COMPULSION by Martina Boone: Teaser and Giveaway

Compulsion (The Heirs of Watson Island #1)

by Martina Boone 

Release Date: 10/28/14

ISBN: 1481411225

Simon Pulse, Simon Teen

448 pages

Summary from Goodreads:

Three plantations. Two wishes. One ancient curse.

All her life, Barrie Watson has been a virtual prisoner in the house where she lives with her shut-in mother. When her mother dies, Barrie promises to put some mileage on her stiletto heels. But she finds a new kind of prison at her aunt’s South Carolina plantation instead--a prison guarded by an ancient spirit who long ago cursed one of the three founding families of Watson Island and gave the others magical gifts that became compulsions.

Stuck with the ghosts of a generations-old feud and hunted by forces she cannot see, Barrie must find a way to break free of the family legacy. With the help of sun-kissed Eight Beaufort, who knows what Barrie wants before she knows herself, the last Watson heir starts to unravel her family's twisted secrets. What she finds is dangerous: a love she never expected, a river that turns to fire at midnight, a gorgeous cousin who isn’t what she seems, and very real enemies who want both Eight and Barrie dead.

TEASER

 

“Feuds are always personal. That’s what makes it hard to break the cycle. Everyone lives locked inside their own anger until someone is finally brave enough to step outside themselves to see the view from the other side. It’s why I

need to get away from this place.”

“But you’re not stepping out for a different view.”Barrie tipped her face up to the stars so she wouldn’t have to look at him. “You’re stepping out to run away.”

He was silent, and she was suddenly afraid. Afraid that she had said too much, presumed too much, hoped too much. She rolled her capris as high as they would go, then ran toward the water. She didn’t look back until she was knee deep, which was as far as she dared. He was right behind her, his face gleaming in the kind of light that turned beautiful boys into gods. He caught her, and held her, his skin so warm and alive, she couldn’t help but melt.

“Why did you run?” he asked.

“To see if you’d come after me.”

“It scares me how willing I am to run after you. We’re both

doing too much running.”

“So kiss me again.”

Her hands crept around his neck, tangling in his hair to keep him closer, even though she knew that beautiful boys with expiration dates couldn’t be held, only borrowed for a time.

Buy Links:
   

Compulsion is available anywhere books are sold. Signed copies are available from One More Page Books. You can also order with the special “I have a Compulsion for reading” bookplate from Eight Cousins.

About the Author

Martina Boone was born in Prague and spoke several languages before learning English. She fell in love with words and never stopped delighting in them.

She’s the founder of AdventuresInYAPublishing.com, a Writer’s Digest 101 Best Websites for Writers site, and YASeriesInsiders.com, a site devoted to encouraging literacy and all this YA Series.

From her home in Virginia, where she lives with her husband, children, and Auggie the wonder dog, she enjoys writing contemporary fantasy set in the kinds of magical places she’d love to visit. When she isn’t writing, she’s addicted to travel, horses, skiing, chocolate flavored tea, and anything with Nutella on it.

Author Links:

Website | Blog | Tumblr | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | Twitter

GIVEAWAY:

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Book Blitz Organized by:

Cover Reveal: WHISPERS FROM THE DEAD by Karen Ann Hopkins

Today I get to share the newest title from author Karen Ann Hopkins. Whispers from the Dead is the second book in the Serenity's Plain Secrets. The first book, Lamb to the Slaughter, is a "must read for fans of mystery novels" and I am excited to read the next book in the series.

Whispers from the Dead

Series: Serenity's Plain Secrets (book #2)  
by Karen Ann Hopkins  
Publication Date: December 16, 2014

Some Amish communities aren't so cozy.

Whispers From The Dead is the powerful and thrilling sequel to Lamb to the Slaughter in the Amish mystery series, Serenity’s Plain Secrets. Sheriff Serenity Adams and Daniel Bachman are once again partnered up in a criminal investigation, when they travel to a northern Amish settlement that has been riddled by arsons for the past two decades. Serenity quickly discovers that there is much more going on in the touristy community than just barns being set on fire. The new group of Amish have their own secrets to hide. She begins to unravel an extensive criminal underworld that threatens to destroy everything that the simple people of Poplar Springs hold dear and even puts her own life in jeopardy. And although Serenity tries desperately to avoid it, things begin heating up between her and Daniel, making her wonder if true love and happiness are really within her grasp.

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Sneak Peek Excerpt 

I was slipping my gloves on and almost to the car when I noticed Daniel standing beside his Jeep.  Apparently he was waiting for me. I was in the process of weighing the pros and cons of stopping to talk to him when he pushed away from his vehicle and strode over, meeting me halfway to my cruiser.

            “Happy New Year,” he said sweetly.

            I chuckled and my breath spread out into an icy mist between us.  “Not much happiness going on around here.”

            “It could be worse.”

            I risked looking directly into his eyes and said briskly, “Oh, yeah, no one’s dead this time, but Jory probably wishes he was.” I shook my head. “Dammit, I don’t understand why people do this to each other.  If Ruby wanted out, why not just tell Jory and be up front about it.  And then again, why would she even want out; three beautiful girls and nice house in the suburbs, a great guy.  What’s the matter with her anyway?”

            Daniel smiled at my little tirade, looking down at his booted foot as he pushed the snow around briefly before meeting my gaze once again.  

            “I’d really rather be talking about us.”

            “Us?”

            “You know, you…me…us.” His white teeth flashed in a brilliant smile and I was once again completely at a loss as to why this gorgeous guy was stalking me.

            He was so tall and his shoulders were so broad that he actually provided a nice break from the wind that was gusting hard enough to catch the loose snow in the parking lot and spray it up into the air in wild sheets of bitter cold around us.  I was even tempted to take another step closer and steal some of the heat that seemed to radiate off of him, but I controlled myself and stood still. 

I had a sudden vision of Daniel, minus the Carhart jacket and the flannel shirt.  I knew that underneath all those winter clothes was a well-defined chest that connected to washboard abs.  I definitely didn’t want to think about his firm butt or his strong thighs so I quickly forced the image to evaporate, and met his gaze squarely.  Unfortunately, looking at his wide spaced brownish-black eyes and the amused set to his jaw that was covered with a few days worth of black stubble wasn’t much safer.  He was too dammed handsome for his own good. 

            “We’ve already discussed this.  It’s not a good time for us to get involved.”

            His amusement quickly changed to frustration and he snorted. “What are you waiting for?  We’re both available, we’re highly attracted to each other, we survived a harrowing experience together…what more do you need to simply go out for dinner and movie with me?”

            Maybe I was being a complete idiot.   I had issues—I knew it.  But letting Daniel into my life was about the scariest thing I had ever faced.  A gun pointed straight at my head was more welcome than the prospect of putting faith in any man, especially him.

            “This is just a game to you, isn’t it? The minute I agree and go out with you, you’ll grow bored and move onto someone else.  So why the hell should I even bother.”

            His eyes widened for an instant in understanding and then he took a measured sigh.  “Someone must have really betrayed your trust for you to be so paranoid.”

            I smiled and nodded, “Yep, I won’t deny it.  Just look at what went down in there tonight.” I pointed at Charlie’s with an angry thrust of my arm. “Jory and Ruby were supposed to be a happily married couple, with kids and a dog, the whole package.  Now their lives are ruined.  They’ll probably be divorced and both sleeping with new partners by this time next year.” 

            “I get what you’re saying.  I really do.  But it doesn’t have to be like that for everyone…or for us.  I’m a patient guy, Serenity.  And I have no problem waiting for you to figure out how unreasonable you’re being. Besides, we’ll have that long drive up north with only the two of us in the Jeep and then a whole week in a secluded Amish community together to talk more about this.  So I’m not overly concerned with your avoidance at the moment.”

            The return of his smug expression cut through the honey warm desire that had been spreading through me for simply standing too close to him.  He thought he had it all figured out, but I was determined to show him that he didn’t know anything at all.

            The cold air once again sent a chill through me and I zipped my jacket up to my neck and said, “Actually, there’s been a change of plans.”  The sudden arch of his eyebrows was priceless and I quickly hurried on, “I’ve decided to leave tomorrow after all.”

            “But you know that I have to finish the Mayor’s guest suite.  He has visitors arriving this week and I promised him,” Daniel said carefully.

            I shrugged.  “Sorry, Daniel, I have a tight schedule also.  Since I’m officially on vacation in six hours, I’d like to be on my way.  Perhaps I’ll get lucky and Bishop Esch and that Rowan fellow were overreacting about the mystery on their hands.  I might be able to wrap things up quickly and you won’t need to make the trip at all.”

            Daniel took a step closer and looked down at me.  I couldn’t help but swallow hard at his close proximity. 

            “I thought you wanted my company on this one.”

            Seeing the resolute look on Daniel’s face, a shiver of fear passed through me when I realized I could definitely push Daniel too far and then he would give up on me.  As bitchy as I was being to him, I didn’t want to completely run him off.  Part of me wished desperately that he’d stick around. 

            “Sure, I’d like your help with the investigation.  God only knows how bat-shit crazy this Poplar Springs community probably is.  But I don’t want to put you out either.”

            Daniel took a long breath and stared at me for several more seconds before he finally said, “I’ll join you as quickly as I can.  I’m sure you can handle the locals on your own until I arrive.”  He suddenly had his arms around me in a tight, but quick squeeze.  He whispered into my ear, “Happy New Year.  I’ll see you soon.”

            He turned and went to his Jeep without another glance in my direction.  The infuriating emptiness that I had felt when he let go said plainly that I was already in way over my head with Daniel Bachman.  But I reasoned to myself as I walked to the cruiser that we hadn’t even had sex, so I was still in a good position.  He did not have a hold of me—yet.

 

Giveaway

Karen is generously offering up a $25 gift card (Amazon, B&N or iTunes) to one lucky winner! Also up for grabs are 10 eCopies of the first book in the series, LAMB TO THE SLAUGHTER. 

To enter, please fill out the Rafflecopter form.

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About Karen Ann Hopkins 

  A native of New York State, Karen Ann Hopkins now lives with her family on a farm in northern Kentucky, where her neighbors in all directions are members of a strict Amish community. Her unique perspective became the inspiration for the story of star-crossed lovers Rose and Noah. When she’s not homeschooling her kids, giving riding lessons or tending to a menagerie of horses, goats, peacocks, chickens, ducks, rabbits, dogs and cats, she is dreaming up her next romantic novel.

About Karen Ann Hopkins:

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

 

 

I am participating in this cover reveal hosted by:

 

Top Ten Tuesday: Anticipated Reads for 2015

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. This meme was created because they are particularly fond of lists. I am too so that is why I am participating this week.

Top Ten Books I'm Looking Forward to in 2015

1. You and Me and Him by Kris Dinnison
July 7, 2015

2. The Walls Around Us by Nova Ren Suma
March 24, 2015

3. The Last Time We Say Good-bye by Cynthia Hand 
February 10, 2015

 
4. Everybody Knows Your Name by Andrea Seigel and Brent Bradshaw
March 10, 2015

5. When Reason Breaks by Cindy L. Rodriguez
February 10, 2015

6. Finding Mr. Brightside by Jay Clark 
March 24, 2015 

 7. Joyride by Anna Banks
June 2, 2015 

8. All the Rage by Courtney Summers
April 14, 2015 

9.  Sophomore Year is Greek to Me by Meredith Zeitlin
April 21, 2015 

10. The Queen of Bright and Shiny Things by Ann Aquirre
April 7, 2015

and so many more!!

Book Blast: AGAIN by Lisa Burstein

I'll take any opportunity I can to share Lisa Burstein's books. I'm also known for giving away copies of her books to readers because I want them to read her stories and know her characters. Today I am taking part in the AGAIN book blast organized by FlirtySubsPR. 

Why I love this book:

"One thing I love about Again is how the characters are realistically vulnerable. They make decisions that aren't always for the best. Kate and Carter are not just flawed, they are real. . . . . More than anything though, Kate and Carter, through all their ups and downs, let readers understand and accept that we are all just works in progress."

 

Age Group: NA/Adult

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: 9/22/14

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How far would you go for a second chance?

 Eleven years after flunking out of college, Kate has finally hit rock-bottom. Losing her job and boyfriend in one drunken night, she’s determined to fix her life by going back to the moment when she let partying and sex take over and do things right. At twenty-nine, she heads back to freshman year of college, with a catch.

 Pretending she's nineteen with a new roommate and full class schedule is easy. When she meets her shy, sexy and seven-years-younger RA Carter, following her self-imposed sobriety and celibacy rules is proving to be anything but.

 A senior enduring years of regret, Carter is more than ready to graduate. He’s anxious to move on from the party his freshman year where he witnessed his frat brothers about to commit a sexual assault. Instead of doing the right thing and stepping in, he looked the other way and left. His guilt has made for a lonely four years.

 When he meets the new freshman on his floor, spunky and confident Kate, he wonders if his time as an outcast has finally come to an end.

 Kate and Carter’s growing friendship and undeniable attraction make it harder to hide the demons from their respective pasts. But when their secrets are finally revealed, will their chance at starting over together still be there?

Purchase Links

Amazon  |  BN  |  iTunes  |  Kobo

For a limited time only, Again will be available for $0.99

(Regular price $3.99)

  

About Lisa Burstein

Lisa Burstein is the author of the Young Adult Novels: Pretty Amy and Dear Cassie, and the New Adult Novels & Novellas: Sneaking Candy, The Next Forever & The Possibility of Us. She is also a contributor to the essay collection, Break These Rules: 35 Young Adult Authors On Speaking Up, Standing Out, and Being Yourself. She lives in Portland, Oregon with her very patient husband, a neurotic dog and two cats. Again is her self-publishing debut.

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