Dealing with the loss of his fiancée, Emma, and the confusion of his troubled relationship with her sister, Dawson Phillips decides to leave his hometown of Parish Cove behind.
As he battles between denial and depression, Dawson travels the states placing distance between himself and his painful memories of Emma’s death. With each rolling mile behind him, he gains new hope that he will eventually be able to repair his tattered heart.
The problem: He never thought he’d heal while igniting feelings for someone else.
Strengths will be tested. Boundaries will be blurred. And hope will mend the hearts of those fearing they would stay forever crumbled.
Teaser
Emotions warred through me, making it hard for me to decipher what I was feeling. Closing my eyes, I tried to still my pounding heart and calm my thoughts. Lightning struck close by, lighting the backs of my eyelids. I counted, waiting for another loud clap of thunder to follow. I’d made it to twenty-four before it happened again.
Twenty-four.
My eyes snapped open. I glanced at my cell. The date and time stared back at me, piercing me straight through the heart.
It was October 24. The day I was supposed to marry the love of my life.
_________________________
Book #1
Paper Thin by Jennifer Snyder
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Available September 29th, 2015
Fate has always seemed to mock Charlotte Montgomery, continuously dangling the man of her dreams just out of reach. It isn’t until Charlotte receives word her older sister Emma is getting engaged that she feels fate’s teasing has hit a new high.
Once she begrudgingly decides to return home to the tiny town of Parish Cove, curious to find out who has captured her sister’s heart, fate suddenly seems as though it may have tossed her a bone.
The problem: Charlotte forgot one simple thing…Fate has never been her friend.
Emotions run high. Happiness will be shattered. And tragedy will strike, leaving everyone feeling paper thin.
I’ve read Tellulah’s Blooming Goddess series and had a blast with them, so I was excited to read her newest release, Get Real.
She always has fun, flirty characters and if I go by the cover for this one, there’s more fun in store.
Enjoy my review.
And don’t forget to enter the giveaway!
Get Real
byTellulah Darling
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(Get Real, #1)
Publication date: September 26th 2015
Genres: Comedy, New Adult, Paranormal, Romance
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My Review
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Sure, there’s a lot going on in this book. Covert ops, a wanna be paranormal detective. Supernatural shenanigans. But that’s only part of it.
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I’m huge on character driven stories and Get Real has some fun ones.
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I fell for Francesca immediately. She’s snarky, sexy, and so ready to become a paranormal detective and kick some supernatural butt.
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Enter bad boy Rafael. Ooh, he’s swoon worthy to look at, has the under the lashes come hither look down pat, and a mouth begging to be kissed.
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When Francesca and Rafa catch each others eye at a party, the heat goes up in the room. When they end up together in the bathroom, their kiss is steamy.
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If you’re thinking, oh no, another love at first story, you’d be right, for a few minutes. Then Rafa drops an ice cube on the passion and walks away, leaving Francesca gasping for air. You can bet she’s not happy. She knew better than to go with a bad guy like Rafa. See if he ever kisses her again.
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There are some other fun characters, but these two really had me going. The snarky dialogue, their inner thoughts, all of it cracked me up.
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What happens next, you ask? You guessed it. Francesca and Rafa wind up having to work together as the world around them starts going wiggy. And that’s just as fun. The two of them are as busy trying to ignore their attraction for each other, as they are for trying to stay alive.
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Nothing but fun here. Looking for a little mystery and danger, some witty dialogue, and steamy romance? You should read this book. I promise you’ll laugh.
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4 Stars
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Synopsis:
Magic and Mayhem in Manhattan
Francesca Bellafiore comes from a nice Jewish family — one that happens to have magical powers. Underneath her good-girl exterior, though, she’s a wannabe badass with dreams of becoming a paranormal detective.
Party boy Rafael Muñoz does everything possible to publicly disappoint his high profile father. Privately, it’s a different story. His carefully crafted bad boy reputation masks the fact he’s a master illusionist, forced into solo covert ops. The role is wearing thin and Rafael longs to be part of a team.
When Francesca and Rafael meet, it’s love at first sight… For about five minutes. Rafael is spectacularly attractive—and, Francesca discovers, fully aware of the fact. Rafael knows from experience that girls like Francesca are more trouble than they’re worth.
So it sucks big time when they’re caught in a web of magic, minions, secrets, and enough sexual tension to power NYC. Their only chance to save the city and survive is to team up, trust each other–and maybe even fall in love.
Provided they don’t kill each other first.
Get Real is a romantic comedy, urban fantasy whirlwind with sass, sex, and swoon.
Tellulah Darling
nounSassy girls. Swoony boys. What could go wrong?1) YA & New Adult romantic comedy author because her first kiss sucked and she’s compensating.
2) Firm believer that some of the best stories happen when love meets comedy and awkwardness ensues.
3) Sassy minx.Both a hopeless romantic and total cynic, Tellulah Darling is all about the happily-ever-after, with a huge dose of hilarity along the way. Her romcoms come in a variety of flavours and heat levels.Author links:
For over a thousand years, the Tanoa have relied on their line of Earth Shamen to bring rich harvests, temper stone tools and weapons, and imbue pottery with strength like metal. Now, though, the bloodline has dwindled to one Shaman, Tuwa, who is trapped high in the mountains, holding bedrock together to prevent a volcanic eruption while the rest of her people flee to safety. The only way to save the village is for her to sacrifice herself and buy them the time they need to evacuate.
But her grandson, Ahote, refuses to abandon her to die. Rather than do as she asks—marry and bear daughters who might inherit her gift—he sets out to find the one person who might be able to save Tuwa’s life.
Kasha is a Tanoa girl in who lives in Solace, a city of the pale-skinned Andalanos. If the Engineers Guild ever discovers her gender or race, they could order her execution—for in violation of the King’s law, Master Engineer Seamus trained Kasha as his apprentice. She is a genius in all things mechanical and earned her master certification when only fourteen years old. Since Seamus’s death, she has been discreetly working his job as the City Engineer.
No engineer in history could save Tuwa; it requires an invention unlike anything the world has ever seen. Kasha believes she can do it, but when Ahote breaks the Andalanos’ most sacred law, she is caught between worlds. Kasha must choose between her Tanoa heritage and her Andalano friends who have risked their lives to give her the only career she has ever wanted. Choosing one means betraying the other, and in this world, betrayal means death.
I write as both Emily Mah (for science fiction and fantasy) and E.M. Tippetts (for chick lit). My short stories have appeared in Analog Science Fiction and Fact, The Black Gate, and anthologies like The Dragon and the Stars, Shanghai Steam, and The Change: Tales of Downfall and Rebirth. My E.M. Tippetts novels have been on the Amazon Top 100 numerous times, and my novel, Someone Else’s Fairytale was semi-finalist for the Best Indie Book of the Year – Kindle Book Review, and a runner up in Romance for the Best of the Independent Book Awards – eFestival of Words.
When I’m not writing or chasing small children, I manage E.M. Tippetts Book Designs, my company which offers formatting, cover design, and editing services to authors and publishers.
The author is giving away an ebook of the first book in the series, Restless Earth, to everyone who signs up for her mailing list: http://eepurl.com/bitx49
By- E.C. Hibbs, Jacinta Maree, Victoria Escobar, Susan Burdorf, Luke McCallin, C.L. Matthews, Ruthi Kight, J.K. Radalyac, Bobbie Palmer and Heather Clawson
Genre- Mature YA/NA Fantasy
Description
Dragons are a race of mythical creatures shrouded in magic and mystery. Whether good or evil, countless stories have been written detailing their majesty. For centuries, mankind has searched for the facts regarding the true nature of these fantastic beasts.
Today, another quest for knowledge has struck our attention; a cure for diabetes. In this dragon themed anthology, ten authors have come together to create this collection of short stories to benefit the American Diabetes Association.
C.L. Matthews resides in Utah, the state with the best snow on earth. She is not a fan of the snow but loves her state just the same. She is known for her swag business and creative pieces. C.L. Matthews is a college student, swag maker, and new author, it isn’t an easy task but she wants to succeed in many things. Her hobbies consist of crafting, drinking coffee until she can’t consume any more, and reading until she falls asleep with books in her lap. C.L. Matthews is married to her childhood best friend, she got her happily ever after.
Born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, but with the ability to claim eight states as home; Victoria Escobar writes fiction from her current home in New York. She writes whatever comes to mind and because of such has a variety of genres written including Young Adult, New Adult, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, and Contemporary Fiction.
In spare time if not with family, and friends Victoria enjoys curling up with a book from a favorite author with music playing. If not reading or writing she spends time drawing, sketching, crocheting, or some other random art project. She enjoys staying busy, but most of all enjoys staying creative.
Self confessed chocaholic, Jacinta Maree was born and raised in Melbourne Australia with her loving family of five. Even as a child Jacinta had an itch to write. Writing was the one constant hobby she clung to, also trying her hand at piano, flute, tennis, horseback riding and drama.
Jacinta works full time in the family business and spends her afternoons either playing basketball, reading, writing or hanging out with friends. She is always happy to try something new; getting her real estate license, practicing ninjitshu, Zumba and parkour to name a few.
For her future, Jacinta sees herself writing. It is a large part of her identity and something she hopes to continue. Aside from her love of stories she loves Japan and its unique and beautiful culture and history. From their delicious sushi dishes right down to their wooden sandals and kimonos. She is also a huge cat person and loves to snuggle up in front of the fire for a good movie or book. Her favorite genres are paranormal and fantasy but she also loves anything written by thriller writer, Stephen King.
C. Hibbs has lived all her life in Cheshire, north-west England. A lover of stories from an early age, she wrote her first ‘book’ when she was five, and throughout school was a frequent visitor to the younger classes to read her tales to the children.
Living so near the coast, she loves anything to do with the sea. She studied Animal Behaviour at university and longs to work with marine mammals in the future. As well as nature and animals, she also has a soft spot for history, and loves paying visits to castles, cathedrals and museums.
There are many things she could be without, but writing isn’t one of them. She carries a pen everywhere, in case an idea appears, and takes pride in still seeing the world as brimming with magic. Besides writing, she reads obsessively, her favourite genres being the classics and all kinds of fantasy. She also enjoys Disney and horror films, practising Shotokan karate, drawing, archery, and playing with her very cheeky kitten.
Luke McCallin was born in England, grew up in Africa, was educated around the world, and has worked with the UN as a humanitarian relief worker and peacekeeper in the Caucasus, the Sahel, and the Balkans. His experiences have driven his writing, in which he explores what happens to normal people put under abnormal pressures, inspiring a historical mystery series built around an unlikely protagonist, Gregor Reinhardt, a German intelligence officer and a former Berlin detective chased out of the police by the Nazis. THE MAN FROM BERLIN was published in 2013, followed by a sequel, THE PALE HOUSE, in 2014.
Luke was surprised as anyone that his first book was an historical detective novel, seeing as he’d grown up with Tolkein, Donaldson and CS Lewis and Anne McCaffrey! A dragon story is just the ticket to get back to what he always thought he would write!
J.K. Radalyac lives with her awesome hubby and son in Northern California. Lunch lady by day and blogger by night, she fills the in between times with reading and scribbling down stories. She loves Harry Potter and is a huge advocate of indie authors and never tires of helping them in their endeavors.
Bobbie Palmer lives in Delaware and is very involved with NaNaWriMo and the local writing community. She writes anything from Paranormal to Historical Fiction to kids books.
Susan Burdorf is a lover of all things sparkly and can often be found spreading glitter everywhere in hopes the fairies will find her. She grew up reading about the Dragon Riders of Pern and does not understand why she cannot have one of her own. Some day, she is sure, they will find her and then you will hear her laughter in your dreams as she flies overhead. Residing near Nashville TN she spends her days at her normal job, or walking her dog, or stalking the animals at the Zoo in hopes of finding a fantastical creature or two looking for a new home. She asks that you contact her if you find any.
author of Knotted Roots and Burn Out, is excited to announce her involvement with the upcoming anthology Blood and Scales. The proceeds of which are being donated to the American Diabetes Association. She currently lives in South Carolina with her fiancé and two children, aged 7 and 10 months. After being away from the writing world for a while, she is happy to be back and ready for action. As long as it’s before 8 pm. Once the kids are in bed, all bets are off. The best way to reach her is through projecting mental images while she sleeps…otherwise she will most likely miss your message/text and have to apologize profusely for days. Don’t worry, she loves to hear from readers and friends, but don’t be surprised if you catch her sleeping on the job occasionally.
Heather Clawson is an incognito Valkyrie who’s been known to defy belief, imagination, gravity, death, and, on occasion, her mother. A big believer in knowing how to do the same things her characters know how to do, she can speak knowledgeably on the subjects of Tae Kwon Do, falconry, sniper shooting, swinging a sword, being chased by geese, creative swearing, motorcycling, origami, and baking.
An aspiring novelist and book reviewer for the San Francisco / Sacramento Book Review, Heather lives on the east coast with her long-suffering husband and two fluffy, mostly-obedient dogs.
By- E.C. Hibbs, Jacinta Maree, Victoria Escobar, Susan Burdorf, Luke McCallin, C.L. Matthews, Ruthi Kight, J.K. Radalyac, Bobbie Palmer and Heather Clawson
Genre- Mature YA/NA Fantasy
Dragons are a race of mythical creatures shrouded in magic and mystery. Whether good or evil, countless stories have been written detailing their majesty. For centuries, mankind has searched for the facts regarding the true nature of these fantastic beasts.
Today, another quest for knowledge has struck our attention; a cure for diabetes. In this dragon themed anthology, ten authors have come together to create this collection of short stories to benefit the American Diabetes Association.
Publisher: Harold J. Fischel (April 3, 2014)
Category: New Adult, Coming of Age, Contemporary Fiction
Tour Date: May/June, 2015
Available in: Print & ebook, 309 Pages
My Review
Compelling. That’s the word I’m looking for. This story is compelling.
There isn’t a lot of action, no weird plots. It’s a story about a boy and the events that make him a man.
A shy, somewhat pudgy young boy, Anthony discovers swimming and as his body matures, he grows into a strapping young man.
During those years, he faces many adversities, suffers a tragic loss, and is involved in a taboo affair. The shadows of his past follow him as he goes off to college. There he makes friends, finds his path, and falls in love.
But the past catches up to him. Now he could lose everything. Perhaps love can save him.
This is another of those stories I call life fiction. From boy to man, you follow this character. Feel his insecurities and doubts. His sadness and pain. His hope.
I mentioned compelling. I opened this book, started reading, and the writing compelled me to continue. I read a chapter, then another, and another. Soon, I reached the end. It read almost like a movie. Flashing from scene to scene through the years as Anthony grew up.
A wonderful story.
4 Stars
~~~
Synopsis
Life has never been easy for Anthony, the secret love child of a well-known US general and his beautiful mistress. After his father perishes in a plane crash, his cancer-stricken mother, Yuni, is forced to move with him to a tiny New York City apartment. And to make matters worse, he’s flagged as an easy target for neighborhood bullies, who constantly terrorize him inside and outside of school.
But after a brutal attack prompts him to fight back in a fit of rage, things start to turn around for the young boy. He shows promise joining the swim and wrestling teams in school, and begins to grow into the tall and physically fit body he inherited from his father.
Just when Anthony’s situation seems to be getting better, however, tragedy strikes his life yet again. In order to put the pieces back together, he turns to some of the strong female figures in his life. But it’s the one girl whom he least expects who may have the power to heal him—shedding his image as the illegitimate son through the magic of love and helping him leave his tragic childhood behind.
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Praise for Anthony by Harold J. Fischel:
“It’s not often that I find a book that truly moves me, but Anthony may have just been it. Anthony is so real…such a realistic and poignant character. He is bitter, confused, sad, angry, and while his experience is not necessarily the norm of a typical young adult, you can easily relate to him. What a transformation. Anthony goes from a scared and weak child to a fierce, understanding, and competent young man. Fischel writes with skill and craftsmanship that is a joy to read. I would read anything else he has to offer in a heartbeat.”- Katelyn Hensel, Readers’ Favorite
“The young boy, Anthony, captures your heart in the first few chapters, and you will want to continue with him through his happy, frightening, joyful, daunting journey toward manhood. A good read from start to finish.” J. Herrick, Amazon Reviewer
“New Adult, Coming of Age, Contemporary Fiction’s coming of age story, Anthony, is inspiring and heartwarming. Fischel’s writing style is accomplished and smooth, and I quickly became immersed in this athletic and ethical story of triumph over adversity. Anthony is a marvelous book and is highly recommended reading.”- Jack Magnus, Readers’ Favorite
“Loved the story line, could not put it down. Although it is listed as a novel, it is sad to think this is reality for some kids.”- Donna Connely, Amazon Reviewer
“Anthony by Harold J. Fischel is a wonderful coming of age novel. I loved the story of Anthony,… I welcomed all the surprises and I loved all the characters. Anthony was resilient and strong, even when he was still a kid. Everything he experienced growing up only made him stronger, some of the things that happened to him even made me cry. All the supporting characters also played big roles in Anthony’s success. Overall, a good book with great characters.”- Lorena Sanqui, Readers’ Favorite
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About Harold J. Fischel
Harold J. Fischel, a graduate of Washington & Lee University and the NYU School of Law, has lived and worked on four different continents. His family fled the Netherlands shortly after the Nazi invasion, moving to Curacao and Aruba before settling in the United States in 1952.
After law school, Fischel served the US Army in Germany, later retiring as a captain. Since then, he again lived in the Netherlands, before returning to the United States to work for the US subsidiary of a Chinese company.
Fischel is now retired and living in Michigan with his wife, Jan, and their beloved Labrador retriever. He has two daughters, five wonderful grandchildren, and two great sons-in-law. Since retiring, he has published two novels and is working on a third.
Aria used to believe in love. and fate. and that one day she’d meet that one gorgeous man that would make all her dreams come true. But when she falls in love with Bryce Williams, it felt like a fairytale. He was a lawyer, he had money and wealth along with chocalate brown eyes that had girls at Beaumont High swooning after him. But over time, he started to change. Aria thought he was her prince, but there was always something missing. She always felt like she wasn’t with him, as lovers should be. He was perfect and she was just, beside him. A small part in his important, lavish life.
Bryce had a short, explosive temper and even though she tried to make him happy, it was never enough.
How could she ever defend herself from the raging anger inside him? So she stayed, up until the night that she’d had enough. She took off the ring he’d given her and he lost it. He hit her. And then, he took the only thing she’d had left to give. He broke her into tiny pieces that night. And she had no idea how to be whole again.
But then she met Gavin Thomas. After four months of taking small steps toward a full and happy life again, starting to dance again, the only thing that kept her feeling alive at the time and surrounding herself with the ones who loved and supported her, she saw his stormy bluegrey eyes. His mouth that curved deliciously upwards when he smiled, his touch that left tingles all across her body. His eyes that captivated hers. He was ruggedly, impossibly handsome. He was gorgeous, from his full lips to his bluer than the ocean eyes to his roughened hands. And from the very first moment, she couldn’t resist him.
It terrified her and excited her, but when he kissed her with both the gentleness she needed and the passion she craved, all her fears and her doubts just melted away. She craved him, she needed his touch more than the air in her lungs and the idea of losing the feel of it could break her heart in two.
But how could she trust again, after being broken so painfully? Was it possible?
She had no idea. But Aria had to try. She needed Gavin, and she refused to let him go.
~~~~~
Enjoy This Excerpt
I clasp the locket in the palm of my hand and take a deep, cleansing breath. The dancers glide elegantly over the wooden floors and as I approach my coach of six years, Eli Jones, I try to cover up my trembling hands with the wrap I’m holding. I don’t know why I’m so nervous, dancing is like walking to me. I’ve done it ever since I was old enough to put one foot in front of the other. It’s been an outlet for me, through the lonely nights of middle school and stressful exam filled days of high school and especially through my four years at Columbia, it’s been my relief from everyday life. But this will be the first time since my stay at the hospital four months ago that ill set foot on the dance floor in my leotard, tights and ballet flats. Oh, shit. What if I fall on my face?
My errant thoughts are interrupted by a hand on my shoulder.
“You’re going to do fine, Aria.” Eli whispers in my ear with a squeeze to my shoulders. I smile, because I’m afraid that if I speak, I won’t make it to my dance before I start crying.
The slow instrumental of Celine Dion’s melody begins and I slip the black ballet flats on my feet and pull my wavy black hair into a bun.
I pull in a deep breath as I glide onto the floor. My body is strung tight with nerves, from my toes to the tips of my fingers. I haven’t done this is so long I’m terrified that I’ll mess up. My eyes flick over to see my always supportive dance couch looking at me, and when he nods his head I know I can do this. I’ve got this. Taking another deep, deep breath, I do my first set of graceful moves, making sure to stay in sync with the music playing overhead. Near, far, wherever you are, I believe that the heart does go on. Once more you open the door and you’re here in my heart and my heart will go on and on. My eyes close to the words filled with such emotion, such depth. I move to express everything inside me and soon, I don’t even have to think about the rhythm or the steps or the people from my academy’s dance program watching my every move. I’m one with my body, the angelic music and the heartbeat inside my chest. When the strains of a violin come to an end, I go for my big ending and land it with easy grace as the audience applauds for me. This is my world and my love, all I need, I realize. The grief, the sadness of the last seven months, it’s all at peace when I’m dancing. The pain, the heartbreak the fear I felt when I woke up in the hospital weeks ago, just disappears.
About The Author:
Amanda lives in Boston area and has always had a passion, more like an obsession with the characters she creates in her writing. When she doesn’t have her nose in front of her computer or in her notebook, she’s reading another story on her Kindle. Find Her is her first novel so please be sure to review and rate when you finish her book, thank you and enjoy!
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of A Daily Rhythm.
Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page.
•Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
~~~
My Tease for this week is from
Confess
by Colleen Hoover
My Tease is from page 78 in the paperback.
“I want to see you again,” he whispers.
I don’t think about all the reasons why that’s such a bad idea. Instead, I think about how good it feels when he’s this close to me and how I want so much more of it.
~~~
Synopsis
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover, a new novel about risking everything for love—and finding your heart somewhere between the truth and lies.
Auburn Reed has her entire life mapped out. Her goals are in sight and there’s no room for mistakes. But when she walks into a Dallas art studio in search of a job, she doesn’t expect to find a deep attraction to the enigmatic artist who works there, Owen Gentry.
For once, Auburn takes a risk and puts her heart in control, only to discover Owen is keeping major secrets from coming out. The magnitude of his past threatens to destroy everything important to Auburn, and the only way to get her life back on track is to cut Owen out of it.
The last thing Owen wants is to lose Auburn, but he can’t seem to convince her that truth is sometimes as subjective as art. All he would have to do to save their relationship is confess. But in this case, the confession could be much more destructive than the actual sin…
~~~
I won Confess from a giveaway hosted by Valerie at Stuck In Books.
Bring you stakes, your cross bows, or your weapon of choice. We’re going vampire hunting!
Author Nikki Jefford has her eBook Aurora Sky : Vampire Hunter free February 23rd thru 27th, so hurry and get it now.
Links to get your free copy are further down in the post.
And don’t forget to enter the International Giveaway for a chance to win an audible copy!
Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter
Volume 1
Nikki Jefford
Genre: New Adult, Paranormal Romance,
Urban Fantasy
Date of Publication: November 27, 2012
ISBN: 1939997488 / ASIN: B00AEGD5XY
Number of pages: 260 pages / Word Count: 62,000 words
Cover Artist: Phatpuppy Art
Book Description:
If there is one thing eighteen-year-old Aurora Sky wants, it’s to get off the iceberg she calls home. Being kissed before she graduates wouldn’t hurt either.
Then a near-fatal car wreck changes everything. Government agents step in and save Aurora’s life in exchange for her services as a vampire hunter. In Alaska. Basically she’s a glorified chew toy. All thanks to her rare blood type, which sends a vampire into temporary paralysis right before she has to finish the job… by hand.
Now Aurora’s only friends are groupies of the undead and the only boy she can think about may very well be a vampire.
Volleyball had been replaced by badminton while I was in the hospital. Mr. Mooney let me get away with sitting out class the first two days, but by the third he decided to diagnose me as fit for participation.
“Sky, ready to jump back in?”
I paused on my way to the bleachers. “I’m not dressed.”
Besides, everyone was already paired up.
“Fane!” Mr. Mooney called. “Get out here. You can be Aurora’s partner.”
I tried not to flinch or show signs of distress. My last memory of Fane involved his tongue tracing his upper lip in lewd gesture.
Fane stood up and gave Mr. Mooney a glare so dark it sent a shiver down my spine. It was the first real sensation I’d experienced since the accident. When his eyes moved to me I momentarily forgot to breathe.
Fane held my gaze a moment longer then slipped out of his leather jacket. I watched, transfixed. This was history in the making. Fane Donado taking off his coat.
All of his imperfections breezed out the door as soon as I got my first look at the six-pack straining against his cotton tee. My eyes must have been playing tricks on me. For a guy with such a slender build, Fane was surprisingly muscled.
Fane took deliberate steps down the aisle of the bench, straight to the edge. He jumped from the bleachers, causing them to rock in his wake.
I swore I felt a thud inside the pit of my stomach when he landed.
Mr. Mooney nodded at Fane. “You two are playing Clayton and Tyler.”
Fane walked past me and took two rackets off the floor. He handed me one. I took it from his outstretched hand then followed several steps behind.
Part of me was relieved he didn’t say anything. All I could think about was the obscene gesture he’d made right before my world turned up-side-down. I hardly noticed his hair. I was too distracted by his lips. And now his abs. Luckily, I wouldn’t have to look at either while we played side by side.
At the far court, Clayton and Tyler bounced birdies up and down on the strings of their rackets.
Clayton nudged Tyler as we approached. “Oh great. Goth boy and zombie girl. This should be fun.”
I took my place beside Fane. He held his racket loose and lazy. I barely held mine at all. Clayton pelted the birdie at me. I tried to shield my face and ended up dropping my racket.
“Oh, come on!” Clayton shouted.
I picked up the birdie and threw it over the net.
Clayton served the birdie to Fane, who smacked it over the net with the flick of a wrist. Tyler launched the birdie at me. It hit me on the shoulder, but I swung anyway as it bounced to the floor.
“Hello? Earth to Aurora,” Tyler called across the net.
“I think she’s still in a coma,” Clayton said.
“That’s game,” Tyler said. “Your serve.”
I picked up the birdie and handed it to Fane. It’s a good thing it wasn’t a real bird. Fane crushed it in his hand. Only for a moment. Only I saw. He relaxed and looked across the net. I felt that odd shiver return.
Fane smacked the birdie as though it were a fly. He walloped it right between Tyler and Clayton so fast neither boy had time to react. When they did manage a return hit, Fane gracefully flicked away any stray birds that came at me. I watched in fascination, fully engaged for the first time since the accident.
The boys tried to hit the birdie back. Fane had them racing across every corner of their court. By the end of the period they were out of breath. They took off without a backwards glance when Mr. Mooney blew his whistle signaling the end of gym.
As I walked past Fane I felt a twitch. Not my own. I felt the twitch of his hand wanting to stop me.
“Hey, you. Are you okay?”
If I had any emotion left I’d laugh. He didn’t even know my name—that or it wasn’t worth saying.
He studied me carefully. “I’ve seen that look before.”
Now I was curious.
Valerie jumped down from the bleachers. “Fane!”
He didn’t pay attention to her. I held my breath waiting for him to tell me what he saw.
Valerie sashayed her way over to Fane, red hair blazing down her shoulders. She held out his jacket. “I’m ready to blow this joint. Let’s get a bite.”
Her last words grabbed his attention, and he forgot me completely. Valerie looped her arm around Fane’s and they walked toward the double doors. I was right behind them, silent as a ghost. When I reached the hall entrance leading to the locker rooms I stopped. I saw his head start to turn. I knew he was going to look back, but by the time he did I’d be gone.
~~~
About the Author:
Nikki Jefford loves fictional bad boys and heroines who kick butt. Books, travel, TV series, hiking, writing and motorcycle riding are her favorite escapes. She loves meeting people from all walks of life, from around the globe, and wouldn’t trade her French husband in for anyone – not even Spike!
She’s a third generation Alaskan, born & raised in Anchorage, now living in northern Washington. Crazy about her dog, Cosmo. (Writer’s best friend.) The dark side of humanity fascinates her, so long as it’s balanced by humor and romance.
I’ve recently gotten back into reading some science fiction and this is going to be a good one.
I have the wonderful cover art to share with you.
Along with the trailer and an exclusive excerpt!
And don’t forget to enter the giveaway!
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The Apollo Academy by Kimberly P. Chase
(The Apollo Academy #1)
Published by: Harlequin
Publication date: February 22nd 2015
Genres: New Adult, Science Fiction
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Synopsis:
Take off with this dynamic, thrill-seeking, sexy New Adult Science Fiction series debut. Welcome to the exclusive Apollo Academy, where Aurora is about to discover that achieving her dream is only the first step towards her future.
As the heiress to Titon Technologies, eighteen-year-old Aurora Titon can have whatever she wants—clothes, expensive gadgets, anything money can buy. But all she really wants is to escape her pampered, paparazzi-infested life for the stars. Becoming the first female pilot to train as an astronaut for the exclusive Apollo Academy is exactly the chance for which she has been waiting.
Flying is everything she ever dreamed, her best friend also got into the Academy, and the paparazzi is banned from campus. Everything would be perfect, but for her unreciprocated crush on a fellow student, the sexy astronaut bent on making her life hell, and the fact that someone keeps trying to kill her.
The most important education doesn’t happen in the classroom…
Early Praise:
“I am obsessed with this book! Suspenseful, sexy, and just a great read!” – Cora Carmack, New York Times Bestselling author of LOSING IT.“Exquisite worldbuilding, thrilling suspense, and a sexy flight instructor! Chase’s exciting debut novel is one you don’t want to miss.” – K.A.Tucker, Author of Ten Tiny Breaths and One Tiny Lie
(Chapter 10. Aurora in flight training with Sky, her domineering (and not to mention hot) flight instructor.)
Whoop, whoop. ‘Thrust warning, loss of main engine one.’ Whoop, whoop.
The shrill warning bell caused the hair on the back of Aurora’s neck to stand on end. She thrust the throttles on the remaining two engines full forward. She knew Sky stood behind her simulation panel, probably smiling as she struggled to recover from the engine failure he’d just caused with the flick of a switch.
He’d been overseeing everyone’s progress and of course decided now to come over, waiting until she was at an extremely critical altitude before creating this failure for her to handle.
Whoop, whoop. ‘Stall imminent.’ Whoop, whoop.
Aurora knew she was approaching the aircraft’s stall speed, but the loss of a single engine made it extremely difficult to control the overly large shuttle. Her yoke shook, another warning that a stall was close.
Aurora had to resist the urge to pull the nose of the aircraft up.
“Aurora, you’re going to stall if you don’t increase your airspeed,” he whispered right next to her ear. She jumped, accidentally pressing her foot down on the rudder pedal. She still felt his breath on her cheek. Sky’s constant hissing in her ear was more distracting than being yelled at.
“Shit!” She didn’t even have a chance to alter the course of events because she was at too low of an altitude to recover from the spin she’d just entered.
She wasn’t going to make it. It was like her last simulation flight all over again.
The screen cracked and blacked out when the shuttle hit the ground, killing everyone on board. This was followed by flashing red lights and a loud siren that alerted her and everyone else around her of the failure.
She slammed her finger down on the automatic warning system. The red warning lights swarmed around her, making her cringe in on herself. She already knew she had messed up; she didn’t need the incessant light show. If Sky hadn’t scared her half to death, she wouldn’t have stomped down on the rudder so hard at such a low speed. Okay, so maybe scared wasn’t the right word, but his breath on her face definitely distracted her.
“Damn it, Sky!” she said taking her frustration out on the one who was really responsible for her crash.
Now sitting down beside her, his large frame towered over her. He whispered in her ear, “Tell me why you crashed.”
He was still too close. “Oh, I don’t know, maybe because you scared me half to death by hissing at me.” She touched her ear. “Who does that? It made me stomp down on the rudder.”
Sky grinned, showing off his dimples. “Are you saying you were distracted by my very presence?” He had the audacity to wiggle his eyebrows suggestively.
Heat ran to Aurora’s face, but instead of backing down like she normally would, she decided to wipe that grin off of his face. She’d had it with everyone treating her differently. It might not have been the best idea, but she flirtatiously leaned toward Sky anyway. His eyes widened in surprise.
Now that he was distracted, she discreetly pulled a piece of gum from her bag on the seat next to her. “Here, maybe next time your breath won’t cause so much trouble.”
His mouth opened in shock, and Aurora took the opportunity to place the gum into his mouth. The instant she did it, she felt horrible. What was wrong with her? That was the most immature thing she’d ever done.
Sky calmly shut his mouth and popped a bubble, but the grin on his face was definitely gone.
Oh stars, he was going to make her regret that . . .
AUTHOR BIO:
Kimberly P. Chase holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, which basically means she’s kind of a geek and loves flying airplanes. Naturally, her books tend to include aviation, hot flight instructors, aviator glasses, and—let’s not forget—kissing! When Kimberly’s not writing or reading, she’s hanging out with her husband, five-year-old son, and two dogs in Charleston, SC.
