Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Cover Reveal: Light in the Shadows by A. Meredith Walters



Synopsis

"Light in the Shadows" (book #2) by A. Meredith Walters
Release date: March 26, 2013

How do you keep going when you feel like your life is over?

Maggie never thought she’d see Clay again. So, she attempts to put her life back together after her heart has been shattered to pieces. Moving on and moving forward, just as Clay wanted her to.

Clay never stopped thinking of Maggie. Even after ripping their lives apart and leaving her behind to get the help he so desperately needed. He is healing...slowly. But his heart still belongs to the girl who tried to save him.

When a sudden tragedy brings Maggie and Clay face to face again, nothing is the same. Yet some things never change. Can the darkness that threatened to consume them be transformed into something else and finally give them what they always wanted? And can two people who fought so hard to be together, finally find their happiness? Or will their demons and fear drive them apart for good?

The thing about love, is even when it destroys you, it has a way of mending what is broken. And in the shadows, you can still see the light.


My Thoughts

I LOVE this cover. I LOVE Find You in the Dark. It's one of my favorite reads of 2012 and I devoured that book in a day. I am so excited for the sequel. I am just hoping for a happy ending! What do you all think about this magnificent book cover? I don't think it could be more perfect, more symbolic and definitely not more amazing than this. SO EXCITED!!! March needs to get here already!

Monday, January 28, 2013

Review: Ten Tiny Breaths by KA Tucker

Ten Tiny Breaths (Ten Tiny Breaths, #1)Ten Tiny Breaths by K.A. Tucker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

WOW. Let me get my emotions together before I write this review. But damn, this was absolutely amazing!!!!!! Epic. Perfect. Love love love it!!!!!

Review coming soon!

Ten Tiny Breaths....

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Ten. Tiny. Breaths.

One...Two...Three...Four...Five...Six...Seven...Eight...Nine...Ten

Seize them.
Feel them.
Love them.

Wow, I am still in awe of this book. Amazing doesn't describe my feelings, not even close. So excuse my mumbling because this book had me all kinds of emotional.

We all know how drunk driving can effect our lives. But have we taken consideration to how it effects those around us, those that were also involved...their families? Probably not. When we're at a party and drinking, we don't think. We just do...and we make poor choices that will forever change your life. And possibly others. This book shows the aftermath of a tragic car accident. The negative side to drinking and getting behind the wheel, because we think "oh hey, I feel fine, I can drive" and then BOOM! DEAD.

DEAD. DEAD. DEAD. DEAD. You see, drinking and driving is a NO-NO. Don't do it. JUST. DON'T.

Side story:
My ex went to a party with his friends....they were all drunk(and underage, idiots) and his friend was so drunk but he freakin drove them all home. Well, he swerved not seeing a truck and tried to get away from it and wrapped around a telephone pole....all the kids died. Everyone, dead. Gone. Seriously? He was stupid for going with them. It pissed me off. But he left behind his whole family to mourn him. And he was 17. I was angry with him. Of course my heart is not made of stone...so I was sad and cried a good deal. But was angry for not thinking about what he left behind...his parents and younger brothers...and me. That shit hurts and you don't realize the consequences of driving after "a few" drinks. Please, don't do it.

Okay, sorry to get off track. But this story has to do with Kacey Cleary...and all that was left behind. There was a car. And then there was another car. And then there was her family....dead. She lost her mom, dad, best friend and boyfriend. All she had left was her amazingly strong younger sister Livvie. They had each other. They have to pick up the pieces of their broken life. The aftermath of a good night gone wrong. All because some kids weren't paying attention to the road after a night of drinking...and it cost Kacey her family...her life. She was in the car when everyone else was dead and she was the only survivor. Imagine the burden she has to carry with her through life, that her family didn't make it but she did. I've been there too. Well, that was stupid...I haven't been as far as losing my family but I've been in a bad drunken accident with friends and luckily it was not that bad. But still, we don't think when we are behind the wheel...intoxicated.

Ten tiny breaths....

One.
Two.
Three.

Just breathe...

This book brought so many emotions to the surface. I cried, laughed, swooned, laughed some more, cried, broke down, clenched my fists, yelled, cried more, laughed, and then I don't know...I went insane. There were twists I suspected and when they were confirmed, I cried and yelled. It was so overwhelming. These characters really touched my heart in ways I never thought possible and when I saw what they were going through, I wanted to hug them and kiss them and take their pain away. Every. Single. Character in this book left a place in my heart. They were each amazing and relative to the story. I hated this journey that I had to ride through but with Kacey, Livvie, Storm, Mia, Cain, Dan, Ben and of course Trent by my side the whole time, it was bearable. I just hate drunk driving...I know what it can do to everyone and its scary. But it's a lesson everyone needs to learn.

There are 5 stages of grief...Kacey had to face these stages in order to cope with her loss.

1. Denial-She didn't want to admit her losses.

2. Anger- She was angry that her life changed and she was left instead of her family. She didn't understand why her family all died but she lived. Wouldn't we all question this?

3. Bargaining- She promised Livvie she would try to live again. After the accident and once she got out of therapy, she closed herself off. She didn't want to make friends or talk to anybody...except Livvie but even there was tension between them at times. But she promised to try...

4. Depression- Being the one to pick up the pieces after such a tragic event is not easy...it will take it's toll on the emotions. I can't imagine what she went through...oh wait, I did. I felt every bit of emotion as she did.

5. Acceptance- She finally faced her fears and dealt with her loss...understanding that what happened wasn't her fault. She blamed herself for that night....her dad was talking to her and for one second, all it took was that one second to look away and a car hit him. But it wasn't his..or her fault.


This book was a lesson and I know I sure as hell learned it. I felt it. I lived it(through the characters that is). Tucker brilliantly placed me in the story and I was on this roller-coaster that changed my life. I loved it. Every. Single. Minute.

Kacey and Livvie move to Florida from Michigan after a tragic accident that claimed their life. Now they have to finally learn to live again. With the help of their new neighbor, Storm...a hilarious, amazing stripper who helps to slowly piece every part of Kacey and Livvie's life back together. Of course there's the help of her 5 year old adorable daughter Mia..who can melt your heart. She's the cutest little girl ever.


“Mia bows dramatically. “Welcome, kind Sir. Princess Mia has been awaiting your presence.”


My Kacey....


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Strong, Brave, Broken, Lost, Amazing, Smart, Sarcastic, Loving, Awesome


My Trent....


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Amazing, Sexy, Sweet, Funny, Charming, Loving, Gorgeous, Hot, Broken, Protective....PERFECT!


This story was wrapped up in so many emotions. I loved every character in this book. I'll never forget it. Ever.


“Hope. Hope that something beautiful may come from this tragic story.
Fear. Fear that it won’t.
Forgiveness … forgiveness.”

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“Do You think it matters if they're tiny or deep? he asked. Well, if they're not tiny breaths and they're not deep breaths, then they're just ... breaths. Then you're just breathing for the sake of ... breathing.
... Seize them. Feel them. Love them ...”

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“I could lay here and stare at him forever. I don’t want to let go. Ever.”

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“I can feel his very existence as if it's wrapping its hand around my soul, cradling it, trying to protect it from harm and I'm terrified. Terrified because I don't ever want the feeling to end.”

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“Trent has kept his promise. He makes me smile every day.”

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“I barrel into his arms, my mouth connecting with his. Seizing him. Feeling him. Loving him.”

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“I'll make you whole again, Kacey. I promise you, I will.”

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Everything about this book was perfect. I loved every second with these characters and I will carry them in my heart for a long time. I can't wait for Livvie's book next. Thank you Mrs. Tucker for a superb and unforgettable story.


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View all my reviews

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Blog Tour: Breaking Point-Spotlight+Giveaway





Breaking Point by Kristen Simmons



The second installment in Kristen Simmons's fast-paced, gripping YA dystopian series.

After faking their deaths to escape from prison, Ember Miller and Chase Jennings have only one goal: to lay low until the Federal Bureau of Reformation forgets they ever existed.
Near-celebrities now for the increasingly sensationalized tales of their struggles with the government, Ember and Chase are recognized and taken in by the Resistance—an underground organization working to systematically take down the government. At headquarters, all eyes are on the sniper, an anonymous assassin taking out FBR soldiers one by one. Rumors are flying about the sniper’s true identity, and Ember and Chase welcome the diversion….
Until the government posts its most-wanted list, and their number one suspect is Ember herself.
Orders are shoot to kill, and soldiers are cleared to fire on suspicion alone. Suddenly Ember can’t even step onto the street without fear of being recognized, and “laying low” is a joke. Even members of the Resistance are starting to look at her sideways.
With Chase urging her to run, Ember must decide: Go into hiding…or fight back?



Meet the Author


Kristen Simmons has a master’s degree in social work and is an advocate for mental health. She lives with her husband Jason and their precious greyhound Rudy in Tampa, Florida.


    


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, January 14, 2013

Choices: CARTER'S POV

Here's a scene from Carter's POV. If you haven't read Choices yet, don't read it. And if you do anyway, don't say I didn't warn you. Enjoy!

I’d be lying if I said I wasn't jealous, but then I’d look like a selfish dick if I did; so I can’t really win this argument. When Gracie asked me if it was okay if she took Nick to her doctor’s appointment, I felt like I was punched in the gut. She wants Nick to go with her to find out the sex of the baby. He also happens to be my cousin. Yeah, it’s such a crazy situation and most people would run the other way. Who the hell would be stupid enough to get involved with someone having someone else’s baby, especially knowing it’s their cousin? Well, I would that’s who. I’m stupid enough.
   Now I totally get it, I have no right to be jealous or angry about the fact that Nick is going because let’s face it; he’s the father. I've only known Gracie for a short few months. Nick has been dating her for a couple years or something like that. But the honest to God truth is, since I met her I've felt like I could breathe again. It's like there was a breath I was holding for so long and now I've been able to let it out. I don’t know if that makes any sense and quite honestly, I've been trying to figure it all out myself. Once I came home from that place my mother sent me, which actually turned out for the better, I think I was just going through the motions of everyday life. After my father’s death, I kind of went through a down spiral and didn't care what I was doing or who I hurt. I was a real asshole and my mother had to witness her son become a destructive fuck up. I can’t imagine the pain and embarrassment she must have felt having her son bailed out of jail for fights and drunk driving when her husband had just died. She should have kept my ass locked up. But she was never that type of woman; she was passionate and forgiving. I think she was just out of options and didn't know how to get me help. Her sister, my aunt doesn't talk to her which is a shame because life is too short to hold grudges, especially when the thing you think happened didn't happen at all. But that’s another story in itself. I did however put Nick’s life in danger so I guess she has a right to be pissed. Just at me, not my mother. But whatever, that woman is dead to me anyway.
  So when I came back, I got a job and started college-trying to slowly piece together a life I almost threw away. And when I first saw Gracie on that hallway floor; crying I knew I had a purpose, a reason to exist. There was just something about her, I can’t exactly place it. But that’s when I really decided I wanted to strive to be a better person, someone my father would be proud of. Not the person I was becoming, which I’m sure he’s halfway turned in his grave by now after seeing the shit I've done.
  “Carter, what are your plans for Christmas?” I turn to the sound of Kristy’s voice. She’s the cafĂ© owner. She very rarely comes in but she seems to be here more often than not these days.
  “Oh you know the usual.” I’m not sure she knows what the usual is but I don’t elaborate. My mind is on other things at the moment. I look at my watch and see the end of my shift is here. I need to get out of here.
  “Are you and Gracie still an item?” One look at my stupid grin on my stupid face and she needs no further information. I look away.  “I’m happy for you. She’s a sweet girl.” Kristy doesn't know about Gracie being a pregnant girl, or the fact that she’s my cousin’s pregnant ex-girlfriend. I make it a habit not to tell my business to everyone. She does know about my dad and the things that transpired after his death. So I guess she’s just happy that I’m smiling again. I’m happy I am too. I hated being angry all the time.
  “Thanks.” Is all I say, before leaving for the day. I grab my jacket from the break room and head to my car. I take my phone out of my pocket and check it for the hundredth time like an obsessed psycho. Nothing. I groan inwardly, kicking the gravel in the parking lot. I kick and kick and kick some more and watch the rocks fly about. I can’t get pissed but for some reason I’ve held my frustration in for too long and I can’t stop kicking the ground or the tire. I look to the sky as if some answer is going to magically appear and tell me that I’m being ridiculous. Maybe my dad is watching, waiting to see what I do. Send me a sign dad, I need guidance. I wish I had gone too. I wish I never said I’d stay home.
  What if she realizes she wants him back? What if they become the happy family they should have been in the beginning? No, I can’t think that way. I can’t. I mean I couldn't really fight it, he is the father. But what about me? After all this crap I've found someone I truly care about, I’m not willing to just hand her over. He left her. I consider texting her but I would appear jealous or distrusting. I have to wait. I can wait.
  When I get in my car, I let out a scream and pound on the steering wheel a few times. Tears are stubbornly appearing out of nowhere. I look at my reflection in the mirror; I look like hell. I wipe my eyes and gather my bearings, and then pull out of the parking lot. I actually feel better. I guess I needed to let out that scream for a while.
  I hate Nick.
  I don’t hate Nick.
  I hate myself for the fact that I don’t hate Nick. I don’t hate him at all. But he has a right to hate me. I shouldn't have lost control that night. I was older and should have known better.
  I don’t hate Nick. I just wish he’d give me a chance to apologize but his mother has him convinced I’m a bad person. I’m not anymore, at least I'm not trying to be. The thing is, he and I are alike in a lot of ways. I might have run the other way too if I was in his shoes. I was a coward back then. I would have been too scared to face responsibilities, which is why after my dad died, I’m glad I hadn't met her.
  I miss my dad.
  I get within a mile from my house when I decide to turn around and head to my mother’s. I don’t feel like being alone right now. I’ll drive myself crazy. I pull up to the driveway, throw my car in park and wait. Again, I check my phone. Again, nothing.
  “Oh hey sweetie. I wasn't expecting you.” My mother greets me in the foyer. I take my shoes off my door and remove my jacket.
  “Well, it was a last minute detour.” I walk into the kitchen and grab a banana to snack on. We sit at the table in silence. I can feel my mother staring at me but I continue to stare at my uninteresting hands for distraction. I shift in my seat and turn away from her.
  “Are you okay?” I take out my phone and stare at the blank screen. My legs feel stiff so I stretch them out in front of me and lean back against the chair. “Carter does this mood of yours have anything to do with today?”
  “What’s today?” I play dumb, curious if she really knows or is just trying to get me to spill.
  “You know what today is. And I know you’re probably feeling a little left out.” I shrug but say nothing. “Look Carter, I know what today is. I know that Gracie is at the doctor’s finding out the sex of her baby. And I know that Nick is with her instead of you.” I look up at her and play it off like it’s no big deal.
  “Yeah, well I’m not the father so it makes sense for him to go.”
  “But I see you’re jealous, or hurt.” I look away.
  “It doesn't matter, I’m not the father. I have no business feeling this way. I don’t know why I’m feeling this way. I don’t want to feel this way.” I clench my jaw and finish eating my banana.
  "That’s what happens when you’re in love. There are some things you can’t control. But honestly, I don’t think you have anything to worry about. I can see she loves you too. But you did the right thing, stepping back and letting Nick go.” I feel like shit though.
   “What if she decides to give him another chance, ya know to be a family? I don’t think I could handle that. I’m in a little too deep now.” She pats my hand affectionately, and gives me a smile. I try to return it but it’s strained. I throw away my banana peel and head to my room or my old room actually, and lay on my bed with my phone on my pillow. Staring at the ceiling has made me tired and my eye lids become heavy. But I’m startled when I hear my phone go off. I bolt upright and read the text.
   Gracie: Hey, I miss you. I’m in the room, about to see the sex. Wish you were here. I smile and my heart does a flip in my chest. She misses me. I immediately text her back with sweaty hands, my heart racing.
   Me: Hey beautiful, I wish I were there too. Is he behaving himself? I’ll kick his ass if he’s being a dick. I really will kick his ass if he’s making this hard on her. She doesn't need any more stress.
   Gracie: No, it’s okay. He’s been fine. I just want to tell you I love you. I’ll show you the pic soon. Call me later? I relax a little when I hear that he’s behaving himself. I really don’t want to get into fights if it’s not necessary.
   Me: Of course babe. Good luck. I hope the baby is what you hoped for. I love you. And I really do.
   I put my phone down and decide to take a nap when my mother walks in. “Hey, are you staying the night? Or for dinner?”
   I sit up and move to make room for her. “Oh, sorry mom. I wasn't planning on staying too long. I just needed to-“
   “It’s fine. You can stay as long as you need. Have you heard from her yet?” I nod and lean my head against the headboard, crossing my arms over my chest. “And?”
   “You were right, she loves me. I was worried for nothing.” She smiles and scoots closer to me. “She’s still at the doctor’s but she’ll let me know soon what the sex is.”
   “That is great. I’m happy to hear that.” When she leaves the room, I turn the television on and search for something to occupy my mind. I wish I had my old friends. I really messed up and lost friends because of it. When I find nothing on TV, I give up and go to sleep.
   It’s still daylight when I’m awoken by the sound of my phone and rub my sleepy eyes before I look at the screen. A text. I smile big.
   Gracie: It’s a girl! I’m having a girl. I sit up and stifle a yawn. I text back.
   Me: Congrats babe! So happy for you. What’s her name? I wipe my mouth in case there’s a trace of drool from sleep. I wait for a reply. I can just imagine the smile on her face when she saw the ultrasound. She wanted a girl; even if she said it didn't matter. I could tell how she interacted with Maddie that her heart was set on a girl. I’m glad she got her wish.
   Gracie: Kylie Renee. And thank you. I’m on cloud nine. I want to be with her right now. I want to see her smile and kiss her and tell her I love her.
   Me: Aww, that’s adorable. Do you want to go out tonight and celebrate?
   Gracie: I do, but I’m tired. I’m lying in bed about to crash for a few hours. I’ll call you when I wake up. Love you baby. Part of me wishes she would come over and take a nap with me.
   Me: Okay, have a good nap. I love you more. I’m just glad she’s happy and got what she wanted. She’ll make a great mom. I can’t wait to see her happy face and wrap my arms around her. I get out of bed, go downstairs and get ready to leave when my mother walks into the living room and notices me putting my shoes on.
   “Hey, are you leaving?” She asks sweetly. I feel bad for leaving now.
   “Yeah, I’m going to head home. I’ll come back soon. Oh I heard from Gracie, and she’s having a girl.” My mother hugs me when I stand up. I can smell her strong perfume.
   “Oh, that is so wonderful. Tell her congrats.” I hug her back and kiss her cheek.
   “I will. I love you.” I open the door and turn to face her, thankful for her words and making me realize how childish I was acting. “Thanks mom, for always listening. You always know the right words to say. Always.” She smiles as I walk out the door, feeling the breeze on my face. There’s a slight chill in the air. It’s not quite cold yet but it’s getting there. The cold weather in Texas starts usually in January. 
I skip to my car, happy, like a girl and head home. It’s a girl.

Carter

Monday, January 7, 2013

COVER REVEAL: Lost To You by AL Jackson

So hey guys, this is so exciting! We have a novella from AL's Take This Regret....if you've read that book, you'll be excited to know, this is a novella. I am so thrilled to share this cover reveal with you all. This book sounds as amazing as TTR!! I can't wait for it to come out. Thanks to Amy for allowing  me to be a part of the cover reveal. I'm SO excited!!!


HERE IS THE BLURB.....


Lost To You

People come into our lives. Some stay, and many go. Some build us up, while most tear us down. They become our friends, our enemies, our lovers, our tormentors.

Christian Davison came into mine, and I knew I’d never be the same.

To Elizabeth Ayers, New York City had always been a dream. She’s worked her entire young life to make it here.

Groomed to one day take over his father’s law firm, attending Columbia University was Christian Davison’s only option.

Neither wanted anything more until they sat across from each other at a café table after being paired as study partners.

Christian wants her, but Elizabeth knows better than to give into their intense attraction. Yet there is little she can do to stay away.

Lost to You, the prequel to the bestselling romance, Take This Regret. A New Adult novella, recommended for readers 17+. It’s unnecessary to have read Take This Regret to enjoy Lost to You

Sounds awesome right??? Well here's the cover....


SO HOT!!! Ahhhhhh, I can't wait!!! AL Jackson is one of my favorite authors...her stories are nothing short of fantastic, albeit a little on the heartwrenching side, but those are my favorite kind of stories!!!!!! Can't wait for this book!! I loved Christian and Elizabeth and am eager to see their story from the beginning! CONGRATS AMY!!!!!

I would love to hear comments on the cover so feel free to drop a line!



Friday, January 4, 2013

GAMES of FIRE Cover Reveal by Airicka Phoenix


    Book Name: Games of Fire
Author: Airicka Phoenix
Publisher: Self-Published
Release date: February 14, 2013
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Action, Suspense, Mystery, Romance
Warnings: None
Formats: ebook, paperback



Synopsis:

Sophie has enough problems in her life without Spencer turning her blood to fire, without his eyes freezing and burning her, without his hatred of her. Since his migration into the house next to hers, Sophia Valdez isn’t sure whether she wants to toss him under a bus or kiss that smirking mouth of his. But even as the temperature rises around them, leaping flames of passion, want and desire,
everything either has ever known will be
shattered by the lurking shadow hounding their every step, wanting revenge.

Spencer Rowth moves to the sleepy town of River Port with his mother and twelve year old sister, Suzy, to escape a deceitful father, an unfaithful girlfriend and a life crumbling much too fast for him to grapple onto only to be smacked upside the head by the last thing he wanted again. Sophie was everything he refused to want. Her temper, her wit, her laugh, her smile, the way her entire body goes up in flames under his hands are things he would rather slam a lid on and forget. Instead, he finds himself falling for the smart-mouth next door. But how long will he have before the evil chasing them catches up? How long before the very thing he never wanted becomes his only thread to sanity? And who is after them? What do they want and why do they want Spencer and Sophie dead?







Blurb/teaser:

“I hope that’s the last of our unlucky streak.”
Sophie couldn't agree more, but something in the air, a chill, coiled around her, sinking razor sharp talons into her flesh. It trickled venom through her veins, paralyzing all hopes that tomorrow would be better. Truthfully, how could it be when the person responsible was still out there? What if they came back? What if they tried again? What if they did it to someone else?
No. Sophie had no delusions that it would be better tomorrow. She wasn't fooled by the temporary calm. Two incidents simultaneously? Maybe the police didn't spot the link, but she wasn't so lucky nor could she rule out that possibility that Spencer was the center of it all. 


Author Bio:




Airicka Phoenix is the author of TOUCHING SMOKE (Touch Book #1), TOUCHING ETERNITY (Touch 1.5), TORRID, a short story as part of the Whispered Beginnings: A Clever Fiction Anthology and WANTING & INTENTIONS, two stories as part of the Midnight Surrender Anthology. When she's not hammering away at the keyboard, she can be found banishing pirates or crawling through the attic looking for lost treasure with her kids. She loves baking, gardening and reading. She also likes to travel and take pictures of everything she comes across. When asked, Airicka describes herself as a sarcastic basket case that has an unhealthy addiction to chocolate, old movies and really bad jokes. She loves to laugh, make friends and write. If she could have one wish granted, it would be to spend one day as a fly-on-the-wall inside Stephen King's mind. If she could have two wishes granted, she would ask for a castle dedicated entirely to her overwhelming collection of books.



Other Novels:
~www.amazon.com/Touching-Smoke-Touch-Series-ebook/dp/B008RB72NW”>Touching Smoke (Touch Series, book 1)</a>
~ www.amazon.com/Whispered-Beginnings-Fiction-Writers-Anthology/dp/1617521221”>Whispered Beginnings: A Clever Fiction Anthology</a>


Social Networks:
~ Twitter ~ https://twitter.com/#!/AirickaPhoenix (@AirickaPhoenix)
Author Site: http://airickaphoenix.com/Author/?cat=10








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