Inhale, Exhale By Sarah M. Ross Excerpt

New Excerpt Reveal from Inhale, Exhale by Sarah Ross

Inhale Exhale, a New Adult Contemporary romance from author Sarah M. Ross, releases May 7^th.   

                                Check out the BLURB:

Jillian had a plan: celebrate the end of her first year of college with an amazing summer full of beaches, barbeques, and bonfires. When her mom insists she needs a summer job, and her boyfriend spends more time with his band than with her, Jillian’s plans go down the drain. 

Grant had a plan: finish his Masters, get a great job at Google, and get the hell out of Georgia. He might be giving up some of the fun of his youth, but he knows his all work and no play method would be worth it when his dreams came true.

But things never go according to plan. 

When temptation brings them together and tragedy tears them apart, Jillian and Grant will be forced to choose: fight for their dreams, or fight for each other.

 Wanna read more? Here’s an excerpt:

“Are you sure you’re not breaking it just so I can come back out here? Cause if you want to see me, you don’t have to break expensive equipment to get my attention,” Grant asked earlier that day.

It was the third time I’d had to call IT, and the third time I’d gotten to see the mischievous smile on his face as he walked toward me.
“No, I promise you. I really am this dumb.” I winked playfully, allowing myself to flirt for a minute. It was harmless, right? I’d never actually act on it.
“I’m pretty sure the fact you can say that sentence in several other languages suggests otherwise.”
“Sono davvero questo stupido,” I repeated in Italian.
Grant ran a knuckle down my arm, leaving a trail of goose bumps along the path. “Beautiful,” he said in a whispered breath. My own breathing hitched at his words. “See? Like I said, not a dumb bone in you.”
The all-too-familiar blush crept back onto my face. “You don’t know me that well.”
“I’d like to change that. What are you doing tonight? A bunch of us from work are going to this beach party. I’d love it if you could come.”
For a moment, I pictured myself there. Laughing and having fun around a bonfire and splashing in the ocean. Grant in his board shorts that would hang low, revealing that deep V I was sure was there. But then I snapped out of it, remembering how inappropriate my thoughts were. “I have a boyfriend. I can’t.”
“It’s not a date, Jillian. Just a group of friends hanging out.” He packed up his supplies, but paused before leaving. He stared deeply into my eyes, making my palms sweat. Leaning in close, he whispered in my ear. “If I were asking you out, it wouldn’t be with a group of people. It would be only us—alone—so I wouldn’t have anything from distracting me from admiring every nook and cranny on your beautiful face, Cupcake.”
I swallowed down the lump that formed in my throat. My mouth had gone dry; I was unable to form a thought, let alone words.
“Here.” He reached out and gently took my hand. “I’ll do this old school since you don’t like technology.”
My mouth opened, but I couldn’t respond. I stared at him as he took out a pen. He picked up my tiny hand, which shook slightly, and held it in his own. The contact was slight, but powerful. I was frozen in place as he wrote on my palm. The only movement came from my heart that pounded in my chest. Before he let go, he gently blew on the ink to help it dry, causing me to emit the faintest of moans.
“In case you change your mind,” he whispered, then winked and walked away.

 

Be sure to add this to your Goodreads page:

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17348805-inhale-exhale

To find out more about Sarah and her books, stalk her here:

Website: www.sarahmross.com

Email- sarah@sarahmross.com

Twitter - https://twitter.com/#!/SarahtheAuthor

FB- http://www.facebook.com/SarahtheAuthor

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In Which I Review... Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Put this book off for a long while, honestly, because I didn't want to pay retail for it, because it's high (even the paperbacks). But I happened across this in an Ollie's and of course, I picked it up.

I was shocked. I didn't think I'd like it as much as I did, but I loved it! Cassie Clare transported me into the past, and did so in a way that was consistent with the time frame, and most importantly, exciting.

There's nothing worse than a book that's so boring it makes your eyes ache. Clockwork Angel was not that book.

The beginning of the book starts off a little slow, so I can understand why some people might not get through it right away, but it's a necessary slow, building up to a complex world.

Luckily, I stuck through it because after the first small handful of pages, you become so emerged in the story that the pace seems to pick up and you don't mind spending hours reading.

I finished reading it in a day and I swear I forgot all about how lengthy it is, I devoured all 512 pages of the book, including every little thing Clare has to say after the end.

And hours later, I took a late night driving lesson with my grandmother and insisted that I drive to the store, where I promptly spent ten bucks on the paperback of Clockwork Prince, even though I have a hardback of Angel (and I like them to be synonymous in form), because the store didn't have it in hardback, which I mostly likely would bought.

I'm pretty sure in a few days time I'll be clambering to find Clockwork Princess (or mourning over not getting it yesterday because I ended up spending all of my money.)

Then it's on to TMI...
*sigh*

I now have the Cassie Clare bug.
And to the dozens upon dozens of friends and my lovely Listers who hammered the thought of reading Cassie Clare's novels into my brain, thank you.

I'm not sure if I want to hug you or strangle you, because I'm so obsessed.

Yes, this review is more of an overview, but I'll say this.

The main characters are likeable, and then you have Will, who fits perfectly into that tortured bad boy who we can't help but drool over category.

Jessamine is a headache you can't hate.

And yes, there is a twist that isn't so predictable but that is totally believable. (There's few things worse than reading a book and then having a twist that's so predictable your stomach boils or a twist where the character who turns out to be nefarious was barely mentioned in the entire novel.

I wouldn't have suspected the truth, so thank you Miss Cassandra Clare for that.

Now, off to read Clockwork Prince. I'm twenty eight pages in and Will has already made me mad *insert smiley here*.
Jem as usual is the perfect gentleman.
I'm conflicted.

Okay, I'm leaing, I'm leaving...

(sheesh, bookreaders) *shake head*


Way informal review for Mera's YA Book List. Are you are Lister?

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Currently Free on Amazon- YA & Teen

Here's a quick list of some books that are currently free on Amazon.com that you might be interested in. I added mot of these to my Kindle for those of you interested.
These are YA, under Teens on Amazon, which most often includes the rapidly emerging category NA (or new adult)  So be sure to read the description if you are adverse to topics in NA.

http://www.amazon.com/Prison-Nation-ebook/dp/B006H4LPZW/ref=zg_bs_3511261011_f_5

http://www.amazon.com/Last-Stop-This-Town-ebook/dp/B007N7JH1Q/ref=zg_bs_3511261011_f_12

http://www.amazon.com/Invisible-ebook/dp/B00BEQZBYE/ref=zg_bs_3511261011_f_14

http://www.amazon.com/Captured-Captive-Series-Book-ebook/dp/B0087G3U92/ref=zg_bs_3511261011_f_16

http://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Under-Her-Heart-ebook/dp/B00B0YBI92/ref=zg_bs_3511261011_f_20

http://www.amazon.com/Forbidden-Love-The-Erosians-ebook/dp/B00BU6KVBQ/ref=zg_bs_3511261011_f_26

http://www.amazon.com/Perfectly-Dateless-Misunderstood-Life-ebook/dp/B00B5J4RZO/ref=zg_bs_3511261011_f_28

Free Until tomorrow (3/18) along with its sequel right below

http://www.amazon.com/The-Living-Curse-Book-ebook/dp/B00AQG8QZE/ref=zg_bs_3511261011_f_37



http://www.amazon.com/Frozen-Moon-Living-Version-ebook/dp/B00BSUG6YK/ref=la_B00AQUTBRC_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1363562577&sr=1-2

I read this novelette and loved it. I plan on buying the rest of the series.

http://www.amazon.com/Just-Little-Crush-Series-ebook/dp/B00998T2IA/ref=zg_bs_3511261011_f_41

Most likely my next Kindle read!

http://www.amazon.com/Just-Different-Reinvention-Skylar-ebook/dp/B00B76T3PE/ref=zg_bs_3511261011_f_52

 

 

 

Or maybe this...

http://www.amazon.com/Rumspringa-ebook/dp/B00BPCMXR0/ref=zg_bs_3511261011_f_56

This? Ahh, who am I kidding, I have no clue, but it'll be a book from this bunch... I think...

http://www.amazon.com/Jerk-Magnet-Life-Kingston-ebook/dp/B005PQUX3I/ref=zg_bs_3511261011_f_87



 

Free for the rest of the day (3/17)

http://www.amazon.com/Soul-Taker-ebook/dp/B00BSWORN0/ref=zg_bs_3511261011_f_4

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Write to Read Project Cover and Title Reveal!

Hey guys! Welcome to Mera's YA Book List, blog style!

Today, I am excited to share with you the cover and title of the first Write to Read project, which will be available for purchase (at just $0.99) exactly one week from now in all e-formats.

I hope you enjoy the content for my baby, and I hope you all join in celebrating a novella with proceeds going to charity.

Read on :)

Title: The Struggle of Me
 Write to Read Project, #1
Expected Publication: March 23, 2013
Genre: YA Contemporary


COVER REVEAL:

Synopsis:

After the death of their parents, Derrick and Arriane are whisked away to Maine to live with their aunt. Years later, they find themselves back in their small hometown of Cooper’s Pointe, and residing with their older brother, Lucas. What neither of them knew was that Lucas, who was already slowly heading towards self-destruction when they left, had become far worse than they, or their aunt, could have expected.

Skylar is popular. The idea of popularity has consumed her for years, but the stigma of her past continues to haunt her. When the handsome bully from her younger years- and ex-best friend- comes back into town with a slew of problems of his own, Skylar has to consider her options: get revenge, or learn to forgive?

The Struggle of Me is a touching story highlighting the individual pains of Derrick, Arriane, Skylar, and Lucas. Will they defeat the obstacles that hinder them or will they be defeated by the struggles that bind them?

Authored By (in alphabetical order):
Ressa Empbra, Adeeb F., Wanda Hartzenberg, Alishia Ruly, Chamera Sampson, Tanisha Webb, Diara Williams

About:
The Struggle of Me is the first project by Write To Read. The idea for Write to Read came to Chamera Sampson’s mind at the end of 2011. Immediately, she decided to try to develop an inkling of an idea into something more.


What Write to Read Does:

Write to Read started with the idea that everyone has the right to read something they would enjoy. Unfortunately, many people do not have the resources to do so. Write to Read is dedicated to donating money and other related resources to the causes that directly aid literacy development and an interest in reading to people around the world. How, you may ask?
Well, each project is started with volunteers to write. The Struggle of Me started as an idea to have multiple people taking turns writing on a solitary short story to be published as an electronic book. Hence, the name Write to Read.

We believe the story, which quickly transformed into more of a novella, is a great one.

Where Proceeds Go:

Two years’ proceeds for Write to Read project #1 will be donated to
Reading is Fundamental. Any proceeds made after will fund a future project.

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Fleeting Fires by Nadege Richards Cover Reveal

Hey, hey everyone! Today is the cover reveal of Fleeting Fires, the third installment of the Bleeding Hearts trilogy by the incomparable Miss Nadege Richards.

Check out the beautiful cover, and if you haven't, take a look at the first two books in the series, Burning Bridges and Deceiving Destiny!

I promise you, you'll end up closing the novel with a major book crush, and yes, I mean that for both guys and girls, because the characters are just that awesome, male and female.

Ayden... *sighs blissfully*. Okay, I'm moving on, I'm moving on.

Here's the cover!

Fleeting Fires

By Nadège Richards

 

The Bleeding Heart Trilogy, #3

Expected Publication: April 12^th2013

Genre: YA Romance/Dystopia

Add it on Goodreads

 

Blurb:

 

The timepiece ticks and the hour wanes...

The day fades and the night weakens, bringing with it a new dawn we may never see.

The annihilation of New Haven was only the beginning. With King Cyrus still on the loose and a forbidden past still yet to be discovered, Echo Abbeny is finding that her entire existence relies solely on one thing—the acceptance of her gifts as hybrid and the godly abilities she can’t even begin to understand. Or control. Ayden and Kahl are both destined for her love and won’t stop until they’ve claimed her heart, and they’re proving to be an even greater temptation than she could have ever dreamed. And when rumors of a mysterious kingdom in the Sunken City begin to spread like wildfire, spurring chaos between the Xavians, the race against the King and the clock begins…

In the third and final installment of The Bleeding Heart Trilogy, the hour is of the essence, every move will be watched, and death lurks at every corner. A war will be fought and there will be blood to pay. As one of the last oracles on earth, Echo will have to trust herself like never before.

Deceiving Destiny cover, followed by Burning Bridges! They are all so amazing.








Born in New York and raised in Pennsylvania, Nadege has traveled to five other states and two countries, but aspires to travel the world some day. Her name is of French origin, though she's never been to France. Forever a lover of art and all things pertaining to Literature, she hopes to obtain knowledge from her writing career, rather than popularity or fame. She wrote her first story about aliens and goats in the 8th grade and has had a passion for story-telling ever since. Her friends and family are her biggest inspiration, and the occasional cup of coffee. She enjoys being part of the Indie community and sharing her stories with the world.
When not reading, writing, and blogging obsessively, she's usually found hiking, studying, camping, or at home with her family. She's been a martial artist for two years, a singer for three, and always seeks a common ground in everything. She considers her writing very personal, as she's always been a private person. She enjoys writing about what could or should happen, rather than what did happen--she's a dreamer and a procrastinator.

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When the Silence Ends by Jade Kerrion Blog Tour

hHey everyone ! Thanks for checking out Mera's YA Book List!

Today we are participating in Jade Kerrion's blog tour for When The Silence Ends>

I have a review for you guys as well as a excerpt from the novel!





WHEN THE SILENCE EhtNDS (Blurb)

When you choose your friends, you also choose your enemies.
Seventeen-year old Dee wants nothing more than to help her twin brother, Dum, break free from the trauma in their childhood and speak again, but the only person who can help Dum is the alpha empath, Danyael Sabre, whom the U.S. government considers a terrorist and traitor.
The search for Danyael will lead Dee and Dum from the sheltered protection of the Mutant Affairs Council and into the violent, gang-controlled heart of Anacostia. Ensnared by Danyael’s complicated network of friends and enemies, Dee makes her stand in a political and social war that she is ill equipped to fight. What can one human, armed only with her wits and pepper spray, do against the super-powered mutants who dominate the Genetic Revolution?
America, nevertheless, is ripe for change. Exhausted by decades of belligerence between humans and their genetic derivatives, the clones, in vitros, and mutants, society is on the verge of falling apart or growing up. Which path will it choose, and can a mere human, her sassy attitude and smart mouth notwithstanding, light the way to a better future?
In her quest to help her brother become normal, Dee will learn what it means to be extraordinary. When the silence ends, the celebration of life, love, joy, and hope will inspire feet to dance and hearts to sing.


Review:

I finished When The Silence Ends yesterday and I loved it. The characters were engaging and the world, while based on the world we lived in was intriguing. One aspect of the novel that I liked was that though it definitely wasn't the America we know now, it had the same base problems: excessive violence, stereotyping, and cultural bias. The world wasn't happy, and it spoke up about the problems we have.
The charecters, Dee and Zum, went on a journey to chage the way people thought.
Jade Kerrion told a story that captivated me. I would recommend this book to many.


4.5 stars
Cheack out this excerpt from the novel.

Author: Jade Kerrion

Excerpt from When the Silence Ends

Author’s note: Dee is an ordinary human surrounded by extraordinary people, including her brother Dum who is an empath, and their friend Jessica, a telepath and telekinetic. In a world where the lines are clearly drawn between what’s normal and what’s not, Dee will find that there is still lots of room for ordinary to grow into extraordinary. I hope you enjoy this excerpt that showcases the relationship between Dee, Dum, and Jessica…

~*~

Dee stalked over to her brother. For a long, silent moment, she stared into his familiar face as he bopped along to whatever music was blasting from his iPod. He did not even look at her. When had he become a stranger? She smacked him on the side of his head and remained unmoved when he raised his aggrieved gaze to her. “Are you saying that this place is okay for you?” she asked, raising her voice so that he could hear her through his ear pods.

He nodded.

“Are you sure about that? We’re moving here so that you can train with Danyael. I’d hate for you to feel inconvenienced about leaving the comfort and protection of the council for this dump.”

He frowned, his eyebrows drawing together, and turned away.

All right, so he understood sarcasm. How was she supposed to argue with a person who would not argue back, but who could hurt her just by walking away? Dee was still scowling and blinking back the tears from her eyes when Jessica returned with an armful of cleaning supplies. Dee ignored Jessica’s compassionate glance. “I thought Danyael said he worked all day. I didn’t think he would be around.”

“He isn’t.”

“You broke into his apartment?”

Jessica put the cleaning supplies on the grimy countertop in the kitchen. She tapped the side of her head. “I flipped the lock on his door. I did tell him, though.”

“Before or after you broke in?”

Jessica cocked her head to the side. “Why are you so uptight about stuff like that?”

“Because when I do it, I run the risk of being caught and labeled a criminal. You do it, and nobody cares.”

“Sure, they care. They just don’t notice.”

“And you don’t care?”

“Look, I got his permission. Who cares if I got it a microsecond before or after I flipped the lock? You need to chill out.” Jessica snatched up a spray bottle and a rag, and stomped off toward the bathroom.

With a sponge in hand and her teeth clenched, Dee scrubbed out the dirty brown spots on the kitchen counter. Jeez, I’m becoming my mother. Except that Mom had never been a nag. When she wasn’t sunk in depression, Mom had been cool, even though she had been a mutant. Dee cast a narrow-eyed glare at her brother, who was washing down the windows. Mom had not been an alpha mutant; she had not possessed the prerequisite weirdness that accompanied most alpha mutants.

I am not weird. Jessica’s irate voice snapped through her head.

Dee hurled the sponge into the sink and stalked into the bathroom. For a long and silent moment, she stared at the rag, apparently under the control of an invisible hand, as it scrubbed down the shower tiles. She looked back at Jessica who sat on the closed lid of the toilet bowl. “And that’s not weird?”

“No, it’s who I am, and I don’t like being called ‘weird.’”

“Fine, but that—” She pointed at the hardworking rag. “—is not normal.”

“What’s not normal is how gross the shower is. I’m not stepping in there to scrub it out.”

Dee’s passing glance at the shower became a hard look, and she chuckled. “Is that green thing in the corner alive?”

“Yes, and it’s really close to sentient thought. In a year, it might be able to talk.”

Unlike Dum.

Jessica’s gaze darted to Dum and then flashed back to Dee. She switched to a telepathic conversation. He can talk, you know. I asked Danyael. He said there wasn’t anything wrong with Dum physically.

I know. The problem is just in Dum’s head. What else did Danyael tell you about my brother?

Jessica shrugged. If you want to know, you can ask Danyael directly. It’s not like it’s a secret.

Who knew what other telepathic and empathic conversations were taking place around her? It sucked to be human in a world dominated by super-powered alpha mutants, and worse, she could do nothing about it.

When the Silence Ends (Blurb)

What Amazon reviewers are saying: 5 stars! “Wow! When the Silence Ends is captivating! I laughed, I cried, but overall I could not put it down… Forget Harry Potter and Twilight. Every young adult should read this book!”

When you choose your friends, you also choose your enemies. 

Seventeen-year old Dee wants nothing more than to help her twin brother, Dum, break free from the trauma in their childhood and speak again, but the only person who can help Dum is the alpha empath, Danyael Sabre, whom the U.S. government considers a terrorist and traitor. 

The search for Danyael will lead Dee and Dum from the sheltered protection of the Mutant Affairs Council and into the violent, gang-controlled heart of Anacostia. Ensnared by Danyael’s complicated network of friends and enemies, Dee makes her stand in a political and social war that she is ill equipped to fight. What can one human, armed only with her wits and pepper spray, do against the super-powered mutants who dominate the Genetic Revolution? 

America, nevertheless, is ripe for transformation. Exhausted by decades of belligerence between humans and their genetic derivatives—the clones, in vitros, and mutants—society is on the verge of falling apart or growing up. Dee, with her sassy attitude and smart mouth, is the unwitting pebble that starts the avalanche of change. In her quest to help her brother become normal, Dee will finally learn what it means to be extraordinary. 

When the Silence Ends is the Young Adult spinoff in the award-winning Double Helix series and can be read as a standalone novel.

Buy Links (e-books)

When the Silence Ends: Amazon / Amazon UK

Buy Links (paperbacks)

When the Silence Ends: Amazon / Amazon UK

Author biography:

Jade Kerrion unites cutting-edge science and bioethics with fast-paced action in her award-winning Double Helix series. Perfection Unleashed and its sequels, Perfect Betrayal and Perfect Weapon, have been described as “a breakout piece of science fiction” and drawn rave reviews for their originality and vision. Her latest novel, When the Silence Ends, is a Young Adult spinoff the Double Helix series. She is also the author of Earth-Sim, a whimsical and compelling view of Earth’s history through the eyes of the two students assigned to manage our planet.

Connect with Jade Kerrion: Blog / Facebook / Twitter

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Cover & Title Reveal for Crystal Cattabriga's new YA Novel

Hello again, my sweet Listers!

I happen to have another cover reveal for you today as today must be a day of reveals. I love the cover and as soon as I saw it, I could not help but drool. It's so pretty, I want to hug it and call it mine.

Unfortunately, it's not due out until July so I have plenty of time to salivate and pine.

Now that I've gotten you all excited, and probably calling me a bit goofy (which I'd blame on my lack of coffee consumption, but who would I be kidding), let's get on to what you really want to see.

Here's the title: Little Harbor

Intriguing?

And here's the cover:



Ahh. Now I am dreaming of sand, lighthouses, beaches, and kisses. Is this cover yummy or what?!

And now, you can see why this book won't be released until July! It looks like the perfect summer book!


Couldn't you imagine holding that at the beach?!

Thanks for checking out this cover reveal! I'll leave you with the banner, because I love the tagline on it!

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Armored Hearts by Melissa Turner Lee & Pauline Creeden Cover Reveal

Welcome to the Mera's YA Book List blog!

Today, we are happy to participate in the cover reveal for Armored Hearts, the upcoming release by Melissa Turner Lee and Pauline Creeden!

I hope you guys enjoy it! Take a look at the cover and keep reading for a excerpt from the novel! Plus, the cover art was made by Marcy Rachel Designs, and we all know how amazing Marcy Rachel is at making covers!

Synopsis:
When a crippled young lord rescues a girl falling from a tree, it reveals a secret about himself and his mother's side of the family that could put him at the center of a war with beings he thought only existed in fairytales.
Tristan Gareth Smyth lived his entire life stuck at home at Waverly Park, left behind while his Grandfather makes trips to London, all because of his blasted wheelchair.
Then an American heiress falls in his lap, literally, and he must find a way to keep her at a distance to protect not only his secret, but everyone around him from an assassin sent to kill him.

Expected Release Date: April 2013.
Cover art by Marcy Rachel Designs
Model Photographer: WinterWolf Studios



This is an exciting collaboration between a Steampunk writer and a Paranormal Romance author. Together we are blending the two cultures as seamlessly as possible so that fans of both genres will love what we’ve come up with.


Excerpt –
Twelve-year-old Tristan Gareth Smyth gripped the armrests of his wheelchair and said, “This will do. I can make it the rest of the way on my own from here.”
His eyes trained up the landmark tree and he had that feeling again. The vapor of a memory, maybe a dream. He always had that feeling when he looked up at the broad branches of this particular oak. Then he remembered who he was talking to and his face hardened.
The maid, Sarah, with her strong Scottish burr, patted him on the shoulder. Gareth refused to look at her. He stared down at his knee pants instead. “Are ye sure ye will be alright? I do na mind walking with ye the rest of the way to Mr. Strong’s house.”
Gareth clenched his hands into fists. “I’ll be fine.”
“Too bad he didn’t like coming out to the manor. Remember how green Mr. Strong got when he choked on my spice cake that day and ran off.” She laughed but tried to cover it with a cough. “I thought that would be the end of ’im but he worked it out with yer grandfather to instruct ye in town. Funny, my spice didn’t bother the rest of ye.”
She bent down in front of Gareth, attempting to make eye contact. “There are lots of children in this section of town. Ye might try making friends with ’em.”
Gareth turned away and clenched his jaw. Children never wanted to make friends with him. The chair made them uncomfortable. And what did he care anyway? He attempted to give her as stern a look as his grandfather would. “I know the way from here, and I won’t be late. You can go on to market, now.”
The breeze picked up and blew wisps of red hair into the woman’s round face. She smiled. Was she making fun of him? “Oh, it’s such a pretty day. This fresh air will do ye good, for certain.”
Gareth scowled.
She patted her hands on her knees and stood straight again. “Well then, I’ll leave ye to it. I’ve got to run off to the baker’s. Be sure to get to Mr. Strong’s in a timely manner. Though I think yer old governess was doing a fine job. Not sure why ye need Mr. Strong. But I guess it’s none of my concern.”
She was a servant, in uniform, and he was a future lord. Following his instruction was her duty. She and her husband, Thompton had been employed by his grandfather only six months. They might find themselves out of work and heading back to Scotland, if she kept voicing that sort of opinion.
No, Gareth could never really get them fired. But he’d make her think he would. He shook his head in the same disapproving manner he’d seen his grandfather use.
The sunlight played in the golden highlights of the woman’s ruby hair. Although her green eyes twinkled, she continued to voice her cutting opinion. She placed one hand on his shoulder. “It’s not being stuck in this chair that keeps ye lonely. It’s yer surly attitude.”
Gareth couldn’t help but let his face scrunch a little. He crossed his arms and turned his face from her.
Her accent was thick and melodic, familiar in a way. His mother had been Scottish though he hardly remembered her. Still, Gareth kept his pout in place. The truth was, he didn’t know how to relate to others. Even people who could feel at ease talking to perfect strangers stammered or spoke quickly to him and walked away. The wheelchair did more than keep him from playing.
She straightened the collar of his waistcoat. “Look, there’s a little girl coming now. She looks to be about Tabitha’s age. Maybe a wee bit older.”
He did glance then, but just under his lashes, not to give the impression that he cared. Easier to act like he didn’t care than to show he truly did. He refused to give anyone more reason to feel sorry for him. No one pities an angry person.
He missed Tabitha…Tabitha Fitzgerald, Lord Gerald Smyth’s bastard daughter. But ward was her polite title. At five years old, she was the only person he allowed to get close. Maybe it was the way she climbed up in his lap, never caring about the wheelchair. She didn’t see it when she looked at him, she only saw Gareth.
He never spoke to Tabitha about who her parents really were, but she knew. For some reason, servants believed children to be both deaf and dumb, and gossiped openly around them. That’s how Gareth knew the truth about his own mother. He was told she died, but he’d overheard the maids say she had run back home to Scotland and how they didn’t blame her. It’s also how he’d learned the truth of his own father’s death—shot by his mistress’s jealous husband.
“I’m heading off. I’ll be sure to get ye a sweet roll for later.”
Gareth only grunted in response.
When the maid turned away, Gareth allowed himself to watch the little girl play. Her hair was a darker blonde than Tabitha’s and had streaks of amber. She looked to be a bit taller, too, as she ran around in a green day dress and stockings. She pushed a hoop along until she reached the tree. Once there she looked both ways. Her eyes met Gareth’s and, for a moment, he was tempted to turn away to keep her from doing it first. Instead, she smiled broadly and beckoned him closer.
Gareth wheeled his chair to the tree trunk, his curiosity getting the better of him. The girl dropped the hoop on the ground and took hold of the lowest branch. She whispered in an accent he didn’t recognize, “Keep watch for me, and call out if you see anyone coming.”
His chin tucked in and his eyes grew wide. She took it as assent, and nodded, starting her climb. She was spirited like Tabitha. The thought of being able to climb a tree at all pricked at Gareth’s heart. He would never get to climb a tree.
Again he took on the expression of being bored. No one needed to know he was jealous of the girl. Gareth made a habit of never owning his true feelings. It was his protective covering. With his lids half closed, he tried not to watch the girl or keep an eye out for anyone else’s approach. Without his permission, his gaze returned to the girl’s powder white limbs as she climbed higher than most children did.
Soon she was too high up.
Gareth adjusted himself in his seat, his eyes darting around. Instead of keeping lookout, he hoped for some adult to show up and tell the girl to come down.
The girl called down in a harsh whisper.“Look! Watch this.”
She scooted out on a limb, making her way to a bird’s nest. The limb wobbled as she got closer to the end.
He was about to call out a warning to her when it was too late. The branch snapped. The little girl was falling with barely a squeal.
All Gareth could think was that he needed to do something. It was then he noticed he was rushing towards her. He wasn’t sure how he was moving his wheelchair and catching her but he did. Her giant brown eyes grew as he held her. Then she looked about and her eyes became wider. He swallowed hard and stared at the ground several feet away.
In a rush, he placed the girl on the grass and flew back to his chair. His heart still pounded in his ears as he sat. He tried to mask his confusion as he masked all other uncomfortable emotions, but it wasn’t working. The girl stared at him, but said nothing as a dark haired woman rushed toward her.
“Sweeting, are you ok?” The woman swept the girl up into her arms. “I got here as fast as I could. I can’t believe you did that. I thought I told you not to climb that tree.”
She put the girl back down and looked her over, grabbing her head and looking for a sign of injury. “Aren’t you hurt at all? I saw you falling from the window upstairs.”
The girl shook her head too quickly, like she was still in shock.
“Come on back to the house,” the pinch-faced woman snapped, ushering the little girl away.
The girl yanked her hand free of the woman’s grasp and rushed back to Gareth. She placed an object in his hand and kissed his cheek.
“You were amazing,” she whispered and turned back to the woman who called out her name.
Gareth’s cheeks burned. What did the woman say the girl’s name was? He didn’t hear with the blood rushing to his ear drums. Jessie? Jenny?
The woman scolded the girl as she returned to her. “What did you do? Where are your manners? You don’t talk to cripples. Best to act like you don’t see them at all.”
The words struck Gareth like a bucket of cold water. But he let it slide off him as he thought about the fact that he had flown. He watched after the girl as her dark eyes stared back. His mind was muddled at what had happened. The muscles in his face hardened and he glared at the woman’s back as they retreated.
Shaking his head, he remembered he was supposed to be heading to Mr. Strong’s house. He pushed on the wheels of his chair down the road again. He’d forgotten he was holding something, and nearly dropped it. The small, pale blue-green stone had a few dark wrinkles, but almost looked like a robin’s egg. He put it to his nose. Flowers. It smelled just like the girl.
Gareth was so caught up in staring at how tiny the stone was in his palm, he’d forgotten all about Mr. Strong until the man called, “Master Tristan, what are you doing out here? You were to report to my house a quarter of an hour ago.”
“I prefer Gareth.” He narrowed his eyes at the pale, feeble man.
Mr. Strong ran a hand through his thin blond hair and smiled, his lips forming a thin line. “Yes, of course.”
Mr. Strong placed himself behind Gareth’s chair and pushed down the lane. “I have an excellent plan for your studies today. I see you’ve brought no supplies from your home, but no matter, I have plenty of paper and pens to practice your lettering…”
Gareth rolled his eyes, knowing Mr. Strong couldn’t see. The man’s cheerful babble continued as he pushed them towards the house past the inn. The stone rolled between Gareth’s fingers, and he remembered the feeling of the girl’s lips on his cheek.

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The Holders by Julianna Scott Blog Tour + Giveaway!

Happy Friday everyone! I know a bunch of you are probably getting your coffee and warm jackets prepped to go stand in line later and get your copy of Breaking Dawn Part Two, but before you do check out some awesome content from Julianna Scott's The Holders and have fun with us and the rest of the blog tour stops!

Today, we are psyched! Not only do we have permission to share an awesome excerpt from Julianna's novel, we also have a cool top ten with the author as well as a giveaway.

I know how you guys love that word.
So check it out and send comments our way! We love to hear your opinions about our posts!


BOOK DESCRIPTION:

17-year-old Becca spent her whole life protecting her brother from, well, everything. The abandonment of their father, the so called 'experts' who insist that voices in his head are unnatural and must be dealt with, and the constant threat of being taken away to some hospital and studied like an animal. When two representatives appear claiming to have the answers to Ryland's perceived problem, Becca doesn't buy it for one second. That is until they seem to know things about Ryland and about Becca and Ryland's family, that forces Becca to concede that there may be more to these people than meets the eye. Though still highly skeptical, Becca agrees to do what's best for Ryland. What they find at St. Brigid's is a world beyond their imagination. Little by little they piece together the information of their family's heritage, their estranged Father, and the legend of the Holder race that decrees Ryland is the one they've been waiting for. However, they are all--especially Becca--in for a surprise that will change what they thought they knew about themselves and their kind. She meets Alex, a Holder who is fiercely loyal to their race, and for some reason, Becca and Ryland. There's an attraction between Becca and Alex that can't be denied, but her true nature seems destined to keep them apart. However, certain destinies may not be as clear cut as everyone has always believed them to be. Becca is lost, but found at the same time. Can she bring herself to leave Ryland now that he's settled and can clearly see his future? Will she be able to put the the feelings she has for Alex aside and head back to the US? And can Becca and Ryland ever forgive their father for what he's done?

EXCERPT!!!

I held his eyes a second or two longer than I should have, trying to decipher what I saw, and wondering what he saw in mine. I’m not sure how long we sat there, but it was long enough to raise the hairs on the back of my neck and make my palms grow hot.

In desperate need of a distraction, I reached down for our empty bowls, intending to take them to the bathroom sink. However, at the same moment I reached for his, he moved to hand it to me, causing us to collide. Instead of leaning back immediately, we both froze, our chests pressed against each other and – more notably – our mouths now only mere inches apart.

I could feel his shaky breath on my cheek, and all I could think about was what his lips would feel like pressed against mine. Then suddenly, as if he’d read my mind, he began to slowly lean forward.

           He was going to kiss me!
My hands started to tremble as I closed my eyes and tipped my head up. I felt his breath on my lower lip, tasted his warm scent on my tongue, felt the slightest brush of his nose against mine, and then...



For her Top Ten, Julianna decided to choose tv shows. Any of these on your top ten list?

Top Ten Television Shows:

1. The Big Bang Theory

2. Castle

3. Face Off

4. Once Upon a Time

5. The Next Iron Chef

6. White Collar

7. Chopped

8. Sherlock

9. Arrow

10. Merlin


About the Author:

Julianna was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and spent the majority of her educational career convinced she would be a musician. However, after receiving her music degree from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, she realized that she'd been born in the wrong era for her dreams of singing jazz to adoring fans clad in zoot-suits and flapper dresses to come true, and began to wonder if her true calling might be elsewhere.

While Julianna had always excelled in writing throughout school, she'd never considered it a career possibility until about three years ago, when she'd gotten her first story idea and decided to go for it. She grabbed her laptop, started typing away, and has never looked back. 

Finally, what you guys really want! Here's the giveaway via Rafflecopter! There will be a tour wide grand prize winner!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Find out more about Julianna and The Holders:

Julianna Scott Author Page: http://www.juliannascott.com

The Holders Series Page: http://www.theholdersseries.com

Julianna Scott on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5806079.Julianna_Scott

The Holders on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13579352-the-holders

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Julianna__Scott

The Holders Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Holders/258706524216942

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/juliannalscott/

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