Ottilie Weber's Blog

 Hello!

It is been so long we are going to ignore how long it has been. I have had a lot of personal things going on the past year and I might talk about it later on. I needed some time to get myself together first, but I am back and not only am I back I here doing a book review PLUS I have a book that will be released in the next month/month and a half! 

I could gush about how excited that Shawn Maravel was releasing a new novel when I found out a few months ago. I have reviews of her other books from years ago on my blog if you want to search for them. Shawn is an author that creates realistic love stories that make the readers feel and hope for the characters. Is the road easy? No of course not because that's not how life works.

I have had a really rough mental time the past year and a half so the fact that I read a book and finished it is alone a miracle. I read this book in a couple of days. It is a nice easy read without dumbing things down for the reader. The characters will have you cheering for them and a good-looking, charming male lead doesn't hurt either. I of course ordered a paperback so I could have all her books together.

Jocelyn's family experiences a loss in the family causing her family to decide what to do with the family house that is filled with wall-to-wall memories. Jocelyn volunteers to monitor the restoration of the house before the family puts the house on the river for sale. However, Jocelyn wasn't expecting to face her past as Jack Evans shows up on her doorstep. Together as they repair the house, feelings grow, but the question of what will happen once the house is ready to be sold.

This story I was super excited for as I loved reading Maravel's previous stories. Her characters are realistic so the reader feels as if they know them. The character's feelings are a gradual growth not only in love but also as they search for what they really want out of life versus what they had set out when they were young adults. The characters go on a journey and it is a good light summer's read.

Amazon

 Good morning!

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

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

Prologue

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

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

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

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

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

 Hello Readers!

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

Hello Lovelies!Again it has been awhile since I've written, there will be a day that I will be consistent. I hope everyone has been staying safe this holiday season. I know with my kiddos we have been social distancing and it has been making teaching different. I will give my kiddos credit they have been real troopers with coming into the building. I will not argue about safety and masks on here.
I started out doing nanowri this year, but I got distracted with an editing project. I have Beaker to Life which is a sci-fi young adult story that was calling to me. I edited it. For some reason I keep doubting this story and the relationships. So the story is about the first human clone and how she grows up. I worry since it takes place over seventeen years that I am timing jumping more than diving into the story. Then I wonder if I really skimp or it is my brain overthinking.
I am still working a little here and there on the third book in the Awakenings trilogy. It is fun getting to know all four girls by themselves on top of them learning about each other. I cannot wait to finish so you all can read the trilogy.
Also I was visiting a high school friend during the weekend and we were talking. Then she said the phase from the Bible, "beauty for ashes" or from. I love it and changed the manuscript "A Flower in the Ashes" to "Beauty from Ashes". They're similar but it's the meaning that I've been searching for. I love it and I'm trying my best to finish my young adult trilogy before going to my historical fiction story.
Stay safe Lovelies!

Hello!So I don't know how I could be home during a pandemic and not write for nearly two months. Then again I was pretty busy with teacher stuff while I was home for the last couple of months. I am sorry. I know I have been majorly missing in action and weird the last several months. I was taking a step back from things and working on me. This might be TMI, but I've always had female problems. This past fall I was diagnosed with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) . It isn't life threatening, but because of the hormonal imbalances I do have to watch stuff for my overall health. It's been an emotional roller coaster. One minute I'm ready to conquer everything the next I am cursing my body and our healthcare system for brushing things like this under the rug. So part of this pandemic I took a step back from a lot of things and decided to work on me. I've been working on my physical health (my scale my say otherwise) in addition to my mental health. I am sorry for the tmi and too much information. 
That was probably a heavier than what you were all expecting and I am sorry. However, something that I've been trying to get back into to help myself is writing. The first month during the pandemic I wrote the second half of the first book of my upcoming young adult trilogy!! I have been kind of fauge about it because I've been over thinking titles and what not. This trilogy will be different from my previous stuff. It orginally was going to be four books, but I'm worried that I'll drag things out that don't need to be. So it is a trilogy.
How is this trilogy different? First off it is a different genre. First time I'll be publishing fantasy/scifi genre. Now I've tried writing in these areas before, but never published. These books will be about elements!! As in earth, fire, air, and water. Hopefully this idea isn't overplayed.
Second, this trilogy might have a couple snippets of romance, BUT this series will NOT be about love. First one of my stories that will not be centered about two people coming together. Instead I will be focusing on friendship/sisterhood. It is a little bit of a challenge, but I'm oddly liking it. I cannot wait for all the characters to meet up. I keep having these scenes in my head (hopefully I remember them all!) And I love them.
Last reason this series is different. The first two books are written in one point of view. Which if you have read everything I have written has only happen two other times, Going Rogue, and Invisible Bonds (this might be stretching it). Otherwise just about everything else changes points of view. I like writing that way because I love getting in different character's heads. Especially when I am tired of one character. I think that's been part of my struggle with the second young adult book I'm working on now. First off it is a fire person, which I'm finding that I am not, water was way easier to write.
So I'm thinking the series name will be Awaking, but I don't know if that is over used. The first one is Against the Current. Second is In the Line of Fire. Then the conclusion is Mischief in the Air. You can read the first couple of chapters on wattpad. Read Against the Current.
I hope you all enjoy the sample and hopefully the series to come out in 2021!

Good Morning!
I want to check in on everyone during this time in history. I am working from home and working with my students online. I've been reorganizing the house, working on healthy habits (attempting), and a little writing. I finished the first book in a young adult novel trilogy. Invisible Bonds will have the first chapter of the first book. I'm torn between two names so I have a few days to pick that. However, we are here to see the pretty cover for Invisible Bonds (Family Ties 2)!



The above is the original photo! I was stuck between like five photos and picked this one. I had mixed opinions when I was asking people what they thought, then went with my gut. I hope my gut was right! The next one is the ebook cover. I feel like it is missing some of the fun parts of the cover, but it is what it is. 
It's been nearly two years since Abby was walking home and grabbed by Wilhelm's men. Abby is now in her senior year trying to balance a job, a boyfriend, school work, and Zoey, who is trying to make the best of every second of their time before they all go to college. However, things start happening, and Abby feels eyes on her. Abby starts to wonder if the past is the past, or is she going crazy.

That is the paperback cover. I think it is great and I hope you enjoy it. I mean it has lavender on it, and who doesn't like lavender? I will have the links to the book soon for Amazon and Barnes and Nobles. You can pre-order it on Smashwords though!
Pre-order Smashwords
Check out the first and second covers together.

Family TiesAmazonBarnes and NoblesSmashwords

Happy Friday!!It was a shorten week, but it felt long. Anyone else feel that way?? I have gotten a kick of motivation this week at least. I am revising Family Ties 2, Invisible Bonds! I have been talking about it for awhile now, and the release will be April 3! Keep your eyes open for a cover reveal and any other news! It will be fun to have the story continue for Abby. A story that doesn't get a lot of attention, but I went back to because I felt like a little bit needed t be told about the story. You can check out the sample on wattpad.
The other work that I'm working on is a young adult story that I'm having a lot of fun thinking up ideas for. It has some spunky characters. It is also is different because it is told in the point of view of only ONE character! I haven't fully done that before except the novellas. Also the genre is different so I'm exploring a new writing genre which I'm hoping goes well.Happy readings!

Hello!
Sorry I've been MIA, but honestly I've been going through some stuff emotionally and have needed to take a set back to work a little on me emotionally in addition to physically. On top of all that, I have had this cold for three weeks and it has been kicking my butt! I'm fine, I'm not dying or anything like that, I probably will go more into detail another day because today we are here to talk about a new box set that will be coming out this May. HOWEVER, you're able to pre-order the whole boxset for .99! Diana Nixon is one of the authors involved and you all know I have her stuff on here all the time. There are over twenty authors involved! Check out this steal while the offer still stands.


The Romantically Ever Boxed set is coming your way in May of 2020! In this set, you'll find over twenty contemporary romances just waiting for you to fall in love with. You can PREORDER today for JUST $0.99!
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PREORDER TODAY!

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



Book BlurbHer responsibilities and poverty trap Elizabeth. All she wishes for is to know what freedom feels like, but that always seemed out of grasp. However, when Elizabeth's father dies, she is left without any money or a roof over her head. She has only a few options. Taking a deep breath, she decides to take the plunge, cut her hair off, and join a pirate ship. Holes are poked into Elizabeth's plan when two guys whom she knew in her old life are also on board the vessel and could expose who she is.
Chapter 1 Elizabeth


The air surrounding me was saturated with the refreshing scent of salt, which seemed to awaken my senses. Keeping my eyes shut, I took in a deep breath of what I knew was freedom. A vast sea outstretched towards the unknown, full of adventures. However, when I opened my eyes, all I saw was the dock — my trap. The smile faded as I watched some ships bobbed ever so lightly in the tide as they were tied up against the dawn sky. I wrapped my arms tighter around my knees as a breeze swept through my window. From my room, I could faintly see figures moving around on one of the ships. I was never going to get off this island.“Elizabeth,” a raspy voice called through the curtains.“I’m coming Papa,” I responded with my eyes still on the horizon.I took one last gulp of the fresh air before I uncurled myself from my bed by the window. Grabbing my worn dress and corset to exchange with my nightgown, but I wished that I could have done without the dreaded corset. What I wouldn’t give to be a guy and not have my ribs crushed under the wretched corset. I yanked on the strings one at a time. The material was shabby, but my bones still felt some restraint. Glancing around the room, I wondered where I had put my shoes. While I brushed my long red-brownish hair to put in a bun, I tried to remember what I did with my shoes. I only ever went to work, the market, or home. I gave up on fixing every stray strand knowing whatever I did to it wouldn’t last and started to crawl around on my hands and knees. I smirked, this was not the most lady-like behavior, and I was sure half the women in town would faint at the sight of me in this position on the floor. I gave up on being a lady years ago. We were poor, and I was not in a situation to play a lady.“Aha!” I yelped once I found them under my bed and put them on.My dress was hiked up to my knees as I put my shoes on. When I was little I never really cared to play dolls with the other little girls in town. I would watch the boys between their lessons would play with swords pretending that they were members of the guard or a pirate. I would go over there to ask them to play, and they would ignore me purely on the fact that I was a girl. They would go into their homes for their lessons, and I would never be able to get either. My Papa never learned to read and was unable to teach me. My Papa made it up to me, though by teaching me sword fighting; he said he might as well show me how to defend myself.I have been helping out at the docks where my Papa worked for years. It did make the owner a little uneasy about a little girl working there. He got over it quickly since he realized that I was cheaper to hire than any man and got the work done just as well as one. I loved learning about the ships to the point where I could tell a person every part of a vessel and what it did. I could fix any part of the boat blindfolded. After that, I learned more as the people would dock their ships at our port. I could not get enough of the sailing life.My true love though was pirates. The fact that they could jump onto their ships and sail all over whenever they could, I was jealous beyond all reason. To go from one port to another, to take what they thought what should be theirs. Never to have to worry about anything in life and no real responsibly. That sounded amazing to me. I would love having all the advantages since my Papa taught me how to swim when I learned to walk since I was always by the dock; not many knew how to do so. The best thing about being a pirate would be that I wouldn’t have to worry about being forced to marry anyone.Fixing my dress, I pushed aside my curtain to reveal the common room. This building was the old office for the marina, so it was one room, but when my Papa started to work for the owner, he let us rent it. My mom had put up the sheets to create the illusions of rooms. I remember being little and running through all the layers of fabric. The laughter had died a long time ago, though; it was almost like the happy spirits were ghosts in our home.Loud, ear curling coughing greeted me. Papa was standing at the table, both hands gripping the edges with white knuckles. My stomach dropped, and I instantly felt nauseous.“Papa-”He held up a hand, causing me to stop me from finishing that thought. I went around him to take the pot off the fire before the bubbles boiled over. He sat down but kept his eyes on the table as I poured what looked like the last bit of last night’s broth into the bowls he had out. After putting the pot aside as I pushed the bowl in front of him, and Papa only nodded his head. Holding back a sigh, I started to sip on the liquid, and the warmth seeped through every part of my body. I couldn’t help peering over my bowl at my father.“I’m alright you don’t have to worry about me,” he finally spoke, his chest heaving profoundly almost like he was trying to catch his breath.“Papa, you should stay at home,” I whispered.His face scrunched up. He hated me taking care of him when I was the child in the relationship. Deep in his eyes, though I could tell that a part of him was pleased that he’ll be with my mother soon enough, it was that last bit of bliss in him. That acknowledgment killed me to think that I was going to lose him too. He was all I knew and had. Why couldn’t he hold on a little bit longer for me?“I’m alright honey, come on, you and I need to go to work.”I just shook my head, knowing he wouldn’t listen to me anyway. His stubbornness might lead to his death. He had slowly been putting up a guard against me when his health took a turn for the worse a year ago. My Papa drank quickly. I didn’t know what tonight’s dinner was going to be. We ran out of food, and I didn’t know when we were going to receive our next payment. When I was younger, the men would give me food out of pity. Seeing a child small and underfeed would make them feel empathetic. Now they wanted something for the food, so I just ignored them and the pains in my belly. On a rare occasion, the dock’s master’s wife would give us food when they had extra, but it was far between the times she did that. They had children themselves to feed.When the two of us finished with what we were calling breakfast, he took the bowls and washed them with a towel quickly. He gave me a tight smile which I returned and held my hand to start our walk to work. When we got to the docks, my Papa was instantly pulled aside to talk to the port master, leaving me watching and trying to figure out what was happening. My Papa just kept nodding his head before shaking the master’s hand. The master went back inside, and Papa headed back towards me. My chest shook as my heart raced with what my father could be directed towards me to say. I had a feeling what the news was going to be, and it worried me.“Looks like there’s a job that they need me to go on.”“But.” I paused and glimpsed over at the office before back at Papa.”But your health.”He rolled his eyes and shook his head.”It’s a job, and we need the money, so there’s no discussing this. I leave four days from now.”He brushed by me to head to his station, never looking over his shoulder. Nothing was unusual about him going on trips, but despite what he told people about his health, he was getting worse. The last thing he should be doing was going on a long journey with a cough that shook his whole body, and that made throat scratching noises. Davy Jones himself would hear it at the bottom of the ocean. I tried to hold back the scared nerves by holding my breath for a moment, letting it out slowly. I could not say a word to get him to stay at home. I loved my Papa, and this trip would surely kill him, yet the master could not see that. The owner had a business, things needed to be shipped, and we needed the money. There was nothing I could do. Maybe if I had been born a son, he might have listened to me.I helped move some of the ropes on the docks to get things started for the upcoming trips. Working kept my mind busy. No one was out on the boards of the port. I guess we were earlier than we were supposed to be. I started to tie the knots for the sails as the sun shined brightly on this beautiful day, the sky losing the other colors leaving a crisp, blue shade behind. I could feel the sun starting to hit my face, warming me to my core. I couldn’t help, but smile. It didn’t take me long to do the ropes; knots were simple. My fingers became nimble over the years. I drifted a bit on the ship since no one was looking and I did all that I could’ve without anyone there.I headed towards the Quarter Deck, where the steering wheel was. I let my fingers drift over the railing of the ship. The wood felt so smooth under my fingertips. Oh, I just wished that I could sail out and leave my problems behind. Taking a glance to make sure that no one was watching me, I picked up the skirt of my dress and ran the rest of the way. Each foot fell was light and rapid as I tried to keep the wooden planks from squeaking, and I wished that I was barefooted. Once I made it to the Quarter Deck, my fingers shook a little as I went to touch the wheel. With quivering hands, I put my hands on it real fast. My heart seemed like it would not stop from beating too fast, even though the anchor was in the water I felt like I was already on my way sailing towards the horizon to lands that I’ve only ever heard about from the sailors. I wanted to see if the stories were true for myself.“You look like a natural up there,” a soft deeper voice spoke.I jumped back and took my hands off with them in a surrender position in front of me. My eyes went wide as a guy around my age was close by chuckling at me. I hadn’t even heard him get on the ship. He had thick, raven hair that was just below his ears glistening as the sun shined brightly on him. He had these piercing green eyes that were smiling at me, or were they smirking? His clothes were tattered and frayed.“Sorry, I hadn’t meant to scare you,” he spoke while strolling onto the same deck that I was on and continued to close the gap between us.“You hadn’t scared me,” I tried lying hoping he didn’t see the fear that had to be showing through my eyes.He had taken another relaxed step closer to me and another until he was finally standing next to me. I tried to keep my heart from leaping out of my chest; my feet never moved. I wasn’t running away from him. Why wasn’t I moving away? Even though I wasn’t trained to be a lady, I knew that when a strange man came up to me, I was not to be alone with him.“I hadn’t?” the guy raised an eyebrow to match his smirk. His voice though was still charming.”Then why did you jump?”“You just surprised me, that’s all,” I snapped straightening my shoulders.He smiled and pushed his hair back from the wind blowing it. That was when I saw the earring. Definitely a pirate! That was not a slave trait because it glistened like gold. I jumped up and squealed as my eyes grew real wide. My hands flew to my lips, hiding my smile at the discovery. He scrunched his dark eyebrows, causing his grin to disappear.“You’re a pirate,” I shrieked.I was so excited I must have said it too loudly because he covered my mouth with a calloused hand. He glanced around agitatedly then back at me. His eyes narrowed at mine.“Why would you say that?”“Your clothes, the earring, and the fact that I can see an outline of a tattoo through your shirt,” I could hear the enthusiasm with every word. Quickly I was losing restraint that was stopping me from jumping up and down just before.I couldn’t believe I was meeting a real pirate. I was getting overexcited. There were so many questions I wanted to ask. I wanted to know everything. I had dreamt of meeting a pirate my w life, whole life. However, with a pirate in front of me, I couldn’t think of what to ask first. My mind was a swirl of blanks though unable to process a single query.“You’ll not rat me out?” he asked as his eyes locked onto mine narrowed.“No! Tell me what it’s like to be free.”He raised an eyebrow again.“You’re not like any other girl I’ve ever met,” he spoke slowly.My gaze fell to the deck floor, nervously as I shuffled my feet a little. I was not like a normal girl if I had any girl in me at all. He guided my chin up so that I could meet his eyes. They were softer this time.“That isn’t a bad thing love,” his voice gentle as his thumb rubbed my cheek.”My name is Sly.”“Elizabeth.”When I went to the market, the women there talked about how they got flustered when they got a peek of any of the upper crust. I felt just as restless and enthused about the guy before me.“You aren’t afraid of being near a pirate?” he questioned in hushed tones, and I didn’t know why he had to ask again.Couldn’t he see the bliss just seeping out every pore?I leaned against the edge of the ship, and he followed my led. Smiling slightly, I couldn’t believe someone was talking to me like an average person. I wasn’t getting made fun of or harassed. Sly genuinely seemed like he wanted to speak to me, curious about me. I felt the butterflies coursing through me. He was very at ease about this situation as his shoulders were not squared off. I didn’t think I’ve ever really been alone with a male like this before.“No, actually they fascinate me. I’ve always dreamed of becoming a pirate. However, two things have always stopped me from becoming one,” I spoke with the words flowing out of me effortlessly.“What are they?” He requested liked he cared.“First, as much as I’d love to be out there, my Papa’s health keeps me here. The second is the most important; I’m not a man if you haven’t noticed.”“Aye, I have,” Sly chortled.I laughed a little anxious then he bent over to my ear. I could feel his lips touch the shell of my ear as he talked. Shivers shot through my spine.“Would it fancy you to hear what it’s like?” his voice was husky.“Everything, everything you could tell me.”Sly laughed from deep within his chest and stood up fully to walk a little more in the back of the ship, leaving me to pursue him. I didn’t take much time as I jumped to shadow him.“You would rather listen to me talk, than anything else?”He raised an eyebrow. I pretended to ignore what he was hinting; I was not going to let him ruin my chance of asking him questions.“Yes. It would mean the world to me,” I beamed.He sat down on the deck floor, so I copied, and again he stared at me oddly hopefully for my boldness. I couldn’t keep my eyes off of his green ones that were unlike any eyes I have ever seen, such a daring shade of green. There was just the familiarity and comfort around him even though I had only met him.“Why are you so different from every other girl I’ve ever been near?” there was a playful tone in his voice.I blushed. That was the one problem I had with pirates, the way they were with the woman. The fact that pirates tried to charm their way into bedrooms to spoil any reputation of a woman just for a moment of mischievousness.“I never had a Mama to raise me, just my Papa. He jokes around that I should’ve been born a son. That he had always wanted a daughter and never got one. He taught me the sword and about ships. I feel like I’m being imprisoned by staying here on this pile of dirt.”Sly sighed. I can’t believe I told him that. I just met him. No one else knows about any of these fantasies. I glanced away from him and pushed back some lose hair.“That’s why I love the sea. I’m free.”“I’m jealous,” I let go a deep breath of air.“Ladies such as yourself should want to get married and to have children. Not be trying to roam the waters.”“That has never been a dream of mine. I never pictured any of those things.”He smiled big.“Come with me for a walk.”I couldn’t say no to those eyes. Getting up we climbed down the ship before we slipped off, hoping not to get noticed. I could not be seen leaving work. Sly took my hand as we ran off towards the beach away from the docks. Using my free hand, I picked up my skirt to lift the material to around my knees. I giggled finally feeling loose, and he smiled at me. I didn’t care about the girly laughter escaping me around him. I didn’t know if it was from the sneaking off or the sea air, but for a brief moment in my life, I felt away from everything in my life. My hair came out of its bun and flew, just as liberated as me from its ribbon. We finally stopped with us trying to catch our breaths. I bent over to take off my shoes which were already practically dead. Walking in the sand with shoes on was not fun or an easy task.Sly interlaced our fingers and pulled me over so that I was embraced tightly in his arms. He let a hand drift to my cheek and pushed the now windblown hair behind my ears. Being held by Sly was all going too fast, but Sly was a pirate after all. He started to lean forward a little while I was inclining my neck, his lips headed for mine. My knees nearly buckled, I was about to get my first kiss. I snuck out of work with a pirate and was about to get a kiss. My eyes drifted shut as he did the same. We both paused, though when a high pitched voice broke the silence over the sounds of the waves. His forehead was against mine as he paused, his jaw clenched.“Now Elizabeth, I really could have sworn that you’re supposed to be at work right now,” the voice echoed in my head making me want to die, or to kill her, whatever would keep me from hearing that voice again.Angeline was the richest girl in the region. Her father was the Governor. There was talk of her marrying a man high up in the ranks of the military. I could care less as long as she was not around me. She was part of the elite, so there wasn’t supposed to be much of a sighting between the two of us, but she still managed to make sure that we ran into each other every few days it seemed.Everything about Angeline bothered me. Her hair color was opposite of mine, a light blond shade, and hers was clean in tight curls around her shoulders. She always wore the most elegant clothes; I don’t know if I have ever seen her wear the same thing twice. Her eyes were such a vibrant shade of blue that everyone loved under the thick, dark fan of eyelashes. Being around her made my blood boil. I could sense her before I saw her usually. She had a twin brother, Henry. He was a big problem for me. He was searching for a bride, and I always felt his eyes on me despite the class difference. I didn’t know which of the two urchins I wanted to see dead more at times. I was not lucky enough to lose them both in a tragic accident.“It wasn’t busy,” I tried lying as Sly drew his face away from mine to look at Angeline.I could feel the joy drain from my body.“Elizabeth darling, you’re acting very rude by not introducing me to your friend,” her voice had a sharp tone; making sure to let me know that she was above me.This woman was such a tart. My heart broke. Why did she always try to stomp on the little happiness I had in life. She sought out to make sure no other female was happy. She didn’t care who she flirted with or if the man was available. Angeline strolled upon the beach with such grace I knew I never had a chance because I wasn’t such a ‘lady.’ The layers of silk made the sand even clear smoothly. I wasn’t like the other girls.“I’m Angeline.”She held out her gloved hand. Angeline used her charisma, and little was said yet. Sly left with her. I hated that siren. I was left alone standing on the beach with the wind blowing wildly. Off in the distance, I could see a ship that Sly was probably a crew member on that vessel. I sat in the sand, making sure my feet were well into the sand. My toes were in the cool sand as the sun warmed up the top light-colored grains. I had my knees brought into my chest, and I stared out into the ocean. What might have been the best morning of my life was turned into rioting fruit. The rich won over the poor yet again.

First four chapters: https://www.wattpad.com/story/20344424-a-storm-on-the-horizon
Release Day is November 1, 2019, ebooks are available for pre-order!Amazon, Smashwords, Barnes&Nobles, iTunes, and more!

Good Morning!
It is a cloudy Sunday morning by me. It is a morning that I totally wish I had some doughnuts as I was editing on the couch tonight. However, I don't have doughnuts and I have a bridesmaid dress I have to fit into in less than two weeks. I am also releasing a young adult book this week and revealing the pirate cover tomorrow!

However, we are here to gush over Diana Nixon's newest book cover and to get to know her before its release. Out of this series, this might be my favorite cover. I will say on a dork note, her favorite book that she has written is my favorite of hers. I have a good portion of her books to still to have read, but I have read several. Love Undone is probably my favorite so far. Sorry for the preview of an answer! Now get ready to get to know the author I talk a lot about.


Interview:

Interview questions1.       What is your favorite genre to read?-          The one I'm writing – contemporary romance :) I can read fantasy at times as well.
2.       Do you have a favorite out of your characters?-          My heart in this case will always belong to Evan Murray from Love Lines: he's smart, good-looking, with a good sense of humor, and he's a friend to die for. I think a lot of my readers, especially those who read Love Lines series, will choose Evan over everyone else.
3.       Which one of your books was your favorite to write?-          Love Undone – for being a truly touching story, and Serene – for being a book that shows that life is not always easy, but if you just find the right person to spend it with, everything will be different – much brighter and happier.
4.       Do you have a writing routine?-          I try to write at least 3k words every time I open my laptop to work on a book. I hate leaving my chapters unfinished. I don't like distractions when writing, that's why silence is my best helper :)
5.       Do you have another project in mind after the Shattered series?-          There are actually two books that I'm going to write in the near future. One is romance for a box set that will include 23 more stories from various authors. And the second book is also going to be a romance, but with a very interesting and unpredictable plot. I don't want to give away too much at this moment. But stay tuned and follow my bookish news to learn more about both projects :)
6.       What is a guilty pleasure of yours?-          Chocolate, that's for sure. If there's not a single piece of chocolate in the house, I can't think straight :) Especially if I'm in the middle of the writing process.
7.       Do you have any advice for other authors or aspiring authors?-          Write stories that you want to tell. Let them be the reflections of who you really are. And never give up on your writing dreams, even when it feels like there's nothing you can do to succeed. Oh, and one more thing – ALWAYS start promoting your book even before you start writing it! :)
8.       What is your least favorite part about the publishing/writing process?-          Advertising. Sometimes I feel like I spend a lot more time on promotion than on writing. It's a bit irritating, I must say. But that's the price you need to pay if you choose to be an independent author :) I like having everything under control, so I'd better spend more time making posts, then let someone else decide how my book cover should look like, or what kind of a story I should write next.
9.       Fall has started, what is your favorite fall activity? Or what is your favorite thing about fall?-          I like fall for many things – but most of all, for the colors. It always amazes me how beautiful everything around you looks in fall. As for my favorite fall activity – I can't say it's an activity – but I like spending cold fall nights with a cup of tea with lemon and a good book in my hands, candles and music on the background.
10.   Can you tell us anything about the newest book in the Shattered series?-          Faded is the 4th and the last story in the series. It tells a love story of Jeffrey – the guy you should know from the previous Shattered books. This story is divided into two parts – past and present, and it's being told from two POVs so that the reader could see the events through the eyes of both leading characters. To be honest, I like changing POVs :) It was a little sad to finish the series that I had been working on for a couple of years, but I think Faded is a perfect finale. It has a scene where all of Shattered main characters are together and it makes the end both nostalgic and happy. I hope you guys love Faded and add it to the list of your favorite reads ever :)


So are you now interested? I hope so! So keep your eyes open her newest book and apparently some upcoming projects!