The Last Ma-Loo by Dean Ammerman

Hi there!

Welcome back to another EXCITING post here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're diving between the still waving pages of a book I quite literally JUST finished reading, but have been meaning to for some time.  Hey, don't point fingers!  You know your "to read" list is just as large as mine, and finding time to fit in ALL THE BOOKISH GOODNESS can be a hardship...of the enjoyable sort.  So, yes...I admit...this one sat in my TBR Mountain for a while, but you know what?  It's found it's way out of the stacks and on to my shelves with vigor...and if I must say, the adventure is just as fresh, quirky, and dangerous as before!  (All with no preservatives!) 

That being said, I'd like to formally introduce you to BOOK 3 of The Warrensburg Trilogy (which is actually extended beyond the "trilogy" label as there is ANOTHER title that's been added since...how exciting!) by author Dean Ammerman.  You may recognize the name from your own reading adventures, or perhaps from this review, or this one, or even this one, right here on my site.  In any case, you'll be familiar with his name after today, and without further ado, I give you today's book of choice...

The Last Ma-Loo

The Warrensberg Trilogy, Volume 3

by

Dean Ammerman

9780984682256

Kabloona

About the book...

The Ma-Loos are missing. (Which is not a good thing.) So 15-year-old Wilkin Delgado and 16-year-old Alice Jane Zelinski of Warrensberg, Minnesota, sign on to help intergalactic plumber Cardamon Webb find these “Unknown and Unseen” critters and save the universe. The problem? Ma-Loos are invisible. Plus, they live on the Underside of the universe in a place called the “edges.” Another (minor) complication is that everything everywhere is imploding, Realities are crashing into each other and there’s serious crumpling going on. (Not to mention the maggots.) But with the help of Loretta the puffin, a pair of newlyweds from Zorazeen, Alice Jane’s new boyfriend and a toga-wearing electrician named Floranacious, Wilkin and Alice Jane attempt to do the impossible. Again.

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I gotta say, when Cardamon Webb and his various "friends" come calling...it might be best to not answer the door, the phone, any email, text, or friend requests...heck, if you can disappear at a moments notice, I'd make it happen.  Yep.  Sure would.  Know why?  Because...although his intentions are for the greater good, and the well being of the All and Everything...he tends to get you mixed up into all sorts of crazy, zany, out of this world and dancing on the edges of the universe while seeking death in order to say hi to the CUTE ma-loos...trouble.  Any guesses to what happens in this adventure?  Yeah...

So, the action and adventure are just as fresh, the danger as perilous, and Wilkin and Alice Jane just as positive and negative as they have always been.  Oh sure, Alice Jane will tell you she's seeking the peaceful path of enlightenment of the warrior, but um, yeah...well, she's certainly TRYING, but succeeding is a whole other kettle of fish floating down the River of Death (that reference will make sense...when you read the book ^-^).  It's actually a GOOD THING that she's not quite successful on this part because she needs that grit, that spark of snark, and never-say-die attitude to even attempt to make it through this story because she's gonna be every shade of P.O.'d this side of Warrensberg before the final battle plays out...but believe it or not, you'll also see a bit of a softer side too (just don't point it out to her, okay?).  Let us not forget about Wilkins though because while he's the one to keep his cool a bit more steadily than our leading lady, he's got some phenomenal challenges to face too.  Before it's all said and done, he'll know what it's like to walk with a shadow, face down death in many ways, have his hopes lifted high and burned into dust, and maybe even possibly speak to a GREATER MA-LOO!  But, my lips are sealed...

All in all, another FABULOUS trip to the edges of the universe and back with both friends and foes to love, loathe, and something way different than either of those feelings, but I can't quite put my finger on it because it stems from the Zorazeen couple and their HUNDREDS of babies (again, read it, you'll see what I mean).  In others words, a grand old time to be had between the pages.  Though it is a series, it can certainly be read as a standalone, though really...why?  A great new addiction (but a healthy one...for the most part!) for Young Adult Fantasy fans in their teens and beyond! 

 

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About the author...

Dean Ammerman lives in Minnesota. He is married, has two daughters and a dog (not a dachshund). The Warrensberg trilogy began with "Waiting for the Voo," which introduces Wilkin Delgado, Alice Jane Zelinski and intergalactic plumber Cardamon Webb. Wilkin and Alice Jane are asked to help fix a nasty sewage problem that threatens to destroy the universe. In the second book, "Escape from Dorkville," Wilkin and Alice Jane reunite with Cardamon Webb to go on a quest to the Other side of the universe to talk to the All and Everything and (hopefully) get the fresh water turned back on. "The Last Ma-Loo" is the last book in the trilogy. The problem? The universe is crumpling, the Ma-Loos are missing and Alice Jane has a boyfriend. None of which is good.

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Special thanks to author Dean Ammerman for the copy for review.  (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the series, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

The Legacy of Androva: Surviving Magic by Alex C. Vick

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're shining the light on a series I came to know last year by celebrating the latest release from this talented author.  The series is called The Legacy of Androva and it sits firmly in the Young Adult Fantasy genre.  Though a series, each book stands on its own...proof in the pudding from the fact that I've only read (thus far) book five (then) and six (now).  It's not even a case of "the more the merrier" because although there are some pieces that interlock, the story truly is best taken on its own due to overlapping characters, places, and times...hey, what do you want?  When you're dealing with the future, magical beings, and the timeline of life, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.  Thus, we welcome today's book of choice to the floor...

Surviving Magic

The Legacy of Androva, Book 6

by

Alex C. Vick

9781977864710

About the book...

My name is Galen and I never wanted to know the future. Life as an underage magician on Androva was already complicated. Using illegal spells on professors, opening portals to strange new worlds, and trying to avoid being matched with the wrong girl.

Then I found the right girl and everything changed. I made some choices I can’t take back. I opened a doorway in time and now I know that a great evil is coming. I’m nearly seventeen and I’m a pretty good magician, but that won’t be nearly enough. No one on Androva will believe me – the runaway who chose love instead of duty. If I get this wrong, there’s a lot more than my own life at risk…

Although Surviving Magic is part of the Legacy of Androva series, it can also be read independently. However, if you have read Seeking Magic and want to know more about Galen, Surviving Magic is his story. The book retells part of Seeking Magic from Galen’s point of view.

AMAZON US  |  UK

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My initial reaction to finishing this one...

That. Was. AWESOME!

Right from the start, you're drawn back in to Androva's history, culture, magic, and the characters you simply can't say no to. After reading the last book (Seeking Magic), I was rather interested in knowing more about our boy Galen, so while I expecting some things, it was never to this magnitude.  Seeing where he came from, the trials he faced, the enemies he made, the hearts he spurned however unintentionally, the heart at long last he hoped to capture for himself, and just....EVERYTHING...it was truly magical.  There's danger, friendship, romance, heaping loads of magic, and many many lessons to be learned by pretty much everyone involved.  Though connected by the series, it stands on its own stalwart and true...and might I say the better for it as well because while it does recount some of the previous story from another vantage point, unless you've read that book immediately preceding, you might be scratching your head to readjust your view of that tale.

In the end, it was a great read through and through!  Perfect for those fans of the YA Fantasy genre, but also for those simply dabbling.  Trust me, this is one of those series that just won't let you go...though I hear book seven will be the final installment (boo hoo!).  So, what ARE you waiting for?  There are SIX BOOKS OF AWESOME waiting for you RIGHT NOW!

You won't be sorry.          

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About author Alex C. Vick...

This is me (probably stating the obvious). I'm the author. I've written six books about the Legacy of Androva so far. Book seven, which will be the final book in this series, is already under way. The stories are contemporary fantasy, aimed at lower YA / upper MG, and I hope that they can be enjoyed by adults too. I have lots of ideas about what to write next and I'm already looking forward to choosing one of them!

Ever since I was old enough to figure out there was probably no such thing as magic, I always (secretly!) hoped it was some kind of mistake. Surely it must exist somewhere? Eventually I decided it must have been lost or forgotten somehow. And that's where the idea for Stealing Magic, the first book, came from.

I live in the South of England with my husband and two daughters. When I'm not at work, or writing about magic, I also enjoy reading and photography.

Finally, I love hearing from readers!  [Connect with me online at...]

SITE |  TWITTER

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Special thanks to author Alex C. Vick for the signed copy for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the series, or the author, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now as are the beginning books in the series, so seek thee out a copy at your favorite online retailers today!

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!



Now That You Mention It by Kristan Higgins

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're shining a spotlight on the latest release by author Kristan Higgins via HQN Books.  It's a work of Fiction that is at turns both a walk down memory lane and a harrowing adventure through the great, big, and bad of the world as experienced through the eyes of one magnificent leading lady; in other words, it's GOOD.  Now, my GoodReads app once again malfunctioned and failed to capture my insta-review of this title upon turning the final page (*grumble grumble*), but I think I can recreate it well enough to share my time in the pages with you because really, this one sticks with you.  Ladies and gents, though perhaps more ladies than gents, prepare to add another book to your already lengthy 2018 Reading List as today's title is on deck...

Now That You Mention It

by

Kristan Higgins

9781335903358

HQN Books

About the book...

One step forward. Two steps back. The Tufts scholarship that put Nora Stuart on the path to becoming a Boston medical specialist was a step forward. Being hit by a car and then overhearing her boyfriend hit on another doctor when she thought she was dying? Two major steps back.

Injured in more ways than one, Nora feels her carefully built life cracking at the edges. There's only one place to land: home. But the tiny Maine community she left fifteen years ago doesn't necessarily want her. At every turn, someone holds the prodigal daughter of Scupper Island responsible for small-town drama and big-time disappointments.

With a tough islander mother who's always been distant and a wild-child sister in jail, unable to raise her daughter--a withdrawn teen as eager to ditch the island as Nora once was--Nora has her work cut out for her if she's going to take what might be her last chance to mend the family.

But as some relationships crumble around her, others unexpectedly strengthen. Balancing loss and opportunity, a dark event from her past with hope for the future, Nora will discover that tackling old pain makes room for promise...and the chance to begin again.

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Nora is a likable character and oh so much stronger than she at first realizes...and even more than WE at first imagine.  She's had an interesting life...a father taking a turn from doting to absentee, a sister who hardens her heart after the family becomes broken thereby breaking herself even more, an unrequited crush on the coolest kid in school, a lack of tangible friendships to help smooth over the rough spots, and an appearance that, well, it wasn't much more unfortunate than most of us endured, but let's face it, teens can be mean!  Good thing she's smart, determined, and willing to bend a rule ever so slightly to get where she needs, no longs, no DESERVES to be.  Problem is she's a good girl at heart, so that momentary lapse of 100% purest intention dogs her well into adulthood, no matter how unwarranted the feelings are, coloring her future in subtle ways even she can't discern.  Then comes the Big Bad Event and things just seem to spiral downward out of her control...or is it?

I love how even though Nora depended on Bobby's existence to a degree, she wasn't willing to compromise herself in order to keep him.  I love how she welcomed Boomer into her self-made family, how well she and the dog connected (who wouldn't!), and even the fact that she tried to share custody with the ex since they picked him out together (yeah..SO wouldn't have happened with me, especially after what went down!).  I love that despite the years of cold-shoulder treatment from her mother, Nora gets to know her more fully in the here and now.  Speaking of family, her sister...the beloved one...is a piece of work (not completely her fault), but Nora never gives up on her (or her prickly niece, Poe) and that moment towards the end totally brought me to tears (most unexpected!).

All in all, an interesting trip to Scupper Island indeed!  It reminds us that while small towns have long memories, opinions can still be changed...at least of those worth the effort...and our journeys in life are never over until we say they are.  There's always room for improvement, even in the lives of those that seem perfect...perhaps even more so in those lives.  Recommended for Fiction, Women's Fiction, and Chick-Lit fans, from older teens through adults due to some dark content surrounding the "Big Bad Event".

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About the author...

Kristan Higgins is the New York Times, Publishers Weekly and USA TODAY bestselling author whose books have been translated into more than twenty languages. She has received dozens of awards and accolades, including starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, The New York Journal of Books and Kirkus.

Kristan lives in Connecticut with her heroic firefighter husband, two atypically affectionate children, a neurotic rescue mutt and an occasionally friendly cat. 

SITE  |  TWITTER

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Special thanks to Lisa at HQN Books for the ARC for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title hit bookstore and virtual shelves December 26, 2017, so be on the lookout for it at your favorite retailers!

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

TLC BOOK TOURS presents.. Sisters Like Us by Susan Mallery - SPOTLIGHT + EXCERPT!

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're joining a TLC Book Tours promotion already in progress highlighting the next release from none other than author Susan Mallery.  You love her work from the world of Fools' Gold, and are coming to know her bookish wonders from Mischief Bay, and this next release just so happens to be an addition to that latter series.  So, ready or not, fair readers, prepare to be amazed...or at least add to your wish list...because today's title in the spotlight is on deck...

Sisters Like Us

A Mischief Bay novel

by

Susan Mallery

MIRA

About the book...

The grass is always greener on your sister’s side of the fence…

Divorce left Harper Szymanski with a name no one can spell, a house she can’t afford and a teenage daughter who’s pulling away. With her fledgling virtual-assistant business, she’s scrambling to maintain her overbearing mother’s ridiculous Susie Homemaker standards and still pay the bills, thanks to clients like Lucas, the annoying playboy cop who claims he hangs around for Harper’s fresh-baked cookies.

Spending half her life in school hasn’t prepared Dr. Stacey Bloom for her most daunting challenge—motherhood. She didn’t inherit the nurturing gene like Harper and is in deep denial that a baby is coming. Worse, her mother will be horrified to learn that Stacey’s husband plans to be a stay-at-home dad…assuming Stacey can first find the courage to tell Mom she’s already six months pregnant.

Separately they may be a mess, but together Harper and Stacey can survive anything—their indomitable mother, overwhelming maternity stores and ex’s weddings. Sisters Like Us is a delightful look at sisters, mothers and daughters in today’s fast-paced world, told with Susan Mallery’s trademark warmth and humor.



Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

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~~~ EXCERPT #3 ~~~

She wasn’t sure which she loved more—that he fussed over her by fixing her meals and making sure she was taking her vitamins, that he called her sweetie, or that he had a collection of funny science T-shirts. She supposed there was no reason she had to pick any one thing. Until meeting Kit, she’d never been sure that she believed romantic love existed. She could have explained the chemical processes that took place in the brain but that wasn’t the same as believing in the feelings themselves. Now she knew differently.

He set two plates on the table, then sat across from her. A pot of herbal tea sat in the center of the table. She poured them each a cup. Kit wouldn’t drink coffee in front of her although she guessed he had it when she wasn’t around.

“Harper called,” he said. “She invited us over for dinner tomorrow night. Becca will be home from the memorial.” He frowned. “Who is Great-Aunt Cheryl? She didn’t come to the wedding.”

“She’s not related to Harper and me. She was Terence’s great-aunt, but she and Harper were always close, which our mother found threatening. Great-Aunt Cheryl was an army nurse during World War II and some kind of spy in the 1950s. She raised dogs.”

“Like poodles?”

Stacey smiled at her husband. “No, these were specially trained dogs used in spy missions. Apparently their training was far more advanced than regular military canines. I tried to get her to talk about her work, but she said it was all top secret and I didn’t have clearance. Still, what she did tell me was fascinating to hear about. I was most intrigued by the lack of morality involved. When someone is trained to kill, there are psychological ramifications, but with animals, there is simply the task. Pushing a button that will ultimately arm a bomb requires little more than the command and subsequent reward for good behavior.”

Kit chuckled. “That’s my girl, always with the cheerful breakfast conversation.”

“So much of life is interesting to me.”

“I know, and you are interesting to me. Now, about the elephant in the room…”

She automatically glanced at the calendar on the wall. It was about one square foot and rather than show the date, it counted up to 280. Kit tore off a sheet each morning. Today was day 184.

Stacey involuntarily put her right hand on her round belly. Right hand rather than left because she was right hand dominant and therefore would be in a better position to protect with said right hand. Not that there were any threats in the room—they came from outside the haven that was their home.

Her gaze returned to her husband. Kit’s kind expression never changed. His brown eyes danced with amusement from behind his wire-rimmed glasses, his mouth smiled at her. He needed a haircut because he always needed a haircut.

They’d met nearly three years ago, when Stacey had spoken at the Mischief Bay High School career day. As a science teacher, Kit had reached out to Stacey’s biotech company and asked for someone to address his students. He’d specifically requested a woman to inspire the young women in his classes.

Stacey had volunteered. She spoke regularly at conferences and symposiums, so had no fear of talking in front of a crowd. Lexi, her assistant, had helped her put together a presentation that assumed little or no knowledge of disease pathology, or science, for that matter. The students had appeared interested but the bigger surprise of the day had been meeting Kit.

She’d found herself flustered in his presence and when he’d invited her out for coffee, she’d accepted. Coffee had turned into a long weekend and by the end of their third week together, he’d moved in with her.

She had never been swept away before, had never fallen so completely for anyone. More importantly, she’d never felt so accepted by a man who wasn’t family.

In the vernacular of the day, he got her. He understood how her brain worked and wasn’t the least bit intimidated by her intelligence or success. When regular life confused her, he was her buffer. He was normal. Just as important, he took care of her in a thousand little ways that made her feel loved. While she tried to do the same with him, she was confident she failed spectacularly, but Kit never seemed to mind.

“I’ll tell her,” she murmured, getting back to the topic at hand.

“Technically you don’t have to. In about ninety-six days you’ll pop out the baby. I’m pretty sure Bunny will be able to figure it out from the broad strokes. You know, when she holds her granddaughter for the first time.” He paused to sip his tea. “Unless you weren’t going to say anything then. I mean, we can wait until Joule learns to talk and we can let her tell Bunny herself. Most kids start forming sentences around eighteen months or so but with your genes floating around in our daughter, she will probably be on her second language by then. I say we let her tell her grandmother who she is.”

She knew Kit was teasing. She also knew the problem was of her own making. She’d been the one to put off telling her mother she was pregnant. She’d told Harper right away because Harper was her sister and they’d always been there for each other. Harper was easy and accepting and would understand. Bunny wouldn’t. Bunny had very clear ideas on what women should or shouldn’t do in their lives and Stacey was confident she’d violated every one she could so far. Having a child would only make things worse.

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About the author...

Susan Mallery is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of books about the relationships that define women’s lives—romance, friendship, family. With compassion and humor, Susan keenly observes how people think and feel, in stories that take readers on an emotional journey. Sometimes heartbreaking, often funny, and always uplifting, Susan’s books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list, thanks to her ever growing legions of fans.

Critics, too, have heaped praise on “the new queen of romantic fiction.” (Walmart) Booklist says, “Romance novels don’t get much better than Mallery’s expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling,” and RT Book Reviews puts her “in a class by herself!”

Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month, January of 1992. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool’s Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.

Susan lives in Seattle with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a tattletale toy poodle. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Animals play a big role in her books, as well, as she believes they’re an integral component to a happy life.


Website | Facebook | Twitter

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Special thanks to Lisa at TLC Book Tours for the chance to bring this promotion to you.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, the publisher, THIS TOUR, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is set to celebrate its BOOK BIRTHDAY January 23, 2018 via Harlequin MIRA, so mark your calendar or pre-order your copy today!  Be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more exclusive excerpts and then tune in for the review tour to see just how the adventures between the pages went!

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

RABT BOOK BLITZ: Love of Finished Years by Gregory Erich Phillips

Love of Finished Years
by
Gregory Erich Phillips
Historical Fiction

Date Published: January 2, 2018

An immigrant's powerful journey of aspiration and love in early Twentieth Century New York.

Pre World War One, Elsa came to America with her eyes wide open, realizing it was up to her to make a life for herself. Surviving a sweat shop in lower Manhattan, a chance job with a Long Island elite family opens up her world. Invited in up to a point, she unwittingly, albeit precariously, crosses the social divide with her now open heart, which puts all she had worked for in jeopardy.

An immigrant's powerful journey of aspiration and love in early Twentieth Century New York.

This moving debut novel by Gregory Erich Phillips won the grand prize in the Chanticleer Reviews international writing competition.

Amazon  |  Barnes and Noble

Praise for Love of Finished Years:

"What a truly wonderful story! I’ve read it three times, and with each reading I find myself caring about the fabulous characters and their lives even more.” — P. J. Alderman, New York Times Bestselling Author

“From the riveting opening . . . until its gripping conclusion, this enthralling novel vividly portrays the desperate times of German immigrants landing at Ellis Island in 1905. A timely read . . . it illuminates the issues that we are experiencing a century later. . .Phillips reminds us that love, light, and perseverance can help us find a way to overcome almost any obstacle.” — Chanticleer Reviews

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About the Author...

For a prolific literary family, Gregory Erich Phillips tells aspirational stories through strong, relatable characters that transcend time and place. Living in Seattle, Washington, he is also an accomplished tango dancer and musician.

 

Website   |  Twitter   |  Facebook

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Special thanks to the RABT team for the chance to participate in this blitz as well as the excerpt and image information above to share with all of you.  (THANKS!) For more information on this title, or the author, feel free to click through the links provided above.

 Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

RABT BOOK BLITZ: Secret Tryst by Victoria Pinder - SPOTLIGHT + GIVEAWAY!

Secret Tryst
The House of Morgan
by
Victoria Pinder
Contemporary Romance

Date Published: Feb 27, 2018

Damien Morgan learned a long time ago that love was just a figment of someone’s warped imagination and good girls simply didn’t exist because women were master manipulators. Nonetheless, he’s happy to wish his brother well when he decides to take the plunge.

Serenity Hanscom is shocked that she’s been invited to the wedding a year after her sister played matchmaker for the groom and had an active role in a plot to murder his sister-in-law. Despite the rather unusual circumstances, Serenity accepts the invitation because it’s an opportunity to mingle with Miami’s elites. But the second she catches sight of Damien, she’s reminded of the horrible events that led to her father’s imprisonment, all because of him. Determined to ignore him, as the evening goes by, she finds herself drawn to him more and more.

Will their plan to stay clear of love backfire on them and instead become the first step to an unexpected happily-ever-after?

Amazon  |  Barnes and Noble   |  iBooks    |  Google Play  |  Kobo   

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Excerpt

**This is UNEDITED and will be cleaned up when the book releases in February. This is for sneak peak purposes only!**

Once everyone stood up and cheered for the bride and groom's kiss, Serenity sunk in her seat and tried to hide. Her glass was almost empty but it sounded like the ceremony was finished. She stood and joined the crowd of people clapping their hands. Soon, the yacht would return to shore and she'd run.

The bride and groom walked past her fast. The captain said, "Please wait in your seats for five minutes while we transition to the reception. Waiters will offer everyone a glass of champagne for this short intercession."

More champagne might help her survive this. She slumped into her seat and held her hand high to signal she wanted a glass. The waiter handed her glass to the man at the end of the row and her neighbors passed it. Once everyone in her row had a glass, the server moved forward and she nodded her head at the people next to her then took a sip. The champagne tasted sweeter without staring at people her sister almost killed or the man that set her father up. Her skin grew goose bumps and the air grew warmer. There was something tasty in the air itself. A second later, Damien turned around and as he stared at her, he winked, "This will be over soon, sweetheart."

"Don't be sexist." She swallowed her sip and took a deep breath. Damien had no right to say anything like that, to her. She turned her nose in the air. "I'll never be your sweetheart."

"Relax." He then motioned for the man next to him to change seats. Without another word to her, he came and sat beside her. "I'm here to make amends."

"How?" He clicked his glass with hers. She refused to drink and shook her head. "Damien Morgan, that's impossible. You and I can never be friends."

"Why?" He raised his eyebrow.

Tonight he insulted her. Years ago he ruined her life and he had no shame about any of it. She sipped her champagne as steel ran up her spine. "I know who you are and how you knew my father."

He sipped his own glass. "Neither of our father's were boy scouts, sweetheart."

"Perhaps I wasn't clear. Don't patronize me with the nickname 'sweetheart.' It's insulting." Her free hand formed a fist at her side. Damien Morgan was the last person on earth to insult her, again. She knew better than to get riled up. She forced her hand to uncurl itself and gulped another sip. In one minute, she could get up with the crowd and lose Damien.

"I'll happily be your sweetheart."

"Never going to happen." Sometimes she wished she was a guy who could tell another to back away and be respected. She folded her hand over her waist. "Forget this conversation."

"Serenity..."

"Wow." Her eyebrows both raised as she shook her head. "You do know my name?"

"I should not have insulted you earlier. I'm sorry."

"Don't." Sorry echoed in her ear. If it was anyone else, she'd close her eyes, say a prayer and then wish him well. However Damien wasn't anyone else, and he had no idea. She finished her drink and then waved for the waiter to get another. Once she had her drink, she squared her shoulders and stared hard toward the now empty altar. "You didn't know I would walk in on your conversation about me earlier. You didn't know I remembered you at my father's house. And for the record, you say what you want about me. I don't care."

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About the Author 

USA Today Bestselling Author, Victoria Pinder grew up in Irish Catholic Boston before moving to the Miami sun. She’s worked in engineering, after passing many tests proving how easy Math came to her. Then hating her life at the age of twenty four, she decided to go to law school. Four years later, after passing the bar and practicing very little, she realized that she hates the practice of law. She refused to one day turn 50 and realize she had nothing but her career and hours at a desk. After realizing she needed change, she became a high school teacher. Teaching is rewarding, but writing is a passion.

During all this time, she always wrote stories to entertain herself or calm down. Her parents are practical minded people demanding a job, and Victoria spent too many years living other people’s dreams, but when she sat down to see what skill she had that matched what she enjoyed doing, writing became so obvious. The middle school year book when someone wrote in it that one day she’d be a writer made sense when she turned thirty.

She’s always been determined. She is amazing, adventurous and assured on a regular basis. Her website is  www.victoriapinder.com.

Website    |  Facebook   |  Twitter    

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Giveaways

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Special thanks to the RABT team for the chance to participate in this blitz as well as the excerpt and image information above to share with all of you.  (THANKS!) For more information on this title, or the author, feel free to click through the links provided above.


Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!