Release Day Blitz & Excerpt: Forever Ours by Cassia Leo

Happy Release Day Cassia Leo! 

Today we're celebrating the release of Forever Ours. 

Forever Ours is the highly anticipated prequel to the New York Times and USA Today bestselling Shattered Hearts Series. This should be before Relentless.

Sometimes, it takes more than love to mend a shattered heart.

After eight years of being tossed around from one home to another, never forming any meaningful friendships or bonds with her foster families, Claire's caseworker gives her an ultimatum: Behave or your next home will be a halfway house.

When fifteen-year-old Claire arrives at the home of Jackie Knight and meets Jackie's fifteen-year-old son, tattooed guitarist Chris, she fears she'll be seeing the inside of that halfway house soon. But Chris isn't like any other guy Claire has ever encountered and he soon gains her trust through his music and unwavering patience.

Claire has finally found her forever home and she and Chris soon find themselves falling in love.

But Chris’s dreams of musical stardom and Claire’s need for a stable home soon put their love in jeopardy. Chris struggles deeply with his plans for the future, entirely reluctant to leave Claire behind; until Claire does something that may break their love — and the only home she’s comes to know — forever.

Chapter Eleven

Chris

Forever Addicted

I tumble out of bed and drag myself out of my bedroom and into the hallway. When I push open the bathroom door, my eyes widen at what I’ve stumbled upon. Claire is standing next to the toilet, holding her new cell phone over the toilet bowl. Her lips are pressed together in a hard line across her delicate face.

“What the fuck?” is the first thing that slips out of my mouth.

“I don’t want this thing anymore.”

“Please don’t drop it in the toilet.”

“What is the point of having a cell phone if you never answer it?”

Oh, shit. She’s had this phone two months and it’s turned her into a crazy person. I don’t dare say this out loud, but I’m beginning to wish I’d gotten her something else for her birthday.

If I don’t call her back within a few minutes, she accuses me of playing games. If she doesn’t call me back right away, it’s because she was busy. I don’t think she even realizes how insane this sounds.

“What do you want me to do? Just tell me what you want and I’ll do it.” I inch closer to her and she smiles when she realizes she has my attention. “You want me to promise I’ll never wait more than five minutes to call you back? Would that make you happy?”

She loses the smile and purses her lips. “This phone has turned me into an addict. I look at it every two minutes to check for missed calls and texts from you. It’s sick!”

I reach for her wrist and slowly move my hand down until the phone is in my hand. I place it gently on the bathroom counter, then I look her in the eyes.

“Babe, you’re not addicted to your phone. You’re addicted to me.”

“Shut up!” she smacks my chest and I try not to laugh too loud.

I wrap my arms around her waist and pull her against me. She’s breathing hard as my lips hover over hers. “Don’t you have to get ready for school?”

“It’s a late day. I don’t have to be at school for two and a half hours.”

I smile. It actually makes me happy that I can’t remember what day is a late day anymore since I quit school. The only regret I have about quitting school is that Claire is alone now. With Jake and Rachel graduated, and Tristan hanging out with his new girlfriend, Ashley, Claire says she spends most of her time outside of class reading.

“Good, ‘cause I have plans for you…. I gonna text you for two hours straight.”

“You’re such a jerk!”

She tries to push me away and I lean in to kiss her. At first she closes her mouth, but she laughs when I plant a loud kiss on her cheek. And I seize the opportunity to kiss her hard.

Seconds later, we’re lying on my bed, the sheets bunched up beneath her and my hand easing down her waist to her hip. She grabs my hand to stop me and I smile as I move my hand up. I trail my lips over her smooth jaw and plant a soft kiss on her neck. I hear a sniffing noise and I quickly pull my head back, afraid she’s crying.

“Oh, my God. You smell so good,” she says, leaning forward so she can sniff my shoulder.

“Really?”

She grabs fistfuls of my T-shirt and brings them to her nose as she inhales. “Yes! Is that some kind of cologne or something?”

“No, it’s laundry soap and you use the same one.”

“No, it has to be something else.”

I reach up and lightly drag my fingertip across her jawline. “Yeah, it’s laundry soap and my pheromones, which you obviously can’t get enough of. Addict.”

“Shut up.”

“What? There’s nothing wrong with that. I can’t get enough of your scent either.” I bury my face in the crook of her neck and she lets out a soft gasp when I lick her skin. “You smell sweet and salty at the same time, like raspberries with a hint of the beach. It’s fucking intoxicating.”

“Really?” she breathes. “That’s what I smell like to you?”

I nuzzle my nose against the sensitive spot behind her ear and she giggles softly. “See what you do to me? I can’t get enough of you.”

I kiss her neck and her skin is so soft, I want to devour her. But I respect her boundaries. So minutes later, we’re on my bike on the way to drop her off at school.  As usual, she plants a kiss on the front of my helmet, leaving a kiss mark on the glass. Then she bats my hand away when I try to grab her ass as she walks away.

Something about this feels too perfect. I keep waiting for my mom to tell me that Claire’s being moved to another foster home. Or that my mom will find out about us and Claire’s caseworker will have her removed from our home.

Something bad is coming. It could be next week or next year. All I know is that this can’t continue the way it has. It’s too perfect. Nothing in my life has ever been this good or easy.

FOREVER OURS will be on sale for 99¢ on May 27^th and 28^th. After that, the price will go back to regular price of $2.99

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  B&N  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo  ~  Google Play 

 

RELENTLESS:

Kindle: 

iTunes: http://bit.ly/17lo6ZN

Nook: http://bit.ly/YzROSK

Kobo: http://bit.ly/12w6iK2

PIECES OF YOU:

Kindle:

iTunes: http://bit.ly/ZPVLID

Nook: http://bit.ly/10665Zd

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1c0Som3

BRING ME HOME:

Kindle: 

iTunes: http://bit.ly/bmhitunes

Nook: http://bit.ly/bmhb-n

Kobo: http://bit.ly/bmhkobo

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Cassia Leo grew up in California and has lived in three different countries. She loves to travel and her dream is to one day score a record deal based on her awesome shower singing skills. She is the author of the Shattered Hearts series (Relentless, Pieces of You, Bring Me Home) and the Luke and Chase series.

Come chat with her on

Facebook

Twitter 

You can also follow her blog at http://cassialeo.com to stay up to date on new releases and giveaways.

Blog Tour (Author Interview) & Giveaway: Unbearable by Shantel Tessier

Welcome to my stop in the Unbearable by Shantel Tessier Blog Tour, hosted by Hardcover Therapy.

 

Title: Unbearable

 

Author: Shantel Tessier

 

Series: Undescribable #2

 

Publication Date: December 10, 2013

 

Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance

 

Synopsis:

Grief. 

How do you survive the loss of a mother you thought didn't love you...until it was too late? 

Forgiveness. 

How do you forgive the person who hurt you the most?  

Fear. 

How do you survive the person who won’t let you go?  

Jealousy. 

How can your heart continue to trust the person you thought you knew?  

Betrayal. 

How many secrets are too many? 

Lust. 

How can you say no, when your body screams yes?  

Passion. 

How can you deny a love that has no boundaries? Slade and Samantha's story continues... 

Add Unbearable by Shantel Tessier to your TBR Pile----->Goodreads

 

Purchase Unbearable by Shantel Tessier:

Undescribable:

Amazon  ~  B&N

 

Unbearable:

Amazon  ~  B&N

Author Interview Questions:

1. What inspired you to write the Undescribable series?

I have had a book idea in my mind for quite a while. This past Christmas when everyone was trying to figure out what they wanted to do for their New Year’s resolution. I told myself I was going to take that step to making it happen. I have always loved to read and it just felt like it was the right time for me to write my own book. Now here I am a year later and releasing the second book in the series. I couldn’t be happier.

2. What books have most influenced your life most?

I don’t think I can narrow it down. Every book I have read has had an impact to my life in some way. Some leave me in tears and others leave me smiling and laughing. You either compare your life to what you just read, or it makes you feel grateful for the life you have.

3. What author has influenced you the most?

There are several; Colleen Hoover, Abbi Glines, Teresa Mummert, J. Sterling and many more. I follow them all on Facebook and they are always thanking their readers, showing their gratitude. I want to be that way. I want to show my readers that not only did I write a novel, but that this novel will be nothing without them. The readers are what makes this journey worth all the ups and downs.

4. What book are you reading now?

Right now, I am not reading anything. I have been too busy trying to get Unbearable ready for the readers.

5. When did your desire to write start?

When I was young. My grandma still has little stories that I wrote back when I was a kid. I love to read, I could read a book a day. So many books have stuck with me throughout the years. I wanted to touch readers like I have been touched. When I started writing Undescribable it was a small idea, that idea has become a dream. That dream has become a reality. I couldn’t be happier to continue Slade and Samantha’s story in Unbearable.

6. Do you have any advice for other writers?

Never give up! This has not been an easy journey. I have had days where I cried and just wanted to give up and days where I smiled so hard my cheeks hurt. Just because this is my second book does not mean that I am any less nervous than I was with the first. The closer it gets, the more freak outs I have had. It is a roller coaster ride, but it is worth it. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it. The only person that can hold you back is yourself.

7. What can readers look forward to in the future?

I am currently working on the third and final book of the Undescribable series. I plan to have it released spring of 2014. I know as a reader, I hate having to wait forever for the next book in a series. So, I am going to try my hardest to get Slade and Samantha’s final story out there quickly.

8. Who or what inspires you?

Music. I have to listen to it while I’m writing.

10. If you could be a superhero, what supernatural power would you choose?

To live without sleep. Being a mother and wife, there are not enough hours in the day. Trying to write, clean house, cook dinner and spend the time with my family. There is never enough time for everything or everybody.

11. Which is your favorite movie?

I love to go to the movies. I can watch anything from chick flicks, to horror, to action. Doesn’t matter. Just give me a Coca Cola Icee and some popcorn, I’m good to go.

12. What kind of music do you like?

I listen to everything from country, Rock, or dubstep. I am just not a big fan of rap.

13. What advice would you give to someone who wants to publish a book?

Not everyone is going to like your book. That’s okay. Don’t be afraid to write what you want because you are afraid of the feedback you may receive. Nothing feels better than getting a review that makes you cry when a reader tells you how much they loved your book. I promise all the tears you will shed and all the doubt you have will be worth it.

14. Do you have a message for my blog’s followers?

I want to thank Casey at Hardcover Therapy and everyone else who has wanted to help me out with this Blog Tour. And all the readers who have messaged me how much they loved Undescribable and can’t wait for Unbearable to be released. The support from all of you has been overwhelming and I am truly grateful. It has warmed my heart knowing readers are as excited as I am about this story that I have put my heart into. Thank you. I hope that you all have a chance to read Samantha and Slade’s story. Feel free to contact me, I would love to hear from all of you. <3 

About the Author

 

Shantel is a Texas born girl who now lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma with her high school sweetheart, and their three year old little princess. She considers herself extremely lucky to be a stay at home wife and mother. When she’s not reading or writing, she spends her time with family and friends.  

Find more about Shantel!  

Twitter 

 Facebook 

 Goodreads

 

Blog Tour giveaway 

4 signed paperback of Undescribable & Unbearable 

5 swag packs 1- Kindle paperwhite (US only) 

1- $100 Amazon gift card for International. 

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

Blog Tour (Playlist) & Giveaway: Stripped by Brenda Rothert

Welcome to my stop on the Stripped blog tour hosted by YA Bound Book Tours.  Click HERE to see the full blog tour schedule!

Stripped

by Brenda Rothert

Release Date: 05/27/13

New Adult Contemporary Romance

262 pages

 

Summary from  

Abby Gillis is used to being called a promiscuous, uneducated whore. It’s all in a day’s work when you’re a stripper. Since her job allows her to support her siblings, 24-year-old Abby takes it all off in stride. She’s never had trouble keeping men at arm’s length – until she meets ER physician Chris Reneau, who is sexy, sweet and interested in more than what’s beneath her clothes. As their relationship unfolds, Abby becomes increasingly aware of the desire building in her for the first time, and of her yearning to be wanted by the one man who truly sees all of her.
Commitment-averse Chris finds himself in uncharted territory. He wants Abby, that’s clear, but he can’t accept not having all of her. As the distance between them erodes, he tries to convince Abby to give up stripping for a chance at something real.
As the two of them get closer, Abby realizes that truly baring it all has nothing to do with her body. Chris makes her feel more exposed than she ever has, and she has to grapple with what’s left when her notions about herself and those around her are stripped away, leaving only the naked truth.

 

 

Add Stripped by Brenda Rothert to your TBR Pile-->Goodreads 

 

Purchase Stripped by Brenda Rothert:

Amazon 

 

 

Playlist:

A good playlist helps connect you to an author and her story. Here’s the playlist for Stripped, which I often listened to while writing it.

Angel of Harlem – U2 – In the opening of Stripped, Abby is pole dancing to this song. A line about being an angel in devil’s shoes inspired this, because that’s what Abby sometimes feels like.

Ava Adore – Smashing Pumpkins – This is the song Abby plays when she starts her pole dance for Chris. The lyrics are powerful and sexy, and the music has a vibe that just screams pole dance.

Criminal – Fiona Apple – This is the second song that starts during Abby’s dance for Chris. I love this song and it was such a perfect fit. What man wouldn’t want to see a gorgeous woman dancing to a song that starts with, “I’ve been a bad, bad girl?”

Pink – Aerosmith – This is another song that would be epic for pole dancing. It’s on Abby’s set list.

Firework – Katy Perry – Okay, so Abby is more than just a stripper. And this song’s lyrics really illustrate Abby’s journey through the story. The spark was always there, but Chris ignites it.

Madness – Muse – Doesn’t real love always have a touch of madness?

Somewhere Only We Know – Keane – As Abby and Chris grow closer, they develop that bond with each other – that intimacy of places and feelings they only share with each other.

1234 – Feist – I like the fun feeling in this song. When Abby lets loose, I picture her running on the beach while this plays.

Girl on Fire – Alicia Keys – This song reminds me of Abby’s up and down climb to her HEA. Plus it just kicks ass.

 

 

 About the Author:

Brenda Rothert lives in Central Illinois with her husband and three sons. She was a daily print journalist for nine years, during which time she enjoyed writing a wide range of stories.
These days Brenda writes New Adult Romance in the Contemporary and Dystopian genres.

Find Brenda Rothert:

Website  ~  Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Goodreads

 

 

 

 

GIVEAWAY: 

10 e-books of Stripped (INT)

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

Blog Tour (Playlist): Relinquishing Liberty by Maureen Mayer

Welcome to my stop in the Relinquishing Liberty by Maureen Mayer Blog Tour, hosted by Girls Heart Books Tours :D!

Title: Relinquishing Liberty

 

Author: Maureen Mayer

 

Series: Second Chances #1

 

Publication Date: August 26, 2013

 

Genre: New Adult

 

Synopsis:

On the outside, Liberty Davis appeared to have it all…a loving family, a tight knit circle of friends, and a bright future ahead of her. Everything was perfect. That is until her brother tragically took his own life, turning her whole world upside down.

Left to pick up the pieces of her broken family, Liberty is faced with focusing all of her attention on helping her parents cope with the loss of their son, while putting her own life on the back burner. But what no one seems to realize is that she is just as broken inside.

Now, four years later, twenty year old Liberty is taking back the reins of her life. She leaves behind everything she’s ever known, hoping to make a fresh start…one where she isn’t faced with the constant reminder that her brother is nothing more than faded memory. What she didn’t expect to find along the way was Shayne.

Tall, dark and tattooed, Shayne Thompson has developed quite a reputation for being a player. Despite everyone’s negative perception, Liberty still finds herself drawn to him. When she learns that Shayne knows all too well what it feels like to lose someone you love, she finds that they have a lot more in common than just a physical attraction.

When Liberty discovers a secret from Shayne’s past that threatens to tear them apart, she begins to question everything she’s ever felt for him. Will Liberty choose to follow her heart or will she give up the one person who finally made her feel whole again?

**This story contains language and sexual scenes, some of which may be unsuitable for younger readers.** 

 

 

Add Relinquishing Liberty by Maureen Mayer to your TBR Pile-->Goodreads 

 

 

Buy Relinquishing Liberty by Maureen Mayer:

Amazon (Ebook & Paperback)  ~  Create Space  ~  B&N

PLAYLIST:

Band of Horses – The Funeral 

Kelly Clarkson – Catch My Breath

 An Honest Year – Starting Over 

Dave Matthews Band – Crash Into Me 

Cary Brothers – Can't Take My Eyes Off You 

Andrew Belle ft. Erin Mccarley – In My Veins

 Erin McCarley – What I Needed 

Sara Bareilles – Gravity 

Cary Brothers – Free Like 

You Make Me Skillet – Yours To Hold (Acoustic)

 City and Colour – Northern Wind 

Paramore – My Heart 

Crossfade – Cold 

Jason Mraz – I Won't Give Up 

Lady Antebellum – Just a Kiss 

Parachute – She Is Love

Calvin Harris feat. Florence Welch – Sweet Nothing 

Corey Crowder – When I'm With You 

Ed Sheeran – Kiss Me 

Lifehouse feat. Natasha Bedingfield– Between The Raindrops 

Ed Sheeran – Give Me Love 

Adelitas Way – Alive 

Erin McCarley – Pitter-Pat 

Erin McCarley – Lovesick Mistake 

My Darkest Days – Every Lie 

Barcelona – Please Don't Go

Rihanna – Stay 

Framing Hanley – Alone In This Bed 

Parachute – Kiss Me Slowly 

Justin Timberlake – Mirrors 

 

 

 About the Author:

Maureen Mayer was born, raised and currently resides in Buffalo, NY with her loving and supportive family and boyfriend of 8+ years. She’s always had a love for the outdoors, and when the city isn’t buried under snow, she can be found hiking, fishing, camping or lying on the beach. She’s a sucker for off-color humor, but holds a sweet spot for sick and twisted horror films.

Thanks to authors like J. K. Rawling, Stephanie Meyer and E. L. James, Maureen has rediscovered her love for reading. When she’s not writing, you can find her curled up in bed with her kindle, diving into a steamy romance novel. She is currently working on her first new adult novel and hopes to self-publish it late this summer. 

 

Find Maureen Mayer:

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Goodreads

Blog Tour (Review & Playlist): Beneath Your Beautiful by Tamsyn Bester

Welcome to my stop in the Beneath Your Beautiful by Tamsyn Bester Blog Tour, hosted by Swoon Worthy Books! You can read my review, see my Beneath Your Beautiful collage, take a look at the playlist & enter the giveaway!

Title: Beneath Your Beautiful

 

Author: Tamsyn Bester

 

Series: Beautiful #1

 

Publication Date: July 22, 2013

 

Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance

 

Cover Designed by: Toski Covey Photography & Perfect Pear Creative

 

Models: Lexie Lynn Cain & Carson Fields

 

Source: e-arc was provided by author for blog tour in exchange for my honest thoughts and review.

 

Description from Goodreads:

On the outside, Huntley Morgan is your typical girl-next-door, with her long blonde hair and piercing blue eyes, and that’s exactly what she wants people to see. Her name exposes her to the demons of her past but remembering her reason for moving across the country to start over is what keeps her alive.

For the first time since the brutal murder of her mother, Huntley allows herself to care about the people around her.

Grayson Carter has everything a 21yr old College Senior could wish for – he’s the star of Whitley University’s football team, he has a different girl willing to be in his bed every night and a supportive family. For years he has managed keep his family together and hide their dark secrets from the small town of Breckinridge, Alabama.

When Huntley and Grayson meet, a force so strong pulls them together in a hurricane of feelings neither of them could have ever anticipated. Huntley and Grayson try to stay away from each other, but when Huntley’s demons seek her out, their pasts become the biggest storm of all.

Will they learn to trust each other and build a new future together or will they simply do nothing to prevent history from repeating itself?

 

Add Beneath Your Beautiful by Tamsyn Bester to your TBR Pile-->Goodreads

 

Buy Beneath Your Beautiful:

 

Amazon (US)  ~  Amazon (UK)  ~  Amazon (CA)  ~  B&N  ~  Kobo 

 

 

My Thoughts:

 

I was excited to read Beneath Your Beautiful by Tamsyn Bester, because there were so many five stars reviews on goodreads. But Beneath Your Beautiful by Tamsyn Bester did not meet my expectations. I guess that it has to do a lot with the previous book I read before reading Beneath Your Beautiful, because that one was a book hangover for me.

This is going to be a short review.

I know first-hand how hard life can be. I don't pretend that it's all butterflies and roses.

Beneath Your Beautiful by Tamsyn Bester starts off great. We get to meet Huntley (love her name) who has suffered a great loss, and is moving to where her aunt and uncle live. There is a little bit of mystery at the beginning, because Huntley is running away from her past, to be more specific her ex-boyfriend. This is what kept me turning the pages, because I wanted to know more about Huntley. As the story progresses we learn something new about Huntley's character. Her character is your typical broken girl that has suffered a tragic loss and had a boyfriend that was a jerk and never valued her. Of course Tamsyn Bester throws a little twist here and there in the story. 

 

I realize then that what's pulling me to her is more than just an attraction. It's an inherent bond created by circumstances neither of us had or has control over.

So what happens with you typical broken girl? Yes, she moves into a new town and meets the guy that will put back her broken pieces. But wait the guy she meets, Gray, is as broken as Huntley. Gray's character is your typical cowboy- sweet, southern charm, hot, drives a truck, and loves playing football. Like I said before Gray is as broken as Huntley, and he has sworn off being in a serious relationship with a girl. 

 

All I know is that I need a new beginning, a chance to start over and try to move forwards with the pieces of my life that were left over.

So my problem with Beneath Your Beautiful by Tamsyn Bester was that I just felt that it wasn't original. It felt like stories I have read before- broken girl meets broken guy, and they fix each other, evil bad boyfriend in search of getting his girlfriend back, being cheated on by your ex-boyfriend/girlfriend, etc..-are blended to make a story. Does it make any sense? I really don't know how else to describe it. But I did find myself checking the page numbers to see how far I had to get through half of the book, or to actually finish the book. Did it feel like a long read? When I started it, I knew it was 273 pages, so I thought it was going to be a fast paced read. But it just felt like I couldn't get to half of the book.

But I did love Huntley's and Gray's relationship. I guess I am a sucker for the broken girl falls in love with the broken guy, and they end of fixing each other. Plus, Beneath Your Beautiful by Tamsyn Bester is an HEA!

 

Everybody has a past and I won't allow mine to smear my future.

Will I be reading the next installement in the Beautiful series? Yes! Because I loved Demi's character :D! So I can't wait to read Demi's and Brody's book.

 

Final Verdict: 3.5 Stars 

 

 

 

Playlist:

The House That Built Me – Miranda Lambert

Love Story – Taylor Swift

Holding Out For A Hero – Ella Mae Bowen

Barefoot Blue Jean Night – Jake Owen

I knew You Were Trouble – Taylor Swift

Beneath Your Beautiful – Labrynth ft Emile Sande

Red – Taylor Swift

Hard To Love –Lee Brice

Cruise – Florida Georgia Line ft Nelly

If I Die Young – The Band Perry

I Should’ve Kissed You (Goodnight) – Gloriana

Crazier – Taylor Swift

Between The Raindrops – Lifehouse ft Natasha Beddingfield

Before The Storm – Miley Cyrus ft Nick Jonas

Because You Live – Jesse McCartney

Why Ya Wanna – Jana Kramer

Whiskey – Jana Kramer

God Gave Me You – Blake Shelton

We Are Broken – Paramore

 Gone – Phillip Phillips

Life Aint Always Beautiful – Gary Allen

God Bless The Broken Road – Rascal Flatts

Wanted – Hunter Hayes

 

 

 

About the Author:

Tamsyn is a 21 year old blogger turned author from South Africa who has an insatiable hunger for New Adult Contemporary Romance novels, coffee and chocolate. When she’s not getting caught up in yet another steamy romance with a new book boyfriend, she can be found spending endless hours working away on her laptop in pursuit of her Marketing degree and a career in book Publishing. Tamsyn is a Brat when it comes to books and believes that every story, no matter how challenging, should have a Happy Ever After. Tamsyn is currently hard at work on her debut novel Beneath Your Beautiful, set to be available July 2013.  

Find Tamsyn Bester:

Website   ~  Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Goodreads

 

 

GIVEAWAY!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour (Excerpt + Playlist) & Giveaway: Ruined by S. Pratt

Welcome to my blog tour stop in the Ruined by S. Pratt blog tour, hosted by Love Between the Sheets :D! You can read an excerpt and the playlist of Ruined by S. Pratt.

Title: Ruined

Author: S. Pratt

Series: Ruined #1

Publication Date: March 11, 2013

Genre: Contemporary Romance

 

Synopsis:

“So I live my life according to the rules of others while my secret festers its way through my body. It bleeds slowly out of my heart and into my veins. Each word of my secret pulsing through me as it gets closer to the surface. I imagine one day it will get so close to the surface it will spring forth from my lips and reveal the monster I really am.” – Ruined.

Bailey Michaels is living a lie. She has a handsome and successful fiancé, a great job and a house in a town she adores. Her friends and family know her as the perfectly crafted individual she has created in their minds. Her deception knows no bounds when it comes to keeping the truth from everyone else. But it’s not enough. She craves the love of the one man she can’t possibly have – the only one who shares her secret.

Despite her angst over continuing her forbidden affair, nothing can keep her from Angel.

His dark looks, chiseled jaw and broodiness make it impossible for her to ever deny him anything. So when presented with a choice, Bailey knows she finally has to make a decision. Keep living the lie with her fiancé, Carron, or finally be with Angel – the man who’s had her heart since she was fifteen.

The funny thing with life though; just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, fate has a way of stepping in and turning the best laid plans to ruins.

 

Add Ruined by S. Pratt to your TBR Pile--->Goodreads 

 

Buy Ruined:

Amazon (ebook)  ~  Amazon (paperback)

Excerpt:

‘Do you like it?’ His voice is whispery, floating from his mouth and then touches my ears gently.
‘Why would you do this for me?’ I am referring to the decorative state he has transformed the gymnasium rooftop. There are little pink and blue LED lights twinkling around the edges of the brick ledge. It looks magical, and I feel like Rapunzel at the top of her tower. He lets me break free of his touch as I walk to the center of the area he has cordoned off with the lights. It’s like our own prom, right here on the roof.
‘I hated my prom too, but I still wanted you to enjoy yours. I wanted this to be magical for you.’
‘It is,’ I whisper as I take it all in. There are flower petals, scattered all over the floor and there is a little table set with a white table cloth and two plastic champagne glasses and a bottle.
‘How did you get all this up here? Is that Champagne?’
‘Ah it’s nothing and, no, that’s not Champagne. That would be irresponsible.’ I look in his eyes, and we both burst out laughing at the irony. We finish our fit of giggles and calm as we stare deeply into each other’s eyes. We can hear the music booming underneath us, the air ducts on the ceiling offering an amplified acoustic as the lyrics float up towards our own private dance floor.
‘Would you like to dance young lady?’ One arm hides behind his back as he bows towards me, his other hand extended to ask for a dance.
‘Why thank you kind sir, I accept.’ He pulls me into his arms and twirls me around just as ‘The Miracle of Love’ starts to play hauntingly beneath us.
‘I love this song,’ I say.
‘Me too. Eurythmics – they’re an oldie but a goodie.’ He says no more as he presses his body to mine. We dance slowly, both melting into the wonderful feeling. I rest my head on his shoulder as we sway under the stars. For some reason, they seem more brilliant than I ever remember them being from up here. The pink and blue lights blur into a stream of color as he twirls me around, leading the way in a dance he’s done before. I can hear the muffled sound of students in the hall beneath us, but I drown them out and only hear the words of the song.
The miracle of love, will take away your pain.
The words consume me and I feel overcome with emotion. As he holds me tight, a tear slides down my cheek.
‘Hey, you’re not crying are you?’ He pushes me away from him slightly, taking in my appearance.
‘No, I’m not,’ I lie.
‘You are!’
‘They’re happy tears.’
‘Happy tears?’
‘Yes. I think this is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me.’
‘Well, I wanted you to have your own private prom, away from people who don’t understand you like I do.’
‘Thank you. Really, you went to a lot of trouble to set this up and I’m truly grateful.’ He pulls me back towards him and wipes the tear from my cheek with his thumb.
‘You deserve it. I would do anything for you, you know?’ We continue our dance, the lyrics swaying us together. He pulls me close, desperate to comfort me.
I’m being roughly shaken. ‘Nooooo,’ I cry out. I’m pulled from my glorious memories to pitch blackness, Carron trying to wake me from my beautiful dream.
‘No!’ I cry out again, sorry that I am so rudely taken out of a memory I cherish so dearly.
‘You’re dreaming Bailey; it’s okay honey. You were just having a dream.’ His voice is intended to be soothing but I am cross at the intrusion. Damn it! I can’t even be with him in my dreams without having him snatched away from me!
‘I’m fine,’ I say as I roll over and turn my back on him. Carron scoots closer and cuddles me from behind. He is trying to be soothing, but all I want to do is go back to the dream. As I shut my eyes, I pray the dream resumes. There is nothing though, just darkness that fills the void after the beautiful memory.

 

 

Playlist:

Daylight, Maroon Five
Miracle of Love, Eurythmics
Bless the Broken Road, Rascal Flats
I Will Wait, Mumford and Sons
Beneath Your Beautiful, Labrinth
Anything Could Happen, Ellie Goulding
Sleeping At Last, Turning Page
Fucking Perfect, Pink
Wide Awake, Katy Perry
Kiss Me, Ed Sheeran
Forgiven, Nickleback

About the Author:

S. Pratt is a multi-genre author who lives on the east coast of Australia in northern New South Wales with her husband and two children. She has a choc Labrador, Scooby-Doo, and two little mice that the kids promised they'd look after. This is now Shelly's job, amongst other things. Things you may not know about Shelly? She has four tattoos and would love more, is only now in her 30's becoming a wine whore and is a fiercely, loyal friend.
Shelly's breakout novel, Ruined and companion novella, Ruining Angel are contemporary romance fiction books available on kindle and print from the Amazon store.
Sanctuary of Mine is her latest work in the New Adult Romance genre. (Graphic Design by Cover It Designs). Available NOW.
Beloved Soul by Shelly Pratt is available through Amazon and is published through Eternal Press. Please note that Beloved Soul's cover artwork, editing and publication are all done through Eternal Press.
All other novels are written and published by S. Pratt. Editing acknowledgements go to those who are listed on each individual book title.

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Find S. Pratt:

Website  ~  Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Goodreads

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