Today I am happy to spotlight two New Adult Contemporary Romances: Kissing Eden by T.A. Foster and The Hazards of a One Night Stand by Alyssa Rose Ivy! I also have a fun interview with both Grey and Colton to share with you all, as well as a giveaway!

The Hazards of a One Night Stand (Hazards #2)

by: Alyssa Rose Ivy

February 2014

One small town boy, one girl who wants more, one roll in the hay...

Hooking up with your high school crush is a bad idea, a really bad idea. It was only supposed to be one night, one brief departure from my real life, but nothing ever works out exactly the way you plan.

Colton Waters was everything from my past that didn't fit into my present, so why did he have to show up at my college and pledge the one frat I couldn't avoid?

Because nothing is ever meant to happen just once. At least not the life changing things that mean the difference between falling apart and falling in love.

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Alyssa Rose Ivy is a bestselling New Adult and Young Adult author who loves to weave stories with romance and humor. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. After surviving law school and earning her masters in library science, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and two young children, and she can usually be found with a cup of coffee in her hand.

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Kissing Eden

by: T.A. Foster

March 2014

Have you ever thought of taking a vacation alone? I mean step on a plane, check into your hotel, and lie on the beach completely and utterly alone. No? Me either, but then right before senior spring break I got dumped.

Something about break ups makes you do things you didn’t want to do, and try things you didn’t know you were capable of.

That’s how I ended up at the Palm Palace.

That’s how I met Grey.That’s how my spring break turned into the most unforgettable week of my life.

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T.A. Foster once spent a month long spring break on South Padre Island, where she soaked in the Texas sun, beach, and learned what real Texas country music is. Sometimes fiction does spring from reality.

She grew up catching rays and chasing waves along the North Carolina Outer Banks and now resides in the state with her adventurous pilot husband, two children, and two canine kiddos. 

T.A. has an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a graduate degree in Educational Psychology from Texas A&M University. When she’s not chasing her two-legged and four-legged children or trying to escape for date night, you can find her reading, writing, or planning her next beach trip.

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A Q&A with Grey Lachlan (from KISSING EDEN) and Colton Waters (from THE HAZARDS OF A ONE NIGHT STAND).

Ideal first date?

GL: I'm not big on crowds or loud places, so I'd take her somewhere we could share a beer, maybe listen to some music.

CW: I'm all about low key first dates too. Gives you a chance to really see who she is.

What's your perfect beach day?

GL: I don't have much time to hang out on the beach, but I try to get a nice long run in first thing in the morning. I like it when it's quiet and have it to myself.

CW: Running on the beach would be a pretty good way to start the day.

Blondes or brunettes? (better answer that one right or he's in trouble!)

GL: Definitely blondes.

CW: Brunettes.

Boxers or briefs?

GL: I'm a boxer briefs kind of guy.

CW: Boxers here.

Most romantic vacation spot?

GL: There are some great little towns in Mexico. I know I'm not what most girls think of as romantic, but I can pick out a destination that has pretty sunsets and beaches.

CW: Secluded cabin in the mountains. Just me, the girl, and nature.

What's the best part of dating in a small town like Gasden?

CW: The best part of dating in a small town is you know what you're in for. Like with Mallory, I've known her forever and already knew everything about her.

GL: Man, you have a better outlook on it than I do. I get tired of the grapevine in Padre. People know I'm going on a date before I do.

What's the sexiest thing a girl should wear on a date?

CW: If a girl has nice legs she might as well show them off. I'm all about the short skirt or dress, but it's got to be tasteful. Leave something to the imagination, and my eyes only.

GL: Couldn't agree with you more.

What's the sure way to turn you off?

CW: If a girl's mean to other girls I want nothing to do with her. I'm not talking about her standing up for herself, but the catty stuff.

GL: Yeah, mean girls for sure are a turn off.

What's the most romantic thing a girl has done for you?

CW: Mallory surprised me on my birthday with a night out on the town. It ended at a hotel, and let me tell you it was a better venue than my dorm room.

GL: Sounds like you had a good time.

We know you love where you're from, but if you had to pick somewhere to live where would it be and why?

CW: I've grown to love Charleston. It's southern yet urban at the same time. I might just stay here if I can convince someone else to stay with me.

GL: It would be hard for me to think about leaving Padre, but there might be just one reason to relocate. I'll leave it at that for now.

If a girl tried to woo you, what three things would help her win you over?

CW: 1) a great smile, 2) the ability to make me laugh, 3) willingness to watch college sports. But sorry ladies, I'm off the market.

GL: You had me at college sports, man.

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Welcome to my stop on the The Deep End of the Sea blog tour hosted by InkslingerPR!

Today I am excited to share my review, a character interview with Medusa, and a giveaway with you all!

The Deep End of the Sea
   by: Heather Lyons

Publication Date: Feb. 13, 2014
Publisher: Cerulean Books
Genre: Mythology/ Fantasy
Age Group: New Adult
Source: e-ARC provided by InkSlingerPR in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 288 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 5/5 stars

What if all the legends you’ve learned were wrong?

Brutally attacked by one god and unfairly cursed by another she faithfully served, Medusa has spent the last two thousand years living out her punishment on an enchanted isle in the Aegean Sea. A far cry from the monster legends depict, she’s spent her time educating herself, gardening, and desperately trying to frighten away adventure seekers who occasionally end up, much to her dismay, as statues when they manage to catch her off guard. As time marches on without her, Medusa wishes for nothing more than to be given a second chance at a life stolen away at far too young an age.

But then comes a day when Hermes, one of the few friends she still has and the only deity she trusts, petitions the rest of the gods and goddesses to reverse the curse. Thus begins a journey toward healing and redemption, of reclaiming a life after tragedy, and of just how powerful friendship and love can be—because sometimes, you have to sink in the deep end of the sea before you can rise back up again.

 

 

This is such a complicated review to write. No matter what- my words will NOT be able to do this incredibly moving story of hope justice. Heather Lyons has created such a beautifully written story with poignant, striking characters that you won't be able to forget anytime soon. Fans of Greek mythology will see a whole new take on the story of Medusa- her isolation, her associations with the gods, and what her future holds.

 

Oh Medusa. There were so many times in this story that I just wanted to crawl inside my book and hug her. When we first meet her, she is so self-deprecating- she carries such guilt and shame over what she's done. She views herself as a monster despite the fact that she was cursed and does not want to kill. However, accidents have occurred and she blames herself for their deaths. Medusa has also been wronged in the worst way a woman can be. She had her innocence torn from her and instead of gaining comfort- she was cast out by a vengeful goddess and left to wallow in her own confusion and then later guilt.

 

"Because a kiss should be born from love, and want, and need. A kiss should be beautiful, something a girl can hold onto for the rest of her life, to pull out in her memory whenever she wants butterflies to come back."

 

She only has two friends to start- one is a blind man by the name of Mikkos and Hermes is the second. She loves her friendships- they give her such happiness in a life of solitude and loneliness. Mikkos is her oldest friend and always comes to visit her and bring her gifts- her most recent being a blind cat to keep her company.

 

And then there's Hermes. Hermes is the hero every girl dreams about having. He is good and kind, and a faithful friend to Medusa. He encourages her and builds her up when she is at her lowest and won't let her wallow in self-doubt. He is outraged that she has been wrongly accused and cursed. He plans to remedy that and get her sentence revoked.

 

Hermes and Medusa's friendship is so incredibly beautiful- they are patient and tender with one another and watching Medusa realize the depth of her feelings for her best friend was quite touching. Hermes has loved her for ages- even when she was a monster. He will fight for her and protect her at all costs. He won't give her up willingly- however he would do ANYTHING to keep her safe from those wanting to harm her and we really see that here. My heart was broken for the two of them, but I had hope that after everything Medusa has gone through that she would find her sunshine amidst the clouds.

 

Medusa has some surprising allies on Olympus aside from Hermes and they genuinely care for her and offer her sanctuary. They played a great role during her transition and I really love them! Aphrodite, Hermes' sister was also a supportive ally and I liked how she tried to make Medusa feel at ease. Jocko and Bernie were also great characters and not at all who they appear to be. They are very multi-layered and were an excellent addition to the story. I can't go without discussing those who would do anything to make Medusa's life hell. Poseidon and Athena both play a pivotal role in Medusa's past, as well as her present. Both have committed unspeakable acts against her and while reading I could only hope that they get what they deserved in the end.

 

I am obviously a huge fan of Heather and her work and I have to say- her writing style is so lyrically beautiful and her pacing just flows so very seamlessly. She really took a chance, turning this novel into what it was- a story of hope, love, and strength. She did a truly fantastic job of conveying to her audience what she wanted them to learn about Medusa and her story.

 

Watching Medusa transform from a woman who abhors herself and is very withdrawn from the world to a beautiful, strong woman who is determined to change her fortune is so empowering. She finds her strength in those who love her and in herself, which was something she never could before. I am so proud of her for overcoming what she has and for taking control of her own life.

 

"For a long time, I hated what I was, what I did, and what I allowed to happen to me. So here I am, fourteen days in, and I've decided that maybe I do need to find out WHO I AM and WHAT I WANT. And it's probably the scariest thing I've ever decided to do."

 

 

 

Hey Medusa! I'm so glad you were able to come and chat with me today! I absolutely adored your story!

 

(blushes) Thank you! It's nice to be here with you, Jessica. This is my first real interview, you know. I mean... outside of Olympus, that is.

 

Yay! I'm so excited! So, first things first. Just to give my readers an idea of what the book is about, can you describe your story in 10 words or less?

 

Hmmm. (is quiet for a long moment) An ex-monster's journey to find herself.

 

Can you also tell my readers a bit about yourself? Maybe some things we don't know already from the blurb?

 

Well... (fidgets in chair) For one, I'm not exactly who legends have always painted me to be. That person is... pretty fearsome, isn't she? And fascinating and exciting, but... she's not me. Outside of, you know, being cursed and hanging out with gods and goddesses, I'd like to think I'm a pretty normal girl. My hobbies are all pretty mundane- I like to cook and bake, garden, and learn new languages. I sort of collect them, actually. I'm currently learning the ancient language the Olympians use. It's been driving me crazy when I hear that Automatons talking in it, not knowing what they're saying.

 

(chuckles) I'm sure it can be very frustrating! When I launch into Spanish, my students get really irritated because they don't understand me.

 

We see such character growth from you in this book. How would you describe yourself from the time where you lived on the island? How would you describe yourself as a person now?

 

Honestly, I'd probably best describe myself as a shut-in for most of my life. As for now... (quiet laughter) I'm a recovering shut-in. And glad to be so.

 

For people who think they know all about the gods and mythology- what would you say to them about your story in particular?

 

Most stories are written by victors- or at least, the people with the loudest, strongest voices. I suppose myths are like that, too; they showed lessons people were to learn from, warning them against crossing the gods and goddesses. My story... Bernie tells me that it's a classic case of victim blaming, and that it's a crock of... (coughs politely) untruths.

 

After being cursed for so long-do you still struggle with guilt and abhor your looks?

 

Oh, to be sure. It's.... (presses a hand against her chest) hard knowing that there are people out there whose last breath was stolen by me. I will never forget those people. Never. No matter what Jocko or Hades tell me. (is quiet for a long moment) It's funny how superficial the world is about looks. I have been called both beautiful and monstrous in appearance. I think I much rather people judge me for what's in here (taps on chest again) than here (motions to face).

 

You only have two friends to begin with. How would you describe your relationship with Mikkos?

 

(tears up a little) Mikkos always had the largest and most beautiful of hearts. I am grateful that my life has been blessed with his presence. I love him. It's that simple.

 

Ok girl- spill it. How would you describe Hermes? And how would he describe you?

 

(blushes hard) He is my best friend. The very best person I know- or have ever known. As for how he describes me... (looks off to the other side of the room, where Hermes is sitting, watching) (blushes harder) He says he'd say the same exact thing about me.

 

(sighs) You two are adorable. Your love story is by far one of my all time favorites and one I will always reference in the future.

 

How surprised were you by your allies? Out of everyone- did you ever expect the two you got to play such a critical role in your story?

 

Being isolated for so long, and hearing story after story of how the gods and goddesses ruined lives such as mine, I feel I was... justifiably wary. Going to Olympus... I really had no idea what to expect. But Hermes assured me I could trust his allies, and of course, he'd never failed me yet, so... (laughs quietly) I am so grateful to have the people I have in my life.

 

Can you tell us about Bernie and Jocko? How much of an impact did they have on you? Both are not as they seem and that was really interesting!

 

I love them so very, very much. While I no longer see Jocko on a daily basis (as he's incredibly busy with his work), he still checks in on me frequently; I am glad for this, because, despite what most would think, he has a beautiful soul. Bernie, though... Every girl needs a Bernie in her life, I think. Both of these dear people have taught me that, sometimes, family is more than just blood. Family is love. Family is who we hold close to our hearts.

 

Finally, what advice would you offer to other young women who have been victims such as you were?

 

You are not alone. You are not at fault. You are loved; do not give up. Do not isolate yourself; do not stay silent. Do not lose faith in humanity. Reach out for help.

 

To wrap us up, I have few fun questions for you!

 

If you could live anywhere, where would you live?

 

Paris. (looks over at Hermes; grins widely)

 

If you could only have one possession with you at all times, what would it be?

 

I would, of course, wish to have my loved ones with me. But if we're talking about physical possessions (which people most definitely aren't).... a statue Bernie gave me once- to remind me that, no matter how much we may wish to, we cannot erase the past. We can only take what we've learned and move forward.

 

What is the greatest gift you've received on your journey to where you are now?

 

Love. Love is always the best gift anyone can give or receive. Love from a friend, lover, family... it's all beautiful and so very, very precious.

 

Thanks so much Medusa for being here with me today! I am in awe of your strength and you are such an inspiration to others. 

 

 

 

Heather Lyons has always had a thing for words—She’s been writing stories since she was a kid. In addition to writing, she’s also been an archaeologist and a teacher. Heather is a rabid music fan, as evidenced by her (mostly) music-centric blog, and she’s married to an even larger music snob. They’re happily raising three kids who are mini music fiends who love to read and be read to.

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Welcome to my stop on the Seven Day Fiancé  blog tour hosted by InkSlingerPR!

Today I am excited to share my review, a character interview, and a giveaway with you all!

Seven Day Fiancé (Love and Games #2)
   by: Rachel Harris

Publication Date: Oct. 14, 2013
Publisher: Entangled: Bliss
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: Adult
Source: e-ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 205 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 5/5 stars

One bad boy. One good girl. One unforgettable week.

Angelle Prejean is in a pickle. Her family is expecting her to come home with a fiancé—a fiancé who doesn’t exist. Well, he exists, but he definitely has no idea Angelle told her mama they were engaged. Tattooed, muscled, and hotter than sin, Cane can reduce Angelle to a hot mess with one look—and leave her heart a mess if she falls for him. But when she ends up winning him at a charity bachelor auction, she knows just how to solve her fiancé problem.

Cane Robicheaux is no one’s prince. He doesn’t do relationships and he doesn’t fall in love. When sweet, sultry-voiced Angelle propositions him, he hopes their little fiancé game can finally get her out of his head. He doesn’t expect her to break through all his barriers. But even as Angelle burrows deeper into his heart, he knows once their seven days are up, so is their ruse.

 

 

My Review:

This book sizzles hotter than the spiciest Cajun dish! WHEW! I loved Jason and Taste the Heat, but Cane just became the love of my life. No, seriously. I read this book in the span of a day- I absolutely couldn't put it down, it was that awesome. The characters were well developed and likeable, the storyline was fun, cute, and entertaining, and the setting was so rich with culture that I wanted to hop in my car and drive to Louisiana straight away!

I really loved Angelle's character. She is sweet and kind, but so endearingly awkward! I loved that! After leaving her hometown behind, Angelle is determined to start a new life and do what SHE wants to do for once. She has been coddled and babied all of her life and it's time for her to stand on her own two feet. Angelle is also as real as they come. While fierce and strong, she is vulnerable too. She has known loss in her life, which has made her parents overprotective of her, thus putting her in the situation she is in. After ending things with her boyfriend of 8 years, she told her parents she was engaged to someone new to get them to back off her. And she may have told them he went by the name of Cane Robicheaux.

Oh, Cane. He's been attracted to Angelle from the moment he first laid eyes on her. Yet, she's always kept him at a distance, never acknowledging his flirtatious nature. Cane is your bad boy. He's good-looking and oozes sex appeal. Angelle knows a man like him is pure danger for her heart, which is why she stays clear of him. Cane is no stranger to one-night stands and yet he finds himself drawn to Angelle, wanting to have one night with her so he can get her out of his system. Cane doesn't do relationships. He has seen firsthand how his father treated his mother and he vows he will never do the same thing to any woman. He feels so much self-guilt over the fact that his sister Colby found out about their dad and he refuses to let his sister Sherry become privy to this knowledge. Colby did leave town for a long while and never thought she would be able to find love, until Jason came into her life, reminding her that not all men treat their women that way.

Cane agrees to help Angelle  play the role of loving, doting fiancé and spend the week with her in Bon Terre with her family. He never in a million years planned on actually falling for the fiery red-head. Yet the more time they spend together, Cane and Angelle can't help but open up to one another and end up offering comfort like no one else can.

"This tattoo perfectly reflects who I am. A woman striving to be bold, and transformed, but with hints of her past always shining through." (e-ARC 112)

And ooooooh boy! Do they have chemistry?! I loved watching them pretend around each other, because both of them had so much trouble distinguishing what was all an act and what was real. Angelle is afraid of her feelings for Cane because she doesn't want to end up with a broken heart and Cane is beyond confused at the depth of his feelings for her. He tries convincing himself that once he's been with her, he can finally get back to normal- and yet that self-doubt creeps in and he wonders if things will ever be normal without Angelle Prejean in his life.

As I said, Rachel has created a setting rich with Cajun culture and I loved seeing that firsthand while Cane and Angelle spent time with her family. I've always loved that small town setting, where everyone knows each other. Angelle's father is the Mayor of Bon Terre, so naturally everyone is up in their business. It's funny to watch Cane try and fit into this picture, because everyone believes Angelle and her ex, Brady are the golden couple. Yet because Cane, is such a strong, proud, GOOD man he slowly manages to win her family over bit by bit.

If you're in the mood for a romance that sizzles and smolders- this is definitely the one to get!

~Character Interview with Cane Robicheaux~

 

Hey Cane! I'm uh, extremely glad you're here with me today. (desperately tries not to ogle the oh-so-sinful man in front of me)

 

My pleasure, darlin'.

 

*SWOON*

 

Your first appearance in this book is quite a memorable one. On a scale from 1-10, how much do you want to kill your sister Sherry for roping you into the bachelor auction gig? (Despite the fact it was for an awesome cause).

 

Awesome cause and love of my sister aside, 10. Only my baby sister could've gotten me in that getup, and I'm not doing it again. I'll donate, man the bar, anything else she or Project Nicholas needs, but I'm done with prancing around like a jackass gig. I think Angelle would back me on that.

 

You won a pretty important title that night. How do you feel about having... The 'Best Abs'?

 

*rolls his eyes* It's ridiculous. I don't need red sash and screaming females to boost my ego- my hellcat would probably say it's high enough as it is. But I appreciate that the efforts at least went to a good cause.

 

Did you expect Angelle to show up at the auction? When you stepped out on stage and you saw her- what was running through your mind?

 

No. That was not her scene. I hoped she'd be there, but I figured there was no way in hell Sherry could've gotten her there. Of course I found out later the only reason she came was because my sister kept her in the dark about the particulars. When I saw her though, I didn't care what got her inside the door. I just wanted her to bid.

 

How would you describe Angelle in 5 words? How would she describe you?

 

Adorable, feisty, clumsy, and strong. She'd probably say I'm an overconfident city boy, but I know she's a sucker for my dimples. Thank God for that.

 

You previously said that you didn't believe in marriage or relationships- a big part of that being because of your father. When you saw Colby and Jason together- did you ever stop and think that if she can forge ahead despite your father's transgressions- you could too?

 

*thinks a moment* No, not really. She wanted to avoid relationships because she was afraid to meet a man like our father. I wanted to avoid them because I feared I was my father. I knew from the beginning that Jason was a good man, he always has been. If they could both get over their own problems, they would be fine. I didn't think I could overcome who I was born to be.

 

Now that Colby's settling down- what are your thoughts for Sherry? Is settling down in her near future?

 

My sister is addicted to love, so I know a lot of attempts are in her future... I can only hope that she finds happiness, too. She's wild and crazy and dances to her own beat, but she's a hell of a kid and deserves a good man.

 

What 3 words were running through your head when Angie made that proposition to you?

 

What the F----?

 

There is no denying you and Angelle both have passion- was there a specific moment where you knew that neither of you were faking anymore?

 

My conscience warned me a few times that it was becoming real for her, but I'd say the morning after the dance sealed it. I was still too thick headed at that point to realize I was a goner. That didn't come until a good friend kicked some sense into me.

 

Family is such an important theme in your story and you are very protective of the women in your life. Being swept up in this fake engagement with Angie, you completely kept your cool and didn't crack under pressure being around Angie's brothers and father. Why is that?

 

I respected them. And I knew where they were coming from. If Colby or Sherry brought a guy like me around out of nowhere, I'd be every bit as protective and distant. Hell, I'd probably be worse.

 

Ok- a few fun questions before we go: You're stranded on a desert island for the rest of your life and you can only eat one food- what would it be?

 

Colby's beignets. They are my weakness.

 

On this same desert island you can only have one possession with you- what would it be?

 

As long as I have my girl beside me, I don't need anything else. But that sounds whipped so I'll say my guitar.

 

Thanks for coming out and talking to me!  *lowers voice* And can I just say- I knew you had that Best Abs title in the bag the second I heard about it! *chuckles*

 

*grins and flashes his dimples* Thank you, darlin'.

 

 

 

About Rachel Harris:

Rachel Harris grew up in New Orleans, where she watched soap operas with her grandmother and stayed up late sneak reading her mama’s favorite romance novels. Now a Cajun cowgirl living in Houston, she still stays up way too late reading her favorite romances, only now, she can do so openly. She firmly believes life’s problems can be solved with a hot, powdered-sugar-coated beignet or a thick slice of king cake, and that screaming at strangers for cheap, plastic beads is acceptable behavior in certain situations.

When not typing furiously or flipping pages in an enthralling romance, she homeschools her two beautiful girls and watches reality television with her amazing husband. Taste The Heat is her adult romance debut. She’s the author of MY SUPER SWEET SIXTEENTH CENTURY and A TALE OF TWO CENTURIES. She loves hearing from readers! Find her at www.RachelHarrisWrites.com.

 

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Giveaway:

 

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Welcome to my stop on the Watercolor blog tour hosted by InkSlingerPR!

Today I am so excited to share my review, a character interview, and a giveaway with you all!

Watercolor (Dragonfly #3)
   by: Leigh T. Moore

Publication Date: Oct. 3, 2013
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary
Age Group: New Adult
Source: e-ARC provided by InkSlingerPR and the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 274 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 4/5 stars

Love is stronger than distance...

Finishing senior year is supposed to be the best time in a person’s life.
Finishing senior year as Julian’s girlfriend should’ve been the icing on the cake.
Knowing the secret that could change everything for him is the only thing threatening to spoil it all.
Until Jack returns.

Anna and Julian are together at last, and it’s as hot and happy as they knew it would be. The only problem is The Secret.

And Jack.

But while Anna is determined to fight for the guy she loves, she could still lose Julian when he discovers the truth she’s been helping to hide.

 

My Review:

Holy macaroni! This is my favorite book of the Dragonfly series yet! Why? Oh, that's easy. Anna+Julian= LOTS of kissing. And we all know how much I like kissing. :D

Ok, in all seriousness. I love how much Anna has matured and transformed from the first book. She is no longer obsessing over Jack Kyser (the rich bad boy who kept jerking her back and forth) and she is starting a new relationship with Julian. All sounds perfect, yes? Not exactly. Anna has knowledge of a powerful secret that could change a lot of lives- Julian's included. This book really shows just how much she is tormented by this fact and she tries to convince Julian's mom and dad to tell him the truth. While his dad is all for it, his mom is less than willing. She doesn't want Julian to have this information because she doesn't want it to change him. Yet, she doesn't see the insecurities Anna does. Julian has a right to know the secret, as the not knowing is inadvertently hurting him more.

I adored Julian for pretty much the whole book. He is a great guy and is very patient with Anna, even after he finds out she is keeping things from him. There is one scene where I was quite irate with him, as what he does is completely out of character for him. Luckily, he redeemed himself, but I was still a little peeved about it. Boys. Sheesh. The big secret does come out in this book and I was really grateful for how Leigh handled it. Anna was in a difficult position and never wanted to keep it from Julian, but it wasn't her secret to tell either.

The one thing that drove me crazy about Anna is her communication skills with Julian. Sure, she had to keep the big secret from him, but she is not upfront with him about other things and they could have avoided some of their problems had she just talked to him more! (Less kissing Anna- more talking!)

While Anna has matured, she isn't perfect. She still struggles with lingering feelings for Jack, even though they are fleeting. Julian is becoming much more important to her than Jack ever could be and the pivotal moment she realizes that, she is hurting deeply. I definitely don't wish heartbreak on Anna, but sometimes in order to realize what you truly had, you have to see what it's like without.

I am nervous about what the final book will bring, as Anna and Julian are going to be heading their separate ways for college. Anna will be attending school in New Orleans, while Julian will be in Savannah. Only time will tell if the two's relationship can withstand the distance between them or if outside forces will tear them apart. Both Anna and Julian are driven and quite stubborn, but I for one am holding out for their HEA.

~Character Interview with Anna and Julian~

 

(Disclaimer: This interview does contain spoilers from Books 1 and 2 in the series.)

 

Hey Anna! I'm glad you and Julian could stop by today! I hope you don't mind me pulling you in first!

 

Thanks so much for having us here!

 

Ok! To get us started, can you tell us one thing about yourself we might not know?

 

Umm... well since I'm telling the story, I don't know if there's anything you don't know about me now. That's kind of weird now that I think about it. And a lot embarrassing!

 

 

(chuckles) Meeting the Kyser's has been a life changing event for you, wouldn't you say? How has meeting them both positively and negatively impacted you?

 

Yes- more than I ever imagined it would. I guess it's positive because I really appreciate now being honest with the ones you love and fighting for you feelings. As far as negatives, well, being with Jack was a hard learning experience. And I guess knowing what I knew put a lot of pressure on me and Julian...

 

You carry a heavy secret. How do you deal with that? Especially since you're keeping it from someone very important to you?

 

I hate it! I absolutely hate it not being able to talk about this, and I do my best not to think about it. That way I won't accidentally say something. But it pops up at the most unexpected times. (I think you know what I mean if you've read Watercolor.)

 

How does it make you feel knowing this secret could potentially change a lot of lives?

 

It's frustrating, and sometimes it scares me because I don't want to slip up and have everyone mad at me. It's a lot of pressure, and I wish Julian's parents would just tell him already.

 

Speaking of important people- how would you define you and Julian's relationship as of right now? Most of my readers haven't read Watercolor, so I'm sure they're wondering where you two stand!

 

I'm at the end of Watercolor, so we are completely 100 percent together. Like, all the way together. And it is fantastic. But it's scary, and knowing we'll be apart next year makes me miserable. Still, we've got all summer together, and we've agreed not to ruin the present thinking about the future. It's so great.

 

How would you describe Julian in 5 words? How do you think he would describe you?

 

Julian is funny, sexy, romantic, amazing... but he's also stubborn and a little volatile like his dad. How would he describe me?? I don't know. I hope that I'm funny, sexy, romantic, amazing... LOL!

 

You're a senior now! What are your future plans looking like?

 

College. Heading to Loyola in the fall, hoping to focus on school and see Julian as much as possible.

 

Shall we bring Julian on in? Hey Julian! Thanks for letting Anna and I have some girl time!

 

Hey, no problem. Thanks for having me here.

 

I asked Anna to tell us something about herself we might not know- but what about you? What's something you can tell us about yourself?

 

I have a pink unicorn tattoo on my ass. HA! Just kidding. I don't know. I'm better at Math than Anna, the tutor?

 

We know you're an artist, like your mom once was. While you're painting, or just creating art in general- how do you feel?

 

It depends on what I'm doing. I started painting this year, and it's interesting how that works. I actually see the scenes in my head, almost like I'm there. It's a little like flying or time travel. When I'm working on metal sculptures, it feels hot. And heavy. But in a good way. Cathartic or something.

 

Tell us about your mom, Julian. You two are close, right? Now that you're older, is it difficult to see her without a significant other?

 

Yeah, we're close, I guess. We've always looked out for each other, and she treats me like an adult. I always expected her to start dating once I moved out...Actually she's been seeing somebody. I can't say who it is- you'll have to read the book to find out about that.

 

We asked Anna to describe you earlier. How would you describe her?

 

Oh, man. Anna is something else. She's beautiful and smart and funny and she doesn't put up with any of my shit, and I love her. That's it.

 

Is there a song that makes you think of her?

 

It's stupid, but my mom plays this old classic rock song a lot, "Baby I Love Your Way", and it always makes me think of Anna. I know. I need to find something more modern.

 

What one character trait do you value the most?

 

Honesty.

 

Ok guys! A little crazy fun before we go.

You're stranded on a desert island for the rest of your life:

 

What one possession do you have with you?

 

I guess we can't bring laptops. Oh! My journal! And a pen, I guess... can I bring a pen?

Here- I'll bring the pens, you bring the paper. Then I can sketch while you write.

 

If you could only have one type of food to eat there what would it be?

 

Pizza!

Onion Rings.

 

What one thing do you wish you could tell your friends and family?

 

Things are not always how they appear.

Just relax and enjoy life. Have fun!

 

Thanks again for having us! I hope readers enjoy our story. <3

 

 

 

About Leigh T. Moore:

 

Leigh Talbert Moore is the author of the popular young adult romantic comedy The Truth About Faking, its companion, The Truth About Letting Go, which is a Top 5 Finalist in the 2013 “Best Indie Book Awards,” sponsored by The Kindle Book Review; the romantic-suspense novel Rouge, which was a Quarter Finalist in the 2013 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards; and the Dragonfly series, a new contemporary YA to new adult romantic saga.

A southern expat and beach bum (and ex-journalist and editor), Leigh lives with her husband and two young children in a landlocked location. To compensate, she conjures new worlds, characters, and situations while playing chauffeur, chaperon, group activity leader, and referee.

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