Showing posts with label romance books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label romance books. Show all posts

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Giveaway & Review of This Much is True by Katherine Owen


Displaying This-Much-is-True-Banner.jpg

About THIS MUCH IS TRUE


Fate brings them together

Fame & lies keep them apart
One truth remains…

She’s become the Paly High girl with the most tragic story…

At 17, Tally Landon just wants to graduate and leave for New York to pursue ballet. Her best friend Marla convinces her to attend one last party—a college party—where she can be among strangers and evade the whisperings about the heartbreaking loss of her twin that follows her everywhere she goes. She meets Lincoln Presley, Stanford’s famous baseball wonder and has a little fun at his expense—when she lies about her age and who she really is—intent on being someone else for the night and escaping her tragic story.

His only focus is baseball, but he can’t forget the girl he saved on Valentine’s Day…
At 22, Lincoln Presley’s star is on the rise—about to finish at Stanford and expected to be taken early in Major League Baseball’s upcoming draft—his cousin’s party serves as a welcome distraction. But then, he sees the girl from Valentine’s Day that he saved from that horrific car accident and can’t quite hide his disappointment when she appears to look right through him and not remember him at all. He vows to learn her name at least before he leaves. What’s the harm in getting to know this girl? What’s the worst that can happen?

Fate soon tests these star-crossed lovers in all kinds of ways...
And yet, despite the lies being told to protect the other, and the trappings of fame that continually separate them, and in lieu of the deception by those they’ve come to trust the most; one truth remains.

This much is true. 
Caution: This title contains some strong language, some violence, and some sexual situations and is intended for readers 18+ in age.

Title: This Much Is True

Author: Katherine Owen

Release: August 11th, 2013

Age Group: New Adult/Adult

Genre: Contemporary Romance; Sports Romance, Holiday Romance, New Adult College Romance

Tour organized by: AToMR Tours; http://atomrbookblogtours.com

Available in Paperback & eBook at:
{Click to Purchase}


Also available at Kobo & iTunes.

My Review of THIS MUCH IS TRUE

From the opening line of This Much is True, the heart-wrenching story of young, aspiring ballerina, Tally Landon, is a  gratifying journey of heartache and suffering. Throw in  future Hall of Fame baseball play Lincoln Presley and you yourself a book that will draw you in on the first page and leave you with a fulfilled ending on the last!

This Much is True is the first book I have read by Katherine Owen, but it will not be the last. I agreed to read the story as part of the book tour and I am very glad I did. While, This Much is True is a rather long book, it's well worth the read and every chapter has it's own mini-climax. I thoroughly enjoyed that about this book as there was no, 'waiting around to see what happens' next or boring chapters that were simply put there to fill space in the binding. It's very fast paced, but not so much that you feel like you are missing out on anything and have to wonder what happen between point A and point B. 

I won't go into too much detail because I wouldn't want to spoil a good great thing, but I will tell you that this is the most heartfelt, drama-filled story I think I have ever read. Don't get me wrong, I've read dozens of great, well-written, engaging, 5-star books, but none that had so much drama! Drama, drama and more drama... all of which was a good thing of course. While most books have a few unexpected twists turns, this one was full of unexpected events and outcomes that kept the plot entertaining and engaging. Just when you think you what's going to happen... the unexpected happens and Tally's hit with yet another curve ball in life and is left helplessly hanging on to what's left of her heart. Some of which, she brings on herself, others are simply another hard twist of fate. 

One thing I found to be unique about This Much is True, and actually enjoyed about the book, was that each chapter is being told from either Tally or Lincoln's point of view. A couple chapters will be written as if you are right there, sitting next to Tally with her pouring her heart and soul out to you, while the next chapter you are a thousand miles away seeing Lincoln's side. I really enjoyed this part because there was no wondering why something was the way it was. You knew... you knew what he was feeling, you knew why he wasn't there, you knew why she did what she did, and why she thought she was doing the right thing. Back and forth, back and forth. It was like sitting on the fence and straddling the line, while getting to see the grass that was greener on the left, and the not so green on the right. 

What can I say? It's full of drama, it's very realistic and easy to relate to (I'm mean if you are a baseball player and a ballerina of course). The story is so well-written that you are completely engaged and become entangled in the web of lies, tears and heartache. (And constantly grabbing another Pringle and cheering for Team Linc.)  I absolutely adored the characters, the plot and witty style of writing bouncing back and forth between Tally and Linc.

There is no way I could rate this book any less than 5 well-deserved stars! Absolutely Awesome! If you love a great heart-felt, then This Much is True is a must-read!

About the Author, Katherine Owen


Dark. Edgy. Contemporary. Romantic. Were we describing me? Or my fiction? Sorry.

I drink too much...coffee, not enough water. I swear too much for God and my mother, and I slip these into my fiction. Sorry.

I'm impatient, a perfectionist, a wordsmith, a dreamer, which ends up being good and bad. I'm a workaholic; ask my "fam-dam-ily".

I've written four novels in as many years: "When I See You, "Not To Us", Seeing Julia" as well as my latest release "This Much Is True" (which hit #1 on Amazon best seller lists for Sports Romance, Holiday Romance within a week of its release). Competitive; much, KO? Oh yes.

If you love angsty, unpredictable love stories, I'm yours. ♥ Connect with me at facebook.com/KatherineOwenAuthor.

~ Connect with Katherine Owen~

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You can follow the rest of the tour and read more reviews, guest posts and interview with author Katherine Owen by following the rest of the tour at ATOMR.



FTC Disclosure: I did receive a free copy of THIS MUCH IS TRUE for an honest review. The review in this post is my honest opinion and was not influenced in anyway, nor was a I compensated to provide a positive review. 

Monday, November 18, 2013

Giveaway & Review: Snowed Over by Angie Stanton {A Christmas Novella}

Snowed Over by Angie Stanton
 
Welcome to the Snowed Over Book Tour
 
Christmas is just around the corner and what better way to get in the mood for the holiday than with a sweet Christmas romance novel?
 
Below you will find my review of the Angie Stanton's new Christmas Novella, Snowed Over, and an awesome giveaway for a $50 Amazon Gift Card and two $20 Amazon Gift Cards!
 
Hope you enjoy. Happy Holidays!
  
 

About Snowed Over

 

Author: Angie Stanton
Title: Snowed Over
Release date: October 2012
Age Group: New Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance Novella

Synopsis
To college student, Katie Brandt, ‘Home for the Holidays’ sounds like hell. When her parents separated, their holiday traditions shattered like a dropped ornament. What could be worse than celebrating Christmas with her suddenly single mom and mom’s new boyfriend?

Alex Walker, an engaged 20-year-old, dreads going home for his own reasons. He has a daunting task ahead of him and wishes he could skip the holidays altogether. So when a friend of a friend needs a ride north, Alex finds that having beautiful Katie seated by his side proves to be just the distraction he needs.

A simple ride home for Christmas turns into a nightmare when light snow rages into a full-scale blizzard. Katie and Alex find themselves stranded, and a vacant cabin becomes a haven from the storm.

Under different circumstances, time alone with Alex would be the ultimate Christmas gift, but Katie knows Alex is engaged and she must hide her growing attraction.

However, Alex harbors a secret that just might change this holiday from the worst Christmas ever, to the best.

Goodreads

Snowed Over is Available in eBook & Paperback at:

{CLICK TO PURCHASE}
http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=tKhpP6JWAhg&subid=&offerid=239662.1&type=10&tmpid=8432&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.barnesandnoble.com%252Fw%252Fsnowed-over-angie-stanton%252F1113526324%253Fean%253D2940015530438
http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=tKhpP6JWAhg&subid=&offerid=239662.1&type=10&tmpid=8432&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.barnesandnoble.com%252Fw%252Fsnowed-over-angie-stanton%252F1113526324%253Fean%253D2940015530438
 
 

 Review of Snowed Over

Snowed Over is the perfect little addition to any Christmas book list! Whether you enjoy a sweet romance, a holiday themed book, or just a great read in general, Snowed Over is a wonderful Christmas Novella that won't disappoint you.

To avoid an accidental spoiler, I won't go into any actual details of the book except to say it is a well-written novella that has just the right amount of drama, a near-tragedy and few heart-felt moments to keep you coming back for more without over doing it.

I didn't quite rate the book a full 5 Stars, but that's not because it wasn't a great read. Honestly, it was a wonderful read! However, there were no extreme shock factors, no major climax and no incredibly exciting moments. Don't confuse that with me saying the book was boring, it was far from it! It just didn't have your typical fireworks, oh's and ah's.
Overall, I would say... Put it on your holiday reading list!  Snowed Over is a WONDERFUL Novella, and I strongly recommend it for anyone who likes a sweet and innocent read. One that will make you all warm and fuzzy on the inside, without making your grandma blush.

 
  About the Author
 
Displaying Angie's Professional Head Shots 003.jpegAngie Stanton never planned on writing books, she wanted to be a Rockette. However, growing up in a rural setting with her brothers' 4-H pigs as pets, dance didn't work out. Instead she became an avid daydreamer. After years of perfecting stories in her head she began to write them down and the rest is history.

She loves dipping french fries in chocolate shakes, natural disaster movies and Broadway Musicals. When not writing, Angie is concocting ways to make more dreams come true, whether it be tickets to a Broadway show or convincing her family they should rent an RV and travel the country. She's still working on that one.

Angie is a proud double finalist of the 2011 National Readers Choice Awards for Love 'em or Leave 'em, as well as a finalist for the Golden Quill Awards.

~ Connect with Angie Stanton ~
         Website | Facebook

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You follow the rest of the tour and find more reviews, excerpts and other book related info via the Snowed Over Tour Schedule at Atomr Book Tours.
 
 
FTC Disclosure: I did receive a free ecopy of Snowed Over in exchange for participating in the virtual book tour and posting an honest review. The fact that it was free did not influence my opinion, nor was I asked to provide a positive review. The review posted for this book, and all other books on this blog, are my own opinion and not influenced in any way.  

Friday, November 15, 2013

Book Blast & Giveaway: Sisters in White by Melissa Foster


Welcome to the Book Blast & Giveaway for
Sisters in White
By Melissa Foster
 Snow Sisters Series

About Sisters in White

Danica and Kaylie Snow are about to celebrate the biggest day of their lives—their double wedding—on an island in the Bahamas. But no wedding is complete without a little family drama. The two sisters aren’t ready to face the father they haven’t seen since he divorced their mother and moved away to marry his mistress, and live with Lacy, the half sister they’ve never met.

While Danica has exchanged letters and phone calls with Lacy, Kaylie has fervently tried to pretend she doesn’t exist. Lacy is sweet, fun, and nearly a mirror image of Kaylie. To make matters worse, not only is Lacy looking forward to meeting her sisters, but she idolizes them, too. As the countdown to the wedding date ticks on, their parents are playing a devious game of revenge, and there’s a storm brewing over the island, threatening to cancel their perfect wedding. The sisters are about to find out if the bond of sisterhood really trumps all.

CLICK TO PURCHASE: Sisters in White


Add to your shelves on Goodreads

About the Author

Melissa Foster is the award-winning author of four International bestselling novels. Her books have been recommended by USA Today’s book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the Women’s Nest, a social and support community for women, the World Literary Café. When she’s not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on  Fostering Success. Melissa is also a community builder for the Alliance for Independent Authors. She has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine.

Melissa hosts an annual Aspiring Authors contest for children and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family.

Visit Melissa on The Women’s Nest, Fostering Success, or World Lit Cafe. Join Melissa and the YaYa Writer Girls at their annual in-person event. Melissa enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups, and welcomes an invitation to your event.

Connect with Melissa Foster
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Melissa_Foster

Find out more about the Snow Sister Series




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Book Blast: Loving in Time by AE Kirk

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About Loving in Time

Living in New England, half Greek half American high school student, Helen, lives a relatively normal life; a mother and father and two bratty younger twin brothers. But it all changes when her mother welcomes two strange but devilishly cute boys, Marcus and Gus, into the house and into Helen’s life.

While the boys live with Helen, they help her discover that she is far from normal and she is, in fact, part of an ancient Grecian love story that has stretched to every corner of the world. She is Helen of Sparta from the myth, Helen of Troy. The boys however, ask a difficult favour from her, to leave her modern family and go back in time to help break an ancient cycle.

Given the ability to stop time and travel into centuries past, she and her new friends, Marcus and Gus, are joined by five other boys who try and protect Helen from the evil Decurion soldiers; ancient time travellers who wish to stop Helen from breaking the cycle.

Journeying to Ancient Greece, Helen must act as she once had but when the moment the war begins and Helen must break the cycle, she is given a life changing decision. The question is, will she choose wisely?

Author: AE Kirk
Genre: Romance sci-fi, time travel
Publisher: Vanguard Press
ISBN-10: 1843868113
ISBN-13: 978-1843868118

Excerpt

Stretching out on the couch, I placed my arm over my eyes to cover the afternoon sun that peeked in at the west facing window. I was getting a headache from doing so much and I still hadn’t even done my homework yet... which reminded me I need to call Paris.
 
About to get up to grab the phone, I heard a car pull into the driveway. Sitting up, I looked out of the window, but only saw the top half of the metallic green people carrier which belonged to my Mom. Groaning that the dweebs were home, I flopped back onto the couch and closed my eyes.
 
Bang! Went the sound of the first door that was usually Castor. One minute older he always got out of the left side of the car first. Bang! That was Sander’s right door being slammed shut. Bang! And there was Mom’s. Bang!
 
‘Huh?’ Sitting up and frowning, at the forth door slam I glanced at the car again and saw five heads move to the front of the house.
 
Keys jangled as they moved to the door.

In a sitting position, I looked around at the door to see who was coming into the house. Then it hit me, could these be the kids Mom’s note referred to?
 
The door banged open and Castor and Sander ran into the hallway, glancing at me in the room, they then gave me the middle finger and ran up stairs to their room.
 
‘Suckers,’ I laughed. Standing up as I saw shadows on the carpet.
 
‘In you go,’ I heard Mom suggest. Standing up, I saw two tall figures move in front of me with their backs turned. Holding two large navy blue holdalls in each hand, they placed them on the floor. Hearing her shuffle down the hallway, she headed to the kitchen; glancing at me as she passed. ‘Oh Helen,’ Mom smiled as she did a double take and spotted me standing there like an idiot staring at the backs of the heads of two tall guys. ‘This is Marcus and Gus, they will be staying in your brothers' room for... well, until we can sort something out.’
 
At that point, they turned and my jaw dropped. It was that Marcus guy I had met only a few hours ago outside the entrance to the school. His friend, who looked rather similar to him, was maybe an inch taller with slightly darker hair apart from a few strands of highlights by his ears.
 
‘Wrong Girl,’ Marcus laughed, snapping his fingers and pointing at me. Nudging his friend he said, ‘I told ya we’d meet up again.’

About the Author 

AE Kirk lives within the majestic Devonshire countryside in England, UK where she wrote her novel, Loving In Time, within three months for a competition. Winning joint runner-up, she continued to write a number of other books ranging from sci-fi, to fantasy and action and a year later, while she was in South Korea teaching English, found a publisher. Kirk, who is Editor in Chief for a fantasy and sci-fi magazine, Kingdom of Fantasy, loves nothing more than to write interesting and unique stories with unusual plot-twists. After gaining a Masters in Social Archaeology at Lampeter University, Wales, Kirk uses her research skills to describe, in vivid detail, the ancient locations in her books. Kirk's passions in archaeology shines through in Loving In Time, her first published novel.

Connect With AE Kirk



Tuesday, November 12, 2013

GIVEAWAY: Reckless Secrets by Gina Robinson {Reckless #2}

 
 
Welcome to the Giveaway and Blitz for
Reckless Secrets 
By Gina Robinson
(Reckless #2)
Publication date: November 11th 2013
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance
 

Synopsis:

Everyone Has a Secret.

At nineteen, Ellie Martin is finally happy. Deliriously, delightfully, delectably happy. Her junior year in college, while not without some major issues, is turning out better than she ever dreamed. She’s finally found closure to a question that has bothered her for as long as she can remember. She’s even been able to put some serious distance between herself and her twisted mother. Best of all, she’s in love with the hot, handsome, and mysterious Logan Walker.

If only she could share with Logan the one thing she must keep secret. The one relationship that, if he finds out about it, will blow apart everything that brings her happiness.

Even as Ellie and Logan learn to open up to each other, even as they get closer than they’ve ever gotten to anyone else before, the reckless secrets they’re holding on to may just be the thread that unravels everything.
 
 
CLICK TO PURCHASE:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GK6OP68/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00GK6OP68&linkCode=as2&tag=stephaniesbookshelf-20
http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=tKhpP6JWAhg&subid=&offerid=239662.1&type=10&tmpid=8432&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.barnesandnoble.com%252Fs%252FGina-Robinson-reckless%253Fstore%253Dallproducts%2526keyword%253DGina%252BRobinson%252Breckless
 
AUTHOR BIO:
Gina Robinson loves humor, romance, suspense, and spies. Not necessarily in that order. Her latest toy is a video spy pen. She plans on putting her engineering degree to good use by building a tasar out of a disposable camera using the instructions and schematics from The Evil Genius series. Fair warning--she hasn't held a soldering iron in quite a few years.

She writes contemporary romance featuring sexy spies and plenty of adventure and humor. The Spy Who Left Me, the first book in her new Agent Ex series, published by St. Martin's Press, is available now. Diamonds Are Truly Forever, the next book in the series, will be released on May 22, 2012.
Her first two novels are published by Zebra Books, Kensington Publishing.

She's also published a humorous women's fiction novel, Pink Slipper. If you like Sophie Kinsella, you'll enjoy Pink Slipper.
 
Connect with Gina Robinson
 
 

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Friday, November 8, 2013

GIVEAWAY & Book Blitz: Just Out of Reach by Belinda Stevens

 
 

About Just Out of Reach



When high school freshman Katherine Boyd meets David, her life is forever altered. Their romance experiences the turmoil of Mississippi in the sixties, family relationships that keep them apart, and political differences that threaten to destroy them. Through the death of JFK and James Meredith’s admission to Ole Miss, Katherine’s growth means being progressive in a traditional Southern family, accepting the loss of those closest to her, and learning to cope with her family’s darkest secrets. Just Out of Reach is the story of a young woman forged in desperate times and a love that changes her life forever.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615760384/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0615760384&linkCode=as2&tag=stephaniesbookshelf-20

Excerpts

I was numb from the news.  As I listened to Dr. Pierce, my mind seemed to separate from my body.  It was like my family doctor, the same doctor that had delivered my girls, was talking to someone else.  I thought I had been so careful but, obviously, not careful enough.  I was pregnant, and Tom was not the father!  I thought about my last pregnancy.  This time I knew I would not abort.  Other than that, I didn’t know what I was going to do.  As I drove home, I thought about the events that had lead to my present state; all the things Tom did wrong and the things I did wrong as well.

After Birmingham, things settled down somewhat.  For the girls’ sake, Tom stopped drinking.   But we still fought over everything from civil rights to how I raised the girls, especially Katherine.  She was her father’s favorite, and Tom felt she could do no wrong.  My youngest daughter was very independent and had a strong, stubborn streak in her.  No matter how I tried to force her to behave, she fought back.  It always led to tantrums, tears, and eventually spankings.  As my daughter grew older, the fighting between me and Katherine worsened, with Tom acting as a referee.  The fact that my husband sided with Katherine enraged me.  This, of course, widened the gulf between me and Tom.  We were like strangers living under the same roof, barely speaking to one another.  There were days and sometime weeks of silence between the two of us.  Things rocked along unchanged until the fall of 1958.

About the Author - Belinda Stevens


Belinda J. Stevens was born in Yazoo City, Mississippi, the
 
gateway to the Mississippi Delta, in 1948. She grew up in the turbulent sixties, and has a true appreciation for the difficulties experienced by Katherine in Just Out of Reach, which is Belinda’s first novel. She is an attorney who currently practices law in Yazoo City and resides in Brandon, Mississippi with her dog, Humprey B.

Image of Belinda Stevens 
 
Connect with Belinda Stevens

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Author Belinda Stevens will be giving away a $10 Amazon Gift Certificate to one random commenter during the tour. Be sure to post a comment below to enter. You can visit other stops on the tour for more chances to win! You can find the complete tour at: Goddess Fish Promotions
 
 

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Book Blitz: Tragic Love by M.S. Brannon

Tragic Love by M.S. Brannon
(Sulfur Heights #2)
Publication date: November 6th 2013
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

Synopsis:
“From the moment I locked eyes with hers, we’ve had this undeniable connection that was and will always be wicked. A love that would literally kill me if it didn’t survive, but lately, could kill me if it did.” ~Drake Evans.
For Drake and Presley, life has handed them more challenges than any one person should ever face in a lifetime. Together, they’ve survived Presley’s captivity from her deranged uncle, but now they must learn how to live with the events that surrounded her time spent with him, while keeping the details of her rescue a secret.

For Presley Quinn, living the last two years has been practically unbearable, constantly drowning in nightmares put there by a man responsible for the violent images continually playing in her mind. She keeps moving forward, but is barely clinging onto the edge when she’s faced with another obstacle from her past that is so unavoidable, so tragic, it threatens to break her apart—herself.

Drake will do anything to protect Presley from ever feeling pain again. His love is irrefutable. He walks side by side with her, vowing he will never let anyone harm her again. However, when an unexpected event turns Presley against everyone she’s ever loved, Drake is faced with trying to save the only woman he’s ever loved or severing the only lifeline she’s ever had—himself.

**Mature Content Warning** 17 years and older for language and sexual content.
 
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1492188123/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1492188123&linkCode=as2&tag=stephaniesbookshelf-20http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/m.s.-brannon
 
 

About the Author

 
M.S. Brannon was born and raised in the Midwest. She still resides there today with her wonderful husband and son. When she is not writing or reading, M.S. Brannon spends time with her family, watching movies, and discovering new music. She writes romance because she believes love and heartache is the rawest emotion one can experience.

Twitter: https:/twitter.com/MSBrannonAuthor
 

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

GIVEAWAY: The Seacrest by Aaron Paul Lazar

 
Welcome to the book blast & giveaway for
The Seacrest
By Aaron Paul Lazar
 
Be sure to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway below!
 

About The Seacrest

 
 

They say it’s better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.

Finn McGraw disagrees.

He was just seventeen when he had a torrid summer affair with the girl who stole his heart—and then inexplicably turned on him. Finn may have moved on with his life, but he’s never forgotten her.

Now, ten years later, he’s got more than his lost love to worry about. A horrific accident turns his life upside down, resurrecting the ghosts of his long-dead family and taking the lives of the few people he has left.

Finn always believed his estranged brother was responsible for the fire that killed their family—but an unexpected inheritance with a mystery attached throws everything he knows into doubt.

And on top of that, the beguiling daughter of his wealthy employer has secrets of her own. But the closer he gets, the harder she pushes him away.

The Seacrest is a story of intrigue and betrayal, of secrets and second chances—and above all, of a love that never dies.
 
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G1TDBRI/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00G1TDBRI&linkCode=as2&tag=stephaniesbookshelf-20

Excerpt

 
July 2, 1997
I’ll never forget the day I fell in love with her.
 
There she stood, all tall and lanky, dark hair blowing in the breeze as if it loved caressing her face.
She held a beach ball and faced the sea.
She was sixteen.
That’s all it took. That one salty, sandy, sunshiny day—forever staked in my memory.
Her father had claimed a spot on Paines Creek Beach, right next to ours. They laid out a red-and-white striped blanket and matching umbrella with beach chairs, a cooler filled with watermelon and soda, and white paper bags that smelled of fries and burgers.
I’d settled on a beach towel next to my grandfather, Dex McGraw, surreptitiously watching them.  
 
Gramps sat beside me, drinking from a cold thermos of gin and ice, his favorite. He sat with his shirt off and long legs stretched out, his head back and shaggy silver-blond hair glinting in the sun. He always told me his time was “before the hippies,” but I had a feeling he would have made a good one. He was one helluva rebel. And he always stood up for what was right, no matter what.
He saw me watching the girl and casually appraised her, gray eyes slit and his head nodding in approval. With a low whisper, he turned to me. “Pretty girl.”
I know I blushed, because at sixteen that’s all I seemed to do when girls were involved. “Yeah. I guess.” I traced circles in the sand with my forefinger. The sun burned the skin on my back and shoulders, although I’d slathered plenty of sunscreen on earlier at my mother’s insistence.
 

About the Author ~ Aaron Paul Lazar

 
Aaron Paul Lazar writes to soothe his soul. An award-winning author of three addictive mystery series, writing books, and a new love story, Aaron enjoys the Genesee Valley countryside in upstate New York, where his characters embrace life, play with their dogs and grandkids, grow sumptuous gardens, and chase bad guys.
 
Visit his website at http://www.lazarbooks.com and watch for his upcoming Twilight Times Books releases, SANCTUARY (2014), and VIRTUOSO (2014).

Connect with Author Aaron Paul Lazar

 
Author’s website:  www.lazarbooks.com
Author’s collaborative writing blog: www.murderby4.blogspot.com
Author’s personal blog: www.aaronlazar.blogspot.com
 
 
 
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Follow the rest of the tour at
Goddess Fish Promotions for more chances to win!