NOTICE:

This blog will be closing down as of November 1st 2015.

All posts will be moved to my tumblr page:
AshleyAnneReadsThings.com

Please follow me there!

Also, my email address has changed to

ashley@ashleyannereadsthings.com

Thanks lovelies!

~Ashley

Sunday, November 30, 2014

Blog Tour: Giveaway & 10's List | True Calling | Siobhan Davis

True Calling banner

This is my stop during the blog tour for True Calling by Siobhan Davis. This blog tour is organized by Lola's Blog Tours. The blog tour runs from 15 till 30 November, you can view the complete tour schedule on the website of Lola’s Blog Tours.

True CallingTrue Calling (True Calling #1)
By Siobhan Davis
Genre: Dystopian/Science Fiction/Romance
Age category: Young Adult
Release Date: August 1, 2014


Blurb:
Planet Novo, nestled in space twelve hundred miles above the surface of the Earth, is the new home of 17-year-old Cadet Ariana Skyee. Confused by the government-sanctioned memory erase and distressed at her impending forced marriage and motherhood, Ariana’s plans for the future are thrown into complete disarray.

As the traumatic events within her family life enfold, Ariana grows increasingly alarmed at the authorities apparent pre-occupation with her and feels progressively more isolated and alone.

Her growing feelings for fellow Cadet Cal Remus intensify as the recently announced pageant, ‘The Calling’, gets underway. Struggling to comprehend the continuous, inexplicable dreams of the mysterious Zane, discovering the past helps shape her future, with devastating personal consequences.

Buy it here:


10's List
Technological and/or Medical Advancements you’d like to see in your lifetime

Firstly, I’d just like to say that this is an awesome topic, and I’d like to thank Ashley for setting me such a cool challenge. Writing this list has been very thought-provoking, and involved some interesting debate in the Davis’ household! When you start thinking about technological and medical advancements, it is amazing to realize how much society has, and will, achieve over the course of one person’s lifetime. Awe-inspiring. Here is my ten cents worth:

10. Self-drive cars with centralized tracking systems: This one is the easiest to predict, and we are already moving towards this goal. Think no more taxi’s (sorry taxi drivers – I think it is time to start retraining), no need for designated drivers and no restrictions on bringing your car with you on a night out.

9. Early medical detection: In True Calling being supremely healthy is of vital concern to the new government, to ensure the continuation of humanity. Medicets (specialist robots) and the Vita chip implants monitor individual health on a daily basis. This is something I’d like to see in my lifetime, as there is so much needless suffering that could be prevented. There’s no question that breakthroughs in genetic engineering will help us treat or eliminate a whole range of diseases in the future.

8. Fingerprint and Retinal ID as standard to help eliminate identity theft and remove the need for cash and credit cards when shopping.

7. Everyone is a Fashion Designer: Customizable computer programmes that allow us to create our own clothing range; that would be pretty cool, right? Imagine you could log into your computer and plug in what you want - colour, material, texture, style, size. Uploading your image would enable you to view how the end product will look. Then you just click a button, and your design is manufactured and shipped.

6. Family Robots will become the new family pets, only much more useful as they attend to our needs, rather than the other way around. I am already salivating at the prospect of more time to write, and never having to clean the oven/shower/toilet again.

5. Automated exercise: I’d like to be around when they develop a machine/robot/computer that exercises my body while I sleep. You are starting to see a pattern here, yeah? It’s not that I’m lazy, more that I aspire to be lazy—so I can sit at my desk transcribing the stories from my head, and not have to worry about anything else in my life because modern day living already takes care of that.

4. Targeted Medical Programmes: Individual genetic code is harnessed to customize medical programmes that a) cure individual illnesses and b) help prevent genetic illness passing from generation to generation.

3. Extend our lifetimes: Stem cell research is apparently making great progress, and it is quite possible that we will be able to increase our lifespan. I’d like to be around to meet my great-great grandchildren, but only if this life extension programme can also halt the aging process. Because who’d want to look at a 150-year-old face otherwise?

2. Commercial space travel: I really want to holiday beyond this world, and I can think of nothing more incredible than looking down at Earth as we rocket to our 5-star holiday village in outer space. Epic.


1. Eat all you want without gaining weight: I am pinning all my hopes on this one!! He, he!! I am hopeful that some super drug will be created, or genetic modification programme developed, which allows me to stuff my face and remain a skinny-minnie at the same time. Super shallow, I know, but I am nothing if not honest.


SiobhanAbout the Author:
Siobhan Davis is the author of YA science fiction romance series True Calling.
A self-diagnosed ‘teenager forever’—at least when it comes to books, music and movies; Siobhan is totally addicted to teen fiction and superhero/blockbuster movies. Siobhan loves baking, crime novels, shoes, bags, make-up, anti-wrinkle cream, anything pink, Kelly Clarkson, Katy Perry, and Robert Pattinson (definitely Team Edward).
Siobhan has forged a successful corporate career, in Human Resources, over the last twenty years.
A member of the IWI writers group, Siobhan resides in the Garden County of Ireland with her husband and two sons.
Contact Siobhan at: www.siobhandavis.com

You can find and contact Siobhan here:
- Website | Author blog | Book website | Facebook | Twitter | Google + | Goodreads

There is a tour wide giveaway for the blog tour of True Calling. 
 The giveaway is open international. These are the prizes you can win:
- Paperback copy True Calling
- 3 e-copies of True Calling

For a chance to win enter the rafflecopter below:

New to the Shelf #7 {11.23-11.29}


Purchased Books
bookoutlet.com


What's Left of Me by Kat Zhang
Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel
Born of Illusion by Teri Brown


Not A Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis
Something Real by Heather Demetrios
Side Effects May Vary by Julie Murphy


Exposed by Kimberly Marcus
Scarlet by Marissa Meyer
The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michele Hodkin


^^^^^ Purchased for Giveaways! ^^^^^
Faking Normal by Courtney C Stevens ( Giveaway starts next month!)
Unremembered by Jessica Brody

Won Through Giveaways


Sins of Our Fathers by Shawn Lawrence Otto 
Hero Complex by Margaux Froley
Into A Raging Blaze by Andreas Norman


By: Jessica Brody

For Review


Friday, November 28, 2014

Book Blitz: Excerpt & Giveaway | Click Date Repeat | K.J Farnham

Click Date Repeat banner

This is my stop during the book blitz for Click Date Repeat by K. J. Farnham. 
This book blitz is organized by Lola's Blog Tours
The book blitz runs from 26 November till 1 December, you can view the complete blitz schedule on the website of Lola’s Blog Tours.

Click Date Repeat coverClick Date Repeat
by K. J. Farnham

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age category: Adult
Release Date: 21 August, 2014


Blurb:
These days, finding love online is as commonplace as ordering that coveted sweater. But back in 2003, the whole concept of Internet dating was still quite new, with a stigma attached to it that meant those who were willing to test the waters faced a fair amount of skepticism from friends and family.

Such is the case for Chloe Thompson, a restless 20-something tired of the typical dating scene and curious about what she might find inside her parents’ computer. With two serious but failed relationships behind her, Chloe isn’t even entirely sure what she’s looking for. She just knows that whatever it is, she wants to find it.

Based loosely on author K. J. Farnham’s real-life online dating experiences, Chloe’s foray into online dating involves a head-first dive into a world of matches, ice breakers and the occasional offer of dick pics, all while Chloe strives to shake herself of the ex who just refuses to disappear. Will she simultaneously find herself and “the one” online, or will the ever-growing pile of humorous and downright disastrous dates only prove her friends and family right? There’s only one way to find out…
Click. Date. Repeat.


You can find Click Date Repeat on Goodreads

You can buy Click Date Repeat here:

EXCERPT
There’s not much of a crowd at Starbucks. I suppose coffee is not the drink of choice for most people on a Friday night. I decide to hold off on placing my order and wait for Packer Fan. Even though I know his name is Patrick, I can’t stop thinking of him as Packer Fan, or Packer Fan Patrick. Maybe it has something to do with the close-up of him with a green and yellow face. I’m willing to bet that his body was probably painted as well. It’s kind of crazy that we’re meeting in person without even talking on the phone first, but Packer Fan Patrick kind of reminds me of an old high school friend who was always the life of the party and always had people rolling with laughter. In my response to the three messages he had sent, I asked about his profile pictures, which all appeared to have been taken at Packers games. He responded by detailing his lifelong history as a Packer fan. It all started when he was three . . . Three paragraphs later, he explained that his recently deceased grandfather left him and his brother season tickets. I couldn’t help but laugh at the way he used ten exclamation points at the end of a sentence that mentioned his dead grandfather.
I take a seat at a table near the window so I can watch for Packer Fan Patrick. Just as I’m getting comfortable, my chair begins to shake.
Boo!” Someone continues to jiggle my chair back and forth.
Startled, I grip my seat, one hand on each side, and look over my shoulder to see Patrick grinning maniacally. “Okay, okay. Where did you come from?” I grin, trying to hide my unease.
Before I’m able to turn back around, he scurries to the other side of the table. Instead of sitting across from me, he picks a chair up with one hand, plops it down next to me, and takes a seat.
He laughs boisterously and extends a hand. “Chloe! Good to meet you!”
Nice to meet you, too. I didn’t think you were here yet.” I say. I am genuinely smiling now—partly because his friendly demeanor is contagious but also because of his outfit. Patrick is wearing a Packer sweatshirt with green and gold Zubaz pants. As if that isn’t enough to show his fan spirit, he is also wearing yellow sneakers with green Nike emblems. I wonder if he dressed this way to be funny or if he wears Packers apparel all the time.
Ha!” He slaps his knee and points toward the back, near the bathrooms. “I was sitting at that table over there. I thought it would be funny to sneak up on you.” He laughs hysterically and slaps his knee again.
People are starting to stare. Maybe Patrick is a bit too energetic for Starbucks.
Good one. You really got me,” I say, smiling politely. “Do you want coffee?”
Nah. I don’t drink coffee. Makes me jittery.” He holds his hands out in front of him and makes them shake as he speaks. At this point, I wonder if he might be on something.
Okay. Well, I’m going to get a coffee. Do you want . . .”
He jumps out of his seat and says, “Come on. Coffee’s on me.”
By the time I grab my purse and get to the counter, Packer Fan Patrick is already talking to the barista. “. . . half skim, half whole, extra whip, with an extra shot of espresso.”
Did you say grande?” she asks.
Patrick bursts into laughter. “I’m just messin’ with you! You’re good though. Really good,” he says as he shakes a finger at her.
She frowns. “Well, is there anything I can get for you?”
Patrick continues laughing, oblivious to the barista’s irritation. “I’ll take a hot chocolate. And whatever this little lady is having.” He gestures toward me.

I give her a weak smile and hope that she doesn’t spit in our drinks.

K. J. FarnhamAbout the Author:
Born and raised in a suburb of Milwaukee, K. J. Farnham was an educator for 12 years. She holds a bachelor's degree from UW-Milwaukee and a master's degree from Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

After relocating from Milwaukee to Hudson, Wisc., in 2011, Farnham became a freelance writer and resolved to complete her first novel. The storyline for "Click Date Repeat" is a result of her experiences (and mishaps) with online dating, through which she met her husband.

Farnham lives with her husband, three young children and three cats. When she is not busy keeping up with her kids, she can be found reading or writing. A sequel to "Click Date Repeat" is in the works, and she plans to publish her next novel, "The Me I See," in the spring of 2015.

You can find and contact the author here:


There is a tour wide giveaway for the book blitz of Click Date Repeat. These are the prizes you can win:
- 2 amazon gift cards of 5$

For a chance to win, enter the rafflecopter below:

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Blog Tour: Excerpt & Giveaway | Transformed | E.V Fairfall



Book & Author details:

Transformed by E.V. Fairfall
Publication date: January 1st 2014
Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult

Synopsis:
Thea, all-mighty Mother Earth, only had one rule to follow above all else, one promise to keep to her brother: never take a human form. She would’ve kept that promise if it weren’t for Brice. He’s handsome and confident, but above all he’s merciless.
He’s also a hunter who has tormented Thea for years. She believes if she could teach Brice compassion, she might finally be able to save her creations and herself from his savage ways. Then she meets Chamber: another hunter.
She soon finds herself fascinated by−and torn between−the two boys: Brice and Chamber. Lost within a torrent of human emotions, Thea starts to lose who she is as she falls in love with the one thing that she’s always hated: a hunter… a human.


Buy it now for only $1.99

EXCERPT
A bang broke the forest air, sending a tremble down her backbone. Birds flew from the trees with warning cries under their wings. Once again it grew quiet, only her hoofs thudding over the ground disturbed the stillness. She picked up speed as the trees became scarce at an approaching meadow, a death trap. Fresh blood lined the edge of the grass ahead. An animal had been shot. A hissing sound shot through the emptiness above her shoulders, and then came the echo of another bang. She kept her legs moving, willing them faster. The scarlet color came back into view, lining the grass tops like bloody fingers. She saw it now: an antelope lay a few feet away, blood pumping onto the ground. I can fix this, she told herself. As long as my creature’s light still brings blood through its veins, this can be fixed. 

Thea slowed to a stop behind a tree, the antelope motionless on Earth’s floor, its heartbeat waiting to whimper into oblivion. Thea wouldn’t let it happen. Her gaze locked on the open flesh and the shattered bone hidden beneath the torn muscle. She let her light flow through her, collecting only part of it in her chest. She breathed, and the light escaped her lips. She watched as the glowing specks found leaves and filled them with a deep, yellow pulse. She willed the leaves to swirl in and out of one another in perfect harmony before resting on the ripped flesh. The leaves shook as the yellow in their veins flowed into the fur-covered skin crumbling above the healing wound. It wasn’t perfect, but it would have to do. For a second everything went still, motionless except for the wind, the leaves. The antelope kicked a bit on its side before finding its feet again. Thea watched as it ran into the woods without looking back.

A twig broke behind her, taking Thea out of the moment. She could smell the sweet, artificial scent; the hunter had found her. Thea turned, letting herself stare at him; there was a strange beauty in the light that hung on his skin from the trees above. She glanced at the meadow surrounded by tightly woven trees. She had given away too much light to change her form.

Today could have been so wonderful, and yet she couldn’t help but think it was a good day to die. Twisted branches reached toward her with open arms. She glanced around once more, taking in the silver pine needles and green foliage.

She turned to face the gun’s barrel, now level with her eyes and much too close for a rifle; she’d be blown apart. She looked past it at the young man’s face. She felt his chest rise and fall as if she were against him, their heartbeats in sync. His hair gathered the light, shining like amber. Each strand took on a deeper, darker orange and turned it into a rich auburn. His eyes pulled her in, strangely familiar as she looked into the deep sapphire swirled with thin emerald lines. A faint, purple line under his dark lashes made the blue even more powerful. His hands showed light scars healed time and time again. His jaw set his mouth into a thin line, and his strong neck flooded into his broad shoulders.

She watched the barrel of the gun lower, her body still frozen in shock. A cruel trick, she thought, and she lowered her head. She didn’t wish to see the satisfaction in his eyes as he pulled the trigger. She didn’t want to feel the pain or the ringing in her ears. She placed her legs apart to steady herself. The blood from the antelope she’d saved only moments ago drenched the grass beneath her. 

The crunching of leaves started again, but she didn’t hear a click. Looking up, she saw that the hunter, the young, beautiful man with amber curls, was backing away.

“Shoo,” he said.

The sound was enough to startle her to her senses. Staring down death when she had no alternative was one thing. Waiting around for it a second time was stupid. She leaped away on weak legs as fast as she could. 

AUTHOR BIO:
I love to write just as much as I love to read. I try to read a book per week, which doesn’t always work out, but it’s the thought that counts. Aside from all that I am a huge animal person.

Transformed is my first novel, but it isn’t my first publication; I’ve had several short stories published over the last two years. My main goal as a writer is to explore humanity and to give people something fun to read.

Author links:






Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Release Day Launch: Excerpt & Giveaway | Fragile Reign | Stacey O'Neale

Fragile Reign Release Day

I'm excited to take part in Stacey O'Neale's release day launch for FRAGILE REIGN! 
Check out the book below and be sure to enter the amazing giveaway!

Fragile Reign by Stacey O'Neale
It’s been a week since all hell broke loose… Rumors of King Taron’s weakened powers have left the air court vulnerable. Kalin is desperate to awaken her akasha powers, except she doesn’t know how. Tension within the court is at an all-time high. Pressure is mounting for her to ascend to the throne, but a halfling has never ruled over any court. To solidify her position, the council has advised her to marry Sebastian—a high ranking air elemental she’s never met and her betrothed. Will Kalin sacrifice her relationship with Rowan to strengthen her court? Rowan and Marcus return to a fire court in turmoil. Liana’s death has fueled the fire elementals’ distrust against the air and woodland courts. The unbalanced elements have set off natural disasters all over the mortal world. Rowan takes the throne to restore balance, promising to unite the fire court. But not all elementals are happy with his leadership. Many are secretly loyal to Valac, which means Rowan needs to find allies for his cause. 

Can Rowan unify the court of fire before the elements destroy the world?


If you haven't read Stacey's Mortal Enchantment series, you can get the first book for FREE on Amazon and Barnes & Noble! The Shadow Prince won GOLD at the 2014 Readers' Favorite Book Awards in the Short Story/Novella category!

MESFBCover.v3

Excerpt from FRAGILE REIGN

Rowan
After Marcus left, the lack of sleep and overuse of my power had finally caught up to me. My lids were heavy, making it hard to keep my eyes open. I laid down on the nearest bed, sinking into the softness of the vanilla scented pillows. I could rest here until tomorrow, and then meet Kalin on the beach at sundown. As I closed my eyes, I imagined her in that sexy sundress with the ocean breeze wafting through her red curls. My lips tingled remembering the raspberry taste of her kisses. With all this craziness going on, she was the one thing that made sense. The only person who could make me forget about everything for a little while. Kalin was the one I wanted. The only one I needed. I shook my head. What was wrong with me? It was too soon to be thinking about this stuff, right? It had only been a few weeks. And what did I know about real feelings, anyway? Had it not been for Marcus, I would never even know what it felt like to care for someone. Love was never part of my life. My mother thought love was a weakness—a totally worthless emotion compared to power and control. But that still didn’t explain how I was feeling. Why everything seemed better when Kalin was around. Why my fingers ached to touch her. Why her pain shattered me to the core. I put my hands over my face. Or, maybe the lack of sleep was making me delusional. With a smirk, I gave in to the darkness that was overwhelming me and fell asleep.


About the Author

Stacey O'NealeWebsite | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Goodreads
Stacey O'Neale lives in Annapolis, Maryland. When she's not writing, she spends her time fangirling over books, blogging, watching fantasy television shows, cheering for the Baltimore Ravens, and hanging out with her husband and daughter. Her career in publishing started as a blogger-turned-publicist for two successful small publishers. Stacey writes young adult paranormal romance and adult science fiction romance. Her books always include swoon-worthy heroes, snarky heroines, and lots of kissing. Stacey loves hearing from readers. Follow her on Twitter @StaceyONeale, look for her on Facebook, Pinterest, and GoodReads. You can also visit her blog at http://staceyoneale.com/.

Giveaway








Cover Reveal | All I Want Anthology


These 9 fabulous bestselling authors are giving you 9 HOT novellas to brighten your December. 



RELEASE DATE: DEC 13, 2014


Snowflakes & Fire Escapes by J.M Darhower - Cody Moran and Gracie Callaghan wanted nothing more than to escape the life they'd been born into, but it's the kind of life that doesn't like to let go. A story of love and heartache spanning the streets of Hell's Kitchen to far, far away, where it doesn't snow.

Winter Kiss: Ryley and Ash by L.P. Dover - Now that his time for revenge is over, Ryley wants to make the season special for the woman he loves. Not only will you hear the sound of Christmas bells during the holiday, but maybe another type of bell followed by the pitter patter of little feet.

A Merry Mitchell Affair by Jennifer Foor - Come join the entire Mitchell clan for a very merry Christmas and a surprise wedding.



Hit or Mistletoe by HJ Harley - London and her twin brother Trent are headed home for the holidays. This year Trent has brought home his hockey teammate and friend Pratt Montgomery. Who if wasn’t for Trent, would have spent them alone. London is convinced Pratt is just another beer drinking jock, until she sees a completely different side of him when he opens up to her.

Stranded by BJ Harvey - Stranded in Chicago just two days before the holidays, Porter Daniels and Harlow Wilson have to clear the air. Can they finally stop circling each other and get what they really want for Christmas?

12 Days of Forever by Heidi McLaughlin - A Beaumont Novella - The Christmas trees are trimmed and the bells are ringing. For one lucky couple in Beaumont, Christmas has a whole new meaning.

Adam by K.A. Robinson: A Torn Series Novella - In Tamed, you heard Amber's side of the story. Now, it's Adam's turn. What happened after Tamed? What was going through Adam's mind in key scenes of Tamed? It's time Adam had his say.

Lost in Translation by S. L. Scott - When two opposites attract in Paris, can the language of love bring them together or will they be Lost in Translation?


Fighter by Tijan - Jax Cutler is one bail jumper Dale doesn't want to help her family catch, but he soon becomes the one she can't let go.



Release Day Blitz & Giveaway | Leo Maddox | Sarah Darlington

LEO MADDOX
Genre: New Adult Romance

Synopsis:
The one. The only. Leo Maddox.

Leo’s cocky. He’s mean. He’s gorgeous. He’s never learned the meaning of the word no. He’s the twenty-one-year-old, billionaire grandson of a hotel mogul. He has vacation homes he’s never been to and cars he doesn’t drive. Women. Fashion. Alcohol. There’s nothing he can’t get. Well…almost nothing.


He can’t have her. The girl he loves. The girl he’s loved his entire life. She hates him. Until one morning when Leo wakes up and decides enough is enough. He’s going to get the only girl he’s ever wanted. So what if she has a new boyfriend. So what if she loathes his very existence. Clara belongs with him and he’s going to prove it to her by winning her heart.


*This New Adult Romance is told entirely from Leo Maddox’s POV. It can be read before, after, or in place of Sarah Darlington's stand alone novel He Belongs With Me. Recommended for readers 18+ due to strong language and sexy scenes.

LINKS TO BUY: Amazon I Amazon UK I Barnes and Noble I Kobo
(99c for 3 days only on Amazon and BN!)
Join the LEO MADDOX release day party on Facebook!


EXTRAS

Chapter 1:

Teasers:

Character Bios:

Join Sarah Darlington's mailing list to be notified when new books are released:


About the Author:
Sarah Darlington lives in Virginia with her husband and amazing two-year-old son. She's a former flight attendant, navy brat, constant day-dreamer, wannabe photographer, and an avid scrapbooker. She loves to travel and is working on visiting all 50 states.

Stay connected with Sarah:
Goodreads I Twitter I Facebook Sarah's Website I Instagram

Also by Sarah:
HE BELONGS WITH ME {Amazon I Amazon UK}
KILL DEVIL HILLS {Amazon I Amazon UK}



GIVEAWAY:

Book Blitz: Excerpt & Giveaway | Waiting For Perfect | Kelli Kretzschmar






Waiting for Perfect
By: Kelli Kretzschmar
Young Adult Contemporary
Date Published: October 1, 2014


Blurb:
In the wake of an attempted date rape, high school senior Kendra Voss receives hope from two unlikely heroes, who happen to be cousins.

After Nicolás Veneto rescues the popular Kendra Voss at a party, his long-time feelings for her reignite. But the socially awkward Nick can’t ever seem to find the right words to tell her so, and instead, seems to push her away with his persistence in trying to have her press charges against her attacker.

Nick's playboy cousin Sebastian Veneto, however, is a master with the opposite sex and is used to getting what he wants. After unwittingly helping Kendra at her most vulnerable, he discovers that his feelings for her go beyond his usual lust.

Kendra is caught between the two, the elusive artist and his dangerous cousin, both of whom are pulling her through the difficult aftermath of her near-rape in his own unique way. In the meantime, she tries to avoid the boy who attacked her, deal with rumors at school, and move on with her life.

Waiting for Perfect is a story about facing the unexpected events that force us to grow up and is told through the alternating, memorable voices of Kendra, Nick, and Sebastian.




EXCERPT
I take the pen from him and say, “Yeah, Sebastian. I do want to make a wish.” I scoot up to the wall and find a blank space that seems to have been left just for me.
I sense Sebastian come up behind me. I can feel the heat of his body at my back. He lowers his head so that his lips are right at my ear. Goosebumps rise all over my body with the thrill of his closeness.
You deserve all your wishes to be granted, my dear Kendra,” he whispers. “Wish big.”
He can’t see the smile that erupts from me with his words. His nearness consumes me. If I turned to look at him, our lips would be touching. The thought of it, the need for his lips on my own, almost possesses me. I want to feel him, taste him. But he would probably freak if I kissed him. There’s no way he’d want me. I am just plain Kendra, nothing but panic attacks and drama over here. I take a deep breath, trying to exhale any desire to be close to him, trying to save myself from any more pain.
I tighten my grip on the Sharpie, put the point to the wall, and start writing. Sebastian backs away, maybe wanting to give me some privacy, but maybe because he came to his senses about how close he was to me and backed off before I got the wrong idea.
When I’m finished scribbling, I put the cap back on the marker and back up a few steps to look at my wish amongst the others.
Sebastian steps closer so he can see what I wrote. We both stare at the wall while he reads my wish aloud.
I wish for something perfect.”
I can feel my cheeks redden. “I don’t know. Pretty stupid, huh?” My eyes drop to the ground, and I use the toe of my sandal to kick a pebble down the hill.
He closes the gap between us, and when he’s standing right in front of me, he puts his palm on my cheek and guides my face up so he can see my eyes. “It’s not stupid. It’s honest,” he says softly. “What is your ‘something perfect’?”
I shake my head. “I don’t know. I’ll know it when I see it, I guess.”

Staring into those beautiful brown eyes of his, perfect looks pretty damn close to Sebastian Veneto. 


About the Author:
Kelli Kretzschmar graduated with a BA in Psychology from California State University of Long Beach. She works full time as a marketing manager and writes for enjoyment. She currently lives in Southern California with her husband, three children, a wild Labrador named Tyson, and a corn snake named Abigail. When she's not at the office or spending time with her family, she enjoys writing, reading contemporary fiction, learning new things, running, and her most recent passion, practicing Krav Maga.

Website: www.kellikretzschmar.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KelliKretzschmarAuthor

Email: kellikretzschmar@gmail.com


Giveaway


Monday, November 24, 2014

Cover Reveal | UnHappenings | Edward Aubry

Curiosity Quills is excited to reveal the cover for Edward Aubry's Literary-Fiction, Science-Fiction Romance UnHappenings, scheduled for release January 8, 2015. 
The stunning cover was designed by Andy Garcia
 A review tour for UnHappenings is scheduled for January 5 - 16, 2015. If you're interested in taking part in the review tour, please sign up here.

UnHappenings

About UnHappenings:

When Nigel Walden is fourteen, the UNHAPPENINGS begin. His first girlfriend disappears the day after their first kiss with no indication she ever existed. This retroactive change is the first of many only he seems to notice. Several years later, when Nigel is visited by two people from his future, he hopes they can explain why the past keeps rewriting itself around him. But the enigmatic young guide shares very little, and the haggard, incoherent, elderly version of himself is even less reliable. His search for answers takes him fifty-two years forward in time, where he finds himself stranded and alone. And then he meets Helen. Brilliant, hilarious and beautiful, she captivates him. But Nigel’s relationships always unhappen, and if they get close it could be fatal for her. Worse, according to the young guide, just by entering Helen’s life, Nigel has already set into motion events that will have catastrophic consequences. In his efforts to reverse this, and to find a way to remain with Helen, he discovers the disturbing truth about the unhappenings, and the role he and his future self have played all along. Equal parts time-travel adventure and tragic love story, Unhappenings is a tale of gravely bad choices, and Nigel’s struggle not to become what he sees in the preview of his worst self.

Add UnHappenings to your Goodreads 

'to-be-read' list.


Edward AubryAbout Edward Aubry:

Edward Aubry is a graduate of Wesleyan University, with a degree in music composition. Improbably, this preceded a career as a teacher of high school mathematics and creative writing. Over the last few years, he has gradually transitioned from being a teacher who writes novels on the side to a novelist who teaches to support his family. He is also a poet, his sole published work in that form being the sixteen stanza “The History of Mathematics.” He now lives in rural Pennsylvania with his wife and three spectacular daughters, where he fills his non-teaching hours spinning tales of time-travel, wise-cracking pixies, and an assortment of other impossible things.


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