"This book has a lot happening, new characters are introduced, battles are won and lost, and love is abound. There is intrigue, mystery, excitement, loss and the appearing characters continue to grow and develop. It is a fast paced very enjoyable read, that ends on a real cliff hanger that leaves you yelling, "NO! It can't end there!" I look forward to reading the next book." Goodreads, Rabid Reader
Description:
Release date: April 13th, 2016
It's been a week since 17-year old Zoe Jabril found out her best friend is a Guardian Angel, her boyfriend is a Nephilim, and a fellow classmate is a Fairy. What makes Zoe so special? She’s destined to unify Enlightens to battle evil—that is, if Demons don’t kill her first.
With ‘Project: Enlightens Unite’ underway, Zoe learns the history of the area wolf pack and realizes she's in a race against time to get her newly discovered talents under control. Despite struggling to fight a mysterious attraction to her new neighbor, rescue her boyfriend from Demons, and travel into Fairyland to convince the Summer King to join the fight, Zoe must still attend high school classes so her nosy parents don’t suspect anything is out of the ordinary before Demons can mount another attack.
Zoe will need all the help she can get, from the most unlikely of sources, if she’s to save her boyfriend's life and prevent the Devil from escaping Hell on her eighteenth birthday.
EXCERPT
Last night, a friend of mine rose from the dead—and I was the one who brought her back. So I guess . . . I’m an angel. Or, at least most of my friends think I am.
Even wrapped tightly in the arms of my favorite oversized PINK hoodie, I shivered. It was chilly for mid-April while I sat on my front porch with the sun just coming over the horizon, but that wasn’t where the tremor had come from.
I glanced up, startled by the high-pitched squealing of truck brakes that rang above the music playing from my iPod. The truck turned into the cul-de-sac and careened straight into the next-door neighbors’ driveway. What made it really strange was the house had been empty since last October. I could still see the top of the “For Sale” sign on the manicured front lawn. I pulled out my cell phone to text my boyfriend, Shay.
Me: Good morning!
As I waited for a response, a gray-uniformed driver opened his door and climbed down. He walked to the back of the truck; then multiple doors slammed.
“This furniture goes into the living room on the main level,” a man said.
I didn’t particularly want to be a nosy neighbor, but I couldn’t help myself. I eased higher on the top step, hoping to get a look at the man who seemed to be in charge. His back was to me, so all I could tell was he had short blond hair. He glanced down at something then looked back up, turned, and pointed toward a number of other, smaller trucks in the cul-de-sac parking. More uniformed men jumped out of the smaller trucks and gathered around their boss, waiting for instructions. I had no interest in watching a bunch of people move boxes, so I just stayed on the step and waited for my best friend, Kieran, and Shay.
A shadow moved into my vision. I lifted my head and spotted someone standing on the street in front of my gate. From this angle and with the sun directly behind the person’s head, I couldn’t see the face, but I knew the body. Then he cleared his throat, and I smiled. I stood and lifted my hand to shield my eyes. No wonder he never texted me back. He probably thought an in-person hello was better.
“Hi,” I said to Shay. “Why are you just standing there? You can let yourself in.”
He stepped forward and opened the gate, and as he came into view, my eyes traveled up his body, over the usual black boots and black jeans. A blood-red T-shirt hugged his upper torso, which was odd. When had Shay added color to his wardrobe? The sleeves barely contained a notable set of muscles and the rest of the material was unsuccessfully hiding what I knew to be an impressive six-pack. In contrast to his dark clothes, Shay had blond hair, unlike my own long brown hair. Now that he was coming out of the direct sunlight, I was able to admire his strong chin and soft lips. Last week I’d kissed those lips on a number of occasions.
But by the time I reached his eyes, which were the most startling aqua color, an intense shiver ran through my body. The sensation was nothing new, but it felt off.
My mouth opened, ready to speak, but he beat me to it. “Name’s Aiden,” he said.
Aiden?
The person standing in front of me looked so similar to Shay. He could have passed as Shay’s older brother. He was going to be my next-door neighbor?Whoa.
“Hey, Aiden!” a shrill female voice shouted from an open window. “You still have unpacking to do! If I have to tell you one more time, I’ll raise holy hell . . .”
I couldn’t speak. Maybe the saying “we all have a twin in the world” was true. Aiden turned and briskly walked back toward his house. I gawked at his retreating back.
About the author:Kristin D. Van Risseghem grew up in a small river town in Minnesota with her parents and older sister. And after receiving a double Bachelor of Science degree from Winona State University in Paralegal and Corrections, she worked as a Paralegal for various law firms around the Twin Cities for 14 years. Then she left the legal field and is now a Senior Buyer for a technology company.
Currently, Kristin lives in Eagan with her husband and two Calico cats. She also loves attending book clubs, going shopping, and hanging out with friends. She has come to realize that she absolutely has an addiction to purses and shoes. They are her weakness and probably has way too many of both.
In the summer months, Kristin can usually be found lounging on her boat, drinking an ice cold something. Being an avid reader of YA and Women's Literature stories, she still finds time to read a ton of books in-between writing. And in the winter months, her main goal is to stay warm from the Minnesota cold!
Author's GiveawayS
"The Passage, a Dance, & a Little White Dress" #BookGiveawaya
Showing posts with label Expert. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Expert. Show all posts
Apr 5, 2016
The Passage, a Dance, & a Little White Dress (Enlighten Series #2) by Kristin D. Van Risseghem
Sep 16, 2015
Drowning to Breathe by AL Jackson - Release Day
The danger in pretending is it becoming real...Sebastian Stone, Sunder front man and guitarist with a rap sheet about ten miles long, escaped to Savannah, Georgia, to get away from the trouble he’d caused.Not find more of it.The moment he saw Shea Bentley, he saw beneath all her sweet and innocence to something that went deeper.Darker.Their relationship was built on secrets; their love built on lies.Sebastian never imagined how deep her secrets went.When the past and present collide, Sebastian and Shea find themselves fighting for a future neither believed they deserved. Their passion is consuming and their need unending.Now, holding the truth in his hands, Sebastian is faced with sacrificing everything he’s come to love to protect Shea and his family.Two pasts intertwined.Two lives bound.Will their demons drown them or will Shea and Sebastian finally learn to breathe?Drowning to BreatheA Bleeding Stars Novel, Book 2
EXCERPT
Lust and love fought for dominance in his expression when he tore himself away, and he slammed my door shut and ran around to his side. I didn’t hesitate to shift in my seat, my hand going to the flat, rigid planes of his abdomen as he shifted hard, tires squealing as he took to the street. I kissed at his neck and teased at his ear, fingers toying with the waistband of his jeans, while he groaned and tried to focus on the road.“You tryin’ to kill me, Shea?”I gasped when the car jerked and Sebastian made a sudden, sharp turn, and then another. He screeched to a stop on a deserted side street.A fog of lust clouded my mind as I was yanked back onto his lap, my knees on either side of his legs, his needy cock grinding at the seam of my cut-off shorts as his mouth overtook mine.Oh. God.I moaned, fingers digging into his shoulders.I arched up and pressed my breasts to his chest. They ached with just a glimmer of the need throbbing between my thighs.Hot hands gripped the outside of my hips, forcing me back down on his dick that strained from his jeans.I might have been on top, but he was definitely in control.“Fuck, baby…what have you done to me…what have you done to me? Dying to be inside you. Have to feel you. Need you so bad.”“You have me.”
He wanted nothing at all…Until he found she had everything to give…
Sunder lead singer and guitarist Sebastian Stone has everything—fans, fame, and fortune. He also has a heart full of bitterness and a reputation for a short-fused temper. But an outward reputation rarely reveals the true man inside. Facing assault charges after trying to protect his younger brother, Sebastian is sent to Savannah, Georgia to lie low until the dust settles in L.A.Shea Bentley is beautiful, kind, and hiding from the verylifestyle Sebastian has always embraced.When the mysterious, tattooed stranger begins hanging out at the bar where she works, Shea is quick to recognize he is nothing but trouble, but she's helpless to the way her body lights up every time his intense gray eyes tangle with hers.They both soon find themselves drowning in a sea of desire and passion that won’t let them up for air.Sebastian knows firsthand secrets never die, and he’s not the only one who’s hiding them.Loving someone always comes with a price. But will it be Shea’s past that costs them everything?
A.L. Jackson is the New York Times bestselling author of contemporary and new adult romance.
She first found a love for writing during her days as a young mother and college
student. She filled the journals she carried with short stories and poems used as an emotional outlet for the difficulties and joys she found in day-to-day life.Years later, she shared a short story she’d been working on with her two closest friends and, with their encouragement, this story became her first full length novel. A.L. now spends her days writing in Southern Arizona where she lives with her husband and three children.
Connect with A.L. Jackson online:www.aljacksonauthor.comTo stay up to date with important news on A.L. Jackson, including new releases, sales, and exclusive specials and excerpts, text “jackson” to 96000 to subscribe!
Sep 3, 2015
The Viper and the Urchin by Celine Jeanjean Book Blitz
The Viper and the Urchin
by Celine Jeanjean
Release Date: July 27th 2015
Summary from Goodreads:
Being Damsport's most elegant assassin is hard work. There's tailoring to consider, devilish poisons to concoct, secret identities to maintain... But most importantly, Longinus has to keep his fear of blood hidden or his reputation will be ruined. So, when a scrawny urchin girl threatens to expose his phobia unless he teaches her swordsmanship, he has no choice but to comply.
It doesn't take long for Rory to realise that her new trainer has more eccentricities than she has fleas. But she'll put up with anything, no matter how frustrating, to become a swordswoman like her childhood hero.
What she's not prepared for is a copycat assassin who seeks to replace Longinus, and who hires Rory's old partner in crime to do away with her, as well. Rory and Longinus must set their differences aside and try to work together if they're to stop the copycat. But darker forces than they realise are at play, and with time running out, the unlikely duo find themselves the last line of defence against a powerful enemy who seeks to bring Damsport to its knees.
Buy Links:
The Viper and the Urchin
Excerpt
Longinus sat at a corner table in the Hand and Tankard, surveying the room. He had swapped the black silks he wore as the Viper for simple leathers, the better to blend in with the crowd. He found it best to tone down his natural elegance when mixing with common folk. That said, he was unable to compromise on the cut of his clothes, and he had had his leathers tailored to within an inch of their lives. A shame that he was sitting down, really; they showed off his figure so exquisitely he should have stood at the bar, the better to be admired.
He listened to the talk around him, waiting for the gossip on the Viper’s exploits. He had spent the last few days locked away writing pamphlets about his most recent kill, and he had left them at the docks first thing that morning for a lucky few to find and read. He liked to think that his prose did more than inform the wider public of the Viper’s actions — it elevated their minds, too.
Which was why he was growing rapidly annoyed with the direction the conversations were taking: the weather, the upcoming Revels, and speculation as to whether the Old Girl, the Marchioness of Damsport, was going to pass the torch to her daughter. All of it without interest. It was incredible what mundane banalities the small-minded could find interesting.
Unfortunately, he had to rely on them to spread his reputation about town. His notoriety was improving, but it was nowhere near what it ought to be. The guards always tried to hush his activities, so he had to help things along by distributing his pamphlets. Notoriety helped him get commissions, but most importantly, one could only be an artist if one was spoken of. There was nothing worse for an assassin than obscurity.
At last, a woman he knew by sight on account of her starched white apron arrived. Mistress White Apron sat down and regarded the others around her table with the kind of smugness particular to a woman about to unveil a fresh piece of gossip.
“Have you heard the latest on the Smallport killing?”
At last! Longinus smiled. Mistress White Apron could always be counted on. Maybe he should find out where she lived and distribute his pamphlets directly to her door.
“Yeah, I hear it were that Viper character again,” said a sailor.
“Everyone knows that,” said the woman with contempt. “He leaves a card behind. But have you heard the particulars? Hmm?” She looked at the faces of her audience, so puffed up with self-satisfaction she almost seemed to be expanding. Longinus beamed. The saintly woman was about to unveil his new poison.
Mistress White Apron leaned forward. “I have it on good authority that he skinned his victim. Slipped the skin right off, like you do with a rabbit.”
Longinus almost fell off his stool. Skinned? Skinned? Had that idiot even read his pamphlet?
What is the point of me writing them if these simpletons blithely ignore them?
“Oh really? I heard it were poison,” said another woman.
“Not this time,” said Mistress White Apron. “I heard it from my cousin’s sister-in-law’s nephew. He works with the guards.” She lowered her voice. “I hear the Viper even drinks the blood of his victims, like a vampire.”
Longinus felt himself go green at the thought.
Ridiculous, this is ridiculous…
But there was nothing ridiculous about the image that was now firmly imprinted in his mind.
“You’re making it up,” said the sailor, obviously disgusted.
“I am not,” sniffed Mistress White Apron. “Just because you can’t handle —”
“If I might interrupt,” said a small pinched man at a table next to them. “I saw the body myself and…”
Longinus couldn’t listen to any more. The butchery of his art was almost as unbearable as the thought of the Viper drinking blood. He fumbled into his purse and produced two coins, which he threw on the counter before hurrying out.
The propensity of the common man’s mind to turn to the violent and bloody really was intolerable.
An Interview with Longinus
Thank you for doing this interview Longinus! It’s a pleasure to have you here.
Well of course it is. I’d love to reciprocate, but I don’t yet know whether your questions will be any good. Oh, haha. No pressure!
*blank face*
O-kay, let’s get right to it then. You’re afraid of blood – isn’t that a bit unusual for an assassin?
I’m not in the habit of enquiring after my colleagues’ thoughts on blood. For all I know it’s a widespread sentiment in our line of work. And I don’t see why it wouldn’t be. After all, no assassin worthy of the name would lower himself to use crude weapons like swords or knives – or in fact any other method that would result in bloodshed. They are the marks of an amateur.
There are many methods available to the elegant assassin – strangulation is adequate, as is drowning I suppose – but poison is obviously the most refined and therefore the only one worth considering.
Isn’t poison a little limited though?
Oh how little you know – the varieties of poisons are endless! You see the mark of a great assassin isn’t just in the execution of difficult jobs, but also in the variety of methods used. Poison, in its infinite variations is therefore the superior weapon.
For example, say I needed to kill someone in their sleep. Why, I have a poison for every possible sleeping position. There’s Deafly Silence – an auricular poison – that is applied with a funnel in the ear. Then Smells Like Death is an olfactory poison that can be waved under the sleeper’s nose, and –
Yes, alright. Let’s not go through every poison there is. Tell me about Rory. You two have a bit of a tricky relationship.
*Longinus sighs*
That girl will be the death of me. I have never in all my years met someone as rude and annoying. I am nothing if not a patient and generous soul –
Really?
A-hem! *Longinus glares*
Sorry.
As I was saying, I am nothing if not a patient and generous soul, but she tests even my limits. She is dirty, uneducated, crass, and worse she is grammatically incorrect. But I have to admit she has her uses, and an assassin such as myself should really have an assistant. So, I put up with her.
It’s for her good too. No doubt you’ll have noticed the effect my presence has had on her? She was a filthy street urchin when I first met her, and I’m sure you’d agree that she is now vastly improved. Almost respectable. It’s inevitable really: a man of my culture and elegance cannot help but elevate those around him.
Err, yes... I feel elevated as we speak.
You’re welcome.
Wait, why are you saying Rory’s your assistant? Isn’t she blackmailing you?
*stony face* No comment.
Okay, I guess I’ll move on. I understand you write?
Indeed I do! Mostly pamphlets detailing the exploits of the Viper – the name under which I work. I began writing them for purely practical reasons: to spread the word of my kills and build up my reputation. But, as with everything I do, I infuse them with such poetry that they are truly delightful little literary gems.
I wanted to ask –
Have you noted the expression ‘literary gems’? I don’t want to be misquoted now. Literary gem is the best way to describe my writing.
Yes, yes – I have it written just there.
Good.
I wanted to ask you about your fear of blood again. What caused that? Was it a trauma of some kind? Some difficult experience…
*Longinus looks troubled*
I don’t mean to pry, but if you could –
I have to go. I’m afraid I have a pressing appointment. *Longinus stands*
But I’m not finished!
Terrible shame, I’m sure, but I must dash. Especially if you’re resorting to this sensationalist nonsense. You could have questioned me about my poetry, you could have dug further into my skill with poison, or even asked me about my views on philosophy – and they are extensive – but no, you had to go there.
Well, I don’t know what I was expecting from someone so common. I’d ask you not to contact me again – I shan’t be giving any more interviews. Goodbye.
*Longinus leaves*
The Viper and the Urchin
Teaser 1
“Put on the gloves that I bought you,” Longinus ordered. “You should always wear gloves when handling blades,” he added. “You will notice that despite my profession my hands remain smooth, delicate, my fingers long and fine, and devoid of calluses. Of course, in your case your hands are already ruined.
” He sighed. “We shall have to make do with what we have. An assassin’s hands are just as important as his clothing, you know. Both are the sign of a consummate professional. There is no greater insult than killing someone whilst inappropriately attired, and that extends to the state of one’s hands. You see, while these little people are beneath us, we can still grant them the small
respect of being impeccably groomed as we witness their final moments.”
About the Author
Celine Jeanjean is French, grew up in the UK and now lives in Hong Kong. That makes her a tad confused about where she is from. During her time in Asia she’s watched the sun rise over Angkor Wat, lost her shoes in Vietnam, and fallen off a bamboo raft in China. Celine writes stories that feature quirky characters and misfits, and her books are a mixture of steampunk, fantasy and humour.
Author Links:
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Jul 22, 2015
Murder, Mystery & Dating Mayhem (The Gray-Haired Knitting Detectives) by D.E. Haggerty Release Blitz
Book Title: Murder, Mystery & Dating MayhemAuthor: D.E. HaggertyGenre: Romantic ComedyRelease Date: March 1, 2015Hosted by: Book Enthusiast PromotionsMy name is Izzy. I drink too much, am clumsier than a newborn foal, and my brain-to-mouth filter often malfunctions. My daredevil husband killed himself in a parachuting accident five years ago and my best friend Jack has decided it’s time I jump back in the dating pool. He’s perfectly happy to throw me in if I don’t listen. Just when things in the dating world start to heat up, my grandma dies. Only her knitting group of Jessica Fletcher wannabes is sure it’s murder. I’m not convinced but I’m always up for a bit of excitement as long as it doesn’t lead to a night in jail. Well, more than one night anyway. Will I miss my chance at love because I’m chasing imaginary killers? Did someone really kill grandma or am I and my merry band of geriatric thieves imagining things?
The first ‘date’ starts off well. His name is Ed. He’s not drooling or anything, is talking to me, and not my boobs, and seems to be interested in my graphic design work. Maybe Jack was right after all. I need to get myself back into the dating game.“So,” Ed begins after we’ve exchanged the usual pleasantries and some small talk. He leans forward and starts to whisper. “How do you feel about whips and chains?”Not the appropriate moment to be sipping my wine, but how could I have expected that! I choke and spit a bit of wine into Ed’s face, which seems to excite him. He wiggles his eyebrows. “I take it that’s a yes?” He asks eagerly.“Um no. That’s a definite no. N.O.” I lift my glass and down the remainder of my wine. The bell rings and I yell loudly “Next!”Ed looks disappointed as he walks to the next table, but I’ve got my eyes on the prize. A cocktail waitress is headed my way. I snag two more glasses of wine before turning to my next date. Oh dear lord! The man is older than grandma. He struggles to lower himself in the chair opposite mine.There goes that annoying bell again. Time to put my game face on. I smile and decide I’ll check this guy out for grandma. She could use a date. Although to be perfectly honest, I don’t remember her going out with a man – ever. There’s no time like the present.The old man’s name is Wilbert and the five minutes pass pleasantly enough. As long as I pretend he’s dating grandma and not trying to pick me up. When the bell rings again, I rush from my chair to help Wilbert stand. I take his elbow and guide him to his next date – a girl young enough to be his great-granddaughter.I sit back down and gather my courage for my next winner. I try to smile at the guy across from me, really I do. But have you ever tried to smile at a man with the biggest combover ever? Let me tell you, it’s not easy. I may be grimacing a tiny bit.Mr. Combover leans over and leers at me. Yes, leers at me! His eyes are surgically attached to my boobs. True, I have good boobs, but maybe pay a bit of attention to the person attached to the boobs?Finally done leering, he leans back and takes in my face. “You’re not the youngest anymore.” Really? That’s the first thing Mr. Combover is going to say?“I could say the same about you,” I respond in the nasty voice I use when nagging clients that are slow to pay, but quick to make outrageous demands.Mr. Combover clears his throat and leans in again. I bend backwards as far as possible in my chair, but he’s undeterred. “I’m just gonna get this out there and not waste my time.” I just stare at him. “Do you put out? ‘Cuz if not, I ain’t got time for you.”Oh no, he didn’t. “What,” I sputter and grab for my first wine glass, which I down in one go. Never said I was a classy lady.“Do. You. Put. Out?” Yes, he really enunciates it like I didn’t understand him the first time.An Interview with Izzy, the protagonist of Murder, Mystery & Dating MayhemIn three sentences, tell us about your story.
It all starts when my bestie Jack basically throws me back into the dating pool. I’m fudging that up nicely when my grandma dies. Her crew of knitting buddies are convinced she was murdered and all of a sudden I’m caught up in a mystery. But that doesn’t mean that Jack or the knitting crew turned detectives leave me alone about finding a man. Oh no, they’re determined to catch a killer and find me love. Oops! That was like way more than three sentences.
Are you the hero of your story?
I’m totally the hero of my own story. Okay maybe my detective boyfriend helped out a bit. And well I can’t not thank the Jessica Fletcher wannabes for their help. Maybe Jack helped as well. Okay, fine, I’m not the hero of my own story, but I definitely played a major part, didn’t I?
It sounds like your story could have some conflict in it. Do you embrace or run from conflict?
Is there any way to say yes that doesn’t make me sound like a drama queen?
Since the ladies and Jack are trying to find you a partner, it’s fair to ask – what is the quality you most desire in a man?
The direct opposite of my first husband would be a good place to start. Oh that’s sounds really catty. I loved Ryan, really I did, but it’s hard to stay in love with someone who puts getting his next thrill before taking care of his wife. So I’m going to say that thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies need not apply.
How did you get mixed up with the Gray-Haired Knitting Detectives?
Before my adventure started, the so-called detectives were part of my grandma’s knitting club. Since I was really close to my grandma, I knew all of them. After grandma died and they decided it was murder, they insinuated themselves into my life and now I can’t live without them. They’re my family. By the way, you really shouldn’t call them detectives. It only encourages them.
Do you find your true love in your story?
If I tell you, will you still read my story? Is it enough to say there is a happy ending?
What’s next for Izzy?
I started volunteering with this local environmental group. Except for what I learned about conservation during my recent adventures, I know next to nothing about the environment, so I usually stick to what I do know – graphic design. When I first met the group, they kinda freaked me out with how nice and enthusiastic they were. In the meantime I’ve grown to like the volunteers, although I still won’t be hugging any of them.
"If you are a fan of Victoria Laurie or Janet Evanovich, you’ll probably enjoy this book. The writer has a conversational tone and the main character, Izzy, has an inner monologue that is humorous all the way through the story."~ Amazon Reviewer
"4 Quirky, Fun and Highly Enjoyable! If you are in the mood for a good bit of fun, a light-hearted laugh and the story of a clumsy widower, with loads of friends who mean well, then this book should be next on your reading list. I highly recommend this book if you are in the mood for a romantic comedy that is slightly out of the ordinary. It is addicting and highly enjoyable!" ~ Amazon Reviewer
"Funny, clean, and suspenseful. The perfect combination! Haggerty’s style of writing is engaging and witty. This book is a wonderful read, and I’d definitely recommend it to anybody looking for a good, funny whodunit book that rivals the likes of Agatha Christie.~ Amazon Reviewer
"Light-hearted romance with touch of suspense! This book was full of laughs. Loved the quirky Izzy, her gay friend Jack, and the grey haired old lady brigade. This book was full of hilarious comedy and all the different characters gave it lots life, with a touch of suspense. You will love it!" ~ Paula of Harps Romance Book Review
"Must Read for Mystery Lovers. Murder, Mystery & Dating Mayhem was such a fun read. If you enjoy murder mysteries with a huge helping of humor, Izzy is going to soon become your favorite character!" ~ Amazon Reviewer
I was born and raised in Wisconsin, but think I’m a European. After spending my senior year of high school in Germany, I developed a bad case of wanderlust that is yet to be cured. My flying Dutch husband and I have lived in Ohio, Virginia, the Netherlands, Germany and now Istanbul. We still haven’t decided if we want to settle down somewhere – let alone where. I’m leaning towards somewhere I can learn to surf even though the hubby thinks that’s a less than sound way to decide where to live. Although I’ve been a military policewoman, a commercial lawyer, and a B&B owner, I think with writing I may have finally figured out what I want to be when I grow up. That’s assuming I ever grow up, of course. Between tennis, running, traveling, singing off tune, drinking entirely too many adult beverages, and reading books like they are going out of style, I write articles for a local expat magazine and various websites, review other indie authors’ books, write a blog about whatever comes to mind and am working on my sixth book.
Jul 6, 2015
Uncharted by Claudia Burgoa Sneak Peek
Book Title: Uncharted
(The Unexpected Series, #3)Author: Claudia BurgoaGenre: Contemporary RomanceRelease Date: July 21, 2015Hosted by: Book Enthusiast PromotionsJacobAs a rule, men don’t grow up believing in a happily ever after. We don’t believe in meeting the love of our lives; or the white picket fence, and 2.5 children. Every man thinks that those stupid dreams or fantasies are just nonexistent shit until it happens to them. We should have been forewarned.I wish I was prepared for someone to appear in my life and change all my priorities. I suddenly wanted that fence and children. The part of meeting the love of my life became very real, but I wasn’t ready for suddenly losing it all, and my life plummeting into this shithole forever.The heartbreak of losing your soulmate is one of the worst pains you will ever live with. I should campaign and warn the young people. Vaccinate against love because if you lose it, you could lose yourself for the rest of your life. The burden on your back will forever mark you and wither away your soul, darkening your days and the rest of your natural life.This isn’t false advertisement or a dramatic display of one bitter soul.PriaI fought by my mother's side until her last breath, and tried to help my father until his last memories dissipated. My sister is the last one standing, but her life is a miracle that can end at any given moment. All my life I’ve never been alone, but always felt lonely.Today, my options on how to live my life are endless, yet my heart and my best friend limit them. Stay in Seattle, close to the one person that will never let me inside his world.The thug, as mom would've called him. A man with a bad boy attitude and a heart bigger than the ocean.
“I can’t explain much,” I whisper, afraid I’ll wake up Jacob or his brother. Snuggling under the blankets of his bed, I continue my conversation with Maeve. “Please just be happy for me, Mae. I need a couple of days.”“Can’t or won’t explain?” Maeve whispers back with an irritating tone. It’s ten in the morning, and a sharp edge glides through my chest. Mom must be around. “I’m risking my skin here, Pree. I deserve to know what you’re going to be doing those two days.”Risking her skin—as if. Mae has our parents eating out of her hand, but I yield to her drama and approach her in a different way. “Later, I swear. But help me out here. It’s just for a couple of days. Without you this won’t work. After all, this was your brilliant idea.”Giddiness brews inside me as I envision the moment when we’ll discuss Jacob and his sweet, passionate kisses. My Friday night deserves better than a quick chitchat over the phone. It deserves to be told over a pint of ice cream. Agreeing to her demands wouldn’t do justice to what I experienced, which I can describe as life-changing and utterly exhilarating. From this moment forward, any guy who kisses me will be measured against his skills.
Ah, Jacob!
A creaky noise forces me to uncover my head and check the source of the disturbance. Dreamy, handsome Jacob approaches the bed sporting that signature cocky smile I’m beginning to really dig. I'm crushing hard. He holds a tray containing some food.
“Hey, sis, I have to go.” I don’t wait for her to say a thing and end the call.
“Did you clear the weekend?” Jacob asks, lowering the tray on top of the bed. Yummy. Pancakes, blueberries and orange juice. Eagerly I nod. “Good,” his face lights up. “I have plans for us. Did you have a good night’s sleep?”
“Yeah, where did you sleep?” Around three in the morning we came back downstairs; he handed me a T-shirt, showed me his room, and left for the night.
“With my brother.” He slides next to me, gives me a chaste kiss on the lips, and takes one of the glasses. “Yesterday I promised not to cross any lines unless you wanted me to. Wait, I forgot. Is there something specific you’d rather do today?”
I ponder his question. Mae didn't confirm, but I'll risk it and assume she'll cover for me. Today I can do so many things, but...
“Mind if we head to my dorm room? I don’t have any clothes with me.” I cut a piece of pancake with a fork and take a bite. They don’t have syrup, but they taste mapley. “Who cooked?”
“I did. I’m a man of many talents.” He downs his juice, grabs his plate from the tray, and begins to eat. But not before giving me a kiss that curls my toes, my fingers, my hair, and my heart. “Yes, we can hit the dorm, pick up your crap, and start our fun weekend. Any requests? Or do you want me to choose today’s activities?”
I shrug due to my lack of coherent words. The combination of magnetic eyes, musky scent, firm features, shirtless torso, and that kiss prevents me from putting together a sentence. It’s the effort I make to stop myself from drowning in those blue pools.
“Pool.” I slam a hand against my mouth. Idiot. “Maybe tomorrow we can head to the pool?” Nice save, Pria.
“You’re fucking kidding me!” I hear a scream coming from another part of the apartment. “Where’s my freshly squeezed juice? My breakfast?”
“Oh, the owl is grumpy today. Mind if he joins us?” I tilt my head to observe him. “He’s great at packing shit.”
I roll my eyes as I look around, because if the debris on the floor, along with the dirty and clean clothes hanging from the scant furniture they own is any indication, I could do better without their packing skills.
“Yeah, why not. It’ll be fun.” I regret those words the moment they leave my mouth. Jacob’s fun, but his brother might be the entire opposite.
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