The Super Spectacular Fisher Amelie

For those of you who don't know Fisher Amelie, I'm here to tell you that she's awesome.  Plain and simple.  She's one of the most diversely talented people I've ever met.  This girl is "artsy" in its purest form.  Among her many creative skills is her ability to capture emotion.  In her writing, she does it with breathtaking ease.  You can even see it in the few short sentences she's included in the trailer for her new book.  I'm telling you, it's pretty amazing.  Take a peek and see if this doesn't make you want to go and buy the book right this minute.

Now, I've only gotten to read the first few chapters of this book, but let me tell you--WHAT A HOOK!  I can't wait to read the rest!  This is edgy and emotional and sexy and dark.

If you’re looking for a story about a good, humble girl, who’s been hurt by someone she thought she could trust, only to find out she’s not as vulnerable as she thought she was and discovers an empowering side of herself that falls in love with the guy who helps her find that self, blah, blah, blah...then you’re gonna’ hate my story.

Because mine is not the story you read every time you bend back the cover of the latest trend novel. It’s not the “I can do anything, now that I’ve found you/I’m misunderstood but one day you’ll find me irresistible because of it” tale. Why? Because, if I was being honest with you, I’m a complete witch. There’s nothing redeeming about me. I’m a friend using, drug abusing, sex addict from Los Angeles. I’m every girlfriend’s worst nightmare and every boy’s fantasy.

I’m Sophie Price...And this is the story about how I went from the world’s most envied girl to the girl no one wanted around and why I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.

***

“Hold me tighter,” I whispered against his teeth. He clutched me closer yet not tight enough. “More,” I demanded.
He drew me firmer against him and I felt every ridge of his body.
“Is that close enough?” he laughed into my throat.
“Perfect,” I told him. 


Here's where you can find Fisher:

Look for VAIN at Amazon and Barnes & Noble Christmas Day!

Listen to Sophie and Dingane’s playlist on Grooveshark!
Add VAIN to your Goodreads

Find Fisher on Amazon!

Find Fisher on Barnes & Noble!

Find Fisher on Facebook!

Find Fisher on Twitter!

Find Fisher on Goodreads!

Find Fisher on YouTube!

Fisher is also doing a Kindle Fire Giveaway!!!! Come enter for a chance to win here!!!

Mia's Heart by Courtney Cole

So, the fabulously talented Courtney Cole has just released, a bit early too I might add, her new book, Mia's Heart.  It's the second installment in her young adult series, the Paradise Diaries.  In my opinion, it's the best one yet.  I just love, love, love Mia!  She's got some sass and some spunk and I think her story is an awesome one.  Did I mention there are hot guys galore?  Well there are.  Oh me, oh my!

Without further ado, meet Mia.

My name is Mia Giannis.

I am seventeen years old.

I live in Valese, Caberra.

 This has become my mantra and my lifeline, having recently lost my memory due to a scary natural disaster.

Yeah.  I have amnesia.  Messed up, right?

You don't know the half of it.

 Not remembering anything has turned my world upside down. My parents try their hardest to “remind” me of who I was, but it doesn't feel right. Or, if what they're saying is true and that really was me, I'm not sure I like that person very much.

 And then there’s my love life.  Apparently, Gavin Ariastasis is my oldest and best friend in the world. Also, apparently, we’ve never dated.  But now, noticing him for what feels like the first time, he’s making my heart do somersaults.  He knows me inside and out—the real me.  Plus, he’s sexy and charming as hell.  Sounds perfect, right? 

 But then... there’s the new guy. Quinn McKeyen – tall, gorgeous and deliciously American.  His mischievous grin and slow Midwestern drawl turn my insides to mush in two seconds flat making me question who I really am and what I really want.

 Seriously. What am I supposed to do with all that?!  I feel torn between them, but I barely even know who I am, let alone what I want.

I just hope my indecisive heart will clue me in.  And sooner rather than later…before I lose what little of my mind that I have left. 

You can purchase Mia's Heart on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.  You can find Courtney on her blog.

Up to Me- first look

Okay, I was going to wait to post ANYTHING about Up to Me, the book to follow Down to You, which will be out in January.  BUT, I decided to go ahead and give you a little peek into what's going on in this book.  You'll have questions when you see this, such as why the long hair?  Why the goatee?  But I can't answer those. You'll just have to read it and find out.  But let me assure you, you will LOVE it!  Oh.  My.  Gosh.  I'm so excited!  I broke my cardinal rule and told my sister all about what I have in store for the books.  Rather than ruining it, I think it just made her that much more excited.  She asks me every day if it's ready for her yet.  LOL  That is a very, very good sign;)

So, here is your first visual for book 2.  Charlie Hunnam, the celebrity face for my twins.  Enjoy!!!

What Have You Done for Me Lately?

I don't know how many of you have ever had a truly terrifying and very significant health scare, but if you have, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about here.

I'm sure many of y'all have wondered why I've been so quiet or why it has taken me so long to respond to even simple things.  Well, since last Wednesday, I've been living under the very real possibility that I might have cancer.  As far as worst fears go, that one is pretty much the top of the list for me, right along with being severely maimed and / or decapitated.  It's amazing how much something like that affects your life.  And I mean every area of your life.  Nothing is without the shadow of that big, huge looming IF.

For the most part, I kept this to myself.  It dominated my thoughts for nearly every minute of that time, though, making it very hard to concentrate and to do the things that I normally do so effortlessly.  I guess I sort of withdrew.  Anyway, none of y'all out there knew what was going on, how upset I was or where my head was at, but the funny thing is, you know me well enough to know something was wrong.  Very wrong.  Over the last week, I've gotten tweets saying you miss me, emails saying you hope everything is all right and messages telling me you love me and are thinking of me, all without knowing that I was living in hell week.

So my answer to the question WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR ME LATELY is this:  You've brightened some of the darkest days I've ever had, you've shown me love and support without even knowing how desperately I needed it and you've been all around amazing with no discernible reason to be.  It's just the way you are.  And I thank you.  Every single one of you, I thank you!  You can't imagine what it has meant to me to have you in my life.

I'm a pretty grateful person anyway, but this has really given me a much-needed adjustment in perspective.  It's so easy to get wrapped up in the things that don't really matter, and I suppose I had.  But today, the day after getting some of the best news EVER, I feel like I have a little better handle on things.

I know God has a reason for the things He allows to happen, and I'm not sure why He answers some prayers the way He does, but I sure am thankful for the way He answered this one!  Things could've gone much differently and I'm more grateful than I could possibly explain for the way this has turned out.  For those who don't get the good news, for those who have to fight for their life every minute of every day, I am deeply, deeply sorry for what you're going through.  To everyone else, I can say this:  TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!  Not only will you one day wish you had, but there are people who love you that will be devastated if something happens to you.  Enjoy every day.  Live it to the fullest.  And I say these things as a reminder to myself, too because it's so easy to forget and to fall right back into the same old mindsets.  I don't want to take things for grated anymore. I don't want to take two healthy lungs, two healthy legs, a healthy heart, a brain that works (for the most part) for granted anymore.  I'm thankful for every single one of those things.  And more.  And I should be thankful every day.

It sounds so cheesy and cliche to say "every day is a gift," but it really is.  When it seems like you might not have many more left, every minute of each one you have takes on a whole new meaning.

I know I'm rambling now, so let me end with a huge THANK YOU!  From the bottom of my heart, thank you!  For those of you who I've missed on FB or Twitter or even an e-mail that might've slipped through the cracks, please know that it's not intentional.  I've been distracted and consumed lately, but not so much so that I don't smile over your tweets and your wonderfully kind words.  In all your life, you'll likely never know how much they've meant to me.

My friend, Shelly Crane

I can't say enough good stuff about this woman.  She's just an amazing person and a powerhouse of an author.  She recently got some bling-ity bling (no, that's not a thing, nor does it really make sense here, but it just felt right at the time) for her Collide series in the form of some fab new covers from Sarah Hansen at Okay Creations.  See what you think.

The first book in the series, Collide, is still FREE here on Amazon, Smashwords and Kobo.  Go say hi to this awesome chick on her blog here.

Incendiary by Amy Bartol

Okay, for those of you who don't know, I love me some Amy Bartol!  She is amazing in every possible way and now the fourth book in her epic Premonition Series is getting ready to release on November 30th.  Holy moly.  Take a look at this awesome cover and description. And if you haven't read her work then get on it!  She's beyond fabulous!  Check this out:

Trick or Treat- Halloween with Trick and Cami

Cami’s told me a thousand times how much she hates to be scared.  The thing is, she loves scary movies.  She loves to watch them through her fingers or over the edge of a blanket, so I know it’s not entirely true when she says she doesn't like to be scared.  I think she just likes to be scared a certain amount and no more.  She likes to control it.

Well, not this year.

I’ve already got it all planned out and Rusty and Jenna are game. Of course.  There’s very little those two won’t do.  Very.  Little.

Timing will be key, but I really think we can do it and it’ll work out perfectly.  Without delay, I set things in motion.

“So, Rusty’s gonna come over tonight to shoot some pool while you and Jenna watch the movie.  Is that okay?”

“Are you sure you’re not mad that we aren’t having a costume party?” she says, looking up at me from her spot on the couch, her violet eyes wide with concern.

I bend down and kiss her forehead.  “I’m positive.  I’m not feeling very Halloweeny tonight anyway. My back’s sore from moving all that hay yesterday.”

She pushes her lower lip out in a pout.  “I’m sorry, baby.  Want me to cancel with Jenna so I can give you a massage after a nice, long, hot bath?”

Oh, damn! 

I have to think long and hard about saying no to that.  But this is just too good to pass up.  And maybe she’ll want some soothing herself after it’s all over.  I could be in the midst of a true win-win situation.  What kind of an asshole would I be to let such an opportunity pass? 

A dumb one. 

“Nah.  That’s all right. You’ve already got your plans.  Maybe tomorrow,” I say with a casual smile.  Inside, I’m rubbing my hands together anxiously, dying to scare the shit out of my lovely mate.  “I’m gonna go stock the fridge downstairs.  Send Rusty down when he gets here.”

“Okay,” she says, tipping her head back for a kiss, which I’m all too happy to give her.  When I feel her tongue hit my lips, it makes me rethink my decision.  A night in the bathtub with Cami?  And I’m passing it up?  I must be nuts.

But I do.  I manage to tear myself away from her luscious mouth and head downstairs to await Rusty and Jenna.  When they arrive, I hear the heavy clomp of Rusty’s footsteps across the hardwoods upstairs, followed by the high-pitched chatter of Cami and Jenna.  Within a few seconds, I hear the basement door open.  The thumping gets louder as Rusty descends the steps.

“Damn, you’re loud!”

“But I can be quiet when I need to be,” he says with a wicked grin.  “Muwahahahaha.”

“Shhh.  I’m counting on it,” I say, offering my fist, which he bumps.

I turn on the music,and Rusty and I actually shoot some pool for a while.  After about twenty minutes, Jenna comes to the top of the steps and hollers down to us.

“You boys sure you don’t want to watch ‘Halloween’ with us?  It’s just now starting.”

That’s our cue.

“Nope, we’re good,” I reply.  I look at my watch to mark the exact time.  There’s a particular spot in the movie that I need to use and I know precisely how many minutes it is from the opening credits, which is what Jenna just alerted me to.

I glance at Rusty across the green felt table.  He’s grinning.  I am, too.  I feel like a kid again.  “Man, you’re evil.  All this to scare Cami?  What’s the matter with you?”

“She’ll love it.  You just wait.  She will.”

I’m confident.

I think.

I hope.

Exactly forty-two minutes later, Rusty and I put on our masks and he takes off out the back door and around to the kitchen window. I walk to the bottom of the steps.

“Hey, Cam.  Do we have any salsa in the fridge up there?”

In my mind’s eye, I can see exactly what she’s doing.  She’ll look at Jenna and roll her eyes, pick up the remote and pause the movie.  She’ll get up and trudge to the kitchen and open the refrigerator to look for the salsa she knows we have, because she just bought it the other day. 

Only I took it out and brought it down here.

Moving as quietly as I can, I tiptoe up the steps and through the door, which Jenna left open per instruction.  In my sock feet, I ease silently through and slide down the hall to the kitchen doorway, which comes up right beside the fridge. 

As I suspected, the door is open and Cami’s bent over looking inside.  For salsa.  She can’t see me where I’m hiding behind the door.

Right on cue, Jenna comes into the kitchen. She asks Cami what she’s looking for, gets Cami to look in her direction.  When she does, she can see the window just past Jenna’s shoulder.

I know the instant she sees Rusty, who is standing outside the kitchen window wearing a Michael Myers mask.  Cami screams her head off. A few seconds later, Jenna does, too.  Just for effect.  Cami backs up just enough the she can see me standing behind the refrigerator door, wearing my own Michael Myers mask. 

The look on her face is priceless. I swear, I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone get that scared and not pass out.  She jumps back and slams right into Jenna, then screams and jumps in the other direction. 

At just that moment, Rusty bursts through the front door and yells, making Cami scream yet again.  He walks toward her, as if he’s gonna grab her. 

I expect him to start laughing, like he usually does.  But bHefore he can, Cami picks up a knife from the counter and stabs him right in the center of the chest. 

I feel the world drop out from under me. 

Holy shit! Holy shit! She just stabbed Rusty.  Oh my God!

I jerk off my mask when I see Cami bring her arm back to stab him again.

“Cami, no!  It’s Rusty!”

She turns to me, looking confused, and stares at me for a few seconds before she drops the knife onto the floor. It clatters loudly as she covers her mouth with her hands, obviously shocked.  Rusty crumbles to the ground and lies in a motionless heap in front of the dishwasher.

Jenna runs to him and falls to her knees beside him, crying and screaming and touching him all over, like she doesn’t know what to do, where to touch or how to help.

“Oh my God! What have you done?”

My head is spinning as I rush to Rusty to see how bad the damage is.  When I bend over to check him out, I hear laughter coming from behind me.  Cami’s laughter.

Rusty, very much alive, awake and unharmed, sits up and points to her.  “Dude, that girl’s meaner than you are!”

I turn to look at Cami, who’s standing behind me, holding what I can now see is a prank knife.  She’s grinning like a hungry man who just ate a steak dinner.

“Go on,” she crows.  “Admit it.  I just made you my Halloween bitch.”

I’m dumbstruck for a few seconds while I digest what just happened.  Then, slowly, I rise to my feet.  “You are evil and you must be punished.  You’ve got a three-second head start.  One.  Two.”

Before I get to three, Cami takes off down the hall, squealing and laughing at the top of her lungs.  Another thing she says she hates but actually loves?  Being chased. 

And I’m happy to chase her.  Every day, for the rest of my life.