Teaser and Playlist from Dark Waltz

Dark Waltz by A.M. Hargrove

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--A sizzling legend of loss, lust and love. 

It’s the year 2030 and the human population has been annihilated by a virulent form of small pox. Liasare Davidson is desperately searching for her brother, who has been missing for three months. It’s been eighteen years since she was evacuated from Earth and she is horrified to see it’s become a cesspool of unimaginable things.

In her quest to find her brother, she meets Jurek, a powerful and enigmatic being that frightens her, yet she is unable to resist. When things begin to unfold between them, they both discover a paralyzing truth that puts Liasare at grave risk. She must make a choice to join Jurek and find her brother or fulfill a role she believes she is ill equipped to undertake.

Not only do I have a Teaser from Dark Waltz today, I have a teaser from the book in Liasare's point of view and the same scene from Jurek's hot point of view! Enjoy :)

Teaser from Dark Waltz by A.M. Hargrove

“Going somewhere?” that husky voice asked.

Crapitty crap!

She sucked in her breath and dropped her weapon, as his voice startled her. Before her brain could comprehend what was happening, she felt her body swirling through a vortex. She finally came to rest in another place.

Disoriented and dizzy, she tried to focus on her surroundings, but everything seemed to tilt sideways.  She reached out her hand to stop herself from falling, but only succeeded in grabbing a fistful of air.  Not knowing which way was up or down, she tried, unsuccessfully, to break her fall. Instead, she felt her breath leave her body in a whoosh as she slammed into the ground.  

Fighting for oxygen, her diaphragm wouldn’t cooperate with her brain’s commands.  Worse yet, she felt a pair of hands latch onto her waist, drag her to her feet and ram her back into a wall.  Her head hung down as she fought to draw in precious oxygen, yet found she was still unable to do so.  Then the asshole had the nerve to jam his arm straight into her diaphragm and start demanding things of her.

“Who do you work for?”

Her mouth opened and closed repeatedly, like a poor fish that had been hauled out of the water, desperate to be thrown back in.

“I’ll ask again, who do you work for?” he bit out each word with precision.

Things began to turn grey and hazy as the lack of air finally took its toll on her brain.  She knew she was going to pass out.

Double crapitty crap!

Her head lolled to the side and...blink, lights out.

Jurek looked at her and cursed, “What the f**k?” 

He hadn’t realized she was so close to losing it.  He laid her out on the floor and looked at her for a moment.  She wasn’t beautiful in that traditional, cookie-cutter sense, but there was something about her that enticed him.  Her chestnut mane for one, and Jurek had always been a sucker for women with beautiful hair, but those hazel eyes of hers were something else.  Her full lips were kissably soft, he thought, as he ran his thumb along her mouth.  He finally placed his hand on her forehead and in seconds, she came to, moaning.  

Her eyes fluttered open and when the recognition in them flickered, those hazel eyes shot sparks of gold.  Hovering before her was the dark haired man from the bar.  She wouldn’t have had to open her eyes to know it was him since every cell in her body was on fire with his power.  

Soft black hair hung close to his shoulders and he wore it brushed back off his face.  Liasare briefly wondered if it would feel as soft as it looked.  He had a bit of scruff on his face; he obviously hadn’t bothered to shave in the last couple of days.  His lips were full and sensuous and definitely made for kissing.  In fact, Liasare could imagine running her tongue along that lower lip of his, tugging on it and gently sucking it.  What made her nearly lose it were his eyes.  They were extraordinary.  Lavender, rimmed in indigo with flecks of silver swirling within their depths, Liasare had never seen anything so stunning in her life.  

Regaining her senses, Liasare flew to her feet and threw a right uppercut that connected beneath Jurek’s jaw.  Had he been a lesser man, it would have laid him out.  Then she spun on her heel and began the motion for an intended groin kick, but his quick reflexes caught her leg before it connected and he flicked it off with his hand.

“You flaming asshole.  Who do you think you are?  You f**king knock the wind out of me and then you do it again for shits and giggles?  Who the hell do you think you are?”  

“Watch your language and I’m asking the questions here.”

“Not anymore,” Liasare hissed as she turned to head out of the building.  

Before she could take another step, an arm snaked out and grabbed her around the waist.  He pulled her tightly against his chest and whispered huskily into her ear, “I asked you a question.  I want to know who you’re working for and I don’t intend to let you go until I get an answer.”

His voice washed over her with that electrifying intense heat.  She felt her skin erupt in a million goose bumps as every hair on her body stood at attention.

Damn him, she thought.  How can he have this kind of power over me? F**k!

“You have no idea Brownie.”

“Brownie?  

“Mmm.  Brownie.  For that glorious mane of hair you have.”  His hand spanned across her stomach and she felt a million butterflies suddenly erupt as he hugged her tightly against him.

“I’ll bet you taste better than one too.”  If she could have turned around she would have seen the corners of his mouth turn up as he baited her.

Thoughts of Liasare....by Jurek

I took one look at her and knew I was in serious trouble.  The way she went after those Xanthians and then later in the bar...well, it was my undoing.  I felt myself unraveling.  Not one thread at a time, but all at once.  She had complete control over me, though I didn’t let her know that.  I acted like the complete ass she accused me of being.  I had to.  It was either that or let my emotions overtake me and then I would have been absolutely worthless.  I hid behind that wall of pretensive callousness until she broke it down, brick by brick.  She accomplished what no other woman had been able to for quite some time. Everything about her turned my bones to liquid. Her thick mane of lustrous hair, those warm hazel eyes that shot golden sparks when she was fired up about something and her touch...God her skin was like silk.  I knew after one touch I had to have more. 

It was sometimes amusing to watch her hide behind her facade of bravery.  She acted so tough when I knew all along she was frightened by everything. This was apparent in the foul language she liked to use. I told her I would keep her safe, but what I didn’t tell her was that I would go to any lengths to do so.  She didn’t trust me one bit and I understood why.  What she didn’t know...couldn’t know and wouldn’t know until I deemed it necessary was that she was mine and only mine and heaven help those who would try to keep her from me.

Here is the Playlist :D 

*this post is part of the Follower Giveaway of Epicness*

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*Follower Giveaway of Epicness* Flukes Guest Post

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Nichole Chase is in the house!!! I'm so excited today because I have one of my favorite Guest Posts ever and share the awesome sale that Nichole is running with you!
SALE ALERT! Flukes is on sale for $.99 until 11/26!  I grabbed my copy and I'm really excited about reading it!

Now I'm going to hand it over to Nichole for her to share some of her favorite mermaids and inspiration for Flukes!

Famous Mermaids

As the author of Flukes, I’m asked quite often where I got the inspiration for my novel. The truth is I got the idea while giving my daughter a bath. She was pretending to be a mermaid and I couldn’t help but wonder what a little mermaid would look like and decided it would be pretty darn cute! 

But that’s not really the whole of it. Truthfully, I’ve always loved the idea of mermaids. They are beautiful and have this great connection with nature that we humans sometimes ignore. My first real mermaid obsession began with Disney’s Little Mermaid. It’s true. I’d seen them before and been intrigued, but Disney really fanned the flames. I was curious what mermaids my readers knew about, which ones had really stuck in their minds, so I asked. Here are some of the responses I received in my unofficial poll and my own answers. 

Splash

Daryl Hannah is an amazing mermaid. She captures the sweet innocence, while maintaining the sexy allure of a mermaid.

Ariel from the Little Mermaid

You’d be hard pressed to find someone that doesn’t know the Disney version of the Little Mermaid!

Lady in the Water

I loved this movie. Intrigue, mythology, beauty.

The Secret of Roan Inish

This is about selkies, not exactly mermaids, but it did foster my love of mythical sea creatures. 

Aquamarine

I admit that when this movie came around I was in my teens and not as interested. Now I’m thinking that I should go back and watch it. When asking my readers about mermaids, it was brought up repeatedly!

Pirates of the Caribbean 4

A different take on mermaids—more along the lines of a siren. They know what they want, and they plan on getting it. (They have fangs!)

H20: Just Add Water

I hadn’t heard of this show until I was scouring the internet for pictures of mermaids. I’m thinking that I might take a sick day and watch it on Netflix one day. ;)

Oh, that middle mermaid? With a little photo shopping, she looks a lot like Meena from Flukes! 

(What do you think?)

There are so many mermaids out there to enjoy. What’s your favorite? Which one will you always remember?

If you’d like to see some “real” mermaids, check out Mermaid Kariel and Mermaid Hannah!

Flukes

By Nichole Chase

Meena has a secret guarded closely by her family—a secret as dangerous as the sea, and buried just as deep. When court appointed community service workers are assigned to Flukes, the family-owned animal sanctuary, everyone is on high alert. It doesn’t help that Meena finds herself attracted to sexy-as-sin Blake Weathering, one of the new workers. If he wasn’t so distracting, she might be able to land Flukes a much-needed cruise line contract.

Blake Weathering, the first in his family to attend public school, has developed a tough image. Unfortunately it lands him in trouble. Now banned from his high school graduation ceremony, getting his diploma is dependent upon a community service gig cleaning fish crap. No diploma, no trust fund fortune—and no way to escape his overbearing father. The last thing he needs is the distraction of a mysterious girl with teal eyes who pulls at his heart strings.

When Blake discovers Meena’s secret, they are both thrown into a desperate search for information about her past. Two worlds pull them in opposite directions, and they will have to fight to hold onto all that really matters.

If you’d like to find out more about Nichole and her books, please check out her websites and sign up for her newsletter.

www.NicholeChase.com

http://www.nicholechase.blogspot.com

@NicholeChase

What did you think? Make sure you comment for today's entry into the giveaway!

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*Follower Giveaway of Epicness* Gravity Teaser

Click on the button to find the whole follower giveaway of epicness schedule. Today is all about M. Leighton!  Now I know you all know who that chick is! If you don't, I'm pretty sure you have been isolated from society the last few months!  Anyway Brittni and I thought we would bring one of her old ones back...Do y'all remember Gravity?  Well if your new to this book of hers then check out this excerpt we have for you and don't forget to enter in the giveaway for a paperback copy!

Gravity by M. Leighton

Add it on Goodreads 

Love is irresistible. Gravity is undeniable.

Holy men have foretold their birth for thousands of years. Supernatural creatures have awaited it for thousands more. Now, in the presence of an eclipse, three souls mature for a single purpose—to fight. They must fight for their lives, for their freedom and for the liberation of everyone possessed of a second nature.

********

Peyton Giles’s world is turned upside down when she learns that everyone in her life and in her school is much more than they appear, she most of all. Peyton is the one person in all of time and history powerful enough to bring peace to the darkness and to the light. Not knowing that her powers could kill her, however, Peyton nearly loses her life only to have her brother’s best friend save it. Drawn to him in ways she can’t explain, Trace is the one person that she literally can’t live without. Her soul is tethered to her world through her connection to him. Without it, she will die.

For the most part, Trace Kramer has always steered clear of his best friend’s sister. Until now. He never would’ve expected that Peyton would hold his life and his future in her hands the way she’s always held his heart. But she does.

Peyton and Trace soon learn that love and fate aren’t easier than duty and destiny, at least not when you’re being hunted. Together, they are more powerful than any other creature on the planet—and more valuable—but apart, neither can survive to fight for freedom, for the only life they’ve ever known and for the lives of everyone they’ve ever met.

Their need for one another is undeniable. Their love for one another is irresistible. But can it endure all that they must suffer?

Excerpt  

Butterflies fluttered in my stomach as I slid from beneath the covers and padded to the window.  When I parted my sheer blush-colored curtains, Trace was standing outside on the lawn, hands stuffed into his pockets, waiting.  He wasn’t smiling.  He wasn’t fidgeting.  He wasn’t frowning.  He was simply watching.

Our house had the old style windows that push out, so I unlatched the right side and pushed it out toward Trace.  He’d apparently taken several steps back after he’d knocked, so it didn’t come anywhere near him.

“What are you doing here?” I asked quietly, hyper aware of what Brady’s reaction would be if he found Trace at my window.  Luckily, Julia was still gone, although I doubt she would’ve cared anyway.  She wasn’t exactly maternal.

I leaned against the window sill, waiting for Trace to speak, but he didn’t.  He just stood perfectly still for about thirty nerve-racking seconds.  

Finally, the light breeze carried his raspy voice to my ears.

“There was something I wanted to tell you.”

“Okay.”

He took one step forward.  “I couldn’t stop thinking about you tonight.”  Another step.  “In fact, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you for a while.”  Another step.  “It’s just getting worse.  But tonight,” he said, taking the step that would bring him within a foot of me.  “There was something else.”

I felt breathless with anticipation.  I saw his honey eyes, turned dark gold in the dim light, flicker to my lips and back.  

“And what’s that?”

“Something I’ve wanted to do for a while, but tonight I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep until I do it.”

“What’s that?” I repeated, my own voice barely a whisper.

“I want to kiss you, Peyton,” he confessed, shifting forward just enough to put his face within six inches of mine. “I need to kiss you.”

Slowly, as if giving me plenty of time to tell him to go home, plenty of time to stop him before he went any further, he raised his arms and cupped my face in both of his hands.  

“I need to kiss you,” he said once more, almost reverentially.  And then, inch by agonizing inch, he lowered his head until his lips met mine.  

As though someone had flipped a switch to turn it off, the world disappeared the instant his mouth made contact with mine.  At that moment, it seemed that all I would ever need to live would be provided through the touch of his skin.  I didn’t have to open my eyes to know that there were threads from our souls stretching from the center of our being and meeting in the air around us.  I could feel them joining us together, bonding us forever.  

Trace tilted his head and deepened the kiss.  My lips fell open and his tongue slipped easily between them.  It slid along mine, teasing me with the sweet taste of his mouth as he moved one hand to the back of my head.

I reached up to hold on to his biceps, needing more contact, but unable to get it with the wall between us.  They twitched beneath my fingertips causing a thrill to race down my spine.  

Much too soon, Trace wrapped up the kiss and pulled his mouth away from mine.  He looked down into my face and smiled, a gesture so gorgeous I thought my heart might stop.  

Happier than I could ever remember feeling, I smiled in return.  But then a sad, troubled look fell over his face like a dark curtain.  And I felt doom knocking at my door.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

“I also came to say goodbye,” he announced, rocking my world to its very foundations.

“Wh-what?”

“I’m going to find my father.”

“But what about the magic and trying to figure out what’s going on with your mother?”

“I still want to do that, but I just got this feeling in my gut like I should go back to the meadow.  I think my father might be there.”

“Trace, that’s crazy!  What if he’s not the only one there?  What if there is a repeat of last night?”

“That’s a chance I’m willing to take.  This is just something I have to do,” he said, taking a step back away from me.  “I just wanted to see you before I left, just in case…”

“Don’t talk like that!”  I felt almost panicked at the thought of never seeing Trace again.  “This is…it’s…it’s crazy!”

“I know, and if this wasn’t something I truly felt that I had to do, I wouldn’t go.  I’d wait until I had some more answers.  But I just feel like I need to go tonight.”

I let his words sink in as I debated my best course of action.  It seemed, however, that logic and reason and sensibility were all taking a back seat to the overwhelming fear that Trace was walking out of my life forever, that something might happen to him and I’d never see him again.  I knew that I literally couldn’t survive without him. I knew that if he didn’t come back that I would be torn apart by all that was happening around me.  Instinctively, I knew that he had been made specifically for me, and I for him, that we were necessary for the other’s survival.

So I decided to go with him.  

It wasn’t as rash a decision as it sounded.  The realization hit me that I would rather die with him than live without him.  That’s what made up my mind.

“I’m coming with you,” I announced flatly, hoping my tone brooked no argument.

“No, it’s too dangerous.”

“I don’t care.  Two is better than one.  We’re stronger together.  You know that.”

He opened his mouth and started to say something, but he snapped it shut quickly.  I knew what he was doing.  He wanted to argue, he was trying to argue, but he knew it as futile.  He knew I was right.  He knew there was no point in debating the truth of the matter.    

“Out there, I’m not sure I can protect you.”

“Then maybe I can protect you.”

Several emotions flickered across his face in rapid succession.  It was a fascinating display to behold.  And then, with an urgency born of something not from this world, he stepped forward, drove his fingers into my hair and crushed his mouth against mine.  

Desperation was there.  Desire was there.  Strength was there.  Gratitude was there.  So was fear, just a small amount, but it was all wrapped up in something else, something stronger than every other emotion.  It was something solid and eternal, something mystical and surreal, something more important than anything else in our lives.

When he released me, both of us breathless and shaking, I tossed him a quick smile and ducked back into my room to throw on jeans and a long-sleeved t-shirt.  Pushing my feet into tennis shoes, I raced back to the window.

Only he was gone. He’d left me anyway.

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*Follower Giveaway of Epicness* Cover Reveal Fly Away

Click on the button to find the whole follower giveaway of epicness schedule. Today is all about Amy Jones :) She is the author of the Soul Quest Trilogy.  I just finished her latest, Wildflower.   I have for you the next book in that series', Fly Away, COVER!  Oh and for bonus, I have the first chapters.

Here are the first few chapters :) 

North Africa

Spring 1940

Chapter One

Dear Sherry

May 8, 1940

Dear Sherry, 

I arrived safely somewhere in North Africa. Our trip over was very quiet and uneventful. Although, one of the other companies had a lot of excitement in the form of torpedoes!

From what I have seen of these North African cities I am left with the feeling of appreciation that I come from the good old U.S.A. 

I am writing this letter from our new base which is located on top of a hill overlooking a large vineyard grove.  It's lovely, but pales in comparison to my memory of you and the shorelines of the Cape Cod Bay. 

Your letter arrived yesterday and I was overjoyed at receiving it.  I always am. I was so thrilled when you agreed to write me back in Falmouth.  Please don’t think I’ve got a string of girlfriends because I’m a pilot. I did go out quite a lot at home but that was almost a year ago. I’ve not the slightest idea what you think of me and I know perfectly well I’m no prize package. If you only knew how much I’d like to tell people you’re my girlfriend.

Well Sherry, I will close hoping I receive another letter from you soon. 

Love, 

Dannie

I lay wide awake in my cot surrounded by snoring men. I should be snoring too but as usual my thoughts drift to Sherry. Never before had a girl affected me so profoundly. What’s worse is that my best friend was drawn to her first. I saw Josh walking with her on the beach. They were strolling, arm in arm, talking and laughing. While Josh never proclaimed her as forbidden territory it was obvious he was intent on making her his own.

I tried to steer clear of her, I swear, but it was impossible. Seeing her at the diner, day in and day out in that cute little pink uniform with her luxurious black hair twisted and coiled at the nape of her neck nearly drove me mad. I just kept imagining her long, dark mane unfurling around her shoulders while she stood bare legged in one of my tattered old tee shirts. God help me! 

I was a lost cause, so when I saw her for the last time that morning in the diner I’d asked her to write me to keep me company overseas. She agreed happily and we’d shared a few letters in the past months. I’d never mentioned it to Josh and I constantly wonder if she is writing him as well. The idea of the possibility makes me nauseous and very jealous, jealous of my best friend! Damn it! This is so wrong, but I can’t help myself. 

I finally managed the nerve to ask Sherry to be my girl, to make things official between us. Waiting for her reply has been hell! If she says yes, how will her choice affect Josh and my long cherished friendship with him? If she says no, will it mean she is in love with him and not me? Will I still be able to love Josh if she chooses him? 

I both long for and dread the arrival of her next letter.

Chapter Two

Reunion

I could barely contain my excitement at seeing Joshua again today at school. His dad had held him on a short leash over the summer break. While I’d texted and spoke to him nearly every day I’d only actually seen and spent time with him on a number of occasions. 

The last month before school began he’d spent with his grandparents in Florida. He hadn’t seen his mom’s folks since the Christmas holiday and they begged for him to spend part of the summer with them. Naturally, Joshua’s dad was thrilled with the idea since it meant placing more distance between us. You see, Joshua’s father, who is employed and presently brain washed by Gracie Henderson’s father, is convinced that my family is involved in some type of evil cult worship or equally bizarre and unappealing practice. Needless to say, he’s a bit uncomfortable with the idea of Joshua and me dating. He’s so paranoid he even made Joshua quit his job at Papa’s ranch. We can’t seem to catch a break.

My stomach tightened and my pulse raced at the sound of Joshua’s Jeep pulling into my driveway.

“I gotta’ run! I’ll see you after school!” I yelled to whoever might be listening before I shoved my strawberry pop tart between my lips and darted out the front door. 

“I sure have missed you.” Joshua beamed encircling me into a deep bear hug.

He’d been waiting outside the door to his Jeep like usual so he could help me climb into the massive vehicle. 

“Me too…” I smiled stretching onto my toes to give him a quick peck on the lips.

“Whoa, get back here! That wasn’t the type of kiss a guy gets from his girlfriend after a month of missing her in misery. You better give me some real sugar, baby.” he teased. 

In an instant his lips were on mine. At first the connection was soft and tender but eventually his lips parted and his warm slippery tongue begged for entrance into my mouth. I obliged happily. I savored the taste of his delicious tongue snaking along my teeth. He moaned contently as he licked my lower lip. My tongue traced along the edge of his mouth until his lips parted wider. I darted my tongue inside his mouth and he responded immediately by sucking hard on my soft flesh. Soon we were panting and frenzied. Finally, we forced ourselves to break our embrace. 

“That’s more like it…” he breathed in a daze.

I giggled, pleased with his satisfaction. 

“Remind me to pick up where we left off later but right now we better get to school.” I reminded him as I lightly kissed the edge of his jaw line. 

“You’re killing me, Laney,” he half smiled at me mischievously, “…but you’re right.” he agreed reluctantly.

He opened the door to his Jeep and assisted me as I hoisted myself into the passenger seat. 

“So, the Hendersons still have your dad convinced that Laney is a bad influence?” Carly inquired innocently. 

“Carly…” I warned.

“No, she’s right.” Joshua sighed. “My dad’s still freaked out about the fact that Laney and I tried to run away together last winter. Granted, Mr. Henderson doesn’t help matters much but at the end of the day he’s mostly just afraid of losing me.” he explained glumly.

Mike Bangs had just lost his wife, Rachel to cancer a little over a year ago. Of course the thought of losing Joshua too would be unbearable.

“But Laney isn’t trying to come between you and your dad.” Carly persisted. 

Joshua shrugged at her words unable to respond. It was clear he agreed with Carly but had failed to convince his father of the truth her statement offered. 

“Let’s talk about something else.” I suggested.

“At least he’s compromising.” Carly continued as if I’d said nothing at all.

I rolled my eyes as Joshua glanced at me in sympathy. 

“Well, I’m off to the library. I’ve got to find something interesting to pass the time in History today. It’s going to be so boring!” Carly complained.

And she was gone.

“She’s right, you know. Dad’s being ridiculous. I’m just glad you put up with him. Any other girl would have bailed by now but you’re still here.” he grabbed my hand and kissed my knuckles.

“I don’t have a choice. I love you.” I explained.

“Thank God.” he smiled impishly. “You wanna’ come over and work on our homework this afternoon?” 

“I suppose I could pencil you in.” I teased.

“Please do. I’ve been looking forward to finishing what we started this morning all day long.” he winked.

My stomach tightened at the memory. God, I love him!

Homework after school at his house was his dad’s only concession where I’m concerned. No ranch, no visits to my house and no dates. Of course, that won’t stop us from getting creative. Joshua realized he could tell his dad he had plans with Scott while conveniently leaving out the detail that it was a double date including me. And, if all else failed we could still travel together in the spirit world but that would be a last resort. 

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*Follower Giveaway of Epicness* Miss Me Not Chapter 1

Click on the button to find the whole follower giveaway of epicness schedule. Today is all about Tiffany King!  If you've been around me long, you know that I love Tiff and everything that she writes!  I'm especially excited about her latest, Miss Me Not!   I've read it and it's amazing!   You can get it in 2 days on Black Friday and it will be on sale that weekend for .99!!!  For today's post, I have the 1st chapter of Miss Me Not!!!! I'm so excited to share it with you and I hope you love it! 

Miss Me Not by Tiffany King

Add it on your Goodreads shelf 

They had a pact. 
Leave the world behind much as they had lived it.
No one would miss them. No harm, no foul.
Their personal demons would be left behind once and for all. 
It was the only thing they could count on. 
It was all she had.

Madison Hanson has spent the last four years being a "shadow." Her parents ignore her. The students at her school stopped talking to her years ago, and the majority of her teachers forget she's even there. In her desperate yearning to leave her invisible life behind, Madison makes a pact with her only friend, James Garrison, to end their lives as inconspicuously as they live them. No fuss, no muss. No one would miss her and she would miss no one. Their plan is set, and it's all she can count on. That is, until fellow student, Mitch Peterson, beats them to the punch. Everything Madison believed in is shaken to the core when she watches the aftermath of Mitch's death unfold. By taking his own life, Mitch unwittingly saves hers. What a selfish prick. 

She is now left with the daunting task of living. Trying to bury her demons once and for all, and finally trusting someone with her fragile existence. 

Living is hell.
Death would have been so much easier.

Chapter 1 of Miss Me Not 

Mitch Johnson died last night. 

He killed himself. I wasn't sad or heartbroken when I heard. I was pissed. Stark raving pissed. I didn't know Mitch well. He was like me, a shadow that floated down the hallways, unnoticed and seemingly nonexistent among the crowd. I knew my attitude seemed callous, but I didn't care. Mitch stole my thunder. 

It should have been me. 

Mr. Wilson, our douche bag principal, decided to inform us of Mitch's death between news of an upcoming carwash fundraiser and a threat to crack down on student littering. How he had reached the conclusion that this was the best spot for an announcement like this was beyond me. I was doodling in the margins of my World History book, trying to ignore the annoying squawk of the intercom, and the droning voice of Mr. Wilson, when he suddenly slid Mitch's suicide in so quickly that I was momentarily confused by the words. I wasn't even sure I'd heard him right until the entire female population of the class gasped at once. The rest of the announcements were quickly drowned out by an eruption of chatter throughout the room. It was glaringly obvious the news had just added excitement to a drab Tuesday morning. The reactions ran the gambit from feigned grief to jokes about how Mitch may have "offed himself."

As for me, I was pissed and confused. Why do it on a Monday night? There was nothing significant about a Monday. My friend James, aka "suicide buddy," and I had given the subject a great deal of thought, and had decided that a Thursday was the best day. If you did it on the weekend, it would add drama to everyone's Monday, giving them nonstop gossip for the entire week. Tuesday held the same risk. Wednesday was a little more desirable, but Thursday was ideal. The student body wouldn't find out until Friday morning, and most of them would be too hyped up for the upcoming weekend to give a shit about the demise of a fellow student they never cared about in the first place.

The squawking of the intercom cut off abruptly and was replaced by sobbing. I twisted around incredulously, searching for the person who Mitch had meant enough to that they'd break down in class. What I saw was disgusting. It wasn't one individual, but three. "The three clones," as I liked to call them. Every school had their prestigious groups. They were the cheerleaders, the jocks and the charismatic kids everyone wanted to be. One of the criers was on our Squadets Team which was our school's version of a pep squad. The student body got the privilege of watching the Squadet team shake their asses during pep rallies and any other event the school felt was ass-shaking worthy. Of course, now the normally perky, I-wish-it-was-legal-to-stab-them popular bunches were sobbing on each other's shoulders as if they had just heard that The Vampire Diaries had been cancelled. What a bunch of phony assholes. Go figure they would use this opportunity to steal attention for themselves.

I bet if asked by gunpoint they wouldn't have been able to tell you what Mitch looked like, what kind of clothes he wore, what types of music he listened to—nothing. Not that I knew anything about him either, but you didn't see me with false tears running down my cheeks. Their over-the-top performance hit me hard and heavy, leaving me gasping for my own breath. Never in any of my contemplations about how I'd go about ending my own worthless existence did I ever consider my passing being a bonding moment for those who would step over anyone and everyone. I had expected gossip and speculation and the clucking of ignorant tongues, but not this crap.

It was like a slap in the face. Ms. Jones handed out tissues to the sobbing girls and offered to send them to the counselors. All three gathered their belongings, excited at the idea of attending something as soul-searching as grief counseling. Once they made their grand exit, Ms. Jones closed up her lesson plan book.

"Does anyone else need to see the counselors?" she asked compassionately, sitting on the edge of her desk and swinging her feet lightly. 

Of all my teachers, Ms. Jones was my least favorite. She was young, which equaled "still gave a shit" in teacher code. She was fresh out of school and convinced she could change the world. Five years from now she'd be jaded, bitching about us students to her peers any chance she got. I disliked her because she was convinced she could save me.

If I had a sense of humor, I would have laughed. Save me from what? Perhaps from my parents who forgot they'd had a daughter almost from the moment I was born, or maybe from the students who whispered behind their hands about me, or maybe she thought she could save me from myself. All were laughable if I had a sense of humor, but I didn't, so it wasn't. 

No one responded to Ms. Jones' offer, so she decided to make her own amateur attempt at counseling.

"I know the death of a fellow student is rough," she said in a voice that seemed overly patronizing. "High school is a tough hormonal roller-coaster ride at times. It may become or seem unbearable," she added, looking at me directly.

I looked down. How dare the whore cat draw attention to me. She didn't know me. This was why I didn't like her. I didn't need her to save me. Mitch had unintentionally done that by taking his own life. Observing the aftermath of his death had left me shuddering at the gloried tear-fest I'd be providing for those who passed by my shadow each day.

I didn't want their tears.

I didn't want them to think of me.

I wanted nothing from them.

That asshole Mitch Johnson saved my life today. What a prick.

What did you think? Make sure you comment for today's entry into the giveaway!

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Don't forget to check out Brittni's post today! 

*Follower Giveaway of Epicness* The Modified Character Interview

Click on the button to find the whole follower giveaway of epicness schedule. Today is all about C.A. Kunz (Carol & Adam)! I'm really excited about today because not only did Brittni and I come up with awesome character interviews, but I also have the NEW cover of The Modified! Personally, I was a fan of the old cover but once I saw this new one I was sold!  I definitely think it takes this awesome book to the next level!  Have you read The Modified yet?  If not go check out my review and buy it!   Oh and 2 little birdies told me they were celebrating their new cover (by the WONDERFUL Sarah Hansen) by putting The Modified on sale for $.99 from Monday Nov. 26th until Monday Dec. 3rd so be on the lookout for that! Are you ready to see this awesome new cover? Here it is! 

The Modified by C.A. Kunz  Goodreads | Amazon 

What would you sacrifice to save the one’s you love? To save the one who holds your heart? To save the world?

Kenley Grayson is all too familiar with these questions.

After Earth is thrust into its first intergalactic war with an unknown race called the Bringers, our military forces begin to suffer heavy losses. Desperate for a solution, the Allied Federation issues a worldwide draft for every able seventeen year old to enlist. As Kenley turns seventeen, she finds herself thrown into the very war that took her older brother’s life.

This year’s draft is a little different than in the past though. A new program, known as the Magnus Project, has been introduced, and only the best and brightest qualify. Kenley is amongst a select few whom are chosen to join this elite group of soldiers, and as a part of this project, undergoes a modification procedure that leaves her and her peers endowed with powers beyond their wildest dreams.

As Earth continues in its struggle against the Bringers, Kenley is transported to a high-tech training facility, the Magnus Academy, to prepare for the major battle that lies ahead. It’s here that she meets the California heartthrob, and son of a legendary war hero, Landon Shaw. As unexpected feelings toward Landon begin to develop, Kenley wonders if this is the right time or place for romance to bloom, especially when those feelings start to interfere with her training.

With the weight of the world on her shoulders, Kenley is constantly reminded of how important she and the rest of the Magnus cadets are to the fate of humanity. She is one of the Modified, Earth’s last line of defense against utter destruction.

Now for my interview with Landon! (Brittni has the same questions I do but she asked Kenley!  Check it out HERE)

How does it feel to be one of The Modified?

Very surreal. Having powers that I only thought was possible in the movies is crazy, but seriously cool at the same time. 

Do you have any regrets?

I used to, but Kenley has changed the way I look at things now.  

What's one thing you miss from home?

I think this answer is pretty obvious unfortunately.

What was your first thought when you saw Kenley?

I thought she was the most beautiful girl I had ever seen (and still think so). She looked so different than the girls back in California and I felt this instant connection, like I had known her in a previous life or something. 

Describe her in five words.

Beautiful, driven, compassionate, intelligent and smokin’ hot. You did say six words, right? 

Spill it what's one of Kenely's weird quirks?

She talks to her AI like it’s a real person, hahaha!

Is she the jealous type?

Not really. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her be jealous.

What do you think her biggest pet peeve is?

I don’t know if this is really a pet peeve, but she definitely hates the Bringers…that’s for sure.

Where is your favorite place to be with her?

Anywhere, as long as she is by my side.

What is your favorite thing about Kenley?

She’s the most genuine person I’ve ever met.

What did you think? Make sure you comment for today's entry into the giveaway!

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a Rafflecopter giveaway US only Giveaway

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Don't forget to check out Brittni's post today!