)
The Edge of Never
J.A. Redmerski
Pub.: November 15th
Twenty-year-old Camryn Bennett had always been one to think out-of-the-box, who knew she wanted something more in life than following the same repetitive patterns and growing old with the same repetitive life story. And she thought that her life was going in the right direction until everything fell apart.Determined not to dwell on the negative and push forward, Camryn is set to move in with her best friend and plans to start a new job. But after an unexpected night at the hottest club in downtown North Carolina, she makes the ultimate decision to leave the only life she’s ever known, far behind.
With a purse, a cell phone and a small bag with a few necessities, Camryn, with absolutely no direction or purpose boards a Greyhound bus alone and sets out to find herself. What she finds is a guy named Andrew Parrish, someone not so very different from her and who harbors his own dark secrets. But Camryn swore never to let down her walls again. And she vowed never to fall in love.
But with Andrew, Camryn finds herself doing a lot of things she never thought she’d do. He shows her what it’s really like to live out-of-the-box and to give in to her deepest, darkest desires. On their sporadic road-trip he becomes the center of her exciting and daring new life, pulling love and lust and emotion out of her in ways she never imagined possible. But will Andrew’s dark secret push them inseparably together, or tear them completely apart?
I laughed, I cried, I perfected my O face. And I was completely jealous that Andrew Parrish wasn't mine. First off, let me begin with how gorgeous that cover is. The girl's a beauty and it immediately draws you in and makes you envious. However, that envy was short-lived as I journeyed through The Edge of Never. At first, I felt the beginning read a little slow. I didn't realize until later that the problem wasn't pace, it was her life. Cam was absolutely miserable, and just following along with her made me realize how unhappy she was, just how mundane everything around her was as she dealt with the aftermath of the past two years. Her first boyfriend, who she lost her virginity to, died in a car accident, her next boyfriend cheated on her, her alcoholic brother was in jail 'cause he killed someone driving drunk one night, and her father cheated on her mother and they got divorced, so now she was tramping around dating everything in sight. It wasn't until she got fed up with everything and boarded the bus to nowhere and met Andrew Parrish, that Cam seemed to come to life and her story began to excite me. And then I appreciated the way the beginning read, 'cause if it hadn't, I never would've realized what an impact Andrew had on Cam's spirit. Andrew Parrish: Sexy. Protective and Possessive (in a Good Way). Sexually Confidant. Secretly Passionate. And there were soooooooooo many times I wanted to give Cam the boot and take her place. The best part of all was that Cam didn't even know why he was trying to keep her attention in the beginning, and the more time they spent together, the more he fell for her. They both had their reasons to be stubborn about taking their newfound relationship further, and the angst was literally ripping my heart to shreds. Both Cam and Andrew had fallen on hard times, and both deserved something positive to happen in their lives, so you can't help but root for them as one problem after another tests their strength. By the end, I think I shed enough tears to fill Lake Pontchartrain.
J.A. Redmerski has won my heart all over again. The Edge of Never is by far the best of her work. Okay...I may be a little bias 'cause I love books heavy on angst, where the couple doesn't just throw themselves into bed, but eventually gets there and gives me some of the hottest scenes that perfect my O face and activates the launch sequence for book boyfriend jealousy. Check it out, you're gonna love it. And peeps, this novel is for the 17+ crowd for language and very hot, yummy, descriptive sexual situations.
FAVORITE QUOTES Oh, this is going to be fun; he actually thinks he's teaching me something. Dilemma? Let him have his way with something simple, or keep getting my way and him torture me later? Hmmm. I guess I'm more of a masochist than I thought.
ARC provided by author for honest review.
GIVEAWAY!!!
US / CANADA ONLY.
As part of the tour, JA Redmerski is offering 1 SIGNED PAPERBACK, 1 EBOOK (through Amazon or B&N), and 1 STERLING SILVER NECKLACE!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Author of THE DARKWOODS TRILOGY and DIRTY EDEN, mother, werewolf & zombie fanatic, book addict and a happy hermit obsessed with the Universe. Oh, and AMC’s "The Walking Dead". Addictions: Starbucks every morning, trolling Barnes & Noble’s shelves once a week, detesting winter, shopping flea markets and preparing for the collapse of society as we know it. Do I own a tin foil hat? Maybe. :-) I was born in Arkansas and have lived here most of my life, except the couple of times when I lived in Pennsylvania. I started my first novel at the age of thirteen and have been writing something ever since. Generally, I love characters in life and on paper. I pay attention to people, especially those whose personalities make them different from the rest of us: the drug addict roaming the Laundromat that talks to himself, the young, inattentive mother in the park with the meanest kid on the playground – (the entire cast of ‘Swamp People’) – characters fascinate me and I hope that it shows in my literary work.
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