Title: MAVEN
(The ENDURE Series, Book 1)
Author: S. A.
Huchton
Genre: New
Adult Science Fiction Romance
Release Date:
June 3, 2013
Reveal Host: Lady
Amber's Tours
Synopsis:
How far would you go for love?
How far would you go for love?
Since losing her parents at 14, young
prodigy Dr. Lydia
Ashley has focused on one thing: an appointment on the Deep Water Research
Command Endure. Now 21, she's about to realize that dream, but nothing is
how she imagined it would be. Her transitional sponsor forgets her, her
new lab is in complete chaos, and, as if that weren't enough, she's about
to discover something so horrific it could potentially destroy all life on the
planet.
Daniel Brewer, a noted playboy and genius
in his own right, may be exactly what she needs... Or he may
make everything worse.
Has she finally found a puzzle she
can't solve?
Author Bio:
Starla Huchton released her first novel, The Dreamer’s Thread, as a full cast podcast production beginning in August 2009. Her first foray went on to become a double-nominee and finalist for the 2010 Parsec Awards. Since her debut, Starla’s voice has appeared in other podcasts including The Dunesteef Audio Fiction Magazine, The Drabblecast, and Erotica a la Carte. She is also a voice talent for Darkfire Productions, and narrates several of their projects, including The Emperor’s Edge series, This Path We Share, and others. Her writing has appeared in the Erotica a la Carte podcast, a short story for The Gearheart, and an episode of the Tales from the Archives podcast (the companion to Tee Morris and Philippa Balantine’s Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences series), which garnered her a second finalist badge from the 2012 Parsec Awards. Her second novel, a Steampunk adventure entitled Master of Myth, was the first place winner in the Fantasy/Science Fiction category of The Sandy Writing Contest held annually by the Crested Butte Writers Conference. Maven is her third completed novel and the first in a planned series of four.
Starla Huchton released her first novel, The Dreamer’s Thread, as a full cast podcast production beginning in August 2009. Her first foray went on to become a double-nominee and finalist for the 2010 Parsec Awards. Since her debut, Starla’s voice has appeared in other podcasts including The Dunesteef Audio Fiction Magazine, The Drabblecast, and Erotica a la Carte. She is also a voice talent for Darkfire Productions, and narrates several of their projects, including The Emperor’s Edge series, This Path We Share, and others. Her writing has appeared in the Erotica a la Carte podcast, a short story for The Gearheart, and an episode of the Tales from the Archives podcast (the companion to Tee Morris and Philippa Balantine’s Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences series), which garnered her a second finalist badge from the 2012 Parsec Awards. Her second novel, a Steampunk adventure entitled Master of Myth, was the first place winner in the Fantasy/Science Fiction category of The Sandy Writing Contest held annually by the Crested Butte Writers Conference. Maven is her third completed novel and the first in a planned series of four.
After completing her degree in Graphic Arts at Monterey Peninsula College,
Starla opened up shop as a freelance graphic designer
focusing on creating beautiful book covers for independent authors publishers.
She currently lives in Virginia
where she trains her three Minions and military husband.
Links:
Web/Blog: http://www.starlahuchton.com
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Starla-Huchton-Author-Page/255657227797465
Twitter: @riznphnx
Excerpt:
Choice 1:
"Yeah, there's one or two of the guys you'll
want to avoid here, but..." Cordy stopped mid-sentence, staring at
something over Lydia's
shoulder. "What is he doing here?"
Curious, Lydia rotated to see who she was talking about.
She immediately regretted it. Daniel Brewer locked in on her like a homing
beacon and strode across room to her table. "Crap," she muttered when
she turned back.
"And he would be one of those.” Cordelia
smirked. "Good luck." She stood, lifting her tray of dishes.
Lydia's panic level rose.
"You're leaving?"
Cordelia shrugged. "Hate to abandon you, but
I've got a call scheduled at 1845 I can't miss. I expect a full report on this
later, however." She grinned and headed for the exit.
Lydia willed her hands to be
still and her breathing calm. Her throat was scratchy and dry, but she didn't
trust she could pick up her glass of water without spilling it everywhere.
"You're a difficult woman to track
down," Daniel said as he plopped down on the bench across from her.
Not difficult enough, she thought to herself.
"It's dinner time. People usually eat around now. Or are you skipping
meals again?" She fought back a flinch, realizing what she gave
away.
His eyebrows lifted, but he didn't comment on the
remark. "I see you were talking with Ms. Orietti. Interesting choice in
friends."
She sniffed. "I hardly think you're
qualified to judge. My personal life aside, did you hunt me down for a
reason?"
"I saw your request."
Lydia feigned surprise.
"The one I sent at 1700? I assumed you wouldn't see that until whatever
time it is you remember to go to work in the morning."
He frowned. "Despite what you think, I
actually work quite a bit. My regular hours extend until 1900, and then I'm on
call until 0700. I take breaks for meals, of course, but I have several high level
projects going on at any given time."
"Of course.” She swallowed. Perhaps she had
crossed the line a bit with that last one. "That was uncalled for. I
apologize. What did you come to ask me, Mr. Brewer?"
"You can call me Daniel," he said, his
grin returning.
It was easy to see why he was so popular with
women, but that he still thought that was going to work rankled her. She
steeled herself. "Mr. Brewer," she said, standing and lifting her
tray. “It's been a very long day, so if there's a business matter you wanted to
discuss..."
He kept pace with her as she crossed the room to
dump her dishes. From her peripheral vision, she saw several heads turn to
follow their progress. “Well, I thought we could discuss the specific project
needs you have and do some outlining so I can show you my skills.”
He winked at her
The subtle emphasis he placed on the word caused
her to miss a step. "I'm sorry, did you just..."
"What?" Daniel looked at her, the
picture of innocence.
Lydia sighed and kept walking.
"Nevermind. Mr. Brewer, I--"
"Daniel."
She stopped outside the SAT station and punched
the call button. "Mr. Brewer, if you refuse to conduct yourself in
a manner appropriate for someone in your position, I will withdraw
my request. I would prefer to have your expertise on this, but I will not
tolerate immaturity."
"Dr. Ashley, I assure you I can be nothing
but professional--"
"Good," she interrupted. "Then you
can prove that at 0730 when you meet with me and my lab staff
to discuss the necessary details." The SAT car arrived, and she stepped
inside. "My coworkers are crucial to the lab's success and they will all
have input in the needed software." The door closed. The last thing she
saw was Daniel's stunned expression.
Thanks for sharing this cover reveal today! I hope everyone enjoys the sneak peek!
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