Review: The Line that Binds by J.M. Miller

Synopsis:

Stained with heartache and cursed with vengeance, a stone well lies on a nineteenth-century estate, waiting for the Stockton line to wish again.

When seventeen-year-old Lila Wayde's father loses his high-paying job in Las Vegas, the family relocates to a Pennsylvania estate bequeathed by an estranged aunt. Lila begins a new life there, one not corrupted by wealth and fake friends. She soon meets Ben, the groundskeeper's gritty grandson, and experiences the kind of happiness her life's been missing. But as she settles into the ancient house, she learns information about her ancestors and the old stone well that may make her wish she'd never come.

Ben Shadows has lost enough in life. So when Stockton Estate's owner, Janine, wills the land to her great-niece Lila, Ben fears for the fate of the property. He decides to find out Lila's intentions as the new owner, but his grandfather wants him to protect her from Stockton Estate's alleged curse. As Ben helps Lila dig through the estate's history, they grow closer than he ever intended. Now, along with concerns about the property and the reality of the curse, he struggles with feelings he can't ignore.

Will the secrets of Stockton Estate bring them together or will knowing the truth rip them apart?

**Recommended mature YA for mild language and mild sexual content**

Nicky's Review

4.5 Stars

Characters- I really liked them. LJ was a great strong female and Ben was sweet, sexy, and the perfect guy.  The supporting characters played great roles and made the story even better.

Plot/Storyline- This story had me hooked. I NEEDED to know what was going to happen with the curse and how LJ and Ben's roles played into it. The story was written really well and the mystery of the curse was so well executed and layered that I did not want to put the book down just in case another piece of the puzzle was just a page away.
Steam Factor- The sexual tension was KILLING me!! They are so HOT together and I know that this is a YA novel, but I REALLY wanted a more  in depth description of the sex scenes, but that's just me.  They would get hot and heavy and then... End of Chapter. Next Chapter. 
Cover- This cover is BEAUTIFUL!!! I absolutely love the lighting, artistry, and the representation of the blood bind in the word BINDS. Perfect!!
Cliffhanger- YES!!! I CAN NOT WAIT for the next book!!!!
Overall- I REALLY enjoyed this novel. It was a very good YA novel that I am looking forward to continuing the story in the next novel. I NEED to know if they find a way to put an end to this curse!!!

It has been a while since I've read a YA novel, mainly due to the lack of sex. Don't judge, but I do love a good sex scene. Anyway, I really enjoyed this book. The constant questions kept me hooked to my iPad and not wanting to put it down despite my eyelids begging to differ.  I just had to get one more piece of the puzzle before I went to bed, but then the sexual tension would kick in and I'd read page after page wondering WHEN are they going to act on their attraction.  This book was a total page turner and I came away from it feeling satisfied and happy with a very well written story.

Let me start with LJ (Lila Janine). She starts the book as a spoiled rich kid with bleached blonde hair and designer clothing.  She enters the story during the reading of her Great Aunt's will and finds that she will be willed most of the historical property that has been in her family for centuries once she turns 18.  The other piece of the estate is willed to Ben when he also turns 18.  After the meeting, LJ returns back to Las Vegas and back to her fake life.

Things stay the same at Stockton Estate with weddings and events being held there due to it's beauty and history.  The workers of the estate, including Ben, are very fearful as to what LJ will do with the property once she gets possession of it.  Things change once life throws a curve ball at LJ's family and they move into the old mansion on the Stockton Estate.  Everyone is leery of LJ and her family and they plan to keep her at a distance and try to find a way to preserve the estate from any damaging decisions the unknown girl to them, LJ, may make.

LJ starts a path of self discovery and growth during her transition from Las Vegas life to Stockton Estate life. She isn't what she seemed when she was at the reading of the will. It was nice seeing her sort of have a cathartic freeing experience during her stay at Stockton Estates. She was able to step outside of her old spoiled life and see it for what it was; Fake.  The supporting characters: Gavin (LJ's brother), Lloyd (Ben's grandfather), Carson (LJ's Dad), Spaz (Ben's friend) and Izzy (Ben's friend and Spaz's girlfriend) help add drama, backstory, assistance, support, guidance, humor, and wit to the story. They were all very crucial to make this story so great.

LJ's family line has a curse that goes back almost as old as the estate and she will learn of it first hand.  During the moving transition and the task of solving the mystery of the curse Ben and LJ find themselves together often and neither of them are who they thought they would be.  I am not going to go any further because I want you  to be able to read this great book for yourself and discover the secrets and mystery within.  All in all, I REALLY enjoyed this book and will DEFINITELY read the next one.  I CAN NOT WAIT to continue this story. Great job J.M. Miller!!! You have definitely made this girl a fan!! XOXO
 

Favorite Quotes:

"Nevertheless, they held the same position around the well, the focal point, which appeared same in each painting. Its blurred stones and roof fell somewhere between reality and a dream. I stared at it, waiting for a revenge-seeking little girl to crawl out from its smudgy depths."

"I replied through my wired jaw. After I'd fractured it while riding my bike six weeks ago, I was worried about talking at first but was surprised how clear my voice sounded through clamped teeth. Most people could understand me, if I chose to speak. The whole ordeal made me wonder if it was some form of karmic justice for being a smart ass. If something of a higher power wanted me to shut the hell up, I've obliged. Mostly."

"But he was kind enough to give me the shirt off his back. It was a simple gesture. One that was sweet and compassionate, with no hidden agenda silently demanding some form of reciprocity. It was a gesture I'd never experienced before. Most of the gifts I'd received were purchased, and still they held no value at all."

 

Purchase this book:

Kindle  http://www.amazon.com/Line-That-Binds-J-M-Miller-ebook/dp/B00GWBRQM6/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1386126763&sr=1-1&keywords=the+line+that+binds

Nook  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-line-that-binds-jm-miller/1117497030?ean=2940148929611


CAST:

Brittany's Review

4.5 Stars

Characters- I absolutely loved the characters! They fit into the story perfectly.

Plot/Storyline- I loved the mystery and suspense surrounding this book. There is some romance but since it's a YA you have to use your imagination some :)
Steam Factor- sexual tension = YES! Lol but it is a YA novel ;)
Cover- The cover really sets the tone for the book. It's simple yet shows that this book has some mystery involved.
Cliffhanger- YES! Can't wait to read book 2.
Overall- I loved this book! I was literally sucked in from the first page wanting to know more about this family curse and what was going to happen to LJ and Ben!

Favorite Quotes:



 

Purchase this book:

Kindle  http://www.amazon.com/Line-That-Binds-J-M-Miller-ebook/dp/B00GWBRQM6/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1386126763&sr=1-1&keywords=the+line+that+binds

Nook  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-line-that-binds-jm-miller/1117497030?ean=2940148929611


CAST:

 

Blog Tour & GIVEAWAY: The Line that Binds by J.M. Miller

 

The Line That Binds by J.M. Miller

 

 

~Synopsis~

 

Stained with heartache and cursed with vengeance, a stone well lies on a nineteenth-century estate, waiting for the Stockton line to wish again.

When seventeen-year-old Lila Wayde's father loses his high-paying job in Las Vegas, the family relocates to a Pennsylvania estate bequeathed by an estranged aunt. Lila begins a new life there, one not corrupted by wealth and fake friends. She soon meets Ben, the groundskeeper's gritty grandson, and experiences the kind of happiness her life's been missing. But as she settles into the ancient house, she learns information about her ancestors and the old stone well that may make her wish she'd never come.

Ben Shadows has lost enough in life. So when Stockton Estate's owner, Janine, wills the land to her great-niece Lila, Ben fears for the fate of the property. He decides to find out Lila's intentions as the new owner, but his grandfather wants him to protect her from Stockton Estate's alleged curse. As Ben helps Lila dig through the estate's history, they grow closer than he ever intended. Now, along with concerns about the property and the reality of the curse, he struggles with feelings he can't ignore.

Will the secrets of Stockton Estate bring them together or will knowing the truth rip them apart?

**Recommended mature YA for mild language and mild sexual content**

 

PURCHASE THIS BOOK

 

Kindle  http://www.amazon.com/Line-That-Binds-J-M-Miller-ebook/dp/B00GWBRQM6/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1386125385&sr=1-1&keywords=the+line+that+binds

 

Nook  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-line-that-binds-jm-miller/1117497030?
ean=2940148929611

 

 

~Excerpt 1~

 Prologue

Cursed

September, 1864

Chilly night air breezed through the bedroom window. Dahlia slid the patched quilt she'd stitched together years ago from her body, welcoming the cool draft. A wooden lantern hung beside the door, its flame weak and dim. But the moon's hazy glow compensated for the dull flame nicely, brightening the otherwise darkened room. The soft light pressed into a crack in the window's pane, projecting sparkles along the wall like hundreds of brilliant diamonds. She watched them for a while, wishing she was staring at a real one upon her finger. Dahlia turned onto her side and ran her hand along the curve of Charles' back, spreading her fingers over his relaxed muscles. He groaned in his sleep, a sound she'd heard many times before. She pressed her lips to the narrow line between his shoulder blades and smiled against his skin. She wanted to hear his sleepy sighs again; she longed to hear them forever. With him in her bed this night, the possibility remained. Charles stirred, rolling onto his back, stretching his arms wide. She took advantage and pressed her body to him, draping her arm over his chest and nuzzling into his side. His arm folded around her, stroking her skin with his calloused fingers, sending shivers through her body. "I love you," Dahlia whispered and pressed tiny kisses down his chest. Charles' body jerked, waking fully and taking in his surroundings. He glanced down at Dahlia tucked under his arm. His eyes softened and the corners of his lips tipped down. "I have to go," he said, sitting up and moving to the edge of the bed to don his pants. Dahlia tucked the quilt around her, feeling the night air's bite for the first time without Charles' warmth beside her. But the air wasn't the only reason for the chill. She now had his final answer. He was leaving. "Please," she begged softly. "If it's about your father, we can flee. We can go together to the north, or out west." "And you'd leave your mother alone to care for my family?" Charles asked, buttoning his pants while he peered out the open window. The moon's fragile light glinted over the strands of his dark black hair. She noticed its growth and remembered the last time she'd cut if for him. "She'll call upon my aunt so she won't be alone for long. She loves your family," Dahlia replied, wrapping the quilt around her body as she stood behind him. Charles' gaze moved around the property. No one was awake yet to tend the gardens or work the fields. All was quiet─maybe quiet enough for him to forget. Dahlia watched his eyes look to the well, recalling last year when he'd returned to her after the war. She'd helped him set the very stones now shadowed by the night. She ran her hand up his shoulder, thinking back to that time when his promise was for forever. Charles' shoulders fell with a sigh as he shifted his view to the new mansion his father had built as a wedding gift. He turned back to the bed and grabbed his shirt. "You know I can't do this, Lia. I'm to wed Sarah tomorrow. It's expected of me." Charles pulled his shirt on and stepped into his boots. "Stop," Dahlia said as Charles moved to the door. She tightened the quilt around her body, aching to go back an hour before when her body was covered only by him. Careful not to make a noise that would wake her mother down the hall, she moved closer and tugged his shirt. "You love me. Not her." Charles slid out of her grasp and removed the lantern from its peg then traveled down the stairs. Dahlia followed, the quilt dragging at her feet as she stepped onto the dirt floor of the cellar. "You can't do this, Charles. I love you. I want to be with you." "We can't be together, Lia." His eyes darted back to her, narrowed with pain and fear. He slid a long lock of her wavy brown hair off her shoulder and mumbled, "I shouldn't have come tonight. I was mistaken and I'm sorry." He pushed the wooden door open, holding the lantern toward the tunnel that led to the main house─Stockton House. "We can never do this again. I love her. Not you," he said. His green eyes went cold then, like they'd never told the truth before, like they'd never see the truth again. Dahlia freed one hand from the quilt and slapped it hard against his cheek. The sting echoed up her arm, returning all the pain to her heart. "You're lying. I know you love me!" she cried and stepped closer to him. She turned his body with one hand and pulled his face to hers with the other, dropping the quilt to her feet. Charles remained still as Dahlia pressed her lips to his wounded cheek. Her gentle kisses traveled along his face until they met his lips, where the kiss grew urgent with want, with love. He responded, gripping her waist with his empty hand and pressing her between himself and the earthen wall. His hand clung to her bare skin as his mouth claimed hers with enough desire to haunt her for a lifetime. Tears flowed from Dahlia's dark eyes as his kiss began to fade. Charles looked down at her and backed away. "Wait!" Dahlia demanded, thrusting her body against his and looping her arms around his neck. "No, Dahlia," Charles replied sternly, shoving her body away. "I will not let you leave me," she said and moved close to him again, running her hands up his chest, her eyes pleading with his. He scowled and whipped the back of his hand across her soft face. "You will know your place from here on, Dahlia." She crumpled to her knees in front of him, cradling her cheek. "My place is no longer here," she said, her voice a mere whimper. "Whether you stay or go, I will be married. And this will never happen again," Charles said gruffly, turning toward the door. "I will never forget you," she said as she wept. It was not a pledge to him, but a harsh reality. She knew the memory would be the curse that lived with her forever. The light of the room faded as the lantern's halo disappeared down the passageway. Darkness consumed the room, accompanied by the sound of quiet sobs and the smell of wood and soil. And when her tears ran dry, no longer burning misery into her skin, Dahlia rose up. She vowed her curse wouldn't be alone. She knew she would never forget, but she would make sure his family never remembered.

~Excerpt 2~

 

"Oh, Genie," Pop sighed through his white mustache and let his bald head fall for a moment. He wiped a hand beneath his eyes before he moved to the desk. Upton slid paperwork in front of him to sign and handed him a stack to keep. When he returned to his chair, we both stared at each other. Pop's heavy eyes were glassed with conflict. I saw the relief hanging in them, knowing the house that had become our home would remain ours. But there was more there. His eyes dropped to the paper outlining the small portion of property now declared his. It was not all of Stockton Estate. "The curse," he said with a sigh. Pop and Janine believed the property's stone well was responsible for her Alzheimer's. "It's cursed," he'd said years ago, shortly after I'd moved in. As a kid, it was easy enough to believe. I'd gone to the well several times with my own wishes, my own desperate cries. Wished my mother and father loved me enough to stop their addictions. Wished for Harper's life the night she overdosed. But even though I was willing to take my chances with the curse, Pop told me later that the only person the well wanted was Janine and that somehow her blood was forever linked to it. "The Stockton curse runs deep and transcends time," he'd said. The rumor was that it gave Janine the power to grant other people's wishes. In return, the curse supposedly claimed her memories. That's why Pop was worried now. Janine may be gone, but her blood was back. Family blood.  

~Teasers~

 

 

About the Author

J.M. Miller



J.M. Miller first discovered her love of writing in high school where she penned poetry for extra credit in English class and even braved the anxiety of an open-mic night at a local coffee shop. Life soon followed, with a couple of careers, marriage, and a baby. The urge to write again came not long after her daughter's birth, this time calling for more than a few lines in a messy composition notebook. She is a military spouse, and a veteran herself, who finds inspiration in the people she's met and the places she's lived and traveled.  
Social Media Links

Goodreads ∫ Facebook ∫ Website ∫ Twitter  

~Giveaway~

(US & International)

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour Promo Post: In the Middle of Nowhere by Julia Ann Knudsen

Synopsis:

A TEENAGE GIRL. A BROKEN HEART. AND A BOY WHO TRIES TO MEND IT.

Butterflies. Little, fluttering butterflies. That’s what fifteen-year-old Willow Flynn feels in the pit of her stomach every time the mysterious boy is near. But Willow has other things to contend with as she deals with the tragic loss of her father, as well as her emotionally preoccupied mother, while being uprooted to a new house, a new school, a new life, far away, on an island, in the middle of nowhere.

At the beginning of the school year, the sickly, but cute Michael sends Willow the first of many cryptic notes during homeroom. He stares at Willow and gives her the creeps. Michael never returns to school after that, but Willow ends up connecting with the poetic boy on-line where they strike up an unusual friendship.

As Willow attempts to fit in and find her niche in the ever-cliquey high school world, she is further confused by Michael who strives to win her over and mend her broken heart. But will he be able to, especially when his own existence remains so uncertain?







Purchase this Book:

Kindle  http://www.amazon.com/In-Middle-Nowhere-Willows-Journey-ebook/dp/B007RN7D8K

Nook  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/in-the-middle-of-nowhere-julie-ann-knudsen/1109953640?ean=2940014225502

~Teasers~

 

 

About the Author

 

Julia Ann Knudsen

 

 

Julie Ann Knudsen received her B.S. degree in Technical Writing from Clarkson University, but found that she preferred writing creatively, especially after penning the play for her children's drama club for many years. She lives with her husband and three children in Connecticut and can be found on the Web at www.julieannknudsen.com

 

 

Review: Better by S. Walden

 

Synopsis:

 

Their relationship has been exposed, and now their lives are changed forever.

For Cadence Miller, the fast track to adulthood proves intimidating and frustrating. She’s a little girl lost—abandoned by her family and uncertain of her future. She doesn’t think she “fits” anywhere. She’s eighteen. She wants to be older. And the result is both comical and heartbreaking.

Mark Connelly will do anything to provide Cadence a stable, loving home—to be her protector. But he’s just as broken and lost, and his heart won’t let go of his past so easily. He knows he should share his secret with Cadence. He should trust that she’ll understand. But what if she doesn’t? What if their love doesn’t grow stronger?

What if it doesn’t get better?

Nicky's Review

4.5 Stars

Characters- Amazing!! They were super likable, funny, relatable, and really balanced each other out.

Plot/Storyline- Loved this storyline. You get to see Cadence and Mark take challenges head on and stumble along the way, but love always prevails and I love that about this story of trust and healing.
Steam Factor- Holy Mother of Hotness!!!! Mark is like a little Christian Grey at times... And I LOVE IT!!! Sexy, steamy, and at times pretty damn funny. LOVED IT!!
Cover- Loved it! It's such a complementary cover to Good with Mark being the cover of this one. Very clever and beautifully executed.
Cliffhanger- Nope. This is the end of their story :)
Overall- This book and Good will forever hold a place in my heart and brain. The awkward moments are my favorite because they are so honest, relatable, and just funny. I would HIGHLY recommend this book and Good to ANYONE with the ability to read. Well done S. Walden you have, once again and I'm sure not for the last time, done IT again!!!

Let me just start by saying that this story was a great continuation of the first novel, Good.  We get to see where Cadence and Mark's journey continues after the whole family/legal debacle at the end of Good.  It amazed me how realistic these characters were.  The decisions that they make and the actions that they take are totally relatable. 

When Cadence finds out Mark's secret, we as a reader also feel torn about our feelings.  Are we mad at him or are we sad for him? I think I was both but I did get a little frustrated with Cadence's behavior at times. Even so, I also understood why Cadence would react in the manner that she did, especially after the things he said to her in the heat of the moment.  But we've all been there. We get so angry that ugly things that we would NEVER say under any circumstances come flying out of our mouths even though what we are saying isn't true but really said to create a hurtful reaction in the other person. It is not until after you calm that you realized you just made a huge mistake. But unfortunately words can't be unsaid and feelings can't be unhurt.  I know that I have come away from arguments obsessing over specific phrases someone has said to me, like really obsessing over it. You start to question yourself and your self worth, just as Cadence was doing. This is one of the main reasons I LOVE S. Walden's writing. The subject matter and character dialogue/reactions are so realistic and relatable.  It's amazing to read a book and go "Yup girl! I've been there. I know how you feel" even if the situation is different, the feelings are the same and relatable.

I also enjoyed the continuity of supporting characters: Avery, Ollie, Fanny, and Dylan.  Avery still played the strong opposite to Cadence and provided the much needed hit you upside the head reality checks for Cadence. Ollie played the supportive brother who could relate to Cadence like no one else since he has a history and knowledge of their family life that no one else can; he provides Cadence with love, understanding, and advice.  Now Fanny.... Oh Fanny! I LOVE that little old lady. She is the speaker of wisdom, life lessons, and is a great compass for Cadence in life.  She also provides Cadence with love and friendship. Fannie is one of my favorite characters in this book :)  And finally, Dylan.  He seems to play the balance in relationships with Mark, Avery, and Cadence, if that makes sense, but I don't want to say too much as to not give anything away.  I also loved how the relationship between Cadence and her parents panned out. It was a breath of fresh air not to have the perfect ending because reality doesn't fit in the perfect shiny box we'd all wish it did.  I would LOVE for S Walden to write a novella spanning the time between the end of the book and the epilogue... Pretty please ;) XOXO

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, EVERY aspect of it: the plot, the story, the characters, the dialogue, the reactions, and... JUST THE ENTIRE STORY!! Thank you S. Walden for making the reading world a wonderful place to live in. I look forward to EVERYTHING you write. XOXO

Favorite Quotes:

"'I don't want her to know anything.'
'What? So you can corrupt her?'
'No. I just like her innocence.'
'Yeah, so you can corrupt it.'
'Shut up man. That's not it.'"

"'Exactly. I don't care how fucking shiny she is. Some things you don't touch.' 'She's not a child.' 'How old is she?' 'Eighteen.' 'How do you know?' 'Well, I don't. I think she's eighteen.' 'Dude. Step AWAY from the shiny object.'"

"How could he ever forget that name? Cadence. Rhythmic. His song. His life. He decided that afternoon on the side of the road. She was his cadence."

"'I can't live like this. Shit everywhere. I mean, what's a bra doing in the dining room?' 'You took it off me!' Cadence shouted. Mark thought for a minute. 'Oh, wait. Okay, yeah. You're right. Forget the bra.'"

"'But you know what?' he asked. 'Hmm?' "I wouldn't give a shit if you did nothing but lay around all day because loving you is not about percentages: I give 50 percent. you give 50 percent. That's bullshit. My job is to love you and give to you as much as I can each and every day. Try to make it to one hundred. On my own.'"

"'You won't find me sexy at seventy?' she asked.
'You'll be sexy forever. Me, on the other hand? First off I'll be eighty. Second, that's old as dirt. Third-'
'You'll be young forever,' she interrupted. 'I'll make sure of it.'
Yeah, but the idea of a wrinkly old penis...'
'Mark!!' Cadence buried her face in his shoulder and laughed hysterically.
'I'm just sayin'.'
'Don't!' she cried. 'Don't say another word!'
'This sex is ruined isn't it?' he asked.
'Totally.'"

"'Yes. There's a place in my heart that will always be with her. But you...' He inhaled her scent, then pressed his lips to her ear. '...you are my heart.'"

"They sat side by side for a few moments observing the skaters. There were many, and Cadence noticed most were older. Nostalgia. A yearning for something old. past memories that were everyday and ordinary while they were happening, but grew to something special and sorely missed as the years passed by. She could see it in their faces as they whizzed past her. A longing for yesterday because, in hindsight, it was so much better than the present."

"'Tough huh?' he asked, watching her wipe spit from her chin. 'This is no joke!' she said, and he laughed. 'I'm serious Mark! There's a lot of stuff going on down there. My mouth already hurts.' 'Poor baby,' he replied, stroking her cheek. 'Now get to it.' 'Mark!' she squealed, slapping his thigh. 'Suck my cock, you feral animal.'"

 

Purchase this book:

Kindle  http://www.amazon.com/Better-Too-Good-S-Walden-ebook/dp/B00GR78N18/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1385584496&sr=1-1&keywords=better 

Nook  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/better-s-walden/1117299035?ean=2940045357326


CAST:

Promo Post and GIVEAWAY: Away by B.A. Wolfe

Away by B.A. Wolfe

 

SYNOPSIS:

What good is running AWAY when you only end up lost?

Cassandra Pierce had her whole "perfect" life planned out by her parents. One night of pure weakness and lust has her running away from it all and seeking refuge in Alamosa with her best friend. But it seems life has other plans for her when she finds herself lost in the small town of Keaton.

Jason Bradley is a charming country guy. He lives a simple life that’s nothing like what Cassandra is used to. A single moment in life changed everything he thought he once knew, leaving him with a broken heart and an unplanned future.

What happens in Keaton is nothing Cassandra or her heart could have ever prepared for. The instant connection she shares with Jason is no secret, but what they're keeping hidden from one another is. Will these two be able to find a way to trust each other or will their secrets tear them apart?

 

ADD TO GOODREADS

 

 

~EXCERPT~

 

It was hard to sleep; I was tossing and turning more than ever before. The butterflies in my stomach were in full force as I recollected about each kiss Jason gave me; on my lips and on my bare skin. My thoughts were interrupted as I heard the beeping on my phone. I saw the light illuminating my room as I reached over to grab it; it was a text from Jason. I was suddenly extremely grateful I let him plug his number into my phone after we left the garage earlier today.

Are you asleep yet?

How could I be sleeping? His lips just rocked my world; my heart was racing too much to be sleeping.

Not a chance.

Me either.

I put my phone down and got out of bed. I didn't know what else to do so I let my body decide. It would have argued with my brain either way. I let my infectious craving for his lips guide me downstairs to his room as I quietly crept to his door.

I took a deep breath and tapped on his door. He swung it open immediately as if he knew I was on the other side. The room was dimly lit, but I could see just enough. He was standing there in nothing but boxers; I couldn't help but look him up and down from head to toe. His mouth was open and his breathing was heavy as his chest rose and fell quickly, matching mine. It didn't take long for the hunger inside to take over. He stepped forward and grabbed a hold of me, pulling me close to him as he took us over to his bed. I didn't know where we were going to take this tonight, and quite frankly, I just didn't care; all I knew was I needed to be with him. It could have been Jase, it could have been my hormones, but every part of me was craving his touch. I got a taste and I needed more.

“Cassie,” he whispered.

“Shhh,” I whispered back. I put my finger over his mouth. I didn't want to hear what he was going to say, we had done enough talking for the night.

I stepped up closer to him, raising myself on my tippy toes so I was closer to his lips as I pressed mine hard against his. I heard a small moan escape him as he tangled his hands in my loose hair, pulling us onto the bed.

We fell onto the bed and I positioned myself with my back against it as Jason hovered over me, his arms on either side. I took my hands, placed them on his scruffy face, and pulled him closer to me. Somewhere between being pulled onto the bed and Jason hovering over me, our lips had lost each other; this was not going to work for me. I didn't even have to pull hard as his lips curled up and lowered down to my face. “I've never seen you like this Sweetheart,” he whispered into my ear as he nibbled on it.

I was sure a soft moan escaped my lips as he took my ear into his mouth. “I've been holding it in,” I told him.

“I can tell,” he said quietly before running his lips down my neck then into the curve of my shoulder. It was making me shiver from my neck all the way down to the aching spot between my legs. He was trailing his way down my neck when I suddenly realized I needed to take off what was keeping him from continuing further down.

“Wait,” I breathed out. Jason lifted his lips from my skin as I wiggled my arms enough to slip off the cami I was wearing, throwing it to the side of the bed. He closed his eyes and let out a deep breath.

“Damn Cassie, you are going to be the death of me.” He opened his eyes back up, piercing them into mine. I needed more.

“Please keep going,” I begged him.

“You don’t have to beg, but it's so damn sexy when you do,” he said softly as he brought his lips back to my skin, taking his time as he moved further down to my bare chest. He slowly grazed his lips across each breast before making his way down, trailing kisses until he got to the top of my yoga pants. He was driving me wild; I was having a hard time not ripping all my clothes off. This was not normal for me, but I loved every moment of it. He was bringing out a side of me that hadn't existed before, and I hoped it didn't go away.

I grabbed his upper arms and rolled us over so I was on top of him. I could feel that this was just as good for him as it was for me, as his excitement was sitting between my legs.

“Enjoying yourself?” I asked in the sexiest voice I could find.

“You have no idea. Now get down here,” he said as he pulled me down to his lips, biting down on my lower one before smiling and finally pressing our lips together again. Kissing him was what I always imagined it should feel like. Not wanting our lips to ever be apart because they felt too good pressed together. I knew deep down kissing had to be that amazing or people wouldn’t be so passionate about it. I completely understood it now and I could finally say the feeling happened to me. Jason, he made it happen, he was the spark that lit my lips on fire. I couldn’t help but go insane inside as his lips continued to kiss me like his life depended on it. I slowly released my lips from his and began placing kisses on his chin, running them all the way down from his chest to the very top of his boxers. I slowly raised myself up and loved seeing the satisfied grin plastered on his face. I put my hands on his shoulders and caressed them all the way down, feeling his chest form goose bumps as I did. I took my index finger and traced a line along the top of his boxers, making a soft moan rumble through him. I lowered myself back down on top of him; his hands grabbing my back as our bare chests collided together. I leaned my mouth close to his ear, whispering into it. “I know you green light this.”

That must have sparked something in him because I heard a growl escape his throat as he rolled us back so he was now hovering over me once again.

“Just so you know, I'm not this guy. I'm not normally the guy who has a hard time controlling himself. You seriously have me going crazy right now,” he said with a heavy breath

“Just so you know. I like it.”

 

~Alternate POV~

Jace's POV~Bar Scene

 

“I gotta go. I promised Kasey a dance,” Moose said before running off like he was up to something.

I shook my head and took another sip of water.

“Hey there. This seat taken?”

I didn’t even have to look at her to know who the voice belonged to. The sweet sound made everything inside of me melt. “For a girl like you?  It’s never taken,” I told her as I finally realized what Moose was up to.

She smiled back, but this time, she didn’t take her eyes off of me. I knew the feeling all too well. I didn’t ever want to stop staring at her. She looked away and began fidgeting with her glass. The contents were clear and only confirmed what I thought I knew.

“What are you thinking about over there Cassie?” She swiveled her stool in my direction and I couldn’t help but watch her cheeks flush. It was the perfect shade of red on her. Jase, get a grip man. 

“Nothing,” she replied.

The look in her eyes said otherwise. “I can tell you’re lying.”

“Fine, you seem sad, Jase,” she said. 

How could she tell? How did she know? Was I not hiding my feelings or past good enough? I gazed down at the floor as I held my glass tight in my hands.

“You can talk to me,” she said, placing her hand on my knee. My skin blazed with heat under her touch. It was all I could do to keep from screaming out to her what was wrong. She had too much going on in her life to have to deal with my problems too. I was stuck. I couldn’t tell her the truth. She wouldn’t accept it and then it would just be heartbreak. At least at this point, we weren’t anything but friends. I wanted more. I couldn’t deny that part of my heart that was internally punching me for not making a move already. It wouldn’t be fair to her though.

A sudden coldness lingered over my knee. Her hand was back up on the bar. I missed her touch. I needed to touch her. We had to dance.

I hopped off the bar stool and stood behind her gorgeously dressed body. It was all I could do not to put my lips on her bare shoulder as I inched my mouth closer to her ear.

“You can talk to me too you know,” I whispered.

I moved her stool around so she was now in between my legs. “Let’s dance pretty girl,” I said.

A smile tugged on her lips. Her hand was still in mine as I started to walk away, except she didn’t budge.

I looked back; her eyes were double their normal size. “There’s a slight problem,” she said, quietly. 

I moved in closer, put my hands on her knees, and leaned my ear by her mouth. She smelled so good. Jase, man you have got to stop. Focus.

 “I don’t know how to dance country,” she confessed.

What? I moved back and started laughing, uncontrollably. That was what her problem was? It was adorable and innocent and in turn, only made my feelings for her that much stronger. Why couldn’t it have been that she had to go the restroom or something awkward like that? 

The flesh of her palm suddenly covered my mouth and instantly stopped my laugh. My stomach knotted. It took all of the control I had in me not to press a kiss to the inside of her hand that so roughly covered my lips.  

“Stop laughing, this is serious,” she said. Yes, it is serious; seriously cute.

I reluctantly took her hand off my mouth. “I’ll lead, you just follow. You’ll be okay. Just go with it, Cassie,” I told her. This time I made sure she came with me as I pulled her off the chair similar to a parent helping a child off.

The song that played through the speakers was perfect. I didn’t even plan it, but it worked out to my benefit. I really hoped she recognized it, but I wasn’t positive she would. I didn’t know if she was feeling the same pull I was and if our moment in the street was one that would stay with her, like it did me.

I took her hand in mine and placed her other behind my back. I pressed our bodies together as I wrapped my other hand around her lower back. I made sure there was no space between us, not even room to breathe. The song had me wanting her badly, and getting her as close as possible was all I could think about.

“Don’t be scared, just like we practiced in the street,” I said. Her eyes gazed into mine as if they were seeing them for the first time. 

My mission at first was to get her to let loose and have fun tonight, but now, all I wanted to do was recreate the moment in the street. This was far surpassing that though.

I took control and did as I told her I would. I led and swayed us, keeping it smooth and slow, just like the song. Our eyes hadn’t stopped staring into one another since we stepped onto the dance floor, and every ounce of me wanted our skin to touch. The music kept us moving as I slowly rested my check against hers. The heat of her skin immediately radiated onto mine. It traveled down to my torso and only continued further. This girl had me flushed from head to toe. Her body suddenly relaxed into mine as my hand held onto her. It was that moment that I knew I had her; I had all of her, mind and body. And it was then that my voice box let loose and started humming along with the song.

Her body tensed in my arms and a second later her warm soft cheek slid away from me. Her eyes peered into mine as she searched them. I continued to hum as the wheels in her head seemed to turn. I know you know this song, Sweetheart. Come on. I know you do.

“This is the song you were humming in the street isn’t it?” she asked, her lips smirking.

God yes. She knew it. It came to her. My lips grew into a smile that was larger than life. I pressed our bodies back together and finally without having her eyes to distract me, I moved my lips by her ear.  

“It’s called Wanted by Hunter Hayes,” I whispered gently.

Feeling her body mold next to me as I held her, I thought to myself how nothing could ever explain how badly I wanted this girl.

Her hands moved and delicately cupped behind my neck. Feeling her latch onto me was enough to make my brain fog over and my knees want to collapse. I did everything I could to contain myself as I locked both of my hands behind her back. We were a chain link; nothing could break us apart now. Our cheeks were no longer side by side, as our eyes were now peering softly into each other. Her eyes. Those damn eyes could kill a man. The soft hazel color could get you lost if you stared into them long enough. They swirled green and brown and became lighter the happier she was. They were like a drug as they caught your attention and didn’t let go. They pulled me in and I’d be lying if I said I tried to stop it. Her whole face was drawing me in like a gravitational pull. Those eyes, those flushed red cheeks, and those pink lips. They took me in and pulled me so close I could feel her warm breath hitting my lips. We weren’t inches apart or even centimeters. We were mere millimeters, a breath and one second apart.

As the song winded down my heartbeat only grew louder. It was the only thing my ears were hearing. Boom. Boom. Boom. It accelerated faster as I moved and passed our millimeter mark. One last breath and one more second my lips would be on hers. The rights, the wrongs, and every reason why I shouldn’t kiss this phenomenal girl in front of me silenced as my breath hitched and now we were only one second from kissing.

Her eyes seared into me, her body was snug against mine and her lips were within reach. They were almost grazing, and then it happened. We stopped moving toward each other and gravity now yanked us apart. The song changed, the mood altered, and the crowd around us went chaotic. Our moment was gone, vanished. Only one second away from our lips connecting and one second was all it took to steal it away.

Was it a sign? I knew I was playing with fire, but maybe it was bigger than a matchstick flame and more like a bonfire. I almost kissed this fantastic girl. What was I thinking? I couldn’t have her. She wasn’t mine to take. She would kill me if she knew the secret I was withholding from her while I stood there, trying to kiss her and make her mine. I was more than sure this was a sign and I was even more positive it was needed.

“My turn next,” Moose shouted as he grabbed her hand. The very one that was just around my neck.

The stinging pain behind my eyes threatened as I watched her face. It had lost its luster as we both stared. Was she thinking the same thing as I was? Were the wheels turning in her mind about the coincidence of the moment we lost? The first moment I reluctantly stopped and then this one that was cut short for us? I tried to smile for her but I’d be lying if I said it was easy.

Kasey grabbed my hand and led me off in another direction, far away from the only person I wanted to be next to. I lost sight of Cassie as we got closer to the edge of the dance floor, away from the crowd. We were dancing, but it was weak and the allure of having fun on a dance floor vanished the minute my hands left Cassie.

The look in Kasey’s eyes snapped me out of my thoughts. “Why are you looking at me like that?” I asked.

“What was all that about?”

I popped a brow and looked at her like I didn’t have a clue what she was asking.

“With Cassandra. Stop playing dumb. I know you better than you think.”

I felt the tension in my shoulders relax as I let out a breath. She knew me well. Too well. Growing up together didn’t help the fact that she already knew the things going on in my life and the blank emotions I wore on my face to hide my feelings.

“I don’t know what to do Kasey.”

A smile surfaced on her face like she knew something. “Make a move you pansy ass. She likes you. A whole helluva lot. I had to get the scoop out of her too.”

“What did she tell you?” I asked her, sounding way too eager for a guy that’s twenty two.

“I’ve already told you enough. She likes you, you like her. Make your move already.”

“I don’t think it’s a go-.” She hovered her hand over my mouth and stopped what she knew was going to come out of it; the reasons why I should not make a move.

“Just go with it Jason. I see the way you look at her. Even when you brought her over for dinner at Maggie’s,” she said as her eyes went soft. “What is it you always say? Let the-the-“

Damn her and her smarts. “Chips fall where they may,” I reminded her.

“That’s it. Let them fall where they may. Make a move and let the rest work itself out.”

“We’ll see. I can’t promise anything, but I appreciate the subtle nudge.” I laughed.

“You deserve to be happy too, Jason,” she said. Her eyes went from determined to soft as she gave me a knowing smile.

She was right. I needed to follow my own damn advice. Tonight I’d let the chips fall and not look back.



 

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~AWAY Playlist~

 

Cowboy Take Me Away – Dixie Chicks

Wanted – Hunter Hays

If I Didn’t Have You – Thompson Square

Crash into Me – Dave Mathews Band

Sure Be Cool If You Did – Blake Shelton

Runnin Outta Moonlight – Randy Houser

Don’t You Wanna Stay – Jason Aldean

Collide – Howie Day

Fix You – Coldplay

Wherever you will go – Lifehouse

Over You – Miranda Lambert



 

About the Author

 

B.A. Wolfe

 

 

 

B.A. Wolfe is a girl with a passion for reading and writing, and lives in the good ol’ state of Colorado with her husband (her biggest cheerleader), and her two crazy min pin fur babies. These days, her life is anything but calm, and there isn't one thing she’d want to change. B.A. spends all her free time either furiously typing stories on her laptop or happily reading through her endless TBR on her Kindle. Her list of favorites would be long enough to fill a book, but most would likely fall under the romance category. She is a sucker for a good love story that makes her cry, and an amazing book boyfriend who will melt her heart. ‘Away’ is B.A. Wolfe’s debut novel.

 

AUTHOR LINKS:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-BA-Wolfe/407746989341904

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BAWolfe3

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7133885.B_A_Wolfe

 

~GIVEAWAY~

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Release Day Blog Tour: Back to Reality by Danielle Allen

Synopsis:

Her past: Emanuel Mills was her first love. The guitar playing, adventure seeking, IT whiz was everything she ever wanted.

Her present: Tyree Barker was her last love. The cultured, educated, successful entrepreneur was everything she needed.

But when Sahara Lee’s past and present collided, a series of events occurred that changed her life forever, leaving her future up in the air.

As a college freshman, a tragic accident changed the course of Sahara’s life. Ten years later, just when she started putting her life back together, Sahara’s world was rocked again due to a similar accident.

Heartbroken and guilt ridden, Sahara fell into old, familiar habits before quickly realizing that she wasn’t the same Sahara Lee anymore. Unable to live a lonely, loveless, isolated life anymore, Sahara decided that the way she coped before wasn’t going to work this time around.

Time didn’t heal her wounds, but forgiveness might.





Purchase this Book:

Kindle  http://www.amazon.com/Back-Reality-Life-Danielle-Allen-ebook/dp/B00H0O1FJY/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1385873238&sr=1-1&keywords=back+to+reality

Nook  Not available at this time

~Teasers~

 

~Dream Cast~

 

 

~Sahara’s Playlist~

“To Build A Home” -- The Cinematic Orchestra
“Breathe Me” – Sia
“Trouble” – Coldplay
“Never Felt This Way” – Alicia Keys
“Fumble” –Trey Songz
“Gone” – Nsync
“Your Hands” – Marsha Ambrosius
“Any Time, Any Place” – Janet Jackson
“He Loves Me (Lyzel in E Flat)” – Jill Scott
“I Need Love” – Robin Thicke
“Don’t Speak” – Leela James
“Say Something” –A Great Big World
“Bitter” – Me’Shell NdegeOcello
“Fall For Your Type” – Jamie Foxx ft. Drake
“Stay” – Rihanna ft. Mikky Ekko
“Need It” – Half Moon Run
“Flaws And All” – Beyonce
“Doing It Wrong” – Drake
“When The Right One Comes Along” – Clare Bowen & Sam Palladio
“Like A Star” – Corrine Bailey Rae
“Safe & Sound” – Taylor Swift ft The Civil Wars
“Make You Feel My Love” – Adele