Friday, April 29, 2016

Playing the Game

Tour graphic Playing the Game

Playing the Game, Derek Backhard by Shawnte Borris

Release Date: March 30, 2016

Genre: Romance, Sports Romance

Tour Dates: April 29, 2016

Playing the GameSince being drafted by the NHL to play for his home team at age nineteen, Derek Backhard has had everything he's ever dreamed of - unrivaled MVP mentions, countless goals and assists, even being compared to the great one. Holding the power to control his future in the palm of his hands, nothing stood in his way.

Until the unthinkable happened, and everything about his life shifted. Past priorities fell away the moment he held baby Ryder in his arms mere moments after losing his close friend, and Ryder's father, Brad.

After weeks of watching Liz fall apart over the loss of her husband as she struggled to adjust to life as a single parent, Derek vows to give her and Ryder everything they deserve, creating a life he never knew he always wanted.

Rocked to her core by her changing feelings for him, Liz doesn’t know what to do with Derek or his offer. Uncertainty swirls within her as she leans on her lifelong friend during the hard times, but how much of his attention is real, and how much is pity?

Is she strong enough to let him in and let him take care of her, or will she force him away and back into the life she thinks he really wants?

iBooks - Amazon US - Amazon UK

Teaser New 4

Interview:

Special EditionCan you tell us a little about Playing the Game?

PTG wasn’t supposed to happen at first. *spoiler* I had no plan to write a series until Brad died in book one and as I grieved him, yes I grieved him too as it was also a shock to me that he died. Brad kept talking and talking that he wanted his scene to be written, he wanted his own book but I had to figure out a way to make that happen. Yes the book is about Derek but that is why Brad shadows the book so much.

Playing the Game is actually the second book in The Game series, do readers need to read the first book in order to completely understand and enjoy Playing the Game?

Absolutely you need to read book one. You need to get to know each character first and why they say and do the stuff that they do. Yes in book two they’ve grown, but I still feel it’s very important that you understand the development and bond they all have together.

What can you tell us about the first book, The Game?

The Game was written all in fun. Kirsten is my other half really, I’m very straight-shooting and I don’t give anything away when I make a business deal. I am often told I am a very hard person to read which sometimes comes off that I am a b*tch, just like Kirsten. If I changed professions and went into business, Kirsten is exactly how I want to be. I also have a strong bond with my high school friend twenty years later so it was important to me that Kirsten had that too.

What was the inspiration for Playing the Game?

Easy, I wrote a book about my ultra-ego. LOL

What about hockey and the NFL draws you in?

I’m not sure what draws me to hockey, besides that I’m Canadian and it’s a passion we share. When I watch the games at home, I’m loud. I talked to the players, give the coach my coaching opinions and I yell when stupid moves are made. Yet, when I go to a live game I sit and front of my seat never taking my eyes off the ice and I’m as quiet as a mouse. I really am the most boring person to take to a game. As for the NFL, I don’t watch and when I do, I’m lost because it different rules then the CFL.

Do you have a favorite hockey player or team?

My favorite team is the Oilers, there are my home team (you don’t cheer for another team other than your home team, that is just wrong) and don’t make fun of my team either because what you are going to poke fun at me with, I make the same statements. LOL! I don’t have a favorite player because it’s a team effort, not one play is better than another.

While writing Playing the Game plot and outline? If so did you follow it, or did it go off track and turn out differently than excepted?

I write an outline plot for every book and character, however when I start writing and developing each character they start to take over. I have yet to actually write a book that looks anything like my plot and outline. My books always turn out different when what’s in my head when I start to write.

How much control do your characters have over the outcome of the book? Did they throw any curve balls balls at you in Playing the Game?

Yes, the characters have a lot of control over my work, apparently. I find they all become bossy. Definitely curve balls are thrown in, such as Brad- he was not to die and Derek was to finish out his playing career due to an injury, not by choice.

Describe Derek in five words.

Dominate, Fierce, Loving, Caretaker and HOT

Describe Liz in five words.

Soft, Outgoing, Quiet, Nurturing and Passionate

What was going through Derek’s mind when he first held Liz’s son, Ryder?

I think tons of emotions were running through his head at one time. It’s hard to pin point which one to really focus on, a lot was happening at his point in time of the book.

Do you have a favorite scene/moment in Playing the Game?

Chapter twelve is one of my favorites because it’s real life. My favorite line is “Press Cougar Claudia.” LOL it still makes me laugh.

Do you identify with any of the characters in Playing the Game?

I have Kirsten work ethic but I also am entune to Liz’s nurturing.

Do you plan to write more about any of the characters in Playing the Game? Maybe one of Derek’s team members?

Adam and Caroline’s story is next followed by Logan and Steve’s. So far I have no plan to write another hockey book but if I was, I think Jonesy would get a book.

Do you aim for a certain number of pages or words each day?

No, I’m an erratic writer. With so much going on, on the farm at different times of the year it’s hard to sit and write some days. One day I will write eight pages, the next three days nothing then fifteen pages. My goal is to get two books out a year… maybe three.

When did you know you wanted to be an author?

I didn’t know I wanted to become an author, it wasn’t my intent at all. I have my schooling to teach special needs children and when I stopped teaching to have my family, writing found me when my youngest started kindergarten full time.

You have a number of books released, do you have a favorite?

Currently I have six books published with hopefully two more on the way this year and two more covers complete after that… with another one being developed in August.

When you’re not writing, what can you be found doing?

Reading, traveling, farming, 4H and of course chilling with my family and friends.

What are you writing now? Anything you can tell us about it?

When I come back from A Weekend With The Authors, in Nashville in May I am going to be starting an MC (motorcycle series) Waking Up In Leather. It’s not going to be your traditional MC book, it will focus more on romance but of course there will be crude things involved.

What is something that you find particularly challenging about writing or being an author in general?

The most challenging for me is to stick to deadlines, I absolutely SUCK at them. The other is reaching out to my readers, I wish there was additional ways to meet more of them, find out their story. I love book signings for this reason I don’t necessarily sell myself, I’d much rather meet the readers.

What advice would you give to writers just starting out?

Write for you and no one else! You will not please everyone and nor should you. Write because it’s a passion for you, not for another way to make an income- because it’s that’s the case you will be eating mac and cheese forever.

Do you have any writing rituals? Anything you must have while writing? Coffee? Candy? etc.

Candy, I eat so much candy it’s sickening really and when I edit I binge eat everything.

Who influenced your writing/life the most?

No one influences my writing because I write for me and what I want to read. But I will say this journey all started when I was thirty and I read my first ever book beginning to cover, then the entire series in three days. Thanks to Twilight.

Is there anything you’d like to say to your readers?

I truly can’t thank my readers and bloggers enough. This past year was a nightmare and each and every reader and blogger stuck by me till the bitter end and for that they will always have my gratitude.

What are the names of your published books and where can we purchase them?

With Love

The Game

Playing The Game

Falling For Bentley

Catching Haley

Haley & Bentley

All my books are available where most e-books are sold

What is next for you?

Waking Up In Leather (MC Series) 2016

He’s My Home (spin off to Falling For Bentley Series) Travis & Whitney 2016

Strings (YA) 2017

Fear (MMA) 2017

Breakaway (YA) 2018

Fighting The Game (??) Adam & Caroline

Negotiating The Game (??) Steve & Logan

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What reviewers are saying...

“I have been anticipating this book forever and I can happily say I was not disappointed.” Sweet Love

“I loved the part with Press Cougar Claudia.” Rebecca A

“Pages were so well written and you feel the emotion of the characters point of view.” CeeJays Reading Review

“Such a refreshing story.” T. Cantu

“The perfect sequel to The Game. Just like in all of Shawnte's books, Playing The Game gives the reader exactly what they are looking and hoping for.” Ariel

“5 hockey puck stars!!!” Melissa M

“If you enjoy funny banter, crazy best friends, and sweet and supportive friends then this is a series for you.” Keri Q

“WOW!! Awesome book!! I thought I loved Derek from The Game until I read this book! My love & admiration for this character is 100 times more!!” Jenny S

“This book tugged at everything in my heart, oh man, all the feels. Shawnte wrote the hell out of this book.” Silvia S

“Story worth reading, it tender, it grabs you by your heart and you shed tears and then laugh.” Jara B

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All about the Author:

Shawnte is an international bestselling romance author with her Falling for Bentley series. She hales from central Alberta, Canada. Where she is a mother of two and co-owns a cow/calf operation with her husband of twelve years. As much as she fusses about farming, she enjoys the rural living lifestyle it offers.

When Shawnté is not sitting at her kitchen table hammering away on her laptop while watching the moose chase her cows across the yard, yes this really happens. Then she is busy attend school activities, community events and chauffeuring children here and there. She is big on playing softball and watching hockey.

When the time comes to relax, you will find her snuggled underneath her down comforter reading on her Ipad. Wait…who are we kidding, if the dishes, vacuuming, laundry or the bathrooms needs a hose down, you’ll always hear her say, “Just after this chapter.” She doesn’t have a favorite author or best story because everyday she falls in love with someone new.

You will find Shawnte on Facebook, Twitter and TSU. Please go like her page and leave a review/star rating on the books she’s wrote that you fell in love with.

Facebook - Website - Twitter Wrap Playing the Game

False Illusions

 
Title: False Illusions (False #1)
Author: A. Cramton
Release Date: April 25, 2016
Add on Goodreads
 
 
 
Madison had it all; the wealth, the amazing condo and engaged to the boxing Heavy Weight Champion of the world.
But in reality all she had was loneliness.
Until he showed up.
 
Yoel’s plan was bulletproof.
Get in and get out, win the title.
He did his homework but not well enough.
He wasn’t prepared for her.
 
One night changes everything.
One lie blurs the lines.
 
When the lust and smoke clears will everything just be a false illusion
Or will it be the biggest fight of all?
 
 
 
 
“We can’t keep doing this, I’m engaged.”
 
“To someone who clearly isn’t taking care of your needs, he’s probably never even home.” I step close to her, my finger tracing her jaw. “He has no ideawhat he has, baby doll.” Fuck, I said too much.
 
She looks away and then back at me, staring at me for what feels like forever. She knows I’m right, she doesn’t know how right I am. She doesn’t know that I know all about that asshole.
 
“We need rules if we’re going to do this,” she finally says.
 
I take a breath in relief. I can’t have her ruining my plans.
 
“Shoot.”
 
 
 
A. Cramton is a wife, and mother who was born, raised, and is still a resident of Sunny, San Diego, California. When A is not working a fulltime job and attending to her son and husband, she loves to indulge in a juicy romance novel. A is a hopeless romantic who is in love with love, and has a guilty pleasure for celebrity gossip. After being a part of Naughty Smutty Book Blog, and reviewing multiple love stories, A decided to pursue her own dreams of being a published author.
 
 
 

Black Number Four

Title: Black Number Four

Author: Kandi Steiner

Release Date: April 4, 2015

Add to Goodreads – http://bit.ly/24kWUqs

Synopsis:

Known as one of the youngest and most ambitious poker players in the country,

Skyler Thorne has a reputation to uphold in Vegas this year. Her sole focus for

spring semester is to perfect her game and get tournament ready – and have some

fun with her sorority sisters, of course. Meeting a care-free pledge with incredible

arms adds a whole new element of fun to her semester, but when a shocking

discovery about his past surfaces, Skyler finds herself stuck in a game she wasn’t

prepared to play.

Kip Jackson is on a mission from his father. His plan was to get in, have a little fun,

and then get out – on to bigger and better things. A feisty girl with bright blue eyes

wasn’t on his list of things to do, but she quickly moves her way up to the very top.

When he realizes completing his dad’s mission means crushing her in the process,

he must decide if his dreams are worth the risk – or if he even has the same dreams,

at all.

Two secrets. Two hearts. Two hands being played in one twisted game of deceit.

When the cards are on the table, will anyone be left standing?

The perfect poker face can only hide them for so long.

Buy Link:

Amazon – http://amzn.to/1SGiweO

On sale for $0.99 for a limited time!

Excerpt:

"I want to know your secrets.” I walk to the sink and drop the dishes in, waiting.

Skyler leans against the wall and crosses her arms. “Oh yeah? In poker or in life?”

I tuck my hands in my pockets and shrug, my eyes locked on hers. “Both.”

She stays there for a while, smiling and scrutinizing me at the same time. Suddenly,

her face falls, and I feel the same resistance from earlier stretch between us like a

tense rubber band. “I should probably go,” she says, lifting from the wall.

I check my watch. “Why don’t we go watch the sunrise? It’ll be up in twenty

minutes.”

Skyler chews her cheek, her foot tapping on the floor. “I don’t know, I think this

would be a lot easier if I left now.”

I shake my head, walking toward her. “What do you mean by this?”

She goes to back up but hits the wall. “This. Us. I just, I don’t think we should get

caught up. I have to focus on poker this semester and you’re pledging. It would just

be easier if we didn’t complicate things.”

I keep walking until our chests touch and place my hands on the wall around her

head, my face inches from hers. Her breath hitches in her throat, but her bright blue

eyes don’t leave mine.

“Baby, you made me lick tequila off you the first night we met. This is nothing if not

complicated.”

Book Trailer:

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src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vXoZEdAjEW8" frameborder="0"

allowfullscreen></iframe>

Author Info:

​Kandi Steiner is a Creative Writing and Advertising/Public Relations graduate

from the University of Central Florida living in Tampa with her husband. Kandi

works full time as a social media specialist, but also works part time as a Zumba

fitness instructor and blackjack dealer.



Kandi started writing back in the 4th grade after reading the first Harry Potter

installment. In 6th grade, she wrote and edited her own newspaper and distributed

to her classmates. Eventually, the principal caught on and the newspaper was

quickly halted, though Kandi tried fighting for her “freedom of press.” She took

particular interest in writing romance after college, as she has always been a die

hard hopeless romantic (like most girls brought up on Disney movies).



When Kandi isn’t working or writing, you can find her reading books of all kinds,

talking with her extremely vocal cat, and spending time with her friends and family.

She enjoys beach days, movie marathons, live music, craft beer and sweet wine – not

necessarily in that order.

Facebook – http://on.fb.me/20M0Gr6

Twitter – http://bit.ly/1KvbdTD

Website – http://kandisteiner.com/

Goodreads – http://bit.ly/1FR6rxr

He Loves Me Not

 
Title: He Loves Me Not (Lifestyles of the Rich and (In)Famous #2)
Author: Tierney Fowler
Genre: Young Adult
Release Date: April 20, 2016
Find on Goodreads
 
 
 
In the game of love, everyone roots for the underdog. You know, that girl-next-door type who wears glasses and has a shy smile and who falls for the most popular boy in school…she’s the hero of every story. And when the shy girl takes off her glasses and the quarterback kisses her and the crowd roars and the movie fades to black, people sit back and are satisfied. 

But what about the cheerleader? The one he dumps at the fifty-yard line and the one who runs off the field humiliated and sobbing? What about her feelings? What about her? 

He Loves Me Not tells the story of what happens after the cheerleader is denied her fairy tale ending. Maggie's life was perfect--she had perfect friends, perfect parents, and a perfect boyfriend. But when she's abruptly dumped in front of the entire county by that perfect boyfriend, her life falls apart. With her clique, her friends, and her social standing obliterated, Maggie is resigned to a lonely, humiliating senior year of high school. 

...at least until she meets AJ Abbott, a musician who breaks every rule her mother ever taught her. He has no college degree. He wants to be a rockstar. He wears entirely too much black and leather. 

But despite their differences, Maggie is slowly drawn into AJ's rock and roll lifestyle, and she'll be forced to choose which is more important--clinging to her nonexistent popularity or learning that maybe there's more to her than her beauty queen tiaras and cheerleader pom- poms.
 
 
 
 
Things did not work out with this cheerleader and quarterback. Instead, Bobby Bishop, the love of her entire life, had broken up with her right as they were about to receive their crowns.
 
Maybe she should have seen it coming when she slid her fingers into his hand and found it clammy. She studied his profile as he looked out over the crowd into the bleachers. He was so handsome her heart beat a little faster.
 
“Bobby,” Maggie whispered as the Principal droned on about the many accomplishments of their school’s returning alumni.
 
He must not have heard her because his gaze didn’t falter from the crowd. She tried following his line of sight.
 
Maggie squeezed his fingers and whispered again, “Bobby?”
 
“Yeah?” He looked over then, but his eyes looked right through her. It was like she wasn’t even there. Her hair was flawless and her cheerleading uniform fit perfectly, and he didn’t even notice.
 
A sense of urgency jolted through her body. She needed to make him come back to her. “I love you. You know that?” She reached up to press her fingers against his cheek.
 
His green eyes seemed to focus for a minute, and he actually looked down at her. He saw her, and his face softened. Her heart sped up. “You look beautiful, Maggie. You always do.”
 
It wasn’t what she wanted to hear, but their hushed conversation was interrupted as Bobby’s name was called and he was introduced as this year’s homecoming king. The crowd roared their approval as Bobby stepped forward to receive the shining gold crown on his perfect blond hair.
 
Both Abby and Caroline were on the stage with Maggie as part of the homecoming court and competitors for the crown, but she wasn’t surprised to hear her name announced as homecoming queen. Swallowing down the knot in her throat, Maggie plastered a delighted, surprised smile on her face and stepped forward. She could see her momma jumping up and down in the crowd, and her daddy was clapping and whistling. As the glittering tiara touched her perfectly tousled curls, the crowd began to chant, “Kiss her. Kiss her.”
 
A rush of excitement coursed through Maggie. That was all they needed. Bobby just needed to kiss her and remember how perfect they were together. They were meant to be together, ever since they were in kindergarten.
 
Bobby leaned in, looking like he was about to press his lips to hers. Maggie closed her eyes and waited. Her heart was beating so hard that she could hardly hear when the roars of the crowd turned into a chorus of disapproving boos.
 
She opened her eyes, surprised at the turn of the crowd, and saw that Bobby’s green eyes were apologetic. “I’m sorry, Maggie. I can’t. I can’t do this.”
 
And just like that, the most perfect boy in the entire world left her alone on stage in front of the entire school. He crushed her heart to pieces under his football cleat, and then walked down to slide his arms around a pale girl in all black.
 
 
 
Lifestyles of the Rich and (In)Famous – Released Aug 19, 2014
 
Nicole "Nyx" Green, notorious for her red lipstick and over-the-top personality, has just snagged the man of her dreams–the brooding Crashbang bassist AJ Abbott. Well, he was the man of her dreams. Now that they’re together, Nyx is realizing that he’s way too obsessed with his music to even think about having a girlfriend.

AJ’s obsession pays off when the band meets with record executives in New York City, and Nyx meets her half-brother Jeremy. Reuniting with long lost family is complicated enough (especially a long lost family who are tabloid staples), but Nyx never expected to meet Tristan.

See, Jeremy happens to be best friends with the gorgeous, arrogant Tristan Halifax, an A-Lister with a penchant for beautiful women. Nyx and Tristan might experience love at first sight, but rock star ex-boyfriends are hard to forget—especially when they keep writing chart topping love songs dedicated to her red lipstick.

Overnight, Nyx becomes America’s Sweetheart—scandalizing parties, frolicking with Manhattan’s Golden Boys, and being hounded by photographers. Sure, it’s fun, but then the press starts turning nasty—jeopardizing her relationship with Tristan, ruining her reputation, and discovering her old skeletons. Plus, there’s AJ, who’s suddenly morphed into a great guy, and now is fighting to reignite their high school romance.

Celebrities are supposed to have it all, right? Money. Looks. Love. But suddenly, a downward spiral doesn’t seem all that unrealistic, and Nyx will have to decide what’s more important–her new infamous lifestyle or her familiar small-town roots.
 
 
 
 
The long lost Wakefield twin. Blair's head minion. The BSC party planner. The original Pink Ranger. Stephanie Tanner's BFF.

In addition to crafting young adult and new adult novels, Tierney Fowler works as an IT consultant by day and a style blogger by night. She resides in Northern Virginia near four shopping malls, counts leopard as her favorite color, and once shot a reality TV show pilot...that never went anywhere.
 
 
 

The Sound of Serendipity

 
Title: The Sound of Serendipity
Author: Cynthia A. Rodriguez
Release Date: April 14, 2016
Find on Goodreads
 
 
 
So many things can happen to a person on a Central Park bench.
 
For Emerson Kingsley, falling in love happened, despite her broken monster of a heart.
 
Emerson knows more about listening than she does about love, whether it’s listening to artists as a music producer or listening to stories as she people watches.
 
Months of watching Maddox Bailey from a park bench are to blame for her infatuation. In her mind, the moment they meet will be spectacular if she ever finds the nerve to speak to him.
 
But when the two share an awkward cab ride, she realizes that maybe fantasies are meant to stay that way.
 
The only problem is, now that they’ve met, he keeps popping up in her life. Each time he does, Emerson finds the real-life Maddox to be better than anything she could’ve dreamed—sexy, passionate, and sweeter than his chocolate brown eyes.
 
A woman in love with possibilities meets a man determined to make them happen.
 
 
 

 
“Maddox will ruin any man for you. DAYUM MADDOX. Day-um.” – H.B. Stumbo, Author
 
“The Sound of Serendipity was the craziest, most epic roller coaster ever, and I never wanted to get off.” – Jessi Elliott, Goodreads
 
“Cynthia Rodriguez has went and knocked it out of the park AGAIN! Her writing is truly remarkable. Every single thing about this story was spell binding.” – Tarah, Book Queen
 
“This book was pure bliss!” – Mg Herrera, Goodreads
 
“The Sound of Serendipity has blown me away. It’s an eloquently told, unique story that will undoubtedly leave a mark in the romance genre.” – Erin, Southern Belle Book Blog
 
 
 
 
Cynthia A. Rodriguez hates writing her own bio. In her down-time, you can find her watching movies, ranging anywhere from classic movies to action flicks (she has a weakness for Marvel adaptations), and reading steamy novels. She is stationed in North Carolina, where she lives with her husband and their Miniature Pinscher, Winnie (as in Pooh).
 
 
 

Thursday, April 28, 2016

Secrets and Lace (Fatal Hearts #1)



Title: Secrets and Lace (Fatal Hearts #1)
Author: Dori Lavelle


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SYNOPSIS

Chloe Parker has the world at her feet. Her career in magazine publishing is flourishing, and she’s about to be married to Miles Durant, a gorgeous billionaire, and the man of her dreams. 

But one month before her wedding, she receives a countdown card. No sender. No return address. No message. Only a piece of lace stained with blood. As the wedding gets closer the cards keep coming to her every day without fail. 

It seems, while she’s counting down to the happiest day of her life, someone is doing a countdown of their own. Chloe fears she’s in danger, but she can’t turn to the cops for help. There’s something in her past she wants to remain hidden, a dark secret that could destroy the life of her dreams. To make things worse, Miles is becoming increasingly impatient and suspicious about her past, to the point where he’s so angry he becomes a man she doesn’t recognize. 

While working to keep her relationship intact, Chloe must find out who wants to hurt her before she loses everything, or ends up dead.

AUTHOR NOTE:***Fatal Hearts is a serial that unfolds over three volumes.***
WARNING:***Due to sexual situations and adult content, this dark romance thriller series is not intended for readers under the age of 18, and anyone who is unable to read books containing, kidnapping, murder, rape, and extreme abuse***

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TEASER


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AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD @


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AUTHOR BIO

Dori Lavelle, is a mother, wife, and a sucker for happy-ever-afters and mint chocolate.

Growing up, Dori read a lot, and when she wasn't happy with a particular ending, she wrote a different one, just for herself. Before long, she was writing stories when she should have been doing homework. The time has come for her to share the stories she cooks up in her head.

To be the first to know about Dori's new releases and giveaways, join her mailing list HERE

STALK LINKS


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She's Captured my love



Title :She Captured My Love (Captured #4)
Author :  Karen Frances 
Release Day Blitz 28th April
Hosted by: Hooked on book's & Cherry0Blossoms Promotions





She's Captured my Love (Captured, #4) 




They say everything in life happens for a reason…

Me? I just think life can be cruel. What was the reason my wife was so tragically taken from me, from her family? Leaving behind a beautiful baby girl.

Pointless…

I no longer look to the future. I live day by day.

These last few months have been the darkest of my life. But I’m still here, getting by with the help and support of those closest to me. My sister has been my rock. Don’t know where I would be without her. Even with all her own troubles, she has always been at my side to help me.

But what happens when the very beautiful, confident, and sexy American Sophie Mathews enters my life?

She is a breath of fresh air. But stirs up feelings and emotions that I thought I had pushed to the back of my mind.

Is it too soon to move on from my past? Or are my ghosts going to haunt me forever?




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