Sunday, June 24, 2012

Men of Ottilie ~ Cory

Hey Lovelies!Sorry it's been awhile I am working a job that is 5 days a week and for 7-10 hours a day so the few moments of sanity I try to write. So today I'm going to do a segment that I brought up awhile, but never brought up. Men of Ottilie, okay some of the guys aren't really man age, but working towards that. If that is splitting hairs, lets just run with it anyway :) Okay so the first will be Cory! He is the male lead in my young adult novel Family Ties! I'll be doing a book signing for it in PA this September so you will be seeing a lot more promoting of this book the next couple of months to get people ready! So sorry in advance!
Cory

A friend.
Funny.
Caring.
Wears his heart on his sleeve.
And has a tendency to want to poke Abby's buttons.
He's on the slightly taller side.
He's dirty blonde with brown eyes.
He likes chocolate ice cream blizzards with snickers pieces in it.

When Abby goes missing Cory wants to do everything in his power to be able to rescue her. He knows what is right, and needs to be done.


Scene:

At work we were getting the tables ready for the day.  Abby and I were working one table, trying to remember which side the forks were on.  We had already walked around placing plates and glasses on the table, remembering that with the word bed as help, bread on the left and drinks on the right.  Abby, the nice girl she was, was placing the napkins, leaving me with the silverware and trying to remember where they were suppose to be.

“Are you sure that this is right?”

She looked up at me with a smile.  There was something formulating in those eyes of hers.  This was not going to end well for me.  She sighed, slowly shaking her head while placing another napkin down.

“Cory, what am I going to do with you?  I mean, you can’t even figure out where spoons or forks are supposed to go.  You might as well just plain give up on life and become a hobo.  Living the rest of your days in a cardboard box on some street corner,” Abby spoke, her voice even.

“You suck, just so you know that,” I shot back as she stuck her tongue at me.

Abby’s eyes were bright and laughing at me.

That was when our boss came out of his office, still holding the door open.  His eyes were on us with a raised eyebrow.  He always thought we were up to something or other just because of our sarcasm and us being so close.  That was when a girl, who must be around our age, maybe a couple of years older, came out of his office.  She was a goddess, beautiful.  The girl had commercial prefect mink brown hair that had big full curls.  She was around my height while wearing those thin heeled shoes that had ribbons to laces up the long legs under the short skirt.

She turned her back to us so that she was facing the boss in which was able us sight of her tanned back from her hot pink halter.  They exchanged some words.  I couldn’t turn away from them.  I wish I could hear their conversation.  She turned away from him and headed for the door to leave.  She left all the guys in the room to watch her legs from her dark jean skirt as she left the restaurant.  Shaking my head a little, I turned back to the table with Abby narrowing her eyes on me.  Her lips were tightened with her knuckles popping out from her grip on the cloth napkins.  She was going to kill me.

“What?” I asked with wide eyes.

Her mouth was starting to open as our boss walked over to us.  I was being saved from a very painful death.

Our boss stood between us around the circular table.  His arms were behind him with a stern expression on his face.

“Okay, before any of you go telling people, I’m not having an affair.” He paused as he turned to look at me. “That girl is starting work tomorrow and was here for an interview.  Also, she is my niece, Toni, so if one of you even thinks about going near her I will have your head.”

He was looking at me again when he said that last part.

How was that divine woman related to him?!  I turned to look to where she had left.  She wasn’t in sight anymore, but I had to check.  Our boss walked away as I kept looking over there.  That was when I felt a punch between my two shoulder blades.

“Ow!” I yelled as I turned around to see who did it.

There was Abby, her lips tight.  Even though she was shorter than me I felt like she could kill me quickly with ease.  Short people and their short fuses…

“I have a feeling she’ll be more of a distraction than actually doing work,” Abby grumbled as she gave me a small push as she went around me.

I couldn’t answer as I bent my head to see her driving away.  Yup, she was a little older then us since we had our permits and not licenses.  I was hit with something light and looked at Abby again.  She was holding a cloth napkin looking annoyed.

“I’m not doing your work so you can drool over a girl!”

I rolled my eyes and went back to work.

“I’m working too, and I’m not drooling.” I glared at her.

“Please!  You can see your jaw dropping a mile away!” She shifted her weight from one foot to the other.  “I’m going to have to grab a bucket if you want to continue gawking at her.”

“Hey, wait, what is different at me looking at her and what you, Zoey, and Danielle do when we go to the beach and there’s all the shirtless guys?”

She sighed, shaking her head before answering.

“If a guy works out that much and has great abs and chest, it’s only appropriate to look at him for his great work and determination.  Everyone needs a little encouragement!” Her voice was making sure to emphasize every word she said, almost as if she wasn’t sure how I didn’t already know this.

“That’s such a double standard,” I snapped, I wanted abs.

“Oh, cry me a river,” she muttered before putting the last item on the table.

“I really have no chance of winning this, do I?” I asked as I noticed her shoulders squared off, chin held high, her brown eyes razor sharp looking at the table.

“Have you ever had a chance of winning any argument with me?” Her voice was light as she looked at me. She was trying to be sweet with me, her dark eyelashes framed her eyes, and a small smile on her lips.

I just sighed looking at my friend.  I started to laugh as a full on smile formed on her face, showing off her teeth.  I couldn’t picture her not being in my life.  Even though people thought we were seriously arguing, on the verge of killing each other, we both knew it was all fun and games.

Paperback $10.00
Kindle $2.99
Nook $2.99

***I forget anything to add on this segment? Have a suggestion for future ones? Don't be afraid to suggest anything!!**

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Blog Tour ~ Knee Deep Jolene Perry

Hey Lovelies!I am the blog tour stop today for the book Knee Deep by Jolene Perry who is also the author of the book Night Sky I posted not that long ago! I want to thank Tribute Books again for letting me read another book of theirs because I've been really enjoying this author!
Review:
Does loving someone mean losing your inner strength? Knee Deep by Jolene B Perry is the second book I've read by this author, and I adore her writing! I read this in a day. Senior year, the last year in high school which is suppose to hold all these options for students, their last year of high school Ronnie and her friend Mindy each year set a goal of what they plan to accomplish that year in their notebooks of firsts. However as Ronnie sets out to try out for the school's play with her best guy friend Luke her senior year is far from what she could have ever imagined! Problems arise from her soulmate of a boyfriend, Shawn. Ronnie's head is spinning as she keeps trying to understand Shawn while balancing the play. Jolene Perry creates a story that teens should read, not only because she has developed this world where the readers feel as if they are in the character's heads with all the emotional chaos that unfolds. Knee Deep is a great coming of an age book for anyone, yes finding love is important, but does that mean losing yourself to be with the one they love?

Knee Deep kept me wanting to not stop hitting my kindle next page button. Ronnie is a believable character. I have read books like this before, but the main characters annoyed me. However Ronnie is a strong character despite all that she is dealing with. With the strength of her parents, brother, and two friends Mindy and Luke she learns so much about not only herself, but life. Perry shows not only the present, but also flashbacks to help the story flow which were fun. Also I wish there were more Luke's in the world ::sighs::. This book is for anyone who loves love, characters who are real, and beauitfully written stories! I would recommend it. :)

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Saturday, June 2, 2012

Shifting Gears ~ Blog Tour Stop :)

Hey Lovelies!
I was beyond lucky to recieve an advanced copy of Shifting Gears by the lovely Shawn Kirsten Maravel! If you haven't checked her out you really should. Shifting Gears is her fourth book that she has published, it is a companion novel to her book The Wanderer! Shawn also has a series published, Volition and Sererance, both series are both very different so there is something for everyone! She is a great person and you all should check her out! Shifting Gears will be availble July 1!!
Review
How many times does a person have to run into a person before they realize that they found the one? (Raiting 4.5 stars) Olivia a sweet woman who once dreamed about being a strong person defending the innocent in courts life is turned upside down as she takes on a new career path as a relator, moves into her parent's home with her dog Melon, and breaks up with her long term boyfriend. As Welsey is recovering of the lost of a brother who he was close with even a year later the two meet on a not so common mission. In this compainion novel to The Wanderer, Shawn Kirsten Marvavel creates a love story that will have the readers envolved in the world that she creates. Olivia and Welsey are both realistic characters as both are just living their lives and planning for the future despite the bumps in the road that they have been through in the past. The book was worth the wait, and I suggest others to pick it up :)


Book Boyfriend (I'm a softy for blue eyed lionhearts, and Wesley lived up for it ;) )
Wesley Pierce (Shifting Gears-the Rider series)
Stats:Actor Look-a-like: Ryan Gosling
Age: 29
Hair: Honey Blonde
Eyes: Baby Blue
Love Interest: Olivia Michaels
Description: Wesley is a Virginia State Trooper determined to



Book Excerpts:
With a gasp she found herself pinned between the counter and Wesley’s firm chest. He placed his arms on the counter to either side of her and let a moment of silence pass between them, highlighting her vulnerability as she waited to hear what this was all about.
His proximity was threatening. His body a force of nature that boxed her in so tightly that she felt instantly helpless.
“It’s just you and me here,” he said in a voice that was deep and menacing. “No one would ever know if I was to take you back into the bedroom, the living room, right here in fact. How could you possibly know how safe you were with a man you only just met?”
With his body still pressed to hers Wesley exuded an animalistic hunger that Olivia was beginning to fear on a very real level.
“Please, I—” panic was coursing through her as if it were alive inside of her and she realized that if he meant her harm, she was helpless to stop him.
Wesley stood surefooted before her, his eyes searching her face, stoic and firm in his stance. Seconds ticked away unnoticed, as if time had stopped completely, and it became clear that her life was held captive in his hands. She began to wonder if he meant to teach her a lesson or if in fact he intended to assure himself that she was completely at his mercy.
After what felt like a lifetime Wesley pushed off of the counter and ran his hands through his hair, moving away to give her and maybe even himself as much space as possible. He’d accomplished what it seemed he had wanted. Olivia was shaking with fear and felt her face grow hot with anger.
***

“Do you have the hots for this boy?” her father asked in all seriousness. “Do we need to have him over for dinner so that I can show him my own gun collection?”
“Dad.”
“Threatening the police isn’t one of your best ideas, Frank,” her mother offered in Olivia’s defense.
“He’s not the police, Katy. He’s some hormone driven boy who wants to sweet-talk our daughter into bed so that he can fire off a few rounds of his own.”
“Dad!” Olivia’s face grew hot with humiliation.
“I’m just speaking the truth, honey. He’s a man. Don’t think he’s never considered it. You’re a beautiful young woman. All I’m saying is that I’d like to send him a little message before he gets any ideas about trying to use my daughter for target practice.”
Olivia melted into her seat, covering her face with her hands.
“Frank, we’re eating.”
“Yeah, and?”
***

I’m just impressed that you graduated law school. That’s quite an accomplishment.”
“What’s so hard to believe?” she asked, a hint of spice in her words, ready to challenge his point.
“You just seem so knowledgeable about houses, that’s all. I kind of assumed that it was what you’d wanted to do from a young age. Besides, you look way too young to have a law degree,” he added with the intent of getting her riled.
Olivia pursed her lips in resentment. “I’m twenty-six for your information,” she said sharply. “That’s plenty old enough. You hardly look old enough to be a police officer,” she countered.
“Are you implying that I look younger than twenty-one? Wesley couldn’t keep his lips from betraying his hardened expression with a smile.
Olivia highly doubted that he was as young as she implied with the remark but it served him right for doubting her own age. “So how old are you then?”
Wesley’s smirk grew wider. “Guess.”
She squinted at him for a short while and said, “Fifty-five.”
Wesley laughed incredulously. “First I’m in diapers next you’re ready to give me the senior citizen discount.”
“Fifty-five is not old,” Olivia argued.
“Not when you’re fifty-five it isn’t.”
“Okay…” Olivia studied him more closely, taking the time to notice how his eyes creased slightly at the corners when he laughed and that his smile was still that of a flirty young teenager. “Thirty,” she said, all kidding aside.
“Close,” he said. “Twenty-nine.”






Monday, May 21, 2012

So..What's happening?

Hey Lovelies!So what am I up to? Heads up I'll be working two jobs this summer so I'm still going to try to see my friends, write, edit, and read, haha I really know how to keep myself busy! I'll also in September and October be at a couple of events in PA! So with all of this going on what am I doing to keep busy in my small down time?

Well after talking to a couple of my friends I'm editing Project US because I need to stop being a baby and publish the story most who knew me in high school actually read. So I'm having fun going through that. A few of my friends Amy, Taylor, and Ryan are the main pushers for this to come out, they all really like that story, they all read all of it well the first two read all of it, Ryan read parts. Haha poor Ryan at times... I am remembering the fun times I had writing this story and it's fun to go back to the biggest root of my writing :)

My friend Amy is still going through Beneath the Scars and she's moving along with that. Haha still waiting for her comments. So do not think I forgot about this story. I love these characters, they are a little older then what I normally write so it was interesting, plus the genre was a little different. Beneath the Scars leans more on the literary fiction side which is a little different. I'm having fun wriitng different genres. Heads up I might have a couple literary fiction titles coming out...

Never thought I'd be the one writing sweet literary fiction love stories. If you all knew me in high school you would get it. I was very love bashing, not saying it was real, anti-Vday, well that part is still true...I talked about living in the middle of no where to be left alone...yeah I was that person, yay me...

Oh so the other thing I'm working on! Other then End of the Line still being at Amy from Eye for Editing, is my modern Cinderella which is another thing that brought me up to Project US. Similar characters, that type is my roots. Dorky girl and the not so dorky guy, yeah I fall into those traps. I am having fun with my modern Cinderella, I'm still waiting for a name to pop out for me though :/ that will bother me for a bit...You all will love the characters I'm sure :)
~Ottilie

Friday, May 18, 2012

Reminder ~ A giveaway is going on!

Hey Lovelies!I just wanted to remind everyone that I am hosting a giveaway right now for my YA novel Family Ties! All you have to do is comment HERE on the blog post, your name, email so that I can announce if you win, and what do you love about summer! I'll announce the winner tomorrow morning! Also remember that I will be doing a giveaway when End of the Line is re-released (3 special winners I'm plotting the prizes already!) but to win the prizes I will be asking questions about Family Ties so you potientually could win TWO books from me, awsome right? I'll be posting soon where my writing is right now, but Good Luck everyone!!
Abby's family prides itself with its knowledge of their rich family history. While trying to survive her summer job armed only with her sarcastic wit and her best friend Cory, she learns to watch what she wishes for. When she is kidnapped, her entire family is left wondering…
Do they know their family history as well as they think?

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Review ~ Night Sky by Jolene B. Perry

Hey lovelies!So I'm a stop on Tribute Book's blog tour for the book Night Sky by Jolene B. Perry! I will be doing a review for one of her other books in a couple of weeks that I'm pretty excited for. Let me start by saying I love this cover, and the book inside is just as lovely!

Book Blurb:
After losing Sarah, the friend he’s loved, to some other guy, Jameson meets Sky. Her Native American roots, fluid movements, and need for brutal honesty become addictive fast. This is good. Jameson needs distraction – his  dad leaves for another woman, his mom’s walking around like a        zombie, and Sarah’s new boyfriend can’t keep his hands off of her.
        As he spends time with Sky and learns about her village, her totems, and her friends with drums - she's way more than distraction. Jameson's falling for her fast.
        But Sky’s need for honesty somehow doesn’t extend to her life story – and Jameson just may need more than his new girl to keep  him distracted from the disaster of his senior year.

My Review
All it takes is one person to walk into your life to make you question everything. Jolene Perry writes this touching story in POV of Jay, a senior in high school who feels like his heart has been stabbed because his friend Sarah who he has been in love with for three years has started dated a shinning star jock Eric. Returning home after this finding he meets Sky, a college girl who is as gorgous as the night sky (or the cover, which I love!). This is a coming of age book for Jay as Sky helps shows him who he can really be through honesty, it is almost as if the fog has been removed for him. Yet as much as Sky is helping Jay he can't, but feel that there is something she isn't telling him...

This was a quick read for me that was very fluid. The characters were both enjoyable and realistic that will have the readers flipping through the pages eagerly to find out what happens next. The author creates a world that the readers can visualize even if they have never stepped foot in Vegas like me. I do not read many male POV's, but Jay was very enjoyable to read and I felt for him as he was in pain from a heart ache, plus a few other things! Sky is a strong, independent woman who speaks her mind causing the dialogue between the two enduring and funny. A must read :)



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Saturday, May 5, 2012

Start of Summer Giveaway!!

Hey Lovelies!!So my semester is officially OVER!! Now I just have to hold my breath till grades come out, but I'm offically on summer break!! I'll probably will be working two jobs this summer while trying to squeeze in writing and seeing friends! Since I've been a little MIA and what not I feel like celebrating. I know I said I would do a giveaway for End of the Line, but that will be a little longer. I will be giving out one free ebook copy of Family Ties for one winner in 2 weeks (May 19th!). HOWEVER if more than 50 enter the contest then i'll giveaway 3 copies instead of 1! I'll be using RANDOM.org to figure otu the answer. So help spread the word please! How do you enter? Easy! Just comment below and leave 3 things:
1. Your name.
2. Your email.
3. What is your favorite thing/memory of summer!
Good Luck everyone!
~Ottilie
Abby's family prides itself with its knowledge of their rich family history. While trying to survive her summer job armed only with her sarcastic wit and her best friend Cory, she learns to watch what she wishes for. When she is kidnapped, her entire family is left wondering…

Do they know their family history as well as they think?