Ellesea Loves Reading: August 2015

Monday, 31 August 2015

New Release: Indecision by Elisabeth Grace

Do you love a man in uniform? Us too - and boy, has Elisabeth Grace supplied one for us! Jamie is sweet in the streets and sizzling in the sheets, and you most definitely want to get your hands on him in INDECISION, which is available now!

Jackie Davenport will try anything once, especially in the bedroom. Anything except falling in love. She lives a carefree existence packed full of fun, but free from emotional entanglements and that’s just how she wants to keep it. When she meets the new police officer in town, she’s unable to deny the connection between them. His over confidence and bullish ways grate on her…still she can’t help but find herself falling into his bed AND falling for him.

Jamie McTavish is man enough to admit that he probably didn’t make the best first impression when he met the 911 Operator. That doesn’t mean there isn’t still sizzling sexual tension between them. He’s a man of action and he’s not content to sit on the sidelines until Jackie works out her issues. But trying to tame this tiger might be too big of a challenge for even him.

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I pulled the cruiser into Jackie’s driveway. What the hell was wrong with me? It was only yesterday that I’d gotten her off and yet here I was, sitting unannounced in her driveway like a stalker.

If I’d thought it difficult to get her off my mind before, what had happened in the wine cellar had made it damn near impossible.

Everyone I’d talked to had said the same thing—that she’d turned down each and every cop or fireman that had asked her out. No one was sure if she was just trying to keep her personal life outside of the work environment or what, but I intended to find out. The insane pull between us didn’t leave me any other choice.

With a sigh, I unbuckled my seatbelt and glanced at the small bungalow. It was cute with white siding and black shutters. Hanging baskets of colorful flowers hung from hooks around the veranda and a kickass bicycle was leaning against the side of the house. That helped to explain why she had such a firm ass.

I opened the door to the cruiser when the front door of the house burst open, and Jackie stood there frozen, her hand held to her chest and such an expression of fear on her face that I bolted out of the car and up the front steps.

“What’s wrong?” I demanded as soon as I was in front of her.

“Wh-what are you doing here?” she asked in barely a whisper.

I relaxed a fraction once it was clear she was okay. “I figured you could use a lift to Don’s place for your car. Didn’t think you would’ve driven home last night.” I shrugged. “It’s been quiet today, so I popped by to see if you wanted me to drive you over.”

She released a pent-up breath and relief washed over her face. “Oh, thank God.”

I frowned and gripped her upper arms. “What’s going on? Everything okay?”

She glanced down at where my hands lay on her soft skin and looked back up to me, blinking twice. “It’s nothing. When I saw the cruiser in the driveway...never mind.” She shook her head.

I studied her for a moment. She was sexy just rolling out of bed with her hair thrown in a messy bun and last night’s make-up still on her face. “You sure?”

She nodded and her eyes flicked down to my hands once more. “Why are you always touching me whenever I see you?” Her voice had come out all breathy, not at all convincing me that she didn’t like my hands right where they were.

I grazed her collarbones with my thumbs, causing goose bumps to form on her skin. “I think you know exactly why.”

... and Release Festivities

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Elisabeth Grace isn't giving away just one prize in celebration of INDECISION - she's giving away a ton more! Be sure to keep an eye on Elisabeth Grace's Facebook page this week for more information about a lot of really cool prizes you can win!

Happy Hour Book Bash

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Join Elisabeth Grace with Faith Andrews, RE Hunter, Livia Jamerlan, and BA Wolfe on September 1st from 6pm - 11pm EST for some end of summer fun and giveaways! Click here to RSVP to the event on Facebook!

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Spotlight: Unsaid (The Manhattanites) by Avery Aster

For fans who loved the snarky wit of Will & Grace and the epic love drama found in Brokeback Mountain comes Avery Aster’s new full-length, standalone contemporary M/M romance novel, Unsaid.

Chelsea’s hottie Blake Morgan III has reemerged from a nasty breakup. His marriage was a frigid disaster beyond repair, and he vows to be single—forever. Bruised, but still hot in Prada, he creates his Seven Desires wish list, his sexiest imaginings. Blake soon realizes there’s only one man he may trust to make these uninhibited intentions come to fruition: his best friend Miguel Santana.

Lower East Side multimedia artist extraordinaire Miguel Santana may be known as the cocky Latin stud in the city, but all he’s wanted since college was Blake’s hand in marriage. He was livid when Blake walked down the aisle with the wrong guy. Miguel has his own list titled the Seven Needs, which are quite contrary to Blake’s dirty-boy deeds. They involve serious commitments, which may leave his new-to-the-singles-scene buddy sprinting for the door, destroying any hopes Miguel has for happiness.

Can these two hunks conquer their intimate fears and love one another as only best friends can? Join the star-studded cast in The Manhattanites series and see for yourself!

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Exciting him all the more, Miguel pushed him against the table. His friend’s actions may have been plain old-fashioned lust, but someone sought him, in the flesh. Not for his monetary assets, but for his ass. “I want my tongue inside your hot mouth.”

He wrapped his right leg around his friend’s tight waist. The warm friendship blanketed them, making him feel desired. He’d never been kissed by anyone but his ex-husband before. This felt different. Real. Mutual.

His buddy tilted his head to the side. Bit by bit, Miguel gazed down over his forehead and finally rested upon his eyes, almost speaking intently, as if saying, I’m going to give you the passion you’ve always wanted. I’ll fill your need.

Miguel brought his tongue to a long-stroked lick over Blake’s bottom lip before plunging into his mouth, deep and hard with a grunting moan.

Breathless as a teenager kissed for the first time, his cock stiffened all over again.

“You’re going to be my niño this week,” he muttered in a thick accent. “All mine.”

Relishing in the forceful kiss, exhilarated in agreement, he forgot the Hell and nightmare he’d been living in and answered, “Yes, I’ll be your boy this week.” Blake wondered how he’d ever be able to walk away from him once the lists were completed. Would they be able to go back to being best friends? More importantly, if he told Miguel the truth, could he keep it a secret?

Fans of Alice Clayton, Karina Halle, Emma Chase, and Tara Sivec will enjoy this hilarious and naughty, full-length, stand-alone, cliffhanger free, m/f contemporary erotic romance novel from New York Times Bestselling Author Avery Aster.

At thirty-three, Warner Truman is one of the richest men on the planet, a spa mogul who buys and sells resorts at will. He holds powerful executives’ careers in his well-groomed hands. Nothing is beyond Warner’s reach…until he meets her.

Stunning, tantalizing and perverse, Taddy Brill captivates Warner’s carnal desire like no woman he’s ever met. A self-made millionaire, Taddy is tougher than steel, more brilliant than diamonds and, at twenty-seven, she’s never depended on a man for anything…until she meets him.

The more Taddy plays with Warner’s affections, driving him to erotic heights, the more she is confronted by a dark past. Before she can love him, Taddy must meet her worst fears head-on or risk losing it all, including herself.

Out Now! @

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Fans of Sylvia Day, R.K. Lilley, Christina Lauren, and Maya Banks will enjoy this hilarious and naughty, full-length, stand-alone, cliffhanger free, m/f contemporary erotic romance novel from New York Times Bestselling Author Avery Aster.

Milan’s notorious playboy, Prince Tittoni, seems to have everything–Lamborghinis, exotic women, palaces throughout Europe and business success. Ramping up his fabric company to go global with a new apparel brand, he ruthlessly stops supplying fabrics to the American client who inspired the collection. But once they meet, what’s he willing to give to get her in his bed?

Upper East Side designer Lex Easton has already endured her fair share of hard knocks. She’ll be damned if she’ll let an Italian stud muffin knock her down. So what if she named her favorite vibrator after him? With Fashion Week approaching, she’ll do whatever it takes to secure the fabrics she needs to make her clothing line an international success–even sleep with her rival.

Lex’s Louboutins are dug in deep to win this war. All’s fair in love and fashion!

Out now! @

New York Times bestselling author Avery Aster pens The Manhattanites, a contemporary erotic romance series of full-length, stand-alone novels, and the naughty new adult prequel companion series The Undergrad Years.

As a resident of New York City and a graduate from New York University, Avery gives readers an inside look at the city’s glitzy nightlife, socialite sexcapades and tall tales of the über-rich and ultra-famous.

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Saturday, 29 August 2015

Cover Reveal: The Beast Within by Rachel M. Raithby

An innovative and collaborative collection of Shifter stories set in one town, with a guaranteed Happily Ever After.

Authors included:

Scarlett Dawn, Aria Kane, Lia Davis, K.N. Lee, Calinda B, Kate Corcino, J. Rose Alexander, J.M. Witt, Carina Wilder, Sarah Makela, Tasha Black, Emily Walker, Michele Bardsley, Elle Thorne, Renee George, Nicole Blanchard, Mandy Rosko, J.D. Hollyfield, Mindy Larson, M.C. Cerny, Xandra James, Raci Ames, Isobelle Cate, April Aasheim,
Cherie Marks, Rachel M Raithby, Eden Butler, Ever Coming, Jenni Moen, and K Webster.

For two years Becca Kian has been in an abusive relationship; leaving could prove deadly, but when she’s pushed a step too far, Becca has no choice but to flee. After an accident that leaves her unconscious, Becca wakes to find herself in the cabin of a man as entrancing as he is dangerous. Because this man makes her want to dream — dream of a world where Alex Scar doesn’t exist.

Both Minotaur and human, Aster Tavros is a shifter in hiding. Living in Woodland Creek, he’s made no effort to form relationships; too afraid to allow others to see his true nature. Because when they do; they run, or worse…die. Yet when Becca comes crashing into his life, he ignores every one of his rules. Passion ignites between them, but when secrets and pasts collide, Aster must hide his identity — or reveal his true self, and save Becca, all the while, risking losing her forever…

Release Date : November 15th 2015

Woodland Creek Website

*Copyright Rachel M Raithby - subject to change unedited.

Becca hadn’t had a blessed life. Though recently she thought it was reaching an all-time low. Even being tossed from one foster home to the next her entire childhood, was beginning to seem like heaven compared to the last few months.

Her life drained the very essence from her. Every day she witnessed horrible acts she could never erase from her mind. Becca was trapped, a prisoner, yet her captor didn’t see it as such.

At seventeen Becca had run away from her final foster home; deciding she’d rather chance the streets than live with the foster dad with wandering hands. After a year things began to take there toll, thieving for food wasn’t easy, and no one wanted to employ a homeless woman who’d not even finished school. The day she met Alex Scar was a turning point in her life. At the time she’d thought it was for the better, but how very wrong she’d been.

Alex Scar had many talents. His best though; wearing a mask. Alex Scar could turn from safe, handsome, nice guy to the leader of a drug cartel within seconds. He’d worn his mask for months, luring Becca into his trap. He gave her a home, a job, and he wanted nothing for it in return…well for the first six months at least.

Becca knew she was beautiful…sexy even. When she had nice clothes and a place to live, her dark brown hair glimmered almost black. Her blue eyes shined when she had no worries on her shoulders, and her smile was infectious and easily given. For six months Alex had only been a friend, he’d given her a new life, and not once attempted to want anything more. The night he’d first touched her he’d been gentle and sweet, his kiss had been light, teasing, leaving her wanting more.

I never do this Bec…The girls I help, I never have any intention of wanting anything from them, but you Becca, you are the sweetest of them all…I can’t help myself.

His words, and his smooth tone, had captured Becca in his spell, and for a while she’d been happy. Yet eventually Alex’s mask began to slip. She witnessed glimpses of his real nature, and his real life. By the time Becca wanted out. She’d seen and heard too much. Becca’s only out was death.

So here she was; just twenty and girlfriend to Alex Scar, leader of the drug cartel in Detroit. Alex kept her by his side like a trophy. He knew she hated what he did, and it seemed to only please him more. He loved torturing her mind, loved to make her watch his interrogations. He also enjoyed hitting her when she stepped out of line.

Becca often wondered whether she had a limit. When would the point arrive when she couldn’t take anymore? What would finally make her snap?

“Come here Bec.”

Becca glanced up plastering a smile on her face as she gazed at Alex. There was a new shipment in, and Alex and his crew where sampling the goods. Becca never touched the stuff, and Alex had never forced her too…yet.

“Yes?” she asked sweetly, as she approached. Pulling the hem of her dress down, Becca felt eyes on her. Alex chose her clothes, he told her what to wear.

“Stop fiddling,” Alex scolded, slapping her thigh. “Come, sit on my lap.”

Swallowing her revulsion, Becca complied. She hated nights when Alex got high; he always got too rough.

“My sexy sweet thing,” Alex cooed, taking hold of her breast and squeezing tightly. “Show me how grateful you are Becca.”

Sliding her hands up his body, Becca’s mind went blank as she retreated deep into herself, and performed an act she’d done many times with no thought. She didn’t feel anything when she kissed, and touched Alex Scar. It was like she wasn’t home; she’d left her body, and it acted on its own accord. Becca felt dead on the inside, with each time she died a little more, yet she could see no way out.

Feeling extra hands on her, Becca snapped back to herself and pulled away as Tony, Alex’s right hand man groped her.

“Get off!” Becca yelled, venom in her tone.

Tony looked shocked she’d even spoke. His eyes narrowed, anger filled his features. She wasn’t quick enough to miss his strike, he clipped the side of her face and she fell back onto the floor and scrambled away. Her eyes met Alex’s, pleading him to say something, to stop this, but Alex laughed, delighted with this new game.

“Get back here Bec,” he order patting the hard bulge between his legs.

“What?” Becca whispered, her eyes looking from Tony to Alex. “But I’m yours?”

“Yes you are. I own you Becca, and I want you here on my lap, and you’ll let Tony do as he pleases.”

Her legs moved on their own. Her mind screamed in protest but nothing seemed to respond. They pulled at her, touching her, and stripping her body of her clothes. She felt their damp skin rubbing against her but saw none of it, registered none of it.

Her back met the floor, as Alex loomed above her, ripping the last shred of clothing from her body. A tear rolled from her eye as Tony’s cock hovered above her face.

“Now be a good girl and open up,” Tony sneered.

With one last pleading glance at Alex, Becca complied. I really do have no limit…

The door burst open.

“I’m busy!” Alex growled.

“I’m sorry Boss but this is urgent.”

Alex’s hands dug painfully tight into her thighs. “I’ll finish with you later… Enjoy Tony.”

For one hopeful second Becca had thought she’d been saved. Yet Alex stood, pulled on his jeans and then left, closing her in the room with Tony.

“At last I have you all to myself.” Tony smiled.

Becca snapped. Scrambling away she turned to escape, only to be pulled back. Her head hit the coffee table painfully and the stack of cocaine tumbled to the floor, sending white puffs of clouds into the air.

“Bitch, you’re going to pay for that.”

“No…please.”

Her begging only enticed him more, and as he neared her entrance, Becca turned her head away unable to watch. Her eyes focused on the contents she’d knocked from the coffee table; bags of cocaine, cigarettes and a gun, half hidden under a newspaper.

Becca had always wondered if she had a limit. What vile act would send her over the edge? She knew there was a high probability she’d not leave the warehouse alive, and even if she did, Alex would never stop hunting her, yet her hand clasped the gun. The metal felt oddly right in her hand, her finger found the trigger and as she aimed. Tony laughed not expecting her to shoot, but whether she lived or died, Becca wouldn’t allow herself to be loaned out to Alex’s men…She’d reached her limit, and she fired.

New Dawn Novels

True love is powerful, but some people will go to any lengths to destroy it.

Book 1 - Winter Wolf
#BestSellingParanormal #YoungAdult

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon CA | Amazon FR | Amazon DE

Pre-Order Paperback | Audio

Book 2 - Wolf Dancer
#Nico&OliviasStory

RELEASE DATE TBA 2016

Due to Winter Wolf being picked up by Skyskape Publishing Rachel has had to postpone the release of Wolf Dancer.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THE DEADWOOD HUNTER SERIES

#BestSellingParanormal #Adult

War is inevitable, the question is who will survive?
Lexia #Book1 Goodreads eBook #FREE - Amazon US - UK - AU - CA - FR - DE |iBooks | Kobo | Barnes & Noble

Whispers of Darkness #Book2 Goodreads BUY LINKS - Amazon US - UK - AU - CA -FR - DE - Barnes & Noble

Holocaust #Book3 Goodreads BUY LINKS - Amazon US - UK - AU - CA - FR - DE

Rachel M. Raithby started her writing career in 2013 and hasn't looked back. She draws her inspiration from the many places she has lived and traveled, as well as from her love of the paranormal and thriller movies. She can often be found hiding out with a good book or writing more fast-paced and thrilling stories where love always conquers all. A Brit who left the UK in 2008, she resides in a quiet town in Queensland, Australia, with her family.

Her books include, the adult Paranormal Romance novels 'The Deadwood Hunter Series' and the Young Adult novel 'Winter Wolf.'

Keep up to date with Rachel Join Rachels Street Team

Friday, 28 August 2015

Review & Author Interview: Bounce by Noelle August.

This final chapter in the fun and steamy New Adult trilogy by Noelle August (authors Veronica Rossi and Lorin Oberweger) features two aspiring musicians who must choose between their careers…and their sizzling attraction for each other.

Playing the occasional club gig just isn’t cutting it for twenty-two-year-old cellist Skyler Canby, who’s trying to support herself and her mother back home in Kentucky. Persuaded by her best friend Beth to accompany her on an audition for the first feature film launched by Blackwood Entertainment, she figures why not? Beth’s a shoe-in for the lead, but maybe Skyler’s newly dyed pink hair will help her stand out enough to score a small speaking part.

Never in her wildest dreams does Skyler imagine she’ll land the lead role or that she’ll have her shoes knocked off her feet by the kiss her audition partner, Grey Blackwood, plants on her—a kiss that feels very real and not at all “acted. ”

After throwing a party that causes thousands of dollars of damage to his older brother’s home, reckless musician Grey Blackwood gets roped into working off his debt on the set of his CEO brother’s newest project. Grey spends his days fetching coffee and doing odd jobs around the studio, but he lives for nights when he performs with his band. He knows if he can stay focused, success as a singer is just around the corner. But that’s tough with a distracting pink-haired girl occupying his every waking thought.

Skyler and Grey have every reason to resist each other. But, like a song neither of them can get out of their minds, they have no choice but to go where the music takes them.

The Boomerang series finishes on a high as Bounce is definitely my favourite book of this fun and entertaining series.

Grey Blackwood moved to California to live with his brother when his life fell apart on the East Coast, shunning his father and stepmother out of his life. He's looking for direction in his life and finds it in music. Now he's a lead singer in a band but somehow still manages to land himself in trouble. Big brother Adam barged in and turns him into a gopher on his latest film project in an exercise to instil some responsibility into his young mind. Surprisingly, Grey accepts the new challenge.

Skyler Canby is living on the breadline as she's struggling to meet her own loving expenses and support her family back in Kentucky. Her friend Beth pursued her to have a makeover and go to along with her for an audition as an extra in a film. Skyler can't believe her luck when she lands the leading role after an off-the chart hot kiss with a gorgeous stand-in at the audition.

Grey is portrayed as young and impetuous, but masks the real reason for turning his back on his parents and his deep rooted insecurities. Once in California he finds his niche in music but still manages to get himself in to trouble. I'm impressed how Adam deals with his wayward little brother and sets him on the straight and narrow in an attempt to make him accountable for his actions.

Meeting Skyler, a musician at the audition is a distraction he needs and gives him the impetus to change. Skyler is dealing with her own insecurities and problems, overwhelmed with supporting her family whilst her wayward musician father tours around with his band. Her judgement is clouded so she turns to Brooks, a more mature guy to confide in. But Grey is the one to cause the sparks to fly. Only she has to believe that he is mature enough to give her what she desires.

The writing style is light and humorous and well written. The “feel” of Bounce is slightly different from the previous two books; due to the protagonists being a few years younger than the rest of the Boomerang gang! The film set back drop is fun however I missed the quirkiness of Boomerang and the crew.

Overall a fitting conclusion to the Boomerang Trilogy and I'll definitely look out for more from the writer collaboration that is Noelle August.

4.5 stars

***arc generously received courtesy of publisher William Morrow via Edelweiss***

Skyler's Point-of-View, Chapter 20
"Good lord in a basket, it’s him all right. Grey. Illuminated by the golden lights coming on along Venice Boulevard. With suds and water sluicing off his ridiculously ripped body, cascading from his massive tattooed biceps, running down his taut muscled abdomen. His swimsuit sags dangerously low, clinging to his sturdy thighs, making, um, everything, pretty evident.

And evidently pretty impressive.

Probably, this would be a good time to actually speak some words, but even in a town full of hot, hot people, this is kind of stratospheric.

“Yep, it’s me.” Grey reaches back to turn off the shower, which breaks the spell, so I can at least avert my gaze like a decent person. Then he rubs a towel vigorously over his gleaming body and tucks it around his waist.

He has a strange look on his face—peevish, embarrassed, and it feels suddenly like we’re intruding on something. Or maybe it’s just me. I think about that moment in my trailer. His fingers on my skin. My wanting and not knowing what to want.

“Uh, so, what are you up to?” I ask in an effort to win the prize for most obvious question ever. “I mean, I can see what you were up to.” Seriously, Sky? “But, uh, were you just in the water? What brings you out here?”

“I’m crashing nearby. At the garage where my band rehearses.”

“Really?” asks Mia. “Why?”

Grey looks from me to Mia and then back to me, weighing something. Maybe whether or not he can trust us. He’s got this hot, coiled energy all the time, like he’s always holding back. Like he’s an animal caged inside a human body.

“Just staying there for a few weeks.”

“Because of your mom?” I ask. It was obvious from their interaction on set that there’s some bad blood there, though compared to my mom, she seems kind and thoughtful, whip-smart and curious without being overbearing. Which makes sense, given her offspring.

Then I remember that Grey’s not really her offspring. He said “stepmother,” and the way he said it really answers my question.

Which is good, because he doesn’t actually answer it. Instead, he gathers up his stuff—surfboard, wetsuit—and gives us a grin. “I gotta head out,” he says, as though nothing’s hanging there between us. He looks away for a second, following the path of a guy in an Obama mask as he weaves his way up the boardwalk on a ribbon-festooned unicycle. “Told some friends I’d hook up with them tonight.”

“Wait,” says Mia. “So, you’re just sleeping in a garage? Like on an air-mattress or something?”

Grey shrugs. “A couch. It’s okay.”

“And taking freezing cold showers out on the beach? That doesn’t sound great, does it, Sky?”

“No, it doesn’t,” I say, but I’m afraid of where she’s going with this.

“Can’t you stay at a hotel or something?”

He shakes his head. “Money’s a little tight right now. I’m giving Adam almost every penny to pay him back for the house, and I don’t really have…” Again, he goes silent, and I can feel, literally, the tension of him wanting to talk, wanting to say more to someone. Needing it.

“Why don’t you come stay at our place?” Mia blurts. We have that in common. The blurting thing. “I mean, I’m just about all moved out, so there’s room.”

Ay, dios. No. No.

But I can’t say anything. I can’t tell my best friend, who knows I’m talking to Brooks, starting to maybe, sort of, think about where that could go, that having Grey in my apartment, so close all the time, is a very dangerous, very bad idea.

Grey shakes his head. “Nah, I appreciate it, but I’m cool here. I promise. Thanks, though.” He takes a few steps toward a squat gray building with weather-beaten shutters and a tiny, shed-like garage in the back. “I’ll see you guys tomorrow.”

“Hang on,” says Mia, pulling me along. She gives me a look, tipping her head in his direction, like she’s tapping me in for the debate. “You’re cool with it, right, Sky?”

“Of course.” Not. In no way. “But it seems like he’s got it under control here. So, if—”

My words disappear, though, because Grey’s pulled up the garage door, the muscles of his broad back and shoulders shifting smoothly as he thrusts the door up along its rusting track.

“See?” he says, pointing to a lumpy white couch sporting what looks like a half-century’s worth of mystery stains—a perfect complement to the funk of beer and weed and sweat potent enough to make my eyes water. “Perfectly fine, right?”

But, like me, he’s lousy at hiding his feelings. Even turned away to shove some empty beer cans into a garbage bag, his body language tells me everything.

He doesn’t want to be here in this musty space, crowded with furniture and audio equipment, the only natural light coming in from the tiny half-moon windows set into the garage door, which faces a dim alleyway.

“You should come stay with us,” I say, surprising the hell out of us both. “I mean, this is…”

“It’s fine,” Grey insists. “I don’t need much, and I’m hardly ever here.”

I think how different he is from Brooks, who says what he means, tells you—without hesitation—what he wants.

“Come on,” says Mia.

“Seriously,” he tells us. “It’s really nice of you to ask, but I’m fine. I can’t afford—”

“I paid up on the place through the end of the lease,” Mia says. “You can just chip in on food and utilities. I’m sure you can manage that, right? It’s only for a few weeks. And you’d be rooming with two awesome, super hot girls. How can you say no to that?”

He looks at me, and I can see he’s worried about the same things I am. Rooming together. Being too close, constantly one second away from making a really dumb choice. He’s young and too reckless for me. And a musician, on top of it all. He’s everything I don’t need sharing my space.

But something tugs at me, makes me put all of those concerns aside. I see it in his smoke-gray eyes, which are so alive, so deep and full of thoughts. Some pain or fear lives there. Something that makes it so hard for him to accept. To take a simple kindness. It’s not just about me but about trusting. Anything.

Seeing that, I can’t let him spend another night in this crappy place. Just…alone.

"You should come home with us,” I say. 'It will be…a lot better than this, I promise.'"-- Noelle August, Bounce

Question: What do you get when friends pen a story with heart, plenty of laughs, and toe-curling kissing scenes? Answer: Noelle August, the pseudonym for renowned editor and award-winning writer Lorin Oberweger and New York Times bestselling YA author Veronica Rossi, the masterminds behind the Boomerang series.

Connect with them:

Website-Twitter-Facebook

This is the third and FINAL novel! Any insight you can provide our aspiring writers on how to approach a final novel in a trilogy?

Lorin: I think Veronica’s the perfect person to comment on this because she’s worked on both a trilogy with a complete arc spread over three novels AND a series with three companion novels.
From my perspective, though, I wanted to make sure readers had some sense of where the protagonists from the other stories (Mia, Ethan, Alison, and Adam) ended up, as well as to show some progression in the world of Boomerang, which focused first on the website and eventually on the expansion into movies.
Veronica: Approach the final novel in a trilogy with plenty of wine and a good sense of humor! Kidding aside, it’s been the most enjoyable book for me to write, twice now. Middle books, however…Not fun.

How does Skyler and Grey’s relationship differ from any of those we have seen in the series thus far?

Lorin: For me, one of the ways their relationship differs is that they’re both a bit more raw, a bit less self-assured than Mia, Ethan, Adam, and Alison (though of course, those characters have their vulnerabilities, as well).
Beyond that, they’re also separated more for psychological/emotional reasons than for logistical reasons (e.g., Ethan and Mia were forbidden to date due to company policy). They’re both passionate about the same thing—music—and both figuring out how to juggle life and love and family commitments. I feel like they’re both rougher in some ways than our other characters and also more tender, which makes putting them together really exciting!
Veronica: As the youngest hero we’ve had in the books, Grey brings a visceral quality. It’s just part of his nature. He’s unstudied. Rough, as Lorin says. He says what’s on his mind and feels what he feels, and everybody just needs to deal with it. I loved seeing how that worked with Skyler, who’s this dynamic, sweet, wise girl. I won’t say much more about how they interact, so as to not spoil the fun, but they had mad chemistry. So great together.

What does the New Adult genre mean to you? Any favorite authors/books that you’ve been reading?

Lorin: For me, it’s about capturing that really exciting, tumultuous, fraught, complex time when people are making their first real steps into adulthood, into the world of meaningful work, meaningful love and/or sex, adult dynamics with family, etc.
Favorite authors in NA: Too many! Sophie Jordan, Megan Erickson, Colleen Hoover, Abbi Glines. I don’t know if she’s really characterized this way, but I’m going to add Rainbow Rowell to the NA pantheon as well. Always great.
Veronica: All of the above for me, too. And Jennifer Armentrout (J. Lynn) is a favorite, Cora Carmack…the list really does go on. I’m also a huge fan of Sarah Maas, and I think you can make an argument that A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES is NA paranormal fantasy. Also fabulous.

Music and film play a big part in this one. What are some of your favorite artists and movies you’d love to share?

Lorin: Music: Right now, I’m listening to X Ambassadors, Jamie XX, Arcade Fire, Grouplove, Blur, Ed Sheeran, Elle King… I’ll stop myself here!
Movies: Oh, the agony of picking! Shawshank Redemption; Defending Your Life; Broadcast News; Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind; and, like Beth and Titus in the book, pretty much anything by Richard Linklater or Wes Anderson. Plus Pixar. Inside Out made me cry approximately 2,153 times.
Veronica: I struggle with this question too, because so many of my favorites are going to sound outdated, BUT: GLADIATOR, the BOURNE IDENTITY trilogy, SHINE, THE PRINCESS BRIDE. See? Not a lot of recent films here. I’m more a fan of television series these days. Can’t get enough of OUTLANDER or VIKINGS. I also just binge-watched PARKS AND RECREATION this month. Love that series. And I live with three males so if the television is on, it’s usually on a baseball or football game, which is great with me. Confession: I love sports. And I love books. Gasp! Shocking, right?

Choosing between personal career success and love is a major challenge people struggle with every day, millennials especially because of the pressure of success these days. What are some of the issues Skyler and Grey (and even some of the other Boomerang characters!) go through that can help some of the readers realize what’s truly important?

Lorin: What stands out for me is that all the characters are working out how to balance their careers with not only their romantic lives but where they fit into their families, how their families add to, or detract from, their professional and creative desires, and what it means for them to go their own ways, in work and in love. There’s a point in which almost all of them have to get clear of family expectations or legacies and decide who they are and what they love, independent of all that.
Veronica: I think the answer is right there in your question. Each of our characters are trying to figure out what’s important. They’re asking themselves: What matters to me most? How do I want to spend my time? How do I want to start—and shape—my life?

In my opinion, BOUNCE reads more of a standalone than the first two in the series! Any intention, or was that the way the book flowed?

Lorin: Just the way the book flowed, though I think we hope they all stand alone pretty well!
Veronica: Perhaps this one feels more standalone because the setting moved away from the BOOMERANG offices a bit more than in the last two novels. We’re mostly on a movie set in this one. And, yeah. It wasn’t planned; it just happened!

Did the long distance writing get any easier as each book went on? The writing is so seamless, it boggles my mind there were two brains at the helm of the manuscript!

Lorin: Aw, thanks! And yes, book three was a really fun and seamless experience. As seems to always be the case, book two is always the bear, and I think we’d both say that was the case. But I feel lucky to work with someone as dedicated and brilliant as Veronica. DEFINITELY makes it easy AND inspiring!
Veronica: Thanks, Lorin! And likewise! I felt like we found our groove early with this one. It was a blast to write. And, yes. All Book Twos involve some agony. It’s one of Nature’s Laws.

We are tearfully saying goodbye to the Boomerang clan. What will you miss most about these characters, and series?

Lorin: Honestly, I think I’m in denial about this actually BEING the last book. Veronica and I have talked about other characters’ stories, so they’re living on in our imaginations and, who knows, may end up with works of their own someday! I would LOVE to know what kind of dude could make an honest woman of Cookie! ;-)
Veronica: Ha-ha. Cookie does deserve her own book, doesn’t she? I know I’ll miss all the main characters, and so many of the secondary characters, too. I love that we write about genuinely good people—who make mistakes, sure—but who are generally trying to do the right thing. No knock against the darker heroes and heroines out there, of course, but these stories have been a welcome source of cheer for me. I believe this world can always use more laughter, heart, and positivity.

Dare we ask – any favorites?

Lorin: Cookie! She just cracks me up, and she’s so loyal to Adam. Also love Paolo and the gang from the Boomerang offices, plus Grey, Grey, Grey. Sigh…

Veronica: Grey. Mia. Cookie. Rhett… Geez. Is it fair to say I think I love them all?

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