Kelsey Ketch – Jennifer Lane Books

Welcome to the New Adult Christmas in July Promo! This week you’ll find all these wonderful New Adult titles for $2.99 or less out on Amazon. (My book, BLOCKED, is only $.99!) Be sure to read up on each title and check them out.

Death Island

Author: Kelsey Ketch Her family name tainted by her great-grandfather’s crimes of piracy, Meriden Cummings is far from the typical 18th century woman. A social outcast, she works in a carpentry shop in a small village, where the people barely tolerate unconventional behavior. However, her life takes a turn after a gang of pirates attack her village and her blood reveals an ancient map adorned with Mayan glyphs leading to Death Island. An island legends say is ruled by the Mayan god of the underworld, Ah Puch. Her great-grandfather had sought after the island before he vanished without a trace. Now, Meriden is about to journey across the sea to understand her family history. There are only a few problems: her growing feelings toward a mysterious stranger linked to her great-grandfather’s past; a greedy band of pirates after her great-grandfather’s legendary treasure; and a contract she has unwittingly signed in blood with Ah Puch himself.

Amazon

Blocked

Author: Jennifer Lane Blocked is a New Adult sports romance. College freshman Lucia Ramirez has a secret crush on Dane Monroe. He’s a tall drink of water — blond, brash, and one hell of a volleyball player. ¡Híjole! Lucia hopes her volleyball scholarship to his school will make him notice her. Too bad what’s noticeable is Dane’s obvious hatred for Lucia. Her family’s politics contradict everything he stands for. And politics are front and center in both their families. Dane’s mother is about to face Lucia’s father in the race for US President. When Secret Service throws them together, Dane can’t deny his frustrating attraction to Lucia’s athletic curves and sweet faith in the world. Amid the intense pressure of college athletics and presidential politics, can opposites not just attract, but overcome overwhelming odds to be together? Or do their differences block their match from the start?

Amazon

Olympian Passion

Author: Andrya Bailey Olympian Passion is the first book in the Olympian trilogy, by romance author Andrya Bailey. It is the recipient of Readers’ Favorite 5-star seal and 2016 New Apple Literary Medalist Winner in Contemporary Romance. Sabrina loves everything about Greek mythology and can’t believe when she’s accepted for an internship at the Fine Arts Museum in Houston. There, she meets the handsome Greek archaeologist Nikos Soulis, who will spend two months at the museum, and she falls head over heels for him. But the sexy professor seems too busy and already spoken for… so why does he insist on helping her with her project? Can Sabrina avoid heartbreak when she is seduced by the hot Olympian-looking god of her dreams? “A great romance that does justice to the mythological theme.”

Amazon

Tin Man’s Dance

Author: MK Schiller The one time Lilly Franklin rewards herself with a front-row concert ticket is turning into an epic fail. Not to mention the tall, cocky boy who claims her front-row seat is all wicked smiles, long legs and tug-worthy hair. Well, he’s messing with the wrong girl. But as the night wears on, Lily starts to see a softer side of former marine, James “Hutch” Hutchinson. A side that makes her shed her loner inhibitions along with her clothes. There is a difference between trouble and troubled. In Hutch, she has found both. Hutch lost more than a leg in the Iraqi desert. Returning to school on the GI Bill wasn’t exactly in the plans…but plans change. Now he only wants to meet the mysterious dancer, but he’s forgotten how to talk to women, especially one as graceful as Lilly. So armed with a plan that even a twelve-year-old would laugh at, he steals Lilly’s seat. Only fair since she stole his heart first. But Lilly has plans, too. As if Hutch’s life wasn’t already a sh*t storm of sacrifice. How can he give up the one thing that’s made him feel real?

Amazon

If We Had No Winter

Author: D.L. Pitchford Does a father who abandoned his family deserve a second chance? Can an unwanted daughter restore her faith in men? Or has Billie already sabotaged her chance at first love? After her parents’ divorce, introverted Billie Dixon buries herself in her studies. Her plan? To stay out of sight, out of mind, and out of trouble. But that plan fails when she starts at Bradford College. While hopeful to renew her relationship with her estranged father, she struggles to resist the advances of her persuasive tutoring student. But no one gets under her skin like her best friend’s playboy roommate, whose snarky smirk drives her up a wall…and into his bed. But is Billie too broken to open her heart again? If she can’t find closure with her father, she’ll close the door on love. But a huge fight with her father threatens to ruin any hope of healing her past and securing her future. If you enjoyed Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson or Looking for Alaska by John Green, you’re sure to love IF WE HAD NO WINTER.

Amazon

His Dark Magic

Author: Pat Esden Its power is legendary. It can fulfill every impossible magical desire. But for one young witch seeking redemption, the Northern Circle coven will challenge her skills—and her heart—beyond measure. One tragic impulsive mistake made Chloe Winslow an outcast to her influential magic family. As a medical student, she wants to combine science with sorcery to heal those she hurt and right her wrongs. But brilliant, charismatic Devlin Marsh re-routes her plans with a once-in-eternity offer: membership in the exclusive Northern Circle, a mysterious Vermont coven known for pushing the limits. Enthralled by Devlin and their mesmerizing mutual attraction, Chloe makes a dangerous sacrifice to help the Circle’s high priestess awaken Merlin himself—and learn his timeless cures. But a foreshadowing soon causes Chloe to doubt the Circle’s real motives, as well as Devlin’s . . . Now Merlin’s demonic shade is loose in the human world, while Chloe and Devlin’s uneasy alliance will pit them against ancient enemies, malevolent illusions, and shattering betrayal. And with the fate of two realms in the balance, Chloe must risk her untried power against a force she can’t defeat—and a passion that could destroy her.

Amazon

House of Goths

Author: Maria Bernard House of Goths – Not Your Average Fraternity House Becky Sparks is a sweet, average girl who refuses to spend her college years in a lonely, soul destroying dorm, surrounded by people who don’t care enough to ask her name. Bassist Kelley Keele is a Goth with a dark past. He resides at what he and his equally eccentric bandmates, Crispin, and Dorian, like to refer to as the House of Goths. On the first day of class, these two polar opposites literally crash into each other. Mesmerized by his overwhelming persona, Becky forms an instant bond with the scary Goth with red streaks in his hair. So much so that when she spies him putting up an ad for a fourth housemate, Becky jumps at the chance to move in, away from her dreary life at the unfriendly dorm. The problem is, well, she’s a girl and a mundane one at that.

Amazon

Reckless Treasure

Author: Cecily Wolfe When her mother is sleeping with the man she loves, what’s a girl to do? Francesca is weeks away from high school graduation and the hope of escaping her self-centered, grasping family – her trashy mother and hustling twin brother. While her crush on their older neighbor holds her attention, she is blind to what everyone else can clearly see, the love her best friend Mitch carries in his heart for her. When her dead grandmother’s high school boyfriend returns to town for his class reunion, his immediate attraction to Francesca is a game changer. Can Mr. Long – and his wealth – open up undreamed of opportunities for Francesca’s future, and at what price?

Amazon

Calling California

Author: J.P. Grider A modern day story about pride and prejudice… Cali Parker is poor. She has a lot on her plate – her father is dying, she’s working to help pay the rent, and she’s two-years behind in college. Griffin Brooks is rich. He has not a care in the world – he’s acing his engineering courses, his hobby is restoring his fifty-thousand dollar classic car, and he has a different girl on his arm every week. When Cali sees Griffin on her first day of class, she’s immediately smitten and thinks she’s found the perfect guy. When Griffin sees Cali at the bank, he immediately forgets the blonde he was with that morning. Then they meet, and their worlds collide. Cali doesn’t belong in Griffin’s world, and he doesn’t understand hers. But just when Griffin convinces Cali that their two different worlds can blend, a secret is revealed that tears them apart. Is their love strong enough to bring them back together, or will their worlds drift further apart?

Amazon

Just One Summer

Author: Lynn Stevens One summer, no regrets Carly Reynolds does not want to work at her father’s Branson theater over the summer, but she has no choice. After wrecking his prized Mercedes on Prom night, she’s got to pay him back somehow before she leaves for college. Now she’s stuck working as the personal assistant to twenty-year-old Gracin Ford, former member of one-hit-wonder boy band Accentuate. Gracin is demanding, condescending, and an all-around jerk. Carly would rather eat glass than deal with a male diva who’s more famous for his stint in rehab than his music. Until she realizes that Gracin’s lonely. Once she welcomes him into her life, she starts to let him into her heart. Even though she knows it will end when she leaves for school, Carly doesn’t want to look back on her life and wonder what if. Even if it means a broken heart.

Amazon

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New Adult #Valentine’s #Sale ACED (Blocked #2) #sports #romance

February 12, 2018 jenlanebooks

Welcome to the New Adult Valentine’s Promo! This week you’ll find all these wonderful New Adult titles for 99 cents or less out on Amazon. Be sure to read up on each title and check them out. Book two of the Blocked series, ACED, is on sale for only $.99.

Saying Goodbye, Part One

Author: Abigail Drake Samantha Barnes always dreamed of seeing the world, and only has a few months left before she starts a semester abroad in Japan. Enough time to say goodbye to her friends, polish up her language skills, and maybe even squeeze in a quick fling with handsome fraternity boy Dylan Hunter. All she wants from Dylan is something casual, and perhaps some mind-blowing sex, but things don’t work out as planned. Dylan wants a lot more from her than a hook-up. Before Sam realizes what’s happening, their relationship has become serious, something she never intended. And then she discovers Dylan is hiding a dark secret that makes breaking up with him nearly impossible. Sam is running out of time. She has to leave soon. She has no choice. But leaving Dylan could mean more than just the end of their relationship. It could also mean destroying him completely.

Amazon

If We Had No Winter

Author: D.L. Pitchford Dive into the first installment of this gritty slow burn college romance series about love, loss, and second chances.Introverted Billie Dixon has life planned to a T, and Bradford College is her chance for comfortable solitude. Her best friend lives across the hall, her roommate ignores her, and to pay for textbooks, she puts her math skills to good use as a tutor. But life rarely goes according to plan.Her sister wonders why she never calls. Her best friend nags like a mother hen. Plus, sharing him with his playboy roommate, who uses every opportunity to infuriate her, wasn’t part of the deal. And that tutoring gig? Her only pupil complicates their business arrangement when he develops a crush on her. If she thought this couldn’t get worse… Then, she runs into the Math Department Head. Her father–and the only reason she can afford Bradford. He wants to rekindle their relationship after years of radio silence, but Billie isn’t fully on board.

Amazon

Playing it Cool

Author: Emily Robertson Addison has had her future mapped out since she was a little girl – pre-law degree from the University of Nebraska, getting into a top notch law school, followed by a career as a no-nonsense lawyer. She knows that a husband will come at some point, but she hasn’t figured that part out yet. One thing is certain, it’s not Bryce Portwood, the annoying class clown in her English class. Bryce has never taken anything too serious. Life’s too short to get all worked up and never have fun. The moment Addison Webster opened her mouth, he knew she needed to let her hair down, and he wanted to be the one to help her. Getting Addison to hang out was easy. Getting her to lighten up and trust him, not so much. Bryce has a plan. If he can get her to let go and have fun, maybe she’ll see he’s not so bad. If Bryce can just play it cool, maybe he can prove to her that he can fit into those well-laid plans after all.

Amazon

Victim Of Love

Author: Christa Maurice What happens when wasting time becomes finding forever? Tara Feingold just wanted to warm up on the Brazilian beach and when she meets Rick Lincoln, bassist for SendDown, things get very hot indeed. Especially when he starts getting serious and the other members of his band decide they need to scare her away with debauchery. When she returns to her normal life, will Rick still love her when he finds out she’s not the wild woman she was in Brazil? VICTIM OF LOVE is the first book in the Rock And Roll State Of Mind series. If you enjoy wrenching conflict and characters who are struggling with change, then you’ll love this heart warming story.

Amazon

Death Island

Amazon

Aced

Author: Jennifer Lane

Volleyball wonder Lucia Ramirez found her love match in Blocked despite the glaring political spotlight aimed on her family. In Aced, the second book in Jennifer Lane’s Blocked series, it could be her brother Alejandro’s turn to get lucky in love.

Medical student Alejandro’s hot Latin looks get him plenty of attention, but his deep faith and admiration for his father keep him on a righteous path, with no time for something as frivolous as love. He strives to do the right thing—study diligently, take care of his siblings, represent the family well—so why does he feel so unfulfilled?

Enter Lucia’s friend and teammate Maddie Brooks, who shines at blocking the ball and acing the serve. Too bad this graduating senior isn’t so confident about her life off the court. Her longtime boyfriend has just bailed on her, and med school applications loom large. Oh, and a nerve-wracking tryout for Team USA also approaches.

Maddie meets Alejandro when he visits Lucia at school, and she’s soon drawn to his sharp mind. Alejandro is similarly intrigued by Maddie’s talent and strength. But will personal biases and family politics smother the slow burn of their attraction? Unless Maddie can learn to believe in herself, and Alejandro can become his own man, their kindling romance hardly stands a chance.

Will either of them be bold enough to try something new? Find out in this emotion-rich story that refuses to shy away from life’s hardest questions. Because love is worth the risk.

Amazon

Stand Up and Shout

Author: Maria Bernard Claim your destiny, or crash and burn! Jay Sharp is a gifted up-and-coming singer, destined for stardom. The problem is, crippling stage fright holds him back. Jay freezes every time he is in the spotlight. Young runaway Alice Electra is living on the street. She is an amazing guitarist, busking for money. A chance discovery leads her to Jay’s struggling rock band. This is her moment to shine and turn her life around. Despite opposition from hostile, doubting band members, Alice must prove her prowess. Romance blooms between Jay and Alice and they form an unshakable bond. Now, they face a challenge greater than ever. To stay together, they must fight their demons. They have to perform in front of a massive audience at a Las Vegas music festival. This is Jay’s last chance. Failure is no longer an option. Will Jay save his band, keep Alice off the street, and conquer his fear of the stage, or will they crash and burn? Hop on the tour bus and find out!

Amazon

Until You Set Me Free

Author: D.M. Davis An emotionally charged romance, intertwined with tragedy, force the career-minded heir and his best friend’s irresistible sister to choose between their careers, their hearts, and the safety of the ones they love. Sexy girl-next-door Samantha has no idea how attractive she is. She buries herself in her high school studies, focusing on graduating early from college and heading into a successful tech career. She’s beautiful, sassy, and confident in her abilities, except when it comes to attracting the man she’s afraid to want. Tech guru Joseph’s future is already mapped: he’s expected to join the ranks of the family business, McIntyre Corporate Industries, to head up the technology wing and keep it on the cutting edge. Joseph needs to focus on his future career, his birthright, and not on romancing his roommate’s sister. Will Joseph step up and be the man she needs? Can Samantha trust she’s the woman he wants?

Amazon

Another Auld Lang Syne

Author: Marie Savage Should old acquaintances be forgot and never brought to mind? Ben and Julie are happy to have found each other and their love grows stronger each day. When their friends, Holly and Mike, announce they are getting married, many questions open up for the new couple. Are either of them ready to take that next step? On a visit to Ben’s hometown to ring in the new year, secrets are revealed that threaten Ben and Julie’s happiness. Is the bond they share strong enough to handle the challenges each of them face?

Amazon

Sweethearts and Jazz

Author: Rose Andrews Portland, Oregon November 1946 Lila Stevenson, former Broadway singer and actress, has devised a plan to make her ex-boyfriend jealous. A fake relationship arrangement with her coworker starts out as the perfect opportunity for revenge. But his chiseled good-looks are hard to resist and every pretend date stirs her heart with an undeniable warmth. What is a girl to do when real love is the last thing she expected to get out of a silly plan? Cut out the act and figure out if she wants to play for keeps. Kent O’Connor, handyman and stagehand, has agreed to help his crush get back at her ex in order to be close to her. But the leading lady’s sultry appeal and vivacious mannerisms put him in a spin. Realizing faking it won’t cut it, he tries getting her to see it’s him she wants. Determined to win her heart, his tender patience begins to unravel her from the past standing in the way of their future. Now, if only she wouldn’t keep stalling. Convincing her what they share is genuine might just be the hardest task he’s ever faced. Brought together by a friendly arrangement, this pair will discover a love more real than any they could ever fake.

Amazon

Love at First Sit

Author: Ysa Arcangel Roxanne Mabini, a twenty-five-year-old single mother of twins, joined a speed-dating event just for fun and to get “speed-dating” checked off her bucket list. She wasn’t looking for anything. …Until the devastatingly handsome bartender, Aloysius “Wish” Gregorio, stepped up to fill in for the lack of male participants, mesmerizing Roxanne. Literally, he was every girl’s wish. Finally, she’s met a man who shares her interests. But will a girl whose heart has been shred to pieces learn to trust and love again? When Roxanne’s first love and the father of her children, Chris, drops back into her life, old flames reignite. Chris has been waiting for the right time ever since he was forced to leave her, and now he aims to win her back. Will the chemistry and powerful connection between Roxanne and Wish be strong enough to fight the old flame that is once again burning bright? Roxanne must make a big decision: provide a complete family to her children, or share her life with her heart’s desire. Will she find love, lose it, or know when to walk away?

Amazon

Under Winter Lights: Part One

Author: Bree M. Lewandowski Ballet is Martina’s world. Always has been. But underneath the stage lights, behind the curtain and choreography is loneliness. On late nights, after rehearsals, in her small apartment, Martina wishes hers wasn’t the only shadow on the wall. But Chicago winter winds are swirling and Martina’s music box world is tipped upside down when she is cast as the lead in the company’s next production. And if that isn’t enough… He’s the “wolf of the Mariinsky Ballet.” A rebel with gray eyes. Maraav Levondovska is a brilliant dancer and Martina can barely admit to herself how watching him take the stage sets her imagination spinning. But company director Alan Jung, the man crippled by the art he loved, seems to find new life in his star ballerina… Three hearts in a dance made for two. A world made of music and motion. Come step Under Winter Lights: Part One!

Amazon

Heart of Follow

Author: Kara Liane Sometimes you have to follow your heart, but it can be hard to follow. This contemporary steamy romance is a standalone story in this series that will whet your appetite and tease you enough to give you love, drama, comedy, and spice. Thirty-three-year-old Gil Morris works in finance on Wall Street. He finds himself lonely and examining his routine life. He wishes he could shake things up a bit. Twenty-three-year-old student Addison Nichols works in a popular coffee shop near the financial district. She’s been fantasizing recently about a businessman who frequents the store, but he has yet to notice her. She loves to admire him from afar; however, she isn’t quite ready to make her presence known. She’s about to crack, though, and do something out of character to finally approach him. She thinks if she pretends to be someone else she can play a role, and do anything and be anything. Just maybe she can be someone else for one night—to have a taste of what it’s like to be with a man like that. Like Cinderella going to the ball, but in this scenario, it’s not a ballroom—it’s a bedroom. What started out as an innocent fantasy quickly turns into something more because he isn’t interested in bedding her for only one night. Can Addison handle Gil, or does he prove to be “heart” to follow?

Amazon

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Cover Reveal: DEATH ISLAND by @KelseyKetch #NewAdult #pirate #giveaway

October 2, 2017 jenlanebooks

Death Island by Kelsey Ketch

Genre: New Adult

Publication: December 31st, 2017

Cover Designer: Desiree DeOrto Designs

Her family name tainted by her great-grandfather’s crimes of piracy, Meriden Cummings is far from the typical 18th century woman. A social outcast, she works in a carpentry shop in a small village, where the people barely tolerate unconventional behavior.

However, her life takes a turn after a gang of pirates attack her village and her blood reveals an ancient map adorned with Mayan glyphs leading to Death Island. An island legends say is ruled by the Mayan god of the underworld, Ah Puch. Her great-grandfather had sought after the island before he vanished without a trace. Now, Meriden is about to journey across the sea to understand her family history.

There are only a few problems: her growing feelings toward a mysterious stranger linked to her great-grandfather’s past; a greedy band of pirates after her great-grandfather’s legendary treasure; and a contract she has unwittingly signed in blood with Ah Puch himself.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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New Adult Scavenger Hunt #Giveaway Author @AnnMNoser #NewASH

April 23, 2015 jenlanebooks

***The hunt is now over. Congratulations to the winners!***

It’s time for the New Adult Scavenger Hunt! Did you know you can win NINE signed print New Adult books?

Go to the New Adult Scavenger Hunt page to find out all about the hunt. There are TWO contests going on simultaneously, and you can enter one or both! I am a part of the TEAM BLUE (college books)–but there is also a red team for a chance to win a whole different set of signed books!

If you’d like to find out more about the hunt, see links to all the authors participating, and see the full list of prizes up for grabs, go to the New Adult Scavenger Hunt page.

***THE SCAVENGER HUNT***

Directions: Below, you’ll notice that I’ve listed my lucky book number. Collect the lucky book numbers of all the authors on Team Blue, and then add them up (don’t worry, you can use a calculator!).

Entry Form: Once you’ve added up all the numbers, make sure you fill out the form here to officially qualify for the grand prize. Only entries that have the correct number will qualify.

Rules: Open internationally, anyone below the age of 18 should have a parent or guardian’s permission to enter. To be eligible for the grand prize, you must submit the completed entry form by April 26th, at noon Eastern Time. Entries sent without the correct number or without contact information will not be considered.

LET THE HUNT BEGIN!

***MEET ANN NOSER, AUTHOR OF HOW TO DATE DEAD GUYS***

My to-do list dictates that I try to cram 48 hours of living into a day instead of the usual 24. I’ve chosen a life filled with animals. I train for marathons with my dog, then go to work as a small animal veterinarian, and finish the day by tripping over my pets as I attempt to convince my two unruly children that YES, it really IS time for bed. But I can’t wait until the house is quiet to write; I have to steal moments throughout the day. Ten minutes here, a half hour there, I live within my imagination.

Like all busy American mothers, I multi-task. I work out plot holes during runs. Instead of meditating, I type madly during yoga stretches. I find inspiration in everyday things: a beautiful smile, a heartbreaking song, or a newspaper article on a political theory. For example, a long drive in the dark listening to an NPR program on the SMILEY FACE MURDERS theory made me ask so many questions that I wrote HOW TO DATE DEAD GUYS to answer them to my satisfaction.

I’d love to have more time to write (and run, read, and sleep), but until I find Hermione Granger’s time turner, I will juggle real life with the half-written stories in my head. Main characters and plot lines intertwine in my cranium, and I need to let my writing weave the tales on paper so I can find out what happens next.

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***HOW TO DATE DEAD GUYS***

When Mike drowns in the campus river under her watch, Emma’s sheltered life shatters. Haunted by nightmares, she turns to witchcraft and a mysterious Book of Shadows to bring him back. Under a Blood Moon, Emma lights candles, draws a pentacle, and casts a spell. The invoked river rages up against her. As she escapes, a stranger drags himself from the water and follows her home. Instead of raising Mike, Emma uses witchcraft to assist other victims stolen back from death. But her powers may not protect her against the vengeful river and the killers that feed it their victims.

AMAZON

***EXCLUSIVE CONTENT***

A DATE WITH THE KIDNEY DIALYSIS CENTER

Jake drops his backpack at the fifth station of the kidney dialysis center. “Let’s get your weight and temp done right away so the nurse can get started.”

“Yeah. I know.” His younger sister Laura steps on the scale. “I’ve been here before, remember? Okay. Sixty-eight pounds.”

The nurse writes this down. Jake passes Laura the electric thermometer.

Laura slips on the plastic shield and places it under her tongue. A few seconds later it beeps. “Ninety-eight-point-seven.”

“Great.” Jake pumps his arm. “No fever. Let’s go!”

“What’s the rush?” Laura asks. “We’re gonna be here for four hours no matter what.”

“I know.” Jake shrugs. “But I got some stuff I wanna do.”

“Well, keep your pants on.” Laura plops into the chair, holding her arm out for the blood pressure cuff.

Nurse Lisa takes a reading. “You sure are antsy today, Jake. Got a hot date waiting?”

“Nah.” He shakes his head. “I need to go talk to the doctors.”

Laura sighs. “Not this again.”

“Yes, this again.”

Laura scratches her side.

“Feeling itchier than usual?” asks the nurse.
“A little.”

“How’s your appetite? Your weight’s down. The doctor isn’t going to like that.”

Laura picks at the hem of her shirt. “I know.”

“All right. End of lecture. Let’s get your dialysis started.”

Laura slips off her long-sleeved cover-up, exposing a surgically enlarged vessel. The nurse swabs her arm.

“I should time you.” Jake holds out his watch. “I’ll bet you’re the fastest one here.”

The nurse raises her eyebrows. “It’s not about speed, you know. Dialysis takes time. Lots of time.”

“You’re such a moron,” Laura side-whispers to him.

“Runs in the family,” he whispers back.

“You two.” The nurse clucks her tongue. “Laura, your fistula site looks healthy. I’ve applied the Lidocaine cream. Ready for the needles?”

Laura nods, tensing her jaw.

Disjointed beeping resounds through the room, every monitor at its own pace and rhythm.

After she tapes in the inserted needles, Lisa removes her gloves. “You’re all set. Three hours and fifty-eight minutes to go.”

Laura scans the side table. “Got any new magazines? I’ve already read these.”

“Sorry, honey, but when you’re here three times a week, it’s hard to have fresh ones available. Maybe Jake can find you something in the gift shop.”

“That’s okay.” Laura digs in her bag. “I brought a couple books.”

“Too bad.” Nurse Lisa smiles back at them as she moves to another patient. “The high school volunteer at the gift shop has a crush on your brother.”

“That’s right.” Jake grins, settling into the chair alongside his sister. “No dame can resist my charms.”

Laura rolls her eyes. “You’ve got to be kidding me—”

“I am undeniably handsome—” Jake frames his face with his hands like a portrait.

“You’re so embarrassing—”

“And the most intelligent guy in the world—”

“Whatever. You couldn’t possibly be the smartest guy on the planet.”

He shrugs. “That’s a fair call. Just in Wisconsin, then.”

She snorts. “What you are is the most obnoxious guy in the state.”

“Is that so? Then I don’t feel bad about ignoring you long enough to finish my homework.” He pulls out a textbook from his bag. “Then we can watch a movie if you want. Anything except Dirty Dancing.”

“You never want to watch that one.” Laura glances at the clock. “Three hours and fifty-five minutes to go.”

***

Beep. Beep. Beep.

Dialysis machines chorus around the room. Voices are muffled. Each patient rests in a chair reading, watching a screen, or sleeping.

Laura pokes Jake. “Are you done yet? I’m bored.”

“Yep.” He stuffs his books into his backpack. “What should we do?”

“I’ve a great idea.” Laura sits up, notebook in hand. “We’re both going to make a list of everything we want in a spouse—”

Jake crinkles his nose. “What the heck? I’m not doing this.”

“But you promised to do whatever I want when we’re here.”

He shrugs. “That’s before you said we were going to do this.”

“No excuses.” She hands him a piece of paper.

“This sucks.”

“No complaining allowed.” She bends over, scribbling away.

“Fine, but this is stupid.” Jake writes for five seconds, then puts down his pencil. “Got it. Are you ready?”

“No. I just got started.”

“Wake me up when you finish.” He closes his eyes, then peeks out. “Aren’t you done yet?”

Laura sighs. “You’re such a pest.”

He closes his eyes again, then opens them. “Aren’t you done yet?”

“Be quiet. I’m taking this seriously.”

“You’re taking this seriously?” Jake laughs. “Why?”

“Because it’s important. Duh. All the women’s magazines say you gotta know what you want so you don’t just settle for whatever man comes along.”

“But you’re twelve.”

“I’m thirteen, and you know it.”

He shakes his head. “No. You’ll always be twelve to me, and you’ve never even been on a date.”

“Thanks for reminding me. Some of my friends at school already have boyfriends… but I don’t.”

“You’re too young to have a boyfriend.”

“That’s not it.” Laura’s shoulders slump. “Boys don’t like me that way. They just feel sorry for me.”

“No way. You’re the prettiest girl in your school class picture.”

She stares at her hands. “You’re just saying that because you’re my brother.”

“I am your brother—you’re so lucky by the way—”

“What are you—some love expert? You don’t know anything about dating.”
Jake puffs up his chest. “Sure I do.”

“No, you don’t. You hardly date. And anyone you do date doesn’t stick around long. What’s that about?”

He shrugs. “It’s complicated.”

“Then un-complicate it.”

He cocks his head to the side. “Are you sure you want to hear this?”

“Definitely.”

“Well, the truth is they all get jealous of you.”

Laura flushes. “Really? Even Marisa?”

“Yep. She couldn’t accept that you always come first, and you’re always going to come first. So it ended.”

Laura sighs. “I’m ruining your life.”

“No, you’re not. Don’t be silly.”

“You shouldn’t have just me. What if I die? Then you won’t have anybody.”

Jake pales. “Don’t talk like that. I mean it.”

Laura takes a deep breath. “I have to, because it might happen. And you need to be ready.”

“No.” Jake shakes his head. “Listen, can we talk about something else?”

She grins. “Like me dating some hot guy?”

“Ugh.” He groans. “That’s it. No more romantic comedy movies for you. You’ve been poisoned. There’s more to life than dating. Lots more. You’ll find out once you get better.”

“I don’t actually care about dating… It’s just this.” She points at the bulging fistula in her arm. “Nobody can deal with how ugly I am, and it sucks.”

Jake grasps her hand. “You’re not ugly. Don’t ever say that.”

Laura lowers her head and mumbles. “Some of the kids at school tell me I am.”

Jake’s eyes narrow. “Give me their names, and I’ll wipe the playground with their ignorant asses.”

“No, you won’t. I won’t let you.”

“Just because other people are jerks, don’t let them get to you. They’re probably just unhappy about something in their own life and taking it out on you.”

“I know, but it still hurts to hear it.”

Jake carefully puts his arm around her shoulders. “Forget about them. Read me your list. See if I approve.”

She folds the paper closed. “You first.”

“No way. It was your idea, so you go first.”

“Fine. Number one: he must be tall—”

Jake nods. “Of course. You don’t want to have short kids, right?”

“What’s so bad about being short?”

“You can’t reach anything in the kitchen cupboards.”

“Fine. No short kids. Okay, number two: he must be cute—”

“Of course no one’s ever going to be as cute as me. Try not to be disappointed.”

“Yeah. Very funny.” Laura clears her throat. “Number three: he must be smart—”

“I’m also smarter than everyone else… in Wisconsin, anyway—”

“That’s it! Show me your list first if you’re going to keep interrupting.”

Jake hands it over.

“But there’s only one line.”

He shrugs. “I got it covered. Just read it.”

“My wife will be awesome… But that doesn’t tell me anything.”

“Sure it does. Besides, I’m not worried about getting married. I’m only worried about…”

“Me, right?” she whispers. “You’re always worried about me.”

Jake glances around the room. “I don’t want you to have to keep coming here all the time. And I can’t bear to think of those kids at school bugging you because of your arm.”

“What are you going to do about it?”

“I’ve got a plan.”

“I don’t always like your plans.”

Jake grins. “Sure you do.”

Nurse Lisa stops by to check the dialysis machine.

Laura giggles. “Remember when you brought the neighbor kid’s karaoke machine in here and forced everyone to sing?”

Jake chuckles. “One of my finer moments.”

“Actually, that was a blast,” the nurse says. “You should do it again.”

Laura groans. “Don’t encourage him.”

Nurse Lisa pats her on the shoulder. “You feeling all right, honey?”

“Yes.”

“Good. I’ll be back to check again later.” The nurse walks away.

Laura yawns.

“Are you okay?” Jake asks.

“I’m just tired.”

“Then rest your head on my shoulder and get some sleep.”

“Okay.” She yawns again.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

Fifteen minutes pass as Jake watches his little sister sleep. He brushes her head with a kiss, then whispers: “I’m going to fix this. You’re not going to have to come here forever. Not if I can help it. I’m going to make it better… even if it kills me.”

~*~

Sounds like a book we need to add to our TBR shelves. Don’t forget to enter the contest for a chance to win a ton of signed books by Ann, me, and more!

To enter, you need to know that my lucky book number is 4 .

Add up all the favorite numbers of the authors on Team Blue and you’ll have the secret code to enter for the grand prize!

***CONTINUE THE HUNT***

To keep going on the hunt, check out Ann Noser’s site HERE

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Blog Tour: Son of Set by @KelseyKetch

May 26, 2014 jenlanebooks

YA Bound hosts the book tour for SON OF SET! See the tour schedule HERE and be sure to enter the giveaway at the bottom of this post.

Character Interview: Seth

Today, we’re honored to have Seth O’Keefe—Setemple’s prince of chaos.

Hey, Seth. How are you today?

SO: *Gives a swoon worthy smile and runs his fingers through his copper hair.* I’d have to say well, being here with you.

*Blushes.* Always the Charmer, aren’t you? What do you think it is about you that makes you so irresistible?

SO: Most girls tell me it’s all about my eyes and their hypnotic color. But I’m sure there are other reasons as well.

Mm hm, and what is it about Natara Stone that makes her so much more appealing than the bevy of beauties that constantly surround you?

SO: *Laughs.* Where to start? Her amazing amethyst eyes; her smooth, bronze skin; her beautiful, raven-colored hair; the sway of her hips as she walks; and a figure that could rock—

Okay, okay. A girl could get a complex listening to how you rave about her, but what is she really like?

SO: Are you kidding? She’s as frustrating as hell! She never listens. She never does what she’s told. And let’s not forget the numerous times I’ve already saved her pretty little ass. *Rolls his eyes and scrubs his face.* Unfortunately, all those little annoying details—all her quirks and nervous habits—are also what I find the most attractive about her. Even her little British pout is irresistible.

What has been the biggest surprise for you since you have been involved with Natti?

SO: Honestly, I think the both of us are finding out things on this trip that neither of us expected to discover. We’re both capable of so much more than we ever dreamed, and because of that, I’m not even sure if it’s safe for her to be around me at this point.

So, what’s it like to be a fugitive from the Sons?

SO: Odd, and truthfully, downright terrifying. They were my kin, my brethren, my friends. I grew up with them. I was a firm believer in their beliefs. I even craved for the day to hold a Secret Keeper’s heart in my hand. Now, I’m their enemy, and believe me when I say my father wouldn’t give a sh*t if I die. In fact, he’d probably kill me himself before dragging Natti back to the altar. That’s why we have to stay several steps ahead of him. My father has too many resources to help him get what he wants, and I can’t allow him to capture us again.

With that in mind, if you had it to do all over again, would you still have saved Natti?

SO: In a heartbeat.

Readers, be sure to check out the rest of Seth’s story in Son of Set (Descendants of Isis #2) and follow where his adventure with Natti takes him.

Son of Set (Descendants of Isis #2)

by Kelsey Ketch

Release Date: 05/02/14

Summary from Goodreads:

“. . . the Sons would never just let him go—alive.”

Seth O’Keefe has broken the laws of his god. He never thought he would sacrifice his own future to protect a Daughter of Isis. But when the Sons of Set discovered Natti is the Secret Keeper, he had no choice. Now, Seth and Natti are on the run from his father, who wants nothing more than to see Seth dead. With no allies, Seth turns to the Daughters of Isis for help, hoping they would protect Natti. But when they meet the Daughters, he discovers a secret that puts both their lives in more danger. Low on options, Seth sees only one possibility for survival. He must help Natti solve an ancient puzzle and find the secret name of Ra.

Natara “Natti” Stone is having a hard time swallowing the truth. She can’t believe what she has learned in the past twenty-four hours: Seth is a Son of Set blessed with charm; she is a Daughter of Isis blessed with a sliver of Ma ‘at; the locket her grandmother gave her holds an ancient Egyptian secret linking to Osiris and Isis. That along with being tortured and brutalized by the Sons of Set, she can hardly hold herself together. Thank God for Seth’s touch! That warm, tingling sensation that drowns it all out. Yet her heart struggles to stay focused. She must quickly embrace her destiny before the secret name of Ra falls into the wrong hands.

*Note: Content for Upper YA*

Add to your Goodreads shelf.

Buy Links

Son of Set

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

Smashwords

Daughter of Isis (On sale for $.99 during the week of the tour)

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

Smashwords

Here’s my review of Daughter of Isis. Loved it!

About the Author

During her high school years, Kelsey Ketch could always be found tucked away in a little corner of the hall or classroom, writing her fantasy worlds and creating illustrations and maps. Today is no different, except now she’s writing in the break room at her office building or at the tables of the Barnes and Noble Café in Cary, North Carolina. She is also an avid reader, a part-time book blogger at Ketch’s Book Nook, and lives with her two orange tabbies and awesome and humorous flat-mate.Daughter of Isis is her debut novel.
For more information, please visit her site at kelseyketch.com.

Author Links:

http://kelseyketch.com/

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7104482.Kelsey_Ketch

https://twitter.com/kelseyketch

https://www.facebook.com/KelseyKetch#

***GIVEAWAY***

One lucky winner will get a was scepter pendant (created specially by SilverspotStudio), a hieroglyphic tote bag, and a Son of Set journal (INT)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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New Release: Son of Set by Kelsey Ketch

May 2, 2014 jenlanebooks

Son of Set (Descendants of Isis #2) By Kelsey Ketch

Release Date: May 2nd, 2014

Upper Young Adult Fantasy

Summary from Goodreads:

“. . . the Sons would never just let him go—alive.”

*Note: Content for Upper YA*

Available at:

photo B6096376-6C81-4465-8935-CE890C777EB9-1855-000001A1E900B890_zps5affbed6.jpg

photo 111AD205-AA04-4F9E-A0F4-C1264C4E9F30-1855-000001A1E8CEB6D7_zps9b730b94.jpg

Book One: (Linked to Goodreads)

***Daughter of Isis is Free for Today Only at:***

***Some Praise for Daughter of Isis***

“Daughter of Isis is an addicting and enthralling read brimming with Egyptian mythology. Readers will be pulled into the story after simply reading a page!” —Emily, Reader Rising

“I always enjoy a good book about Mythology and Daughter of Isis brings a thrilling modern day spin to one of the tales. Kelsey Ketch wove the story perfectly and sucked me right into her magnificent world.” —Naomi, Nomi’s Paranormal Palace

***Excerpt From Son of Set***

***Warning: Excerpt May Contain Spoilers***

Chapter 1

Seth wrung a blood-soaked hand towel until the fabric pinched the flesh of his aching palms. Droplets of Natti’s diluted blood trickled into the running water. When the cotton began to dry, he drowned it again and wrung it out even tighter. Yet, no matter how sore his hands were, the haunting bloodstains on the towel wouldn’t wash away. Exhausted and frustrated, he tossed the towel into the basin. He slammed the faucet off, leaned over the counter, and stared at his reflection. Dark circles and black kohl accented his turquoise eyes. Large, swollen bruises coated his lightly tanned skin, each screaming with the slightest movement. Dry blood encrusted his wrists. His back ached and his knees were coated with grime. Even so, his injuries carried little pain compared to the memories he was still trying to process: his own father, Sean, drawing Seth’s Glock 38 on him at the hospital; being chained down in Set’s Temple and listening to Natti’s screams while his father dosed her with synthetic scorpion venom; watching Sean enslave her essence; seeing the ceremonial dagger poised over her breast. Seth shoved his fingers through his copper hair, trying to force the images out of his mind.

A soft moan, a harsh groan, and then a scream echoed from the next room. Seth’s overwhelmed system surged with adrenaline. He raced into the bedroom of the hotel room. Natti had her back pressed against the pillows and headboard as she manically swiped at the old, floral bedcover. She abruptly withdrew her hand with another scream and began to cower, her knees brought up to her chest.

“I don’t know,” she bellowed. “I don’t know.”

“Natti?” Seth rushed to her side. He stared at the bedcover, trying to determine who or what she was shouting at.

Natti turned her glassy eyes to him with a gasp. She scrambled sideways, and Seth had to catch her before she fell over the edge of the king-sized bed. Her panicky screams transformed into desperate cries for help. Afraid someone would hear her, Seth quickly covered her mouth. She struggled against him for a brief moment before she finally went limp in his arms. Her silver-violet eyes were filled with fear.

“Shh,” Seth cooed, trying to keep his own heart from leaping out of his chest. He stared into the eyes that had bewitched him on the first day they met. When she looked back at him, it was like she was gazing at a stranger. He swallowed a lump that formed in his throat and slowly raised his fingers from her lips.

“I don’t know,” she whimpered. “I don’t know. I swear, I don’t know.”

“Natti, it’s me,” Seth whispered, mentally begging the gods to help her. “It’s Seth. We met at school in mid-September. I rescued you at the festival. I helped you escape from the temple. Don’t you remember?”

Her body tensed under his hold, and her gaze went wild while she scanned the room. “Oh God, please. . . . I don’t know.”

“Natti.”

She wasn’t paying any attention to him. Her eyes were beginning to dilate, and her body vibrated with fear. Seth finally called on his blessing from Set, his magical charm, to try to calm her, but her mind was too wired and her veins throbbed under his touch. She suddenly screeched and thrashed violently in his arms.

“No. No, stop. I don’t know.” Her anxiety was building. Grabbing hold of her flying fists, Seth pinned her down on the bed. Her back arched and her legs kicked while she attempted to wrench herself from his grasp.

“Natti, stop,” he ordered. “Stop!”

***Giveaway***

Daughter of Isis Journal and Natti Swag Pack (INT) ->

a Rafflecopter giveaway

During her high school years, Kelsey Ketch could always be found tucked away in a little corner of the hall or classroom, writing her fantasy worlds and creating illustrations and maps. Today is no different, except now she’s writing in the break room at her office building or at the tables of the Barnes and Noble Café in Cary, North Carolina. She is also an avid reader, a part-time book blogger at Ketch’s Book Nook, and lives with her two orange tabbies and awesome and humorous flat-mate. For more information, please visit her site at kelseyketch.com.

photo iconfacebook-32x32_zps64a79d4a.png

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Cover Reveal: Son of Set by Kelsey Ketch

March 16, 2014 jenlanebooks

Son of Set (Descendants of Isis #2)

by Kelsey Ketch

Release Date: 05/02/14

Summary from Goodreads:

“. . . the Sons would never just let him go—alive.”

*Note: Content for Upper YA*

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19469776-son-of-set

Book One Daughter of Isis available from:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Daughter-Isis-Descendants-ebook/dp/B00G1506CA/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=&qid=

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/daughter-of-isis-kelsey-ketch/1116884871?ean=9781492300687

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/books/Daughter-of-Isis/ZGLdYqP2EU-IAtlgjhGLsA

About the Author:

For more information, please visit her site at kelseyketch.com.

***Author Links***

Website: http://kelseyketch.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7104482.Kelsey_Ketch

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kelseyketch

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KelseyKetch#

***Giveaway***

Two prize packs, each containing a silver ankh pendant with seven knot anklet, Son of Set e-reader bling, 3 bookmarks, 2 temporary tattoos, 2 character collectable cards, and 2 wristbands (INT).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal Hosted By YA Bound Book Tours

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The Young Adult / New Adult I Heart Swag Giveaway

February 10, 2014 jenlanebooks

Thanks to Kelsey Ketch for hosting this giveaway. Do you love book swag? I do!

I’m giving away $10 from PayPal or Amazon, bookmarks (like the Streamline bookmark above), a swim cap, and an ebook of Streamline to the winners.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Hop over to other participating blogs to win more SWAG!

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New Adult Sleepover Weekend #NASW

December 16, 2013 jenlanebooks

It was a blast attending the New Adult Sleepover Weekend 12/6 – 12/8 in Savannah, Georgia.

For those of you unfamiliar with the genre of “New Adult”, it refers to novels with characters ages 17-27. And it often includes some smokin’ hot romance!

I brought copies of my NA swimming romance Streamline, and met some fabulous authors and readers.

I’d chatted with author RL Griffin online and read her intriguing novel By a Thread, so it was a pleasure to join her for the Suspense panel (my first author panel). We had a good diversity of genres represented, and my favorite comment was RL drawling, “Y’all, Streamline had so much drama it was like a Lifetime movie!”

RL Griffin, Jennifer Lane, SM Boyce, Dawn Robertson

Then came the book signing, where I celebrated my Navy novel:

Cap’n Lane

Saturday evening capped off with a pajama party. Here I am in my robe with the super friendly author Kelsey Ketch:

The best part of Savannah was seeing my sister Susan, who lives nearby in South Carolina. Oh, and the weather was pretty awesome too. Here are Susan and my nephew doggie Auggie:

The long weekend ended all too soon, and I had to return to snowy Ohio. Boo!

Thank you to Stella Price and Authors After Dark for organizing the New Adult Sleepover Weekend.

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Daughter of Isis by Kelsey Ketch: Review

October 29, 2013 jenlanebooks

It’s time for the Daughter of Isis Blog Tour, hosted by YA Bound! Check out the full tour schedule HERE.

Daughter of Isis by Kelsey Ketch
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Son of Set Is a Son of a B*tch

Kelsey Ketch is one of the sweetest authors around! When I discovered the opportunity to read and review her debut novel, I snatched it. I rarely stray from my preferred genre of contemporary romance, and the fact that I enjoyed this Egyptian YA paranormal romance so much speaks volumes for the entertainment value of this story.

Natara “Nattie” Stone has the unenviable task of starting twelfth grade not only in a new school but in a new country. Her mother died when she was five, and her father moves Nattie from London to the Californian desert following the murder of her beloved Egyptian grandmother.

“Brit-Chick” Nattie encounters some kind friends at her new high school:

”Well, how else do you explain Seth’s weirdness?” Jen snapped. “Every girl drools over that guy, and no mortal human can look that good.”
“I’m mortal,” Kevin pointed out.
Jen’s eyes wandered over him. “Case in point,” Jen concluded. “So, Seth has to be supernatural.”

But the classmate who really stands out in Natti’s mind is the one who has slept with about half the female class: Seth. The other half wishes they were so lucky. He’s definitely a charmer…except to Nattie. She gets an intense headache every time he’s around (LOL) which definitely intrigues stalker Seth.

Nattie is a likable character, earnest and intelligent. I would prefer Natara’s nickname to be Tara or Nata because Nattie seems more reminiscent of a southern maid than a British daughter of Isis. But my favorite character is Seth. His behavior is despicable at first, which is understandable given his slimeball father. Seth is a son of Set—a descendent of an Egyptian god who’s all about lust, destruction, and chaos. (I love the idea of one’s sole purpose in life being to create chaos.) From these evil beginnings, Seth really matures in this story. There’s a reason Nattie’s feelings evolve for him over time.

At first the plot seemed too similar to Twilight, but then it found its own rhythm. The pace continued building to the exciting conclusion, which leaves room for a sequel. One mystery yet to be revealed is why Nattie’s father moved them to this small town in California, with its Egyptian symbols. And what is up with the book her father is writing? How much does he know about her mother’s and grandmother’s death? I’m guessing we’ll learn more in the next book. *claps*

Great job, Kelsey Ketch!

View all my reviews