Tortured Souls *Freebie, Review, & Giveaway*

*Review located at bottom*

I am thrilled to announce that Tortured Souls will be FREE on Amazon from

December 15, 2014 through December 19, 2014.

Be sure to grab your copy before it's too late!

Tortured Souls
The Orion Circle #1

Kimber Leigh Wheaton

YA Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy
June 30, 2014
Sea Dragon Press

FREE on Amazon 12/15 - 12/19/14

Sometimes Rest in Peace isn't an option

Kacie Ramsey sees ghosts—and it's ruining her life. Her mother left, her father blames her, and no matter how hard she tries, she can't keep the ghosts away. Now a new power has emerged. Nightly visions of grisly murders and a relentless predator draw her to the brink of insanity.

When the phantom appears at a party, Kacie's longtime crush, Logan, saves her. He invites her to join the Orion Circle, a group of supernatural hunters with chapters in schools all over the country. Through the Circle, Kacie learns to embrace her spiritual powers, and for the first time in her life she feels in control rather than a victim.

But the Foxblood Demon will not give up so easily. A demented serial killer in life who trapped the souls of the thirteen children he murdered, imprisoning them within the walls of his mansion. Now in death, he plots his return while drawing power from the pure souls of the children. He recognizes something in Kacie he's never seen before—a medium powerful enough to provide a vessel for his tainted soul.

Kacie can't ignore the tortured souls of the children crying out to her every night. With Logan at her side, she will fight the Foxblood Demon. But can they banish this powerful phantom, or will Kacie lose not only her body, but her eternal soul to the monster.

About the Author

Kimber Leigh Wheaton is a bestselling YA/NA author with a soft spot for sweet romance. She is married to her soul mate, has a teenage son, and shares her home with three dogs, four cats, and lots of dragons. No, she doesn’t live on a farm, she just loves animals. Kimber Leigh is addicted to romance, videogames, superheroes, villains, and chocolate—not necessarily in that order. (If she has to choose, she’ll take a chocolate covered superhero!) She currently lives in San Antonio, TX but has been somewhat a rolling stone in life, having resided in several different cities and states.

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Giveaway

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My Thoughts:

 Over all, I thoroughly enjoyed Tortured Souls. The main characters were a little younger than I am used to, so at times, when I thought the dialog was cheesy, I had to remind myself of that fact. Other than some of the dialog, the story seemed like it's target audience should have been older. I won't say it was graphic, but some of the story line involving the murders really freaked me out! 

All the characters were well written and easy to like. I enjoyed the fact that each member of the Orion Circle had their own special gift to offer. I do wish Gavin would have had a little more to do with the story. He was the only character I didn't really make a connection with. 

 Normally I do not like anything that has to do with 'ghost hunters'. All those T.V. shows - I hate them. I found that when attached to a fiction book, I really get into the idea. I loved the story line about the cult leader and what all he did to trap the souls in the earthly realm. It was intense and really freaky. I couldn't put the book down waiting on everyone to figure out the secrets of his plot. 

 If you are up for a gruesome story about teenagers trying to rid the world of one seriously bad guy then Tortured Souls is the book for you! 

Salt & Stone *Cover Reveal/Giveaway*

Fire & Flood

(Fire & Flood #1)
Victoria Scott

Release Date:

February 25, 2014

Publisher:

Scholastic 

Pages:

305

Reading Level:

Young Adult

Description:

Time is slipping away...

Tella Holloway is losing it. Her brother is sick, and when a dozen doctors can't determine what's wrong, her parents decide to move to Montana for the fresh air. She;s lost her friends, her parents are driving her crazy, her brother is dying-and she's helpless to change anything.

Until she receives mysterious instructions on how to become a Contender in the Brimstone Bleed. It's an epic race across jungle, desert, ocean, and mountain that could win her the prize she desperately desires: the Cure for her brother's illness. But all the Contenders are after the Cure for people they love, and there's no guarantee that Tella (or any of them) will survive the race.

The jungle is terrifying, the clock is ticking, and Tella knows she can't trust the allies she makes. And one big question emerges: Why have so many fallen sick in the first place? 

Victoria Scott's breathtaking novel grabs readers by the throat and doesn't let go. ~Goodreads

Salt & Stone

(Fire & Flood #1)
Victoria Scott

Release Date:

February 24, 2015

Publisher:

Scholastic 

Pages:

320

Reading Level:

Young Adult

Description:

What would you do to save someone you love?

In Fire & Flood, Tella Holloway faced a dangerous trek through the jungle and across the desert, all to remain a Contender in the Brimstone Bleed for a chance at obtaining the Cure for her brother. She can't quit--she has to win the race, save Cody, and then fight to make sure the race stops before it can claim any more lives. In the next legs of the race, across the ocean and over mountains, Tella will face frostbite, sharks, avalanche, and twisted new rules in the race.

But what if the danger is deeper than that? How do you know who to trust when every one's keeping secrets? What do you do when the person you'd relied on most suddenly isn't there for support? How do you weigh one life against another?

The race is coming to an end, and Tella is running out of time, resources, and strength. At the start of the race there were one hundred twenty-two Contenders. As Tella and her remaining friends start the final part of the race, just forty-one are left--and only one can win. ~Goodreads

Amazon Pre-Order     Goodreads     Victoria Scott

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Anomaly *Trailer Reveal/Giveaway*

Releasing November 25, 2014

Reality is only an illusion.

Except for those who can control it...

Worst. Birthday. Ever.

My first boyfriend dumped me-happy birthday, Josie!-my dad is who knows where, I have some weird virus that makes me want to hurl, and now my ex is licking another girl's tonsils. Oh, and I'm officially the same as my brother was when he died. Yeah, today is about as fun-filled as the swamps of Dagobah. But then weird things start happening...

Like I make something materialize just by thinking about it.

When hottily-hot badass Reid Wentworth shows up on a motorcycle, everything changes. Like, everything. Who I am. My Family. What really happened to my brother. Existence. I am Oculi, and I have the ability to change reality with my thoughts. Now Reid, in all his hotness, is charged with guiding and protecting me as I begin learning how to bend reality. And he's the only thing standing between me and the secret organization that wants me dead...

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About Tonya Kuper:

Tonya Kuper is the author of Anomaly, the first in the Schrodinger's Consortium Series, a young adult science fiction trilogy, releasing November 25, 2014 by Entangled Teen. She fell for Young Adult lit while earning her Master's degree in Reading Education. She's a mom to two awesome boys, an alt music junkie, a Star Wars nerd, and in love with Sherlock.

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Goodreads Book Giveaway

Anomaly

by Tonya Kuper

Giveaway ends November 15, 2014.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

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Renhala Tour & Giveaway

Renhala  

(Renhala #1)

Amy Joy Lutchen 

Release Date:

September 27, 2012

Genre:

Adult Fantasy

Reading Level:

Adult

Description:

Kailey Rooke, timid accountant, dedicated to philanthropic work, finds herself spiraling into a deep depression after she suffers a horrifyingly odd and humiliating assault, to only discover more of these freakish assaults occurring across the globe.

A chance discovery leads Kailey to a meeting with elderly Gunthreon, actual master of persuasion. Gunthreon, who seems to know too much of Kailey's history for her liking, opens Kailey's eyes to a coexisting realm she never knew existed: Renhala, while entrusting her with the knowledge of her newfound power as karmelean, serving as a beacon to the Higher Ones. Kailey slowly starts revealing new talents, and Gunthreon is fascinated with what she starts achieving.

She soon discovers that Renhala is in danger, and this danger has been leaking into her own realm. As she uncovers secrets within herself, and attempts to toughen up, she fuses with an unlikely band of fellow travelers (including a dragon, woodsprite, six-hundred-pound greble, her faithful female canine companion, and a "giver"), falls into an unexpected love triangle, deals with her sexy and flirtatious best friend’s “issues,” and finds the courage to master a new deadly weapon. 

On her mission to save Renhala, Kailey will find herself running from life-threatening disasters, such as greble Tartarin, who likes to remind Kailey that when he catches her, he plans on eating her brains with ice cream; she'll run from the deadly meeples: small cute bunnies with talons and an undeniable thirst for imposing self-destruction on others. Kailey will also run into the possibility that a centuries-old Renhalan rumor is true, that advanced technology existing in Kailey's realm shortens all life spans.

As blood is shed and puzzles near completion, Kailey pulls from deep within herself, conjuring up mystical qualities that enable her to astonish as once predicted at her birth, but despite the newfound strength, Kailey will discover that monsters not only come in ugly packages, but can be easily disguised as those she has come to love and trust.

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Amy Joy Lutchen

Born in Chicago, Illinois, a few days prior to watching her first movie, at a drive-in theater. Yes, drive-in theater. And yes, her mother believed she was possessed by the devil after said first movie.
Grew up in the Chicagoland area and graduated from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, where she simply became a number, but decided it was a good number.
Loves cooking (mostly candy-cooking), gardening (putting holes in the ground for perennials, DONE!), designing and constructing jewelry (everything from silversmithing to lampworking), and living with her wonderful husband, two children, black Labrador, and frog—and maybe even the chipmunk family that likes to destroy her aforementioned perennials.
Also hopes that you enjoy her writings, and won’t criticize her for her aversion of eating things in multiples of three.

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Excerpt: 

Six o’clock means she’ll be here at seven, and that gives me plenty of time to get ready. I can hardly believe I’m the one who initiated a night out, but I’m riding the minute possibility that a few really strong, dirty martinis will crumble a few emotional walls of mine tonight. I’m willing to give it a try, but damn well know the probable outcome: me sitting, totally sober, while already-drunk Amber downs the countless drinks bought for her from overly-anxious meatheads.  

I switch on the radio and get dressed while lightly shuffling to “Good Vibrations,” by Marky Mark. As I check myself out in the bathroom mirror, I stare, unhappy with the somewhat low-cut shirt I chose—too revealing. While taking the shirt off, I bend over to plug the iron back in, and then the power suddenly goes out, engulfing me in total darkness. 

I freeze for a brief two seconds. Then whirl about, using my hands as eyes in the darkness, searching for any weapons in my bathroom. Realizing that two previous nights ago I walked away with a pocket knife usually stored in the medicine cabinet, I grab my cuticle scissors in one hand and my hairspray in the other. Kioto had only been moaning in her sleep that night I moved the knife, but it sounded so alien. Alien. Alien-like grunting.

The guttural sound of grunting from my assaulter’s throat echoes through my mind as I stand motionless, frozen from fear, remembering the noise as he tore off my cotton panties the day of the assault. I lay there, on my stomach, on top of my newly made bed, staring at Bear—a feeling of despair so great and overpowering pulsing through me. I also remember, too painfully, the blood-curdling scream that escaped my throat as I pleaded to anyone listening, a higher being even, to please save me. Don’t let this happen to me. This shouldn’t be happening to me. I wouldn’t survive feeling that hopeless again.

After my eyes adjust, and as I wait for the sound of footsteps or breathing, I hear neither, so I peek around the door and see Kioto lying on the ground, head turned toward me—possibly perturbed by the roaring sounds emanating from my chest. I walk, shakily, with weapons still in hand, toward the window and I see the whole block is out. A quick check toward the sky reveals the approaching storm. I collapse on my couch and cry like a baby, doubting my ability to function like a normal human being ever again. Kioto walks toward me, and slowly licks my blackened tears from my face. “Thanks, baby,” I say as I snuggle into her and regain my normal breathing. 

I wipe my running mascara from my face and gather my composure. A glance at the clock tells me that Amber should be here soon. Sooner than I can fix my makeup, the power goes back on, giving me another heart attack when “Kung Fu Fighting” starts blaring throughout the apartment. What a wonderful start to the evening.

Amber arrives at 7:15 and lets herself in with the key I gave her last week, which was supposed to be for emergencies only. She is absolutely stunning. Her long, straight blond hair complements the lime-green baby-doll dress and her black stilettos. She’s only five foot three, so the extra four and a half inches brings her closer to eye level, but not for long. I decide to wear my knee length, heeled, black boots with my new taupe silk tank top and black pants. I grab my father’s ring off my dresser and slip it into my pocket.  

She stares at me and says, “Girl, I need some of that leg length. If you die, can you donate your legs to me?” I laugh and tell her only if she shares some of the endowment on her chest. She’s about a thirty-two E, compared to my thirty-four B. 

“You sure you’re ready to do this?” She emanates sincerity.

I shake my head no as the tears fill my eyes and I grab my purse.

Giveaway:

Tour Grand Prize:

Open internationally

$100 Amazon gift card

Two Renhala magnets

Goodies: Blackberry Sage tea by Republic of Tea and Mighty Leaf's Organic African Nectar tea

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Mirror of Shadows Review & Giveaway

Mirror of Shadows

T. Lynne Tolles

Release Date:

September 1, 2012

Source:

Review Copy Provided*

Reading Level:

New Adult







View the Trailer Here


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Description:

Ella McKaye returns home for her grandmother's funeral to find she's inherited a ton of money and a run down mansion she never knew existed, called Grey Manor. Her greedy mother is appalled when the will stipulates specifically that Ella can't give her any of the inheritance. She quickly throws Ella out of her home forcing her to take up immediate residence in the spooky old mansion.

Within minutes of entering her new home she has a strange interaction with a creepy old mirror in the main hallway and the ghostly inhabitants of the past get more and more agitated the longer Ella's there. Nearly fatal back to back accidents make Ella start to wonder if she's angered some ghost or if there is something more sinister at work. Will Ella unravel the deadly mystery before she becomes a ghost herself? Or will fate take

another one of the Grey ancestors to the grave.

Teaser Sentence(s):

He looked absolutely mortified as he grabbed a dishtowel and held it in front of him as if to hide the fact he was in his underwear. Of Course the boxers could be seen from all edges of the dishtowel, making Ella want to giggle at his sudden realization of his lack of pants.

My Thoughts:

Mirror of Shadows was a nice paranormal mystery.

Elle was a very independent protagonist. She wasn't dependent on a man to come in and save the day, even though that did keep happening. I was happy she didn't come off as being perfect. She even made herself look a little crazy at the beginning when she first met Jeremy. I hated Matt straight from the beginning, but I love Jeremy. He was the silent, keep-to-himself type, and that drove me crazy wanting to get to know him. Jeremy was another character who wasn't perfect. He was handsome and, obviously, likes cats, but he was far from flawless and had a somewhat bad background. There was not any insta-love or hooking up, so I have my fingers crossed for a follow up book with more on Elle and Jeremy's relationship.

Jeremy and Elle were well written and, to me, felt like they could be real people. I enjoyed the mystery aspect of the story. It was fun (and creepy) trying to figure out the secrets of Willow along with Elle. Who was she? Why did she die? Is she good or bad? What the heck is up with that mirror in the hallway? The ending was good, and I would recommend this to anyone who wanted a clean, paranormal romance.

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T. Lynne Tolles

T. Lynne Tolles is a lifelong avid reader of all things paranormal and now is a writer of new adult paranormal romances for readers 15 to 115. She grew up in the sunny California San Francisco bay area. She's the mother of two, wife to one and pet mom to three cats and Newfoundland dog. 

Blood of a Werewolf is the first of five books in a series called, the Blood Series. Other titles include Somber Island and Mirror of Shadows - both unrelated to the series.

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*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not paid for my opinion.

Deer in Headlights Review & Giveaway

 Deer in Headlights

Staci Hart

Release Date:

February 13, 2013

Publisher:

Promise Socks Publishing

Pages:

164

Source:

Review Copy Provided*

Reading Level:

Adult

Description:

What do the Greek gods do when they're bored? Because they're always bored, so humans are the perfect players in their games.

Aphrodite owns love; she hasn't lost a competition on her turf in over three millennia. Apollo is on a mission to win. He's counting on it to finally get the one woman he's never been able to have. The two gods will choose their human players, and if Aphrodite can't get them together before the clock runs out, Apollo will get his way. And Aphrodite couldn't have that.

Lex and Dean are perfect for each other, they just don't know it yet. Dean is a perpetual bachelor, and a brooding, beautiful rock star. Lex is always with a man, but she'll never fully give herself up. Aphrodite has her work cut out for her, but if she can't make it work, no one can.

The gods have their own drama. Apollo killed Aprhodite's mortal love - they've got beef that's been dragging on for thousands of years. Ares, the douchebag, is forever trying to pick a fight, and trying to get Aphrodite into bed. And Persephone, Aphrodite's best friend, is the one person who Aphrodite shares everything with.

Follow the gods as they fight, laugh, cry, lose love, gain power, and make a mess with humans.

Teaser Sentence(s):

'"...When he was alive, he was always stealing my glory. What is the modern phrase you use?"

"Stealing your thunder. Zeus loves that one."

"Yes, I suspect that he would."'

My Thoughts:

Deer in Headlights has 3 of my guilty book pleasures: Greek gods, a guy in a rock band, and a romance story full of angst. So, it's safe to say I really enjoyed reading this book.

There are two stories in this book. One story is mainly focused on Aphrodite-or Dita-and Apollo. Most all the main gods of Olympus live in a mock Luxury New York apartment, so you get plenty of interaction between the others such as Ares, Persephone, Hermes, and even Zeus and Hera. But the main focus is on an ancient feud between Apollo and Dita.

The rest of the book follows the lives of Lex and Dean. Dean is a damaged guitar player and lead singer for the band 'Paper Fools'. Lex is dating the drummer, Travis, when she enters Dean's life. Their path to try to be together is full of stumbles thanks to Apollo and Aphrodite's competition. If they end up together Aphrodite wins and continues her 3,000 year long winning streak. If Apollo wins he is granted one favor from Aphrodite, and he has been trying for centuries for this chance.

I really enjoyed both stories. If your guilty book pleasures are similar to mine then I think you would enjoy this book. It is definitely a book for adult readers. Some of the scenes did get a little smutty, so be warned.

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Author Staci Hart 

Staci has been a lot of things up to this point in her life -- a graphic designer, an entrepreneur, a seamstress, a clothing and handbag designer, a waitress. Can't forget that. She's also been a mom; she has three little girls who are sure to grow up to break a number of hearts. She's been a wife; even though she's certainly not the cleanest, or the best cook. She's also super, duper fun at a party, especially if she's been drinking whiskey. Her favorite word starts with f, ends with k, and there a uc in there. Just saying. From roots in Houston, to a seven year stint in Southern California, Staci and her family ended up settling somewhere in between and equally north, in Denver. They are new enough that snow is still magical. When she's not writing, she's sleeping, cleaning, or designing graphics. But let's be honest, she's mostly writing.

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*I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for my post/review. I was not compensated in anyway.

David's Song Book Blast & Giveaway

Description:

Annie only ever really loved two men in her life. One broke her heart, the other married her. Four children and fifteen years later, Annie’s marriage is in jeopardy. Money is tight and her husband questions the very foundation of their relationship. When Annie is unexpectedly given the opportunity to see the young man who broke her heart — a man who is now a megastar in the music industry — Annie is faced with choices. Choices that will determine what is of more value — a second chance at lost love and unfulfilled dreams or commitment, trust, and love built on years of experience.

A psychologically subtle, yet compelling tale about how the instinct and need for love overcomes self-doubt and personal inadequacy.

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Author A.R. Talley

April R Talley was born and raised in the Rubber City, Akron, Ohio in 1959.  She is the youngest of six children.  She attended Brigham Young University for a time, but withdrew to work fulltime for Osmond Productions in Orem, Utah as a member of The Osmond production staff.  After a brief stint working in television, she returned to Akron to finish her education.  She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Mass Media Communications in 1981.   April later worked as vice president and part owner of a dance and sportswear boutique.  Married in 1982, she is the proud mother of seven children and is deeply involved in volunteer work for her church.  April spends her time working on future projects, caring for home and family, and traveling.  David’s Song is her debut novel and the first of a trilogy.

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Praise from reviews on Goodreads.com

“Not just your typical romance novel”  - Tracy Williams

“David’s Song is great read that leaves you thinking about the story and pondering your own relationships”.  - Anna Pavkov

“Sucked me in from the 1st page”  - Jill Walker

“Loved this book . . . could not put it down!”  - Dana Vieira

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Elixir / Apollyon Reviews & Giveaway

Elixir

(The Covenant #3.5)

Jennifer L Armentrout

Release Date:

November 27, 2012

Publisher:

Spencer Hill Press

Pages:

74

Source:

My Personal Copy

Reading Level:

Young Adult

Description:

Aiden St. Delphi will do anything to save Alex. Even if it means doing the one thing he will never forgive himself for. Even if it means making war against the gods.

Teaser Sentence(s):

'My fist connected with his jaw before I even knew what I was doing. His head jerked back as he staggered to the side. I shot forward, grabbing him by his shirt, and slammed him into the wall, rattling several paintings.'

My Thoughts:

If you follow the Covenant series, then this is a novella you really should read. I usually deem novellas unnecessary, but in this case I think you need to read Elixir to get the full effect of Apollyon. You will not lose out much on valuable information, but you will lose out on emotions. In Apollyon, Aiden's feelings and behavior reflect from events that happen in Elixir. It's the same with Alex. You get a much clearer picture of who she is while connected to Seth. Plus this novella is written from Aiden's point-of-view and it's free to download! You can get your copy HERE.

 Apollyon

(Covenant #4)

Jennifer L Armentrout

Release Date:

April 4, 2013

Publisher:

Spencer Hill Press

Pages:

348

Source:

My Personal Copy

Reading Level:

Young Adult

Description:

Fate isn't something to mess with... and now, neither is Alex.

Alex has always feared two things: losing herself in the awakening and being placed on the Elixir. But love has always been stronger than Fate. And Aiden St. Delphi is willing to make war on the gods-and Alex herself-to being her back.

The gods have killed thousands and could destroy entire cities in their quest to stop Seth from taking Alex's power and becoming the all-powerful God Killer. But breaking Alex's connection to Seth isn't the only problem. There are a few pesky loopholes in the whole "an Apollyon can't be killed" theory, and the only person who might know how to stop the destruction has been dead for centuries.

Finding their way past the barriers that guard the Underworld, searching for one soul among countless millions, and then somehow returning will be hard enough. Alex might be able to keep Seth from becoming the God Killer... or she might become the God Killer herself. ~book blurb

Teaser Sentence:

'Oh, I was two seconds from jumping on his back and strangling him from behind... with love, of course.'

My Thoughts:

This series just keeps getting better and better!

When I started reading The Covenant series, one thing that interested me the most was the Greek Gods. Since childhood, I have had an obsession with Greek Mythology. Apollyon absolutely fed my need for the gods. Of course Apollo was in Apollyon, he has made appearances in the past couple Covenant books. There was also Hermes, Artemis, Ares, Dionysus, Persephone and within the first 50 pages Apollo and Thanatos are throwing god bolts and the 2 remaining Furies are in action.

I do not want to give away any spoilers, so I am keeping this short and sweet. If you have not ever read this series, you need too! There is still one book left to come out this summer, so you still have time to get caught up! You can start out by downloading the free prequel novella Daimon HERE. 

I recommend this book to anyone and everyone who likes to read young adult novels. This is one of my favorite series in that genre. I am excited for book #5 Sentinel, but at the same time I do not want this series to end. 

I have an extra Covenant bookmark set. Who wants it? This giveaway is going to be US ONLY. (Sorry international followers. I will do something awesome soon to make up for it!)

If you are under 18, make sure you have your parents' permission, because I will have to get the winners physical address to mail the bookmarks to you. Good-Luck!

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Drowning in You Book Blitz and Giveaway

Drowning in You

Rebecca Berto

Release Date:

April 12, 2013

Reading Level:

New Adult

Genre:

Contemporary Romance

Description: 

Secretly crushing

Crushed by a tragedy

Charlee May's been crushing on Dexter Hollingworth since she was fifteen. Five years later, a horrific skiing disaster at Mason's Ski Lift Resort leaves her millionaire dad  critically injured and her mom dead at the hands of Dexter operating the lifts. Charlee is suddenly the sole caretaker for her little brother while their world falls apart.

Dexter couldn't be more different from Charlee. He's tattooed, avoids exclusive relationships and his dad has a fair share of illegal dealings. With Dexter's reputation, almost everyone believes he planned the Mason's skiing disaster.

And after all these years he's still crushing on Charlee May, the girl who's too good for him.

When this cruel twist of fate ties Charlee's family and Dexter's reputation together, Charlee and Dexter wonder if their feelings are reciprocated, while Dexter discovers his dad is trying to steal the May's millionaire fortune.

But like an addiction, one look, one touch, one taste- they're hooked no matter the consequences.

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Rebecca Berto is the author or the dark contemporary/literary novella, Precise and the upcoming new adult contemporary romance novel, Drowning in You. She is also a freelance editor.

She writes stories that are a bit sexy, and straddle the line between Literary and Tear Your Heart Out. She gets a thrill when her readers are emotional reading her stories, and gets even more of a kick when they tell her so. She's strangely imaginative, spends too much time on her computer, and is certifiably crazy when she works on her fiction. Rebecca Berto lives in Melbourne, Australia with her boyfriend and their doggy.

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Excerpt:

I like Dexter Hollingworth.

Dexter Hollingworth “killed” my parents.

1. Killer Crush

Charlee

As per all the fourteen- to eighteen-year-olds at our school, I started crushing on Dexter Hollingworth around the age of fifteen. There was one girl who hated him, but she was into girls.

From the football field sidelines to graduation day and beyond, my best friend Rosa and I have wanted him. But guys like Dexter don’t notice girls like us who spend most of our time talking about cool people like him.

At twenty years old, I still “love” him.

I love the way his body personifies what a male God should be without looking like Fabio.

I love the way his perfect tanned skin is inked and how he wears those aviator sunglasses and how he’d use up his lunchtimes to teach the little kids in our school guitar lessons.

But I hate the way I love him.

I hate how Dexter was the one controlling the ski lifts at Mason’s Ski Resort the day my mom was killed because it also put me here, in this position, praying to a God I’ve never believed in to spare my dad’s life.

In this hospital room, the air is as quiet as the still of night and my dad’s languid breathing and drawn-out, heavy movements remind me that my perfect family life was never meant to be forever.

If I’m being honest, it seems like things are already over. Dad’s skin keeps a yellow color—at best—from the IV drip. His meds help with the simple tasks his heart and other organs can’t. My thoughts wander again. I don’t let myself consider the alternative—that maybe it’s wishful thinking. I go with this:

“Dad,” I say, jealous my little brother, Darcy is holding our dad’s hand—the hand he can squeeze with. “Look at you.” I wink.

“Is she okay, Dad?” Darcy asks, sounding as though he’s confused.

“Charlee?” The confusion is contagious, but Dad’s patient zero—not Darcy.

There are bars that raise and lower around Dad’s bed, and they’ve been raised forever. Surely they must be there because they’re too hard to put down in their scratched, old state. My dad doesn’t need silly bars around his bed! My dad owns Roycroft Engines.

“I think you’re squeezing Darcy’s hand too tight,” I say.

“Wha-at?” Darcy says. He’s staring at me with squinted eyes, probably thinking what’s wrong with my sister? She’s supposed to be the adult.

It hurts smiling like this, the creases halfway up my cheeks. But maybe it’ll work. “Isn’t that right, Dad?”

Dad’s eyes are like I remember them now. There’s vibrancy in the rich brown color, like my eyes. I bet he’s thinking is his daughter crazy? He tilts his head to the side—

Injured people don’t understand things like this. Injured people don’t get what’s unsaid. Dad’s not that injured.

—as it clicks. Dad shakes out of Darcy’s grip and waggles his finger at him. “That nurse…”

“Lisa Hollingworth,” I say.

“Yes, Lisa. That nurse Lisa said motor function is good. Squeezing someone’s hand uses up a lot more strength than you think, son.”

Darcy’s mouth flops open and stays that way. He checks out Dad, who’s nodding, and me—should I nod?—so I nod also.

“Squeezing your hand probably takes Dad twenty muscles and millions of brain cells just to do something like that.”

“No way!” Darcy grins and punches the air. “Dad, that’s cool.”

And just like that, Darcy has that same face on as he had when Mom told him she had to wait three hours in line to buy Desert Warcraft and yeah, she really, really got it for him.

That face is why I haven’t downed twenty sleeping pills yet. God knows these last weeks have felt like months, which actually felt like years. That makes me the most ancient twenty-year-old alive.

Why, Dexter? Why did it have to be you in that seat, in that room, at that time?