Thursday, 28 November 2013

Submerged by Nicole Sobon Book Blitz and Giveaway!



Submerged (Outbreak #1)
Release Date: 02/14/13

Summary from Goodreads:
After a mysterious virus makes its way into the United States, the government demands that states seal themselves off from one another and do their best to protect their surviving residents. When the state of Florida is bordered off from the surrounding states, Taylen Fincher, a seventeen-year-old girl with a yearning for her former life finds herself wondering how much of what they’ve been told is true.

When Troum took control of the state, he told the residents that the other states had fallen to the virus and that he wouldn’t allow the same thing to happen to them. But Taylen doesn’t believe it. She insists that there is still life outside of the state, and she is going to do whatever it takes to prove it… but her actions will cost her more than she ever expected.

Troum kidnaps Taylen’s sister, Penelope, in hopes of coaxing her into behaving – into being a submissive resident, much like the others. But Taylen isn’t one to give in that easily.

Eager to rescue her sister, Taylen will set out on an adventure that’ll force her to open her heart to the unexpected and to uncover secrets that will change everything.

SUBMERGED is the first book in a YA dystopian duology.




Available from: (only $.99!)
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About the Author
Nicole Sobon is the author of the Emile Reed Chronicles, Capture, No Place Like Home, and various short stories.
***Author Links***

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Excerpt :

“What’s wrong, princess? You couldn’t stand to be away from me?” He winked.
“You are aware that I have a knife in my pocket, correct?” I reminded him. “I’d be more than happy to use it if you’re going to continue being a jerk-face.”
He burst into laughter, his body vibrating the mattress. “Anyway, back to what I was saying.” He ran his fingers along my spine. Goosebumps developed over my body, alerting me of just how close he was. “We have to locate Troum’s headquarters. If we find his headquarters, we’ll find Penelope.”
It sounded easy enough, but nothing was ever that simple.
Not with Troum.
I lay down beside Glate and closed my eyes. I thought that escaping the Family Sector would bring me a sense of happiness, but it didn’t. It only brought me more pain. Lex and his men were still searching for me, and I’d yet to rescue Penelope. Nothing was going as planned. I should have had Penelope by now. I should have been half way out of this state, not curled up on a mattress with a boy that I hardly knew.
That wasn’t to say that I didn’t enjoy Glate’s presence because I did. He was the comfort that I needed; the only thing keeping me sane throughout the chaos. It wouldn’t be hard to fall for Glate, hell, it’d be easy, and that frightened me.
Even though I wouldn’t admit it, I was still heartbroken over Lex. He was the boy that I had grown up with. He was my best friend. He was someone that I thought would always be there, someone that I could start a life with, and then he betrayed me.
And it was his betrayal that led me to Glate.
Being this close to him, with his body pressed against mine, it felt wrong; wrong because I barely knew him, wrong because he wasn’t Lex, and wrong because I didn’t want him to leave.
What is wrong with me? I thought.
“Taylen,” Glate whispered, wrapping his arm around my waist. “Are you okay?”
Was I okay? No. I was a complete and utter wreck, but there was no way in hell I was going to show him that. “I’m dandy.”
“You’re a terrible liar.” He propped himself up on his elbow, and leaned in closer, resting his chin on my shoulder. My body was well aware of how close he was, and it took everything in me to fight the urge to turn and face him. Teenage hormones were the absolute worst. “You know how I can tell?” he asked, running a single finger down my arm.
“How?” the word barely escaped my lips.
“Your voice trembles,” he whispered.  Glate moved his hand to my hips and pulled me back towards him. “Whenever you lie, you get this slight tremble in your voice. It’s almost as if you’re scared to admit the truth, so you try to conjure up a lie, but the fear engulfs your words on the way out, calling your bluff.”
He pressed his lips against my neck, and my body quivered, welcoming the feel of his mouth against my skin.

The right thing to do would have been to move away, to tell Glate that this wasn’t right because it wasn’t right. I was supposed to be rescuing my sister, not getting it on with the first cute guy I met outside of our Sector. But every cell in my body was eager for his touch.


***GIVEAWAY***
2 signed copies of Submerged in paperback plus swag (Program 13 and Deprogrammed bookmarks) (INT)

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Wednesday, 27 November 2013

Daughter of Isis by Kelsey Ketch Book Blitz and Giveaway!



Daughter of Isis (Descendants of Isis, #1)
Release Date: 10/26/13
Cover Designed by: Steven Novak

Summary from Goodreads:
“Her mouth parted slightly, waiting for Seth to breathe life into her own body, just like in the story. She wanted him to awaken her senses.”

Their worlds collide in California’s high desert.

The last thing Natara “Natti” Stone wants to do is to start anew at Setemple High School. She wished she had never left London. Yet the brutal murder of her maternal grandmother has made her life very complicated. The only clue related to her murder is an ancient, encrypted necklace Natti discovered after her grandmother’s death. And if trying to adjust to American life is not enough, Natti is being stalked by a mysterious, charming high school senior, Seth O’Keefe, who is annoyingly persistent in his attempts at seduction.

Seth O’Keefe is secretly a member of the Sons of Set, an order that worships the Egyptian god of chaos. Seth’s blessing from Set, his “charm,” never failed, except with one person: Natti Stone. Her ability to elude him infatuates and infuriates him, and he becomes obsessed with the chase. But the closer he gets to her, the more his emotions take a dangerous turn, and he risks breaking one of the most valued covenants of his order. The punishment for which is a fate worse than death.

The adventure this unlikely couple becomes engulfed in could cost them their lives and their souls.

*Note: Content for Upper YA*

Excerpt :

“Natti, you need to relax,” Seth finally said.
She froze in her place and looked at him. “Relax! Are you mental? My best friend was drugged!”
Seth stood up from the long, ratty sofa, peeled apart her hands, and took them into his. “You don’t know that for sure.” He brushed his thumbs over her skin in soft, smooth strokes. “Just let the doctors worry about it.”
The calm, soft tingle of his touch seeped through her skin, coursing lightly over her nerves and releasing their tension. Her mind and body began to calm down, making her realize how badly every muscle had been physically shaking. Slowly, layer upon layer of fear and stress simply vanished until she felt nothing at all. She looked up at Seth’s eyes, drawn to their warmth and comfort.
“Okay . . .” Natti spoke, almost breathless. “How do you do that?”
“Do what?” Seth’s voice was seductive as he leaned his forehead against hers. His scent of spice cologne, myrrh, and sandalwood consumed her senses, and his eyes captured her soul.
“This,” she pressed. “The sensations of your touch. I’ve been feeling it all night and even before. Ever since we met. And don’t try to lie. I know you’re doing it, but how?”
Seth smirked at her question, his eyes turning their focus to her hands. “It’s nothing.”
Natti couldn’t help smile as more of the tingling sensation slipped over her skin. “Oh, it’s something. What is it?”
His beautiful full lips tempted her with a smile. “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”
“Try me.”
Silence fell between them while he seemed to think it over, meanwhile massaging her hands with his thumbs and fingers. The pressure, the release, each movement slowly pulling her thoughts and focus onto his hands. “Touch is a magical thing, Natti,” he explained. “It can comfort.” He raised one hand and stroked her cheek, soft and gentle. “It can entice.” His thumb moved along her jaw and applied pressure as it traveled down her neck, causing her to shiver with delight. “And it can hurt. Whatever the intensions, it brings two people together. It makes a certain . . . connection.”
Though there was no heaviness of a lie, she chuckled at his response. “You’re right. I don’t believe you. Touch is just a sense. A tool the human body uses.”

“Yes, and it’s a powerful tool when used the right way.” His honey voice teasing her, tempting her. “Now come sit with me and relax. Wanda will be all right.”


Available from:
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About the Author
During her high school years, Kelsey Ketch could always be found tucked away in a little corner of the hall or classroom, writing her fantasy worlds and creating illustrations and maps. Today is no different, except now she’s writing in the break room at her office building or at the tables of the Barnes and Noble CafĂ© in Cary, North Carolina. She is also an avid reader, a part-time book blogger at Ketch’s Book Nook, and lives with her two orange tabbies and awesome and humorous flat-mate.Daughter of Isis is her debut novel.
For more information, please visit her site at kelseyketch.com.


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GIVEAWAY:
One winner will receive an Anubis Plush Toy and a Tyet Necklace (INT)


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Monday, 25 November 2013

Beyond Doubt By Karice Bolton Release Day!



Title : Beyond Doubt
Author : Karice Bolton

Beyond Doubt Blurb:

Brandy Rhodes is about to enter law school and everything is going according to plan.  

Until she meets him—the one man in the universe who’s off limits—her best friend’s brother, Aaron.  

Brandy knows enough to stay away from him, but as the pull becomes impossible to ignore, secrets and lies become part of Brandy’s way of life. And she kind of likes it.  

Aaron Sullivan has never been one to believe in love. His motto is quantity over quality and that has suited him quite well. After all, love is an illusion and romance is another way to manipulate females into bed.  

Until he met her—the one woman in the universe who calls his bluff and shows what love can be.  

But as their love grows, Aaron’s past begins to haunt his future, and right when she needs him the most, he makes a decision that will shatter her world.  

And she just may not survive.

Purchase Links : 


Legend of Me and The Winter People by Rebekah Purdy Cover Reveals!

Today Rebekah Purdy and Entangled Teen are revealing the covers for LEGEND OF ME, releasing in early 2014. And THE WINTER PEOPLE, releasing July 1, 2014! Check out the gorgeous covers, exclusive excerpts, and enter to win an eARC of each!



On to the reveals!


About the Book
LEGEND OF ME
Author: Rebekah Purdy
Release Date: Early 2014
Publisher: Entangled Teen

Sixteen-year-old Brielle has grown up hearing tales of a beast that kills humans, leaving behind only a scattering of bones and limbs. Or so the village elders say. She thinks it’s just their way of keeping children in line, though it doesn’t explain her grisly premonitions of blood, claws, and severed heads.

When Lord Kenrick, Knight of the Crowhurst Order, shows up asking questions about the legendary monster and Brielle finds a mangled body in the woods, she begins to wonder if the grim stories are true. Her attraction to the handsome knight grows as she spends time with him searching for clues to the creature’s existence, and she becomes even more determined to help him discover the beast’s location.

But as her seventeenth birthday approaches, her nightmares worsen. If Brielle doesn’t figure out the connection between Kenrick, the monster, and visions of a ghostly woman in the woods soon, more people could die. Including those closest to her…

Exclusive Excerpt!

Brambles scratched my legs, snagging my skirt. Gnarled trees bent in gruesome forms, while thick shadows splayed out beneath them. A heavy gloom settled over the woodland as wisps of fog slithered like snakes against the ground. I shivered.

Don’t think. I picked an animal trail to follow, stepping over dead branches and forest debris. Blood pounded in my ears and the hair on the back of my neck prickled. I twisted around to glance behind me.

Nothing there. Only the trees. Urgency gripped hold of me and I picked up my pace once more. As I scrambled through the thicket, an overwhelming scent of rotten meat made me gag. I covered my mouth with my hand and stopped running when a bright red piece of fabric caught my eye. With hesitant steps, I moved toward it.

“Oh God.” I stumbled. There, sticking out from beneath a barberry bush was a severed arm, its finger pointed at me in accusation. My breath came in gasps as I scanned the rest of the clearing.

My foot nudged against something and I looked down in horror to find the head of Liam Gatekeeper staring up at me.

I screamed, backing away as fast as I could. All around me were pieces of his body scattered like breadcrumbs. I shielded my eyes with my hands, until I bumped into something else.

With another scream, I whipped around only to find myself faced with an oak tree covered in dried blood and deep claw marks. My vision darkened and I prayed I wouldn’t faint, that I wouldn’t be stuck in the woods. Because somewhere out here, a monster lurked. If I didn’t believe it before, I did now. The beast was real.


About the Book
THE WINTER PEOPLE
Author: Rebekah Purdy
Release Date: July 1, 2014
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Pages: 320
ISBN: 978-1622663682

An engrossing, complex, romantic fantasy perfect for fans of Kristin Cashore or Maggie Stiefvater, set in a wholly unique world.
Salome Montgomery fears winter—the cold, the snow, the ice, but most of all, the frozen pond she fell through as a child. Haunted by the voices and images of the strange beings that pulled her to safety, she hasn’t forgotten their warning to "stay away." For eleven years, she has avoided the winter woods, the pond, and the darkness that lurks nearby. But when failing health takes her grandparents to Arizona, she is left in charge of maintaining their estate. This includes the "special gifts" that must be left at the back of the property.
Salome discovers she’s a key player in a world she’s tried for years to avoid. At the center of this world is the strange and beautiful Nevin, who she finds trespassing on her family’s property. Cursed with dark secrets and knowledge of the creatures in the woods, his interactions with Salome take her life in a new direction. A direction where she’ll have to decide between her longtime crush Colton, who could cure her fear of winter. Or Nevin who, along with an appointed bodyguard, Gareth, protects her from the darkness that swirls in the snowy backdrop. An evil that, given the chance, will kill her.

Exclusive Excerpt!

The sky darkened with ominous storm clouds. Giant flakes fell onto my face, sticking to my eyelashes and cheeks. Snow blew unhindered across the yard into what looked like small tornadoes.

Oh God. It’s happening again. The frigid air. The creaking of the treetops beneath the wind. Even the way the snow blew across the yard.

I only had one more feeder. Just needed to toss the seeds in then I could leave. Be safe.

The pond water rippled, while the trees bent beneath the strong gusts. Soon, everything became so white I couldn’t see the house. In the distance a strange tinkling sounded, like dozens of wind chimes.

What had the shrink told me to do?

Ten, nine, eight. Breathe. Seven, six, five. Shit!

Panic stole my thoughts. I backed away from the pond as the flurries swirled toward me. Chasing me.

Then, I bumped into something—something that felt quite human. A firm chest, arms, hands. Not something, someone. A shriek tumbled from my lips and I spun around to face my captor.

“It’s okay. I won’t hurt you,” a soft masculine voice said, pale hands clinging to my arms as he kept me from falling.

My gaze followed those long fingers, up black leather sleeves, to the most gorgeous face I’d ever seen. My breath caught in my throat. I’m gawking. But I couldn’t help it. His raven hair shot with strands of blue, his face pale and perfect, like an ice sculptor had chiseled it into existence. His eyes—oh God, his eyes. They were the palest blue I’d ever seen. Glacial. He had to be over six feet tall, muscles evident through the tight shirt he wore beneath an unzipped jacket.

His mouth turned up at the corners as if enjoying my scrutiny. A cocky grin that made my cheeks warm.

“You’re trespassing.” I tried to keep the tremble from my voice. “This is private property, or can’t you read the signs?” Bravo, that’s right, scare him off with your bitchiness.

He chuckled. And it sounded like the low song of the chimes. “Doris doesn’t mind me coming around. In fact, I’ve met you before, Salome.”

My name on his lips made my knees go buttery. I groaned inwardly.

“You know my grandma?” I fidgeted with the bucket still in hand.

He gave a nod. “Yeah, I’ve known her for years. But I haven’t seen you since you were a child.”

Warning bells went off in my mind, but I pushed them aside. If he knew my grandma, then he must be okay. “Funny, I don’t remember you at all.”

“Don’t you, Salome?” Strands of my hair blew about my face. He reached a hand out as if to touch them then stopped, dropping his arms back to his side.

“No. Grandma’s never mentioned you.”

He gave me another cocky grin. “Well then, maybe we should be reacquainted.”

“Or maybe not.” I snorted. “I’m not sure how you got on the property, Grandma keeps all the gates locked.”

He produced an antique-looking skeleton key. “She gave me this. Like I said, Doris has known me for a long time.”

“I’m sorry. I’m not trying to be a jerk or anything, it’s just my grandma never mentioned I’d have visitors.” In fact, I wondered why she didn’t ask this guy to watch her house instead of me.

The arrogance left his face and he stared at me. “Perhaps, we can try this again.” He held his hand out to me. “I’m Nevin.”



 About Rebekah: 


Rebekah was born and raised in Michigan (just look for the mitten-shaped state on the map). She’s lived there most of her life other than the few years she spent in the U.S. Army.  At which time she got a chance to experience MO, KS, SC, and CA.
She works full time for the court system and in her free time she writes YA stories. Pretty much any genre within the YA realm is game for her, but her favorites are fantasy, urban fantasy, paranormal romance, thrillers, light sci-fi, and some time travel.
She also has a big family–she like to considers them the modern day Brady Bunch. When her hubby and her met and got married, he had 3 children from a previous marriage, she had 2 and  have 1 together. It’s a lot of fun though.
And she can’t forget her other family members–yep, they’ve got some pets: 4 dogs, 3 cats,  and 1 turtle. Everyone in the family has one…she won’t bore you all with their names (unless you really want to know). Okay, you talked her into it! Jack, Pearl, Grr…(yes that’s her dog’s name), Callie, Shadow, Mooshoo, Grouchy, and Sorbert. Other than writing some of her other hobbies include: reading (mostly YA of course), singing, swimming, football, soccer, running, camping, sledding, church, hanging with her kids, and traveling.
She belong to a fabulous writing group called YA Fiction Fantatics (YAFF) and you guessed it they all write YA!
REPPED by Jennifer Mishler and Frances Black of Literary Counsel.
And that’s her in a big ‘ol nutshell.


Giveaway Details:
1 eARC of LEGEND OF ME International
1 eARC of THE WINTER PEOPLE International

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Peaceful Genocide by J.A. Reynolds Release Day Blitz, Interview and Giveaway!



Title : Peaceful Genocide 
Author : J.A. Reynolds 
Publication date : November 25th 2013
Genres : Science Fiction, Thriller, Young Adult


Synopsis:


Seventeen-year-old Mitzi and Deuce can recall how many drops of water were on a leaf from a rainstorm five years ago and conversations from last week, month, or year. They have the ability to remember every second of everyday—since birth.

This gift has blessed Mitzi with a history of being sexually assaulted by researchers and abused by her own parents. She trusts no one. Likes no one. Deuce, however, is a high school standout. His gift has made him a superstar on the football field and his memory promises him endless opportunities.

When they both end up at an Alzheimer’s research facility under false proviso, they quickly realize this place isn’t what it seems to be. They endure crazy military-style tests, are forcefully drugged, and complete real-life simulations that haunt them.

Mitzi and Deuce have no idea what the researchers want to do with them or their memories. But one thing is clear: the researchers will go to any lengths to get what they want.


Purchase:



AUTHOR BIO:

JA Reynolds lives in the Midwest with a normal family, raising a normal daughter, with some abnormal pets. It’s extraordinarily ordinary.

Author Links:
Blog:  http://www.jareynoldsbooks.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @jaauthor
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/JA-Reynolds/430107783757165?ref=hl
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18499632-peaceful-genocide

Interview : 

Publisher’s Weekly reviewed the unpublished manuscript and said it’s, “Reminiscent of Ender’s Game, the tension ratchets up with every test…nicely done.” How do you feel about your book being compared to Ender’s Game?

Full disclosure here: I’d never read Ender’s Game before I wrote Peaceful Genocide, so I had no idea what the reference meant. Space Opera isn’t a genre I read a great deal of.  I did, however, read it shortly after. When I learned of its popularity, I was flattered, but then I was worried because I wondered if I copied a book I hadn’t even known about. I mean, it happens more than you think. Fortunately the books are nothing alike. I can see an underlying correlation (not going to give you spoilers), but the books themselves are quite different. 

How did you come up with the idea for Peaceful Genocide? 

I have a daughter who is an avid reader and I was always amazed with her literary choices in elementary school. Instead of girly books, she always picked up action/adventure, sci-fiction, etc. I wanted to write a book for her, something she would pick up and love. Peaceful Genocide was the product of that.

Do you have a specific writing style? 

I tend to be very colloquial, which is why I can’t make a living as a journalist or writing informational articles. I’m a storyteller at heart, and I like to think my style reflects that. 

How did you come up with the title? 

A dear friend actually came up with the title for me. And it was perfect. After all, genocide is not peaceful. Or is it?

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp? 

The beautiful thing about writing a story is that different readers interpret things differently. I like to think there’s a message in the book, but what that message is depends on who is flipping the pages.  

How much of the book is realistic? 

If this book was realistic, mankind would be in some serious trouble. However, I did read an article not too long ago that discussed a memory chips implanted in people. Scary. That tells me the technology mentioned in the book is probably out there…let’s just hope they don’t use it like the book does.


If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book? 

I like to think there’s always room for improvement, but I also think that Peaceful Genocide ended up in a very nice place. I hope readers agree!


Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing? 

I always find the “middle hump” challenging. It’s the middle of the book when everything has piled up and now it’s time for some super action to start! Getting to that stage is hard, and so is bypassing it. But once I do, everything seems to fall into place, which is always a fulfilling feeling.


What was the hardest part of writing your book?

All the kids in Peaceful Genocide are geniuses in some way, shape, or form. I am not a genius. Not even close.
 
How are you the same/different from their main character?

Ha, I couldn’t be any further from my characters if I tried. Like I said, they are brilliant. Along with many other wonderful attributes that I can’t even come close to.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it? 

I learned that technology can be a scary thing. And I also learned I’m not near as smart as I wish I was.

 
What were the challenges (research, literary, psychological, and logistical) in bringing it to life? 

There are so many different aspects to Peaceful Genocide. From technology, to science, to brain functions, to the government, to obstacles courses, to secrecy—so many facets and twists that hopefully keep people guessing.  The kids are brilliant and have their own special talents. The story as a whole required a great deal of research and learning things I would’ve never thought I would need to learn. And bringing the characters and story to life proved a struggle, but I do hope it draws reader into a world they wouldn’t have thought of before.

There is a tour wide giveaway as well as a giveaway here on the blog. Enter for a chance to win an eCopy of Peaceful Genocide and then enter the tour wide giveaway.

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Tour Wide Giveaway

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Sunday, 24 November 2013

Vampiric Assignations by Sara York Excerpt and Blog Tour!


    

Title : Vampiric Assignations
Author : Sara York
Genre Paranormal Romance
Date Published: 10/4/2013



Vlas Von Heildvic sets his sights on Amber Black and will stop at nothing to take her. She is the key to his future, one where he rules the world. The Protectorate can’t let her fall into the wrong hands, but Maverick’s structured ways mangle the operation, leaving her vulnerable. Once bitten, Amber runs off, scared of what she is becoming. Maverick has to change his ways to save Amber and keep her from altering the balance of power in the vampire world. If he loses Amber to the forces of darkness, the world will forever change, leaving humans under vampire control.

BUY LINKS







Sara York

Writing is Sara's life. The stories fight to get out, often leaving her working on four or five books at once. She can't help but write. Along with her writing addiction she has a coffee addiction. Some nights, the only reason she stops writing and goes to sleep is for the fresh brewed coffee in the morning.
Sara enjoys writing twisted tales of passion, anger, and love with a good healthy dose of lust thrown in for fun. Almost a quarter of a century ago Sara met her lover, falling for him after knowing him for ten minutes. Sara's passion for him comes out in her stories, mixing with her passion for life, love, and good times, flowing onto the page and becoming tales from the heart.

Website: sarayork.com




Excerpt : 


Maverick stepped back and looked her up and down. The feelings shooting through her made her wonder if she’d chosen the wrong time to be trustworthy. They were alone in the middle of the woods, and she had no idea who he was.



“I think I’m a bit like you.”


Fear erupted in her belly. “What do you mean?”

“Under all that excitement you feel about your new degree, there’s fear. Isn’t there?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

He stepped closer, his height overshadowing her. “There’s one thing you didn’t tell me.”
“What?” Her heart beat rapidly as she searched for an escape.

“Don’t fear me, sweet Amber. Fear the one who gave you these.” Maverick reached up and pushed her high turtleneck aside. He touched her neck where the mark of the bite marred her skin.

Pain shot through her neck and pulsed down her body. “What did you do?”

“Nothing. You know I did nothing.”

“Then what was that?” She tried to move away from him, but she couldn’t budge.
“I know what he did, and I know what you’ll become.”

She spun away from Maverick and took off back towards campus. How could anyone know? Her heart pounded as her arms and legs pumped. All of the sudden he was right there in front of her. She slid to a stop.

“Amber, you can’t fight the change, but I can make it where you don’t regret the decisions you will make.”

“I don’t want or need your help.” For a moment she wondered if she should scream, run, or fight. Convincing the police this guy was crazy wouldn’t be hard. She could make a scene and then get away.

“Yes you do need my help. Whatever Vlas told you, the promises he made, they were lies.”

She shifted uneasily, wondering about Vlas and what he had said. “He made no promises.”

“You’re lying. Promises were made.”

She took off running, her legs carrying her faster than she had expected. In the river, there were a few barges transporting goods. She thought about calling to one of the boatmen when something hit her in the back and forced her to the ground. His arms came around her, and they rolled down the hill away from the river. He flipped on top of her, pinning her into the soft grass.

Maverick stared down at her, his eyes showing compassion. “I’m a bit amazed, but I like you a lot. More than I’ve like other vampires I’ve met over the years.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” The press of Maverick’s body on hers turned her insides to jelly. Having this man on top of her shouldn’t feel so delicious, but it did. Her body responded, betraying her with its desire. The guy was obviously crazy and not to be trusted.

“Yes, you do. In about eight days you’ll need that second bite, and only Vlas can give it to you. So, you have to go back because he’s the only one who can help.”

She shook her head, wondering how her life had turned from normal to totally crazy.
“You’ll want to go to him again. Right now you’re probably in some denial, but soon it’s going to be too hard to refute what’s happening to you.”

Her head ached and her stomach rolled. Maverick’s words didn’t make sense. He had to be lying. “How do you know?”

“Watch.” Maverick curled up his lips. For a second nothing happened and then she saw the fangs extending.

As his teeth elongated, hers began to ache. She ran her tongue along her teeth, half expecting to feel fangs, but nothing was there.

“I can help you. But you must come to me after he bites you the second time.”


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