He's Gone Blog Tour

Goodreads Blurb

“What do you think happened to your husband, Mrs. Keller?”

The Sunday morning starts like any other, aside from the slight hangover. Dani Keller wakes up on her Seattle houseboat, a headache building behind her eyes from the wine she drank at a party the night before. But on this particular Sunday morning, she’s surprised to see that her husband, Ian, is not home. As the hours pass, Dani fills her day with small things. But still, Ian does not return. Irritation shifts to worry, worry slides almost imperceptibly into panic. And then, like a relentless blackness, the terrible realization hits Dani: He’s gone.
As the police work methodically through all the logical explanations—he’s hurt, he’s run off, he’s been killed—Dani searches frantically for a clue as to whether Ian is in fact dead or alive. And, slowly, she unpacks their relationship, holding each moment up to the light: from its intense, adulterous beginning, to the grandeur of their new love, to the difficulties of forever. She examines all the sins she can—and cannot—remember. As the days pass, Dani will plumb the depths of her conscience, turning over and revealing the darkest of her secrets in order to discover the hard truth—about herself, her husband, and their lives together.

My Review

First I want to thank Deb and Jean for providing me with an arc and a spot on the blog tour. This was a very interesting read. It's my first Deb Caeltti book, however, I have Stay on my shelf and I hope to read that book soon. I've been wanting to read it for ages. 

Wow, I can't really decipher my emotions. I was taken into Dani's life during the disappearance of her husband. I felt all of her emotions, experiencing her devastation, fear, confusion and worry as she tries to figure out what happened to Ian. She thinks the worst and begins to panic. It's scary to think about that happening in real life. It's possible to really get drunk enough and not remember what happened the night before. But it's terrifying when it involves your loved one and you can't figure out what happened or what events led to that point. I was shocked and yet I couldn't stop reading, needing to find out what happened to Ian. My heart broke for Dani. I can only imagine the emotions she was going through, though I was going through them with her. I won't go into too much detail. But I will say the ending left me gaping, open-mouthed, whether I expected it or not. 

This was a great first book to read. But I really want to read Stay now. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future. Her stories are very real and the characters are well developed. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Meet the Author

Deb Caletti

Deb Caletti is an award-winning author and a National Book Award finalist whose books are published and translated worldwide. Her first novel was The Queen of Everything (Simon & Schuster, 2002),of which a starred review in Publisher’s Weekly proclaimed: “This marks Caletti as a writer to watch.” Although written for adults, its coming-of-age themes gained it acclaim as a Y/A book. It made the cover of the esteemed review journal The Bulletin for the Center of Children’s Books (the first trade book to do so in the journal’s history), and then was chosen for PSLA’s Top Forty of 2003 and the International Reading Association’s Young Adult Choices for 2004. It is currently in its thirteenth printing.

Deb’s second book, Honey, Baby, Sweetheart, was a finalist for the National Book Award. Kirkus called it, “tender and poetic,” and the book earned other distinguished recognition, including the PNBA Best Book Award, the Washington State Book Award, and School Library Journal’s Best Book award. It was a finalist for the California Young Reader Medal and the PEN USA Literary Award, and was also a 2005 IRA Notable Book, an SSLI Book Awards Honor Book, and made the New York Public Library’s Best Books for the Teen Age, Chicago Library’s Best Books of 2004, and the Texas TAYSHA’s list. Her third book, Wild Roses, won acclaim with starred reviews in Publisher’s Weekly, which deemed it, “rich,” and School Library Journal, which said the book was “multifaceted and emotionally devastating,” with “profound observations and vivid language.” It was a finalist for the Washington State Book Award and was chosen as a New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age and a RT Book Club Magazine’s finalist for Best Y/A Book of 2005. The Nature of Jade was a summer 2007 Booksense pick, a Books A Million Book Club selection, and was a finalist for RT Magazine’s Best Y/A Book of the Year.

Her fifth book, The Fortunes of Indigo Skye, was released April 2008, followed by The Secret Life of Prince Charming in 2009, The Six Rules of Maybe in 2010, Stay in 2011, and The Story of Us in 2012. In addition, several anthologies include work by Deb, including “First Kiss, Then Tell,” a Bloomsbury anthology benefiting NPR Youth Radio, and two collections of non-fiction critical essays developed by Borders Books: “The World of the Golden Compass” and “Through the Wardrobe: Your Favorite Authors on C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia.” In 2013, Deb’s first book for adults, He’s Gone, will be released from Random House.

Deb grew up in the San Francisco Bay area and earned her journalism degree from the University of Washington in Seattle. When Deb is not writing books or reading them, she is a painter and a lyricist, and speaks widely to audiences on writing and life as an author. Deb lives with her family in Seattle.

Watch the book trailer here....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sz-n4-TSDGA

    

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BLOG TOUR: Back Before Dark by Tim Shoemaker

ABOUT THE BOOK

Praise for Code of Silence:'Deliberate, plausible, and gritty whodunit.' --Booklist Starred Review
Taken!


A detour through the park leads Cooper, Gordy, Hiro, and Lunk straight into a trap, and Gordy is abducted! For the kidnapper, it's all a game, a way to settle an old score, with no one getting hurt. But evil has away of escalating, and once his identity is discovered, the rules change.Despite the best of police efforts, the hours tick by without a clue or a ransom call, leaving everyone to their own fears. Gordy is gone. Cooper descends deeper into a living nightmare, imagining the worst for his best friend and cousin. Hours stretch into days, and talks of a memorial service begin to surface. But Cooper still feels his cousin is alive and develops a reckless plan, changing all the rules. Now the one who set out to rescue his friend needs to be rescued himself. Sometimes rescuing a friend from darkness means going in after them. 

EXCERPT

Chapter 15, pages 80-81

They rounded another level, coasting down the ramp. No silver minivan. No clues to lead them to Gordy. “God,” Lunk whispered. “If you’re really out there, and you really care—which I’m not so sure you do, how could you let this happen?” His throat burned.

Lunk was going through the motions searching for Gordy. Looking for a van that didn’t exist. Not in Rolling Meadows, anyway. If the van was sitting in a parking lot someplace, it was more likely in Wisconsin or Indiana, depending on which way the kidnapper headed. If the van was in town, it would have been found by now. By the cops, or Gordy’s dad.

Yeah, Lunk was definitely involved in the search effort. But it wasn’t because he felt there was any real hope of finding Gordy. It was more about being a friend to Coop. Until Coop came to grips with reality. Until he accepted what Lunk already knew. Gordy was gone, and he was never coming back.

Coop had the lead, and he pedaled down to the next level in the concrete parking garage. “We still have three or four more levels,” he said over his shoulder.

Did he really believe it would make a difference? There could be twenty more levels and they weren’t going to find that minivan. Lunk hung back a bike length or two. He wasn’t looking at the parked cars so much. He kept his eyes on Cooper.

Cooper swiped at his cheeks. Knocking back tears, no doubt. Was he beginning to accept the truth? You wouldn’t know it by watching him. Coop stayed on high alert, looking from one side to the other as if he might see the silver minivan at any moment. Desperately searching for a trail leading somehow to Gordy. Like so many were doing. Coop’s dad. Gordy’s dad. Their entire families. The police. Hiro. Kids at school. All of them on a useless, hopeless quest.

Now Lunk felt his eyes burning. If God was real, then he certainly didn’t care about anyone. God was no better than his own dad—hurting decent people. Cruel. Letting some sick-o take Gordy. “Why didn’t you take me, God?” He felt tears pooling. “You should have taken me. Less people would have cried.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Happily married for more than thirty years to Cheryl, the love of my life.Dad to three grown sons and two daughter-in-lawsElder Chairman in my church and high school small group leaderFull time speaker and author since 2004Living in the greater Chicago areaGrateful for God’s incredible grace and mercy to me in countless ways.

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ENTANGLED: TEASER

Yay!!!!!! I am so excited about this book and I can't wait for you all to read it and meet Noah and Maddy. They're very special. I just love these characters! Their story has touched me and broken my heart. But it's been the best journey yet!! So here's a nice teaser. Enjoy!

He closes the gap between us. "Now, enough about our pasts. I want to kiss you." He stands between my legs and grabs my hips, scooting me closer to the edge. His tongue darts out of his mouth and grazes my bottom lip. "Mmm, chocolate."

I wrap my arms around his neck and pull him closer to me. Our lips meet lightly, at first. He cups the back of my neck with one hand, while the other explores elsewhere. Just his touch sends me into a frenzy. Our mouths move more urgent, as our tongues tangle together. I wrap my legs around him. Needing him closer.

"You're naughty, Noah." I breathe into his mouth.

He pulls back and grins. "I could be nice, if you'd prefer."

I smile. "Just shut up and kiss me." He obeys, and traces kisses from my jaw, down to my collarbone. I lean my head back, completely aroused at this point.

"Maddy." I meet his gaze, unable to speak. "What you do to me...I want it. I need it."

I don't reply. I don't have to because I want the same thing. His demanding kisses slow down to sensual caresses. My hands run through his hair, stopping at the back of his neck and then back again.

He pulls back, I glance at the clock. Shit, five minutes. Either he's going to finish what he's started, or I'm going to have to stop this now. 

He takes the bowl, and while keeping his eyes locked on mine, he brushes a hand over the edge of the inside, taking a lot of my chocolate goodness. I want to protest, but don't. And then looking down as if inspecting it, he licks his lips. What the fuck? Just when I think he's going to lick the chocolate off, teasing me, he smears it over my chest. All over. I gasp at the contact. At first, it's from shock, not expecting it and then it turns to disbelief.

"You're...you're wasting the chocolate. What the hell?"

He grins, devilishly, my face reddens. I wanted to eat that shit.

"Oh, I'm not wasting it." My head tilts to the side in confusion. He drops his head down and licks the chocolate right off of me.

Holy. Shit.

"Mmm. Very sweet." His tongue rubs over my skin and the sensation causes me to cry out in pleasure. Just as the oven timer goes off.

I'll never be able to look at brownie mix the same again, that's for sure.

Blog Tour: How I Lost You by Janet Gurtler Review and Giveaway

Thanks so much to Jean at Jean Booknerd and Janet Gurtler, for providing me with an ARC of How I Lost You and allowing me to be a part of this great tour! I really look forward to reading more books from this wonderful author!

Synopsis

There are a few things Grace Anderson knows for sure. One is that nothing will ever come between her and her best friend, Kya Kessler. They have a pact. Buds Before Studs. Sisters Before Misters. But in the summer before senior year, life throws out challenges they never expected. And suddenly the person who's always been there starts to need the favor returned. Grace and Kya are forced to question how much a best friend can forgive. And the answer is not what they expected.

My Review- 4/5 Friendly Stars

First of all, thanks for the ARC and allowing me to be a part of this tour! I was very excited about reading this book when I read the synopsis. I love books about best friends and the trials and tribulations that come with friendships. I read so much about relationships involving the opposite sex, so to read a book like this was a breath of fresh air.

This is my first Janet Gurtler novel and I have to say, I was highly impressed. This book hit home for me. It made me think of how things in life really is or could be involving friendships. It's realistic and easily relatable. I've been in a similar sitation, maybe more than once (different circumstance each time) and it made me relive my adolescent years which wasn't my favorite time in my life. However, I really felt absorbed and gripped throughout the whole story.

Grace Anderson and her BFF Kya have been through everything together. They do everything and share all their secrets and will always put one another first before everything...including boys. They're both on the same paintball team, trying to get into a big league for college. The summer before their senior year, everything changes. Secrets are revealed and their true friendship is tested. Can they forget all that was lost and remain as close as they've ever been? Or is it too late for them?

I enjoyed this book very much. It was really well written and the characters were so realistic, I felt like I was there watching the scenes unfold. It reminded me of a time one of my best friends and I went through our problems in high school. Things change. People change and ultimately you can't stop it. Sometimes when you're so focused on the friendship and saving it from breaking apart, you forget who you are and what you want in life. I was saddened to see how things happened. I loved Grace's character. She was a true friend. She was giving, caring and always sacrificed her happiness to keep her friendship with Kya together, even when it was truly falling apart. I didn't like Kya one bit. To me, she reminded me too much of someone I used to know. She was rude and bitter and very selfish. She was lucky to have a friend like Grace. But she was too blind to see it. Also, I enjoyed James. He was sweet and kind and I felt bad for him when he had to deal with Kya's crappy attitude. I was sad when he revealed what happened between them and was a little pissed off at Kya for what she put him through. She was always so disrespectful to him too. I can't stand people like that. Get over yourself and quit thinking the world owes you something. I understand she was dealing with some stuff that happened to her. But really, it was time for her to grow up and face reality and try to be a better person. I'm not saying she had it easy, but she was just too whiny for my liking. Sorry, I don't like bad talking people, but I really didn't like her. Thank God for Grace. That girl kicked ass and when she finally stood up for herself, I was proud. I've been in her shoes, trying to do everything to make the other person happy regardless if I'm miserable. I hated that. I'm just a people pleaser and it seems she's like me in that respect. I think that's why I can relate to her so easily and felt bad for her. I've been there.

I loved Levi and Lucas. They really made this book for me. Well, Levi moreso than Lucas. He was so sweet. I loved how he was there for Grace. He was her rock and she was lucky to have him to lean on when all the crap went down with Kya. I could tell he really cared about her. Every scene he had popped in, I smiled like a dork. *sigh*

The end was wonderful. I felt sad but ultimately, it ended the way it needed to end. I was glad Grace finally came around and put herself first for once. It needed to be done, regardless how it might have hurt. But that's life. You live, you learn, and you move on. Life is too short to put up with nonsense.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. It shows how life can change over time. We are not the same people, we change, we grow. And sometimes, friends outgrow each other and choose different paths. But that's why you make new friends, new memories. I went through this alot. I thought I would be BFF's with my friend from middle school that I grew up with. But over time, we changed and went our separate ways. It's just life. I've made new friends in high school and even beyond that. I do have one friend that I've been really close with since middle school (around the same time as my other one). We had a falling out during high school but years later, we reunited and we're close as we've ever been. Life just works in the funniest ways sometimes. Anyway, I think the point of this book is to show how girls can be petty about things and how some circumstances can change you for the worst. But then for some people, it can make you grow up. I highly recommend this book to teens and young adult that's ever had a best friend in high school that they lost touch with or are still friends with to this day. Either way, you're bound to learn something from it. It's realistic and I'm sure most will easily relate to it. Great story and great characters. Thank you for writing a refreshing book about growth, sacrifices and friendship. 

Meet Janet Gurtler

Janet lives near the Canadian Rockies with her husband and son and a little dog named Bruce. She does not live in an Igloo or play hockey, but she does love maple syrup and says “eh” a lot. 

Janet only gives 5 stars to the books she reviews because she is an author herself and knows that no book can appeal to everyone, but like a child, it is very special to the creator.

I'M NOT HER was published by Sourcebooks Teen Fire in May 2011. 

IF I TELL released Oct 1, 2011 from Sourcebooks Teen Fire.

WHO I KISSED Sourcebooks Fire 2012.

Janet's work will also appear in the THE FIRST TIME anthology, DEAR TEEN ME anthology and WHO DONE IT anthology.

https://twitter.com/janetgurtler

https://www.facebook.com/janet.gurtler

    

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Review: Born in Flames by Candace Knoebel

Title: Born in Flames

Author: Candace Knoebel

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Young Adult

Rating: 4/5 stars

Synopsis

Red mirrored scales race up my arms as the haze of pain blurs my vision. My bones crack, breaking to realign. I scream. It is then that the realization of my unavoidable fate sinks in; I am of a dying race. I am dragon. 

Aurora Megalos, orphaned and teetering on the edge of adulthood, thought finding her past would curb the sting of being an outcast. Having no memories of the time before she awoke on her foster mother’s doorstep, she yearns for the emptiness inside her to be filled. With her fellow orphaned best friend, Fenn, by her side, she has nothing to lose and everything to gain. But something powerful stirred within her that she couldn't explain. Something wanted out. 

In the dark of night, a crazed Seer, dubbed Mr.Creepy, erases everything she’s ever known with an impending prophecy. She now faces two paths. Return to her true home to protect a dying race against a growing evil, or stay hidden in the safety of our realm with a shot at a true love. With a vengeful Arch Enemy stopping at nothing to see her dead, she’s running out of time; a decision must be made. What would you choose?

MY REVIEW

First of all, I'd like to thank Jean for asking me to review this book. Then to Candace for providing me with a copy to review. All I gotta say is, LOOK AT THAT COVER! Gah, I'm such a cover whore. I have cover lust when it comes to books. If they grab me or catch my eye(s), I'll read the blurb and decide if I want to read it or not.

Don't judge a book its cover, they say. But in this case, you can judge all you want. It's totally fine because not only is the cover amazingly beautiful but so is the story.

Well, when I was first asked to review this book, I was excited about it. I've never read a book about dragons. Sure there were books *with* dragons in them but not solely about them as in dragon-shifters. So it was pretty exciting. I've been meaning to read the Firelight series by Sophie Jordan. I've had my eyes on that series forever now. But alas, I haven't had the time yet. However, I was really glad I read this book.

Aurora, a dragon-shifter is thrown into an unknown world where she must learn of her destiny. Her and her best friend, Fenn find that nothing in their lives are as it seems even as they're both adopted at age 10. That's not all and it gets more interesting. They need to find some answers on what their destiny is. But with the help of Fenn, Aurora is determined to protect everything she cares about all the while trying to learn who and what she is.

The characters were amazing. I enjoyed them immensely. I really like Fenn. He's a sweetheart, fierce and protective of Aurora and I can see a relationship of some sort brewing between these characters, which makes me happy. I think they're an adorable pair. 

I love the action, mystery, magic and romance in this story. The writing was great and easy to follow. I'm on edge for the next book in this installment! I can't wait to see what happens next and be thrown back into the world of dragons, Fenn and Aurora. I definitely recommend it! 4/5 stars from me!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Candace Knoebel is the award-winning author of Born in Flames-a young adult fantasy trilogy. 

Published by 48fourteen in 2012, Born in Flames went on to win Turning the Pages Book of the Year award in February of 2013. Embracing the Flames, the second in the trilogy, is scheduled for release in the summer of 2013.

Candace Knoebel discovered through lunch breaks and late nights after putting her kids to bed, a world where she could escape the ever-pressing days of an eight to five Purgatory. Since then, she crawled out of Purgatory and has devoted her time to writing and sometimes heelying.

Next up....

Synopsis

The Stone of Immortality has been protected under the watch of the Draconta for as long as time has existed. That is, until the betrayal of a Fate. Now everything is about to change. 

Aurora Megalos accepted her destiny without blinking-even if it meant succumbing to her dragon side. Deemed the Progeny, she left the ordinary life she knew and has done everything in her power to learn the ways of her new realm and what it means to be part dragon. But when her mentor, Astral, suddenly disappears, she is forced to take the reins. With war on the brink, she sets out on an epic journey to not only find her mentor, but to stop her Arch Enemy, Zordon, from attaining the Stone of Immortality. But what she discovers about him along the way is far worse than she could’ve ever imagined. She will be tested and pushed to the limit. Lives will be lost, love will be questioned, and a battle will begin.

Blog Tour: Light in the Shadows (Find You in the Dark #2) by A Meredith Walters: Review and Author Interview+ Giveaway

Synopsis

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 Review: *5 Fantastic, Phenomenal, Heartbreaking, Emotional and Bittersweet Stars*


Thank you to A Meredith and Kim for putting together this awesome blog tour and for allowing me to be a part of it. It's by far my favorite blog tour to date! 

These books are just too incredible for words, it's hard to think about them without shedding so many tears. Tears of joy for the outcome of this beautiful story. Tears of heartache for all these beautiful characters had to endure. Tears of sadness for the very fact that this series is over, no more Clay and Maggie. Oh how I'll miss them so much. So. Damn. Much. 

I loved Find You in the Dark. Like LOVED it. I raved about it. I knew it was dark and disturbing when I picked it up. I knew it wouldn't be a fluff or fairy tale kind of story. But as I started it, I was so immersed in the story I didn't care. Clay was such a sick boy, he needed to be saved. And Maggie comes along and falls for him just as the rest of us had. He was mentally sick, yes. But underneath the illness and unstable behavior, he was just a boy trying to fit into the world. His parents didn't show him love, they were ashamed of him because of his illness. Let me talk about that for a minute....

What the f**k kind of parent tells their only child that they're an embarrassment and should be locked away so it doesn't have an effect on how THEY look to the public?? OH MY GOD! It's no wonder Clay was ashamed of himself and so fucked up. He had no support from the people who are supposed to love him unconditionally. They made him feel like he was worthless, a fuck up. Well, let me tell you....he was far from a f*ck up because in my eyes, he was strong and perfect. It wasn't his fault that he sick. F**king A those assholes wanted to send him away so they wouldn't have to deal with their son's mental instability. GAH, I'm furious. Just thinking about them makes me want to vomit and then gauge their eyes out.

That said, I won't go into FYitD because if you've read it, you know what happens. I don't have to go into that....though, I will say this book picks up where FYitD left off. Yes, there was a cliffhanger and I was DYING, DYING for the next one. And thanks to Walters and Kim for sending me an ARC of this amazing conclusion. I was so thrilled to get my hands on this gem. It was like a dream come true. I got into it right away and was again, immersed into the whirlwind rollercoaster of Clay and Maggie. It was worth every heartache and tear I shed, and believe me, I shed A LOT of tears. This book met every expectation I had and then some.

The prologue. Oh god, that prologue had me in tears. It was amazing.

"Forgive. Such a small word. Only seven letters but they carried the weight of the world. Seven letters between me and the one thing I wanted most in my life."

*wipes tears*

So Clay is in Florida at the Center getting help. He's been there for almost 3 months. And almost 3 months ago he tried to end his life. Maggie saved him but she had to let him go. He needed more help than she could give him. So now she's at home in Virginia trying to pick up the pieces of her crazy life and move on.

Only one problem....she can't. She loves the only boy who made her life worth living. He showed her how to live, even though he was so sick. When they were together and doing good, they were REALLY GOOD. But things took a turn quickly and it started to become too much for her. After all, she's only 17. How does one handle such a monumental circumstance? She did the best she could and she loved this boy with all her heart and soul, which is why she had to set him free. But she's struggling to let go completely. Deep down she knows they belong together.

"My love for this beautifully broken, yet slowly healing boy, made me strong.... My soul belonged with him, was so entangled in him that I was no longer a single being." -Maggie Mae Young

Tragedy strikes, sending Clay back to Davidson for a funeral. Ah, my heart. My heart was crying for these people. Especially Clay. So sad.

Clay and Maggie see each other for the first time in 3 months. 

"It was like every time we were together. Our bodies orbited around each other as if pulled by an invisible force that we had no control over. I wanted this. And I wanted to run from it. I wanted to pull her in and never let go. And I wanted to push her away."-Clay

"Seeing him again had only confirmed what my subconscious already knew. I would never move on from Clay. My soul belonged with him, was so entangled in him that I was no longer a single being." -Maggie

The two of them, together again, it was like nothing had changed. Yet everything had changed. But it was beautiful and heartbreaking. Real and hopeful. The whole time, I kept thinking, they have to be together. They have to be. But how are they going to make it work? I had so many fears for them. I was nervous, happy, scared and overjoyed at their reunion. The circumstance which brought them back together was so hard to see. I cried the whole time. Clay had suffered so much yet more shit piled on top and I was so scared he'd relapse. But god, he was so strong compared to FYitD. I was so proud of him. Not to mention, he had a great support...Dr Todd was fantastic in helping with his progress. 

"There’s nothing weak in acknowledging when things are greater than you.” -Dr Todd

There were times he'd have a panic attack and had to calm himself, fight his demons because he so badly wanted to give in and give up, and cut himself so he wouldn't feel the pain anymore. But with the steps he remembered from treatment, he overcame the urge to give in. I was sooooo proud of him. His struggles were so real and heartbreaking. I felt everything he went through. I loved that we got his POV. Thank you Walters for writing it that way. I don't think I would have felt his heartache and emotions so clearly if we didn't have his POV, and to be honest, I wouldn't have felt so connected to him either. I actually don't think it would have worked at all without it. Some books are mandatory for both MC's POV and this was one of them. I cried when he cried, I felt happiness when he did, I felt his fears, sorrow, guilt, love, loss and grief so deeply that I couldn't concentrate on anything else while I was reading it. This book both shattered my heart yet healed my soul. 

I loved Daniel and Rachel so much in this book. At first they pissed me off when they kept urging Maggie to move on and get over Clay. I wanted to punch them in the face a few times. But I also understood they were just looking out for their best friend. They saw what she went through the first time. Hell, they went through it with her. I admire them for being such amazing best friends. But once things with Clay and Maggie started up again, they backed off. And then....Daniel made me cry.

“Look, man. I know I haven’t been the most… uh… supportive of you and Maggie. And I’m still not sure how I feel seeing the two of you all up in each other’s asses again. But, I know you’re a decent guy. So for now, I’m reserving judgment." “Okay, so that sounded way assier than I meant it to. What I’m trying to say, is I know you’re dealing with shit. A lot of shit by the looks of it. And for Maggie’s sake… well… and yours too, I won’t be the speed bump on your road to the candy castle or whatever.” -Daniel Lowe

He really tried to be friends and give Clay the benefit of the doubt. I loved him for that. It made my heart happy to see them getting along. Things between Maggie and Clay couldn't have been more rockier or intense. But when they were together, it was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen. Maggie was so supportive and the fact that she agreed to go to therapy with Clay just made me cry with happiness for them. They wanted to really make it work this time. Clay went to great lengths to change and be the man he felt she deserved. Maggie went to great lengths to show the boy she loved with everything she has that she would support him no matter what. And she really grew in this one. She didn't stand down when he occasionally lashed out at her or cower to him. She stood up and made him see she wasn't going anywhere this time. It was just...perfect. Beautiful. God, I love them so much. These two endured so much yet they overcame it and came out stronger in the end. My heart is so full of emotion when I think about these books. Walters portrayed such a tough subject so real and raw, you could feel the realism in your bones. It was as if you were experiencing it yourself, which in a way you were. Walters has an amazing gift. 

I'll never forget this story as long as I live. Clay and Maggie will FOREVER live in my heart and I will take them with me to my grave and never forget them. I love them so much. I cried for over 30 minutes when I finished reading this book. I was glad to have read it and experience it, but was so sad to say goodbye to my favorite fictional couple.

The ending. Oh god, that ending had me in a weepy mess. So amazing and wonderful and bittersweet. Oh Clay, how I love the hell out of you.

“Over six years ago I met a girl who saved me. I didn't realize at the time, mostly because her attitude pissed me off, that she would become the most important thing in my life. But then I got to know her and when I was drowning, she became my air. In the cold, she became my warmth. In the dark, she became my light,”-Clayton Reed

Oh Clay, I'll never, ever forget you. You've ruined all other fictional boys for me. You'll forever be in my heart and I'll love you for all eternity. *wipes tears*

"For a guy who struggled with finding his place in the world, standing next to Maggie, I understood one thing on a very fundamental level. Wherever she went, whatever she did, that is where I belonged." 

If you haven't read these books, you really need to. I will recommend them for as long as I live because they are MUST READS. These books are phenomenal and it shows that love is above all the most important thing in life. Thank you Walters for writing such an extraordinary series that will forever live in my heart. 

About the Author
The New York Times bestselling author of Contemporary and Paranormal romance including Find You in the Dark, Cloud Walking and Bad Rep.

A. Meredith spent ten years as a counselor for at risk teens and children. First working at a Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault program and then later a program for children with severe emotional and mental health issues. Her former clients and their stories continue to influence every aspect of her writing.

A. Meredith recently moved to England and is trying to get used to driving on the other side of the road, eating fish and chips and all things British

Interview With A Meredith Walters

     1. When did you first realize you wanted to be an author? 

              I've wanted to be a writer since I was a little kid. I can’t remember a time I wasn't writing.      But I decided to devote myself to it full time after moving to the UK from the states. I had to wait a few months to get clearance to work and figured I’d take the plunge. And I’m so glad I did!

   

                 2. How long did it take you to write Find You in the Dark and did you see yourself actually publishing it? 

             I wrote FYITD in three months. I wasn't sure I was going to publish it, because I wasn't sure if the subject matter would turn people off. But I’m really glad that I did!

     

3. Are any of your characters based on actual people you know? 

     Not directly in this book. But the situations are completely based in personal experiences I've had with loved ones suffering from mental health issues and from working as a counselor for over a decade.

   

4. What is your writing style like if you have one? 

      I suppose it could be classified as gritty and raw. I prefer to write stories that are in your face and unapologetic. You won’t always like the situations or the characters but I try to keep them real.

   

5. Where is your favorite place to write?  

       I love my home office. When we were looking for houses, my one stipulation was to have a kick a** office to write. And this one checked off every single requirement I had. 

   

              6. What is the biggest challenge you have faced while writing? Did you ever get stuck or have writers block during any of the 3 books (novella included)? 

          I am a feast or famine kind of writer. I will either write like crazy, barely stopping to eat or sleep, or I will go weeks without writing anything. My “mojo” gets thrown pretty easily unfortunately and I had to work through writer’s block quite a bit with these three books.

   7. Do you ever plan to write outside of the current genre or are you set on Romance? 

          I’m not sure. I really love romance. Those are the books I love to read and those are the ones I love to write. But I do love paranormal and I've written a number of stories in that vein, so we’ll have to see where the wind takes me.

   8. Who are your inspirations? 

          My biggest inspiration isn't an author, but a collection of people. My clients, the amazing children and their families that I've had the honor of working with over the years have provided me my greatest inspiration. Their stories, struggles, successes are humbling and that is how my stories, particularly the Find You in the Dark series came about.

         9. What is the one thing you love most about writing? What is the least you love about it? 

            I love creating stories that mean something to me. I love being able to write a book that I would pick up read myself. What I love least? Editing and critiquing my own work. I tend to doubt myself a lot during this stage and there were moments where I almost chucked Light in the Shadows, sure that the whole things sucked. Thank god for my beta reader and friend, Claire, who stopped me! J

10. Do you find publishing a book to be easy? 

      Well clicking the publishing button is probably the easiest part. It’s everything else that goes into it that is difficult. When you put your book out there for people to read it’s like giving them a piece of who you are to see and either love or hate.

         11. What goes into writing a book and how do you ensure that it is complete? 

           I usually start with writing the end then work backwards. Then I structure the story around key elements I want to happen. It’s sort of like coloring in a picture at that point, I have an outline and where I want these characters to go. It’s just then a matter of connecting the dots. I re-read my book constantly while writing and I’m not sure how I know when it’s complete.  I could probably find things to change about each book I've ever written, so I’m not sure they’re ever “finished.”

        12. What is one piece of advice you would give to new authors who are trying to self-publish? 

         I say the biggest thing is to surround yourself with supportive and positive people. Negativity kills creativity and it’s important to have people you trust read your work and give you constructive feedback. Make sure before you hit publish it is a story you’d be proud to have people read.

  13. What do you like to do in your spare time?   

          I love to bake and read. But most of all I love to spend time with my daughter. She’s at that really fun age when she is becoming such a girly girl. So I spend a lot of time getting “makeovers” and having my nails done, LOL. 

  14. What is your biggest fear? 

                  Spiders. I’m an arachnophobe! I also have a huge fear of public speaking. I turn bright red. We’re talking tomato red. It’s embarrassing! 

 15. What is your favorite genre to read? 

Romance, followed by paranormal fiction

      16.What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your characters? 

          That the dark stuff in life really makes for a great story. I wasn't sure I’d even like where my story was going, but I ended up loving the tortured and angsty Clay, even as he drove me crazy!

               17. To any reader who hasn't read Find You in the Dark, how would you persuade them to give it a try? 

At the heart of this story is the tale of broken boy and the girl who wants to save him. It’s a story about hope and resilience and whether love really can make things better.

            18. Where did you get the inspiration from this story? Do you know anyone who suffered the same way Clay did? 

          I took a lot of this story from my experiences as a counselor. But I also have personal experience with both bi-polar and borderline personality disorders. I have been the support person for someone who won’t medicate and it’s a rough and exhausting road. 

 19. What were some of your favorite bands growing up? 

    I'm a huge classic rock fan. I grew up on Led Zeppelin, Motor-head, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Deep Purple. But I have to admit as I pre-teen I was as into pop as the next girl. New Kids on the Block was my very first concert.

 

 20. What did you want to be as a kid? 

I wanted to be a writer, a meteorologist, a psychologist, a vet. I think it changed weekly.

 21. Where can your readers stalk you? 

You can find me on Facebook, Goodreads, Twitter (AuthorAMWalters) or you can email me at ameredithwalters@gmail.com

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. It’s been a pleasure and I wish you the best of luck in your writing and I know you will go very far!!! 

Contact A Meredith Walters

Website  

http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Meredith-Walters/311504738868378

twitter username

http://www.twitter.com/AuthorAMWalters

Facebook page  

http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Meredith-Walters/311504738868378

Goodreads Page  

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5416410.A_Meredith_Walters

Goodreads book link  

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17155039-light-in-the-shadows

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