Too many secrets. Not enough time.

Nick Merrick is supposed to be the level-headed one. The peacemaker. Since it’s just him and his three hotheaded brothers against the world, that’s a survival tactic.

But now he’s got problems even his brothers can’t help him survive.

His so-called girlfriend, Quinn, is going quick as mercury from daring to crazy. Meanwhile, Quinn’s dancer friend Adam is throwing Nick off balance, forcing him to recognize a truth he’d rather shove back into the dark.

He can feel it—-the atmosphere is sizzling. Danger is on the way. But whatever happens next, Nick is starting to find out that sometimes nothing you do can keep the peace.

You guys…if you haven’t read the Elemental series by Brigid Kemmerer, then that’s your next reading assignment. I fell in love with her work last year in both Storm and Spark, and I was not disappointed with her novella, Breathless. This is a very short story, 65 pages in length, focused on Nick Merrick. Nick’s been in all of the books, so far, but we’ve never really got to get up close and personal with him. And this….this was just…. WOW. I did not see this coming from a mile away. We get to learn about Nick’s deepest, darkest secret. Let me tell you…it’s a good one!

I didn’t realize just quite how much I liked Nick’s character before reading Breathless. But he’s a keeper! I’m really excited to learn more about him in his own book, Secret, which comes out January 28th, 2014 from Kensington Teen. I’m making my prediction right now that Nick’s book will be my favorite out of the whole series…and that’s simply based on this novella.

I don’t read very many novella’s, and I’m assuming that that’s pretty standard for most of you who are reading this. Actually….I can’t think of another novella that I’ve read. I’m sure that there has to at least be one out there. Anyways, this has convinced me to read more novella’s in the future. LOVED IT! If you’re new to the series, I would read them in the correct order. However, you could read Breathless without reading any other books/novellas by Brigid Kemmerer. Wonderful read!

Pages: 65

Publisher: Kensington Teen

Publication Date: April 30th, 2013

Rating: :

Hey Everyone! Welcome back!

Our Indie Book of the month for May is Barbie Girl by Heidi Acosta. Heidi Acosta was born on Long Island, New York. Moving around a lot when she was younger, she has lived in New York, Arizona, New York (again), Washington, Georgia, and Florida, in that order. Each place offered her something special, but she will always consider New York her home.
Heidi started writing as soon as she could spell. When she was three, Heidi’s mother gave her a copy of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House in the Big Woods; thus beginning her lifelong love affair with literature.
Writing soon also became a form of therapy for Heidi, when she realized that no matter what was happening in her life, she could find emotional escape while writing. Some of her earliest stories featured her as a princess who explored new worlds with her horse Buttercup. If it sounds romantic, it wasn’t, there was no prince charming in those fairy lands (boys where yucky).
Heidi now resides in Florida with her husband, very active daughter, one hyper Chihuahua, two sweet cats, and one very fat moody cat.
Barbie Girl is the first Novel of Heidi’s new, four-book, Baby Doll Series: Barbie Girl, Barbie World, Doll Face, and Southern Sugar.

You can find out more about Heidi on her website.

The Giveaway:

I’m so excited to share this giveaway with you guys…pretty much because I think it’s awesome. Here’s what one winner will receive.

Barbie Girl Swag

Signed paperbacks of Barbie Girl and Barbie World

$25 Amazon Gift Card

That’s right….one winner will receive all of that.

Simply fill out the rafflecopter below.

The Nitty Gritty:

Contest is open to U.S. and Canada residents only

Contest will run from May 16, 2013 to May 31st, 2013

 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Heidi Acosta was born on Long Island, New York. Moving around a lot when she was younger, she has lived in New York, Arizona, New York (again), Washington, Georgia, and Florida, in that order. Each place offered her something special, but she will always consider New York her home.
Heidi started writing as soon as she could spell. When she was three, Heidi’s mother gave her a copy of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House in the Big Woods; thus beginning her lifelong love affair with literature.
Writing soon also became a form of therapy for Heidi, when she realized that no matter what was happening in her life, she could find emotional escape while writing. Some of her earliest stories featured her as a princess who explored new worlds with her horse Buttercup. If it sounds romantic, it wasn’t, there was no prince charming in those fairy lands (boys where yucky).
Heidi now resides in Florida with her husband, very active daughter, one hyper Chihuahua, two sweet cats, and one very fat moody cat.
Barbie Girl is the first Novel of Heidi’s new, four-book, Baby Doll Series: Barbie Girl, Barbie World, Doll Face, and Southern Sugar.

Can you tell us about your newest book, Barbie Girl?

Barbie Girl is not what you expect when you read the title. Barbie is far from your typical Barbie Girl. Life is not easy for her, she has a dramatic life.  Falling for Dylan is the last thing she wants or expects.

On your website, you said that you would want Taylor Momsem to play Barbie. Can we assume you’re a Gossip Girl fan?

I have never watched an episode! Can you believe that? I however love all the actors and when I get time I plan on watching all of the seasons.

What was your favorite scene to write in Barbie Girl?

I loved the last chapter and the ending.

Barbie’s home life was heartbreaking. Was it difficult at times to write about it?

Yes at times it was so hard to write, but I knew I needed to tell her important story. Sometimes I would have to take a break and walk away from it.  I think that Barbie Girl touches on some important issues that are not always talked about. Such as drug abuse, neglect, and some deep seeded issues Barbie has from living such a harsh life.

What inspired you to write Barbie Girl?

She was a character from another story I was writing, she outshined the others with her personality. I wanted to know what made her the way she was. What was her home life like? And it just started to grow from there.

What can readers expect from the second book in the series, Barbie World?

I think the readers will fall for Dylan in a different way than last time. Dylan learned his lesson and he wants Barbie back. He has to prove himself this time.  There are some great Third moments.

Will we get to meet any new characters in the second book?

Yes you meet four new ones. A new boy that keeps Dylan on his toes and Roe, Barbie’s cousin she did not know she had.

How many books are you planning for the Baby Doll series?

There is going to be four as of now, the third is Katie’s story, and the fourth is Everett’s.

Is there anything else you’re working on?

I am finishing up Katie’s story as well as working on a new paranormal romance.

What is the best book you’ve read recently?

I am in the middle of reading Keeping Never by C.M Stunich. I love the rawness of C.M Writing.

What is currently on your To-Be-Read pile?

You mean my million high to be read pile? At the top is, Loves second Chance by L.P Dover, The Collector by Victoria Scott, and Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick.