Beneath Erynn’s petite build, curly red hair, and startling blue eyes, lies a deeply hidden secret.If the truth about her were revealed, her life would be in danger. Her dream to be a fighter pilot would tailspin,crash, and burst into flames. Jaer’s wise brown eyes reflect his smoldering strength. An enigma, charismatic and moody, he is a physically powerful warrior who defends his world. A warrior afraid to love because of mistakes in his past. When the presence of a marauding alien society is discovered on their planets, a struggle of life and death begins. Both Erynn and Jaer’s worlds face annihilation. A mysterious force plunges Erynn into Jaer’s cold, dangerous, and beautiful world with its magical essence and living consciousness. Both the alien enemy and this strange inexplicable power purse Erynn.
*****The author is very busy right now writing books 3 and 4 and there will be a 5th! Yep, more of Arranon and it’s cast of characters will be revealed******
Click on the link below, enter the code, and it’s yours!
A dark evil rises. A world on the threshold of destruction. A crossing into a mysterious realm. The journey begins.
Newly commissioned Interceptor fighter pilot, Erynn Yager, knows sacrifice. Her battle against a brutal alien enemy intent on destroying her two worlds set her on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, all while struggling to gain control of her secret abilities. With the alien threat crushed, Erynn believes the worst is behind her. She settles in to experience first love and a changed life on a hidden military base deep inside a glacier covered mountain on Arranon.
Her peaceful existence can’t last.
Dhoran, the evil sovereign of Arranon’s underworld has risen from the dead to possess an unwilling human. Dhoran’s powers grow while he plots a war that may plunge Arranon onto a path of destruction neither realm will survive. Arranon is pulled into chaos as violence spreads across the planet.
Drawn first in visions, Erynn enters a diverse world beneath Arranon’s surface, a realm teeming with danger, mystery, and beauty. The battle thrusts her into an uncharted kingdom, intensifying her connection to the heart and soul of the living Arranon.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Before I wrote, I read. Voraciously. When I wasn’t able to read, I listened to audio books on tape or CD. Still do. Hi. My name is Robynn E Sheahan and I live and write from the Cascade Mountains of the Pacific Northwest.
I started to dabble in writing while working as a Paramedic/Firefighter in Northern California. Trust me, it’s not like it appears on TV. There was plenty of time for books. Ideas from dreams follow me into warm sunny days or the quiet of falling snow. What ifs feed a vivid imagination. Even miss-typed phrases may lead to an aha moment. Brain storming sessions standing in windy, dark parking lots with fellow writers release thoughts that pry at the corners of my mind, grasping for purchase. Sometimes the ideas pursue me, with persistence. About three years ago the dabbling became serious when worlds and characters screamed for, no, demanded attention. So I wrote my first manuscript. Critiques and rewrites filled the next two years. I now had STORM OF ARRANON, the first book in the series.
The Tour of Lancaster House & The Middle Aisle has come to an end. In celebration of this unique tour of the Lancaster Mansion, we are giving away 10 eCopies of both books!! & sharing highlights from the Tour. Yep!! Catch the entire tour right here…
I wanted to actually leap into the book and visit the place, old and damaged or not. I loved the idea of secret hiding places and staircases that go nowhere
2/17 – PhantasmicReads – Guest Post Inspiration for the Lancaster House
“I consulted my psychology-degreed daughter as I wrote Doctor Channing.”
2/26 – Who’sThanny? – Review of Lancaster House in Portuguese
A sequência de Lancaster House, The Middle Aisle, já está disponível. Aguardem pra saber mais sobre essa história!
– Letters to the Cosmos –
Review of The Middle Aisle
Dean adds some great storytelling to mix, turning the concept of an unreliable narrator so completely on its head that the reader is never quite sure what is real, what isn’t, and how it will all end.
(…) But I’ll never admit That he’s here. Never again. I need him. I want him. I do not care if he’s not real. I wish I’d never known the truth. The truth sucks. Delusions are fantastic. The world would be a happier place if everyone was allowed to Live Out Their fantasies, live in a dream world where everything is butterflies and roses. (…)
Lancaster House & The Middle Aisle, available in print or eCopy from Smashwords or Amazon:
Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding that she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense-you’ll find all sub-genres of romance in her line-up.
Bookblast Giveaway!!10 eCopies of Lancaster House & The Middle Aisle for 10 Winners!!!
March 1 – March 7, 2013
Open only to those who can legally enter. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced on Rafflecopter and Grand Finale posts as well as emailed and the winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Burgandy Ice @ Colorimetry and Prism Book Tours and sponsored by Taylor Dean. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
5 WINNERS in USA will receive…. Signed copies of Lancaster House and The Middle Aisle, two Lancaster House bookmarks, two pencils that say, “Believe it, Know it, Accept it,” and a cute little tote bag.
5 International Winners will receive… eCopy of Lancaster House & The Middle Aisle
Open only to those who can legally enter. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced on Rafflecopter and Grand Finale posts as well as emailed and the winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Burgandy Ice @ Colorimetry and Prism Book Tours and sponsored by Taylor Dean. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
I have read numerous books by Susan Kiernan-Lewis and find her to be a superb writer. Maggie is quite the character and highly entertaining. She can always find some kind of trouble to get into. Add one of her books to your Kindle collection now. Just scroll down to Freebie and snag it for yourself.
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Coming This Weekend!
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MURDER IN PARIS, the fourth installment in the Maggie Newberry Provençal Mystery Series has Maggie bring a little American know-how (and stubbornness) to the cut-throat world of Paris fashion.
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Coming this Sunday in e-book edition from Amazon, Barnes&Noble, Kobo and iBook. Trade paperback also available.
Murder in Paris
The City of Light is anything BUT light when a killer stalks the streets…
For a woman who loves fashion, there is no place on earth more exciting than Paris where the clothes are to die for and everyone you meet is dressed to kill.
Maggie’s visit to the City of Light in the midst of Paris Fashion Week turns into a nightmare when she witnesses a murder within her own family. Determined to find out who the killer is—before her husband’s patience and her marriage expires—Maggie steps into the glittering world of fashion as cutthroat and vicious as any drug cartel. It could be Maggie’s grandest hour–if she can survive it.
While you’re waiting for the latest in the series to hit, why not check out “Murder on the Côte d’Azur”—it’s the first book in the series and it’s FREE wherever e-books are sold.
I posted this during a tour a while back, but since then, a book trailer has come out. I also, forgot to add it to my reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. So, take a look, check out the book and if you like, pick up a copy for yourself at the end of the post.
From George D. Shuman who served twenty years with the Metropolitan Police Department, Washington DC, and whose international bestseller, ’18 Seconds’, is currently in production as a major Hollywood motion picture.
Better still, ‘Rattleman’ is George D. Shuman’s most gripping crime thriller yet.
The Rattleman knows every crevice, every creek, every cave, every ravine, every inch of his remote hunting grounds in the Appalachian Mountains.
He is a determined serial killer, always waiting for his next victim to cross his path.
When Park Ranger Jane Cameron literally stumbles across the remains of two of his victims, she discovers that she too has been caught in his trap.
And when the ‘Rattleman’s prey is at his mercy, she’s dead.
MY REVIEW OF RATTLEMAN BY GEORGE SHUMAN
Kirsten, a state police corporal and senior forensic technician, arrived to examine the woman’s head. It was all that was found on the edge of the icy river. It looked like it had been cut clean, but it could have been the ice that cut it. It was sent off to the lab to find out more.
As Marty sat at the General Store, talking with Hattie, he recalled another woman had disappeared not that far from here. He put in a request for the report. When it arrived, he found, she too, had five ear hole piercings. Were there more similarities?
Jane Cameron knew she wasn’t supposed to go off on her own, but it was too late to seek help and make it back by tonight. The girl was missing and a night could make a difference. What she found in the cave, made her realize she could be next. The next sound she hears tells her it is already too late.
One of their own was down and Marty would stop at nothing to find the killer.
Over a 15 year period, on Blood Mountain and the Appalachian Trail, too many women were coming up missing. It now involved Georgia, West Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee. What was happening to them? Was there a serial killer loose? The newspapers thought so and the Atlanta Constitution named him the Mountain State Butcher.
DEA agent Judy Wells had been given her first real case since coming back to work, after loosing her baby to SIDs and her husband walking out on her. She was meeting an informant in the Latora Crime family. It was one of the biggest cases in the city and she was anxious about her part in the investigation.
Judy had come back from a living hell, but was still having trouble. When she failed her qualification at the piston range, she had real cause for worry. The next time she was scheduled to qualify, she pretended to have the flu, but she could only put it off for so long. If she couldn’t shoot, she would lose her job, and her job was all she had left.
Jimmy Latora, Sr had died and his son had taken over, but he had no respect from the ranks. The informant was a Lieutenant in the Latora crime family. Carlisle, Jimmy’s son, had pissed him off, so he turned rat.
When the plane that was carrying the contraband crashed, Judy was sent to check it out.
Would it end up being the best thing that ever happened to her, or would it be her final downfall?
4 STARS – Would Highly Recommend To Others
“God thinks I’m a cat. He likes to dangle things in front of me and then snatch them out of my reach.” I just had to put that in my review, because it made me bust out laughing when I read it.
The cover is awesome and creates an aura of mystery. The title, Rattleman, is very appropriate, and you will find out why when you read the book.
I love murder mysteries and find serial killers especially fascinating.
It is suspenseful and very well written, but something kept me from rating it higher. It lacked the WOW factor for me. It could have been longer and developed more of the story, gone deeper into details. I still loved the book and am happy to have it in my Kindle collection.
Marty seemed like a great guy, but living in the sticks is not for everyone. His fiance left him for someone else and moved to the big city. He liked his job and did it well.
Judy Wells was a tragic figure. If something in her life could go wrong, it would. Her husband had left her for someone else, shortly after their baby died from SIDS. She just couldn’t seem to get over it. When it affected her job, it put her life as a police woman in jeopardy. She would lose her job if she couldn’t pass her shooting qualifications.
The Rattleman was a psychotic killer that had no remorse and no intention of stopping. His victims were chosen because of them being in the wrong place, at the wrong time. He could travel freely, because no one missed him when he wasn’t there and he knew the woods like the back of his hand. There was only one way to stop him, and that was by catching or killing him.
I enjoyed the book, and would definitely pick up another one written by George D. Shuman.
I received this book in return for an honest and unbiased review.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
About George D. ShumanGeorge Shuman is the international bestsellingauthor of the Sherry Moore series about a blind woman who can see 18 seconds from a dead person’s life, using her innate ability to track down their killers.
George’s first four Sherry Moore books are published by Simon & Schuster. ‘!8 Seconds’ is currently in production for a major Hollywood motion picture.
‘Rattleman’ is the first of George’s books to be published by Taylor Street. It too will be a major Hollywood motion picture.
George D. Shuman is offering for the Giveaway 1 (one) ebook to a lucky commenter. International. Easy entry as always, just leave your email address and answer the question:
What do you think about vigilantes? Would you want revenge if a family member were murdered?
Small town girl, Molly Bennett, moves to Los Angeles where she becomes an outsider while attending Beverly Hills High School. It seems life cannot be any more dreadful. Then one day after school, something magical happens. On a secluded hike in the Hollywood Hills, Molly chases her disobedient mutt and only friend into a hidden cavern. She stumbles upon a strange glimmering gateway that transports her to Arkana, a planet that is the cradle of an advanced human race. There, teenagers navigate amazing flying vehicles, compete in perilous games for glory, and possess supernatural powers. While Molly tries to wrap her mind around this unbelievable discovery, she meets the alluring and mysterious Victor Sorren. He is a Sentinel Apprentice, whose hatred toward people from Earth is beyond understanding. Yet every time Victor unpredictably saves Molly’s life, his heart draws closer to hers, no matter how much he tries to fight against it. It further complicates things that their growing friendship is strictly forbidden. Earth people are prohibited in Arkana, yet Molly continues to cross through the portal to Arkana to see Victor. Torn between their double lives, they go down a dangerous path, from where there is no return and multiple endings.
Fields of Elysium is a suspenseful, romantic tale full of forbidden secrets, unimaginable danger, deception, and the never-ending fight for true love.
“The novel’s take on otherworldly travel is a compelling one, and the romantic plot will likely appeal to Twilight fans.” – Kirkus Reviews
“I expected a good love story with a paranormal twist. I got so much more. I think you should take the chance and read it. Let this book take you on the adventure, fall in love.” – Young Adult and Teen Readers
“Fields of Elysium is a fabulous read. … Whelan paints her faith into the fabric of her story with deft, light brushstrokes, making her work accessible to all, no matter their spiritual beliefs or background.” – Readers Favorite
“I escaped into this fantasy world, author, A.B.Whelan, created and I didn’t want Molly to go. From detailed descriptions, to sweet romance, and to all the twist and turns in the story, it had me captivated from page one.” – Mary Ting, author of the Crossroads Saga
“Whelan’s writing is very vivid and descriptive. It’s more formal than the average YA novel, but I enjoyed the lyrical and mesmerizing quality to it. I thought the overall story read like a fairy tale–very sweet.” – Megan Thomason, author of Daynight
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Author A.B. Whelan
A.B.Whelan is a Hungarian born, American writer. She currently lives with her husband and two children in Southern California.
While growing up in a wealthy Eastern European family, she had a chance to travel Europe. Later as an adult, she visited Africa and the Middle East and lived in Ecuador and in Crete.
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash plus a gift bag of one signed copy of Fields of Elysium, a scrabble-tile pendant with a butterfly image on a chain necklace, and a fridge magnet.
Ends 3/11/13
Gift Bag open to US only. If winner is international they will receive only the gift card or paypal cash.
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
I am also having a Giveaway. There is 1 print book and 1 ebook up for grabs. If you win, you can opt to trade it for another one of Ellis Vidler’s books. So, you can’t lose. Scroll to the end of the post to enter.
I love that the story starts out with Alex up a tree.
Her hand begins to itch, the urge to draw overwhelms her. She was hiding from the two men, but she heard a sound that made her look. She saw only one man on the dock and felt the urge to run, trying to keep out of sight. She didn’t know, but Jelly, the chauffeur, had seen her.
As soon as she got home, she sat down and began to draw, her hand moving on its own. It seemed it only happened when violence was near.
Alex was living on the island with her Aunt Chicora , because a tree had fallen on her house during a storm.
She ran into Connor, the prosecutor, at the restaurant. He convinced her to join him for dinner. Rollins had followed her there, with Jelly. Rollins was the man she had seen alone on the dock. His plan was to take care of her now.
She had no idea how much dinner with Connor would change her life forever.
4 STARS – Would Highly Recommend To Others
“An enigma wrapped in a riddle”
I loved the cover. The colors and photograph captured my eye. I must confess, I do choose a lot of the books I read by the cover first. The title is appropriate and catchy .
I have a special fondness for trees. I am amazed at the number of books I choose that have a tree on the cover in some way, shape or form.
I fell into the book and couldn’t climb out until the last page was read. I really thought that was how it would be, before I even opened the cover. It has all the elements for a good book. A woman in distress, yet she is strong, loving, and forgiving. She has friends around her. The bad guys are after her. And she finds a man and his dog to ride off into the sunset with. Throw in some psychic abilities, numerous plot lines and characters, and you have a hit.
I read it in one sitting and it was every bit as entertaining as I thought it would be. The book was well written and Ellis kept the action rolling from cover to cover. I am eager to read more exciting stories from this wonderful author.
I won this book in a giveaway on fuyonlyknew’s blog. I love to add signed, first editions to my book collection. Thank you Laura, at fuyonlyknew, and Ellis for having the giveaway.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
As a child in the South, Ellis spent long, hot days imagining herself an Indian or pioneer or musketeer. At night she (and her whole family) read. From Tarzan and D’Artagnan to Anne Shirley and Nancy Drew, she lived them all. No angst in her childhood. So what did she do as an adult? Write fiction, what else? She loves creating characters and making them do what she wants, but mostly they take off on their own and leave her hurrying to catch up.
All her stories have some degree of romance and a lot of suspense. Time of Death, a suspense novel about a psychic artist who sees too much, was released in November. And before that, Cold Comfort, her new romantic suspense. Her first book, published by Silver Dagger Mysteries, was Haunting Refrain. The second was The Peeper, a suspense novel co-authored with retired LEO Jim Christopher. (He’s a terrific storyteller!)
Ellis is an author, editor, and speaker. She grew up in North Alabama, studied English and art at All Saints College for Women, and thoroughly enjoyed studying creative writing under the great Scott Regan. She taught elements of fiction at a community college. Her home is now the South Carolina Piedmont with her husband and dogs. Click here to contact Ellis.
Ellis is currently working on a new book that’s set in North Carolina, tentatively titled Fade Out. She hopes to finish it this summer. It is more like Cold Comfort. Nothing psychic in this one.
If you cannot psychically connect to Ellis, click on a link below:
To Purchase any of Ellis Vidler’s book, simply click on the cover below. She has too many books to list them all, but click on any cover to be taken to Amazon.
GIVEAWAY
Ellis Vidler is offering for the Giveaway
1 (one) ebook – International
l (one) Paperback – US and Canada Only
Easy entry as always, just leave your email address and answer the question:
Why do you think Alex is up the tree? Entertain me.
Closed. The Winners are – print copy, “Cassandra” – ebook, “JaxGrampy”.
Freebloods – drink from the same vampire no more than twice and have powers.
Fastbloods – drank more than two times and are bound to the vampire they fed from.
Kasey asked Quinn, her cousin. about the cell phone she had found. She played the message back and it was Jo Jo telling Quinn that they captured something on the recorder they had hidden in the Portland Underground. They were hoping to find some paranormal activity.
They went to meet her, and saw her snatched right in front of them. Quinn fought hard and did some damage, but she was outnumbered and they had powers too. Kasey wanted to call the police, but Quinn said no. The kidnappers were not human, they were vassals, someone that vampires feed on. The police would be useless against them.
Quinn had found out about the supernatural when her mother and brother were killed, but Kasey was unaware of any of the details.
Kasey convinced Quinn to let her help. She was very good at manipulating people, when she wanted something. They were going to Confluence, a club where the supernatural hang out. Quinn knew a vampire there who might be able to help.
She ran into William Kiigemagi, a warlock she had made an enemy of some time ago. Quinn sensed that he knew something of Jo Jo’s kidnapping, which was bad news for Jo Jo.
Del was there too. He said that he wanted to help, but she didn’t want his help. Nate ran the club and it was his help she wanted. Nate told Quinn to leave it alone, that the Portland Vampire Council would handle it. She talked him into helping anyway. He had helped her before and he required his usual payment. The name he gave her was a human name, Tyler Anderson.
Nate was going to keep his eye on her, whether she liked it or not. He had a soft spot in his non-beating heart for her. She had feelings for him too, but he was a vampire and she was a human, albeit, with special powers.
Del followed her home. He had feelings for her, whether she wanted to acknowledge them or not. He told her he was in town, because magic was being used and the Order had sent him there to investigate. The Order was a secret group that studied paranormal activity that was above and beyond the norm. They were the police, judge and jury of the supernatural in the northwest United States. Nate had told her to keep them out of it, but she couldn’t leave it alone. She needed Del’s help.
He told her how careless she was. That he thought she had learned more at the Academy.
Kasey asked what Academy? Quinn would be forced to tell her everything.
What was going on and who was behind it? It had become obvious that they would stop at nothing to make it happen, so it had to be something really big. What price would be paid to prevent it and rescue Jo Jo?
4 STARS – Would Highly Recommend To Others
Quirky cover, but I like it. The title becomes apparent, almost as soon as you start reading the book.
The book is well written, easy to read and flows well.The plot is well-developed and will keep you guessing as to what comes next. It included things I have not seen in other vampire books, and that always counts as a huge plus to me.
Action packed from beginning to end. I could visualize the scenes playing out in my mind, because of watching Supernatural and Charmed on television. They are TV programs that deal with every kind of supernatural being you can think of, for those of you who have not heard of them.
When she talked about divining crystals, I immediately thought of Charmed. On Charmed, they use a crystal and map to locate people, they call it scrying.
Quinn is a kick ass and take names kind of character. She felt that, no matter what, she could and would do whatever was necessary to save her best friend. I am especially drawn to books where the lead character is a strong female. I rooted for Quinn, even though I felt she had one major character flaw, she………
Kasey was a hoot. I can just imagine what it would be like to be around her. She won me over big time. She is manipulative and persuasive, wheedling her way into things that are bound to get her into trouble. She is full of life and afraid of nothing. When she wanted something, she wouldn’t take no for an answer.
It is not always easy to choose which characters you will root for and which you hope get their comeuppance. Can a vampire be a nice guy?
I’m not sure how I felt about the ending. I sure didn’t see it happening the way it did. I felt sad for Quinn. She suffered such pain and loss, that you cannot help but feel her anguish.
Nate or Del? I am curious to see who she will end up with. I will be patiently (lol) awaiting the next book. Marny Copal is working on Book II.
I received this book from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Books, school, and farm animals kept Marny Copal busy as a kid in Central Oregon. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from the University of Oregon, she worked in archaeology and freelance writing. She lives in Eugene with her husband. No farm animals in their residential neighborhood, but plenty of deer, raccoons, possums, and cats keep her company as she works on her latest writing project.
To get your copy of Marny Copal’s book, simply click on the cover.
GIVEAWAY
Marny Copal is offering for the Giveaway 1 (one) ebook to a lucky commenter. International. Easy entry as always, just leave your email address and answer the question:
What kind of man would you choose, the bad boy or the clean-cut, by the rules, good guy?
Closed. The Winner is “Pragya”.
Giveaway runs through 3/11/2013.
Follow me by email to keep up on all the latest news, reviews and giveaways.Tweet and let your friends, family and followers know what’s going on.
Seventeen-year-old Samantha Andrews has a seemingly perfect life; great parents, early admission to Stanford, and a boyfriend who just happens to be the hottest guy in school. But a dark secret from her past turns her world upside down. Sam discovers she’s part of a global corporation’s genetic enhancement project. And just as she’s learning what these enhanced genes can do, the corporation decides they want her, and the technology inside her, back!
During a heart-pounding race to flee from her pursuers, she encounters another person who was part of the experimental project. He’s tall, blond, tan and completely irresistible! And he can read her thoughts!! Together, they’re both in danger and a rogue scientist discovers yet another secret lies inside them.
EXCERPT
“What is this? Why am I here?” I asked, still feeling like I was half asleep.
More footsteps entered the room. “I think she’s slept most of it off,” I heard Erik say to whoever walked in.
I felt Erik’s other hand on my arm and then felt a prick from a needle. Soon I could feel the grogginess go away and the strength in my muscles return. I opened my eyes and could see normally.
Erik was sitting at my side, still holding my hand. “Ready to get up now?” His smile was so warm and kind that the anger I had prepared to unleash on him was quickly disarmed.
Jack stood behind him, arms crossed, studying my every move.
“Amazing,” he said. “But I can’t quite understand it.”
Erik shot him a glance of annoyance.
“Um, yes. Well, let’s get started then, shall we?” Jack said, sitting on a chair at the end of my bed.
Erik sighed, disappointed in how the old man was handling things. He turned back to me. “I know it may not seem like it, but we’re actually trying to help you.”
I gave him the look that I had heard that line before.
“Sure. You don’t believe me,” he continued. “I wouldn’t believe me either. Someone drugs me and I wake up in some strange place, I’d be pretty pissed.” He flashed a slight smile.
“But here’s the deal. We have a lot of stuff to tell you. And we’d like you to tell us some stuff, too,” he paused, sensing my hesitation, “if, and only if, you want to. Okay?” He waited for me to shake my head yes.
“I’ll start with the basics.” Erik let go of my hand and sat in the chair next to my bed. “I don’t know if you noticed, but I’m a little like you.” I glanced over at him, unsure of what he was trying to tell me. “You see what I mean? Not everyone can do this.”
I looked at him confused. Not do what? I thought. This guy is cute but not at all good at explaining things in clear and simple terms.
“So you think I’m cute, huh?” I looked up to see him smiling. “And by the way, I think my explanation is very clear. You just need to pay attention.”
“I AM paying attention!” I said loudly. And then it hit me. My voice had filled what had been a silent room. Nobody had spoken for at least a minute. Erik hadn’t said anything. And yet we were having a conversation. A two-way conversation—without spoken words. He could read thoughts! That’s why he said we were alike.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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.A former editor for a publishing company, Stephanie Karpinske has worked on several bestselling nonfiction books. Now she freelances full-time, writing for a variety of books and national magazines. The Samantha Project is her debut YA novel and is the first in The Samantha Project series. Stephanie lives in Des Moines, Iowa.
To Purchase any of Stephanie Karpinske’s books, simply click on the cover below.
GIVEAWAY
Stephanie Karpinskeis offering for the Giveaway 1 (one) ebook (mobi and epub format only). International. Easy entry as always, just leave your email address and answer the question:
Do you believe in mental telepathy? Do you know of anyone with paranormal/psychic abilities?
Isabel Cruz was fifteen years old when she met Tom Stevens. She was 15 when they started dating, and 16 when she lost her virginity to him. By the time she turned 18 and went to college, everything had fallen apart. This hadn’t been an ordinary love, though. Not a love between two dear friends, or even high school sweethearts. This had been the most taboo sort of love there was: a relationship between a student and her teacher. Isabel started her high school career as a normal student, but set her sights on Tom Stevens as soon as she met him, and pursued him with an intense – and sometimes reckless – fascination. When he finally approached her after swim practice and told her that he shared her feelings, it was the start of a forbidden and dangerous relationship.
TO PICK UP YOUR COPY OF THE BOOK, LOOK AT THE LINKS BELOW.
My story begins in the early 90s, when a young girl started her high school career. She may have been any girl – young, impressionable, and fresh into the wide world of older boys, harder classes, and more choices. She may have been quite beautiful, well developed for her age, and smarter than most of the other students in her class. She may have been destined for the same high school career as anyone else – honors courses, braces, a few high school crushes, photography classes, a first kiss, and then a straight shot into the college of her choice, and her future as a doctor, or teacher, or architect.
Instead, she fell in love with her swim coach, one of the most popular teachers in the school, and became romantically involved with him.
I don’t believe that I have to tell you how dangerous this would have been. She was a young girl of 15, 16, 17 and he an adult man in his late 30s, old enough to be her father. Although this type of relationship would have passed as acceptable and even normal in Medieval England, the modern world frowns on such dalliances, and prosecutes the men – and women – who take advantage of adolescent students in this way. The two of them, then, would have been facing the threat of discovery, tarnishing of reputation, and even time behind bars; throwing their relationship in the face of society, if you will, but doing so quietly, in order to avoid detection.
Have you guessed, yet, that the story I’m telling you is true? Have you guessed that it’s more than just a rhetorical question, more than an idea that developed in my head one day?
The girl in the story is my mother, Isabel Cruz. She never told her story to the world, though she could have, because she didn’t want her love and relationship to be tainted by society’s judgments. This was a story of an illicit – and illegal – love. It was a story of lying, cheating, and misleading the authorities. My mother’s love for this older man was forbidden, and would have been highly scandalous to the world at large. She might have lost privileges, opportunities, and even her family, had they found out. And for him … his future and very life would have been put in jeopardy if the nature of their relationship were revealed, regardless of whether my mother sought to prosecute him or not. Even when she was older, my mother feared that the truth about their relationship might bring a backlash to the man she had loved so dearly. She fought against that with all her might, with the ongoing wish to keep him from any risk or pain. She never lost her love for him, scandalous as it may have seemed to others.
She is older, now, and the man in the story is long gone. When I happened across her diary from that time and asked her permission to write the story, she acquiesced. It was time that the world knew, she said, so it could see that this type of love – though it may be frowned upon, and even prosecuted – isn’t always what it seems. Sometimes, regardless of the ages of the participants, it is just that. Love. True and pure as it can be between two people, and strong enough to last through the years. It was time, she said, for our family to know its past, and its future.
I have just closed her diary, having squeezed every word from it, and written my own last words, which means that the book is done and her story has been told. I must pass it to you now, Reader, and trust you to hold it dear and keep it safe. I must trust you to see the love that shines through, rather than the social mores of the situation. I must trust you to care for my mother and her past, as I have during the writing of this book.
This, then, is my mother’s story. It starts when she was very young, only 15 …
~ Claire Stevens
Giveaway per blog: (1) KindleGraphed eBook copy of SWEETEST TABOO. Open International. Books will be gifted from Amazon only.
To enter: leave your email address and answer the question:
Do you, or have you ever, kept a diary or a log?
GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. Winners will be announced after 3/8/2013 by AToMR Tours.
Giveaway will run from 2/19 – 2/28/2012.
All winners will be sent to the author at one time after the March 3rd date.
*If a winner does not have an ereader, they can can download the Kindle app for FREE to their computer or iPad
My favorite time of any giveaway is announcing the winner. So without further ado, the winner of The Sweetest Taboo is:
4 STARS – Would Highly Recommend To Others
Alex was living on the island with her Aunt Chicora , because a tree had fallen on her house during a storm.
Books, school, and farm animals kept Marny Copal busy as a kid in Central Oregon. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from the University of Oregon, she worked in archaeology and freelance writing. She lives in Eugene with her husband. No farm animals in their residential neighborhood, but plenty of deer, raccoons, possums, and cats keep her company as she works on her latest writing project.
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