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Thursday, May 22, 2014

Abby's Survival (Sequel to Liv's Existence) by B.L. Mooney

Synopsis
The sequel to Liv's Existence

Love and Loss.

Two tiny words, each with their own powerful impact. They can both happen at any given moment and both can forever change your soul. It’s how you allow it to change you that matters. The hard part is finding a balance when the loss gets overwhelming. How do you do that when everyone you thought you couldn’t live without leaves you?

Loss is inevitable. I’ve had enough in my life to know that much. Now I’ve just got to figure out how to survive it.

Ages 18+ due to adult situations and violence. Some situations may be difficult for some readers.
 
Review by Jenny
4 1/2 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Thank you BL Mooney for a chance to read Abby's story in advance for an honest review! I loved it! This is the sequel to Liv's Existence & can't be read as a standalone! Too much has happened for that! I can say that I haven't read in a long time, a book so jam packed with drama, heartache & movement! There was never a dull moment! EVER! Actually in both books it was this way! We have all the same characters as the 1st book: Olivia, Abby, Kyle & John with a lot of the minor characters. Added to this was Travis, Abby's hot brother, who I think would be a good addition to these two books! Lol With this book, we are focused on Abby & learning why SHE is the way she is but Liv has just as big a role in this book as the 1st. There are some OMG WTF moments! There are some awwwww sweet moments!! There are a LOT of NO OMG NO THIS CANT BE HAPPENING moments! Together, Liv & Abby work through their issues & insecurities! They put their friendship to the ultimate test trying to put an end to the man that caused all of this! Awesome creative writing & stories! I was so heart broken & moved by these 2 amazing women! Loved the ending! The epilogue was the perfect ending & tied up the loose ends perfectly!


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Review by Jenny

5 Intense Stars *****
Let me 1st say how honored I am to have received an advanced copy for an honest review!! I'm so lost for words right now! This book had me from the beginning! We have Olivia. The broken, damaged shell of a woman she once was before she was totally destroyed by someone she once cared about, Adam. For 10 years she ran & hid! For 10 years she never allowed herself to get close, until Kyle! Kyle is Liv's boss & best friend. He reminds her to live, to love, to breathe! He loves her & will do everything to protect her from her past that he knows nothing about! Life was manageable until her nightmare comes back in her life! What?! Why is Adam back? She meets Abby who is Adam's ex also & becomes her BFF. Bound & determined to get Liv to "live"! Abby & Kyle have their work cut out for them! Until Liv's left defenseless, helpless & forced to face her worst nightmare! Will Kyle be able to show Olivia how to love again?! Will be be able to save her from herself & her horrible past?! My heart hurts & aches for her! Its been a long time since a book has grabbed me, punched me in the gut, left me speechless & can't breathe!! I don't know how I'm going to wait till spring for the sequel! Amazing book!



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Liv's Existence + Abby's Survival Bundle $3.99 through May ONLY
 
Excerpt

John stepped in and closed the door. “That isn’t the reception I was hoping for.” He locked the door.

“And what reception was that? I couldn’t get the parade together for you since you never called to tell me you were ever coming back.” I never looked up while I talked, but I had heard him lock the door and my excitement grew. If I looked up, he would’ve known I wanted him—despite how indifferent I was trying to be.

I should’ve kept my eyes on him. He was next to me before I knew it, and he startled me as he twirled my chair around and knelt down in front of me. “I like you in skirts, Abs.” He slid his hand up my thigh.

“Jo–John.” I stopped his hand. “You don’t get to ignore me for ten days and then come waltzing into my office expecting me to drop my panties for you.” I turned back to my desk, proud that I had stood my ground. I hadn’t done that before.

John sighed and got up to go back to the chair in front of my desk. “I’m sorry, Abby. I’m a fool that had to figure out a few things, but I figured them out, and I’m here now.” He watched me work in silence for a few minutes. “When can you get out of here, so we can have a proper celebration?”

“And just what are we celebrating?”

“Us.”

I didn’t know if I had heard him right. I wanted to jump over the desk and onto his lap, but I was scared that I had misunderstood what he was saying. I swallowed. “Us? What do we have to celebrate?”

“Why don’t we talk about that over dinner? So, when can you go?”

“Why do you automatically assume I’m free for dinner—or anything else, for that matter?” I was still pissed he hadn’t called for ten days and came in as if nothing had happened. 

“You’re pissed. I get it, and I deserve it. I’m in town for a few days, and if you change your mind, give me a call.” He was up and had the door open before he finished. 

“Are you going to call me back this time?” I was still hurt, but didn’t want him to leave.

“No, I’m going to answer and not let it go to voicemail. I really am sorry, Abs. When you want me, call me, and we’ll talk over dinner.” He turned and walked out. 

I stared at my phone. I wanted to call him back to the office desperately, but I didn’t want to seem too desperate. Who was I kidding? I picked up the phone.

He didn’t answer the phone, but stepped back into the doorway with a huge smile. “I thought you’d never call.” He locked the door again and was back by my side with just a few large steps. He lifted me out of my chair and put my arms around his neck. “This is the greeting you will greet me with from now on.” He slapped my ass and kissed me hard. “Understood?”

I grabbed the bulge in his jeans. “Keep ordering me around and slapping my ass like that, and I’ll never touch your little friend here again.” I squeezed. “Understood?”

A slow smile spread across his face. “Completely.”

I tried to not smile, but failed. “You just took that as a challenge.” I turned back to my desk.

John grabbed me and pulled me to him. I placed my hands on his chest to brace myself for impact before I slammed into him. “I’m not finished with you yet.” He cupped my face and brought it to his. He kissed me so softly and sweetly that I had trouble catching my breath. I was glad to finally have something good steal breath from me. I gripped his shirt, trying to pull him closer. 

He stopped kissing me, but still held my face and looked in my eyes. He whispered, “I love you, Abigail Hughes.”

My eyes shot open wide as I tried to push on his chest. I needed to be out of his grip, but he wouldn’t let me go. “You can’t love me. I’m no good for you.”

He pulled me to him and wrapped his big arms around me. “It’s scary, isn’t it? To let yourself be this vulnerable with someone again takes a lot of trust—and I’m very happy and honored you decided to trust me.”

MeetTheAuthor

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

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



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Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Persecution (Book 1 of Dyphillum Series) by E. Montgomery



Title: Persecution (Book One Dyphillum Series)
Author: E. Montgomery
Genre: Paranormal Romance

They were exiled from their clan.
Made to leave the only home they ever knew.
They knew the curse would kill them if they didn’t leave.
Isaac erased her memories to give her a better life.
SHE HAS TO COME BACK.
SHE IS THE CHOSEN ONE.
Only Cecily can defeat the hunters.
Isaac swore his heart to protect her.
Julian swore his life to protect her.
But in the end will it be Isaac and Julian that needs saving?

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I was born in Williamsburg Virginia and raised in Yorktown Virginia so paranormal inspiration was easily obtained. I have 4 awesomesauce kids and an AMAZING husband. Currently I'm working on three books, all Paranormal Romance. I'm a google junkie and can find a pic on google to fit any conversation and will cyber stalk a topic till my eyes hurt if I am interested in it enough. Coffee and gummy bears are an hourly habit. Some of my favorites include: Reading (of course), writing (well duh), baking fancy shmancy cakes, painting and last but not least hanging out with the fam <3



1) I am obsessed with Favicons. They are the little icon next to a websites name in the tabs on a browser. I like to make them pretty when I can.

2) I have an irrational fear of all bugs, spiders especially but I loathe them all equally and turn into a crying ninja when I see them.

3) I make fancy shmancy cakes, but don’t really like to eat cake.

4) Stray cats are attracted to me like lent to static.

5) I am a pediatric nurse and I LOVE my job.

6) I have a fear of being murdered while in the shower, even when the door is locked I am afraid something will crawl out of the mirror or toilet so I keep my eyes open the whole time…even when washing my face (it is possible).

7) I listen to the same song on repeat the entire time I am writing a chapter.

8) I totaled my first car going 3 (yes three) miles an hour.

9) I love all things Wonderland (especially Johnny Depp)

10) I totally believe in aliens. In my head I picture them all as Luxen aka Daemon (The Lux Series by Jennifer L Armentrout)

11) When I see people’s pics on facebook or Instagram, I totally check out the background (their living room, car, kitchen etc.)

12) I could eat avocados, chicken and watermelon for the rest of my life and be completely content.

13) Short arm T-rex jokes get me every time haha!

14) I have to have at least eight pillows on my bed or I can’t sleep. I sleep with 6 of them and they have to be positioned just right or I will toss and turn like a two year old.

15) I had the brilliant idea of going by a pen name of Summer Rayne until I said it out loud and ugly laughed at how ridiculous it was.

16) I have the mouth of a seasoned sailor. Except around my grandma, mom and kids…well sometimes the kids push it but I don’t make it a habit lol

17) I can find a picture that will suit any conversation I am having within a matter of seconds.

18) I have an issue with whiteboards. I will redo them a million times till the words/lines are straight.

19) I’m an over-roller when it comes to toilet paper (I am running out of fun facts so it has come to the way I roll my toilet paper and for this I apologize)

20) Writing 20 “fun facts” about myself has proven to me I need to go sky dive or something more exciting than cake and toilet paper. Thanks for reading!


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/E.Montgomery.Author

Twitter: https://twitter.com/EMontgomeryAuth

Author GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7326382.E_Montgomery





Monday, May 19, 2014

Harp's Voice (Harp's Song #2) by Cassie Shine

I’m so excited to take part in the cover reveal for HARP'S VOICE (Harp's Song #2) by Cassie Shine! Check out the cover below, and let us know what you think in the comments. Then be sure to enter the giveaway for a chance to win a signed copy of HARP'S SONG or HARP'S VOICE (winner's choice), and a $25 Amazon or B&N gift card!
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Harp's Voice (Harp's Song #2) by Cassie Shine | Release Date: June 24, 2014
Single-minded to the point of near seclusion, Harp Evans’ only goal was to move away from her abusive mother, and start a new life at college. Now a freshman at a prestigious university, Harp continues to struggle letting people in, including her ex-boyfriend—Connor Williams—who has always stood by her, especially after her mother exposed a devastating secret about Harp’s origin. While Harp figures out how to navigate her relationships, especially with her mom, Anne, she will have to exorcize her own demons and face challenges with uncompromising courage, including reuniting her broken family—the family that was shattered by the acts of one man. After almost twenty years, is it possible for people to change their minds and open their hearts? More importantly, is Harp strong enough to pull them all back together?
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Cassie ShineAbout Cassie Shine

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Google+ | Instagram | Goodreads
Cassie Shine released her debut young adult novel, Harp's Song in November 2013, finally finishing the short story she started in her college creative writing class … many, many moons ago. She has always been an avid reader and lover of music (yes, she was in the high school marching band). While she has a weak spot for all things teeny bopper, especially boy bands, she also loves classical, country, rock and well, pretty much everything. After living in St. Louis for more than ten years, she and her husband packed up a U-Haul and headed west. They currently live in Orange County, CA with their furry kids Finnegan and Molly.

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Enter to win a signed copy of HARP'S SONG or HARP'S VOICE (winner's choice) with $25 Amazon or B&N gift card! (US/CA only) ***Any contestant that uses dummy or contest only accounts to enter will be disqualified.*** a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Irreparable (Wounded Souls #1) by Amanda Lanclos


 
Synopsis

In one day your life can go from awesome to total shit and for me it’s going to change forever.  Who am I?  My name is PFC Jameson Carter, and I am a United States Marine, or I was until a bomb detonated and took half of me with it.  The only thing that kept me alive was the woman I had waiting back for me at home. 
How do you go from being a complete person to being half of something?  For me, I have help, but how can I be anything more than half of what I used to be?  Then when the one person you count on, the person you lived for leaves you how do you react? 

For Samantha Blalock life is easy, she helps repair people like me, the people who lose limbs.  Something isn’t the same though, she’s changed.  See I’ve known Samantha for years.  She’s hiding something.  Can we help each other through these trying times in our lives?  Or does the fact remain that we are both irreparable?

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******Review by Jenny******
 
5 Awesome Stars
 
Amazing debut novel! I was captivated from the start! I can't believe this is her first book! Awesome writing & the characters are very well developed! I was totally captivated and intrigued by the strength of Jameson and Sam! It's a story of love & loss! Finding the strength to go on when u feel irreparable!
 
Jameson is in the military & has a tragic accident, leaving him not able to stand on his two feet. He comes back home to a girlfriend that is having a hard time handling his disability! After deciding to stand on his own, he reconnects with Sam, his life long best friend. She has changed tho! What happened to his sweet Sam? There were so many twist & turns it made me dizzy! Also, super steamy! I love how the author kept me wanting more! The anticipation was killing me!
 
I loved it!
 
Teasers
 
 

 
 
 20 Fun Facts
 
1. My nieces and nephews call me Aunt Birdie, after my nickname Bird.  Because I tried to fly off the trampoline when I was 3.
2.  I love animals! I want to save them all!
3.  I was adopted.
4. My family is the modern day Brady Bunch (kinda) I have 2 half brothers 1 brother and 1 sister and 2 step brothers!
5.  I love broccoli, it's my favorite.
6.  I am a stay at home momma.
7. I have a license for cosmetology
8.  My favorite color is purple.
9.  There is nothing better than a Saturday night in Death Valley (LSU's Stadium.)
10.  My favorite candy is sour gummy worms :)
11.  Writing 20 facts is kinda not that easy :P
12. My mother passed away 7 years ago.
13.  I released this book on my 26th birthday.
14.  I love books! I want a whole room full of books
15.  My favorite Disney princess is Belle, because of her love of books
16.  I hate to sweat (funny since I live in Louisiana)
17.  I am also a blogger.  Crazy Cajun Book Addicts.
18.  I have a huge signed book collection.
19.  I love to sing (even though I can't carry a tune in a bucket).
20.  I prefer music and books to movies and television.
 
Excerpt

Jerking out of the bed I gasp, my body drenched in sweat, it’s something that I’ve become accustomed to.  Four months I’ve been in this hospital reliving the pain of that night, and I still relive it every day I wake up and look down at my lower half. 

Today is the day I get to leave this hell hole I have been placed into by the VA.  I look around the room at all the high tech equipment they have all around me.  There is a heart monitor and it is beeping like crazy as my eyes land on Mary-Beth sleeping peacefully on the pull out couch.  It took two months to get me back to the States after the bombing; I had to have extensive therapy for the burns I sustained.  Luckily for me I didn’t have any scarring, but my legs couldn’t be saved. 

I can smell the hospital smell, you know what I mean?  The clean smell, the smell of alcohol wipes, and the smell of iodine as it goes on to clean your skin.  That is a smell I don’t believe I will ever be able to forget. It is etched into my brain forever.

An honorable discharge is what I got after having my legs blown apart and four of my best friends stripped from me by Al-Qaida. I have been through three extensive surgeries, and unfortunately by the end of them, I have lost both of my legs.  

            I look over and smile as I notice Mary-Beth laying on the couch of my hospital room, her brown hair covering her beautiful face. I laugh softly as I see the drool running down her chin onto her pillow from her plump lips.  Three years she waited for me after high school and I thank God every day because, let me be honest, I would have given up a long fucking time ago if it weren’t for her. She stirs and sits up and wipes the drool from her face and catches my eye.  Standing from her make shift bed she gets up and comes to stand before me.

“Did you sleep well?” she asks. Looking into those beautiful emerald green eyes I know she knows I had the dream again, so I will not lie to her; she sees through them anyway.

“Eh, I had a rough night but it will be fine. I’m just ready to get the hell out of this place.” I smile and lean into her hand when she places it on my cheek, but a feeling of dread washes over me as I look at the wheelchair I have been given.

            I hate that fucking thing. I am a man and I shouldn’t have to rely on anything to help me get around. Well, except for my midnight blue 2012 Mustang GT waiting at home for me.  I thought I had a reason to hate the men that performed those acts of terrorism after 9/11, but after February 2013 my hate has changed. If I could I would kill them all with my bare hands.

“Are you ready to get out of here? I know a little girl who is going to be so excited to see you again.” Mary-Beth smiles and when I shrug she lets out a sigh. “Jameson, I know you’re dealing with a lot of loss baby, but you have to remember, you’re here and you survived. You cannot leave; I need you here with me.” She lets out a little sigh and looks me in the eye before she speaks again.

 “I think God kept you alive for me. He knew if he took you away I would never be able to breathe again.  After losing Mom and Leila, I could never imagine losing you. You’re the greatest part of me. Even if you feel you are not whole, you are. You’re alive and you’re breathing. That’s got to be worth something.” A tear runs down her cheek as she looks at me and my breathing hitches. I am being selfish.  I am alive while four of my brothers were laid to rest. Their families have that burden to bear, while I just have to carry the thought of being half of what I once was.  

“You’re right Mary-Beth. I am glad to still be breathing but it doesn’t mean it’s going to get easier. How am I supposed to go on knowing it should have been me? It could have been me.” I look down at the sheets and twist my hands into them so I don’t have to look into her face. I know what’s in her eyes; pity mixed with agony and I want neither of those emotions when I look at her. 

She huffs and walks over to her bag and then into the bathroom, slamming the door shut.  I wait until I hear the water running and lift my blanket slowly to look at the bandages on my now non-existent legs. I let the air leave my lungs in a loud groan, thinking of what the future holds.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I let out a loud groan as the two nurses’ help me from the bed to the wheelchair.  “Man, you’re going to be walking in no time with the physical therapist you got.  Blalock is the best in the profession around here,” Kurt says as he wheels me down to the front of the hospital. 

Mary-Beth is standing beside her red Honda Accord and smiling.  “You finally get to come home.”  I laugh softly and reach my hands into the car.  I put one hand on the console and one on the dashboard just like they taught me to do in therapy in the hospital.

Kurt holds the wheelchair as I pull myself into the seat.  I guess that’s what I get for making fun of Lieutenant Dan in Forrest Gump. Now I’m the real life version of him.  “Thanks for everything Kurt,”  I say and salute him before he shuts the door.  Mary-Beth slides into the car and her shorts ride up her already exposed thighs.  “Baby, you’re trying to kill me,” I say with a grin and she laughs.

“No, I am trying to keep you alive, thank you,” she replies and starts driving to the house.  We pull up to the house, which is a simple townhouse covered in brick along with four others in the complex.  There is a white picket fence for Maggie, my golden Labrador, in the back.  Man how I have  missed her!  Mary-Beth gets the wheelchair out of the trunk and brings it over to my door. 

“Thanks,” I grunt out as I position my hands to move myself from the car to the chair.  I will be so glad when I don’t have to worry about relying on someone else to help me. 

Mary-Beth stops at the front door and walks around me.  “Wait right here Jameson. I’m gonna go put Maggie in the back yard so she doesn’t jump all over you before you can get situated.” She starts to walk in but I stop her. 

“I want to see Maggie now, please.”  I smile and push my chair into the threshold and laugh when Maggie jumps into my lap like she weighs all of ten pounds.  We wrestle a bit and she jumps around licking all over my face.  Well at least one of my girls was excited to see me. It wasn’t that Mary-Beth wasn’t excited;  I was torn and mangled when she first saw me.  I guess that deserves a pass for not being enthusiastic. 

“She’s really been missing you the last few years, but a lot more since you came back for a week before your deployment.  She did a lot of moping. I suppose we owe Tanner, the kid next door, for spending time with her..  He likes to play ball with Maggie. I think the kids at school bully him and she seems to be therapeutic for him.”  Mary-Beth smiles and pushes me into the living room and walks back into the kitchen. 

Maggie jumps down and starts pawing at me to rub her head, so I rub the top of her head and scratch her ear like I did when she was a puppy. I can’t believe how big Maggie is getting. She has grown up into a big golden Labrador and she has one ear that flops and one that sticks up in a funny way.  Her long hair is all over the house, but it’s totally worth it.   It’s amazing how a dog will never forget a person who cared for it. Well I’m sure they won’t forget the person who abuses them either. 

“Here baby.”  I turn to see a beer sitting in front of my face.  Thank the good Lord for this woman, she knows me so well.  I haven’t had a drink in six very long months.  I take a sip and moan my approval. 

“I was gonna see if you wanted to go to Hooter’s tonight. Mason and Luke wanted to see you, but if you’re not up for it we can stay in and I’ll order some pizza.”  She smiles and I meet her green eyes. 

“I think I better wait a few more days before I try to do the social thing. Hooters isn’t really the place for me to go, not like this.”  I point to the chair and Mary-Beth’s smile disappears.

“And why not?” Uh oh, bitchy woman is out again.  “Mary-Beth, I’m in a damn wheel chair and it’s always so packed in there. I wouldn’t be able to get around,” I say and she puts her hand on her hip. 

“Jameson, they have to be able to accommodate you. It’s against the law not to.”  Here goes momma bear Mary-Beth. It’s something I have always loved about her and she never lets people get picked on.  She has tried to be superwoman to everyone when we were younger. Well, except to Luke’s sister Sam. It was like they had a competition or something.  Speaking of Sam, I need to check on her. I haven’t spoken to her since the night I left for Afghanistan. 

“You’re right Mary-Beth, but I’d rather not go for a few more weeks please.” I pet Maggie’s head again and then turn on the flat screen to watch some LSU football.  Don’t judge me. Les Miles puts on a nail biter and it’s not always easy to see my Tigers play where I’ve been. 

“Okay, I’ll just go order us some pizza then.” With that she walks out of the room, and for once I actually feel like a man again.  Pissed off woman? Check.  Dog by my side? Check. Beer in my hand? Check.  Step one on my road to normalcy is complete. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I sit on the couch with Mary-Beth and Maggie on both sides of me. Funny how they can come and go as they want, but I have to move from one seated place to another.  I eat my pizza and groan; hospital food sucks compared to this.  I grab Mary-Beth’s hand and drink a sip of my beer.  She squeezes my hand and lays her head down in my lap as I watch the game.   “It’s nice to have you back Jameson.” She sighs and I smile.

            “It’s good to be back.  I have missed being all domesticated.” I let out a light chuckle and she slaps my thigh. 

“Not funny. I know you feel like you’re not enough anymore, but baby you’ll always be enough for me.”  She locks our fingers and turns her head to look up at me. 

“I know Mary-Beth. It’s just hard to explain.”  I put the beer down and run my fingers through her hair.  I watch as she closes her almond shaped green eyes.   This is my Mary-Beth; the one I took to the field behind old man Rayborn’s barn in town.  She’s the reason why I spent hours with Luke catching fireflies in mason jars. I wanted to light up the blanket where Mary-Beth and I made love the first time.  I remember this look of bliss on her face after that, and now I remember why I survived that bomb.  She needed me, and dammit I was going to be everything she needed. Even if I was only half of the man I used to be.

 

About the Author 
 


Amanda Lanclos is from a small town right outside of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  Most of the time you will find her with her nose in a book, or blogging on her blog.  She is an avid reader, and never expected to write a book.  One day she was inspired and her first novel was written.  She has been married to her amazing husband for three years.  Together they have a beautiful daughter, and two very bad fur-babies.  During College Football season you can find her screaming for her Tigers. 
 
 
 

Gorgeous Chaos by T.K. Leigh

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Title: Gorgeous Chaos
Author: T.K. Leigh
Release Date: May 5, 2014
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Synopsis
How long can you keep a secret from the one you love? How can you possibly say the words that will rip both your worlds apart? Finally able to face her fears of abandonment, Olivia Adler begins to prepare for the next phase of her life. But Alexander Burnham is still holding on to all the secrets about Olivia’s past, trying to protect her. As days go by, Olivia is slowly starting to remember her past and Alexander realizes it’s only a matter of time until she puts all the pieces together and figures out who he is… And who she is... But if she remembers, her life could be in even more danger than it already is. And Alexander cannot have that happen. When shadows of Olivia’s past threaten not only her life, but also those around her, will Alexander finally put Olivia’s needs ahead of his? Will she be able to put all the pieces of her past together in order to save her own life and those she’s close to? Can she figure out who she can trust and who is threatening her very existence? Gorgeous Chaos is the explosive conclusion to T.K. Leigh’s Beautiful Mess series. RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 18 AND UP DUE TO EXPLICIT SEXUAL SITUATIONS, STRONG LANGUAGE, AND GRAPHIC VIOLENCE.
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Excerpt
Olivia awoke from an afternoon nap, admiring the beautiful man sleeping peacefully next to her. She glanced around the large bedroom, the duvet and several pillows thrown on the floor. A grin spread across her face, thinking about the amazing sex she had with Alexander just a few hours earlier. She pried herself out of his arms and went in search of a much-needed bathroom. Grabbing her jeans and sweater, she threw them on before quietly walking over to the door, thankful when it didn’t creak and wake up Alexander. After finding a bathroom, she went to see if his mother needed any help getting things ready for that evening. The house was eerily quiet as she walked down the stairs searching for Colleen. “They must all be outside,” she said to herself. She headed in the direction of the back door, when a room off the hallway caught her eye. She stopped dead in her tracks, a memory rushing back. Her fifth birthday. Her mama had made her a cake in the shape of a Care Bear. She could have sworn she remembered her mama and the green-eyed boy from the dream sitting beside her in that very room, singing to her as she blew out the candles on that cake. Turning, she headed toward the ornate dining room, the table and chairs all covered with sheets. Walking around the room, she felt as if she had been there before, but that was impossible. She hadn’t even known Alexander for a year and this was the first time he invited her home with him. Still, the smell and sounds in that room were strangely familiar. She scanned the walls and her eyes settled on a large picture frame covered with a white sheet. The other portraits weren’t hidden. Curious, she slowly made her way to the center of the room where the enormous frame hung. She gingerly began to raise the sheet, wondering what was underneath. “Olivia, dear! There you are!” Colleen called out, startling her. She jumped, placing her hand over her chest. “Colleen. I’m sorry. I came downstairs to see if you needed any help, and I guess I got a little sidetracked.” She shrugged her shoulders, feeling guilty that she was caught snooping around. Colleen walked over to Olivia and placed her hands on her shoulders, trying to lead her out of the room and away from the large family portrait of Alexander and Olivia as children. “I understand. It happens to the best of us.” “Colleen,” Olivia said, raising her voice. “Why is that portrait covered up?” She stopped, turning to look at her. She hated having to lie to the poor girl, particularly when her son should have simply told her the truth by now. He swore he would tell her, and she didn’t want to interfere…not yet, anyway. “I’m sorry, Olivia. It’s just that whenever Alexander comes home, I try to rid the house of any memories of…” “Oh,” she said, understanding. “I should have known.” She turned to head back upstairs, her shoulders slightly dropping. “Olivia, dear!” Colleen called out. She stopped and faced her. “He loves you very much. I’ve never seen him so happy in all his life, even when he was a little boy.” She smiled before retreating back outside, leaving Olivia alone with her thoughts about Alexander and why the dining room in that house brought back memories of her fifth birthday.
About the Author
T.K. Leigh
T.K. Leigh, otherwise known as Tracy Leigh Kellam, is a producer / attorney by trade. Originally from New England, she now resides in sunny Southern California with her husband, dog and three cats, all of which she has rescued (including the husband). Her debut novel “A Beautiful Mess” has garnered relative praise, having been an Amazon Best Seller, as well a Number 1 Best Seller in Romantic Suspense, Women’s Action and Adventure Fiction, Women’s Crime Fiction, and Women’s Psychological Fiction. Recently, the book was named by The Guardian as a top reader-recommended self-published book of 2013 as well as a 2013 Reader’s Favorite in Publisher’s Weekly in addition to being named an Amazon Romance Editor’s Fan Favorite for Top Debut Author and Best Page Turner. The sequel to “A Beautiful Mess”, entitled “A Tragic Wreck”, became an Amazon Top-50 Best Selling Book on the day of its release. It is also an Amazon Number 1 Best Seller in Women’s Sagas, Women’s Psychological Fiction, Women’s Action and Adventure Fiction, and Women’s Crime Fiction. When she’s not planted in front of her computer, writing away, she can be found running and training for her next marathon (of which she has run over fifteen fulls and far too many halfs to recall). Unlike Olivia, the main character in her Beautiful Mess series, she has yet to qualify for the Boston Marathon.
 
 
Twenty Fun Facts
1. I wear a shirt when I write that has Shakespeare’s face on it and says “This shit writes itself.”
2. I am a middle child. I have a sister that is two years older and a sister that is two years younger.
3. My favorite movie of all time is Casablanca.
4, When I was 21, I did an internship working at Walt Disney World. Best seven months EVER!
5. I met my husband in the parking lot of a Jimmy Buffett concert. He was working. I was drinking.
6. My favorite beer is Blue Moon.
7. I love the Red Sox.
8. Every time I publish a new book, I drink champagne and watch Anchorman and Talladega Nights. It’s a tradition now.
9. When I was moving out to California from Connecticut after graduating law school, the hubs and I drove route 66 all the way from Chicago to the Santa Monica Pier. It was such an amazing experience, and I think there may be a book in it.
10. My pen name is a play on my real name. My full name is Tracy Leigh Kellam. I don’t think I need to spell out where T.K. Leigh came from. ;-)
11. I have a yellow jeep wrangler that I love. Her name is Savvy J.
12. In my opinion, there is no such thing as too much coffee. Or peanut butter.
13. I am a sushi addict.
14. I am deathly afraid of snakes. I can’t even watch a movie with them in it or I’ll flip out.
15. My favorite New Kid on the Block was Donnie. I’m glad I picked one that aged well.
16. I am a huge proponent of “Adopt, don’t shop.” We have a dog and 3 kittens, all of whom we have found on the streets and saved.
17. One of my favorite TV shows is Arrested Development.
18. My favorite book of all time is The Great Gatsby. What can I say. I’m a sucker for a story with no HEA.
19. I currently have 6 works in progress.
20. You will all be seeing Alexander Burnham again. ;-)
GC Teaser 3
Purchase Her Other Books Today
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Giveaway
Kindle Paperwhite (US Only), $100 Victoria's Secret Gift Card, (3) A complete set of signed paperbacks of the entire Beautiful Mess series and (5) Choice of signed Paperback of any of T.K. Leighs' books
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Saturday, May 17, 2014

That's A Lie( Promise, Promises #2) by Victoria Klahr

That's A Lie
Author: Victoria Klahr
Release Date: March 25, 2014
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Add It: Goodreads

Seth is back.

When he walked back into my life, it almost felt like the pieces of my broken heart could be fixed. I thought we could go back to being best friends, but then I started to feel what I had been blocking out for years. I tried. Boy, did I try! But once I started to let him in, I wanted nothing more than to cross that line from friendship into something more…

Just when I think I can move on and let myself be happy, an ugly reminder from my past comes storming in and threatens to destroy the sliver of hope that's been growing since Seth came back.

Do I even deserve to be loved?

“I’m not asking to fix your heart. I’m not asking to mend you. I love each and every shattered piece of you. I’m asking that you let me love you. Let me love each piece of your broken heart, and I swear to you I will make up for every heartache you have ever experienced.”

I came back for Josie.

I knew I'd have to fight for her, but with the loss of her dad and the truth about what happened with her and Blake, I quickly realized that making her mine was going to be a lot harder than I first thought. The problem is, I can’t pretend like she’s just my best friend. I can’t pretend I don’t want more.

I'm willing to do anything to get her to admit she has the same passionate feelings for me, because I know once she opens up and stops lying to herself, I can show her what it really means to be loved. It's a battle of wills, but my love for her is stronger than her will to stop me.

So I fight for her. I fight because I know she deserves it.


From That's A Lie
© 2014 Victoria Klahr

“You lied to me,” he said gruffly, sitting on the barstool at my counter. His blonde hair flopped in front of his eyes, and my hands itched to push it back. To get to touch him again the way I want to would satisfy only a millimeter of the need I have, but it would relieve some of the pain. I turned around to hide my thoughts.

“Ugh… I need coffee,” I said vacantly, reaching for my coffee maker. I didn’t even hear Seth move, but his hand grabbed mine and he turned me around, placing his hands beside me on the countertop to trap me. My breath caught, and I was almost positive he could hear my heart pounding in my chest.

His blue green eyes were angry, but I didn’t even care about him being mad. All that mattered was the charge that thumped between us. I was very aware of him.

“You lied, Josie. You’re not supposed to lie to me.”

“Seth… come on,” I said, turning my face away, unable to look at the raw emotion in his expression. His hand dashed out and grabbed my chin.

“How long, Josie?” he asked. I closed my eyes, not wanting to admit anything. “Open your damn eyes, Jos. Stop fucking hiding.” His voice was hard, but it was also full of desperation. I opened my eyes and narrowed them at him.

He doesn’t understand that I need to keep him away from me. My life is tainted by darkness, and he doesn’t need that. “It doesn’t matter, Seth. I’m fine.”

“Like fucking hell it doesn’t matter. I haven’t heard you scream like that since after everything that happened.”

He was referring to when I would have nightmares after I was raped. He or one of my dads would come lay with me to help me fall asleep. Every day that Seth wasn’t in school, he was there with me, trying to make the nightmares go away.

“Since the engagement party,” I whispered, looking down. I don’t know why I admitted it, but I think there was a part of me that realized I couldn’t hold onto all this pain anymore.

That’s when my resolve started to break. How long can I go on fighting the feelings that I have for Seth? How long can I act like nothing hurts me?

“Fuck, Jos…,” he whispered back, placing his forehead against mine. I was able to smell the mixture of hay and apple pie on his skin, and I almost lost my footing from wanting him so badly. “You should have told me.”

“I didn’t want you to worry,” I admitted.

“I worry about you every second you’re not with me, Pussy Cat. Every second that you hide behind that wall you’ve built, I wonder when you’re going to crack.” His hand reached up to caress my face, and I started to lean into his touch. It was only a minute movement, but I still heard Seth’s breath hitch. My lapse in self-control made him bold. He brought his mouth to the side of mine, and kissed me. I couldn’t stop the whimper before it escaped my mouth.

“There you are,” he whispered hoarsely against my lips. I wanted to bask in the moment, but I had already opened up to him too much. I pushed through the barricade he had made, and ran back to my room.

Where to Buy
That's A Promise (Promises Promises #1)
Amazon US | Amazon AU | Amazon UK

That's A Lie (Promises Promises #2)
Amazon US | Amazon AU | Amazon UK


Review by Tina
5 Awesome Stars!!            
I absolutely enjoyed this book! I always seem to go for the underdog! I was so excited when
Josie's best friend Seth came back to town! He had heard that she was not herself after he dad died. So he came back to check on her &
It's one crazy rollercoaster ride of emotions for the both of them! Seth will do anything for Joise but she has put up walls that will take a while for Seth to break through! feeling like she doesn't deserve to be happy for the choice she has made! As they walk this journey together their love each other will grow & make them both stronger in the end! I fell in love with Seth over and over again! I loved their story!


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About the Author
Victoria Klahr (pronounced like “Claire”) lives in Elizabeth City, North Carolina with her husband and daughter, Stephen and Alexis. She loves her chug (Pug/Chihuahua), Bandit, and three year old to pieces. She loves to stay home and take care of them, even if they do drive her insane at times. She is a huge and proud book nerd who looks at her bookshelf in admiration daily. She has her Associate’s degree in Business Administration, but her passion has always been the stories that talk to her in her head. One day she decided to take a chance and let the voices write her story. She has never felt more certain or comfortable about who she is than when she writes.