THE REBIRTH OF HOPE

My Journey from Vietnam War Child to American Citizen

By Sau Le Hudecek

  Genre: Memoir / Inspirational

Publisher: Texas Christian University Press

Date of Publication: June 15, 2017

Number of Pages: 160 

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Born in a demilitarized zone during the Vietnam War to a Vietnamese mother and American soldier, Sau Le arrived in the United States as a young woman with only twenty dollars in her pocket. Though bullied and abused since childhood, she nevertheless came to her new homeland armed with courage and determined to build a decent life for herself, her infant son, and her traumatized mother.

This is the story of how she overcame every conceivable hurdle—significant culture shock, a daunting language barrier, serious illness, heartbreak, and betrayal—to become a landlord, a successful business owner, a joyous wife and mom, and a woman blessed with generous, loyal friends. She describes an arduous journey, both physical and emotional, from a place of terror and utter despair to a life overflowing with love and prosperity.

Ultimately, this is a story of hope, something Sau Le thought she’d lost long ago in the minefields of Vietnam. Her goal is both to uplift and to remind everyone born on American soil that anything in this land is possible for those willing to put dedication, faith, and passion to work.

Praise for The Rebirth of Hope:

“Sau Le has an innate abundance of beauty, wisdom, loyalty and dignity which led her to overcome unbelievable challenges and fully realize her dream in America. Thus proving once again that adversity builds character. I couldn’t put it down.” —Dan Jenkins, bestselling author of Semi-Tough

“Sau Le lifted her head and walked through years of hard work and determination, inspiring other women along the way! Every word of her personal journey was written to remind all of us!”  —Robin Sanders, Sanders Travel Agency

“An inspiring story of a Vietnam refugee’s journey to achieve the ‘American Dream.’ This book is a lesson for everyone.”  —Martin C. Bowen, financial executive

“To have written this remarkable story is one more example of the focus and tenacity that Sau Le Hudecek has shown in achieving her previous goals. You will remember this gripping tale of resilience and courage.”  —Gail Williamson Rawl

“A truly inspirational story of a fearless person who overcame unbelievable odds to make a better life and obtain the ‘American dream.’”  —Janie Beggs

Purchase Links

TCU Press    IndieBound    Barnes & Noble    Amazon

Sau Le Hudecek owns a successful salon in Fort Worth, Texas, while still serving her own elite clientele.  In 1993, she arrived in the United States at the age of 22 and was sworn in as a citizen in 2001. She lives with her family in Granbury enjoying the sunsets from their home on the lake.

Connect with Texas Christian University Press:

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  June 7-June 16, 2017

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CHECK OUT THE OTHER GREAT BLOGS ON THE TOUR

6/7   Author Interview   StoreyBook Review

6/8   Review    Reading by Moonlight

6/10  Review   Syd Savvy

6/11  Promo    Blogging for the Love of Authors and Their Books

6/12  Excerpt  Missus Gonzo

6/13  Review   Hall Ways Blog

6/14  Scrapbook 2  Texas Book Lover

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6/16  Review   Forgotten Winds

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Breakwater

By Catherine Jones Payne
Genre: YA Fantasy/Mermaids
Release Date: May 30th 2017
Fathom Ink Press

Summary from Goodreads

A red tide is rising.

As the daughter of one of the mer-king’s trusted advisors, seventeen-year-old Jade has great responsibilities. When her fiancé murders a naiad, plunging the underwater city of Thessalonike into uproar, tensions surge between the mer and the naiads. Jade learns too late that the choices she makes ripple further than she’d ever imagined. And as she fights against the tide of anger in a city that lives for scandal, she discovers danger lurking in every canal, imperiling her family and shattering the ocean’s fragile peace.

Can the city’s divisions be mended before the upwelling of hate rips apart everything Jade loves?

Buy Links

Amazon | B&N | Kobo

Author Links

Goodreads│Twitter│Facebook │Instagram

Review

Colorful haired mermaids and water manipulating naiads are a recipe of everything I wanted to read right now. Breakwater did an excellent job of bringing me an entirely different underwater world and keeping things very relatable. Tensions are high between the mers and the naiads with injustice and prejudice. It’s something we see everyday in reality. I’m sure with every story we read, the reader will always see similarities to their own world. Nothing is ever quite simple but this book brings something to light that is. Compassion.

The others characters like Pippa show that even with great loss, we can still find something for which to smile. Or Alexander who doesn’t fit in but works hard and eventually finds a home he enjoys. Even Jade’s mother shows acts of kindness despite the complicated position it would bring her. These characters and more come together in tragedy and upheaval and still persevere.

Jade’s compassion shines through a bleak and troublesome war brewing in her city and it what really drove me to loving this book. At one point, Jade describes heroic women from the past that jeopardized their lives but still persisted. This book is a great example for everyone, and especially young girls, about embracing differences and standing for what’s right. Even if you’re afraid. Well done Catherine Payne.

I enjoyed how mature this book could be while still keeping simple elements to the plot. It was an easy to read, fast paced, and thrilling story that I believe many will enjoy.

Catherine Jones Payne is a Seattle native who loves the written word, international travel, crashing waves, and good coffee. Her earliest memory involves pulling up a rolling chair to her parents’ old DOS computer—while wearing a tiara, naturally—and tapping out a story of kidnapped princesses. By day she’s the managing editor of Quill Pen Editorial and the editor of Splickety Magazine. She lives in Waco, TX with her historian husband, Brendan, and their cats, Mildred and Minerva.

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Internet Famous 
by Danika Stone
Published by: Swoon Reads
Publication date: June 6th 2017
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult

Excerpt:

This guy looked more like a college student than high school senior, but there were too many other clues to ignore. Madi’s stomach twisted. Oh God—there’s no way this is happening.

“You’re Madi,” he repeated. “From the MadLibs blog, right?”

“I am,” she said, then forced a smile. “I know this sounds weird, but how do you pronounce your name?”

“It’s Laurent.” The way he said his name tipped her off: Luh-Ron. It rhymed with Lebron—the accent on the second part of the name—clearly masculine. Laurent Abelard, not Lauren Tabelard! she realized. Madi fought the urge to face-palm.

“I didn’t realize it was you,” she said. “I thought you were a girl.”

“I didn’t either. I thought you were—” He laughed. “I don’t know. Someone else. I expected someone… different.”

“Different?”

“I don’t know. You just look like—like—”

Madi’s wanton perusal came to a screeching halt. What. The. HELL.

“Like what?” she snapped.

“Like a blogger.”

“A blogger? What’s that supposed to mean?!”

He shrugged “I… I don’t know. You’re just not what I expected.”

Madi drew herself up to her full height, vibrating with anger. “Sorry to disappoint you, but there are lots of people who look lots of ways—”

“But I only meant—”

“—and bloggers come in all shapes and sizes—”

“Yes, I know, but—”

“—and MadLibs has a HUGE fanbase! Hundreds of thousands of visitors come to my site each month. I’m eighteen years old. I’m an entrepreneur. I’m not some—some kid, or something!”

Laurent recoiled from the screen, his face blanching. “Ah, non! Ce n’est pas le cas! I-I’m so very sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. I just—I messed up. I didn’t think—I-I—Pardonnez-moi, s’il vous plaît. Je ne veux pas vous ennuyer…” His words tumbled out faster and faster, disappearing into a blur of anxiety-ridden French.

And that was the moment, Madi realized, when she knew she was going to fall and fall hard, because nothing was more romantic than a language you couldn’t understand and a young man who was anything but American who was spouting apologies and wringing his hands. (That doing it onscreen made him look like a matinee idol from some brooding French film was an added bonus.)

Purchase Links:

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / iBooks / Kobo

Author Bio:

Danika Stone is an author, artist, and educator who discovered a passion for writing fiction while in the throes of her Masters thesis. A self-declared bibliophile, Danika now writes novels for both adults (The Intaglio Series and Ctrl Z) and teens (Icarus and All the Feels). When not writing, Danika can be found hiking in the Rockies, planning grand adventures, and spending far too much time online. She lives with her husband, three sons, and a houseful of imaginary characters in a windy corner of Alberta, Canada.

The first book in Danika’s upcoming Tathagata series (Edge of Wild) was selected as a quarter-finalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel of the Year Award (2013). Edge of Wild (Stonehouse CA) will be released March 2016. Danika’s YA novel, All the Feels (Macmillan US), will be released June 2016.

Ms. Stone is represented by Morty Mint of Mint Literary Agency.

Author Links:

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Black Dawn by Mallory McCartney

Publication Date:  February 14, 2017

Publisher:  Clean Reads Publishing

Synopsis:

The end of an Empire, the rise of a Queen

Emory Fae enjoys leading a quiet, normal life. That is until two mysterious, and handsome soldiers show up at her apartment, and the life she knew is instantly whisked away. Memphis Carter and Brokk Foster come from the magical and war ridden world of Kiero, and upon Emory’s arrival she will discover she is the long-lost heir to the Royal Line and is thrown into the Black Dawn Rebellion with a dynamic role to ignite the rebels and reclaim her throne.

With both men being darkly woven in her past Emory uncovers hidden secrets, a power held long dormant, and will soon realize there are worse things than supernatural humans, love, loss, betrayal, and a Mad King.

Some things are better left in the shadows

Excerpt:

Jaxson sat on a wooden perch, his chin resting on his hands as he stared longingly onto the horizon. She spoke softly, “Go to bed, Jaxson, I have it from here.”

Snapping to attention, he jumped slightly, not having heard her come in. “Nyx, you scared me a bit there. How are you?”

She winked at him. “Needing some starlight and an endless night.”

Nodding solemnly, Jaxson hopped down. Before leaving, he placed a burly hand on her shoulder. “We have to be prepared not to give up hope. For Alby.”

His words were like a weight anchoring onto the ocean floor. Nyx climbed up on the perch as Jaxson left, the door swinging closed behind him. Nyx closed her eyes. She could move forward with this. It was already too late. She had pushed Memphis to make his decision. He believed in Emory like he had never believed in her. He had and would always choose Emory. Her chin wobbled as her eyes snapped open. There was no going back now. She silently said goodbye to the man she loved as her eyes searched the land stretching out in front of her. To her left, the woods, and beyond that, an escarpment of mountain terrain…and Adair. It was as simple as breathing as Nyx reached out, her mind brushing against a thousand consciousnesses. A thousand whispers sounded back to her. She searched only for one. She didn’t have to wait long.

Purchase Links:

BAM | Chapters | Amazon | B&N | Kobo | TBD | iBooks

Guest Post by Mallory McCartney

Best places to go writing and why

Thank you for having me!! Personally, I thrive on routine, and when it comes to my writing spaces I am a creature of habit! I have my writing nook in my home, which is nicely framed by my bookcases. When I hike, I always carry my notebook and take down lines and ideas when they come to me. I have my favorite coffee house as well, though this is a place I only write at once and a while. I tend to get deep into my world when I work, so for me personally my best place to write is in my nook, where I can be utterly transported (plus my dachshunds for company!). Also hiking, using the inspiration of nature to get my creative juices flowing. I think the best places to write really depends on the author themselves, where they are comfortable, and is different for everyone as individuals.

AUTHOR INFO:

Mallory McCartney currently lives in London, Ontario with her husband and their two dachshunds Link and Lola. Black Dawn is her debut novel, the first in a series. When she isn’t working on her next novel or reading, she can be found dog grooming, book shopping and hiking. Other favorite pastimes involve reorganizing perpetually overflowing bookshelves and seeking out new coffee and dessert shops.

Author Links:

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Giveaway Details:

Three (3) winners will recieve a signed copy of Black Dawn by  Mallory McCartney (INT)

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When Planets Fall
Abby J. Reed
(Stars Fall Circle #1)
Published by: Soul Mate Publishing
Publication date: April 12th 2017
Genres: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Young Adult

“In this richly imagined start to a new sci-fi series, Reed brings optimism to the goal of solving entrenched violence in a galaxy far, far away . . . A propulsive, sharply crafted tale about a planetary war.” -Kirkus Reviews

Breaker’s home is cleaved by blood. The three tribes on the planet Scarlatti, whose only difference is their blood color, each want to exploit Breaker’s valley for themselves. The feudal tension has already claimed red-blood Breaker’s leg and his older brother. Now all this 18-year old wants is to maintain the tenuous peace in order to keep his little ‘stroid of a brother alive. Malani, a red-blood raised blue, is a kidnapped POW and only wants to return to her adoptive home with her dangerous blue secrets. Luka, a red-blood stewing for trouble, wants to right wrongs done to his family and bath his home in justice.

All three intersect when Breaker discovers a wrecked starship and is given seven days by the green-bloods to fix and hand it over as a weapon. Breaker must decide if aiding his enemies is worth the home he knows and his family’s life. War is coming. And war respects no boundaries. And war leaves no survivors.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble

Top 3 Favorite Writing Places:

Because I have Chronic Migraine, leaving my house to write someplace cool is really difficult for me. There’s a lot of outside stimuli I can’t control that my brain instantly interprets as pain. Instead, I’ve built places within my house that work for both writing and migraining! So here are my top 3 places to write and why:

1. My office.

I always need a clean desk in order to write. A messy desk means my brain is messy and I can’t create when my thoughts aren’t organized! There’s a giant board above my desk where I’ve pinned inspiring quotes and pictures—all the things that give me little creative nudges. I love looking at it when I’m creatively stuck. I even have a massive lounge chair where I can take a nap mid writing session! Plus, I can close all the shades and turn my office into a vamp cave whenever my brain is hyper light-sensitive. It’s the perfect set up for an author with Chronic Migraine.

2. My loft.

I have this random loft in my house that I transformed into an art studio. I have a really comfy, really ugly chair up there (seriously. It has this purple floral pattern my mom thought was cool twenty years ago) along with a keyboard, easels, canvas, and way too much splattered paint. Just sitting up here makes my soul happy. So sometimes I’ll nestle in and type away, surrounded by color and texture.

3. My mini library.

I grew up in California. Nobody cares what size fork or spoon you use for meals. Nobody has a fancy-pancy dish set. And nobody has a formal living room. So when I moved into a house, I had no idea what to do with this entire extra room sitting by the front door. Why have a room you’re never going to use? Solution? Turn it into a library! Now, anytime I need a cozy spot to read or write while surrounded by great works of literature, I go to this room. I tend to do most of my writing research in here, curled up and surrounded by books Belle-style.

Bonus:

When I do feel good enough to get out the house, I really enjoy writing at my local indie bookstore. Again, being surrounded by great books is an amazing feeling. Then I can also wander the aisles while taking a break. There’s something so comforting about running your fingers along all the spines.

Confession: this option is really bad for my budget. I almost always end up walking out with out least two new books.

Thanks so much for having me today!

Author Bio:

Abby J. Reed writes young adult science fiction and fantasy novels that ask what if. She has a degree in English Writing and is drawn to characters with physical limitations due to her own neurological disorder called Chronic Migraine. Her debut novel, WHEN PLANETS FALL, will be published in April 2017 by Soul Mate Publishing.
Abby lives in Colorado with her husband and two fluffy pups. If her hands aren’t on the keyboard, they are stained purple and blue with paint. Find her online at http://www.abbyjreed.com.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

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The Upside of Regret by T.K. Rapp

Publication Date:  May 17, 2017

Brighton and Leah have been the best of friends since seventh grade. Where Brighton is the quiet one who is focused on school, Leah is the bold and daring one who craves the adoration of an audience. It’s always worked for them, until now.

Heading into their senior year, Brighton is challenged with an opportunity that can change the course of her future. The only problem? She just might have to step out of her best friend’s shadow.

But when Leah doesn’t support the choices she makes, Brighton is forced to reevaluate what true friendship is.

Brighton is changing and exciting doors are opening. A new world of music, friends, and even love are falling at her feet. But it’s hard to enjoy it when Leah’s life is spiraling out of control.

Now Brighton must try to not only save her friendship, but also her friend, before it’s too late.

Excerpt 

“Stop looking at me like that,” he said with a sigh as he reached down and squeezed my hand. “I told you, I’m fine. The breakup was mutual. It made no sense to do the long distance thing. I mean, it’s not like I planned on marrying her.”

“I know, but still…”

“Still nothing, Bright. I’m not upset. Actually, I’m really good.”

“Good? Matt, you and Devan have been together for almost a year.”

“Yeah, but we’ve been growing apart for a while. I guess she just figured it was time…I wanted…never mind.”

“What do you mean it was time?”

He placed his hands on my shoulders and slouched so that he was at my eye level and smiled. “Not now, Bright. Okay? But I promise you, I’m fine.”

I pushed off the lockers and slipped my arm into the crook of his, pulling him down the hallway as we searched for our lockers. We planned to share if we were on opposite sides of the school, to make it easier for storage. Granted, the principal frowned upon that sort of thing, but it was harmless.

“I’ve missed you, Matty,” I said, resting my head on his shoulder as we walked.

Matthew Larkin was easy to like as both a crush and a friend. He was reliable, sweet, and easy on the eyes, despite Leah’s claims that he was nothing more than a geek.

“I missed you, too Whitman,” he said.

Purchase link:

Amazon

AUTHOR INFO:

TK Rapp is an author living in Houston, Texas with her husband and two daughters.

Prior to writing, she spent over ten years as a photographer and photo editor, specializing in wedding album design. She left photography to pursue her dream of writing a story and it was in 2013, she self-published her first novel, Being There. It was a standalone story about long-lost friends finding each other. She has since written both contemporary and young adult novels.

Rapp grew up in Texas, but has lived in California, South Carolina, and Virginia, all of which serve as inspiration for her writing. With several more works in queue, she doesn’t anticipate stepping away from the computer anytime soon, especially since she makes friends with all of her characters.

Author Links:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest |Google+ | Goodreads

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Giveaway Details:

• Prize #1 – $10 Amazon Gift Card
• Prize #2 – Ebook copy of TUoR
• Prize #3 – Signed Paperback copy – mailed out when the paperbacks are available. US Only (Should be soon after release date.)

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Understanding the Stars by X. Culletto
Publication Date: December 30, 2016

Book Synopsis:

Alexandra Blackwood is minding her own troubled life when she unknowingly gets caught up in an extraterrestrial conflict. Ronan, a human with his own alien-entangled past, has been keeping an eye on her and sets out to help her escape looming abduction, and maybe win her heart.

Purchase Links:
Amazon | iBooks

5 Things You Do Before and After Writing

5 things I do before I start writing:

• Put my 2-year-old down for his nap
• Get a movie going for my 5-year-old
• Check all social media / email accounts to make sure I’m caught up on everything and won’t be tempted to check them
• Open Thesaurus.com
• Read through the previous session’s work and make improvements

5 things I do after writing:

• Reread the passage I’ve written, making improvements
• Backup my files—it’s not fun to lose your work!
• Plan what parts of the plot I’m going to cover in my next writing session
• If I finish a chapter, share it with my beta reader, who likes to get one per week
• Daydream about selling a million copies and buying a boat!

About the Author:

Xela is a working mother of three, living in the Utah. She teaches secondary English and after talking to students for years about following their dreams and doing whatever it takes to achieve them, she decided to take her own advice and complete her lifelong goal of writing a novel. The idea of life on other planets has always fascinated her, and she wondered what they would think of humanity, which is what spawned the idea for the plot of “Understanding the Stars”. When she’s not playing with her kids, or sorting through the endless laundry, you’ll find her watching The Walking Dead, horseback riding, or working on her next book.

Author Links:
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GIVEAWAY:

2 lucky winners will be chosen to win an ebook copy of Understand the Stars.

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Daughter of Etheron
by Brandon Young
Genre: YA Space Fantasy
Release Date: April 18th 2017
Starforged Entertainment

Summary from Goodreads:

Born the children of the ruling family.

Betrayed by the ones that swore to protect them.

IN A SHATTERED GALAXY . . .

Siblings, Elenah and Teveran are thrust into a secret war of space magicians that will decide the fate of the galaxy.

But a darkness swells in the galactic depths, magicians wielding magic not seen for millennia, and as the struggle for power grows more desperate, the children might find themselves fighting on opposite sides of the conflict.

The first book in the Saga of the Magicus Eye.

Buy a copy HERE!

Promo Post:

The Saga of the Magicus Eye

In a galaxy forged in the debris of a magical explosion…

We enter a war of military might and magic where secret armies collide and an ancient foe threatens to topple the stability of the galaxy. Enter the Saga of the Magicus Eye, a brand new space fantasy epic told in two narrative threads spanning thousands of years:

The Main Sequence is the primary story thread, a series of novels broken up into multiple story arcs beginning with Daughter of Etheron—the first in a trilogy. As the main sequence progresses, we will see reoccurring characters, locations and themes, as well as how they and the galaxy they live in change over generations of warfare and revolution.

Daughter of Etheron is the perfect place to start as it minimizes the learning curve exponentially. In writing it, I knew the story needed to fulfil a number of functions. It had to:

• Introduce readers to a brand new galaxy
• Establish the state of the galaxy
• Have a satisfying ending
• Set the stage for something exciting to come

So I came up with the simple story thread of a girl who leaves her homeworld for the first time, so as to put her in the reader’s shoes, with the simple quest of finding her brother—which can be easily accomplished in a 100,000-word novel. Meanwhile, a secondary thread follows her brother as he learns about the more mystical aspects of the galaxy under the tutelage of a powerful magician—which in turn introduces us to another important element of the saga: magic.

The use of multiple viewpoints was a conscious choice made in the early stages of idea development. I specifically chose to include a diverse set of characters (human, non-human, old and young) in order to reveal many different aspects of the galaxy and ensure this novel worked as a strong launching point for the rest of the saga.

However, it is not a necessary starting point…

The Expanded Universe serves as a companion to the main sequence, a series of standalone novellas and short stories designed to expand on characters and events mentioned and starring in the main sequence. The EU is not required reading in order to understand the main sequence, although new readers could potentially start here so as to try a smaller story before delving into the meat of the saga. The first novella was released simultaneously to Daughter of Etheron, and is entitled Rebel and the Aeonseer: a story about the birth of the rebellion and the supernatural creatures that set things into motion. Rebel will be included free with every purchase of Daughter of Etheron, but can also be purchased on its own for the low price of $1.99AUD (or about $1.50USD). I’m also excited about the first short story, A Perfect Doom, releasing later this year for free.

I had a lot of fun writing the first two instalments in the Saga of the Magicus Eye, and I hope you’ll come along for the ride and find something you like within its pages!

About the Author

Brandon Young is the debut author of the Saga of the Magicus Eye. He’s also a musician, gamer, and avid Star Wars fan living in Melbourne, Australia.

Author Links:

Website│Goodreads│Twitter│Facebook

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GIVEAWAY:

GIVEAWAY + MAGICUS MONTHLY SIGN-UP

Receive a free digital copy of Daughter of Etheron and the first novella in the Magicus expanded universe, Rebel and the Aeonseer! Simply fill-in the signup form to receive monthly updates on the Saga of the Magicus Eye, and automatically go into the draw to be one of ten winners! This giveaway expires at midnight on May 12, 2017 (AEST), with winners being notified that weekend.

LINK TO SIGN-UP FORM ON MY WEBSITE:

http://www.brandon-young.com/about

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Don’t Kiss the Messenger (Edge Lake High School, #1)

by Katie Ray

Publication Date:  April 10, 2017

Publisher:  Entangled Teen Crush

Synopsis:

For most of her teenage life, CeCe Edmonds has been dealing with the stares and the not-so-polite whispers that follow her around Edgelake High. So she has a large scar on her face—Harry Potter had one on his forehead and people still liked him.

CeCe never cared about her looks—until Emmett Brady, transfer student and football darling, becomes her literature critique partner. The only problem? Emmett is blindsided by Bryn DeNeuville, CeCe’s gorgeous and suddenly shy volleyball teammate.

Bryn asks CeCe to help her compose messages that’ll charm Emmett. CeCe isn’t sure there’s anything in his head worth charming but agrees anyway—she’s a sucker for a good romance. Unfortunately, the more messages she sends and the more they run into each other, the more she realizes there’s plenty in his head, from food to literature. Too bad Emmett seems to be falling for the wrong girl…

Disclaimer: This Entangled Teen Crush book involves one fiercely scarred girl who wants the new guy in town, the new guy who thinks he wants the new girl, and the new girl who really isn’t sure what she wants, and the misunderstanding that brings them all together. You’ll laugh, you’ll swoon, you’ll fall in love.   

Excerpt:

Bryn let herself in through the front door. I had been drowning my sorrows in hot chocolate and An Officer and a Gentlemen. I looked up as Bryn unzipped her coat.

“How did it go?” I asked.

“Awful.”

“You broke up?” I tried not to sound hopeful.

“Worse.” She sighed and sat down next to me on the couch. “Emmett told me he loved me. Sober. To my face. Most guys at least text that kind of stuff.”

Her words hit my heart like arrows. I slumped deeper into the couch, aching from the blow. I had been disillusioned enough to think that one day he would confess those words to me.

Tuba walked in the room and one look at me was enough to catch her up on the conversation.

“He said these weeks were torture to be away from me,” Bryn complained. “He said he had to taste the words that come out of my mouth. He actually said that! What the hell, CeCe?”

Tuba looked over at me. “Looks like we have a budding Danielle Steele on our hands,” she said. Bryn just stared between us, completely missing the reference.

“It gets worse,” Bryn said. “He told me he first fell for me because I was beautiful, but then he said none of that even mattered anymore. That my thoughts are more beautiful than anything and that’s what he loves most about me.”

I looked up at Bryn.

“He said that?” I asked.

She nodded. “That really pissed me off,” Bryn continued. “So I asked him what he would think if I was ugly and he told me he wouldn’t care.” She huffed and stuck her hands on her hips. “That is the biggest line of B.S. I have ever heard. Guys totally care about looks.”

Tuba nodded, slowly. “Yeah, but they care about other things, too.”

“Looks are most important,” Bryn shot back.

“But they’re not the only thing that’s important,” Tuba argued.

I was barely listening. Was it true? Did he really mean it? He loved her more for her mind than her looks? It didn’t take a rocket scientist to fill out the answer to the equation, then, on who he was in love with.

“So, he likes you for your mind, and it’s a problem?” Tuba asked.

“I’m proud of the way I look. I like being noticed. The way he wants me, it’s too much pressure.”

I sighed and ran my hands over my face. Bryn looked over at me.

“I’m sorry,” I said. “I’m so sorry, Bryn. It started off so harmless, just some texts. Then it became something more. I couldn’t stop. It felt so good to be desired for once, it was like a drug.”

I held up my hands in defeat. Finally, I came clean.

Bryn’s mouth fell open with realization. “Oh my God, CeCe. I can’t believe I didn’t see it. This whole time, you’ve been falling for Emmett.”

“No—”

“You’re in love with him,” Bryn stated. She fell down next to me on the couch.

“That’s not—no, I’m not,” I stammered.

Bryn slapped her hand over her mouth as another idea took hold. “Oh my God. Emmett is in love with you!”

I shook my head, denying the words and throwing them back.

“No, he loves you. He wants you. He could never think about me like that. It was your face that he fell for, not mine.”

“Oh my gosh, CeCe. This is such a mess.”

“He’s still your boyfriend, Bryn,” I said. I swallowed because I knew my next words were a lie. “We can fix this.”

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About the Author:

Katie Ray (also known by her previous author name, Katie Kacvinsky) writes teen and new adult fiction novels. Her books have been nominated for YALSA awards, and First Comes Love was a finalist for the Oregon Book Award. Her screenplay, A High Note, was a semifinalist in the Austin Screenplay Competition in 2015. She currently lives in Ashland, Wisconsin with her husband, two children, and a slightly insane dog.

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Black Dawn
by Mallory McCartney
Genre: YA/A Fantasy
Release Date: February 14th 2017
Clean Reads Publishing

Summary from Goodreads:

The end of an Empire, The rise of a Queen

Emory Fae enjoys leading a quiet, normal life. That is until two mysterious, and handsome soldiers show up at her apartment, and the life she knew is instantly whisked away. Memphis Carter and Brokk Foster come from the magical and war ridden world of Kiero, and upon Emory’s arrival she will discover she is the long lost heir to the Royal Line and is thrown into the Black Dawn Rebellion with a dynamic role to ignite the rebels and reclaim her throne.

With both men being darkly woven in her past Emory uncovers hidden secrets, a power held long dormant, and will soon realize there are worse things than supernatural humans, love, loss, betrayal, and a Mad King.

Some things are better left in the shadows.

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Excerpt:

Chapter Four: Memphis

The scream tore through his mind, ringing as Memphis watched Brokk stalk out of the room, his hurt plain across his face. He glanced at the now panting Emory, her anger dissipating to confusion once more. Her movements were impatient as she perched on the edge of the bunker and cradled her head.

“Emory? My name is Memphis Carter. Do you know who I am?” He could feel Nyx’s eyes burning into his back.

With a slight nod of her head, Emory peeked up at him through her fingers. “Vaguely. That still doesn’t answer where I am, and what he was doing here.” Her voice was like crystal, smooth and commanding. The voice of a Queen.

Guilt twanged in his gut, and he chose his next words carefully. “I realize what this is going to sound like, and that’s insane. Brokk and I brought you here to this world. This is the Academy—our home. You came from Earth, but this world, our world, was your home first. Kiero. We grew up together. Your family built our government. To us, you are the rightful heir to their lineage.”

It was like walking on ice—too much pressure at once and her mind would break. Memphis had to dance around the edges. Especially to protect what he had done. He asked softly, “How much do you remember?”

Her eyes were daggers as she shakily stood up. “Why should I remember this place? This world? So you’re telling me that you just kidnapped me and transported me to another world? This isn’t freaking Star Trek! It feels like my mind is being split in two. I remember my life—going to work, my apartment…but now…now it’s like someone has drawn back the stage curtain and all these broken memories have come into play. I see myself as a little girl and instead of being raised in an orphanage, I’m with parents…? And we had abilities…like supernatural abilities. Which just proves that I have lost my mind from stress because I’m being held hostage—” She choked on panic and laughter. Emory searched his eyes for an explanation.

“Show her.” Nyx’s quiet voice resonated in his mind. He stared back at Emory, narrowing his eyes. He could gently feed more memories to her. It was the only way to make her see the truth. Reaching toward Emory, he placed his palm against her temple. Her skin was cool and soft, and he could feel the adrenaline rushing through her.

About the Author

Mallory McCartney currently lives in London, Ontario with her husband and their two dachshunds Link and Lola. Black Dawn is her debut novel, the first in a series. When she isn’t working on her next novel or reading, she can be found dog grooming, book shopping and hiking. Other favorite pastimes involve reorganizing perpetually overflowing bookshelves and seeking out new coffee and dessert shops.

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