Showing posts with label #friendship. Show all posts

A Philosophical Dream Story

Kevin had a dream last week, and when he woke up from it, he was compelled to write it in his journal.

I’m going to share it with you. 

Side Note: We’re into philosophy—deep thought-provoking, awe-inspiring, mind-blowing, life-changing, heavy stuff. This isn't that deep, but it's interesting Kevin dreamt it.

The Toad and the Tortoise 




I dreamt of a toad who lived with a tortoise inside its shell. The two were a happy pair and much enjoyed each other’s company. The toad thought himself a very clever fellow indeed. He need no longer fear predators and food was plenty. All he had to do in his life of comfort was go where the tortoise wanted.

Some time passed before the toad realized his legs were almost useless to him as he hadn’t used them much in his new life, so he had lost the ability to escape predators on his own. He became entirely dependent on the tortoise for his well-being. The benevolent tortoise didn’t mind because he could come and go as he pleased and always had a friend to keep him from loneliness.

The toad got weaker and lazier until he got very ill. By the time he had died, he hadn’t left the tortoise’s shell for months for fear of birds picking him off. The tortoise tried and tried to push the rotting carcass of his friend out of the shell to no avail, then death finally caught him too.

A riverbed overflowed with silt just a few days later and the friends were buried for what seemed all time, with each other’s remains intertwined. No one could have known that they would both be found, petrified, in the last days of the twentieth century. And now they are an everlasting monument to self-reliance and avoiding a comfortable life.

Only a fool prays for an easy life.

Our struggles define us.

Cover Reveal & Giveaway! Tic Tac Love by #Author A.M. Willard

Release Date: March 14, 2018
Cover Design: MadHat Books

Synopsis


For as long as I can remember, I've been in love with Paxton West. I've planned our wedding in my head a million times. What our babies would look like. How we would grow old together and still play our favorite game— Tic-Tac-Toe.
However, we have one problem.

Paxton doesn't believe in true love, soul mates, or happily ever after. Oh, did I also tell you he doesn't want kids? It also means I can't explain to him that he's the only guy for me, or about my—our—current situation.

The past started with a game of X's and O's.
Then came the miles and miles that kept us apart.
Next came tequila shots... They're never a great idea.

Now, more than ever, the future scares the crap out of me. If my plan backfires, I could not only lose my best friend but the love of my life.

Dang those tequila shots.

Goodreads



Preorder Links




New Release Alert: http://eepurl.com/dfiHun


 

Giveaway

One of Five ARC's for Tic Tac Love



About the Author


Bestselling Author, A.M. Willard resides in Savannah, Georgia. She joined the Peach State many years ago after leaving the crystal blue waters and sugary white sand behind from the Panhandle of Florida. She's also known for being a wife, mother, and caretaker for her farm animals. A.M. loves anything sassy, glittery, and is a sucker for the Hallmark Channel. That last one might be the reason she believes in soulmates or it could be because she married her high school sweetheart for twenty years ago.

After releasing her first novella series back in 2014, A.M. set out on a new goal to bring her readers a broad range of romantic stories from her desk. This includes Romantic Comedy, Contemporary Romance, and from time to time some Sexy Romance.

A.M. is an active member of RWA (Romance Writers of America).


Connect with A.M.


Newsletter Sign Up: http://bit.ly/2eIn2wH
Facebook Author Page: http://bit.ly/2s1tFLr
Facebook Reader Group: http://bit.ly/2eDhrnM
Goodreads Author Page: http://bit.ly/2xN42BV
Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/2xMQV3H
BookBub Author Page: http://bit.ly/2iZUbW6


Release Blitz! Mr. Wicked by #Author Maya Hughes



Title: Mr. Wicked 
Author: Maya Hughes 
Genre: Contemporary Romance 






She's hated me since high school...

Francesca "Frankie" Archer is the smart-mouthed rich girl who worked her way into my heart back in high school. Our one date turned into a nightmare and we've been at each other's throat ever since. Now, she's a club owning hottie who still looks better in shorts and a t-shirt than any woman should.

We need to be civil to each other as co-best men standing up for our best friend at his wedding. How hard can that be? But old feelings, a few cocktails and shared hotel suite later and I'm touching her in ways no other man has.

In the light of day, she's ready to chalk it up to a drunken one night stand, but I'm not ready to end things just as they are beginning again. Maybe I can convince her, if I can show her everything I've learned since we've been apart. I know she'll look amazing with the soft ropes crisscrossed across her body.

Mr. Wicked is a 57,000 word second chance, accidental pregnancy romance. It features a club owner, sweet and sexy alpha and a heaping of steamy nights!






Maya has always loved romance novels, one look at her Kindle will confirm that. She started writing her first romance novel while pregnant with her third child. One of her best friends said she should go for it and she hasn’t looked back. Now her romance writing addiction has replaced her romance reading addiction.  

You can find her writing on her foldable keyboard and phone anytime inspiration strikes. Her stories range from sweet and sexy to dark and dirty contemporary romances with even more on the way. When she’s not writing, she’s playing with her three kids, running errands or vegging on the couch with the love of her life and biggest fan, her husband.





Release Blitz! Under the Influence by #Author Nikki Belaire








Title: Under The Influence 


Author: Nikki Belaire


Genre: Romance 




























I hate him.
But, I’m tough. I can handle being dumped. What I can’t handle is him acting like I meant nothing to him 


when he knew he was my everything.
I’m over it. I’m over him. I’ve moved on and have everything I’ve ever wanted. I’m finally happy.
At least I should be. I want to be. I pretend to be.
Now he’s back. With reasons for leaving that I don’t understand or believe. But, I don’t care anymore what he says or does. I can't trust him. No matter how hard he tries to win me back. 


I’ll never forgive him.



She hates me.
My girl’s tough. She put up with all my bullshit until I had to let her go and act like she wasn’t the only good thing in my life.
I never got over it. I never got over her. But I pretended like I did to keep her safe. Until she tried to move on with some bastard who thought he could have her for himself. Could make her happy again after I almost destroyed her.
Now I’m back. I know her secrets, and she knows mine. What kills me is that she doesn’t believe me. Doesn’t care what I say or do. But I’ll prove to her she can trust me. No matter what it takes, I will get her back.
She’ll forgive me. 
And, even if she doesn’t, she’ll still be mine.















Amazon US


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Amazon AU
















Nikki writes contemporary romantic thrillers and admits to a weakness for alpha males and bad boys, especially ones who can't live without the strong women they love. She spends more time in her characters' lives than her own. But, when she's in the real world, her passions include reading, wine appreciating, running, and spending time with her husband and daughter.


















Nikki's Naughty Tequilas (readers group)








Cover Reveal & Pre-Order Under The Influence by #Author Nikki Belaire







Title: Under The Influence 


Author: Nikki Belaire


Genre: Romance 




























I hate him.
But, I’m tough. I can handle being dumped. What I can’t handle is him acting like I meant nothing to him 


when he knew he was my everything.
I’m over it. I’m over him. I’ve moved on and have everything I’ve ever wanted. I’m finally happy.
At least I should be. I want to be. I pretend to be.
Now he’s back. With reasons for leaving that I don’t understand or believe. But, I don’t care anymore what he says or does. I can't trust him. No matter how hard he tries to win me back. 


I’ll never forgive him.

She hates me.
My girl’s tough. She put up with all my bullshit until I had to let her go and act like she wasn’t the only good thing in my life.
I never got over it. I never got over her. But I pretended like I did to keep her safe. Until she tried to move on with some bastard who thought he could have her for himself. Could make her happy again after I almost destroyed her.
Now I’m back. I know her secrets, and she knows mine. What kills me is that she doesn’t believe me. Doesn’t care what I say or do. But I’ll prove to her she can trust me. No matter what it takes, I will get her back.
She’ll forgive me.
And, even if she doesn’t, she’ll still be mine.












Amazon US


Amazon UK


Amazon CA


Amazon AU



















Nikki writes contemporary romantic thrillers and admits to a weakness for alpha males and bad boys, especially ones who can't live without the strong women they love. She spends more time in her characters' lives than her own. But, when she's in the real world, her passions include reading, wine appreciating, running, and spending time with her husband and daughter.













Nikki's Naughty Tequilas (readers group)










Cover Reveal! Reckless by #Author Michelle Horst








Title: Reckless 



Author: Michelle Horst 



Genre: Romance 




























I was in love with the boy. I’m obsessed with the man.
Logan is my older brother’s best friend.
My teenage years were spent dreaming about our future together.

He taught me how to kiss. He stayed up late with me while I studied. He escorted me to the prom. 
But he is one of the Screw Crew and they only have one rule. I’m off limits.


I went to college and he started working. The secret messages stopped and I lost my first love before it even had a chance.
I’ve spent the past four years trying to forget the only man I’ll ever love. Just as I start to make a life for myself, guess who comes barging back into my life?













Michelle Horst is a Bestselling Romance Author who likes her books hot, dirty, and with a touch of darkness. She loves an alpha hero who is not scared to fight for his woman.  

Want to be up to date with what’s happening in Michelle’s world? Sign up to receive the latest news on her alpha hero releases, sales, and great giveaways → http://eepurl.com/cUXM_P


















































Teaser Tuesday!

Teaser Tuesday!!!


It’s Tuesday. I feel like sharing a teaser from one of my books.

Enjoy!
----

Devil’s Third

Genre: YA*Paranormal*Fantasy*Romance

Excerpt:
After Nathan gave me a passionate kiss that made me weak in the knees and then left the room, I sat on the couch and went back over the instructions in the Book of Shadows. I didn’t really have to because when I looked at it earlier, my immortal mind had already absorbed all the information I needed. But I did it anyway . . . for comfort I think. Or maybe I was stalling.  Taking a deep breath, I set the book down. Nathan had given me only two hours to do this, so I’d better get on it.

I stepped into the circle and immediately felt a change in temperature. It was much warmer inside this barrier, and I felt at peace, like I had the last time I sat inside it.

Weird, but cool.

I lit the candles, welcoming each element as I did so. After I dipped the point of the Athame into the bowl of salt, I raised it in front of me and said, “Let all malignity and hindrance be cast aside, and let all good enter herein. I bless thee that thou aides me, in the names of Cernunos and Aradia.” Pointing the tip of the knife down, from north back to north, I went around the perimeter. “I conjure thee oh circle of power that thou be a place of love and truth, a shield against wickedness and evil, and a boundary between the world of men and the realms of the mighty ones. I bless thee and consecrate thee in the names of Cernunos and Aradia.”

I set the Athame down, lit the incense sticks that were in an ornately carved holder and waved it in the air, the thick smell of sandalwood engulfing me. Afterward, I picked up the shiny copper bowl, pinched the granules between my forefinger and thumb and then scattered salt from east back to east again. When I finished, I faced that direction with the Athame back in my hand and raised it. Making a sign of a star in the air before me, I said in a commanding voice, “Ye Lords of the Watchtowers of the east. Ye Lords of air. I do summon, stir, and call ye up to guard my circle.” Turning to the south, then west, I did the same routine as the first, except I used the element representing each one: fire for south and water for west. When I reached north, again I made the sign of the star before me and said, “Ye Lords of the Watchtowers of the north. Ye Lords of earth. Boreas, thou Guardian of the northern portals. Thou powerful God. I summon, stir, and call ye up to guard my circle. So mote it be.” I kissed the tip of the knife before placing it beside the incense on the eastern part of the circle.

The candles flickered and danced around in their short crystal containers, as if a draft  sailed through them. The hair on my arms rose when I noticed the incense smoke twisting and whipping around the edges of the barrier. Taking another deep breath, I sat in the middle, lotus style and closed my eyes, concentrating on turning the lights off. Half a minute later, an instant buzz of energy swirled through me when the shadow behind my eyelids grew darker. I knew then the lights went out, and the high I was feeling came from its energy that transferred into me.

Crap.

Maybe I shouldn’t have done that because I might be too wired to go into a meditative state.

Crap . . . crap . . . crap.

Sighing, I lifted my hair off my shoulders. I had to at least try and subdue this wiry energy because I didn’t have much time. I switched positions, deciding to lie on my back and took deep, cleansing breaths. In through the nose. Out the mouth. Eyes closed. In through the nose. Out the mouth.

Slow.

Calm.

Breaths.

One by one, I concentrated on relaxing each part of my limbs while slowly breathing. The incense entombed my body in its thick, heady aroma, lending assistance in the unseen layer of transcendence.

As each muscle relaxed, the energy inside me became docile, cuing me to focus on Carrie and nothing else.

My mind flipped through memories of her like flash cards, daring to be recognized and answered by Carrie herself. It called to her, and at the same time I realized I could no longer feel my body. I sat up and looked around. The circle around the pentagram was glowing a beautiful lavender color.

Huh.

The candles were still flickering, the incense still burning. I rose, thinking, okay cool, some magic was going on here. Awesome. At least I’d accomplished casting a circle and providing protection from outside malevolent forces. But now what? Then, something at the edge of my vision caught my attention. I turned, my gaze moving to the figure on the floor.

Holy crap!

The figure was me!

What the hell?

*´`*•LIVE•*´`*








What Readers Are Saying:

“OMG, this was an amazing read. I could not put it down.”

“The Devil’s Third is a wonderful and tantalizing third book in the Beyond the Eyes trilogy. I didn’t want to put it down and hope Rebekkah will continue on with this fantastical trilogy.”

“I love this series by Rebekkah Ford. She has a way of drawing you in and loving her characters.”










Pssst!  The first book (Beyond the Eyes) in the trilogy is FREE! You can get it hereà Amazon US:  http://amzn.to/178oQFt