Ignite by Kelly Elliott

 
There were two things Emmit Lewis loved.

Racing cars and Adaline Morgan.

Time was stolen from the two young lovers and Emmit vowed never again would he allow anything to come between the two of them.

Blurred lines both on and off the track have Emmit being tested beyond his limits.

Will he reach the checkered flag and ignite Adaline’s heart, or will he be black-flagged and lose everything he has ever dreamed of?

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Opening the door, I smiled. Adaline was standing there with an umbrella over her head as the rain came down steadily. “Hey. I had to ask which one was your bus. You’ve gotten a different one.”

My smile faded some as I nodded. “Yeah, well a lot of things are different now.” Adaline’s face fell as she asked, “May I come in?”

“Um, yeah but Robert’s here and—”

Robert pushed past me and waved to Adaline. “Hey, Adaline! Great seeing you again. I’m headed back to the hauler, Emmit. See ya later.”

Slowly shaking my head, I shot daggers at my so-called best friend. Lola barked and Adaline let out a gasp. “Oh, my gosh. There’s a dog!”

“Always were observant, Adaline.”

Adaline shot me a dirty look as she slowly nodded. “Well anyway, I’m sorry Robert ran off. I’ll let him know he can come back.”

Adaline turned and walked off as I squeezed my eyes shut and cursed under my breath. “Fuck!” I hissed through my teeth. Stepping out into the rain, I called for her.

“Adaline, wait. I’m sorry, if you want to come in, you’re more than welcome to.”

Turning around slowly, Adaline raised an eyebrow. “Anyone else in there?”

I didn’t even care I was getting wet. “Like who?” I asked with a confused look. With a shrug, Adaline walked back over to me and started up the steps as I stepped back in and told Lola to sit. Adaline stepped into my bus and looked around as her eyes widened in surprise as she glanced back toward the bedroom. “Oh, I don’t know, Cookie maybe?”

Holy living hell. Adaline was jealous.

THANK THE LORD FOR A NASCAR ROMANCE FROM KELLY ELLIOTT!! I am a HUGE sports romance reader and right behind Hockey Players are NASCAR/INDIE Racers. And let me tell you, Emmit is so good. I am super excited for this new series from one of my all time favorite authors. I devoured this book in one setting and have even gone back a few times to read it again.

Emmit Lewis and Adaline Morgan are high school sweethearts. Emmit career in NASCAR is rising fast and he's excited about the new life that the two of them will be launching, hopefully together. One of the best days of his life, quickly turns into a nightmare, as Addy decides that the life on the road is not her dream and in the process crushes Emmit's dreams of their happily ever after.

Now years later Addy has walked back into his life and this time, he's not going to let her go so easily.

Ignite is the right amount of push and pull, sexy and sweet and if your a fan of Kelly Elliott - you know the type of home feel goodness she is perfect at. 

Bring on the drivers!! I'm ready for some NASCAR fun!

My picks for Emmit (Jimmy Johnson) and Adaline (Dylan Penn)

Kelly Elliott is married to a wonderful Texas cowboy who has a knack for making her laugh almost daily and supports her crazy ideas and dreams for some unknown reason...he claims it's because he loves her!

She’s also a mom to an amazing daughter who is constantly asking for something to eat while her fingers move like mad on her cell phone sending out what is sure to be another very important text message.

In her spare time she loves to sit in her small corner overlooking the Texas hill country and write.

One of her favorite things to do is go for hikes around her property with Gus....her chocolate lab and the other man in her life, and Rose, her golden retriever. When Kelly is not outside helping the hubby haul brush, move rocks or whatever fun chore he has in store for her that day, you’ll find her inside reading, writing or watching HGTV.

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{Teaser Tuesday} I'll Be There by Samantha Chase

I'LL BE THERE

Montgomery Brother's #6

Samantha Chase

Releasing Dec 1st, 2015

Sourcebooks Casablanca

Book #6 in New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Samantha Chase's popular Montgomery series

This Montgomery Has a Head for Business

Working for Zach Montgomery is challenging on many levels-coming from a wealthy and powerful family, he lives by his own rules and doesn't answer to anyone. But Gabriella Martine has no intention of backing down. She's used to handling stubborn men, and it doesn't hurt that Zach is smart, charismatic...and gorgeous.

And a Heart for Adventure

Zach's perfect world is turned upside down when a climbing accident leaves him broken, angry, and maddeningly dependent. In his slow quest for recovery, Gabriella is always there to help...but as Zach comes to see his beautiful assistant in a new light, he is forced to re-evaluate what it really means to be a man worthy of Gabriella's love.

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Shock.

Then more shock.

And then…aah…Gabriella melted into Zach. After all they had been through together, after everything they had talked about tonight, this was so not the way she envisioned their time together ending.

But she was completely on board with it.

For years she had dreamed about what it would be like for Zach Montgomery to kiss her and now that he was, she needed to stop talking to herself and start enjoying it!

Zach must have realized she was on board because his second crutch fell to the floor as his arms banded around her waist. Everything inside Gabriella melted at the heated contact. He was hard where she was soft and they just…fit. Her hands tentatively stroked their way up his muscular arms and then paused on his shoulders. It felt…naughty…to be touching her boss like this.

Wait…not her boss. Zach. She was touching Zach. Get your head out of the office, girl!

A low hum emanated from Zach and she let her hands slowly glide up the strong column of his throat—and stopped and lingered on his now clean-shaven jaw—and up into his hair. It was longer than he’d ever worn it but it was thick and silky and her fingers just sort of gently grasped and tugged to hold him to her.

If possible, Zach moved in even closer and Gabriella was thoroughly pressed from head to toe between him and the wall. His lips were devouring her but his arms stayed as they were—tightly banded and holding her close as if he was afraid she’d get away.

Not likely.

Right now, there wasn’t another place on the planet she wanted to be. Which was a bit ironic considering that less than a minute ago she wanted to be anyplace but here! Funny how fast things could change.

She struggled between needing to take a breath and never letting Zach’s lips leave hers again. As if reading her mind, he began to trail kisses along her cheek and her jaw. He nipped at her earlobe and then stopped to simply inhale her.

“Do you have any idea how long I’ve wanted to do this?” he growled lowly against her ear.

“Hopefully as long as I’ve wanted you to,” she openly admitted as she rubbed herself against him.

He chuckled softly. “The first time you walked through my door, I wanted to touch you. Kiss you.” His tongue lightly traveled down the side of her neck to her collarbone. “Make love to you.”

Gabriella trembled at his words. How was it possible she didn’t notice that? How had he kept it a secret for so long? And why? It was on the tip of her tongue to ask him, but he raised his head and gave her a very sexy grin before reclaiming her lips. There was no shock this time, just anticipation. Zach’s admission had pretty much done it all for her, she was putty in his hands.

She wanted to move, to get to a place where her back wasn’t pressed against a wall. But again, she didn’t want to stop what Zach was doing long enough to even say anything. Her nails raked his scalp and she felt the growl vibrate through him. She pushed her breasts more firmly against him, and felt his erection nudge her belly.

The wall was just fine.

New York Times and USA Today Bestseller/contemporary romance writer Samantha Chase released her debut novel, Jordan's Return, in November 2011. Although she waited until she was in her 40's to publish for the first time, writing has been a lifelong passion. Her motivation to take that step was her students: teaching creative writing to elementary age students all the way up through high school and encouraging those students to follow their writing dreams gave Samantha the confidence to take that step as well.

When she's not working on a new story, she spends her time reading contemporary romances, playing way too many games of Scrabble or Solitaire on Facebook and spending time with her husband of 25 years and their two sons in North Carolina.

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Untamed by S.C. Stephens

The spotlight doesn’t only shine. Sometimes, it burns.

 
Being the bad-boy bassist for the world’s hottest band has earned Griffin Hancock some perks: a big house, a fast car, and most importantly his incredible wife Anna. The one thing it hasn’t brought him is the spotlight. Anna tells him to be patient, that his talent will win out. But Griffin is through waiting for permission to shine.

Without warning, Griffin makes a shocking decision and takes the gamble of a lifetime. Suddenly he’s caught up in a new level of lights, cameras, and chaos—one that pushes his relationship with Anna to its limits. Anna has always found his unpredictable behavior sexy, but lately he’s seen an ache in her eyes, and it has his soul in knots. Just as the recognition Griffin seeks is finally within reach, the thing he loves most in life could be slipping through his fingers…

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BAM

 “What was all that about? And what did you mean at the end there? You are a part of this band, Griffin. You always have been, and you always will be.” Pushing him back a step, I snapped, “It’s a little late for the pep talk, bro. If you think I’m so valuable, you could have stood up for me in there.” I lifted my arms for emphasis. “It gave me the warm and fuzzies how you let him walk all over me.”

Kellan sighed. “It’s complicated, Griff. Matt’s a genius on guitar…he’s…it’s his instrument, the one he’s born to play. But us saying that isn’t an insult to you. You’re amazing on bass, gifted even. It’s just…we each have our part, you know? And we have to do them the best we can.” He put a hand on my shoulder. “For the sake of the band, I’m asking you to let this go and just…forget about lead. Please?”

I could only stare at him. I felt numb inside. Was this what giving up your dream felt like? For as long as I could remember, I’d wanted all eyes on me—I’d wanted to be the center of attention. Matt had never wanted that. But he was given the instrument that shone while I was given the one that everyone forgot about. My part was designed to blend, designed to go unnoticed.

It was everything I wasn’t, and I was sick of being stuck with it. I wanted more, but they wouldn’t give me more.

Without answering him, I turned and walked away, toward the house. What could I say to that anyway? Matt had just permanently rejected my chances at ever being lead guitar. Forgetting was the only thing left that I could do. Forget, or stew, and right now, I wanted to stew.

When I got back to the living room, Jenny and Rachel were there working. “Need something, Griffin?” Jenny asked, her pale eyes practically sparkling with happiness.

Ignoring both her good mood and her question, I called out for Anna. “She’s upstairs with Kiera,” Rachel quietly replied.

Harrumphing some sort of thank-you, I began plodding my way to the stairs. Fucking stairs. I stomped up them, cursing my bandmates with each step. I imagined that the carpet treads under my feet were their squishy faces. I felt a little better by the time I reached the top. “Yo, Anna! Where are you?”

Both Anna and Kiera instantly appeared in a bedroom door frame. Simultaneously, they
both put fingers to their lips. “Shhhhhhh,” they both scolded.

I was tired of being reprimanded today, so I didn’t lower my voice any. “Wake up Gibson.
We’re leaving.”

Anna instantly edged around Kiera to step into the hallway. “What’s wrong?” she asked me, while Kiera stepped out of the room behind her. The two sisters were pretty similar, but Anna definitely had a lot more curves than her slimmer and straighter sister. Generally I appreciated those curves, but at the moment, I just wanted to shove them into the car and get out of here.

“There’s no point being here right now, so we’re leaving. Actually, there’s no point in ever coming back here, so we’re leaving.” I opened the door closest to me, hoping I’d find my sleeping daughter behind it. Nope. Empty. I moved to try another door, but Anna stepped in front of me. “Let’s go outside, get some fresh air.”

Dramatically tossing my hands in the air, I gave up. “Fine.” What did it matter, since nothing was working for me today anyway? I headed back to those goddamn stairs while Anna told Kiera she’d be right back. Not waiting for my very pregnant wife, I sped down the steps and out the door. The fresh air on my face helped calm me down a little, but I was still riled up. I paced the front porch while I waited for Anna.

Those sanctimonious assholes.

“Griff?” A soft touch on my shoulder spooked me, and I jumped. Turning, I saw Anna behind me, her green eyes worried. “What’s going on?” She indicated the front step, and I grudgingly sat Once I was seated, my mood dropped. I’d started the day so positively, knowing without a shadow of a doubt that this tour was going to be the one. But not anymore. It was going to be the same old crap. Dropping my head, I slumped over. Anna sat beside me, and her fingers lightly caressed my back in a soothing pattern. It helped my residual anger, but not my rising disappointment.

“One song. I asked for one fucking song…and they wouldn’t even give that to me…” I studied my fingers in my lap while my dreams dissolved in my hands. “Matt just told me that he’s not ever going to give me a chance to play lead, and the rest of the guys agreed with him. I’m done…forever stuck on bass…forever in the shadows. I just wanted one song, one moment in the spotlight.” With a sigh, I looked up at her. “Four minutes? Is that so much?”

Anna’s eyes were heavy with sympathy. Reaching up, she threaded her fingers through my
hair. “No…that’s not much at all.”

I nodded and dropped my vision to my lap again. “Yeah, I didn’t think so either. But they
can’t even give that to me.” The anger resurfaced, wrapping disappointment around it like a blanket. “Between me and you, babe, sometimes…I really don’t like those guys.”

Anna kissed the back of my neck and wrapped an arm around my shoulder in sympathy. “I’m sorry, Griffin.”

Closing my eyes, I let her comfort wash over me. At least there was one person on earth who gave a shit about me.

 

Griffin Hancock was one of my favorite characters in the Thoughtless series and so I was beyond happy that he would be getting his own book. I loved him and Anna together and couldn't wait to see where their relationship would go.

I'm kinda 50/50 on this book. First off S.C. Stephens is a wonderful wordsmith. I love her writing and you can feel her passion for her character leap off the page. Griffin is as cocky, arrogant and funny as ever. It was great to see this softer side of Griffin with Anna and his kids. It melted my heart. But the thing was at times I just wasn't connecting the way I wanted to with the book. I just felt sorry for him a majority of the time and I think sometimes well beloved characters just need to be laid to rest and live in our memories the way we see them the first time. 

True die-hard fans of the series will love this book with Griffin's faults and all unfortunately I just wasn't one of them. 

3.5 Stars (I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for a honest review)

S.C. Stephens is a #1 bestselling author who spends her every free moment creating stories that are packed with emotion and heavy on romance. In addition to writing, she enjoys spending lazy afternoons in the sun reading, listening to music, watching movies, and spending time with her friends and family. She and her two children reside in the Pacific Northwest. 

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{SPOTLIGHT} Best Laid Wedding Plans by Lynnette Austin

SOME DREAMS ARE WORTH WHATEVER IT TAKES

Jenni Beth Beaumont left her broken heart behind when she took her dream job in Savannah. But after her brother's death, Jenni Beth returns home to help mend her parents' hearts as well as restore their beautiful but crumbling antebellum mansion. New dreams take shape as Jenni Beth sets to work replacing floors and fixing pipes to convert the family homestead into the perfect wedding destination. However, some folks in their small Southern town are determined to see her fail.

Cole Bryson was once the love of Jenni Beth's life, but the charming architectural salvager has plans of his own for the Beaumont family home. As the two butt heads, old turmoil is brought to the surface and Cole and Jenni Beth will have to work through some painful memories and tough realities before they can set their pasts aside and have a second chance at their own happily ever after.

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Full Name: Luanna Grace Connors

Nickname: Lu

Occupation: Waitress at Dee-Ann’s Diner

Physical description: Five-feet-four, maroon ponytail (hiding my dishwater blond hair), pale blue eyes, and ten pounds overweight.

Age: 25

Describe yourself in 100 words or less:

This will probably come as a shock, but I love my life. I know, I know. I’m workin’ at Dee-Ann’s Diner slinging hash all day. Not exactly what a little girl dreams of doing for the rest of her life. But tired feet and all, when I go home to Les and my three kids and hear “Mama’s home,” my heart swells.

Les has trouble keeping a job, no gettin’ around that. But the man’s got a heart of gold and, well, he’s still pretty darned sexy! That’s what got us in trouble in high school. When he’s not workin’, though, I come home to a clean house, happy kids, and dinner waiting on the table. What more could I want?

What is your favorite thing about living in Misty Bottoms? Where in Misty Bottoms can you most often be found?

Misty Bottoms has heart. If one of its own needs help, the town’s there to give it. Working at the diner, I hear it all! Nothing goes on that I don’t know about, believe me. I hear the good, the bad, and the ugly, and, truthfully, the good far outweighs the bad. I like the small-town feel, the closeness. For some, it’s probably claustrophobic. For me, it’s comforting.

Where will you be most likely to find me? At work, at home, at the grocery story, or on the soccer field. The boys love that game…and they’re good at it.

When not working, how do you spend your time?

With a seven, a five, and a three-year old? Seriously?

If money was no object and you had 3 weeks of vacation, what would you do with your time?

Rent a room and sleep. No, seriously, we’d take the kids to Disneyland and do it up big. Although I have to admit there’s a selfish part of me that would like to dump the kids on my mom and run away with Les on a Caribbean cruise. No cooking, no cleaning, no wiping kids’ noses for three weeks? Yeah, that would be nice.

Describe your dream wedding:

I’ve actually talked to Les about this. When the kids are a little older, I’d like us to renew our vows in church. The two boys can walk me down the aisle to their daddy, and my baby girl can be my maid of honor. I get kind of weepy thinking about it, actually.

I want to do it in the spring, when everything is new again, with lots of tulips and some pink and white dogwood blossoms. With three kids, I think a white gown is out, but I’d like something soft and feminine in ivory. Then I’d invite everybody over to our house for a big Southern barbecue and, since we didn’t have one the first time around, I really want a cake this time. Since this is my dream wedding we’re talking about, I’d like a three-tiered cake with real flowers on top…and music and dancing.

In the back of my closet, I have a pretty little box, and I’m putting part of my tips in it every week. This is one dream I intend to make come true. 

 

Her experienced gaze scrutinized the scene, took in both the setting and the people, alert for any problems. The arbor, with its draping of wisteria, had turned out beautifully and smelled like heaven itself. The bride’s family, the groom’s family—both wore expressions of happiness mixed with a touch of relief.

Jenni Beth’s eyes drifted to the flower girl. Daniella was antsy, her little fingers busily plucking the lace from the basket that held rose petals. And what in the world was Ricky, the ring bearer, doing to his shoelaces? Her eyes narrowed. Had he tied them together? Oh, boy.

As the sun set, the minister announced the newly joined Mr. and Mrs. Talbot, and Jenni Beth clapped with the rest of the guests while checking to make sure the walkway remained clear. The music began on cue, and the happy couple started down the aisle, hands laced, smiles bright.

When the ring bearer tripped, the best man scooped him onto one shoulder, diverting a minor catastrophe. She’d have to remember to thank him for the quick thinking.

If the reception went as smoothly, she could congratulate herself on a job well done.

While the bride and groom funneled their guests through the receiving line, Jenni Beth bolted to a separate section of the garden to make sure the cake, the bubbly, and the band were in place. She did a last-minute check on table settings, place cards, candles—the list was never ending.

The music started, the bridal party wended their way to the area, and the celebration began.

As the evening wore on, Jenni Beth relaxed.

A familiar voice whispered in her ear. “Dance with me.”

Cole Bryson. She hadn't seen his name on the guest list.

Shivers raced down her spine, and her heart stuttered. It had been too long, not long enough. “No.”

She wouldn't turn around, wouldn't meet those mesmerizing eyes.

His hands settled on her bare arms, and she nearly jumped. As the work-roughened hands moved over her skin, her stomach started a little dance of its own.

“I'm working, Cole.”

“Nothin' needs doin’ right now. Come on, sugar.”

Knowing she shouldn't, she turned to face him. Mistake. She always had found him irresistible, and that hadn't changed. He'd perfected that slow Southern drawl, had the sound of a true gentleman. But the twinkle in his eyes gave him away. Revealed the bad boy tucked not far below the surface.

Right now, dressed in a dark suit and tie, the man looked like every woman's dream. He appeared smooth and debonair, but beneath lay the wild.

He took her hand, and, God forgive her, she followed him, weak-kneed onto the portable dance floor, telling herself she didn't want to, that she only did it to keep peace. Knowing she lied.

A full moon shone overhead and candlelight flickered. When he drew her into his arms and pulled her close, she sighed. One hand held hers, the other settled south of her waist.

“You smell good, Jenni Beth. You always do.”

His voice, low and husky, sent goosebumps racing up and down her arms. Despite herself, she rested her head against his chest, seduced by the strong, steady beat of his heart, the illusion he could make everything and anything all right.

I love second chance romance books and this one fits the bill perfectly. This was my first book to read by this author and I will definitely be adding more of her books to my TBR list.

Jenni Beth is moving back home to help out her parents who are still reeling from the death of her brother who died while in the military. Trying everything she can to save the family home, help her parents and put their small town back on the map. What she never expected was the help of her brother's best friend Cole Bryson. As much as she tries to keep Cole at bay, she ends up accepting his help reluctantly. 

This was a sweet, southern, full of fun read. Can't wait to read more from this author.

* I was given an ARC of this book for an honest review.

 

The luxury of staying home when the weather turns nasty, of working in PJs and bare feet, and the fact that daydreaming is not only permissible but encouraged, are a few of the reasons middle school teacher Lynnette Austin gave up the classroom to write full-time. Lynnette grew up in Pennsylvania’s Alleghany Mountains, moved to Upstate New York, then to the Rockies in Wyoming. Presently she and her husband divide their time between Southwest Florida’s beaches and Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. A finalist in RWA's Golden Heart Contest, PASIC's Book of Your Heart Contest, and Georgia Romance Writers' Maggie Contest, she’s published five books as Lynnette Hallberg. She’s currently writing as Lynnette Austin. Having grown up in a small town, that’s where her heart takes her—to those quirky small towns where everybody knows everybody...and all their business, for better or worse.

 

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Happy Release Day! Finn Beckett by MJ Field is LIVE

 

I walked through hell, some of it caused by myself. Things were torn away from me that I would never get back. Hearts were broken beyond repair. Then mayhem ensued, and I lost who I was.

Music was always part of it. Music almost killed me. It dragged me in, caught me up, and almost destroyed me. I lost who I was and became someone I never wanted to be.

Sex, drugs, and rock and roll. The release, the buzz, the electric guitar's rage against all that was f'ed up in the world. It took me away and made me feel something when I was a soulless nothing … until the high wore off.

Music also brought me back.

I woke to a Zeppelin song, face down in my own vomit, next to a pile of coke and with three naked women at my feet. Disgusted with myself, disgusted with them, I walked, and I walked alone.

One chance meeting, a golden opportunity, a chance of a lifetime changed it all.

The sins of the past are behind me now. The day has finally come when I will walk onstage, not as an opening act, but as the act. Hours before my dream comes to fruition, though, I run into a girl, one f'ing girl, and I am back on the path of destruction.

  

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“I’ve tasted better.” His eyes lazily gaze down my body, causing me to squirm inside, but I hold it together. He takes the Blow Pop and rubs it across my lower lip before I am able to react. “So have you.”

“Enough,” I whisper. “That’s enough.”

He rolls his blood shot eyes and lets out a slow sigh. “Not yet it’s not.”

“You’re high. That’s your problem, you know. You hate me when you’re sober, so why not make that your reason to ‘just say no.’ ” I air quote the anti- drug catch phrase.

His eyes dance in amusement. They are lighter, clearer, less mucky, and how messed up is that? He’shigh!

“I’d rather be like Nike and just do it.” He makes the swish with his finger, and I can’t help staring at it. It’s long and thick and— “You liked it.”

“I’m not a piece of ass,” comes out louder than I intended, and he looks at me more sternly. Then I whisper, “I told you that the other night.”

“Then you came all over my face.”
When I gasp, he pulls his shades down, turns around, pops the Blow Pop back in his mouth, and then grips the arm rests as we ascend into the air. I quickly unwrap another sour apple Blow Pop and pop it in my mouth. Then I look out of the corner of my eye to see he’s smirking.

“That flavor suits you better.”

I LOVE FINN! Oh my he totally stole my heart (although at times I really wanted to strangle him! But then again, that's most men). Although this is book two in the series it can be read as a stand alone.

I love MJ's writing. This book was a little slow to start (I hadn't read book one so I didn't quite know what was happening) but it didn't take long to get into the groove and totally fall into this book.

Finn and Sonya each have their own demons to contend with and its a struggle most of the time, but they were made for each other and the story left me smiling and happy.

You can't go wrong with a book from MJ Fields. This is a definite for adding to your TBR.

 

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USA Today bestselling author MJ FIELDS's love of writing was in full swing by age eight.
Together with her cousins, she wrote a newsletter and sold it for ten cents to family members. She self-published her first New Adult romance in January 2013. Today she has completed six self-published series,The Love series, The Wrapped series, The Burning Souls series, The Men of Steel series, Ties of Steel series, and The Norfolk series.

MJ is a hybrid author who publishes an Indie book almost every month, and is signed with a traditional publisher, Loveswept, Penguin Random House, for her co- written series The Caldwell Brothers. Hendrix is available now, Morrison will be released on December 22nd, 2015.

There is always something in the works, and she has three, yes, three, new series coming out this summer, and fall.

MJ was a former small business owner, who closed shop so she could write full time.
MJ lives in central New York, surrounded by family and friends. Her house is full of
pets, people, friends, and noise ninety percent of the time, and she would have it no other way.

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The Weight of Rain by Mariah Dietz

One night changed my life—one that I barely remember. 

When I close my eyes, my mind paints a picture of his smile and shades the contours of his hands, the deep scar around his bicep. I'm an artist, yet my hands are unsteady. With his presence, he has unknowingly broken that something inside of me that makes me who I am.  

Being around him is like standing in a rainstorm. First the drops tickle my skin, and then they coat me, refusing to be ignored. Finally, they soak into me, reaching parts of me I don’t think anyone has ever touched.  

When dreams turn into reality, will the picture in my mind transfer to paper?

 

 

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“Why are you fidgeting again?” Allie’s scolding is in the form of a whisper but still reaches my ears as a yell because I know by the sharp look in her eye that she’s ready to stab me with a pin if I don’t stop.  

“Sorry,” I whisper. I work to ignore an itch on the back of my neck and another on my shoulder. As I think about how much I hate standing still and why I didn’t see King at all today though he always works in the home office on Fridays, I feel several more tickles across my skin that arise because I know I can’t move.  

My eyes scan over the large space that we’re filling. There are at least two hundred other students in here, each with a model who, like me, is standing atop a crate, making a select few of us even more uncomfortably tall. Several people look perfectly relaxed as they stand completely still, their shoulders back and chins raised as though they’re already on stage. My eyes trace over each of them, noticing their poise, boldness, and beauty.  

“She’s really pretty.” 

 Allie’s looks up at me with minimal interest. 

“Who?”  

“The girl over there with the dark blond hair.” I nod in the direction of where she’s standing. 

 “You’re an artist, Lo. She’s definitely pretty, but her confidence is what makes her stand out so much.” 

Allie’s comment makes me stare longer at the girl, noticing her eyes are a little too close together, and her forehead too short to be what is believed to be the definition of attractive. It brings me to hate those ignorant facts even more because she is beautiful, and I’m grateful she seems to believe so without meeting the dictated standards. 

“Lo,” Allie hisses in warning, making my hand drop from where it’s rubbing across my mostly bare thigh. 

“You should really consider asking Kenzie.” 

“I would have if I had known you have ADHD. What’s with you?” 

“I don’t know.” 

“It’s because you can’t draw, huh?” My attention drops to Allie as she places another pin along the hemline.  

“That’s definitely not helping.”  

“When do you think you’ll be able to hold a pencil again? Are your professors freaking out?” 

“I don’t know. I’m hoping by the end of this week so I can draw while I’m home for Christmas.”  

“Are you excited?” Her gaze remains fixed on the dress as I raise my eyebrows, her question sinking into my thoughts. 

“I guess. I don’t know.” 

 “You don’t talk about your family much.” Allie’s eyes dart to mine for just a fraction of a second, but I’m sure it’s long enough to notice mine working to evade contact.  

“There’s not a whole lot to say.”  

“What happened to your mom this week?” I feel her briefly glance up again before moving her hands to a new spot where she begins measuring the fabric for the next pin.

“Something came up. I’m sure I’ll see her after the holidays. You know how this time of year is.” 

She places a white chalk pencil between her teeth and nods slowly as if debating that it’s the correct response. She frees it again, intently focusing on the fabric, and places a careful mark. “You aren’t mad?” 

I shrug, earning a glare from her that I return with a frown. Her lips fall open into a laugh. “You just need to focus on someone and mentally draw them; otherwise, you’re never going to make it out of here tonight, at least not without a thousand pinholes.”  

My neck twists as I look around the room again. There are so many people in here. So much beauty, anticipation, desire, and passion: things I seek for my own inspiration, yet when I close my eyes and start sketching lines across my imagination, they don’t make up anyone that’s in here. I think I’d be surprised at this point if they ever do again. There are times like yesterday when I genuinely wish I hated him. Hell, he’s been a jackass to me enough that I could justifiably say I do, and anyone would be able to understand where I’m coming from. Then again, that would also require having someone to discuss my feelings for and interactions with him. 

I wish I hadn’t been exposed to the kinder sides of him. 

I wish I didn’t see how he acts around Mercedes to witness his unconditional love for her. 

I wish my memories of that night were fading rather than becoming clearer. 

I wish I wasn’t falling for this asshole.  

I wish he’d fall for me.   

This book is so full of feels, that you are transported into living the book instead of just reading it. Mariah has a way of making you a part of the story, not just reading it but living and breathing it. Every book written by Mariah gets better and better and Weight of Rain is her finest work yet.

Lauren is a bit of a loner. With only a few friends, she gets lost in her world of art. Taking in every aspect of the world around her. There seems to be one person she just can't get out of her mind. He's a mystery. An enigma. Yet she can remember the plains of his body, the curve of his lips, the scars that riddle his body. She just doesn't know who he is. After months of trying to remember, asking anyone who may know who this guy is...she gives up. That is until he literally walks back into her life one day, sending her world is a spin. She doesn't know whether to be giddy with joy that he's back in her life, or want to stab the arrogant asshole who seems to take joy in teasing her about their one night. Turns out to be the night that neither of them can forget.

Crossed paths and miscommunication brought them to where they are now. But can either of them walk away?

The book paints the story in vivid details, but not in a way that is too wordy or overdone. You know their thoughts, their fears, their hopes. Getting drawn in, turning page after page, needing to know more.

Secondary characters take a piece of your heart along with Lauren and King and you care for the entire group as a whole. 

This book is definitely in my top 5 for 2015 and Mariah is a contender that I hope more and more people discover - a true diamond in the rough.

Mariah Dietz lives in Eastern Washington with her husband and two sons that are the axis of her crazy and wonderful world. Mariah grew up in a tiny town outside of Portland, Oregon where she spent the majority of her time immersed in the pages of books that she both read and created.  

She has a love for all things that include her sons, good coffee, books, travel, and dark chocolate. She also has a deep passion for the stories she writes, and hopes readers enjoy the journeys she takes them on, as much as she loves creating them.

 

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