Cover reveal ~ Beaker to Life

 Good morning!

I am brining to you today a brand new cover for a young adult novel to be published next month! Beaker to Life is a story that I started way back in high school. Since then it has been finished and revamped. It took on a new life since then. I also overthought this story so much and finish put it out. I went back and forth about if needed more or if I added more would it drag. It's normal to doubt. You can read the first three chapters (not edited, I'm working on it now) right here.

Madeline is special. However, the threats and protests make her feel otherwise. Madeline is the first successful human clone. She lives with one of the scientists that created her, Dr. Vodola, and his son, Sawyer. Between the constant doctor appointments, press conferences, and Dr. Vodola's strict rules, Madeline lives in prison. She never gets a choice in anything in her life. Sawyer is counting the days where he can graduate and move out of his abusive father's house. Growing up, Sawyer learned that his mother left him because of Madeline. As the abuse grows, their relationship is tested will they find the strength to fight for a chance to live?

Prologue

Warmth surrounded me as light dings danced against the window and roof. Mother Nature's song tickled my ears, but my eyes stayed closed. I didn't have to wake up if I didn't want to. I had a choice. Keeping my eyes closed I uncoiled, rolled over, then curled back up, and tightening my hold on my blanket. My body was comfortable, but my mind was pinging many different ideas and memories against my brain it was making it very difficult to fall back to sleep. Sighing I stood up and wrapped the blanket at the end of the bed around me as I tip toed across the room. The rug fibers pressed between my toes. Titling my head up I stared up at the dark clouds. It was morning, but there wasn't any trace of any light.

My fingers pressed against the cold glass lightly as the water droplets ran down. My eyes watched as each water droplet left almost a trail behind it, patterns formed against the window. Every teardrop was the same, clear, wet, and small. I wasn't like the other water drops. I was created rather than born. Years of being called a freak, monster, and even had death threats against me, I found myself wanting to be like everyone else. I would have done anything to be like them. Though, he was always different. We didn't always get along, but he still managed to make sure that I felt human.

I barely got a chance to live. The scientist never gave me true affection, but rather treated me as a trophy for a prized pumpkin at a fair. He made sure to show me off. While other kids were learning to ride their bikes, I was poke and prodded by scientists, news reporters, and so many others. Then there were those who wanted me dead. The protests that would form when I was heard to be somewhere. The yells and signs shouting out that I was a sin, a creature from hell, against all laws against nature. People knew who and what I was, so they hated me.

There was no way to keep track of how many nights I ended up curled up crying. Then against all his father's wishes Sawyer would come down and sit with me to make me feel better. He was the only one I really got to talk to, and he did not seem to care what others said about me. Sawyer was able to able to see me, for me even when I didn't know who I was. Sawyer and I were friends through it all, as much as we tried to be anyway, because at times it was difficult to have any form of a relationship with someone. I don't think I could have survived without him. When I was deprived of him, I would have been alone, and I don't think I would've had the strength to see the next day without that encouragement.

Being the only successful human clone in the world makes me stand out a little. The rarity makes me more of a science experiment than a living breathing human. Taking in a deep breath I sat on the couch by the window, watching the storm, and creating the cocoon as a haven around me.

Upcoming Release

 Hello Readers!

I will continue to work on edits this week and I will be doing a cover reveal later this week, early next on my upcoming young adult novel. I am back to the young adult world, I enjoy it though what can I say. This is a scifi story though! That is a little different, I have trouble staying in one genre, oops! However, this weekend I will be doing a cover reveal of the upcoming novel. Then I will release the book March 19th. You can read the first three chapters on Wattpad, but remember it has not been edited yet because that is what I am working on it now. Keep an eye out for more updates and hope that you're all excited!

New Series

Hello!

So I don't know how I could be home during a pandemic and not write for nearly two months. Then again I was pretty busy with teacher stuff while I was home for the last couple of months. I am sorry. I know I have been majorly missing in action and weird the last several months. I was taking a step back from things and working on me. This might be TMI, but I've always had female problems. This past fall I was diagnosed with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) . It isn't life threatening, but because of the hormonal imbalances I do have to watch stuff for my overall health. It's been an emotional roller coaster. One minute I'm ready to conquer everything the next I am cursing my body and our healthcare system for brushing things like this under the rug. So part of this pandemic I took a step back from a lot of things and decided to work on me. I've been working on my physical health (my scale my say otherwise) in addition to my mental health. I am sorry for the tmi and too much information. 

That was probably a heavier than what you were all expecting and I am sorry. However, something that I've been trying to get back into to help myself is writing. The first month during the pandemic I wrote the second half of the first book of my upcoming young adult trilogy!! I have been kind of fauge about it because I've been over thinking titles and what not. This trilogy will be different from my previous stuff. It orginally was going to be four books, but I'm worried that I'll drag things out that don't need to be. So it is a trilogy.

How is this trilogy different? First off it is a different genre. First time I'll be publishing fantasy/scifi genre. Now I've tried writing in these areas before, but never published. These books will be about elements!! As in earth, fire, air, and water. Hopefully this idea isn't overplayed.

Second, this trilogy might have a couple snippets of romance, BUT this series will NOT be about love. First one of my stories that will not be centered about two people coming together. Instead I will be focusing on friendship/sisterhood. It is a little bit of a challenge, but I'm oddly liking it. I cannot wait for all the characters to meet up. I keep having these scenes in my head (hopefully I remember them all!) And I love them.

Last reason this series is different. The first two books are written in one point of view. Which if you have read everything I have written has only happen two other times, Going Rogue, and Invisible Bonds (this might be stretching it). Otherwise just about everything else changes points of view. I like writing that way because I love getting in different character's heads. Especially when I am tired of one character. I think that's been part of my struggle with the second young adult book I'm working on now. First off it is a fire person, which I'm finding that I am not, water was way easier to write.

So I'm thinking the series name will be Awaking, but I don't know if that is over used. The first one is Against the Current. Second is In the Line of Fire. Then the conclusion is Mischief in the Air. You can read the first couple of chapters on wattpad. Read Against the Current.

I hope you all enjoy the sample and hopefully the series to come out in 2021!

A Storm on the Horizon ~ Cover Reveal

Good Morning!!

I am FINALLY releasing my pirate young adult novel!! I have been saying it for years, and it is finally happening! Prepare yourself because I LOVE this cover! How amazing is this cover? I might have to just print the image and put it somewhere in my house. That wouldn't be weird or anything would it? I am going to be releasing this book for all ebook readers, and paperback readers on November 1st, but you can preorder it now!

Book Blurb

Her responsibilities and poverty trap Elizabeth. All she wishes for is to know what freedom feels like, but that always seemed out of grasp. However, when Elizabeth's father dies, she is left without any money or a roof over her head. She has only a few options. Taking a deep breath, she decides to take the plunge, cut her hair off, and join a pirate ship. Holes are poked into Elizabeth's plan when two guys whom she knew in her old life are also on board the vessel and could expose who she is.

Chapter 1 Elizabeth

The air surrounding me was saturated with the refreshing scent of salt, which seemed to awaken my senses. Keeping my eyes shut, I took in a deep breath of what I knew was freedom. A vast sea outstretched towards the unknown, full of adventures. However, when I opened my eyes, all I saw was the dock — my trap. The smile faded as I watched some ships bobbed ever so lightly in the tide as they were tied up against the dawn sky. I wrapped my arms tighter around my knees as a breeze swept through my window. From my room, I could faintly see figures moving around on one of the ships. I was never going to get off this island.

“Elizabeth,” a raspy voice called through the curtains.

“I’m coming Papa,” I responded with my eyes still on the horizon.

I took one last gulp of the fresh air before I uncurled myself from my bed by the window. Grabbing my worn dress and corset to exchange with my nightgown, but I wished that I could have done without the dreaded corset. What I wouldn’t give to be a guy and not have my ribs crushed under the wretched corset. I yanked on the strings one at a time. The material was shabby, but my bones still felt some restraint. Glancing around the room, I wondered where I had put my shoes. While I brushed my long red-brownish hair to put in a bun, I tried to remember what I did with my shoes. I only ever went to work, the market, or home. I gave up on fixing every stray strand knowing whatever I did to it wouldn’t last and started to crawl around on my hands and knees. I smirked, this was not the most lady-like behavior, and I was sure half the women in town would faint at the sight of me in this position on the floor. I gave up on being a lady years ago. We were poor, and I was not in a situation to play a lady.

“Aha!” I yelped once I found them under my bed and put them on.

My dress was hiked up to my knees as I put my shoes on. When I was little I never really cared to play dolls with the other little girls in town. I would watch the boys between their lessons would play with swords pretending that they were members of the guard or a pirate. I would go over there to ask them to play, and they would ignore me purely on the fact that I was a girl. They would go into their homes for their lessons, and I would never be able to get either. My Papa never learned to read and was unable to teach me. My Papa made it up to me, though by teaching me sword fighting; he said he might as well show me how to defend myself.

I have been helping out at the docks where my Papa worked for years. It did make the owner a little uneasy about a little girl working there. He got over it quickly since he realized that I was cheaper to hire than any man and got the work done just as well as one. I loved learning about the ships to the point where I could tell a person every part of a vessel and what it did. I could fix any part of the boat blindfolded. After that, I learned more as the people would dock their ships at our port. I could not get enough of the sailing life.

My true love though was pirates. The fact that they could jump onto their ships and sail all over whenever they could, I was jealous beyond all reason. To go from one port to another, to take what they thought what should be theirs. Never to have to worry about anything in life and no real responsibly. That sounded amazing to me. I would love having all the advantages since my Papa taught me how to swim when I learned to walk since I was always by the dock; not many knew how to do so. The best thing about being a pirate would be that I wouldn’t have to worry about being forced to marry anyone.

Fixing my dress, I pushed aside my curtain to reveal the common room. This building was the old office for the marina, so it was one room, but when my Papa started to work for the owner, he let us rent it. My mom had put up the sheets to create the illusions of rooms. I remember being little and running through all the layers of fabric. The laughter had died a long time ago, though; it was almost like the happy spirits were ghosts in our home.

Loud, ear curling coughing greeted me. Papa was standing at the table, both hands gripping the edges with white knuckles. My stomach dropped, and I instantly felt nauseous.

“Papa-”

He held up a hand, causing me to stop me from finishing that thought. I went around him to take the pot off the fire before the bubbles boiled over. He sat down but kept his eyes on the table as I poured what looked like the last bit of last night’s broth into the bowls he had out. After putting the pot aside as I pushed the bowl in front of him, and Papa only nodded his head. Holding back a sigh, I started to sip on the liquid, and the warmth seeped through every part of my body. I couldn’t help peering over my bowl at my father.

“I’m alright you don’t have to worry about me,” he finally spoke, his chest heaving profoundly almost like he was trying to catch his breath.

“Papa, you should stay at home,” I whispered.

His face scrunched up. He hated me taking care of him when I was the child in the relationship. Deep in his eyes, though I could tell that a part of him was pleased that he’ll be with my mother soon enough, it was that last bit of bliss in him. That acknowledgment killed me to think that I was going to lose him too. He was all I knew and had. Why couldn’t he hold on a little bit longer for me?

“I’m alright honey, come on, you and I need to go to work.”

I just shook my head, knowing he wouldn’t listen to me anyway. His stubbornness might lead to his death. He had slowly been putting up a guard against me when his health took a turn for the worse a year ago. My Papa drank quickly. I didn’t know what tonight’s dinner was going to be. We ran out of food, and I didn’t know when we were going to receive our next payment. When I was younger, the men would give me food out of pity. Seeing a child small and underfeed would make them feel empathetic. Now they wanted something for the food, so I just ignored them and the pains in my belly. On a rare occasion, the dock’s master’s wife would give us food when they had extra, but it was far between the times she did that. They had children themselves to feed.

When the two of us finished with what we were calling breakfast, he took the bowls and washed them with a towel quickly. He gave me a tight smile which I returned and held my hand to start our walk to work. When we got to the docks, my Papa was instantly pulled aside to talk to the port master, leaving me watching and trying to figure out what was happening. My Papa just kept nodding his head before shaking the master’s hand. The master went back inside, and Papa headed back towards me. My chest shook as my heart raced with what my father could be directed towards me to say. I had a feeling what the news was going to be, and it worried me.

“Looks like there’s a job that they need me to go on.”

“But.” I paused and glimpsed over at the office before back at Papa.”But your health.”

He rolled his eyes and shook his head.”It’s a job, and we need the money, so there’s no discussing this. I leave four days from now.”

He brushed by me to head to his station, never looking over his shoulder. Nothing was unusual about him going on trips, but despite what he told people about his health, he was getting worse. The last thing he should be doing was going on a long journey with a cough that shook his whole body, and that made throat scratching noises. Davy Jones himself would hear it at the bottom of the ocean. I tried to hold back the scared nerves by holding my breath for a moment, letting it out slowly. I could not say a word to get him to stay at home. I loved my Papa, and this trip would surely kill him, yet the master could not see that. The owner had a business, things needed to be shipped, and we needed the money. There was nothing I could do. Maybe if I had been born a son, he might have listened to me.

I helped move some of the ropes on the docks to get things started for the upcoming trips. Working kept my mind busy. No one was out on the boards of the port. I guess we were earlier than we were supposed to be. I started to tie the knots for the sails as the sun shined brightly on this beautiful day, the sky losing the other colors leaving a crisp, blue shade behind. I could feel the sun starting to hit my face, warming me to my core. I couldn’t help, but smile. It didn’t take me long to do the ropes; knots were simple. My fingers became nimble over the years. I drifted a bit on the ship since no one was looking and I did all that I could’ve without anyone there.

I headed towards the Quarter Deck, where the steering wheel was. I let my fingers drift over the railing of the ship. The wood felt so smooth under my fingertips. Oh, I just wished that I could sail out and leave my problems behind. Taking a glance to make sure that no one was watching me, I picked up the skirt of my dress and ran the rest of the way. Each foot fell was light and rapid as I tried to keep the wooden planks from squeaking, and I wished that I was barefooted. Once I made it to the Quarter Deck, my fingers shook a little as I went to touch the wheel. With quivering hands, I put my hands on it real fast. My heart seemed like it would not stop from beating too fast, even though the anchor was in the water I felt like I was already on my way sailing towards the horizon to lands that I’ve only ever heard about from the sailors. I wanted to see if the stories were true for myself.

“You look like a natural up there,” a soft deeper voice spoke.

I jumped back and took my hands off with them in a surrender position in front of me. My eyes went wide as a guy around my age was close by chuckling at me. I hadn’t even heard him get on the ship. He had thick, raven hair that was just below his ears glistening as the sun shined brightly on him. He had these piercing green eyes that were smiling at me, or were they smirking? His clothes were tattered and frayed.

“Sorry, I hadn’t meant to scare you,” he spoke while strolling onto the same deck that I was on and continued to close the gap between us.

“You hadn’t scared me,” I tried lying hoping he didn’t see the fear that had to be showing through my eyes.

He had taken another relaxed step closer to me and another until he was finally standing next to me. I tried to keep my heart from leaping out of my chest; my feet never moved. I wasn’t running away from him. Why wasn’t I moving away? Even though I wasn’t trained to be a lady, I knew that when a strange man came up to me, I was not to be alone with him.

“I hadn’t?” the guy raised an eyebrow to match his smirk. His voice though was still charming.”Then why did you jump?”

“You just surprised me, that’s all,” I snapped straightening my shoulders.

He smiled and pushed his hair back from the wind blowing it. That was when I saw the earring. Definitely a pirate! That was not a slave trait because it glistened like gold. I jumped up and squealed as my eyes grew real wide. My hands flew to my lips, hiding my smile at the discovery. He scrunched his dark eyebrows, causing his grin to disappear.

“You’re a pirate,” I shrieked.

I was so excited I must have said it too loudly because he covered my mouth with a calloused hand. He glanced around agitatedly then back at me. His eyes narrowed at mine.

“Why would you say that?”

“Your clothes, the earring, and the fact that I can see an outline of a tattoo through your shirt,” I could hear the enthusiasm with every word. Quickly I was losing restraint that was stopping me from jumping up and down just before.

I couldn’t believe I was meeting a real pirate. I was getting overexcited. There were so many questions I wanted to ask. I wanted to know everything. I had dreamt of meeting a pirate my w life, whole life. However, with a pirate in front of me, I couldn’t think of what to ask first. My mind was a swirl of blanks though unable to process a single query.

“You’ll not rat me out?” he asked as his eyes locked onto mine narrowed.

“No! Tell me what it’s like to be free.”

He raised an eyebrow again.

“You’re not like any other girl I’ve ever met,” he spoke slowly.

My gaze fell to the deck floor, nervously as I shuffled my feet a little. I was not like a normal girl if I had any girl in me at all. He guided my chin up so that I could meet his eyes. They were softer this time.

“That isn’t a bad thing love,” his voice gentle as his thumb rubbed my cheek.”My name is Sly.”

“Elizabeth.”

When I went to the market, the women there talked about how they got flustered when they got a peek of any of the upper crust. I felt just as restless and enthused about the guy before me.

“You aren’t afraid of being near a pirate?” he questioned in hushed tones, and I didn’t know why he had to ask again.

Couldn’t he see the bliss just seeping out every pore?

I leaned against the edge of the ship, and he followed my led. Smiling slightly, I couldn’t believe someone was talking to me like an average person. I wasn’t getting made fun of or harassed. Sly genuinely seemed like he wanted to speak to me, curious about me. I felt the butterflies coursing through me. He was very at ease about this situation as his shoulders were not squared off. I didn’t think I’ve ever really been alone with a male like this before.

“No, actually they fascinate me. I’ve always dreamed of becoming a pirate. However, two things have always stopped me from becoming one,” I spoke with the words flowing out of me effortlessly.

“What are they?” He requested liked he cared.

“First, as much as I’d love to be out there, my Papa’s health keeps me here. The second is the most important; I’m not a man if you haven’t noticed.”

“Aye, I have,” Sly chortled.

I laughed a little anxious then he bent over to my ear. I could feel his lips touch the shell of my ear as he talked. Shivers shot through my spine.

“Would it fancy you to hear what it’s like?” his voice was husky.

“Everything, everything you could tell me.”

Sly laughed from deep within his chest and stood up fully to walk a little more in the back of the ship, leaving me to pursue him. I didn’t take much time as I jumped to shadow him.

“You would rather listen to me talk, than anything else?”

He raised an eyebrow. I pretended to ignore what he was hinting; I was not going to let him ruin my chance of asking him questions.

“Yes. It would mean the world to me,” I beamed.

He sat down on the deck floor, so I copied, and again he stared at me oddly hopefully for my boldness. I couldn’t keep my eyes off of his green ones that were unlike any eyes I have ever seen, such a daring shade of green. There was just the familiarity and comfort around him even though I had only met him.

“Why are you so different from every other girl I’ve ever been near?” there was a playful tone in his voice.

I blushed. That was the one problem I had with pirates, the way they were with the woman. The fact that pirates tried to charm their way into bedrooms to spoil any reputation of a woman just for a moment of mischievousness.

“I never had a Mama to raise me, just my Papa. He jokes around that I should’ve been born a son. That he had always wanted a daughter and never got one. He taught me the sword and about ships. I feel like I’m being imprisoned by staying here on this pile of dirt.”

Sly sighed. I can’t believe I told him that. I just met him. No one else knows about any of these fantasies. I glanced away from him and pushed back some lose hair.

“That’s why I love the sea. I’m free.”

“I’m jealous,” I let go a deep breath of air.

“Ladies such as yourself should want to get married and to have children. Not be trying to roam the waters.”

“That has never been a dream of mine. I never pictured any of those things.”

He smiled big.

“Come with me for a walk.”

I couldn’t say no to those eyes. Getting up we climbed down the ship before we slipped off, hoping not to get noticed. I could not be seen leaving work. Sly took my hand as we ran off towards the beach away from the docks. Using my free hand, I picked up my skirt to lift the material to around my knees. I giggled finally feeling loose, and he smiled at me. I didn’t care about the girly laughter escaping me around him. I didn’t know if it was from the sneaking off or the sea air, but for a brief moment in my life, I felt away from everything in my life. My hair came out of its bun and flew, just as liberated as me from its ribbon. We finally stopped with us trying to catch our breaths. I bent over to take off my shoes which were already practically dead. Walking in the sand with shoes on was not fun or an easy task.

Sly interlaced our fingers and pulled me over so that I was embraced tightly in his arms. He let a hand drift to my cheek and pushed the now windblown hair behind my ears. Being held by Sly was all going too fast, but Sly was a pirate after all. He started to lean forward a little while I was inclining my neck, his lips headed for mine. My knees nearly buckled, I was about to get my first kiss. I snuck out of work with a pirate and was about to get a kiss. My eyes drifted shut as he did the same. We both paused, though when a high pitched voice broke the silence over the sounds of the waves. His forehead was against mine as he paused, his jaw clenched.

“Now Elizabeth, I really could have sworn that you’re supposed to be at work right now,” the voice echoed in my head making me want to die, or to kill her, whatever would keep me from hearing that voice again.

Angeline was the richest girl in the region. Her father was the Governor. There was talk of her marrying a man high up in the ranks of the military. I could care less as long as she was not around me. She was part of the elite, so there wasn’t supposed to be much of a sighting between the two of us, but she still managed to make sure that we ran into each other every few days it seemed.

Everything about Angeline bothered me. Her hair color was opposite of mine, a light blond shade, and hers was clean in tight curls around her shoulders. She always wore the most elegant clothes; I don’t know if I have ever seen her wear the same thing twice. Her eyes were such a vibrant shade of blue that everyone loved under the thick, dark fan of eyelashes. Being around her made my blood boil. I could sense her before I saw her usually. She had a twin brother, Henry. He was a big problem for me. He was searching for a bride, and I always felt his eyes on me despite the class difference. I didn’t know which of the two urchins I wanted to see dead more at times. I was not lucky enough to lose them both in a tragic accident.

“It wasn’t busy,” I tried lying as Sly drew his face away from mine to look at Angeline.

I could feel the joy drain from my body.

“Elizabeth darling, you’re acting very rude by not introducing me to your friend,” her voice had a sharp tone; making sure to let me know that she was above me.

This woman was such a tart. My heart broke. Why did she always try to stomp on the little happiness I had in life. She sought out to make sure no other female was happy. She didn’t care who she flirted with or if the man was available. Angeline strolled upon the beach with such grace I knew I never had a chance because I wasn’t such a ‘lady.’ The layers of silk made the sand even clear smoothly. I wasn’t like the other girls.

“I’m Angeline.”

She held out her gloved hand. Angeline used her charisma, and little was said yet. Sly left with her. I hated that siren. I was left alone standing on the beach with the wind blowing wildly. Off in the distance, I could see a ship that Sly was probably a crew member on that vessel. I sat in the sand, making sure my feet were well into the sand. My toes were in the cool sand as the sun warmed up the top light-colored grains. I had my knees brought into my chest, and I stared out into the ocean. What might have been the best morning of my life was turned into rioting fruit. The rich won over the poor yet again.

First four chapters: https://www.wattpad.com/story/20344424-a-storm-on-the-horizon

Release Day is November 1, 2019, ebooks are available for pre-order!

Amazon, Smashwords, Barnes&Nobles, iTunes, and more!

Off the Beaten Path and a Freebie

Good morning from New Jersey!
I'm visiting my family in New Jersey for another week then it is back to Virginia for me. I'm down to 24 days until my wedding! It is getting to the crunch and I've been so calm through this whole process I'm trying to keep it up! It is all the little details now and I'm not the best with that stuff so it's interesting. However, you are not reading this to hear about my wedding planning process.

So as I have said previously End of the Line 2 is being released this month! It has been a long journey and has gone through multiple editors, but it is being released next week! Off the Beaten Path takes place a couple of years after the first story. I've been torn if I will write a third. I did come up with another idea, but we'll see if I can do it or not. I do not want to force an idea. If you have no read the first, it is currently free through Barnes and Nobles and Smashwords. I will share the link. You can also check out the details for the upcoming release!

After a couple of years, things almost seem calm again. there is almost a sense of home and security. However, something they thought would never happen does - a group of people finds them. Once the crowd comes, everything they know changes. Their pack order and relationships are questioned as things are thrown for a loop. After everything that Mother Nature had thrown at them, can their group survive other people?

Amazon

BN

Smashwords

FREE - End of the Line

When so much is lost how does one to have the strength to move on? At seventeen Lauren was prepared for yet another year of school. Then asteroids hit, killing all of those she knew except for a few other teens from her neighborhood. Joining forces with her classmate Aaron, they work together on the journey in the hopes of finding more people that are alive. On the way, threats of starvation, illness, and freezing to death compare to the danger of Dean Manson. Manson is an ex-con out for revenge against Aaron. With so much working against them these teens fight for everything even if it means denying their feelings just for the chance to see a new day.

BN

Smashwords

End of the Line for FREE

Hello!
Off the Beaten Path (End of the Line 2) is going to be released April 2016. I am pretty excited to release this sequel and I hope you all enjoy it! I will be doing a cover revealing soon which will include a new cover for End of the Line! However, to prepare for the release of the second book I am making the first free for a limited time. If you have not read the first this is your chance!

End of the Line

When so much is lost how does one to have the strength to move on? At seventeen Lauren was prepared for yet another year of school. Then asteroids hit, killing all of those she knew except for a few other teens from her neighborhood. Joining forces with her classmate Aaron, they work together on the journey in the hopes of finding more people that are alive. On the way, threats of starvation, illness, and freezing to death don’t compare to the danger of Dean Manson. Manson is an ex-con out for revenge against Aaron. With so much working against them these teens fight for everything even if it means denying their feelings just for the chance to see a new day.

FREE Smashwords (has all formats including pdf)
FREE Nook (This site has 18 reviews as well if you're still not sure.)
Kindle

Updates on the upcoming release

Hello!
I'm taking a break from my homework because well I'm going crazy. I will say instead of the end of March, Off the Beaten Path, would be released. I will say though I changed it to the beginning of April. It is currently with the editor and I rather not rush that part. I will also say the cover revealing will be soon so keep your eyes out! There will also be a cover change of End of the Line so that the series covers would go together. :) Also thank you for those who have been downloading Going Rogue (End of the Line 1.5)! I hope you all are enjoying it!
~Ottilie 

New Release ~ Project US

Happy Friday!
I know that I said that I would release Project US on August 7th, but I decided to release it early! Who doesn't like surprises? Plus it is Friday, who doesn't like a treat on a summer Friday? Weird people obviously. Now, I did the necessary approvals for the paperback and Amazon, but it will take a couple of days for Project US to show up on there. This story is close to my heart as it took me almost 11 years to write, edit, and build up the courage to publish this book. This could have been before Family Ties or End of the Line, but I kept it back and given the changes I did I'm glad I waited.

Project US is a Young Adult novel. It is a Romantic Suspense story that is like my other works and better suitable for high school and older. It is also longer than my other works!

If you read any author's work especially an indie one if you could it would be nice to leave a review so the author can grow. :) How will I celebrate my new release? I will be spending the whole weekend packing, moving, and unpacking. So have fun for me this weekend because it might take me a little bit to get internet as well! I also made white cupcakes with chocolate frosting and crushed oreos on top last night. I'm hoping that will be a nice gesture to those helping me move!

Project US

Rachel is used to being in control of her emotions, never letting anyone get close to the real her. Nick is exactly the kind of guy Rachel has been trying to avoid getting involved with. Yet, when their school arranges a mysterious project that puts them together, they soon become trapped in a marriage that turns out to be real and legally binding, and they aren't the only ones.

While their parents try to get four hundred students out of these marriages with legal help, the teenagers must live in a compound with their respective spouses for the duration of the project. Being trapped together leaves no room for denials. As Nick begins to fall for Rachel, she does everything in her power to avoid his charms and protect her heart. All she wants is to get out of the marriage, but does she truly want out, or is she only lying to herself?



Are you still interested? You can check out the following links!

Wattpad ~ first two chapters.

Goodreads ~ Add it to your to-read list and enter a giveaway for a signed paperback!

Barnes&Nobles ~ Nook is ready to go, but the paperback will take a few days.

Smashwords ~ a site, where you can get books in any format (kindle, nook, pdf, etc.)

Createspace ~ Paperback

Amazon ~ Paperback and Kindle

Leading Ladies ~ Rachel

Hello!
With Project US being released this year it is only fair to have the characters be introduced before hand. I have already done Men of Ottilie with Nick. Just like my other books Project US is told through two characters, Nick and Rachel. I'd like you to meet the characters before hand. She was interesting to write, and I loved writing their relationship.

                Rachel Hertz

Blond hair
Loves to read
Worries for her friends
Favorite book is Wildflower Hill
She likes ice tea
Has a younger sister

Scene:

3

Rachel

Ringing, ringing, ringing; whoever was calling needed to be shot or to have the wires in the phone send out electric shocks! Rolling over, I picked up the phone as I couldn't feel movement over our makeshift of a wall, lucky jerk. The plastic of the room phone on the nightstand felt cool against my fingers. Wouldn't our cell phones have been easier?

"Hello," I spoke, hearing how drowsy my voice sounded. I wanted more sleep as I put some effort into listening to what the teacher was saying so that I could remember to tell Nick.

Hanging up the phone, I turned to look at Nick who was lying on his back as I tried to figure out how was I was supposed to wake him up. My heart sped up a little at the thought of having to touch the Nick March. Leaning over the fake wall it was crushed below me as I reached out to contact Nick's bare shoulder with hesitant fingers when I noticed his eyes were opened the smallest crack possible.

"You're awake aren't you?" I whispered incase I was wrong, my hand still not touching his skin.

"Morning," Nick responded, yawning and stretching so that his lean muscles moved under his skin, that faker.

I pushed my hair back out of my face so that the wavy pieces were out of the way.

"How long have you been awake?" I asked, my head tilting lightly so that the locks that I had just moved fell back down.

"I don't know what you're talking about I just woke up," Nick retorted, his voice airy and with a matching grin on those lips.

I shoved his shoulder as he sat up and he let out a small mock-yell.

"Rachel, you touched a shirtless guy! What a scandal!" Nick reacted. His blue eyes were wide as his fingers went to hide his nipples.

"You're insane! We've got to be downstairs in like forty minutes for whatever it is they're planning on doing with us."

I stood up, sliding my legs out of the bed. Standing on my toes with my hands reaching high above my head I stretched out my entire little-over-five-feet body, which just made me slowly, but surely, happier to be awake. Feeling eyes on me I glanced over to see Nick just sitting there watching me, which caused me to fall back onto the soles of my feet, arms crossing over my chest and for once wishing I was wearing a bra. Biting my lip I had to move my gaze elsewhere as the heat rose to my face. Guys didn't look at me and they never asked me out. My mom always asked if I thought guys were intimated by a group of girls always hanging out together. How would I know; I was quite happy about not being inside a fifteen-year-old male’s mind?

"Um…" I started, not sure what to really say, was I imagining things?

The shirt was long so I knew no stomach was showing and I was close to flat-chested.

"Is it raining outside?" Nick asked, his voice sounding sincere.

I sighed as I moved the blinds. "No it's not raining," I replied, my voice soft as I pulled some hair behind my ear.

Nick closed his eyes for a moment as he ran his fingers through his longish brown hair that was slightly curly. Nick kept running his fingers through his hair till the locks were flattened.

"Do you need a brush?" I finally asked.

"Nope, I have this hair well under control," Nick answered, shaking his strands.

Keeping my arms folded over my chest I walked away from the bed still feeling Nick's eyes on me. Bending over, I picked up my bag and not soon enough had the bathroom door closed between us. Taking a deep breath I let it out gradually as I stared at the girl before me in the mirror. The waves were begging to be controlled as the top part of my hair was slightly puffed up while most of it fell flat. Reaching down into my bag, I threw on a long sleeved purple shirt and jeans. Picking up my brush and mascara, my golden locks were tamed as my light eyelashes were once again found. Once the knots were gone I threw my hair into a mid-high ponytail. Sighing once more at my reflection, I made my way out of the bathroom.

Dropping my bag onto the ground I started to put my socks on. My purple polished toes were now covered by the white fuzzy fabric, making my feet slightly warmer instantly. Glancing up I saw that Nick was sitting on the bed still running his fingers through his hair before reaching over into his bag for a comb then for a can of body spray. The new scent, faint and husky, filled the room causing flutters in my insides. Blinking frequently I hastily moved to my side of the bed where my jewelry was so that I could put it back on. Round blue eyes watched me as I poked the earrings into my ears and my own gaze drifted onto the bed, my cheeks warming.

Finally as I hooked my necklace around my neck I asked, "What?"

"Nothing," Nick chuckled, his eyes sparkling. "When did you get your second hole in your ear?"

My face scrunched as an eyebrow arched high.

"Um, two weeks ago," I answered as I sat on the edge of the bed about to slip on my shoes, changing my mind about the socks so I took them off to then put on my black flats.

Nick stated, "So you really don't look that much different without make up."

I glanced over in his direction. "I'm sorry to disappoint you?"

"It's not that it's a bad thing…" Nick started to ramble which I could not remember him ever doing before. "Never mind, I'm just not used to living with a female that isn't blood related and they don't count."

I smirked. "Be sure to tell your sister that she doesn't count as a female, I'm sure it'll go over well."

He chuckled. "Oh don't worry, she's used to hearing that, it's nothing new. She usually turns it around saying my brothers and I aren't really guys, we're subspecies males."

I grinned. "Oh the joys of siblings," I sang, thinking of my own little sister who was probably enjoying life as an only child during the days while I'm on this trip.

A lopsided grin took over Nick's face, his cobalt eyes glittered with mischievousness. "You seriously have never been to my house before."

"No, but by the sounds of it, it kind of sounds overwhelming. Wait until karma comes back to bite you in the butt with your own kids."

Nick simply laughed. "Oh karma and I will one day be having an amusing conversation in a bar, we'll have to work out a deal."

Shaking my head slightly dry laughter slipped from my lips.

"See, and you were worried that we would fail," Nick commented as he held the door open for me to leave, I followed his lead out into the hall strolling besides him.

"It's still early," I shot at him.

Nick pressed his hands over his heart stumbling back a step or two. "Ouch, Rach, that really hurt."

I giggled, rolling my eyes. "You're absurd."

"Don't be jealous of my awesomeness."

I snickered fully at him, getting ahead of him as I hopped down the steps.

He was still behind so I waited for the slow poke, now feeling a little jittery from the giggles and hopping. Nick finally reached the bottom, but beat me to the door to open it.

Nick's voice came out slow, cautious, "So…were you able to sleep? Were you comfortable enough with the makeshift wall?"

I bit my bottom lip as my cheeks warmed. My fingers went straight to my necklace, playing with the pendant. "Yeah I slept fine, you?" My voice came out shaky.

"Always do, was limited with rolling space, but wasn't sure if you were okay."

"Thank you." Silence filtered between the two of us as I kept glimpsing over at him, only to watch his own retreating. I could not begin to guess what shade of red my face was from feeling his eyes on me. "Why do you keep staring at me?" I blurted out, my voice sounding shrill.

"Sorry." His eyes darted away in another direction, just as a thud echoed through the hall, just as I glanced over to the source of the sound.

There was Nick with his hand to his forehead. He had walked into the wall.

"Nick!" I exclaimed as I closed the gap between the two of us, my gaze skimming over his eyes to see his forehead, brushing aside chocolate strands to press my fingers against his warm skin. "Are you alright?" I could hear the panic in my voice.

"Yeah I'm fine. God your fingers are like freaking ice cubes! I don't need ice for the bump." Nick's lips became crooked.

"Sorry," I spoke, recoiling my fingers and keeping them under my shirt sleeves. "You okay though?"

"Well you've always said that I was hardheaded so I'm a-okay." Nick shrugged.

"I'm sorry!" I retreated quickly, my eyes widening as my concealed hands went to my mouth.

"Rachel, I was only joking," Nick responded as he kept moving into the entryway of the conference room towards the table we were at yesterday.

We sat down at a table that was assigned to us as I kept peeking over at my partner hoping that he was alright. Yet, his shoulders were stiff and he seemed to be avoiding eye contact. I knew he didn't want to talk about the incident anymore.

Dill was sitting across from us when he shouted at Nick, "Dude what's on your face? Don't tell me Worm did that to you."

"How the hell could Rachel hurt me?" Nick snapped then his voice got lower. "I walked into the wall."

"You what?" Dill asked with a brow raised high, judgment glistened in his eyes.

"I walked into a freaking wall, you happy?" Nick barked, causing his friend to smirk.

"Are you serious? You're so stupid and here's an example of it, you walking into the wall."

"I got distracted…" Nick rolled his eyes at his own words.

What was he distracted by? We weren't really talking at that point.

"By what?" Dill questioned, just like he had read my mind.

Nick shrugged. "I was thinking."

"Thinking doesn't work for you my friend," Dill said, taking a sip of his drink.

"It works better for me than it does for you," Nick muttered under his breath as breakfast was served.

Giveaway
Barnes & Nobles
Smashwords

ARC for Project US

Hello!
I am looking for reviewers to do a review for my upcoming Young Adult Novel. I have one or two already, but I would like a couple more. The ARC copies will be ebooks. If you agree to read an ARC can you please post on any combination of the following sites: Amazon, BN, Goodreads, blog, etc. Thank you!

August 7, 2015 is the release date!

Young Adult ~ Romantic Suspense 
Rachel is used to being in control of her emotions, never letting anyone get close to the real her. Nick is exactly the kind of guy Rachel has been trying to avoid getting involved with. Yet, when their school arranges a mysterious project that puts them together, they soon become trapped in a marriage that turns out to be real and legally binding, and they aren’t the only ones.

While their parents try to get four hundred students out of these marriages with legal help, the teenagers must live in a compound with their respective spouses for the duration of the project. Being trapped together leaves no room for denials. As Nick begins to fall for Rachel, she does everything in her power to avoid his charms and protect her heart. All she wants is to get out of the marriage, but does she truly want out, or is she only lying to herself?


If you are interested please either comment or email me at ottilieweber (at) gmail (dot) com!

If not, check out the giveaway for a signed paperback or order your pre-order copy. :)

Giveaway
Barnes & Nobles
Smashwords

Men of Ottilie ~ Nick

Hey Lovelies,
I enjoy doing men of Ottilie and leading ladies posts. It lets me try to give you a rough visual of the character, and let you know the character a little outside of the book. Think of it as a snapshot, or a profile of the character. Nick March is a character from Project US. He was based off a dream I had when I was a freshman in high school, took that person, and threw in some fantasy/creativaity on the character. Then over the years as I edited, he picked up a few mannerisims from my boyfriend, but he doesn't need to know that! My friends in high school adored Nick, and didn't want me to write anything bad about him. Of course I loved writing him as well.

         Nick March

Brown hair
A sophomore at Adams High School
The youngest four children
Middle name is Alexander
Wants to go to college
Used to sneak cookies with his sister


Scene:

2

Nick

I crossed the entryway, my hand behind my back to close the door behind us. Rachel turned around, probably thinking she'd close it herself. She came up chest to chest, face to nape of my neck. I grinned. Rachel's cheeks had pink spreading across them. Her gaze was glued to the floor as the door clicked behind us. I watched Rachel's whole upper body rise, filling up like a balloon before letting out a long breath. Rachel has always been funny to embarrass. I held back laughter. I didn't want to make her completely uncomfortable.

The hall was surprisingly quiet especially considering the hotel was filled with high schoolers. Rachel was a step or two ahead of me despite her shorter legs. I glanced over at her. Rachel's hair was just short of her waist, blond with smooth waves that flowed down from the top of her head to the tips of her strands. Her coat was buttoned and tied close to her upper body and overlapping those dark blue jeans of hers since it was so big. Rachel's white little sneakers were just peeking out of the bottom of her pants, no I wasn't studying her.

I reached around Rachel when we got to the end of the hall to open the door before her. She tilted her head to some extent so that her big green eyes would meet mine. The corners of her lips turned ever so slightly.

"Thanks."

"No problem, Rachel," I responded.

Rachel started to hop down the stairs. When I say hop, I quite literally mean bouncing down the stairs like a small child. I took each step in haste to keep up with her. It was probably not wise to lose a short woman on a mission. My sister and mother proved that one. I was the youngest of four, two older brothers and an older sister. Plus I've had classes long enough with Rachel to know the teachers were going to fix our room situation. She was so sweet and innocent; no one would dare try to corrupt her, minus my sense of humor.

When we reached the bottom of the platform we made our way out into the lobby to see our grade traveling as a herd into another room, a big room filled with tables and chairs for dinning, most likely it was used for conferences that came to the hotel. I glanced down at Rachel who shrugged her shoulders as we followed. We were ushered to a random table.

I sat in the chair, closed my eyes for a moment and stretched, wishing that I could just go to sleep already to make up for waking up so freaking early this morning for this stupidity the school had arranged. My siblings took this trip in eighth grade, my brothers felt the need to brag about the fact they didn't have a project like us. My sister smacked them with a spoon when she was cooking to get them to shut up. That started a food fight in the March household. We were lucky my mom came home before my dad; otherwise we would have been doomed. Mom got the last word in by shoving spaghetti sauce on all of our heads then making us clean up before Dad saw. I love my family.

"It kind of looks like everyone is paired up when they're coming in here," Rachel announced in a low voice, disbelief in every word.

Oh God girls were absolutely crazy! "Rachel, I think you've been reading too many of your weird books," I started, thinking about when the book, I think it was called Flowers in the Attic, came up with some students because some kid saw the movie and Rachel straightened out the facts which left me to never look at her the same way again. "We go to a public school. We’re not people in a dating service."

I shook my head as she raised an eyebrow at me. "Don't patronize me Nicholas, look around the room," Rachel muttered, she just had to use my whole name.

I rolled my eyes as I scanned the room, observing more of my peers entering. "Okay, maybe you aren't completely crazy," I responded under my breath and she stuck her tongue out at me.

I returned the reaction and she giggled. I smiled. This was so normal for us. I really wish Rachel wasn't right as much as she was.

"Yo, dude, what the hell is happening?" A slap on my back punctuated my best friend's question.

I peeked over my shoulder and grinned. "Dill, if I knew I'd think about telling you for a good price," I told him.

Dill, Mark, John, and I were part of a close-knit group, each person coming in at different years. Dill and I were probably the longest in the group then John later in elementary school when he moved into our town. Mark moved into our town in middle school with his uncle, we were all a little different yet, still had fun busting each others’ chops. What else are friends for?

Dill had his dark hair in his usual short cut. I did not know how he could handle only half an inch of hair. I liked being able to have hair to run my hands through. I would never tell my friends that, the girl jokes that I would get. Dill had dark eyes and was a little shorter than me. Dill sat in a chair across from me, slouching back in the chair. Next to him glared Rachel's dark clothing wearing friend Bridget, big hair and all.

"Hey Rachel, maybe you had a point in being pessimistic on the whole drive here after all." Bridget still kept her eyes on Dill who appeared to be just as thrilled as her.

"Schools, you can't trust them," Rachel responded, but she was turned around not facing the three of us, still surveying the room, her voice distant.

"Rach, you okay?" I asked, placing a hand on her shoulder. She withdrew her body from me in a snap of a reaction.

"Don't touch me," Rachel said. Even through her jacket I could see her shoulders tense.

I tried to remember her friends hugging her in the halls like some of the other girls did. I couldn't think of a time I'd seen that. Actually thinking back to eighth grade graduation she was laughing at those who were crying. She kept shouting something like 'you'll see them in three months!' over and over. She'll calm down eventually.

Principal O'Doherty stepped up to the front of the room.

"Students quiet down, quiet down!" His stern voice was cutting through the voices of the whole sophomore class.

A middle aged man with brown hair that was speckled with gray and white, that I could see even this far back, was up front. A microphone was in one of his hands while his other hand was free to be able to be expressive. I scooted my chair a little so that I could see the principal, leaning back I watched around Rachel's blond head. Principal O'Doherty was a tall, lean man who always wore a pressed suit that seemed to hang just a smidge on his frame. Back when my siblings were in high school he was a decent guy, but apparently a few years ago his wife and him started having issues in their marriage. Rumors spread around the school that his wife left him, that they split up, that there was a full-on battle of a divorce. That one of them was caught cheating, you think of any form of gossip that could have been thought up, and it was mentioned. Ever since then Principal O'Doherty had been a hard-ass, ruling Adams High with an iron fist that was apparently desperately needed for a very low key suburban town.

"Before you continue to harass the teachers to fix your room arrangements, there were no mistakes made. That's your roommate." Principal O'Doherty paced, his eyes scanning the room that was now hushed except for a few whispers. One of his hands was somewhat open, rolling around in the air as he spoke. "The project will be taking place over the next few months, possibly longer depending on how things go. Spending more time with your partners will help the project develop for the full experience. That is one of the reasons we said no electronics on the trip, we want you all to be focused on the task at hand."

He stopped in the center of the platform upfront. Principal O'Doherty's body was directly facing the student body. All of us waited for him to continue so we would finally hear the details of the alleged project. My eyes drifted down from Principal O'Doherty and to Rachel. The girl was stressing from the moment the permission slips were passed out during homeroom. Rachel's emotions weren't fully furious or crazed, but more curiosity and dread of who she would be paired up with. GPA was a heavy weight on her and she was the type to stress over that since kindergarten. When our friends were a little side tracked I tried to calm her. I joked with Rachel that worst case scenario that she would mess with her partner, Rachel didn’t like that.

"We want our students at Adams High to be able to enter the real world prepared for life and what will come their way. We have a reputation to keep up. Now I'm sure you students have over the years seen on television or even from grades above you, the marriage project. You and your partner will learn to co-operate with each other, in addition to learning the basic skills it takes for a couple to function in a marriage."

"Oh, for the love of God," Rachel mumbled under her breath, with her elbow resting on the table she leaned her head against her hand.

I might never have been Rachel's number one friend, but I do try to look out for her. I admit that I have been known to pick on her over the years, but I was never that bad. I'm not that mean, like I tell her to stand up for herself against others. My picking is more like joking between the two of us than harshness. For example a few guys made a nickname for her (that she hates) and I call her that sometimes. At the same time I tell her to tell on them since a teacher heard someone saying it to her and told them to stop. When I do push her buttons it always seemed different. I can't explain it, but it just was. It was also written on her face that when I do call her it once in a blue moon, when I do call her Worm, she doesn't have the look of 'I hate you, go die'.

I leaned in close to her. "You could have been paired up with someone worse, Rachel," I whispered to her, red spreading across the side of her face.

Rachel always turned red. I smirked. Her chin was against her shoulder so that she could almost see me. She placed her index finger over her lips so that we wouldn't start anything.

"I'm hoping that even though we paired a bunch of high school students together for this assignment you'll will act as young adults instead of hormone driven teenagers," Principal O'Doherty continued, voice still stern despite the catcalls that followed.

I glanced around at all of the tables. There were the girls who did their make up between classes paired with guys from honors classes, then there were some with guys that they wouldn't usually take a second glance at. Then there seemed to be football players with cheerleaders, a couple were with girls from orchestra and some girls from ROTC with guys from choir. I smiled at the so-called social spectrum being scrambled. I peeked over at my friend Dill and he rolled his eyes once he saw that I was watching him.

"Since it's still a decent hour in the afternoon we're going to have you in your groups get organized, then head over to the historical sight. Watch for your chaperones and remember you're representing Adams High on this field trip so behave yourselves."

The teachers started to line up in front of the room to get our attention, but the chatter in the room just grew by the second. Dill rolled his eyes as Bridget next to him was putting on her long black coat, ignoring the guy beside her. I glanced over to Rachel who was always bundled up in class. She was still wearing her coat, her hands buried deep in her pockets. Rachel was already standing up as if I was taking too long.

"Ready to head over?" Rachel asked, her green eyes on me, her voice light.

I shrugged my shoulders and followed her through the mob of students. I was almost tempted to grab onto her hand so that I wouldn't lose her in the crowd. With her tiny stature she was having an easier time zipping through the people than me. I had to watch to trail after her. Rachel kept her arms curled into her chest as she weaved. I did not want to lose her. I was squishing myself between people to keep up with her. How the hell was she doing this? She finally stopped near the teacher, scanning over her shoulder till she found me. Squeezing through the last couple of people I made my way next to Rachel whose head came up to about the nape of my neck.

We moved out of the room and got onto our newly designated buses. It was a short bus ride to Williamsburg. Everyone was talking madly about this new news. We had to share a room with the opposite sex. The guys were either complaining about the girl they were with, celebrating that they got the hottie they wanted to talk to in class, but couldn't, or were too embarrassed to say anything. I didn't really know how to respond to my situation. Here I was with Rachel, even though I had a girlfriend. I kept glancing over at her but she was staring out the window the whole ride. She was acting as if I didn't exist.

Release date: August 7, 2015

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