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Friday, January 31, 2014

Cover Reveal: Paranormal Keepers by Jen Naumann


Release date: March 4, 2014
Model Photography: Jen Naumann
Cover Design: Najla Qamber Designs
Publisher: Phantom Owl Press

Everyone thinks Harper Young killed her boyfriend. No one will say it to her face, but the signs are everywhere.

It’s almost been a year since Gavin was torn from Harper’s arms and brutally murdered. The police wrote it off as a freak accident, deciding Harper’s strange testimony was given under duress. But she knows something unnatural was involved and refuses to stop looking until she finds his killer, even if it means her reputation as a senior is ruined. Even if it means there really are monsters living among us.


With the discovery of the mothmen, witches, vampires and all the creatures she always suspected were out there, Harper finds herself amidst a complex bundle of unseen heroes who call themselves "Keepers", sworn to keep the secret of the paranormal creatures that walk this earth. As she tries to understand what’s so special about her that she’s able to break an old Keeper law, Harper has a baffling vision of kissing a mysterious guy before a blade is brought down on him. Before she can get a handle on her future, she becomes central to a battle between the questionable “heroes” and the evil she’s been training to fight, leaving her to wonder if there’s any way to change the fate that has been foretold before it’s too late.

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Thursday, January 30, 2014

Review: Jane Austen Ruined My Life by Beth Pattillo

Jane Austen Ruined My Life by Beth Pattillo
Genre: Women’s Fiction, Book Club, Literarture



Synopsis:

English professor Emma Grant has always done everything just the way her minister father told her she should -- a respectable marriage, a teaching job at a good college, and plans for the requisite two children. Life was prodigiously good, as her favorite author Jane Austen might say, until the day Emma finds her husband in bed with another woman. Suddenly, all her romantic notions a la Austen are exposed for the foolish dreams they are.

Denied tenure in the wake of the scandal and left penniless by the ensuing divorce, Emma packs up what few worldly possessions she has left and heads to England on a quest to find the missing letters of Jane Austen. Locating the elusive letters, however, isn't as straightforward as Emma hoped. The owner of the letters proves coy about her prize possessions, sending Emma on a series of Austen-related tasks that bring her closer and closer to the truth, but the sudden reappearance of Emma's first love makes everything more complicated.

In the end, Emma learns that doing the right thing has very little to do with other people's expectations and everything to do with her own beliefs. Laced with fictional excerpts from the missing letters, Jane Austen Ruined My Life is the story of a woman betrayed who uncovers the deeper meaning of loyalty.

Review:

Emma Grant believes that Jane Austen ruined her life. She believes that the brilliant author gave women all over the world the hope that happy endings and true love exist when in fact, they don’t. And Emma spent almost her entire life foolishly believing that a Mr.Darcy, from Pride and Prejudice or a Captain Wentworth, from Persuasion was waiting for her out in the world and all she needs to do is find him.

She thought she found herself, a Mr. Knightley (from Austen’s novel, Sense & Sensibility) and 10 years into the marriage and she finds her “Mr. Knightley” with another woman. And with that woman, her marriage was over and so was her professional life.

Financially unstable, Emma Grant flies to England in pursuit to find evidence that Jane Austen is a fraud, so she can write her way up the ladders once again. She speaks to a senior member of a secret Jane Austen group (who keeps Jane Austen’s letters a secret) called The Formidables and is sent all around places like, Lyme, Bath and other places Jane Austen used to love and hate for tasks to prove she’s not one of those people who want to sabotage Jane Austen’s work and in exchange, this senior member will show her original copies of Jane Austen’s letters.

In the fray of these tasks, Emma Grant struggles with love and herself. And instead of grasping her second chance at a happy ending, she chooses to focus on herself, because in fact, Jane Austen didn’t ruin her life. Emma did that all on her own.

Jane Austen Ruined My Life was a heartfelt book that I enjoyed, it was dusted with facts about Jane Austen, fanatics like myself would love to read about. This was an absolute wonderful read with slight romance and a woman trying to find herself.





4 out of 5 date trees

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Monday, January 27, 2014

Cover Reveal: Evil Dead by Nikki Jefford


Evil Red by Nikki Jefford
(An Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter Novelette)
Genre: New Adult, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
Publication Date: February 2014
Cover Designed by Najla Qamber Designs

Synopsis:

L.A. is one tough city, especially while sharing a trailer with four thieving sisters.

Valerie’s plans for a better life and Hollywood grandeur are interrupted after a fateful stabbing lands her in Anchorage, Alaska where government agents expect her to play the role of a vampire hunting La Femme Nikita.

The redheaded vixen is back in her own Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter novelette.

**Novella is approximately 18,000 words**


Author Bio & Links:

Nikki is the author of the bestselling SPELLBOUND trilogy and AURORA SKY:VAMPIRE HUNTER. She's a third generation Alaskan who now lives in the not-so-tropical San Juan Islands (WA) where she is, once more, neighbors with Canada in a town without a single traffic light.

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter

http://www.nikkijefford.com/
https://www.facebook.com/authornikkijefford
https://twitter.com/NikkiJefford


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Saturday, January 25, 2014

Review: Agent I1: Tristan (The D.I.R.E Agency #1) by Joni Hahn


Agent I1: Tristan (The D.I.R.E. Agency #1) by Joni Hahn
Genre: Military, Romance, Science Fiction
Buy Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:

Credentials:
• Second generation Former Navy SEAL
• DIRE’s top agent
Enhancements:
• Teleportation
• Invisibility

Raised in the art of warfare, Former Navy SEAL, Tristan Jacobs, has always been a force to reckon with. Now that D.I.R.E. has successfully implemented his scientific enhancements, he’s a walking weapon. Unstoppable, as long as he stays focused. No relationships.

When ex-BUD/S teammate, Aidan Monroe, interrupts his long-awaited sabbatical to call in a favor, Tristan reluctantly fills the simple request: take out his sister’s fiancĂ©.

One problem: Rachel Monroe - smokin’ hot, kind-hearted, and in desperate need of a protector. After the best sex of his life, Tristan’s afraid unstoppable is just a memory. Knowing Aidan’s temper, Tristan could be, too.

Rachel Monroe had a plan to help her mother. Her brother ruined everything when his gorgeous, super-agent friend teleported her to some forsaken island - and his bed. She’s drawn to him despite the fact he’s a professional agent, much like the people suspected of killing her father.

Now, his enemies have come to her small town, looking for vengeance.

Have they found more than they bargained for? Or, does the past have its own retribution in mind?

Review:

I’ve worked on the book covers of the D.I.R.E trilogy for a good month and I had all kinds of images in my head about the books. First, I thought of it as pure romance, then I thought of it with tons of secret agents, and missions and flat out action. Then there were other instances where I thought the characters of the books could fly like superman, when I know 100% none of the three Main Characters have that ability. So, basically, I read the first book of the trilogy somewhat blind not knowing what to expect.

The way the book started out, not only got me into finishing 5 more chapters, but it immediately made me love the characters. Tristan is considered a super soldier/superhero who can turn invisible and teleport, all thanks to the technology provided by the D.I.R.E agency.  While Rachel is the sister of Tristan best friend, Aidan, who served with him in the Navy.

One day, Aidan (Tristans best friend) asked Tristan to babysit his sister, Rachel when she left a man at the altar. One thing led to another, the loner Tristan fell in love, and Rachel realized that she didn’t have any feelings for her fiance. Pretty obvious stuff. Then came the criminals who wanted to take Tristan down, and then Rachel gets caught in the crossfire. The plot is simple and realistic and I’m so glad it’s not another one of those paranormal books.

Overall, I loved the story, the characters, the sweet romance but I felt that the story needed more.There were these blanks in between that needed to be filled with more action! Other than that, the story was a real page-turner and I absolutely loved the writing style. I’m looking forward to reading part two in the D.I.R.E Trilogy by Joni Hahn.


4 out of 5 date trees

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Thursday, January 23, 2014

Review: Holding On Forever (Truly, Madly #2) by Cecilia Robert

Holding On Forever (Truly Madly #2) by Cecilia Robert
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Novella

Buy Links: Amazon



Synopsis:

Liese is finally moving on with Frey by her side. But sometimes letting go is the hardest part, and trusting is a risk one has to take. In between her practicum and spending time with Frey whenever he is town, she fights her insecurities, and wins. Then something happens and Frey's priorities momentarily shift, making her second guess their relationship. Suddenly, going back to their former best friends status has never looked so appealing.

Frey's life has never shined so bright now that Liese is his. But there is a part of him that is shrouded by memories he'd rather have them buried where no one can touch them. Not even him. But even buried memories and people can't stay hidden for forever. What Liese doesn't know is that Frey isn't about to let go so easily, and he will throw in everything he's got to stop her from leaving him. He has waited an eternity for her. Giving her up is not an option.



Review:

I read the first novella of this and loved it so much that I asked the author if she was planning to write a sequel. And I was so relieved when she said yes.

The first book had so much angst, fluff and young love while Holding On Forever gives you passion, depth and a whole lot more. And I am freaking happy at how much “loving” Frey and Liese are getting and so much more when I figured out that these books may end up having a spin off, if the author isn’t thinking about it, I think she should! (hint hint).

Anyways, I loved seeing a deeper and more realistic side to Frey and Liese’s relationship. I loved how the books were paced and how the author managed to put in some twists here and there but for some reason, I felt that the dialogue was a little too formal? Or it just might be the writing style. I can’t remember if it was the same in the first book.

Overall, I definitely loved this book. It’s romantic, passionate and perfect for all those hopeless romantic readers out there. It was a beautiful conclusion to the Truly Madly Series. Highly recommended.

4 out of 5 date trees

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Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Book Playlist: Hardpressed (Hacker #2) by Meredith Wild



Hardpressed (Hacker #2) by Meredith Wild

Genre: Erotic Romance 18+

Publication Date: December 9, 2013

Event organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc.

 

Synopsis

In Hardpressed, the highly anticipated second book of the Hacker Series that began with Hardwired, Blake and Erica face threats that put both their love and their lives on the line. Despite Blake Landon’s controlling ways, the young and wealthy hacker finally won the trust of the woman he loves. Internet entrepreneur Erica Hathaway broke down the walls that kept her from opening her heart and her business to Blake. Ready to start this new chapter in her life, Erica is determined not to let anything come between them, even if that means giving Blake back some of the control he craves in and out of the bedroom. But when demons from her past threaten their future, Erica makes a decision that could change their lives forever.

Add Hardpressed to Goodreads

Purchase Links for Hardpressed: Amazon US | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Google Play

Purchase Links for Hardwired: Amazon US | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Google Play

Hardpressed Playlist

About the Author



Meredith Wild picked up her first romance novel at the tender age of twelve, and shortly after put pen to word processor and made her first attempt at writing a love story inspired by those she so enjoyed reading well past her bedtime.Her dream of writing took a back seat to college, parenthood and eventually entrepreneurship, which led her into the fast-paced and male-dominated high tech industry. With enough life experience for a few lifetimes, she now devotes her hours to writing contemporary adult romance, with a hint of kink.Her debut novel Hardwired tells the story of billionaire bad boy, Blake Landon, and the object of his obsession, strong-willed tech startup CEO, Erica Hathaway.When she isn’t writing or mothering, Meredith can be found sunbathing with an adult beverage.

Connect with the Author: Blog | Facebook | Goodreads | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest


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Saturday, January 18, 2014

Review: Entangled Moments (Moments in Time #1) by Dori Lavelle



Entangled Moments (Moments in Time #1) by Dori Lavelle
Genre: Women’s Fiction, Book Club, Novella

Buy Links : Amazon



Synopsis:

A deadly accident can take a life in more than one way.

Four years ago, Carlene Adams made a deadly mistake. A tragic accident derailed the future she'd hoped for, taking the life of the man she'd planned to spend forever with. 

As a self-imposed penance for her solitary sin, Carlene has given up on every dream she ever had. She has committed to spend every remaining moment trying to make up for that one instance when everything changed. 

Then she gets a second chance.

When Carlene meets Nick Johnson, the single kiss they share awakens the desires she shoved aside for so long. Suddenly she wants more than what she believe she deserves. Will she ever see him again?

A thing of fate.

Leaving the life she built on regret, Carlene waits for fate to intervene. But just as she begins to believe in a fresh start, she's forced to realize a horrible truth—one with the power to send her second chance crashing before it even takes off. 

Nick isn't who she thought he was. She isn't the girl he believed her to be, either. Their lives were intertwined even before they met, and if Carlene tells him the truth, she’ll risk tearing them apart—for good.


Review:

Novella’s are one of my favorite type of books to read. They’re short, sweet and leaves you wanting more. If the wanting more element doesn’t lead you to the sequel, I would be very unhappy but I’m glad Entangled Moments has a sequel and maybe a third short one in the works after the sequel? Perhaps.

Carlene’s life is in the dumps and she’s afraid to jump start her life. But when push comes to shove, she manages to put herself out there again and even got herself a job and a good start to a new life.

Reading through the book, the author lays a thin sheer curtain to mask why Charlene’s life is where it is in the beginning of the book. All we know is that there was a very very bad accident that Charlene blames herself for. And we are left to assume what really happened. Did she kill someone? Did someone threaten her life? so on and so forth.

This sense of mystery and the touch of romance in the novella keeps you reading. And when the author ended the book with this HUGE cliffhanger I wanted to scream! I loved this first installment in the Moments of Time Novellas from Dori Lavelle. I can’t wait to read more from her.


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Friday, January 17, 2014

Review: Declan's Wicked Temptation by Tiffany Stevens



Declan's Wicked Temptation
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Declan’s Wicked Temptation by Tiffany Stevens
Buy Link: Amazon




Caught between love and honor, Declan has a decision to make. Sent from the Heavens to prevent a war from happening, Declan’s mission is to find the prophecy child and ensure he/she doesn’t fulfill their destiny.

Working on a farm in Pine Mountain, Georgia, Declan works his way not only through the land but finds his way into the heart of a small town girl. Not just any small town girl, but what could only be described as the land owner’s niece. No matter how hard he tried to avoid her and deny what he felt as they touch, Declan finally allowed himself to feel what he never knew…Love.

Still hunting for the prophecy child, Declan finds that he is not the only supernatural creature there with the same agenda. The Darkness has sent their own minions to look as well. Time is of the essence and Declan can no longer put off the most important decision of his existence. Does he choose love and take the fall or does choose his honor instead?


This is the prequel of Wicked Destiny, and Stevens’ second book. And I’m glad I picked this up. It was written so much better than the first book and I absolutely loved how it was paced. It was a big improvement from the first book. I’m so glad I gave this a chance.
This novella is an easy one sitting read and is focused on Declan’s side of the story. It’s story was a lot lighter with descriptions and details flowing a lot more breezer than the first book. This only keeps the reader reading and is an awesome installment to the series.
Looking forward to more from the author!


4 out of 5 date trees

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Thursday, January 16, 2014

Exclusive Content: Echoes of Balance by Cally Ryanne



Echoes of Balance by Cally Ryanne
Young Adult Paranormal Romance


For Chloe Moraine, fighting wild bears– and the occasional vampire– is a better pastime than the tediousness of keeping the universe in balance. But balancing is the family business. It comes with being one of the last in the ancient line of Naimei.

So when the impending return of the Original Demons threatens global harmony, Chloe is obligated to help. Even when that means the dull-as-dirt task of following a human girl who “might be involved, maybe,” instead of the thrilling hunt she craves.

With their powerful magic and ancient Ways, Chloe’s family is unconcerned, certain they’ll quickly fix the imbalance while she’s preoccupied with human high school. But when the Ways start to fail, the threat becomes more serious, and the only person that seems to know anything is a debonair vampire with an offer to help.

If Chloe chooses to trust him, and the darker side of the supernatural he represents, she’ll betray her family and risk losing them, and herself, in the process. But if he’s right, he may just be their only chance to stop the return of the Originals and save the world.

Maybe high school won’t be so boring after all.


EOB Exclusive Content - AURELIA
        The only things that had been in her bag lunch were an apple and a sandwich of the most boring variety. It wasn’t what she would typically back for herself: she liked to include snacks. Chips, maybe. Peanut butter to dip her apple – sliced, as was her preference – in. Fruit snacks, if they were in the house or she had remembered to pick up a box with the money her parents always left. 
        But her mother was in town for more than a day at a time. She was ‘between deals,’ she explained, and had time she wanted to spend ‘with the family.’ Which made sense, of course, if you didn’t count her husband and annexed the computer and cell phone to the definition of ‘family.’
        So far, her most maternal moment since Aurelia had turned eleven and she had rejoined the workforce in the name of college tuition was making these lunches. They had gotten progressively worse every year, which Aurelia took to be a reflection of her mother’s own workplace philosophy. Efficient, quick. No frills.
        It was a good description of her lunch. Her sandwich, especially. Two slices of lunch meat, mustard, the end. No cheese, no lettuce, no tomatoes, not even a pickle, and worst of all, Aurelia hadn’t particularly enjoyed lunchmeat since she was about eleven.
        But that wasn’t part of the work-required knowledge, and so her mother wouldn’t know.
        Aurelia crinkled the paper bag the apple and sandwich had come in, making it stand up higher as to hide her lackluster lunch from the people she sat with. She might occasionally go as far as to say friends, but they weren’t really close, per se. They ate together. Sometimes they talked. But when the final school bell rang, they went their separate ways – most likely to hang out together – and she went hers.
        It didn’t bother her, really, because it had been this way for as long as she could remember. There was no reason she didn’t connect; she just didn’t. She wasn’t disliked, but she wasn’t loved, either. She was just there, a girl who occasion contributed to the conversation and laughed along and was a constant bundle of nerves that The Thing was going to happen again.
        She hated thinking about The Thing. It happened randomly, always out of left field, and she had no idea what it was. But everyone seemed to notice. Once, she had thought it was some sort of seizure or strange health condition. But a week of hinting this to her mother – staying as vague as possible, of course – had only landed her in a second week of therapy. Until the shrink decided that family counseling would work best. Her mother had put a stop that right quick.
        So instead, she just held onto the dread and nibbled at her apple. The people she sat with were discussing their senior year; it had only just started, and no one seemed to see or feel much of a difference than any other year. College applications would start soon, sure, another source of anxiety, but that was later. Now it was just… now.
        “I can’t wait for off campus lunch to start,” one was explaining, “eating in the cafeteria is just so eleventh grade, right?”
        Aurelia chuckled as another girl tossed her hair and rolled her eyes to mock the first, who slapped the second’s arm playfully. Aurelia shook her head, shaking a strand of hair out of her eyes. She grinned her wide grin, about to add something to this – her second addition of the day – when it happened.
        Her knee bumped the girl next to her. It was a warm day; they were both in floral skirts that hit at the low thigh. She felt her knee touch knee, and then she felt The Thing.
        Static filled her brain, a distinct buzzing that began to form into words and pictures and feelings that raced through her so quickly that she could barely stop to grab them, not that she had wanted to. The Thing made her heart speed up to a rapid pace, but was it her heart? She could never tell, but it horrified her, and
        What’s happening? Is this why she doesn’t really have friends I can’t believe she hasn’t moved what’s going on I –
        Aurelia jerked abruptly. She was back, her heartbeat slowing down, the buzzing subsiding. The room swam back into focus; it always seemed to disappear when The Thing struck.
        “I…” she mumbled, realizing that the rest of the table was shooting her furtive glances.
        She lowered her eyes, her wide set grey eyes, scooping her lackluster lunch back into the bag in one motion. She swung her leg over the cafeteria bench and murmured a goodbye, though it was lost as her voice thickened and her eyes began to sting.






Cally Ryanne is a vegetarian, with a serious avocado habit, in search of the perfect leather jacket. She graduated from a Midwestern art school in 2012 with a BFA in Drawing and a minor in Creative Writing, and then proceeded to do exactly what most art students do after graduation – nothing to do with art. She currently teaches math in New York City to a bunch of kids who call her “Miss.” In her spare time (between the day job and the night time superhero persona), she writes, piecing together characters and stories that have been following her around since she was a child. She currently lives in uptown Manhattan with some awesome roommates – including her best friend from middle school – and a cat that can’t keep his tongue in his mouth. Echoes of Balance is her debut novel and the first in The Ways Trilogy, a Young Adult urban fantasy.

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Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Book Blitz: PODs by Michelle K. Pickett


Release Date: 06/24/13
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Paperback/ebook
312 pages


Seventeen-year-old Eva is a chosen one. Chosen to live, while others meet a swift and painful death from an incurable virus so lethal, a person is dead within days of symptoms emerging. In the POD system, a series of underground habitats built by the government, she waits with the other chosen for the deadly virus to claim those above. Separated from family and friends, it's in the PODs she meets David. And while true love might not conquer all, it's a balm for the broken soul.

After a year, scientists believe the population has died, and without living hosts, so has the virus. That's the theory, anyway. But when the PODs are opened, survivors find the surface holds a vicious secret. The virus mutated, infecting those left top-side and creating... monsters.

Eva and David hide from the infected in the abandoned PODs. Together they try to build a life--a new beginning. But the infected follow and are relentless in their attacks. Leaving Eva and David to fight for survival, and pray for a cure.



The bus ride to the quarantine facility took more than ten hours. I was shoved against the window by my seatmate who slept almost the entire trip. He was a big guy, taking up most of the seat, and when he slept his body lolled to the side, wedging me against the metal side of the bus.
 As we traveled, the air turned hot and dry, different than the humid, sticky climate of my coastal Texas hometown. The old school bus didn’t have air conditioning and the small windows didn’t let much air in. My seatmate’s body heat didn’t help. I was hot, thirsty, and had to pee in the worst way.
Wondering how much longer I’d be drooled on by the guy next to me, I strained my face against the window, looking for anything on the flat landscape.
That’s when I saw them.
I don’t know why I was surprised. I should’ve expected it after what had happened at the high school, but I hadn’t. It was worse than at the school—rioters everywhere. They waved anti-raffle signs and signs cursing the “Chosen.”
The land around the quarantine area was flat, dry, and dusty. The people lining the road sat under makeshift tents to keep out of the sun. Some stood on top of their RVs waving their handmade signs; one burned an American flag.
I watched women holding their small children toward the bus, begging with tear-stained faces for us to take them. I wanted to reach out and snatch them out of their mothers’ hands as we drove past. Several of the other people on the bus reached up and pushed their windows shut.
The National Guard at the quarantine site didn’t allow people to get close enough to touch the bus. They were shot with rubber bullets or Tasered if they tried to cross the police line. Every time I heard the shot of the riot guns I jumped. My muscles ached from tensing them—waiting for the inevitable sound.
“Why are you crying?” A boy sitting in front of me looked at me like I’d grown another head. “They’d probably kill you and steal your place in the PODs if given the chance.”
I shook my head, remembering what my dad had told me. “They’re just scared,” I said. After all, they were, essentially, the walking dead.
The rioters screamed and cursed us. They threw rocks and eggs as we drove by. An egg hit the window next to me, the slimy insides plopping against my head, matting my hair.
“Gross,” the boy sitting next to me said.
I just looked at him and rolled my eyes.
Yeah, the egg is gross. And the drool coming out of your mouth and dripping on my leg while you slept, leaning on me, was glorious.
The bus stopped in a fenced area like the one at the high school. The crowd screamed and banged the fence posts with their crude, homemade picket signs. Some climbed on the fence, pulling at it like chimpanzees at the zoo.
“Stay seated until your name is called,” a soldier yelled. “When you are called, grab your belongings and wait to be escorted into the building.”
Oh please, call this guy’s name. He needs to move before I shove him off the seat. I’m tired of being pinned against the side of the bus. I need some room.
Thankfully, my name was called soon after we stopped. I stood, stretched the kinks out of my muscles, and plowed through the massive body blocking me. Clambering over the other luggage that filled the aisle, I grabbed my two suitcases and stood in front of the bus.
The one-story brick building was large but had no windows, only a single green door. I couldn’t see the other sides, but I had a feeling there’d be no windows there, either—no glass for rioters to break through.
The soldier walked up from behind me, tapping my suitcase with his clipboard. “Follow me.”
I shuffled into the brick building, guided by the same guardsman who’d ripped me away from my parents hours earlier…
“I love you,” my mom said through her tears, her voice thick and trembling.
“I want to stay with you,” I pleaded.
“Come here, kiddo.” My dad, his face distorted with grief, folded me in a tight hug. He kissed the top of my head and told me he loved me and how proud he was of me. “I know, when this is over, you are going to do great things, Eva. you’re a fighter. I love you so much.”
A rough hand grabbed my arm, pulling me away from my dad. “Get on the bus,” the male voice ordered, yelling to be heard over the crying of parents and children saying their final goodbyes.
“I’m not done saying goodbye…” He didn’t let go, pulling me with him. My heels digging into the dirt, I tried to pull away. I needed one more hug, to hear them tell me they loved me and to tell them I loved them, too.
“MOM!” I screamed. “DAD!” Tears stained my face. The man thrust me toward the steps of the old, yellow school bus. I screamed one more time for my parents, telling them I loved them, reaching my arms out to them.
I could see my mom’s body rock with the force of her cries. Tears ran down my father’s face. “We love you, Evangelina,” I heard them call just before the bus door closed.
It was the last thing I’d hear my parents say. It was the last image I’d have of them. I pressed my hand to the window of the bus, my head bowed as I sobbed. I didn’t try to hide my tears. Everyone on the bus was crying for their families. We knew what awaited them.
Death.
I shook my head, trying to erase the horrible memory. I wanted to remember the good things about them, not saying goodbye.
Goodbyes are hard, but this one had been different. This wasn’t a goodbye, I’ll see you in a month. It was a permanent goodbye. I’d never see my parents again. The overwhelming sadness took over, like a black hole sucking me in. Fat, salty tears ran down my face, and I could feel my nose running. I wiped my arm across it. My eyes were swollen, my throat sore, and my chest tight.
I was alone. My parents were gone. No brothers or sisters. Just me—an orphan of the virus.



Praise for the Amazon Bestselling PODs:
"5 Stars! I loved this book. I have been kind of bogged down with dystopias lately, but this was amazing. It was so cool to see life before the 'event', to see Eva wrestle with her choices and then, to watch her change as she lived inside the PODs...Yes, there are zombies. Yes, there's a little romance. But I think, at its heart, PODs is a coming of age story about Eva and how she grows from a girl into a strong, decisive woman during this period of absolute destruction. And Pickett writes it beautifully." ~ Sherry Ficklin, author of "Extracted"


"I was blown away by this debut novel from Michelle Pickett! Rather than feeling like I was reading a book, I actually sometimes felt like I was actually watching the characters' lives progress; it was kind of weird! The emotions that Eva felt were so raw and real, and I think Michelle really captured the emotions that one would be feeling in a post-apocalyptic world...PODs may very well be one of the next big things in YA, so I am very happy to have been one of the ones that was part of the beginning of it all! Congrats Michelle on your YA debut and I am looking forward to more by you!  I gave PODs a well-deserved 5/5 stars!  " ~Phil book reviewer at Stack of Hardbacks

5 glowing, sparkling stars for this one!...I absolutely adored every character Michelle introduces us to. This book isn't just about a romance, or two people fighting some battle. This book allows us to get to know several, amazing, diverse characters who all grab your heart (even a few who have attitude issues). They all held such an important place in the story… Now for the plot. Holy crap!... Michelle did a flippin' fantastic job giving us each piece of this puzzle… I won't go into details about what happens after they are removed from the POD but O-M-G! The action never stops…This book seriously needs to be a movie. I could picture every detail and already see it playing out on screen. PLEASE SOMEONE MAKE THIS HAPPEN!”  ~Jessica of Total Bookaholic

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I'm a wife, mother, author, reader, although not always in that order. I write young adult urban fantasies, science/fiction and paranormal romances and have recently started dabbling in young adult contemporary romance. Reading was one of my earliest passions, writing soon followed. I began writing seriously during college where I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in accounting. Why I chose a career that frowns on creativity remains a mystery.

I’m addicted to Reese’s peanut butter cups and eat way too many while I write, have an abnormal obsession with hoodies and can’t write without one, and I hate to cook, but love to watch cooking shows on television. An unabashed romantic, I love a swoon-worthy ending that will give me butterflies for days.

I wrote my debut young adult novel, PODs, in 2011. PODs, a science/fiction, post-apocalyptic romance, will be released June 4, 2013 through the amazing Spencer Hill Press. My second young adult title, Milayna, a paranormal romance, will release through Spencer Hill Press beginning in March 2014. Milayna is a standalone, with series potential. It’s meant to be a trilogy. The Infected, a PODs novel, will release November 2014. It is the second, and last, book in the PODs series.

I was born and raised in Flint, Michigan. I now reside in a small community outside Houston, Texas with my incredibly supportive, not to mention gorgeous, husband, three amazing school-aged children, a 125-pound lap dog, and a snooty cat.

Keep up-to-date with my current, future projects, appearances, and fun giveaways at www.michelle-pickett.com.

I always love to hear from readers, bloggers and other authors!
Find me here:

Giveaway
First place: Signed copy of PODs, tote bag, and swag (US only see note for international)
Second place: Signed copy of PODs and swag (US only see note for international)
*International winners will receive a print copy of PODs only if www.Bookdepository.com delivers to their country. Otherwise they will receive an e-book. Swag will not be included.


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