I just want to say a few words about Faith Sullivan. Usually this is not the norm for me but I feel like I have to share with my readers why I love Faith Sullivan's writing. The first book I ever read from Faith was Unexpected. Unexpected is a story about a girl who is in New York attending college when 9/11 happens. I have to say that I laughed and I cried while reading this book.Faith knows how to write a story like no one's business. She catches you right from the first page and keeps you riveted to the end needing more like you need air to breathe. I am so proud of Faith. She has written so many books and with each book I read from her I beam like a proud mother because she keeps getting better and better! So Faith I want to say I am so proud of you and please keep writing because I need more Eric's and Adam's in my life!
Synopsis:
How do you survive the internship from hell?
Don't fall in love.
Ivy thought being a reporter-in-training at the Independent Gazette would be her dream summer job. Little did she know, interviewing Eric, a landscaper with a heart of gold, would derail her plans. It turns out Ivy's boss, Lauren, has been eyeing his chiseled physique for quite some time.
But at twenty-four, Eric already has a tragic past, one that he is still reeling from. Even though his ordeal turned him into some sort of local celebrity, it's been a while since he's shared his bed with anyone. When he comes to Ivy's rescue out of the blue, it's not long before the two of them start seeing each other behind Lauren's back. When they get caught, Ivy's journey toward a college degree is jeopardized and her relationship with Eric is severely put to the test.
Career versus love? In the end, a shocking turn of events provides Ivy with a revelation she never saw coming.
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My Review
5 of 5 Eric Young
Take Me Now..... where to begin my review...... lord knows I have been through this before with Faith's books. I love how she can pull you in and then rip your heart right out. The push and pull of the characters always has me screaming or crying or just plain out shocked by their behavior and Take Me Now is no exception! I mean it took me a few days to read it because I have been having more migraines so my reading has slowed down but Boy oh Boy did I cry and then I laughed and then I screamed to only get to the ending and say what in the hell!!!!!!!!!
Ivy is finishing up her semester before summer break. She needs to do her internship and she has no idea where she is going to do her internship until her best Ryan tells her she can intern for his step sisters newspaper. Ivy is so excited she could not be more happy because Ryan has come through for her and she is determined to make him proud. But when she reaches her new job she is greeted by a boss from hell. Ryan forgot to tell Ivy that his stepsister Lauren was a real live b$%^#.
Ivy's first assignment is to get the low down on a recluse business owner for Lauren. Lauren wants to know everything about him because she wants this man and she will stop at nothing to get him. As soon as Ivy starts out on her errands for Lauren she finds herself staring right into the eyes of her crush Will. She has to work with Will and she is not so sure she can do it because Will has been her crush her whole entire life and she has never dated anyone because she has waited for Will to notice her. But once again Will does what he does best and that is flat out ignores her and uses her when it is needed.
Ivy has finally seen the light and has decided that she is better off without Will in her life. So next stop Mr. Recluse and when her car breaks down and she walks the back roads for a few miles and stumbles upon Mr. Recluse she can see why Lauren wants him for herself. As Ivy and Mr. Recluse whose name is Eric get closer things start to go from bad to worse for Ivy and Eric. Lauren is determined to have him and Ryan is determined to have Ivy at any cost. What happens in this story is nothing short of amazing! I loved all the characters even the bad ones. So I am dying to see what happens in book two. Faith I need it like I need air to breathe!!!!!!!!!!
Author Bio:
About Me:
I really hate talking about myself. My goal is to have the shortest author bio imaginable. I would much rather have a conversation with my readers.
Are you able to escape within my pages?
Does my writing make you feel something?
Are there characters that you can't get out of your head?
Let me know!
Email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or on Twitter at @_FaithSullivan_
Random Things about Me
- I was so much smarter as a teenager.
- I am a slow reader.
- I tend to like a book more for its characters than its plot.
- I appreciate people who are genuinely kind and come through when you need them.
- It's true, creative people are not always fun to live with, but we keep things interesting.
- I miss the days when all I had was a rotary phone without even an answering machine.
- I'm a child of the 1980s, and a teenager of the 1990s.
- I love my dog.
- I love to travel and see new places - when my limited budget allows.
- I think in another lifetime I lived in the UK somewhere by the coast.
- When I feel an emotion, I feel it deeply. It's a curse.
- I have an overactive imagination. Writing helps alleviate that problem.
- Nine times out of ten, I believe a good book trumps reality hands down.
1742 Hits
Book: Spark
Author: Brooke Cumberland
Genre: New Adult/Romance/Erotica/Contemporary
Release date: August 13, 2013
Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions
When your past controls your future, how do you move forward? Velaney Wills knows about that all too well. Weak, powerless, and fearing the one person who has hurt her the most…can she overcome the barriers to move forward?
Being saved by a muscled Godsend was never on her agenda, but when firefighter, Eric Reilley comes into her life unexpectedly, everything changes. Velaney has never felt loved or cared for, and her past prevents her from letting anyone in. Eric manages to break down her walls – despite the repercussions that come for them afterwards.
They have an undeniable spark – something she has never felt before, but will it be enough? Can love overcome all obstacles? Can they save each other to protect their love or will her past shatter everything she never knew she needed…?
**Spark is for mature audiences only – strong language, explicit sexual content, and sexual abuse are apparent.**
Brooke is a midwestern gal, from the cheese state of Wisconsin! Go Packers! She's a stay-at-home mom of three beautiful children (one daughter & two stepsons) and a black fury dog. She's studied psychology in college, and counseling and education in graduate school where she found her love for writing. Most days you can find her reading or writing, or just hanging out with her family! She loves movies, cooking, and shopping! She's addicted to Starbucks, Coach purses, and wearing yoga pants.
The shower feels absolutely amazing. The cold water hits my face washing all the dirt and ash off of me. I rinse my hair, washing it twice to make sure the smell is gone. I scrub my face getting the ash out of my pores. I stay an extra ten minutes just letting the water run off me.
Finally, I get out and grab a towel. Oh crap, wouldn’t you know, no towel. That was the downside to working on laundry day. I peek out my bedroom door and call out to Carissa, “Riss! Can you bring me a towel?” I’m shivering from the windows being left open blowing air right over my bare skin. “Riss!” Ugh, she’s not answering.
I peek out and see she’s nowhere to be found. Oh, what the heck. I tiptoe down the hall and across the living room. Our rooms are on opposite sides of the apartment, which benefits me greatly when she brings guy friends over. We had our own bathrooms as well, leaving little to argue about. “Where the heck are you…son of a—” I quickly cover my parts with my freezing cold hands as I hear him laugh.
“Turn around!” I demand. He continues laughing as the blood drains from my face completely. My face is pale, and I could die right now. Literally die. “Sorry, didn’t mean to disturb ya there.” The southern tone comes from his sweet lips. Eric. He blinks several times before finally covering his eyes. Oh holy balls, he just saw me naked. Butt naked. And wet.
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Synopsis:
When you’re acting the role of a lifetime, how can you know if love is real—or all just a part of the show?
Twenty-three year old rising theater star Jill McCormick has built a life out of pretending. Pretending she’s happy, pretending her long-distance crushes add up to something real, pretending she’s not haunted by the dark secret that shattered her world six years ago. Cast in her first Broadway show, she desperately needs to keep her façade intact, but that’s before she comes face to face with her devastating new boss…
Hot-shot director Davis Milo knows the first rule of directing: never fall for your leading lady. Captivated by Jill’s raw talent, he fights his feelings, but watching Jill on-stage with another man is more than his jealous streak can take. Keeping things professional isn’t an option. He wants all of her.
Soon the ingénue and her director are staying late in the empty theater, their private rehearsals spiraling into new, forbidden territory. Caught up between fiction and reality, Jill struggles to find the truth in all their staged kisses. But how can she be sure that what she feels is real, and not a part of the play? And when two people spend their lives pretending, what happens after the final curtain falls?
Goodreads:
EXCERPT:
He glances down at the black pumps. “Nice shoes.”
As I follow his eyes, I realize my hand is on his shirt, my fingers
fisted around the cloth, clutching it. I should let go. But I don’t.
Because I can’t help but notice he has that clean and freshly showered
smell that makes any woman want to lean in and lick a guy’s neck.
Close her eyes. Inhale, and trail a tongue all the way to his
earlobe, enjoying the sound of a low groan.
“Nice shirt,” I say softly, running my index finger across one smooth
button. Then I look up to find him staring down at me. His dark blue
eyes aren’t cold anymore. They’re not keeping me at bay. Instead,
they’re heated, searching mine.
It’s hypnotic the way he looks at me. Completely hypnotic, as the
room goes quiet, the air between us charged.
I press my teeth against my lips, and I think, but I’m not entirely
sure, because thought has vanished, that I nod briefly, almost as if
I’m giving him permission. Then he bends towards me, and my breath
catches. Before I even process rationally what’s happening, his lips
are on mine, and my pulse is racing.
It’s a barely there kiss, just
him brushing his soft lips against mine, but I want more. So I pull
him closer and deepen the kiss. He groans, and then suddenly his hands
are in my hair, and he’s twining his fingers through my long, blond
strands, and tugging me close.
I thought I was leading this kiss, but
I’m not anymore, because he’s claiming me, tracing his tongue across
my top lip, then nipping at the bottom lip, then kissing me so deeply
and with so much heat that I shudder..
That only makes him kiss me
harder, and everything else falls away because this is a kiss I can
feel in every single cell in my body. Deep, and fevered and
possessive.
It makes me feel things I’m not supposed to want.
My heart pounds wildly as he presses closer, so dangerously near to
me that I want him to slam me against him. Let him touch me all over.
His lips own me, his hands want to know me, and I swear I might
combust from this kind of electric contact.
He breaks the kiss and I’m not honestly sure where I am anymore. Or
who I am. I look at him, at Davis, but everything is so hazy right
now, that I don’t know what to say. I don’t think he does either,
because he doesn’t speak for a moment. He shakes his head, and
swallows, collecting himself. As if he doesn’t know how that happened
either.
“I’m sorry,” he says, then steps back, pushing his hand roughly
through his hair. He looks away from me, staring at some distant point
on the wall. “That was a mistake,” he says quietly.
About The Author:
Lauren Blakely is an unabashed fan of clever jokes, toast, and good guys in novels. Like the heroine in CAUGHT UP IN US, she thinks life should be filled with movie kisses and coffee drinks. Lauren lives in California with her husband and children, and spends her days writing both true stories and make-believe ones.
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Synopsis:
Gabrielle Willis is smart. She's funny. And oh yes, she's a bit klutzy.
When Gabrielle left sunny California bound for the energy of Manhattan, she was willingly leaving the life she had known for the new life she would create. But was she really leaving something behind or was she running away?
On the outside, Gabrielle Willis has it all under control. A new life in Manhattan, a great roommate, and a good job. But she is haunted. Haunted by a memory she's tried to forget and by a family who's abandoned her. But what happens when what's on the outside is only an illusion and in perfect contradiction to what's buried deep within?
Enter Dane Rhodes. He's gorgeous, smart, and sexy as hell. Just what Gabby wants, or so she thinks. But when she meets Brad Dixon, the sweet guy with the crooked smile, he begins to make her see that the very thing she is trying to run from is the very thing that just may push her to see the light.
**New Adult Contemporary Romance. Due to language & sexual content, this book is recommended for readers 17 & older**
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About Author:
Beth Michele (pen name for Beth Michele Luciano)
Beth Michele is a wife, a mom, an author and a lover of all things chocolate, well, anything sweet really. While stuffing chocolate in her face, she enjoys reading young adult and new adult novels furiously, and spending time with her husband and two adorable children who keep her on her peppermint pink painted toes. Those same children who inspire her to tell silly stories that cause hysterical giggles to tumble from their bellies.
Beth loves to laugh and loves to have a good cry, especially after reading a novel that stretches her soul, the ones that make her feel, and linger in the corners of her beating heart.
Beth began writing when she was in middle school, penning anything from short stories, to poetry, and then later to write children’s books. Her debut novel, Love Love is due out May 8, 2013.
“We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams” - Willy Wonka
My husband said something not too long ago that resonated with me. He said "you've been a writer your whole life and you didn't even know it." The more I thought about it, the more it felt like a truth. Ever since I was young, I've written poems, edited letters, written short stories, children's stories, but yet I'd never considered myself "a writer." I kept thinking to myself...am I really a writer? I'm passionate about it, but can I really do this? The fear kicked in, but then I finally said screw the fear, and suddenly became inspired. So much so, that I was writing on the back of blank deposit slips, on soggy paper in the shower, on the backs of grocery receipts...Anywhere inspiration hit me.
I'm happy to say that my first novel Love Love will be coming out this year. This is the most amazing thing I've ever done and I feel so many things...blessed, appreciative, overwhelmed, nervous, bubbling with butterflies, but mostly I feel excitement and especially gratitude for all of the love and support.
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Title: Painted Boots
Author: Mechelle Morrison
Release date: July 15, 2013
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: mature Young Adult
Event organized by: AToMR Tours
EXCERPT 1:
It’s been four weeks since I poured my heart against Kyle’s sleeve. Four weeks since we gave each other a full body hug on the front porch of my house. That day had me feeling so good about things: about Mom and life, about going on. But since that day Kyle and I have hardly spoken.
I don’t get it.
He frowns through class, with his head down. No more poetic insights. No thoughtful answers. When we cross paths in the hall he says, “Hey Aspen,” and keeps on walking, pretending he can’t see the questions burning in my eyes. It’s pathetic, but the more he ignores me the more I listen to his music on YouTube, feeling stupid for telling him about my mom, stupid for falling apart in his arms. I hate how inside I seem broken, like telling Kyle the truth has come back to mock me, shredding my new-found happiness with the same precision a magpie exhibits for road kill.
Book Description:
When her father drags her to a new life in Wyoming, Aspen Brand doesn’t expect to fall for a cowboy named Kyle Thacker—but she does. At seventeen, Aspen and Kyle share unexpected ground: guitar, running, physics. And guilt. Aspen blames herself for her mother’s car accident, while Kyle can’t find a way past his brother’s suicide.
On their first date they open up to each other, forging an unbreakable bond between them. But Kyle has spent two years living with a vicious secret—one his ex-girlfriend will do anything to protect—and sharing his truth with Aspen makes her a target. Now if Kyle is to be her love story, Aspen must first win the fight of her life.
Goodreads:
EXCERPT 2:
Above us, the Christmas lights flicker.
I know about sex and stuff—I mean, Mom bored me with her lectures until I thought I’d scream. And I’ve seen my share of movie-love, so it’s not like I don’t know the motions. But none of that is this. This is me alone, with Kyle touching my body and tasting my mouth and pressing against my legs. I’ve never let a guy get this far. Some inner boundary has always clicked in my head. But I’m not feeling boundaries now. I want Kyle’s hands on my bare skin. I want his touch. I want to explore him and be explored, but I should probably tell him, “I’m not ready for sex.”
Links to the book:
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EXCERPT 3:
As Kyle walks to my bedside, my eyes fill with tears. I want him to wrap his arms around me and hold me like he’ll never let me go, the way he did the day we danced together at Monsters Stomp. I want to hear his beautiful, tenor voice telling me everything will be all right, that his heart hasn’t changed. But all he does is hunch over me, resting his forearms on the white railing between us. When Kyle gathers my hand in his, Dad coughs and mumbles something. Then Dad’s gone.
Maybe Kyle was waiting for Dad to go. Maybe now he’ll pull off his boots and climb up next to me and settle by my side. I want to cradle my head on his shoulder while we talk and talk and talk. I crave the warmth of his body. I need the soothing sound of his voice. But he just stands there.
He inspects my hand for a while, rubbing his thumb across my knuckles with careful, light strokes, his wheels turning. Terrifying silence builds between us. I worry this is all too much for him, that knowing Em hurt me brings back too many bad memories of his own. It’s possible that what she did to me scares him, like he’s next or something. Maybe his demons are too strong, even stronger than all the intimate things we emailed back and forth: putting our bodies together and kissing and our future and stuff.
Kyle’s gaze shifts. He’s so intent on wherever he’s looking that I follow his stare to the far white wall of the room. A watercolor print hangs there, framed in cheap bleached wood, the flowery bouquet faded into tone-on-tone. As I look at it, the image blurs into nothing. I hate waiting on what he’s going to say. I don’t want to hear him grope around for a perfectly phrased good-bye. Not now. I draw one breath and turn to face him, determined to ask him what he’s thinking. It’s better just to know. But before I can speak, his eyes lock on mine.
About the Author:
Mechelle Morrison loves language--she's always wished she could speak and write them all. She lives for chocolate, lazy summer days, spontaneously funny things . . . and family. She's sort of scared of dogs.
When she's not reading or writing or wandering the world, she can be found in her backyard in Utah with her husband, their daughter and the bevy of quail that live behind their garage.
If she didn't write she'd make stop-motion animation shorts. So she does that anyway.
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EXCERPT 4:
Kyle pulls my boots from my feet then lifts my legs, gently easing me down until I’m lying flat on my back in bed.
He stands over me, deliberating, as I relax. “I need to see what happened to you,” he says.
“No, you don’t. It’s gross.”
He leaves me long enough to close his bedroom door, locking it with a firm click. “Let me see anyway.”
I reach for the buttons on my shirt, but my fingers only twist at the mother-of-pearl. “I can’t,” I say. “It’s too embarrassing.”
Kyle roughs his hair. He walks to the other side of his bed. After a few moments he removes his shirt and tosses it for a chair. He grabs the back of his tee and with both hands, pulls it over his head. The small white scars peppering his shoulders glow in the lamplight, like ice crystals on a frosted window. He folds the tee flat and shoves it under his pillow.
His boots are next, followed by the clink of metal on metal, soft as distant bells, as he unfastens his belt. He unbuttons his jeans and takes them off one leg at a time, revealing green plaid boxers.
“Um. What are you doing?” I ask.
He snuggles into the covers then, pulling the sheet and comforter over himself. My side twinges as my body tilts toward his weight. After a bit of wriggling, his boxers and thick gray wool socks fly for the chair. “Naked communication,” he says.
Event ‘Giveaway’: The author is hosting a Release Giveaway
(2) Signed Print Copies of Painted Boots – US/Canada
(1) Swag: Ceramic mug from the author’s ‘AspenBlovesKyleT’ Etsy store (a mug with the lyrics from Kyle’s songs on it) and (1) Pair of Vintage Earrings – US/Canada
(2) eBook Copies of Painted Boots - International
US/Canada Items Code:
International Items Code:
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The Unexpected Storm by Lorhainne Eckhart
Genre: Adult contemporary romance
Synopsis:
He can have any woman, except the one he wants.
Candy McRae is barely making ends meet. She’s heartbroken and alone with her horses and baby donkey living hand to mouth on the most sought after oceanfront property. Everyone wants it, including the wealthy hunk who owns the estate next door. And when he offers to buy it she refuses. His first mistake was asking her out. His second was not meaning it. Even though he could solve all her problems, she’d rather sell to the devil himself.
Smart and sexy Neil Friessen is quite the catch. He’s not only drop dead gorgeous with a body women dream of. He’s wealthy, stubborn, arrogant and thoughtful. He attracts women, and million dollar deals, and plans to build a resort on the property next to his. He has the plans, the money, and the resources. The only thing standing between him and his sweet deal is the dark haired beauty who owns the property he wants.
But when a storm forces everyone to evacuate Candy refuses to leave her animals, and her property. But it’s Neil who shows up, Neil who rescues her. Except by the time he finds her vulnerable and hurt they can’t get out. Neil is alone with the one woman he’s always wanted. And he’ll have to choose between this dark haired beauty who fills his dreams every night, and building his million dollar resort.
Buy:
“They were gone.” Neil was soaking wet and out of breath by the time he yanked open the door and had to use both hands to pull it closed as the wind whipped around. “Candy, we’re leaving now, if we can still get out of here.”
“What do you mean, ‘They were gone’? They can’t be gone!” she yelled, and Neil watched as her face took on that pasty gray white that happened to people when they heard the most awful news. She was holding that ridiculous floppy-eared donkey in her lap, with its gangly legs, as she sat awkwardly on a stool by the door.
Of course she wasn’t going to make this easy. She was going to be difficult as all hell. He’d love to get to know this woman, and at any other time he would have enjoyed sparring a few rounds, except now was about the worst time possible. Neil took two steps toward her until he was right in her face and the donkey’s legs knocked his knees. He grabbed her shoulders and put his face inches from hers. “You listen to me: Those horses were probably damn scared, and it looks like they kicked out those flimsy stall doors. There wasn’t much there to hold them in. We have to go.”
“No. I’ll go find them....”
“No, you won’t. They’ll be miles from here by now. Candy, honey, I know you love them, but animals have a sixth sense about this kind of thing. They’ll get the hell out of here, they’ll run. You know they’re prey animals, built with a fight or flight instinct that appears to have completely missed you. We have to go. Come on. Don’t fight me on this, because I’ll make you go, and you know I can. I’m not leaving you here. Candy, I promise you we’ll find them after. I’ll help you find them!” he yelled at her.
The wind was ripping at the roof. The metal was screeching and banging, and water was dribbling through the roof as new holes seemed to pop up everywhere. Her entire ceiling now resembled a sieve. The floor was wet, and Neil could feel the way the house wanted to buckle around them. It wouldn’t be standing much longer.
A tear slipped out, and she couldn’t wipe it away. He could tell she was embarrassed, but her hands were full with that stupid, ridiculous donkey, who was looking up at Neil absolutely petrified. He could see the thing quivering.
“I have goats’ milk in the fridge for Ambrose. We’ll have to take it.”
Neil didn’t wait, yanking open the fridge door. There were five bottles of milk in the fridge, and he grabbed all of them. Spotting paper bags stuffed in a cubby, he stuffed all the bottles in. “Let’s go now. Give me the donkey.” He lifted the donkey from Candy, and it started braying and kicking. He held on tightly to it and to the paper bag he scrunched in his hand. “Can you walk?”
“Yeah, I can....”
“Hang on to me.”
She slid her hand into the crook of his arm, and Neil walked to the door. The donkey had calmed down, thankfully. He adjusted the bag in his hand so he could open the door, but he could feel the wind pounding and pushing against it.
“Don’t let go.” He glanced back for a second as she tightened her grip, pressing right up against him.
2012 was an amazing year in the publishing world for me, and it started with The Forgotten Child, which landed on the Amazon bestseller list for western romance and romance series. With the publication of each novel and short story, each one made its way to the top ten for its respective genre. 2013 has seen me posted in the top 100 authors on Amazon for romantic suspense and mystery/thrillers, police procedural.
Where did it all begin? In 2008, I published my first novel, The Captain’s Lady, a contemporary military romance, through The Wild Rose Press. This year I have a crazy writing schedule with four books scheduled for release and six short stories.
I write three genres, edgy romantic suspense (Walk the Right Road Series), western romance (Finding Love ~ The Outsider Series), and young adult mystery, and I warn my readers to expect the unexpected. I’m the mother of three children, one a special needs child. We live on a small Island in the Pacific Northwest, where I advocate for the environment and the rights of special needs children. Somewhere in my busy schedule, I do find time to write. I encourage you to contact me by email; I do answer every email I receive.
Stay tuned. There is more to come from the Walk the Right Road Series and Finding Love ~ The Outsider Series.
And to my readers and all of you who have shared my stories with your family and friends, a big heartfelt thank you.
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Okay how many of you readers are Rock and Roll fans.... Bad Boy Rockers.... Swoon worthy lost souls....Well I have a book for you then!
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I am currently reading an ARC (advance reader copy) of Escaping reality that comes out July 22, 2013 and I am in love so far. This is a must read book by a great author Lisa Renee Jones.
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Title: Tales of a 10th Grade Vampire HunterAuthor: Bill BlumeGenre: Urban Fantasy, Supernatural
Visit FABLE PRESS for more info!
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Endure (Book One of the Endure Series)
Release Date: 07/12/13
Summary from Goodreads:
Seventeen-year-old Justin's anemic blood is a blessing. Or a curse. It all depends on who you ask.
To most of the immortal Vie, his blood is a scourge: untouchable and useless. To some Vie, his blood is a drug. To Justin, it’s something that gets him in a lot of trouble. Being poisoned by a Vie is just one example. His sister getting kidnapped is another. Whether it’s being coerced by a deluded cult leader, or negotiating with Alex—an Vie scientist addicted to Anemie blood—Justin struggles to keep every mutated drop of blood he’s got.
His fight for survival gets more complicated when he meets Alex’s slave, Cara. Despite coming from different worlds, they’re both prisoners, at risk of being drained by a hungry Vie any moment. When she risks her own neck to help Justin find his sister, he's left with a terrifying choice.
Saving what's left of humanity.
Saving his sister. Saving the girl he loves.
Or sticking a stake in Alex’s chest.
Justin can't decide which option will get him killed first.
Available From:
Excerpt #1:
I hated afternoons the most. Soon after came darkness—the time when a raiding squad could literally snatch you out of bed and drain all the blood from your body. It was amazing that any Anemies survived with the extermination campaign ridding the world of us red blood cell-deficient freaks.
My gaze jumped to the pale, indifferent sky, then jittered to the uneven-edged, partially constructed biodome as I walked. Eventually, the damn thing would cover the entire city, including the river surrounding the island, and part of the ocean capping the south side. The project had been in the works since before I was born. Incredible.
I gently squeezed my sister’s hand to make sure she kept up. Sammie had a tendency to dawdle and considering we made up the last rung of the society ladder, giving in to distraction could get you hurt—or killed.
About the Author:
Laura Diamond is a board certified psychiatrist and author of all things young adult paranormal, dystopian, horror, and middle grade. Her short story, CITY OF LIGHTS AND STONE, is in the DAY OF DEMONS Anthology by Anachron Press (April 2012).
Another short story, BEGGING DEATH, is coming soon in the CARNAGE: AFTER THE END Anthology by Sirens Call Publications.
Her Young Adult Paranormal Romance novelette NEW PRIDE was published November 2012 and her novel SHIFTING PRIDE is coming December 7, 2012 from Etopia Press.
When she's not writing, she is working at the hospital, blogging at Author Laura Diamond--Lucid Dreamer (http://lbdiamond.wordpress.com/), and renovating her 225+ year old fixer-upper mansion.
She is also full-time staff member for her four cats and a Pembroke corgi named Katie.
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Excerpt #2:
A siren broke the night’s tense silence. I cringed at the growing sound.
“They’re stopping here, Justin.” Sammie huddled closer to me, trembling.
“Shhh.” I smoothed her greasy hair.
Blazes, maybe this was our time to die.
Dim outlines of the other Anemies dotted the otherwise bare room. We all crouched lower, as if curling into living meatballs would prevent the Vie from attacking us.
“I’m scared.” Her shrill voice shredded my ear drums. I covered her mouth with my hand, but she pawed me away. She hated the feeling of suffocation.
“You have to be quiet.” They could hear our whispers, but we didn’t have to attract more attention than necessary. I grimaced at the salty, dank odor of sweat emanating from my pores. They could smell us, too, even sense our decay. No wonder they hated us. Our stench. Our weakness.
Such a contrast from their perfection.
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Excerpt #3:
“I do not regret my choice to accept Vitalus, but I do long for the intensity of feelings that only come with mortal life.” Alex stroked the chair’s arm. “I can feel this fabric against my skin, but it does not invigorate me. Nor does a soft breeze, a pleasing scent, or a lilting tune. I enjoy it to some degree, but I feel like an observer and I don’t get to directly experience anything. Except the thirst for blood, of course. I need so much of it just to sustain my existence that all other thoughts are pushed aside, almost to the exclusion of living. Ironic, isn’t it?”
“Shhh.” I smoothed her greasy hair.
Blazes, maybe this was our time to die.
Dim outlines of the other Anemies dotted the otherwise bare room. We all crouched lower, as if curling into living meatballs would prevent the Vie from attacking us.
“I’m scared.” Her shrill voice shredded my ear drums. I covered her mouth with my hand, but she pawed me away. She hated the feeling of suffocation.
“You have to be quiet.” They could hear our whispers, but we didn’t have to attract more attention than necessary. I grimaced at the salty, dank odor of sweat emanating from my pores. They could smell us, too, even sense our decay. No wonder they hated us. Our stench. Our weakness.
Such a contrast from their perfection.
Book Blitz hosted by:
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Summer is the best time of year for reading. Lot's of books are released in time for people to read them on the beach and on the train and on the plane. I am one who loves summer reading because there are so many choices to choose from that it makes picking just one book to read at a time very difficult. I have recently been stalking Amazon for new reads and I have found so many great ones I would like to share them with you.
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Release Date: 08/06/13
Summary from Goodreads:
Julia Monroe is through wishing she had an older guy like her best friend Noelle does. It’s time for her to act on her desires. So when she sees sexy, twenty-three-year-old Darren McEntire eating dinner alone at the pub, she decides to make her move. The attraction between them is undeniable, and even through Julia isn’t looking for a one-night stand, she winds up back at Darren’s place the same night she meets him. Only being with him makes her realize what she’s been missing dating other guys. All she wants is Darren.
But Julia allows Darren to think she’s his age and a grad student at the nearby college. She knows she has to confess the truth, but she’s afraid to shatter what they have. Not knowing what to do, she starts the semester only to discover that her new teaching assistant is none other than Darren. With the lies out in the open and campus policy against them, Julia and Darren know the relationship should be over before it even begins. But the chemistry between them is too strong to deny.
But Julia allows Darren to think she’s his age and a grad student at the nearby college. She knows she has to confess the truth, but she’s afraid to shatter what they have. Not knowing what to do, she starts the semester only to discover that her new teaching assistant is none other than Darren. With the lies out in the open and campus policy against them, Julia and Darren know the relationship should be over before it even begins. But the chemistry between them is too strong to deny.
Can they find a way to be together or are they doomed to only see each other behind closed doors?
About the Author
New Adult and Young Adult romance author represented by Lauren Hammond of ADA Management Group. Look for her upcoming N.A. title, Romancing the R.A. (S.B. Addison Books, 2013).
Where to find Ashelyn Drake:
Where to find Ashelyn Drake:
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Epiphany by Christina Jean Michaels
Publication date: July, 2013
Genre: NA/17+ Romantic Suspense
Synopsis:
“I had my first psychic dream when I was nine. Psychic implied power, and powerful wasn’t a word I’d use to describe myself. I couldn’t foretell the future or conjure visions at will, but I couldn’t think of a more fitting word to describe what I sometimes saw in my dreams.”
For 23-year-old Mackenzie Hill, tossing her life down the garbage disposal is easy after a painful incident shatters her life. Her heart is bleeding, and moving to Watcher’s Point is a chance to start anew, only she isn’t prepared for the guy who walks out of her dreams and into the flesh. Literally . . . because she’s been dreaming about this sexy stranger for years.
Mackenzie is even less prepared to face the dark nature of her dreams. They’ve turned disturbingly gruesome, full of blood and murder, and when they begin to coincide with the media’s headlines, she and Aidan realize her visions might be the key to stopping a madman from killing again.
Only Aidan has painful secrets of his own, and perhaps the biggest danger of all is falling for him.
Goodreads:
Purchase link:
Amazon:
Excerpt #1
A half hour later, after three rounds of drinks and a dozen lurid jokes, I extracted myself and was certain four pairs of lascivious eyes were glued to my ass.
Six grabbed my arm mid-stride and gestured toward Aidan. “Talk to him. It won’t kill you, I promise.”
I wasn’t so sure about that—I’d been trying to talk to him all week, but he’d been tight-lipped. The band went to break, and I kissed my excuse to duck and hide goodbye. Six gave me a final nudge in his direction.
“How’s it going?” I asked, gripping the counter for support. His eyes answered for him. Troubled and drawn, they indicated a sleepless night. Two full shot glasses sat between his hands; three empties had already been pushed aside.
This couldn’t be a good sign.
I said the first thing that came to mind. “No costume tonight?”
“I’m not really in a festive mood.” His eyes traveled the length of my body, and the corner of his mouth crept up in a lopsided smile. “Nice hat,” he said, swaying in his seat, “but Bonnie was blond.”
“I don’t play well with hair dye or wigs. It’s a character flaw.” What had gotten into me? Talking to the opposite sex had never come so easily, especially with a man as attractive as Aidan.
Sexy. Gorgeous. Hmm . . . wonder what’s underneath those clothes?
I swallowed hard. Now who had lascivious eyes? Time to pour cement into my mind’s gutter.
“You’re right. I can’t picture you blond.” He swayed on the barstool again, and I figured he must have hit the bottle before arriving. “Where’s Clyde hiding?”
“Bonnie’s an independent woman. She’s going solo.”
“Maybe you’ll get into less trouble that way.” He downed the remaining two shots without warning. The last hit the counter with a racket. “Can you believe today is my birthday?” The scorn in his tone confused me. Most people didn’t get so bent over a birthday.
I wasn’t sure how to reply. Somehow I guessed “happy birthday” wasn’t what he wanted to hear. I silently waited, hoping he’d shed some light. Even in my dreams—where I learned of things I had no way of explaining to others—he remained a mystery.
“I’ll take another round,” he said, gesturing toward the empties. “Make them doubles.”
I swallowed hard. “You sure? You’ve had a lot already.”
He flashed that crooked smile again, and I wondered if he realized how disarming it was. “You’re worried about me?” he asked.
I hesitated. “Yeah, I am.” Way more than I wanted to admit. Tonight was Halloween, after all.
AUTHOR BIO:
Christina Jean Michaels was born in Paradise, California, but she has found the true home of her heart in Eugene, Oregon where she finds plenty of inspiration for storytelling.
When she was young, her mother said she hated words. Now she can't imagine not writing. She became an avid reader when she was thirteen and discovered the world of Sweet Valley High. About a year later she realized she could play God and write about her own characters. She has been writing in some form ever since.
She lives with her husband and their four children—three rambunctious UFC/wrestling-loving boys and one girl who steals everyone’s attention.
LINKS:
Author's Interview:
What inspired you to write Epiphany?
I'd been playing around with the idea of writing a novel for years. Actually, I'd written fan fiction for a long time, which was how I ended up hearing about National Novel Writing Month. I signed up for NaNoWriMo in 2008, never believing I'd actually write 50,000 words, and I used anything and everything for inspiration--from the people I saw on Halloween night to the crazy customers that would come into the convenience store where I worked. I plotted in my head during downtime and loaded up on 5-Hour energy shots after work in order to crank out those words. I don't think there's any one thing that inspired me to write the book, though NaNoWriMo definitely played a part in helping me to get it going.
How did you come up with the title?
I have no idea, but I like the different contextual meanings. She's psychic, and there are a slew of secrets that come out in the story, so I thought it fit.
Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Some things in Epiphany are very loosely based on real life. They planted the seed, but ultimately Epiphany became its own story entirely. I can relate to Mac when she wakes from a nightmare because I've had night terrors since I was a child. Thankfully, I don't have the burden of psychic power to add to it!
What books have most influenced your life most?
I couldn't get my hands on enough Sweet Valley High books when I was a teenager. When I switched to adult fiction, I was introduced to Sandra Brown, and later Nora Roberts. I'm a romance junkie--always have been. I think Roberts is excellent at romance, and Brown has amazing talent for really twisted plots.
More recently, I've really enjoyed new adult and even dark erotica. Kitty Thomas is my favorite in the dark erotica genre.
What book are you reading now?
At the moment, I'm not reading anything as I've been too busy, but I finished reading Unbreak Me by Lexi Ryan a couple of weeks ago. That book was AMAZING! Phew! I can't even describe the level of twisted my insides became at reading it, and I'm talking twisted in a good way. ;)
What are your current projects?
Currently, I'm in a writing slump. I have a dark erotica project I started a few months ago that I plan to publish under my other pen name, and I also need to begin writing the next book in the Legacy of Payne series. Right now, I'm spinning ideas in my head, which is my equivalent of early outlining. What I really need to do is sit down and write, NaNoWriMo style.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in Epiphany?
There's always going to be something that I find imperfect, and I do wish I'd found a way to work in one more tiny clue, but overall, I'm really happy with the way Epiphany turned out.
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I became an obsessed reader at age 13. My mom and I were homeless for a while, and I latched on to reading as a means of escape. About a year later I realized I could play God and write about my own characters.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
My OCD need to constantly edit. It really gets in the way of writing rough draft copy. If I could overcome this, I know I could finish projects a lot sooner. Ridiculously sooner!
Who designed your book cover?
I designed it. Working with digital art is another passion of mine. When I need a break from writing, I'll switch over to making book covers and web graphics.
What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Finishing it. I had a mental block when it came to Epiphany. Looking back now, I can't believe it took me that long to write the ending.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Take the time to learn from others. I work shopped Epiphany online, and as a result I feel my writing is better for it. Epiphany is a better story for it. I also made some wonderful friends. A good critique partner is invaluable--I can't stress that enough.
If you could be one of your characters, who would you chose?
This is a difficult question, as I like to torture my characters! I'd like to be in Mac's shoes for one night--or out of them because she'd be naked and between the sheets with Aidan on that night, lol.
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Thanks for your interest in Epiphany! I hope you enjoy the story. I'd also like to extend a thank-you to the bloggers for hosting me!
Excerpt #2
Something inside me cracked right along with Aidan’s expression. Everything he’d been hiding spilled from his eyes.
“Aidan . . .”
“I need a drink.” He strode away, leaving me glued to the spot where he’d trapped me. A crash resounded from the kitchen, followed by splintering glass. I willed my feet to move, ignoring the little voice of reason pointing out that maybe I should leave him be for now.
He was sweeping broken glass into a dustpan when I walked in. “Are you okay?” Instantly, I wished I could cast a net and pull back the stupid, inconsiderate question. Of course he wasn’t okay. “I’m sorry. I know you’re not . . . okay.”
“Don’t worry about it. I know what you meant.” He emptied the dustpan into the trashcan and then opened a bottle of Jack Daniel’s, all the while refusing to meet my eyes.
“Mind sharing?” I asked. If there was ever a time for drinking, it was now.
“I thought you were beyond corruptible.”
I recalled how he’d said something similar on Halloween. “You remember more about that night than you let on, don’t you?”
He pulled two tumblers from a dark cherry wood cabinet. “I remember you.” Amber liquid sloshed into both glasses as he poured, and a moment later he closed the distance between us. “Straight up?” The question sounded like a challenge.
“Sure.” I gulped down the whiskey and ignored the burn as it slid down my throat. Heat ignited low in my belly, though whether from the alcohol or Aidan’s scrutiny, I wasn’t sure.
He leaned against the kitchen sink and finished off his own drink before pouring another. “I’m sorry I blew up on you. I didn’t come here to make friends . . . to complicate things.”
“I’m a complication?”
His laughter was empty, cold as a morgue. “You’re about as complicated as they come.”
I stared at the bottom of my glass. “Why’s that?”
“You look at me as if you see right through me. It’s unsettling.”
“I don’t mean to unsettle you.”
“Consider me unsettled. Problem is, I think you’re using more than eyesight.”
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Not Pretty Enough by Jaimie Admans
Publication date: August 1st 2013
Genre: YA Contemporary
Synopsis:
“New Year’s Resolutions:
1. Lloyd Layton will know I exist. He once said three whole words to me, so this is obviously progress. If I don’t get a proper conversation out of him soon, then I’ll take my top off and streak through the cafeteria, because nobody could fail to notice these boobs.
2. I will not get expelled for streaking through the cafeteria.”
Those are the words that begin her mission.
Chessie is fourteen, not pretty enough, and very much in love. Lloyd Layton is hot, popular, and unaware of Chessie’s existence.
Her goal is clear: to get Lloyd to love her as much as she loves him, and she has exactly one year to do it.
As Chessie’s obsession with Lloyd reaches boiling point and she starts to spin a web of lies that spiral out of control, Lloyd turns out to be not quite the prince she thought he was.
Can Chessie avoid the gathering storm before things go too far?
Not Pretty Enough is a contemporary young adult comedy suitable for ages thirteen and over.
Book two in the series will be released early 2014.
Goodreads:
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Title: TORN (Connections #2)
Release date: October 1, 2013
Rock star River Wilde brought Dahlia London back from the brink of hopelessness with his unwavering love and devotion. But their entwined history is about to test the strength of that love…
Dahlia was certain she had found true love and met her ‘Once in a Lifetime’ when she reconnected with River. But Dahlia’s world comes crashing down when someone from her past resurfaces, and all of River’s carefully hidden secrets are exposed.
River wants to show Dahlia that life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass—it’s about dancing in the rain! But how many times can one broken heart be mended? Will River and Dahlia be able to face the turmoil together or will they be torn apart?
PRE-ORDER on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Torn-Connections-2-ebook/dp/B00DGZKTR0/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1373862978&sr=1-1
PRE-ORDER on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/torn/id663451524?mt=11
GOODREADS LINK: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17386062-torn
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Kim Karr
Website: http://www.authorkimkarr.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKimKarr
Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorkimkarr
Title: Connected (Connections #1)
What if a ‘Once in a Lifetime’ could happen twice?
Suffering from a past full of tragedy, Dahlia London's soul has been left completely shattered. Happily ever after is a far cry from reality in her world. But, when she is reconnected with her past, the bonds that form are irrefutable.
When River Wilde, lead singer of The Wilde Ones, comes back into Dahlia’s life, the intensity that fires their relationship combined with underlying feelings that have never died lead her to believe she has met her soulmate.
Struggling with confusion as old connections fade and new ones begin, Dahlia's grief begins to lift--but guilt remains. River wants to be the one to mend all that is torn within her.
But with a past that is never really gone, can their future survive?
*** Available for purchse at:
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/connected-kim-karr/1114883290?ean=9780698145092&isbn=9780698145092
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From The Desk Of Benjamin Janey:
I would like to take a moment to personally invite you all to change. My newly released workbook titled, Domestic Violence-The Cure is more than just a book for you to read about cases ad stories pertaining to domestic violence. It is a workbook that consist of many stages and exercises which leads to the cure.
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Domestic Violence-The Cure is a workbook that will require us to work and set up in three stages. Prevention is to know better. Intervention is to do better. Redemption is to get better. Now which of the three will you deny? Order yours today at https://www.createspace.com/4330753
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“What?!” exclaimed Winter. “Erik, what are you talking about?”
“The cops called me after I got to work,” he explained. “They said one of the neighbours had called about our house. I went back home to see for myself and—Winter, it...it was like a car went through the house!”
Erik paced as he continued his story. “The cops were still there and I asked them what had happened, but they said they didn't know; they were still investigating. They pointed out there weren't any vehicles around when they arrived, and they didn't find any skid marks or tire tracks on the road or on the lawn.”
“My word, was anyone hurt?” asked Mr. Levins, sounding concerned.
“No, thankfully,” said Erik. “Our parents are away in Greece for the month along with our younger sister; they're visiting family over there. I dropped Winter off here, then I went to work. Everything was fine when we left the house this morning...!”
Erik turned to his sister and put a hand on her shoulder.
“Winter, I'm sorry, but...the most damage was done to your rooms. The rest of the house doesn't even look like it was touched, but I can't be sure. I can't go in the house until the cops clear the scene, and when I left to come get you, they were still there.”
Winter cried out in sudden realization. “Erik, my library—my books...!”
“I know, Winter, I know,” said Erik, trying to calm her down. “I'm sorry, Sis. I've left a message for Dad to call me back on my cell, but I don't think they've even landed in Greece yet; their flight just left only this morning.”
Winter began to panic. “Erik, what about Kitters...is she OK? Did you see her?”
Kitters was Winter's cat. She found her as a stray last year, and she convinced her mother to let the cat stay in the house. Mrs. Banos didn't care for cats but had reluctantly allowed Kitters to stay, so long as Winter didn't allow her into the house too often. Usually that wasn't a problem, as Kitters was an outside cat and it wasn't uncommon for her to be gone for two or three days at a time.
“I didn't see Kitters when I was at the house,” replied Erik, “but then again, I wasn't looking for her either. I've been on the phone all morning, talking to the insurance company with the info Dad gave me before they left. I still don't know what I'm going to tell him or Mom. I don't even know what happened...!”
Winter dejectedly sank down into a chair and looked up at her brother. Despite her own fears about her rooms, she knew how Erik must have felt. Something had gone wrong the moment their parents left him in charge, and Erik was likely believing this was somehow all his fault.
“We're very sorry to hear this,” consoled Mrs. Banyon, handing Winter's cellphone back to her. “Is there anything we can do?”
“I'll need to take Winter home so she can try to salvage her things,” said Erik, gently rubbing his sister's shoulder. “Then we'll go to a hotel, or maybe to my dad's office in Toronto. Then all we can do is wait for them to come home.”
“Of course, we understand completely,” said Mr. Levins. “Winter, just let us know when you're able to come back to school. I'll have Ms. Cornber keep some reference notes for you. You can catch up when you return.”
“Thank you,” Winter said quietly.
“Come on, Sis...let's go home.” Erik picked up Winter's knapsack and walked her outside to his work truck. It was a deep-blue pick-up truck with the words BANOS CONSTRUCTION stencilled on each side, along with the business phone number. Erik opened the passenger-side door for his sister, then got in on the driver's side. Together, they drove off towards the Banos' family home.
Winter sat in shock as Erik drove. She was incredibly anxious to get home to see what had happened to her rooms. On impulse, Winter pulled out her cell and began to text Kendra.
Can't meet for lunch. Left school.
- What happened?
Erik came to school to get me. Trouble at home.
- Trouble? What kind?
House has been damaged. My rooms may be toast.
- OMG! I'm so sorry! What happened?
Don't know. We're still twenty minutes away.
- Call me.
Winter paused before answering Kendra's text.
Not up for talking right now. I'll let ya know what happens.
- K.
Ttyl.
- K. Make sure you call me.
Winter put her phone away and sat there in silence. She was thinking mostly about Kitters, hoping nothing had happened to her. Winter also hoped her rooms and books were OK, especially her favourite book. She leaned her head against the window and watched the view zoom past as they made their way home.
Suddenly, Winter was startled as they passed a man standing by the side of the road. She tried to get a better look at him in the side mirror but he was already gone. Winter was sure it was the same man in the black suit who had been watching her school earlier that day.
Confused, she sat back and looked straight ahead, only to see them pass someone else, this time on the opposite side of the road. Winter got a better look this time, and now she knew she was right. It was the man in the black suit—but how had he gotten ahead of them?
Then something else caught Winter's eye, and she looked out her window again. She swore she saw...something...moving through the trees that lined the road. She wasn't sure but she thought it might have been an animal—an animal with reddish-brown fur. When she looked again, it had vanished.
Her brother couldn't help but notice her odd behaviour. “Winter, are you alright...?”
“I thought I saw something...in the trees, Erik...and there was this man—”
“What man?”
“A man wearing a black suit; I saw him outside the school today. Then, just a few minutes ago, I thought I saw him again...twice...”
“What do you mean 'twice'...?”
“We passed him twice, Erik...I'm sure of it...”
“You can't pass someone on the road twice, Sis—not unless they're Superman...”
“I know that, Erik...I'm just telling you what I saw...”
Erik sighed. “I know you're upset, Sis—we'll be home soon, OK?”
Winter didn't answer and stayed quiet for the rest of the drive. It wasn't too long before they turned into a familiar driveway.
The Banos family lived in a sprawling bungalow, located near the Forks-of-the-Credit. Trees from a nearby forest lined the spacious backyard, and their nearest neighbour was about a kilometre away. In the distance, Winter could easily see the ridge lines of the Niagara Escarpment.
As Erik parked the truck, Winter could only stare—one side of the large family home was destroyed. It was as if an enormous wrecking ball had torn straight through the walls from front to back. The roof had collapsed over the wreckage, and Winter gasped as she saw which rooms had sustained the most damage. One room had been her bedroom, and the other was her library and study room. Both were covered with fallen debris from the roof and attic.
Just as Erik mentioned earlier, the rest of the house appeared untouched, except for the back deck, and their mother's flower garden which surrounded the house. Both were torn up and shredded, as if a football team had repeatedly trampled through them. Winter couldn't imagine what could have done this to her home.
Winter bolted out the truck cab as soon as Erik stopped the vehicle. She heard her brother call to her as she ran towards the lopsided house, but she didn't stop. She had to inspect her rooms—especially her library. There was one book in particular she needed to find. As Winter approached the ruined house, she looked around for Kitters, but the cat was nowhere in sight.
Winter gingerly stepped over layers of broken wood, shingles, and concrete, as she made her way towards what was left of her rooms. It was even worse than she thought; her bedroom was gone, there was virtually nothing left of it. Her bed, her computer, her dressers, her stereo; everything she owned was in a million pieces. It was a miracle the floor of the room was still intact; it still felt stable enough to walk on. Winter continued to move about carefully, picking through the wreckage. She was shocked to find most of her clothing looked as if it had been pulled from the closet and slashed with a long knife.
Winter then stumbled over to what was left of her personal library. All the books she had collected over the years were still there, but were now buried, battered, and torn. Winter began to sift gently through the debris, as Erik came running up from behind her.
“Winter, be careful!” he warned. “What do you think you're doing?”
“I have to find it, Erik! I have to see if it's OK...!” exclaimed Winter, holding back tears. Winter had long believed herself to be a strong person, and not someone prone to falling apart over nothing. Now, with her possessions ruined and Kitters missing, she was having a hard time keeping her emotions in check.
“Find what?” Erik asked her, but he already knew the answer. Winter was looking for the old story-book their grandmother had given her before she died, late last year. Winter had received many books from their grandmother over the years, but the old story-book had always been Winter's favourite.
Erik was about to protest again when Winter squealed with glee. She had found the book, hidden underneath a crumpled bookshelf. The book was titled The Children's Book of Fairies and Folklore, and it was still in surprisingly good shape; just a bit dirty from being buried. Winter pulled the book out and hugged it tightly, then she looked up at her brother and smiled, her eyes now on the verge of tears.
“Come on you,” he said, smiling back. “Let's get you to a hotel while we wait for Mom and Dad to call back. It's not safe to be rummaging about here just now; the floor could still cave in.”
“What about waiting at Dad's office, like you said?” asked Winter, still hugging the old story-book.
“No good,” said Erik, helping her up. “I just remembered; he had new locks installed before he and Mom left for vacation, and he hasn't made me a set of keys yet. Besides, his office is all the way in Toronto by Harbourfront, and I don't much feel like heading down there.”
“OK, a hotel it is then.” Winter paused. “Erik...I still have to find Kitters.” She looked around as she clumsily put the old book in her knapsack.
“Don't worry, Sis; Kitters will turn up,” said Erik. “She's an outdoor cat, after all...she'll be OK. We'll come back and look for her this afternoon once I've talked to Mom and Dad. That cat's probably not even anywhere near the house.”
“OK,” said Winter as she walked back to the truck with her brother. Then she stopped short and tilted her head. “Wait a sec, Erik...listen—you hear that?”
Erik stopped and heard exactly what his sister was talking about; it was the sound of a cat meowing very loudly, and it was coming from the woods behind the house. They both turned around and sure enough, there was Kitters; a bright-orange tabby cat, sitting at the edge of the trees about a hundred metres away, mewling at the top of her lungs.
“Kitters!” yelled Winter excitedly. The young woman promptly broke into a run and headed straight for the woods, knapsack still draped around her shoulder. Erik was about to follow and then stopped himself; he knew from experience there was no way he could catch up with her, not once Winter had a head start. She could always outrun him, even when they were kids. He had no choice but to indulge his sister to gather up the cat while he waited for her.
Moments later when Winter reached the edge of the trees, she watched as the cat reared up suddenly, then quickly bolt into the deep thick forest. Winter couldn't blame Kitters; the cat had to be spooked after what happened to the house. Still, Winter wasn't about to let the cat get away from her now.
She looked up and saw the clear sky had turned grey. Storm clouds were gathering in the distance. Knowing it would soon rain and determined not to lose her cat, Winter left Erik behind and followed Kitters into the dense forest.
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