Thursday, March 6, 2014

Cover reveal for JLA

It's Time!! The STONE COLD TOUCH cover is here!

We cannot wait to share the cover for Jennifer L. Armentrout's STONE COLD TOUCH with you all! STONE COLD TOUCH is a young adult paranormal romance by Jennifer L. Armentrout and is the second full-length novel in The Dark Elements Series being published by Harlequin Teen. You'll want to add this to your TBR pile ASAP. Check out this amazing cover! Cold Stone Touch   Isn't it awesome?! You can Pre-order it right now!

**Amazon** **Barnes & Noble** **iTunes** **Kobo**

STONE COLD TOUCH Synopsis: Every touch has its price Layla Shaw is trying to pick up the pieces of her shattered life—no easy task for a seventeen-year-old who’s pretty sure things can’t get worse. Her impossibly gorgeous best friend, Zayne, is forever off-limits thanks to the mysterious powers of her soul-stealing kiss. The Warden clan that has always protected her is suddenly keeping dangerous secrets. And she can barely think about Roth, the wickedly hot demon prince who understood her in ways no one else could. But sometimes rock bottom is only the beginning. Because suddenly Layla’s powers begin to evolve, and she’s offered a tantalizing taste of what has always been forbidden. Then, when she least expects it, Roth returns, bringing news that could change her world forever. She’s finally getting what she always wanted, but with hell literally breaking loose and the body count adding up, the price may be higher than Layla is willing to pay… "Constantly entertaining...the narrative sizzles with as much tension as romance." Kirkus Reviews on White Hot Kiss
And...Don't forget to check out the first book in The Dark Elements Series,

WHITE HOT KISS!

White Hot Kiss ABOUT WHITE HOT KISS: One kiss could be the last. Seventeen-year-old Layla just wants to be normal. But with a kiss that kills anything with a soul, she's anything but normal. Half demon, half gargoyle, Layla has abilities no one else possesses. Raised among the Wardens—a race of gargoyles tasked with hunting demons and keeping humanity safe—Layla tries to fit in, but that means hiding her own dark side from those she loves the most. Especially Zayne, the swoon-worthy, incredibly gorgeous and completely off-limits Warden she's crushed on since forever. Then she meets Roth—a tattooed, sinfully hot demon who claims to know all her secrets. Layla knows she should stay away, but she's not sure she wants to—especially when that whole no-kissing thing isn't an issue, considering Roth has no soul. But when Layla discovers she's the reason for the violent demon uprising, trusting Roth could not only ruin her chances with Zayne…it could brand her a traitor to her family. Worse yet, it could become a one-way ticket to the end of the world.

**Amazon** **Barnes and Noble** **BAM** **iBooks** **IndieBound** **Kobo** **Walmart**

  Author PhotoAbout Jennifer L. Armentrout: # 1 NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki. Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her Covenant Series has been optioned for TV. She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

The Dark Elements Series Website

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Jennifer L. Armentrout Goodreads

STONE COLD TOUCH Goodreads

WHITE HOT KISS Goodreads

Friday, December 20, 2013

Exciting J. Lynn news!!

As the subject line suggests, I have some exciting news regarding the lovely and talented J. Lynn/Jennifer L. Armentrout! You probably know that her next book BE WITH ME will be coming out on February 4th. You also probably know it’s the official sequel to WAIT FOR YOU and it features Teresa (Cam’s sister) and Jase (Cam’s best friend). But what you most likely don’t know is that in the print version only you will find an exclusive never-before-seen scene between Teresa and Jase that won’t exist in the e-book version. That’s right, if you can get your hands on a print copy of BE WITH ME, you will be privy to a super exclusive scene you can’t get anywhere else! =D

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Molly McAdams

NEEDING HER- Molly McAdams Prank-Tacular Blog Tour Post
 
WHO IS THE REAL MOLLY McADAMS?
Molly McAdams is pulling a prank on the internet to celebrate the release of her prank-tastic novella, Needing Her, on 12/23! For eight days until Needing Her goes on-sale, the internet will be brimming with New Adult celebs like J. Lynn, Jay Crownover, Sophie Jordan, and more—all pretending to be the REAL Molly McAdams. All have filled out the same Q&A, so it’s up to the fans to guess which one is the real Molly! Each day, a new Q&A will go live on a variety of blogs, and if you guess who’s answering the questions in the comments, you could win a fabulous gift basket, including books from all the participating authors, as well as a prank “starter-kit,” for your own practical jokes. Here are the participants:
 
Molly McAdams
J. Lynn
Monica Murphy
Lisa DesRochers
Jay Crownover
Sophie Jordan
Nichole Chase
Blogger Yara Santos of Once Upon A Twilight
 
So see if you can guess who’s who by commenting, and you’ll be entered to win a lavish prize basket. And check all the other participating blogs until 12/23 to see if you can pick out the REAL Molly McAdams. Identities will be revealed, and the winner will be announced on 12/24, on these blogs as well as on the Between the Covers FB page.
 
12/16—Molly McAdams Pretender #1
 
Favorite food?
Tacos
 
Favorite color?
Gray
 
Favorite band and / or favorite song?
The Drive By Truckers/ Song right now is Blue Mountains by The Diamond Rugs
 
How do you come up with your book ideas?
I have a lot of crazy floating around in my head...they just sort of come to me
 
What’s the best prank you’ve ever played on someone?
I'm not really a prankster and I hate being on the receiving end of a prank. I will hurt someone!
 
What’s your fascination with cops and detectives?
They're hot! and they carry guys and arrest bad guys...what's not to like about a hot cop?
 
What’s the thing you love most about Needing Her?
Maci's super awesome red hair on the cover!! And who don’t love a brother's best friend love story..le swoon
 
 
 
Needing Her:
A fabulous, fun, and sexy New Adult novella from New York Times bestselling author Molly McAdams. If you loved Connor in From Ashes, this is the story for you.
 
She's the girl next door
Maci Price isn't really into relationships. Having four very protective older brothers has always made having a boyfriend very difficult anyway. But her friend is set on finding her the right guy—and thinks the mysterious Connor Green is the perfect pick.
 
He's her brother's best friend
Connor Green is trying to find himself again. He loved, then lost, and it's time for him to pick up the pieces. His brooding is making his friends crazy, but Maci, who has grown up into a gorgeous and incredibly sexy woman, is about to break the spell.
 
They're made for each other
When Maci starts up old pranks to get Connor out of his slump, an all-out war leads to a night that will break all their rules … and a relationship they must keep hidden. Together they're electric. Apart they're safe. And soon they'll each find that they're exactly what the other needs.
 
 
Buy Links:
 
 
Participating Blogs:
 


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Will Read For Books       
 
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Monday, December 16, 2013

Out of Control Banner


Laughing, I took her hand and led her to the kitchen. She grabbed a slice of pizza and hopped up onto the counter where I had set her when I was making her breakfast. I caught a glimpse of her panties as my t-shirt lifted slightly. She took a big bite. “Mmmm.” Yeah, that’s exactly what I was thinking, but not about the pizza. “Greasy enough for ya?” I asked as I grabbed a slice and hopped up on the counter across from her. “Oh, yeah,” she said, swinging her bare, sexy legs. She tipped her head back and held the slice above her mouth. The cheese dangled from the corner of the slice, and as she lowered it down into her mouth, I fidgeted. She chewed slowly with her eyes closed, savoring it. Her lips parted, allowing her tongue to lick the sauce from them. Pizza had just become my favorite food. Out of Control Cover
Title: Out of Control Series: Losing Control book 2 Author: Desiree Wilder Publication Date: September 14, 2013 Publisher: Limitless Publishing, LLC
**Mature Content Warning** Recommended for ages 17+ due to language and sexual content.
Gia's fantasy about having a wild sexual encounter with a man who craves her has been fulfilled. Now she must face her own demons if she wants to hold onto him...
Gia begins to open up to Ethan about her troubled past and failed marriage. As a result she is finding out how fulfilling slow and easy can be. However, just as she's beginning to feel comfortable enough to share some of her secrets, something unexpected happens, her past begins to resurface. A past with a dark road, one with secrets so disturbing she'd rather be alone than have to face them again.
Ethan finally got to meet the woman he'd been fantasizing about for the last ten years and gave her the most carnal sexual experience she'd ever had...
Ethan reveals his secret to Gia about watching her go in and out of 'The Lock' every summer for the last ten years. He also comes clean about who he is. Now if she'd only do the same and be honest with him about who she truly is. He wants something more; he wants to build something real together. Gia surprises him by showing him how passionate fast and hard can be, but just as things are going as he'd hoped, Ethan realizes it may not be that simple. Gia needs to face her past...
Will Gia shut him out completely? Or will she finally let him see the real her?
Goodreads App Icon amazon app icon
_________________________________________________________
Gia and Ethan’s Playlist
Poison – Talk Dirty To Me
Tesla – What You Give
Pat Benatar – All Fired Up
Whitesnake – Slow An’ Easy
Def Leppard – Lets Get Rocked
AC/DC – You Shook Me All Night Long
Mötley CrĂĽe – Kickstart My Heart
Trixter – Only Young Once
Ratt – Round And Round
Joan Jett & The Blackhearts – I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll
Cinderella – Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone)
Skid Row – I Remember You
_________________________________________________________
“Do you want some more wine, Gia?” Ethan asked from the kitchen.
“Are you trying to get me drunk?” I asked him, grinning to myself.
“I don’t know, should I be?” Now he was looking down at me from the back of the couch, smiling.
“I don’t know,” I said shaking my head. “I get pretty horny when I get drunk.”
“You mean, hornier than you usually are?” He held up his hand, which was already holding a bottle of wine. “I gotta see this.” He filled my glass all the way to the rim.
_________________________________________________________
jeans ??????????????????
(click the covers for the buy link)
Total Control (Book 3) COMING SOON
Gia’s finally had a taste of what her life could be like with Ethan, and boy what a taste he was, but can she face the demons she’s pushed down so deep, that even she forgot how ugly they were, and live that life with him… As Gia takes the first steps to finding herself again after years of depression and guilt, she feels hopeful. Ethan is everything she’s ever wanted, and more. He’s allowed her to open up and be herself for the first time in a long time. He’s also awakened her sexually, but maybe too much. Can she harness the want to explore, the need to experiment, long enough to return to Ethan’s arms and accept all that he so desperately wants to give her, or will she succumb to the temptations which always seem to be licking at her, like flames from a dangerous fire? Just as she thinks she’s got it all under control, the ugly truth pays her a surprise visit. Ethan finally has everything he’s ever wanted. A successful business, a strong team, and a budding relationship with Gia, the woman of his dreams, but can he hold onto her long enough to show her that he’s the man of hers… As much as Ethan hates to be separated from Gia, he knows how much she needs the treatment she decides to ensue. He loves her sexual appetite and willingness to please and be pleased, but he wants so much more, he wants all of her, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Can he set aside his fear and jealous tendencies long enough to receive them from her, and when he’s faced with the ugly, will he be able to handle the heartbreaking truth, or will it be more than he bargained for?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Desiree Wilder- author image
Desiree Wilder was born in South Dakota and grew up in a small town where she thrived in school and developed a love for reading and writing. Her younger days were filled hanging out with her older brother and younger sister riding bikes, playing board games and watching General Hospital. As a teen she became less interested in learning academics and became more interested in learning how to get into mischief without getting caught. As an adult, Desiree loves cooking, shopping, reading, concert-going, camping and spending time with her crazy yet supportive family. She’d rather take the dirt road and crank up some eighty’s rock or some good ‘ol Hank Jr. than the paved fast track.
Just recently she started writing and something inside her came alive. It fulfilled her and unexpectedly took over what had become a robotic daily routine. She is a hopeless romantic and believes in love at first sight. Nowadays you can catch her doing ‘research’ for her next book at a concert or getting inspired for her next leading man in the romantic comedy section!
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Synopsis **Mature Content Warning** Recommended for ages 17+ due to language and sexual content. Gia's fantasy about having a wild sexual encounter with a man who craves her has been fulfilled. Now she must face her own demons if she wants to hold onto him... Gia begins to open up to Ethan about her troubled past and failed marriage. As a result she is finding out how fulfilling slow and easy can be. However, just as she's beginning to feel comfortable enough to share some of her secrets, something unexpected happens, her past begins to resurface. A past with a dark road, one with secrets so disturbing she'd rather be alone than have to face them again. Ethan finally got to meet the woman he'd been fantasizing about for the last ten years and gave her the most carnal sexual experience she'd ever had... Ethan reveals his secret to Gia about watching her go in and out of 'The Lock' every summer for the last ten years. He also comes clean about who he is. Now if she'd only do the same and be honest with him about who she truly is. He wants something more; he wants to build something real together. Gia surprises him by showing him how passionate fast and hard can be, but just as things are going as he'd hoped, Ethan realizes it may not be that simple. Gia needs to face her past... Will Gia shut him out completely? Or will she finally let him see the real her? Excerpt #1 Laughing, I took her hand and led her to the kitchen. She grabbed a slice of pizza and hopped up onto the counter where I had set her when I was making her breakfast. I caught a glimpse of her panties as my t-shirt lifted slightly. She took a big bite. “Mmmm.” Yeah, that’s exactly what I was thinking, but not about the pizza. “Greasy enough for ya?” I asked as I grabbed a slice and hopped up on the counter across from her. “Oh, yeah,” she said, swinging her bare, sexy legs. She tipped her head back and held the slice above her mouth. The cheese dangled from the corner of the slice, and as she lowered it down into her mouth, I fidgeted. She chewed slowly with her eyes closed, savoring it. Her lips parted, allowing her tongue to lick the sauce from them. Pizza had just become my favorite food. Excerpt #2 “Do you want some more wine, Gia?” Ethan asked from the kitchen. “Are you trying to get me drunk?” I asked him, grinning to myself. “I don’t know, should I be?” Now he was looking down at me from the back of the couch, smiling. “I don’t know,” I said shaking my head. “I get pretty horny when I get drunk.” “You mean, hornier than you usually are?” He held up his hand, which was already holding a bottle of wine. “I gotta see this.” He filled my glass all the way to the rim. Gia and Ethan’s Playlist Poison – Talk Dirty To Me Tesla – What You Give Pat Benatar – All Fired Up Whitesnake – Slow An’ Easy Def Leppard – Lets Get Rocked AC/DC – You Shook Me All Night Long Mötley Crüe – Kickstart My Heart Trixter – Only Young Once Ratt – Round And Round Joan Jett & The Blackhearts – I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll Cinderella – Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone) Skid Row – I Remember You Amazon Out of Control: http://www.amazon.com/Out-Control-Losing-Book-ebook/dp/B00F7Q97W4/ Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18310713-out-of-control Amazon Losing Control: http://www.amazon.com/Losing-Control-Book-ebook/dp/B00E9JLXH2 Amazon Total Control: http://www.amazon.com/Desiree-Wilder/e/B00EA1N2MI Teaser for Total Control (Book #3) “Gia’s husband really missed out, didn’t he? There he was, with a beautiful wife who cared more about his wants and needs than her own, yet he couldn’t even make love to her the way she wanted.” He lifted my chin and kissed my lips. “I know what you want.” He kissed my neck. “I know what you need.” He lifted my shirt off. “I know what you like.” He kissed my breasts. “I know what you love,” he whispered in my ear. I got goose bumps and my nipples hardened. Yes, he knew all those things about me. He knew better than anyone. Synopsis for Total Control (Book #3) Gia’s finally had a taste of what her life could be like with Ethan, and boy what a taste he was, but can she face the demons she’s pushed down so deep, that even she forgot how ugly they were, and live that life with him… As Gia takes the first steps to finding herself again after years of depression and guilt, she feels hopeful. Ethan is everything she’s ever wanted, and more. He’s allowed her to open up and be herself for the first time in a long time. He’s also awakened her sexually, but maybe too much. Can she harness the want to explore, the need to experiment, long enough to return to Ethan’s arms and accept all that he so desperately wants to give her, or will she succumb to the temptations which always seem to be licking at her, like flames from a dangerous fire? Just as she thinks she’s got it all under control, the ugly truth pays her a surprise visit. Ethan finally has everything he’s ever wanted. A successful business, a strong team, and a budding relationship with Gia, the woman of his dreams, but can he hold onto her long enough to show her that he’s the man of hers… As much as Ethan hates to be separated from Gia, he knows how much she needs the treatment she decides to ensue. He loves her sexual appetite and willingness to please and be pleased, but he wants so much more, he wants all of her, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Can he set aside his fear and jealous tendencies long enough to receive them from her, and when he’s faced with the ugly, will he be able to handle the heartbreaking truth, or will it be more than he bargained for? About the Author Desiree Wilder was born in South Dakota and grew up in a small town where she thrived in school and developed a love for reading and writing. Her younger days were filled hanging out with her older brother and younger sister riding bikes, playing board games and watching General Hospital. As a teen she became less interested in learning academics and became more interested in learning how to get into mischief without getting caught. As an adult, Desiree loves cooking, shopping, reading, concert-going, camping and spending time with her crazy yet supportive family. She’d rather take the dirt road and crank up some eighty’s rock or some good ‘ol Hank Jr. than the paved fast track. Just recently she started writing and something inside her came alive. It fulfilled her and unexpectedly took over what had become a robotic daily routine. She is a hopeless romantic and believes in love at first sight. Nowadays you can catch her doing ‘research’ for her next book at a concert or getting inspired for her next leading man in the romantic comedy section! Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7144062.Desiree_Wilder Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/desiree.wilder.56 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DesireeWilder12 Video

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Cruel Beauty

One of the many many many books Im reading right now...
 
 
When I saw this cover my automatic response was...
 


Isn't that cover gorgeous.? I love it so much.!
 





If you are looking for an intense, passionate love so wrong it is right, a story about losing your way but clawing desperately at any chance to find your way back, about hanging on to your last shred of sanity and trusting someone enough to let go of your fears, look no further. No One's Angel's angel is a New Adult (NA) Contemporary Romance about a girl learning to fight back and a boy learning to let go. 

Tess used to spend more hours than she'd care to admit playing her favorite computer game, using the nickname Angel. She could pretend her life was different, and she could pretend Arion was just a friend. But a girl needs more to keep her warm at night than pixels, and she traded her virtual heaven for a real-life hell. Now she's on the run from a past she won't talk about, and the only place she has to go is the doorstep of the friend she's never actually met. 

 When Angel disappeared from their nightly games, it nearly destroyed Arion. He threw himself into work and women, but he can't help knowing the one-night stands will never compare to the angel who haunts his dreams. At first, when she shows up soaking wet and scared-shitless on his doorstep, he thinks his prayers have been answered. 

 But the more Arion tries to keep Angel close, the more her fear drives her away. If they are ever going to have a chance for a future, they'll first have to deal with the past that hasn't forgotten her any more than she's forgotten it--and Arion will have to learn how to let her go.


CONTENT WARNING: Due to adult sexual situations and language, this novel may not be appropriate for readers under 18.
Excerpt
Arion reaches for my hand but catches only air. I freeze. And then Ishiver. Without the warmth of the blankets, I remember I'm not wearing anything but his shirt, and given the look he's giving me now, I'm not the only one who's noticed. That expression I can read just fine. "You aren't going anywhere, Angel." I suck in a sharp breath, hearing his words in someone else's voice. 
But I did. I'm here. I left. 
My eyes dart around the room like a moth fluttering against a light.  My pile of clothes, which should have been by the door, is missing. 
"Did you take my clothes?" The tightening in my chest makes my words breathless. I try to tell myself not to panic, but that's like telling a dog not to wag its tail. Acknowledging it only makes it worse. I gulp for more air as my head starts to spin. 
"Would only seem fair. After all, you took mine." His tone is tense, but beneath it I can hear his familiar teasing. I try to tell myself I don't have to be afraid. This is Arion. The one person I trust. I know him. 
But I don't, and to tell myself otherwise is a lie. 
If he wants his freaking shirt he can have it. I've got to get out of here. My fingers begin undoing the buttons without me really thinking about it, and then I'm shrugging my shoulders free. 
His eyes go from warm pools of interest to sexy oceans of desire in the time it takes me to remember I don't even have a bra on. 
I manage to catch the shirt just before it falls away from my hips, and I quickly wrap it around me, covering myself. I tilt my chin toward him defiantly, daring him to say or do anything even as I want to beg him to let me go. At the same time I want to beg him to pull me close. My emotion is a giant see-saw, and I'm tottering on the edge with him in the middle. If he takes one step toward me, it will tip the balance.


About Kelly Walker

6546134

Kelly Walker is a YA and NA author of several romantic titles, including the Souls of the Stones series. She has an unhealthy appreciation for chocolate, and a soft spot for rescued animals. Her best lessons on writing came from a lifetime of reading. She loves the fantastical, and the magical, and believes a captivating romance can be the most realistic magic of all. Kelly, her husband and her two children share their Virginia home with three dogs who walk her, and two cats who permit her to occasionally share their couch.


Deep Blue Secret is Book 1 of the Water Keepers series

A sweet, mysterious teen romance with a refreshing fantasy twist.

California teen Sadie James thinks her life couldn't get any better. She has great friends, an energetic mother she adores, and the beach practically in her own backyard. 

But her carefree life is turned upside down when she's rescued by a mysterious and strangely familiar boy who won't even tell her his name. Each time the boy appears, Sadie's unexplainable attraction to him deepens along with her need to unravel his secrets. 

The boy is there to protect her, but as wonderful and exciting as it might be to have an irresistible boy with crystal green eyes protecting her every move, every minute of the day...why does Sadie need one? As Sadie finds answers, she realizes her life isn't as perfect as she thought. Not only is she caught in a world of dangerous secret agents she never knew existed, but it turns out her true identity may be the greatest secret of all.

Check out the first chapter
THE EYES

I tossed my school bag to the back seat of my run-down Honda. The car was a hand-me-down from my mom when she upgraded to a new one last year. It had been super reliable for how old it was, but the radio didn't work. That was a major bummer. But not even a broken radio could bring me down on such a beautiful, sunshiny day.

I toggled through the menu on my MP3 player until I found the perfect song for my upbeat mood. My earphones blasted as I drove down the street, admiring the cloudless Newport Beach sky, wisps of hair circling my neck from the breeze through the open window.
It was usually in the sixties this time of year, but I heard it was going to hit eighty this week; pretty nice for November. I could feel the extra warmth already. The sunshine gave me an extra burst of energy, making an already good day seem even better.
It took maybe five minutes to drive to my high school. Traffic lined the web of Southern California freeways every day, but I rarely ventured out that far. I had everything I needed right here in my own little corner of the world.
My poor old car buzzed into the student lot at the back of the school, and I circled around the corner to find a parking spot. Normal teenager clunker-cars, just like mine, studded the rows, but they were interspersed among the typical mix of new convertibles, sports cars, and SUV’s. I wasn't embarrassed by my car; I was glad to even have one. And it wasn’t like anyone gave me a hard time for driving it.
As I pulled into a parking space and turned off the engine, a slow, melancholy song played in my ears. Without thinking twice, I grabbed the headphones and yanked them off immediately. I thought I had removed all the sad stuff a few weeks ago. This day was too cheerful and bright to listen to something so blah.
Plus, I was sort of developing a fear of love songs over the last couple months. I’d always enjoyed all kinds of music, but I’d been having some crazy emotional reactions to it lately. And music wasn’t the only problem. A couple of weeks ago, I felt completely depressed for hours after reading a scene in a book—totally out of character for me. My life was way too great to be sad and moping around for no reason at all.
It was probably just teenage hormones going haywire.
I waved at a few kids I knew talking by their cars and continued to the outdoor quad area covered in grass and leafy trees. It was already full of my classmates, and I greeted a few more as I crossed the sidewalk.
Then I saw him. Justin Crane.
My head darted down and away, hoping he wouldn’t notice me from across the path. It wasn’t like I made a habit of avoiding people at school, but I’d been on a few dates with Justin earlier this year and they didn’t exactly turn out the way I had hoped.
I thought…what was the harm, you know? Maybe it could be fun. But that totally backfired on me. The truth was, I was hesitant to go with him in the first place, but saying no just seemed too…mean.
I should’ve listened to my instincts. Once Justin got the first yes, he couldn’t be stopped. He pursued me like crazy, almost obnoxiously. And his hands really had a problem with wandering. I tried to tell him I only wanted to be friends, but he just wasn’t willing to take no for an answer. The guy had some serious determination; I had to give him that. But it got to the point where I had to be outright rude, and I didn’t like that.
The last week or two it seemed like Justin was finally backing off, but I wasn’t about to give him a chance to change his mind. I hurried through the double glass doors of the school building at the end of the sidewalk and let out a sigh of relief. Justin Crane was safely out of view.
When I approached my locker, I glanced around the hallway to see if Heather was nearby. She was my best friend. We had first period together, so she always came to meet me before class.
When I spotted Heather from across the hall, her lean physique approached my direction with purpose, holding her phone to her ear. That wasn’t an unusual sight; Heather would probably choose to have her phone surgically attached to the side of her head if it was possible—as long as it was also considered fashionable of course. I had a cell phone too—I mean, who didn’t—but mine seemed like a piece of junk compared to hers.
I’d known Heather since second grade, so I was totally comfortable around her, and I spent more time with her than anyone else, besides my mom of course. But, I had a feeling Heather could be a little intimidating to some people. I was a decent height at five feet five inches, but Heather beat me by at least four more inches. And it wasn’t just her height. Even in a crowd, Heather had a way of making sure she was noticed, but not in a bad way. At least, I didn’t think so.
Heather and I had a lot in common, yet somehow we were nothing alike. Maybe that was why we worked so well together. Either way, we'd been friends a long time.
Heather slid the phone in her designer bag and sprung up beside me.
“Hey, Sade!” she said, her face animated, like she had a juicy secret to share. Heather used the mirror in my locker to check her long platinum hair for any imperfections. “So I was just talking to Lindsey,” she went on, “and you will never guess what she said.”
“What?” I asked.
Suddenly, Heather was pulling me down through the crowded corridor of students. Some looked like they were modeling for a designer clothing catalog, kind of like Heather, while the majority were dressed in flip-flops and shorts like they just stepped foot off the beach.
Heather stopped around a quiet corner and brought her perfectly made-up face close to mine, lowering her voice. “I don’t know if I’m supposed to say anything, so you totally didn’t hear this from me.”
“Okay…” I said, confused but intrigued.
“Lindsey heard that, Nick,” she said the name with emphasis, “Christensen, like, has a thing for you, and wants to ask you out on a date or something.” She paused dramatically, waiting for my response.
That was the big news? I did like going on dates—or at least I thought I did—but I wasn’t sure I was ready to deal with another boy just yet. Nick Christensen was definitely cute, there was no question about that, but what if he turned out to be just like Justin Crane? I wasn’t sure if I should be excited about this or cringe and run away.
Hello?” Heather said. “Did you not just hear me? Nick Christensen wants to hook up with you.”
It took me a second, but I finally responded. “Nick likes me?” I said. “Um, that’s…good, I guess. I mean, he seems like a nice guy.”
Heather clutched my arm, dragging me forward with agitation. “He seems nice? He’s only, like, one of the most gorgeous guys at our school. Seriously, Sadie, could you be any more clueless when it comes to guys? You have boys lining up to drool at your feet and you’re completely oblivious.”
I stopped. “What? No I don’t. And by the way, you get asked out on dates too.”
“Not by guys like Nick Christensen. You could at least try to appreciate how lucky you are.”
I thought about it a second. Maybe Heather had a point. I was lucky to get asked on dates at all, so I should be more excited. I didn’t want to come off as a jerk or something. And there was no way that all the boys in our school could be as bad as Justin Crane, right?
“Wait, so Nick Christensen really wants to ask me out?” I said, trying to mimic Heather’s enthusiasm. “I mean, he is pretty cute. I guess a date with him sounds like fun.”
“Of course it does,” Heather said, like I was ridiculous for thinking otherwise. “He’s totally hot.”
We entered the classroom and sat in our usual seats. Mr. Rivera lectured and scribbled illegibly on the white board as my chin sunk deeper into the palm of my hand. Math first thing in the morning was a bit of a challenge. My mind wandered.
The depressing song I heard in the car started playing through my mind, the chorus repeating in my head over and over again. It was annoying. I should’ve listened to something more cheerful before I turned it off. I straightened in my seat and tried to focus. Even math sounded better right now than that stupid song.
During break I went back to my locker and grabbed a bag of baby carrots. I tossed one in my mouth, but it was bigger than I expected and I struggled to chew as I shut the locker with my elbow.
I almost choked. Nick Christensen was standing right in front of me.
“Oh,” I said, surprised. I threw my hand to my face, covering my mouth full of food, chewing as fast as possible. I practically swallowed the carrot whole.
Nick ran a hand through his chestnut hair, eyes shifting to the floor. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to sneak up on you.”
I tried to smile, hoping I didn’t have any food stuck in my teeth. “It’s okay. You just surprised me.”
I usually didn't get super nervous around boys, at least not in the past, but all of a sudden, I felt strangely uncomfortable.
Nick paused. “So, I was just wondering if maybe you wanted to hang out with me this Saturday?” He fidgeted with a strap on his backpack in this cute, almost endearing sort of way—which was probably the exact opposite thing that Justin Crane would have been doing if I was talking to him right now. It made me feel somehow at ease again. Nick seemed like a really nice guy, and Heather was right…he was pretty nice to look at, too.
But then I remembered I already had plans with my mom that day. My eyebrows wrinkled apologetically. “This Saturday? Actually, I can’t. I told my mom I would help her paint our living room.”
Nick looked away, blue eyes full of disappointment. “Oh. That’s okay.”
I immediately felt bad. I didn’t want him to think I made up some excuse not to go. I really did have plans. Each week my mom had just one or two nights off from the hospital where she worked. That was really our only time to see each other, so we started girls’ night. It had become our weekly tradition. We’d usually do stuff like get take-out and watch chick flicks, but this time my overly-energetic mother talked me into another do-it-yourself project. At least this time it wouldn’t require tearing down any walls.
I wasn’t that excited about painting in the first place, and with Nick looking way cuter than I realized before, I was starting to regret making plans with my mom. But instead of becoming bitter at my mother’s ambition, I quickly thought of a solution that would work for everyone.
The smile returned to my face. “Well, school’s closed Friday for Veteran’s Day. I don’t have plans if you want to do something then.”
“Sure!” Nick’s face brightened. “My uncle works at Disneyland and he could get us in, but that’s kind of an all-day thing, so I don’t know if you would be interested.”
I didn’t have to think about it. “Totally,” I said, touching his arm. “That sounds like fun.”
I loved Disneyland. Growing up in the area, I used to go all the time, but I hadn’t been in a while. That would be something to look forward to.
“Okay,” he said. “I’ll come pick you up Friday morning. Would nine work?”
I nodded. “Nine sounds good.”
There was an awkward pause in our conversation. It looked like Nick wanted to say something but couldn’t push out the words. He laughed nervously and scratched his head but still came up with nothing.
“Well…I probably should get to class,” I finally said. “I guess I’ll see you Friday?”
Nick nodded, wearing a semi-goofy grin as I turned to walk away. Without thinking, I found myself glancing back with a flirty wave goodbye. It couldn’t hurt to be a little flirty, right? Nick seemed completely harmless compared to Justin Crane.
Thanks to Nick, I was suddenly in an extra great mood. Even though the whole dating thing secretly freaked me out a little, it still felt good to know that someone like him was interested in me. I just hoped Nick would be okay with just hanging out and having fun together. I wasn’t interested in dealing with the stress of taking things to the next level. The last thing I wanted was to end up like my mom—deserted and alone.
I was in such a good mood that even Chemistry wasn’t that bad today. And when I sat down for lunch next to Heather at our usual outdoor table, I was genuinely excited to tell her about my date.
But before I could even say hello, Heather reached for my arm with raised brows and practically sang as she said, “I heard that somebody has a date this weekend…”
I laughed. “How is it possible that you already know that?”
“Oh please,” Heather said. “You do remember who you’re talking to, right?”
The next thing I knew, Heather was making an announcement to everyone at our table of the news. Nicole, Lindsey, and an entire table full of girls squealed and clapped in unison, causing curious glances from around the lunch area.
After everyone took turns expressing their jealousy and wishing me luck on my date, Heather retold the story of her first kiss on the It’s a Small World ride at Disneyland when she was a freshman. She and Lindsey both agreed that this would be a good opportunity for me to finally do the same, especially with Nick Christensen.
Kissing did sound like a lot of fun. Heather had done a lot of kissing since that boat ride and she never ceased to tell me about it. But I didn’t want to just do it for the fun of it. I wanted it to mean something.
I mulled over the idea. Maybe I was building it up to be something bigger than it needed to be. What if, once I finally tried it, it would be a huge disappointment because I made too big a deal out of it? Should I just kiss Nick Christensen on Friday and get the whole thing over with? It might be fun. But, it didn’t seem like a decision I could make in one lunch period. I had to at least get to know the guy before I decided, right? It could wait until Friday.
I left our table to make my usual social rounds, hopping from one group of friends to the next to hang out and chat for a few minutes. I was like my mom in that way. She was friendly and talkative with everyone she met.
At least, I was like that most of the time, especially at school, but lately it felt like I was living a double life. I didn't always enjoy socializing like I used to. There were times I could be in a crowd full of friends and feel utterly alone. When I had the random episodes of depression triggered by music or emotions, it was even worse. Then I was definitely not in the mood to socialize.
But there was no problem today. I was my happy, carefree self, enjoying the laughter and company of friends.
I was still in high spirits when the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch. The only classes I had left for the day were my two favorites this semester, Spanish and Photography. As I moved cheerfully down the path outside, I noticed my friend Ariana from the other side of the quad. Her parents were originally from the Dominican Republic, but they moved here from New York a few years ago.
Ariana jumped up and down with a huge smile when she saw me. I loved her enthusiasm. She was one of the most energetic girls at our school. Next thing I knew, she was bounding across the grass in my direction, her curly black hair bouncing back and forth around her face.
“Sadie!” she called happily as she skipped up next to me. When she reached my side, Ariana pulled a handful of my wavy blonde strands in the air and let them fall through her fingers back to my shoulder. “I love your hair today, chica.”
“Thanks,” I said. “That’s a cute shirt.”
Ariana looked down at herself, as if trying to remember what she was wearing, and giggled. “Oh, thanks, it’s new. So I brought you that CD I was telling you about.”
Ariana was always putting together CD's with new music for me to try; mostly salsa type music that I would have a hard time finding on my own. Despite how well I was doing in my Spanish class, I couldn't understand most of the words in the songs, but the beats were infectious.
Ariana rummaged through her backpack and handed me a plastic case.
“Cool,” I said, sliding it atop the Spanish textbook in my arm. “I’m excited to listen to it when I get home.”
“Make sure you listen to track two,” Ariana said with animation. “That’s so totally my favorite this week.”
I started to nod, but a small jolt from behind interrupted my response as somebody bumped into me. I glanced up, taken off guard.
A boy in dark clothes muttered a quick sorry under his breath and continued walking, turning his face only partially towards me. I could’ve sworn a glint of light caught his eye, causing a stream of little green sparkles.
A slight tingling sensation shivered up my arm and I looked down at it instinctively. There was a silvery film with iridescent swirls shimmering just below my elbow. I tried to touch it, but it disappeared. I wasn’t sure if I had imagined it. Maybe the sunlight was playing tricks on my eyes.
My thoughts flew back to the intriguing boy that bumped my arm, but I couldn't see him anymore. He seemed oddly familiar, like something was pulling me after him, drawing me towards him.
“Who was that?” I wondered aloud.
 Ariana shrugged. “I have no idea.”
Suddenly, I felt the strangest desire to follow after the mystery person.
“Hey, I have to get going,” I said to Ariana, moving away in a daze.
I wandered quickly through the crowd of students, searching their faces for the boy with the sparkling, familiar eyes. I had no idea why the eyes seemed so familiar, but I felt an unmistakable need to find them. I was sure I followed right in the direction where the boy had hurried away, but it was no use. It was like he had disappeared without a trace. The mysterious green eyes were nowhere to be seen.
 
About Christie Anderson



CHRISTIE ANDERSON grew up in Southern California and goes back to visit every year. She is a graduate of Brigham Young University and recently moved to Colorado with her husband. Visit her Web site at www.christieanderson.org
Twisted (Deathwind Trilogy #1) will be released on December 15, 2013.
Twisted (Deathwind Trilogy #1) is a spin off from The Destroyers Series
Sixteen-year-old Allie isn’t like other girls. Instead of spending her summer break sitting around on the beach, she takes the epic vacation of a lifetime.
Tornado chasing.
And she’s not disappointed. Just a few miles from the town of Evansburg, Nebraska, Allie meets her dream of seeing a tornado. In person. She can’t wait to tell her friends back home. Never mind that her parents are going to kill her.
But her dream soon turns into a nightmare, and a strange event leaves her shocked. Confused. When she returns home to Wisconsin, something’s…different. Allie now bears a curse so awful, it could destroy everyone and everything she’s ever known.
With her best friend, Tommy, Allie must return to the plains to find a way to reverse it. She enters a world that she had never imagined, where she becomes a pawn in a fight to save the people of Evansburg from her fate…or to destroy them.
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About Holly Hook
4114641 Holly Hook is the author of the Destroyers Series, which consists of five young adult books about teens who are walking disasters…literally. She is also the author of the Rita Morse series, a young adult fantasy series still in progress, and After These Messages, a short ya comedy. Currently she is writing Twisted, a spin-off of the Destroyers Series due out in December. When not writing, she enjoys reading books for teens, especially ya fantasy and paranormal series with a unique twist. Website Facebook Twitter Goodreads

Wednesday, November 13, 2013



Life as a mermaid can be suffocating.


Sometimes following your heart can end up destroying the ones you love.
When seventeen-year-old Eviana Dumahl is faced with the responsibility of an arranged marriage and clan leadership, she is forced to choose between the life required of a mermaid and one of a teenage girl simply infatuated with the wrong guy. Kain, her devoted fiancĂ© would make a wonderful husband except that she’s been in love with Brendan, a shape-shifting selkie, ever since they were kids. Choosing to abandon her family, her clan, and her life with Kain will have dire consequences far beyond anything she could have imagined.
A war is brewing amongst the clans and Eviana unwittingly becomes a pawn in the intricate schemes of a twisted mastermind. With Brendan’s life on the line, she has no choice but to involve those who she once considered friends. Amidst encountering senseless tragedies and immense loss, Eviana discovers that she is more valuable as a clan leader than anyone ever suspected. Her survival is not only dependent upon the loyalty of her friends, but also on her acceptance of a life that she had so adamantly tried to escape.
Promises is the first book of The Syrenka Series trilogy following Eviana and her friends through the perils of growing up in a discrete world that inherently threatens human society.



About Amber Garr

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Amber Garr spends her days as a scientist and nights writing about other worlds. Born in Pennsylvania, she lives in Maryland with her husband and their furry kids. Her childhood imaginary friend was a witch, Halloween is sacred, and she is certain that she has a supernatural sense of smell. Amber is a multiple Royal Palm Literary Award winner, author of Waterproof, The Syrenka Series, The Leila Marx Novels, and the upcoming Death Warden Series. When not obsessing over the unknown, she can be found dancing, reading, or enjoying a good movie.