Thursday, October 31, 2013

Two Little Lies Cover Reveal


Two Little Lies Book Info:

Book Synopsis
Lies can be very dangerous and deadly little things.
Almost four years after Laney Matthews survived a brush with death by the hands of the serial killer, Robbie The Prowler Jameson, she’s finally picked up the pieces of her life and started over. She’s made new friends, began dating again, attended countless therapy sessions, and is about to graduate in the spring from Blackburn University. Ever since that fateful night, Laney has tried to surround herself with positivity, and so far she’s succeeded…but that’s all about to come crashing down around her.
When news of Robbie’s release from prison, due to a technicality, is plastered all over the news, Laney’s bubble of security bursts and she begins to withdraw from everyday life. Her friends come up with an idea to pull her from this slump and plan a fun winter break getaway in order to clear her head. It’s here that she comes face to face again with Brent Lyles, the one that got away, and she begins to realize that maybe he’s the exact thing she’s been missing in her crazy life.
Something’s amiss at the sprawling rental property though, and when things quickly take a deadly turn, Laney and her friends are forced to fight for their lives. Has The Prowler returned to finish what he started years ago? And is Laney prepared to stand up to her past demons once and for all?

Expected Release Date – Late December (2013)/January (2014)

Crashing Back Down Countdown




Crashing Back Down (Crashing #1)

by

Release: 11/7/13

Enter the 24hr giveaway | Goodreads

Excerpt:

Walker was my most frequent visitor, pretty much like clockwork. Every Sunday at noon, I expected to see his bright green eyes light up when I opened my door. He was going through his own process of grief and loss. I think he needed the company as much as I did.
Walker Eastman was Randy’s right hand man ever since they pledged their fraternity. He was even overseas with Randy when the military-deemed-accident had happened. There were some faulty cables that snapped when the parachute tried to open. Needless to say, there was no condolence letter good enough from the military to cool my anger and sorrow. All of us came hurtling down to earth that day. Walker was the only one who never said the wrong thing, or pressured me into talking. I welcomed his company warmly, to my surprise. Mostly we just sat, drank coffee and watched TV; simple yet perfect.
When I finally coaxed my eyes to open, I read eleven-thirty on my alarm clock and sighed, looking at all of the pamphlets from all of the different organizations that were supposed to help me with my grief. I rolled my eyes and shoved them out of my mind, allowing myself to ignore them for a little bit longer. Knowing Walker would be showing up sooner than I wanted, I fought through my down comforter to find my phone. Maybe he won’t mind missing one visit. I really was not in the mood for cheering up that morning.
Once my phone was finally in my hand, I fumbled through my contacts, clicking on his name. Before I could even rethink the call, Walker was on the other end declining my suggestion for a rain check. Right as I started to protest, I heard my front door slam shut.
He hung up as he entered my room, his brawny arms carrying a box of donuts and coffee. I couldn’t help but smile, a little relieved Walker was just as stubborn as I was.
I felt like it was the first time I’d truly opened my eyes in weeks and to my horror, I realized how disheveled I looked, and how messy my room was.. My baby blue carpet was almost entirely hidden under dirty clothes. My makeup lined up on top of the dresser was a huge mess and I hadn’t even made it out of my bed yet. I was wrapped up in the covers with all the pillows thrown on the floor. Randy always made fun of me for being a ‘pillow tosser’ in my sleep. I wasn’t even allowed to have beverages on my nightstand for fear of knocking them off in the middle of the night.
I cringed with shame from the mess and my wretched appearance, “Walker, I’m not even dressed. I’m sure I look like hell!” I shrieked, diving back under my blanket. I was in one of Randy’s old Army shirts, and basketball shorts; makeup still on from the night before, smudged all over my eyes. My dark-brown hair must have looked like a lion’s mane; a tangled mess. I felt it, half-matted to the side of my face.
I could hear Walker’s deep southern drawl through the comforter, “Come on Mags, I’ve seen you at your worst. Trust me, you look like an angel compared to a few months ago.”
The time Walker referred to were our darkest hours that we were just starting to break away from. The few months prior were riddled with sleepless nights and bedridden days; we were both walking dead. During that terrible stint, we spent a lot of time holding onto each other for dear life, like it was the only thing that could keep our world from shattering around us.

About the Author:

Kristen Hope Mazzola is an up and coming independent author from sunny South Florida. Crashing Back Down is her debut into the literary world. Kristen is currently working on the rest of her Crashing Series, which will include a sequel, Falling Back Together, and a prequel, Walking Away. She even has a few more tricks up her sleeve, with more characters to introduce and more twists to unravel, so keep your eye on this talented young author!

When Kristen is not driving a pen into paper, she enjoys reading all different genres and fishing. “There is just something so magical about water and the calm it brings to my life,” says Kristen. Even though writing is not her only career she is pursuing, Kristen hopes to one day be a full time writer. Having a day job and a busy life, makes finding time for writing difficult, but anything worthwhile in life is difficult. Loving life, writing, and fishing basically make up her world.

Ignite Release Day Blitz



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Title: Ignite (#1, Explosive Series)

Author: Tessa Teevan

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: October 30, 2013




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Add to Goodereads

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18189396-ignite




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Purchase Links

Amazon US | Amazon UK




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Synopsis

After nearly a year and a half of grieving the loss of her husband, twenty-seven year old Alexa Sullivan Tate is headed back to her hometown after a decade of being away. She has no idea her high school crush, Jace McAllister, the guy who stole her heart the same night that he broke it, is more than ready to pick up the pieces.



Jace has spent the last ten years in the Army defusing bomb after bomb, trying to forget the girl who ignited all his passions. Little does he know that the spark still exists.



Ten years ago they had smoldering chemistry, but the spark between them now might light a fuse that leads to an explosion even Jace can't stop. Not that he wants to. If only Alexa can get past her guilt and trust her heart again.



But how do you put it all on the line when you've already lost everything once before?



*While this is a series, each book will be standalone with spinoff characters.



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Excerpt

I nod, and she makes her way down the hall that I now see is lined with photographs. My stomach tightens, but I figure that I need to get this over with if I’m going to be staying here. I walk towards them, stopping at the first picture. I’m guessing it’s from the day they first met, the time she told me about, because she’s giving him a playful frown while he’s grinning at her like he’s already half in love with her, which, to be honest, he probably was. I feel a slight twinge as I take in the picture, knowing that at that moment he had no idea how short of a life he was going to have with her. Hell, he probably wouldn’t have even cared, as long as he had her while he could.



Shaking the thought out of my head, I browse each one. There are candid shots of them mixed throughout professional ones from events such as her graduation, Sierra and Jeremy’s wedding, and what looks like an engagement party. As I pass each picture, it’s becoming more real to me that she had a whole separate life before we reconnected. Strangely, I’m not bothered by it, seeing how happy she looks in these pictures, even though it was with another man and not me. I’ll admit that I was a little worried when she told me about their fighting, but looking at these pictures? I know Ty made her a happy woman, and I’m grateful that she had that while she could. Do I wish it had been me? Fuck yes, but what can you do?



Coming to the last picture, I’m breathless as the image of Alexa in a wedding dress enters my vision. I’m moving in for closer inspection when she comes out of her room, stopping when she catches me. Her hand covers her mouth as she closes her eyes for a split second. She swallows hard before walking towards me. She reaches out her hand as if to touch my arm before pulling it back, obviously thinking better of it.



“Jace, I… This is probably awkward, I’m sorry. I just… I wasn’t expecting you, and I don’t…” She trails off as she stares at the wall, glancing at the picture before turning her eyes towards the floor.



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About the Author

I'm a twenty six year old book junkie who is also obsessed with sports. Bengals, Buckeyes, Reds are my teams! I work for the government during the day, hang out with Air National Guard on the weekends, and am married to a guy 15 inches taller than me. We're quite the pair! We currently live right outside of Dayton, OH with our two cats.



I've been reading since I was a kid. My mom was a librarian, so it was a given. Heck, she even made sure we watched Wishbone instead of the Smurfs. In 2011 when I graduated from college, my mom bought me a Nook, and then in the summer of 2012 I found this amazing site called Goodreads. I was introduced to so many amazing indie/self-published authors. After reading almost 400 books that year, my husband gave me the push to finally sit down and write my own. It was a rocky start, but over time the words started flowing and I couldn't get Jace and Lexi out of my head.



If I’m not writing or looking through tons of photos of hot men, all in the name of research, then you can probably find me curled up with my Kindle, ignoring the rest of the world. I love my sports almost as much as I love my books. My other obsessions include red wine, hot men, country music, and all things Grace Potter.



I LOVE to hear from readers, so please feel free to contact via any social media site listed below.





Connect with the Author

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Email | Goodreads




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Giveaway

(1) eBook copy of Picking up the Pieces by Jessica Prince

(1) eBook copy of Nightmares from Within by Jessica Prince

(1) eBook copy of Just Breathe by Rachel Brookes

(1) eBook copy of Keep Me Still by Caisey Quinn

(1) Signed Paperback of Click to Subscribe by L.M. Augustine

(1) Signed Paperback of Lost In You by Heidi McLaughlin

(1) Signed Paperback of Little Red Book of Romance by TH Dillon (US Only)

(1) Signed Set of There is No Light in Darkness and Darkness Before Dawn by Claire Contreras (US Only)

(1) Signed Paperback of Red Hill by Jamie McGuire (US Only)

(1) Signed Paperback of Losing Hope by Colleen Hoover (US Only)

(1) Signed paperback of Just Breathe by Abbi Glines (US Only)

(1) Signed Paperback of Because of Low by Abbi Glines (US Only)

(1) Signed paperback of Twisted Perfection by Abbi Glines (US Only)

$5 Amazon Gift Card from FairieChick's Fantasy

$10 Amazon Gift Card from Group Therapy

$5 Amazon Gift Card from White Zin Bookends



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Love in the time of the Dead Blog Tour




Title:   Love in the Time of the Dead
Author:  Tera Shanley
Genre: Adult Supernatural/Zombie Romance 17+
Publication Date:  October 22, 2013
Published By:  Omnific Publishing
Event organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc. 












Laney Landry has been fighting Deads alongside her brother and friends for three years. But she has a secret. She's immune to Dead bites and has to find the right people to trust with the information. Her team rallies around her to find a doctor who can extract a vaccine from Laney which could fight the virus that ended the world.

Sean Daniels leads a colony that provides her team with much needed shelter and supplies. He is obviously interested in Laney. The question is whether he's only intrigued by her as a source for the possible vaccine, or for something more. Tests for the cure might push her body beyond what it can endure, and just as she faces a ghost from her past, her longtime teammate Derek Mitchell hints at an interest in more than just her Dead slaying abilities.

Two honorable and alluring men - one colossal decision to make. Despite historically bad taste in men, can she rise above the chaos of the apocalypse and choose the one who deserves her heart? The right choice could mean the difference between surviving...and living.

REVIEW
5 AWESOME COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN STARS!!! So I have been looking forward to reading this book for a long time and it definitely lived up to my expectations! I've been loving the zombie thing for awhile, who hasn't am I right? :) But this was a unique story that didn't seem like I was reading a book I've read before. I felt that all the characters were well developed. Landry is tough and bad a$$. Sean Daniels is definitely a hottie but Derek Mitchell stole it for me. He was funny and such a STUD!! This book had action, suspense, romance, comedy, you name it it had it and it was a pleasure to read. This is one that I think anyone interested in the fantasy/paranormal realm would enjoy to read. ~ Leslie ADD TO GOODREADS

BUY LINKS


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tera Shanley writes in sub-genres that stretch from Paranormal Romance, to Historic Western Romance, to Apocalyptic (zombie) Romance. The common theme? She loves love! A self-proclaimed bookworm, she was raised in small town Texas and could often be found decorating a table at the local library. She currently lives in Dallas with her husband and two young children and when she isn’t busy running around after her family, she’s writing a new story or devouring a good book. Any spare time is dedicated to chocolate licking, rifle slinging, friend hugging, and the great outdoors.
WEBSITE * TWITTER * FACEBOOK * GOODREADS * BLOG


GIVEAWAY!!

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Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Curve Blog Tour

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Synopsis:

Cass is seventeen and never been kissed, let alone touched.  On one humiliating night, that changes when two boys become interested in her.  Flynn is the older brother of her best friend, yet Cass has never considered him as anything other than that.  Rob is the school sports star and becomes obsessed with Cass when he loses a bet because of her.  

As the relationship between Cass and Flynn develops, Rob's interest becomes increasingly malevolent.  One terrible night changes Cass's life and threatens to destroy her relationship with Flynn, as well as her future.
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Review:

I have to say that I read this entire book in an English accent.... and was surprised by how much I didn't have to google for definitions of English slang.  This book was sweet, sexy, and heartbreaking.  You typically think a book with a girl in high school it will lack in the schmexyness, until you read this book.  It defies the typical genre of YA and dabbles in sexual situations that are not often spoke about and unwavering  and unconditional teenage love.  This is most brilliantly written novel that younger girls can read as well as us older folk.  ~~Cathy



Playlist:
Tom Odell - Can’t Pretend
Of Monsters and Men - Little Talks
Christina Perri – Arms
Snow Patrol – Open Your Eyes
Two Door Cinema Club – Next Year
Biffy Clyro – Mountains
Lana Del Ray – Dark Paradise
Bastille - Flaws
Alanis Morrissette – Simple Together
Muse – Undisclosed Desires
Imagine Dragons – Hear Me
Adele – Lovesong


Amazon US Buy Link: http://goo.gl/onDGpi
Amazon UK Buy Link: http://goo.gl/TXr7t4

Author Bio:

 I’ve always been an avid reader and occasional writer, but only ever for my own eyes!  Then, last year, I read my first New Adult novel - and I was hooked.  After consuming a vast e-pile of NA, the burning need to write my own was overwhelming.  And so I started…

Fitting in writing around a demanding job and a wonderfully supportive husband has been, umm, interesting at times but the whole process has been a fantastic experience.  I have been blown away by the friendliness and support shown by the readers, writers and bloggers who make up the NA and Indie communities; online with them is one of my favourite places to hang out!

***I have already started the follow-up novel to Curve, Heart, which follows Neve as she starts at university.***

Facebook Author Profile Link: https://www.facebook.com/nicolahudsonauthor
Goodreads Profile Link:
 http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7211253.Nicola_Hudson
Twitter Link:
 https://twitter.com/NicHudsonAuthor






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Feature Author Rene Folsom


Hey Loves, today I’d like to introduce you to our Feature Author, Rene Folsom! She is an amazing author of sexy Romance and Paranormal short stories and novels. Check out her interview with us below for an exclusive excerpt out of her newest work in progress!!  

About Rene Folsom
As an award-winning web and graphic designer, Rene Folsom has always grasped the ability to transform information into art. After many years in the design industry, capturing the attention of the reader with great graphics was no longer her only goal. While her artistic side will always be her source of inspiration, Rene has found that branching out into the literary world with her heartfelt, romantic, and rather steamy stories by combining her love of art and reading, was just the next step in her journey.

Being a mother of three and wife of one, Rene has had to juggle career, kids, family, grocery shopping, and stain removal. Years of experience has provided her plenty of creative material to work with. Using both words and design, taking these very different experiences and bringing them all to paper has proven to be quite enjoyable for both writer and reader alike.

Obtaining her degree from Santa Fe State College in Gainesville, Florida, Rene studied everything from fine arts to sculpture and vocals, but found her true artistic inspiration when she took off to Italy after graduation.

Still residing on the beaches of sunny Central Florida, Rene Folsom now adds the title of “author” to her belt, providing contemporary and paranormal romance stories to her readers. If you like stories that ratchet up your heart rate and make you lose your breath, then basque in the glow of your eReader and let one of Rene’s books take your heart, body, and soul on a journey.

Show her some love and check out her website and Like her pages!
Website: http://www.renefolsom.com  

Check out her Short Stories and Novels: 

Roommate Romance Series: GoodReads

~Heart You (#1): FREE right now!!  http://www.amazon.com/Heart-You

Roommate Romance Review: These are stand-alone sexy short stories and can be read in any order. I had the privilege of reading all 3 and I absolutely loved them! They are quick easy reads that will get your motor running! LOL  Heart You and Share You are both F/M/F situations and Bind Me has a male dominant but it doesn’t get into any heavy BDSM or anything like that, just a little tying up. ;)  Each short story is about one hot night, but you get a little bit of background as to how these opportunities come about. Great reads, go get your copies now! ~Kendra

Soul Seers Series: GoodReads

~Voices of the Soul (Soul Seers #1): FREE right now!!  http://www.amazon.com/Voices
~Eyes of the Soul (Soul Seers #2): http://www.amazon.com/Eyes
~Truths of the Soul (Soul Seers #3): http://www.amazon.com/Truths
~Blood of the Soul (Soul Seers #4): http://www.amazon.com/Blood
~Secrets of the Soul (Soul Seers #5): http://www.amazon.com/Secrets
~Hearts of the Soul (Soul Seers #6): http://www.amazon.com/Hearts


Cornerstone Series: GoodReads

~Shuttered Affections (Cornerstone #1) http://www.amazon.com/Shuttered-Affections
Check out our review HERE



~Exposed Affections (Cornerstone #2) Releases November 13, 2013! Add to GoodReads



COVER REVEAL!!!
Exposed Affections Synopsis:
Staring at the hands of two men greedily clutching her legs, Julia is frozen in place—unsure of how she should react to their dual-intimacy. It’s one thing to have her photography professor show an interest in her, but to also have his identical twin making advances puts Julia’s mind into a total state of chaotic confusion.  Is she able to handle the pressure of choosing between two men who both manage to take her breath away?

In the last week, Julia Peterson’s life has become an emotional roller coaster with breathtaking twists that include breaking all the rules with a certain professor, to gut-wrenching horror as a stalker from her past lurks behind the scenes and threatens her new happiness.  

Despite her attempts to conceal her secrets and keep her friends in the dark, she must learn to cope with the idea that not all secrets are meant to stay hidden. When her haunting past comes at her with a vengeance and life is determined to beat her down, Julia must discover true strength within herself before she is able to open her heart, find who she really is, and learn to love.

Exposed Affections is the second novel in the Cornerstone series, contains mature content, and is meant for adult readers ages 18 and up.


Author Interview:


1.      Where are you from?
Born in New Smyrna Beach, Florida (just south of Daytona Beach) and currently living in Keystone Heights, Florida

2.      Can you tell us a little about your family?
Well, my husband and I will celebrate our 11th wedding anniversary this December and we have three children.  My husband is more than just my best friend and lover—he completes me and I cherish each and every day we get to spend together.  I’m amazed my children are still alive considering they enjoy pushing my buttons.  All I have to say is, they’re lucky they’re cute.  LOL  In reality, I have the best children and wouldn’t trade them for the world.

3.      Are you dressing up for Halloween? If so, as what?
Yep.  I plan to dress up as a speed bump.  :)

4.      When you aren’t writing, what do you like to do with your time?
Writing is actually not my full time job.  I am also a graphic designer and enjoy creating custom book covers for other authors. I also love anything involving fine arts, especially pottery and clay sculpture.  In my limited free time, I enjoy reading and pretty much anything outdoors.  I love to fish, scallop, hunt, hike, swim—anything to enjoy the Florida sunshine.

5.      When and why did you begin writing?
I actually started writing as an outlet, a way to relieve stress.  When Cynthia Shepp announced she would be doing another anthology, I decided to submit a short story, Voices of the Soul, just for fun.  Not only did Cynthia love the story and pushed me to continue with the fictional adventure, but many other people said I needed to pursue publishing independently.  So, long story short, it’s all Cynthia’s fault!

6.      What inspired you to write your first book?
My first published book, a short story called Heart You, was actually a Valentine’s Day challenge I decided to expand on after the fact.

7.      Do you have a specific writing style?
I’m not really sure whether I have a specific “style”, but I love a good tease.  I want to write about characters that will leave the reader on the edge of their seat, eager to continue with the story while holding their breath with each turn of the page.

8.      What are you reading right now?
I actually took a little break from reading to finish my latest novel.  Now I have to get back into the reading groove.

9.      Who are some of your favorite authors?
This is a difficult question because I have so many.  Just some include Christin Lovell, Laura Kaye, Maya Banks, etc. but there are some recent indies I’m really looking forward to catching up on.

10.  Is there a particular movie that you preferred over the book version?
Not that I can recall.  Book is always better.

11.  Do you prefer ebooks or paperbacks?
eBooks to read, paperbacks to cherish.

12.  Where’s your favorite place to write?
Out on my second story balcony, facing the lake in my back yard.

13.  What music are you listening to at the moment?
Pandora Snow Patrol  channel.

14.  What is something you hate doing? Why?
Cleaning and doing housework.  I mean, who likes doing housework?  Dishes and matching socks are at the top of my hate list.  Oh, and making my kids clean their room.  I’d rather stab myself in the eye with a rusty fork than fight with them about their rooms.

15.  Where does the inspiration for your characters come from?
Most of the time, my characters are completely fabricated.  Vary rarely do I have a specific person who inspires my characters.  However, certain scenes, locations, and actions can be fabricated based on certain experiences I’ve had in the past.

16.  What are your quirky habits?
The only quirky habit I can think of is I like to rub the smooth part of my fingernail over my lips while I think.

17.  Any advice for other authors?
Editors are your friends.  Editors are essential to the writing process and, no matter what the cost, they’re worth every single penny.  I’ve met several indie authors who insist on self-editing.  Self-editing is VERY hard.  No matter how skilled someone is with editing and proofing other works, editing your own writing is a whole different ballgame.  I rely on my editor to make my stories as professional as possible so my readers aren’t distracted by unnecessary typos.  The last thing you will want is a bad review because of poor editing.

18.  Is there anything you want to tell your readers?
Just that I adore them and can’t thank them enough for giving my books a chance.

19.  Can we expect more short stories like Heart You, Bind Me, and Share You?
Yes!  I already have an idea for a fourth Roommate Romance short story that will be titled “Flatter Me”.  I just need to find time to get the words down.

20.  Can you tell us a little bit about what you are currently working on?
I just finished the second book in the Cornerstone Series and sent to my editor yesterday (10-28-13).  So, after taking a little breather, I plan to work on a new untitled novel I already have in progress about a fiery redhead who works as a fashion photographer.  The story starts out in Berlin where she meets a cute guy she wants to have an international fling with before she heads back to the states.  In addition to this quick little fling, she really has her eyes set on her boss, but never entertains the idea of moving in due to their professional relationship.  She will struggle with the internal battles any woman does when she lusts after two gorgeous guys.  How about a little teaser?


Unedited excerpt from an untitled WIP (German snippets also unedited):
The clicking of my camera’s shutter was all I could hear over the low rumble through the crowded room.  Several models shuffled around my equipment in any attempt to navigate through the dilapidated and cluttered quarters.  We were crammed tighter than sardines, but the opportunity to shoot in this abandoned building was rare and we just couldn’t pass it up.
I heard one of our Russian models curse as she managed to plow over the leg of my main light stand, effectively screwing up my lighting.
“Of all that is holy, could you please watch where you all are going?  I know it’s cramped but kicking over the equipment is just going to slow us down!” I yelled as one of the set minions scrambled to fix the issue.
The run-down building nestled in the trendy central Berlin district of Mitte was once a swinging cabaret club.  For decades, it sat alone and forgotten, hidden inside the courtyard of another property.
Fortunately, we were the first publication to be granted access for a full-blown photo shoot.  Fashion photography in abandoned or run-down buildings was becoming a huge trend.  Even though the models were less than thrilled to be ankle deep in eighty-year-old rubble, the scene was ingenious.
I could hear a male model in the other room complaining about yet another issue with his wardrobe.  Honestly, the male models were way more of a challenge than the females.
Framing her in my viewfinder, my last female model of the day was wearing a white wedding gown and sitting along what looked to be a small stage.  With an idea suddenly popping into my head, I grabbed the arm of one of our male models inching by and told him to go lay his head in her lap.  The scene was perfect since he was only wearing a pair of slacks and dress shoes.  No shirt was needed for a diamond-in-the-rough shot like this one.
The beautiful, leggy blonde with smoky eyes and silky curls looked elegant in contrast to the ruin around her.  The small stage she sat on had a few wide, shallow steps leading down which allowed her to drape the dress and prop her leg on the top step.  The muscular and slightly scruffy looking male model took a natural position on the next step below her, gently placing his head in her lap and looking up at her as if she were his reason for breathing.
“Can I get some moisture over here, Jimmy?” I called out to the set do-boy.  Knowing exactly what I wanted, he quickly scuttled over to the male model with a spray bottle of water and proceeded to spray his muscles, neck, and face, making it look like the man was glistening with perspiration.
“Perfect,” I whispered as I continued my triggered assault.
“Okay.  Lean back on your right arm slightly and turn your head away, keeping your gaze down, as if you’re avoiding his passionate stare,” I instructed the blonde.  She was a natural and took it upon herself to continue with several more heartbreaker poses.
I had a dream about these two models last night.  I didn’t even notice they matched the faces until I pulled the male model into the frame.  Each time the shutter closed then opened within my camera, I saw the visions—flashes of my dream—tiny snapshots of their future together.  It was as if putting them together in those mere few seconds of chance would break the ice and allow them to get to know one another.  The premonition of last night’s dream made me smile.
I was such a sap.  Even though fashion photography wasn’t what I would have chosen for my career path, I enjoyed working with these models… mostly.  So, when my visions saw them happy and healthy, I got all gooey inside.  Of course, I would never admit my weaknesses to anyone.  No one needed to know my soft side.
“That’s a wrap!” I yelled as I stealthily stowed my camera and the few other items I made sure to keep with me at all times.  I brought my camera bag closer to my face and sniffed the fresh leather.  God, it smelled so much more wonderful than the stuffy building and grime we were stirring up.
I probably looked like a nutcase for sniffing my bag.
“What do you mean it’s a wrap?  Sofie, we still have a few hours left in here,” the set manager wined as I slung my bag over my shoulder.
“I don’t need a few more hours, Meg.  I’m done.  I got exactly what I needed,” I assured her as I began making my way out of the rubble.
“Ty is going to go bat-shit crazy if he gets wind you skipped out on this!” she hollered behind me as I continued to walk away.
I could have said something sarcastic and rather humorous, but Meg didn’t seem to get along well with my smug sense of humor.  Without stopping, I turned and kindly said, “Just let me handle Ty.”
Tyson Bond was extremely handsome, very full of himself, a little hotheaded, and lucky me… he was my supervisor.  Going to school with the infuriating man was tolerable, mainly because I could avoid him for the most part.  But to have him as my boss was just icing on the craptastic cake.  Even though he didn’t come with us to Berlin, he would’ve soon found out I left the photo shoot early.
On my way there from my hotel, I spotted a quaint little café and now that I was free, I was dying to check it out, maybe grabbing a bite to eat and relaxing while there.  My boots began an upbeat clopping rhythm along the wide stones of the sidewalk as I made my way back to the main square.
Without fail, my phone started buzzing in my pocket.  I had no doubt in my mind it was Ty.  My mouth began to salivate at the thought of having an intense man like Ty in my pocket.
Really, Fie?  Get a grip.  He’s a total asshat.
Still, I couldn’t help the smirk that found its way to my face as I answered.
“Well, hello, Chief.  To what do I owe this pleasure of hearing your masterly voice?” I chimed in an overly sarcastic tone as I continued to pound the sidewalk with my boots.
“Don’t be a smartass, Fie.  Meghan just called frantically babbling something about you leaving before the shoot was over?” he questioned in a rather calm but authoritative tone.  “I know I don’t need to remind you how much we’re shelling out for this gig, right?”
“Slow your roll, Ty.  I nailed it.  Not only did I work twice as fast as the other photographers, but I’m telling you, I completely captured what I was there to do.  I’m heading for a bite to eat and then will upload my images to the server as soon as I get back to the hotel,” I paused as I listened to him breathe.  He really did make my mind swim with some rather explicit thoughts.  I shook my head to clear the thoughts of him lying in bed, naked, with mussed up hair, as I’m sure he was woken up by Meg’s unnecessary phone call.  “You won’t be disappointed, Ty.  I promise.”
“I know, I know.  You’ve never disappointed me, Sofie.  Honestly, I began laughing when I heard you bailed, knowing you probably had the shot and just felt you were finished.  Although, it did earn me a few curses from Meghan who mumbled something about unprofessionalism.  She’s more PO’ed than anyone.”
“Then why did you call to give me shit, Ty?  Got nothing better to do in the middle of the night?” I seethed.
“There’s nothing better than hearing your stimulating voice, Fie.  You’re even more sexy when you bring that firecracker of an attitude,” he said with a seductive rumble to his voice.
He always knew how to twist my stomach in knots.  I may not like working with the man, but damn, his words and his body were always so alluring.  Ty’s seductive act was probably the reason I didn’t like working with him.  How did he expect me to control myself in a professional manner when he was making my stomach flip flop like a fish out of water?
“Fie?”
“Yeah, I’m here,” I said with a huff as I picked up the pace.  I could just see the small café peeking around the traffic a few blocks ahead.
“I know you think I’m sexy too.  You’re just too stubborn to admit it,” he coaxed with a sleepy drawl to his tone.
“I think you need to stop smoking that shit and go back to bed, Tyson,” I joked, even though I was attempting desperately to hide the smile in my voice.
“Ahh, I’m only high on you, sweetness,” he hissed as he emphasized the double ‘S’ sound.
“Now I know you’re full of shit,” I rasped as I deftly leaped over a small puddle beyond the curb.
Just as I began to cross the street towards the café, I suddenly bumped into something hard.  Very hard.  It panged against my cheek and temple, causing me to practically bounce back and my phone to go flying in the air, clattering to the uneven concrete and just barely missing another puddle of murky water.  I knew my ass didn’t fare as well when I felt the liquid seep into my jeans.
A slew of incoherent words and expletives hurled out of my mouth as I winced from the impact.
“Fluch! Sind Sie gut?” I heard a voice say as a strong set of fingers wrapped behind my neck.  My German was anything but fluent, however, I could understand more than I could say.  I think he asked if I was all right.
“Yeah, I’m… ahh,” then, as I looked up into his beautiful blue eyes, I remembered he probably couldn’t understand me.  So, I tried my best in his native tongue.  “Ich bin gut.”  Yeah, I butchered it.
A smile crept its way across his face as he arched a brow, pronouncing his strong jaw even more and making me forget I just made a complete fool of myself.
Damn.  He is hotness personified.  Germany has some serious meat.
“Either you hit your head harder than I thought or your German sucks,” he said with a light chuckle.  The sound of his laugh was even more captivating than his looks.
“Definitely the latter, but maybe both?” I said as I touched my cheek and grimaced at the pain.  My breath hissed between my teeth has I sucked in air and closed my eyes.
Yeah, that’ll leave a mark.  Geez, Fie.  Such a fool.
I tried to sit up and braced myself with my other arm, continuing to scowl at the sudden ache in my hip.
“Damn.  Here, let me help you up,” the handsome hero said as he lightly grabbed my elbow to help me to my feet.  When I staggered, he suddenly swept me off the ground and carried me over to a nearby bench as if I were a feather-light child with a scraped knee.
“Oh, lord!” I squealed.  “I can walk!  I can walk!”  I clamped my arms around his thick neck, digging my fingers into his skin.  I don’t know why I was worried he would drop me.  He seemed to handle my weight with ease.  But I still buried my face into his chest and the action actually calmed me.  He smelled of a spicy men’s deodorant and—was that fresh apple pie?  I inhaled his warm, intoxicating scent and cringed slightly at the feel of my cheek hitting his hard muscles.
“No need to make you walk when I can just as easily carry you.  Here,” he said as he gently sat me down.
While watching him walk back over to get my camera bag and phone, I realized what I ran into—a damn streetlight post.  The metal pole was at least eight inches in diameter and, being the total klutz that I was, my face decided to get intimate with the stationary object.
Handsome walked back over to me and handed me my phone first.  Through the speakers, I could hear Ty’s frantic voice.  I rolled my eyes at the idea of explaining my graceful meeting with the pavement to Ty.
“Sofie!  What the fuck?  Tell me you’re okay!”  His voice was somewhat muffled and distant since I still didn’t have the phone to my ear.  Never taking my eye off the handsome stranger, I decided to quickly pacify Ty and let him know I was fine.
“Yeah, I’m okay.  I just proved to all of Berlin that I am now an international walking disaster.  I gotta go though.  I’ll call once the photos are uploaded.”  Without waiting for his response, I pressed the red end button.

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