Oxley College Saga

by Stacey Nash

New Adult Contemporary

Shh! Book 1

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Olivia Dean has the perfect reputation, the perfect boyfriend, and an increasingly perfect CV. She has it all, until Christian breaks up with her in public, calling her out as a self-gratifying sexoholic: The kind that plays solo. But Olivia doesn’t masturbate all night — the only thing she does is sleep … right?

Now all the boys on campus seem to want her attention for the absolutely wrong reason — including resident hottie, Logan Hays. He’s pulling out his best moves to gain her attention, so resisting his sexy charm is hard work. With rapidly slipping grades, a disturbingly lurid reputation and demanding parents, Olivia must discover the truth behind.

At five p.m I was starving. After just the muesli bar for breakfast, I’d skipped lunch to avoid a potential repeat of this morning, which meant my stomach had jumped into full riot mode. Nervous about facing my fellow students, I pulled my big girl panties up and marched myself to the dining hall. It was early, so I wasn’t all that brave, if I were being totally honest with myself. The place should have been near empty.

There were half a dozen people in the common room, watching some crappy reality television show. I scooted around the back of the seats and up into the dining hall. Dinner smelled delicious—burgers—if my senses served me right.

Twirling my meal card around my fingers, I strolled right up to the servery and stood in line. The girl in front of me turned and I tossed a confident smile her way. She smiled back. The line wasn’t moving yet as dinner hadn’t officially started, but people began flowing in, increasing the number of voices in the room. I swiped my clammy hands on my jeans. This was the first time in more than a year that I’d come down to dinner alone. Generally I came with Christian and being alone was a little daunting. It was all cool, though. Savvy should turn up soon, then I wouldn’t look like a loner. She never responded to this morning’s text and I hadn’t seen her since Saturday night, but that wasn’t uncommon if she’d hooked up with a guy. Especially with how busy I’d be this year. She knew my Sundays were reserved for study, so she didn’t usually bother me then, and today we’d been at classes. Still, it was a little weird. She could have at least called to chat about Christian, surely she knew like everyone else.

My tummy grumbled like a truck moving at high speed. I glanced at the clock; it read five-thirty p.m. The line started moving, thank the lord. I glanced over my shoulder, and surprisingly the line curled all the way around the edge of the hall. Everyone had to be famished tonight, not just me.

I kept my eyes to the front and walked through the servery where I built my own burger: meat, egg, tomato, beetroot, no lettuce, and a slathering of tomato sauce—perfect. As I emerged out the other side, my gaze slid over the line, looking for someone who might join me, and the weirdest thing happened. Not a soul met my gaze. It was like they all deliberately looked the other way, or were engrossed in such deep conversation that they didn’t see me.

I’d never had problems with friends. People just … well … they liked me. It had always been that way. I liked everyone, and they all liked me back.

My tummy churned for reasons not associated with hunger. What the heck had I done wrong? I walked over to one of the many empty tables and set my tray down, then flicked my phone out of my pocket and pretended to check my texts. Savvy had replied and I’d missed it.

Sorry I missed breakfast. Catch you at dinner.

A string of girls who I knew—we’d all been freshers together last year—walked right past me, talking softly as if they thought I couldn’t hear, but when people are talking about you, it’s not hard to tell. And those girls were most definitely doing just that. The glances my way every few seconds were a dead giveaway when everyone else in the room was deliberately avoiding my gaze.

I ducked my head, and studied my phone again. Whatever was going on, it was weird. I was the captain of Oxley’s hockey team, netball team, in the social committee, and even campaigning for the university’s student council. I had lots of friends.

Savannah’s giggle sounded like it came from somewhere behind me. Thank gosh. I really needed to talk to her and figure out what was happening. The whispers and stares, the fresher at uni this morning, Dane on Saturday night, sexploits—Oh my gosh. Christian. I glanced over my shoulder, raising my hand to call Savvy over, but my heart dropped into my stomach.

Savvy was attached to Dane’s hip. Her arm hung around his waist and his rested on her shoulders. Christian walked in step with them and the two guys wore massive grins. I hadn’t seen Christian that happy since … well, since I couldn’t remember. I suppose now that I thought about it, lately he’d been kind of cranky and tired. Always tired.

I swung back around in my seat, hoping they hadn’t seen me, and there someone had sat in the chair opposite me: the tool from this morning. He stared like I was some porn star he’d just paid to watch. And he smelled like a brewery; not to mention his eyes looked a little glassy.

Those same eyes locked on my mine and he placed his flattened palm on his chest like he was about to dive headfirst into a heartfelt apology. Which frankly, he owed me. His hand circled over his left pec, going for his heart, but then it moved to the other side and—ohmygod did he just tweak his nipple? My heart pounded a little faster and I glanced away. The entire dining hall looked at us. But he was like a train wreck. I couldn’t stop my gaze sliding back. His hand trailed down his chest and disappeared under the table in the general direction of his groin. He moaned, then his arm started moving slow at first and increasing in speed, all the while his dark eyes held my gaze. Then the crazy guy rolled his eyes back in his head and yelled, “Yes. Aaa—aa—ash. Yes!”

Someone clapped.

He arched his back. What in hell’s name was this freak doing? It was like that old nineties movie where the chick faked an orgasm in the middle of a café, except this was some dude in the centre of the Oxley College dining hall and I wasn’t entirely sure he was faking it.

Spent, he flopped in the seat, his arms hanging beside it, then snapped his head forward again and his face split in a stupid grin as he pushed his chair back, placed an arm across his waist, and freaking bowed.

Everyone laughed.

The whole room full of people thought this idiot was funny.

I couldn’t move. It was as if the air had frozen around me and I was a statue unable to even blink.

“My impersonation of the one and only Olivia Dean,” he shouted, loud enough for the whole room to hear.

Couldn’t the ground just open up and swallow me already? My cheeks burned so hot they should have caught fire. Blood rushed past my ears so loud that I couldn’t hear anything; my stomach lurched.

I was going to throw up.

I needed to get out of there, right now. Whatever held me in place snapped free. I shot to my feet and high-tailed it out of the dining hall, past a million staring faces. The common room was no more than fuzz at the edge of my periphery, Front Courtyard much the same. I cut across the back of block F and made a beeline for K, then darted up the stairs and into my room.

Whatever was going down, it looked like I was the centre of a joke I didn’t find funny or nice.

Wait, Book 2

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Jordan Hays knows just how precious life is; that’s why he has his own mapped out. He’ll work to pay his way through university while he studies hard, regardless of the constant distractions. Because when it comes to becoming a nurse, he’s deadly serious. He won’t fail to save someone again.

But Hex Penton is way too similar to the sister he lost, and even though the only thing more fun than stupid dares is the crazy girl who sets them, Jordan needs to make a choice. Hex believes every moment is important; every opportunity must be taken, because you never know when the world will be yanked out from underneath you. With the foundations he’s based his life on shaken, Jordan must discover what’s more important: making sure Hex’s life isn’t wasted, or remembering how to live his.

Stacey Nash writes adventure filled stories for Young Adults in the Science Fiction and Fantasy genres. She loves to read and write books that have a lot of adventure, a good dose of danger, a smattering of romance, and KISSING! Hailing from the Hunter Valley in New South Wales, she loves nothing more than immersing herself in the beauty and culture of the local area.

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Title: Scandalous Endeavors

Author: Amanda Mariel

Published by: Three Worlds Press

Date published: Dec. 12, 2014

Genres: Historical

Book Length: 137 pages

Steam Rating: Sweet

Main Characters: Lady Amelia & Lord Goldstone

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” I could visualize everything that was going on which is really good. Some books can be boring and not get into the storyline.”~Karen

Lady Amelia has only known the comfort of life in mid-eighteenth century English aristocracy. But when first her mother and then her father die, she finds herself alone, grief stricken and….. not of age. Her appointed guardian, an American uncle, has ordered her travel to his plantation where she must remain for at least two years when she will come of age.

With the help of Lady Grace and Lady Sarah, Lady Amelia gets her uncle to agree to give her four weeks to settle her affairs and unbeknownst to him…find an English lord to marry so she can remain in her beloved England. Despite her mourning period she endeavors to trap one of London’s eligible bachelors in matrimony.

Lord Goldstone, Lady Grace’s nephew is devilishly handsome, but a Scottish Duke and so entirely unacceptable as a possible husband. After all Scotland is not her beloved London and environs. He also has a nasty habit of showing up at all the wrong moments and thwarting her carefully laid plans to ensnare a suitable husband. Sparks fly as the pair find themselves at odds with each other and drawn to each other at the same time. Can they find a way to stop arguing long enough to explore their growing passion? Is it strong enough to make Lady Amelia give up her English home after all? Or will Lady Amelia find a suitable English lord and avoid social exile in America? Time is running out.

Lady Amelia – Viscountess of Everthorne was extremely sad after her father died. Her mom also passed on when she was young. She was now parentless. What was she going to do? She didn’t want to leave her townhome or London for that matter. Amelia’s Uncle Lewis, (her mother’s brother), from America has come to get her. She has only 1 week to get all of her affairs in order

A week? How is this even possible?

This is definitely not enough time to pack, close the townhome, and let the servants go. Lady Amelia visits her friend Lady Sarah to get a plan in order.The plan is to find an English husband for Amelia within a week!

Is this possible? Will It actually work? What will Amelia have to do so she can stay in London and not go to America with her Uncle Lewis?

Lady Sarah and Amelia together visit Lady Grace Abernathy who has been good friends with Amelia’s Dads’ side of the family. There’s no way she would say no, or would she? Will Lady Grace become a chaperone for Amelia? Of course, an approval would be needed too by Uncle Lewis!

Lady Sarah’s brother; Lord Roseington is single and she would most definitely would like Amelia to be part of her family. They have been friends forever. They plot that at an upcoming ball, Lady Sarah will ask her brother to retrieve a book from the library that lady grace will lend to her where Amelia will be sitting as well to make a commotion by falling in the lap of Lord Roseington to have a kiss planted between them. This will cause major chaos!

Someone overhears the plan that is set forth in action? Who is it? What does this person do? How will Lady Amelia react to this?

Lord Goldstone is visiting in town. He is the nephew to Lady Grace. Amelia goes to her horse ruby by the stables is trying to put her thoughts together but says them out loud. She thinks she is alone but someone is there and startles her. She gets alarmed! She is being laughed at by Lord Goldstone. Even though she looks him in the eye she must admit there is an attraction there that she just can’t figure out and even why! He is a Scottish Lord, not an English Lord!

Scandalous sensations went through Lady Amelia’s body when she relived Lord Goldstone kiss between them. It sent shivers through her body.

What I liked about this book?

It took me 2 days to read and finish this book! I could visualize everything that was going on which is really good. Some books can be boring and not get into the storyline. I didn’t have this problem here. I kept reading as I wanted to know more of what was going on and happening! I do wish there is a part 2 Sequel of this book! I think there is more to write about with these Characters: Lady Amelia, Lady Sarah, Lady Grace, Uncle Lewis, Lord Roseington, and Lord Goldstone!

What I didn’t like about this book?

I was looking for more Scandalous sections! I didn’t find a lot of Scandalous activity here. That was a little bit of a disappointment. 

And there you have it! Head on over to Amazon and give it a go!

~Karen L. (Guest Reviewer)

Amanda Mariel dreams of days gone by when life moved at a slower pace. She enjoys taking pen to paper and exploring historical time periods through her imagination and the written word. Her hobbies include reading, writing, crocheting, traveling, photography, and spending time with her family. Some of Amanda Mariel’s favorite places in the continental U.S. are Harper’s Ferry West Virginia and Sea Brook New Hampshire. She loves the history that surrounds them and visits them every chance she gets.

Amanda Mariel lives along the Lake Huron shore line in northern Michigan with her husband and two kids. She holds a Master of Liberal Arts Degree with a concentration in literature and has a long standing love affair with sugary junk food.

Title: The Redemption of Soul Dallas

Author: Cara J. White

Published by: Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing

Date published: Jan. 27, 2015

Genres: Contemporary

Book Length: 

Steam Rating: Sweet

Main Characters: Soul & Lana

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“Cara J. White’s writing style is addictive. The way the story flows from page to page is so natural, so easy to follow that it drags you in without your knowledge. It hooks you and pulls you in deeper with every word read and every page turned.” ~Becca

Eighteen and homeless, Soul Dallas has more to worry about than what he’ll be doing this New Year’s. In a town where compassion is rare and malice plenty, he’s left for dead by a gang seeking revenge for his father’s debts.

When anxiety-burdened Lana provides him with shelter, she’s swept into his world of pandemonium where fear means fight not flight. Leaving behind her imprisoned life with an over-bearing mother, she learns of Soul’s shocking past and what it truly means to be alive. But when the gang closes ranks and Soul falls ill, finding a bright future seems futile.

Together Soul and Lana must seek reason behind an ally’s betrayal, a dead woman’s return, and the ruthlessness behind some people’s need for vengeance.

But the pair don’t always see eye to eye, and each have plans that could jeopardize everything.

The Redemption of Soul Dallas is the first YA book I have read in a very long time. I was nervous…I was antsy…I just wanted this book to be awesome!

The blurb is absolutely perfect and hooked me right away. After reading it I just knew that I had to read the book. When Cara offered me the chance to review it I was quick to say yes!

Damn am I glad that I got the chance! This book was wonderful! Quite possibly one of my favorite books so far and that is saying something!

It took me a bit to adjust to the European speech, but once I adjusted things flowed beautifully and I didn’t want to put it down!

The characters are perfectly developed and so realistic that I could easily picture myself meeting them, being a part of their lives and this amazing story. I couldn’t help but connect with Soul and Lana. I felt like such a part of the story that I hurt when they hurt, I cried when they cried and my stomach got that butterfly feeling as if I were about to experience my first kiss as they did. I can honestly say that I book has not made me FEEL so much in a very long time.

Cara J. White’s writing style is addictive. The way the story flows from page to page is so natural, so easy to follow that it drags you in without your knowledge. It hooks you and pulls you in deeper with every word read and every page turned. The Redemption of Soul Dallas is one of those books that I would recommend to everyone! The message within the love story is so meaningful, so important. I can’t think of a single person that wouldn’t benefit from reading this book.

The situation that Lana is in, the emotional issues that she is forced to attempt to overcome…it’s all so real. There are a lot of people out there dealing with very similar things.

Then we look at Soul’s life and the horrible things that he has to deal with. When Lana’s mother blames him for his living arrangement and for his being sick…lets just say that I wanted to hurt that woman even more than I did when I saw how she treated Lana! Not one single part of what Soul is going through is his fault and for anyone to even insinuate that it is…

Ugh…okay sorry see what I mean about the story and characters being written so realistically that you feel a part of it? I feel the need to defend Soul. To step in when Lana needs someone to tell her mom to shove it!

So anyways…I’ve done a decent job of rambling on and on about The Redemption of Soul Dallas. And yet…I did a great job of not letting you know what is going on in the story hehe Don’t want to spoil it for ya!

Just know that the romance is epic, a total MFEO if I’ve ever read one! The characters are beautifully written. The story line flows perfectly. And the ending…

Oh gosh…that damn ending!

I am still crying my eyes out over here every time I think about it

Where is my HEA?!?! Lol

The Redemption of Soul Dallas is such a wonderful book with characters so well developed that I felt like I knew them and grew to care for them. With every page I turned I found myself begging for more and worrying constantly over the outcome. Now that it’s over I want more…I need to know what happens next for Lana…I want Soul back!! #SoulDallas

In case you haven’t figured it out yet…this is a 100% HIGHLY recommended book! So as soon as it is out (JAN. 27TH!!) and on Amazon (and when I get a link to it I’ll post it here) you need to ONE CLICK THAT THING!

Writer of fanciful tales, person of magic and mysterious thoughts . . . Cara lives in Essex with her family and two cats. 

She has an obsession with cars and would love to rebuild a Trans Am. 

Connect with Cara J. White

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Have you read a book that you adored and wanted to beat the author for the ending? lol

Title: Heart of Marley

Author: T.K. Leigh

Published by: Carpe Per Diem, Inc

Date published: Nov. 3, 2014

Genres: Mystery

Book Length: 313 pages

Steam Rating: Steamy

Main Characters: Marley & Cameron

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“This story is an emotional roller-coaster that will grip you from page one and will not let you go…even after you reach the end.” ~Becca

To the moon and back…

From the stars to the ocean…

That was Marley and Cameron Bowen’s secret code.

Twins born just five minutes apart, they have the perfect life… Until tragedy strikes just weeks after their eighth birthday and their father is killed by a drunk driver. Having trouble coping with the loss of her soul mate, their mother tries to find comfort in drugs and alcohol… And an abusive man with a penchant for underage girls.

No longer able to stand listening to his sister’s screams and cries every night for nearly three years, Cam takes matters into his own hands and they’re finally able to escape the nightmare.

They’re finally able to start over…

But the nightmare still haunts Marley. The years go on and she is forced to put on a smile, making everyone think that she is the perfect, well-adjusted teenager that she is supposed to be… Until she is faced with a painful reminder of her past during her senior year of high school and she’s no longer able to keep on the mask that she has been compelled to wear.

Heart Of Marley is a prequel novel to T.K. Leigh’s Heart Of Light.

RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 18 AND OVER DUE TO GRAPHIC VIOLENCE, STRONG LANGUAGE, AND SEXUAL SITUATIONS.

Guys…I honestly don’t even know where to begin with my review of Heart of Marley.

This book was so damn raw…

so emotional…

so real and honest and just plain heart-wrenching!

I literally spent the last 20% of Heart of Marley reading through constant tears!! I have not read a book that had such a strong effect on me in a very long time.

The subject matter is deep and dark but sadly realistic. The life that Marley and Cam have lived is more ‘normal’ than anyone would like to believe. Having dealt with abuse as a child, I found parts of this book very therapeutic and some parts extremely difficult to get through. The thoughts running through Marley’s head…the way she wore a mask to hide the truth…I’ve been there and hell even after all these years I still have days where I’m there.

I have to say that I was very surprised by the religious aspect of the book. I loved that T.K. gave a more realistic view of this situation than most books do. The first time I read the line ‘Turn to Him and He will help you through it. God is the only therapy you need.’ (Not word for word what T.K. wrote but you get the gist.) I honestly cringed. I always hate it when books/movies make it seem like therapy is a bad thing. I want to scream at the world and the people that have made that stigma a reality. Some things hurt…some things scar…and there are some things that you NEED to get help for and there is NOTHING wrong with that!

When T.K. took this horrible subject matter and managed to show the world the truth behind the lies…the damage that not seeking help can cause…I lost it. I have never wanted to find an author and thank them so much in my life. Heart of Marley gives girls, boys, women and men a voice and makes it clear that admitting that you need help is not a weakness it is a strength. Bottling your thoughts and feelings inside and hiding the truth from the world doesn’t help anyone. (Hell, just writing this review has me tearing up again….)

I want to stop my review right here and now and say one thing to T.K. Leigh if she reads this…Thank you! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your words, for this story, for taking the time to write something so difficult. Thank you for giving me a voice and reminding me that it’s okay to show your scars and it’s okay to ask for help. Thank you so very much for this book (as well as Heart of Light, that was just as amazing).

Okay, sorry for that guys…back to my review.

I’m not going to go into too much detail with the story line because honestly there isn’t much I can say that won’t be a spoiler. Cam and Marley are such amazingly developed characters. T.K. did an excellent job of depicting what someone growing up in this situation would be like. Everything felt realistic and was extremely well written. This story is an emotional roller-coaster that will grip you from page one and will not let you go…even after you reach the end.

Heart of Marley left me bawling and yet so deeply moved that I had to know more. I had to read Heart of Light and see what came next. If you can’t tell already, I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone and everyone that has a chance to read it.

T.K. Leigh, otherwise known as Tracy Leigh Kellam, is the USA Today Best Selling author of the Beautiful Mess series. Originally from New England, she now resides in sunny Southern California with her husband, dog and three cats, all of which she has rescued (including the husband). She always had a knack for writing, but mostly in the legal field. It wasn’t until recently that she decided to try her hand at creative writing and is now addicted to creating different characters and new and unique story lines in the Contemporary Romantic Suspense genre. When she’s not planted in front of her computer, writing away, she can be found running and training for her next marathon (of which she has run over fifteen fulls and far too many halfs to recall). Unlike Olivia, the main character in her Beautiful Mess series, she has yet to qualify for the Boston Marathon.

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Twenty Fun Facts

1. I wear a shirt when I write that has Shakespeare’s face on it and says “This shit writes itself.”

2. I am a middle child. I have a sister that is two years older and a sister that is two years younger.

3. My favorite movie of all time is Casablanca.

4. When I was 21, I did an internship working at Walt Disney World. Best seven months EVER!

5. I met my husband in the parking lot of a Jimmy Buffett concert. He was working. I was drinking.

6. My favorite beer is Blue Moon.

7. I love the Red Sox.

8. Every time I publish a new book, I drink champagne and watch Anchorman and Talladega Nights. It’s a tradition now.

9. When I was moving out to California from Connecticut after graduating law school, the hubs and I drove route 66 all the way from Chicago to the Santa Monica Pier. It was such an amazing experience, and I think there may be a book in it.

10. My pen name is a play on my real name. My full name is Tracy Leigh Kellam. I don’t think I need to spell out where T.K. Leigh came from.

11. I have a yellow jeep wrangler that I love. Her name is Savvy J.

12. In my opinion, there is no such thing as too much coffee. Or peanut butter.

13. I am a sushi addict.

14. I am deathly afraid of snakes. I can’t even watch a movie with them in it or I’ll flip out.

15. My favorite New Kid on the Block was Donnie. I’m glad I picked one that aged well.

16. I am a huge proponent of “Adopt, don’t shop.” We have a dog and 3 kittens, all of whom we have found on the streets and saved.

17. One of my favorite TV shows is Arrested Development.

18. My favorite book of all time is The Great Gatsby. What can I say. I’m a sucker for a story with no HEA.

19. I currently have 8 works in progress.

20. You will all be seeing Cam and Jolene again.

“Thanks for asking me to come. I mean, tonight… I mean, for asking me to go to the bonfire with you. Not for asking me to come. That doesn’t sound right.” My face flamed red with embarrassment.

He smiled at me and winked. “No but, if you ask me, it sounds good.”

I halted in my tracks, completely frozen in place. I can do this, I said to myself. He was just joking. He doesn’t mean anything by it. It’s just a harmless joke, Marley. Just a joke.

He noticed my reaction and turned to face me on the street. “I’m so sorry, Marley. That was completely inappropriate. I don’t know what possessed me to say that. That’s not the way my mama raised me. I really am a good guy. I normally wouldn’t joke like that. You’ve got to believe that I didn’t mean anything by it. Please.” He slumped his shoulders, the formerly confident Doug replaced by a Doug that was full of remorse. “I understand if you don’t want to come with me.”

My eyes grew wide, more in irony than dread or concern.

“I mean, you don’t have to go to the bonfire with me. God, I really hate that word right now.”

I giggled. “Me, too.” I raised my head and met his pleading eyes. I could tell that he was bracing for me to turn around and walk away from him, but that was the last thing I wanted to do.

“Come. Say it with me. Come…” I said to him. “It feels good.” Throwing my head back to look at the stars in the sky, I shouted to the heavens, “Come!” I raised my arms like an angel and spun around, screaming the word over and over again. I must have looked like a spectacle, but I didn’t care. I didn’t want one word to come between what could blossom into a good thing with Doug.

I slowed my spins, but the sky kept moving even when I stopped. I attempted to regain my balance, but soon found myself tripping over my own feet.

Two arms were around me instantly, preventing me from falling to the ground. “Whoa. Careful, Marley Jane.”

I closed my eyes and basked at the sound of his voice calling me Marley Jane. Cam called me that all the time, but there was something so warm, affectionate, and thrilling about my first and middle name rolling off Doug’s tongue. Focusing my gaze on his, I was met with his brilliant green eyes.

“Hey,” I breathed.

“Hey.”

“You still haven’t said it.”

He scrunched his eyebrows at me. “Said what?”

A grin crossed my face. “Come.”

Are you up for a soul wrenching read? Have you read Heart of Light?

Title: Stolen Innocents

Author: Addison Kline

Series: Shadow Series (Book 2)

Publish Date: October 24th

Book Length: 464 pages

Rating: Sweet

Genre: Mystery/YA/NA

Main Characters: The Families of Elkhart

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“I implore you to check this series out. You will NOT regret it – Addison Kline is one of the best.” – Jen

Everybody in Elkhart has a secret and if they say they don’t, they’re lying. Three years have passed since Tristan Morrow returned home after her harrowing kidnapping ordeal with her former English teacher, Bernard Kendricks. A sense of peace has taken over the Morrow Manor, but it will not last forever. A killer of women is on the loose in Elkhart and has already claimed the lives of two young women. Will DiNolfo and her officers catch the killer before a third victim is claimed? When their three main suspects turn out to be innocent, the Elkhart Police Department is at a loss until a citizen comes forward with some crucial information: Tristan Morrow knows who is responsible for the murders. But does the information come too late? And how does this relate to the murder case of Tiffany O’Mara? Tristan soon learns that not even the dead can keep their secrets buried forever.

Holy Mystery! I am astonished at Addison”s ability to cross genres so eloquently. I am an avid romance reader – I have never had an interest in any other type of book. Until this series. This is not a romance book. This is an adventure into the amazing world of Thrilling Mystery. You may ask why I decided to read and review this book and it’s predecessor Shadow Dancer… Well, it’s because I love Addison’s work. All of it. She is an amazing author and her genius over captivating her audience is sublime.

This book takes place 3 years after Shadow Dancer. Giving us a deeper look into the sadistic mind of Bernard kendricks. The asshole sociopath in Shadow Dancer. It shows us how his corruption of a young girl had ill effects on her psyche.

Angela O’Mara’s character was incredible! Thats all I can say without spoiling anything… lol. Tristan Morrow has got to be the best young heroine in any book I have read in a long time. She has a good head on her shoulders despite the turmoil she suffered in the last book. She takes everything a day a time and doesn’t let the past hold her back. The Morrow Family is one to aspire to. Their values and strength and support they carry for those they love is admirable. The changes in their lives and everything they have overcome, it gives you a sense of knowing… a sense that everything works out even after the bleakest of times.

I implore you to check this series out. You will NOT regret it – Addison Kline is one of the best. I am so glad I gave this series attention…. I am also glad that Addison writes and releases quickly, I hate waiting too long for the next book in a series. I wonder if she has more in store from the town of Elkhart

Addison Kline is an Amazon Best-Selling Author who resides in Philadelphia with her husband and their children. When she is not writing, she enjoys watching reruns of Downton Abbey, The Walking Dead and Sons on Anarchy, traveling with her family and reading to her heart’s content. She has published a total of 7 books and had many more in the works… Keep your eyes out for her ladies!

Stalk Addison…

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 What are some your favorite books outside the ROMANCE world?

Why I Decided To Sign With A Publisher

by Stacey Nash

I’m aware that this is a somewhat controversial topic, but please… read on. I want to shed light on what it’s like to be published by a digital imprint at one of the big publishers.

Today’s publishing options are far more varied than they were ten years ago. Authors are no longer barred from entering the world of publishing by traditional gatekeepers. If you don’t have an agent, doesn’t matter. If you aren’t picked up by a publisher, who cares: Many people don’t even entertain the idea of submitting to publishers anyway. They want the control and freedom that self publishing allows. And as an author signed with a big publisher, I’m often asked but why? Why would you sign away your rights and a portion of your royalties when you could keep that for yourself?

There were a number of reasons why I didn’t want to go it alone. Why I chose to sign with HarperCollins’ Voyager Impulse line for my debut YA series:

• No financial outlay: If I was to self publish I would want to hire a professional cover artist, editor, copy writer, and publicist. These all add up to a large initial outlay and by signing with my publisher, I didn’t have to part with a cent. Yes, I don’t get as much money in royalties, but I think the pay off comes out about even.

• Industry professionals as mentors: Those professionals I mentioned above, not only worked on my books, but continue to guide me along the way. We’ve talked about future books in the series, marketing plans, and they even gave advice before my school visits and other public appearances.
  Market placement: My imprint is digital first, so my books aren’t in brick and mortar stores like authors whose books are with the more traditional imprints of HarperCollins. But there are online stores where they place my books that are not open to indie authors, such as department stores. This increases my reach much further than it would if I weren’t with them. Thus giving a broader sales potential.

• Publicity: All of the marketing doesn’t fall on me. My publisher creates swag, lists my books on reviewer websites, plus promotes them on social media and their website. This is all reach on top of my own reach, so it’s a fabulous bonus.

• Credibility: There is a certain credibility that goes with the name of some publishers. I don’t believe my publisher’s name makes my books any better than the next person’s, but there is instant brand recognition that goes with the big 5. Some readers like that brand recognition.

All in all, I love my publisher and am very happy in the choice I made by signing with them, but that’s not to say that my choice isn’t the best or the only option. As I said earlier, there is no right or wrong way to publish and I believe not only every author, but sometimes every book needs to walk a different path. Whatever your publishing journey, good luck!

And if you have any questions about my publishing journey feel free to ask away.

Stacey Nash writes adventure filled stories for Young Adults in the Science Fiction and Fantasy genres. She loves to read and write books that have a lot of adventure, a good dose of danger, a smattering of romance, and KISSING! Hailing from the Hunter Valley in New South Wales, she loves nothing more than immersing herself in the beauty and culture of the local area.

Author of the Collective Series; Forget Me Not and Remember Me.

Harpercollins Australia | Author Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram

   

Anamae is drawn into a world which shatters everything she knew to be true.

Since her mother vanished nine years ago, Anamae and her father have shared a quiet life. But when Anamae discovers a brooch identical to her mother’s favorite pendant, she unknowingly invites a slew of trouble into their world. They’re not just jewellery, they’re part of a highly developed technology capable of cloaking the human form. Triggering the jewellery’s power attracts the attention of a secret society determined to confiscate the device – and silence everyone who is aware of its existence. Anamae knows too much, and now she’s Enemy Number One. She’s forced to leave her father behind when she’s taken in by a group determined to keep her safe. Here Anamae searches for answers about this hidden world. With her father kidnapped and her own life on the line, Anamae must decide if saving her dad is worth risking her new friends’ lives. No matter what she does, somebody is going to get hurt.

Forget Me Not
Amz US / Amz UK / Amz CA / B&N / iTunes / Kobo

Remember Me
Amz US / Amz UK / Amz CA / B&N / iTunes / Kobo

We are so excited to bring you the Release Day Launch of Rachel Harris’ THE FINE ART OF PRETENDING! THE FINE ART OF PRETENDING is the first book in Rachel’s The Fine Art of Pretending Series published by Spencer Hill Contemporary.

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According to the guys at Fairfield Academy, there are two types of girls: the kind you hook up with, and the kind you’re friends with. Seventeen-year-old Alyssa Reed is the second type. And she hates it. With just one year left to change her rank, she devises a plan to become the first type by homecoming, and she sets her sights on the perfect date—Justin Carter, Fairfield Academy’s biggest hottie and most notorious player.

With 57 days until the dance, Aly launches Operation Sex Appeal and sheds her tomboy image. The only thing left is for Justin actually to notice her.

Enter best friend Brandon Taylor, the school’s second biggest hottie, and now Aly’s pretend boyfriend. With his help, elevating from “funny friend” to “tempting vixen” is only a matter of time. But when everything goes according to plan, the inevitable “break up” leaves their friendship in shambles, and Aly and Brandon with feelings they can’t explain. And the fake couple discovers pretending can sometimes cost you the one thing you never expected to want.

An exhale of breath leaves Brandon’s lips, almost like a laugh, and he scoots closer to me on the blanket. I twist my legs under myself, sitting tall as I face him. He cups my chin and tilts it toward him, drowning me in the now dark-green depths of his eyes, the cologne I gave him for his birthday filling my head. It’s woodsy and yummy and I always loved how it smelled on the store testers, but on Brandon, it’s even sexier. My eyes flutter closed, and I inhale again, this time slowly. Goose bumps prickle my arms, and my head gets fuzzy.

Brandon slides his hand down the column of my neck and brings the other up, threading his fingers through the hair at my nape. His breath fans across my cheek, and everything south of my bellybutton squeezes tight.

When his mouth first meets mine, it’s hesitant, questioning. But as I move my lips with his, he quickly grows bolder, coaxing them apart.

Desire, pure and raw, electrifies my veins as his tongue sweeps my mouth. A whimpering sound springs from my chest, and instinctively, I wrap my arms around his neck, tugging him closer. Needing more. My teeth graze his full bottom lip, and I pull it, sucking on it gently.

He moans and knots his fingers in my hair, and a thrill dances down my back.

Brandon is an amazing kisser, just as I knew he would be. I have no control over my body’s reactions. I lose myself in his lips, his tongue, and his strong arms, forgetting time and space and even my surroundings—until Gabi’s snicker brings reality crashing around us, reminding me we have an audience.

And that I’m kissing Brandon.

We break apart, out of breath, and stare into each other’s eyes.

That was unexpected.    

Award-winning and Bestselling author Rachel Harris writes humorous love stories about sassy girls next door and the hot guys that make them swoon. Emotion, vibrant settings, and strong relationships are a staple in each of her books…and kissing. Lots of kissing. An admitted Diet Mountain Dew addict and homeschool mom, she gets through each day by laughing at herself, hugging her kids, and watching way too much Food Network with her husband. She writes young adult, new adult, and adult romance, and LOVES talking with readers.  

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Title: Shadow Dancer

Author: Addison Kline

Published by: Indie

Date published: Sept. 12, 2014

Genres: Mystery

Book Length: 394 pages

Steam Rating: Sweet

Main Characters: Tristan Morrow

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“You will experience very raw – very real emotions throughout this book. Love, hate, fear, loathing – confusion… Let it happen. Embrace this book with an open mind and an open heart. You will not regret it.” ~Jennifer

Some secrets should just stay buried. On the day Tristan Morrow is born her mother goes missing, prompting an investigation that produces no solid leads. Fast forward 15 years, and the Morrow family still doesn’t know the truth behind Catherine Morrow’s disappearance.

When 15 year old Tristan is required to write a biography on her mother for a school assignment, she learns the truth about her mother’s fate, and is hell-bent upon finding out who was responsible for her death. But when Tristan herself goes missing too, everyone is suspect, even her own father and boyfriend.

Set in rural Fox Hollow, PA, Shadow Dancer unravels a web of lies, deceit, madness and corruption. Can investigators crack the case before Tristan meets the same fate as her mother? And who is responsible for the disappearances?

There is much uncertainty as the investigation unfolds, but there is one thing that is certain: Tristan Morrow holds the master key to the entire riddle.

Secrets for the Raven…

Hello y’all, I am Jennifer and I was given the great pleasure of guest reviewing Shadow Dancer by Addison Kline. I am new to the whole blog review thing so bear with me please. I hope to not chop this up too bad.

Shadow Dancer centers around the Morrow family and secrets they harbor out of love and protection. Not all secrets are theirs to share, however. Sometimes the most dangerous secrets lie too close for comfort and you never see them coming. Jack Morrow has kept his secret for so long he fears it’s revelation could have a detrimental outcome. While trying to protect the ones he holds closest to him, his world comes crashing down. This time will differ from the last though. He will not let his family suffer another devastation. He will do anything to protect them. Including spill blood.

Mr. Bernard Kendricks was the strictest English Comp. teacher Steeplechase Academy had. He was stern and proud and just downright condescending. He’s not above embarrassing his students or even his colleagues for that matter. Little does anyone know what secrets he holds close to him. He has only ever really loved one woman, holding on to that love proved to be quite difficult however. He will have love like that again. Of that, he is certain. Can he keep his secrets long enough to achieve his hearts desire? Will he finally be able to have his one true love?

Tristan Morrow is your typical 15 year old girl. The baby of 5 and the only girl – she is definitely protected. Sometimes – overwhelmingly so. She has known Cole her entire life. They have crushed on each other in secret for ages. Fearing a negative reaction from her family, she and Cole decide to keep their new relationship under wraps. Stealing away when they can, and flashing nervous flirty smiles when no one is looking. They are the poster kids for new love blooming. Hopefully it’s a love story that lasts the tests of time. Especially given what they’re about to endure.

Catherine Westfeld Morrow loved her children and husband more than she loved herself. Some would even say she would give her life to protect them. Who would take such a gift? Who would strip a mother from her children and a lifetime of happiness? Surely no one that loved her would do such a horrific thing. Would they?

When things are not always as they seem who do you turn to for answers? Do you trust those closest to you even if they hold secrets to the past that might hurt? Will it be a bearable hurt? Or will be a hurt that breaks you?

* Mental stability is a fragile thing. Anxiety and depression are very real, very trying disorders. Understanding you are not alone is hard to do when your world looks bleak and cloaked in darkness. Overcoming a mental illness takes forgiveness, time and support from those you hold dearest to your heart. It may only be as controlled as you let it be – it is not something that goes away over night… Or ever, for that matter. I mean really, who decides your better? Do you just get better? Is there a cure? Or is there just acceptance and guidance? And what about love? Can you have that too? *

This book was not what I expected it to be. Knowing that going in, I may not have given it the chance it deserved. I am so glad I did! You will experience very raw – very real emotions throughout this book. Love, hate, fear, loathing – confusion… Let it happen. Embrace this book with an open mind and an open heart. You will not regret it.

If you take one thing from this review take this: Things are not always as they seem from the outside looking in. Love can only happen from within – it is not a forceable emotion. With time and faith and most importantly, support – making it through the impassable trenches of your own mind will be your greatest accomplishment. Don’t let your mind control you or your dreams. Together we can overcome.

** Give your secrets to the Raven – she will keep them safe.**

Will this be your first Addison Kline book?

Adorned

Book 1 in Trinity of Souls Series

 

by Georgeann Swiger

 

Sweet Upper YA/NA Paranormal Romance

 

Published by Georgeann Swiger on 4/2/2014

 

Main Characters: Micah and Anya

 

Find Adorned Online:

 

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Kobo

 

When seventeen-year-old Anya finds out she’s an angel being trained to protect humanity, she discovers that becoming an angel has nothing to do with wings and haloes. For Anya, becoming an angel has to do with death—her death.

Micah, the angelic soldier ordered to protect her until she transitions from human to angel, promises her death will be a glorious experience as long as she follows his rules. But getting Anya through this life and to the next isn’t as simple as Micah expects. His job becomes even more difficult after he unwittingly performs a miracle that exposes Anya’s hidden angelic light. 

With her secret out, Hell’s legions begin targeting her. Unfortunately, Hell’s minions are the least of Micah’s worries. He’s more concerned about the forbidden human emotions he’s developed toward Anya. Even more troubling, is she seems to love him too. And giving in to those feelings, could mean dire consequences for them both.

Cloven, the 2nd book in the Trinity of Souls Series is coming October 21.

For Dylan’s Review of Adorned, click here!

Georgeann Swiger

Georgeann Swiger earned her degree in journalism from West Virginia University, and then spent five years as an anchor/reporter at WBOY-TV in Clarksburg, WV. After having children, she left television news to be a stay at home mom.  During that time, she discovered creative writing was more fun than writing about real life tragedy. Imagining interesting character and having them come to life on the page is now her passion. When she’s not writing, she works as a substitute teacher. She lives in Reedsville, West Virginia with her husband, two kids, a beagle dog and a temperamental cat who tries to rule the house.

Author: Leigh T. Moore

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Books currently in the series: Dragonfly, Undertow, Watercolor, Mosaic

Want to hear my thoughts on the series? 

Anna Sanders expected an anonymous (and uneventful) senior year until she crossed paths with rich-and-sexy Jack Kyser and his twin sister Lucy. 

Pulling Anna into their extravagant lifestyle on the Gulf Coast, Lucy pushed her outside her comfort zone and Jack showed her feelings she’s never experienced… Until he mysteriously withdrew.

Anna turned to her internship at the city paper and to her old attraction for Julian, a handsome local artist and rising star, for distraction. But both led to her discovery of a decades-old secret closely guarded by the twins’ distant, single father.

It’s a secret that could cost her the boy she loves and permanently change all their lives.

Falling in love will pull you under… 

-Bill Kyser has a plan to take the sandy farms of his hometown and turn them into a world-class tourist destination–and become a billionaire in the process. 
-Alexandra “Lexy” LaSalle has a plan to change her life by becoming a world-famous artist. 
-Meg Weaver has a plan to hold onto Bill no matter what she has to do. 

Three friends, three dreams. One fatal decision will change all their lives forever. 

In Dragonfly, Bill Kyser gave Anna the three journals that held the story behind the powerful developer’s seclusion and the damaged lives of his family members. 

Anna hopes to find a way for Julian to know the truth, but as she digs deeper into the tragic events of the past, she realizes silence could be the only option. 

Now she’s in an alliance with the man she formerly feared. And if Julian finds out what she knows, she could lose for good the boy she’s starting to love.

Love is stronger than distance…

Finishing senior year is supposed to be the best time in a person’s life.
Finishing senior year as Julian’s girlfriend should’ve been the icing on the cake.
Knowing the secret that could change everything for him is the only thing threatening to spoil it all. 
Until Jack returns.

Anna and Julian are together at last, and it’s as hot and happy as they knew it would be. The only problem is The Secret. 

And Jack. 

But while Anna is determined to fight for the guy she loves, she could still lose Julian when he discovers the truth she’s been helping to hide.

The future never goes as planned.
People are never what they seem.
Time changes everything.

So you want to know what happened to Anna and Julian? Well, listen up, because I’ve got the whole scoop. I’m Jules, btw, and I am an artist, as you already know if you’ve read Watercolor. What you might not know is I inherited my mother’s cute little newsy nose, thank you very much.

It’s high school reunion time, and everyone’s coming back to Fairview—everyone who’s not already there, mind you. What went wrong, who’s fault it was, and why the heck nobody knew about me… it’s all coming out.

Long-distance relationships rarely last, and a lot of water has passed under that bridge. Big Secrets will be exposed, and in the end we’ll know if that old saying is true: Love is stronger than time.

“The books are most successful and most compelling when Moore brings the tension”

 My favorite of the series was the first installment, Dragonfly. While some say love triangles have been overdone in YA romance, Anna’s attraction to Jack is believable as she struggles with her growing love for her friend Julian. There’s tension and palpable desire here that I miss in the rest of the series.

Overall, I love the premise of these books: a long-kept secret held by one generation spills over into their children’s lives, wreaking havoc with their loves and their futures. Much of the parents’ generation’s story is told through the contrivance of three diaries, and too often, they read as a contrivance. In Undertow, It’s hard to imagine anyone actually writing, as one does, “My mother, Mrs. Georgiana Weaver, is on practically every volunteer board and committee in South County.That’s because my daddy, Dr. John Weaver, is the best surgeon at the hospital in Fairview, and he’s a founding member of the hospital expansion committee.” This information needed to be conveyed, but no one is likely to write like this about themselves in a document ostensibly for and about themselves, so it feels a little clunky. Despite this style problem, the older characters’ stories are realistic and credible, and though the same story is told three times, it doesn’t seem too repetitive. A greater distinction between narrative voices would have made this aspect even more successful. I really like Julian and his mom. Those are people I would like to know IRL

In Watercolor, a new character seems to emerge out of nowhere and it’s difficult at first to accept that his story is as important as it is to the characters who had never mentioned him before or seemed to take an interest in the issue (don’t want to give too much away here) but it sets up events for later books. The Julian-Anna-Jack triangle pretty much dies here and I miss it. I didn’t exactly understand why Julian and Anna split up for a period, or why any of the adults would have let Anna in on such intimate details of their lives, but as a reader you just have to accept that premise. However, I wish some of the big events had been “written bigger” and some of the smaller ones had been skipped or minimized (it seems that finally learning who your father is, for example,  should be a little more world-shattering than it is here).

Mosaic takes us years into the future and shows us how the younger generation seems to repeat the mistakes of their parents. A new narrator emerges and I found her somewhat forced, especially in her British-isms. Lines like “I read your sodding private blog, Mum. I know he was shagging some chav named Renee, and that’s why you left. He’s not just a wanker, he’s a sodding git” sound like a parody.

Overall, the books are most successful and most compelling when Moore brings the tension, as in this scene from Undertow:

I kissed him back. Our lips parted, and it was like

a sip of cool water after a long day in the hot sun. Such a relief.

He moved closer to kiss the side of my face, my neck and my hair. I

tightened my arms around him, resting my head on his shoulder and

inhaling deeply.

So sweet, so sad. I wished with everything in

me there was a way to change things. And when I opened my eyes,

there she was.

Meg was standing motionless in the backlight

of the hallway watching us.

My eyes flew wide as I pushed Bill away.

“Meg! It’s not what you think.”

She didn’t move, and even in the backlight I

could see the betrayal on her face, her body trembling. I took two

steps toward her, and she backed away.

“Meg…”

I could barely whisper her name as I

took another step. She turned and ran, and I stopped at at the door,

trying to catch my breath, reeling from the shock.

Nonetheless, these books would make some great beach reading, especially since many of the most enjoyable scenes take place on Gulf beaches. Moore really takes you there with excellent sensory details. As a beach girl myself, I wanted to join them.

And I really, really want a dragonfly ring. You will, too, after reading these.

Note: These books are a little steamy, so they’re definitely upper YA fare and could also be considered NA as the characters go off to college and even adult/parenthood.

 Check out the series on Goodreads, Smashwords,  and Amazon.