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

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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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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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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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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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Book Blitz and Giveaway: Breaking Fences by Juliana Haygert

Breaking Fences (The Breaking Series, #2)

by Juliana Haygert 

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:

Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iBooks

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***

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Book Blitz Organized by:

Release Blitz and Giveaway: Two Little Lies by Rhonda Helms

Two Little Lies by Rhonda Helms
(Edgewood Falls #2)
Publication date: June 9th 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

Synopsis:
Natalie Goldsmith has a fabulous life and an equally awesome boyfriend. So what is her best friend Bianca thinking when she says she suspects West is cheating—and confesses that she’s hired a PI to prove it? Totally not cool.

Especially since the cynical PI, Kyle Winslow, is her grade school nemesis. With a smug, know-it-all look on his face, Kyle declares he can smell a cheater from a mile away, and he’s willing to bet it all on West. Well, if he wants to waste his time chasing a lie, more power to him. But just days later, he presents irrefutable evidence of her boyfriend’s unfaithfulness, and Natalie’s enviable life takes a total nosedive.

Determined to not let this ruin her New Year’s Eve, she goes out on the town, dressed to the nines…and ends up having a drunken night of mind-blowing sex with Kyle. Now the guy she hates is the one person she can’t get out of her mind. Even crazier, he seems just as drawn to her too. The more time they spend together, the more she realizes Kyle could be everything she’s been looking for. But should she risk it all on a guy who says he doesn’t believe in love?


Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21843024-two-little-lies


Purchase:
Amazon US link: http://www.amazon.com/Little-Lies-Edgewood-Falls-Book-ebook/dp/B00KTJO5BC/
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Little-Lies-Edgewood-Falls-Book-ebook/dp/B00KTJO5BC/
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/two-little-lies-rhonda-helms/1119692945?ean=2940149502332
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/two-little-lies/id884170196?mt=11
Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/two-little-lies-3

Excerpt:

“Natalie,” Kyle said. I looked up at his rough voice to see his eyes locked on mine. Everything he was thinking and feeling was right there on his face. The realness, the openness of it stunned me. “You shouldn’t be alone tonight. Not after what you just went through.”

“I’m fine,” I repeated in a low whisper. Strangely enough, being this close to Kyle shoved all thoughts of West out of my brain. I swallowed. Now that I was looking at Kyle, really looking, I could tell that what I’d identified as anger in his eyes was actually worry.

He was concerned? About me?

I sucked my lower lip. His gaze dropped to my mouth then moved down my deep, exposed neckline. My skin tightened like he’d given me a physical caress. I saw his Adam’s apple bob, and a light sigh flew out of my mouth, unbidden.

“That dress is dangerous, you know.” There was a guttural element to his voice that made my sex clench. Holy shit, how had I never realized how potent the guy could sound? His eyes grew heavy-lidded, the right side of his jaw ticking. “I think you should go home.”

All I could do was shake my head in response. My entire body throbbed, and my mouth opened with a sight part of my lips. If I weren’t here right now, I wouldn’t believe I was having this strong of a reaction to Kyle. I knew he could read my desire on my face; I wasn’t sure why, but I wanted him to see what I was feeling.

Wanted to see what he’d do with the open invitation in my eyes.

I wasn’t normally this impulsive, but some earthy, feminine part of me ached to push him into action. Was it the alcohol? My long-denied sexual hunger? Or was something else at play here?

Kyle blinked and looked away to rest his hand on the stall door. Then he muttered a cuss word and took a step toward me, his fingers moving behind his back. The sound of the metal sliding in the door lock made my heart give an excited lurch.

Before I realized what was happening, Kyle tugged me to him then dug his fingers into the bound hair at the nape of my neck. He lowered his head and took my mouth in a hot kiss.

There was no asking for permission, just claiming.


----


AUTHOR BIO
Rhonda Helms started writing several years ago. She has a Master's degree in English and a Bachelor's degree in Creative Writing. She also edits for Carina Press (an imprint of Harlequin Publishing) and freelance edits.

When she isn't writing, she likes to do amateur photography, dig her toes into the sand, read for hours at a time, and eat scads of cheese. WAY too much cheese.

Rhonda lives in Northeast Ohio with her family.


Author links:
http://www.rhondahelmsbooks.com/
https://twitter.com/rhelmsbooks
https://www.facebook.com/rhondahelmsbooks
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5555317.Rhonda_Helms

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Cover Reveal and Giveaway: The Nogiku Series by SJ Pajonas

Today is the cover reveal for the Nogiku series by SJ Pajonas. This cover reveal will be for the following books: Revealed: Part One (Nogiku series #0.1), Removed (Nogiku series #1), Released (Nogiku series #2) and Reunited (Nogiku series #3). This cover reveal is organized by Lola's Blog Tours.

Here's a picture with all four covers:

Revealed: Part One: New Year’s Eve with Jiro and Mark (Nogiku series #0.1)
by SJ Pajonas
Genre: Science Fiction Romance, Post-apocalyptic
Age category: Young Adult, Adult
Release Date: June 1, 2014

Blurb:
Get immersed in the Nogiku world with Jiro Itō as he gets ready for a boring and annoying New Year’s Eve out in Nishikyō. At least, that’s what he expects his night to be like. Jiro would rather drink with the geisha all evening, and avoid taking anyone home, but he has family business to attend to instead. When the family business leads to an unfamiliar restaurant, Jiro spies Sanaa Griffin smiling at him from across the room, and his night turns around.

But Mark Sakai, his uncle, is not pleased with Jiro’s flirtations. Mark has worked hard for over a decade to get Sanaa into position for her new life, and he can’t have Jiro interfering. Will a stern warning be enough to keep them apart?

PART ONE of REVEALED is a companion short story to REMOVED, Book ONE of the Nogiku Series. The first chapter of REMOVED is included at the end of PART ONE. Read REVEALED first or read it later, but don’t miss this look into the other side of Sanaa’s story.

Approximately 10,000 words.

You can find Revealed: Part One: New Year’s Eve with Jiro and Mark on Goodreads
You can buy Revealed here:
- Amazon
- Barnes & Noble
- Kobo
- iBooks


Removed (Nogiku series #1)
by SJ Pajonas
Genre: Science Fiction Romance, Post-apocalyptic
Age category: Young Adult, Adult
Release Date: September 11, 2013

Blurb:
Duty knows no family. Love has no price. Secrets can cost you everything.

Twenty-year-old Sanaa Griffin is about to get more than she bargained for when she wishes for love, happiness, and excitement on New Year’s Eve. Ripped from the job she always loved, she is reassigned to work for mysterious Mark Sakai and spy on the corrupt leaders of her city. War looms on the horizon, and Sanaa must help Sakai determine the key players and their weak spots before it’s too late.

Mark Sakai has many plans for Sanaa that will take her into a web of lies and danger, and her only protection is to learn to defend herself. But defense training under the watchful eye of Jiro, a strong and enigmatic young man she has a crush on, was not what she expected. Between falling in love with Jiro and the information she is gathering, Sanaa realizes Sakai is holding back secrets about her family and her deceased parents, secrets as to why she was chosen for this job, and learning the truth puts all of humanity in jeopardy.

REMOVED is the first book in a captivating post-apocalyptic series that harnesses the cultures and traditions of Japan and sweeps them into the future between Earth and a faraway land.

You can find Removed on Goodreads
Want to view some inspirational images for Removed, visit the Removed inspirational Pinterest board

You can buy Removed here:
- Amazon
- Barnes & Noble
- iBooks
- Kobo

You can watch the trailer for Removed here:


Released (Nogiku series #2)
by SJ Pajonas
Genre: Science Fiction Romance, Post-apocalyptic
Age category: Young Adult, Adult
Release Date: December 17, 2013

Blurb:
Left in the desert to recuperate from her injuries, Sanaa Itami paces the floors and contemplates her mistakes. She trusted too easily, and now people she loved are dead, killed at the hands of men coming to assassinate her. Sanaa feels beaten, but life awaits her at home. While her city recovers from the devastating earthquake, negotiations for Sanaa's future continue. New allies must be made, new friendships brokered, new skills acquired -- at all costs.

Life at the top of the chain is complicated and lonely, though. With all her friendships rocky and uncertain, Sanaa must learn to trust others again more than she's willing. Who is left holding a grudge? And will the new family Sanaa has found with Jiro support or betray her?v
RELEASED, Book TWO of the Nogiku Series, is the second book in a captivating post-apocalyptic romance series that harnesses the cultures and traditions of Japan and sweeps them into the future between Earth and a faraway land.

You can find Released on Goodreads

You can buy Released here:
- Amazon
- Barnes & Noble
- Kobo
- iBooks

Reunited (Nogiku series #3)
by SJ Pajonas
Genre: Science Fiction Romance, Post-apocalyptic
Age category: Young Adult, Adult
Release Date: August 14, 2014

Blurb:
Yūsei has surprises for Sanaa Itami. The long trip across the stars ends with Mark Sakai delivering bad news from orbit over their new home, and there’s no turning back or moving on. Despite all their misgivings, this is where they will have to stay.

Sanaa, Jiro, and the rest of Earth’s settlers move into a coastal town and stick to their plans to live the colonization life they dreamed of. But Sanaa’s existence won’t be kept secret from her enemies for long. Kazuo promised he would see her in another life, on another world, and he aims to keep his word. Now she will face those who want their revenge and make new enemies while dispensing with old ones on her journey across the fascinating and unfamiliar landscape of Yūsei.

REUNITED, Book THREE of the Nogiku Series, is the third book in a captivating post-apocalyptic romance series that harnesses the cultures and traditions of Japan and sweeps them into the future between Earth and a faraway land.

You can find Reunited on Goodreads

You can read Revealed: Part One for free! And the price for Removed has been permanently dropped to 0.99$. Haven't started this series yet? Pick up your copy today!

About the Author:
S. J. Pajonas loves all things Asian and has been in love with Japan and the East for as long as she can remember. Writing about Asia and Japan came naturally after studying the culture and language for over fifteen years. She studied film and screenwriting first and eventually segued into fiction once she was no longer working a full-time job.

Face Time is the first novel in the Love in the Digital Age series, and Pajonas’s first foray into Korean culture and families. Along with Removed and Released in the Nogiku Series, she continues to take the cultures of Asia and weave them into stories that appeal to people from around the world. Her writing is described as unique and unpredictable. Expect the unexpected.

Stephanie lives with her husband and two children just outside of New York City. She loves reading, writing, film, J- and K-dramas, knitting, and astrology. Her favorite author is Haruki Murakami and favorite book is The Wind-up Bird Chronicle.

You can find and contact her here:
- Website
- Facebook
- Twitter
- Goodreads
- Pinterest
- Flickr
- Instagram
- Tumblr

And there's a cover reveal wide giveaway! You can win a 10$ gift card for Itunes of Starbucks or one of the 3 e-copies of Released!
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Book Blitz and Giveaway: Deliver Me by Kate Jarvik Birch

Deliver Me by Kate Jarvik Birch
Published by: Bloomsbury Spark
Publication date: April 15th 2014
Genres: Dystopia, Young Adult


Synopsis:

One People. One Union. One Future.

Wynne’s entire life is dictated by the Union: the clothes she wears, the books she reads, even the genes she inherited. And like every other girl in the Union, Wynne dreams of being chosen as a Carrier on her 16th birthday—one of the elite selected to carry the future generation within her womb. Wynne and her best friend Odessa are certain they will both make the cut, but when Odessa is chosen and whisked off to a life of privilege, Wynne is left behind to work as an assistant, delivering perfectly planned babies for the Union.

As Odessa slips deeper and deeper into the role of Carrier, Wynne begins to see the Union for what it really is: a society that criminalizes the notion of love, and forbids words like mother and family.

For the first time in her life, Wynne is faced with a choice: submit to the will of the Union, or find a way to escape and save Odessa before she is lost forever.


Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20877865-deliver-me?ac=1


Purchase:
--Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Deliver-Me-Kate-Jarvik-Birch-ebook/dp/B00JEWY4BG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1399648947&sr=8-3&keywords=deliver+me
--B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/deliver-me-kate-jarvik-birch/1119075953?ean=9781619635364

----

AUTHOR BIO

Kate Jarvik Birch is a visual artist, author, playwright, daydreamer, and professional procrastinator. As a child, she wanted to grow up to be either a unicorn or mermaid. Luckily, being a writer turned out to be just as magical. Her essays and short stories have been published in literary journals including Indiana Review and Saint Ann’s Review. She lives in Salt Lake City, Utah with her husband and three kids. To learn more visit www.katejarvikbirch.com



Author links:

https://twitter.com/katejarvikbirch
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7159349.Kate_Jarvik_Birch
http://www.katejarvikbirch.com/
https://www.facebook.com/katejarvikbirchbooks

Excerpt:



“And now the time for selection has come,” the Councilman said, opening an ornate leather ledger containing the nine chosen names. “When called, please step forward and take your place behind me.”

Around me, I felt the whisper of a collective breath drawn in by all the girls. We held it deep in our chests, afraid to let it go, afraid to breathe.

The Grand Councilman studied the paper in front of him, “G454-71.”

His voice reverberated through the hall, bouncing off the carefully carved stonework and the dark wooden floors. For a moment we all stood still, letting the number ricochet around inside us.

The girl who stepped forward carried an air of superiority about her that had always bothered me. I didn’t think she was any more beautiful than Odessa or me, and her hair was a strange color, tinged with a bit of orange, but she was taller by at least a couple of inches. I knew she was strong, but I also knew with certainty that she wasn’t any smarter than us. In class her answers always sounded rote and memorized, as if she didn’t really give thought to what she was saying, but had taken great care to repeat things word for word from the text book.

Maybe I was completely off base, assuming I knew what the Union wanted in their Carriers. Maybe it was all about beauty, height and strength, maybe nothing else really mattered. Maybe the rest of the test was simply a formality.

The Grand Councilman watched as the first of the robes was placed over the girl’s shoulders before he turned back to us with an expression of satisfaction on his face. The look sent a chill through me. He looked back down at the ledger in front of him and called out the next number, “G458-89.”

G458-89.

Of course I recognized the number. It was imprinted in my mind, the digits as clear in my memory as they were tattooed into the soft skin of Odessa’s forearm. The breath of air I’d been holding escaped my lips and I turned to my best friend, pushing her forward to the podium.

Odessa, beautiful Odessa.

I knew she would be called. Maybe she hadn’t been first, but she was close. Pride pushed at the inside of my chest and I suppressed a cheer. If only we were allowed to clap at least, but the selection was a sacred moment and I had to keep my emotions contained. Later tonight I could tell Odessa how proud I was of her.

On the podium, one of the elegant Carrier robes was being placed over Odessa’s shoulders. From somewhere deep inside my head a low humming had begun. My fingers and toes felt strange, tingly.. I rubbed my hands together, trying to concentrate on the Grand Councilman’s words.

Six more numbers were called and progressively, as each girl took her place on the stand, I began to see the panic setting in on Odessa’s face. Normally, she would have caught my eye and made a funny face to break the tension, but she hardly looked like herself up there. The color still hadn’t returned to her cheeks and a bit of perspiration had sprouted on her forehead. In her eyes I saw the look of someone desperate, someone hungry. Only one more number left to call. Around me some of the girls were weeping silently, maybe it was because they were overcome with the pressure of it all, or maybe they realized their dreams of being a Carrier were dying out, merely the flicker of a flame remaining.

The last robe hung limply on its form. Beneath the other selection robes the bodies of eight lucky girls fidgeted, waiting to see if one of their friends would be called. I caught Odessa’s eye and tried to smile, but my lips stuck to my teeth, tight and dry. The moments clicked slowly by, an eternity of waiting. What sort of future would I have if it wasn’t as a Carrier?

Finally the Grand Councilman spoke, “The ninth and final Carrier is…D456-06.”

Odessa covered her face with her hands, but I couldn’t move; my body was completely numb.

It wasn’t my number. It wasn’t. My number hadn’t been called.

For a moment things slowed around me. Sixteen years had brought me to this point in time and here I was completely unprepared. The air seemed to vibrate, my mind racing to catch up with the real world. I could almost see the split before me. In one direction was the future I’d imagined, in the other lay the hazy reality I’d stepped into.

I didn’t get to say goodbye to Odessa. One minute she was behind the podium and the next she was gone, swept away from me.

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Release Day Blitz: Unveiling You by Samantha Grey

The price of secrets can be too high…

Amy is starting the internship of her life for a prestigious antiques dealer. She knew it would look good on a resume, but a surprise trip to Paris and an assistant who is determined to keep her around make her want more. She could make this into a permanent job. 

If it weren’t for Caleb. He’s returned to his grandfather’s for a new job, even though he doesn’t need the money after selling his company. She’s up to the competition to prove herself, but soon it’s hard to ignore the sizzling tension between them. Neither are willing to give in if it means losing the chance at the job, but their attraction may be too strong. They risk everything if they’re found out — and Amy has been keeping secrets since she arrived, ones that could separate them forever. 

Read on for an excerpt from Caleb's point of view: 

Amy's eyes widened as she looked up at me. “What are you doing?” 

“We’ve got an hour and a half before we have to go back to work.” I dropped my button-down on the dock, then stripped off my undershirt. Amy looked away, shaking her head. Even from up here, I could see how pink her face was. Her blushes were hilarious. Adorable. I dropped my pants next, my boxer briefs only a foot or two away from her face. 

“Oh, my god,” Amy muttered. 

“Come on. I dare you.” 

“You dare me?” She looked at me and glanced away quickly, like she’d forgotten I was barely clothed. “What is this, fifth grade?” 

I laughed, then jumped in. I plunged into the cool water. So many memories in this lake. Birthday parties, lazy days, with my parents and my friends. I came up, hooting, and when I turned to look at Amy, she was fighting back a smile. Her shirt had wet spots from when I jumped in, and I grinned. 

“You’re such a wuss,” I said. “Live a little. You’re not going to let me show you up, are you? Miss I-have-a-degree-and-I’m-not-even-twenty-one?” 

“Do you have to make everything a competition?” she asked. 

“Yes.” 

She stared at me for a moment while I treaded water. “How deep is it?” 

“I can’t touch.” I motioned to another area of the lake, where the rocks led into the water. “It’s more shallow over there, if you want to ease into it.” My voice was heavy with condescension. 

She stood up, and I raised my eyebrows. 

“No way,” I said. She shrugged and turned her back to me. 

“Oh, come on, I didn’t turn around!” Could I be any more of a douchebag? 

She said nothing as she took off her shirt. Oh, shit. She wore a pink bra, and the backs of her shoulders were freckled. Her narrow waist dipped in, and she stepped out of her shorts. Matching underwear, bikini cut. She had fuller hips and thighs than I had realized; they’d been hiding underneath her skirts and pinstripe pants. 

What happened to not checking her out? 

She turned around, and I only got a glimpse of her front before she jumped in. Her bra made her boobs look bigger than they probably were, framing her cleavage, and something dark was on her hip, right on her hip, above the edge of her underwear. 

She came to the surface, taking in a deep breath. She rubbed her eyes and brushed her hair back, but it was still messy on the left side of her face. 

“Do you have a tattoo?” I asked, grinning. She was at least five feet from me, treading water, only her neck and face out of the water. I could see part of her chest under the water, but past that, it was cloudy, obscured so I couldn’t see that waist or full hips or slim legs. 

“Do you?” she countered. I turned my back to her. I wasn’t sure if she could see it, so I swam to the dock and leaned on it, bringing my back partially out of the water. It was a poem written by Rainer Maria Rilke, translated from the original German. 

Before us great Death stands 

Our fate held close within his quiet hands. 

When with proud joy we lift 

Life’s red wine 

To drink deep of the mystic shining cup 

And ecstasy through all our being leaps— 

Death bows his head and weeps. 

Available Today! Visit Samantha's website for buy links Visit Samantha’s Amazon Page You can also enter to win gift cards for Amazon or Barnes & Noble! 

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