"Paper Love" by Aubrey Wynne!

Hiya peeps! I've got a new audiobook review for you today, perfect for this time of year! 

Audiobook Review of "Gold Rush" by Jennifer Comeaux!

Hiya guys! I'm super stoked to share a new audiobook with you today! I've featured this author on my blog a few times already, but I hadn't  yet had the opportunity to read on of her books. I'm a huge fan of ice skating though, so her book topics always appeal to me.

When the chance to review this one came up, I jumped on it! Check out my review, and be sure to let me know what you think of this book in the comments below!

Gold Rush

~Released: January 9th 2017

~Length: 11 Hours, 39 Mins

~Narrator: Emily Stokes

~Parent's Rating: PG-14

~Genres: Young Adult, New Adult, Romance

Goodreads

Amazon ~ Audible

Liza Petrov’s entire life has been about skating and winning her sport’s top prize – Olympic gold. She’s stayed sheltered inside her bubble, not daring to stray from her destined path. Until she meets Braden Patrick. He makes her heart flutter with possibility, and for the first time she gets a taste of a normal teenage life. She longs to have both the boy and the gold, but stepping outside her bubble comes with a price. As Liza begins to question both her future and her past, can she stay focused on the present and realize her ultimate dream?

"Keep On Believing" by Marie Higgins!*Audiobook Review*

Hiya guys! Hope you had an awesome weekend! Do you celebrate Easter? Did you do anything fun?

I filled my weekend with a pretty awesome audiobook, and I'm excited to share it with you! It's a fairytale retelling, and was so good! Check out my review below, and be sure to leave a comment about what you think of this book!

Keep On Believing

(Where Dreams Come True, #4)

~Released: March 20th, 2016

~Parent's Guide Rating: PG

~Genres: Fantasy, Fairytale Retelling, Romance

Goodreads

Amazon ~ Audible

Taking some of the family’s jewels, Ella Spencer and her brother left the kingdom in the dead of night, escaping the clutches of their evil stepmother. Ella realized they need a different life than one of a servant. Now living in a new kingdom, Ella believes this is where they can start over again. So far, it’s working…until her brother’s school teacher starts poking his nose into their business. She cannot tell him the truth, yet deep down inside, she feels that he might be her Prince Charming after all, and be the one who’ll save her from danger. 

Christopher Morgan is hiding secrets that he never plans to divulge. The sister of one of his students intrigues him, and he can’t keep from wanting to know more about her. When a man comes around asking questions, Chris fears Ella is not safe and he needs to protect her. But he finds that he is the one in need of a dream-come-true. Can he hope that Ella will be the one to rescue him out of his life before these secrets destroy him?

*Blitz & Giveaway*"Confessions of a Wedding Planner" by Michelle Jo Quinn!

Hiya guys! Hope you're having a fantastic day!

This book looked super sweet, so we decided to share it here on DRR! Check it out, and be sure to enter the giveaway at the end of the post for a chance to win an awesome prize!

Bliss #1

~Released: July 26th 2016

~Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Goodreads

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo ~ iTunes

He may be the best man, but he’s the worst man for her…

Wedding planner, Veronica Soto-Stewart believes everyone deserves a fairy tale–even her ex-boyfriend. Unable to refuse his request, and with the help of Bliss Events motley crew, she finds herself creating the most magical event for the perfect couple.

But nothing is ever perfect…

And not all happy ever afters can be planned…

Levi Laurent can’t believe his luck. Thanks to his best friend’s wedding, he finally has a shot at the woman he’s always wanted–Veronica. From San Francisco to Paris, and back, he pulls out all the stops, so she knows where she really belongs–with him. But Veronica wants nothing to do with the rich, sexy, irresistible playboy.

Can Levi convince Veronica that her perfect happily ever after is closer than she ever realized?

"The Hunter's Moon" by Beth Trissel! *Tour with Review, Excerpt & Giveaway*

Hiya peeps, happy Thursday! Hope your week is going well. Tomorrow is Friday - whoot! Anyone else ready? I know I am. 

Today, I've got a full tour stop for you guys, complete with an excerpt, my review, and a giveaway at the end! Check it out, and please leave a comment before you leave! Thanks!

The Secret Warrior #1

~Released: December 14th 2015

~Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

~Genres: Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance

Goodreads ~ Amazon

Seventeen-year-old Morgan Daniel has been in the witness protection program most of her life. But The Panteras have caught up with her and her younger brother. Her car is totaled, she's hurt, and the street gang is closing in when wolves with glowing eyes appear out of nowhere and chase away the killers.

Then a very cute guy who handles a bow like Robin Hood emerges from the woods and takes them to safety at his fortress-like home.

And that's just the first sign that Morgan and her brother have entered a hidden world filled with secrets...

"Healing Rain" by Katy Newton Naas! *Tour Stop: Trailer, Interview & Giveaway*

*Materials & images provided by YA Bound Book Tours.

~Released: April 1st, 2015

~Publisher: Clean Reads

~Length: 222 Pages

~Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary, Clean Romance, Christian Fiction

Goodreads

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo ~ iTunes

Smashwords

Some people just naturally seem to have it all. Until five months ago, sixteen-year-old Rain Sawyer was one of those people. She had the perfect life, with a loving, wealthy family and a strong Christian faith, complete with popularity, sports, clubs, and good grades. 

When one tragic incident shatters everything Rain thought she knew, she finds herself five hours away, starting over in a small town very different from her glamorous big-city life. 

Armed with a different outlook on life – one that no longer includes her faith – she struggles to create a new identity for herself. Determined to keep her dark past as secret, she navigates through a new school year, a new town, and new relationships while trying to figure out who she wants to be. 

*Freebie Sale!* "Eric Elmoor and the Gauntlet of Godric" by Thomas Meyers!

Hey peeps, Rose here.   So, one of my author friends is running an awesome promotion for his book right now, and asked me to share it with you guys.  It's for a book I've reviewed, and really really enjoyed.  You can see my review here, or check out the spotlight below for more info!  This is an awesome book for any fantasy fan, for sure.  It's like the Hobbit/LotR, mixed with Percy Jackson, mixed with I don't know what, but it's awesome!  Check it out, and pick it up today!  Why not, it's Free! :D

*Review* "The Ambrose Beacon" by Alena Gouveia!

The Ambrose Beacon

(The Solas Prophecy, #1)

~By: Alena Gouveia

~Released: April 8th, 2013

~Length: 404 Pages

~Genres: Young Adult, Paranormal, Adventure, Fantasy

Goodreads ~ Shelfari

Facebook ~ Amazon

Strange things have been happening in Evergreen, Colorado. People are disappearing, wolves are prowling the woods for the first time in seventy years, and strangers in black are showing up at the local schools. For the Ambrose family, it’s a sign that their quiet lives are about to be changed forever. The events signal the beginning of a struggle that will either push them closer together as a family, or tear them apart. To survive, each of the children must harness the strange new abilities with which they’ve been gifted and learn to fight as one. For Jeremiah Ambrose, the struggle to protect his children will force him to put aside his animosity for his brother-in-law Harper, and learn to see him in a different light.

But for Harper, the burden is heaviest. He alone knows the truth about the strange events and what they mean for his family. Something is searching for the Ambrose children. And when it finds them, the fate of the whole world will be decided…

*Review* "Eric Elmoor and The Gauntlet of Godric" by Thomas A. Meyers!

*Materials & images provided by Goodreads; review owned by Desert Rose Reviews.

**First published on June 26th, 2013.  Re-Posted for our TBT Review.

The Eric Elmoor Saga, #1

~By: Thomas A. Meyers

~Released: December 6th, 2012

~Length: 260 Pages

~Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Adventure

GoodReads

Shelfari

Amazon

Welcome to Novogard – Where lands have been shattered from racial division. Where a powerful government has begun its encroachment onto unwilling societies. Where the magical and the technological collide.

Fifteen year old Eric Elmoor has always felt like an outcast; ceaselessly teased about his unusual purple eyes, never fitting into any particular group at school, raised only by his mother since his father died inexplicably when he was only a small child. But when three warlocks simultaneously attack the three biggest cities in all of Novogard, Eric is taken on a journey to the elf homeland where the secrets of his mysterious origins will be revealed and the power within him unleashed...and a forbidden relationship with the chieftain's goddaughter begins.

With the warlocks and their hellish horde now threatening the borders of the elvish lands, Eric must find the courage to make a stand and face the one who murdered his father in the vain hope of saving all of Novogard from utter ruin.

*Series Sale* "Eric Elmoor Saga" by Thomas A. Meyers!

Hey peeps, Rose here.  I found out recently that an awesome series is going to be FREE this week, and just had to share it!  I read the first book in this series last year, and the sequel just came out - I'm currently reading it, and enjoying it quite a bit!

This is a wonderful series for fantasy lovers - it's got action, suspense, adventure, mystery, rebellion, heartache and love!

Check out the book info below, including my review of the first book, and if it sounds interesting, head on over to Amazon and get your Kindle copy today!!!  The sale will last from December 24th - 28th - perfect for a little Christmas treat ;)

*Blitz & Giveaway* "The Spirit Heir" by Kaitlyn Davis!!

The Spirit Heir

(A Dance of Dragons #2)

~By: Kaitlyn Davis

~Published: October 30th, 2014

~Length: 248 Pages

~Genres: Young Adult, Paranormal, Fantasy, Romance

Goodreads ~ Amazon

Smashwords

Kobo ~ iTunes

Barnes & Noble

From bestselling author Kaitlyn Davis comes the second book in the thrilling A Dance of Dragons series—perfect for fans of Throne of Glass, Graceling, and Game of Thrones!

Drenched in darkness and surrounded by the echo of screams, Jinji waits deep in the dungeons of Rayfort, haunted by the memory of the knife stabbing Rhen, plagued by a foreign voice whispering through her mind. A few floors above, Rhen rests trapped in a coma, about to wake to a changed world—a world where his best friend is a woman, his nephew is the king, and an enemy army surrounds him on all sides. 

But human wars are insignificant compared to the darkness gathering unseen. Memories of lives she never lived flash through Jinji's thoughts, hinting at a past that cannot be repeated. A mysterious phantom visits Rhen, carrying cryptic messages of the future. And somewhere out there, the shadow continues to lurk in silence. 

Startled by their altered relationship and tempted by new feelings, Rhen and Jinji must find a way to work together. The fate of humanity rests on their shoulders and the real battle has only just begun…

*Review* "Specials" by Scott Westerfeld!

In the past few weeks, I've posted reviews for both Uglies and Pretties by Scott Westerfeld.  Today, I'll review the final book in the trilogy: Specials!! :D

~Published: May 9th, 2006

~Publisher: Simon Pulse

~Length: 384 Pages

~Genres: Young Adult, Dystopian, Sci-Fi, Romance, Adventure, Action, Fantasy

Goodreads

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

"Special Circumstances": The words have sent chills down Tally's spine since her days as a repellent, rebellious ugly. Back then Specials were a sinister rumor -- frighteningly beautiful, dangerously strong, breathtakingly fast. Ordinary pretties might live their whole lives without meeting a Special. But Tally's never been ordinary.

And now she's been turned into one of them: a superamped fighting machine, engineered to keep the uglies down and the pretties stupid.

The strength, the speed, and the clarity and focus of her thinking feel better than anything Tally can remember. Most of the time. One tiny corner of her heart still remembers something more.

Still, it's easy to tune that out -- until Tally's offered a chance to stamp out the rebels of the New Smoke permanently. It all comes down to one last choice: listen to that tiny, faint heartbeat, or carry out the mission she's programmed to complete. Either way, Tally's world will never be the same.

*Spotlight and Giveaway* "Faith Departed" by Elizabeth Maddrey!

Faith Departed

~By: Elizabeth Maddrey

~Published: March 4th, 2014

~Length: 195 Pages

~Genres: Chick-Lit, Christian, Clean Romance, Adult Fiction

Goodreads

Amazon Paperback
Kindle

*Spotlight* "Prejudice Meets Pride" by Rachael Anderson!

Coming Soon, from USA Today Bestselling Author Rachael Anderson:

Prejudice Meets Pride

~By: Rachael Anderson

~Expected Release Date: April 28th, 2014 (Hey, that's Rose's Birthday!! :D  Whoot!)

~Publisher: HEA Publishing

~Genres: Adult, Clean Romance, Contemporary

Goodreads

*Tour & Review* "The Boyfriend List" by Renee Novelle!

The Boyfriend List

~By: Renee Novelle

~Published: February 10th, 2014

~Genres: New Adult, Clean Romance, Comedy

Goodreads

Amazon Paperback

Kindle ~ B&N
Smashwords

"Synchrony" by Cindy Ray Hale! *Cover Reveal & Giveaway*

Destiny #2

~Release Date: 2014

~Genres: Young Adult, New Adult, Romance

Goodreads

~Links to Book One:

Goodreads ~ Amazon

When her parents discover she’s been sneaking out with Isaac Robinson the forbidden Baptist boy, Mormon girl Destiny Clark decides it’s time to keep their relationship quiet. As their relationship moves to shakier ground, Destiny discovers that Isaac has a terrible secret, and she is left completely shattered.

The moment Destiny feels all hope is lost, Preston Nelson, her longtime church friend and Isaac's bitter rival, arrives like a beacon of light. It isn't long before two separate disasters strike for Preston and Destiny's best friend, Hannah. As Destiny helps them through their issues, she discovers that sometimes the best way to forget about your own problems is to help a friend in need.

Just as her heart begins to mend and her friendship with Preston begins to heat up, Isaac walks back into her life, threatening to rekindle the feelings she’d hoped to bury forever. Will Destiny and Preston find the synchrony they so desperately need, or will she find a way to forgive Isaac and return to his outstretched arms?

Cindy Ray Hale lives in Tennessee with her husband and four children. In addition to being a writer, she's an avid reader and a social media junkie. At the age of 17, she wrote a short story, "Instant Harmony" which later appeared in the April 2000 issue of "New Era," the official magazine for the youth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Destiny is her first book and has been available for purchase since November 5, 2013.

Goodreads ~ Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~Cover Reveal organized by YA Bound Book Tours.

Just In Time For Christmas: "The Santa Claus League" Review & Spotlight!

The Santa Claus League

~Author: Stephen Miller

~Genres: Fantasy

~Published:
November 1st, 2013

~Pages: 266

Goodreads
Amazon

Buy on Publisher's Website

Julia Martin is the most incredible girl in school, and Mason Howell is hopelessly smitten by her. Julia is in charge of the local Charity Christmas party and she’s pleased with how everything is going...until her Santa Claus calls in sick. In a panic, she begs Mason to help her by wearing his grandfather’s heirloom Santa Claus suit. Mason agrees, just to impress the beautiful girl, but things don’t go as planned...as soon as he puts on the suit, he gets all the powers of Santa Claus!

Together with John Patton, Mason’s best friend, they learn his grandfather was a member of an ancient league of men and women dedicated to helping St. Nicholas use Christmas magic to save the world. The three of them could become the newest members of the Santa Claus League...if they can learn the secrets of Christmas magic!

*Review & Playlist* "Rising" by Holly Kelly!

*Materials & images provided by Clean Teen Publishing.  Review owned by Desert Rose Reviews.

~Published: September 13th, 2013

~Length: 257 Pages

~Genres: New Adult, Paranormal Romance

In a war between the humans and the inhabitants of the sea—humans will  lose. Xanthus Dimitriou—the most lethal Dagonian to rise from the ocean—is on a mission to save mankind from annihilation. But first there’s one small thing he needs to do… kill a beautiful young woman in a wheelchair.

Killing her doesn’t start out as part of his plan. He entrenches himself deep in the human world. Aligning himself with his enemies, he prepares to send them to Triton to face their punishment. Then Sara Taylor rolls onto the scene. Xanthus knows at once she’s a criminal. And her crime? Being born. She’s a human/Dagonian half-breed, an abomination. Killing her should be an easy job. All he has to do is break into her apartment, slit her throat, and feed her body to the sharks. Simple, right? Wrong. If only she weren’t so beautiful, so innocent, so sweet...

Saving the world may have to wait. It appears Xanthus has a woman to save. But protecting her may cost him his own life.

Holly Kelly is a mom who writes books in her spare time: translation--She hides in the bathroom with her laptop and locks the door while the kids destroy the house and smear peanut butter on the walls.

Holly was born in Utah but lived in Salina, Kansas until she was 13 and in Garland, Texas until she was 18. She's now back in Utah--"happy valley". Holly is married to her wonderful husband, James, and the two of them are currently raising 6 rambunctious children. Her interests are reading, writing (or course), martial arts, visual arts, and spending time with family.

Holly Kelly's first published book is: Rising. Rising was published by Clean Teen Publishing on September 6, 2013.

Goodreads ~ Follow the Rising Series On 

       He knew what he had to do, what he’d done countless times before. As a trained soldier, he had a sacred duty to protect his people, guard their secret, and uphold the law. This female’s presence here was not only a criminal act, but it also presented an imminent threat. And because of that, his course was clear.

       He had to kill her.

       His plan lay clearly before him. Blanketed in the shadows, he’d enter her apartment window. Moving silently, he’d strike fast. Before she could cry out for help, he’d have her throat slit wide open. With her blood flowing swiftly, she’d be dead in mere seconds. The fact that she bathed at this time added to the ease of the execution. Clean up would be simple. Before the night ended, it would be as if she’d never existed. The Dagonian threat of exposure would be wiped clean from the human world.

       Xanthus stood, his feet rooted in place under her window. Her sweet scent surrounded him as he listened to her pitiful sobs. Then, in that moment, he did the most shameful thing he’d ever done in his life.

       He hesitated.

       No, he didn’t merely hesitate. He halted. Fingering his blade in his holster, he willed his feet to move, but they seemed unwilling to obey. Then his mind latched onto a thought. It was no crime to wait for a more opportune time or a more secluded place to strike. He didn’t need to act rashly. True, finding her here in the human world shocked him, but he needed to be clear-headed and sure when he killed her.

       He made his way back to his vehicle and climbed behind the wheel. He leaned his head back against the seat, closed his eyes, and attempted to clear his head.

       He’d be back and she would die. She deserved to die. She may have the voice of an angel, but that was a lie. She was a traitor, a threat to their people. No other explanation made sense.

       He felt someone near just before a fist rapped on the glass. A big, filthy man with wild hair motioned for him to roll down his window.

       As soon as the glass lowered, the barrel of a high-caliber pistol poked inside. “Give me all your money and I won’t hurt you,” the man growled.

       “Put away that gun and I won’t hurt you,” Xanthus said, his voice low and menacing.

       The man didn’t seem too impressed. “Yeah man, right. You might notice I’m the one with the...” Before he got the words out, Xanthus had the gun out of the man’s hand and pointed back at his face with his windpipe clenched in his fist.

       “Hey man, I was just joking,” the human choked out.

       “Just walk away. And don’t come back. If I see your face   anywhere near here again, I’ll kill you. Do you understand me?”

       The man’s eyes widened in fear. “Yeah, yeah, I hear you,” he said, just before Xanthus released him and he escaped into the darkness.

       Xanthus looked toward the little female’s apartment building across the street. Could she have found a more dangerous place to live? He placed the gun in the glove compartment. He shouldn’t have let the gunman live.

       This Dagonian female probably felt at home with these bottom-feeders.

       Probably? Aw Hades. He cursed himself and the doubt in his mind. He doubly cursed that he couldn’t seem to stop himself from caring about her welfare. He’d be killing her himself, after all. The traitor had to die, regardless of his feelings and no matter how appealing she was. Of course if she died by a human’s hands then he wouldn’t...

       No.

       He shook his head at his own idiotic thoughts. If a human killed her, then her body would be taken to the morgue, for the humans to see. He couldn’t let that happen. He had to be the one to kill her and carefully dispose of her body. And he would, soon.

       Just not tonight.

~ 5/5 Roses ~

Good mermaid stories tend to be difficult to find. With the "Dagonians" and Triton filling the synopsis, this book either had the potential to rock, or bomb. It seemed obvious it would be a variation of a mermaid story, with Greek, and possibly Roman, mythology. I didn't know whether I'd like all of that mixed, but after finishing this book, I'm completely in love with this story! 

I think Xanthus is one of my new favorite book heroes. Gorgeous, strong, powerful, honorable, and the perfect image of an epic warrior, what's not to like? Balancing out this herculean Dagonian, is the sweet little Sara. While she's got heart and spirit, she is so incredibly beautiful, kind, sweet and vulnerable, you just want to hug her and make her some cookies. Together, they make a perfectly balanced couple, who take readers on an incredible adventure. 

Along with the fascinating match between Xanthus and Sara, this is a story full of danger, complications, action, and a lot of fish. Holly Kelly's writing is hilarious, and incredibly talented. She is able to be jovial and humorous, then glide seamlessly into action and suspenseful events, with writing that flows beautifully. She is a writer who could easily be both an inspiration to other writers, and a favorite author by any reader. 

If you haven't guessed, I loved this book, inside and out. I'd recommend this to anyone, but especially fans of love stories, merpeople, mythology, and suspenseful adventure.

*I was given an eCopy of this book, from the author's publisher, Clean Teen Publishing, to read in exchange for an honest review.

My Immortal by Evanescence
Breathe No More by Evanescence
Radioactive by Imagine Dragons
Bring Me To Life by Evanescence
Together Again by Evanescence
Going Under by Evanescence

I looooooved this book.  A lot.  Like, a loooot.  What do you guys think, does it sound good?  Let us know in the comments below!

If you enjoyed this post, please share it!

Thanks for stopping by :D

*Spotlight* "The Woodlands Series" by Lauren Nicolle Taylor!

The Woodlands Series
By: Lauren Nicolle Taylor
Published By: Clean Teen Publishing

The Woodlands (The Woodlands #1)

~Genres: YA, Sci-Fi, Dystopian, Fantasy, Romance

~Published: August 24th, 2013

~Pages: 275

Goodreads

*Now FREE on Amazon Kindle!!

Rosa never thought she’d make it to sixteen...

When being unique puts you in danger and speaking your mind can be punishable by death, you might find yourself fighting to survive. Rosa lives in The Woodlands, one of eight enclosed cities where the lone survivors of a devastating war have been gathered. In these circular cities everyone must abide by the law or face harsh punishment. 

Rosa's inability to conform and obey the rules brands her a leper and no one wants to be within two feet of her, until she meets Joseph. He's blonde, fair skinned, blue eyed and the laid back, ever-grinning, complete opposite of Rosa.  She's never met anyone quite like him, and she knows that spells danger.

But differences weren't always a bad thing. People used to think being unique was one of the most treasured of traits to have. That was before the bitter race war decimated most of the planet, leaving the Russian wilderness as the only scrap of land habitable for survivors. Now, the Superiors, who ruthlessly control the concrete cities with an iron fist, are obsessed with creating a 'raceless' race. They are convinced this is the only way to avoid another war. Any anomalies must be destroyed.

The Superiors are unstoppable and can do anything they want, after all, they are considered super heroes by the general public. But not everyone see's them this way. When they continue to abuse their power by collecting young girls for use in their secret, high-tech breeding program, they have no idea that one of those girls has somehow managed to make friends even she didn't know she had. And one man will stop at nothing to save her.

       The helicopters were stationed at the rim of Ring One, just inside the low, sandy-colored wall that surrounded the center podium. They were waiting, crouching like black angels ready to lift us from this place, this hell, into an unknown world. A Guardian in black uniform with gold trim walked to the front of the choppers and signaled for us to come forward. Another one threw the bags in the cargo hold as he read from his list. Three girls and eight boys. Joseph’s name was not on the list. I felt a flood of relief that was washed away by panic. I was barely holding myself together as it was, seeing him was liable to make me fall to pieces. But he was supposed to be here.

       Paulo’s hand was on my back, pushing me towards the helicopter like I was an uncooperative apple on the conveyor belt. I was trying so hard to muster up some courage. Today I was leaving the only home I had ever known. I would never see my mother again. I felt the anxiety rising, the crushing pain of the separation I was about to suffer. Suddenly the grey- washed town didn’t look so horrible. It was home after all, I guess. I told myself it was fear that was making me feel this way. It didn’t help.My mother, who had been quietly following us around like a dazed puppy, pulled me to her in a tight embrace. She whispered, “Sorry,” in my ear before stepping back, fists clenched, showing the appropriate restraint. Some other mothers were crying and holding their children as the Guardian wrenched them away and led them onto the aircraft.

       My mother’s face was my own, the way she moved mirrored my own movements and mannerisms, but that’s where the similarities ended. Although raised by this woman, I was nothing like her. For the first time, I saw things from her perspective. Getting into trouble all the time, never showing Paulo anything other than contempt. I must have been such a frustration to her.

       They called my name. Paulo put his hands firmly on my shoulders, holding me in my place. His intense stare was impossible to look away from. “Don’t shame your family,” he spat at me. And with that, he made it easy to leave. I could feel the blades starting to move, my hair whipping around my face. I stripped away the fear and anxiety, leaving a girl that was fierce, empowered by his hatred.

       “Don’t worry, Paulo, I’ll stir it up, make a little noise!” I shouted through the wind. The Guardian that let me sign up was watching me, probably regretting his decision. My mother was standing rigidly, her handmade skirt billowing as the air churned around her, her hand outstretched, pleading. I could see it in her eyes—please Rosa, don’t cause more trouble. She couldn’t stop me, no one ever could. Paulo was already walking away, his back to me. Behind my mother stood a man, one blue eye, one brown, smiling. He lifted his hand to wave. I raised my hand, confused. The chopper lurched awkwardly and I was knocked back into the cargo hold.

       “Sit down!” the Guardian snapped at me. I quickly found a spot and strapped myself in. The others were staring at me, eyes wide. The Guardian tapped the pilot on the shoulder. “Wait, there’s one more.”

       He bounded in, bag in hand, and casually threw it on the pile and scanned the seats. There was plenty of room on the other side but he squeezed his bulky form between me and the boy I was sitting next to.

       Suddenly we were in the air. When the Guardian wasn’t looking, Joseph slipped his hand over mine. Warmth calmed the agitation I felt, like pouring gold over lead, glowing. We stayed that way the entire ride. Eyes forward. Impossibly trying to anticipate what may lie ahead. 

The Wall
(The Woodlands #2)

~Genres: Young Adult, New Adult, Sci-Fi, Dystopian, Fantasy, Romance

~Published: October 11th, 2013

~Pages: 338

Goodreads

Amazon

Joseph, wake up, wake up, wake up.

She says it over and over. It’s her plea, her prayer, her mantra. But life doesn’t stop while he’s sleeping. Rosa’s been thrown into a new world, with new rules, and a philosophy that sounds too good to be true. She’s also sure they didn’t rescue her out of the goodness of their hearts.

The Survivors must want something from them… but what?

The Wall finds Rosa eagerly entering a new life, yet struggling to keep the demons and ghosts of the past from dragging her backwards.

She’s left so many people behind and isn’t sure how to start over.

There’s freedom in the Survivors’ world, more than she’d ever dreamed of, but there’s also secrets. The darkest of which pulls Rosa headfirst into a trauma, forcing her to reevaluate her past and pushing her to make a choice that may destroy the tenuous, sewn-together family she’s built on the outside.

Will Rosa make the right choice… or will she lose everything she has fought so hard for?

Music is very important to Lauren. She has incorporated a playlist that you can listen to on her website here: http://www.laurennicolletaylor.com/music.html

       Lauren Nicolle Taylor is a 33-year-old mother living in the tiny, lush town of Bridgewater on the other side of the world in Australia. She married her high school sweetheart and has three very boisterous and individual children. She earned a Bachelors degree in Health Sciences with Honours in Obstetrics and Gynecology and majored in Psychology while minoring in Contemporary Australian Writing.

       After a disastrous attempt to build her dream house that left her family homeless, She found herself inexplicably drawn to the computer. She started writing, not really knowing where it may lead but ended up, eight weeks later, with the rough draft of The Woodlands.

       In 2013, Lauren Nicolle Taylor accepted a publishing contract with Clean Teen Publishing. Her first published novel, The Woodlands, was released on August 30, 2013. Currently, Lauren has finished her manuscript for the second book in the series titled: The Wall, as well as partially completed the third book in the series which at this time is unnamed.

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