Teaser Tuesday: Family Secrets by Stephanie Amox

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along. Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers!

Family Secrets

The Lumina Saga, #2

Stephanie Amox

   I blushed against my will.
   "Talon, where are you? I need you!" I screamed in my mind.
   "Ves'tacha," came a faint whisper from a dark corner of my mind. The smile I normally saved for Talon slowly spread across my face. he was going to come for me - I knew it with every fiber of my being.
   Unfortunately, Kyros misread my smile.
   "I'm very glad you're happy - this is your home now and it should bring you joy. I would definitely prefer to see your illuminating smile than see sadness behind those green eyes. You have a big night ahead of you. I wish it to begin well so that it may end well. Ultimately, it's up to you."

Click here to read my review of the first book, Painfully Ordinary. I really like this series because it's past pace and such an easy read!

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Free Book Alert!

The kindle edition of Family Secrets by Stephanie Amox is free! Hurry and get your copy, this will only last until February 23. I read the first book, Painfully Ordinary, and I just fell in love. I can't wait to find out what happened to the characters next!

What are you waiting for? Get your copy! Click the cover below :)

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Discuss: Crushes and Infatuation

All of us have had crushes and have been infatuated at least once in our life. Some of us get infatuated with multiple people at once. Some of us stay infatuated and can't seem to find love (Taylor Swift?). Well, today, I'm here to talk more about this issue.

I've got a crush...
For me, a crush is someone that we are attracted to only because the person is... well... attractive. Personally, this applies to celebrity crushes. They are all so handsome (and beautiful), but I know I'll probably never get a chance with them. To me, that's what a crush is...

I'm infatuated...
Infatuation for me is having a crush on someone and knowing that there might be a chance with them, no matter how small. I get infatuated A LOT. Despite that fact, I've come to learn the difference between infatuation and potential love. I know in my heart whether I see a future with them, or whether I'm just incredibly intrigued that I want to get to know the person more. Infatuation is just a deeper form of attraction where it is beyond the physical, but also not deep enough to see a future with that person.

How I get over an infatuation...
I want to get over an infatuation for one reason: I know there's no future and the chances are slim to none. So, how do I get over it? I get over it the same way I get over an actual breakup: DENIAL and pretend ANGER. I tell myself over and over that I don't like the person. Then I look for the person's flaws. Of course, these tactics don't really work for me. It only intensifies the infatuation and drives me crazy. What works is ABSENCE. If I just stop stalking them and looking for ways to communicate with them, eventually, I forget about them and the reasons why I was so interested in the first place.

So, whether you have a crush or an infatuation, don't let it control your life. I know it's hard sometimes because they're all you can think about - trust me, I've been there many times. But if you just focus on your goals and ambitions, then this phase in your life would seem minuscule compared to the many wonderful experiences that you encounter later on...

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Help, Please!

Hi everyone!

Some of you know that I run my own blog tour service called Romantic Maidens Book Tours. I am currently scheduling bloggers to host J. Alex Blane's new novel, Where We Left Off. I was hoping you could help me out by signing up. I've attached the information and the sign-up form below. I would really appreciate it!!!

Romantic Maidens Book Tours presents...

Title: Where We Left Off

Author: J. Alex Blane

Publisher: Create Space

Release Date: February 14, 2013

Pages: 290

Buy Links: Amazon (Paperback) | Amazon (Kindle)

Blurb:

Some memories you do your best to forget. Others you wish you simply had the opportunity to remember. Mason Everett found himself in the center of both, as he felt the warmth of an autumn sun graze his face through the tinted windows.

A successful Real-estate developer, Mason had his picture perfect life. He was young, handsome, wealthy and single. No stranger to frequent hook ups at the local night clubs he avoided relationships at all costs living tirelessly by one rule:

“Never let anyone close enough again to hurt you”

Until he found himself falling for Sydney McCail, a young woman he met at his brother’s wedding. In the midst of a developing relationship Mason’s past begins to surface causing him to push Sydney away in fear of her finding out a secret he’d kept hidden for most of his adult life.  In the wake of a tragic accident she finds what she thought she knew was only the beginning, and what happens from there leaves them both searching for answers to a single question in what turns out to be a startling outcome, Where We Left Off.

Reviews:

“I really enjoyed the book. I love to read and I really was able to visualize the story as I read it.  I felt like the fly on the wall with these characters. I enjoyed how I got to know Mason and Sydney so that made it was more interesting to follow their journey.  I truly enjoyed it and am waiting on the next chapter!”  - Erin S.

“My my, what an emotional roller-coaster ride! The twists and turns left me in awe!  -Sonia B.

About the Author:

J. Alex Blane is an author, novelist, and self-publisher.  His debut Novel “Where We Left Off” was his first break in the literary world of fiction romance, but definitely not his last as he is currently working on his second.  A Multi-Media developer by trade, his creativity is fascinating.  And from a number of his reviews, so is his ability to draw you into his writing, his suspense …his story.

A native of a small city in Pennsylvania, Alex is a graduate of Wilmington University where he received both his graduate and undergraduate degree. Before becoming a full-time writer, he worked as a Career Counselor within the University and a media developer for design firm he and a friend founded in 2004.  He’s always had a passion of writing, telling himself one day he was going to write a book.  After nearly eight years of deciding to put his pen to a piece of paper he finally finished, Where We Left Off, a story that has evolved with his many life experiences into something to this day he will say he never expected. 

Alex currently resides in Bear, Delaware with his wife and his two small children where they share a small home just right for him to sneak off into a little corner and write more of what he loves and where he is currently at work on his next novel.  He is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Nu Upsilon Chapter in Wilmington, Delaware, a father and a husband.  Alex loves to tell a good story, but more than that he loves to make you feel as if you are right there as it’s happening; a part of the feelings, the emotions, the joys and the sadness’s.   Pull up a chair, or find that special place where you can escape the world around you and get to know a few new people.  That’s how he makes you feel, as if you are just as important reading the story as the characters living it.

Website | Facebook (Author Page) | Facebook (Book Page) | Amazon (Author Page)

If you would like to sign up for this tour, just fill out the form (or email romanticmaidens {at} gmail.com if the form is not working for you). After your spot is confirmed, you will get an email with the media kit and everything else that you need for your post. Please know that you will be in the tour most likely than not, so please fill out the form completely.

There is a tour-wide giveaway in every stop and a promo post is mandatory for every stop.

Don't know if you've signed up yet? Check out the schedule below.

March 19 - I'm A Book Shark - Promo
March 28 - Kindred Dreamheart - Guest Post

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Review: Destined (House of Night)

Title: Destined
Series: House of Night, #9
Author: P.C. Cast, Kristin Cast
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Release Date: October 25, 2011
Pages: 336
Buy Links: Amazon (Paperback) | Amazon (Kindle)

Blurb:

Zoey is finally home where she belongs, safe with her Guardian Warrior, Stark, by her side, and preparing to face off against Neferet – which would be a whole lot easier if the High Counsel saw the ex-High Priestess for what she really is. Kalona has released his hold on Rephaim, and, through Nyx's gift of a human form, Rephaim and Stevie Rae are finally able to be together – if he can truly walk the path of the Goddess and stay free of his father's shadow…

But there are new forces at work at the House of Night. An influx of humans, including Lenobia’s handsome horse whisperer, threatens their precarious stability. And then there’s the mysterious Aurox, a jaw-droppingly gorgeous teen boy who is actually more – or possibly less – than human. Only Neferet knows he was created to be her greatest weapon. But Zoey can sense the part of his soul that remains human, the compassion that wars with his Dark calling. And there’s something strangely familiar about him…

Will Neferet’s true nature be revealed before she succeeds in silencing them all? And will Zoey be able to touch Aurox’s humanity in time to protect him – and everyone – from his own fate? Find out what’s destined in the next thrilling chapter of the House of Night series.

Review

I love the vulnerability!

I'm guessing the guy on the cover of this book is Rephaim. I absolutely loved the scenes with him and his father, Kalona. The ending was definitely unexpected, but something to look forward to in the next book. I also enjoyed Stevie Rae and Rephaim's relationship. They really cared about each other.

I also liked Aurox and Rephaim individually. Aurox had an old-fashioned way of talking, and so did Rephaim. I loved how they sometimes spoke so formally. I loved that Rephaim was depicted normal in the way that he kept hoping for his father's acceptance and understanding. On the other hand, I loved Aurox's battle with himself and the kind of person he wanted to be as opposed to the kind of creature Neferet wanted him to be.

Of course, this book would not be complete without Zoey performing a ritual with her circle. The descriptions during that ritual was so intense, it would be so cool to see it if they ever made a movie or TV show for this series.

There were so many changes in this installment. Bonds were broken, honor was restored, and truth was revealed. If you haven't read this series, I suggest you play catch up.

One thing I didn't like was the obvious editing errors. The rest of the books didn't have them glaring at me. Anyway, that's just a usual pet peeve for me.

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Single Ladies On Valentine's Day

Hi everyone! We are two days away from the day of hearts. So, today, I wanted to talk about what to do when you're single on Valentine's Day.
Disclaimer: I'm no expert ;)

So, if you're single, you probably dread the month of February. Your heart starts to beat faster, your hands get clammy, and you start to sweat all over. Who will be my Valentine this year?!!! Well, I'm here to tell you that you have nothing to worry about. I will tell you how to spend Valentine's Day productively.

1. Cleaning Day
If you're single, that probably means you don't have a date. What better day to catch up on your house cleaning? Let's face it, you're probably not the cleanest person in the world, and you need something to do. Why not be productive and make your house sparkle? You would feel better afterwards :)

2. Treat Yourself
Who said you need a man to feel special? As long as you believe in yourself, you are confident, and you're happy being by yourself, then there's no problem. Go out and get yourself something nice at the mall. Maybe get a frozen yogurt or ice cream if you want to splurge on the calories!

3. Girl's Night
If you don't have a date, date your girls! Sometimes, all you need is the comfort of your girlfriends' company without any drama from the men around you. You can have a movie marathon, a day at the salon/spa, or a day of shopping!

4. Learn A New Recipe
If you house is already clean or you don't have a lot of extra money to spend shopping, or you just don't want to leave the house because you still feel bitter about Valentine's Day, try learning a new recipe. What better way to feel good than to eat?! It's definitely a cushion to the heart when you're munching on a new dessert or eating a nice rich meal that you made all by yourself!

5. Read A Book
There's nothing more special than spending your entire day with the sweetest and most arrogant book boyfriend out there. Prepare yourself a nice cup of joe or cocoa (or tea if you must insist!), and find a nice corner in your house. Choose your book wisely. This day may or may not be successful based on your choice of reading material ;)

So, there you have it. I hope you've enjoyed this post! I sure enjoyed writing it! Let me know in the comments what your plans are for Valentine's Day!

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Fashion Haul: Valerie Bertinelli

Hi everyone!

I visited my mom yesterday and I had a really bad urge to shop. So, we went to TJ Maxx and right as I walked into the store, something caught my eyes. This usually happens, I take it off the rack after looking if the price is reasonable. I look for more pieces until I have about 3 or 4, and then I try them on. Luckily, the first piece I saw was the one I ended up buying. I was so excited that I finally get to have a cute cardigan. When we left the store, I googled the designer name. Nothing much came up, but I still love it!!

I'm sure some of you are more fashionable than I am... So, give me ideas for what to wear with this cardigan! I'm guessing it's more appropriate during the summer since it doesn't really provide any warmth. I was thinking black leggings or skinny jeans and high heels. What color top should I wear though?

By the way, if you're curious, this cost me (with tax) $26.99. You can't see it in the picture, but it sparkles!!

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Review+Guest Post: Anything for You by Jessica Scott

Title: Anything for You
Series: Coming Home, #2.5
Author: Jessica Scott
Publisher: Tormia Creatives
Release Date: February 1, 2013
Buy Link: Amazon (Kindle)

Blurb:

Sergeant First Class Shane Garrison has spent a year recovering from his combat injuries. A year spent in the arms of the woman of his dreams. But loving Jen comes with a price: every time he touches her, he faces the uncertain fear that loving her might mean losing her forever.

Jen is a breast cancer survivor and with Shane, she’s found a man who loves her despite her scars. But her scars may be too much for their love to survive.

As their love grows, so does the risk to Jen’s life. And Shane must make the toughest decision any man can make to save the woman he loves.

Review

Another great story from Jessica Scott!

It's interesting that even after a happy ending in Because of You, Shane and Jen still had some issues to smooth over before they can really live happily ever after.

Both of them had their own set of fears with regards to each other. Jen, despite her fears, was able to cope with it as much as she could. Shane, on the other hand, was willing to sacrifice everything if it meant having Jen with him for a long time. That kind of dedication and love is truly unconditional.

Carponti opened the book, which was such a treat for me :) I still wish that he would get his own book, even a novella one day :)

Jessica has a way with words that touches the heart and even squeezes it sometimes.

Guest Post

Thanks for having me here today. Arianne asked me to talk about tough decisions, something I've had a lot of experience with in the military. We even have something called the military decision making process but that's another topic for another day.

I've had to make tough decisions before. Choices about ending soldiers careers or whether or not to send soldiers to trial for certain crimes. With clear cut crime, it's not a tough decision for me. I have no qualms about charging someone when they make decisions that result in harm to another individual.

Other decisions are harder. Like how to remain social with someone who believes in something that is patently offensive to me. I'm not talking about being a republican vs a democrat. I'm talking about people who can look at someone who has committed a crime and find a way to still say they're a good soldier or a good person. These decisions are extremely challenging for me because they result in a social order that I don't agree with.

Other decisions that are extremely challenging are when to end relationships that are not helpful at best, toxic at worst. Usually, there comes a point in these relationships where it reaches the breaking point. I don't end relationships on a whim because I believe that everything we do is about relationships. But sometimes, ending one is in your own best interest. And when it reaches that point, it's time to make the decision that is best for your own well being. 

Making tough decisions isn't easy but they're necessary as part of life and especially as part of what I do in the army. 

In ANYTHING FOR YOU, Shane and Jen have to make a tough decision, one that neither of them is happy about. But it's Shane's love for Jen that allows them to get through it together. 

I’m giving away a digital copy of ANYTHING FOR YOU as well as Shane and Jen’s first story BECAUSE OF YOU to one lucky commenter!

About the Author

Jessica Scott is a career army officer, mother of two daughters, three cats and three dogs, wife to a career NCO and wrangler of all things stuffed and fluffy. She is a terrible cook and even worse housekeeper, but she's a pretty good shot with her assigned weapon and someone liked some of the stuff she wrote. Somehow, her children are pretty well adjusted and her husband still loves her, despite burned water and a messy house.

Oprah has called her. True story.

Her debut novel BECAUSE OF YOU launched Loveswept, the first Random House digital imprint.

She's written for the New York Times At War Blog, PBS Point of View Regarding War, and IAVA. She deployed to Iraq in 2009 as part of OIF/New Dawn and is currently a company commander stationed at Fort Hood.

Most recently, she's been featured as one of Esquire Magazine's Americans of the Year for 2012. 

Connect with Jessica at

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Goodreads

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Once Upon A Varnish (A Poem)

I had an urge to write, so I did. This time, about nail polish. Hope you enjoy, and let me know what you think in the comments!


Once Upon A Varnish

Pinks, oranges, reds
Purples, browns, blacks
Colors on the wheel
Highlights on my nails

Playing with shades
Imitating hades
Drawing pretty blades
Sometimes the color fades

Happy, sad, morbid
Different emotions here
On my nails they tell a story
In my heart they sparkle...

Copyright (c) Arianne Cruz. 2013.

Please make sure to give me credit if you ever use any content in this post.

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Sorry!

Hi everyone!

Sorry for the lack of posts! Life has been a bit overwhelming, a lot tiring, and somewhat interesting. I've been frustrated with the show backstage and it's quite taxing. I've been tired driving to Los Angeles and back. Thankfully (or not), I'm taking a break and getting a full time job (hopefully, soon) so I can finally get some income coming in. Finally, interesting because this girl is infatuated! Oh my dear, I've been writing lots of poetry and just having fun with things.

So, what have YOU been up to? Anything fun, interesting, fascinating, curious? Let me know in the comments! Also, I'm reading as much as I can so I can post reviews here! Let me know what posts you'd like to see and I'll try and do them for you!

Love y'all!

-Arianne

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Story: 5 Days of Tragedy

Well, I tried to write a comedic tragedy... Epic fail. Here's what I got instead. I think Day 5 is quite empowering ;) Enjoy!

5 Days of Tragedy

Day 1

Button: Hey J

Danger: Hi J

Girl with a skateboard walks by.

Button: So…

Danger: Hey, nice skateboard. You rode that here?

Skater Girl: Yeah! I live down the street.

Danger: Cool.

Button walks away.

Button: Yeah, cool. You’re cool, too, Danger.

Day 2

Button: Hey J

Danger: Hey, how are you?

Button: Great! How are you?

Danger: Good.

Danger looks around. Button fidgets. Danger walks away.

Button: (to herself) So, how’s your day going?

Day 3

Button: Hey, you!

Danger: Hey, how’s it going? J

Button: Nothing much. Are you excited?

Danger: Yeah.

Button: Me, too!

Danger pulls out his phone and starts texting.

Day 4

Danger: Hey!

Button: Hi.

Danger: How are you?

Button: Good.

Danger turns to the person on his left and starts talking.

Day 5

Button: Hey!

Danger: Hi.

Button walks away.

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Tag! Random or Boredom Edition

I got this tag from Busy Kissing Bees. I thought the questions were interesting so I decided to do them :) P.S. This post was scheduled yesterday so the answers were based on yesterday ;)


Let’s start off with your relationship status?
Single :)

Is the last person you kissed also the next person you’ll kiss?
No, because if I did, his fiancee might come after me.

Have you ever done something you told yourself you wouldn’t do?
Yeah.. Drink coffee, eat sushi, have a crush on someone that's not even close to a pretty boy... Yeah, I'm a rebel.

Have you ever fallen asleep in school?
Almost did til the teacher caught me.

Who’s the biggest douche bag you know?
Hah, let's not talk about that or else I'll get fired.

Do you have siblings over the age of 21?
Yep, my brother is 22.

Are you missing anyone/something? 
Gah, if having someone in your mind every stinking day, then yes, I'm missing someone.

What do you usually do right when you wake up?
Look at my phone for what time it is and see if I can sleep some more :)

Would you rather have orange juice or milk with your breakfast?
Orange because milk and I are not the best of friends.

Once a cheater, always a cheater?
I don't know... I never did find out if my ex cheated on me, so I guess I'll never know?

Ever sat in someone’s lap because there was no more seats in a vehicle?
Lol, that's what we used to do when I was young and lived in the Philippines! Not on stranger's laps though. I had someone with me or I just won't ride the jeepney.

What are you sick of?
Not having enough confidence and a low self-esteem.

How many days until your next birthday?
Uhm...131 days I believe...

Do you think you are a good person?
I think I am. Just don't cross me, and you might meet another side you would have never wanted to be acquainted with :)

Have you made a mistake this past week?
Probably. I make mistakes every day.

How many piercings do you have and what are they?
Just ear piercings that I don't even use coz I'm allergic to cheap jewelry! Anyone want to buy me real earrings?

Do you believe what comes around goes around?
I think so. I mean, I give to homeless people whenever I have cash... Not lately though, coz I need the cash myself. But yes, I believe that if you give something away, you'll get another in return.

Why did you last cry?
The person I count on the most to support me wanted me to quit what I committed to do at the time.

Are you happy with your life?
I am satisfied and thankful for what I have.

How would your parents react if you got a tattoo?
They won't coz I don't want a tattoo. If I did, I'd get it in a not so obvious place so it wouldn't be that big a deal to them anyway.

What’s something you need to do?
Get this guy off my mind and choose my outfits for tomorrow and Wednesday's shoot.

Ever wished you could freeze time at a specific moment in your life?
Sometimes :)

What can you hear?
One and the Same by Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato, and the fan over the stove :)

How do you feel right now?
Blah. I don't know how I feel. At least I'm not currently frustrated :)

What would make you happiest right now?
To be cast in something I believe in and actually have a principal role in it.

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Review: Happy Ever After by Nora Roberts

Title: Happy Ever After
Series: The Bride Quartet
Author: Nora Roberts
Pages: 336
Buy Links: Amazon (Paperback) | Amazon (Kindle)

Blurb:

Parker Brown turned the quartet’s childhood game of Wedding Day into their dream jobs. And now she’s the face of Vows—the one who meets every bride’s demands; keeps every event on schedule; and brings Emma’s romantic flowers, Laurel’s delicious treats, and Mac’s stunning photography together in one glorious package. She knows how to make dreams come true…

Mechanic Malcolm Kavanaugh loves figuring out how things work, and Parker is no exception. Both know that moving from minor flirtation to major hook-up is a serious step. Parker’s business risks have always paid off, but now she’ll have to take the chance of a lifetime with her heart.

Review

Yet another masterpiece from the legendary Nora Roberts.

Every time I read a book written by Ms. Roberts, I wish I was in love, I wish I had someone like the man in her stories. This story, especially, was special.

Parker seemed to be like a very strict, organized woman. She planned and followed through step-by-step. If there were things that didn't go as planned, she would fix it and everything would be alright. However, when things in her life weren't going as planned, she was thrown off. She felt irritated, upset, maybe even "slightly pissed off." On the other hand, her friends thought it was a good thing that she was being caught off guard.

"She's happy, and she's confused. A lot of things make Parker happy. Spreadsheets, for instance, and for mysterious reasons. But very little confuses her."

Malcolm was a man who had a rough past and didn't really want to open up to anyone about it. Parker piqued his curiosity. Eventually, he started telling her things about himself that he's told no one else. He was forced to open up and let her in, even when it was very difficult for him to do so.

Both of them did not expect to fall for each other, but who could control fate? It was a tricky little bugger!

If you haven't checked out this series, I suggest you get right on it. You're missing out otherwise.

Check out these two scenes I enjoyed!

Del: "Just what the hell are your intentions?"
Malcolm: "Jesus. That's a serious question? My intentions are to be with her as often as I can, in bed and out. She's beautiful and she's smart and she's funny even when she doesn't mean to be. And goddamn it, she's got me by the throat."

Parker: "You just show up, look gorgeous, and direct a few people to their seats. It's going to be a beautiful wedding. The cake's amazing. Chocolate marble with a marbleized fondant over buttercream. Laurel's serving it in pools of caramel sauce."
Malcolm: "You think I can be bribed with cake?"
Parker: "It's exceptional cake. And I bet I can confiscate some extra caramel sauce for... later."
Malcolm: "Now you're bribing me with caramel-sauce sex?"
Parker: "I am."
Malcolm: "You're freaking diabolical, Legs."
Parker: "Thanks."
Malcolm: "And the wake-up call? That was to prime me for all this?"
Parker: "Absolutely."
Malcolm: "It was good thinking."
Parker: "You'll do it?"
Malcolm: "I'd like to meet the man who can hold out against caramel sauce."

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Promo: Nancy Straight

Title: Meeting Destiny
Author: Nancy Straight
Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance
FREE from ALL bookstores
Buy Links: Amazon | Barnes and Noble 

Book Description:

Lauren is visited in her dreams for years by a stranger claiming to be her destiny. Destiny becomes reality when paths cross during a failed robbery attempt. Lauren and the stranger experience chemistry like no other and now her doubt over her long time relationship with her high school sweetheart is not her only secret…someone else knows about her keen intuition and sixth sense.

A mysterious clairvoyant seeks Lauren out and tells her not only of her life now but what the future may hold. Soon Lauren is in the middle of a murder investigation and a questionable friendship with the key suspect. Law enforcement, friends and family are concerned for Lauren but unfortunately they are unaware of the true danger…Sinister forces are at work and will stop at nothing to destroy Lauren’s abilities.

Nancy Straight | Facebook | Twitter

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