*Author/Book Spotlight!*Witness By Maria Rachel Hooley

 

Author:Maria Rachel Hooley

Publicaton Date August 2012

         
 What happens when you witness the unthinkable?

For two years, sixteen-year-old Cee Cee Montgomery has had a crush on David Johnson, and she’s been waiting for him to notice her, and he does—at a party that Cee Cee wasn’t supposed to be at. But she is. She’s there when David is stabbed and no one calls for help. She’s one of the silent witnesses who bears the guilt of his death, and it’s tearing her apart. Not even Stacy Eddings, her best friend, can help her through it.

Stacy is a silent witness of a different sort. He’s been in love with Cee Cee since he met her, but she never saw past David, and while at first he doesn’t know she went to that party, he does realize that something is wrong, that sometimes, no matter how painful, the truth has to come out.

EXCERPT

"What have we here?" the creep asked.  Stepping closer, his eyes darted back and forth between David and me.

"Trouble, that's what you've got," David said, somehow managing to keep his voice even.  "This isn't your party or your crowd, so you might want to think about leaving."

"And miss all the fun?  I don't think so."  He smiled at me, and I shuddered.

Although David didn't look at me, I know he must have felt me shivering as he gently guided me to hide behind him so he was in between the thugs and me.  Desperate, I kept staring beyond them at the bonfire, wishing madly that someone would come over.  I didn't care who it was.  I wanted to feel others knew trouble was brewing.

"Expecting someone?" the Adams jock asked, forcing my attention. 

"Lots of friends up there.  I'm willing to bet before long a few of them will be coming down here."  David was still cool, but the tension in his hand belied what he didn't say.

The creep laughed, and his buddies joined in, the sound of it hard and rough in the night.  "I don't think so, quarterback.  They're too busy getting drunk to worry about you two lovebirds." 

He sauntered around slightly to get a better look at me.  "You do remember me, right, chica?  I'm the guy you dissed earlier."

David shifted, making it harder to get close to me.  "Leave her out of it--and get the hell out of here."  His voice was cold, sounding of fury, but even I knew the odds weren't good.  The music was still blaring, and no one else was around.

"What did you say to me?"  The creep stepped closer, and that was when everything went south.

Beth suddenly appeared in the darkness, close enough to see trouble might be at hand, but not sure.  "Cee, is that you?"

"Get Scott!" David yelled as two of the others moved closer, one of them grabbing him.

The creep laughed, stepping closer to David's back.  I didn't understand what was happening, not until David made a sort of grunting sound, and I felt him tense several times.

"David?" I whispered.  He looked at me, his eyes confused, and I didn't understand, not until I saw a knife in the Hispanic  thug's hands, dark with blood.

"We're even now," the creep said, stepping toward me as David fell, his hand releasing mine.

David blinked two or three times as he staggered to his knees, wobbling unevenly.  His mouth opened as he grabbed his side, lifting his hand to find it drenched in blood.

"Cee?" he whispered, reaching.

I wanted to help him, but my body wouldn't move.  It was like the whole world had suddenly shifted into low gear.  In the distance, there was silence now.  David's lips kept moving, but I couldn't tell what he was saying.  He managed to grab my wrist with one bloody hand, smearing it all over me.

The creep was pointing at the blood running down David's side.  "It's beautiful.  You want some?"  He waved the stained blade at me.

In terror, I screamed and ran backwards almost falling.  He was laughing now; they all were.  It sounded so loud, and the world was tilting at funhouse angles, threatening to capsize with me in it.  He lunged at me, and I took off, afraid of what would happen next.

I couldn't see where I was going or if anyone followed.  I ran and kept running as the world turned to screams, probably most of them mine.  Ahead, I saw the sanctuary of trees, and I fled there.  My feet stumbled over raised tree roots, and I tripped, slamming my head against one of them as I hit the ground. 

Lying there, I saw the others converging where I'd left David, and all I could think was, somebody help him.  Somebody help me.  And don't let the others find me.

Then the blackness swept me away.

  

About Maria Rachel Hooley

Maria Rachel Hooley has written over thirty novels, including New Life Incorporated and When Angels Cry.  Her first chapbook of poetry was published by Rose Rock Press in 1999. While her novels typically venture into different genres, the one constant is the theme of redemption.  She lives in Oklahoma with her husband and three children.  If she's not writing, she's probably teaching English to high school or college students.
http://www.mariarachelhooley.com/

Le'BookSquirrel's Review

5 STARS

   This is the story of what can go wrong and happen if someone is hurt and everyone knows but no one helps. Cee Cee has a Crush on David and sneaks away to a party where something horrible happens to David.Cee Cee saw what happened but due to certain circumstances did not say anything.No one who was at the party said anything.
   I have always,and I mean ALWAYS said that the sign of an amazing Author will make their book seem way to short and that it ends way to soon.Maria Hooley has such amazing talent that I felt Witness was way to short!(It wasn't) But I did not want it to end.There are books that just pull you in and you look up from reading and realize hours have passed,but you were unaware since you were so deeply enchanted by what you are reading.I could have kept reading on about Cee Cee and Stacy(Stacy is Cee Cee's Best friend,Who is a guy).I felt for Cee Cee and what she was someone I could Commiserate with what she was going through.Overall I absolutely adored Witness.I strongly suggest it to all my YA lovers.It is one you definitely DO NOT want to miss!




Thank you Maria for being a part of This Author/Blog Spotlight!It has been an honor.Everyone go and Read Witness you will not be disappointed!Maria is simply amazing!

*Book/Author Spotlight!!!*The Forgotten Ones By Laura Howard

  
Allison O'Malley just graduated from college. Her life's plan is to get a job and take care of her schizophrenic mother. She doesn't have room for friends or even Ethan, who clearly wants more.

When Allison's long-lost father shows up, he claims he can bring her mother back from the dark place her mind has sent her. He reveals legends of a race of people long forgotten, the Tuatha de Danaan, along with the truth about why he abandoned her mother.

                                    Now for the FIRST TIME EVER!!!

                            An Exclusive Excerpt From,The Forgotten Ones By Laura Howard.

                                      

Sean jogged over with the bat and held it out for me, grinning. “Pick your pitcher, Allie-O.”

The smirk on Ethan's face was a challenge, and I couldn't resist. “Ethan has the ball, he can pitch to me.”

He made a big show of stretching and winding up before he finally tossed the ball at me.

I smacked the ball over the pool house, and Sean started shouting and cheering, making me smile. Ethan shook his head, but he was smiling. He clearly thought I would be an easy out.

I made it all the way to the final round, kicking Sean and Jeff out of the game. I'd played softball and run track all through school to pad my transcripts.

“You gonna let her win, E?” Jeff called, winking at me from the picnic table where he sat drinking a beer.

Ethan chuckled, showing off those damn dimples. He looked down at the ball in his hands and back up at me with a grin. “If I do, will you let me take you out?”

I snorted, trying to look braver than I felt. “Not a chance.”

“Wait a sec. I like this. Let's make a wager,” he said.

The guys were all hooting and hollering at me, my face was no doubt crimson.

“What do I get if I win?” I bit my lip, feeling all their eyes on me.

“I'm thinking, hang on,” He held up his finger, his brow furrowed in thought. His eyes widened with excitement, and I knew I would regret whatever he had to say.

“If I win, I get a kiss.” If it was possible, my cheeks grew even redder. They were all laughing and making cat calls now.

“And, if I win?” I looked up at his face.

He looked at me for a second, considering. “If you win, I won't ever ask you out again.”

This earned a chorus of “Yeah, right” and “No way” from the guys.

My mouth fell open, I had not been expecting that, but his face was sober. The laughing around us fell away for a second, and I could only stare at him feeling the color drain from my face. His expression remained solemn, and he met my gaze head on.

I nodded stiffly, and swallowed. “All right.”

His grin came back in full force. “Oh, and Al?”

I raised my eyebrows at him.

“I won't lose.”

Author Bio:Laura Howard

 

 Laura Howard lives in New Hampshire with her husband and four children. Her obsession with books began at the age of 6 when she got her first library card. Nancy Drew, Sweet Valley High and other girly novels were routinely devoured in single sittings. Books took a backseat to diapers when she had her first child. It wasn’t until the release of a little novel called Twilight, 8 years later, that she rediscovered her love of fiction. Soon after, her own characters began to make themselves known. The Forgotten Ones is her first published novel.
  





Le'BookSquirrel wants to say a HUGE THANK YOU to Laura for deciding to join Le'BookSquirrel on our Author/Book Spotlight.It is an Honor to have her here and I am super excited about this book.She is definitely a New Author you are going to want to watch out for!

*Author Spotlight* Sporadically Inspired By Ashley Demi

                                                                Synopsis:

Sometimes, in a small town, it can be difficult to find reality in big dreams. Samantha can't wait to get out of town to start her life and move on from sad memories. Morgan isn't learning from the past, and Charlotte may be forced to make make a hard choice over following her dreams. It's Cali's story from which the girls find their inspiration. They believe her story is a fictional cult classic that each have read over and over. It encourages them to follow their hearts.In the end, however, it could be Cali who needs the most help turning her sporadic inspirations into reality. . . again.

                                                                     Bio:

The story of my life is one that’s still being written, it’s about a girl named Ashley that had to go through a few chapters before she learned how she wanted to live the rest of the story. I could take you through moment after moment that got me to where I am now; in fact I’d have to take you through every single one. So instead I’ll just give you some highlights. Around May 2009 after seeing 17 Again at the movies it inspired me to pick up writing. I couldn’t tell you what it was about that one movie that was different from the tons of others I had fallen in love with over the years that finally shined light on what I had been trying to figure out since I was first asked what I wanted to be when I grew up; but there it was…my dream realized. It’s funny how after you reach that moment, you can’t believe you didn’t think of it sooner…I’ve loved movies since I was a kid and played The Little Mermaid on repeat, and had always been a daydreamer who loved coming up with a good story. I started writing my ideas in script format for movies and then decided to try one of my ideas as a book.

I’m just a girl from a small town with a big dream. Classic story…think you’ve heard it a thousand times…well I’d like to think mine’s unique. Maybe not extreme or extravagant to everyone; but to me…to me it’s a fairy tale. Oh don’t get me wrong it’s also a comedy, a horror film (you know how bad hair days can be lol), one with action, love, tears, and inspiration…but it’s my story, and it’s one of kind.

I use to think dreams were…well just that, dreams; nothing but thoughts and wishes that you kept stored away for a day you didn’t know would come or not. But then I thought why should it be like that? Seemed like a tragedy really, to keep all my dreams in my head instead of experiencing them for real. So instead I decided I wanted to live my dreams and make them my reality…make them my ‘normal’…if there is such a thing a normal lol . It won’t be easy, who knows where it will take me, or how long it will take to get there…but I can promise one thing…it’ll be one amazing ride!

Forever Inspired

Ashley Demi


Twitter:  @LUVashleydemi

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AshleyDemi?ref=ts&fref=ts

Blog: http://ashleydemi.wordpress.com/

 Le'BookSquirrel Would like to Thank Entwined Publishing for Letting me have Author Ashley Demi here.I very much look forward to reading Sporadically Inspired by Ashely Demi.It looks wonderful.Congratulations to getting your books out Ashley!!!

Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress By Tina Ferraro

Sophomore year, Nicolette Antonovich was dumped two days before prom by the hottest guy at school. As a result, she became the proud owner of one unworn, perfectly magical pink vintage dress. But Nic is determined to put that night behind her for good. She's a junior now— older, wiser, and completely overwhelmed by a new set of problems: (1) The bank's ready to foreclose on her childhood home. (2) Her father's too busy with his "replacement" daughter to care. (3) Her best friend's brother is an eternal thorn in her side. (4) Her best friend isn't exactly the rose attached to that thorn. (5) Rumors are flying around school that could get her kicked off the volleyball team, which would (6) ruin all chances of a college scholarship. (7) She still likes the boy who dumped her in the first place. (8) And what in the world do you do with an unworn prom dress, anyway? Strangely, it's getting to the bottom of this last dilemma that just might hold the answer to all Nic's problems.

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REVIEW
5 stars
   I was given a Copy of Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress for a Honest Review
   Nicolette is dumped...2 days prior to prom.Who does that..Well Rascal Pasqual apparently.All Nicolette can think of is THAT dress.She even has a list of what can be done with it.While you might be thinking is this just about a silly girl not getting to wear her prom dress its so much more then that.Nicolette has quite a bit on her plate..Her moms job is struggling,Rumors are flying around,Her friend is acting weird and whats even weirder..two guys are coming to blows..over her.
  I thought this was a super cute read.I couldnt go to bed until I had finished it.I loved that Nicolette wanted to help her mom so much and felt so bad when things failed to go right for her.But you have to give her credit for trying.I really really liked Jared..He was an uber cutie pie and perfect for Nicolette.This was an amazingly great read..Ultra Clean as well so no worries if the younger crowd reads it either.In fact I think it would be a great for a younger teen to read as well as the older teen and even adult.Check it out and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have!

You can Purchase Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress HERE .

Touched-Corrine Jackson

Time may not heal all wounds--but she can.You'd think being able to heal people with a touch would be a blessing. But to 17-year-old Remy O'Malley, it's more like a curse.
Every injury Remy heals becomes her own. She lives in fear of the day she's forced to mend a wound from which she can't recover--and she's desperate to keep her amazing ability a secret.
Enter Asher Blackwell, a scarred eighteen-year-old with dangerous powers of his own. Asher seems to know more about Remy's abilities than she does--and maybe more than he's letting on. If she opens up to him, she might find out what it truly means to be a Healer. But she'll also expose herself to capture by an old and very determined enemy. And if they catch her, they won't just injure her.
They'll kill her.
Corrine Jackson is a San Francisco transplant, having lived on both coasts from Southern California to New York City. For the last seven years, she has sharpened her marketing talents at Alcone Marketing, where she has won several industry awards. She has bachelor's and master's degrees in English, and is in her third year of Spalding University's MFA program. A recipient of a West Chester Poetry Conference scholarship, she is also the former Editor-in-Chief of two literary magazines, including Statement (CSU, Los Angeles) and Dash (CSU, Fullerton).
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   Touched is a story about Remy..Remy has the special ability to heal..But her healing comes with a price.After something horrific happens to her she goes to live with her father where She meets Asher..she learns that perhaps she isnt the only different person in town.
   I Loved touched.It was such an enjoyable read..definitely a page turner!Remy was quite the character I instantly fell in love with her.Who doesn't love when someone cares more about others then themselves?Im so happy that she was able to live with her dad and his family and found out what it is like to be in a real loving family.Asher...Well Asher was just awesome.Im not going to lie..he reminded me a tiny bit of Edward Cullen in some of his actions and some things he said..but not enough to actually be like a copy Edward Cullen so that was good..Plus Asher just kind of has this Im sexy and I know it song running off of him.(Im joking..okay maybe im not.) I believe this is a first for me with healers and protectors and Im hooked.Im hoping there will be a second book to the series as I feel the story was left to continue on and im eager to see what happens when Remy goes looking for her Grandfather.I would definitely suggest this book if you like supernatural romance and a great story line that you just want to hop in too.

You can Purchase Touched HERE on Amazon.

I'll be Here-Autumn Doughton

For the past two years, Willow James has been building the perfect life--a life that centers around Dustin Rant, her dimpled, sports-car-driving, cologne-wearing boyfriend. Willow and Dustin have lots of plans. Plans for college, prom, tonight actually. So, when the unthinkable happens, and Dustin breaks up with Willow over a plate of cheese fries at a steak house, she is left stunned and heartbroken.

With less than two months until graduation, Willow has to start a new life from scratch. She'll have to revisit old wrongs along the way and make the most important decision of all: who does she want to be? She’s going to have help from her wacky ex-best friend, her bohemian mother, and an old flame that is suddenly and somewhat inconveniently back in her life.
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    REVIEW 5 STARS

   First off.Can I just say Autumn Doughton You Rock.Seriously. I'll Be Here is a Story about finding yourself,losing your love and finding love.Willows boyfriend,Dustin,dumps her..and by the way he totally doesnt deserve her. Willow is heartbroken but she will find out who her friends are,find new ones and new love.
   I absolutely adored this book,If im not mistaken this is the Debut Novel by Autumn Doughton.I hope this will not be the last.She has made a fan of me.I was attached to the kindle all night long.My only issue with the story was that it had to end.However,Perhaps there will be a sequel in the future?Hint Hint?I adore Willow,her friends and of course Alex.I would have loved to have a bit more interaction between them but there is plenty in the book..I just loved them.Take a chance and I hope you will love it as much as I did.

You can Purchase I'll be Here HERE
 

The Sea of Tranquility By Katja Millay

I live in a world without magic or miracles. A place where there are no clairvoyants or shapeshifters, no angels or superhuman boys to save you. A place where people die and music disintegrates and things suck. I am pressed so hard against the earth by the weight of reality that some days I wonder how I am still able to lift my feet to walk.

Full of rage and without a purpose, former pianist Nastya Kashnikov wants two things: to get through high school without anyone learning about her past and to make the boy who took everything from her pay.

All 17 year-old Josh Bennett wants is to build furniture and be left alone and everyone allows it, because it’s easier to pretend he doesn’t exist. When your name is synonymous with death, everyone tends to give you your space.

Everyone except Nastya, a hot mess of a girl who starts showing up and won’t go away until she’s insinuated herself into every aspect of his life. The more he gets to know her, the more of a mystery she becomes. As their relationship intensifies and the unanswered questions begin to pile up, he starts to wonder if he may ever learn the secrets she’s been hiding or if he even wants to.

The Sea of Tranquility is a slow-building, character-driven romance about a lonely boy, an emotionally fragile girl, and the miracle of second chances.

Content Warning: This book contains mature themes and subject matter including profanity, drug/alcohol use, and sexual situations/language.

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REVIEW

    Where do I start?I just finished The Sea of Tranquility and Im so unsure of where to begin.First of all..I cannot believe Im just not finding out about this the book or Katja Millay for that matter.I want to say I was enthralled from the moment I started this book..but I was more then Enthralled..is there a word for that?I literally had a hard time unclenching my hands from around my kindle.

    What an emotional story this is.I normally try and do a synopsis of the story but Im not going to this time.It is way to emotional.Like an emotional roller coaster.The story flowed so well and the changing of characters voices chapter to chapter was amazingly smooth.I thought the ending was wonderful and very well done.Would I like to see a second book out about Josh and Nastya/Em I would love to...in fact can I request it now please??!?!?!  A standing ovation is in order for The Sea of Tranquility.Please take the time to read it.You will not be sorry.

 

You can Purchase The Sea of Tranquility HERE

Emerge-Lila Felix

Jenna has spent too long being complacent and accepting. Her mother and step-father constantly belittle and berate her for simply being alive. She passes through life keeping everyone and everything at arm’s length because it’s just not worth the questions or the pity party. She takes what they dish out and just tries to survive.
She has thought up a million different ways to get away from them, but lacked the motivation and the sheer will. Like a fast moving tornado, her motivation comes in the form of a boy who cares for her as none other has and who shows her a glimpse of hope, a glimpse into a life she never thought she could have.
But is her new motivation enough to get her out…

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REVIEW 


    Oh My Goodness.I Did NOT want to put this book down.Holy Jehoshaphat.I know im not being as  eloquent as I could be.Lila has created a story that is heartbreaking yet has that rainbow with the pot of gold you are waiting for.Emerge is a story about Jenna who has to deal with a horrible home life...Dont even get me started on her mom..and I use that term loosely or her step dad. Then She meets Carlos..Enter her Rainbow.Without giving to much of the book away..lets just Say Carlos is a wonderful guy and he is her sunshine on a rainy day. I loved that there was an epilogue..In fact that was one of my favorite parts.I think my only issue with this book is that it had to eventually end.Well done Lila..I look forward to reading your next book...so get to writing!I mean that in the nicest possible way.

You can Purchase Emerge HERE

Death and the Girl Next Door-Darynda Jones

Darynda Jones, author of The New York Times bestselling series that began with First Grave on the Right, brings us Death and the Girl Next Door, a thrilling Young Adult novel garnering high praise and early buzz from major authors

Ten years ago, Lorelei's parents disappeared without a trace.  Raised by her grandparents and leaning on the support of her best friends, Lorelei is finally beginning to accept the fact that her parents are never coming home.  For Lorelei, life goes on.
High school is not quite as painful as she thinks it will be, and things are as normal as they can be.  Until the day the school's designated loner, Cameron Lusk, begins to stalk her, turning up where she least expects it,  standing outside her house in the dark, night after night.  Things get even more complicated when a new guy—terrifying, tough, sexy Jared Kovach—comes to school.  Cameron and Jared instantly despise each other and Lorelei seems to be the reason for their animosity.  What does Jared know about her parents?  Why does Cameron tell Jared he can't have Lorelei?  And what will any of them do when Death comes knocking for real?  Thrilling, sassy, sexy, and inventive, Darynda Jones's first foray into the world of teens will leave readers eager for the next installment.

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Review 3 stars

Im not sure how I feel about this book.I liked it and yet I felt a bit let down by it.Perhaps its the fact that I've read books dealing with these types of angels before.I kept waiting for the romance..the history and it never came.I kept waiting for these two guys to fight over Lorelei romantically and they didnt.In fact they fought..so much it got old because it seemed trivial what they were fighting for.The book was a bit confusing until the ending..It would have been better to have more history of the angels.I kept waiting for the big build up and there never was..it flitted from one thing to another like the snap of a finger.I did enjoy the wittiness of the characters..they were pretty hilarious.I just feel the book could have delved a bit more into the characters then it did.I love the cover as well..I think thats why i expected  more romance then there was.

My Favorite Mistake By Chelsea M. Cameron

Taylor Caldwell can't decide if she wants to kiss her new college roommate or punch him.

On the one hand, Hunter Zaccadelli is a handsome, blue-eyed bundle of charm. On the other, he's a tattooed, guitar-playing bundle of bad boy. Maybe that's why Taylor's afraid of falling in love with him, or anyone else. She doesn't want to get burned, and even though her other roommates adore him, she wants him gone before it's too late.

Hunter himself has been been burned before, but the fact that Taylor calls him out on his crap and has the sexiest laugh ever make him decide maybe love isn't a lost cause. They make a bet: if she can convince him she truly loves or hates him, he'll leave the apartment--and leave her alone. The problem is, the more time they spend together, the less she hates him, and the more she moves toward love.

But when the man who holds the key to Taylor's fear of giving up her heart resurfaces and threatens to wreck everything, she has to decide: trust Hunter with her greatest secret, or do everything in her power to win that bet and drive him away forever.

My Favorite Mistake is a New Adult Contemporary Romance complete at approx. 103,000 words and is suitable for ages 18 and up. Contains violence, language and sexual situations. 

Other books by Chelsea M. Cameron:
Nocturnal (Book One in The Noctalis Chronicles)
Nightmare (Book Two in The Noctalis Chronicles)
Whisper (Book One in The Whisper Trilogy)

Coming Christmas 2012: Silence, Book Two in The Whisper Trilogy.

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Review

    This is the first book I have had the pleasure of reading by Chelsea M. Cameron and I adored it.I was able to get lost while reading this book and everything else faded away.That in my humble opinion is the sign of a good..no a great book.
    Taylor is going to college and she is in a coed dorm...never expecting to actually have a guy,Hunter have to room with her the her other 2 roommates.Taylor and Hunter's chemistry is off the charts.They have the whole love/hate thing down pat.Taylor and Hunter are both dealing with their own issues which makes them both a bit weary of relationships.I dislike giving spoilers so I'll keep my mouth shut on how the story unfolds..but let me just say...Taylor can pack a punch!
    I think my only critique is that the book ended a bit soon for my tastes.I would have loved an Epilogue or even perhaps a book 2. Its a must read! I would say it is definitely a Mature book due to language and sexual happenings.