tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87322056663168620452024-03-14T01:00:03.942-07:00Nikki Lynn Barrett: Welcome to my World Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17177290366315552643noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732205666316862045.post-58708643300474851442019-03-15T09:48:00.001-07:002019-03-16T16:32:42.577-07:00Sleeping Angel Prologue & Chapter One <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-no0n0VRp47Y/XIvOGomOP7I/AAAAAAAAPnQ/IWB0gUdn7fEDfdGLaTvzhqRkvJeCysDCQCLcBGAs/s1600/AngelsCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-no0n0VRp47Y/XIvOGomOP7I/AAAAAAAAPnQ/IWB0gUdn7fEDfdGLaTvzhqRkvJeCysDCQCLcBGAs/s400/AngelsCover.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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The wait is almost over!<br />
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Sleeping Angel (Soul Connection, #2) is releasing March 26th! This can be read as a stand alone, but characters from Peaceful Slumber DO make an appearance.<br />
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This is a paranormal romantic suspense novel.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Blurb: </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Logan</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Everyone thinks I tried to kill her on purpose.</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Sure, she's part of the reason my sister is dead.</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">I'm angry, I won't lie.</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">But I never meant to hit Angel.</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">On the anniversary of my sister's death, I felt so much pain until I couldn't.</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">I made the worst mistake of my life.</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">The fate of my future lies in her hands, </span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">and I have to come to terms with everything I've done.</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Angel</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">From one life altering event to another.</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">I'm the girl always in the wrong place at the wrong time.</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Haunted by the past, uncertain of the future.</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">I dreamed of becoming someone else and erasing my existence.</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Now my wish is about to come true.</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Not only can I not escape my own nightmare</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">I'm now living someone else's.</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">The one man who understands the guilt I feel</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">'is the same man who put me in this position in the first place.</span></span><br />
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<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Prologue </span></div>
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<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>2016</i></span></div>
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</span>
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<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Logan</i></span></div>
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</span>
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<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “Here
we are, lovely ladies,” I say to my fifteen year old sister, Andi,
and her three best friends. “First stop, the beach.” I climb out
of the car and open the door for Andi, holding out a hand.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> She
loves it when I do this. She always tells me I set the bar too high
for what a good guy is and how she'll never find anyone who will be
as much of a gentleman as her big brother. I'm not always this way,
but I love to play it up for Andi and the girls.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> My
sister's eyes light up. Just the effect I hoped for. “Happy
birthday, Andi. I hope fifteen is even more amazing for you. In half
a year, we'll work on your driving.”</span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> We're
not certain she'll be able to drive, but it won't stop me from taking
her out on the back roads to give her lessons, anyway.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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</span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Andi
was born deaf, and with that, she's never strengthened her vocal
chords, so she's mute.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
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<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I've
never once heard her voice, but my sister, she speaks to my heart. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
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</span>
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<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Her
grin widens, and she signs her response. “<i>I love you, Logan.</i>”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
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<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “Will
you wait for me until I'm eighteen?” Andi's best friend, Liza,
teases.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
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<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I
ruffle her hair. “You'll be famous by the time you're eighteen. You
won't even remember ol' what's his name when you're the second
biggest star.”</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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</span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Liza
gasps. “Second biggest star?”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> “That's
right. First place always belongs to my sister. Andi's always my
number one.”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Her
eyes flash with amusement and understanding. “Like seriously, give
my jackass brother pointers. I am falling hard for you, Logan McVey.”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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</span>
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<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I'm
pretty sure she's only partially joking, but I'm not going to lead
any of Andi's friends on. Even if I didn't currently have a
girlfriend, I'd never make a move on one of them.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
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<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Andi
hugs me again, then signs to her friends. “<i>Told you he's the
best</i>.”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
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<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “I
might not be the best after spending the weekend with the three of
you,” I tease, “especially with the all night laughs. What if you
keep me awake? I'm a grouch when I don't sleep. Betcha Andi won't
tell you that. And you'd better not get any notions in your mind
about practicing makeovers on me.”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
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<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “What
are you, the big, mean monster in the middle of the night?” Janelle
shoots back at me with a smile on her face.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I
raise my hands and wiggle my fingers. “Might be. Rawr.”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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</span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The
girls run toward the ocean, screaming, except for Andi. She beams at
me, squinting in the sunlight. “<i>Thank you for this weekend,</i>”
she signs quickly, but I know exactly what she's saying.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> It
hasn't been an easy year. Andi started high school, and there are a
lot of assholes who pick on her because she's deaf and doesn't speak.
Sometimes, she comes home frustrated and in tears, and I take it upon
myself to be the one to cheer her up. That means late night adapted
movies, root beer floats, and pillow fights.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
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<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> My
little sister is everything. My whole world. I love this girl, and I
know once she finds herself, she's going to shine. Until then, I'll
do everything in my power to bring good days and rainbows in her
life.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Andi's
my inspiration. She’s the reason I'm going into the field of
teaching. Every time I feel like I've lost my way, she finds me and
sets me straight again.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Where
would I be without Andi? I don't want to find out. Ever.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Tapping
my camera bag, I sling an arm around my sister and make sure I look
at her so she can read my lips before speaking. “You're welcome,
Princess Andi. Now come on. We've got pictures to get. Gonna attempt
my photography skills for the star of the weekend.”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Andi
wants to have a photo shoot, but doesn't want to deal with strangers
she doesn't know trying to get her in the right position for the
photos, so I promised her I'd do my best.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> She
grins like the Cheshire cat. I adore the happy smile on her face. I
haven't seen it in a while. If I can bring her some excitement for a
few days, then I'm going all out. A trip to the beach, Disneyland,
Universal Studios … yeah, I'm going full on spoiling, but I don't
give a shit.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Mom
and Dad were unable to get the weekend free, so I said I'd take full
responsibility for the girls so that Andi could have a memorable
birthday.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Andi
sprints toward her friends, her long, raven hair blowing in the
breeze. As the sun sinks lower on the horizon, we spend the next hour
posing and running through the waves as they crash on the shore, then
we find a place and grab dinner.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Late
that night, before I say goodnight to the girls, since I'm staying by
myself in the room next door, I wrap Andi in a hug. “I love seeing
you smile,” I sign to her when I let go. “I need you to promise
me something.”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> She
eyes me, raising a brow in response. She doesn't have to sign for me
to know she's waiting.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “If
anyone threatens you, bullies you, or hurts you again, you tell me.
You tell me <i>exactly</i> who they are, because I will ruin them.
I've been terrified this year, Andi. You aren't yourself.”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> A
tear slides down her cheek. “<i>I'm sorry.</i>” She rubs her fist
in a circle against her chest. “<i>I don't want to bug everyone all
the time. I just want to be normal, not feel like I'm tattling every
day because some jackass said something mean.</i>”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> It's
a hell of a lot more than mean words, and I know it. Andi can't hide
that from me. I rest my hands on her shoulders. “But it's becoming
too common. I don't want you to feel like you have to get used to it.
I love you, Andi. I want the best for you.”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “<i>I
know you do</i>,” she mouths in silence, “<i>but I don't want you
to get in trouble, either. You have a temper sometimes.</i>”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I
let out a laugh. She doesn't know the half of it, but I'll never stop
when it comes to making sure bullies know to stop fucking with my
sister. “Maybe I do, but when it comes to you, I'll fight. I'll
always fight.”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “<i>I
don't want fights. I want happiness. </i><i>There isn't enough of
that in the world lately.</i>”</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “Then
be happy, Princess. I'll be on my best behavior, but you have to work
with me here, too. I don't want to hear how many times someone's been
a jerk to you. You don't deserve it.”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> She
throws her arms around me, and I hug my sister tight. If anything
happened to her, I'd be a wreck.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Sometimes,
I'm scared to death she's going to get sick and tired of the pain one
day. She's become somewhat reclusive and sullen. Mom and Dad have the
same worry.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I'm
the only one who's able to reach her, but even I know she's not being
completely honest. How can I get it all out of her so I know what
we're facing?</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I'll
fight for her. Always. I make a silent vow to watch over her. To
protect her. I won't make a move against anyone who's nasty to her
unless she asks, but my sister will be treated with the respect she
deserves. And damn anyone who goes against that. They'll feel my
wrath.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">*****</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Eight
months later</i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Staring
at the last email from my now ex-girlfriend, a sigh blows past my
lips.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> What
went wrong? All of a sudden, she stops talking to me. Completely
blows me off. We've been together for over a year. I don't even
understand.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Then
I happened to spot her with someone else.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Another
man.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Making
out in public, of all things.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> She'd
looked right at me without a damn regret, and then kissed him again.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> This
happened a week ago, and I'm still wrapping my mind around the
situation. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> The
doorbell rings. Why does my damn apartment have to have a doorbell?
As if I want to know someone's on the other side of the door trying
to reach me.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I
take the pillow and shove it over my face, letting out a grunt of
frustration. Then I climb out of bed and stomp toward the door. I
don't feel like having company.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “Who
is it?” I snap, then yank the door open. My stance softens.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> My
sister steps inside. “<i>I'm here to keep you company and cheer you
up. You're always trying to bring out the smiles in me, so it's my
turn.”</i></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Andi's
presence melts my heart. I don't want company, damn it, but no way in
hell am I turning my sister away.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “Thank
you, Princess,” I say before hugging her close to me, not wanting
to let go.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “<i>She
didn't deserve you</i>.” Andi narrows her eyes when she steps away.
“<i>Only an idiot would let you go.</i>”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “Don't
tell your friends I'm newly single,” I tease. “They'll be lining
up again, and I'm not ready for that.”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Andi
laughs, then signs, “<i>I won't tell. I'm good at keeping secrets.”</i></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I
know that she is, all too well.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I
wish she could hear her laugh. It's heartwarming. Andi doesn't know
her worth. One day, I'll find a way to show my sister everything
she's meant to see.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “<i>Want
to take some frustration out on the court?</i>”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Raising
a brow, I can't help but grin. “You up for that?”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “<i>I've
been practicing, butt head.</i>” Andi shoves at me playfully.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “You
best bring your stuff, little sis,” I say before heading to the
closet to grab my basketball, glad that she chose to come over. I've
never reached out to Andi when I've been hurting, and she came to me,
knowing more than I did about needing someone.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> There's
always that someone. The one person to bring out a smile in you, even
when you don't feel like it. The person to cheer you up when the
world beats you down. The one person you can share a laugh with over
anything, at anytime, and you feel like it's all right.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Andi
is, and always has been, that someone for me.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> My
sister is my best friend. We have six years between us, but it
doesn't matter. She's the sun in my dim universe, and I haven't shown
her that much lately. Having a girlfriend and suddenly being single
made me open my eyes. I've neglected my time with Andi without
realizing it, which means I haven't been good at keeping an eye on
her. That leaves me sick at heart. What the hell have I missed?</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “Hey.”
I tap her on the shoulder so she turns and looks at me on the way to
the basketball court. “I'm sorry I've ignored you so much lately.”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Her
expression turns into a frown. She puts her hands together and flies
through the signs. <i>“You haven't.”</i></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “You
sure? I feel like I let you slide down to second place.”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “<i>I
can't always be your first place, Logan. You deserve happiness, </i><i>and
I know you had it for a while. I liked that you opened your heart to
someone. I'm just sorry she ripped it </i><i>out </i><i>and gave it
back to you with little answer as to why.”</i></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “<i>You
</i>bring me a happiness I can't express in words.”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “<i>Will
you still say that when I </i><i>beat </i><i>your ass out on the
court?</i>” She grins.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “Language,
young lady.” I wag a finger at her.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Andi
laughs again. I'm pretty much the only person she laughs out loud
for. She's told me as much. It means everything when she's
comfortable enough to share something with me that no one else gets.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I
point to the basketball court. “Last one there's a rotten egg!”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Andi
plays a damn good game, but I win. Still, we had a damn good time. I
take her back to the apartment, and we both cook dinner. While it's
simmering on the stove, we catch up. School, life, everything.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Except
I have this horrible feeling Andi is keeping something from me, and
as much as I prod and poke, she's not budging.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> There's
not much I can do but let her know I'm always here for her. She'll
talk when she's ready. </span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>*****</i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Two
months later</i></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i>The
frantic call comes in at six o'clock on a Saturday. Mom is in
hysterics, and I barely understand a thing she's saying.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “Whoa.
Mom, calm down,” I plead. “Talk to me slowly. What's going on?”
I've been in my apartment most of the day, studying. I need to get
back on track after the last couple months, so this test has put a
lot of weight on my shoulders. The school year is nearly at an end,
and this isn't the only final I have to deal with.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “Andi.
S-she hasn't come home. I thought maybe she was with a friend and
forgot to tell me, but I've been calling every single one and no one
has seen her since lunchtime.”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> The
hairs on the back of my neck stand at attention. “<i>What?</i> Why
didn't you call me right away? I could have been out looking for her!
I'm coming over right now!”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I
don't give her time to reply. I hang up, grab my keys, and toss a
shirt on. I'm pretty sure it hasn't been washed in three days, but
I'm determined to get to my parents' house and find my sister ASAP.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> The
last two months have hit me harder than I ever expected. I kept
telling myself I'd do better the next day. Keep my promises, stay
sane, and not think about all the screw-ups.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Except
I haven't.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> There
are nights I'd find myself drinking more than usual.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Andi
would come by several times a week, and on those nights, I'd stay
sober. If she knew I was feeling miserable and lonely, she didn't
say.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> But
I should have asked. I should have been more on top of everything,
including the bullying situation.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Because
tonight, while searching for Andi, I'm learning that I have been a
complete asshole.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Her
situation at school is far worse than I imagined. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> How
do some of her friends know more about this shit than I do?</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Back
at my parents' by nine with no luck, I pace the living room while my
mother makes another call.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Police
show up, and they take our statements.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> My
gut is sick with worry. With anger. Fear. Disgust.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “I'm
sorry,” I mutter to Mom and Dad after the cops leave.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “For
what?” Mom looks at me funny.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “I've
been so wrapped up in myself and my pity me post break-up that I
haven't been giving Andi the attention she deserves.”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “Logan...”
Mom sighs. “As close as you two are, you both have your own lives.
I admit, I've been worried about you, too, especially since you
picked up a drinking habit, but you have nothing to be sorry for.”</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">*****</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Three
months later</i></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Hours
turn to days.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Days
turn to weeks.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Andi
hasn't come home.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Every
single day, I go back and sit in her room, pick up her favorite
comfort items, sift through her stuff, hoping for a diary where she
confessed all of her teenage secrets.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> There
are none.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> No
signs of her.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Did
she run away to start all over again? Is she dead? Safe?</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Does
someone have her?</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Does
she think about all of the good days we had?</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Does
she know how much I love her?</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Sometimes
I catch myself asking <i>did she</i>, but fuck that. I refuse to give
up hope. I will not speak of her in the past tense. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> My
sister has to come home.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> She<span style="font-style: normal;">
just</span> <i>has</i> to.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> A
few of my friends have been around, getting me through, but the
drinking, it's not any better.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I
can't help it. Can't stop it. I've been drowning my misery in a stiff
drink. The loneliness from several losses in the last few months have
taken a toll.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I
clutch Andi's favorite blanket in my hands as I sit on her bed once
again. She's had this thing since she was about five or so. It's pink
and hideous, but it's her must have to be able to sleep.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I
don't even give a shit this time. I let myself go. Tears fall. “I'm
sorry, Princess. I failed you. Come home, okay? We'll play on the
courts, or we can go to the movies and see all the chick flicks you
want. I need you, Andi.” Wrapping myself up in her blanket, I stand
and take another look at her room.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> The
same thing I've been doing for months: waiting, waiting, and waiting
some more, hoping we hear news of her whereabouts. We don't know if
she's alive, if she's in the state ... nothing.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> No
trace. No sign. No leads.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Picking
up one of the photos on her desk, I smile through my tears. It's one
of us at the ocean on her fifteenth birthday. Her smile is etched in
my memory. I never realized how much we look alike until this photo.
We've both got the same raven black hair. The same blue-green eyes.
She's seven inches shorter than me. Anyone can immediately tell we're
related.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Will
I ever see that smile again?</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “Logan.”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I
barely hear her, but when Mom comes in and sits next to me, the
devastation is in her eyes.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I
can't hold it in.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “No...”
I whisper, afraid of what she's going to tell me. I don't want
concrete proof. I can't take it. The looks are enough. <i>Don't let
the words come</i>. I want to be wrong. I want to be wrong!</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “Angel
McCready just came forward. She provided information that now has two
boys in custody. I don't know much else at this point.” She looks
away, about to break. “Other than...” </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “Andi...”
I croak, not ready for this.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “She's
… she's not coming home, Logan. She was murdered.”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I'll
never forget the words. The pain. The way my world fell apart on the
day my worst fears came true.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I
lost my sister. I failed her. I couldn't protect her like I always
promised I'd do.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">*****</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I'm
not going to be able to sit through this trial much longer. Several
days in, and I'm already fueled by anger.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Those
assholes.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Sick
fucks.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Guys
I thought were my friends are the biggest enemies of them all. Gabe
Holden and Seth Layle are fucking murderers.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Having
to sit and listen to Seth talk about how he dated my sister, and when
she tried to break it off with him, he stalked and tormented her
until the end.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Until
they killed her.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> The
night Angel saw something was the night Andi first tried to break
things off. It was why Seth was angry. Why she didn't fear him
completely, which went fairly unnoticed to Angel.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> But
she'd seen enough and hadn't done a damn thing.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Had
Angel stepped in, maybe things would be different. Andi might still
be here, instead of having to properly bury her just days after
Angel's information brought on the arrest.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> My
hands ball into fists as the sentencing comes in.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Life
in prison.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Seth
looks at me, and the fucktard smirks. I shoot to my feet as the
courtroom erupts in chaos.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “Don't,
Logan.” Mom grabs my hand. Her eyes are red. Mascara runs down her
cheeks. Dad is next to her, but since this whole thing, they've
separated. I don't know if there's any chance of reconciling. He
barely speaks to her, or to me.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “But
he...” I start.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Mom's
expression doesn't change.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Seth
and Gabe are already out of the courtroom. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> And
then Angel approaches me.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “Logan.”
She reaches out to touch my </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">hand. “I'm so sorry.” Her bright blue
eyes are</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> bloodshot, and I know she's been crying.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Rage
fills me again. “<i>You</i> could have saved her, had you paid
attention. You're selfish! How <i>dare </i>you come apologize to me!
I'll show you sorry!”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “Please,
I-” She speaks again, completely shaken and flustered. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “Leave
me the hell alone!” I roar. All eyes are on me now.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I
don't remember much else. Blinded by grief, anger, and revenge, I
know that I'm going to spend a long time not only hating those
assholes, but Angel McCready, too.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Nothing
can bring Andi back to me.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I
hate them, and I hate myself.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Chapter
1</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>2019</i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Logan
</i></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Routines
are usually a good thing. Except for mine.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Every
anniversary, birthday, holiday, or other significant occasion, I'm in
the same place, doing the same thing. I know it's wrong, I know I
should be somewhere else, but I end up in the same place, doing the
same thing.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> It's
like being on autopilot. I can't make myself change it.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> First
stop, the cemetery. I hate this place, but it brings me closer to
her.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Regret
follows me every step of the way. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I
can't let go. Not after two years.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I
blame myself, but even more, I blame <i>her</i>. Angel McCready.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Her
name is a lie. No, I don't mean she's faking it. She's no angel.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I
watch her, day after day. She probably knows it. I don't give a shit.
I want to see what she's doing. How can she go on with her life
normally?</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> She's
a killer.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Angel
didn't kill anyone by her own hand, but her silence did.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Some
days, I want her to die. I shouldn't admit this, people would think
I'm a sick dickwad, but I wish she'd suffer, the way my sister did.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Both
of my parents warned me I should never have gone to the trial. I was
too close to Andi, and hearing the words from her killers stole
anything remotely decent left in my already battered soul.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I've
gone through grief counseling. I've talked to people. Not about the
real deep stuff, but enough to satisfy my parents.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> It
all comes down to guilt.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I
can blame Angel all I want, and I do, but part of it lies on me. I
brought those fuckers into my sister's life.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I
didn't know. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> How
was I to know they'd been tormenting her? How was I to know that Seth
had a thing for her, they'd dated, but Andi wanted to end things? How
was I to know Seth refused to take no for an answer?</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I'd
tried to get Andi to talk so many times, but I should have tried
harder, no matter what.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> And
I didn't.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Seth
was supposed to be my friend. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> He'd
looked me in the damn eye all the time.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Behind
my back, he made my sister's life hell until he drowned her. Held her
underwater until she took her last breath.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> And
he'd smiled at me right before they took him away.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> All
I wanted to do was kill him right then and there. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Stopping
before her headstone, I trace the lettering of her name. “I miss
you, Andi. You would have been eighteen today. You were supposed to
graduate high school. I should have been a better brother to you. I
hung out with the kids I thought were cool, got stupid with them, and
look how it turned out. You're gone.” I slump against the
headstone.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Holding
the picture of my sister in my hand, I stare at it. She had so much
life left in her. She'd still been the life of the family.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Now
gone, my parents can't stand the sight of each other and have moved
on.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I
wanted to go to school, become a teacher, and get the hell out of
Payson. I wanted to help Andi with her college courses and help her
achieve her dream of becoming a chef.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> We
made a damn great team.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> That
all changed the fateful, heartbreaking day she disappeared, then
again when I learned she'd never come home.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I'm
still here, labeled as the town drunk. At twenty-four years old.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “I
would have driven the limo for you and your friends to attend prom. I
probably would have scared the shit out of your date, but he'd know
not to mess with my sister.” I choke back a cry. “<i>Damn</i> it,
Andi, it's not fair!”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I
lay the flowers down. Tulips. Her favorite. They'll wither and die in
this late August heat, but I'll replace them when that happens.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “I
wish you'd talked to me. You should have known you always could, no
matter what. Happy birthday, Princess. I miss you. I miss you so damn
much.”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I
could make tonight different. No drinking. No going to The Lounge,
where Angel's brother Russ still works as he slowly pays his way
through college, doing exactly what the hell I'd planned to do.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Except
as I drive off after saying goodbye to Andi, The Lounge is exactly
where I end up.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Same
stool. Same drink. Vodka. Straight up.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> It
doesn't help that Russ is there, serving me. His eyes are full of
sympathy as he greets me. “Hey, man.”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “Same
as always, please, and no comments.” I slam my fist against the bar
top, startling him. The anger rages a war tonight. The pain and
emptiness follows suit.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Russ
shrugs and brings me two of what I want.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> After
downing the first one, the liquid burns my throat. I wish it would
burn out the pain still living inside me.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Time
for the second.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> And
another.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> And
another. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I
don't know how many I've had, but after a while, I get what I've been
craving. The feeling of misery surrounds me. Sounds are muffled. I'm
drunk, and fuck, I'm crying. Sobbing to the bartender about my life,
and it isn't even Russ. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I
think I just smashed the glass, crushed in between my shaky fingers.
I see red, there's people rushing toward me with napkins and
bandages, but I want nothing to do with it.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Then
I leave.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> When
I get to my car and reach into my pocket, it dawns on me that my keys
aren't in there.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Fuck,
Russ must have known and snatched them.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Whatever.
I'm not going back inside right now for them.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I
stumble down the street, pissed at the world. A walk will do me some
good. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I
don't know how I managed it without getting hit or falling, but the
next thing I know, I'm standing in front of Angel's house.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> She's
having a damn party.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> On
the night of what would have been my sister's eighteenth birthday.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> How
the fuck could she?</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> <i>How?</i></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Rage
consumes me, and I rush inside, ignoring the shouts from people.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "What
the hell is going on in here?” I slur. The bass from the music is
too much. Overstimulating. I can't control the anxious state of mind
hitting me hardcore. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “Logan?
You're drunk, man,” someone says.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “Ya
think?” My vision blurs, and I swear I'm seeing things. The guy in
front of me looks like Link, the hero from the Legend of Zelda. I
blink several times. Nope, still there. I rub my eyes and hope for
the best. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “It's
Scott,” the guy says. “Maybe it's best we get you out of here,
huh?”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “How
could she have a party tonight? Angel's a cold hearted bitch!”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> A
hand lands on my shoulder. “Let me take you home, Logan. You don't
need this, and neither does Angel.”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “Fuck
her!” I shout.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> It
gets eerily quiet in here.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “Sleep
it off, Logan.” Ah, there's Russ. “You should have been cut off
long before.” </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “Then
ya shoulda done your job, jackass,” I snarl at him. “What do you
know, huh? You ever suffer a loss?”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Pre-order now!</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Amazon US: </span><a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="async" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F2GEfcl3%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1JdLJlHpIfZ9PvuNpvvCSvOjUFUmtzp5wVELjdI97Z6e9nlCMbZU4NrEY&h=AT3qPKgeHQ4tcMVQUX0MldQHIdgJcZxgi3znBuRkW_Yk6wl4DX-3MAh-bWUDGQnPEe55bjYPX-4neGYZSsYmeK42pfyJNSNbcqSvh99SV7DZ2UWac5YyFH14MGNaBdivFKb2UP331mFIDhjkL8IOZ2vG6hMl6SlSvTmPh8cgnQxSr2suyPWLsdmb4M_00TwR3iNWM_8VdWfTWCwaHFarYPmhsN5U-Yi39XVbvim-6rGjbgwC1rBY2wePpFarGUWy50KxcycWJzpl2NfD8FntYSLFtZTNv27_XoX7u4a2WMl93ed6ONs1_s2ZrNPlhgCkfXAIFajqU-Vu-t-URUk5Xq8cslT1ZNBmdiUnfvJpY5GJvb31F3HjxGOZr1cgIEGKY7_8DfmAsWEOQcZwLHWqi9K4ihxM3gwcSaugGPwNxNPtOslUq89I-DeA3XUtUKhqfi0pHbTD81qRQGbrF6XMAK6atUV2HY_xKsH-YA5cMGLMsXxutCqInVFiJFuhLaE4AL9m1MbQpzyK7WKmNKUuu8cNLXqpgGPhHzNpOngij77YDWkDva8tAxF576ldtlh9mJ-ml0t3CtJkoiMD3QaZdhRKVqidWxHcmi-1sPlNiwy_Yue3MjlcXYsPkLI" rel="noopener nofollow" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/2GEfcl3</a><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Amazon UK: </span><a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="async" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F2BF0CDZ%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1jJgBuhzSgOdXl4icrADHJOi7I5UrcJ-SFFjJY2SkKL0ObzG-dTwSuSi4&h=AT2CzphJsATo4DkuIJQniY-wq4hgJxOOuIe7GA64vB4M8_rkbNr81pYZE26wQW42BC17f2j4QXKx93TzvT97HDhi1hBcX6_9_grNjWWwooXmfjQlD8kCLsjTFkaouk6axXdLycs4rRKFx3HBKSPunnmsaveJW4nHwEoijuomwQC6xPSnaNovR7y5MWPfJb8CTabASaHoYtOI0Oh6kZRDqX8B6sWIcV1BoWdxHLqAe_kIHZQtI63tgajtwMWOmzy4JP00kJEkxlnF3bdSqCnSUFNe50B9VoL7XRZ45FVqPeG2SQ2QMSHEu6V-_JsCOcDt8Wc79hUPPjfOGoEnxicIEv2d6tPN9M4adnMOcaLfTNnKQKpwig38w49e8YjLIFziHrXOl8OElRgFqgetGlQMlL377XOnsPJCawVRtOxFVPb0tkiVRhQdarciPW8TNdJsQrdi3LKK6A26LagX0o2tBLSjK7gfjsw3WOqfhxsaq14htPr3B8eiL-dJsgUiHK5-2pOwexU6QGMnBKIF6_NKlWxiFNcIyGOJRhVEEpfK1itQGeMPPZfxFlS6hZLRCucsA-ptH12QvGMMpJlnfs_mmLSjqIal3naJTSnUvDkQa_zMvDkqxun6peDN2qZxPc6ydw" href="https://amzn.to/2BF0CDZ?fbclid=IwAR1jJgBuhzSgOdXl4icrADHJOi7I5UrcJ-SFFjJY2SkKL0ObzG-dTwSuSi4" rel="noopener nofollow" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/2BF0CDZ</a><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Amazon CA: </span><a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="async" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F2GHTKLR%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2rws3t4nXpUZzvvakdTN0xPoBG3CPUC3jDRNvsJB3wap_GgN6ktYCSCbc&h=AT2Q5uIDpjwpau3qvWZwvOF6lkm2QOQlebkTeoWdlFl5ImRwVFWwkhTVXcL8bFsLIzc-waGMQtpnzOPzP5kZKOKFos1H1Xk6NXeRC0VFLyaD8eO99AkVXK609AJFZXVEYdSLBykRM0XehMr4H4Dca4kAeyBA2lgGJCJv7ZehTf7mDAUtUyF9nA9VZ0srNoDwXOMQ2bidKIBsP78bvJYTrof6RlTTzyUSyWKaS87-6GUKLP6KphDmregwpuDMbrppaW2nB10jVL_WyfraloBMHZaWad4l5YIMXGVJ3ZJjwp3gCQStn8dOwJUXMoPU3oFR2iu0IbtPS87gzUbcFchkodvXlk8j-Mh9haedph2KVHQzE3-E6wYYgmu1i5feggeX_QAQMxVRtYyV9dnQSFqUKxkB3tyDoC6fxTmEvqsoTwtC6nQra2B6JkdOhoh5PGzCdNEd042LLOs60N3UecTAyTO6oPdGzRAi05eI2qNeG_VcsSdVc27GCr9Cy0tK8pLuVqdRQFamcFY3ywL_VJ6C516L0hGE_aJnt5auSTETTBwKTel3-PESgk3x9TxRGMy1hQjabILLiA8Bt5n-ELTjM1NEEp3Wu8LwzqkegNub1CmDcQjZGQ64Y37BLYc" rel="noopener nofollow" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; outline: currentcolor none medium !important; text-align: start; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/2GHTKLR</a><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Amazon AU: </span><a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="async" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F2EQAolY%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0mKt6z4o6dU-nUUyKMKcbonlbPV4jH4ZPcy4_0ZKqZsGxpoOLFc84GOHA&h=AT1eaaJFjYPlG_Ak97i2dC2IwFEXEwMzFL1W0SXYHosvqG8qAO2twX4b63aqz0_wLJgp14MhHqxchvpcCuepQkrP4x2-97kwd67zFCM6KIecvOqjkBK4Pcq7rG-RJVK6u5PFnBLw9v8iR4L3nSfLrNvn9T3eRrarxfNAw38Yi7kWmp7m3Mof3LFJz5E53jLVECni0TByywTjpkRoWk_ACZrMguu8Jq2eJITjKHTmW30uG58bQBnLfNxJPnFbtT83RV0y3lPWbIuZbdsniUThP0I97QT_mmLROo_GMpk7GikZ5H6-8kX_8RsAVA_8Kx9ojeERai8wbYhkD-_0tY8Lcz5b6pfOOPq-krm_LJghSHXGnK4y-cW_DJrJrCUsZpvdkQ-HQK9LLdmr1kABI3j0ebYv7WaP243wJMhLicda7n27I5mSRFaVX1QtkAyXNFLPRRVHura7de8I88dnuRnZROniGor3-pVxOXj5ozkxInsrthOxaBuzzYtRnqVX_oTYqKZqbIgXLP2l-9ivJ5YvecxP_1OWW2BZZHAdrtTGKE6JHAtfUXclfXAPefm7BD6BiV1kDcOmYbBAPBzwhHsO8rPwtWOQdA-wFaPbyPzr69DiFeBqsJ9pDbqmQpk" href="https://amzn.to/2EQAolY?fbclid=IwAR0mKt6z4o6dU-nUUyKMKcbonlbPV4jH4ZPcy4_0ZKqZsGxpoOLFc84GOHA" rel="noopener nofollow" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/2EQAolY</a><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="async" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbooks2read.com%2Fu%2FmqVKv6%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR18GiXxDaRSnq0507PkQ86vqjtWaEI9x0zxT_V_ykAaHMULQ_EMCLvfCq8&h=AT0b6pg43cLAB9uoRn46QMXmTPKGhoIIXXLAgOKMxj2czFpVzG02dRrteCxi4jSrrbFw-WvuAfllIDPUg5dm97HIOLBdctSXAVyUrOusvSEkwfKEUx703xgFeLuyWvTYWlIyxQAFRwaFDlmPcEhd3eAsYsLDkv4_l0YKfEf7GhlRQl4rBFyNjXPt_6XvszyaCE7CwZv5fe4NBLZWvnUULxWXA_I3x3tsb0M5YomhdD7hj0BQi7PiNw7vUUi1kUMnOWZ3L3murzrsoNLRAtlSlprAxWYXbaBVfHJNKnKnJLEuzfwV-f6Qg7ha0rKxzYQwxobpXb1opjmJokzAsqUh6icbNTS8ISUAbaRN3bmwOsI5O8gfYl2XV_68KA7OC4lZq_Kwow6fOGHQvaXV4rRMbV3p2ZODkzlYJ18ouBT1M0XFTpU4yFndBrZfN5YsZi3V3WHrmg7ETgHC56M2bgseWN-TRkaJ2ge6iFg-kn6bwiOKTCbzuIWHDSGaUCsLCUWs5MA4NJ5tdbcMMqEkdjvYKW9mPvW-OtZHxEPZKugM2_L27t-kz_xcvzok5nmzOl8miER3QnvrLHiYNs60HJc9bibvmelvijq6cHJyJ9iI4nqX0qtqj2sy0hPFgIY" href="https://books2read.com/u/mqVKv6?fbclid=IwAR18GiXxDaRSnq0507PkQ86vqjtWaEI9x0zxT_V_ykAaHMULQ_EMCLvfCq8" rel="noopener nofollow" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" target="_blank">https://books2read.com/u/mqVKv6</a>
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Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17177290366315552643noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732205666316862045.post-70422223883554670942017-06-22T09:27:00.009-07:002017-06-22T09:27:54.869-07:00Musicians on Tour Facebook Page hop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Join the fun as 15 authors bring you character interviews with their musicians! Hop over to each page, read the interview, learn about new characters (or if you've read them before, get to know them on a musical level), and win some prizes!<br />
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This page has all of the participating authors and the Rafflecopter giveaway, but you should be able to get to each page via their links. This is just a safe place to have all of the hop info.<br />
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Have fun, and happy hopping! Hope you find some new authors to enjoy!<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Nikki
Lynn Barrett- </span></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/nikkilynnbarrettauthor"><span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><u>http:www.facebook.com/nikkilynnbarrettauthor</u></span></span></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">D'Ann
Lindun -<a href="https://www.facebook.com/DLindunAuthor/">https://www.facebook.com/DLindunAuthor/</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Jennifer
Theriot- <a href="http://www.facebook.com/jennifertheriotauthor">http://www.facebook.com/jennifertheriotauthor</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Michele
Shriver- <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMicheleShriver">https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMicheleShriver</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Sara
Walter Ellwood-<a href="https://www.facebook.com/sarawalterellwood.ceradubois/">https://www.facebook.com/sarawalterellwood.ceradubois/</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Cherime
MacFarlane- <a href="https://www.facebook.com/macgroughclan/">https://www.facebook.com/macgroughclan/</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">R.M.
Duffy- <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RMDUFFYAUTHOR/">https://www.facebook.com/RMDUFFYAUTHOR/</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">M.
B. Feeney- <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mbfeeneyauthor/">https://www.facebook.com/mbfeeneyauthor/</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Viviana
MacKade- <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mackadeviviana/">https://www.facebook.com/mackadeviviana/</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Alexa
Padgett- <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAlexaPadgett/">https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAlexaPadgett/</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Tracy
Lorraine-<a href="https://www.facebook.com/tracylorraineauthor/"> https://www.facebook.com/tracylorraineauthor/</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Joanne
Dannon- <a href="https://www.facebook.com/joannedannonwrites">https://www.facebook.com/joannedannonwrites</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Aleya
Michelle- <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aleyamichelleauthor">https://www.facebook.com/aleyamichelleauthor</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Kelli
McCracken- <a href="https://www.facebook.com/authorkellimccracken">https://www.facebook.com/authorkellimccracken</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Tracey
Pedersen-<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TraceyPedersen/"> https://www.facebook.com/TraceyPedersen/</a></span></span><br />
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Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17177290366315552643noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732205666316862045.post-14455420238039675362017-06-20T00:00:00.000-07:002017-06-20T00:00:28.621-07:00Chapter Reveal: Peaceful Slumber <div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>PEACEFUL SLUMBER</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">part of the Mystic Passions boxset</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">by Nikki Lynn Barrett</span></div>
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<b>Genre:</b> Paranormal Romantic Suspense
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<b>Scott</b></div>
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I was somewhat normal once.</div>
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Until I died.</div>
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It was only for a few minutes, but ever since then, I can see ghosts.</div>
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The first time I see her is in the cemetery, wearing a blood stained wedding dress. </div>
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No one else knows she exists.</div>
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I have no idea how to help her or why I chose to, but she's here now.</div>
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The one person who makes me feel alive for the first time in ages is a spirit trapped in her own version of hell with no recollection of her life or death.<br />
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<b>Zelda</b></div>
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It sounds like the start of a horror novel or something.</div>
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I'm the amnesiac ghost bride who wakes up with no memory of my life or death. </div>
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Only one person can see me.</div>
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With no clues as to who I am or how I wound up in this predicament, Scott is my only chance of helping to unlock my memories. </div>
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It's not easy. He's sarcastic and jaded.</div>
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But he's the only link I have to the living world.<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Prologue</span></u></b></div>
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I remember nothing.<br />
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A cold blanket of fog surrounds me as I sit up from the hard surface I must have been sleeping on, wearing a wedding gown, once white, now stained in red. My mind races a mile a minute, scrambling to retrieve a memory of what happened, like a dog scampering for his ball, but I come up empty.<br />
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Who the hell am I?<br />
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<i>Where</i> am I?<br />
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What happened to me?<br />
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Why is no one here?<br />
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Another thing that catches my attention right away is the fact that I look like death, but I feel nothing. Based on the condition of the wedding dress, whatever happened must have been brutal.<br />
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Nothing at all. No aches. No pains.<br />
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Okay, fine. Maybe the blood isn't mine, but that means it's someone else's, and I have no idea who, what, when....<br />
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I'm repeating myself.<br />
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Rather easy to do when I am trying to piece together the missing fragments that make up my life.<br />
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I stand with ease and interpret my surroundings. It's dark and foggy. Cold winds snap in my face. Shivers slam my body relentlessly. Maybe that's shock, though. How can I feel a chill when there's pretty much no other feeling?<br />
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Not that I expect an answer, but I call out, “Someone help me!” My voice brings no recognition. Not even a spark of who I am.<br />
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Panic settles over me.<br />
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My mind is blank. Empty.<br />
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How do I not have any memories? Did I fall? Crash? Hit my head? There's no pain, but that doesn't mean anything. Maybe shock has taken away the ability to feel pain. But I'm cold. So that's something.<br />
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Next step, check my body for wounds. My hands travel up and down my torso, searching for any tender spots or any blood seeping from an open injury. There's nothing. Absolutely nothing. This isn't promising. It doesn't calm my chaotic mind.<br />
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Before I go into a full blown panic meltdown, I stop and listen. There are voices. People talking. </div>
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This is my chance!<br />
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“Hey! Can anyone hear me?” I scream into the foggy abyss.<br />
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No one responds, at least, not to me. The talking continues. Someone is sobbing hysterically, and it's most definitely not me.<br />
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I can't see them, and I don't think they can see me. Still, I scream and cry, running frantically until I can find someone.<br />
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I shouldn't be able to move this easily. I shouldn't feel nothing. Not with blood on my dress. One would think I rolled around in a pool of it. This isn't a few drops, I look like I bathed in it.<br />
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There's a crowd of people huddled together, surrounding something. And they're crying. Bowed heads, gut wrenching sobs.<br />
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I'm in a graveyard.<br />
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In front of the crowd of people is a coffin.<br />
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Is that me in there? Am I dead? Is that why I'm here?<br />
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I run … well, I don't even know if I'm running, because hell, I don't know if I'm alive, to the crowd. I'm like an animal ready to pounce at the first sight of a person.<br />
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“Somebody! Please tell me you can see me!” I scream, waving my hands.<br />
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No one turns my way. No one flinches. It's as if I'm invisible, which I think is becoming more and more likely. Because I'm dead. I have to be. It's the only explanation I can come up with, not that it's an option I'm happy to think about. I don't know who I am. How did I get here? Why does it seem like my memories are wiped clean?<br />
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How did I die?<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Chapter 1</span></u></b></div>
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<i>Scott</i><br />
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Why do people say rest in peace to the dead? They don't rest in peace. How do I know? Because I can fucking see ghosts. The ghosts who seek me out aren't at peace. It takes time and a willing human to help them find that peace. I'm not willing, but they don't leave me alone. I've never been a big people person, and I'm sure as hell not a 'ghost' person, but does that stop them? Nope. Not in the least.<br />
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It hasn't always been this way. Only in the past three years have I been able to see the dead.<br />
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I blame it on the fact that I died once. For ten minutes, until doctors managed to resuscitate my sorry ass.<br />
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Today is the day we're burying my uncle Floyd. It's cloudy, and a slight drizzle is spraying us with a light mist.<br />
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There are ghosts everywhere.<br />
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I've learned to ignore them, for the most part. They find me no matter where I go. I can't even take a shit without a ghost appearing, frantic for help because they eventually know I can see them. That stupid split second where I let my weakness show, and they descend upon me like a vulture chasing its prey.<br />
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Not only have I come back from the dead, but the dead want me. Sure, fine. Why not? No one else does. Not for me, anyway. My parents ignore me until they see fit to have their son at all of their important events. Other than that, I'm an outcast. Pretty much used to it. They throw money at me and tell me to have a good day.<br />
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I thought when I died and had my life flash before my eyes, it would change. It did for a little while. Then they went back to normal. Work, work, work. At least, for Dad, that was the case. Mom did her little parties and women's charities and pretended like she gave a shit about all of it.<br />
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She goes to the bar and screws the bartender. Dad pretends not to notice.<br />
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Want to know how they gain sympathy?<br />
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By using me.<br />
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“My son Scott has a hard time of it. I think he's gone a little crazy.” I heard my mother tell someone this a few months ago. I'll never confront her on it. What the hell is the point?<br />
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Living with this shit is crappy, but it is what it is. One day soon, I'll blow out of town and make a new life. Maybe I'll even be famous and my parents will come begging for my forgiveness.<br />
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Doubtful.<br />
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Aunt Sara steps forward and places a rose on Uncle Floyd's casket. She's sobbing hard. Together for thirty-nine years, his sudden death is devastating on all of us. Floyd was the only one who gave a rat's ass about me. We always did stuff together. He gave me my first cigar, and we got drunk together once when I was seventeen.<br />
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It dawns on me then. Why don't I see his spirit?<br />
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I finally look around, knowing all too well these other spirits are gonna have a field day with this. I'm not about to make myself look crazy in front of family and friends. Not today, of all days.<br />
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Shudders ripple through my body. Damn, some of these deaths were gruesome. Not only can I see the ghosts, but I see them in their death form.<br />
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Blood. Torn skin. I won't go on. The visuals churn acid in my stomach. Gotta give credit to doctors. I couldn't do it. I'm not even good with scary movies. They make me want to hurl.<br />
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Trying to stay casual, I scan the cemetery for any signs of my uncle. There are none. Disappointment settles in the core of my soul. I have this 'gift' of being able to see spirits, but the one I would actually love to see, I don't get to.<br />
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There's a young woman in a blood stained wedding dress, and she's waving her hands frantically. Why this one grabs my attention over all the others is beyond me, but she does. I can't tear my eyes away from her.<br />
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She notices that I see her, and relief floods her eyes.<br />
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Before she can get to me, a hand lands on my shoulder. “You all right, son?” Dad's concern is almost genuinely touching. Too bad I call bullshit. It's all for show.<br />
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“You know the answer to that,” I snap as I jerk my shoulder away. Too much crap within the last few years has left me jaded. It can't even be denied.<br />
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Dad gives me a cold look, like he can't even believe I got upset at him. Instead of arguing, he pivots and storms off. What does he expect? Seriously!<br />
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Whatever. Let them go off. I came in my own car, and I don't have to answer to anyone.<br />
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The woman spirit is still there, frozen in the same place. I only have eyes for her. Her mouth opens in shock as I strut toward her. “Y-You can see me?”<br />
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Ah, a first timer. She has no idea where she is or what's happened. Confusion taunts her pretty green eyes.<br />
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“Wish I couldn't, but yes.”<br />
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She frowns. “Does that mean I'm dead? No one else can see me.”<br />
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“Fraid so.” No point in beating around the bush.<br />
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“That funeral over there isn't mine, is it?” she whispers.<br />
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“No. It's for my uncle.” Back at the grave site, most of my family has already left. The empty spot and the coffin ready to be lowered in the ground breaks me a little more inside. At least Uncle Floyd lived a damn good life. I loved his stories. If my aunt knew half the shit he did even while married, she'd have a stroke.<br />
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The more I think about it, the more it seems the ghosts who come to me have unfinished business. That show Ghost Whisperer comes to mind, except it's been recent for me to be able to see them.<br />
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“Why can you see me?”<br />
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Ha! I've only been asking that question since the first ghost. “You tell me.”</div>
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She narrows her eyes. “You're not very nice.”<br />
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“<i>I'm</i> not nice? That's my uncle buried over there, and I'm talking to a ghost. Wanna try that again?” Frustration pumps through my body.<br />
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“At least you aren't dead! I don't even know who I am!” she shoots back.<br />
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Touche. Despite my irritation, Ghost Bride makes a valid point.<br />
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“You put things into perspective for me there,” I admit, scratching at the back of my neck. The rain doesn't hold off. Too much more of this and I'll have to leave. What's stopping me from doing so already? Why does this one ghost gravitate toward me above all others today? “You don't remember anything about who you are and how you died?”<br />
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She shakes her head. “I woke up in a foggy abyss. I don't feel pain, even though it looks like I died in a horrible way. I wonder where my husband or husband-to-be is.”<br />
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My gaze flits to her left hand. No ring. Hmm. Interesting. “You don't even have an engagement ring on your hand.”<br />
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She gasps and raises her hand. “You're right. So maybe I ran from him.”<br />
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“A paranormal version of runaway bride? Hmm.” The words tumble from my lips before I can even think about how callous I'm being.<br />
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“Ugh. You're not one to hold back, are you?” Ghost Bride mutters in disgust.<br />
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“I'm talking to a ghost. Do you expect me to be a perfect gentleman?” I retort.<br />
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“I guess not,” she relents.<br />
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“You're going to follow me if I leave, aren't you?” Most of them do. Why bother asking?<br />
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“I- I don't know. Can I even do that?”<br />
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Newbie ghost problems. “Wouldn't be the first. I can't speak from a ghost perspective, but they never leave me alone.”<br />
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“Have you always been able to see us?”<br />
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There we go. The loaded question. Man, spirits are damn talkative. “Nope. Just a couple years.”<br />
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Wait for it....<br />
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Holy hell. She's silent. Ghost Bride doesn't ask me why it's only been recent.<br />
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I'm impressed.<br />
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My next words surprise me. Damn, I'm a sucker. “I don't want to get drenched, but I'm not about to leave you here alone and confused. You can go home with me, and we'll figure out who you are and how to get you to wherever it is you need to go.”<br />
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Her eyes light up. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” And then she tries to hug me. Ghost Bride's hands go right through me. I'm used to it, but she isn't.<br />
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She gasps, stepping back. “Okay, that's weird.”<br />
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“Right, so...let's go.” I gesture to the parking lot, which is fairly empty now.<br />
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“Umm...” Ghost Bride hesitates. “How exactly do I do this?”<br />
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Another sigh escapes me. Newbie ghost problems, and it's like I have the answers. Why do I do this to myself?<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Interested in reading this book when the entire boxset releases in July?</span>
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No matter where she goes, USA Today Bestselling author Nikki Lynn Barrett hears voices in her head. Instead of calling her crazy and locking her up, her family realizes it's just a product of being an author and allows her to write the stories so that the voices shut up.<br />
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But they don't. And probably never will. There's no need to lock her up, Nikki knows she'll never escape the voices, not until each and every last story is written. And for every story she writes, about ten or more ideas pop up.<br />
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When she isn't slaving away at her computer writing books that will probably make you cry and keep you in suspense, Nikki plots to take over the world one book at a time. What? It's a sickness. One she can't escape!<br />
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Books aren't her only addiction, though. Nikki can be found making up parodies to drive her son crazy, and bantering back and forth with her husband, who somehow manages to steal her away from the fictional world she lives in all the time.<br />
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Nikki lives in Arizona with her husband and son, where she can be found using every creativity outlet she can find through music, photography, handcrafted things, and random interests that she may pick up from time to time.<br />
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If you want to learn more about the author who makes people cry for a living, check out her <a href="http://www.nikkilynnbarrett.com/" target="_blank">website</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://amzn.to/1Lwzs4y">Amazon</a> ✯ <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NikkiLynnBarrettauthor">FaceBook</a> ✯ <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/NikkisBookNook/">Facebook: Nikki's Book Nook</a> ✯ <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/NikkisBookStormers/">Facebook: Nikki's Book Stormers</a> ✯ <a href="https://twitter.com/nikkilynnbarret">Twitter</a> ✯ <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6583655.Nikki_Lynn_Barrett">Goodreads</a> ✯ <a href="http://nikkilynnbarrett.blogspot.ca/">Blog</a><br />
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Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17177290366315552643noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732205666316862045.post-38344246382379726082016-03-31T19:32:00.000-07:002016-05-09T17:07:40.161-07:00$3,000 Big Romance Author Spring Giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Attention all awesome people! This month is a cool time to be a reader. 101 of your favorite authors contributed to one massive giveaway! Giveaway rules are listed on the rafflecopter. International peeps can play! Got any questions? Feel free to ask. There are 100 ways to enter for a maximum possible 500+ entries per person. The giveaway lasts the entire month of April, so come back every day and hammer away at a few more entries until you're all done!
<strong>ONE PERSON WILL WIN $3,000 USD!</strong> That's the biggest giveaway I've seen recently! Tell your buds! Don't miss out. You'll kick yourself if you miss this one.<br />
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Terms & conditions are listed on the rafflecopter. Read it for full details. The winner will be chosen on May 1, 2016 and contacted via the email address they used to enter. CHECK YOUR EMAIL! The winner's name will also be posted on the rafflecopter widget above.
<strong>Participating Romance Authors:</strong>
101 different authors came together to make this giveaway possible. If you've been looking for a new book boyfriend, or you're literally famished between your fave author's releases, check out some of my peeps! They write in various hot romance genres including contemporary romance, new adult romance, erotic romance, steamy romance, urban fantasy romance, dystopian romance, historical romance, futuristic/ sci-fi/ fantasy romance, Teen/ YA romance, inspirational romance and time travel romance!
[caption id="attachment_356" align="aligncenter" width="689"] Big Romance Author $3,000 Spring Giveaway April 1-30th, 2016[/caption]<br />
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<a href="http://www.hmward.com/blog">H.M. Ward</a><br />
<a href="http://kim-golden.com/">Kim</a> <a href="http://kim-golden.com/">Golden</a><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14584347.Drew_Jordan/blog">Drew Jordan</a><br />
<a href="http://christicaldwell.com/blog">Christi Caldwell</a><br />
<a href="http://www.scarlettmetalauthor.blogspot.com/">Scarlett Metal</a><br />
<a href="http://chrisalmeida-ceciliaaubrey.com/blog">Chris Almeida & Cecilia Aubrey</a><br />
<a href="http://www.heidimclaughlin.com/blog">Heidi McLaughlin</a><br />
<a href="http://www.jennygardiner.net/jenny-gardiner-blog/">Jenny Gardiner</a><br />
<a href="http://smarturl.it/EventSJNNewsletter">Stacey Joy Netzel</a><br />
<a href="http://merryfarmer.net/">Merry Farmer</a><br />
<a href="http://mallorycrowe.com/">Mallory Crowe</a><br />
<a href="http://www.jkentauthor.com/">Julia Kent</a><br />
<a href="http://www.jeanoram.com/the-love-bug-blog/">Jean Oram</a><br />
<a href="http://www.velladay.com/weres--witches-of-silver-lake.html">Vella Day</a><br />
<a href="http://www.meliraine.com/">Meli Raine</a><br />
<a href="http://sherri-hayes.blogspot.com/">Sherri Hayes</a><br />
<a href="http://jaynerylon.com/blog/">Jayne Rylon</a><br />
<a href="https://sarahcradit.wordpress.com/">Sarah M. Cradit</a><br />
<a href="http://ericaridley.com/news">Erica Ridley</a><br />
<a href="http://christinezolendz.blogspot.com/">Christine Zolendz</a><br />
<a href="https://beverlypreston.wordpress.com/blog/">Beverly Preston</a><br />
<a href="http://www.marquitavalentine.com/">Marquita Valentine</a><br />
<a href="http://melstorm.com/blog">Melissa Storm</a><br />
<a href="http://danamarton.blogspot.com/">Dana Marton</a><br />
<a href="http://www.amyabartol.com/">Amy Bartol</a><br />
<a href="http://michellefoxerotica.blogspot.com/">Michelle Fox</a><br />
<a href="http://www.maganvernon.com/">Magan Vernon</a><br />
<a href="http://ainsleybooth.com/wordpress/blog/">Ainsley Booth</a><br />
<a href="http://venessakimball.blogspot.com/">Venessa Kimball</a><br />
<a href="http://sidneybristol.com/blog">Sidney Bristol</a><br />
<a href="http://kmscottbooks.com/category/blog/">K.M. Scott</a><br />
<a href="http://www.ccwood.net/">C.C.Wood</a><br />
<a href="https://jmmillerwrites.wordpress.com/">J.M. Miller</a><br />
<a href="http://zarakeane.com/blog/">Zara Keane</a><br />
<a href="http://www.historyundressed.com/">Eliza Knight</a><br />
<a href="http://www.lpdover.com/">L.P. Dover</a><br />
<a href="http://sadiehaller.com/sadie-says/">Sadie Haller</a><br />
<a href="http://www.patriciamclinn.com/blog">Patricia McLinn</a><br />
<a href="http://romanceonabudget.tumblr.com/">Suzanne Rock</a><br />
<a href="http://www.katherinelowrylogan.com/">Katherine Lowry Logan</a><br />
<a href="http://blog.erinrichards.com/">Erin Richards</a><br />
<a href="http://toriscott.blogspot.com/">Tori Scott</a><br />
<a href="http://authordaniellestewart.com/">Danielle Stewart</a><br />
<a href="http://www.ptmichelle.com/blog/">P.T. Michelle</a><br />
<a href="http://www.yourcheekywench.com/">Suzan Tisdale</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.mysehallauthor.com/">S.E. Hall</a><br />
<a href="http://www.laurenhawkeye.com/">Lauren Hawkeye</a><br />
<a href="http://www.josiebordeaux.com/#!josienews/dbb8o">Josie Bordeaux</a><br />
<a href="http://melaniemarchande.com/blog/">Melanie Marchande</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.allison-gatta.com/blog/">Allison Bell</a><br />
<a href="http://cristinharber.com/blog/">Cristin Harber</a><br />
<a href="http://jackidelecki.com/blog/#.VucaGZwrKhc">Jacki Delecki</a><br />
<a href="http://tawdrakandle.com/">Tawdra Kandle</a><br />
<a href="http://www.sydneylogan.com/">Sydney Logan</a><br />
<a href="http://www.laurakayeauthor.com/blog">Laura Kaye</a><br />
<a href="http://www.laurakamoie.com/#!blog/cght">Laura Kamoie</a><br />
<a href="http://www.evieharperauthor.com/#!blog/cn58s">Evie Harper</a><br />
<a href="http://www.pjfiala.com/blog">P.J. Fiala</a><br />
<a href="http://www.taylorlawbooks.com/blog/">Taylor Law</a><br />
<a href="http://www.pameladumond.com/">Pamela DuMond</a><br />
<a href="http://dlroanromance.blogspot.com/">D.L. Roan</a><br />
<a href="http://www.jennimoen.com/blog">Jenni Moen</a><br />
<a href="http://www.lgcastillo.com/">LG Castillo</a><br />
<a href="http://rachelschurig.com/">Rachel Schurig</a><br />
<a href="http://ninalevinebooks.com/blog-2/">Nina Levine</a><br />
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<a href="http://cherylbradshawbooks.blogspot.com/">Cheryl Bradshaw</a><br />
<a href="http://jessicascott.net/blog">Jessica Scott</a><br />
<a href="http://www.bethyarnall.com/">Beth Yarnall</a><br />
<a href="http://www.jtgeissinger.com/blog/">J.T. Geissinger</a><br />
<a href="http://staceymosteller.com/blog">Stacey Mosteller</a><br />
<a href="http://www.kyliegilmore.com/blog/">Kylie Gilmore</a><br />
<a href="http://www.maryannjordanauthor.com/">Maryann Jordan</a><br />
<a href="http://www.rockerreads.com/">Cari Quinn</a><br />
<a href="http://www.laurenroyal.com/3.0/misc/giveaway">Lauren Royal</a><br />
<a href="http://reneamason.com/blog/">Renea Mason</a><br />
<a href="http://christine-bell.com/blog/">Christine Bell</a><br />
<a href="http://www.feliciatatum.com/blog">Felicia Tatum</a><br />
<a href="http://fabiobueno.com/blog/">Fabio Bueno</a><br />
<a href="http://www.rashelleworkman.com/">RaShelle Workman</a><br />
<a href="http://nanamalone.com/blog-musings/">Nana Malone</a><br />
<a href="http://annikamartinbooks.com/blog/">Annika Martin</a><br />
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<a href="http://nikkilynnbarrett.blogspot.com/">Nikki Lynn Barrett</a><br />
<a href="http://www.authormariantee.com/">Marian Tee</a><br />
<a href="http://www.sarahcastille.com/">Sarah Castille</a><br />
<a href="http://allynlesley.blogspot/">Allyn Lesley</a><br />
<a href="http://www.booksbyambrielle.com/blog/">Ambrielle Kirk</a><br />
<a href="http://jamidavenport.blogspot.com/">Jami Davenport</a><br />
<a href="http://bonniepaulson.com/">Bonnie R. Paulson</a><br />
<a href="http://lauralstapleton.com/">Laura Stapleton</a><br />
<a href="http://www.kennedylayne.com/">Kennedy Layne</a><br />
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Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17177290366315552643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732205666316862045.post-24644513327227548242015-02-10T00:00:00.000-08:002015-02-10T00:00:20.617-08:00Cover Reveal! Fallen Idol<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Title: Fallen Idol </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Series: Love and Music in Texas</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Book number: 4</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Genre: Contemporary romantic suspense </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Release Date: March 31, 2015</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Blurb: </span></div>
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What goes up must come down... </div>
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Kyra Sanders had a promising career in country music in her teen years. She gained popularity and fame, riding high atop the the charts. Then one deadly accident changed things, sending her spiraling downward to the point she went into a hiatus from music. </div>
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Six years later, Kyra's making her return to the music scene. With an album in the works and a new song on the radio, her career is back on track, until a call from Texas with news of an accident forces her to halt her plans. </div>
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Matt Greer is working through the aftermath of his ex-wife's abandonment when she chose to leave him and their fourteen year old son to pursue her own musical dreams. He's had enough of troubled musicians and the havoc they bring to his life. Kyra surprises him in a good way, but it doesn't mean he wants anything to do with a singer who comes to town with trouble on her trail. </div>
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It's hard to avoid each other in a small town, especially when their families are close. Matt should stay away from the woman who could lead danger right to their town, and it's possible she already has, but he can't help how drawn he becomes to her. </div>
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The sparks ignite, but danger lurks in the distance, only getting closer as time goes on. For two people who want different things out of life, it's possible to find healing together...</div>
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This is the fourth book in the Love and Music in Texas series, but each book can be read as a stand alone. </div>
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Preorder on Amazon for a special Intro price of 99 cents. Fallen Idol will go up to regular price of $3.99 one week after release. </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fallen-Idol-Love-Music-Texas-ebook/dp/B00T6TC27U">http://www.amazon.com/Fallen-Idol-Love-Music-Texas-ebook/dp/B00T6TC27U</a></div>
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Add to Goodreads: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21405402-fallen-idol">https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21405402-fallen-idol</a></div>
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Fallen Idol stands on its on, but you can get can begin the series with Baby Stetson. It's currently free on all outlets. </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Stetson-Music-Texas-ebook/dp/B00BWIE1GI">http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Stetson-Music-Texas-ebook/dp/B00BWIE1GI</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/baby-stetson-nikki-lynn-barrett/1121029972?ean=2940151680325">http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/baby-stetson-nikki-lynn-barrett/1121029972?ean=2940151680325</a></div>
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<a href="http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/baby-stetson">http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/baby-stetson</a></div>
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id957161714">https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id957161714</a></div>
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About the Author:</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">I'm an avid lover of books. I've been writing as far back as I can remember, completing my first "book" by fifth grade in one of those one subject spiral notebooks. I have a passion for music, photography, jewelry and all things creative. I live in Arizona with my husband and son, but dream of being somewhere much colder and stormier. For now, I'll have to live that life through my characters and stick it out with the summer heat.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Places to find me on the web:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><a href="http://wwww.nikkilynnbarrett.com/">wwww.nikkilynnbarrett.com</a></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">FaceBook</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/NikkiLynnBarrettauthor?ref_type=bookmark">https://www.facebook.com/NikkiLynnBarrettauthor?ref_type=bookmark</a></span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Facebook Chat group: Nikki's Book Nook:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/NikkisBookNook/">https://www.facebook.com/groups/NikkisBookNook/</a></span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Nikki's Book Stormers: </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/NikkisBookStormers/">https://www.facebook.com/groups/NikkisBookStormers/</a></span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Twitter: @Stormgoddess925</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Goodreads: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6583655.Nikki_Lynn_Barrett">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6583655.Nikki_Lynn_Barrett</a></span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" />
<br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Email: nikkilynnbarrett@yahoo.com</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">I love to hear from readers!</span><br />
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<br />Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17177290366315552643noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732205666316862045.post-16622155375999610302014-12-04T04:29:00.001-08:002014-12-04T04:29:17.337-08:00Romance Adventures Blog Hop<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FJSL116_tnc/VIBPS1MszSI/AAAAAAAAMy8/SJ1rrJ1ZHlQ/s1600/romance-adventures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FJSL116_tnc/VIBPS1MszSI/AAAAAAAAMy8/SJ1rrJ1ZHlQ/s1600/romance-adventures.jpg" height="318" width="320" /></a><br />
Welcome to the Romance Adventures Blog hop!<br />
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The title is fitting, and I think I'll use this time to debut my newest book. Some may have seen me refer to a story that at one point before I had a title I dubbed "The Asshole redemption story."<br />
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Let me just say, this is my most nerve wracking book yet. It was a challenge to write. It was also a story I never imagined I WOULD write.<br />
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If you've been following my Christmas stories, which started with The Secret Santa Wishing Well, and the follow up On The 12th Date of Christmas, you'll know this character, the 'hero' of the new story which I've titled 'Tis The Season For Forgiving.<br />
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I don't have the final cover yet, but this is the already paid for cover photo that I'll share.<br />
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Last year when I released On the 12th Date of Christmas, I had a reviewer who loved the book. There was a last line in her review that completely threw me for a loop.<br />
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Why? Let me share that line with you.<br />
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PPS is it wrong that i want Eric to fix himself up and try and win back Petra<br />
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I showed that review to my husband. He looked at me and said something along the lines of "Now that would be interesting."<br />
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Never in a million years did I think someone would want a story for Eric. He wasn't a likable character. If you've read even one of these stories, you'll know that.<br />
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So I contemplated. I posted on FB a question last year about the biggest assholes in books and what stories they were. I pondered and pondered. I had a conversation with the reviewer and she told me why she felt he already had one redeeming quality already.<br />
<br />
I kept thinking about this all year. With the books being holiday stories, I'd have to follow along the same lines. I went on to write other books. I was going to write another one of the characters stories before I even thought about Eric and Petra. It took my husband a lot of convincing me to challenge myself and write a story for Eric. My husband and I even sat down and watched American History X. He told me it was a good movie for me to watch if I'm thinking about redeeming this character.<br />
<br />
So I watched the movie, not expecting much.<br />
<br />
Holy crap I was surprised by that outcome. Sure, it's a movie, it's fictional, but it COULD happen. Horrible people can learn to change. It's not unheard of.<br />
<br />
People may be tentative, heck, I was!<br />
<br />
But I wrote Eric's story.<br />
<br />
I struggled. It took me awhile to get in the groove. I've been quiet about it and not really telling many people who this new story was about. Yep, you can tell I'm nervous, right?<br />
<br />
The story is done and in revisions, and surprisingly, going well. My husband took a look at it and said it's a good story. He was surprised at one of the angles I took in it, but I felt it worked.<br />
<br />
So there's my adventure. I even have a blurb, but I'm warning you, it's a mess and hasn't been fixed yet. However, I thought I'd share it anyway to give you a sense of this story.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Changes are in the air...<br />
<br />
Eric Jensen doesn't need the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future to know he's made his fair share of mistakes. The reminders haunt him every day of his life, but a terrible loss becomes an eye opener this holiday season. A heartbreaking question from a young boy pushes Eric to do some serious soul searching and helps him strive to be better.<br />
<br />
Forgiving is the key...<br />
<br />
Petra Cavannaugh spent the past two years growing as a person. She left her ex boyfriend and struggled to make it on her own as a single mother. When Eric shows up at her doorstep one night just needing to see her, she wonders if he's finally becoming the man she always wished he'd be. They've been down this road too many times.<br />
<br />
The best gift could be a second chance...<br />
<br />
As Eric shows a side to Petra she's never seen, the two grow closer. But is forgiveness enough to take a chance on love? Eric must learn to forgive himself, and Petra has to learn to put her trust in the new Eric and not let everyone else decide for her.<br />
<br />
This holiday could bring so much more if they open their hearts once and for all.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Excerpt: (Note: This is still in edits. Please excuse any mistakes not caught yet)<br />
<br />
<br />
He noticed her and his gaze moved down to the skates. His eyes went wide. “You're asking for trouble.” He warned.<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Don't I always?” She quipped, not giving it much thought. Sitting on the edge of the seat, Petra handed him the skates. “Come on. Try it.”<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“You're serious.”<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“I'm serious. Come on.” She prodded.<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>With a shake of his head, Eric reached for the skates. Score for her! He scooted down to the edge of the bench, took off his shoes and put the skates on, still leveling her with a wary look.<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“When was the last time you had fun, Eric?”<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>He snorted. “Fun?”<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Yes. Fun. You know, laughing, smiling. Not always so serious.” She tried to recall the last time this man really smiled. There had to be a time at least once, right?<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“I don't do fun.” He shrugged.<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Well that might be your problem. Live a little.” At the last words, she immediately regretted them. He'd just lost a friend. Someone he'd met through the anger management group he'd joined two years ago. Petra didn't know much about Adrian but she did know Eric respected and cared about him.<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Eric didn't respond, but at least he finished lacing up the skates. He gripped the rail and tentatively stepped out on the ice. Petra followed him and held out a hand.<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“You've never skated, have you?” She asked softly. The terror on his face almost made her want to laugh. In normal circumstances, she might. But with Eric she decided not to. The man was actually afraid of the ice!<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Nope.” His small one or two word answers were better than yelling, which was what he used to do. Progress. She'd take it. He grasped for her hand, as he stumbled a little.<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“I've got you.” Petra kept a firm hold on him. “Well start off slow.”<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Can't say I didn't warn you. We're both in trouble if we end up with broken bones.” Eric grumbled.<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Petra laughed. “I'm not easily breakable.” She shot back.<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“I've learned that.” Eric's reply could mean so many things, but he didn't elaborate. “Where's Kinley?”<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>She pointed over at their daughter, still with Desiree, Ben, and Jacob's brother in law's kids.<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Eric had a death grip on her hand.<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Come on, let's get a little speed going.” Petra stopped when he pulled her back by staying still.<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“You said we'd start off slow!” He protested.<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This time, she couldn't help it. Petra laughed. “I hate to be the one to tell you this, but you can't complain about starting off slow if you're not moving at all.”<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>He turned around, then faced her again. “Everyone's watching.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading! Check out the other participating blogs, and I hope you'll add this book to your TBR pile on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23500380-tis-the-season-for-forgiving">Goodreads</a>!<br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>1.</b></span></span></span><span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>
</b></span></span></span><a href="http://www.lizaoconnor.com/2014/12/romance-adventures-with-jacko-pirate.html"><span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><u><b>Liza
O'Connor</b></u></span></span></span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>2.</b></span></span></span><span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>
<a href="http://myeroticnotions.blogspot.com/">Daryl Devore</a></b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>3.</b></span></span></span><span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>
</b></span></span></span><a href="http://jenniferloweryauthor.com/"><span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><u><b>Jennifer
Lowery</b></u></span></span></span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>4.</b></span></span></span><span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><b>
</b></span></span></span></span><a href="http://andrearcooperauthorblog.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><u><b>Andrea
R Cooper</b></u></span></span></span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>5.</b></span></span></span><span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>
</b></span></span></span><a href="http://www.melissakeir.com/blog.html"><span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><u><b>Melissa
Keir</b></u></span></span></span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>6.</b></span></span></span><span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>
</b></span></span></span><a href="http://karenlopp.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><u><b>Karen
Lopp</b></u></span></span></span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>7.</b></span></span></span><span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>
</b></span></span></span><a href="http://apmassie.com/blog"><span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><u><b>Aine
P Massie</b></u></span></span></span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>8.</b></span></span></span><span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>
</b></span></span></span><a href="http://gaeillevanderspek.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><u><b>Gaeille
Vanderspek</b></u></span></span></span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>9.</b></span></span></span><span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>
</b></span></span></span><a href="http://jocelinefarrah.wordpress.com/musing/"><span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><u><b>Joceline
Farrah</b></u></span></span></span></span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>10.</b></span></span></span><span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>
</b></span></span></span><a href="http://wp.me/p1gshm-1K2"><span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><u><b>Jenna
Jaxon</b></u></span></span></span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>11.</b></span></span></span><span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><b>
</b></span></span></span></span><a href="http://ginadanna.com/blog/"><span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><u><b>Gina
Danna</b></u></span></span></span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>12.</b></span></span></span><span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>
</b></span></span></span><a href="http://mkendallauthor@gmail.com.blogspot.com.au/"><span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><u><b>Melissa
Kendall</b></u></span></span></span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>13.</b></span></span></span><span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>
</b></span></span></span><a href="http://sharoncullen.net/blog/"><span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><u><b>Sharon
Cullen</b></u></span></span></span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>14.</b></span></span></span><span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>
</b></span></span></span><a href="http://dlindunauthor.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><u><b>D'Ann
Lindun</b></u></span></span></span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>15.</b></span></span></span><span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><b>
</b></span></span></span></span><a href="http://www.nikkilynnbarrett.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><u><b>Nikki
Lynn Barrett</b></u></span></span></span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>16.</b></span></span></span><span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><b>
</b></i></span></span></span></span><a href="http://triciaquinnies.com/"><span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><u><b>Tricia
L. Quinnies</b></u></span></span></span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>17.</b></span></span></span><span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><b>
</b></span></span></span></span><a href="http://lisakumar.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><u><b>Lisa
Kumar</b></u></span></span></span></span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>18.</b></span></span></span><span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>
</b></span></span></span><a href="http://georgialynhunter.com/?p=25713&preview=true"><span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><u><b>Georgia
Lyn Hunter</b></u></span></span></span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>19.</b></span></span></span><span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>
</b></span></span></span><a href="http://sherifredricks.blogspot.com/2014/12/romance-adventures-modern-mythic-style.html"><span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><u><b>Sheri
Fredricks</b></u></span></span></span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>20.</b></span></span></span><span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>
</b></span></span></span><a href="http://susansheehey.com/blog-ramblings-of-a-writer-on-coffee/"><span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><u><b>Susan
Sheehey</b></u></span></span></span></span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><b>21.</b></span></span></span></span><span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><b>
</b></span></span></span></span><a href="http://aleahbarley.blogspot.com/2014/12/romance-adventures-blog-hop-welcome-to.html"><span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><u><b>Aleah
Barley</b></u></span></span></span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><b>22.</b></span></span></span></span><span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><b>
</b></span></span></span></span><a href="http://www.staceybrutger.com/blog/"><span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><u><b>Stacey
Brutger</b></u></span></span></span></span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><b>23.</b></span></span></span></span><span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><b>
</b></span></span></span></span><a href="https://bobbiromans.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><u><b>Bobbi
Romans</b></u></span></span></span></span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17177290366315552643noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732205666316862045.post-54403021737886772622014-10-17T01:00:00.000-07:002014-10-17T01:00:04.183-07:00Release Blast: A Masterpiece Unraveled. Release Blast: A Masterpiece Unraveled (The Masterpiece Trilogy #2)<br />
By Nikki Lynn Barrett<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mQqrNJo2dIo/VD63IUI8PVI/AAAAAAAAMt0/z6Z5H7llQm0/s1600/cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mQqrNJo2dIo/VD63IUI8PVI/AAAAAAAAMt0/z6Z5H7llQm0/s1600/cover.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Blurb:<br />
<br />
<br />
As love blossoms, twenty year old secrets threaten it all...<br />
<br />
Becca and Hunter have always tried to make sense of a tragedy, but they never fully asked why. Why were they on the same plane? Where were they going or coming from? Recent events force them to find out everything they can about the plane crash and the events that led them there.<br />
<br />
Becca's always been strong. She's always found a safety net in Hunter, the man who saved her as a child and always stuck by her, giving her reason to go on when no one else gave her a chance. Now she fights to keep her strength going, but her fears begin to get the better of her. The facade she tries to hold up threatens to crack.<br />
<br />
Hunter is learning to fight his demons and put them to rest, but he can't help but worry about Becca and the future they've just begun to build. She's become the withdrawn person he'd been for the past few years and he doesn't know how to help, unless he finds the answers they both are desperate to know.<br />
<br />
They've always battled every storm together, but a new storm could sweep in and blow the foundation right out from under them...<br />
<br />
The second installment of the Masterpiece trilogy is full of twists, turns, and secrets that come unburied...<br />
<br />
<br />
WARNING: This story is not a standalone. This is the second in a trilogy that follow the same characters. A Masterpiece Of Our Love should be read first.<br />
<br />
Excerpt:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
He found the house matching the address and pulled up in front of it. A simple, yet elegant two story Victorian style home. Steps led up to the large front porch. The yard had so much well kept green grass. He sniffed the air. Smells like it had recently been cut.<br />
<br />
Hunter didn't notice at first, not until he made it halfway up the walkway, but a man sat on the porch in a wicker chair. The man climbed to his feet slowly and stared at Hunter.<br />
<br />
Recognition?<br />
<br />
"It's like I've seen a ghost." Joe moved to the front of the porch, holding the banister. "Charles Beckman's boy, all grown up. You look so much like your father did at this age. I never thought I'd see you again. It's been what, twenty years? You're in your thirties now?"<br />
<br />
"Thirty two," Hunter replied. Joe was real, and he remembered him! Shit! Wow. Now how much did he remember about what happened? As much as he wanted to ask him the truth now, he wanted to know this man he'd called Uncle even more. "I didn't remember about you until recently. A lot of my memories before the accident are skewed or not there."<br />
<br />
"I wanted to come see you after you were found." Joe walked with a limp.<br />
<br />
"Why didn't you?" He figured he knew the answer.<br />
<br />
"I don't know. I wasn't in the position to take you in. I thought the past was better left there. Not a day goes by that I haven't thought of your parents and you. How are you? Where are you living now? You say you only now remembered me?" Joe gestured to the chairs a few feet away.<br />
<br />
"I've been having triggers that bring back memories I couldn't recall before." Hunter took up his invitation, settling in the chair next to the one Joe sat in before. "Doctors say PTSD."<br />
<br />
Joe scowled. "I'm sorry. I've seen the affects of it on people many times in my life." If he was worried about Hunter bringing up the past things he'd done, Joe didn't show it yet. "Married? Kids?"<br />
<br />
"I was married. I have a child with my ex-wife." Hunter pulled his wallet from his pocket and took out pictures of Sienna. "My daughter. She's three." He handed the photo to Joe. His hand was shaky.<br />
<br />
"Your dad and mom would have been proud grandparents. They would have doted on her. What's her name?"<br />
<br />
"Sienna." Thinking of his parents as proud grandparents hit Hunter with a floodgate of emotions. "I called you Uncle Joe, didn't I?" he blurted. Well damn! He hadn't meant to put it out there quite like that.<br />
<br />
Joe's eyes lit up. "You did. My wife and I never had children. We wanted them so bad, but life wasn't ready to make us parents. You were the closest thing I had."<br />
<br />
<i>So why didn't you come find me?</i><br />
<br />
Hunter wanted so badly to ask, but for once, he didn't blurt out his thoughts.<br />
<br />
"You really don't have many memories before-" Joe couldn't even bring up the crash.<br />
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"No, I don't. I hate it because so much has happened, and I don't even have anything from my mom and dad to hold on to other than memories. I don't even remember what happened to the house or where we lived, for that matter." Did he live in Maryland after all before everything?<br />
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"I've got things for you then. Photos, and a few items. I was the one who cleaned the house. I kept things, some of them even yours."<br />
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Hunter sat up straighter. "You took care of my house? Where did I live before?"<br />
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Which meant if there'd been any trace of what they were doing before the plane ride, Joe could have and probably did get rid of it. How convenient.<br />
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He'd sure made the right call to come here.<br />
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"You lived in Maryland, not far from Baltimore. Since you found me, you probably know now your dad was a lawyer. Best damn partner I ever had."<br />
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Maryland. He wondered if going there one day would bring back a memory. "I got my love of basketball from him," Hunter recalled.<br />
<br />
Joe laughed. "Actually, you both found your love of the game through me. Your dad couldn't be bothered with it before, but we used to go to games and he grew into it. Wasn't a bad player, either. We took you to games from an early age. I was real proud when you picked up the love of it. Do you play any more?"<br />
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Hunter shook his head. "Not like I wanted to. It was just one of those things I let go of. I played here and there, but the love I had for it died the night I lost my family." Regret weighed on his heart.<br />
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"Come inside. I have some home videos and albums to show you." Joe struggled to climb to his feet. Hunter aided him. "I don't know what brought you to me today, but I've missed you, Hunter."<br />
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This book is the second in the Masterpiece Trilogy. A Masterpiece Of Our Love is the first book and is currently on sale for 99 cents! This is the beginning of Hunter and Becca's story.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-768u4z56RVQ/VD68dNPA0hI/AAAAAAAAMuE/gGzukeuVUdc/s1600/amasterpieceofourlove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-768u4z56RVQ/VD68dNPA0hI/AAAAAAAAMuE/gGzukeuVUdc/s1600/amasterpieceofourlove.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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Blurb:<br />
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Two Lives Torn by tragedy.<br />
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Eight-year-old Becca and twelve-year-old Hunter cling to each other and life after surviving a plane crash which stole their families.<br />
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Two Souls Seeking Love.<br />
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Each year, from the time she was old enough to travel on her own, Becca met up with Hunter on the island that altered their lives forever.<br />
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Until he stopped showing.<br />
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Her constant. Her link to the past. Gone in the blink of an eye.<br />
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Two Lives Bound by Secret.<br />
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Suffering more heartbreak, Hunter returns to the one place he’s always sought comfort, the island where he and Becca met. It was the place that stole from him, and in the same instance gave to him. He hasn't been back or spoken to Becca in four years.<br />
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Though he’s sure she must hate him for disappearing, Hunter discovers the girl gone, now a woman in her place. Hunter is determined to prove to Becca he isn’t the same twelve-year-old boy of yesteryear.<br />
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But someone isn't happy about their reunion...<br />
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Strange things begin happening. Letters start showing up in their hotel rooms and at home with cryptic messages.<br />
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Two Broken Hearts Heal as One.<br />
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With the mystery unsolved, Hunter convinces Becca to spend the remainder of the summer back home with him, both for safety and to give them a chance to discover the adults they’ve now become.<br />
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Will love get a chance to blossom, or will the past come back and tear the masterpiece of their love apart once and for all?<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Masterpiece-Our-Love-Trilogy-Book-ebook/dp/B00J2QO8Y2">Amazon</a> <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-masterpiece-of-our-love-nikki-lynn-barrett/1118929164?ean=2940149365722">Barnes & Noble</a><br />
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Excerpt:<br />
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"Guess what I found?" Hunter carried a sweater and a pair of sweatpants in his hands. "You'll be nice and warm in no time." He handed them to her.<br />
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Becca pointed to his head. She wished her words would just come out already.<br />
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"You don't want to change into dry clothes first?" He raised a brow, then winced. "Damn that hurts. Okay fine, you win. I will probably curse and go stark crazy, so bear with me please?"<br />
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She may not have been able to find her voice to speak, but a quiet laugh escaped her throat. At least, that's what she thought it was.<br />
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Hunter crossed his arms over his bare chest. "Are you laughing at me?" Amusement danced in his gorgeous eyes. "That's so messed up! There is a little devilish side to you after all. I like it," he teased.<br />
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Becca smirked and pointed at the first aid kit. She wondered if he remembered any of the sign language, back from when she'd been mute and unable to communicate all those years ago. But so far, he'd been able to understand what she needed. The very first time he came to visit her, he'd learned it so they could talk. She remembered that day well on her aunt's back porch when Hunter sat beside her. He asked if she remembered him. She nearly cried that he'd taken the time to understand sign language for her.<br />
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"All right little devil, have at it. Just don't get offended for any swear words I may use." He cracked a smile. She loved that he could still have a sense of humor. It showed that even though he had some injuries, he was the same old silly Hunter she knew. She pointed down at the floor, wanting him to kneel before her. Again, he cued in right away and lowered to his knees.<br />
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Becca opened up the first aid kit and searched for what she needed. As she pulled out a large bandage, cotton swabs and the small bottle of peroxide to clean the wound, Hunter hissed. She flicked her gaze back to him.<br />
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"Call it psychological warfare. I'm anticipating that it's going to sting like you wouldn't believe. I know, I know, I'm being a baby and I should just shut up." Hunter raised his hands. "Think you can do that one handed? I might need you to hold mine with the other."<br />
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Becca grinned and held out her hand. She wished her voice would work with her so she could tell him how cute he was being. She couldn't be too sure if he was putting on an act to make her laugh or if he really was bothered by what she had to do. Regardless, she felt needed. Important. Something she longed for. When his shaky fingers curled over hers, a ripple of electricity zipped through her.<br />
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Now those were strange, random thoughts.<br />
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"Your hand is so cold. Not that mine is any better," Hunter said softly. "I know, I'm stalling. I should just man up and take it, huh? You won't tell anyone about my weak side there, will you?" He chuckled.<br />
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She slid him a knowing grin and put a finger to her lips, then ran the finger across them as if to say 'My lips are sealed'.<br />
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"I knew I could count on you."<br />
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About The Author:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K16wy1DtoKo/VD7dl-5JNYI/AAAAAAAAMuU/TIczyKzQiFA/s1600/4437_1090856669700_2534921_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K16wy1DtoKo/VD7dl-5JNYI/AAAAAAAAMuU/TIczyKzQiFA/s1600/4437_1090856669700_2534921_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
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<div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
I'm an avid lover of books. I've been writing as far back as I can remember, completing my first "book" by fifth grade in one of those one subject spiral notebooks. I have a passion for music, photography, jewelry and all things creative. I live in Arizona with my husband and son, but dream of being somewhere much colder and stormier. For now, I'll have to live that life through my characters and stick it out with the summer heat.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
Places to find me on the web:<br />
<a href="http://wwww.nikkilynnbarrett.com/">wwww.nikkilynnbarrett.com</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
FaceBook<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/NikkiLynnBarrettauthor">https://www.facebook.com/NikkiLynnBarrettauthor</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
Facebook Chat group: Nikki's Book Nook:<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/NikkisBookNook/">https://www.facebook.com/groups/NikkisBookNook/</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
Nikki's Book Stormers:<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/NikkisBookStormers/">https://www.facebook.com/groups/NikkisBookStormers/</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
Twitter: @Stormgoddess925</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
Goodreads:<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6583655.Nikki_Lynn_Barrett"> https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6583655.Nikki_Lynn_Barrett</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
Email: nikkilynnbarrett@yahoo.com<br />
I love to hear from readers!</div>
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<br />Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17177290366315552643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732205666316862045.post-45167074814440905052013-11-12T19:55:00.001-08:002013-11-12T19:55:29.479-08:00Home For The Holidays Hop! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3RkJ0rKKz-g/UoLyo-TVEQI/AAAAAAAAKv4/BZZhVPke9Ws/s1600/Home+for+the+holidays+hop+button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3RkJ0rKKz-g/UoLyo-TVEQI/AAAAAAAAKv4/BZZhVPke9Ws/s1600/Home+for+the+holidays+hop+button.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 24px;"><a href="http://www.theromancetroupe.com/p/home-for-holidays-blog-hop.html">http://www.theromancetroupe.com/p/home-for-holidays-blog-hop.html</a></span><br />
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Welcome everyone, to the Home for the Holidays Hop! Yes, it really is that time again! Hard to believe, considering it feels like we are still in summer or fall...well, at least in Phoenix. We hit 90 today! Eww. (I hate the heat)<br />
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First off, a couple things. When commenting, please leave an email address in your comment! This will give you an entry to the grand prize and easy access to email you if you've won! Click on the above link to check out the other stops and for a complete list of prizes....and there are PLENTY of them!<br />
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One thing about the holidays is that there's always so much food! It's so hard not to indulge just a bit...or a lot! I love the mouthwatering taste of a spiral cut ham...juicy, tasty...or a turkey...buttered corn, mashed potatoes. For a drink, a nice glass of eggnog. One thing I love, and it's such a simple thing, is cucumber salad. Yes, you heard me right. Call me strange, that's all right. Nothing I haven't heard before. But for the life of me, i can't perfect the recipe to my taste at all! My mom, or my Oma makes the best ones. I mean, how hard can simple sliced cucumbers, water, vinegar, sugar and salt be?<br />
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haha. Do you really have to answer that?<br />
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Start off by cutting up the cucumbers to thin slices. Pour some sugar on top and then let it set for awhile. A few hours. The sugar ends up creating a sweet juice type thing and then you have to perfect the amount of water and vinegar just right. That's where my problem lies. :) Still, I enjoy it and will eventually ONE day get it to where i'm happy.<br />
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Now the holidays aren't just about food, presents and spending....though the commercialization sometimes makes some forget about that. I've been known to be a little jaded during the holidays and that's why I started writing a holiday story last year. Well now, that story just recently had an addition, a sequel of sorts with the same characters. I've been told these stories are a great reminder of what the holiday season is about, and that's just the message I wanted to send.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GhSIGfCJvAI/UoL2w-SK8_I/AAAAAAAAKwE/-faJTAavc_s/s1600/secretsantacover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GhSIGfCJvAI/UoL2w-SK8_I/AAAAAAAAKwE/-faJTAavc_s/s640/secretsantacover.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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It started with this book. A special wish from a little boy set in motion a chain of events that changed his life, and his mom's.<br />
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I'm going to be hosting a small giveaway here on my blog. One lucky commenter will win an e copy of this book, my debut.<br />
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Below is the blurb:<br />
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The magic of Christmas has been lost to Jacob Winston. At the suggestion of his ill sister, Jacob takes a job as a Secret Santa at the mall, hoping to restore his Christmas spirit. Even that doesn't seem to work, until a special little boy ambles up to make a very special wish...<br />
Cheyenne Jensen is struggling to raise her two kids without the help of her ex-husband who refuses to acknowledge his daughter's existence and doesn't provide for the son he does. This Christmas is shaping up to be as heartbreaking as the last, until her son Ben's kind actions lead a stranger to them.<br />
Ah, but it's Christmas time and the magic has begun.<br />
When Jacob and Cheyenne meet, neither can deny their immediate attraction to one another. As situations arise that require they spend more time together, their feelings grow stronger and stronger.<br />
With Christmas fast approaching, the pair learn what matters most in life. Now, if only they could ditch the ghost of Christmases past.<br />
Maybe this holiday will bring some wishes come true- for everyone after all.<br />
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And most recently, like...last week, I released the second book with the character, though the focus is on someone else. Robin is a secondary character in The Secret Santa Wishing Well, and in On the 12th Date of Christmas, gets her own story.<br />
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After being mugged, Robin Sorenson is left shaken and her spirit in humanity is broken. Worse, she's not sure how to deal with the new anxieties or who to confide in, since she's always preached to pick oneself up and move on. Yeah, she's been the go to girl when anyone's had problems. Christmas is coming, and her belief in magic and miracles has faded.<br />
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Then Jonas comes back.<br />
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Jonas Aimes made a mistake when he walked away from Robin a year earlier. A big one. He'd loved her, always had and still does, but his desire to please his aging and strict parents took precedence. Back from the overseas internship they'd struggled to get him in, he plans on winning Robin back. What he didn't count on was discovering the shell of the vivacious woman he'd loved.<br />
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Broken.<br />
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Remembering her love of Christmas, Jonas pulls the holiday heartstrings. What? All is fair and love and war, right?<br />
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Twelve days, Twelve Dates.<br />
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Robin is speechless when Jonas not only refuses to leave her alone, but dares her to accept his cheesy holiday-themed challenge. Twelve dates to give him a chance to prove that he loves her and is never leaving her again.<br />
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But in the season known for miracles, can Robin find the magic needed to open her heart and faith once more ... or will she forever wonder about the ghost of the Christmas past that could have been?<br />
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How do you win Secret Santa, you ask? Or maybe you don't but I'll tell you anyway. How about visit me on my Facebook page? Then just tell me there what you love most about the holidays.<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/NikkiLynnBarrettauthor">https://www.facebook.com/NikkiLynnBarrettauthor</a><br />
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OR: Add my books on Goodreads! Just let me know in the comments on the blog :)<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/dashboard">https://www.goodreads.com/author/dashboard</a><br />
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Good luck in the hop y'all! Hope you have fun, find some new authors, some recipes and maybe even win!<br />
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-Nikki Lynn<br />
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Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17177290366315552643noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732205666316862045.post-16766125945926007422013-10-02T00:00:00.000-07:002013-10-02T00:00:13.131-07:00On the 12th Date of Christmas Cover Reveal <br />
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">On
The 12</span><sup><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">th</span></sup><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">
Date of Christmas Cover Reveal</span></div>
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By Nikki Lynn Barrett</div>
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Contemporary holiday romance</div>
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Expected release date: November 8, 2013</div>
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Blurb: <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bbIWK9--ULE/UkuKqeGol4I/AAAAAAAAKLI/FnVBmg0BQPU/s1600/Amazon+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bbIWK9--ULE/UkuKqeGol4I/AAAAAAAAKLI/FnVBmg0BQPU/s640/Amazon+(1).jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">After
being mugged, Robin Sorenson is left shaken and her spirit in
humanity broken. Worse, she’s not sure how to deal with the new
anxieties or who to confide in since she’s always preached to pick
oneself up and move on. Yeah, she’s been the go to girl when
anyone’s had problems.</span></span></span> <br />
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Christmas
is coming, and her belief in magic and miracles has faded. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Then
Jonas comes back.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Jonas
Aimes made a mistake. A big one, when he walked away from Robin a
year earlier. He’d loved her, always had and still does, but his
desire to please his aging and strict parents took precedence. Back
from the overseas internship they’d struggled to get him in, he
plans on winning Robin back. What he didn’t count on was
discovering the shell of the vivacious woman he’d
loved.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Broken.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Remembering
her love of Christmas, Jonas pulls the holiday heartstrings. What?
All is fair and love and war. Right?</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Twelve
days, Twelve Dates.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Robin
is speechless when Jonas not only refuses to leave her alone, but
dares her to accept his cheesy holiday themed challenge. Twelve dates
to give him a chance to prove he loves her and is never leaving her
again.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">But
in the season known for miracles can Robin find the magic needed to
open her heart and faith once more...or will she forever wonder about
the ghost of the Christmas past that could have been?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Goodreads
Link:
</span></span></span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18483703-on-the-12th-date-of-christmas"><span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="zxx"><u>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18483703-on-the-12th-date-of-christmas</u></span></span></span></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Excerpt </span></span></span></div>
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He took her hand in
his as he reached for the keys with his other hand.
</div>
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“Why are we at a
closed ice skating rink, Jonas?” He heard the wonder in her voice.</div>
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“Because we're
going skating, silly.” He shot a smile at her.
</div>
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“How did you-”</div>
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“Hey. I'm in with
Santa now, remember? I can't divulge all my secrets.”
</div>
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Her soft laughter
and a squeeze to his hand warmed his heart, despite the icy chill
around him. “I haven't been ice skating in years.”</div>
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“Hmm. Out of
practice? So if we were to race, I'd have a chance?” Jonas fingered
the edge of her scarf, twirling the fringed ends with two fingers.
</div>
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“Oh please, you
don't skate.” Robin scoffed. “Do you?”</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
He laughed. “I
love how you were so certain, then all of a sudden you had to
question it. Maybe we should go in, lace up and I'll show you some
moves.”
</div>
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“This I have to
see!” Robin raised a perfectly arched brow.
</div>
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“Let's get to it,
little lady.” Jonas closed and locked the door behind him. The
lights buzzed as they came on, lighting up the place. With a flick of
a few switches, everything would be ready for them soon. He hadn't
been in here for quite some time, let alone when it was empty. This
would be fun. He couldn't wait to get out on that ice. Hopefully, he
wouldn't be leaving here with any sprained parts. He wasn't about to
let on to Robin that he was very rusty at this. He stifled a laugh.
Anticipation shot through his veins. He'd take this challenge.
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Robin was the first
to get on the ice. As he finished lacing up, Jonas watched her
gracefully move around. She went slow and steady at first, obviously
testing out her balance. She did a small spin and as he caught sight
of her face, he noticed the way her eyes lit up and her smile reached
them. It would take more than these fun moments to show her who he'd
become, and they would get to that. Communication definitely was a
key. There were so many things unsaid, and while he knew they had to
be spoken, he wondered how much of it would ruin the moments they
shared.</div>
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<i>Doesn't matter.
It all has to be done. The good and the bad. </i>
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<i> </i> “Are you
stalling?” She teased, making another loop. She seemed at ease.
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Jonas pointed to
himself in mock horror. “You did not just accuse me of stalling.”
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“Oh, but I did.
So come on out here and strut your stuff, before I accuse you of all
talk and no action.” Another loop, faster this time. That woman
taunted him.
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Jonas growled and
tightened the last of the laces and eased himself onto the ice. “All
talk and no action, huh? Watch this.” Gathering momentum and
hoping for no epic fails, Jonas sped across the rink. Okay so far, so
good. A little wobbly, but this wasn't as hard as he imagined. Then
he got stupid, turned his head to flash her a smile and came crashing
into the wall. “Ooph!” he shouted, landing on his ass.
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Robin covered her
mouth with her hand. She tried her hardest not to let the laugh out,
and failing miserably. She skated over to him and held a hand out.
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“It's not that
funny.” He grumbled, rubbing his sore backside. The corners of his
lips twitched. He couldn't keep the smile away.
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“Not a bad start,
until you got cocky.” She teased. She helped him to his feet and he
towered over her. He slid his arms around her waist and pulled her
closer.
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“Your fault for
showing off.” He teased, leaning in closer. He wanted to kiss her
senseless and steal her breath away. That would get her to quit
laughing at his attempts at being cool when it came to skating.
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“I think not. I
won't take the blame for this one.” She said quietly. He cupped her
face, loving the way she smiled at him. He ran a finger along her
jaw, loving the sensations he felt while having her near.
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“Then take the
blame for this.” Jonas closed the gap between them and kissed her.
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<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Though
it's not a series, and On the 12</span></span></span><span style="color: #181818;"><sup><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></span></sup></span><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
Date of Christmas is a standalone book, Robin makes her first
appearance in The Secret Santa Wishing Well. Readers have been
asking for her story and of course, more of Cheyenne, Jacob and the
kids. </span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sep3SvMkm1E/UkuK0rgh0oI/AAAAAAAAKLQ/j7FkIVvu9Ew/s1600/flatecover+(4).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sep3SvMkm1E/UkuK0rgh0oI/AAAAAAAAKLQ/j7FkIVvu9Ew/s320/flatecover+(4).jpg" width="240" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The
Secret Santa Wishing Well Blurb: </span></span></span>
</div>
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<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The
magic of Christmas has been lost to Jacob Winston. At the suggestion
of his ill sister, Jacob takes a job as a Secret Santa at the mall,
hoping to restore his Christmas spirit. Even that doesn’t seem to
work, until a special little boy ambles up to make a very special
wish... Cheyenne Jensen is struggling to raise her two kids without
the help of her ex-husband who refuses to acknowledge his daughter’s
existence and doesn’t provide for the son he does. This Christmas
is shaping up to be as heartbreaking as the last, until her son Ben’s
kind actions lead a stranger to them. Ah, but it’s Christmas time
and the magic has begun. When Jacob and Cheyenne meet, neither can
deny their immediate attraction to one another. As situations arise
that require they spend more time together, their feelings grow
stronger and stronger. With Christmas fast approaching, the pair
learn what matters most in life. Now, if only they could ditch the
ghost of Christmases past. Maybe this holiday will bring some wishes
come true- for everyone after all.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Goodreads:
</span></span></span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18308875-the-secret-santa-wishing-well"><span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="zxx"><u>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18308875-the-secret-santa-wishing-well</u></span></span></span></span></a></div>
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Giveaway: 3 e-copies
of The Secret Santa Wishing Well</div>
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/53e4701/" id="rc-53e4701" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17177290366315552643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732205666316862045.post-71904762984959416262013-09-11T06:25:00.001-07:002013-09-11T06:26:00.060-07:00Sultry Summer Blog Hop September 11-16<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MDJ8Bd-ux64/UjBq4HHGUBI/AAAAAAAAJ1A/he3VQeNNzAc/s1600/tmp_NEW_050913_8BUSJsk0KW8XTbhL.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="106" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MDJ8Bd-ux64/UjBq4HHGUBI/AAAAAAAAJ1A/he3VQeNNzAc/s320/tmp_NEW_050913_8BUSJsk0KW8XTbhL.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Welcome to Sultry Summer Reads Blog hop. Now to be honest, I, for one, am ready to kick summer to the curb. It's been a long one, but you know what? We'll go out in style by celebrating this blog hop.<br />
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">Check out all the details and prize list about this fab hop here on Safari Heat: </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><a href="http://safariheatbooktoursandauthorservices.blogspot.com/2013/07/sultry-summer-reads-blog-hop-sign-up.html">http://safariheatbooktoursandauthorservices.blogspot.com/2013/07/sultry-summer-reads-blog-hop-sign-up.html</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">Be sure to check out all the fabulous authors and blogs participating! There are some HUGE prizes to be won and some fun pages to check out.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">Here's an example of what kind of comment to enter the hop with. It's important to leave an email address so that if you win something, you can easily be contacted.</span></span><br />
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Below is an example if what needs to be in your comment: </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Georgia; font-size: small; line-height: 16px;">
Name: Carey Abbott</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Georgia; font-size: small; line-height: 16px;">
Email: careydoucet@yahoo.com</div>
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Comment: Great Post</div>
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Twitter: Followed</div>
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FaceBook: Followed or Liked</div>
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Blog: Followed</div>
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Are you a reader or Author: Author (This is important because we are giving away book covers.)</div>
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What Country are you in: United States</div>
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NOTE: You don't HAVE to do all of these things, but they do gain you extra entry :)</div>
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For my Summer Sultry Post I decided to share an excerpt of one of my books, Baby Stetson. It's a pretty steamy kiss that makes lights up the night like a hot summer sky. :) This scene is not that explicit and it has one curse word in it but it's fairly mild </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vt3oNKKuTaE/UjBtYTpAmKI/AAAAAAAAJ1M/2ehjof3xwnc/s1600/babystetsoncover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vt3oNKKuTaE/UjBtYTpAmKI/AAAAAAAAJ1M/2ehjof3xwnc/s320/babystetsoncover.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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To give you a little background on the scene, Avery Callimer is with Lucas, looking for some late dinner at the inn her parents run, and she winds up with a big surprise when he kisses her- right there in the middle of the inn's kitchen!</div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">“Wow. This is a nice kitchen,” Lucas said, closing the door behind him.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">Avery faced him. “You like to cook?”</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">“Oh yeah. I learned at a young age that I had to take care of myself, so I taught myself to cook. Now it’s something I enjoy.”</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">“Are you good at it?”</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">“I’m good at a lot of things, Avery.” Lucas closed the gap between them.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">Too close, too close!</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">She couldn’t back up anymore, though. Behind her was the counter. Her back was already pressed up against it. Lucas looked at her like he wanted to devour her.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">“Lucas…”</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">“I know I need to stay away from you, Avery. All I want is one kiss. I’ve got to taste you. Tell me no, right now, and I’ll back away.”</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">Lucas pressed his body to hers. He slid his arms around her waist, pulling her to him. His face, only inches from hers, lowered. “Tell me now, Avery. Because if you don’t, I’m going to kiss you.”</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">Don’t! No! Yes! Do it! No!</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">She couldn’t get the words out. All she could think about were Lucas’s lips, mere inches from hers, sexy, tempting, inviting. Avery opened her mouth to say something, but no words came out.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">“I’m not supposed to be so attracted to you, Avery,” Lucas whispered, then his lips crashed down on hers.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">He cupped her face, pulling her into his kiss. She didn’t even have time to decipher what that comment meant. Avery tilted her head upward, responding to his kiss. She wrapped her arms around his broad shoulders as her fingers dug into them. Holy hell, this man could kiss. The deep urgency of his kisses drove her mad.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">“Lucas,” she muttered against his lips. His touch was lethal. It wasn’t supposed to feel this good. Or amazing. Or sensational. Avery wasn’t supposed to react to him this way. She didn’t even know this man! Oh, but she knew his gaze, so intent on her, and she was fixated on him.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">“Yes, Avery?”</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">He trailed kisses along her neck now. Desire burned within, igniting quickly. His lips were back on hers now. He darted his tongue out, touching the corners of Avery’s lips, pushing his way in gently. Avery opened for him, needing another taste. Lucas’s erection pressed into her, only making her want him more. She lost all senses, other than to kiss him. Lucas hoisted her up, still pressing her against the counter. Avery squealed and wrapped her legs around him. More fiery kisses came next. His tongue was gentle, daring, inquiring. “Avery.” He moaned against her lips, nipping lightly. “I want to take you to-”</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">They broke apart as the sound of loud voices neared. Lucas put her down quickly and backed away from her.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">“Oh shit.” Avery giggled, heart thundering in her chest, and blood roaring in her ears. That was close. Had anyone come in to see them, especially her parents … she’d never live it down. Need pooled within her, but the distraction was probably a good thing, otherwise she didn’t know what would have happened next. She could almost picture what they might have- No, no. She wouldn’t have let things go that far, not here!</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">The fact that she had to convince herself of that meant that she very well might have given herself to Lucas, right then and there. What was wrong with her? She never lost that much sense, not for anything or anyone.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">Emotions heightened, she fidgeted with her hair, smoothing it back and straightening her clothes as if nothing happened. Lucas still stared at her, that look of lust in his eyes, and smiled. “Well, that was fun,” he teased. If he was trying to ease the tension, it worked. Avery laughed out loud. Inside, she wasn’t. How could she lose control like that?</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">Check out all the other authors participating!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: magenta; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia;"><br />NYT Bestselling Author Maggie Shayne<br /><a href="http://maggieshayne.com/coffee-house-blog/962/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://maggieshayne.com/coffee-house-blog/962/</span></a><br /><br />NYT and USA Today Bestselling Author Dianne Duvall<br /><a href="http://dianneduvall.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">dianneduvall.blogspot.com</a><br /><br />Marlie Bridges<br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://marliebridges.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://marliebridges.com</a></span></b><br />
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<b>DA Berry</b></div>
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://daberryauthor.wordpress.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">daberryauthor.wordpress.com</a></span></b><br />
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<b>JA Garland</b></div>
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia;"><a href="http://jagarland.blogspot.com/2013/09/sultry-summer-reads-blog-hop.html" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://jagarland.blogspot.com/2013/09/sultry-summer-reads-blog-hop.html</span></a><br /><br />Karen Rose Smith</b><br />
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<b><a href="http://karenrosesmith.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span>http://karenrosesmith.blogspot.com</a><br /><br />Christina Tetreault</b></div>
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia;"><a href="http://happilyeverafter-cgtetreault.blogspot.com/2013/09/sultry-summer-reads-blog-hop.html" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://happilyeverafter-cgtetreault.blogspot.com/2013/09/sultry-summer-reads-blog-hop.html</a></b><br />
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<b style="background-color: white;"><br />Carole Avila<br /><a href="http://caroleavilablog.wordpress.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://caroleavilablog.wordpress.com<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">/</span></span></a><br /><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John Klawitter</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.johnklawitter.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.johnklawitter.blogspot.com</a> </span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bella Street</span></b></div>
<b style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://bellastreetwrites.blogspot.com/2013/09/sultry-summer-reads-blog-hop-stop.html" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://bellastreetwrites.blogspot.com/2013/09/sultry-summer-reads-blog-hop-stop.html</span></a></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lyndi Lamont</span></b></div>
<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><a href="http://www.lyndilamont.com/blog" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.lyndilamont.com/blog</span></a></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Celia Breslin</span><br /><a href="http://celiabreslin.com/blog/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://celiabreslin.com/blog/</a></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">MK Schilling</span><br /><a href="http://tabithablake.blogspot.com/2013/09/sultry-summer-reads-blog-hop.html" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://tabithablake.blogspot.com/2013/09/sultry-summer-reads-blog-hop.html</span></a></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><a href="http://www.brendamdyer.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.brendamdyer.blogspot.com</span></a></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nikki Lynn Barrett</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">JoAnne Myers</span><br /><a href="http://www.booksandpaintingsbyjoanne.com/page2" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.booksandpaintingsbyjoanne.com/page2</a><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bobbi Romans</span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://bobbiromans.wordpress.com/2013/03/15/welcome-to-the-yakpad/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://bobbiromans.wordpress.com/2013/03/15/welcome-to-the-yakpad/</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;">Susan Mac Nichol</span><br /><a href="http://susanmacnicol.wordpress.com/2013/09/11/safari-heat-blog-hop-sept-11-16th/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://susanmacnicol.wordpress.com/2013/09/11/safari-heat-blog-hop-sept-11-16th/</span></a></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Denyse Bridger</span><br /><a href="http://fantasy-pages.blogspot.com/" style="text-align: center; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://fantasy-pages.blogspot.com</a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;">Dianne Venetta</span><br /><span style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.diannevenetta.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Http://www.diannevenetta.com</a></span><br /><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mimi Barbour</span></span><br /><a href="http://www.mimibarbour.blogspot.com/" style="text-align: center; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.mimibarbour.blogspot.com</a><br /><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Amber Kallyn</span></span><br /><span style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amberkallyn.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.amberkallyn.com</a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Allie Boniface</span><br /><a href="http://www.allieboniface.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.allieboniface.blogspot.com</a></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Cathleen Ross</b></span></div>
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<b><a href="http://cathleenross.com/CR/blog/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://cathleenross.com/CR/blog/</a></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jami Gray</span><br /><a href="http://jamigray.com/2013/09/11/hop-time-safari-heats-sultrysummerreads-is-ready-to-set-your-summer-on-fire-giveaways-prizes-summerreads/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://jamigray.com/2013/09/11/hop-time-safari-heats-sultrysummerreads-is-ready-to-set-your-summer-on-fire-giveaways-prizes-summerreads/</span></a></b></div>
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<a href="http://lyndafrazier.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: black;">http://lyndafrazier.blogspot.com</span></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b><br /></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lynda Bailey</span></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.lyndabailey.net/category/blog/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: black;">http://www.lyndabailey.net/category/blog/</span></b></span></a></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Carolina Valdez</span><br /><a href="http://fingerstothekeys.wordpress.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://fingerstothekeys.wordpress.com</a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rosanna Leo</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.rosannaleo.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: black;">www.rosannaleo.blogspot.com</span></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Molly O'Keefe</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://drunkwritertalk.blogspot.ca/2013/09/its-hot-its-steamy-its-wild-child.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: black;">http://drunkwritertalk.blogspot.ca/2013/09/its-hot-its-steamy-its-wild-child.html</span></b></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shannon Mayer</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://tabithablake.blogspot.com/2013/09/sultry-summer-reads-blog-hop_9600.html" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: black;">http://tabithablake.blogspot.com/2013/09/sultry-summer-reads-blog-hop_9600.html</span></b></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Carey Abbott</span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-decoration: none;"><b style="text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://tabithablake.blogspot.com/2013/09/sultry-summer-reads-blog-hop_10.html" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://tabithablake.blogspot.com/2013/09/sultry-summer-reads-blog-hop_10.html</a></b></span></div>
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<br />Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17177290366315552643noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732205666316862045.post-29893783940154339872013-09-07T00:00:00.000-07:002013-09-07T00:00:06.675-07:00My Sexy Saturday September 7<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_18zLwLVcp0/UipeWzM4fQI/AAAAAAAAJyQ/NS-hnrpYaww/s1600/Header+for+Lynn_Sexy+Saturday.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="70" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_18zLwLVcp0/UipeWzM4fQI/AAAAAAAAJyQ/NS-hnrpYaww/s320/Header+for+Lynn_Sexy+Saturday.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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Welcome to My Sexy Saturday! This is a fun little hop where authors are sharing snippets of their work, something that feels sexy to them. Everyone has a different opinion on what's sexy, so this is really fun to see what others come up with.<br />
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My Snippet today comes from my latest release <span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><b>THE MELODY IN MY HEAD. </b></span><br />
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Melody is at work and Jameson gives her a call out of the blue and they have a short conversation. Here's today's snippet!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vfT_C7oaXso/Uipe4OJJ-pI/AAAAAAAAJyY/psC-lTpj4Tw/s1600/ebookcoverkindle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vfT_C7oaXso/Uipe4OJJ-pI/AAAAAAAAJyY/psC-lTpj4Tw/s640/ebookcoverkindle.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><b>"That's good. Anyway, I don't want to keep you long. I was hoping maybe you'll wait up for me tonight, if you aren't too tired. I have something planned, if you're up for it."</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><b>That certainly caught her interest. "Really? What would that be?" What on earth would he plan for when he got home after eleven? And now she'd have to wait all day just to find out! Jameson had a way of driving her crazy even when he wasn't around. Damn him. Melody smiled.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><b>"That, sweet Melody, is a surprise." Jameson chuckled.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><b>He'd given her a nickname. Sweet Melody. Call her giddy and a sap, but she enjoyed it. Loved the way he treated her so well. She held back the tears. This was getting way out of hand. What right did she have to get his hopes up, let alone her own? She didn't know how to easily stay away from him anymore.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><b>"Tell you what. If I'm asleep, you have my permission to come wake me." My, how the possibilities ran through her mind with that one. She'd do everything within her power to stay awake, but just in case...</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><b>Goosebumps broke out on her arms at the thought.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><b>"Hmm. Now I'm not sure if I want you awake or asleep when I get home." He chuckled. "I'll let you get back to work. Until tonight. I'll be thinking of you." Jameson made a noise that sounded like a kiss, and disconnected the call.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><b>Ahh, I love these two :) I have to say, Melody is a lucky gal to have snagged Jameson. ;) </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><b>Be sure to check out the other participants in the hop. Thanks for stopping by! I'd LOVE to know what you think. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Melody-Head-Music-Texas-ebook/dp/B00E6MXWCG/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1">Melody and Jameson on Amazon</a></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-melody-in-my-head-nikki-lynn-barrett/1116233923?ean=2940148513889">Melody and Jameson on Barnes & Noble</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-melody-in-my-head">Melody and Jameson on Kobo</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17928959-the-melody-in-my-head">Add to Goodreads Shelf</a><br />
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<!-- start LinkyTools script --><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=209418" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- end LinkyTools script -->Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17177290366315552643noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732205666316862045.post-10976045684352440272013-08-17T01:00:00.000-07:002013-08-17T01:00:02.078-07:00My Sexy Saturday Blog Hop, August 17<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VsTnXwQfi8E/Ug7GuILbUyI/AAAAAAAAJiY/DkPatJNgnt8/s1600/LynnSexySaturday_button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VsTnXwQfi8E/Ug7GuILbUyI/AAAAAAAAJiY/DkPatJNgnt8/s1600/LynnSexySaturday_button.jpg" /></a><br />
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Welcome to My Sexy Saturday! It's been quite sometime since I've played, but I'm back and glad to be. This is where authors showcase a bit of their work. Posting seven lines,words or paragraphs of what they define as sexy. It could be anything....oh, the imaginations can run wild!<br />
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Today's sexy snippet is from my newly released contemporary/suspense novel, The Melody in My Head. This is book 2 of my Love and Music in Texas Series.<br />
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My sexy scene is at the tail end of a fun little roof top music fun between my hero, Jameson, and heroine Melody. Let me tell you, I think guitar players and country singers are sexy as it is, but that's just me :)<br />
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Here's my little snippet of my Sexy Saturday.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #660000;">“Does that mean you'll do it?” he grinned, knowing the answer already.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #660000;">She let out a sigh. “Yes, you win again.” A hint of a smile played at her lips.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XV0WVsn7D8k/Ug7GpCJ__yI/AAAAAAAAJiQ/8iKt9ebPoQQ/s1600/ebookcoverkindle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><span style="color: #660000;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XV0WVsn7D8k/Ug7GpCJ__yI/AAAAAAAAJiQ/8iKt9ebPoQQ/s320/ebookcoverkindle.jpg" width="200" /></span></b></a></div>
<b><span style="color: #660000;">Jameson leaned in and kissed them. Just a light peck.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #660000;">“Sorry. I wasn't thinking.” He pulled away fast, almost anticipating a slap.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #660000;">“You can try not thinking again, if you want,” Melody said slyly, staring at him from under her lashes.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #660000;">He raised his brow. “Oh?” Was that an invitation to kiss her again? So she felt a little spark just as he</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #660000;">had? “Who knew not thinking had it's perks?” He lowered his face to hers again.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #660000;">She chuckled. “It's only on occasion. Don't get used to it.”</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #660000;">He wouldn't, but that didn't stop him from claiming her lips again. In the back of his mind, he couldn't</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #660000;">believe he was doing this. Kissing Melody, especially after everything she'd just told him about. It proved he</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #660000;">knew nothing about her. She had things to hide, plenty of baggage.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></b>
<b>And there you have it! My sexy snippet. I hope you enjoyed.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Here's where you can find The Melody In My Head.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17928959-the-melody-in-my-head">Goodreads</a></b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Melody-Head-Music-Texas-ebook/dp/B00E6MXWCG/ref=pd_sim_kstore_2">Amazon</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-melody-in-my-head-nikki-lynn-barrett/1116233923?ean=2940148513889">Barnes & Noble</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Be sure to check out some of the other authors playing today! There's a little something for everyone! it's a great way to find something new to read!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="Left" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" id="DataList1" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left; width: 669px;"><tbody>
<tr></tr>
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<div style="float: left; font-size: 10px; text-align: right; vertical-align: top; width: 28px;">
1.</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.15; margin-left: 34px; vertical-align: top;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6758433" style="color: #531d99; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Linked to: wp.me/p3rtWs-3Zd">Jessica E. Subject</a></div>
</div>
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<div style="float: left; font-size: 10px; text-align: right; vertical-align: top; width: 28px;">
2.</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.15; margin-left: 34px; vertical-align: top;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6758951" style="color: #531d99; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Linked to: wp.me/p2R1Mt-7O">Jennifer Garcia, Author</a></div>
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3.</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.15; margin-left: 34px; vertical-align: top;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6758993" style="color: #531d99; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Linked to: www.kristaames.com">Krista Ames</a></div>
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4.</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.15; margin-left: 34px; vertical-align: top;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6760835" style="color: #531d99; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Linked to: alittlebitofnaughty.blogspot.com/">Dakota Trace - A Little Bit of Naughty</a></div>
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5.</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.15; margin-left: 34px; vertical-align: top;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6760950" style="color: #531d99; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Linked to: laynap.wordpress.com">Layna Pimentel</a></div>
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6.</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.15; margin-left: 34px; vertical-align: top;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6761513" style="color: #531d99; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Linked to: haleywhitehall.com/sexy-saturday-august-17-2013">Haley Whitehall</a></div>
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7.</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.15; margin-left: 34px; vertical-align: top;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6761624" style="color: #531d99; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Linked to: www.lynncrain.blogspot.com">XtraOrdinary Romance</a></div>
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8.</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.15; margin-left: 34px; vertical-align: top;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6762039" style="color: #531d99; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Linked to: sexyforreview.blogspot.com/">Sexy Erotic Xciting</a></div>
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9.</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.15; margin-left: 34px; vertical-align: top;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6762386" style="color: #531d99; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Linked to: nightsofpassion.wordpress.com">Nights of Passion</a></div>
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<div style="float: left; font-size: 10px; text-align: right; vertical-align: top; width: 28px;">
10.</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.15; margin-left: 34px; vertical-align: top;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6762996" style="color: #531d99; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Linked to: roxywilson.wordpress.com/">Roxy Wilson - Where the sexy things are. . .</a></div>
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<div style="float: left; font-size: 10px; text-align: right; vertical-align: top; width: 28px;">
11.</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.15; margin-left: 34px; vertical-align: top;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6763757" style="color: #531d99; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Linked to: ellencross.blogspot.com.au/">Ellen Cross - Romance on the Wild Side</a></div>
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12.</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.15; margin-left: 34px; vertical-align: top;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6763879" style="color: #531d99; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Linked to: the-ruthin-trilogy.blogspot.com">the ruthin trilogy romance book blog</a></div>
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13.</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.15; margin-left: 34px; vertical-align: top;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6766265" style="color: #531d99; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Linked to: kayphoenix.blogspot.com/">Kay Phoenix - Love that Transforms the Heart</a></div>
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14.</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.15; margin-left: 34px; vertical-align: top;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6767064" style="color: #531d99; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Linked to: www.morticiaknight.blogspot.com">Morticia Knight - Daring Adventures in Writing</a></div>
</div>
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<div style="float: left; font-size: 10px; text-align: right; vertical-align: top; width: 28px;">
15.</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.15; margin-left: 34px; vertical-align: top;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6768274" style="color: #531d99; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Linked to: calliopesotherwritingtablet.blogspot.com/">Rose Anderson's - Calliope'sOtherWritingTablet</a></div>
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<div style="float: left; font-size: 10px; text-align: right; vertical-align: top; width: 28px;">
16.</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.15; margin-left: 34px; vertical-align: top;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6770145" style="color: #531d99; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Linked to: www.sabrinadevonshireromances.com">Sabrina Devonshire Romances</a></div>
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<div style="float: left; font-size: 10px; text-align: right; vertical-align: top; width: 28px;">
17.</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.15; margin-left: 34px; vertical-align: top;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6770628" style="color: #38761d;" target="_blank" title="Linked to: elodieparkes.blogspot.com">Elodie Parkes erotic romance</a></div>
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18.</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.15; margin-left: 34px; vertical-align: top;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6770640" style="color: #531d99; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Linked to: donnamichaelsauthor.blogspot.com/">Donna Michaels-Donna's Dish</a></div>
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19.</div>
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<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6770641" style="color: #531d99; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Linked to: dlindunauthor.blogspot.com/">D'Ann Lindun</a></div>
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20.</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.15; margin-left: 34px; vertical-align: top;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6771057" style="color: #531d99; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Linked to: www.daniwade.wordpress.com/blog">Dani Wade Blog</a></div>
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<div style="float: left; font-size: 10px; text-align: right; vertical-align: top; width: 28px;">
21.</div>
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<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6776364" style="color: #531d99; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Linked to: authoramandabretz.wordpress.com/press/blog-hops/">Author Amanda Bretz</a></div>
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22.</div>
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<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6777662" style="color: #531d99; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Linked to: www.carrie-pulkinen.blogspot.com/">Carrie Pulkinen</a></div>
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23.</div>
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<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6778655" style="color: #531d99; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Linked to: www.carlycarson.com/my-sexy-saturday-snippet-baby-its-cold-outside/">Carly Carson Sexy Romance</a></div>
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24.</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.15; margin-left: 34px; vertical-align: top;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6779747" style="color: #531d99; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Linked to: adrianakraft.com/?p=4713">Adriana Kraft</a></div>
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25.</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.15; margin-left: 34px; vertical-align: top;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6783739" style="color: #531d99; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Linked to: jinabacarr.wordpress.com">Confessions of a Working Girl by Jina Bacarr</a></div>
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28.</div>
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<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6786598" style="color: #531d99; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Linked to: www.nikkilynnbarrett.blogspot.com">Nikki Lynn Barrett: Welcome to My World</a></div>
</div>
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</tbody></table>
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<b><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></b>
Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17177290366315552643noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732205666316862045.post-85895525166168092772013-08-05T01:23:00.002-07:002013-08-05T01:23:37.893-07:00Mad Libs Monday with Christine Warner: The excerpt! <br />
Okay! Guess what? Today, we unveil the story with the Mad Libs words YOU provided! We'll share the Mad libs version, and the real version written by the author, which she graciously allowed me to tear apart to MadLib-Ify!<br />
<br />
Now, if you are interested in having me play with one of your excerpts for Mad Libs Monday, contact me at either Stormgoddess925@yahoo.com or Nikkilynnbarrett@yahoo.com.<br />
<br />
I will also draw announce the winner of Christine's giveaway today! If you recall, Christine offered up a copy of either Two Timing the Boss or Some Like it In Handcuffs in PDF format to one commenter.<br />
<br />
I thought I'd get both of those announcements out of the way BEFORE I unleash the excerpts, because I know some missed it the last time since they were laughing so hard!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Drum roll please!!.......<br />
<br />
The winner, using random.org is<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
E. Ayer July 30, 2013 at 1:45 AM<br />
For #10 I pick INSERTED<br />
<br />
<br />
Congratulations, E! You've won a copy of one of Christine's backlist books! Please contact me as soon as possible!<br />
<br />
<br />
Stay tuned, because tomorrow I'll post a new Mad Lib Game for next week's Mad Lib Monday.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And now, a word from Christine!<br />
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<br />
<br />
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<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: TimesTenLTStd-Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hi
Nikki and Nikki’s readers! I’m excited to be here to play Mad
Lib. This little excerpt is from my latest release from the
Indulgence line with Entangled Publishing titled Bachelor’s
Special. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: TimesTenLTStd-Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I’ll
give a little bit of a lead in so that you know what’s going on in
this snippet.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: TimesTenLTStd-Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Jill
Adgate’s car broke down on a deserted road in the middle of a rain
storm. She called Chet Castle who is her boss and the man she made a
deal with to help her get her catering career jump started. The only
problem being that she didn’t count of her attraction becoming such
a distraction…</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: TimesTenLTStd-Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: TimesTenLTStd-Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">HAPPY
READING!!!</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
BLURB:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Saute, simmer, and flambé…</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Jill Adgate wants three
things from life: a successful catering business, the devoted love of
an exceptional man, and a family. What she has is no job, a mounting
pile of bills, and her outspoken best friend—who sets her up on a
blind date with the man who inadvertently ruined Jill’s life.</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Chet Castle is a
prosperous businessman who has everything, except the ability to
trust. Burned by a money-hungry fiancée, he refuses to get involved
with any relationship that has a shelf life longer than a head of
lettuce.</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Intrigued by her ambition—and
determined to get her in bed—Chet offers Jill the chance of a
lifetime: Work for him for the next eight weeks as his live-in chef
and he’ll help her get her catering business off the ground. When
sparks fly in the kitchen, Jill realizes what’s cooking with her
commitment-phobic employer is a recipe for disaster…but it’s just
too tasty to not take a bite.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jPAm3Fqg7r0/UfX2YtrMFqI/AAAAAAAAJSc/jmF9eFytFiM/s1600/bs+200+x+300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jPAm3Fqg7r0/UfX2YtrMFqI/AAAAAAAAJSc/jmF9eFytFiM/s1600/bs+200+x+300.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />
Here's the Mad Libbed Excerpt. The words in red are the replaced words. The excerpt below this is the actual exerpt:<br />
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<br />
<br />
Less than <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #660000;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">4,683</span></b></span></span> minutes later, Jill sat tucked beneath a soft <b><span style="color: #660000;">lick</span></b>, knees against chest, heels on the edge of her seat. Heat, cranked to high, blasted from the vents of Chet’s car. Pure, blissful heaven.<br />
<br />
“It’s like a tropical vacation in here.” She <b><span style="color: #660000;">camped.</span></b><br />
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He chuckled and, through the dimness, she sensed him glance in her direction, though she stared straight ahead. Ever the backseat driver, she paid attention to the road in case she needed to point out any hazards that might <b><span style="color: #660000;">skate</span></b> into their path.<br />
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“Next time you need to go out, take one of my cars. I’d feel better knowing you were in a reliable vehicle.”<br />
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She couldn’t <b><span style="color: #660000;">sleep </span></b>with that, though her pride wanted to. “I’ve been taking care of myself for so long—”<br />
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“—it’s just become habit.”<br />
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“Your psychic abilities freak me out sometimes.”<br />
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This time he laughed. The low rumble hummed along her <span style="color: #660000;"><b>intestines</b></span>. Even in semi-darkness, he oozed sex appeal. From her side vision, she peeked at him, not wanting to be too obvious. My God, he was an impressive man. Dark and <b><span style="color: #660000;">furry</span></b> Not like she never noticed, but in the confines of his car, with minimal light, it became more obvious. He focused straight ahead,<b><span style="color: #660000;"> eyelash</span></b> relaxed. Strong fingers moved with confidence along the (NOUN) In the soft red glow of the instrument panel, he looked like<br />
a <b><span style="color: #660000;">raindrop </span></b> One on a mission.<br />
<br />
Rescuing a damsel in distress.<br />
<br />
In this movie script, she’d play the damsel. Her knees weakened at the idea. What would his superpower be? Maybe he’d fly, turn invisible, read minds, which he kind of already did. No. No, she knew exactly what his superpower would be.<br />
<br />
She <b><span style="color: #660000;">inserted</span></b> on her laugh, and he glanced at her and chuckled, too. Like he was in on her <b><span style="color: #660000;">dance studio. </span></b><br />
<br />
Yes, Chet Castle’s superpower would be the ability to disintegrate underwear from any female form.<br />
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THE REAL EXCERPT:<br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: TimesTenLTStd-Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Less than forty minutes later, Jill sat tucked beneath a soft blanket, knees against chest, heels on the edge of her seat. Heat, cranked to high, blasted from the vents of Chet’s car. Pure, blissful heaven.</span></span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: TimesTenLTStd-Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">It’s like a tropical vacation in here.” She sighed.</span></span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: TimesTenLTStd-Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">He chuckled and, through the dimness, she sensed him glance in her direction, though she stared straight ahead. Ever the backseat driver, she paid attention to the road in case she needed to point out any hazards that might jump into their path.</span></span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: TimesTenLTStd-Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Next time you need to go out, take one of my cars. I’d feel better knowing you were in a reliable vehicle.”</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: TimesTenLTStd-Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">She couldn’t argue with that, though her pride wanted to. “I’ve been taking care of myself for so long—”</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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“—<span style="font-family: TimesTenLTStd-Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">it’s just become habit.”</span></span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: TimesTenLTStd-Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Your psychic abilities freak me out sometimes.”</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: TimesTenLTStd-Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">This time he laughed. The low rumble hummed along her skin. Even in semi-darkness, he oozed sex appeal. From her side vision, she peeked at him, not wanting to be too obvious. My God, he was an impressive man. Dark and mysterious. Not like she never noticed, but in the confines of his car, with minimal light, it became more obvious. He focused straight ahead, face relaxed. Strong fingers moved with confidence along the steering wheel. In the soft red glow of the instrument panel, he looked like</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: TimesTenLTStd-Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">a superhero. One on a mission.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: TimesTenLTStd-Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rescuing a damsel in distress.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: TimesTenLTStd-Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">In this movie script, she’d play the damsel. Her knees weakened at the idea. What would his superpower be? Maybe he’d fly, turn invisible, read minds, which he kind of already did. No. No, she knew exactly what his superpower would be.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: TimesTenLTStd-Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">She choked on her laugh, and he glanced at her and chuckled, too. Like he was in on her joke.</span></span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: TimesTenLTStd-Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yes, Chet Castle’s superpower would be the ability to disintegrate underwear from any female form.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: TimesTenLTStd-Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Thanks for playing along. I’d love to share the blurb for Bachelor’s Special as well as the links so that we can connect in cyber space. And if Bachelor’s Special sounds like a read you might enjoy, I’ve included the buy links as well!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">A bit about Christine:</span> </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DW7-tfjyE3g/Uf9gzaXc9aI/AAAAAAAAJYM/yIQKqftSIpg/s1600/christine9+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DW7-tfjyE3g/Uf9gzaXc9aI/AAAAAAAAJYM/yIQKqftSIpg/s320/christine9+(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Christine Warner is living her dream in Michigan along with her husband, three children, one laptop and a much loved assortment of furry friends. </div>
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Besides laughing and a good round of humor, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, reading, writing but no arithmitic. A confessed people watcher, she finds inspiration for her stories in everyday activities. She loves to read and write about strong heroes and determined, sometimes sassy, heroines.</div>
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A girl gone wild, at least where social media is concerned, she enjoys meeting other avid readers and writers on facebook, twitter and her website.</div>
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<span style="color: black;">website: </span><a href="http://christine-warner.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: purple;">http://christine-warner.com/</span></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Twitter under @ChristinesWords:</span> <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/ChristinesWords" target="_blank"><span style="color: purple;">https://twitter.com/#!/ChristinesWords</span></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Facebook page : </span>h<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Christine-Warner/143430882396013" target="_blank"><span style="color: purple;">ttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Christine-Warner/143430882396013</span></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Goodreads:</span> <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5763713.Christine_Warner" target="_blank"><span style="color: purple;">http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5763713.Christine_Warner</span></a></div>
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<b>BUY LINKS:</b></div>
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<b>Barnes & Nobel: </b><span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bachelors-special-christine-warner/1115250848?ean=9781622661312"><b>http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bachelors-special-christine-warner/1115250848?ean=9781622661312</b></a></u></span></div>
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<b>Amazon: </b><span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bachelors-Special-Entangled-Indulgence-ebook/dp/B00CNTSVB6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1369342052&sr=8-1&keywords=christine+warner"><b>http://www.amazon.com/Bachelors-Special-Entangled-Indulgence-ebook/dp/B00CNTSVB6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1369342052&sr=8-1&keywords=christine+warner</b></a></u></span></div>
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<b>Kobo: </b><span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Bachelors-Special/book-ymNN_qSIaUi8PBWwPe_JyA/page1.html?s=K2kMxRAOXE-3u7T7udMTew&r=2"><b>http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Bachelors-Special/book-ymNN_qSIaUi8PBWwPe_JyA/page1.html?s=K2kMxRAOXE-3u7T7udMTew&r=2</b></a></u></span></div>
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Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17177290366315552643noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732205666316862045.post-54919870620667208412013-07-28T22:05:00.001-07:002013-07-28T22:05:05.032-07:00Mad Libs Monday with Christine Warner! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jPAm3Fqg7r0/UfX2YtrMFqI/AAAAAAAAJSY/pk__ItojZeY/s1600/bs+200+x+300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jPAm3Fqg7r0/UfX2YtrMFqI/AAAAAAAAJSY/pk__ItojZeY/s1600/bs+200+x+300.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />
Mad Libs Monday is Back! Today, we're playing Mad Libs, Bachelor's Special Style!<br />
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So of course, Christine gave me an excerpt, and i tore it apart, taking out the real words...Oh yes, I am destructive that way. So, below is the list of types of words we need filled in! Then, when they have all been filled, I'll put the new words into the excerpt, and well....let's just say, be prepared to laugh. If you need an idea of how this works, check out the mad libs posts from Baby Stetson when we played a few weeks ago.<br />
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<a href="http://www.nikkilynnbarrett.blogspot.com/2013/07/mad-libs-monday.html">http://www.nikkilynnbarrett.blogspot.com/2013/07/mad-libs-monday.html</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.nikkilynnbarrett.blogspot.com/2013/07/mad-libs-monday-excerpt.html">http://www.nikkilynnbarrett.blogspot.com/2013/07/mad-libs-monday-excerpt.html</a><br />
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Here's what you need to do when commenting. All the words have been numbered. If you pick a word, then you need to say "For number 10, I chose (and give me your word) Please keep an eye on the other comments as to not double up on a word so that we don't cause a big train wreck. Now, let's keep this semi clean if at all possible. I mean, have fun, but let's not get super dirty here. Lol I know, I know...but trust me, these will still be fun!<br />
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So, when all of the words have been filled, I'll post the excerpts. The point of the game is to NOT know the story you are filling the words in for. Yes, this is NOT supposed to make sense....that's the fun of it all!<br />
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Christine has offered up a great giveaway. One lucky commenter will win their choice of a PDF of either Some Like It in Handcuffs or Two Timing The Boss. (Both GREAT books, by the way!)<br />
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Ready, set, Mad Lib!<br />
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<ol>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: TimesTenLTStd-Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">NUMBER-</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: TimesTenLTStd-Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">NOUN</span></span></div>
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<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: TimesTenLTStd-Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">VERBE,
PAST TENSE</span></span></div>
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<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: TimesTenLTStd-Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">VERB</span></span></div>
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<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: TimesTenLTStd-Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">VERB</span></span></div>
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<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: TimesTenLTStd-Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">BODY
PART </span></span>
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<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: TimesTenLTStd-Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">ADJECTIVE
</span></span>
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<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: TimesTenLTStd-Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">BODY
PART </span></span>
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</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: TimesTenLTStd-Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">NOUN</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: TimesTenLTStd-Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">VERB,
PAST TENSE </span></span>
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: TimesTenLTStd-Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">NOUN</span></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17177290366315552643noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732205666316862045.post-40735965434918105942013-07-15T12:17:00.002-07:002013-07-15T12:17:58.261-07:00Mad Libs Monday- the excerpt!
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Okay, we've finally got tall the words filled in....so are you ready to read the excerpt I took the real words away from? Here it is. Now the fun thing about Mad Libs is that this isn't really supposed to make sense...it's just fun, laughter, and surprises!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">This is from Baby Stetson.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eu1rJjYxpi4/UeRGsROEUPI/AAAAAAAAJFY/DSTQXZqNNic/s1600/babystetsoncover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eu1rJjYxpi4/UeRGsROEUPI/AAAAAAAAJFY/DSTQXZqNNic/s320/babystetsoncover.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The words highlighted in RED are what readers picked. Below is the correct excerpt: </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lucas was <span style="color: #660000;"><b>RUNNING</b> </span> pots when Avery entered the <span style="color: #660000;"><b>BATHROOM</b></span> . He looked
up at the sound of the door and smiled. She took in the sight of how
clean everything looked, as most of the dishes were already cleaned
up. “Lucas!” she exclaimed. “It looks so clean in here!” </span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> He laughed, then
feigned a wounded look. “I <span style="color: #660000;"><b>SCATTER</b></span>, and yes, I clean too, Avery.”
He flicked a handful of <b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #660000;">CATS</span></span> </b>at her. “Don’t sound so
<b><span style="color: #660000;">HOT.</span></b>” </span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> “I- Oh wow. That
sounded all wrong, didn’t it?” Avery <span style="color: #660000;"><b>SWEAT</b></span> She wiped away the
suds that landed on her <span style="color: #660000;"><b>EAR</b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> “I know what you
meant though. It’s all right. Hey, I saved you a <b><span style="color: #660000;">BEACH</span></b> if you’re
hungry.” </span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Lucas <b><span style="color: #660000;">ATE</span></b> his hands
on a <b><span style="color: #660000;">NIKKI</span></b> then turned and pointed at the </span><b><span style="color: #990000;">TEDDY BEAR.</span></b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> “You may want
to warm it up for a minute or so.” </span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> How thoughtful.</span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> “Thank you, Lucas.
I appreciate that, so much. I’ve been <b><span style="color: #660000;">SWEATING </span></b> the
aroma for hours and wanted so badly to eat.” </span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> She put the microwave
timer on for a minute. </span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> “I know you didn’t
get a chance to do much when you got here. I just wanted to make
sure you took care of yourself, too. I know you’re worried about
your mom and all.” </span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Avery leaned in and</span><b><span style="color: #660000;">
SCREAMED </span></b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> him, resting against his broad </span><b><span style="color: #660000;">EAR.</span></b><span style="font-size: x-small;">
“Thank you. So much. You’ve been wonderful tonight.” </span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> His <b><span style="color: #660000;">EYELASHES</span></b> snaked around her, drawing her to him. “It’s the least I could
do, Avery. I know I’ve been a big contradiction, driving you
crazy. I’m sorry for that.” </span></span>
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> “I think I’ll
forgive you, this time,” Avery teased. She looked up in his <b><span style="color: #660000;">ELBOWS</span></b> . So dark, so full of question, so ... <b><span style="color: #660000;">EXPLOSIVE</span></b> “I want
to get to know you, Lucas.” </span></span>
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> “I want to know you
too, Avery. But if you knew more about me, I’m not sure you’d
want to know anymore.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Are you laughing yet? I know I am! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Lucas was washing pots when Avery entered the kitchen. He looked up at the sound of the door and smiled. She took in the sight of how clean everything looked, as most of the dishes were already cleaned up. “Lucas!” she exclaimed. “It looks so clean in here!” </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>He laughed, then feigned a wounded look. “I cook, and yes, I clean too, Avery.” He flicked a handful of soap suds at her. “Don’t sound so surprised.” </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“I- Oh wow. That sounded all wrong, didn’t it?” Avery laughed. She wiped away the suds that landed on her shoulder. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“I know what you meant though. It’s all right. Hey, I saved you a plate if you’re hungry.” </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Lucas dried his hands on a dish towel, then turned and pointed at the microwave. “You may want to warm it up for a minute or so.” </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>How thoughtful. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Thank you, Lucas. I appreciate that, so much. I’ve been smelling the aroma for hours and wanted so badly to eat.” </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>She put the microwave timer on for a minute. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“I know you didn’t get a chance to do much when you got here. I just wanted to make sure you took care of yourself, too. I know you’re worried about your mom and all.” </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Avery leaned in and hugged him, resting against his broad chest. “Thank you. So much. You’ve been wonderful tonight.” </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>His arms snaked around her, drawing her to him. “It’s the least I could do, Avery. I know I’ve been a big contradiction, driving you crazy. I’m sorry for that.” </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“I think I’ll forgive you, this time,” Avery teased. She looked up in his eyes. So dark, so full of question, so ... beautiful. “I want to get to know you, Lucas.” </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“I want to know you too, Avery. But if you knew more about me, I’m not sure you’d want to know anymore.” </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Stetson-Music-Texas-ebook/dp/B00BWIE1GI/ref=la_B00A9UDX0K_1_1_title_1_kin?ie=UTF8&qid=1365362441&sr=1-1">Baby Stetson Amazon</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/baby-stetson-nikki-lynn-barrett/1114866006?ean=2940016243566">Baby Stetson Barnes & Noble</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Authors, if you enjoyed this creative fun way to share excerpts, you're welcome to sign up for a spot on Mad Libs Monday! Just send me an excerpt, not too long, probably not longer than 200 words and I'll...err...take it apart and then post what words need to be filled, then get comments to fill them in! If interested email me at nikkilynnbarrett@yahoo.com</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thanks for playing, and thanks for reading! </span></div>
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Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17177290366315552643noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732205666316862045.post-51286167644968189332013-07-10T09:42:00.001-07:002013-07-15T11:58:06.262-07:00Mad Libs Monday- still need words filled :)<br />
All right....we're going to try something out here. If this works and it's fun, we'll continue it!<br />
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Does everyone remember the game Mad Libs? It's where you fill in words, like a verb, noun, etc, into a story. Except you don't know what that story is! So of course, all the words are silly and makes you giggle.<br />
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Well, I thought...why not play a little mad lib with snippets of stories? So, I hope my characters from baby Stetson don't kill me for this....but we're going to play a little Mad Libs with them!<br />
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What I need from you is whatever comment you happen to be, put the number in and and look at the list. If you see eight comments ahead of you, then look at number nine and put a word in for that request. Let's keep this somewhat clean...I don't want to go too crazy!<br />
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Ready for the list?<br />
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I'll give it a few days before posting the story with your words!<br />
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Ready, set, go! <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YGY9eRkZqCk/Ud2NXre8qjI/AAAAAAAAI-g/XnxBz-jApIk/s1600/babystetsoncover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YGY9eRkZqCk/Ud2NXre8qjI/AAAAAAAAI-g/XnxBz-jApIk/s400/babystetsoncover.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>
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We're going do this a little different today....Monday we got a little off track. Below are the words already filled in. This time, you get to pick the number, as long as it's not already been picked. Keep an eye out on the comments to make sure we don't double up. Here's how your comment should look.<br />
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EXAMPLE:<br />
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Word # 5- (And if it's a verb, fill that in)<br />
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If you've already played on Monday, you're welcome to add another word in!<br />
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The large letters in red are what has already been filled. Any word with no large red letters are what still needs to be picked :)<br />
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1. Verb ending in ING -<span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;"><b> RUNNING </b></span><br />
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2. room in a house <span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;"><b>BATHROOM </b></span><br />
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3. verb <span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;"><b>SCATTER </b></span><br />
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4. noun <span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;"><b> CAT </b></span><br />
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5. adjective <span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;"><b>HOT </b></span><br />
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6. verb <span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;"><b>SWEAT</b></span><br />
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7. body part <span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> <span style="color: #660000;">EAR</span></b></span><br />
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8. noun <span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;"><b>BEACH </b></span><br />
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9. verb <span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;"><b>EAT </b></span><br />
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10. noun <span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;"><b> NIKKI </b></span><br />
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11. noun <b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">TEDDY BEAR </span></b><br />
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12. verb ending in ING <span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;"><b> SWEATING </b></span><br />
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13. verb past tense <span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;"><b>SCREAMED </b></span><br />
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14. body part <span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;"><b> EYELASH</b></span><br />
15. body part plural -<span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;"><b> ELBOWS </b></span><br />
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16. body part <span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;"><b> BELLY BUTTON </b></span><br />
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17. adjective <span style="font-size: x-large;">- <b><span style="color: #660000;"> EXPLOSIVE</span></b></span><br />
<br />Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17177290366315552643noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732205666316862045.post-28927516504028164632013-07-08T00:00:00.000-07:002013-07-08T00:00:01.772-07:00Mad Libs MondayAll right....we're going to try something out here. If this works and it's fun, we'll continue it!<br />
<br />
Does everyone remember the game Mad Libs? It's where you fill in words, like a verb, noun, etc, into a story. Except you don't know what that story is! So of course, all the words are silly and makes you giggle.<br />
<br />
Well, I thought...why not play a little mad lib with snippets of stories? So, I hope my characters from baby Stetson don't kill me for this....but we're going to play a little Mad Libs with them!<br />
<br />
What I need from you is whatever comment you happen to be, put the number in and and look at the list. If you see eight comments ahead of you, then look at number nine and put a word in for that request. Let's keep this somewhat clean...I don't want to go too crazy!<br />
<br />
Ready for the list?<br />
<br />
I'll give it a few days before posting the story with your words!<br />
<br />
Ready, set, go! <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5AZq0Lauc-I/UdoT7O5HFSI/AAAAAAAAI8E/S8Qvuq34D0w/s1600/babystetsoncover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5AZq0Lauc-I/UdoT7O5HFSI/AAAAAAAAI8E/S8Qvuq34D0w/s640/babystetsoncover.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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1. Verb ending in ING<br />
2. room in a house<br />
3. verb<br />
4. noun<br />
5. adjective<br />
6. verb<br />
7. body part<br />
8. noun<br />
9. verb<br />
10. noun<br />
11. noun<br />
12. verb ending in ING<br />
13. verb past tense<br />
14. body part<br />
15. body part plural<br />
16. body part<br />
17. adjective<br />
Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17177290366315552643noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732205666316862045.post-19794185071298266372013-07-05T09:15:00.001-07:002013-07-05T09:15:46.587-07:00Musical Memories. I really need to start blogging more often on my author blog, so I'm looking for fun things to write about. This one will be an occasional occurrence- talking about songs that take me back to a certain memory. I think it's perfect, since it goes hand in hand with my writing a romance series about a country music band! Yup, our favorite (or at least mine) undiscovered country band by the name of Baby Stetson.<br />
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*Wink*<br />
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So today's song?<br />
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Sh-Boom by the Crew Cuts.<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9G0-4TWwew">Sh Boom on Youtube</a><br />
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The Memory:<br />
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I got my love of music- and singing- from my dad. He loves to sing! And i have memories of singing and dancing around with him. My dad is the kind of guy that likes to crank up the music and sing it loud, and I love to join him. We'd go for a drive somewhere and turn up the radio, singing along. He's also the kind of man that will sing and dance in public- he doesn't care! He says he's born without the embarrassed gene. I totally believe it. <br />
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I don't know where my life would be without music. It's my solace, and so there are many songs that I can listen to which will help me reflect on a certain part of my life. Some are good memories, some are difficult, but somehow I'm always associating events in my life with a song. <br />
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And when it comes to music and my books, my dad is one of my biggest supporters. It's great to be able to share two of my biggest dreams in life with him.<br />
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Thanks for coming by and reading! I'd love to know a song that takes you back to a memory. Stay tuned for more Music memories!<br />
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And if you haven't yet checked out my Love and Music in Texas stories...well, the first one (And the only one released) is available right now for just $.99 The passionate way Avery feels about music reflects mine, and so it was very easy to write her character with such emotion. I channeled my love of music to her character.<br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Stetson-Music-Texas-ebook/dp/B00BWIE1GI/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1363971733&sr=1-1&keywords=Baby+Stetson</b></span></span></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/baby-stetson-nikki-lynn-barrett/1114866006?ean=2940016243566</b></span></span></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Baby-Stetson/book-rP9VC1UvlEqgaOrJJXLatw/page1.html?s=91X-oMVbn0aPh2Tu_je</b></span></span></u></span></span><u style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>jRw&r=1</b></span></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>And stay tuned- this month the second installment of this series will be released! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17928959-the-melody-in-my-head">http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17928959-the-melody-in-my-head</a>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17177290366315552643noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732205666316862045.post-7965080661789353412013-06-27T00:30:00.000-07:002013-06-27T18:06:59.732-07:00Cover Reveal: The Melody In My Head: Love and Music In Texas, Book 2<br />
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I am really excited today! It's like Christmas! Okay....not really, but I am so happy to be revealing the cover to my next release, coming hopefully late July, THE MELODY IN MY HEAD!</div>
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For those of you that have read Baby Stetson, this is Jameson's story. </div>
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Blurb: <span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Welcome
back to Harmony's Echo, Texas.....</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Melody
Roland is on the run from the one person she trusted completely. One
who hid a dark past she could never have imagined. When a pregnant
woman on the bus she's fleeing on goes into labor, Melody rushes to
her aide. Now she finds herself stranded in a tiny remote town just
off the highway, with no way to her original destination. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">She's
alone, on edge, and unsure who to trust. Her instincts scream to get
far away and fast. But how and where?</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Jameson
Grant struggles through the roughest year of his life. Suffering from
the loss of his father, one grief stricken night, he made a mistake.
One which cost him the only woman he's ever loved. Each lonely day
he's faced with the constant reminders of how quick things can
change. Throwing himself into the one thing he has left, his music,
helps dull the pain he fights to keep hidden. His last salvation
begins to crumble as things spiral out of control and he has no
choice but to face the 'music' of his past. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The
last thing he needs or wants in his life is a woman with more trouble
on her heels than the best of country music lyrics. But Melody sings
a sirens call within him that can't be ignored.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Jameson
and Melody bond in ways stronger than either could have imagined, but
one dangerous person from her past may threaten it all...</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">If
she doesn't flee before he can convince her to stay, and that some
love songs last an eternity. </span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Excerpts: </span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The
door shut softly behind them. Jameson grabbed the lantern from the
porch and held it out to Melody. “Here. Hold this. We'll need a
little bit of light.” She took it hesitantly from his hand. Jameson
turned away and smiled. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Carefully
holding the guitar case, Jameson climbed the ladder resting on the
ride of the house. He should take it down, but until now, he'd
forgotten about it. He set the guitar case at the edge of the roof,
then glanced down at Melody. “Okay, hand me the blankets and the
light.” He called to her. Stepping down a few rungs, he reached for
the requested items. Once on the roof, he peered back at her again.
“Come on up!”</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> “Jameson,
what are we doing?” But she was laughing. When her head appeared at
the top, he held out a hand to her, helping to ease her up onto the
roof. He'd already set one blanket down for them to sit on. The other
he brought for her in case she got cold. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> “Getting
a great view of the stars.” Jameson pointed. One of the things he
loved about living in a small town was being able to see the sky at
night. One of the best views ever. Melody settled next to him on the
blanket, staring at the same direction. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> “It's
beautiful. I can't remember the last time I just stared at the
stars.” </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> It
had been awhile for him, too. But he knew when the last time he'd
been up here. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Jameson
set the lantern at the edge of the blanket and turned on the light.
It was bright enough for them to see, but not too bright to ruin the
view of the stars. “Are you cold? If you are, I have an extra
blanket.” He pointed to it, next to the guitar case. “The only
thing I forgot to grab was something to drink.”</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Melody
laughed. “I'll forgive you, you thought of everything else.” </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> He
enjoyed the sound of her laugh. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Jameson
shook that thought away and reached for his guitar. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> “Do
you do this often? Come up on the roof late at night with your
guitar?”</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> “Not
in some time.” Jameson held the guitar, pulling a pick out of the
case and strummed a few chords. “Sometimes, I need a different
environment other than the garage, you know? Nice thing is, there
aren't a lot of neighbors nearby, so I'm not disturbing anyone. “ </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> “It
is nice.” Melody mused, lying on her back. She crossed her arms
behind her head. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Jameson
started to play the chorus to a popular Taylor Swift song. He even
sang along, raising his voice a few octaves to mimic the sound.
Melody turned her head and laughed. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> “I'm
not sure that song fits your voice,” she teased. She rested her
head on her elbow, now interested in watching him.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Jameson
stopped mid-play. “No? Damn. Here I thought I was being all cool.”
</span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> That
got another giggle out of her. “You are cool! Just...sing a
different song.”</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> “All
right, all right. I'll find another song, since my Taylor
impersonation isn't appreciated.” Jameson pretended to pout, which
made Melody laugh again. He was on a roll, and his plan worked. The
mood had been lightened. “Okay, how about this?” He started to
play and sing an older Shania Twain song. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Melody
sat up, covering her mouth with her hand. He could see her body
shaking as she tried to hold in her laughter. “You know, Jameson,
that don't impress me much, either.” </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Pretending
to be hurt, he put the guitar down. “What am I doing wrong? Is my
singing that bad? That's a first. Usually, I win them all with these
songs.” </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> “Oh
Jameson. You're so funny.” </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> “Okay,
one last time, and hopefully third time will be the charm. Are you
ready?” Reaching for his guitar again, Jameson watched her as he
started a new tune. This time, he played the tune to the song he'd
been working on with her. Even in the dim light, he noticed her
face light up as he sang the first few lines from her song. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> “You
win, the third time is the charm. Now that fits your voice. Brava!”
She clapped her hands. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> “How
about you sing it with me?” </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> “Oh,
no. I don't think so.” </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> “Oh
come on. Let's serenade the stars. Maybe we'll catch one falling.”
He pleaded. “It's your lyrics. I'd love to hear from coming from
your lips.” As he started over on the guitar, he shot her what he
hoped was his best pout. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> “You're
relentless!” Melody exclaimed, raising her hands in defeat. She
still smiled, though. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> When
Jameson got to the chorus, Melody chimed in. He had to force himself
to keep going as he listened to her voice. She was pretty good! She
had this soft, gentle ease about her voice. It didn't ring out with a
lot of power backing her up, but she had a sweet sound that radiated
into his mind. He lowered his voice a little bit to let her shine. He
couldn't keep his eyes off her as he watched her lips move, and heard
the words. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> When
they stopped, it was his turn to applaud. “You have a great voice.
You sounded really good, Melody.” </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> He
wasn't sure, but he thought she was blushing. Melody turned away from
him for a second. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> “Thank
you, Jameson. I'm not one for the spot light, but that was really
neat to sing my own lyrics.”</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> “You
know, we're still looking for a song or two to add to our demo. I
like this one a lot. What would you think about putting the
finishing touches on it and playing it for the band?” As shy as she
was about these things, would she even go for that? The words really
were great, and he liked the melody he'd put to her words.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> “I-
are you serious?” She sounded caught off guard.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Jameson
nodded, setting his guitar down once again. “I am. I like the way
it's progressing. And when you sang with me just now, I liked the
idea of having a back up on it. It would be a great addition.” </span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17928959-the-melody-in-my-head">http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17928959-the-melody-in-my-head</a>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Fun
Facts about The Melody in My Head, and the Love and Music in Texas
Book series.</span></span></span></div>
<ol>
<li><div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Jameson's
character wasn't originally going to be a good guy. (I know, I
know...what was I thinking?) As I wrote Baby Stetson, he surprised
me and grew on me. I loved him so much, I had to give him his own
story and HEA.</span></span></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> 2.Melody's
character actually had a part in another book. I had her backstory
and plot figured out a long time ago, I just had no idea I'd pair her
with Jameson and send her to Harmony's Echo, Texas. But it worked out
so well! Love it when I can combine story ideas!</span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ol>
<ol start="3">
<li><div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I
used Keith Urban's intense guitar playing for inspiration when I
pictured Jameson playing the guitar. Yes, it's no secret I have a
huge celeb crush on Keith, but it's more than that. He's a
talented guitar player and he puts his all in when he plays, and
that's why I used his image for Jameson.....Honest</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%;">Here are some lovely blogs I want to give a special shout out to for helping me unveil Jameson and Melody's cover! There may be some other fun facts on these blogs that I don't have on mine. :) (I'm still adding to this blog list, and there will be a few others on Friday as well) </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%;"><a href="http://racingtoread.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-melody-in-my-head-cover-reveal.html">Racing to Read</a></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://bookaddictmumma.wordpress.com/2013/06/27/cover-reveal-the-melody-in-my-head-by-nikki-lynn-barratt/">Book Addict Mumma </a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><a href="http://mjdresselbooks.wordpress.com/2013/06/27/cover-reveal-the-melody-in-my-head-by-nikki-lynn-barrett/">mjdresselbooks.</a></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://dianeburton.blogspot.com/2013/06/cover-reveal-melody-in-my-head-by-nikki.html">Diane Burton's Blog</a><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><a href="http://www.karyrader.com/2013/06/27/cover-reveal-melody-in-my-head-by-nikki-lynn-barrett/">Kary Rader's Blog</a></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://dlindunauthor.blogspot.com/2013/06/cover-reveal-melody-in-my-head.html">D'Ann Lindun's Blog</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.harliesbooks.com/posts/the-melody-in-my-head-by-nikki-lynn-barrett-cover-revealpromoexcerpt/">Harlie's Books </a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.hesperialovesbooks.com/2013/06/27/cover-revealexcerpt-the-melody-in-my-head-by-nikki-lynn-barrett/">Hesperia Loves Books</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/2013/06/cover-reveal-the-melody-in-my-head-by-nikki-lynn-barrett.html">Under The Covers Book Blog</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.melissakeir.com/1/post/2013/06/melody-in-my-head-by-nikki-lynn-barrett-coverreveal-sexyromance.html">Melissa Keir's Blog</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.apassionforromance.blogspot.com/2013/06/author-author-cover-reveal.html">A Passion for Romance</a></div>
</li>
</ol>
</ol>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mcPvGGuoLss/UcuijkYItpI/AAAAAAAAI0s/XU1tocOmmdg/s1600/babystetsoncoverbn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mcPvGGuoLss/UcuijkYItpI/AAAAAAAAI0s/XU1tocOmmdg/s640/babystetsoncoverbn.jpg" width="448" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"> From
now until the end of July, Baby Stetson, the first in the Love and
Music in Texas series, is discounted to just $.99. You'll meet
Jameson in this book, and then you can get his story when The Melody
in My Head comes out. </span></span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Baby
Stetson Blurb:</span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">In
small Texas towns, strangers come and go...<br /><br />Left in a Stetson
hat, on the steps of the local bed and breakfast, Avery Callimer came
into the world on a wing and a prayer. Raised by loving adoptive
parents, she's never lacked for love...only the knowledge of her
past.<br /><br />By day she works the Inn, but by night...Avery comes
alive as lead singer in a band. Life was good...stable, until new
guests blew into town.<br /><br />Some strangers come with secrets
and lies<br /><br />Lucas Bennett is one such stranger. Drifting from one
mess to another has left him jaded. Doesn't matter the dramas are
never his doing. Giving it one last shot to make a fresh start lands
him Harmony's Echo, Texas and smack dab in front of the tantalizing
Avery.<br /><br />Despite his best efforts to ignore the burn Avery's
ignited within, he's intent to keep his distance. Secrets have
followed him. Secrets he doesn't want Avery to know.<br /><br />Each time
they're near the other things heat up like a brushfire on a dry Texas
prairie.<br /><br />But maybe, after the dust settles and the smoke
clears, love can bloom with a fresh start.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="zxx" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Add
this book to your goodreads list!</b></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17341981-baby-stetson</b></span></u></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>BUY
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<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Stetson-Music-Texas-ebook/dp/B00BWIE1GI/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1363971733&sr=1-1&keywords=Baby+Stetson</b></span></u></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Barnes
& Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/baby-stetson-nikki-lynn-barrett/1114866006?ean=2940016243566</b></span></u></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Kobo:
http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Baby-Stetson/book-rP9VC1UvlEqgaOrJJXLatw/page1.html?s=91X-oMVbn0aPh2Tu_jejRw&r=1</b></span></u></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Other
books by Nikki Lynn Barrett</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>The
Secret Santa Wishing Well</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16159845-the-secret-santa-wishing-well</b></span></u></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>ABOUT
THE AUTHOR:</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Nikki
Lynn Barrett lives in Arizona with her husband and son. She's an avid
reader, a dreamer, and loves everything about books. She runs a book
blog, an online used bookstore, and writes various genres of romance.
Nikki can also be found outside with her camera when a storm is near,
snapping photo after photo. Her dreams of becoming a writer started
when she was young, when she started writing books in one subject
notebooks by the fifth grade. The Secret Santa Wishing Well is her
debut book. You can visit Nikki's site at:
www.nikkilynnbarrett.blogspot.com for more information. She is
working on her next book. Nikki would love to hear from readers.
Email her at nikkilynnbarrett@yahoo.com</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>www.nikkilynnbarrett.blogspot.com</b></span></u></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span lang="zxx"><b>Goodreads:
</b></span></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6583655.Nikki_Lynn_Barrett</b></span></u></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>https://www.facebook.com/NikkiLynnBarrettauthor</b></span></u></span></span></span></span></div>
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<div lang="zxx" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>@Stormgoddess925
on Twitter</b></span></span></div>
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Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17177290366315552643noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732205666316862045.post-22012886848409353132013-06-15T01:08:00.001-07:002013-06-15T01:08:31.007-07:00My Sexy Saturday: June 15th<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Welcome! This is my first time participating in My Sexy Saturday. I'm really enjoying these themed little hops to where we can share excerpts.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MV9jHtVCnTo/Ubwd4ssCEXI/AAAAAAAAIrM/b4W-rSjX54w/s1600/babystetsoncover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MV9jHtVCnTo/Ubwd4ssCEXI/AAAAAAAAIrM/b4W-rSjX54w/s400/babystetsoncover.jpg" width="250" /></a>Here is a sexy snippet from my contemporary romance, Baby Stetson. This book is filled with plenty of chemistry, as my hero and heroine have a strong attraction to one another, even though at first they do their best to deny how they feel.<br />
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BLURB: In small Texas towns, strangers come and go...<br />
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Left in a Stetson hat, on the steps of the local bed and breakfast, Avery Callimer came into the world on a wing and a prayer. Raised by loving adoptive parents, she’s never lacked for love ... only the knowledge of her past.<br />
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By day she works at the inn, but by night ... Avery comes alive as lead singer in a band. Life was good ... stable, until new guests blew into town.<br />
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Some strangers come with secrets and lies.<br />
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Lucas Bennett is one such stranger. Drifting from one mess to another has left him jaded. Doesn’t matter the dramas are never his doing. Giving it one last shot to make a fresh start lands him Harmony’s Echo, Texas and smack dab in front of the tantalizing Avery.<br />
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Despite his best efforts to ignore the burn Avery’s ignited within, he’s intent to keep his distance. Secrets have followed him. Secrets he doesn’t want Avery to know.<br />
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Each time they’re near the other, things heat up like a brushfire on a dry Texas prairie.<br />
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But maybe, after the dust settles and the smoke clears, love can bloom with a fresh start.<br />
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My Sexy Saturday Excerpt:<br />
<b><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></b>
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<b><span style="color: #660000;"> Avery lifted her eyebrows. “What, you thought I’d come to your room in the middle of the night, a raging lunatic and demand to know why you kissed me and ran off?” The image caught her off guard, and a giggle escaped her throat. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #660000;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The corners of Lucas’s lips lifted, then he looked down, chuckling. “Well, if you’d have done that, we could have finished what we started.” </span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #660000;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>Zing! </i> Heat brewed in her belly, sending her into a fit of odd sensations. </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #660000;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“I’ll have to keep that in mind.” </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #660000;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Oh? Is that a threat, or a promise?” Lucas grinned, leaning closer. </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #660000;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“You know, you probably shouldn’t be flirting with an innkeeper’s daughter. Because if you mess with me a little too much, I may have to clog your toilet or something,” Avery teased. She loved it, but if anyone walked in right now and saw this... </span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #660000;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Lucas reached out and clamped her hand in his. “Bring it on, and you’ll see if you won’t end up in my bed, suffering my wrath. Or enjoying it, whichever comes first.” His eyes bore into hers, an intensity so strong it gave Avery goosebumps. Lucas noticed this, took advantage and trailed a finger up her arm, only agitating the goosebumps and making them grow bigger. Avery pulled her arm away and backed up, still watching Lucas. He licked his lips, his tongue darting out as if he was trying to tease her. Oh, good gracious this man was like the devil! </span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><b>I hope you enjoyed the snippet! There's many more sizzling tension between these two in the book. </b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Stetson-Music-Texas-ebook/dp/B00BWIE1GI/ref=la_B00A9UDX0K_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1365310503&sr=1-2" style="text-decoration: none;">Baby Stetson for Kindle</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/baby-stetson-nikki-lynn-barrett/1114866006?ean=2940016243566" style="text-decoration: none;">Baby Stetson for Nook</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Baby-Stetson/book-rP9VC1UvlEqgaOrJJXLatw/page1.html?s=Azm-tr27pE-UXT_CCZShlQ&r=1" style="text-decoration: none;">Baby Stetson for Kobo</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17341981-baby-stetson" style="text-decoration: none;">Add Baby Stetson to your Goodreads list!</a></b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;">Be sure to check out some of the other My Sexy Saturday Snippets! Grab a fan and prepare yourself for some full steam ahead! </span></div>
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<!-- start LinkyTools script --><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=199809" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- end LinkyTools script -->Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17177290366315552643noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732205666316862045.post-71718053022598642812013-05-29T11:47:00.001-07:002013-05-29T11:47:54.379-07:00Trust your story, taking risks, and trials & Tribulations of writing a seriesYep, It's me again....the thinker, the babbler. Are you ready for my latest? :)<br />
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So yesterday, I shared the news that THE MELODY IN MY HEAD, Love and Music in Texas Book 2 was done! Well, the first draft anyway. There's still much work to be done to whip this baby into shape!<br />
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Which brings me to my first point. Trusting your story AND risk taking. <br />
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I've never written a romance series before. I've mentioned this in prior guest blog posts, but the idea of a series used to not appeal to me. I know, I know...quit looking at me like that, and please put down that rotten tomato. I've cleaned up enough messes today! :)<br />
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Anyway, the Love and Music in Texas series, at least the first part of it, is going to revolve around Harmony's Echo, Texas, and the band Baby Stetson. Of course we know Book 1 started off with Avery, and Jameson, her ex, and the lead guitarist for the band managed to warm his way into my heart and get his own story. I created some good conflict for Jameson, starting in the first book, and so he's got a lot to deal with in his story. He made a mistake that changed things for him and Avery. Book two introduces readers to Melody Roland, a woman on the run who ends up stranded in Harmony's Echo, and Jameson is there to help. He connects with her over music, and also because she's there when things happen in his life. He comes face to face with part of his past. Of course, Avery and Lucas have their appearances, and I've introduced a sub plot that involves the two of them so there are a few scenes that are in either Avery or Luke's point of view.<br />
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There is a big incident that happens to Lucas, which forces Melody to realize that she can't run from her own past. My editor read through the draft and isn't sure about a few things. I try to change up things in my stories and didn't want everything to be the same, so one of the biggest plot points doesn't happen to Melody and Jameson, but it forces the pair to figure out what they want and need. Maybe it's a risk to write it that way, but I don't feel that the subplot takes away from Jameson or Melody. I've learned that everyone is going to have various opinions, I found that out reading all the different reviews on Baby Stetson. Something that worked for one was definitely NOT the case for another. You can't please everyone, but does that include the person that edits your story and wants to help make it the best it can be? I know there are some things that need work on the story, I don't deny that- it's a rough draft and I am a panster. But I felt like what I did with Lucas helps his character.<br />
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That brings me to the ups and downs of writing a series. I've been huge on authors that have integrated older characters that had their own HEA in a previous story. Readers get to catch up with them. that works for some, and doesn't for others. One of my favorite examples is Marie Force's Gansett Island series. It's like the best sense of community I've ever read with a series! Now, I'll admit, as the books goes on, it does get a little overwhelming with all the catching up and new characters, but I still enjoy reading about them after their happily ever after. Why? It gives more depth. It's like a version of real life, because you get to find out what happens after they fall in love, get married and live their lives. I love Harmony's Echo so much, I want that kind of sense of community. Lucas and Avery are the couple that won't leave my mind. Also, another thing my editor brought up was that in a series, it's hard to make things stand alone. I get that. There are things talked about in book 2 that happened in book 1, but how do you avoid that? It's just not easy to make it a stand alone in that sense, because it's a small town and the characters are so connected.<br />
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So that's my rambling. What are your thoughts, as a series writer? A series reader?<br />
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And if anyone has read Baby Stetson, and if you're willing, would you want to read through The Melody in My Head as a very early beta to tell me what you think of how I worked the ending? I'm already coming up with an alternative one to see which works better.<br />
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I want to hear from you! Thanks again, for reading my crazy writer ramblings. Hopefully they made sense.....<br />
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<br />Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17177290366315552643noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732205666316862045.post-39005736676084618112013-05-05T00:30:00.000-07:002013-05-05T00:30:00.099-07:00Sneak Peek Sunday May 5<br />
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Welcome back to Sneak Peek Sunday! This is the chance that you get to read various snippets of authors work. There's usually a bit of something for everyone, and there's a variety. We post six paragraphs of a work in progress or a published book. It's fun and a neat way to find new authors and books.<br />
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I've been posting snippets from my latest release, Baby Stetson, and today is no exception.<br />
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This snippet is Lucas and Avery getting to know each other, and Lucas startles himself by finding a deeper connection to Avery, more than just a physical attraction, and that's where the demons within begin their battle.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-46UfMVG7K_8/UYXFdmUZ5AI/AAAAAAAAIPg/Z6MKX87Nhno/s1600/babystetsoncover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-46UfMVG7K_8/UYXFdmUZ5AI/AAAAAAAAIPg/Z6MKX87Nhno/s320/babystetsoncover.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">Hell yeah. Where to start? The more time</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;">Lucas spent with her, the more he wanted to know.</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;">He didn’t understand how she could have the same</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;">reserved attitude he had. While they both had been</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;">left by the people that were supposed to love, take</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;">care, and keep them safe, Avery found a home. Lucas</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;">sensed she wanted more, and yet, didn’t jump to find</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;">out more.</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">She hid herself in a shell. Lucas wished she’d</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;">come out of it.</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">Why did he suddenly have the drive and</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;">inclination to uncover all of her feelings? Lucas had</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;">never wanted to know so much about someone before,</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;">not like this.</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="color: #660000;">She’s a lot like me.</span></i><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">If Lucas had to be honest with himself, that</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;">scared him. He’d never connected on such a level with</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;">a woman before. Only physically. While he found</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;">Avery attractive, suddenly there was much more to his</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;">interest in her.</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="color: #660000;">Stop thinking about her. You’re not here to</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #660000;">connect with her.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></i>
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There you have it! Today's snippet!<br />
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Right now, part of the Book Lover's Buffet, I've reduced Baby Stetson down to $.99.<br />
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<b style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Stetson-Music-Texas-ebook/dp/B00BWIE1GI/ref=la_B00A9UDX0K_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1365310503&sr=1-2" style="text-decoration: none;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Baby Stetson for Kindle</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/baby-stetson-nikki-lynn-barrett/1114866006?ean=2940016243566" style="text-decoration: none;">Baby Stetson for Nook</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Baby-Stetson/book-rP9VC1UvlEqgaOrJJXLatw/page1.html?s=Azm-tr27pE-UXT_CCZShlQ&r=1" style="text-decoration: none;">Baby Stetson for Kobo</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17341981-baby-stetson" style="text-decoration: none;">Add Baby Stetson to your Goodreads list!</a></b><div style="clear: both;">
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Check out some of the other participants in the Sneak Peek Sunday! You never know what you'll find!</div>
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<a href="http://sneak-peek-sunday.blogspot.com/2013/04/sneak-peek-sunday-may-5.html">http://sneak-peek-sunday.blogspot.com/2013/04/sneak-peek-sunday-may-5.html</a></div>
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Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17177290366315552643noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732205666316862045.post-77654839152927895942013-04-28T01:00:00.000-07:002013-04-28T01:00:11.592-07:00Sneak Peek Sunday: April 28<br />
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Welcome back to another edition of Sneak Peek Sunday! This is a fun little weekly hop that you can get a chance to read snippets of authors' works. They are from published books, or works in progress. What I love is that there's a little something for everyone.<br />
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I've been playing Sneak Peek Sunday for awhile, and have been sharing snippets of my latest release, Baby Stetson. Today is no exception.<br />
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Here's the set up for today's peek. Lucas has come to town for reasons unknown to Avery, but she's very drawn to him and he feels the same way. Lucas has been doing his best to fight the attraction, but he can't help the way Avery has brought out feelings within him that he hasn't felt in a very long time.<br />
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He wants so badly to give in, and the demons within are messing with his mind. So they are having a conversation about it Here's the sneak peek!<br />
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<b><span style="color: #20124d;"> “I know that, Avery. Call it a sign of weakness. You’re killing me here. And I don’t know which way I want to go about it,” Lucas said, his voice strained. </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Avery moved to his side in a second. “I can help you decide, then,” she whispered. </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Now or never. She’d never been this bold. But life was all about taking chances. Right now, she wanted a chance with Lucas. Even for a night. No reason to worry about regrets. That would come later. She’d deal with the aftermath then. But at this point, the lust took over. Avery reached for Lucas, needing to touch his face. His stubble scratched her hand, but she inched her lips closer to his anyway. His lips parted, waiting for her. </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“You don’t know what you’re doing, Avery.” Lucas tried to protest, but she silenced him with her kiss. “You and I, we-” </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Shut up and kiss me, you fool,” she muttered against his lips. “I want to help you feel.” </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>I want to feel, too. I want to feel you. </i></span></b><br />
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<b>There you have it! So what do you think?</b><br />
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<b>Please check out some of the other stops today! There are some great stories to be found!</b><br />
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<b>You can go <a href="http://sneak-peek-sunday.blogspot.com/2013/04/sneak-peek-sunday-april-28.html">here</a> to see who else is participating!</b><br />
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<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Stetson-Music-Texas-ebook/dp/B00BWIE1GI/ref=la_B00A9UDX0K_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1365310503&sr=1-2" style="text-decoration: none;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black;">Baby Stetson for Kindle</span></span></a><span style="background-color: white;"><br /><br /><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/baby-stetson-nikki-lynn-barrett/1114866006?ean=2940016243566" style="text-decoration: none;">Baby Stetson for Nook</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Baby-Stetson/book-rP9VC1UvlEqgaOrJJXLatw/page1.html?s=Azm-tr27pE-UXT_CCZShlQ&r=1" style="text-decoration: none;">Baby Stetson for Kobo</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17341981-baby-stetson" style="text-decoration: none;">Add Baby Stetson to your Goodreads list!</a></span></b><div style="clear: both;">
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Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17177290366315552643noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732205666316862045.post-50107334074791749342013-04-21T01:00:00.000-07:002013-04-21T01:00:05.345-07:00Sneak Peek Sunday April 21<br />
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Welcome to Sneak Peek Sunday! This is a fun little hop where readers can visit authors' blogs and read short snippets of various books. Some are works in progress, some are published. Regardless there's pretty much something for everyone. <br />
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Today's Sneak Peek is another from my latest release, Baby Stetson. You may or may not remember, last week, things got interesting for Avery and Lucas when Avery impulsively answered Lucas's phone. Let's just say Avery learns a few things about Lucas that she never expected.....<br />
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Today's snippet fast forwards to later that evening. Lucas is sitting with Avery after he helps someone bring her drunk sister back to the house. Lucas wants more than anything to make things right and so he tires to talk to Avery. Of course, Avery is pretty weary about letting herself get lost in Lucas's touch again after what she found out, but she can't help her feelings. Here's the snippet!<br />
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“If I let you hold me, I-” <i> I lose control. I want you all over again. I abandon all of my senses and have so many dangerous thoughts when it comes to you. </i><br />
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Talk to me, Avery.” Lucas prodded gently, pulling her to him. Avery gave in, resting her head against his chest. His arms closed around her, providing a cocoon. How is it she felt so good right then, when just before she couldn’t decide how she felt? He ran his hand up and down her back in soft, tender motions. Avery shuddered, and a snake of chills traveled down her spine.<br />
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Avery, what you said awhile ago. You’re right. Why should you trust me? I’m a jerk, okay? I admit that. But you make me want to make everything right. Before you, if I lost someone’s trust, I wouldn’t care. People lose my trust all the time, and I’ve leaned not to trust in return. So I can’t expect you to. But you’re different. I care way too much what you think, what you feel.”<br />
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Avery stayed silent, letting the words sink in. He sounded sincere enough.<br />
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Avery. Look at me for a minute,” Lucas pleaded.<br />
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>She complied, staring up at his face. The emotion in his eyes made her heart beat faster.<br />
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And there you have it!<br />
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Please be sure to check some of the other great participants in Sneak Peek Sunday! You can find the links to their blogs <a href="http://sneak-peek-sunday.blogspot.com/2013/04/sneak-peek-sunday-april-21.html">here</a><br />
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<b style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Stetson-Music-Texas-ebook/dp/B00BWIE1GI/ref=la_B00A9UDX0K_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1365310503&sr=1-2" style="text-decoration: none;">Baby Stetson for Kindle</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/baby-stetson-nikki-lynn-barrett/1114866006?ean=2940016243566" style="text-decoration: none;">Baby Stetson for Nook</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Baby-Stetson/book-rP9VC1UvlEqgaOrJJXLatw/page1.html?s=Azm-tr27pE-UXT_CCZShlQ&r=1" style="text-decoration: none;">Baby Stetson for Kobo</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17341981-baby-stetson" style="text-decoration: none;">Add Baby Stetson to your Goodreads list!</a></b><div style="clear: both;">
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Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17177290366315552643noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732205666316862045.post-67369472125907366102013-04-14T01:00:00.000-07:002013-04-14T11:25:23.901-07:00Sneak Peek Sunday April 14<br />
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Welcome back to Sneak Peek Sunday! This is a great and fun way to read snippets of authors' works! Some of them are going to be available right now, and some are absolute teases! LOL. There's always something for everyone, so be sure to check out the link and maybe you'll find your next read!<br />
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So today, for my sneak peek...have you ever done something completely impulsive..maybe you're not fully coherent yet and make a rash decision even though you know you shouldn't do it?<br />
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Yeah, that's Avery's dilemma today. She and Lucas have just given into their attraction to the other, and the next morning, she's not quite thinking...and she may learn a few things about Lucas that could change things....<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nihr4KOrDHQ/UWl6CwxhAKI/AAAAAAAAICI/FwYr9fhfgjQ/s1600/ebookcoverkindle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nihr4KOrDHQ/UWl6CwxhAKI/AAAAAAAAICI/FwYr9fhfgjQ/s320/ebookcoverkindle.jpg" width="200" /></a> <b><span style="color: #073763;"> Avery woke to the sound of a phone ringing. She cracked an eyelid open. Slivers of sunlight broke through the blinds from the window. What time was it now? Yawning, she reached for the phone. Lucas lay sprawled across the bed, still asleep. </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #073763;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When she attempted to answer her phone and heard it still ring, reality struck. It wasn’t her phone going off. It must be Lucas’s. It laid in plain sight on top of Lucas’s pants on the floor by the bed. Avery squinted to see the caller ID, but the number was blocked. The ringing and blocked number only made her more curious and before she could think things through, Avery reached for his phone and hit the answer button. Then she freaked, not sure what to do. She couldn’t even muster up the nerve to say hello, but the person on the other end of the phone started talking frantically. It was a woman. Not a young one. She sounded older. </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #073763;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Lucas, are you there? Hello? Look, I know you’re mad at me, but I wanted to explain things. I know I’ve put you in a horrible position. Come on, Lucas-” </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #073763;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Then the phone was snatched from her hands. Avery gasped, startled. She turned to face Lucas, who put the phone up to his ear and snapped, “I’ll call you back.” After he ended the call and tossed the phone to the bed, he shot Avery an angry look. His eyes narrowed, his lips set into a thin line. Shit. He was mad. </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #073763;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“I-. I don’t know what came over me. At first, I thought it was my phone. Then I just, I wasn’t thinking. I’m sorry, Lucas.” </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #073763;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The woman’s voice on the other end of that call echoed in Avery’s mind. Who was she? Why was Lucas mad at her? Oh, she should have never done that. Now it only confused Avery even more. </span></b><br />
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<b>And there you have it! Thanks for stopping by to read my Sneak Peek Sunday snippet!</b><br />
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<b>Check out all the other great participants <a href="http://sneak-peek-sunday.blogspot.com/2013/04/sneak-peek-sunday-april-14.html">here</a></b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b><br /></b><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Stetson-Music-Texas-ebook/dp/B00BWIE1GI/ref=la_B00A9UDX0K_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1365310503&sr=1-2" style="text-decoration: none;">Baby Stetson for Kindle</a></b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/baby-stetson-nikki-lynn-barrett/1114866006?ean=2940016243566" style="text-decoration: none;">Baby Stetson for Nook</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Baby-Stetson/book-rP9VC1UvlEqgaOrJJXLatw/page1.html?s=Azm-tr27pE-UXT_CCZShlQ&r=1" style="text-decoration: none;">Baby Stetson for Kobo</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17341981-baby-stetson" style="text-decoration: none;">Add Baby Stetson to your Goodreads list!</a></span><div style="clear: both;">
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Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17177290366315552643noreply@blogger.com15