Some of those near and dear to me are teaching writing and blogging classes over at the Romance Academy (www.romanceacademy.net). AND the great NEWS is that they are giving away one of their classes for free!! Enter the raffelcopter below for a chance to win a free novel writing class with Melody Grace, a promo class with KP Simmon of Inkslinger PR, a Dialogue class with Nichole Chase, and how to be a book blogger with Holly at iloveindiebooks.com and Becca from beccathebibliophile.blogspot.com.
These ladies rock!
Fun, informative workshops taught by some of today's most popular romance writers.
Writing can be exhilarating, satisfying, and fun - but also lonely and confusing at times. How do you learn the skills to make your dream book a reality, and connect with other authors to share your journey? The answer is right here! Romance Academy is your place to learn, grow, and be a part of a supportive writing community. With our specially-designed workshops and personalized curriculum, you'll learn from the best in the business, and forge life-long friendships with your classmates at the same time.
Romance Academy workshops are hands-on and full of great writing know-how. Our goal is to help you achieve your writing dreams, and for us all to learn something from each other along the way. We look forward to getting to know you!
We are currently offering these classes beginning September 30!:
With USA Today Bestselling author Melody Grace, BESTSELLER BOOTCAMP:
http://www.romanceacademy.net/courses/romance-novel-workshop--online
With NYT Bestselling author Nichole Chase, SAY WHAT? WRITE SNAPPY DIALOGUE :
http://www.romanceacademy.net/courses/dialogue--online
With PR rockstar KP Simmon from Inkslinger, PRIMETIME PROMO:
http://www.romanceacademy.net/courses/marketing101--online
With Holly Iloveindiebooks.com and Becca from beccathebibliophile.blogspot.com, BOOK BLOGGING FOR PASSION AND PROFIT:
http://www.romanceacademy.net/courses/bookblogging--online
ENTER THE RAFFLECOPTER and win one of these amazing classes!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Friday, September 6, 2013
Monday, August 12, 2013
FREE from Emily Snow!!!! And a super secret prize!
Read DEVOURED? Wonder what happened AFTER Lucas leaves Sienna in Atlanta? How Kylie and Wyatt’s story ends? Want more of Lucas’s POV? It’s coming soon in a FREE weekly serial on Emily Snow’s blog!
Lucas Wolfe has come close to happiness with Sienna, not once but twice. And both times he’s lost her because of his own fears. This time, he can’t let her go so easily—not now that he realizes that the one woman who said “no” is the one he’s in love with. Sienna is good for his music, and his life, and he’s determined to show her that she belongs with him.
No matter what the consequences.
ABSORBED is a FREE weekly mini-serial written in Lucas's POV. It takes place between the end of Devoured: Chapter 19 (the Atlanta chapter) and the very start of Consumed, and will be published on Emily Snow's blog and website from August 16 through September 13. CONSUMED will be released in eBook format from Touchstone Books on September 17 and in paperback in November.
No matter what the consequences.
ABSORBED is a FREE weekly mini-serial written in Lucas's POV. It takes place between the end of Devoured: Chapter 19 (the Atlanta chapter) and the very start of Consumed, and will be published on Emily Snow's blog and website from August 16 through September 13. CONSUMED will be released in eBook format from Touchstone Books on September 17 and in paperback in November.
Join the CONSUMED Pre-Order Campaign!
Have you Pre-Ordered CONSUMED? Email the following email address:
CONSUMEDBYEMILYSNOW@GMAIL.COM and get automatically entered to win Your Toxic
Sequel and Devoured swag, character naming rights, and a super secret prize.
The pre-order campaign is open to EVERYONE who has pre-ordered CONSUMED - whether it was five minutes ago or five months ago. If you can't find your receipt and you pre-ordered via Amazon, go to the Consumed order page on Amazon.com. At the top of the page there's an Instant Order Update. Click on it and it will take you to the order summary that you'll need to take a screen print of. If you pre-ordered via Barnes and Noble, go to Order Status at the top of that website's page. You'll be able to find the Consumed pre-order by searching through the Order History. Once you locate the order summary, take a screen print and shoot an email to the address above!
Good luck, everyone!
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Consumed-A-Devoured-Novel-ebook/dp/B00BSBVHTI/ref=pd_sim_kstore_2
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/consumed-emily-snow/1114818799?ean=9781476744131
And for a Limited Time, Grab Savor You for 99 Pennies!
Author’s Note: SAVOR YOU takes place during the events of DEVOURED.
Kylie Wolfe and bassist Wyatt McCrae have been bad for each other for the last several years, but it’s impossible for them to end their toxic push and pull. Not when their attraction is constantly fueled by lust and proximity—she’s her older brother’s Lucas’s assistant and Wyatt is his best friend and band mate.
So when Your Toxic Sequel makes a move to record a new album in Nashville, Kylie decides to make the latest break with Wyatt official by getting the hell out of town. She’ll spend a week in New Orleans. A week to immerse herself in the Mardi Gras scene. One week to not think about the last time she was in New Orleans, seven years ago with Wyatt. Seven days where she won’t have to see Wyatt every day just to fall ridiculously in love with him all over again—where, if she wants to, she can have a normal, no-strings attached fling that won’t end in heartbreak.
Too bad Wyatt ruins everything by showing up, as gorgeous and demanding and awful for her as ever.
Wyatt refuses to let Kylie give up on him. Not without reminding her why they both fell so far and hard in the first place. Not without making her savor the good memories and what could be their last chance with each other.
So when Your Toxic Sequel makes a move to record a new album in Nashville, Kylie decides to make the latest break with Wyatt official by getting the hell out of town. She’ll spend a week in New Orleans. A week to immerse herself in the Mardi Gras scene. One week to not think about the last time she was in New Orleans, seven years ago with Wyatt. Seven days where she won’t have to see Wyatt every day just to fall ridiculously in love with him all over again—where, if she wants to, she can have a normal, no-strings attached fling that won’t end in heartbreak.
Too bad Wyatt ruins everything by showing up, as gorgeous and demanding and awful for her as ever.
Wyatt refuses to let Kylie give up on him. Not without reminding her why they both fell so far and hard in the first place. Not without making her savor the good memories and what could be their last chance with each other.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
FALLING INTO US by the lovely Jasinda Wilder
What can I say!? I absolutely loved this book. Intense, emotional, sexy, and deep, this is a must read.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Sneak peek! Lauren Blakely's TROPHY HUSBAND!! You are my favorite boy-toy!
TROPHY HUSBAND by Lauren Blakely
I am so excited because today I get to host Lauren Blakely on my blog! And you are going to love this book!
Here is a sneak peek:
I could so fall in love with him. I could fall in love with him in a heartbeat. He brings his
other hand to my waist, and pulls me in close. He’s seated on the bar stool, and I’m
standing as I slide into the V between his legs, his firm thighs now on either side of me.
The distance between us narrows, and the temperature rises. Like this, with him so
close, I can tell how much he wants me. As much as I want him. I am turned on beyond
belief, my skin is so hot, and my body is aching all over with the need to be touched,
and he knows it. And just like that, the mood between us here at Circa Rose shifts. It’s
no longer flirty, or chatty, or get to know you. We’re no longer a guy and girl confessing
to crushes and likes. As he plays with the waistband of my skirt, his hand dipping inside,
stroking the bare skin of my hips just above my panties, we are a man and a woman
who want to get the hell out of here. The air between us electric, like the moments
before a summer storm.
“We don’t need to shoot that promo anymore, do we?” he asks, and his voice is different
now too. It’s smoky and low, and as he brings me in closer, I can tell he’s gone to the
same place I’ve gone to. Desire. And then the hope that we can take this contact to
another level.
“I was really hoping to see your fancy studio though,” I tease.
“It has a nice couch.”
“We could do a lot on a couch.”
“It’s ten blocks away.”
“That’s far,” I say, and I’m keenly aware of how my voice has become a ragged whisper.
He has to know what I want right now. Him. His green eyes are dark, shadowed with
lust and staring intensely into mine. He’s waiting for me to say more. “But I think I really
want to see that couch.”
“Good, because I would really fucking love to make out with you properly right now.”
Trophy Husband is out May 21!
Here are three fun facts about this book:
1. The restaurant where Chris and McKenna eat french fries is a real restaurant in San Francisco, and the fries and dipping sauces are delish!
2. In the first chapter of Trophy Husband that released in Kristen Proby's book Rock With Me, McKenna had dark hair. Lauren changed McKenna's hair color to blond shortly after :)
3. Chris is a surfer, a TV show host, a video game expert, and he can fix anything, including the cat McKenna's neighbor's cat peed on.
Enter to win her giveaway here:
Monday, April 22, 2013
GIVEAWAY with TORN and TWISTED's K.A. Robinson!!!
What can I say? I so admire K.A.Robinson's books. If you haven't yet read TORN or TWISTED you should. Chloe and Drake's relationship is epic and I am so excited that we are doing this giveaway together!!! Please enter below!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Friday, April 19, 2013
DARE ME FOREVER .99 cents for three days!! And a new cover!
I found this photo and just had to use it! I'm in love with this couple. I love his sexy stubble, the sensual way her hand is loosening his tie, and how he is gently caressing her face. So to celebrate my new cover, your incredible support, and the weekend, I am putting DARE ME FOREVER on sale for .99 cents for three days!
Do you like it? I hope so. I just love the way they are nestling into each other. I'd love to hear what you think!
You can find the book at these retailers:
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
THANK YOU for an INCREDIBLE WEEK! (+ A Sexy Excerpt and Giveaway!)
This week surpassed even my wildest dreams. It is so gratifying to have so many readers and bloggers giving me so much incredible encouragement! Thank you. I am so grateful. You only make me want to become a better writer. Here's a little something something to thank you! xx
I unlocked the door, and Ryan
shut it firmly behind us. He turned me towards him, and grabbed my face between
his hands.
“Kiss me.” He didn’t have to
ask twice. His tongue played with my own and as he moved his hands down
the sides of my body, I moaned. His kiss was fierce and filled with desire. His
smell, a mix of mint, citrus, and his own scent, was intoxicating.
I smiled up at him, and
gently pulling on his tie, leading him to my bedroom. He picked me up and threw
me up against the wall. I kicked off my shoes as he began hungrily kissing my
neck. I could feel his cock hard against me and I wrapped my legs tighter
around him. He rubbed himself against me.
“Amy, I can’t wait to be
inside you.”
Carrying me to my bedroom, he
threw me on the bed. Grabbing my legs back towards him, he started at my
ankles, slowly made his way, up my leg, kissing the inside of my calf, the back
of my knee, trailing his lips all the way up to my sex. Burying his face in my
panties, he took a deep breath, nudging my clit with his nose. I felt totally
adored, almost as if he was worshipping me.
He pulled my panties down and
off my legs, and then worked his way up my other leg, again kissing, sucking,
and licking my skin. Right before he got to my center, he stopped.
Looking at me with those bright green eyes, he sat me up and unzipped the back
of the dress. I helped him get it over my head, and as he unsnapped my bra, his
breath caught in his throat.
“Amy you are so gorgeous. I
could stare at your body for a thousand years, and never get tired of what I
see.” No one had ever said anything like that to me. I covered my face with my
hands.
“Take your hands off your
face. Don’t be embarrassed. You’re beautiful.”
I lowered them and stared
back at him, into those incredible emerald eyes. His look said it all—the sweet
twinkle was replaced by an animalistic desire. He wanted me, and I could see my
own tremendous desire reflected back.
I tore at his tie, and helped
him unbutton his shirt. I breathed in a sigh of pure longing. Running my
hands up his chest, I couldn’t wait any longer. He had to be inside me.
“You are incredible.”
Swiftly taking off his belt
and pants, he leaned over me, crushing his chest into my own. My nipples
hardened at the touch of his skin against mine. He cupped my breast in his hand
and began teasing the nipple with his tongue. Taking it into his mouth, he
sucked it hard. It was a delicious pain. He moved to the other breast, and again
worked his magic. I was so aroused, my skin was burning.
I grabbed his cock in my hand
and began stroking it. It was hard, and throbbing, and the skin of it felt
incredible against the palm of my hand.
“Ryan, please,” I murmured.
Tilting my hips up, holding
my ass in his hands, he entered me. His cock filled me, and I began to squeeze
him in deeper. He pulled me to him, sliding all the way in, and then pulling
almost all the way out. He thrust in again and again.
I gasped. It felt so good, it
was almost too much.
He pulled me up so that we
were sitting, my legs around his hips, slowly rocking back and forth. He kissed
me, his tongue hard and demanding. Taking one hand off my ass, he used his
thumb to massage my clit as I rode him back and forth. I felt my thighs
tensing, and shocks of pleasure spiraling through my body. I was so near a
release.
He pushed me back down, and
slowed his thrusts, until I nearly screamed with anticipation and want.
“Does that feel good?” he
asked teasingly. I could feel the emptiness when he’d pull out and all I wanted
was him, deep inside me.
Grabbing him to me, I panted.
“Harder.”
He could no longer restrain
himself. Pulsing into me, over and over, I could see he was about to come. With
one final thrust, he exploded inside of me, groaning with satisfaction. I loved
that I’d made him feel like that.
“You need to come.” He
slowly pulled out and put his fingers inside of me as he sucked my clit. I was
already so close, but the incredible pressure put me over the edge. As he
licked me, and finger fucked me, I came, trembling.
He held me close as I
shuddered around him.
The anticipation in no way
compared to the real thing. I’d never been with someone who could make me come
so powerfully, or made me filled with a want this potent.
“Want to do it again?” I
asked boldly.
He grinned at me. “I thought
you’d never ask.”
There are still a few hours left to enter my giveaway! 2 chances to win either a $30 Giftcard to Amazon or Barnes and Noble!
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
To celebrate one week of DARE ME FOREVER, and your incredible support, I'll be posting a sexy excerpt tomorrow!! But here is a sneak preview...
Here is a teaser...I hope you enjoy!
I unlocked the door, and Ryan
shut it firmly behind us. He turned me towards him, and grabbed my face between
his hands.
“Kiss me.” He didn’t have to
ask twice. His tongue played with my own and as he moved his hands down
the sides of my body, I moaned. His kiss was fierce and filled with desire. His
smell, a mix of mint, citrus, and his own scent, was intoxicating.
I smiled up at him, and
gently pulling on his tie, leading him to my bedroom. He picked me up and threw
me up against the wall. I kicked off my shoes as he began hungrily kissing my
neck. I could feel his cock hard against me and I wrapped my legs tighter
around him. He rubbed himself against me.
“Amy, I can’t wait to be
inside you.”
Thank you to all my wonderful readers, bloggers, reviewers for your invaluable support!!!
Monday, April 15, 2013
Gorgeous COVER REVEAL, TROPHY HUSBAND by Lauren Blakely.
TROPHY HUSBAND by NYTimes and USA Today Bestselling
Lauren Blakely
Sometimes you can't help falling in love, even when you try to do the opposite...Successful fashion blogger McKenna Bell has spent far too long protecting herself after the way her ex-fiancé left her at the altar for a college chick he met the night of his bachelor party. Loving again, trusting again, well, that's just not in the cards. Especially now that her ex is back in town with his new woman, demanding custody of McKenna's favorite creature in the whole world--her dog. No effing way.
McKenna's had enough of him, and she decides to even the score by finding her own hot young thing -- a Trophy Husband. Sure, she's only twenty-seven, but doesn't that make it even more fun -- and infuriating to her ex -- to pursue a younger man? When she declares her intentions on her daily blog, her quest quickly skyrockets in popularity, and that's when Chris enters the picture, and he’s got all the assets. He's handsome, successful, and turns her inside out with a kiss to end all kisses, the kind that makes you feel like a shooting star. But loving again could mean losing again, and it's so much easier to focus on getting even, isn't it? Unless, you just can't help falling in love. Which means McKenna will have to come face to face with what she really wants in life -- protecting her heart from hurt, or letting go of her fears of a new beginning.
Lauren is an incredible writer, spinning romantic, sensual stories that stick with you, long after you're done reading. Do yourself a favor and buy this book! I can't wait for May 21.
Becca from http://beccathebibliophile.blogspot.com/ gave DARE ME FOREVER a gorgeous review! THANK YOU BECCA!
What a great Debut from Paige Edward.
Amy Miller is on her own for the first time in her life. After raising her baby brother, now that he is off to college, it's time for Amy to take time for herself.
What she didn't expect was for the love of her life to walk back into her life. Hunter was her high school boyfriend, her world until he abruptly walked out of it without one explanation. Now 6 years later he is wanting to start back up where they left off. He invites her to a BBQ at his parents house to catch up. While at the party though Amy meet Ryan Anderson. He is a mysterious, gorgeous Britt, who makes this instant connection with Amy.
Things start to take off with both men and Amy is confused. Everything seems so right with Ryan, yet there is just something not right with both of the men in her life.
Should she take a chance on love and go for something new and exciting? Or should she go back to the guy who she thought was the love of her life?
I loved that this book was written in dual POV (Ryan and Amy) although I felt it was mostly Amy's story with a few inserts from Ryan. I would have really loved more of his POV. But all in all this was a great sexy quick read. I would love to see more from Ryan and Amy in the future. I give this book 4 stars and I really look forward to more books from Paige Edward!
*I was given an ARC of this book in exchange of a honest opinion*
Amy Miller is on her own for the first time in her life. After raising her baby brother, now that he is off to college, it's time for Amy to take time for herself.
What she didn't expect was for the love of her life to walk back into her life. Hunter was her high school boyfriend, her world until he abruptly walked out of it without one explanation. Now 6 years later he is wanting to start back up where they left off. He invites her to a BBQ at his parents house to catch up. While at the party though Amy meet Ryan Anderson. He is a mysterious, gorgeous Britt, who makes this instant connection with Amy.
Things start to take off with both men and Amy is confused. Everything seems so right with Ryan, yet there is just something not right with both of the men in her life.
Should she take a chance on love and go for something new and exciting? Or should she go back to the guy who she thought was the love of her life?
I loved that this book was written in dual POV (Ryan and Amy) although I felt it was mostly Amy's story with a few inserts from Ryan. I would have really loved more of his POV. But all in all this was a great sexy quick read. I would love to see more from Ryan and Amy in the future. I give this book 4 stars and I really look forward to more books from Paige Edward!
*I was given an ARC of this book in exchange of a honest opinion*
Friday, April 12, 2013
READY FOR ANOTHER AMAZING BOOK? TROPHY HUSBAND by the wonderful Lauren Blakely COVER REVEAL coming soon!!! And GIVEAWAY!
Sometimes you can't help falling in love, even when you try to do the opposite...Successful
San
Francisco fashion blogger McKenna Bell has spent far too long protecting
herself after the way
her ex-fiance
left her at the altar for a college chick he met in Vegas the night of his
bachelor party.
Loving again,
trusting again, well, that's just not in the cards. Especially now that
her ex is back in
town with his new
woman, demanding custody of McKenna's favorite creature in the whole world—
her dog. No
effing way.
McKenna's had enough of him, and she decides to even the score by
finding her own hot
young thing --
a Trophy Husband. Sure, she's only twenty-seven, but doesn't that make it
even more
fun -- and infuriating to
her ex -- to pursue a younger man? When she declares her intentions on her
daily blog, her
quest quickly skyrockets in popularity, and that's when Chris enters the
picture, and
he’s got all the
assets. He's handsome, successful, and turns her inside out with a kiss to
end all
kisses, the kind
that makes you feel like a shooting star. But loving again could mean
losing again,
and it's so much
easier to focus on getting even, isn't it? Unless, you just can't help
falling in love.
Which means
McKenna will have to come face to face with what she really wants in life
-- protecting
her heart from
hurt, or letting go of her fears of a new beginning.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
WOW! Best day ever!
Today has been the best day ever! Thank you! DARE ME FOREVER is #55 in erotica on Kindle! And I can't wait to write the sequel. Its all because of you and your awesomeness.
Hope you are having as great of a night as I am.
Ok, I'm actually watching Santa Paws 2 with my five year old daughter, and about to have another baby (any day now!) But don't you just love this kiss???
Hope you are having as great of a night as I am.
Ok, I'm actually watching Santa Paws 2 with my five year old daughter, and about to have another baby (any day now!) But don't you just love this kiss???
DARE ME FOREVER is LIVE!
I am thrilled, excited, nervous, and pumped as today is my publication day! I can't believe it!!
And it would never have happened without the incredible encouragement of the romance community. Thank you to all my new and old friends, the incredible bloggers, and generous writers, who have helped make this dream come true. I am so thankful.
And as a little thank you and a peek into DARE ME FOREVER's steamier scenes...
And it would never have happened without the incredible encouragement of the romance community. Thank you to all my new and old friends, the incredible bloggers, and generous writers, who have helped make this dream come true. I am so thankful.
And as a little thank you and a peek into DARE ME FOREVER's steamier scenes...
Monday, April 8, 2013
A blurb from Melody Grace!!
Melody Grace, whose debut novel, UNBROKEN, a USA Today Bestseller, #1 at Barnes and Nobel, and top of Amazon, read my book and gave me this amazing blurb!
"A scorching, sexy page-turner. The chemistry between Ryan and Amy is damn hot. And the emotional ride irresistible."
I am so grateful for her advice, support, and kind words.
"A scorching, sexy page-turner. The chemistry between Ryan and Amy is damn hot. And the emotional ride irresistible."
I am so grateful for her advice, support, and kind words.
Sunday, April 7, 2013
LA Author Event Extravaganza!
In 3 days, my book will be out! And what a better way to celebrate than hanging with the superstars who inspire me every day.
The lines were incredibly long with excited fans and readers, just waiting to pass by the Author Tables and talk to the rockstars!!
These signings are awesome. So great to be a fangirl!!!!
The lines were incredibly long with excited fans and readers, just waiting to pass by the Author Tables and talk to the rockstars!!
These signings are awesome. So great to be a fangirl!!!!
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
An Amazing Blurb, from Emily Snow! Only 7 more days till DARE ME FOREVER comes out!
I am so excited that Emily Snow of the NYTimes and USA Today bestselling books Tidal, Devoured, All Over You, and the forthcoming Consumed, beta-read my book! And she has just given me this incredible blurb!!
DARE ME
FOREVER is a fantastic, sexy debut from Paige Edward. Amy is a heroine I can
easily relate to, and Edward has written two very delicious men--Ryan is my new
book boyfriend!
--Emily Snow
And as
a thank you to her and all of you for your support, here is a saucy picture
that reminds me of a scene you'll get to read very soon!
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Dream Casting Dare Me Forever
While writing DARE ME FOREVER, I had so much fun thinking about who could play Amy, Hunter, Ryan, Jamie, Cat, and Luke. Here is my wishlist cast!
Emilia Clarke as Amy
Paul Walker as Hunter
Tom Hardy as Ryan
Amber Heard as Jamie
Gemma Arterton as Cat
Jeremy Sumpter as Luke
Friday, March 29, 2013
Playlist for DARE ME FOREVER
There are so many
highs and lows for Amy Miller, who is the main character of DARE ME FOREVER.
I really like the girl, so it wasn't so nice of me to put her through all
this drama :)
While writing the book I listened to a bunch of different
music. Here is a playlist of some of the top songs.
1. I Knew You Were Trouble by Taylor Swift
2.
Fade Into You by Mazzy Star
3. You don't Have to Call by Usher
4. Tennage Dream by Katy Perry
5. Set a drift on memory bliss by P.M.Dawn
6.
Girlfriend by Avril Lavigne
7. Ho
Hey by Lumineeres
8.
This Love by Maroon 5
9.
One More Night by Maroon 5
10. Losing You by Solange Knowles
11. Give Your Heart Break by Deemi Lovato
12. All About Our Love
by Sade
13. Master and Servant
by Depeche Mode
What songs do you like
to write to? To rock to?
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
DARE ME FOREVER Prologue
Only fourteen more days till publication of DARE ME FOREVER. I'm excited, nervous, and did I mention nervous?
Here it is! I really hope you enjoy it.
Prologue
Amy
I stood at the edge of
the water and felt the cool night sand beneath my feet.
I felt like I was on the
verge of something huge—a transition in my life that would change everything.
The waves crashed softly under the moonlight as the tide gently tugged on my
toes, trying to pull me out, into the deep ocean, the vast unknown. I was scared
about this new time in my life, but even still I felt excitement stirring in me
like water gently set to boil.
It was times like this I
could practically hear my dad’s voice: “In times of trouble, times where you
have to make a big decision, that’s when you’ll learn who you are.” He repeated
it so often that it became almost like a prayer for him. “Are you the kind of
person who lives with her head or with her heart?”
That question stayed
with me, guiding the choices I made, gently pulling at me like the waves at my
feet that night. Dad said, “You can’t predict what cards you’ll be dealt, or
how the dice will role, but you can play it safe, ignore the possibilities
around you, and live a smaller life. Or play out the hand you’ve
gotten with gusto.” He was careful to make sure I understood…he
didn’t believe in gambling but also he didn’t think life should be wasted by
fear. He believed in daring to take the plunge, daring to feel,
daring to live. Well, he lived by his heart, and little good it did
him. At forty-nine years old, he dropped dead of a heart attack.
When he died, I learned
what kind of person I was. The quiet, safe life was the one for me. Unexpected
things could still happen, but I needed to build a life with a strong
foundation, one that was real. Besides, I needed to be practical. I was too
busy taking care of my mom and little brother to entertain thoughts of living
the way Dad had wanted me to.
And I’d made good on my
terms. My little brother was in college, and I was starting my own business.
I wasn’t gambling with my heart, and I wasn’t daring to live boldly. I had made
my choice and was making the best of my life: I just hoped that if my dad could
see me he’d be proud.
But even if you have the
best laid plans, life has a way of taking new turns. Those sturdy
walls I had built, in order to raise my brother Luke and protect myself weren’t
impenetrable. I guess my heart wasn’t satisfied with living safely. But it
wasn’t until I connected with him, emotionally, mentally, sexually,
that I wanted to tear down those walls, open my heart, and dare myself to
really live.
Monday, March 25, 2013
SO THANKFUL for my Beta-readers!
I am overwhelmed by the support of my beta-readers! Thank you so much Emily Snow, Raven Phillips, and Melody Grace! I never would have finished DARE ME FOREVER without your incredible help and guidance.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
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