Awards and Recognition From One of My Favorite Followers

Posted on February 22, 2013 by fundinmental

Blog of the Year Award banner 600

It is always nice to be noticed and know the words I print and the posts I make are read by others. Thanks to everyone who follows me or stops by to take a look. I hope you enjoy your visit.

Thanks to Emily Guido for all these wonderful awards. She always stops by and is one of my most loyal followers. She is the sweetest, nicest person you would ever want to meet. Be sure and stop by her BLOG and check her out and her Light-Bearing Series of books with Charmeine and Tabbrius.

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There are rules to these awards and I hope you will forgive me in choosing my own way to present them.

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I have been challenged to name three traits I love and hate about myself. So here goes:

1. I love the convenience of the cell phone I own. I love that I don’t need to remember anyone’s number. I know you might think I am lazy because of that; but really, I have so many other things I would rather remember and sometimes it seems like there isn’t enough room in there for more. I love being able to talk to anyone, anywhere at any time.

I hate cell phones. People pull them out at the check out counter, when they are in their car and pulling into traffic while making a left hand turn. While driving they weave back and forth, sometimes driving outside of their own lane. They talk louder, do they think the person they are talking to is deaf or do they just want us know what they are talking about? As if we care. Phones are ringing everywhere, so many people talking at the same time – Noise Pollution. I hate not knowing anyone’s number; when my SIM card goes bad and I lose all my information.

2. I love the beach. I love the sounds and smells of the water and watching the waves rushing up the sand. I love walking on the sand and feeling the water wash over my feet. I love looking for beach glass, shells and cool rocks. I love feeling the sun as it beats down on me and warms my skin. It makes me feel so alive.

I love watching the people, but I hate it when they are too close to me. I don’t like their kids screaming and yelling and kicking sand in my face. I hate the feel of the salt and sand on my skin. It acts like sandpaper. Thank goodness there is a shower on the boardwalk, so I can wash it off, before I go into the bar for my margarita.

3. I hate that I am perfect. It is so hard to be humble when I am so – beautiful, intelligent, athletic, sexy, brilliant, funny, magnificent, intriguing – well, you get the drift.

I love that I am able to be anything and everything, do anything and everything. I love that everyone loves me and want’s to be a part of my life. I am so much fun to be around that people can’t get enough of me. I love that I am so HOT, a goddess, that men fall at my feet, professing their love and wanting my hand in marriage, or whatever I will give them. I am so brilliant that President Obama calls me when he is stuck for a solution to anything and everything. It is hard to be humble because I am so perfect.

WOW. I can’t believe I am going to share all this personal information with you guys; but hey, it’s not like it’s my pin number or anything.

I have been working on this post for a while, but I wanted to make sure it was perfect. LOL

I am passing on this challenge to three of my favorite authors. I am selfish, I want to see what they can come up with to WOW me and you, my followers and readers. I hope, and think, they will enjoy the challenge as much as I did, and I hope you do too.

MY NOMINEES ARE:

Vickie McKeehan

Anne Hargrove

Patrick Jones

Please accept these awards in the spirit they were given. If your blog is award free or you do not post awards, just know I am happy to share your site with others.

Fanged Mania #10 – Giveaway and Review of Charmeine: The Light-Bearer Series, Book I by Emily Guido (fundinmental.wordpress.com)
Awards From My Fellow Blogger Ella Medler (fundinmental.wordpress.com)

AToMR Tours Presents: Cover Reveal of Spirit (Elemental #5) by Shauna Granger

Posted on February 21, 2013 by fundinmental

.Add To Goodreads

Title: Spirit (Elemental, #5)

Author: Shauna Granger

Release date: April 30, 2013

Genre: Urban Fantasy

YA/New Adult/Adult: YA/New Adult

Cover Design: Mooney Designs

Cover reveal organized by: AToMR Tours

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17207322-spirit

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Not even a guardian angel is more powerful than Death.

Always careful to watch out for others, Shayna put too much trust her abilities to keep herself safe and has been cut down by crazed man. Now she is trapped in the land of the dead, watching as her two best friends suffer the consequences of her death; their powers are fading and soon they will too. Shayna is desperate to return to the land of the living to save them from a similar, cold fate. To save her friends Shayna must turn away from the Light and, in doing so, sacrifice her wings.

But the longer Shayna stays among the dead, the further she slips from sanity. If Shayna cannot find her way back she will be condemned and lost forever among the restless souls of the dead. With nothing left to lose, she will do whatever it takes to fight her way back, with or without her wings.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Like so many other writers, Shauna grew up as an avid reader, it was in high school that she realized she wanted to be a writer. Five years ago Shauna started work on her Elemental Series and released the first installment, Earth, on May 1, 2011. When not reading and writing, Shauna enjoys cooking and playing hostess whenever she can.

Shauna Granger| Facebook| Twitter

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

AToMR Presents – SWEETEST TABOO by Eva Marquez with Giveaway (fundinmental.wordpress.com)
AToMR Tours Presents The Crimson Hunt by Victoria H. Smith – Giveaway (fundinmental.wordpress.com)
Found ~ Cover Reveal and a Giveaway (fuonlyknew.wordpress.com)
Cover Reveal ~ Spirit by Shauna Granger (fuonlyknew.wordpress.com)

DragonFly – What an awesome name for Charles A. Cornell’s new novel!!

Posted on February 20, 2013 by fundinmental

Charles wants you to know what he has been up to since writing his Award Winning novel Tiger Paw. I have been eagerly anticipating a peak into the new novel he has been working on so covertly.

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It’s been quite awhile since I last posted. I apologize for that. The principal reason is that my new ‘Project-X’ has been extremely time consuming and blogging has taken a back seat. Last time, I said I was writing a new series but left you guessing on what its genre was. I said it wasn’t a mystery or a thriller like my Scott Forrester FBI novel, Tiger Paw. But other than that I was quite vague. So here is the first inkling of what Project-X is all about!

I’m calling it… DragonFly (and yes, the F is capitalized!)

I wouldn’t be a mystery writer if I gave out all the clues at once! This name is not the complete title of the series. If I added just one more word, it would give too much away. Yes, you’ve probably guessed that it will be a combination of science fiction and fantasy. But I can assure you there will be even more than that. Yes, it does have a dragon in it, but nothing like what you imagine a dragon to be! Yes, it has an evil wizard, but again like no other wizard I have heard of before in a fantasy work. If I’m saying that I’m trying to develop something VERY unique, in its own sci-fi & fantasy niche, then the answer is… yes, I am! (or else why do something that has been done before?)

It is a very ambitious project and because of that I’m going to need a lot of help.

DragonFly already has two very important collaborators… two artists whose talents are at the top of their respective fields. Coincidentally, they are both based in Europe. For the science fiction aspects of DragonFly, I have engaged a computer graphics artist from Spain whose code name is ‘Mr. C’. For the fantasy elements, including a very unique creature spawned from the evil mind of my wizard, I have commissioned work from a fantasy artist from Belgium who I will call ‘Mr. J’. In due time, their identities will be revealed and their work on DragonFly will be published here on my blog, on a new website I’m creating, and as illustrations in the first novel of the series.

Work on Lucifer’s Key, the sequel to Tiger Paw continues, but at a reduced pace. DragonFly is easier to write and I plan the first draft to be complete by the end of May. At that time I will go into revision mode and when ready I will be soliciting beta readers for DragonFly before it is published. Several of you have already volunteered, so I thank you in advance!

I expect the first novel in the DragonFly series to be published before Sept 1 and will have a website launch party this summer!

I’m very excited about DragonFly. As an author it has special writing challenges beyond the genre bending aspect of it, which in itself is a bit of a risk. I can also reveal that it will be written in first person from the perspective of a heroine whose quest will define the destiny of her country and will change the course of history. Be patient, you will meet her shortly!

Regards

Charles

If you would like to find out more for yourself, go to Charles A. Cornell’s website.

If you are interested in purchasing his novel, Tiger Paw, simply click on the cover below.

Add to Goodreads

Charles, I want you to know, I have my eye on you.

Giveaway of The Samantha Project by Stephanie Karpinske

Posted on February 20, 2013 by fundinmental

I am happy to be a part of the AToMR promotion of The Samantha Project by Stephanie Karpinske

Title: The Samantha Project

Author: Stephanie Karpinske

Release date: November 15, 2012

Genre: Science Fiction/Romance/Thriller

Age Group: Young Adult

Buy Links: (will add BN link after 2/14)

Amazon

Book Description:

Seventeen-year-old Samantha Andrews has a seemingly perfect life; great parents, early admission to Stanford, and a boyfriend who just happens to be the hottest guy in school. But a dark secret from her past turns her world upside down. Sam discovers she’s part of a global corporation’s genetic enhancement project. And just as she’s learning what these enhanced genes can do, the corporation decides they want her, and the technology inside her, back!

During a heart-pounding race to flee from her pursuers, she encounters another person who was part of the experimental project. He’s tall, blond, tan and completely irresistible! And he can read her thoughts!! Together, they’re both in danger and a rogue scientist discovers yet another secret lies inside them.

EXCERPT

“What is this? Why am I here?” I asked, still feeling like I was half asleep.

More footsteps entered the room. “I think she’s slept most of it off,” I heard Erik say to whoever walked in.

I felt Erik’s other hand on my arm and then felt a prick from a needle. Soon I could feel the grogginess go away and the strength in my muscles return. I opened my eyes and could see normally.

Erik was sitting at my side, still holding my hand. “Ready to get up now?” His smile was so warm and kind that the anger I had prepared to unleash on him was quickly disarmed.

Jack stood behind him, arms crossed, studying my every move.

“Amazing,” he said. “But I can’t quite understand it.”

Erik shot him a glance of annoyance.

“Um, yes. Well, let’s get started then, shall we?” Jack said, sitting on a chair at the end of my bed.

Erik sighed, disappointed in how the old man was handling things. He turned back to me. “I know it may not seem like it, but we’re actually trying to help you.”

I gave him the look that I had heard that line before.

“Sure. You don’t believe me,” he continued. “I wouldn’t believe me either. Someone drugs me and I wake up in some strange place, I’d be pretty pissed.” He flashed a slight smile.

“But here’s the deal. We have a lot of stuff to tell you. And we’d like you to tell us some stuff, too,” he paused, sensing my hesitation, “if, and only if, you want to. Okay?” He waited for me to shake my head yes.

“I’ll start with the basics.” Erik let go of my hand and sat in the chair next to my bed. “I don’t know if you noticed, but I’m a little like you.” I glanced over at him, unsure of what he was trying to tell me. “You see what I mean? Not everyone can do this.”

I looked at him confused. Not do what? I thought. This guy is cute but not at all good at explaining things in clear and simple terms.

“So you think I’m cute, huh?” I looked up to see him smiling. “And by the way, I think my explanation is very clear. You just need to pay attention.”

“I AM paying attention!” I said loudly. And then it hit me. My voice had filled what had been a silent room. Nobody had spoken for at least a minute. Erik hadn’t said anything. And yet we were having a conversation. A two-way conversation—without spoken words. He could read thoughts! That’s why he said we were alike.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stephanie Karpinske .

.A former editor for a publishing company, Stephanie Karpinske has worked on several bestselling nonfiction books. Now she freelances full-time, writing for a variety of books and national magazines. The Samantha Project is her debut YA novel and is the first in The Samantha Project series. Stephanie lives in Des Moines, Iowa.

Author social media links:

Twitter

Goodreads

To Purchase any of Stephanie Karpinske’s books, simply click on the cover below.

GIVEAWAY

taiwan flag smiley animated gif Pictures, Images and Photos Stephanie Karpinske is offering for the Giveaway 1 (one) ebook (mobi and epub format only). International. Easy entry as always, just leave your email address and answer the question:

Do you believe in mental telepathy? Do you know of anyone with paranormal/psychic abilities?

CLOSED. WINNER IS “Cassandra Loskot”.

Giveaway will run from Feb. 17- March 3, 2013.

To see all my Giveaways, click HERE.

Follow me by email to keep up on all the latest news, reviews and giveaways, not required.

Tweet and let your friends, family and followers know what’s going on, not required.

Note:

It may take a week or two to receive the book once submitted.

If the winner does not have an ereader, they can can download the Kindle app for FREE to their computer or iPad.

Giveaway and Review of The Blake Soul by I. C. Camilleri (fundinmental.wordpress.com)
/Review of Stitch (Trilogy, #1) by Samantha Durante (fundinmental.wordpress.com)

Dissolution Blast

Posted on February 20, 2013 by fundinmental

KICKSTARTER PROJECT LIVE LINK: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1027835983/dissolution-volume-one

Information from the Dissolution: Volume One project page.

Summary:
Exploring the questions of life after death, the realm of the supernatural, and how characters’ lives unexpectedly interweave.

Project Write-Up:

What is Dissolution?

What if there is another world, just beyond our own? It’s there, it’s footfalls are in sync with ours, but just slight enough that we fail to notice – and if we do, it’s a barely-perceptible scratching noise that makes our hair stand on end. A shadowy movement out of the corner of our eye. The smell of roses where there is no reason for them to exist. A heartbeat whose source cannot be traced by our human ears. A world we fail to notice – but most definitely notices us. Now, imagine the veil being lifted and that world revealed at last – would you cling to your sanity or feel it slip between your fingers?

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2012 saw a creative flowering of several projects in which I was involved as an illustrator. I decided that I needed to make time for Dissolution, which I first wrote as a 300+ page novel in 2005. I wanted to see it in color, in images, give the characters faces to go with their names, and above all, SHARE the story so that others could see it too. I established a website in September of 2012 where I could share comic pages (and random thoughts/recipes) weekly.

Can I see any samples of your work?

Samples? Heck, you can go see exactly what you’ll be getting! Well, the first half of it or so. Visit Dissolution, I update weekly with a new page! The printed version you are backing encompasses the first 48 pages of the story, far more than the website currently displays, but it’s all set and ready to go and you hopefully will be able to tell from what’s already available if it’s a story that piques your interest! There are also several pages shown below, at the bottom of this write-up. Warning: There IS some mature content (language, violence, nudity) in this story!

What is the money going to be used for?

I will print a run of at least 200 copies of Volume One – the first 48 pages of Dissolution. If I get more backers, I will print more copies! That may seem like a small amount, but I am excited to even start with that. In addition, funds will cover merchandise included in tier level rewards – t-shirts, stickers, mini-buttons, and art prints. If there is a little left over, it will be funneled into purchasing an artist’s booth at one of our local (or close-to-local) conventions (Shooting for one of the following: April 6-7, 2013 – Planet Comicon (in Kansas City); June 21-23, 2013 – Trek Expo ; or July ?? 2013 – Tokyo in Tulsa).

Why should I pay for it when it’s free online?

This is a savvy question, and one that I struggled with in creating this Kickstarter. It’s true, Dissolution is free and viewable online – there aren’t even any ads on the website. However, I can think of three reasons why you might choose to back this project in spite of that!

Dissolution: Volume One will cover the first 48 pages of the story.You will notice that there are nowhere near 48 pages on the site yet. This is because I’ve been building a backlog in preparation for this printing, and yet have kept my online updating to once-weekly. Backers will be WAY ahead of online readers when it comes to knowing what happens and where the story is going!!
By supporting this project, you are also supporting the continuation of the story in all its forms. Being able to print and market Dissolution is a dream come true – and it means that the website will be going strong for a long time in the future! A successful project here tells me that enough people are interested in the story and art that it is vital to continue.
You are an amazing person who likes to support authors and illustrators by purchasing their work. This can’t be overstated. People who choose to back art and literature in spite of it being available online are among my favorite people (along with Jacques Cousteau, Michio Kaku, Georgio Tsoukalos and Neil deGrasse Tyson – what a list to join!). Seriously though, it’s a big deal – your decision to back my project humbles me, and I thank you.

“But wait,” you may say. “I WILL be ahead of the story – but then I’ll have to wait SOOOOO long for the website to catch up!” Ah, but I’ve got you covered! If this Kickstarter is successful, I’m considering moving to faster updates – updates aiming for the reveal of the end of Volume One online (page 48) to correspond to the offer of Volume Two in the future. Backing this project will mean faster reveal of the storyline in TOTAL, for those online and in print. EVERYBODY wins! But especially you. Because you get to hang out with Kaku, deGrasse Tyson, Tsoukalos and Cousteau in my head.

Who are you?

Hi! My name is Indi Martin. I write, I illustrate, I don’t sleep as much as I should. I’ve been drawing and writing all of my life – I actually have several completed novels, but am generally too much of a perfectionist to be happy enough with them to shop them around. Though I’ve done a lot of illustrating for projects, I still consider myself amateur simply because I have never been paid – or paid much – to complete them. My largest and longest dream has always been to someday make a living – even a super-meager one – through my creative endeavors!

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I love to Geocache in my spare time (I’m “Starbuck2011” in the Tulsa Area Geocachers group!) and really bliss out when I find high terrain-high difficulty caches first! I don’t consider myself an “avid” hiker, but I’d love to be. I took some time out from life to hike the Appalachian Trail a few years ago and completed about 1000 miles of it – considering I had never actually camped out more than one night at a time prior to that, I’m glad the risk paid off and I grew to love it!

Do you have any of those nifty Stretch Goals?

I DO!!!!
$4,000: ALL BACKERS (no limit!) will receive a PDF File of the Novel-So-Far – see how the graphic novel differs from the actual written version, and read everything that didn’t make it in.
$5,000: Character cards! All backers above $15 will also receive trading cards of the characters that have been revealed so far – their profile and description, their connections and potential motives.
$6,000: TO BE REVEALED if we break $5k!

Explain these tier level rewards, would you?

I’d love to!

PDF Copy of Dissolution: Volume One – All backers at all levels receive this, and you don’t have to wait for everything else. I’ll send this to all backers’ emails as soon as funding is successful. This is a high-resolution digital copy of the first 48 pages of the story – and I’m so excited to share it with you!
Printed Copy of Dissolution: Volume One – This will be a 48 page full-color perfect-bound comic book printed on 60# high-bright pages with a 80# glossy full-color cover. I will cry tears of joy when I first hold one in my hand, no lie. But I promise I won’t send you the tear-stained copy. Unless maybe you want it. Weirdo.
Signed Print Copy of Dissolution: Volume One – Exactly what it sounds like!
Sketch-Cover Variant Copy of Dissolution: Volume One – These are limited (only 25 available), and have a slightly longer fulfillment date. This is because I will hand-draw and hand-ink each cover myself. You will have a one-of-a-kind (not even one of 25, because every one will be different!) item, and I will work tirelessly to fulfill these on time. As I mentioned, I don’t sleep as much as I should. ^_~
Mini-Buttons – 1.5 inch buttons with a cool Dissolution splatter-logo
Stickers – 4.5 x 3 inch tri-color vinyl stickers so you can sport your Dissolution swag anywhere that you can stick a sticker!
T-Shirts – 100% pre-shrunk cotton men’s style tees
Art Prints – 9×12 inch matte print of the Dissolution cover
Custom Art Prints – Whatever you want, I will pencil, ink, and color, then send to you in a lovely 9×12 inch matte print!

Tier Level Rewards:

Pledge $1 or more
0 backers
Pay what YOU think it’s worth! Backers at this tier receive a PDF copy of all 48 pages in Volume One! You’ve backed my project and I am eternally grateful!
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013
Pledge $6 or more
0 backers
PDF copy + sweet Dissolution sticker! Swag on!
Estimated delivery: Apr 2013
Add $3 to ship outside the US
Pledge $12 or more
0 backers
Enjoy a PDF + print copy of Volume One! I will also send you a personal thank-you email and list you as a backer on my website!
Estimated delivery: Apr 2013
Add $5 to ship outside the US
Pledge $18 or more
0 backers
PDF copy + print copy of Volume One + awesome mini-button + sticker! Show off your Dissolution swag! I will also send you a personal thank-you email and list you as a backer on my website!
Estimated delivery: Apr 2013
Add $6 to ship outside the US
Pledge $25 or more
0 backers
PDF copy + SIGNED copy of Volume One + mini-button + sticker, and a personal thank-you email! You’ll be listed as a SILVER backer on my website!
Estimated delivery: Apr 2013
Add $6 to ship outside the US
Pledge $50 or more
0 backers
PDF copy + a SIGNED copy of Volume One + awesome T-Shirt + mini-button + sticker + a personal letter from me thanking you for your support! AND you’ll be listed as a GOLD backer on my website! WHEW!
Estimated delivery: Apr 2013
Add $10 to ship outside the US
Pledge $75 or more
0 backers
PDF copy + a SIGNED copy of Volume One + awesome T-Shirt + mini-button + sticker + 9×12 matte art print + a personal letter from me thanking you for your support! AND you’ll be listed as a GOLD backer on my website!
Estimated delivery: Apr 2013
Add $10 to ship outside the US
Pledge $125 or more
0 backers Limited (25 of 25 left)
PDF copy + SKETCH COVER VARIANT of Volume One + standard print copy + sweet T-Shirt + mini-button + sticker + 9×12 matte art print + personal letter from me thanking you for your support! AND you’ll be listed as a PLATINUM backer on my website!
Estimated delivery: Jun 2013
Add $10 to ship outside the US
Pledge $250 or more
0 backers Limited (5 of 5 left)
PDF copy + signed print copy of Volume One + sweet T-Shirt + mini-button + sticker + CUSTOM REQUEST 9×12 FULL COLOR matte print of whatever you request! + a personal letter from me thanking you for your support! AND you’ll be listed as a SUPER DOUBLE UNOBTANIUM backer on my website! (Fulfillment on all pieces except the custom art will be completed separately in May 2013).
Estimated delivery: Aug 2013
Add $12 to ship outside the US

Page 20 - Example of Page Art.

Page 28 - Example of Page Art

Dissolution Splatter Logo Design for Merchandise Rewards

Risks and challenges Learn about accountability on Kickstarter

I’m very happy to say the risk on this project is very small. I ensured that ALL 48 pages were ready to go before I launched this project – ditto the merchandise designs for t-shirts, stickers, buttons, and cover! So, the only risk for delays is that which might arise from receiving shipment from Ka-Blam (who have been very awesome in responding to my queries about their printing!) and the vendors printing the merchandise.

I’ve worked very hard to get to this point, and I am not about to ruin this first impression by failing to deliver to my backers! In fact, it is possible you may receive your shipments a few weeks ahead of schedule, but as printing and shipments are not ENTIRELY within my control, I played it safe and set the estimated delivery dates to months that I felt very comfortable promising.

FAQ

Have a question? If the info above doesn’t help, you can ask the project creator directly.

Ask a question

Report this project to Kickstarter

WINNERS!!!! of Deadly Road by Tara Neideffer

Posted on February 19, 2013 by fundinmental

My favorite time of any giveaway is announcing the winners. So without further ado, the winners of Deadly Road by Tara Neideffer are:

Laura T

Barbara B

Congratulations ! Thanks to all of you for the wonderful comments. I hope you will continue to follow fundinmental.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

To see my Review, go HERE .

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

If you would like to purchase the book, simply click on the cover.

WINNERS!!!!!! of Don’t Fear The Reaper by Michelle Muto (fundinmental.wordpress.com)
WINNERS!!!!! of The Man With The Green Suitcase by Dee Doanes (fundinmental.wordpress.com)
WINNERS!!! of the Natalie’s Revenge Giveaway (fundinmental.wordpress.com)
WINNER!!! of the Stitch Giveaway (fundinmental.wordpress.com)
WINNERS!!! of the taylor dean Giveaway. (fundinmental.wordpress.com)
WINNERS!!!!!! of Don’t Fear The Reaper by Michelle Muto (readingrenee.com)
WINNERS!!!! of Faithful Shadow by Kevin J. Howard (fundinmental.wordpress.com)
WINNER!!!!! of The Beach by Jaye Frances (fundinmental.wordpress.com)
WINNERS!!!!!! of Dark Matters by T. Joseph Browder (fundinmental.wordpress.com)
WINNERS!!!!! of Cracks In The Sidewalk by Better Lee Crosby (fundinmental.wordpress.com)

AToMR Presents – SWEETEST TABOO by Eva Marquez with Giveaway

Posted on February 19, 2013 by fundinmental

I am very happy to be helping spread the word about this new contemporary romance presented to you by AToMR Tours.

Title: Sweetest Taboo

Author: Eva Marquez

Release date: October 1, 2012

Genre and Age Group: *Mature* YA Adult Contemporary Romance/Ages 16+/Females

Event organized by: AToMR Tours

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Isabel Cruz was fifteen years old when she met Tom Stevens. She was 15 when they started dating, and 16 when she lost her virginity to him. By the time she turned 18 and went to college, everything had fallen apart. This hadn’t been an ordinary love, though. Not a love between two dear friends, or even high school sweethearts. This had been the most taboo sort of love there was: a relationship between a student and her teacher. Isabel started her high school career as a normal student, but set her sights on Tom Stevens as soon as she met him, and pursued him with an intense – and sometimes reckless – fascination. When he finally approached her after swim practice and told her that he shared her feelings, it was the start of a forbidden and dangerous relationship.

TO PICK UP YOUR COPY OF THE BOOK, LOOK AT THE LINKS BELOW.

Links: www.SweetestTabooBook.com

Amazon: http://amzn.to/OqHRrE

B&N: http://bit.ly/QtTP2d

GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15754577-sweetest-taboo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sweetest.Taboo.YA.Book

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, daughter of European immigrants, Eva Márquez has spent most of her life outside of her home country. At the age of five, Eva accompanied her parents to the United States, where the family settled permanently. After graduating from university, she went on to complete graduate studies in International Relations in Spain. Eva received her Master of International Studies degree from the University of Sydney and went on to work in the global health field in Sub Saharan Africa and South East Asia. Eva currently resides in Southern Africa.

Visit Eva’s Amazon Author Central Page

EXCERPT

Dear Reader,

My story begins in the early 90s, when a young girl started her high school career. She may have been any girl – young, impressionable, and fresh into the wide world of older boys, harder classes, and more choices. She may have been quite beautiful, well developed for her age, and smarter than most of the other students in her class. She may have been destined for the same high school career as anyone else – honors courses, braces, a few high school crushes, photography classes, a first kiss, and then a straight shot into the college of her choice, and her future as a doctor, or teacher, or architect.

Instead, she fell in love with her swim coach, one of the most popular teachers in the school, and became romantically involved with him.

I don’t believe that I have to tell you how dangerous this would have been. She was a young girl of 15, 16, 17 and he an adult man in his late 30s, old enough to be her father. Although this type of relationship would have passed as acceptable and even normal in Medieval England, the modern world frowns on such dalliances, and prosecutes the men – and women – who take advantage of adolescent students in this way. The two of them, then, would have been facing the threat of discovery, tarnishing of reputation, and even time behind bars; throwing their relationship in the face of society, if you will, but doing so quietly, in order to avoid detection.

Have you guessed, yet, that the story I’m telling you is true? Have you guessed that it’s more than just a rhetorical question, more than an idea that developed in my head one day?

The girl in the story is my mother, Isabel Cruz. She never told her story to the world, though she could have, because she didn’t want her love and relationship to be tainted by society’s judgments. This was a story of an illicit – and illegal – love. It was a story of lying, cheating, and misleading the authorities. My mother’s love for this older man was forbidden, and would have been highly scandalous to the world at large. She might have lost privileges, opportunities, and even her family, had they found out. And for him … his future and very life would have been put in jeopardy if the nature of their relationship were revealed, regardless of whether my mother sought to prosecute him or not. Even when she was older, my mother feared that the truth about their relationship might bring a backlash to the man she had loved so dearly. She fought against that with all her might, with the ongoing wish to keep him from any risk or pain. She never lost her love for him, scandalous as it may have seemed to others.

She is older, now, and the man in the story is long gone. When I happened across her diary from that time and asked her permission to write the story, she acquiesced. It was time that the world knew, she said, so it could see that this type of love – though it may be frowned upon, and even prosecuted – isn’t always what it seems. Sometimes, regardless of the ages of the participants, it is just that. Love. True and pure as it can be between two people, and strong enough to last through the years. It was time, she said, for our family to know its past, and its future.

I have just closed her diary, having squeezed every word from it, and written my own last words, which means that the book is done and her story has been told. I must pass it to you now, Reader, and trust you to hold it dear and keep it safe. I must trust you to see the love that shines through, rather than the social mores of the situation. I must trust you to care for my mother and her past, as I have during the writing of this book.

This, then, is my mother’s story. It starts when she was very young, only 15 …

~ Claire Stevens

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