Fake Fiance Real Revenge by Roxanne Snopek

About the Author:

Roxanne gives mostly 5 star reviews because she has a short attention span and only reads books that hook her quickly and hold her attention. Fortunately, she has many smart, literate friends who advise her when a book is worth a little extra time.

Before she was a novelist, Roxanne was an award-winning freelance writer of everything from corporate profiles to newsletter content to magazine articles, to personal essays and other stuff she can't remember. She grew up in Saskatchewan, spent a bit of time in Ontario and now lives in British Columbia with her family and numerous pets.

Where to Stalk Roxanne:

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~ Website 

Blurb:

This cowboy doesn't know what he's in for...

Real-estate tycoon Mitchell Granger has a problem. In order to secure a lucrative deal with an eccentric client, he told the teeny white lie that he was engaged...and now he needs to prove it. Even worse? The only name that came to mind was Sabrina Becker, the girl he was never good enough for growing up up, and who still lives near his family ranch.

Sabrina doesn't mind posing as Mitch's fake fiancée -no, she doesn't mind at all. One, she'll make him pay with new construction for her business. And two, Sabrina's got a plan to exact revenge on her first love, the boy who left her and Three River Ranch behind. She'll pretend so well, he'll fall in love with her...and then he'll get a taste of what true heartbreak feels like.

But as Mitch sheds his corporate skin and picks up his dusty jeans and cowboy hat, will both his and Sabrina's grand plans get derailed by love?

***This book is the third in the series, but can be read as a standalone novel.***

What readers have said about her previous books...

"...not just a romance, it's one of those healing kinds that's ridiculously satisfying when it ends." -Rhianna RhiReading

"...kept me thoroughly entertained from the first page to the last...a love story that anyone who likes romance should not miss" -Janna Shay, Fair Play 

Where to Buy the Book:

B&N ~ Amazon ~ Kobo

My Review:

I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about this book with reading the blurb. I will say that I was pleasantly and happily surprised that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I liked it so much that I got the first two and I'm pretty excited for the fourth one to come out. I found myself laughing at a lot of scenes throughout this book and this book got me thinking about a long ago crush of mine that I wish that somehow fate would have brought us back together.

This story starts out with Mitch trying to attain a new client; Della Fontaine. And let me tell you Della is a snarky sneaky and crazy speaks her mind kind of "old" woman. She cracks me up for most of the book. However, if Mitch lands this job for her then it opens his company up to new clients and sets him up for life. So the deal is pretty HUGE. Della tries to hook Mitch up with her step-daughter Paris, so instead of seeing her for the night or somehow being polite about the whole situation, what does Mitch do? Oh, it's very nice to meet you and I'd love to take you out sometime, however I'm engaged. Ohhh and not just to any girl, ohhh no, he says that he's engaged to Sabrina, his ex-girlfriend from way back when who he pretty much left when he left home. And of course Della can't leave things alone....so ohhh let's go meet the woman your engaged to. YEY road trip.....or flight trip. Ohhh and did I mention that Mitch and his brother aren't exactly on the best of terms so this should be a great return trip home.

Mitch makes sure when he gets back he talks to Sabrina about what slip of the tongue happened and pretty much bribes her. If she will help him pull this off he will help with her business/clinic and help expand it, which she truly needs funds for. For Sabrina she is all for this idea because she wants to get revenge on Mitch. Her thought process is, No, she thought. I want you to be sorry. He looked so sincere. Stupid Y chromosome.
Men, as she knew only too well, were simple creatures when it came to communication. What women intended as subtlety, men interpreted as passive-aggressive. Women recognized the slightest twitch of a lip but a man didn't notice something was wrong until a girl spouted horns and a tail. Which is when they accuse us of overreacting."

So Mitch and Sabrina begin this "fake engagement" and I find the whole situation comical because both Mitch and Sabrina still have feelings for each other. And Sabrina plays her role up amazingly....almost too amazingly. Add Della to the mix and awkwardness and funny odd sharings begin. However, the best part of this whole relationship is when Mitch tells Bliss (who is like a mother to him and has been on the ranch for forever). Bliss is a woman to be reckoned with. She reminds me of my grandmother and one of those women who do not put up with crap and see right into your soul the to heart of things and ohhh they know when you're lying. One quote that stuck out to me that Bliss told Mitch was, "If I see that girl shed one single tear because of you, a plague of biblical proportions will descend upon your head." See not someone you want to mess with. 

And of course watching Mitch interact with his brother Carson is.....interesting. These two really kind of struggle with a relationship and if it wasn't for Carson's wife Rory they may not even have the struggling relationship that they have. I love that Carson is completely involved with saving Mustangs and rescuing them. The horses part of this book is really amazing and I love it!!! This book just makes me want to pick up and move out west and start over at a ranch and meet me some real authentic kind of cowboy and fall happily in love. 

Another memorable moment is when Sabrina is helping a mother give birth to her baby and Mitch happens to drop by and ahhh poor dad isn't doing all that well with the birth. "What's happening?" the father said, blinking. "Looks like you're having a baby, Dan Gardener." Mitch punched him in the shoulder. "Congratulations! Now, on your feet soldier. Your woman needs you." heheh I find this funny. 

Anyways back to Mitch and Sabrina. So these two pull off being a couple quite well, so well in fact that the two of them are confused about whats real and what's fake. And that is what the book answers for the reader. Will Mitch and Sabrina actually become a couple? Will Sabrina confess her heart to Mitch and tell him that she was playing him to start? Let's say they do get together....who is going to live where? It's not like they live in the same city. What about Della. Why did she really want this trip? What's up her sleeve...sneaky sneaky woman. And of course what will the towns people say? I want to give you so much more, but I want you to find out so many things from reading this. There are so many questions that need to be answered. And this book truly is a great short romantic weekend read. I definitely recommend this book. 

Soul Fire

Cover Reveal: Daughter of Isis (Descendants of Isis, #1) by Kelsey Ketch

About the Author:

During her high school years, Kelsey Ketch could always be found tucked away in a little corner of the hall or classroom, writing her fantasy worlds and creating illustrations and maps. Today is no different, except now she's writing in the break room at her office building or at the tables of the Barnes and Noble Café in Cary, North Carolina. She is also an avid reader, a part-time book blogger at Ketch's Book Nook, and lives with her two orange tabbies and awesome and humorous flat-mate. Daughter of Isis is her debut novel.


Where to Stalk Kelsey:

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~ Website 


Blurb:

"Her mouth parted slightly, waiting for Seth to breathe life into her own body, just like in the story. She wanted him to awaken her senses."

Their worlds collide in California's high desert.

The last thing Natara "Natti" Stone wants to do is start anew at Setemple High School. She wished she had never left London. Yet the brutal murder of her maternal grandmother has made her life very complicated. The only clue related to her murder is an ancient, encrypted necklace Natti discovered after her grandmother's death. And if trying to adjust to American life is not enough, Natti is being stalked by a mysterious, charming high school senior, Seth O'Keef, who is annoyingly persistent in his attempts at seduction.

Seth O'Keefe is secretly a member of the Sons of Set, an order that worships the Egyptian god of chaos. Seth's blessing from Set, his "charm," never failed, except with one person: Natti Stone. Her ability to elude him infatuates and infuriates him, and he becomes obsessed with the chase. But the closer he gets to her, the more his emotions take a dangerous turn, and he risks breaking one of the most valued covenants of his order. The punishment for which is a fate worse than death.

The adventure this unlikely couple becomes engulfed in could cost them their lives and their souls.

Information About the Book:

Goodreads

Excerpt:

There was a crash and a loud gasping moan. She turned to the door next to her and stepped into the room. Her eyes widened as two entangled bodies jumped in the dark; the light shining from the hall streamed over the couple. She recognized the tall, copper haired upperclassman from the parking lot; the boy who had sent her the enchanting smile. Now he was completely shirtless, his fly clearly unzipped, and a brunette held tight in his arms. The girl glared at Natti. She struggled a little against the boy’s grasp, trying to cover herself with her bra. 

Natti blinked in complete shock. “Okay.” She finally glanced at the empty room. “This is obviously not American Literature.”

“No duh!” the brunette snapped.

The young man smiled and turned to the girl in his arms. The brunette’s cold demeanor melted away once her eyes met his. He stroked her cheek, sending visible shivers through her body. Natti rolled her eyes, ready to gag.

“Now, now, Charlotte.” The honey-sweet voice made Natti freeze when she was just turning to leave. It gave her a dizzy feeling; a fog creeping at the back of her mind. “We shouldn’t be rude to our guest.” The boy’s eyes traveled Natti’s curves again. His grin widened. “Perhaps she’d like to join us. Maybe we can all get to know each other a little better.”

He motioned Natti to come inside. She unconsciously took a step forward; a strange force compelled her to join them. Her hands were reaching to pull her shirt off. It was as if she was no longer in control.

What the hell . . . ? Natti shook her head, finding the strength to resist through a familiar heavy sensation that rested against her chest. It was one she often got when someone lied to her. She was born with it. A gift, her grandmother called it, which could tell her when something wasn’t right. And as much as her body suddenly wanted to be next to the boy, feeling the skin of his lean, muscular chest, her gift was telling her something was off. His intentions were not pure.

She lowered her hands to her side, taking a step back into the hall. “Sorry.” She shook her head. “I don’t do threesomes.”

***Book to be released October 26, 2013***

Cover Reveal: Then, Now, Forever (Heartbeat #2) by Teodora Kostova

About the Author:

Teodora lives in London with her husband Ted and her son Jason. She's been writing ever since she can remember, but it became her full time job in 2010 when she decided that everything else she's tried bored

her to death and she had to do what she's always wanted to do, but never had the guts to fully embrace it. She's been a journalist, an editor, a personal assistant and an interior designer among other things, but as soon as the novelty of the new, exciting job wears off, she always goes back to writing. Being twitching, impatient, loud and hasty are not qualities that helps a writer, because she has to sit alone, preferably still, and write for most of the day, but she absolutely loves it. It's the only time that she's truly at peace and the only thing she can do for more than ten minutes at a time - her son has a bigger attention span than she does.

When she's procrastinating, she likes to go to the gym, cook Italian meals (and eat them), read, listen to rock music, watch indie movies and True Blood re-runs. Or, in the worst case scenario, get beaten at every Wii game by a five year old.

Where to Stalk Teodora:

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Series Blog ~ Goodreads ~ Blog ~ In a Heartbeat Goodreads

Blurb:

Then

Gia had let Beppe into her life so easily, as if it was the most natural thing in the world. She'd held him when he'd hurt so badly he'd thought he might die; she'd talked him down when he'd been so angry he'd considered doing something he'd regret for the rest of his life.

Gia had saved his life.

At least once he needed to be strong for her.

This right now, this moment, was theirs. It belonged to them, not to abusive or dead fathers, not to guilt, regret or sorrow, not to the past of the future.

But will their love survive when tragedy separates them?

"I have to go, Gia. I'm tired and I feel empty. I know you need me, but I have nothing left to give you. I need to heal."

"I miss you so much it's hard to breathe."

Now

Beppe was still Gia's closest friend. But they'd never be anything more than that again. Remembering what it felt like to have the person you love most in the world be torn away from you still hurt. Gia was determined never to be put into that position again.

There was never lack of love, but can Beppe win Gia's trust again?

Forever

"When I was broken you gave me pieces of yourself and made me whole again."

Add to Goodreads 

***Now even though this is the second book in the series, the books can be viewed as stand alone reads.***


Blurb for In A Heartbeat (Heartbeat #1):

Stella

"I've been in and out of hospitals for the past ten months. I've had half my liver removed and even though this time the doctors are very optimistic that they've removed all of the tumors, they can't be sure. In another three months they want me here again for a check up. Right now I feel better than I've ever felt. I know the damn thing is gone, at least for the moment. Despite that, I can't make any plans for the future, not yet. I need to go somewhere where nobody knows me, where I can relax and maybe even forget about all this. Where I can meet people who don't think of me as the girl who lost her father and her brother in a car accident, and who has cancer. I want to have fun, even if it's for a couple of months."

When Stella decides to visit her estranged cousin Lisa in Genoa, she has no idea Italy will give her a new reason to live.

Max

"Her gaze locked on a scene so beautiful, the picturesque beach paled in comparison. A lifeguard emerged from the water, his orange trunks stuck to his legs and water dripping all over him. He shook his head to get rid of some of the water in his hair and Stella felt as if everything started developing in slow motion -tiny drops of water slid from his neck down his broad chest and muscular arms, along a weaving tattoo on his right shoulder, and continued downwards towards his chest and washboard stomach, finally getting lost in the waistband of his trunks. A part of another tattoo peeked over his trunks on his left hip, the other part hidden under them. It was a total Baywatch moment."

Their love is epic. But there are too many things keeping them apart.

"How could you keep this from me, Lisa? If you had told me the first day I met him, I would have avoided him like the plague. Nothing would have happened between us."

"I kept your secrets, too, Stella."

Are Max and Stella strong enough to fight not only for their love, but for their lives?

Where to Buy:

Amazon UK ~ Amazon US ~ Smashwords

Announcement for Emily Snow

Read Devoured? Wonder what happened AFTER Lucas leaves Sienna in Atlanta? How Kylie and Wyatt's story ends? Want more of Lucas's POV? It's coming soon in a FREE weekly serial on Emily Snow's blog!! YEY!!!!!


Blurb:

Lucas Wolfe has come close to happiness with Sienna, not once but twice. And both times he's lost her because of his own fears. This time, he can't let her go so easily -not now that he realizes that the one woman who said "no" is the one he's in love with. Sienna is good for his music, and his life, and he's determined to show her that she belongs with him.

No matter what the consequences.

Absorbed is a FREE weekly mini-serial written in Lucas's POV. It takes place between the end of Devoured: Chapter 19 (the Atlanta chapter) and the very start of Consumed, and will be published on Emily Snow's blog and website from August 16 through September 13. Consumed will be released in eBook format from Touchstone Books on September 17 and in paperback in November.



Join the Consumed Pre-Order Campaign!

Have you pre-ordered Consumed? Email the following email address: Consumedbyemilysnow@gmail.com

and get automatically entered to win Your Toxic Sequel and Devoured swag, character naming rights, and super secret prize.

The pre-order campaign is open to EVERYONE who has pre-ordered Consumed -whether it was five minutes ago or five months ago. If you can't find your receipt and you pre-ordered via Amazon, go to the Consumed order page on Amazon.com. At the top of the page there's an Instant Order Update. Click on it and it will take you to the order summary that you'll need to take a screen print of. If you pre-order via Barnes and Noble, go to Order Status at the top of that website's page. You'll be able to find the Consumed pre-order by searching through the Order History. Once you locate the order summary, take a screen print and shoot and email to the address above!

And good luck!!!!

Where to Buy Consumed:

Amazon ~ B&N

And for a Limited Time, Grab Savor You for 99 Pennies!

Blurb:

Authors Note: Savor You takes place during the events of Devoured.

Kylie Wolfe and bassist Wyatt McCrae have been bad for each other for the last several years, but it's impossible for them to end their toxic push and pull. Not when their attraction is constantly fueled by lust and

proximity -she's her older brother's Lucas's assistant and Wyatt is his best friend and band mate.

So when Your Toxic Sequel makes a move to record a new album in Nashville, Kylie decides to make the latest break with Wyatt official by getting the hell out of town. She'll spend a week in New Orleans. A week to immerse herself in the Mardi Gras scene. One week to not think about the last time she was in New Orleans, seven years ago with Wyatt. Seven days where she won't have to see Wyatt every day just to fall ridiculously in love with him all over again -where, if she wants to, she can have a normal, no-strings attached fling that won't end in heartbreak.

Too bad Wyatt ruins everything by showing up, as gorgeous and demanding and awful for her as ever.

Wyatt refuses to let Kylie give up on him. Not without reminding her why they both fell so far and hard in the first place. Not without reminding her why they both fell so far and hard in the first place. Not without making her savor the good memories and what could be their last chance with each other.

Savor You Buy Links:

Amazon ~ B&N ~ Kobo

About the Author:

Emily Snow is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Devoured series (October 2012, January 2013) and Tidal (December 2012). She loves books, sexy bad boys, and really loud rock music, so naturally, she writes stories about all three.

Where to Stalk Emily:

Blog ~ Website ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~ Facebook

***First serial post will  be next Friday August 16th***

Cover Reveal: Destiny by Cindy Ray Hale

About the Author:

Cindy Ray Hale lives in Murfreesboro, Tennessee with her husband and four children. In addition to being a writer, she's an avid reader and social media junkie. She starts her morning by writing with a freshly-blended berry spinach smoothie next to her. She's obsessed with Les Misérables, playing the piano, and stalking up-and-coming musicians on YouTube. When she's not writing, she's singing. Like the characters in her book, she sang in the elite choir in high school. She went on to join the choir in college. She's a member of her church choir today and belts her favorite songs while she folds laundry and does dishes. Her kids could tell all about it.

Her Destiny books are very near to her heart because they were heavily influenced by her own life. She's Mormon and attended a Baptist school for seven years where she faced the same intolerance Destiny faces in the series. Several scenes from the story were written word-for-word from her own life experiences. While her life hasn't been completely miserable, she's still seen her fair share of trials. Her motto is: "When times get tough, throw your head back and laugh." Destiny is her first novel and is Book One of the Destiny Trilogy.

Where to Stalk Cindy:

Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Website ~ Blog ~ Google +

Blurb:

Destiny Clark, a young Mormon girl living in Tennessee, is wildly infatuated with Isaac Robinson, the headmaster's son at her Baptist high school. When they're cast together in the school's production of Les

Misérables, Destiny is horrified to find that she has to be publicly humiliated by acting out her true feelings of rejection onstage.

As their rehearsals begin, Destiny realizes the unimaginable: Isaac has developed deep feelings for her despite their religious differences and the fact that he has a girlfriend. But will they be able to find their place amongst the backbiters of their ultra-conservative world?

Weaving around Destiny and Isaac's alternating viewpoints, Destiny is the first book in a series inspired by the characters of Les Misérables and explores heartbreak, self-discovery, intolerance, and love.


****Destiny will be available for purchase November 2013 on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, and Kobo. It will also be released as a paperback and an ebook.

The title of the next book in the Destiny Trilogy is Synchrony and will be available for purchase next year.****


Excerpt:

“This is my favorite place to come when I need to think,” I said. The remaining light was orange as it filtered through the autumn foliage onto the hammock below.

“It’s very peaceful,” Isaac said. “I can see why you like it.” He scrutinized me, his facial muscles fighting to find the appropriate expression. Confusion, worry…interest? Each battled for control of his features. “It must be really hard for you and your family, being the only Mormons at a school full of Baptists.”

I blinked in surprise. I really wasn’t expecting this kind of sympathy from the headmaster’s son. I imagined that Dr. Robinson had been filling his mind with lies about Mormons since he was a small boy—especially after our family converted. There was a lot of anti-Mormon talk going around during that time, and Dr. Robinson wasn’t the only person educating the congregation on what he thought we believed. Mormons weren’t the only ones spoken against either. I’d heard similar words regarding Catholics, Muslims, Wiccans, Seventh-Day Adventists, and Jehovah’s Witnesses.

“I’m surprised that you even care,” I whispered.

“I know it may seem that way because of how my dad doesn’t agree with your church, but I don’t necessarily feel the same way. The more he tries to convince me that there’s something wrong with you, the more I want to learn about what you believe.”

I blinked in surprise. These were the last words I’d ever expected to hear coming from Isaac’s lips. “I—I don’t know what to say.”

He smiled, eyes softening as they traveled across my face. “You know,” he whispered as he reached a hand up and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, “even covered in mud, sticks, and dust, you are absolutely breathtaking.” I needed to tell him to stop, that this wasn’t right, but I stood immobile.

“I haven’t stopped thinking about you since our practice. When you sang with me, I felt so connected to you. I’ve hardly been able to sleep.”

We stood face-to-face. His chocolate eyes so warm, my heart beating so fast it was about to explode. How many times had I hoped for this moment? I never in a million years had imagined that such words would come out of Isaac’s mouth. That perfectly beautiful mouth. This was unreal, beyond my wildest daydreams. It was so hard to fight the desire to be with him. All my most unreachable dreams were suddenly, so unbelievably, about to come true.

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal: Spin My Love by Chantal Fernando

About the Author:

Chantal Fernando is 26, mother of three beautiful little boys and lives in Western Australia.

Chase is her debut novel, followed by Kade, Ryder & James.

She is currently working on 'Spin My Love' a new adult contemporary romance, along with a few other projects.

Where to Stalk Chantal:

Facebook ~ Goodreads

Blurb:

World renowned DJ Tane Miller returns to his hometown after leaving when he was eighteen and never looking back. When he runs into his beloved childhood friend Giselle, his life takes a turn he could never have anticipated.

Giselle Reece has been in love with Tane ever since she can remember. After learning her lesson the hard way, she realizes that Tane isn't the man she once thought he was. When he re-enters her life, desperate to make amends, Giselle needs to decide whether she can let down her guard and forgive the man she once adored, or is it time to finally let go?

Tane must now fight for what he wants, even though he isn't sure he deserves it. The only question is, will it be enough? Or is it too late for him to redeem himself?


Spin My Love on Goodreads


Giveaway:


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Release Day Launch: A Tale of Two Centuries by Rachel Harris

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh I'm so EXCITED for this book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE Rachel Harris and her books!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There's so much information and AWESOMENESS in this blog that I'm bouncing up and down with giddiness. There is a blurb about the book, an excerpt, and an exclusive deleted scene. Epppp!!!!


******ALSO PLEASE NOTE******

As per the awesomeness that is Rachel Harris if you order a copy of A Tale of Two Centuries this week and forward your receipt to Rachelharris1@gmail.com you will receive exclusive swag including an Austin trading card, a ticket to Alessandra's play, and a signed bookplate! And yes, ebook orders count!! YEY!!!!!!!!!!!!


About the Author:

Rachel Harris grew up in New Orleans, where she watched soap operas with her grandmother and

stayed up late sneak reading her mama's favorite romance novels. Now a Cajun cowgirl living in Houston, she still stays up way too late reading her favorite romances, only now, she can do so

openly. She firmly believes life's problems can be solved with a hot, powdered-sugar-coated beignet or a thick slice of king cake, and that screaming at strangers for cheap, plastic beads is acceptable behavior in certain situations.

When not typing furiously or flipping pages in an enthralling romance, she homeschools her two beautiful girls and watches reality television with her amazing husband. Taste The Heat is her adult romance debut. She's the author of My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century and A Tale of Two Centuries. She loves hearing from readers!

Where to Stalk Rachel:

Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads   



Blurb:

Alessandra D'Angeli is in need of an adventure. Tired of her sixteenth-century life in Italy and homesick for her time-traveling cousin. Cat, who visited her for a magical week and dazzled her with tales of the future, Alessandra is lost. Until the stars hear her plea.

One mystical spell later, Alessandra appears on Cat's Beverly Hills doorstep five hundred years in the future. Surrounded by confusing gadgets, scary transportation, and scandalous clothing. Less is hesitant to live the life of a twenty-first century teen...until she meets the infuriating -and infuriatingly handsome -surfer Austin Michaels. Austin challenges everything she believes in...and introduces her to a world filled with possibility.

With the clock ticking. Less knows she must live every moment of her modern life while she still can. But how will she return to the drab life of her past when the future is what holds everything she's come to love?

Where to Find the Book:

Amazon ~ B&N ~ Goodreads



Excerpt:

Without stopping or even slowing his stride, he grabs a map from a vendor and flips it open. "So Lethal Xperience is at the back of the park. We'll hit that first and then make our way up to the front."

He seems unaware that the length of his legs far exceeds my own. As I frantically attempted to match his stride, I must pant or wheeze because he finally looks down at me, no doubt pink-faced and wide-eyed both from the sensory overload surrounding us and my huffing at a near jog to stay beside him. He grins. "Try to keep up, Short Stuff."

I grit my teeth with determination and somehow keep myself from muttering. Yes, Master. But the thought still makes me smile. Cat must be rubbing off.

We pass a circular ride filled with fake horses going up and down. Giggling and drooling children clap their adorable hands from their belted saddles while a spirited tune blares overhead. Just past this is a miniature roller coaster made to look like a giant, happy centipede. The child in the front seat waves to his mother as the cart dips, and his squeal of job tails behind him. It's too bad that not all roller coasters can be five feet tall.

Then I get a wicked idea.

Austin believes I am a child, naive and boring, and, it would seem, without any humor. This second challenge is supposed to be about fun, and nothing -not even the lead role in a prestigious play with a crowd of a thousand -will give more joy than turning the tables on him, even if only for a moment.

Looking back at the children's ride, I grab Austin's elbow and say innocently, "Is this not the roller coaster you are looking for?"

He stops rather abruptly and peers at me through squinted eyes. "You know, it's like you look normal..." He trails off and shakes his head. He points a long tan finger at the centipede ride and in a tone dripping with condescension explains, "Less, Arthropod Picnic is a kiddie ride. It's made for pint-size ankle-biters ages three and under."

I try my best to look disappointed. I do everything I can to contain my mounting delight. But after no more than a few brief moments, I let forth a victorious giggle.

Realization dawns on his face. "You think you're funny, huh?"

When I nod, he chuckles. He leans back on his heels and lets his gaze travel over my body. Humor dissipates as my skin prickles to life. On Austin's slow ascent back up, he pauses to look at me in the eye and an emotion crosses his face. It's so fleeting -gone and there in an instant -that I cannot catch it.

"So, you think you're ready to play at the big girl table now." The left side of his mouth kicks up in a grin. "We'll just have to see about that."

The apparent taunt and Austin's added wink spur me on.

This is my chance to prove to him that I'm not the timid girl I once was. To prove to myself that I'm no longer the child of my youth but a woman read for the future.

I sashay toward a person dressed as a shiny nugget of gold posing for pictures with children, feeling Austin watching me, his gaze on my every step like a physical touch. My legs feel wobbly under my skirt, but an energizing spark ignites in my blood. I glance over my shoulder, confirming I have his complete attention, and then with an outward shrug (and an inner dance), I reply with every ounce of confidence I can muster, "Yes. We will."

Austin's smile widens. The sounds and patrons of the park fade away, and it is as if we are the only two around. I don't know what is happening...I scarcely even recognize myself in this moment. Bring with Austin does that. It turns me into someone else.

And I like who I become.

I watch his slow saunter, my body poised with tension. I don't know what is going to happen next, but I wouldn't trade the delicious expectation for anything. Austin doesn't stop until he is right in front of me, close enough that I have to look up to meet his demanding blue gaze, and so close that warmth fans across  my face as he says in a low voice, "Careful, girl. You're playing with fire."

"I've been careful my whole life," I tell him, surprising myself with the resentment ringing in my tone. But it's the truth. "And you know, I think it's about time for me to be a little..." I bite the corner of my bottom lip, searching for exactly the right word to describe the emotions and thoughts that have surfaced the last few days. When I find it, I smile and wiggle my eyebrows suggestively "Wild."

Austin sucks in a breath. He searches my eyes and I boldly stare back, praying that he cannot see my knees shaking. Then, obviously concluding that I meant every word, he flashes his devilish grin. "I can work with that."

And if that weren't AWESOME enough Rachel has also given a deleted scene. This is a Flirt Squad exclusive and I'm so excited to share it with you!!!! So I had a choice of a swoony or funny scene and of course I struggled because I love both of them....but in the end I'm always a swooner at heart.

Deleted Scene:

“Anything with you is exciting, Princess.” He moves his hand beneath my thick hair and plays with the wisps at the nape of my neck. Brushing his lips against mine, just a tease, he then lifts his head and grins. “And, it just so happens I like pizza”—another light brush—“and movies.” His mouth presses more firmly this time for a prolonged, lingering touch, and then he shrugs. “And I guess the company is decent enough.”

“Oh, is that right?” I ask, trying to feign insult, but mostly succeeding in sounding breathless. “Only decent?”

He glides the tip of his nose against mine. “Mmm hmm.”

I pinch the taut skin at his waist and he chuckles. The sound does glorious things to my insides. Then, finally, Austin strengthens his hold around me, crushing me to his chest, and tilts his head, capturing my lips in a long, searing kiss that has me clinging to his shoulders.

“Oh yuck,” a disgusted voice says a little later. “No offense, Alessandra, but I really don’t want to see my brother doing that.”

With an abrupt laugh of embarrassment, I pull away and bury my head in the crook between Austin’s neck and shoulder.

He sighs. “Jamie, your timing is excellent as always.”

“Hey, it’s a gift.” At the spirited tone in her voice, I look up. Jamie scrunches her nose. “But seriously, it should be illegal for big brothers to make out in public. It’s traumatizing.”

A ghost of a smile plays on Austin’s slightly kiss-swollen lips. “Well, you know, next time you could just walk away and not interrupt.”

“But where’s the fun in that?” she asks with a mock-frown. Then she grabs my hand and tugs me away from Austin’s arms and into her own—the enthusiasm of her hug nearly knocking me over. “And dude, why didn’t you tell me the two of you were hooking up? You do realize we’re practically sisters now. Sisters spill the deets.”

“Uh,” I say intelligently, more than a little confused on how to proceed. I lean back and look at Austin. “Well—”

“Because maybe some people have class?” Austin softens his words by rubbing the top of his sister’s head. Jamie rolls her eyes and slaps his hand away, but the apparent affection between them makes me smile despite my previous mortification.

“Whatever,” she says. “For real, I’m just glad you finally wised up. You’re lucky my girl put up with you until you did. Are you done with rehearsal?” This last part she directs at me, swinging her eyes back to me as swiftly as the topic change.

“Just finished,” I confirm. Though my head still spins from her chaotic way of speaking, I can’t help feeling proud of my ability to keep up. If I can navigate the muddy waters of Jamie’s conversation with ease, there’s no doubt I’ve become fully acclimated to this world. “And my driver is waiting outside, or else I’d stay for yours. I am sure you’ll be wonderful.”

She licks her finger and makes a sizzling noise as she touches her shoulder. “You know it.” She laughs again and gently shoves my shoulder toward Austin. “I’m gonna let you two say your mushy good-byes in private, ’cause seeing that once in a lifetime is more than enough.” Wiggling her fingers in a wave she says, “Laters, bro.”

I watch Jamie walk away and turn to find Austin doing the same with a tender smile on his face. Something in my chest squeezes and I fall for him all the more.

When the stage door closes shut behind her, he turns and locks his hands around my waist. “My sister’s nuts, but she was right about one thing.”

“And what is that?”

His forehead dips down to mine. “I am lucky you hung around until I wised up.”

“Well, it certainly took you long enough.”

I loop my arms around his neck with a grin, and Austin laughs. “What can I say? Guys aren’t exactly known for being quick on the uptake.” On the stage behind us, the shuffling sounds of the crew laying out another scene hints at the busyness to come and I exhale a frustrated breath, knowing it’s time to go. Austin rubs his hands up and down my arms, almost as if he’s hesitant to let me. “I have to stay and bring Jamie home after her scene, but I’ll come by your house after.” His eyes grow serious. “And you better save me some pizza, woman.”

I shrug. “I shall try. But I am feeling awfully hungry. Rehearsals take a lot out of a girl.”

He gives me one of his devilish grins and kisses me again, and a minute later I walk away with my own wide smile, backside tingling from the playful swat he gave it for daring to tease him about something as important as food. As my driver closes the door behind me and takes off for home, I watch the theatre grow smaller through my back window and decide that Jamie was wrong. I am the one who is lucky. Thanks to Signore and a little gypsy magic, I’m experiencing an opportunity of a lifetime. I have a cousin who is more like a sister to share it with, a handful of caring friends, and a boy who makes me feel more special and loved than I ever have before.

Regardless of what the future holds for me, Fate has been unbelievably kind.

Entangled Publishing Info:

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter



Giveaway:


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal: Chaos (#1 in The Kardia Chronicles series) by Christine O'Neil

Today Christine O'Neil and Entangled Teem Ember are revealing the cover for her upcoming book Chaos, which is the start of the series The Kardia Chronicles; coming out this August! So excited for this one to come out!!!!


Now on to the reveal!!

Blurb:

My name is Maggie Raynard. After sixteen years being just plain me, suddenly I can kill people when I lose my temper. Turns out I'm a semi-god, descended from Aphrodite. Sounds cool in theory, but when I accidentally put my ex-boyfriend in a coma, things go downhill pretty fast.

Now some new guy named Mac Finnegan has made it his mission in life to continually piss me off. I'm stuck learning how to use my new powers while also dealing with regular high school problems,
and with this--annoying and super hot--guy all of in my business, I'm about to flip out.

But it gets worse. I just learned there's this council for semis that wants me dead. They think I'm bad to the bone and when my ex suddenly dies, it's like everyone is determined to take me out. Mac might turn out to be my only salvation, but he's got secrets of his own--that may just kill us both.

Where to find the book:

Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ B&N ~ Kobo ~ iBooks

Excerpt:

I was done with guys.

Not in that fake, I-say-that-but-deep-down-I-really-want-a-boyfriend kind of way, but in, like, the seriously-I'd-rather-eat-maggoty-cheese kind of way. No relationships. Not for me. Not now and maybe not ever. Who I am…what I am, and what I’m capable of? Everyone’s better off this way.

"I have to stop at my locker real quick," I said, veering to the right and cutting through the crush of kids heading straight like wildebeests to a watering hole. Libby followed and then stood by me as I fiddled with the lock.

"What's that?" She pointed to a white piece of paper sticking out half an inch from one of the slots in the olive metal door.

I tugged the padlock open and flicked the catch with my thumb. "Dunno." Maybe Bink had left me another note. Bink was my neighbor, bud, and—most days—my ride home. Last time I’d found a note in my locker, it was when his cell phone died and he needed to bail early. I seriously hoped this wasn’t a repeat performance.

I mentally ran down the list of people I could bug for a ride and came up empty. Libby always had to stay after for some activity or another, and I only really had two other people I could call "friends" and neither lived near me. I wrinkled my nose in anticipation of the dirty-sneakers-meets-day-old-bologna smell of a bus filled with kids who'd had last-period gym and opted not to change clothes. With a sigh, I pulled open the door and the white rectangle floated to the floor.

Libby bent to grab it and read it out loud. "'Dear Sad and Lonely…'" She trailed off and went quiet for a few seconds until her peachy complexion went hot pink, and then she gasped. "Oh my God. Holy… Oh, Mags, you are so not going to like this."

I snatched the paper from her, trying to ward off the growing pit in my gut.

Dear Sad and Lonely,

Since I can almost guarantee She is about to give you some seriously shite advice like she does every week, let me be the voice of reason. Your boyfriend is just like most high school guys. Cut him some slack and, even better, why not offer to learn how to play some of the games he likes? He'd probably appreciate the effort and might even take you somewhere nice after. If that doesn't work, sit him down and let him know how you're feeling so he can tell you what's going on with him. Could be that constantly calling the things he likes stupid isn't the best way to get what you want in this situation, yeah? In any case, don't let the ramblings of some bitter emo chick who's probably never had a boyfriend ruin your relationship.

Hope it helps,

He

The shock was too thick to let the anger in right away, but as stunned as I was, I knew exactly who was behind this. There was only one person in the whole school who would use the word “shite.”

Mac Finnegan.

Opinionated, annoying, hot—did I mention annoying?—Mac Finnegan, who had barely given me the time of day since he'd come to Crestwood High a couple months ago. Mac Finnegan, who thought he was soooo cool with his Irish accent and his mocking smile. Mac Finnegan, who inexplicably made me want to lick him like an ice cream cone and then immediately rinse my mouth out with acid.

How had he discovered my secret? Only Bink and Libby knew I was the girl behind “That's What She Said,” and I would have bet everything I owned that neither of them would have ratted me out.

Didn’t matter, though. One way or another, he knew. Even worse, he'd chosen to taunt me with it. Bitter emo chick who’s probably never had a boyfriend, indeed. I had a boyfriend once and it hadn’t ended well for either of us. I was in no rush to repeat the experience. Besides, what did this Irish asshat care?

Anger tightened my chest. I could feel the power rising in me, clawing to get out, roaring to be heard. The hair on my arms stood on end as I tried to breathe through it, to let the fury dissipate and flow out of my pores in harmless pings of energy, but it was no use. I pressed a hand to my locker and opened up the tiniest of escape valves, the spout of the teakettle, whistling off a stream of steam. The cheap metal instantly heated against my skin, the door buckling and warping on the spot just beneath my fingertips.

"Uh, Mags—" Libby whispered urgently, but a male voice cut her off.

"How's it going there, Libby? Maggie."

I turned around, still trying to catch my breath, and there he was, strolling by, a grin splitting his sinfully beautiful face.

Mac Finnegan, who had decided that being the new kid wasn't bad enough, so he had to actively go out of his way to make enemies. Mac Finnegan, who wanted to turn my world upside down rather than minding his own business. Mac Finnegan, who didn't know the meaning of live and let live.

Mac Finnegan, who clearly had no idea who he was fucking with.

About the Author:

Christine O'Neil was born and raised in Connecticut, where she spent most of her childhood outdoors catching salamanders, frogs and colds. When she wasn't terrorizing Mother Nature, she was curled up under the covers with her nose in a book. As an adult, she's stopped stalking amphibians, but still loves books. When she isn't reading, she likes to spend her time people-watching. In fact, she's probably watching you RIGHT NOW O_O She's also pretty obsessed with writing YA books, but if she had to pick another profession she would be a ninja...or a Professor of the Dark Arts.

Christine also writes adult romance under the name Christine Bell.

Where to Stalk Christine:

Website ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads  

Giveaway:


a Rafflecopter giveaway