tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50968798874077852262024-03-16T03:08:37.975-04:00Kristie CookOfficial Website of Kristie Cook, Bestselling Author of New Adult, Paranormal Romance and Contemporary Fantasy, including the Soul Savers Series and The Book of PhoenixKristie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01649966564896771373noreply@blogger.comBlogger472125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096879887407785226.post-14416415723402973002014-11-24T15:15:00.002-05:002014-11-24T15:15:55.978-05:00Soul Savers Release NewsDid you see the news about the last two Soul Savers books? Check it out at my <a href="http://kristiecook.com/soul-savers-news-youve-been-waiting-for/">NEW HOME - www.KristieCook.com.</a>Kristie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01649966564896771373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096879887407785226.post-5029941918311202492014-10-03T15:09:00.000-04:002014-10-03T15:09:33.898-04:00Surprise! A New Release! (Oh, and I've Moved)SURPRISE! I have a new release!!!<br />
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Before I get into that, you should know that I've officially moved my website and blog. You can get to my new website at <a href="http://www.kristiecook.com/">www.KristieCook.com</a>. You can find my blog at <a href="http://www.kristiecook.com/blog">www.KristieCook.com/blog</a> I'll copy my posts from over there for a few weeks, but then this place goes away. So be sure to pop over there and subscribe to that blog.<br />
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Now onto the news!<br />
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Remember those collections of short stories I wrote and released last year for the holidays? Well, they're back! So if you didn't get to read them, you can now. PLUS there are 2 Halloween stories added, including a CHOOSE-YOUR-OWN-ADVENTURE. Remember those from the good ol' days? AND, holidays are all about the food, right? This new edition of Wonder includes 48 holiday recipes from myself and members of my amazing street team. ***EXTRA BONUS: Proceeds from October sales will be split for donations to causes for Domestic Violence and Breast Cancer Awareness Months.<br />
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Get your copy of Wonder: A Soul Savers Collection of Holiday Short Stories & Recipes today!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHt4PjY2BvBSyVBEeDalqpb1u-HtI9YunDGhPf2FQyM29qZUfN5K1MWdh42SU2g8lr0yDrFXZ4i-9B90GUOXLoDKwXpuaptDmZSz6rT2CivzvWgmIGMQpw3T0PUvUXfgpJBbRGKsqAdwc/s1600/Wonderfront_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHt4PjY2BvBSyVBEeDalqpb1u-HtI9YunDGhPf2FQyM29qZUfN5K1MWdh42SU2g8lr0yDrFXZ4i-9B90GUOXLoDKwXpuaptDmZSz6rT2CivzvWgmIGMQpw3T0PUvUXfgpJBbRGKsqAdwc/s1600/Wonderfront_sm.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
***Proceeds from October sales will be donated to causes for Domestic Violence and Breast Cancer Awareness***<br />
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New Adult Paranormal Romance ** Mature Content ** Recommended for ages 16+ due to sexual situations and language<br />
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Short Stories for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year’s – Including a Choose-Your-Own-Ending<br />
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A fun collection of holiday short stories and recipes from Kristie Cook’s internationally bestselling Soul Savers Series. Last year’s shorts for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s have been rewrapped into one big gift, along with NEW content. Bonus material includes two stories for Halloween – including a choose-your-own-adventure-type ending! Also, find recipes for each holiday, submitted by the most avid of Soul Savers fans. That’s 11 short stories and 48 recipes in one neat package ready for the holiday season.<br />
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Enjoy your Halloween treats with a scary story from Tristan and Alexis and a choose-your-own-adventure where you get to decide your fate—supernatural or human.<br />
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Stuff yourself full with three Thanksgiving stories about a baby vampire yearning for a traditional feast, a lost werewolf who finds love, and Tristan, Alexis, and the crew struggling to enjoy dinner when the enemy attacks.<br />
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Open three gifts that include a Daemoni warlock finding her own way to celebrate anti-Christmas, a vampire converted to the good side who discovers the miracle of Christmas, and a special, fan-inspired story from Tristan – winner of multiple best hero/best book boyfriend awards, including UtopYA Con 2014 Best Supernatural Hero.<br />
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Finally, ring in the New Year with a were-romance, a party that tests four witches’ resolutions, and your favorite couple struggling to grab their midnight kiss.
Available in ebook currently and coming soon to print:
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Amazon CA
Amazon AU
Nook US
Kobo
iBooksKristie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01649966564896771373noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096879887407785226.post-49572400736613565902014-09-05T16:28:00.000-04:002014-09-05T16:28:17.505-04:00This Life Is a Dream (So Get Over Yourself)There's been a bit of author drama on the interwebz again this week. I'm not sure if they've been temporary meltdowns or more cases of Authors Behaving Badly, but either way - dude, be nice to your readers!<br />
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I love my readers! I adore each and every one of you. I would write even if I had no readers, but ya'll make it so much more fun. You give me inspiration. You motivate me to put my butt in the chair and write. And most of all, you give me friendship. Even if I've never met you or communicated with you, we love the same books and characters, so I know I like you. And since they're <i>my</i> books and characters, I know you're <i>extra</i> awesomely amazing. Haha!<br />
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Yes, there are times I feel like I answer the same questions over and over again when the answers seem to be everywhere you find my name. There are times when I want to run to my bed, hide under the covers, and cry, "I don't care that you're just a mean old troll, you're so right that your dog could excrete a better story out of his butt." (OMG, thank God I never got a review like that! I'd seriously die!)<br />
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The most common question I get: "When is the next book coming out? I'm dying here!!!!" I answer it several times a day, although it's on my website (look over in the sidebar), on Facebook in multiple posts and comments, and everywhere else because people are always asking me. At least, <i>I </i>feel like it's everywhere because it's such a big piece of <i>my</i> life. And I admit that each time I'm asked, it makes me feel all kinds of pressure, and fear, too. Fear that I'm letting my fans down because I can't write fast enough and they're hating me for it. I don't want to disappoint!<br />
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But go off on a public rant about readers or their reviews? Insulting my fans? Hell, no! Because I know the reality is that each and every review means a stranger read my book. Even if they didn't like it, they gave me a chance, and I really can't ask for more than that. Each and every question is someone showing that they love my books. And I can only be grateful for that because I never expected to be living this dream that I do. I never expected a single fan, especially one who cares enough to take time out of <i>their</i> busy lives to write me a message.<br />
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Yes, we put blood, sweat, and tears - and a part of our souls - into writing a book. It's not an easy thing to do, and it's often life-changing. We feel we are a part of our books and our books are a part of us as human beings. Our characters are real people, and we feel their emotions along with them, even when we're not writing. Their stories leak into our daily lives as we're trying to fulfill our other roles of employee, spouse, parent, child, sibling, church member, and overall contributor to society. <i>Writing</i> a book takes so much out of us because we put so much into it. It's hard work, but it comes out of a passion and a need in our souls.<br />
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But it does not put us up on some holier-than-thou pedestal just because we accomplished finishing a novel.<br />
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And here's the thing - once our book is published, and especially when readers like it and we start to build a fan base, we have crossed over into another place. We are now living a dream. We are experiencing what kids fantasize about - what we once fantasized about. We have reached a place that we've <i>ached</i> to be in with every fiber of our hearts and souls. We are writing <i>stories </i>and getting paid for it.<br />
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Although our books might change someone's perspective on life, we are <i>not</i> soldiers, EMTs, firefighters, cops, doctors, nurses, or anyone else in life-or-death situations. Our books don't protect people's safety and security or ensure they can provide another week of food and shelter for themselves and their families. We are a lot closer to Hollywood entertainers than we are to the heroes on the front lines. And that most definitely means we cannot stand on a pedestal, believing we're better than everyone else, slinging mud in their faces simply because we feel justified to go off on a rant every now and then.<br />
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Yes, we all need to vent to release some pressure. That's what the privacy of our own homes is for. Not in public. Not at the grocery store and not on the interwebz. And most certainly not to the very people who allow us to live this dream.<br />
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This <i>my</i> rant. Send out love and love will come back. And whether it comes back to me or not, I'm sending out the love to all of you. You are my world, and I'm so grateful to have you here with me. I wanted to make sure you knew that.Kristie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01649966564896771373noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096879887407785226.post-86232773015655483322014-09-02T17:23:00.000-04:002014-09-02T17:23:41.262-04:007 Books for Under 7 BucksThis is happening:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFN7AZ4E1d7P5Ky7K5Tc-7PMf9jhw01719TSWc8HWtx8am4_WZr2BktWHAfnBs3iJeCBkmdO_djWv-f3Ws3c3mfYgn_hbGkMcmwD1NzSdGo5uppO8NB6C6umBzW6pfdqD8WsgJCGv6RR0/s1600/7books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFN7AZ4E1d7P5Ky7K5Tc-7PMf9jhw01719TSWc8HWtx8am4_WZr2BktWHAfnBs3iJeCBkmdO_djWv-f3Ws3c3mfYgn_hbGkMcmwD1NzSdGo5uppO8NB6C6umBzW6pfdqD8WsgJCGv6RR0/s1600/7books.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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In case you don't understand my 'lovely' *ahem* infographic - <i>Curses, Fates & Soul Mates: 5 Paranormal New Adult Novels</i> is on sale for only 99c! That's 5 books from authors R.K. Ryals, Raine Thomas, Lynn Rush, Rachael Wade, and me - including <i>The Space Between</i>, Part One of The Book of Phoenix trilogy. That's 5 (FIVE!!!!) full-length novels for only 20c each!<br />
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AND...<br />
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<i>The Space Beyond</i>, Part Two of The Book of Phoenix trilogy, is also on sale for 99c. <i>The Space Within</i>, Part Three, sells for $4.99.<br />
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Add it all up and you get 7 books for under 7 bucks. But hurry...only lasts through this Saturday!<br />
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The links are below. Feel free to pass this info around to anyone you think would be interested in any of these books. I'm telling you - I'm so impressed by the quality of the stories in the <i>Curses, Fates & Soul Mates</i> box set. Those girls are <i>talented</i>.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b>Curses, Fates & Soul Mates:</b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Amazon US: </span><a href="http://tinyurl.com/ZonUSCurses" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>ZonUSCurses</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Amazon UK: </span><a href="http://tinyurl.com/CFSMAmazonUK" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>CFSMAmazonUK</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Amazon CA: </span><a href="http://tinyurl.com/CFSMZonCA" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>CFSMZonCA</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Nook US: </span><a href="http://tinyurl.com/CFSMNook" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>CFSMNook</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Nook UK: </span><a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2FCFSMNookUK&h=PAQF5_9e2&enc=AZM4tTttlryYUVaMSnQbK74UbMXB3vn7HmznpI3LxM3jwUBKk6DBxYQBM6sRzuTLhip4YCRvXKV2Aj8HWLzBuXN4bK0xvaBWvAMHp2tCzQMNqIl1YAQovig9DZFQb0QVJLOupxoL_jC5vKQ78HXX7Exf&s=1" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>CFSMNookUK</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Kobo: </span><a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2FCFSMKobo&h=1AQFB__Rc&enc=AZOyEDoksqd5e40_THlwNLkTvGjIeK477yvzc588L4quFXmSECR5NZmQO_fgqZzAfkZOtX-lMYCMNKuXVUaDJSBKS3LyQRjrfr44m6QANAnBhkfneE9b2qnKxi3mxcovI6Nh6ewuLd4jAqToGBK8NfpF&s=1" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>CFSMKobo</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">iBooks: </span><a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2FiBooksCFSM&h=IAQGuDaQv&enc=AZPS9js6FiNYGVNQ9-xmVm22ZrKfIAD7kjWzk1SZNzRgcXjQKKO86sAR4rQPwIDmIEVXvgJwKlC4yrbf-nIKyzgD2n5d837P6KDzl2XoxquqnlAFSdULKQFWwJ6qnridY_BWXSO1feBvbs12fGJYkFi4&s=1" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>iBooksCFSM</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b>The Space Beyond:</b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Amazon US: </span><a href="http://tinyurl.com/ZonBeyondUS" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>ZonBeyondUS</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Amazon UK: </span><a href="http://tinyurl.com/TSB2-AmazonUK" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>TSB2-AmazonUK</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Amazon CA: </span><a href="http://tinyurl.com/ZonCABeyond" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>ZonCABeyond</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Nook US: </span><a href="http://tinyurl.com/NookTSB2US" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>NookTSB2US</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Nook UK: </span><a href="http://tinyurl.com/NookUKBeyond" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>NookUKBeyond</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Kobo: </span><a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2FKoboBeyond&h=GAQHD-F2n&enc=AZODwSQy-l5WaFTGHtMYVlw-3byzxpmbsd69ukzY2-r1L-54AimtM-QwV8J-kEQY9D8QcPKwPIZI0Wp8jV55aWWCmZkWQCmtLKXIAPrSHXaiakhKOnpvfs_1tMsdm__TKo8DOnGs53XwSkU6_29cdFDu&s=1" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>KoboBeyond</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">iBooks: </span><a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2FiBooksBeyond&h=jAQHkPa5b&enc=AZMU_Ku8wQwlKq4V5VeTUQb19bb5lFOtet4tnpZN6rVJbqdCLxU0xWwtfH9Nrq4AjLvWjug03wENg_xTHKCggwm0OuUIZIzpTTODW-s9preKa07FvZ-oz8V0nlFKB6Yv1SjoPinET1oqdGlFP5Wd-c3B&s=1" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>iBooksBeyond</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b>The Space Within:</b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Amazon US: </span><a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2FZonWithinUS&h=AAQGLKwn9&enc=AZMhami2qA9ZTW0ZC5mkVQENUMWUlg7Z43hHHAQI-BtNWtBwrKyt4hlA8RNmmKIPZR8w5ITyJYFg731M8PGRuHlnS_4bXQhCBK1m8W1zBe_AE13oUCQ65xwy9CjtmPP5dV3Qyfc9XbPtsizXl1OFpAtH&s=1" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>ZonWithinUS</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Amazon UK: </span><a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2FZonUKWithin&h=SAQGCjszs&enc=AZPFnW_dLWXvI_6QLlvcgTr-Jjxp8lPBD7M4dpFPPtJtU6FeXP4YalXkuSAq8BnbxssbuLhDl8HKIsSniJL86FodWRsgowzCFslEz0I5-4U2V-fXFxCR4f09sBrkguePLMQKxnq6JyS5J0VMJBg2P1OC&s=1" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>ZonUKWithin</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Amazon CA: </span><a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2FZonWithinCA&h=RAQFXz5Hs&enc=AZP1YtEsSwNyU4iR7J7uRJlrgJjSVxv_JEId7gtKgGDNfIv6sRqSvCTubzaB7jvFQjr5qjZK_Up5ZYYzem5FTB9wW6N-g6e5KrCIGZTzVlIRWg_5739ZDoSX8BeOHTEpa8LxwnjqX3AO6ZN_3XlOkKmx&s=1" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>ZonWithinCA</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Nook US: </span><a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2FNookWithinUS&h=wAQF4fL7J&enc=AZNOh_1QKNXNAuypDNgM3UEhwzqkXmtkSYJ4Vpt9UvJfnONpUG4JqFV-NRX57fQeMI02wJZFgXcS3nv6odQDY9hAuPG1_Gnn1car12qv1ajep3bmqxWI4CzM2-Z_eMjpbtjLd6PrZ-YQyhcU60qMCHTY&s=1" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>NookWithinUS</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Nook UK: </span><a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2FNookWithinUK&h=-AQFBOQQg&enc=AZPCABN2nnrEixniWWcpZL4-7iGHA24lR7jc2-IpnuJY8B45qCfJePHL7KBja4cYjmyvUmd3PzSWUef8J5oaT37zTEH91mPf8WWwPGHQiZpHO9UkQS5xXpVa8LwkNraxE25V_ASYJaGLXnIHjjos_vC0&s=1" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>NookWithinUK</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Kobo: </span><a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2FkoboWithin&h=NAQFjarOS&enc=AZNYL4AP05fpg9r5ROnFWBj6j8Nka9twCthyx93ony_U5qo5QGyQoVeMqQ9VMtyavu1jLvBBkgvVs0E-ux26Xxw0hkmQ_lstC_63--5Jnw2laqb9Unj7SO8qV1UUpN58XyXpYX_DipurDpZxkjf2Asdl&s=1" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>koboWithin</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">iBooks: </span><a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2FiBooksWithin&h=1AQFB__Rc&enc=AZNkiIvQkhp_jaFxkmBbAMbu41-dPPaKuG0n2H97OqVD5QxMlUnygEkLvGvxu_2rGvhOaQL6g8HKrvtWLvFdotCd8esRiJSLEeW21Vx-MvWFfB7IXhqTwGGrrcroJFrZ2-UbHrico8kEwGK4bNgb9gbz&s=1" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>iBooksWithin</a>Kristie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01649966564896771373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096879887407785226.post-66548102418963809572014-08-29T14:14:00.000-04:002014-08-29T14:14:11.249-04:00Coming UpTomorrow kicks off some exciting stuff for the next couple of months! First, <i>The Space Beyond</i> goes on sale for only 99c through next Saturday, 9/6. So if you haven't read The Book of Phoenix trilogy yet, you can get all three books for less than $6.<br />
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<i>OR</i>...<br />
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<i>Curses, Fates & Soul Mates: 5 Paranormal New Adult Novels</i> also goes on sale tomorrow through 10/14 for only 99c. That's <b>5!!!!</b> books from 5 authors for less than a buck! Including <i>The Space Between</i>. So with this deal and the rest of The Book of Phoenix trilogy on sale, you can get <b>7!!!</b> full-length novels for less than $7! Nice, eh? Grab it while you can!<br />
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Also, starting Monday, I'm doing my first blog tour in a long time (not counting promo blasts and review-only tours). There will be guest posts, interviews, excerpts, and reviews.<br />
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October has a few surprises in store, too. And throughout all of this, I'm working away on Soul Savers Books 6 <i>and</i> 7. Yes, I'm writing them together so you can read them almost back-to-back. Stay tuned for more news about the Soul Savers.<br />
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Then we have the holidays coming up, starting with Halloween. Yay!<br />
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So what's going in your world for the next couple of months? Anything exciting? Looking forward to the cooler weather?Kristie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01649966564896771373noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096879887407785226.post-90171848614842830222014-08-26T15:37:00.000-04:002014-08-26T15:37:15.647-04:00Do You Listen to Your Books?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbFeUIuk-woUdlBu5WCzW2U6Lm2fTf3eN-9gUDp02Z0icxDkhWlvVb-0dMeeIvZWHNc3FW6Dxc6a9L4LtzhuGV_dEi6IPdwzVEO04j2O8gxt3UrRwF7UNPo3WJiLA0mhfm5yHrgWqsDBM/s1600/PROMISE_audiobook+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbFeUIuk-woUdlBu5WCzW2U6Lm2fTf3eN-9gUDp02Z0icxDkhWlvVb-0dMeeIvZWHNc3FW6Dxc6a9L4LtzhuGV_dEi6IPdwzVEO04j2O8gxt3UrRwF7UNPo3WJiLA0mhfm5yHrgWqsDBM/s1600/PROMISE_audiobook+cover.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>Do you listen to audiobooks? There's a growing trend of people who do and not only during work commutes anymore. They're a convenient way to "read" more books when you don't have time to sit and actually read or for when you get motion sickness from reading in a car or on a train. People have told me they listen to them while doing housework, cooking, giving themselves a mani/pedi, sitting in school pickup lines, grocery shopping, taking their daily walks, and even during more strenuous workouts.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxfeb33CztBdh57yUdDM0QDQ7ffOSIyl27OXta7oWhynQh4thnpelgnQzJFSUSmzXhegQTuTp7xAIF6J0GSiL6J0llV5YcLOoQ_CdeS85UThf664zy8aeF61a7jOy8z3o9K3He8un4X0/s1600/Purpose-audio-book-cover.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxfeb33CztBdh57yUdDM0QDQ7ffOSIyl27OXta7oWhynQh4thnpelgnQzJFSUSmzXhegQTuTp7xAIF6J0GSiL6J0llV5YcLOoQ_CdeS85UThf664zy8aeF61a7jOy8z3o9K3He8un4X0/s1600/Purpose-audio-book-cover.jpeg" height="200" width="200" /></a>I'm not personally a huge listener of them. My commute from bed to office is about 30 steps across my house - about long enough for a narrator to spit out a sentence. Maybe two. That would take <i>forever</i> to finish the book! When I'm actually doing something actively, I try to be in the present since so much of my time is spent in other worlds with "fictional" (don't tell them!) people.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM2PJt4bn2R_GG3GnyFS-_wtSdVr7sdXksR9TYtPW74kmO79CTDOzfmeILESvB_wgECyETeHHKd12X_2wlRVVDV5DWYd-WaE3dwlzwiu3QcKZ9tCUCmI2ZX0_yUw-eGhIdec-IUi1cK9U/s1600/devotion_audible_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM2PJt4bn2R_GG3GnyFS-_wtSdVr7sdXksR9TYtPW74kmO79CTDOzfmeILESvB_wgECyETeHHKd12X_2wlRVVDV5DWYd-WaE3dwlzwiu3QcKZ9tCUCmI2ZX0_yUw-eGhIdec-IUi1cK9U/s1600/devotion_audible_cover.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVbM1YZIoTRDdEgvMa9PIbgVz6t43yaz5rcU_fwa4GUipJLFhzS_kFdwgdRhDnSTqpxNi44671mALMZAQvT2hbWI54zzEnsz06cljGldUMnmHqjx7b9eeNKUesPWkO8z-BpJWHNYv3SoQ/s1600/power_audible_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVbM1YZIoTRDdEgvMa9PIbgVz6t43yaz5rcU_fwa4GUipJLFhzS_kFdwgdRhDnSTqpxNi44671mALMZAQvT2hbWI54zzEnsz06cljGldUMnmHqjx7b9eeNKUesPWkO8z-BpJWHNYv3SoQ/s1600/power_audible_cover.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />
But I am intrigued by this idea of listening while working out. I usually like fast and hard music to boost my excitement and energy levels, but people who listen to audiobooks say they end up working out longer because they're so involved in the story. Hmmm...that's intriguing, especially for someone who watches the minutes for when I can finally be done. Of course, this wouldn't work for certain types of workouts, like zumba, tennis, or swimming. Haha! But for a run? On the treadmill, step-climber, or bike? I can see the possibilities... Or should I say "hear" them? I might have to give it a go.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1pUbGTddYDfrYYarGCPO9f-XBE6JQfgMAN-cpXUsLXF5pnrB8YorQkUlzY5qPgTh87Ylw4a-i2Sq5H2RIp88GFvCOZSTHKrFT8JB5iaNefebmuNU5E-rbc3C-wg9vNCOMhJxzlVZk4bM/s1600/wrath-audiobook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1pUbGTddYDfrYYarGCPO9f-XBE6JQfgMAN-cpXUsLXF5pnrB8YorQkUlzY5qPgTh87Ylw4a-i2Sq5H2RIp88GFvCOZSTHKrFT8JB5iaNefebmuNU5E-rbc3C-wg9vNCOMhJxzlVZk4bM/s1600/wrath-audiobook.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>How about you? Do you listen to audiobooks? If so, when? What are you usually doing? Any recommendations? I need to download some and give this idea a try.<br />
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If you didn't know, all of my Soul Savers books to date (except Genesis) are on audiobook, available at <a href="http://www.audible.com/search/ref=a_pd_Romanc_c2_1_auth?searchAuthor=Kristie+Cook">Audible.com</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kristie-Cook/e/B0046KG8R4">Amazon.com</a>, and <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/kristie-cook/id385118465?mt=11">iTunes</a>.<br />
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<br />Kristie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01649966564896771373noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096879887407785226.post-60173822954950512712014-08-22T16:37:00.001-04:002014-08-22T16:37:55.751-04:00The ALS Ice Bucket ChallengeI was challenged and gladly accepted!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/B4VPFuZAR8Q?list=UUAXU8IuRfdIuC0MUV2dNnGA" width="560"></iframe><br />
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As you can see in the video, ALS hits close to home for me, and I'm thrilled to see the awareness of this disease spreading like wildfire the last few weeks. And the challenge has raised upwards of $53.3 million! (Figure as of this afternoon as reported by ALS Association.) That's a nice shot in the arm of funds for research for a disease that barely gets noticed beyond the friends and family members of PALS (People with ALS).<br />
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What many people may not realize is that there are enough similarities in ALS, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and other degenerative diseases that scientists believe finding the cause and cure in one will lead to finding the causes and cures to them all. My dad has Parkinson's. A cure in his lifetime would be truly amazing.<br />
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I know there are haters on this challenge, which I just don't get. Awareness is spreading and money is being raised. Everyday people are realizing that you don't have to be a celebrity to make a difference. How can this possibly be a bad thing?<br />
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Even the claim of wasting of clean water kind of baffles me - that's like my parents telling me there are starving children in Africa, so I need to clean my plate. How does my clean plate help those kids? Unless you're in a drought area, how does conserving a bucket of water here help those who don't have it elsewhere? If anything, it soaks into the ground, evaporates into the air, and creates rain that falls elsewhere. And the good that it's creating rather than being flushed down the toilet exceeds the waste. If you're worried about supplies of fresh water, stop flushing and taking showers every time you feel like it.<br />
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Anyway...the ice bucket challenge is a good thing. I hope you will take it. And whether or not you let freezing-cold water be dumped on your head, I hope you will make a donation. Just $10 helps. $10 x millions of people makes a HUGE difference, as we have seen. Here's the link: <a href="http://www.alsa.org/">http://www.alsa.org/</a>Kristie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01649966564896771373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096879887407785226.post-31896085043545104932014-08-12T17:13:00.001-04:002014-08-12T19:09:31.905-04:00The Deepest, Darkest Pit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQKP-oui_NR5HT2lJb1O1HtOcdLhf3iW4pp5VnpbDZDpK9O4oAxA6iQorgn7Lzb2PFFHCgrKKVxv_ixSq5Gx6DNo7CkbwYH66bkv4BosSGUMojQcknDMQDilQayIWaSJJwTqpt-TWmTg/s1600/feel-alone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQKP-oui_NR5HT2lJb1O1HtOcdLhf3iW4pp5VnpbDZDpK9O4oAxA6iQorgn7Lzb2PFFHCgrKKVxv_ixSq5Gx6DNo7CkbwYH66bkv4BosSGUMojQcknDMQDilQayIWaSJJwTqpt-TWmTg/s1600/feel-alone.jpg" height="317" width="320" /></a></div>
Today I mourn Robin Williams' death with a heavy heart. He was such a blessing to this world, a true legend who had a way of touching our hearts and lifting us up. Just the mention of his name, a picture of his face, or a clip of one of his movies or stand-up acts brought smiles to our faces. Millions of people around this world adored him, but what everyone else feels doesn't matter when it comes to depression. The size of your house and bank account, the kind of car you drive, the number of people who admire you - none of that matters. Only one person does - the person suffering. Not in an egotistical, self-centered way, but in the very aloneness we feel while battling major depression.<br />
<br />
I've been there, and I wish I could share just how horrible it is. Depression is hard to describe, though, for those who have never been drowning in it before. Even those who've had their short-term, minor bouts don't understand suicidal thoughts. It's a very dark, very lonely place that messes with your mind, leading you to do things you'd never thought yourself capable of. You lose touch with reality as the dark thoughts eclipse everything else until they become your <i>only</i> thoughts. You find yourself believing only the negativity and discounting anything anyone else says about your worth, about how much they love you, about everything you have to offer to your loved ones and the rest of the world. You become convinced that nobody else truly understands or cares. You can only believe that their words are all lies. That the only truth is the darkness within you. You know that there may be a few people who will mourn you, but you also know they will go on with their lives. They may be sad for a while, but you just can't believe that they'd be forever changed by your death. You simply don't matter enough.<br />
<br />
You don't matter <i>enough</i>.<br />
<br />
That's how someone who seems to have everything, who has fought so many battles with depression, addiction, and self-destruction in the past and hidden his pain behind humor, can come to this final decision. No matter how many people claim to appreciate and need you, to be touched by you, to feel blessed to have you in their lives, you can't believe that you really matter <i>that much</i> to them. Because you are really, deep down, nobody. Nothing. Unworthy. A dark stain on the world.<br />
<br />
Asia, in <i>The Space Within</i>, says it like this:<br />
<blockquote>
A deep sadness settled over me, and I began to wonder what
it would feel like when the Darkness took over completely. Would it be painful?
I couldn’t imagine any worse emotional pain than I was already in—a pain so
deep and thorough, it felt physical. Worse than the utter misery of major
depression.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I remembered too easily my bout of depression and the feeling
it brought that nothing in the world could ever be right again. All I could see
then were days and months and years ahead of me of living at the bottom of a
black pit that I could never climb my way out of. Where every day consisted of
the exact same desolation because nothing would ever change. I didn’t deserve anything
different anyway, I’d thought then. I was too weak and ignorant and ugly and
skinny and selfish and vain and irresponsible and bitchy … and just plain
stupid to deserve happiness. I <i>belonged</i>
at the bottom of that pit, far away from the intelligent, beautiful, happy
people of the world who shouldn’t be subjected to the damage my presence would
do to them. I didn’t deserve their love or any kind of joy of my own.</blockquote>
<blockquote>
I walked the rim of that
pit every day, always fearful of falling back in, and I felt now that same
weight of negativity and despair tugging me downward again, heavier than ever.</blockquote>
Depression <i>is</i> a pit of darkness. And it seems to have a gravity force fifty-million times stronger than that of the Earth, trying to keep you at its very bottom and never letting you out. At that bottom is liquid hopelessness, soaking into your every pore, filling all of your cells, pulling you under, and pressing on your chest so you can't breathe. Even when your brain knows you should be reaching for the air and light at the top, the bottom pulls stronger at your heart and soul until you are drowning under the liquid blackness. And you feel like the dark depths are exactly where you belong. When you finally convince yourself otherwise and begin to pull yourself up to the light, to where you can breathe again, the tiniest of dark tentacles can grab ahold and whip you back down and under again.<br />
<br />
I wish I could tell you how to climb out and stay out - and how to help your loved ones do the same. I've been out for several years, but I never once can believe that I'm free from the pit for good. Yes, it is easier and becomes even more so every day I stay out, but I know there is always a chance of falling back down, and I remain alert for the signs. All I can say to you is never give up if you know someone suffering with depression. Even when they seem to be in the light and doing great, you never know when one of those tentacles will lash upwards and take them down again. Make sure they know that they are loved, and not only when they're sad. Reaffirm their worth in the good times, too. Remind them that they are missed when they're not around and that lives will be forever changed when they are gone for good.<br />
<br />
Make sure that they know they matter <i>enough</i>. And that they're not alone.<br />
<br />
Everyone deserves to know this, regardless of their battles (and we're all facing something). So be sure to show - not just tell - all of your friends and loved ones that they matter, that you truly care, that you love them. Do it as often as possible. You never know when it might be the last time - or when you might be saving their lives. I have to thank my children for making sure I knew this, even if it was in their own ways of reminding me that they needed a mother. I also have to thank God and my Savior, whom I finally learned to turn to. They have all been my lifeline.<br />
<br />
If you are suffering with depression, I pray that you find <i>your</i> lifeline. If you know someone else who is, I pray that you can be theirs. Wrap yourself around them and hold on for as long as it takes, even when you feel their grip slipping or think they don't need you any more. You don't need to fix their problems - their problems may not be fixable. You only need to be there - to be their lifeline to hold onto.<br />
<br />
We all need each other to get through this thing called life...and to keep each other out of the deepest, darkest pit. We all need to feel that we're not completely alone in this world, regardless of the number of people surrounding us - we just need to know one person truly, honestly, <i>genuinely</i> cares. Be that person.<br />
<br />
Sending my thoughts and prayers to all of you who suffer with depression, as well as to loved ones of those who have taken their own lives, whose wounds have likely been ripped back open. There is no grief that compares to losing a loved one to suicide. You will always wonder why and what more you could have done. But sometimes there is nothing more. Sometimes there is never enough. Sometimes people make irreversible decisions regardless of anything anyone else does. And that is <i>their</i> decision and not a reflection of what you did or didn't do. No matter where you are and what you're suffering through, know that God is with you and will take your pain - if you give it over to Him.<br />
<br />
Much love and {{{hugs}}} to all of you.Kristie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01649966564896771373noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096879887407785226.post-21621139129245061832014-08-01T14:10:00.000-04:002014-08-01T14:10:48.243-04:00It's LIVE! The Space Within, Part 3 of The Book of Phoenix<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj052nrTNmMWj7-AlwaqVeJLRjYtaA22f6It3npEISFB9kNQhSweEl0ekxFuu611kwMOahFDyrhhpV7yBCve_7upUV_ccb_vUo6Nuf_xEQ-pMFvkBKMdAvRWK-nQ9yaWrUFGe-0g_-jOHM/s1600/10507151_622441367869475_2410913305645008162_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj052nrTNmMWj7-AlwaqVeJLRjYtaA22f6It3npEISFB9kNQhSweEl0ekxFuu611kwMOahFDyrhhpV7yBCve_7upUV_ccb_vUo6Nuf_xEQ-pMFvkBKMdAvRWK-nQ9yaWrUFGe-0g_-jOHM/s1600/10507151_622441367869475_2410913305645008162_o.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>The Space Within</i>, the explosive conclusion of The Book of Phoenix series, is LIVE! Get yours at these ebook retailers:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://tinyurl.com/ZonWithinUS" target="_blank">Amazon US</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://tinyurl.com/ZonUKWithin" target="_blank">Amazon UK</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://tinyurl.com/ZonWithinCA" target="_blank">Amazon CA</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://tinyurl.com/NookWithinUS" target="_blank">Nook US</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://tinyurl.com/NookWithinUK" target="_blank">Nook UK</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://tinyurl.com/koboWithin" target="_blank">Kobo</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://tinyurl.com/iBooksWithin" target="_blank">iBooks</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The print edition will be available in the next few weeks.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><i>When Darkness threatens, what matters most lies in The Space Within </i></b></span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Completing a mission that reunites Guardian Twin Flames turns devastating when the Book of Phoenix throws Leni and Brock into a Dark world, leaving Jeric and Asia behind. They count on their other halves to rescue them, but when that doesn’t happen, they must fight through the Darkness and find a Gate that will take them home. </span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Except all of Earth’s Gates are sealed. </span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Enyxa, ruler of Darkness, and her horde of Dark souls storm the Gates to push their way through to Earth. While Leni and Brock fight Enyxa on their side, Jeric and Asia must figure out how to save their Twin Flames without jeopardizing all of Earth’s souls. Through it all—and with a little help from Enyxa—Brock and Asia begin questioning their relationship and whether they’re truly meant to be together…or if they’re two Lost souls forced to become one. </span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">If the Broken dyads don’t find each other fast, they’ll be lost to the Dark forever. But to reunite means choosing themselves over all of Earth’s souls. Can Jeric make that decision? And will Brock and Asia find the love they both desperately crave? Or are they all doomed to perpetual Darkness? </span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Discover how it all ends in The Space Within, the explosive conclusion to The Book of Phoenix trilogy.</span></span></div>
Kristie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01649966564896771373noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096879887407785226.post-2439054206001235162014-07-10T12:53:00.002-04:002014-07-12T13:50:10.451-04:00Show Your Love of NA ParanormalGoing in to last week's NA Crush Tourney, Tristan of my Soul Savers Series was the last supernatural hero remaining in the tournament. As someone who loves the New Adult age category for books, I found this disheartening. There is so much potential for the category to expand into <i>all</i> of the genres, not just contemporary romance and erotica. That's for another post, though.<br />
<br />
For Tristan's next round in the Tourney (Tuesday, July 15), my team and I want to make it all about YOU and the NA paranormal world. Specifically, Tristan's world. Announcing...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOso4oMOy078rrd1ssGMWBU2wZ9_7XRmxUNSqIvmBVpmn0v-O6sMpV5dSSAC2PI-51CBn4MaBgZFrrbdw_qMSYay35ZMurlrpfqvitSy8f_-8WhH9gPvoV75o7uaGCvalDAIj1wkOS7Og/s1600/10464041_10204648657842855_3868650805958196440_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOso4oMOy078rrd1ssGMWBU2wZ9_7XRmxUNSqIvmBVpmn0v-O6sMpV5dSSAC2PI-51CBn4MaBgZFrrbdw_qMSYay35ZMurlrpfqvitSy8f_-8WhH9gPvoV75o7uaGCvalDAIj1wkOS7Og/s1600/10464041_10204648657842855_3868650805958196440_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">SINK YOURSELF INTO THE SOUL SAVERS WORLD</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgPB_ZYUxTo5kxPKzTYB4-npNYxldXCY0JvXn0bUKfkhAZoO0XtQOyGcnmESKI5bk3q-jxPmUxKJ4GKBvxeuLLz8sXQT3HynuOYTscpuZkBT_Bfe-WPR-aiXhvNoqT6PQAcw44fnCTSE/s1600/soul+savers+logo+white-low+res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgPB_ZYUxTo5kxPKzTYB4-npNYxldXCY0JvXn0bUKfkhAZoO0XtQOyGcnmESKI5bk3q-jxPmUxKJ4GKBvxeuLLz8sXQT3HynuOYTscpuZkBT_Bfe-WPR-aiXhvNoqT6PQAcw44fnCTSE/s1600/soul+savers+logo+white-low+res.jpg" height="148" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;">Have you always wanted to tell a story that takes place in the Soul Savers World?</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;">Ar</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;">e you an artist and would like to share how you see the Soul Savers World and/or the characters in it?</span></li>
<li><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;">Do you have special talents in photography or creating awesome videos?</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;">Are you a songwriter, poet, crafter, etc., who's been inspired by Tristan, Alexis, or any part of the Soul Savers World?</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Submit your work and win!</span></b></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">Share your love for NA paranormal and the Soul Savers World and showcase your talents, too! We will have a special Facebook event to share the submissions so people can vote on their favorites. There will be multiple prizes awarded, including a Kristie's Choice Award picked by me (in case that wasn't clear) and an Authors' Choice Award selected by the authors who will be participating and offering up prizes at the event.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>
<b>Top prizes will include:</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>A signed paperback of <i>Promise</i> with annotations throughout the book (handwritten notes by me)</li>
<li>A replica of the pendant Tristan made for Alexis</li>
<li>A Soul Savers Ultimate Fan Swag Bag full of signed books and awesome swag like a coffee mug, t-shirt, sachet of Tristan Scent Chips and more</li>
<li>A signed set of the Soul Savers books (including Books 6 & 7 when they release)</li>
<li>Gift cards and more!</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>HURRY! SUBMISSIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY<br />MIDNIGHT ET, SUNDAY, JULY 13TH!!!!</b></div>
<br />
<b>Possible Categories </b>(subject to change depending on submissions received):<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Short Story Fan Fic (no more than 5,000 words)</li>
<li>Poetry</li>
<li>Songs</li>
<li>Photography</li>
<li>Videos</li>
<li>Drawings</li>
<li>Paintings</li>
<li>Digital Art</li>
<li>Tattoos</li>
<li>Crafts</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Rules:</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>All entries must take place in, tie into, or be inspired by the Soul Savers World. Can be characters (current ones or ones you make up as long as they're in the world), settings, objects (i.e., Alexis's pendant, Vanessa's trunks), symbols and logos (i.e., Amadis mark, Daemoni symbol/logo) or anything else you come up with that's relevant to the world.</li>
<li>All entries must somehow tie into the New Adult age category (defined here: http://naalley.blogspot.com/p/about.html). If there are people/characters, they need to be appropriately aged. If you're submitting a visual art piece, music, or a video, make it so that it would appeal to this age group.</li>
<li>All entries must be submitted to inga.kupp@gmail.com no later than <b>Midnight Eastern Time, Sunday, July 13, 2014.</b></li>
<li>Written word entries (fan fic stories, poetry, songs, etc.) cannot exceed 5,000 words.</li>
<li>All entries become the property of Kristie Cook, and she may share it publicly with credit given.</li>
<li><b>All entries will be posted anonymously for fair voting</b>. Entrants' names will be announced at the end of the event.</li>
<li>Entry categories, prizes, and prize categories are subject to change prior to the event starting on Tuesday, July 15, 2014, depending on submissions received.</li>
<li>Entrants will be notified by email if there are any significant changes to the event.</li>
<li>Open internationally.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />Kristie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01649966564896771373noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096879887407785226.post-54644188716053187852014-06-25T13:42:00.000-04:002014-06-25T13:42:57.161-04:00It's All About TristanThis happened...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPM0tzRvzRSnW1mmnkITl9ghPXWgoOEhB52FvwT2OygtMtRJT8yMaCXPqUjNRvMpYZr8mPnRseGdADdSi4E7Cf0MgLJIVMxWj0bTnSaCjcoQYPoNW2DMoJPhw6iTTW_OkCHhO_OlRDDIU/s1600/Best+Hero+Award.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPM0tzRvzRSnW1mmnkITl9ghPXWgoOEhB52FvwT2OygtMtRJT8yMaCXPqUjNRvMpYZr8mPnRseGdADdSi4E7Cf0MgLJIVMxWj0bTnSaCjcoQYPoNW2DMoJPhw6iTTW_OkCHhO_OlRDDIU/s1600/Best+Hero+Award.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I am back from utopYA Con 2014 on a total high. It was such an amazing experience, even without the award. If there is any possible chance you can make it next year, I recommend it to all writers (published or not), bloggers, and readers. It's not just a conference - it's an experience.<br />
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Anyway, THANK YOU to everyone who voted for Tristan! This wouldn't have happened without you, the readers and fans. You all amaze me and totally rock my world. You all have my heartfelt love and appreciation.<br />
<br />
In related news, Tristan is once again part of the New Adult Crush Tourney at <span id="goog_1139176757"></span><span id="goog_1139176762"></span><span id="goog_1139176767"></span>NA Al<span id="goog_1139176770"></span><span id="goog_1139176771"></span>ley<span id="goog_1139176768"></span><span id="goog_1139176763"></span><span id="goog_1139176758"></span>. Eek! He went to the second round last year. How far can we get him this year? He gets a bye for the first round, so his first match is on July 8. If you're interested in helping out, our advocate, Inga at Me and Reading, has formed a special street team - #KnightRiders. Anyone can join. Here's the link: <a href="http://www.ingasilberg.com/2014/06/nacrushtourney-advocate-for-tristan.html">http://www.ingasilberg.com/2014/06/nacrushtourney-advocate-for-tristan.html</a><br />
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<br />
And talking about hot fictional men, S.T. Bende, author of the super-amazing Elsker Saga and creator of the to-die-for Ull, and I are hosting an event <b>tonight on Facebook</b> that you <i><b>must</b></i> come to. Seriously. It's going to be epic, especially if you like hot guys. And prizes. There will be giveaways. Join us for a fab and fun time that will lead to incredible dreams. <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/656052127802687/" target="_blank">SHH...Super Sekrit Hottie Event</a></b><br />
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I'll be keeping you up-to-date on the Crush Tourney. If you want to follow the brackets, here's the link: <a href="http://naalley.blogspot.com/">http://naalley.blogspot.com/</a> Thank you in advance for your votes! *big unabashed grin*Kristie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01649966564896771373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096879887407785226.post-30365460415727743632014-05-19T11:58:00.000-04:002014-05-19T12:11:39.124-04:00Release Day! The Space Beyond is LIVE!<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: small;">Release Day Blitz!</span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today is release day for <i>The Space Beyond</i> (Part Two in the Book of Phoenix)!! If you haven't read <i>The Space Between</i> (Part One in the Book of Phoenix), it's on sale for 99c! (Links below) - Join me, along with author Lynn Rush, whose book Absolute Zero releases on May 21st, in our 3-day <span style="color: #cc0000;">DUAL RELEASE CELEBRATION</span> starting TONIGHT with several guest author appearances!<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/509122122526573" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">https://www.facebook.com/events/509122122526573</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We also have a <span style="color: #cc0000;">GIVEAWAY </span>to share with you!! Look for how to enter down below!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">The Space Beyond </span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Part Two of the Book of Phoenix</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Author: Kristie Cook</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Release Date: Currently Available</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Where:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Amazon US: </span><a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2FZonBeyondUS&h=uAQHZ7vjc&enc=AZPEOM340sAEEpWFFJgdviiBkKDGBt_VS0mCaQVWjQvN-NW0HnLOgd8WyTUxFWVE5bfJ2tcmHQAsTl6ea-VCo0zccGzrDvBdQa7x4-SWJKmldKuVsPA5avk0aeqByPC0Ws0YTi2c15ZQpVGeHhnxjAKm&s=1" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/ZonBeyondUS</a><br />
Amazon UK: <a href="http://tinyurl.com/TSB2-AmazonUK" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/TSB2-AmazonUK</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /> Amazon CA: <a href="http://tinyurl.com/ZonCABeyond" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/ZonCABeyond</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" />Nook US: <a href="http://tinyurl.com/NookTSB2US" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://tinyur<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">l.com/NookTSB2US</span></a><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><br />Nook UK: <a href="http://tinyurl.com/NookUKBeyond" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/NookUKBeyond</a><br />Kobo: <a href="http://tinyurl.com/KoboBeyond" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/KoboBeyond</a><br />iBooks: <a href="http://tinyurl.com/iBooksBeyond" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/iBooksBeyond</a></span></div>
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<br /><i>Hearts break, souls shatter, love lies in The Space Beyond...</i><br /><br />As members of the Phoenix, Jeric and Leni are thrust into their new lives, expected to lead Earth’s Guardians. But Leni struggles with trusting her own soul, and Jeric is more concerned about keeping Leni safe than meeting others’ demands. When Darkness swarms Lake Haven, they embark on their first mission with little preparation and no idea which soul the Dark hunts.<br /><br />Born and raised in Lake Haven, Bex hopes to escape her small-town life, ideally in the arms of her soul mate. She knows he exists, and her heart aches with the need to find him. When her long-lost mama calls to announce she's knockin' on death's door, Bex reluctantly makes the trip to see the uncaring bitch (bless her heart), only to be knocked off her feet by the sexy and charming Dr. Mason Hayes. Is he really The One?<br /><br />Leni’s soul felt an instant connection to Bex, but if Bex found her soul mate, she isn’t their mission. So who is, and why does Leni instinctively feel drawn to her? Can Leni even trust her intuition? And will Jeric step up and lead when the time comes or continue to hold them back?<br /><br />If they don't learn to trust themselves and each other quickly, Darkness will claim them all…along with the rest of Earth’s souls.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">Other books in the series:</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYduJpOOzUpj9pKMPbD85QYB6T0zYCjZEoRYj0TB8FN8VFldhHKxKMMc0_paycChKvKGM3aIzvQ8tssDo27LK_Kkm_NwxXbgMd4vuMN6ScOBuAeoiIGcA5EgwkJF_ks6PQ6cFNIDHNsY/s1600/TheSpaceBetweenLg.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYduJpOOzUpj9pKMPbD85QYB6T0zYCjZEoRYj0TB8FN8VFldhHKxKMMc0_paycChKvKGM3aIzvQ8tssDo27LK_Kkm_NwxXbgMd4vuMN6ScOBuAeoiIGcA5EgwkJF_ks6PQ6cFNIDHNsY/s1600/TheSpaceBetweenLg.jpg" width="209" /></a></span></div>
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<i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">The Space Between</span></b></i><br />Part One in the Book of Phoenix<br />Author: Kristie Cook</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Currently Available <br /> Where: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Space-Between-Book-Phoenix-ebook/dp/B00C3OQO2O/">Amazon US</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Space-Between-Book-Phoenix-ebook/dp/B00C3OQO2O/">Amazon UK</a> | <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-space-between-kristie-cook/1114959553">B&N</a> | <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-space-between/id628066630?ls=1">iBookstore</a> | <a href="http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/The-Space-Between/book-DvZWUyXtBk2zKiiaU6X4ag/page1.html">Kobo</a><br /><br /><i>When life falls to pieces, answers lie in The Space Between...</i><br /><br /> Leni Drago can't make a smart decision on her own, according to her mother anyway--the few times she's tried resulted in disaster. When her uncle sends her on a dance tour in Italy to find her real self, she returns to an empty home and any evidence of his existence wiped out. Then things get even stranger, like the mysterious appearances of Jeric Winters--inked, pierced and a hit-'em-and-quit-'em type. He's one decision that should be easy for Leni. Or is he?<br /><br /> Jeric doesn't do girlfriends. Unless they're someone else's. He left the fighting cage and modeling for a reason, and girls who want more than a night of fun are distractions he doesn't need. Especially when they come with as much baggage as Leni carries. But he can't shake the gut feeling that he needs to know her. All of her.<br /><br /> To discover the truth behind their connection and their ties to a journal from 1989, they must face painful secrets from their pasts. And they must do so quickly because their own existences are falling to pieces.<br /><br /> This first part of The Book of Phoenix takes you on a heart-wrenching ride as you discover the answers that lie in The Space Between.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwWvzHYzC_KmZx-LeqhfLzCwv1VtF7HcaS_gORBWsJYW3LbqX8VZPTVeSb18NO7VQ21m80nJ-KRSF3I0dl4kdhqSURiXL-Ubc15Q_0VVmwHOCZm4-oH08t3DmYjS-ueUxk0UiwycWVfPY/s1600/The+Space+Within_high.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwWvzHYzC_KmZx-LeqhfLzCwv1VtF7HcaS_gORBWsJYW3LbqX8VZPTVeSb18NO7VQ21m80nJ-KRSF3I0dl4kdhqSURiXL-Ubc15Q_0VVmwHOCZm4-oH08t3DmYjS-ueUxk0UiwycWVfPY/s1600/The+Space+Within_high.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>The Space Within</b></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Part Three in the Book of Phoenix</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Author: Kristie Cook</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Release Date: July 14, 2014</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">here: Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo (all countries)</span></div>
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<i>When Darkness threatens, what matters most lies in The Space Within...</i><br />Completing a mission that reunites Guardian Twin Flames turns devastating when the Book of Phoenix throws Leni and Brock into a Dark world, leaving Jeric and Asia behind. They count on their other halves to rescue them, but when that doesn’t happen, they must fight through the Darkness and find a Gate that will take them home.<br /><br />Except all of Earth’s Gates are sealed.<br /><br />Enyxa, ruler of Darkness, and her horde of Dark souls storm the Gates to push their way through to Earth. While Leni and Brock fight Enyxa on their side, Jeric and Asia must figure out how to save their Twin Flames without jeopardizing all of Earth’s souls. Through it all—and with a little help from Enyxa—Brock and Asia begin questioning their relationship and whether they’re truly meant to be together…or if they’re two Lost souls forced to become one.<br /><br />If the Broken dyads don’t find each other fast, they’ll be lost to the Dark forever. But to reunite means choosing themselves over all of Earth’s souls. Can Jeric make that decision? And will Brock and Asia find the love they both desperately crave? Or are they all doomed to perpetual Darkness?<br /><br />Discover how it all ends in The Space Within, the explosive conclusion to The Book of Phoenix trilogy.<br /><b><br />About the Author:</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglh2F-eDbW6quvk2IDR8_p2eI14z1oxin07YimBTYWkgptg07XbuurSeTKuEzQhWusY-jbcQtIe1QyOJIvpWcfeDGaJdYwmKzKrR5WXr37HMQ6bydD3E04e_MIxJtLDyrIWs8vc_w0n8g/s1600/kristiecookpicture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglh2F-eDbW6quvk2IDR8_p2eI14z1oxin07YimBTYWkgptg07XbuurSeTKuEzQhWusY-jbcQtIe1QyOJIvpWcfeDGaJdYwmKzKrR5WXr37HMQ6bydD3E04e_MIxJtLDyrIWs8vc_w0n8g/s1600/kristiecookpicture.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kristie Cook is a lifelong, award-winning writer in various genres, from marketing communications to fantasy fiction. She continues to write the Soul Savers Series, a New Adult paranormal romance / contemporary fantasy, with Promise, Purpose, Devotion, Power, and the latest release, Wrath, book five, available now. She’s also written a companion novella, Genesis: A Soul Savers Novella, which details the compelling history of her Soul Savers mythology. Over 300,000 Soul Savers books have been sold, with Promise peaking at #54 on the Amazon Top 100 Paid list and at #1 in the Amazon Fantasy category.<br /><br />Kristie’s second series, The Book of Phoenix, is a New Adult paranormal trilogy. The Space Between is currently available, and The Space Beyond is releasing May 19, 2014, andThe Space Within will be available Summer 2014.<br /><br />Besides writing, Kristie enjoys reading, cooking, traveling, and riding on the back of a motorcycle. She has lived in ten states, but currently calls Southwest Florida home with her husband, three sons, a beagle, and a puggle. She can be found at:<br /><br />Author's Website & Blog: <a href="http://www.kristiecook.com/">http://www.KristieCook.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">UK Fan Site: <a href="http://www.kristiecookfansite.co.uk/">http://www.kristiecookfansite.co.uk</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Book of Phoenix Website: <a href="http://www.thebookofphoenix.com/">http://www.TheBookofPhoenix.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Soul Savers Series Website: <a href="http://www.soulsaversseries.com/">http://www.SoulSaversSeries.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/AuthorKristieCook">http://www.facebook.com/AuthorKristieCook</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/%23!/kristiecookauth">http://twitter.com/#!/kristiecookauth</a></span><br />
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Less than a week for <i>The Space Beyond</i> to release. Yippee!!! This book has become near and dear to my heart because it covers a subject that's important to me. There's also a character who I love so much, and I'd like you to meet her today. I've posted a few things from her here and there, but here's the first chapter from her point-of-view. Meet Bethany/Bex:<br />
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“Butter my butt and call me a biscuit. I can’t believe that
just happened,” Elizabeth said as I stomped into the kitchen. “You okay?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I’m fine,” I muttered. My hands gripped the bus tray as I
called out to the cook, “Aunt Faye, we need another fried chicken platter.
Green beans instead of collard greens.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Aunt Faye wasn’t my aunt—she was Elizabeth’s and they owned
the diner together—but we all called her Aunt Faye anyway. Memaw’s Diner was
opened decades ago by Aunt Faye’s actual memaw, and the building itself had
been in their family since it was built in the 1800s. The place was definitely
haunted, but what just happened was no ghost. That chick was off her flippin’
rocker. And no <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">bless her heart</i> added
to that. Not in my head, anyway. I didn’t give a shit about her heart or
anything else at the moment.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As I pushed my way through the swinging door, I wished I
could shoot arrows out of my eyes at the girl. Instead, I remembered Grams’
words I heard every morning for years before walking out the door: “Don’t
forget to put on your smile, the mos import’nt thang you can wear.” Of course,
if I walked out the door with nothing but a smile, she would have eaten her
words, God rest her soul, but that was the Southern way. So I grinned ear to
ear as I headed for the mess on the floor in front of the table with Mr.
Hawtness and his nutters girlfriend.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Even now, she wouldn’t stop staring at me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Weirdo. I hadn’t blamed her when she thought I’d messed with
her boyfriend that one time, and I actually thought she was pretty cool in a
daring kind of way when I saw her dance on the mechanical bull out at
Sullivan’s Bar at the truck stop. She’d seemed pretty normal then. Now? She
freaked me out. Why did she keep staring at me? I swear, there was hunger in
her eyes, as if she wanted to devour me rather than the food she’d pretty much
thrown on the floor. Were they wanting a threesome or something? Is that what
was up?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Wow. That was new for me, and I’d done some pretty kinky
shit. Girls weren’t exactly my thing, although if I did do a girl, I guess I’d
do her. She was gorgeous, with big green eyes, smooth, bronze skin that I would
kill for, and light brown curls that fell past her shoulders. A little curvier
than mine, her body was pretty hot, too. And him? Yeah, I’d taken advantage of
his drunken state before for a reason—talk about a body to die for, and those
blue eyes and dimples melted bones—but I’d never been rejected by a guy before,
especially not a drunk one. If she hadn’t made my day go from bad to worse, maybe
I would have considered a roll in the hay with both of them. Or maybe not.
Damn. I was going to hell just thinking about it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Here, let me help you.” Crazy girl was on her knees next to
me, reaching her hands out to scoop the pile of chicken, taters and gravy,
greens, and broken plate.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I moved my arm in front of her, blocking her hands. The last
thing Elizabeth and Aunt Faye needed was a lawsuit because she cut her hands
open. Yankee out-of-towners would be all over that shit.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Oh, no, I’ll take care of it,” I insisted. “You just sit
down and don’t worry your pretty little head over it. Your food will be out in
a minute.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The bus tray was pulled away, though, as a new pair of
jean-clad legs knelt down beside me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I got this,” said a familiar male voice that made my belly
quiver and my throat tighten even though I hadn’t heard it in years. “Go get
her food.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My eyes slowly lifted, taking in the jeans that strained
across thick thigh muscles, the wide belt buckle at the narrow waist, the Stu’s
Bait and Tackle tan t-shirt that stretched over pecs, shoulders, and biceps
that had been smaller when the shirt was bought, and up to full lips spread
into a smile and hazel eyes framed by dark lashes longer than Sissy’s fake ones
staring at me from under a red baseball cap. As if I didn’t have a thing for
guys in baseball caps. As if I hadn’t once had a thing for this particular guy.
As if I’d thought my day couldn’t get any crappier.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Go on now,” Ty Daniels insisted. “You’re lettin’ her food
get cold.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Without a word, I stood and strode for the kitchen, and not
because crazy girl’s plate was ready yet or because I was following Ty’s
orders, but because I needed a moment. Lots of moments.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What the hell is he doin’ back?” I seethed out loud as soon
as the kitchen door swung closed. I leaned against the wall and stomped my
foot. Yeah, I actually stomped my foot. And my hands formed fists at my sides.
My eyes stung, but with tears of anger and frustration. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I will not cry over him. I will not cry over him</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Oh, baby girl, I meant to tell ya,” Elizabeth said as she
wrapped her arms around me. She’d been my boss for years, as well as a
friend—as good a friend as a boss could be. Since Grams died two months ago,
she’d kind of taken on a mama role because my own mama had run out years ago.
Well, she’d found a way to wiggle herself back into our lives recently, but she
hadn’t been a real mama to me since … since I was born, really. Grams, God rest
her soul, pretty much raised my sister and me the best she could. “I heard he
came in overnight.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How had I not noticed? He lived next door to me. Was he
staying somewhere else? Of course, I’d left home before the butt-crack of dawn
this morning, so his trailer was probably still dark. It didn’t matter. I drew
in a deep breath and forced my heart to slow to normal.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s okay,” I said through another breath. “I’m not gonna
let him get to me. I’m over him. His loss. I’ve moved on.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That’s my girl,” Elizabeth said as she gave me another
squeeze before letting me go. She lifted my chin with her knuckles and
scrutinized my face.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m serious, Liz’beth. I’m done with him.” And I was. Ty
Daniels was no longer a prickly thistle stuck to my heart.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Having grown up in the same trailer park, we’d known each
other for as long as we could both remember. There’d been those couple of years
Mama had moved us away, but as soon as we came back, Ty was knocking on the
door, ready to play, no questions asked. That’s what I’d liked about him. We’d
been buddies for years, and then in high school, it became something more. But
he was never right for me and I wasn’t right for him, which he pretty much told
me right after his graduation and right before he took off for the Army. He
left me back home to finish my own schooling a year later, never sending word,
even when he went off to Afghanistan. It took me a while to realize he was
right. Ty Daniels wasn’t good for me. He wasn’t The One I was sure was out
there, somewhere, looking for me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So why did I have to react to him the way I had? If only my
body would realize just how bad he is … and forget just how <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">good</i> he is.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The big stuff’s all cleaned up, but I need a mop to get the
rest,” Ty said as he came into the kitchen with the bus tray under one arm.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Elizabeth gave him a warm smile and took the container from
him. “Thanks, Ty, but you don’t need to do that. You don’t work here anymore,
remember? In fact, it’s been some time since you did.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes, ma’am, but I never forgot what you taught me. Never
ignore a pretty girl’s needs.” His eyes cut over to me as one corner of his
mouth lifted in a grin.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I snorted and rolled my eyes before taking the plate Aunt
Faye had just placed on the counter. I’d rather put up with crazy girl than Ty
and how my body betrayed me around him. My damn belly quivered with that one
crooked smile. Quivered! But even with the threat of going to hell hanging over
my head, a threesome with these guys would be much better for me than anything
with Ty Daniels. They’d be on their way again afterward, and so would Ty, but
only he would leave me with another broken heart.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ty took a seat at a two-top table, and although Elizabeth
waited on him, I was completely and fully aware of his presence. I’d barely
even noticed when Mr. Hawtness and his girlfriend scooted out, although I did
notice the nice tip they left me. I half expected a note to meet them at their
camper, but there was none. Maybe I’d misread their intentions. Thank God and
baby Jesus. The girl’s craziness had been enough to deal with when it came to
those two. And with Sissy’s phone message she’d left here during this morning’s
breakfast rush, then Ty’s sudden appearance, I really didn’t need anything more
added to my plate today, thank you very much.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Bethany, sweetheart,” Ty said after Elizabeth had cleared
his table and disappeared into the kitchen. I’d been too busy wiping tables and
checking condiments to notice we were the only two left in the dining room.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Don’t call me that,” I said, and it came out harsher than I
intended. The “sweetheart” part made my knees weak, which annoyed the crap out
of me, and the “Bethany” part was like nails on a chalkboard. He was one of
those bad memories tied to that name, but only a minor one. Mostly I hated it
because it reminded me of the daddy I’d never really known, who’d given the
name to me, and my mama, who used it against me every chance she got. I was
sure she blamed me for his not being with us anymore. The way she used to draw
out my name but cut it short at the same time—<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bettttth’neeee</i>—because she was too trashed to say it right still
made my skin crawl. I’d gotten over it for a while—suppressed the memories, a
fancy head doctor would probably say—until she called two months ago. That’s
when I decided to never go by that name again. Unfortunately, in a small town,
it was hard to get people who knew you all your life to change their ways.
“It’s Bex now. And if you call me Bethany again, I’ll punch you in the nose.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ty chuckled. “I miss your feistiness.” He paused, and not
until I turned to face him and he could look into my eyes, did he add more quietly,
“I miss all of you, sweetheart.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Oh, dear Lord. Don’t
fall for it. DON’T fall for it.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I strode over to his table and stood across from him. I
placed my hands on the edge and leaned forward. “You left me.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He nodded. “I know. And I was stupid for it.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No, you weren’t. You were right.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I was wrong, boo. Totally wrong.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I gritted my teeth at his term of endearment. “Ty, it took
me a long time to get over the hurt—”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m so sorry, Beth—Bex.” His hand reached out for mine, but
I moved before he could grasp it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Don’t be. It sucked, and I hated you for a long time, but
it was the best thing for me.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Don’t say that, sweetheart. Please don’t say that.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I stood up and shrugged, even though my heart was pounding
painfully against my ribs. Saying this all out loud was much harder than I
thought it would be, but he didn’t need to know that. “Why not? It’s the truth.
You made me realize we weren’t right for each other. We never were and never
will be.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don’t believe that. Not anymore.” He stood and reached
for my hands again. I stepped backwards, and something in his eyes seemed to
crack with the rejection. “I came back for you. For us.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I swallowed against the lump that had formed in my throat.
“Well,” I said, my voice barely more than a whisper, “you shouldn’t have. It’s
over, Ty. There is no us.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Be-ex, please, boo.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My eyes closed for a brief moment before I opened them to
look into his. I had to clench my jaw and make my spine like a steel rod to say
my next words. “Don’t beg, Ty. You’re not a dog.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He stared at me for a long moment as multiple emotions
passed through his expressive eyes. Then he pulled his cap down further over
his forehead, threw some money on the table, and strode out the door. I stood
there for a moment, trying to pull myself together. Hopefully, that was the end
of the suck for the day. I’d had enough, and I needed it all to follow him out
that door. But if it did, it blew right back in with the next person to walk
through. Sissy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Ty Daniels?” she asked as she looked over her shoulder at
the old, beat-up, black Ford truck leaving the parking lot. She turned back to
me with her dark brows raised over big blue eyes that were just like mine. Her
raven hair was pulled back in a clip, and she wore little makeup, revealing the
purple half-moons under her eyes. I couldn’t believe she was out in public like
this—that wasn’t the Sissy I knew. She looked as exhausted as I felt. She may
have been younger than me, but she’d always had an old soul, and right now, no
way did she look only nineteen years old.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yeah, he’s back home, but don’t worry. I sent him packin’,
at least from me. You look like hell.” My sisterly way of trying to change the
subject.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She didn’t take my eggin’, though. “He’s probably the best
thing for ya, sis. You probably shouldn’t let him go a second time.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My eyes narrowed at her as she stepped to the table nearest
the door and hesitantly sat down. She’d seen the hot mess I’d been when Ty
left. She’d claimed to hate him as much as I had.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She looked up at me and rolled her eyes at my expression.
“Oh, come on, sis. Settlin’ down with Ty is a lot better than you runnin’
around and gettin’ it on with a different guy every month. Aren’t you tired of
that yet?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My nostrils flared as I blew out an angry breath before
yanking out the seat in front of her and dropping into it hard. I crossed my
arms on the table and leaned toward her.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I do <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i> get it
on with a different guy every month! Quit makin’ me sound like a two-bit
whore!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She only stared at me with her brow raised again.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Four guys, Sissy. I’ve been with four guys since Ty left me
three years ago.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She still stared silently. I squirmed and leaned back.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Okay, maybe it was five. That’s still a long shot from one
a month.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“And is that countin’ the carnie from Atlanta?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I didn’t get it on with him! We made out a little, but
that’s all. He kissed like a fish attacking a worm on a hook.” I shuddered at
the memory.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Still another man. And what about the surfer from Daytona?
The cowboy whose truck broke down on the way to the PBR finals? Oh, and let’s
not forget Punk Roberts.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I sighed. If she counted them, her list could go on, but I’d
actually slept with Punk. I really thought he’d been The One. He’d graduated as
Michael Roberts several years before me and went off to become a nearly famous
rock star. No doubt he would be there one of these days. He’d come home for a
break for a couple of months, and we’d hit it off right away. I’d never told
Sissy because she would have talked me out of it immediately, but I’d been
ready to pack my bags and hit the road with him, glad to say goodbye to this
Podunk town forever. Until I found out he’d succumbed to the typical rocker
lifestyle on the road, fueled by drugs that hyped him up and more that forced
him to sleep. I’d had enough of that bullshit in my twenty years at the time. I
wasn’t about to go there with him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sissy fell silent, and when I looked up at her, sadness
filled her eyes. She reached out for my hands and took them into hers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m sorry, Be—Bex.” That was the first time she’d called me
that, so she must have meant it. “I didn’t come here to pick on you. I’m just
worried about you, is all. And I know you hate Ty for what he did to you, but
maybe you can find it in your heart to love him again.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The problem was I’d never stopped loving him. But only as a
friend. He’d been the rock in my life, but now I couldn’t count on him anymore.
Maybe that was it—I couldn’t trust him. And if there’s no trust, there’s no
relationship.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So you knew he was comin’ back home and you didn’t tell
me?” I asked, bitterness filling my voice. I yanked my hands away from her.
“Left Mama’s side and came all the way here to convince me to take him back?
Did he put you up to this?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sissy pressed her hand to her chest and shook her head.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I
had no idea he was back, I pinky swear. I just saw him and thought he’d be good
for you. He’s always been a good friend to us, and we kinda need that right
now.” She folded her hands on the table and dropped her gaze as she picked at
her fingernails. “But no, there’s somethin’ else. Did you get my message this
mornin’?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yeah, Liz’beth told me. I was goin’ to call you back before
I went to my <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">other</i> job.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sissy’s face lifted, looking even more exhausted than she
had before, and I felt bad for my jab at her. Sorta bad. I thought she sometimes
forgot who was working her ass off to support us and pay for at least some of
Mama’s medical bills. Someone had to do it after all, and sometimes she became
quite the martyr, never letting <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">me</i>
forget who does the caretaking of Mama.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You need to see her,” Sissy said, her voice soft and
quivery.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ve got no need to.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Beth …” She sighed. “Bex … she only has a few more weeks.
Maybe a month or two, but the doctors reckon it’ll be shorter.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I stared at her for a long moment, and then looked away, out
the window, although my mind barely registered the trucks and cars passing by
on Central Street. It was trying to process everything that Sissy’s words
meant, but failed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“She’s your mama,” my baby sister reminded me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We may have came out of her hooha, but she’s never been a
mama,” I whispered. Sissy was only eighteen months younger than me, but she may
as well have been five years sometimes. She’d been younger enough to not
remember a lot, and I’d sheltered her from most of the rest. And, I’d admit,
she had a bigger and more forgiving heart than I did.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Don’t be like this. Not now. Mama needs you, just to see
you again, to say her apologies and goodbyes, so she can go peacefully.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My heart squeezed, and my throat suddenly felt like a peach
pit had lodged in it. I didn’t know that she deserved to go peacefully, but I
also knew that was a shitty thing to think.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don’t think seeing her will give either of us peace,” I
managed to say.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sissy reached for my hands again and grasped them firmly. “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I</i> need you to do this. If you can’t
bring yourself to do it for her or for yourself, then at least do it for me.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My gaze came back to Sissy’s face and her pleading eyes. My
heart contracted again. I’d always done everything I could for her, but I
didn’t know if I could do this.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don’t know when my next day off is,” I said. “Working
three jobs doesn’t really give me time to drive all the way to Orlando, you
know.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sissy closed her eyes and inhaled a long breath that caused
her ample chest to lift—at least Mama had given us something to work with. Our
looks and figures came from her. Of course, they hadn’t really been her gift,
since she had no say in the matter. That was all God’s doing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Apparently, Sissy’s calming method didn’t work. She stood up
and glared at me with her hands on her hips. “Where’s your common decency? Your
mama is dying! Maybe you should make your family a priority for once!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I jumped to my feet, too, knocking my chair over. “Oh, hell
no! Don’t you pull that one on me. The only reason I work three jobs is for you
and that bitch who’s done nothing but hurt us and leave <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">us</i> for dead. You really think she’d give two shits if the tables
were turned?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sissy huffed out a breath then stomped for the door. As soon
as she grasped the handle to pull, she looked over her shoulder at me. “Well,
in a few weeks, she’ll never be able to hurt you again. And for that matter,
I’ll be outta your hair, too.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I stared after her as she left with my mouth hanging open.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You tryin’ to catch flies?” Elizabeth asked behind me. I
snapped my jaw shut and went back to work cleaning tables and checking
condiments.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Elizabeth stepped behind the register and flipped through
the lunch tickets. “She’s right, you know.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I let out a low growl. “I don’t need it from you, too.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I know how you feel about your mama, including that you’re
torn right now on what to do. Which means you <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">know</i> what’s right, but you just don’t wanna do it.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She crossed her arms over her chest and tilted her head,
daring me to call her a liar.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“There’s been a dark energy around this place for months,”
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“Maybe it’s Papaw Willy angry at your music again,” I
half-joked, trying to relieve the tension. Papaw Willy was the original owner
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that convinced us <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">someone</i> was around
who shouldn’t be, but only Elizabeth could feel his presence and put a name to
him. He tended to throw his fits when Elizabeth played her heavy metal rock.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s definitely not
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And I’m sure any of us showing some extra love and forgiveness wouldn’t be a
bad thing. Maybe give a little light to the blackness hanging over us.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
I had no idea what she spoke about and figured she was just
trying to take a different angle to talk me into doing the right thing. The
dinner shift distracted me well enough, at least until afterward, when I went
into the bathroom to clean it. A little, red plastic dinosaur sat on the edge
of the sink, left by one of the kids who’d been in earlier, and it taunted me
with its reminder of childhood. I picked it up, turned it around in my hands, and
blinked back the tears that threatened.<o:p></o:p></div>
Kristie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01649966564896771373noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096879887407785226.post-16955994319886744062014-05-09T00:00:00.000-04:002014-05-09T01:17:39.898-04:00COVER REVEAL!!! The Space WithinWith the release of <i>The Space Beyond</i> barely more than a week away (May 19), how would you like to see the cover for the final part of The Book of Phoenix series, <i>The Space Within</i>? If you haven't read this New Adult Paranormal Romance series, you are so missing out! (Yeah, I may be biased, but betas say <i>The Space Beyond</i> is my best book ever.) If you'd like to share the new cover, please feel free! :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPpmQ-5ckr123Co3zvHryavGEMolB_JHPX8pIXDOGxaTVTA_FKYV4I4UBeRpX2uo_Emr9ep3MsygyN-xyVoFBD6evg1CCPJuvMOOjJE1S_RCMYLj4ww70eUgjfWgW3frkX06EPnHvCrQ/s1600/The+Space+Within_high.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPpmQ-5ckr123Co3zvHryavGEMolB_JHPX8pIXDOGxaTVTA_FKYV4I4UBeRpX2uo_Emr9ep3MsygyN-xyVoFBD6evg1CCPJuvMOOjJE1S_RCMYLj4ww70eUgjfWgW3frkX06EPnHvCrQ/s1600/The+Space+Within_high.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>The Space Within</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Part Three in The Book of Phoenix series</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Author: Kristie Cook</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Release Date: July 14, 2014</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Where: Amazon, B&N, iBooks, Kobo (all countries)</div>
<br />
<i>When Darkness threatens, what matters most lies in The Space Within</i><br />
<br />
Completing a mission that reunites Guardian Twin Flames turns devastating when the Book of Phoenix throws Leni and Brock into a Dark world, leaving Jeric and Asia behind. They count on their other halves to rescue them, but when that doesn’t happen, they must fight through the Darkness and find a Gate that will take them home.<br />
<br />
Except all of Earth’s Gates are sealed.<br />
<br />
Enyxa, ruler of Darkness, and her horde of Dark souls storm the Gates to push their way through to Earth. While Leni and Brock fight Enyxa on their side, Jeric and Asia must figure out how to save their Twin Flames without jeopardizing all of Earth’s souls. Through it all—and with a little help from Enyxa—Brock and Asia begin questioning their relationship and whether they’re truly meant to be together…or if they’re two Lost souls forced to become one.<br />
<br />
If the Broken dyads don’t find each other fast, they’ll be lost to the Dark forever. But to reunite means choosing themselves over all of Earth’s souls. Can Jeric make that decision? And will Brock and Asia find the love they both desperately crave? Or are they all doomed to perpetual Darkness?<br />
<br />
Discover how it all ends in <i>The Space Within</i>, the explosive conclusion to The Book of Phoenix trilogy.<br />
<br />
<b>Other books in the series:</b><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">The Space Between</span></i></b></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Part One in The Book of Phoenix series</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Author: Kristie Cook</div>
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Currently Available - ON SALE FOR 99C</div>
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Where:</div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial;"><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-space-between/id628066630?ls=1" style="color: #9579b0; text-decoration: none;">iBookstore</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i>When Life Falls to Pieces, Answers Lie in the Space Between</i><br />
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Leni Drago can't make a smart decision on her own, according to her mother anyway--the few times she's tried resulted in disaster. When her uncle sends her on a dance tour in Italy to find her real self, she returns to an empty home and any evidence of his existence wiped out. Then things get even stranger, like the mysterious appearances of Jeric Winters--inked, pierced and a hit-'em-and-quit-'em type. He's one decision that should be easy for Leni. Or is he?<br />
<br />
Jeric doesn't do girlfriends. Unless they're someone else's. He left the fighting cage and modeling for a reason, and girls who want more than a night of fun are distractions he doesn't need. Especially when they come with as much baggage as Leni carries. But he can't shake the gut feeling that he needsto know her. All of her.<br />
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To discover the truth behind their connection and their ties to a journal from 1989, they must face painful secrets from their pasts. And they must do so quickly because their own existences are falling to pieces.<br />
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This first part of The Book of Phoenix takes you on a heart-wrenching ride as you discover the answers that lie in The Space Between.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>The Space Beyond</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Part Two in The Book of Phoenix series</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Author: Kristie Cook</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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When: May 19, 2014</div>
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Where: Amazon, B&N, iBooks, Kobo (all countries)</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><a data-cke-saved-href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-space-beyond/id853896247?mt=11&uo=4&at=11l6dI" href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-space-beyond/id853896247?mt=11&uo=4&at=11l6dI" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255) !important; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 16.309091567993164px;"><strong>Preorder</strong> on iBooks</span></a></span></div>
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<i>Hearts break. Souls shatter. Love lies in The Space Beyond.</i><br />
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As members of the Phoenix, Jeric and Leni are thrust into their new lives, expected to lead Earth’s Guardians. But Leni struggles with trusting her own soul, and Jeric is more concerned about keeping Leni safe than meeting others’ demands. When Darkness swarms Lake Haven, they embark on their first mission with little preparation and no idea which soul the Dark hunts.<br />
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Born and raised in Lake Haven, Bex hopes to escape her small-town life, ideally in the arms of her soul mate. She knows he exists, and her heart aches with the need to find him. When her long-lost mama calls to announce she's knockin' on death's door, Bex reluctantly makes the trip to see the uncaring bitch (bless her heart), only to be knocked off her feet by the sexy and charming Dr. Mason Hayes. Is he really The One?<br />
<br />
Leni’s soul felt an instant connection to Bex, but if Bex found her soul mate, she isn’t their mission. So who is, and why does Leni instinctively feel drawn to her? Can Leni even trust her intuition? And will Jeric step up and lead when the time comes or continue to hold them back?<br />
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If they don't learn to trust themselves and each other quickly, Darkness will claim them all…along with the rest of Earth’s souls.<br />
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<b><i>About Kristie Cook:</i></b><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFrUxDt10dfMBh_g2eamqwnqB5xuEgBy_1VYexFNr0QtrAy-CP9m0GnPTWoo6nZSrDF_DFZ7dLvQASQWruSdaZTfmBW2WVz16XmOATLSEiKU-OJqhHDsa9L-2MSxAhCCocFxKQIZ5ixsk/s1600/kristie_cook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFrUxDt10dfMBh_g2eamqwnqB5xuEgBy_1VYexFNr0QtrAy-CP9m0GnPTWoo6nZSrDF_DFZ7dLvQASQWruSdaZTfmBW2WVz16XmOATLSEiKU-OJqhHDsa9L-2MSxAhCCocFxKQIZ5ixsk/s1600/kristie_cook.jpg" height="200" width="173" /></a></div>
Kristie Cook is a lifelong, award-winning writer in various genres, from marketing communications to fantasy fiction. She continues to write the Soul Savers Series, a New Adult paranormal romance/contemporary fantasy, with the first four books, <i>Promise, Purpose, Devotion, Power and Wrath</i> available now. She’s also written a companion novella, <i>Genesis: A Soul Savers Novella</i>, currently available.<br />
<br />
<i>The Space Between</i> kicks off her second New Adult paranormal series, The Book of Phoenix, which includes <i>The Space Beyond</i> (May 19, 2014) and <i>The Space Within</i> (July 14, 2014).<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4KLC_l7Cy-DhsGAx9infwwjh6J1BPxfqyyYsbjU5mvfI1WxjvNHbYJw6VU9_dU4woQbmC8-WNMUVqIORllhQ5cFCPsKH3HuAcTKHsv6OCh1_nCZNCF22926NlFvs8iED0h2TPrqaYhUY/s1600/kc-logotag.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4KLC_l7Cy-DhsGAx9infwwjh6J1BPxfqyyYsbjU5mvfI1WxjvNHbYJw6VU9_dU4woQbmC8-WNMUVqIORllhQ5cFCPsKH3HuAcTKHsv6OCh1_nCZNCF22926NlFvs8iED0h2TPrqaYhUY/s1600/kc-logotag.png" height="186" width="200" /></a>Besides writing, Kristie enjoys reading, cooking, traveling and riding on the back of a motorcycle. She has lived in ten states, but currently calls Southwest Florida home with her husband, three teenage sons, a beagle and a puggle. She can be found at:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Author's Website & Blog: <a href="http://www.kristiecook.com/">http://www.KristieCook.com</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
UK Fan Site: <a href="http://www.kristiecookfansite.co.uk/index.html%C2%A0" target="_blank">http://www.kristiecookfansite.co.uk/index.html </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Book of Phoenix Website: <a href="http://www.thebookofphoenix.com/">http://www.TheBookofPhoenix.com</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Soul Savers Series Website: <a href="http://www.soulsaversseries.com/">http://www.SoulSaversSeries.com</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/AuthorKristieCook">http://www.facebook.com/AuthorKristieCook</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/kristiecookauth">http://twitter.com/#!/kristiecookauth</a></div>
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Kristie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01649966564896771373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096879887407785226.post-44363688269409927712014-05-06T15:07:00.000-04:002014-05-06T15:07:30.795-04:00Teaser Tuesday - Chapter 1 of The Space Beyond<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTJDwDvZL84_ion8-tZz_o-RlAGvmKMfvhSXv2qY2vBOzegTWk4E41CDIvU5xP7IYOY3IOeXeCHPHqoypcLDkYDnCkSBDRNNzmXhrwSc5LWdstzEHwKE_74xEw8Ekx3_oQ_iUl819mOSw/s1600/thespacebeyond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTJDwDvZL84_ion8-tZz_o-RlAGvmKMfvhSXv2qY2vBOzegTWk4E41CDIvU5xP7IYOY3IOeXeCHPHqoypcLDkYDnCkSBDRNNzmXhrwSc5LWdstzEHwKE_74xEw8Ekx3_oQ_iUl819mOSw/s1600/thespacebeyond.jpg" height="200" width="135" /></a>We're less than 2 weeks away from <i>The Space Beyond's</i> release! Eek! Betas have all called it my best book yet. They also swore a lot in their feedback with everything that happens. I read "holy shit" a lot and many f-bombs. If you've thought my books have taken you on an emotional roller coaster ride before, this one surpasses them all. While <i>Wrath</i> was emotional and heartbreaking, <i>The Space Beyond</i> goes further...although in a different way. It's intense, deep, and a little dark. But with several LOL moments sprinkled throughout. I can't wait for you to read it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7HuEUix2Tlq93UfOa5R8_cCs-rlDHsfZGw6S4BxpzTnsA6UcQ-2wUb8h1mEQ_xiLnt-b2_9Alp19mBL2xMYD8A0tFkf4WIpriOhTAAndUQ-oMlpLVtfP8V7r0rl3bZQlcefLJAe_zHU/s1600/sale+ad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7HuEUix2Tlq93UfOa5R8_cCs-rlDHsfZGw6S4BxpzTnsA6UcQ-2wUb8h1mEQ_xiLnt-b2_9Alp19mBL2xMYD8A0tFkf4WIpriOhTAAndUQ-oMlpLVtfP8V7r0rl3bZQlcefLJAe_zHU/s1600/sale+ad.jpg" height="400" width="191" /></a>I've posted bits and pieces of Chapter 1 over the last couple of months, both here and on Facebook, but not the full thing. So, here it is.<br />
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<b>***WARNING: SPOILER ALERT***</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
If you haven't read <i>The Space Between</i>, you don't want to read this! It picks up from the end of the first book, and I'd hate to have that ruined for you. <i>The Space Between</i> is still on sale for only 99c, so it's a perfect time to get it and catch up before May 19th.<br />
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial;"><b><i>Where to Buy:</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Space-Between-Book-Phoenix-ebook/dp/B00C3OQO2O/" style="color: #9579b0; text-decoration: none;">Amazon US</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Space-Between-Book-Phoenix-ebook/dp/B00C3OQO2O/" style="color: #9579b0; text-decoration: none;">Amazon UK</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-space-between-kristie-cook/1114959553" style="color: #9579b0; text-decoration: none;">B&N</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial;"><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-space-between/id628066630?ls=1" style="color: #9579b0; text-decoration: none;">iBookstore</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/The-Space-Between/book-DvZWUyXtBk2zKiiaU6X4ag/page1.html" style="color: #9579b0; text-decoration: none;">Kobo</a></span></div>
<h1 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></h1>
<h1 style="text-align: center;">
<i style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></i></h1>
<h1 style="text-align: center;">
<i style="font-size: x-large;">Chapter 1</i></h1>
<h1 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Jeric<o:p></o:p></i></span></h1>
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Sea-green eyes. Caramel-colored curls. Tip of a pink tongue
swiping over full lips. Small body with curves in all the right places. Skin
the color of dark honey that tasted just as sweet. The vision of my Twin Flame filled
my mind several seconds before her physical self would fill the doorway. I
couldn’t tell you which was happier to see her—my soul or my dick. Both swelled
to greet her.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I pulled my headphones off and tossed them on the nightstand
as she closed the door to the room we shared at the Phoenix manor behind her.
We’d been here for over a month, since the night we caught a ride with a
trucker to meet our fate here in Tampa. Well, specifically, at the Gate in the
bottom of Tampa Bay, where our souls were Forged together. The manor overlooked
the Bay, appearing to be an old, abandoned hotel that most people ignored.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I thought I’d find you in here,” Leni said as she sauntered
toward the bed where I sat. “Hiding again?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I shrugged, blowing off her concern. “My training was cut
short today.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Mm-hmm,” she affirmed as she bent over and placed her hands
on the foot of the bed. My eyes drifted to her cleavage automatically, and I
swore she flexed or squeezed or did something to make her tits practically pop
out of the low-cut, green t-shirt she wore. I swallowed and forced my eyes to
hers. “Not hiding at all?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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I gave her my best smile. Her eyes glazed for a brief
moment, the distraction I’d hoped for. “Not from you.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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She walked her hands closer to me until she had to raise a
knee onto the bed. “But…?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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My distraction hadn’t worked. She knew me too well and
wouldn’t let this go. Still, I didn’t finish her sentence, but only held her
eyes as she slowly crawled across the bed toward me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“You <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">are</i> hiding
from everyone else,” she finished. I didn’t need to answer. She already knew
the truth. In the several weeks since we’d been here, I still hadn’t grown used
to certain things—things she didn’t have to deal with like I did. Such as being
able to hear again and constantly being surrounded by a whole tribe of
Guardians. She leaned back, as though preparing to retreat. “Should I go then?
Give you that alone time you need so much?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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I loved the sound of her voice, even as it dripped with
sarcasm. But sometimes even <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">her</i> voice
became too much. After eight years of complete and utter silence and living on
my own nearly as long, even Leni—my other half and the woman and soul I loved
more than life itself—could be a little overwhelming. I would never tell her
that, though. I wasn’t stupid. And especially not now, when both my soul and
body ached for her so badly.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Like lightning, I reached out and grabbed her wrists and
pulled her to me. She let out a squeal and a giggle, and her green eyes lit up
with anticipation the closer they came to mine.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I need you more than I need alone time,” I said, my voice
already husky with desire.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She glanced at my lips, and my eyes lingered on hers until I
couldn’t wait another millisecond to taste them. Soft, silky, wet, and
inviting. Her mouth opened slightly, giving permission for me to enter, and I
slid my tongue in to meet hers. She straddled my lap and crushed her boobs
against my chest as she deepened the kiss. I placed one hand on the small of
her back and slid the other up to the nape of her neck and into the mass of curls.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s almost time for our shift at the Gate,” she whispered when
I gently tugged her head back, giving me access to her throat. I groaned against
her neck, gave it a quick kiss, and then reluctantly pulled away.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She knew what I needed, and making out wasn’t it, which was
why she’d stopped us. She rolled off of me, and we slid down until we lay
together in each other’s arms, our mouths and our minds silent. Our hearts beat
together in a rhythm that grew slower as we relaxed into each other. Leni’s
eyes drifted closed, and mine did, too, as our souls found each other and
melded together. We languished in that state—our souls as one yet still in our
bodies—the most peaceful existence possible. At least, on this world called
Earth.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Right now, it was just us, as one. No me or her. No them. No
physical or mental training, no past lives to force into memory or evil enemies
to worry about. We didn’t even have to think or feel, if we didn’t want to,
although it felt pretty damn great. Everything simply passed between us, within
us, a slow swirl of thoughts and emotions mixing together. The Zen of
everything and nothing at the same time that took me, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">us</i>, away from the rest of the world, from the insanity our lives
had become since the night we crossed paths in Italy only a couple of months
ago.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The only thing better was a physical orgasm at the same time
our astral selves collided and climaxed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But that was on the other end of the spectrum between total
peace and the most fucking exciting thing ever. And right now, we needed the
peace. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I</i> needed the peace. When I’d
been deaf, it had been easy to block out the rest of the world. Since my
hearing had returned with the Forging, along with all kinds of special
abilities, escape wasn’t so easy to find, not even when we projected.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pushing our souls out of our bodies no longer automatically
meant privacy and intimacy as it had in the beginning. In fact, it was almost
as rare to be able to let our souls drift together in that other realm as it
was to have alone time in the physical one. Knowing what I did now, I kind of
wished we hadn’t mastered projecting without sex or controlling our souls so
quickly. Now there were expectations, like guarding the Gate, and no dyads did
that alone, especially newly Forged ones like us. Otherwise, sitting at the
bottom of Tampa Bay could have been as peaceful as melding with Leni was right
now.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Until our phones both beeped with text messages.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Ignore it.” I sent the feeling through our combined souls,
the way we communicated when together like this.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The phones chirped again. Leni moved us to hover over mine
to read the message from Mira:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Jacquelena and Jeremicah to meeting room C ASAP.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Sorry, hun,” Leni said. “But at least she’s asking for both
of us.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mira, who I’d thought had been my grandmother in this life
cycle, had known and guided my soul longer than this physical body had been
alive. Her soul’s name was Mirangela, and when I was Micah, I’d known her as
Angela. Now that Leni and I had made it to the Gate and our souls were Forged
together again, Mira’s role in my life was technically complete. When she was
around the manor and had time, however, she tried to help me remember more
about my past lives so I could use that knowledge in this one. Thank God she
wasn’t here often because the life lessons she wanted me to remember—the ones
that mattered—consisted of the storms, which made for shitty memories. And so
far, all I’d been able to remember was this life, the one before it, and the
one before that, when the soul that Leni and I had shared was ripped in half.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Summoning both of us meant Mira probably didn’t intend to work
on my memory recall, but that didn’t necessarily mean whatever she had planned
was good. At least Leni would be by my side. Her presence always made all the
crazy shit around here more tolerable.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our soul pulled into two, and we returned to our bodies, and
then headed downstairs from our eighth-floor room in the hotel part of the
manor. Meeting room C was behind the mansion that now sat where the lobby used
to be. With a conference table and eight chairs, it was one of the smaller
rooms where groups of Guardians discussed missions … or planned Call of Duty
campaign strategies. Although we weren’t exactly normal humans, we spent our
downtime trying to maintain some sense of normalcy from our old lives.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Already seated were Mira and Theo, Leni’s Guide this time
and last, and Uri and Melinda, two of our healers who’d helped protect our
bodies while we were trying to get to the Gate. Mira and Theo had been
Guardians in past lives, but this time they’d chosen the easier path of being
Guides so they could grow to old age for once. Mira, plump with gray hair and
glasses, was in her seventies, and Theo, tall and thin with silver hair and an
olive skin tone, was in his eighties. Both were much stronger than they looked,
though. Still, as Guides, they were not equal to Guardians.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You both look well,” Melinda said, eyeing Leni and me as we
entered the room and sat down across from the others. Her brown hair was pulled
back in its usual braid, keeping it out of one of the oldest faces in the manor,
besides those of the Guides. She and Uri, a short, blond man who was her other
half, were in their thirties and the oldest of the Guardians at our Gate.
They’d only lived as long as they had because they were healers and rarely went
on missions, although they were forced to fight the Lakari when necessary. The
Guardians didn’t really have a hierarchy, but because of their age and time
here, Melinda and Uri were the closest we had to leaders.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Looking well and ready to serve their roles,” Uri said, and
I looked at him for meaning.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Let’s wait for Brock and Asia before we start,” Mira said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not a minute later, the other two Guardians, the pair who’d
helped us fight the Lakari and led us to the manor that first night, entered
the room. Once we’d managed to beat the Lakari, get to the Gate, become Forged,
and then healed, Leni and I had felt an instant connection with Brock and Asia
that we felt with none of the other Guardians here. Perhaps it was because
they’d been Forged only a couple of months before us when the most recent
before them had been over a year. We spent most of our time with them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Brock’s body, about as tall as mine with a similar build
that came from countless hours in the gym, filled the doorway first, his dark
hair hanging over his brown eyes that surveyed the room. As though he seemed to
approve, he motioned his hand, and the wispy Asia followed him in, her dark
eyes also calculating. They stopped at the only empty chairs, and Asia cocked
her head at the others, her silver hair swinging over her shoulder. She changed
her hair color like she changed clothes, but not from a box. Just something she
could do, apparently. When we first met, it had been short and white-blond.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What’s going on?” she asked, not one to hem and haw.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Why don’t you take a seat?” Mira offered, and she waited
for Brock and Asia to sit before continuing. “This won’t take long. We have a
few things to share with the four of you. Melinda and Uri wanted a couple of
Guides to sit in on this chat, and since Theo and I were here today, we thought
now was as good of a time as ever.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Leni took my hand under the table. I shared her anxiety. Low
at the moment, but Mira’s tone set us on edge.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Melinda leaned forward, resting her forearms on the wooden
conference table. “Can we see your marks?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wasn’t the only one who hesitated, but after a silent
moment, we all lifted our arms above the table.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Have you noticed anything different about your marks from
the other Guardians’?” Uri asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My brows pushed together.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ve never noticed anyone else’s marks,” Leni said.
Exactly.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Exactly,” Uri echoed my thoughts. “Because they’re on our
necks or heads. Out of sight.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The four of us on this side of the table each shifted in our
chairs.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Why are we different?” Asia asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Uri and Melinda glanced at each other, then exchanged
another look with Mira and Theo. Theo nodded.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Mira and I are simply Guides, and we only know what’s been
passed down to us by other Guides,” he said, “but from what we know and what
many of the Guardians are saying, your marks are different because your souls
are different. We all believe you’re part of the Sacred Seven.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We stared at him silently.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“And … what’s the Sacred Seven?” I asked when no one else
did.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We’re not entirely sure,” Mira said, “but—”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Wait,” Brock said, holding a hand up. “What do you mean
you’re not entirely sure? How do you say something like that and not know what
it is?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Details have been lost over the centuries,” Theo said. “We
try to keep records to help future Guides and Guardians, but they’re always
destroyed in some manner or another. The only thing we know for sure is that
the Seven are called sacred for a reason. You’re the elite. The leaders of the
Phoenix Guardians.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“And Jacquelena and Jeremicah are the leaders of the Seven,”
Uri added.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Crickets, again, as we all absorbed this. Then questions
started flying.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Whoa, whoa, whoa,” Melinda finally said, raising her voice
over the rest of us. We all quieted. “Like we said, we don’t know what it all
means.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Since you don’t know much, how do you know we’re them?” I
demanded. The others backed me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">feel</i> it,” Uri
said. He pounded a fist against his chest. “All of the Guardians feel a respect
for you at the soul level. We know at our very cores that you are supposed to
lead us.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What the hell was he talking about?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“This makes no sense,” Leni said. “How could nobody remember
more? How could <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">we</i> not remember
something like this?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That’s always the question, isn’t it?” Melinda muttered as
she sat back in her chair. “Memories are always wiped. Any recordings are lost.
Any time we try so much as to leave clues for ourselves, we don’t remember that
we did half the time and can’t make sense of them the other half. It’s as if
the universe is against the possibility of us actually knowing everything we
need to know.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Maybe it is,” Mira said. “Every lifetime, no matter how
high in the world echelons we’ve gone, is a chance to grow and learn.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We can’t possibly know everything anyway,” Uri added. “Only
the Maker knows. We do our best to figure out what we can, but our meager human
brains are not capable of understanding everything. It’s a waste of time to
try.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So what does this mean for us?” Asia asked. “If nobody
knows the answers, does it really mean anything at all?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Theo leaned forward now. “It means when the times comes, you
four will be expected to lead. Especially you, Jeric and Leni.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A prickle ran down my spine. After eight years of being a
loner, I hadn’t even figured out how to live in a world with other people. And
they expected me to lead? Hell no.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We wanted to tell you now so you can be prepared,” Uri
said. “You won’t be staying here long to guard the Gate. As soon as you’re
ready, you should be out in the world, doing missions, helping the Broken and
Lost. And if and when crisis hits, you’ll be experienced to handle it.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“More and more Guardians are talking about you and the
Sacred Seven, which is why we thought we better tell you ourselves,” Melinda
said. “You were bound to hear it from someone.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So … that’s it?” Brock asked. “You drop this bomb in our
laps and leave it at that?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Well, we’re hoping you remember more,” Mira said. “We’re
hoping that as the elite of all the Phoenix, you’ll be able to recall past
lives more clearly. That you’ll work on trying to remember more diligently so
we can all possibly learn what you know.” She gave me a pointed look. I
resisted the urge to flip her off.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Who are the other three?” Asia asked. “If there are
supposed to be seven, where are the others?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Good question,” Melinda said. “And it’s most likely there
are five others. Five pairs. Because an odd number of individuals wouldn’t make
sense when we’re all dyads.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Do the names Nathayden and Rebethannah ring any bells?” Uri
asked. I began to shake my head, but Leni squeezed my thigh.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“They do sound a tiny bit familiar,” she said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yeah,” Asia agreed, “but it’s really vague. Are we supposed
to know them?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Uri opened his hands, palms up. “Maybe. The Guides said
they’d heard about the pair from previous Guides. It seems that you all were
close in past lives on Earth. They might be another pair from the Seven.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But they’re not here on Earth right now?” Leni asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mira shook her head. “They haven’t been for several
lifetimes. At least, not together. We Guides only learn of Guardian souls
alighting on Earth when both halves arrive. Our role is to bring the two parts
together, so when there is only one half here, we can’t do that. We don’t even
know about their existence here until Guardians on a mission might find them.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“There’s rumor that since you’re here and the four of you
have been Forged that it means something,” Melinda said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Like what?” I demanded.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Like something major with the Gates or the Phoenix,” she
said. “They’re only saying that because none of you have been here in nearly a
century and now two pairs are. It’s just a rumor, like pretty much everything
else. If the Sacred Seven belong here on Earth, then there’s really no reason we
should be overly excited that two pairs have returned.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But if you <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">could</i>
remember something, anything … it’d help us all,” Uri added. “Perhaps help this
whole world.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shit. No pressure there. Assholes. Did they really think we
could just go back to our rooms, flip a switch, and remember everything about
all of our past lives? All hundreds or even thousands of them? How the hell did
we get put into this position? I mentally laughed at myself. I supposed if I
could remember, we’d know how we got to be a part of this Seven, and maybe how
to get ourselves out of it. There was one thing I knew for sure—if leading the
Phoenix meant putting Leni’s life in danger, I wasn’t doing it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Guides and the healers left us with that bomb, as Brock
had put it. We all had guard duty soon, so we headed back to our rooms. I
sulked the whole way and needed Leni’s soul mixed with mine more than ever.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We’d barely settled into the perfect state when we were
called. Our soul rose from our bodies as one, then drifted into two clouds of
light. One took form as Leni, curls and curves and all, and the other took my
form. Although our souls remained connected, we could move as two separate entities.
We left our bodies safely in our bed, our physical arms still encircling each
other, and floated through the window and outside, where Brock and Asia waited.
Or at least their astral selves did, only misty-light forms, like Leni and me.
We flew out over the water.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“How you doing, bro?” Brock asked as our souls dove into the
water by the island with the single weeping willow tree that marked the Gate.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Only a few Lakari, what we’d called Shadowmen until we
learned better, had been nearby, their black souls floating like dirty mist
over the water. Not enough to take us on—our Light would shatter their Darkness
easily—but that could change at any time. Thus, our need to guard the Gate
below. They wanted in … from somewhere beyond this world.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Pretty fucked up,” I muttered. Of course, nobody truly
spoke. The energy of our thoughts carried to each other like vibrations through
our souls.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yeah, no shit,” Brock agreed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It kind of explains some things,” Leni mused.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yeah, like how we feel a connection with each other,” Asia
agreed. “Brock and I knew you guys as soon as we saw you. Your souls anyway. We
recognized them.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That could just be because we’ve spent a lot of lives
together,” Leni said. “Unc—I mean, Theo told us how some souls draw to each
other over several lifetimes even when they’re not Twin Flames. Some best
friends always seem to find each other over and over. And some families have
that deep connection, too.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Something rippled through us with her last words—a mix of
hope and sadness.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yeah, something like that,” Asia said. “But—”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She was cut off by the Gate suddenly glowing a bright white
through the sand. The light rose around us, creating a solid wall, and then a
hole began to yawn open.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Leni’s eyes widened along with the hole. “Whoa. What’s going
on?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Enyxa’s trying to open it!” Brock nearly yelled, and he responded
faster than the rest of us, blasting his light toward the Gate to close the
gaping hole before any of Enyxa’s Lakari could pass through.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No,” Leni said, shaking her head. She moved closer to the
cylindrical wall of light. “It’s something else.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I felt it, too, but how could Leni know it was anything different?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You don’t have enough experience to know anything,” Brock
barked, and I momentarily wanted to punch him for talking to us like that, even
if he was right.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i> different,
though,” Asia said. Like Leni, she seemed drawn to the hole that refused to
close. It wasn’t black as it usually was the few times I’d seen someone trying
to open the Gate from the other side. Colors swirled inside it now,
hypnotizing, like the walls in the Space Between the last time we were there.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Stay back!” I said as Leni moved even closer, tugging at my
soul to follow.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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“Asia, NO—” Brock’s form flew at her, but he was too late.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Leni had lifted a hand toward the hole, and Asia reached out
for her. Both of them were sucked inside, and the hole closed up.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“What the hell?” I yelled as I flew at the Gate’s wall to no
avail. The hole wouldn’t reopen. Pain shattered through me as my soul felt
Leni’s absence, and darkness began to cloud my vision. Brock and I both stood
there, in too much shock to think straight. “What do we do?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Brock didn’t answer.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“What the fuck do we do?” I yelled at him as I tried to push
away the agony engulfing me. “Brock!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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He still stared at the Gate, which remained lit like a
beacon in the water.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Broderick!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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“I … I don’t know. Nothing like this—”<o:p></o:p></div>
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I didn’t hear the rest. Something flew out of the Gate and
crashed into me, sending me soaring through the water until I skidded against
the sandy bottom of the bay. Everything around me went dark, and all I could
think was Dark Souls. Lakari. They’d passed through the Gate. I immediately
went into fight mode.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Dude!” Leni’s voice stopped me. “Were you seriously going
to hit me?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The light of our souls immediately swirled together, erasing
the pain before I’d even registered that it had been her form the Gate had spit
back out. I didn’t have to ask if she was okay. I could feel it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Damn, you gave me a scare,” I silently said to only her.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I glanced over to Brock, whose form was no longer discernable
as just his. Asia had apparently returned, as well.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“What the hell?” he yelled a moment later, his form jumping
away from hers. “You know better!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Leni removed her light from mine. “It’s my fault. It was me.
I … I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">felt</i> something.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Brock waved his fists in the air like a crazed old man. “You
can’t be doing shit like that.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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I stepped forward. “Dude, don’t talk—”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The full force of his energy turned on me. “Do you know what
that would do to us? To all of us, since Asia was pulled in, too? We’re lucky
they came back. If they didn’t …”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“We know,” Leni said. “We’d all go Dark. I’m sorry, but I
couldn’t help it. I felt a … a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">connection</i>.
Something—someone was in there.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Brock’s form stiffened. “What the hell is someone doing in
the Gate?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“He wasn’t <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">in</i> the
Gate,” Leni said. “I don’t think. It felt like somewhere … beyond. But he was
reaching out for us, or for this world, or something.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Reaching out?” Brock repeated, sounding confused. “But why?
Trying to talk to you?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Asia shook her head. “No, it was more urgent than that. He
had the desperation of a soul that’s been Separated.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I think … I think he thought we could help him,” Leni
added. “But the Gate threw us back here before we could really know.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Brock rubbed his head. “Well, it’s a good thing it did.
Otherwise, we’d all be in his situation: Separated, desperate, and going Dark.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Losing Leni had become my worst nightmare, and the thought
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her.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“At least you’re back,” I murmured to her. “Nothing else
matters.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Her soul gave mine a squeeze, but a tremor rippled through
us. “A lot more matters, Jeric. Souls like that guy’s need to be helped. Even
if we are part of the so-called Sacred Seven, we’re not the center of the
universe.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Well, you’re the center of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">my</i> universe. And I can’t imagine a universe without you. I will
always make keeping us together my first priority, and everyone else can deal
with it or fuck off.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Kristie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01649966564896771373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096879887407785226.post-8170638643896754462014-04-29T17:36:00.000-04:002014-04-29T17:36:45.267-04:00Teaser Tuesday - The Space BeyondIt's 5:30 p.m. my time on Teaser Tuesday. Many of my overseas readers are already in bed. So, I'm being kind of lazy and copying and pasting my newsletter that went out today. I mean, it's stuff you don't want to miss (I think, anyway), so just in case you did...<br />
<br />
(The tease is at the bottom.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="td1" valign="middle"><div class="p1">
<b><i>Please Vote in the UtopYA Awards!</i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinuOYsqdm6o-HWGmpoj-t0heI6SbmF_fWWxRJaqrcCfJRdeb4SkQRVnuC1eSUAOMom6e125rA79Ahyphenhyphenf2PbgAqeW87eDgm6XaYuoApInbO_Z-UNGnMLddsHqCpRzth8WCWLembTr47LgnQ/s1600/UTOPYA_Nominee.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinuOYsqdm6o-HWGmpoj-t0heI6SbmF_fWWxRJaqrcCfJRdeb4SkQRVnuC1eSUAOMom6e125rA79Ahyphenhyphenf2PbgAqeW87eDgm6XaYuoApInbO_Z-UNGnMLddsHqCpRzth8WCWLembTr47LgnQ/s1600/UTOPYA_Nominee.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="p4">
I'm headed to Nashville in June for the exciting UtopYA Con 2014! I'll have a table and will be signing at the public signing, as well. PLUS, big news, and I could use your help even if you can't make it to the conference.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="p4">
The UtopYA Awards Nominees have been announced, and I'm so honored and excited to have been nominated TWICE!</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li5"><b>Tristan ~ Best Supernatural Hero/Shero</b></li>
</ul>
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li5"><b>Tristan and Alexis ~ Best Couple</b></li>
</ul>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p4">
Please take a moment to <a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=37371750&msgid=720594&act=9RWF&c=954710&destination=http%3A%2F%2Ffreeonlinesurveys.com%2Fapp%2Frendersurvey.asp%3Fsid%3Dhb5h93mwt837wb8465723%26refer"><span class="s1"><b>vote for them</b></span></a> (and any of your favorites in the many other categories).</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p6">
<a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=37371750&msgid=720594&act=9RWF&c=954710&destination=http%3A%2F%2Ffreeonlinesurveys.com%2Fapp%2Frendersurvey.asp%3Fsid%3Dhb5h93mwt837wb8465723%26refer">VOTE NOW</a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Thank you! :)</div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="p7">
<b>~ ~ ~ </b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<b><i>Join Us for a Read/Re-Read of The Space Between!</i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="p4">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5epNJ646ppRHhMBv-QguulQ4eS7wmod2FuX8S83N7YNvdIw7Le1loWgjb2JdJbU8_CCwLJ4KMrQG2qpf6G0KE_oR4plBD7nkvVFG2bYxhQasYK4EXzxLKbRGkiaznOZMWibfpiL7Xh9M/s1600/sale+ad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5epNJ646ppRHhMBv-QguulQ4eS7wmod2FuX8S83N7YNvdIw7Le1loWgjb2JdJbU8_CCwLJ4KMrQG2qpf6G0KE_oR4plBD7nkvVFG2bYxhQasYK4EXzxLKbRGkiaznOZMWibfpiL7Xh9M/s1600/sale+ad.jpg" height="400" width="191" /></a>We are doing a <a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=37371750&msgid=720594&act=9RWF&c=954710&destination=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fgroups%2FBookofPhoenixDiscussion%2F"><span class="s1"><b>group read/re-read of <i>The Space Between</i></b></span></a><i> </i>in preparation for <i>The Space Beyond's </i>release on May 19th. Whether you've read it and need to refresh your memory, haven't read it yet, or have been dying to discuss the book with others, here's your chance for some fun. We'll have challenges, discussions, Q&A and PRIZES! <a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=37371750&msgid=720594&act=9RWF&c=954710&destination=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fgroups%2FBookofPhoenixDiscussion%2F"><span class="s1"><b>Come join us at The Space Between Discussion group on Facebook</b></span></a>.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="p4">
Also, The Space Between is on sale for only 99c! So if you haven't snagged it yet (gasp!) or know someone who needs to, here's your chance!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="p10">
Kindle at <a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=37371750&msgid=720594&act=9RWF&c=954710&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSpace-Between-Book-Phoenix-ebook%2Fdp%2FB00C3OQO2O%2Fref%3Das_li_tf_ssw%3F%26linkCode%3Dwss%26tag%3Dkriscook-20">Amazon.com</a></div>
<div class="p10">
Nook at <a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=37371750&msgid=720594&act=9RWF&c=954710&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fclick.linksynergy.com%2Ffs-bin%2Fclick%3Fid%3DvMh8oTcEyq8%26subid%3D%26offerid%3D261457.1%26type%3D10%26tmpid%3D8432%26RD_PARM1%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.barnesandnoble.com%252Fw%252Fthe-space-between-kristie-cook%252F1114959553%253Fean%253D2940016659091">B&N.com</a></div>
<div class="p10">
iBooks at <a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=37371750&msgid=720594&act=9RWF&c=954710&destination=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Fbook%2Fthe-space-between%2Fid628066630%3Fmt%3D11%26uo%3D4%26at%3D11l6dI">iTunes.com</a></div>
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Kobo at <a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=37371750&msgid=720594&act=9RWF&c=954710&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fclick.linksynergy.com%2Ffs-bin%2Fclick%3Fid%3DvMh8oTcEyq8%26subid%3D%26offerid%3D290193.1%26type%3D10%26tmpid%3D9309%26RD_PARM1%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.kobobooks.com%252Fsearch%252Fsearch.html%253Fq%253D9781939859006">KoboBooks.com</a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p7">
<b>~ ~ ~ </b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<b><i>Don't Forget to Pre-Order The Space Beyond!</i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="p11">
<b><i></i></b><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTJDwDvZL84_ion8-tZz_o-RlAGvmKMfvhSXv2qY2vBOzegTWk4E41CDIvU5xP7IYOY3IOeXeCHPHqoypcLDkYDnCkSBDRNNzmXhrwSc5LWdstzEHwKE_74xEw8Ekx3_oQ_iUl819mOSw/s1600/thespacebeyond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTJDwDvZL84_ion8-tZz_o-RlAGvmKMfvhSXv2qY2vBOzegTWk4E41CDIvU5xP7IYOY3IOeXeCHPHqoypcLDkYDnCkSBDRNNzmXhrwSc5LWdstzEHwKE_74xEw8Ekx3_oQ_iUl819mOSw/s1600/thespacebeyond.jpg" height="320" width="216" /></a></div>
<div class="p12">
<b><i>The Space Beyond</i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="p10">
<b>Part Two of The Book of Phoenix</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="p13">
<b>Release Date:</b> May 19, 2014</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p13">
<a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=37371750&msgid=720594&act=9RWF&c=954710&destination=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Fbook%2Fthe-space-beyond%2Fid853896247%3Fmt%3D11%26uo%3D4%26at%3D11l6dI"><b>Preorder</b> on iBooks</a></div>
<div class="p8">
<br /></div>
<div class="p14">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">We have an exclusive preorder agreement with iBooks. All other retailers' links will be provided when available.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p4">
<i>Hearts break. Souls shatter. Love lies in The Space Beyond.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="p4">
As members of the Phoenix, Jeric and Leni are thrust into their new lives, expected to lead Earth’s Guardians. But Leni struggles with trusting her own soul, and Jeric is more concerned about keeping Leni safe than meeting others’ demands. When Darkness swarms Lake Haven, they embark on their first mission with little preparation and no idea which soul the Dark hunts.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="p4">
Born and raised in Lake Haven, Bex hopes to escape her small-town life, ideally in the arms of her soul mate. She knows he exists, and her heart aches with the need to find him. When her long-lost mama calls to announce she's knockin' on death's door, Bex reluctantly makes the trip to see the uncaring b!tch (bless her heart), only to be knocked off her feet by the sexy and charming Dr. Mason Hayes. Is he really The One?</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p4">
Leni’s soul felt an instant connection to Bex, but if Bex found her soul mate, she isn’t their mission. So who is, and why does Leni instinctively feel drawn to her? Can Leni even trust her intuition? And will Jeric step up and lead when the time comes or continue to hold them back?</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="p4">
If they don't learn to trust themselves and each other quickly, Darkness will claim them all…along with the rest of Earth’s souls.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="p7">
<b>~ ~ ~ </b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<b><i>Thank You for Your Support!</i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
Because you're so awesome, and I appreciate your patience with this second newsletter of the month, here's an excerpt from The Space Beyond. This part is told by Jeric:
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Leni and I had barely settled into the perfect state when we were called. Our soul rose from our bodies as one, then drifted into two clouds of light. One took form as Leni, curls and curves and all, and the other took my form. Although our souls remained connected, we could move as two separate entities. We left our bodies safely in our bed, our physical arms still encircling each other, and floated through the window and outside, where Brock and Asia waited. Or at least their astral selves did, only misty-light forms, like Leni and me. We flew out over the water.<br />
<br />
“How you doing, bro?” Brock asked as our souls dove into the water by the island with the single weeping willow tree that marked the Gate.<br />
<br />
Only a few Lakari, what we’d called Shadowmen until we learned better, had been nearby, their black souls floating like dirty mist over the water. Not enough to take us on—our Light would shatter their Darkness easily—but that could change at any time. Thus, our need to guard the Gate below. They wanted in … from somewhere beyond this world.<br />
<br />
“Pretty f&*cked up,” I muttered. Of course, nobody truly spoke. The energy of our thoughts carried to each other like vibrations through our souls.<br />
<br />
“Yeah, no sh!t,” Brock agreed.<br />
<br />
“It kind of explains some things,” Leni mused.<br />
<br />
“Yeah, like how we feel a connection with each other,” Asia agreed. “Brock and I knew you guys as soon as we saw you. Your souls anyway. We recognized them.”<br />
<br />
“That could just be because we’ve spent a lot of lives together,” Leni said. “Unc—I mean, Theo told us how some souls draw to each other over several lifetimes even when they’re not Twin Flames. Some best friends always seem to find each other over and over. And some families have that deep connection, too.”<br />
<br />
Something rippled through us with her last words—a mix of hope and sadness.<br />
<br />
“Yeah, something like that,” Asia said. “But—”<br />
<br />
She was cut off by the Gate suddenly glowing a bright white through the sand. The light rose around us, creating a solid wall, and then a hole began to yawn open.<br />
<br />
Leni’s eyes widened along with the hole. “Whoa. What’s going on?”<br />
<br />
“Enyxa’s trying to open it!” Brock nearly yelled, and he responded faster than the rest of us, blasting his light toward the Gate to close the gaping hole before any of Enyxa’s Lakari could pass through.<br />
<br />
“No,” Leni said, shaking her head. She moved closer to the cylindrical wall of light. “It’s something else.”<br />
<br />
I felt it, too, but how could Leni know it was anything different?<br />
<br />
“You don’t have enough experience to know anything,” Brock barked, and I momentarily wanted to punch him for talking to us like that, even if he was right.<br />
<br />
“It <i>is</i> different, though,” Asia said. Like Leni, she seemed drawn to the hole that refused to close. It wasn’t black as it usually was the few times I’d seen someone trying to open the Gate from the other side. Colors swirled inside it now, hypnotizing, like the walls in the Space Between the last time we were there.<br />
<br />
“Stay back!” I said as Leni moved even closer, tugging at my soul to follow.<br />
<br />
“Asia, NO—” Brock’s form flew at her, but he was too late.<br />
<br />
Leni had lifted a hand toward the hole, and Asia reached out for her. Both of them were sucked inside, and the hole closed up.</blockquote>
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<br /></div>
<div class="p13">
<b>Release Date:</b> May 19, 2014</div>
<div class="p8">
<br /></div>
<div class="p10">
<a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=37371750&msgid=720594&act=9RWF&c=954710&destination=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Fbook%2Fthe-space-beyond%2Fid853896247%3Fmt%3D11%26uo%3D4%26at%3D11l6dI"><b>Preorder</b> on iBooks</a></div>
<div class="p8">
<br /></div>
<div class="p14">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">We have an exclusive preorder agreement with iBooks. All other retailers' links will be provided when available.</span></div>
</td>
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Kristie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01649966564896771373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096879887407785226.post-29943248249113078592014-04-22T09:30:00.000-04:002014-04-22T09:30:02.930-04:00Teaser Tuesday - The Space Beyond<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTJDwDvZL84_ion8-tZz_o-RlAGvmKMfvhSXv2qY2vBOzegTWk4E41CDIvU5xP7IYOY3IOeXeCHPHqoypcLDkYDnCkSBDRNNzmXhrwSc5LWdstzEHwKE_74xEw8Ekx3_oQ_iUl819mOSw/s1600/thespacebeyond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTJDwDvZL84_ion8-tZz_o-RlAGvmKMfvhSXv2qY2vBOzegTWk4E41CDIvU5xP7IYOY3IOeXeCHPHqoypcLDkYDnCkSBDRNNzmXhrwSc5LWdstzEHwKE_74xEw8Ekx3_oQ_iUl819mOSw/s1600/thespacebeyond.jpg" height="320" width="216" /></a></div>
Oops! I missed a few Teaser Tuesdays, didn't I? I've been working frantically in the writing and editing cave on both The Space Beyond and The Space Within. The Space Beyond's release is less than a month! EEEEEEEPPPPP! I can't wait! Here's a little tease to whet your appetite:<br />
<br />
<b><i>Jeric</i></b><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
“Why don’t you take a seat?” Mira offered, and she waited
for Brock and Asia to sit before continuing. “This won’t take long. We have a
few things to share with the four of you. Melinda and Uri wanted a couple of
Guides to sit in on this chat, and since Theo and I were here today, we thought
now was as good of a time as ever.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Leni took my hand under the table. I shared her anxiety. Low
at the moment, but Mira’s tone had us on edge.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Melinda leaned forward, resting her forearms on the wooden
conference table. “Can we see your marks?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wasn’t the only one who hesitated, but after a silent
moment, we all lifted our arms above the table.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Have you noticed anything different about your marks from
the other Guardians’?” Uri asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My brows pushed together.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“I’ve never noticed anyone else’s marks,” Leni said.
<i>Exactly</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Exactly,” Uri echoed my thoughts. “Because everyone else’s
is on their necks or heads. Out of sight.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The four of us on this side of the table each squirmed a bit
in our chairs.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Why are we different?” Asia asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Uri and Melinda glanced at each other, then exchanged
another look with Mira and Theo. Theo nodded.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Mira and I are simply Guides, and we only know what’s been
passed down to us by other Guides,” he said, “but from what we know and what
many of the Guardians are saying, your marks are different because your souls
are different. We all believe you’re part of the Sacred Seven.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We stared at him silently.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“And … what’s the Sacred Seven?” I asked when no one else
did.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We’re not entirely sure,” Mira said, “but—”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Wait,” Brock said, holding a hand up. “What do you mean
you’re not entirely sure? How do you say something like that and not know what
it is?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Details have been lost over the centuries,” Theo said. “We
try to keep records to help future Guides and Guardians, but they’re always
destroyed in some way or another. The only thing we know for sure is that the
seven are called sacred for a reason. You’re the elite. The leaders of the
Phoenix Guardians.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“And Jacquelena and Jeremicah are the leaders of the Seven,”
Uri added.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #171519; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 11px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><em><strong><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 16.309091567993164px;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><img data-cke-saved-src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/954710/b4b229340de3e3f119dac831980cdbfe/image/jpeg" data-icontact-resized-width="135" data-icontact-width-flexible="525" src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/954710/b4b229340de3e3f119dac831980cdbfe/image/jpeg" style="border: 0px solid rgb(51, 51, 51); cursor: default; float: left; height: 206px; margin: 12px; width: 135px;" /><span style="font-size: 20px;">The Space Beyond</span></span></strong></em></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #171519; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 11px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #171519; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 11px; text-align: center;">
<strong style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 16.309091567993164px;">Part Two of The Book of Phoenix</span></strong></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #171519; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 11px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #171519; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 11px;">
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 16.309091567993164px;"><strong>Release Date:</strong> May 19, 2014</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><a data-cke-saved-href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-space-beyond/id853896247?mt=11&uo=4&at=11l6dI" href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-space-beyond/id853896247?mt=11&uo=4&at=11l6dI" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255) !important; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 16.309091567993164px;"><strong>Preorder</strong> on iBooks</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><a data-cke-saved-href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-space-beyond/id853896247?mt=11&uo=4&at=11l6dI" href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-space-beyond/id853896247?mt=11&uo=4&at=11l6dI" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255) !important; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 16.309091567993164px;"><img data-cke-saved-src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/954710/6b03db12ffa2b802a27a9395e08bc9f5/image/png" data-icontact-width-flexible="110" src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/954710/6b03db12ffa2b802a27a9395e08bc9f5/image/png" style="border: 0px solid rgb(51, 51, 51); margin: 0px; position: relative;" /></span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 16.309091567993164px;">We have an exclusive preorder agreement with iBooks. All other retailers' links will be provided when available.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><em><span style="font-size: 15px;">Hearts break. Souls shatter. Love lies in The Space Beyond.</span></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">As members of the Phoenix, Jeric and Leni are thrust into their new lives, expected to lead Earth’s Guardians. But Leni struggles with trusting her own soul, and Jeric is more concerned about keeping Leni safe than meeting others’ demands. When Darkness swarms Lake Haven, they embark on their first mission with little preparation and no idea which soul the Dark hunts.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">Born and raised in Lake Haven, Bex hopes to escape her small-town life, ideally in the arms of her soul mate. She knows he exists, and her heart aches with the need to find him. When her long-lost mama calls to announce she's knockin' on death's door, Bex reluctantly makes the trip to see the uncaring bitch (bless her heart), only to be knocked off her feet by the sexy and charming Dr. Mason Hayes. Is he really The One?</span></span></div>
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<div style="padding: 0px; text-align: start; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">Leni’s soul felt an instant connection to Bex, but if Bex found her soul mate, she isn’t their mission. So who is, and why does Leni instinctively feel drawn to her? Can Leni even trust her intuition? And will Jeric step up and lead when the time comes or continue to hold them back?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">If they don't learn to trust themselves and each other quickly, Darkness will claim them all…along with the rest of Earth’s souls.</span></span></div>
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<div style="padding: 0px; text-align: start; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="font-size: 15px;">If you are a blogger or admin for a book-related Facebook page and would like to participate in release activities, please complete this form: </span><a data-cke-saved-href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Gz2NdOTHLJoks1qzWTZVNohc6I5xgwgr-QxJ6yzpShU/viewform" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Gz2NdOTHLJoks1qzWTZVNohc6I5xgwgr-QxJ6yzpShU/viewform" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255) !important; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Gz2NdOTHLJoks1qzWTZVNohc6I5xgwgr-QxJ6yzpShU/viewform</span></a></strong></span></div>
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Kristie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01649966564896771373noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096879887407785226.post-20342271492483979112014-04-21T14:24:00.000-04:002014-04-21T14:24:12.674-04:00Talking About Men Over in the AlleyI'm a <b><a href="http://naalley.blogspot.com/2014/04/guest-in-alley-kristie-cook.html" target="_blank">Guest in the Alley over at NA Alley </a></b>today, talking about book boyfriends. More specifically, about alphas and bad boys and why we love them, especially in our New Adult reads.<br />
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What are your thoughts about alphas and bad boys? Do you agree with what I say? Chime in here or there.<br />
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And while you're over there, be sure to check out their new site. It's all about the New Adult genre and absolutely awesome. And I bet you'll discover some fabulous new reads and authors while you're there.Kristie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01649966564896771373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096879887407785226.post-52553705298277024922014-04-04T14:45:00.000-04:002014-04-04T14:45:09.969-04:00Release Dates & Preorders<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 11px;">
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 16.309091567993164px;">So after yesterday's post, if you didn't get the newsletter, you might be wondering what, exactly, are the release dates for 2014 (or maybe not, which is fine, but I'm gonna tell you anyway). If you didn't read yesterday's post and are confused about what's going on, well, </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 16.309091567993164px;">here's what went out in the newsletter for those who don't subscribe:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 16.309091567993164px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 16.309091567993164px;">I am so excited to finally get to share some news with y'all about this year's releases. This might not be the news you were expecting, but I explain it all in <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.kristiecook.com/2014/04/news-youve-been-waiting-for.html" href="http://www.kristiecook.com/2014/04/news-youve-been-waiting-for.html" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255) !important;"><strong>a blog post here</strong></a>. It comes down to this: For the best quality writing and story-telling and the best reading experience for you, I'll be finishing and releasing the last two books of each series in succession.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 16.309091567993164px;">So, instead of getting the next part of The Book of Phoenix, and then Soul Savers 6, and continuing to alternate them, you'll be getting both parts of The Book of Phoenix back-to-back, and then you'll be getting both parts (6 & 7) of the Soul Savers back-to-back. In other words, no waiting forever for the last book!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 16.309091567993164px;">As I explain <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.kristiecook.com/2014/04/news-youve-been-waiting-for.html" href="http://www.kristiecook.com/2014/04/news-youve-been-waiting-for.html" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255) !important;"><strong>in the blog post</strong></a>, exact dates aren't available for everything right now. As each release comes closer, I'll be sharing the dates and other exciting info, like preorders. All of my books will be available on Kindle, iBooks, Nook, Kobo, and other ereaders. On or around the release date, they will all be for sale on Amazon stores throughout the world, iBooks, B&N, Kobo, All Romance eReader and partners of these retailers. Paperbacks will also be available.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 16.309091567993164px;">Here's what we know now:</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><em><strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 16.309091567993164px;"><img data-cke-saved-src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/954710/b4b229340de3e3f119dac831980cdbfe/image/jpeg" data-icontact-resized-width="135" data-icontact-width-flexible="525" src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/954710/b4b229340de3e3f119dac831980cdbfe/image/jpeg" style="border: 0px solid rgb(51, 51, 51); cursor: default; float: left; height: 206px; margin: 12px; width: 135px;" /><span style="font-size: 20px;">The Space Beyond</span></span></strong></em></span></div>
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<strong style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 16.309091567993164px;">Part Two of The Book of Phoenix</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 16.309091567993164px;"><strong>Release Date:</strong> May 19, 2014</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><a data-cke-saved-href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-space-beyond/id853896247?mt=11&uo=4&at=11l6dI" href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-space-beyond/id853896247?mt=11&uo=4&at=11l6dI" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255) !important;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 16.309091567993164px;"><strong>Preorder</strong> on iBooks</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><a data-cke-saved-href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-space-beyond/id853896247?mt=11&uo=4&at=11l6dI" href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-space-beyond/id853896247?mt=11&uo=4&at=11l6dI" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255) !important;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 16.309091567993164px;"><img data-cke-saved-src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/954710/6b03db12ffa2b802a27a9395e08bc9f5/image/png" data-icontact-width-flexible="110" src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/954710/6b03db12ffa2b802a27a9395e08bc9f5/image/png" style="border: 0px solid rgb(51, 51, 51); margin: 0px;" /></span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.309091567993164px;">We have an exclusive preorder agreement with iBooks. All other retailers' links will be provided when available.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><em><span style="font-size: 15px;">Hearts break. Souls shatter. Love lies in The Space Beyond.</span></em></span></div>
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<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 11px;">
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">As members of the Phoenix, Jeric and Leni are thrust into their new lives, expected to lead Earth’s Guardians. But Leni struggles with trusting her own soul, and Jeric is more concerned about keeping Leni safe than meeting others’ demands. When Darkness swarms Lake Haven, they embark on their first mission with little preparation and no idea which soul the Dark hunts.</span></span></div>
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<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 11px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">Born and raised in Lake Haven, Bex hopes to escape her small-town life, ideally in the arms of her soul mate. She knows he exists, and her heart aches with the need to find him. When her long-lost mama calls to announce she's knockin' on death's door, Bex reluctantly makes the trip to see the uncaring bitch (bless her heart), only to be knocked off her feet by the sexy and charming Dr. Mason Hayes. Is he really The One?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">Leni’s soul felt an instant connection to Bex, but if Bex found her soul mate, she isn’t their mission. So who is, and why does Leni instinctively feel drawn to her? Can Leni even trust her intuition? And will Jeric step up and lead when the time comes or continue to hold them back?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">If they don't learn to trust themselves and each other quickly, Darkness will claim them all…along with the rest of Earth’s souls.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="font-size: 15px;">If you are a blogger or admin for a book-related Facebook page and would like to participate in release activities, please complete this form: </span><a data-cke-saved-href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Gz2NdOTHLJoks1qzWTZVNohc6I5xgwgr-QxJ6yzpShU/viewform" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Gz2NdOTHLJoks1qzWTZVNohc6I5xgwgr-QxJ6yzpShU/viewform" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255) !important;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Gz2NdOTHLJoks1qzWTZVNohc6I5xgwgr-QxJ6yzpShU/viewform</span></a></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 20px;"><em><strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.309091567993164px;">The Space Within</span></strong></em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 16.309091567993164px;">Part Three of The Book of Phoenix</span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 16.309091567993164px;"><strong>Release Date:</strong> July 2014*</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 16.309091567993164px;"><strong>Cover & Blurb Reveal: </strong>April/May 2014</span></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 16.309091567993164px;"><strong>Preorder </strong>info coming soon</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 16.309091567993164px;">*Part Three will be released within 6-8 weeks of Part Two.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 20px;"><em><strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.309091567993164px;">Soul Savers Book 6</span></strong></em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"><em><strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.309091567993164px;">(yet to be titled)</span></strong></em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 16.309091567993164px;"><strong>Release Date:</strong> October or November 2014**</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 16.309091567993164px;"><strong>Cover Reveal:</strong> Late Summer/Early Fall 2014</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 20px;"><em><strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.309091567993164px;">Soul Savers Book 7</span></strong></em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 20px;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"><em><strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.309091567993164px;">(title yet to be announced)</span></strong></em></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 16.309091567993164px;"><strong>Release Date:</strong> December 2014 or January 2015**</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 16.309091567993164px;">Cover Reveal:</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 16.309091567993164px;"> Late Summer/Early Fall 2014</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 16.309091567993164px;">** Soul Savers #6 & #7 will be released within 4-6 weeks of each other.</span></span></div>
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Kristie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01649966564896771373noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096879887407785226.post-91411175763440893392014-04-03T14:15:00.000-04:002014-04-03T14:15:46.982-04:00News You've Been Waiting ForWhat's going on with the Soul Savers Series and The Book of Phoenix series? When's the next book coming out? What have you been doing, Ms. Kristie? Everyone has been waiting for news, and here it is. Sort of.<br />
<br />
Let me start by saying, late last year, as I was planning out the rest of The Book of Phoenix series and the Soul Savers Series, I realized I had a bit of a dilemma. Both series needed to have books out this year. Both series have only two more books left to complete them. And for both series, I didn't want readers to have to wait too long for the last book because the second-to-last ones end on cliffhangers. As in, if you think I've left you on cliffhangers before, you have NO IDEA what I'm capable of. Mwahahaha! And although that was my evil laugh, I honestly don't like to be too awfully evil. I didn't want to make you wait 8 months to a year to find out how everything ends, and that's what happens when I alternate between the series.<br />
<br />
Soooo...what does this mean? It means <i>The Space Beyond</i> and <i>The Space Within</i> will be released back-to-back, and Soul Savers #6 and Soul Savers #7 (titles yet to be announced) will also be released back-to-back. The Book of Phoenix series will be completed first, and they'll release within 6-8 weeks of each other. Later this year, the Soul Savers Series will be completed, and they'll release within 4-6 weeks of each other.<br />
<br />
Yes, this means you have to wait a while for Soul Savers #6. I know. That sucks. BUT, I want to make sure it and #7 are as fabulous as I can possibly make them so that the wait will be worth it. PLUS, you won't have to wait very long between 6 and 7. I hope that makes up for it. <i>Please</i> say that makes up for it.<br />
<br />
And while you're waiting for those, you get to finish The Book of Phoenix series. I love this series and the characters in it so much. They go through so much real-life and paranormal heartbreak and mending. If you haven't started it yet with <i>The Space Between,</i> now's a good time to do so. After all, you won't be waiting long for the rest of the series.<br />
<br />
So what are the release dates? Heh. Probably my most favorite and least favorite message from fans would be: "When's the next book coming out???? I'm dying!!!" It's my most favorite because I'm thrilled people are actually excited to read more of <i>my</i> writing. Seriously - I never expected such interest and support, and I'm just blown away by it all.<br />
<br />
It's my least favorite for several reasons. First of all, I hope nobody is seriously dying to find out what happens next. That would make me very sad. Secondly, I feel like I'm answering the question constantly. People say, "I haven't seen anything anywhere about the next book, so..." and I feel like that's <i>all</i> I'm talking about to the point of thinking I sound like a robot on a stuck program. LOL<br />
<br />
And, finally and most importantly, the reason I don't have anything official posted is because I don't know release dates until ... well, I know them. I hate giving a vague answer, but I've learned the hard way to not post a release date until I know for sure that it will be met. This not only means that I can meet my deadlines, but also that beta readers, cover designers, bloggers, editors, proofreaders, formatters, retailers, etc., are able to schedule everything. AND, we have to know we'll meet the release date even if life emergencies happen, which they do. So...I've learned to hold back on sharing specific dates until we know that, barring the zombie apocalypse, we'll be able to release on or very close to that date (I've been to known release early).<br />
<br />
With all of that said...I do have release news! Newsletter subscribers get the specifics first, including preorder news, and that will be going out tonight, so if you haven't subscribed, here's the form. Otherwise, I'll be sharing the info here on the blog in the next few days.<br />
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Kristie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01649966564896771373noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096879887407785226.post-26992897896751118952014-03-25T15:07:00.001-04:002014-03-25T15:07:50.965-04:00Teaser Tuesday - Repossession From Curses, Fates & Soul MatesArgh. Something happened to my blog posts last week, and this one almost didn't go up again. And I really loved this book and want to share it with you. Of course, I loved all of the books in the <i>Curses, Fates & Soul Mates</i>, but certainly don't want to leave this out. So, my post that was supposed to go up last week...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnx9TAPuo4Je0VzE9U9d19U3opbFOpE3z1xX8cZcbkuTUf4jasqtnwG69u42JShVLYcFtgBCGBD7UCDPS74XB0l3MNsuKUIlS8ct7JXjv9ETsqoKDTZ_twKZNgC1VcjnZbyQ9NriqQIag/s1600/1800326_10152627665198569_505012379_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnx9TAPuo4Je0VzE9U9d19U3opbFOpE3z1xX8cZcbkuTUf4jasqtnwG69u42JShVLYcFtgBCGBD7UCDPS74XB0l3MNsuKUIlS8ct7JXjv9ETsqoKDTZ_twKZNgC1VcjnZbyQ9NriqQIag/s1600/1800326_10152627665198569_505012379_n.jpg" height="235" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<i>Curses, Fates & Soul Mates: 5 Paranormal New Adult Novels</i> is no longer on sale, but for $5.99, it's still a steal. You get FIVE full-length novels, after all. That's barely more than a $1 each, compared to buying them individually, which would total $14.95! So if you haven't bought yours, what are you waiting for? They're all AMAZING stories. Get your copy at:<br />
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<b style="color: #171519; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://tinyurl.com/ZonUSCurses" style="color: #9579b0; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Amazon</a><br /><a href="http://tinyurl.com/ZonUKCurses" style="color: #9579b0; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Amazon UK</a><br /><a href="http://tinyurl.com/CFSMKobo" style="color: #9579b0; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Kobo</a><br /><a href="http://tinyurl.com/iBooksCFSM" style="color: #9579b0; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">IBooks</a></b><br style="color: #171519; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px; text-align: center;" /><b style="color: #9579b0; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://draft.blogger.com/Barnes%20&%20Noble:%20http://tinyurl.com/CFSMNook" style="color: #9579b0; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a></b><br />
<br />
For Teaser Tuesday today, I have an excerpt from <i>Repossession</i> by Rachael Wade, part of the CF&SM bundle.<br />
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<i>Repossession</i><br />
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<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE5GL49yysRs712TWPY83I7ubldky605ggeeHFcw4nsdpmc4-qJm29AG6ZepJxnPak9Qw8j8gfwGxgu-JnUOU4Gbk7LV89FK65IdfspH0H7agScTmj6egbWjcYtX4CiYi0kGdpswIGidA/s1600/Repossession.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE5GL49yysRs712TWPY83I7ubldky605ggeeHFcw4nsdpmc4-qJm29AG6ZepJxnPak9Qw8j8gfwGxgu-JnUOU4Gbk7LV89FK65IdfspH0H7agScTmj6egbWjcYtX4CiYi0kGdpswIGidA/s1600/Repossession.jpg" height="320" width="208" /></a></i></div>
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Book 1 in The Keepers Trilogy<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">*Recommended for ages 17+ due to sexual situations, language, and mature subject matter* </span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">New Adult Science Fiction/Apocalyptic/Romance </span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Skylla only knows that she has been kidnapped and held prisoner by the foreign invaders and their human allies. And that the world is ending. Or so the humans think. The invaders have made it clear that their arrival is one of hostile intent, and as their takeover spreads, so does the panic across the globe. No one knows how to defeat them, or if it’s even sane to try. </span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Jet, Skylla’s human captor, is up for the challenge, though. A traitor in Skylla’s eyes, he is working with them. But Jet has his own agenda; one that doesn’t include babysitting Skylla or helping the enemies. And as the human race struggles to keep the invaders from achieving their goal, Jet and Skylla’s paths collide to reveal the truth behind Skylla’s abduction. </span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">The invaders are headed for the water. Jet is headed for the water. But that’s the last place Skylla wants to be. That’s where the future of humanity lies, and where the bridge to their yesterdays was burned. On a mission to take back what is rightfully theirs, Earth’s population is determined to make sure this isn’t the end. But some endings were never theirs to begin with.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">Excerpt:</span></span><br />
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Rattling the cuffs on the bar over my head, I huffed against
the duct tape and used all of my core body strength to twist and contort my
upper body, trying every single angle and method I could come up with to break
the damn cuffs.<o:p></o:p></div>
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No luck. If only I had more light to work with.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The one thing I had going for me was that I was
freestanding; my feet were firmly planted on the soil below. I took advantage
and tried spreading my legs to feel around, kicking my heel back to feel a wall
or something I could use for leverage. There was nothing. Wiping my sweaty
forehead with my shoulder, I inhaled deeply and started rethinking my strategy.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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A loud clang came from somewhere in the room, and I froze.
The sound of a sliding door? A latch of some sort? I couldn’t tell. Then steps
came toward me and my fear spiked, and I was desperate for more light to see
what was headed in my direction. I blinked frantically, my chest heaving,
disorientation making me dizzy when the lantern on the table fizzed out.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The shuffle of footsteps resumed and something grabbed me by
the waist. A garbled scream erupted deep in my throat and a light blinded me
before the duct tape over my mouth was ripped off, stinging my lips. Rough
fingers—human fingers, I thought—grazed my lips, slowly, as if to soothe them,
before pulling the piece of cloth from my dry mouth.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“It’s okay, you’re okay. I’m not going to hurt you,” a low,
smooth voice crooned. The light’s brightness lessened, and I realized it was
from a flashlight. My captor pulled the flashlight farther away so it wasn’t
blinding me anymore. I spit in his face.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Guess I deserve that. But I could shove this filthy piece
of cloth back in your mouth if you want me to.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Go to hell.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Look around. I’m already there.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Why am I here? What do you want? You’re one of them, aren’t
you?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Yes, I’m a mutant alien creature here to take you aboard
the Mother Ship. I’m packing heat,” he shifted a large machine gun in his other
hand, which was strapped over his chest, “which must give it all away, right?” <o:p></o:p></div>
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Piercing blue eyes found mine. My eyes adjusted to the light
and I could make out my captor’s face: pale skin, sooty-dark brown hair, a
military buzz cut. His thick, muscular build was covered with a ratty,
grime-covered black t-shirt and cargo pants, the pockets bulging with gear and
other weapons I couldn’t make out.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“That’s not what I meant. I meant you’re one of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">them</i>. A traitor.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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“I understand how it would seem I’m your enemy, since I’m
holding you prisoner at the moment, yes. But I’m not a traitor.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Let me go.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“No can do. I’m here to feed you.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Screw you.” I spit in his face again, then tried kicking
him in the groin. Given the circumstances and the fact that I’d just lost my
parents and my home, it was all too tempting to just give up. To let the
despair sink me. But I wouldn’t let that happen. As long as I was still alive,
I’d find something to live for. Maybe I didn’t have the mental energy to fight
for my own life, but I sure as hell had enough fury to propel me forward in
honor of the lives stolen from my parents. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He caught my thigh with ease and steadied it. “Anytime,
baby. All you gotta do is ask nicely.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Great. Your kind is repulsive <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and</i> arrogant. What an endearing combination.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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He grabbed my elbow and leaned in, one palm still gripping
my thigh. “Hey. I said I’m not a traitor. Don’t start the ‘your kind’ crap,
Rambo. Watch your mouth. I’m human, and I’m on the right side, you hear me?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Oh, you traitors are far from human, you asshole. Humans
might be disloyal and greedy, but when it comes to picking our own species over
another, we’re clear on where we stand with that one.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“My, my. What a potty mouth you have. And what did I just
say?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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I yanked my arm from his grasp. “Screw you.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“If you want me to keep protecting you, you better start
treating me just a little bit nicer.” He narrowed his eyes and pinched his
fingers in front of me, emphasizing the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">little
bit</i>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Protect me? Was he serious? Although my hands were bound
above me, I was able to return his gesture with my personal favorite, the
middle finger. <o:p></o:p></div>
Kristie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01649966564896771373noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096879887407785226.post-57929745526999090442014-03-11T09:30:00.000-04:002014-03-11T09:30:00.435-04:00Teaser Tuesday - Curses, Fates & Soul Mates<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Fbfj3e8GGBwApA25SMKD73L24ZZo71J9_JF6Teh_mC9FAl-6xkPFFnpsQtfn1iTjCNjTOwYvH8z9bj3nUOeMJ8ynU1EjRw1iv_d7cFAWZYivopS0cEzlURpMx76JnPv3r5xH7Dt0Zs0/s1600/1601502_10201340190767289_1779398007_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Fbfj3e8GGBwApA25SMKD73L24ZZo71J9_JF6Teh_mC9FAl-6xkPFFnpsQtfn1iTjCNjTOwYvH8z9bj3nUOeMJ8ynU1EjRw1iv_d7cFAWZYivopS0cEzlURpMx76JnPv3r5xH7Dt0Zs0/s1600/1601502_10201340190767289_1779398007_n.jpg" height="248" width="400" /></a></div>
<i style="background-color: white; color: #171519; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;"><br /></i>
<i style="background-color: white; color: #171519; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;"><br /></i>
<i style="background-color: white; color: #171519; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">Curses, Fates & Soul Mates</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #171519; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;"> is still on the charts! Do you have yours yet? If not, hurry! The 99c sale ends Monday, March 17! </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #171519; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">Get your copy now at:</span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #171519; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://tinyurl.com/ZonUSCurses" style="color: #9579b0; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Amazon</a><br /><a href="http://tinyurl.com/ZonUKCurses" style="color: #9579b0; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Amazon UK</a><br /><a href="http://tinyurl.com/CFSMKobo" style="color: #9579b0; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Kobo</a><br /><a href="http://tinyurl.com/iBooksCFSM" style="color: #9579b0; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">IBooks</a></b><br /><b style="background-color: transparent; color: #9579b0;"><a href="https://draft.blogger.com/Barnes%20&%20Noble:%20http://tinyurl.com/CFSMNook" style="color: #9579b0; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #171519; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #171519; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">Two weeks ago, <b><a href="http://www.kristiecook.com/2014/02/teaser-tuesday-curses-fates-soul-mates.html" style="color: #9579b0; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">I gave a little tease of <i>Frostbite</i></a></b> by Lynn Rush, and last week, <b><a href="http://www.kristiecook.com/2014/03/teaser-tuesday-cursed-from-curses-fates.html" target="_blank">a taste of <i>Cursed</i></a></b><i> </i>by R.K. Ryals, both part of the CF&SM bundle. Today, let's take a peek at <i>Return of the Ascendant</i> by Raine Thomas, released for the first time ever in the CF&SM set.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #171519; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #171519; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;"><i>Return of the Ascendant</i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0tHnxnnQ72p-SKl7E6omDwJMQgKsaIN4ls8Cv6TtmJ_WiZ8oTANOYCFu7qY78HxBCUId3z0T5IQN3xbQi2aoVCjY5XI4LV1T5AKA9YjjW74BdclK7jrs_Vq-dj6fPYQz594s1p3-nQ8Y/s1600/Return+of+the+Ascendant_ebooksm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0tHnxnnQ72p-SKl7E6omDwJMQgKsaIN4ls8Cv6TtmJ_WiZ8oTANOYCFu7qY78HxBCUId3z0T5IQN3xbQi2aoVCjY5XI4LV1T5AKA9YjjW74BdclK7jrs_Vq-dj6fPYQz594s1p3-nQ8Y/s1600/Return+of+the+Ascendant_ebooksm.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></i></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #171519; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">Part 1 of The Ascendant Series</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #171519; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Expecting to enjoy another typical
college night at a frat party with friends, Kyra Vaughn’s plans derail when
she’s almost killed…twice. Her savior, a tall, sexy stranger who calls himself
TaeDane, claims that he’s the personal bodyguard for the Ascendant of Alametria.
She’s convinced he’s crazy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Especially when he insists that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">she’s</i> the Ascendant.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">With dark enemies hunting her down, Kyra
has no choice but to trust her supposed bodyguard. Ty vows to help her remember
her past and return her safely to Alametria, but someone seems intent on
interfering, challenging his abilities at every turn.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">As Kyra’s memories emerge, she remembers
that Ty is more to her than he’s let on…much more than he’s allowed to be. She’ll
also discover that there are many things about her planet and herself that
she’d rather forget. In the end, she’ll have to make a choice: retain all she
knows and remain the person she’s become, or sacrifice it all to become the
person she’s destined to be.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #171519; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #171519; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">Excerpt:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #171519; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;"><br /></span>
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Blinking over the stranger’s comment, Kyra wondered how he’d
known what she was thinking. She shook her head, figuring he’d just made a
lucky guess based on the circumstances.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They walked for several feet before her sanity kicked in.
She tried to remove her arm from the man’s grasp, but he just held her tighter.
While the action should have alarmed her, it didn’t. It sure as hell annoyed
her, though.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Giving him a more careful study, she tried to place his
face. What little of it she could see as he studied their surroundings seemed
somewhat familiar. Had she met him at a party? Was he in one of her classes
last year?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That didn’t seem likely. She’d surely have remembered
someone as hot as he was.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His gaze moved sharply to hers. She found herself catching
her breath as she looked into the most startling silver eyes she’d ever seen.
No one could possibly have eyes that color.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Who are you?” she whispered.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Something flashed in his gaze. Disappointment? Irritation?
She couldn’t tell.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He looked away without responding. His pace increased. She
got the sense he didn’t want to be alone with her. Insult rose like a tidal
wave.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Okay, that’s far enough,” she commanded.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Her voice sounded louder than she’d intended. She planted
her feet, refusing to move another inch until he let her go. Unfortunately,
since he was far stronger than she was, he pulled her right out of her shoes
and kept going.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Are you freaking kidding me?” she cried. “Let go of me,
asshole!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally, he stopped walking and glanced down at her. She
thought he looked puzzled, but then realized she couldn’t read his expression
at all. Anger made her face and throat burn as she yanked her arm free.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Look, I don’t know who you think you are,” she said, stalking
back to her shoes, “but you have no right to haul me around like that. These
shoes cost me fifty bucks on sale, for crying out loud. Don’t you know how long
it takes a college student to save up that kind of money?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“There is no time for this,” he replied.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was something formal about his speech, she thought as
she put on a shoe. He had a faint accent, as well. Maybe something European?
She wondered if they treated women like this wherever he was from and sniffed
in disdain.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of his eyebrows lifted. “I realize I have failed to make
a grand impression, but time is of the essence.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It sure is,” she said, securing her second shoe and
starting forward. “My friends are waiting for me.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He stepped into her path, making her once again come to a
halt. “You saw something in the shadows,” he said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She started to argue, then glanced over shoulder at the
lingering darkness not too far away. Just the sight of it had her skin
tingling. Frowning, she turned back and met his gaze.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I will escort you,” he said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“To my friends?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Studying his striking face, she tried to gauge if she was in
any danger. Almost immediately, she decided that the only danger she was in was
of drooling all over him.<o:p></o:p></div>
Kristie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01649966564896771373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096879887407785226.post-85108218806584041202014-03-04T14:13:00.000-05:002014-03-04T14:13:02.558-05:00Teaser Tuesday - Cursed from Curses, Fates & Soul Mates<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgFvlRnQ89GUCVpuBZDirwDlDwdXRjJGQrdUXt3EUj52S8XJmy-Ctq1eEnID77eQH-5CuJ-YG8saizWSRr41SEhx1w0zwkicFZV8RRdcUDRjEztb6mRdqv8kM_dZs2jBwXESGw6ETWnh8/s1600/1506939_10152293695129258_1051218033_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgFvlRnQ89GUCVpuBZDirwDlDwdXRjJGQrdUXt3EUj52S8XJmy-Ctq1eEnID77eQH-5CuJ-YG8saizWSRr41SEhx1w0zwkicFZV8RRdcUDRjEztb6mRdqv8kM_dZs2jBwXESGw6ETWnh8/s1600/1506939_10152293695129258_1051218033_n.jpg" height="235" width="640" /></a></div>
<i style="background-color: white; color: #171519; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;"><br /></i>
<i style="background-color: white; color: #171519; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">Curses, Fates & Soul Mates</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #171519; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;"> is still on the charts! Do you have yours yet? If not, hurry! The 99c sale ends soon! </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #171519; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">Get your copy now at:</span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #171519; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://tinyurl.com/ZonUSCurses" style="color: #9579b0; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Amazon</a><br /><a href="http://tinyurl.com/ZonUKCurses" style="color: #9579b0; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Amazon UK</a><br /><a href="http://tinyurl.com/CFSMKobo" style="color: #9579b0; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Kobo</a><br /><a href="http://tinyurl.com/iBooksCFSM" style="color: #9579b0; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">IBooks</a></b><br /><b style="background-color: transparent; color: #9579b0;"><a href="https://draft.blogger.com/Barnes%20&%20Noble:%20http://tinyurl.com/CFSMNook" style="color: #9579b0; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #171519; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #171519; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">Last week, <b><a href="http://www.kristiecook.com/2014/02/teaser-tuesday-curses-fates-soul-mates.html" target="_blank">I gave a little tease of <i>Frostbite</i></a></b> by Lynn Rush, part of the CF&SM bundle. Today, how about a tease from <i>Cursed</i> by R.K. Ryals, another goodie in the box set.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #171519; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #171519; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;"><i>Cursed</i></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #171519; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8MSJaaqQi3T7bRg_nuxyROqK8fffwJAsGMsiVLWSvCcgx3fvYL8ZXO7IRuiVw50NiHFKLHCB5mBT9MZlEj8aeLVYIQjE7jcmXVohSD3uWLGhfLsX8_MvE6vy9Ksms6hWQJLObK7M_xhs/s1600/Cursed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8MSJaaqQi3T7bRg_nuxyROqK8fffwJAsGMsiVLWSvCcgx3fvYL8ZXO7IRuiVw50NiHFKLHCB5mBT9MZlEj8aeLVYIQjE7jcmXVohSD3uWLGhfLsX8_MvE6vy9Ksms6hWQJLObK7M_xhs/s1600/Cursed.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></i></span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #171519; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">Book 1 in The Thorne Trilogy</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #171519; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">A grimoire. A witch. A Demon. </span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Ellie Elizabeth Jacobs, often known as Monroe due to her fascination with vintage attire and old movies, is an 18 year-old witch and a darned good one! But there is also something very wrong with her. Demonic energy makes her powers stronger, she has the ability to ward off Demons, and Lucifer wants her. </span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Sometimes being bad is better. Or at least that's how Luther "Thorne" Craig feels. The hybrid Demon son of the cursed Cain and the Demon Lilith, Luther is reluctantly sent to New Orleans, Louisiana by his brother, the hybrid Demon ruler of the Outer Levels of Hell, to protect Monroe from Lucifer's searching Hellhounds. </span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">But what happens when things go wrong? </span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">In this riveting spin off from R.K. Ryals' Redemption series, Monroe is faced with an old grimoire, an ancient curse, and a journey to discover a family secret that may surprise them all.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #171519; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;"><br /></span></span>
Excerpt:<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Luther watched me, his
eyes searching before finally pushing away from the wall. I took a deep breath.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“I want an amulet,” he
ordered. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I stared at him. “Excuse
me?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He looked amused. “I’m
pretty sure I didn’t stutter.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was a bad movie
joke there, and I was prepared to make one, but one look at the Demon’s eyes
and I knew it wasn’t a good idea. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Why?” I asked instead.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Luther leaned in
again. “I wonder if you know how appealing you are, Ms. Jacobs. Your blood is
hard to resist. So, let’s make a trade. You give me an amulet, and I’ll promise
not to kill you. Got it?” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I gasped. I knew the
sons of Lilith and Cain craved blood. They were like the mythical vampires with
the exception that they didn’t need blood to survive. They just liked it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m not afraid,” I
whispered.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The amulet,” Luther
insisted. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His green eyes
suddenly shone red, and I looked away again, pulling a piece of twine away from
my neck. I pulled it over my head, cursing myself for my weakness. I did fear
him, but I was stronger than that. My instincts were telling me to give him the
necklace, and I trusted my instincts. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As soon as the quartz
touched Luther’s palm, he winced before pulling the makeshift amulet over his
head. It landed against his black t-shirt.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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“I appreciate that,”
he said wryly, before leaning so that both his hands trapped me against the
door. “You’re a strong one, Witch. I can feel it.”</div>
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He pulled away. “For
the amulet,” he said wickedly.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And with that, he
disappeared.<i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
Kristie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01649966564896771373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096879887407785226.post-20334519985563258302014-02-25T12:30:00.000-05:002014-02-25T12:30:02.805-05:00Teaser Tuesday - Curses, Fates & Soul Mates<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmimHT1y8n6zSyj-_9JUkXSXnN_dD7zf34Y_pAcRqV0v-NzasvHJ3cW2L-IqEOJ39MVx5L7d52p-43GJgiCTGsVe5Lqdmywcmz0GI2i-uNVw5367YWkJ5VhUIajLwpd_WS5TH7SNAYM8/s1600/1800326_10152627665198569_505012379_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmimHT1y8n6zSyj-_9JUkXSXnN_dD7zf34Y_pAcRqV0v-NzasvHJ3cW2L-IqEOJ39MVx5L7d52p-43GJgiCTGsVe5Lqdmywcmz0GI2i-uNVw5367YWkJ5VhUIajLwpd_WS5TH7SNAYM8/s1600/1800326_10152627665198569_505012379_n.jpg" height="235" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Have you checked out <i>Curses, Fates & Soul Mates</i> yet? If not, don't miss out on the 99c sale! 5 full-length novels for less than a buck is a real steal. <span style="background-color: white; color: #171519; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">Get your copy now at:</span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #171519; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://tinyurl.com/ZonUSCurses" style="color: #9579b0; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Amazon</a><br /><a href="http://tinyurl.com/ZonUKCurses" style="color: #9579b0; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Amazon UK</a><br /><a href="http://tinyurl.com/CFSMKobo" style="color: #9579b0; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Kobo</a><br /><a href="http://tinyurl.com/iBooksCFSM" style="color: #9579b0; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">IBooks</a></b><br />
<b style="background-color: transparent; color: #9579b0;"><a href="https://draft.blogger.com/Barnes%20&%20Noble:%20http://tinyurl.com/CFSMNook" style="color: #9579b0; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Need more convincing? How about a little tease from <i>Frostbite</i> by Lynn Rush, one of the amazing books in the box set...<br />
<br />
<i>Frostbite</i><br />
Part 1 of the Touch of Frost Trilogy<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy6YSd5k_SZPppo22tlPqH8lqWinBLpIbTsmnoBZG8uH5XrPOe8D__8ublqZmIysNMI0i6BNh9wU-NIMkpZ1FbPlEOCoKVLeQMI3HBoWA9lmHKLBxDRY-mu7rOkahAQ4lESB8OOgnCYtY/s1600/Frostbite+1600x2400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy6YSd5k_SZPppo22tlPqH8lqWinBLpIbTsmnoBZG8uH5XrPOe8D__8ublqZmIysNMI0i6BNh9wU-NIMkpZ1FbPlEOCoKVLeQMI3HBoWA9lmHKLBxDRY-mu7rOkahAQ4lESB8OOgnCYtY/s1600/Frostbite+1600x2400.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="Reviews">
<br /></div>
<div class="Reviews">
Amanda gives a whole new meaning to cool...<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Reviews">
<br /></div>
<div class="Reviews">
Amanda Smith is sick of getting chased from town-to-town. So
when she lands in tiny Trifle, Arizona, she hopes it's her last move for a long
time. Despite hating the smallness of the town, she settles in and finds a best
friend, and even a boyfriend. Normality at its finest.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Reviews">
<br /></div>
<div class="Reviews">
But for a girl who can shoot snow from her hands and lift a
two-ton truck over her head like a bag of feathers--normal is not an option.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Reviews">
<br /></div>
<div class="Reviews">
The scientists who murdered her mother come barreling into
Amanda's quiet life. She must decide if she'll run again or stay and fight. The
price of either choice might be her life or the lives of those she's come to
love...<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Excerpt:</span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ms. Stevens scrunched up her button-nosed face as I strolled
into the detention room. “Amanda. Not again.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Didn’t want you to get lonely.” A smile tugged at my lips.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No one else sat in the classroom. Good. Less interaction
with people meant less chance of my powers going wonky and freezing off a body
part of some poor, unsuspecting student.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I will not freeze
anyone today.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ms. Stevens shook her head. She reminded me of my mom when
she did that. It was a bitter-sweet thing, though. It gave me a sense of
familiarity, yet hacked my heart open with a dull knife.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What am I going to do with you, young lady?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Not much to do. This is about as good as it’s gonna get for
me.” Total truth. I only needed to continue evading the<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Coats</i> so I could graduate without freezing anyone or anything
important.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She looked past me to Principal Nimrod who’d so courteously
escorted me here. “Just lunch detention?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Next class, too. She’s been excused from P.E. again. She’s
better off in here with you than sitting in the gym.” He strode out of the
room.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gym class was by far the hardest place for me to control my
powers. Scott had mastered dreaming up excuses to get me out of that class. It’d
become an art form, really.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I blamed Zach Landry for my control issues in gym. His
statuesque presence sent my hormones into overdrive, which often led to
unexplained room temperature drops and icicles on my fingertips.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That got interesting during the swim unit.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It should be illegal to look as good as he did. And from
what I could tell by watching him from afar, he was pretty cool. Not a
conceited jerk like most guys that hot were. I’d almost wished he was a jerk,
though. It’d be easier to not think about him. Instead, he starred in most of
my hottest dreams.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That was the only place I ever dated, too. My dreams.
Considering I might freeze something important on a guy’s body, I stayed away.
Tried that a few times…so not worth the stress it caused. All I needed was an
incident in a tabloid that mentioned some chick freezing off a guy’s lips…that’d
attract some <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Coats</i> for sure. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But the fact someone like Zach existed made me realize how
much I wanted a normal life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One that included a boyfriend <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and</i> a best friend. Sneaking kisses in dark movie theaters when we
were supposed to be watching the show. Lazy days by the pool. College
applications. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Normal. </i>Not one that
involved running from scientists who wanted to dissect me to learn about my
powers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
College would be awesome with the dorm-living, all nighters,
pizza binges…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Got another one for you, Ms. Stevens.” The high-pitched
voice squeaking behind me sounded like the gym teacher.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I turned in my seat to see the lucky person risking his life
to sit next to me for the next ninety minutes. My gaze landed on Zach Landry,
and the room temperature took a serious nosedive.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Not you too, Zach.” Disappointment tainted Ms. Stevens’
voice.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Zach’s wicked, steel-gray stare bore into me, and my heart
almost shot out my open mouth.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What planet had I been teleported to if <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">he</i> got thrown into detention? He’d never been in here with me
before, and I pretty much owned this room.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Zach stared and cocked his head as if he was trying to read
my mind.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My cheeks burned, and I knew I needed to turn around and
face the front, but that crooked smile of his nearly undid me. No one had
dimples that big.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not to mention the lips. They were full, but that bottom
lip, the way it pouted out a smidge—<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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“Thank you, Ms. Catts.” Ms. Stevens reached for the sweater
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I will not freeze
anyone today. Especially my teacher!</i><o:p></o:p></div>
Kristie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01649966564896771373noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096879887407785226.post-6055593668069745482014-02-17T15:05:00.000-05:002014-02-17T15:05:14.718-05:00Release Day! Curses, Fates & Soul Mates: 5 Paranormal New Adult Novels<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglJFGd3cq25oys_9o70NGcsDrpAHWRe37GRbBfb8gFnxSS0xSQhTza8sVykQKU-ZkwnjaqfDrU_B3sjw3LoJmf53Gt20BStfqplnURC0oSbpxWpXiKJqUPyq9aq72j43c3oqxIjV_v-3ST/s1600/boxsetkath2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglJFGd3cq25oys_9o70NGcsDrpAHWRe37GRbBfb8gFnxSS0xSQhTza8sVykQKU-ZkwnjaqfDrU_B3sjw3LoJmf53Gt20BStfqplnURC0oSbpxWpXiKJqUPyq9aq72j43c3oqxIjV_v-3ST/s1600/boxsetkath2.jpg" height="236" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>It's release day! Woohoo!!! <i>Curses, Fates & Soul Mates</i> is on sale everywhere now! Get yours for only 99c, our way low launch price that will soon be going up to $5.99. That's 5 full-length novels for less than a dollar.</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
We're celebrating the day with a blog blitz, an all-day party on FB and a Twitter party tonight. We have all kinds of goodies to give away PLUS a Kindle Paperwhite. All of the details, including the Rafflecopter, are below. Come join us in our celebration!</div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>5 full-length novels from 5 of the hottest authors in New Adult Paranormal Romance</b>!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpHbcsQ2tO2FKXzxBXX8x7tsBeXp6-z-RNz9kQDRxAUfBBt7uSGEGMTtQry0OYGbucOHFN_DfS0w3izhoDJndLNW52NtKDEJVPelTnnZqX0hrEe-EHGBLvSC-p-CPfuJY3mfx42HUkVvnd/s1600/Curses+Fates+3D+shadowed+Transparent.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpHbcsQ2tO2FKXzxBXX8x7tsBeXp6-z-RNz9kQDRxAUfBBt7uSGEGMTtQry0OYGbucOHFN_DfS0w3izhoDJndLNW52NtKDEJVPelTnnZqX0hrEe-EHGBLvSC-p-CPfuJY3mfx42HUkVvnd/s1600/Curses+Fates+3D+shadowed+Transparent.png" height="400" width="277" /></a><br />
Escape reality and immerse yourself in these steamy paranormal romances. With everything from tattooed bad boys and sexy demons to hot, otherworldly bodyguards, youíre going to fall in love. Beware: youíll be up reading well past your bedtime!<br />
<b>ONLY AVAILABLE FOR A LIMITED TIME!</b><br />
Retail value = $14.95<br />
Limited time release = $.99<br />
<br />
Recommended for readers 16+<br />
Approximately 1,200 pages<br />
Get your copy now at:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://tinyurl.com/ZonUSCurses" target="_blank">Amazon</a><br />
<a href="http://tinyurl.com/ZonUKCurses" target="_blank">Amazon UK</a><br />
<a href="http://tinyurl.com/CFSMKobo" target="_blank">Kobo</a><br />
<a href="http://tinyurl.com/iBooksCFSM" target="_blank">IBooks</a></b><br />
<a href="https://draft.blogger.com/Barnes%20&%20Noble:%20http://tinyurl.com/CFSMNook" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Check out the links in this post to join us in the release day fun! We have lots of prizes up for grabs, including a Kindle Paperwhite!!</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXcCk1Z8aEYLwzbN9as2Plz1kIUa_sTXwi7mtO8yK0vcPwphK2gfXIo0mMKQ01jFqEAj3_HRVS8eJNMajQt0UaDAqqrF7YozSLrnmDrYDxSzh6iIIbXLpWI1B0WDI05rzJMCsKiUzMw-i/s1600/The+Space+Between_Kristi+Cook_ebooksm.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXcCk1Z8aEYLwzbN9as2Plz1kIUa_sTXwi7mtO8yK0vcPwphK2gfXIo0mMKQ01jFqEAj3_HRVS8eJNMajQt0UaDAqqrF7YozSLrnmDrYDxSzh6iIIbXLpWI1B0WDI05rzJMCsKiUzMw-i/s1600/The+Space+Between_Kristi+Cook_ebooksm.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a><br />
<b>THE SPACE BETWEEN</b> <b>by Kristie Cook</b>: Self-contained dancer Leni Drago and inked-and-pierced playboy Jeric Winters must discover the truth behind their connection as well as their ties to a journal from 1989 ñ and they must do it fast, before all evidence that they ever existed disappears. Two love stories, one mystery and a paranormal twist that readers call ìmind blowing.î<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=796203267933518305" name="aboutauthor"><b>About Kristie Cook</b></a></div>
Kristie Cook is a lifelong, award-winning writer in various genres, from marketing communications to fantasy fiction. She continues to write the Soul Savers Series, a New Adult paranormal romance/ contemporary fantasy, with the first five of seven books, <em>Promise, Purpose, Devotion, Power, </em>and <em>Wrath </em>currently available. Sheís also written a companion novella, <em>Genesis: A Soul Savers Novella, </em>currently available. Over 300,000 Soul Savers books have been sold, with <em>Promise </em>peaking at #54 on the Amazon Top 100 Paid list and at #1 in the Amazon Fantasy category.<br />
<em>The Space Between </em>kicks off her second New Adult paranormal series, The Book of Phoenix, with part two, <em>The Space Beyond</em>, releasing in 2014.<br />
Besides writing, Kristie enjoys reading, cooking, traveling and riding on the back of a motorcycle. She has lived in ten states, but currently calls Southwest Florida home with her husband, three sons, a beagle and a puggle.<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=796203267933518305" name="connect"><b>Connect With Kristie Cook Online</b></a></div>
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I love to hear from and connect with readers. Please donít be shy.<br />
Email: <a href="mailto:kristie@kristiecook.com?subject=I%20just%20read%20The%20Space%20Between%20in%20Curses,%20Fates%20%26%20Soul%20Mates">kristie@kristiecook.com</a><br />
Authorís Website & Blog: <a href="http://www.kristiecook.com/">http://www.KristieCook.com</a><br />
UK Fan Site: <a href="http://www.kristiecookfansite.co.uk/">http://www.kristiecookfansite.co.uk</a><br />
Soul Saver Series Website: <a href="http://www.soulsaversseries.com/">http://www.SoulSaversSeries.com</a><br />
Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/AuthorKristieCook">AuthorKristieCook</a><br />Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/kristiecookauth">KristieCookAuth</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNltmBXMYY0hbB4w_XtnBqx8zLXNHZRJX-bhHeemezcqAaPlAa3YasPSyDzAAczYpwIvTF-lrj-btEjPA1S17riWiB88M3utwxyrnnX_GbaweVyLYHVRsVwkbMr-3SsziCNBj2yUAwGTe2/s1600/Frostbite+1600x2400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNltmBXMYY0hbB4w_XtnBqx8zLXNHZRJX-bhHeemezcqAaPlAa3YasPSyDzAAczYpwIvTF-lrj-btEjPA1S17riWiB88M3utwxyrnnX_GbaweVyLYHVRsVwkbMr-3SsziCNBj2yUAwGTe2/s1600/Frostbite+1600x2400.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a><br />
<b>FROSTBITE</b> <b>by Lynn Rush</b>: Love is warm and fuzzy for most people, and it would be for eighteen-year-old Amanda Smith, too, if her kisses didn't cause frostbite.<br />
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<b>About Lynn Rush</b></div>
Driven to write, Lynn Rush often sees her characters by closing her eyes, watching their story unfold in her mind. Lynn Rush is a pen name that is a combination of two sources ñ Lynn, the first name of her mother-in-law, who passed away and Rush ñ since the author is a former inline speed skater and mountain biker. All of Rushís books are dedicated to Lynn, her namesake.<br />
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<b>Connect With Lynn Rush Online</b></div>
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Lynn loves to hear from readers!<br />
<b>Catch the Rushô</b><br />
Email: <a href="mailto:lynn@lynnrush.com?subject=I%20just%20read%20Frostbite%20in%20Curses,%20Fates%20%2526%20Soul%20Mates">lynn@lynnrush.com</a><br />
Authorís Website & Blog: <a href="http://www.lynnrush.com/">http://www.LynnRush.com</a><br />
Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/LynnRushWrites">LynnRushWrites</a><br />Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/LynnRush">LynnRush</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHvHtC83lOhimAZpdqWj63Nfayf_HLBdqofG83i1LnKFw-vi_G6lYaQ3ojlYnzZlqU_xKTfaRNfVZgGXyDQKl-GiJ5lM1SgdpzvwyDpILNYUGMEX6WqVJ7tBaYIF7tkrBjnERgB11t9zu/s1600/Cursed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHvHtC83lOhimAZpdqWj63Nfayf_HLBdqofG83i1LnKFw-vi_G6lYaQ3ojlYnzZlqU_xKTfaRNfVZgGXyDQKl-GiJ5lM1SgdpzvwyDpILNYUGMEX6WqVJ7tBaYIF7tkrBjnERgB11t9zu/s1600/Cursed.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a><br />
<b>CURSED</b> <b>by </b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002962212970"><b><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">R.K. Ryals</span></b></a>: <em>Sometimes being bad is better</em>Ö A vintage-loving witch. A cocky demon. An old grimoire. An ancient curse. A family secret that changes everything.<br />
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<b>About the Author</b></div>
R.K. Ryals is the author of emotional and gripping young adult and new adult paranormal romance, contemporary romance, and fantasy. With a strong passion for charity and literacy, she works as a full time writer encouraging people to "share the love of reading one book at a time." An avid animal lover and self-proclaimed coffee-holic, R.K. Ryals was born in Jackson, Mississippi and makes her home in the Southern U.S. with her husband, her three daughters, a rescue dog named Oscar the Grouch, A Shitzsu named Tinkerbell, an OCD cat, and a coffee pot she honestly couldn't live without. Should she ever become the owner of a fire-breathing dragon (tame of course), her life would be complete.<br />
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<b>Connect With R.K. Ryals Online</b></div>
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I love to hear from readers. Please visit me online!<br />
Email: <a href="mailto:requests4rkryals@gmail.com?subject=I%20just%20read%20Cursed%20in%20Curses,%20Fates%20%26%20Soul%20Mates">requests4rkryals@gmail.com</a><br />
Authorís Website: <a href="http://rkryals.com/">http://rkryals.com/</a><br />
Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/RKRyals">RKRyals</a><br />Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/RKRyals">RKRyals</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSt8HO_IcJQHygnco0mvb_0EiTPdwGlJUzSUxlnvrGYf41750hDDstTFAzSmBnDbuqknWH3nNd4qvRnnDxiNZYWlV5o-7xv-sZJOC0A-iSG_2I-1ZL7CtWXv2J3j_mR71MA6jcNUIQGQ6/s1600/Return+of+the+Ascendant_ebooksm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSt8HO_IcJQHygnco0mvb_0EiTPdwGlJUzSUxlnvrGYf41750hDDstTFAzSmBnDbuqknWH3nNd4qvRnnDxiNZYWlV5o-7xv-sZJOC0A-iSG_2I-1ZL7CtWXv2J3j_mR71MA6jcNUIQGQ6/s1600/Return+of+the+Ascendant_ebooksm.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<b>RETURN OF THE ASCENDANT</b> <b>by Raine Thomas</b>: Party plans derail for college student Kyra Vaughn when sheís nearly killedÖtwice. Sheíll have to rely on a sexy stranger with unusual abilities to keep her alive and help her discover who sheís destined to be.<br />
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<b>About the Author</b></div>
Raine Thomas is the award-winning author of bestselling Young Adult and New Adult fiction. Known for character-driven stories that inspire the imagination, Raine recently signed with multiple award-winning producer Chase Chenowith of Back Fence Productions to bring her popular Daughters of Saraqael trilogy to the big screen. She's a proud indie author who is living the dream.<br />
Raine is a hopeless romantic with a background in the fields of mental health and wedding planning...two areas that intersect far more than one would think. Her years working with children and young adults with emotional and behavioral challenges inspired her to create protagonists who overcome their own conflicts. When she isn't writing or glued to e-mail or social networking sites, Raine can usually be found vacationing with her husband and daughter on one of Florida's beautiful beaches or crossing the border to visit with her Canadian friends and relatives.<br />
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<b>Connect With Raine Thomas Online</b></div>
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I love to hear from readers. Please visit me online!<br />
Email: <a href="mailto:Raine@RaineThomas.com?subject=I%20just%20read%20Return%20of%20the%20Ascendant%20in%20Curses,%20Fates%20%2526%20Soul%20Mates">Raine@RaineThomas.com</a><br />
Authorís Website: <a href="http://www.rainethomas.com/">http://www.rainethomas.com</a><br />
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorRaineThomas">RaineThomas</a><br />
Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/Raine_Thomas">Raine_Thomas</a><br />
Pinterest: <a href="http://pinterest.com/Raine_Thomas">Raine_Thomas</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTjJyy9rnntXm6YizCSzh68Sb0w-vOfMADlkAXKKKq8K0GbiCGXgtdklaGEnbrASCth4T0WvsKeabd63TbFzxYMLMH6GWwRN-JQNW1yorPjcc_NKTc666uh2wIE5nguPx3GGMNBlreQuw/s1600/Repossession.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTjJyy9rnntXm6YizCSzh68Sb0w-vOfMADlkAXKKKq8K0GbiCGXgtdklaGEnbrASCth4T0WvsKeabd63TbFzxYMLMH6GWwRN-JQNW1yorPjcc_NKTc666uh2wIE5nguPx3GGMNBlreQuw/s1600/Repossession.jpg" height="320" width="208" /></a><br />
<b>REPOSSESSION</b> <b>by Rachael Wade</b>: The Invaders have come for Earth, and Skylla Wardenís in the very center of the upheaval. On a mission to take back what is rightfully theirs, Earthís population is determined to make sure this isnít the end. But some endings were never theirs to begin with.<br />
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<b>About the Author</b></div>
Rachael Wade is the Amazon bestselling author of THE PRESERVATION SERIES, LOVE AND RELATIVITY, and the upcoming New Adult sci-fi series, THE KEEPERS TRILOGY. When she's not writing, she's busy going to concerts, watching too many movies, and learning how to protect animals and the environment. She's an avid Brandi Carlile fan and loves all things Tim Burton.<br />
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<b>Connect With Rachael Wade Online</b></div>
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I love to hear from readers. Please visit me online!<br />
Email: <a href="mailto:AuthorRachaelWade@Gmail.com?subject=I%20just%20read%20Repossession%20in%20Curses,%20Fates%20%2526%20Soul%20Mates">AuthorRachaelWade@Gmail.com</a><br />
Authorís Website: <a href="http://www.rachaelwade.com/">http://www.RachaelWade.com</a><br />
LightsOn Website: <a href="http://www.lightsonlove.com/">http://www.lightsonlove.com/</a><br />
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorRachaelWade">AuthorRachaelWade</a><br />
Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/RachaelWade">RachaelWade</a></div>
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<b>We are celebrating this release with lots of fun, games and prizes. We would love for you to join us!!</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/SoulsofIndie/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2ee4Y1snNa04pfhuvdTYPt4j29I__kwtTkfHZvs_PnZYHULpcpCB6qWbKb9zaXJOSCeS-n0F9nr4UvOUEkDvLLpGnEwJu2zoqbMki_UZq3AoY_Uu8tqQiJDv-t94s3oJ57EoTUCnHcV_/s1600/1509678_10152293698914258_105618011_a.jpg" height="168" width="168" /></a><br /><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/SoulsofIndie/" target="_blank">Souls of Indie FaceBook Group</a></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/673496932709231/?ref=3" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8uauvFKGsWhSmcgUfLAXrRS4YVTY6Dn1WO5ZiGghqMaAF_QS8bmeqvRQpeYjAvjKOf5qK__5ZXt6kRU4nPShJto-GyVMPhBGmwiy_gVa1Zhvko229zYjBxJxw4khgWPCJ_jGVI9no-E3M/s1600/FB-party-cover.jpg" height="235" width="640" /></a><br />
<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/673496932709231/?ref=3" target="_blank">Curses, Fates & Soul Mates Release Day Party on FaceBook</a></b></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJKbeipBiNKhNl2ZRBHktDrEsGBJSwc3DA6zz_YzWhMrHZBCPuG59jyZv7VXkBMErPOlV2U3ldOXpZF9FBqxt4cl8N4SBmzIyHWchT4Og91bvqdulF5NvZGa67iHL1L6m8F4UNCWX1NQOo/s1600/twitterparty.jpg" height="320" width="228" /><br />
<b>Curses, Fates & Soul Mates Release Day Twitter Party</b></div>
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/6ee7906/" id="rc-6ee7906" rel="nofollow"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">a Rafflecopter giveaway</span></a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>Kristie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01649966564896771373noreply@blogger.com0