I am now *open* for review requests. Check out my Review Policy Page for more info

Friday, November 14, 2014

NaNo Blurb

I thought I would share the blurb for the story I am using NaNoWriMo to work on.

Imani has always been easy going, or if she is being honest with herself, passice. Whether it's her friends pressuring her into clothes she normally wouldn't wear in a million years  or her boyfriend dragging her to the latest club, she always gives in.

But when the secret order, Society of the Pantheon, tells her she is the latest vessel for a Norse goddess, she better gain more confidence in herself or she will never gain control of her powers.

Matters aren't helped when between a rocky relationship, finding out who her true friends are, and budding godhood, she has to help figure out who is killing the other vessels.

No one ever told her college would be this hard.

What do you think? What are you spending November working on?

Friday, November 7, 2014

NaNoWriMo 2014

I've been avoiding doing a post about NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) out of the fear that this year will end in my shame like every other year. See every year I swear I am going to win, then within the first week I quit. So I thought I would spare myself the shame. But low and behold here I am talking about it.

So what changed?

This year I actually feel genuine confidence in myself and more understand about myself. I'm not the fastest writer, generally I am happy to be able to squeeze a couple hundred words out when I try really hard at writing. This probably wasn't helped by my lack of taking time to write. I would go weeks, if not months, between sitting down and writing. Recently though, I've stumbled across a group of people on Tumblr that gather in a chat and run Word Wars (the practice of writing as much as you can in a set amount of time). Most of the writers in the group are fanfiction writers, and when I started writing with them, that was what I was working on. But now with NaNo in the air, some of us are working on original works.

We all challenge and encourage each other to do better and in the few weeks I've been with them I've increased my writing speed to levels of me being able to handle the 1600 word a day demand NaNo requires. And even better I feel myself typing more and more and getting faster.


I can feel myself becoming a better writer and I feel a real confidence that this year I will make my personal goal (15,000) if not win NaNo.

Monday, September 29, 2014

Special Announcement At Misadventures

I've been sitting on a little piece of news since July. Many of you who have been following my blog knows how much I love the New Adult category, and even more, how much I support genres other than romance being represented.

Well those of you who enjoy New Adult may know of the website NA Alley and the shake ups that have been going on around there lately. I am happy to announce that I will be joining NA Alley as the representative of fantasy!

What does this mean? I will be posting on the NA Alley blog on subjects related to NA fantasy and the point of contact for anyone with questions about the genre. I am so excited to have the opportunity to really help get the word out about speculative New Adult fiction.

Now this does not mean I will be abandoning this blog. I will keep running this along side my work over at NA Alley. This will still be the place I post reviews and host reveals and interviews. I hope all of you are just as excited as me about the opportunities NA Alley brings to the authors and readers of New Adult fiction.

Friday, September 19, 2014

Five Things Not to Do to Your Blog Readers


Hey guys long time no see. Life has been a bit crazy, so I thought I would come back with a list of things a blogger should NOT do to their readers.

1.Disappear without warning
Even when real life gets crazy, just post a quick note to tell your readers. Don't just drop off the face of the earth.

2. Accidentally publish a blank post
Before you  officially drop off the face of the earth, make sure all of your posts are canceled or completed. Having a blank page is embarrassing and confusing to those who see it. 

3. Make lists with less bullet points than promised
Really I just wanted to find a silly way to apologize to everyone for disappearing and not giving an explanation. Over the summer I was working 12 hour days and had no time to do anything extra. Now that I am back to my normal schedule I am trying to get back into the swing of things and make things as normal as they ever are here.

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Cover Reveal: All Broke Down by Cora Carmack


We are so excited to get to share the cover for Cora Carmack's ALL BROKE DOWN today! A New Adult Contemporary Romance, and published by William Morrow-an imprint of HarperCollins, this is the second book in her Rusk University Series, and it is set to be released on October 28, 2014! But you can pre-order it NOW! Check out what it's about and then fall in love with this gorgeous cover! ABOUT ALL BROKE DOWN: In this second book in New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Cora Carmack’s New Adult, Texas-set Rusk University series, which began with All Lined Up, a young woman discovers that you can’t only fight for what you believe in . . . sometimes you have to fight for what you love Dylan fights for lost causes. Probably because she used to be one. Environmental issues, civil rights, corrupt corporations, and politicians—you name it, she’s probably been involved in a protest. When her latest cause lands her in jail overnight, she meets Silas Moore. He’s in for a different kind of fighting. And though he’s arrogant and infuriating, she can’t help being fascinated with him. Yet another lost cause. Football and trouble are the only things that have ever come naturally to Silas. And it’s trouble that lands him in a cell next to do-gooder Dylan. He’s met girls like her before—fixers, he calls them, desperate to heal the damage and make him into their ideal boyfriend. But he doesn’t think he’s broken, and he definitely doesn’t need a girlfriend trying to change him. Until, that is, his anger issues and rash decisions threaten the only thing he really cares about, his spot on the Rusk University football team. Dylan might just be the perfect girl to help. Because Silas Moore needs some fixing after all.

  Image Map

Pre-Order Your Copy Today!

Amazon ** Barnes and Noble ** iTunes

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And don’t forget to grab your copy of ALL LINED UP Today!

Amazon ** Barnes & Noble ** iTunes

Headshot
About Cora Carmack: Cora Carmack is a twenty-something writer who likes to write about twenty-something characters. She's done a multitude of things in her life-- boring jobs (like working retail), Fun jobs (like working in a theatre), stressful jobs (like teaching), and dream jobs (like writing). She enjoys placing her characters in the most awkward situations possible, and then trying to help them get a boyfriend out of it. Awkward people need love, too. Her first book, LOSING IT, was a New York Times and USA Today bestseller.

Website ** Twitter ** Facebook

Author Goodreads ** ALL BROKE DOWN Goodreads

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Thursday, July 3, 2014

Book Blitz and Giveaway: Crushed by R.S. Novelle



Crushed by R.S. Novelle
Publication date: June 7th 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance


Synopsis:
Brooklyn has decided to stick around campus to pursue her Master’s Degree while her boyfriend chases a job opportunity in Chicago. After discovering that long distance relations rarely work out, her best friend helps her to decide that she needs to put down the daily pints of therapeutic ice cream and join their local gym.

Though resistant to the idea at first, Brooklyn relents and finds that things quickly heat up with her new personal trainer Collin. Is it just a flirtatious crush, or is there something real there? And will the blind date her best friend has also committed her to have any weight in the decision on whether or not Brooklyn will pursue her chances with Collin?




Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22447604-crushed?ac=1
Purchase:
-Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Crushed-R-S-Novelle-ebook/dp/B00KU61KVC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1403890303&sr=8-1&keywords=crushed+novelle
-Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/crushed-renee-novelle/1119711278?ean=2940045997331

INTERVIEW:
1. Tell us a little about yourself.
Oh geez, where do I start? I love writing in all its gazillion varieties. I’m a huge supporter of anything arts related – theater, dance, music, art, fashion, you name it! I’m as addicted to lipgloss as I am to coffee. I’m a huge foodie and love trying new, fun recipes at home. I believe in romance and the perfect love and all that wonderful, sappy stuff. And I have two adorable cats that I consider to be my furry babies.

2. Tell us about your book. What inspired this story?
CRUSHED was my experiment with a different type of story and different type of characters than I normally write. I wanted to write something that was fun, sexy, slightly realistic and with a twist at the end. It’s one of three New Adult romance stories that I wrote to try something new, and I really liked the end result. So there may be more like this in the future. The other two, for those who are interested, are LATITUDES and DANCE WITH ME.

3. Is there a message you’re trying to get across the readers? What’s the one thing you want readers to think when they’ve finished your book?
There isn’t really a deep, underlying meaning with this book. Except to keep in mind that you can bump into the love of your life anywhere at any time, so keep your mind open to possibilities. Brooklyn certainly never expected to meet anyone at the gym. I really want readers to feel like they can connect in some way with the characters, and to just have fun with the story. It isn’t mean to be serious in any way.

4. When did you know you wanted to write a book?
It’s always been a lifelong goal of mine to be a published author. And now I am, how cool is that!

5. Do you have any “odd” writing habits?
Define “odd” lol. Not really, but I have to have complete silence to really get inside the heads of the characters.

6. Where’s your favorite place to write?
I have an office that I call my writing cave. It’s a really cozy and quiet and I love it there.

7. What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Write because you love it, and for no other reason. That’s when you produce your best work, and it will make you the most satisfied in the end.

8. What’s one thing about the writing process that you think every writer should know?
That it’s extremely hard! And success doesn’t always come right away. Also keep in mind that everyone gets the occasional bad review and it’s a real blow to the ego. But all the wonderful comments and reviews make up for it.
9. What’s your favorite part about the writing process?
Finally getting all the stories out of my head! And I actually love the editing part. Writing that first draft can be really tough, but going back and making it better and better is so much fun!

10. What are you working on next?
Well, my second installment in my Boyfriend series, The Perfect Boyfriend, comes out on July 27th, so I’ve been busy getting everything prepared for that. Next I’m working on the third installment to my psychological thriller series, Avenged. And then after that I’ll write the third installment in my Boyfriend series, The One.


AUTHOR BIO
Renee' Novelle is preceded by a long line of published family members, including Pulitzer Prize nominated author and Poet Laureate of Kentucky Jesse Stuart.

As a child, Novelle was already gaining recognition for several of her works, and in her formative years, she continued this trend by earning local awards for her short stories and poems.

Inspired to cultivate her talent, Novelle pursued freelance journalism and has found placement of more than 80 of her pieces in both online and print publications since 2008. Additionally, she has written multiple screenplays, and contributed her savvy, effective writing style to many non-profit and for profit organizations. She also launched several blogs over the years, which garnered international attention.

In 2013, Novelle returned to her first love - fiction. Writing under the names Renee Novelle and R.S. Novelle, she has a publication schedule that includes psychological thrillers, suspense, paranormal fiction, contemporary women's fiction, chick lit, and new adult.

Though she received her Bachelor's of Science in Communication, Summa Cum Laude, she considers herself a constant student of the written word. She's an avid reader, an enthusiastic quote poster, and rarely takes "no" as a final answer. She has an unhealthy obsession for theater, dance, music and art, and strongly believes that wine is simultaneously the beginning of, and resolution to, all of life's problems. She believes in following dreams, and that in the end, you always end up where you're meant to be.

For more information, to view pictures, read blog posts and see the upcoming release schedule, please visit the website at www.RSNovelle.com

Author links:
http://www.rsnovelle.com/ReneeNovelle/Home.html
https://www.facebook.com/ReneeNovelle
https://twitter.com/rs_novelle
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7249191.R_S_Novelle

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Release Blitz and Giveaway: Dark Paradise by Angie Sandro



DARK LEGACY
Mala LaCroix has spent her whole life trying to escape her destiny. As the last in a long line of "witch women," she rejects the notion of spirits and hoodoo and instead does her best to blend in. But when she finds a dead body floating in the bayou behind her house, Mala taps into powers she never knew she had. She's haunted by visions of the dead girl, demanding justice and vengeance.


DEADLY SECRETS
Landry Prince has always had a crush on Mala, but when Mala discovers his sister, murdered and marked in some sort of Satanic ritual, he wonders if all the rumors about the LaCroix family are true. Yet after Mala uses her connection to the spirit world to identify his sister's killer, he starts to form his own bond to her . . . a very physical one. As they move closer to each other and closer to the truth, Mala and Landry must risk everything-their families, their love, and even their live



About Angie Sandro:

Angie Sandro was born at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. Within six weeks, she began the first of eleven relocations throughout the United States, Spain, and Guam before the age of eighteen. Friends were left behind. The only constants in her life were her family and the books she shipped wherever she went. Traveling the world inspired her imagination and allowed her to create her own imaginary friends. Visits to her father's family in Louisiana inspired this story. Angie now lives in Northern California with her husband, two children, and an overweight Labrador.

Angie’s SM:
http://anjeasandro.blogspot.com/
http://facebook.com/pages/Angie-Sandro/253044268078356
@AngieSandro



Buy links:
B&N: http://bit.ly/1rImn9K
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1jWBWFM
iTunes: http://bit.ly/1lVTNkk
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1rImtOy


EXCERPT:
He looks down, and our eyes meet.

“Kiss me,” I blurt out.

“What?” His breathing quickens. “What did you say?

Oh, shit! I just propositioned him. Me, squeaky clean, cowardly Mala. Lack of oxygen must’ve given me brain damage. I take a shaky breath and straighten in his arms. “I said kiss me.” My voice cracks. “It’s okay. I won’t punch you or anything. You have my permission.”

“Your head’s not on straight.” Landry gazes off across the water … distant, cold. Oh, so sad, and it breaks my heart. All I want at this moment is to drink the pain in his eyes. Guzzle it down so it never fills him again. I know nothing’s forever. A momentary patch is about all the comfort I can give him, but maybe for now, it’s enough. For both of us.

“I know. I’m scared.” I take Landry’s face between my hands, holding tight when he tries to pull away. “Stop. Listen. Why do I have to keep dealing with the craziness of my life alone? I’m so tired … Why is it wrong to want to escape?”

My trembling fingers lightly trace the curve of his jaw. I never in a million years thought I could be so bold. I’ve always protected my heart because I feared it would get squished. Being afraid hasn’t gotten me anywhere but alone. “I like you, Landry. And … and I think you like me. At least a little bit, right? You make me feel safe … alive. Maybe … maybe I can make you feel the same way.”

His eyes, thick, black lashes outlining luminous silver, close as I trace my fingers across his eyelids. I press my lips to the angled plane of his cheekbone in a gentle kiss. His skin tastes salty from sweat and smells of grass. Rich and pungent. Intoxicating. His stomach muscles tighten against mine, but he doesn’t move. I kiss the other cheek, then tilt his head toward mine and brush my lips across his, so lightly that it’s more a mingling of breath.

My tongue caresses his lips. I taste him in small nibbles, and then, feeling bold, I pull his plump bottom lip between my teeth, gently teasing him until he finally responds.

Impatient, he threads his fingers into my hair so I can’t pull away. His tongue flicks against mine as I open my mouth to his, deepening the connection between us. I’ve heard about French kisses, in high school the girls giggled about them and rated the boys according to skill, but until now, I’ve never liked a guy enough to want his tongue in my mouth. Landry rated pretty high on the Awesome Kisser scale. Now I understand why.

The rush of excitement chases away any lingering fear. At some point, he stretches out on the ground, and I lay on top of him. My hands caress his wide shoulders and rise to tangle in his silky hair. I rub against his chest, wishing our clothing didn’t separate us. I want to feel the softness of his skin against mine. I want to trace the tempting dimple in the small of his back and lick the faded scar to the left of his belly button.

Yeah, I totally peeked when he did his striptease in the boat. I may be the queen of denial, but I couldn’t deny myself the sculpted beauty of Landry Prince in all his glory. I pull my mouth free of his lips and slide down the hard length of his body. He sucks in a breath, stomach tightening when I run trembling hands up his chest, lifting his T-shirt to give me access to that scar. I trace my tongue around it a swirl of motion, like licking an ice cream cone. He tastes ten times better than chocolate—maybe like chocolate and caramel with marshmallow chunks—all gooey and melty in my mouth. So tasty that I want to lap him up. But I bite him instead.

Satisfaction throbs at his growl. The soft bit of flesh between my teeth almost sends me over the edge. I’m so hot … burning up inside.

I release him, licking the soft indentations in his skin.

“Mala,” he moans, quivering when I pin his reaching hands to the ground. I give him a wicked grin, then lower my head. I steadily work my way up his chest, biting and licking until I reach his pecs. I run my tongue around his left nipple, then blow across the hard nub. His hips shift, a slight jerk upward. His erection presses against the fabric of his jeans. Is it uncomfortable?

I bite my lip, scared at the bold nature of my thoughts. It’s like years of repressed sexuality screams to be set free. Too many romance novels have given me a working knowledge of what goes on. I can fake it until I make it, but I’ve got to decide right now how far I want to go. Soon I’ll be too far gone. My body decides for me.


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Monday, June 30, 2014

Blog Tour: Electrified by Rachel Blaufeld


Get Electrified with Rachel Blaufeld and the first book in her brand new Electric Tunnel series!

Electrified Cover


Title: Electrified (The Electric Tunnel Series #1)
Author: Rachel Blaufeld
Release date: April 29th, 2014
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About Electrified (The Electric Tunnel Series #1):
Electrified Cover

Everyone knows her as Sienna Flower.
 
Her curves and long lashes tease and taunt from her very own billboard where the desert meets the Las Vegas Strip. She’s the hottest stripper in town, known for her sultry and indecent moves coupled with her virginal eyes.
She’s a heady and unique combination, and a mystery to all who come to see her.
Sienna captivates crowds nightly at the Electric Tunnel, leaving them wanting to know more about the sensual enigma. But no one ever sees beyond the heavily guarded stripper onstage. She is Sienna Flower 24/7.
No one other than her closest friend and boss, Asher Peterson, who helped turn a young and frightened girl into who Sienna is today. Together they created the sexual illusion known as Sienna Flower. They will go to any lengths to protect her image, which is why Sienna is convinced she must remain unattached and alone.
Like everyone else in Vegas, Sienna is hiding something and playing a role. A good girl in her former life, she was raised to be obedient and accepting of her fate, but there are some circumstances no one should be expected to accept. She escaped to a world light years away from the one she was subjected to…the Electric Tunnel.
Now she can never be anything other than Sienna Flower. Not only would she be hurt, but everyone around her would suffer the consequences.
That is, until she meets private detective Carson Graham, the dark and mysterious ex-FBI agent who watches her dance every weekend. With his dark hair and chocolate-brown eyes, Carson begins to heat Sienna’s heart and body, melting away the layers and secrets. Sienna doesn’t want to get attached to Carson, but when another man surfaces and starts hunting her down, bringing out the scars of her old life, she can’t help but seek comfort in Carson’s protection.
With everyone trading on the secrets of her past, Sienna finds herself caught in an awful web of lies. Her ultimate fear is hurting her friends at the Tunnel, but she doesn’t know who to trust. Namely, Carson. Is he good? Or bad? Does she have the luxury of finding out?

 

Available for purchase:

Amazon | iBooks | B&N

 

About Rachel Blaufeld:
Rachel BlaufeldRachel Blaufeld is a social worker/entrepreneur/blogger turned author. Fearless about sharing her opinion, Rachel captured the ear of stay-at-home and working moms on her blog, BacknGrooveMom, chronicling her adventures in parenting tweens and inventing a product, often at the same time. She has also blogged for The Huffington Post, Modern Mom, and StartupNation.
Turning her focus on her sometimes wild-and-crazy creative side, it only took Rachel two decades to do exactly what she wanted to do—write a fiction novel. Now she spends way too many hours in local coffee shops plotting her ideas. Her tales may all come with a side of angst and naughtiness, but end lusciously.
Rachel lives around the corner from her childhood home in Pennsylvania with her family and two dogs. Her obsessions include running, coffee, icing-filled doughnuts, antiheroes, and mighty fine epilogues.

Twitter | Amazon Author Page | Facebook | Goodreads | Website

 
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Friday, June 27, 2014

Book Blitz and Giveaway: The V Girl by Mya Robarts


The V Girl
Mya Robarts
Publication date: July 1st 2014
Genres: Dystopia, New Adult


Synopsis:
In post-apocalyptic North America, rape and sexual slavery are legal. Lila Velez, desperately wants to lose her virginity before the troops visit her town and can take it away by force. She makes plans to seduce her only friend, Rey, the most attractive man in her town. Lila does not love him but he is the only man who has shown her true affection, an affection she is willing to take as a substitute of love.

Lila’s coping mechanism to her mother’s rape and kidnapping is her secret. A secret that will bring her closer to Aleksey, a foreign, broody man. Lila does not trust him because his links to the troops and his rough, yet irresistible appearance. Aleksey offers Lila an alternative to her plans, a possibility that terrifies her…and tempts her in spite of herself.

All the while Lila will have to find a way to live in the constant company of death, slavery, starvation, sexual abuse and the danger of losing the people she loves the most.

This book is recommended for readers over the age of 18 due to strong language and sexual content.




Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21799202-the-v-girl?from_search=true
Purchase:
(International Amazon buy links attached!)
-Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Girl-coming-age-story-ebook/dp/B00L6MFXWG




AUTHOR BIO
I am a bookaholic and regret nothing.

I spent years trying to become a contemporary dance choreographer. Eventually I realized that I enjoyed writing my stories rather than creating dances for them.

I am obsessed with books that present damaged characters, swoon worthy guys, controversial topics and happy endings.


Author links:
http://myarobarts.wordpress.com/
https://twitter.com/MyaRobarts
https://www.facebook.com/MyaRobartsBooks
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8108373.Mya_Robarts


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Book Blitz and Giveaway: Third Date by Kylie Keene


Third Date by Kylie Keene
Publication date: June 20th 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

Synopsis:
At 23, Morgan is a little behind other women her age when it comes to dating and relationships. More specifically, she’s a virgin. Dating wasn’t a priority in high school and college, but now that Morgan has a job and her own apartment, she’s ready to jump back into the dating scene.

When Morgan’s friends at work inform her that most men expect sex on the third date, she panics. She’s convinced her lack of experience will be a total turn-off for guys and make for a really awkward third date. Her friends tell her to just do it with a random guy to get it over with, but Morgan isn’t sure that’s what she wants.

When she meets a guy she’s certain is her dream man, she’s ready to lose it on their third date. But doing so isn’t as easy as she thought. And then there’s the fact that she can’t get another guy out of her head.

Through a series of mishaps and misunderstandings, Morgan eventually finds herself at a place she wasn’t expecting, but the place she wanted to be all along.


Purchase:
--Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L2SHKC0

Excerpt:
I head down to the gift shop, hoping and praying it’s not full of people. Luckily, it’s empty because the lunch session is still going on in the main ballroom.

I search the shop for condoms but can’t find them anywhere. They have everything else; toothbrushes, combs, aspirin, shower caps, tampons, toothpaste.

The young woman working the cash register sees me searching the store like I’m on some type of scavenger hunt.

“Can I help you?” she asks.

The woman is in her twenties and has reddish-blond hair that hangs in loose waves several inches past her shoulders. She has huge breasts and is wearing a short black dress that shows off her long legs. I’m just guessing here, but I would say she’s probably not a virgin. Which means she’s likely found herself in need of condoms before and wouldn’t judge me for buying them at a hotel.

I go up to her and speak softly. “Do you sell condoms here?”

She looks surprised. I’m suddenly offended. Do I look like someone who would never need condoms? I’m no beauty queen but I’m not exactly ugly.

“We keep them back here.” She reaches under the register and opens a drawer. “How many do you need?”

How many do I need? How many does she think I need?

“Um, just one.”

She gives me a strange look. “They come in packs of three or more.”

“Oh, okay. Three is good.”

“Do you want ribbed, flavored, sensitive, extra sensitive, for her pleasure, glow in the dark?”

I had no idea there were so many different types of condoms. I’ve never actually shopped for condoms.

She continues. “For flavored we have cherry, citrus, grape—”

“No. Just plain. No flavors. No glow in the dark. No ribbing.”

“So do you want sensitive? Extra sensitive? For her—”

I hear people starting to leave the ballroom, coming out into the lobby.

“I don’t know. Just give me whatever. It doesn’t matter.”

“For her pleasure.” She holds the package up and smiles. “Why should guys have all the fun, right?” She punches something in the register. “Should I charge it to your room?”

I imagine myself giving the accounting department at work a copy of my hotel receipt with a charge for condoms on it. I’m sure it would just say ‘gift shop’ but with my luck, you never know.

“I’ll just pay with cash. How much is it?”

“With tax, it’s $10.59.”

“For three condoms?”

She shrugs. “The hotel jacks up the price. When people are desperate, they’ll pay anything.”

I search my wallet, which is full of ones for some reason. She notices and looks away. Great. Now she probably thinks I work at a strip club.

People from the conference are starting to linger and talk outside the gift shop. I count my money and find that I only have nine ones. That’s it. I hand her my credit card but she doesn’t take it.

“Sorry, but our machine is down. It’s cash only or I can charge it to your room.”

“I only have $9. I have to run to the ATM. I’ll be right back.” As I’m closing my wallet, my change spills out and goes all over the floor. I bend down to pick up the scattered pennies, nickels, and dimes.

“Let me help you with that.” I look up and see Brad picking up the change.

Shit! What is he doing here? Where did he come from?

“Thanks, but you don’t need to help,” I say, urging him to leave.

He picks up the last penny. “I think we got it all.”

We both stand up and he gives me the change.

“Are we still meeting for drinks tonight?” he asks.

Cashier girl is observing the scene and I feel her staring. I glance over and see her checking Brad out. I’m sure she can tell from my blushing face that he’s the reason I need the condoms. She smiles at me, as if reassuring me that Brad is worth the ridiculous price they charge for them.

“Yeah. I’ll see you then. I’ve gotta go.” I race out of the gift shop.

As I’m leaving, cashier girl calls after me. “What about your stuff? Are you coming back with your money?’

I ignore her and hurry back to my room. The whole scene was fate telling me not to do this. I’m not ready. Or Brad’s the wrong guy. Something’s wrong. Buying condoms should not be that hard!


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Book Blitz: Crossing the Line by Nicola Marsh


Crossing the Line by Nicola Marsh
(World Apart #1)
Publication date: May 8th 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance


Synopsis:
Laying it all on the line for love…

Mia Cresswell is tired of being good.
Achieving geek status at college doesn’t equate with fun. So when she heads home to her dad’s tennis academy in Santa Monica on spring break, she’s determined to be bad. And hot Aussie tennis star Kye Sheldon is just the guy to help her do it.

However, Kye’s troubled past continues to dog him and attending the Cresswell Tennis Academy is his last chance at the big time. He can’t afford to screw up…by screwing the boss’s daughter.
But Mia and Kye’s relationship is much more than a vacation fling.
Will it be game, set, match, when the truth is revealed?
Or will Mia and Kye have a real shot at love all?




Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22061004-crossing-the-line?ac=1
Purchase:
-Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K8BBMF8/ref=x_gr_w_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=httpwwwgoodco-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00K8BBMF8&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2
-Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/crossing-the-line-nicola-marsh/1119477722?ean=2940045933636



AUTHOR BIO
USA TODAY bestselling author Nicola Marsh writes flirty fiction with flair for adults and spooky, supernatural fiction for young adults.

She has published 45 books with Harlequin, Entangled Publishing and indie, and sold over 5 million copies worldwide.

Her first mainstream contemporary romance, BUSTED IN BOLLYWOOD (Entangled Publishing) released to rave reviews, including a nomination for RWA's RBY, Romantic Book of the Year 2012.
Her first indie-pubbed contemporary romance CRAZY LOVE released September 2012, is a Barnes & Noble bestseller, and was nominated for a 2012 ARRA award.

Her young adult debut, BANISH, a supernatural thriller featuring Wicca, spirits and murder, released August 2013 with Harlequin Teen.
Her young adult fantasy series with Month9Books launched November 2013 with SCION OF THE SUN.

Her debut new adult novel BEFORE releases December 2013.

She's also a Waldenbooks, Bookscan and Barnes & Noble bestseller, a 2013 RBY and National Readers' Choice Award winner, is a multiple finalist for awards including the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award, HOLT Medallion, Booksellers' Best, Golden Quill, Laurel Wreath, More than Magic and has won several CataRomance Reviewers' Choice Awards.

Author links:
https://twitter.com/NicolaMarsh
https://www.facebook.com/NicolaMarshAuthor
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/583990.Nicola_Marsh
http://www.nicolamarsh.com/

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Pride Week Blitz and Giveaway







Sharp Love
by Ava March (June release) [Goodreads]
--Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sharp-Love-Gambling-Ava-March-ebook/dp/B00I15VL4A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1403029205&sr=8-1&keywords=Sharp+Love+by+Ava+March
--B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sharp-love-ava-march/1118327862?ean=9781426898464

London, 1822
William Drake has lived among thieves, bastards and beggars all his life, doing what’s necessary to survive. As a young orphan, that included looking after his best friend, Jack Morgan. But as they grew older, Jack took the honest path, leaving Will behind to fend for himself the only ways he knows how.

When an unsavory errand for his employer brings Jack back to London’s underbelly, he needs Will’s help. It’s there, among the alleys they ran through as children, that the love he’s always felt for Will returns. As their nights together grow hotter, Will discovers something new about his old friend—Jack’s need to serve extends into the bedchamber.

Will has never fully abandoned his dream of escaping London with Jack. But what could the Duke’s driver want with a dishonest cheat like him, beyond a bit of rough sex? It takes the gamble of Will’s life to find out if he can win Jack’s heart…



The Lost Year by Libby Drew (June release) [Goodreads]
--Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Lost-Year-Secrets-Neverwood-ebook/dp/B00I15VKFU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1403029225&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Lost+Year+by+Libby+Drew
--B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-lost-year-libby-drew/1118327851?ean=9781426898587

Devon McCade is no stranger to adversity. As a photojournalist, he’s seen all manner of human struggle.
And as a kid, it’s what brought him to Neverwood, to his foster mother Audrey. It’s what he’s facing now, as he and his foster brothers work to restore the once-stately mansion amidst surprising signs from Audrey herself.

But when another anguished soul arrives at Neverwood, Devon can’t hide behind his camera. Nicholas Hardy is certain he saw his runaway son, Robbie, in a photo Devon took of homeless children. Devon knows all too well that a young teenager on the streets doesn’t have many options—and Robbie has been missing for a full year.

Searching for Robbie with Nicholas stirs memories and passions Devon had thought long lost, yet knowing that Nicholas will leave as soon as Robbie is found keeps him from opening himself up to something permanent. Devon must learn to fight for what he wants to keep—his love, and his home.



Maybe This Time by AM Arthur (July release) [Goodreads]
--Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Maybe-This-Time-M-Arthur-ebook/dp/B00K4M3I94/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1403029239&sr=1-1&keywords=Maybe+This+Time+by+AM+Arthur
--B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/maybe-this-time-am-arthur/1119434592?ean=9781426898716

As a regular at gay hotspot Pot O Gold, Ezra Kelley avoids his tangled emotions with the simplicity of one-night stands and attachment-free hookups. Until the night bartender Donner Davis picks him up off the floor after a misunderstanding and too much tequila. Ezra can’t remember the last time someone was…nice. It’s more than he deserves.

Witnessing his lover’s death two years ago has Donner trapped in a holding pattern: living in his sister’s basement, working at the Pot and flirting with the customers. He’s not above spending a night with the gorgeous Ezra, but love is not in the cards. That’s more than he’s ready for.

A passionate night leads to a connection neither man expects, and they take the first steps to something that looks like a real relationship. But Ezra’s been running from himself so long he doesn’t know how to live any other way. And Donner can’t risk his heart just to lose everything again. They’ll both need the strength to let go of the past if they want to get it right this time.



Stranger on the Shore by Josh Lanyon (May release) [Goodreads]
--Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Stranger-Shore-Josh-Lanyon-ebook/dp/B00I15VL86/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1403029252&sr=1-1&keywords=Stranger+on+the+Shore+by+Josh+Lanyon
--B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/stranger-on-the-shore-josh-lanyon/1118327863?ean=9781426898327

Twenty years ago young Brian Arlington, heir to Arlington fortune, was kidnapped. Though the ransom was paid, the boy was never seen again and is presumed dead. Pierce Mather, the family lawyer, now administers and controls the Arlington billions. He’s none too happy, and more than a little suspicious, when investigative journalist Griffin Hadley shows up to write about the decades-old mystery. Griff shrugs off the coldly handsome Pierce’s objections, but it might not be so easy to shrug off the objections of someone willing to do anything to keep the past buried.






Libby Drew

Libby glimpsed her true calling when her first story, an A.A. Milne /Shakespeare crossover, won the grand prize in her elementary school's fiction contest. Her parents explained that writers were quirky, poor, and often talked to themselves in supermarket checkout lines. They implored her to be practical, a request she took to heart for twenty years, earning two degrees, a white-collar job, and an ulcer, before realizing that practical was absolutely no fun.

Today she lives with her husband and four children in an old, impractical house and writes stories about redemption, the supernatural, and love at first sight, all of which do exist. She happens to know from experience.

Libby’s State of Mind received rave reviews for being fast, clever, and relentless and was nominated for a Bookie Award for Best M/M Novel of 2011. 40 Souls to Keep, Libby’s third novel, has been described as intense and heart-poundingly good and was praised by Publishers Weekly for maintaining a high level of suspense.

An avid supporter of gay rights, Libby donates her time to the Trevor Project and organizations that work to support marriage equality.

More information about Libby’s books can be found on her website: http://www.libbydrew.com/





Josh Lanyon

Bestselling, multi-award-winning Josh Lanyon is the author of over fifty titles of mystery, adventure, fantasy and romance. Josh is the author of the critically acclaimed Adrien English Mysteries series, including The Hell You Say, winner of the 2006 USABookNews awards for GLBT Fiction. Josh is an Eppie Award winner and a three-time Lambda Literary Award finalist. When not writing Josh enjoys gardening, film noir, fine wine, vintage mysteries, and night swimming.





A.M. Arthur

A.M. Arthur was born and raised in the same kind of small town that she likes to write about, a stone's throw from both beach resorts and generational farmland. She's been creating stories in her head since she was a child and scribbling them down nearly as long, in a losing battle to make the fictional voices stop. She credits an early fascination with male friendships (bromance hadn't been coined yet back then) and "The Young Riders" with her later discovery of and subsequent love affair with m/m romance stories.

When not exorcising the voices in her head, she toils away in a retail job that tests her patience and gives her lots of story fodder. She can also be found in her kitchen, pretending she's an amateur chef and trying to not poison herself or others with her cuisine experiments.

Contact her at am_arthur@yahoo.com with your cooking tips (or book comments). You can also find her online (http://amarthur.blogspot.com/), as well as on Twitter (http://twitter.com/am_arthur), Tumblr (http://www.tumblr.com/blog/am-arthur), and Facebook (A.m. Arthur). Other titles by A.M. Arthur are available from Samhain Publishing, Dreamspinner Press, and Musa Publishing.



Ava March

Ava March is an author of sexy, emotionally intense M/M historical erotic romances. She loves writing in the Regency time period, where proper decorum is of the utmost importance, but where anything can happen behind closed doors. With over fifteen works to her credit, her books have been finalists in the Rainbow Awards and More Than Magic contest, and deemed ‘must-haves’ for Historical M/M romance by RT Book Reviews readers. Visit her website at www.AvaMarch.com to find out more about her books or to sign-up for her newsletter.

Blog: www.avamarch.blogspot.com

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/Ava_March

Facebook: www.facebook.com/avamarchbooks/

Twitter: www.twitter.com/ava_march

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/avamarch/



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Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Hive and Heist by Janine A. Southard


Hive & Heist by Janine A. Southard
(Hive Queen Saga #2)
Publication date: May 2014
Genres: Science Fiction, Young Adult


Synopsis:
Queen Rhiannon and her Hive have found safety on John Wayne Station, but with no way to pay their docking fees or Victor’s medical bills, their debts are racking up quickly. Thankfully, Gavin gets a job with American Space Ranger M3L-15-A, who’s hot on the trail of dangerous criminals.

The teens move in with their Ranger benefactor, but when they revisit their ship to pick up personal belongings, they realize their Alcubierre tensor jet has been stolen!

If Rhiannon and her Hivemates ever hope to leave, they must find and steal back what’s theirs. But far from home and among strangers, who can they trust? Will they be stuck on John Wayne for the rest of their lives?




Goodreads book 1: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17379469-queen-commander
Goodreads book 2: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21566567-hive-heist




Purchase book 1:
--Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Queen-Commander-Hive-Saga/dp/0988646854/ref=la_B00BROXYKQ_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1402934600&sr=1-1
--B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/queen-commander-janine-a-southard/1114792229?ean=9780988646858


Purchase book 2:
--Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Hive-Heist-Queen-Saga/dp/1633270025/ref=la_B00BROXYKQ_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1402934600&sr=1-2
--B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hive-heist-janine-a-southard/1119365513?ean=9781633270022



----


AUTHOR BIO
Janine A. Southard writes and edits speculative fiction in between working on videogame projects. She’s attended more than the average number of universities, which she claims is a FEATURE. (“Oxford educated, but Californian at heart.”) She’s also lived and traveled in Europe, the United States, and Japan. Currently, she lives in Seattle with a husband (and a cat) and sings with a Celtic band.


Author Links:
http://www.janinesouthard.com/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6935843.Janine_A_Southard
https://twitter.com/jani_s




Excerpt:
Steal back their ship’s engine... or be stuck on this foreign station forever!

Keeping her tone hushed in case a local wandered too close, Rhiannon outlined her plan. “We have seven days till we take back what is ours,” she said.

There was a small cheer. This, this was what she was made for. She could strategize; she could organize; she could direct her people along the optimal paths.

“Gavin.” Her voice was sure, commanding, and he straightened to a near-military posture. “You’ll have the theatre’s production vehicle, so I’ll need you to be the getaway driver.”

He coughed. “Ah, but, the sheep?”

“You’ll bring the lorry to me after you drop off the sheep, so be sure to pick them up early and to take Gwyn with you. She’ll keep the lambs quiet.”

Next. “Alan.”

He acknowledged her with a mumbled my lady, overbright excitement turning his hazel eyes almost entirely green.

“You’ll go along with Gavin and Gwyn to make sure we get all the parts. If the jet’s been dismantled or damaged, determine what to take and what to leave behind. Put the jet in the truck as soon as you have it.”

Trust. “Luciano.” He fixed her with grave, dark eyes. She, the center of his attention. “You’ll keep in touch with everyone. I trust you to be my eyes and ears.”

Luciano went to his knees before her, pressing his forehead to the back of her hand. “I am honored, my lady.”

Soon all four Devoted were on the floor, each bending one knee. “My lady,” they said in eerie unison.



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Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Cover Reveal: Channel 20Something by Amy Patrick


Channel 20Something by Amy Patrick
(20Something, #1)
Publication date: August 12th 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

Synopsis:
22-year-old Heidi Haynes is almost one year into her “real life”. She has her first reporting job and her first apartment, but she’s yet to experience first love. Yes, she’s in a comfortable relationship with her college sweetheart, and according to her friends and family, he’s perfect for her. But for some reason she’s not as eager to talk about walking down the aisle as he is.

And while Heidi’s doing what she wants to do, she’s not where she wants to be. She longs for big cities, big-market breaking news, and real independence from her way-too-close-by helicopter parents. Problem is, the last time she left the security of home for new places and new people, things didn’t go so well. Disastrously, in fact, and she came running back to a local college and a “safe” boyfriend.

Well-traveled Californian Aric Serrano plans to stay in small-market-Southern-Hell just long enough to grab a cup of coffee and put together a kick-ass “escape tape”. He’ll serve his one-year contract, then he’s taking off for a higher rung on the TV sports ladder—alone—the way he likes it. But when he walks into the newsroom and meets Heidi, he may have finally found something and someone worth committing to.

Heidi would be so much more comfortable if she could avoid her new co-worker—he’s just her type—the type she’s so careful to avoid. But that becomes impossible when she and Aric are forced to work together on the weekend news. Now there’s no denying the attraction between them, and she’ll have to decide between settling for the “good enough” life she already has or taking the risk of going for what she dreams of, an exciting career and a real love.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22430248-channel-20something



AUTHOR BIO
Amy is a two-time Golden Heart finalist (2013 and 2014). She lives in Rhode Island with her husband and two sons and actually craves the heat and humidity of Mississippi, where she grew up. She's been a professional singer and news anchor and currently narrates audio books as well as working as a station host for a Boston TV station.


Author links:
http://www.amypatrickbooks.com/
https://twitter.com/amypatrickbooks
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3247178.Amy_Patrick

Sunday, June 22, 2014

Cover Reveal: Street Food and Love by H.A. Enri



Street Food and Love by H.A. Enri
Publication date: Summer 2014
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult

Synopsis:
Sole Eaby, seventeen, has a few complaints he’d like to lodge against life, the main one being that his dad, Cedro, has recently quit his job and withdrawn his entire life savings, which included Sole’s college fund. Why? To launch a food truck business he knows nothing about.

To cope, Sole uses his knifelike wit to moonlight as a stand-up comedian, and so far, it’s paying off. He’s not only replenishing his college treasury, he’s making people laugh; but it’s one person in particular he performs for. Her name is Ava. When the fated bond of humor joins the two, and they begin a sort of quasi-romance, things begin to seem somewhat bearable. Of course, that’s when an ill-timed event decides to put another spin on things. Just when Sole is ready to move on with his own life and disconnect himself from his father and the family business, he suddenly finds himself in charge of the food truck he desperately loathes. Here is where Sole must realize that the answers to love and life are not to be found apart but, rather, are more like a savory recipe: only by combining the ingredients will the wonderful flavors reveal themselves. When comedy isn’t enough, the future seems ever bleak, and a fledgling love has barely had a chance to bloom, where will Sole turn?
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22432900-street-food-and-love?ac=1

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Book Blitz and Giveaway: Breaking Fences by Juliana Haygert


Breaking Fences (The Breaking Series, #2)
Genre: NA contemporary romance
Word Count: ~80,000
Release date: June/2014
Cover by: Okay Creations

Summary from Goodreads:
All Beatriz “Bia” Fernandes wants is to prove herself—to her family and friends—though it’s hard to prove anything with an overbearing father and three famous polo-playing older brothers. After her acceptance into college results in a heated family argument, the Brazilian girl leaves everything behind to find her own American dream.

College life away from home is perfect until the people she believes to be her friends turn on her. With lies and rumors threatening to suffocate her, Bia turns to her only freedom. Riding.

But one thing gets in the way of her escape. Garrett Blackwell and his bad cowboy attitude. Working at the ranch is his obligation, bugging Bia is his newfound hobby. His thick skin and easy grin don’t hide what Bia already knows—this misunderstood and lonely cowboy fights his own demons. Brushing horses’ coats and mucking out stalls shouldn’t be this sexy, and it isn’t long before he becomes a part of her distraction.

However, escaping won’t solve her problems, and it’s up to Bia to break down the fences around her and prove her strength—not to her family and friends, but to herself … and for Garrett. Because standing on her own doesn’t have to mean standing alone.

** Companion novel of Breaking the Reins. Can be read out of order.**


Available from:

Companion Book:
(cover linked to Goodreads)





Excerpt:

“Time’s up,” Garrett shouted.

I pulled the reins and slowed Midnight, steering him toward the men.

I leaned over the horse and patted his neck. “Good boy.” I stopped him in front of Garrett and smiled. “He’s amazing.”

Garrett nodded, his face serious, and Tom looked at me with a frown.

I was about to ask them what happened when Garrett’s cell phone beeped. He glanced at it and sighed.

“Delilah will be here in ten minutes,” he said, jumping off the fence. “Can you cool him down, please?”

“Yeah,” I said. He stalked off and I glanced at Tom. “Something wrong?”

“When isn’t something wrong?” Tom answered before following Garrett inside the stables.

What the hell?

Midnight nickered, bringing my attention back to him. “All right, big boy.” I slipped off him. “Let’s get you cooled down for your practice.”

I didn’t take him inside to a wash stall since he would be out here again in a few minutes. I just tied his reins to a fence post, took off his saddle, and turned on the hose on the outside of the stable.

As soon as the cold water hit his hot coat, he advanced on me, in a happy gait. I laughed and got out of his way. To let him play, I untied his reins and held them in my left hand, while I hosed him with the right one.

He nipped at my shirt, biting the edge, and pulled me closer.

I laughed. “Hey. Are you trying to get me wet too?”

He nickered and I laughed louder. He tried nipping at me again and I stepped aside, turning around to escape him, and saw Garrett leaning in the stable’s doorway, watching us with his arms crossed.

That caught me by surprised, and I came to an abrupt halt, facing him. He held my stare, his expression impassive. I didn’t get him. Half an hour earlier, I could swear he was flirting with me, and now he was distant and looking at me as if I had stolen something from him.

Midnight poked his muzzle on my waist, tickling me, and I laughed again. I pushed Garrett out of my mind and turned to the horse.

We played with the water for a while, and he did manage to get my legs soaked. Droga, I didn’t have any other jeans with me. Next time, I would bring a couple of extra pants, boots, and tops.

I was about to turn off the hose when Midnight bit my shirt again and pulled me back, away from the faucet.

I laughed. “Come on, big boy. We have to get you ready.”

“What’s going on?”

A chill wave rushed through me. Midnight let go of me and neighed.

I turned around and found Delilah tapping her foot on the ground, her hands on her waist, and her blue eyes about to murder me.

“I asked, what’s going on? What are you doing with my horse?”

“I was helping Garrett. He asked me to cool Midnight down before your practice.” I walked to her, pulling the horse with me. He snorted, not wanting to come, but I jerked the reins with force. I offered her the reins. “Here. He’s all yours.”

She took the reins, still looking at me as if she was going to jump at my throat at any moment.

“Excuse me.” She took a step closer, expecting me to move from her away. Oh, there was plenty of space by my sides. I jutted my chin out and didn’t move.

With a huff, Delilah walked around me, keeping her eyes on mine until she couldn’t turn her neck any farther.

I watched as she marched to the other side of the arena, fighting with Midnight all the way. He didn’t want to go with her, but she pulled him hard and hissed at him. That was no way to treat a horse.

Garrett was going after her, but before walking on, he paused by my side and offered me a hand towel.

“You’ve got some balls,” he said, his lips turned up.

I smiled, using the towel to dry a little of my pants. “I rather think I don’t.”

He chuckled low, and I swear he almost smiled. Shaking his head, he said, “Gotta make sure the princess is well attended.” He tipped his hat and followed his half-sister to where the jumping poles were set up.





About the Author:

New Adult author and contributor at NA Alley blog.

While Juliana Haygert dreams of being Wonder Woman, Buffy, or a blood elf shadow priest, she settles for the less exciting—but equally gratifying—life of a wife, mother, and author. Thousands of miles away from her former home in Brazil, she now resides in Connecticut and spends her days writing about kick-ass heroines and the heroes who drive them crazy.





Author Links:





***GIVEAWAY***







Book Blitz Organized by:

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Release Blitz: More Than Music by Elizabeth Briggs




More Than Music by Elizabeth Briggs
(Chasing The Dream #1)
Publication date: June 17th 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult

Synopsis:


Music major Maddie Taylor seems to have her life all figured out. She’s just finished her junior year of college, has a summer internship lined up with the LA Philharmonic, and plans to go to grad school to write movie scores. Only her roommates know she practices guitar every night and secretly dreams of a louder life. But geeky girls like her don’t get to be rock stars.

Tattooed singer Jared Cross has a new girl every week, but when he catches Maddie playing one of his songs, she attracts his attention in an unexpected way. His band needs a fourth member for The Sound, a reality TV show competition—and he wants her. Though Maddie refuses to be another notch on Jared’s bedpost, she agrees to risk everything for the chance to be a rock star.

Once on the show, Maddie discovers there’s more to Jared behind his flirty smile, and with each performance their attraction becomes impossible to ignore. When the show pressures Jared to flaunt his player image, they’re forced to keep their relationship secret, but Maddie can’t help but want something real.

As the competition heats up, Jared will do whatever it takes for his band to win, and Maddie must decide if following her dream is worth losing her heart.




Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21861133-more-than-music?ac=1

Purchase:
--Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/More-Than-Music-Chasing-Dream-ebook/dp/B00KWSAIMU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1402684642&sr=8-1&keywords=More+Than+Music+briggs
--B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/more-than-music-elizabeth-briggs/1119713319?ean=2940149388080


Except:
Our ten minutes were up too soon, and we were directed down a brightly lit hallway and into the backstage area. The Sound used a special kind of rotating stage that I’d also seen at music festivals, with a platform on each side so bands could set up and break down their equipment while another band was performing. Then the stage rotated, and it began again. This saved a lot of time with so many bands playing back-to-back.

I couldn’t see the band currently on stage, but their music pounded under my feet as the crowd cheered for them. We were about to be in the exact same spot, in front of that same crowd, with our music blasting through the speakers. No, I couldn’t think about that or I’d run straight back to that waiting room.

We rushed onto the back side of the stage, which had already been cleared by the previous band. Our gear was waiting for us, and some roadies helped us get it unpacked quickly. After hours of waiting, everything was happening so fast. I didn’t have time to think; I just shoved my earpiece in and grabbed my guitar to check the tuning while the other guys handled their own instruments. I got my distortion pedal and mic set up just as the band on stage finished their song. I heard the mentors commenting but couldn’t tell if the band had done a good job or not. Either way, it meant we had to hurry.

Kyle got behind his keyboard, Hector sat at the drums, and that left me and Jared up front. My sweaty fingers dropped my guitar pick, and when I went to grab it, my knees nearly gave out from under me. When I straightened up, Jared stood right in front of me, his bass hanging from his neck.

“Ready?” he asked.

“Um, as ready as I’ll ever be.” Which was to say, hell no. I smoothed my hair and yanked the bottom of my dress down, wishing I had a mirror to check how I looked one last time.

“Just have fun. It’ll be over before you know it.” He brushed a finger against my cheek, making me shiver. “Stray eyelash,” he explained. “You look amazing, by the way.”

Our eyes locked, and for a second, it was only the two of us on stage, about to make music together. He offered me one of his heart-stopping smiles, and it gave me the strength I needed to go through with this.

The stage began to turn, ending the moment. Jared and I moved back to our positions in front of our mics as the roar of the crowd grew louder and spotlights flashed in our eyes. My heart pounded as an entire sea of faces stretched before me. And in front, the four musicians who would decide our fate.

This was our one shot to change our futures forever. Our one moment to lose ourselves in the music and hope we brought the audience along with us. Our one chance to turn our dreams into reality.

I was ready.
----


AUTHOR BIO
Elizabeth Briggs is a full-time geek who writes books for teens and adults. She plays the guitar, mentors at-risk teens, and volunteers with a dog rescue group. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and a pack of small, fluffy dogs.

Author Links:
http://www.elizabethbriggs.net/
https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethBriggsAuthor
https://twitter.com/lizwrites
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6315922.Elizabeth_Briggs


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