To Those Who Do Not Understand Social Anxieties and Overstimulation

When you see a family at a restaurant or public place, and their child spends the entire meal (or whatever event) on a tablet, please do not be so quick to throw that judgy shade. Sometimes, more often than you'd think, that child is on the autism spectrum, has a severe anxiety disorder, or has a similar disorder affecting their mind and emotions, and that may be the only way that they can be out and function in society without having a complete meltdown. These meltdowns, by the way, are completely out of their control. Yes, there is a difference between a meltdown and a tantrum, and there is no "spanking them straight" when it comes to meltdowns. There just isn't. On the more severe end, this child may also be nonverbal. Those tablets, while providing entertainment, may also be the only way that child has to communicate to a society where the majority of which do not understand sign language. Yes, there are SEVERAL apps for that.

But even on the less severe end ...

Imagine that there is a giant bonfire in front of you. It smells amazing, provides comforting warmth, and it's just so pretty. You want to be near it. It makes your heart happy. Now imagine you dropped your favorite thing in it. You need to get it out, because you love it so much. Not getting this thing back is not an option for you. So you reach in and grab the thing right out. Fantastic. Now you're on fire. It hurts. It's horrible. You possibly die.

Rewind back to dropping the thing. Much better. I hand you a set of fire tongs. With this nifty tool, you pull the thing right out and go on about your day.

The bonfire is the activity. Any activity. We all need to go do something fun every once in a while, or we lose our minds. We need to be around people, and we need to experience life. That's just how it is. There are enough movies and shows made about what happens in total seclusion that I don't need to actually expand on this, right? Cool.

The thing you dropped is the NEED to participate in said activities, even if sometimes you'll need to be somewhere you're not always 100% thrilled about. Sometimes we need to go to the store or the doctor or whatever responsibility there may be. It's life. It's messy and stressful. Plus, being part of a functional society is a necessity for these kids, so they can hopefully be independent someday, or at the very least, not be a hermit. Come on, guys. The Passengers ... The Martian ... The Shining ... Seclusion is BAD, mmk?

Sometimes going out to do things can be pretty and fun, like Christmas villages and movies and theme parks. But as represented by your fiery death or maiming, it can be a scary, painful, overwhelming experience once they're all up in it. The noises, the lights, the chaos ... It's a lot to take in when you are unable to process life like an average, unaffected, neuro-typical person.

The tongs that I handed you represent that tablet that you look at with such disdain and judgment. It is a tool given to those children by their parents to help them function. With average people, it's just to help life progress. Take the boredom from here (everyday doldrums) and move it over here (creative/intellectual outlet), where it can help you progress in whatever Candy Crush/Angry Birds/Minesweeper nonsense gives you joy, just like you'd move logs around on a fire with those tongs. With these kids, though, this tool can help drown out the overwhelming, terrifying, painful stimulus and stress and allows them to still participate in their own way. Just watch them, if you can do it in a not creepy, non-threatening way. They are still interacting as best they are capable, and I guarantee their parents are interacting with them.

Most importantly, regardless of the situation, disorder, or lack thereof, that child is healthy enough to be out without giving you some sort of winterborn plague, happy, loved, fully supervised by caring adult humans, and not affecting your ability to survive in any way, whatsoever.

Who's up for a BOOK BLITZ? Congrats on your first release, Coleman Alexander!

Title: Between the Shade and the Shadow 

Author: Coleman Alexander 

Series: Beyond the Realmless Collection (Book 1) (Interconnected Standalones)

Genre: Coming of Age Dark Fantasy 

Release Date: June 21 2018

Edition/Format: 1st Edition / Format ~ eBook and Print 

Blurb/Synopsis: 

In the deep heart of the forest, there are places where no light ever shines, where darkness is folded by pale hands and jewel-bright eyes, where the world is ruled by the wicked and kept by the wraiths. This is where the Sprites of the Sihl live.

But Sprites are not born, they are made. On the path to Spritehood, spritelings must first become shades. They do so by binding a shadow: a woodland creature, who guides them through their training. Together, they keep from the light and learn to enchant living things, to bind them, and eventually, to kill them.

Ahraia is a shade who has bound a wolf for a shadow, as strong a shadow as there has ever been. But while her wolf marks her for greatness, Ahraia struggles with the violent ways of her people. Illicit as it is, she would rather be running wild beneath the moons. But a test is coming, and the further she and her shadow wander out of the darkness, the deeper they wander into danger. Ahraia’s time is coming and what awaits her at the end of her test will either make her or kill her . . .

Releases and Reveals! 5-9

I want to type this big, fancy intro, but I just really don't know what to say today. However, I did find a few books that I missed the other day.

UP FOR PREORDER!

I'm so sorry, Lavinia! I can't believe I missed this! I'll go to timeout now.

At the end of The Dating Game, you were given a choice.
Who should Rita choose?
Caleb or Owen?
Follow Rita on her journey through both of these full length novels.
But remember... everything happens for a reason. What's meant to be will be. ;)

Caleb: http://smarturl.it/itscomplicatedcaleb
Owen: http://smarturl.it/itscomplicatedowen

#RomCom #Dating #Ease2018 #comedy #hilarious#romance #pictpublishing


COVER REVEALS!

Have you read the Gryphon Series by Stacey Rourke? You should! And THEY'RE GETTING A MAKEOVER! Also, click on her name! It'll take you to ALL her books on Amazon! The Legends Saga books are legit my fave!

The Conduit (FOREVER FREE!)
Embrace
Sacrifice
Ascention

NEW RELEASES!

A Wish For Us by Author Tillie Cole: https://tinyurl.com/y8ebccax

Bad Boy Brody by Tijan Meyer: https://www.books2read.com/u/bWZ8oM

Releases and Reveals! 5-8

Thank you so much to Anna at Read Between the Lines and Nick Shoemaker (author, photographer, and all-around cheerleader for the book world) for bringing my attention to these new releases that you might have missed for today!

NOTE: I'm SO sorry I can't put all the covers and blurbs on this one! It would be RIDICULOUSLY long! Also, if you have any books that fall into these categories, PLEASE let me know! I will put them up!

UP FOR PREORDER

OMG, guys! Today, I found out about a series up for pre-order that I absolutely need! Just look at these covers! They're so gorgeous! And many of you know how I feel about aliens and cyborgs! UGH! Yep! These will be mine!

Chevelle by Sapphire Knight: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CBSZLL6

Unconscious Hearts by Harper Sloan: https://amzn.to/2KKLqZH 

Birds of Paradise by Anne Malcom: https://amzn.to/2rtSiSt

Arrogant Devil by RS Grey: https://amzn.to/2I0JTRw

Vanilla & Vice by Tabatha Vargo and Melissa Andrea: https://amzn.to/2rs1RRW

Rogue Royalty by Meghan March: https://amzn.to/2FUWL66

Stay With Me by Kristen Proby: https://amzn.to/2ru17fg

Tattered by Devney Perry: https://amzn.to/2ruJhZh

Clutch by Jack Davenport: https://amzn.to/2jI31W8

Survive the Fall by Julia Bright: https://bit.ly/2KJw5bO

The Cockiest by Kenna Millian: https://amzn.to/2KGwFHn

Brother’s Keeper III: Luke by Stephanie St Klaire: https://amzn.to/2wkotta

13 by Rhonda James: https://amzn.to/2wmU5P4

Edge of Retribution by Jacob Chance: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39332006-edge-of-retribution

NEW RELEASES

3 Times the Heat by Sapphire Knight: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079YMVLLW

Road to Grace by Piper Davenport: https://amzn.to/2ry3KNc

Intimate Intuition by Audrey Carlan: https://amzn.to/2HWzeHA

The Hookup by Erin Mccarthy: https://amzn.to/2IkLFwt

Cade by Golden Czermak: https://amzn.to/2IkDOPk

Anything For You by Layla Hagen: https://amzn.to/2FVQYx5

Torn by Melody Anne: https://amzn.to/2runrW3

Bro Code by Kendall Ryan: https://amzn.to/2IpoYqN

Baby Maker by Jenika Snow: https://amzn.to/2K2tCYW

Fallout by Lila Rose: https://amzn.to/2rv4nXy

The Dating Experiment by Emma Hart: https://amzn.to/2roIGIK

Lead My Home by AL Jackson: https://amzn.to/2K46ut8

One Intrepid Seal by Elle James: https://amzn.to/2K3jcIw

Shake it Up by J. Kenner: https://amzn.to/2rsNYDQ

Brody by Tijan's Books: https://amzn.to/2K6na31

Keeping 6 by Freya Barker: https://amzn.to/2I2F8D1

Rescuing Wendy by Susan Stoker: https://amzn.to/2JZHBi4

I Dare You by Shantel Tessier: https://amzn.to/2FYwoME

She by Kailee Reese Samuels: https://amzn.to/2FV0tN4

Cowboy Husband by Penny Wylder: https://amzn.to/2HYhnQC

Gravity by CM Seabrook: https://amzn.to/2KKtyON

Perfect Love Story by Natasha Madison: https://amzn.to/2jG9sZF

Pick Your Pleasure by Hilary Storm and SE Hall: https://amzn.to/2FVovr3

Lyric by Molly McAdams: https://amzn.to/2rqSJOs

Bosco by Geri Glynn: https://amzn.to/2FVFYQi

Cruise by Laramie Briscoe: https://amzn.to/2FU2toP

The Marriage Arrangement by Jennifer Probst: https://amzn.to/2ruLNPd

One More Time by Laurelin Paige: https://amzn.to/2jFDEnG

Until There Was Us by Samantha Chase: https://amzn.to/2jFE8u0

Gold Digger by RB Hilliard: https://amzn.to/2I6Al3y

Serenity by Rochelle Paige: https://amzn.to/2K4QkQh

Pick Six by Max Monroe: https://amzn.to/2KKMSeP

The Billionaire’s Mistress by SN Garza: https://amzn.to/2rtXlST

Behind Me by Piper Reagan: https://amzn.to/2IqupG6

Passion Rising by JA Huss and Johnathan McClain: https://amzn.to/2KLts9N

Aiden by Melanie Moreland: https://amzn.to/2I4SjDx

Straight Up Love by Lexi Ryan: https://amzn.to/2I4BmZS

I Dare You by Ilsa Madden-Mills: https://amzn.to/2jLh90V

King’s Wrath by Nina Levine: https://amzn.to/2jIabtu

Her Double Desire by Nora Flite: https://amzn.to/2FUrSi9

The Ruthless Gentleman by Louise Bay: https://amzn.to/2I6jtd6

Accidental Hero by Nicole Snow: https://amzn.to/2K4Xm7D

Sassy Ever After: His Bunny Kicks Sass by Dawn Sullivan: https://amzn.to/2HZjzar

Red by JM Walker: https://amzn.to/2HZBAWm

In Shining Armor by Blair Babylon: https://amzn.to/2HZcxTp

An Honorable Seduction by Brenda Jackson: https://amzn.to/2FWYNlY

Mafia Princess by Bella J: https://amzn.to/2K4ovYo

Forever Hunted by Kathleen Brooks: https://amzn.to/2FVBcCm

His Beauty by Sofia Tate: https://amzn.to/2K0GkHS

Burning Up by Jennifer Blackwood: https://amzn.to/2rsZVc4

Can’t Fight the Feeling by Sandy James: https://amzn.to/2rsDF2M

Cashmere and Camo by Erin Nicholas: https://amzn.to/2rrUSbG

Royal Mess by Jenna Sutton: https://amzn.to/2K6kimL

Chasing the Coven by N Nieto and JT Lozano: https://amzn.to/2IogmRi

Releases and Reveals! 5-7

There's been so much chaos in the book world recently that some wonderful books are getting buried, and I just can't allow that to happen. Please help me gives these books the recognition they deserve, and enjoy the new releases!

Also, a shout out to author Cambria Hebert for helping bring these to my attention and the attention of so many others! Click her name! Check out her books! I have a few, and they're amazing!

If you tried to release during the chaos, too, PLEASE let me know either in a comment here or in an email, and I will add you and your book to this list! I seriously don't care if this list winds up being 500 books long or even requires another post. You are important, too! You've worked hard, and I'm proud of you!

REVEALS

Title: Sucker Punch
Authors: Eva Logan & Ashleigh Giannoccaro
Model: Boyd Allen https://www.facebook.com/boyd.allen.mma/
Photographer: Kevin Mark Pass http://kevinmarkpass.com
Designer: Tamsyn Bester
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Add to Your TBR: http://bit.ly/SuckerPunchTBR

★Synopsis★
Chad King is boxing’s golden boy that didn’t shine.
His big dreams have left him at rock bottom and when you’ve lost everything, losing becomes easy because there’s nothing to fight for.
The love of his life left him for a life he couldn’t give her and now she’s engaged and on top of the world while he claws his way out of the hole he dug when she left.
Lotus Shaw plays the role of the media’s darling, and dutiful fiancé to a man only her parents approve of. She should be on top of the world, but she left her heart on the floor of a fight gym.
Now, she’s got to get it back.
One little secret from the past is keeping her from the future.
When they come face to face again, nothing could’ve prepared them for the sucker punch love was about to land.
Nothing worth having comes without a fight.

★About the Authors★

Eva and Ash are lifelong friends and after years of following their separate creative dreams they have come together to create some magic (or mayhem) and what better way to do that, than writing books. When they aren’t making trouble together they are both busy with their own projects, Eva working in film and Ash writing her dark heart out. Aside from these crazy antics they are both moms and wives, you can catch them at the school tuck shop or the side of the sports field supporting our families.
EVA'S FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/EvaLoganAuthor/
ASHLEIGH'S FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/Colourmyugly/
READER GROUP https://m.facebook.com/groups/1441821629469229

RELEASES

Intensification by Jo Michaels

Detective Hank Reynolds has just been handed the case of a lifetime. Another reality TV star has gone missing, and it’s up to the Atlanta police department to find her before it’s too late. While he’s digging around, he discovers there have been nearly twenty similar kidnappings in the surrounding areas over the last twenty years, and while trying to find out more—and a witness that’s still alive—he’s dragged into a past he wishes he could erase. His dreams become nightmares about the women, and his sanity unravels. Even his eyes begin to play tricks on him, but no hallucinations are as devious as the antics of the killer—who’s always one breath away—waiting for the chance to strike again. NOTE: This is a stand-alone novel in a series with crossover characters and may be read independently of the other books.

What Would've Been: The What If? Series by Cassandra Magnussen

Grayson

“I’m not a cocky man, I merely state facts. If that makes me an asshole, oh well.”

Building Fences (A Cedar Creek Family Book 1)

Caroline Miller has often fantasized about finding the mother who’d given her up for adoption. When an unexpected phone call gives her the opportunity to meet her birth mother face-to-face, she jumps at the chance.

But as the weekend turns into a series of mishaps and disappointments, Caroline wonders if she’ll ever be able to find peace with her beginnings.

Could a case of mistaken identity lead her to find the life she’s dreamed of and the family—and love—she thought she could never have?

This delightful #MeetCute novel by Violet Howe is the first volume in the Cedar Creek Family Collection.

What’s a #MeetCute?

Boy meets girl. It's the way romances usually begin . . . and while we all love a happy ending, it's the #MeetCute that wins our hearts.

How did you two meet?

The #MeetCute Books each have a unique answer to that query. Some might make you swoon, others might make you giggle . . . and some may make you blush.

Twelve authors. Twelve stand-alone contemporary romance novels. Twelve stories that will make your heart beat a little faster.

Because it's all about the #MeetCute.

Tulsa by SL Scott

A hot new rock star romance that will sweep you off your feet and leave you with a smile from New York Times Bestselling Author, S.L. Scott.

The rumors are true. At least where I’m concerned.

Drummers hit it harder and do it better.

Women love me and I love them. But I like to think of myself as a sensitive soul trapped in a lady-killer’s body. Not so surprisingly, I’ve been called cocky a time or two. What can I say? We can’t all be boy scouts.

Nikki Faris has thrown off my rhythm. With her red lips, smart aleck mouth, short skirts, long legs, and blue-sky eyes, the beautiful lead singer has become a complete distraction on this tour.

She loves to give me a hard time when all I want to do is give her the pleasure of my hard—time right back.

Tulsa Crow can save his pick up lines, great eight-pack abs, and cute dimples to use on someone else. My band earned their spot on The Resistance’s tour just like The Crow Brothers. I’m not going to blow it getting sidetracked by a cocky rock star that wants to sleep his way through the states. I’ve been called a name or two, but easy isn’t one of them.

But the best intentions with him turn into a walk of shame for me. Only, I don’t feel shame. Instead, I’m doing the very thing I said I wouldn’t—falling for a playboy.

We make sinful music when we’re on the road, but what happens to our melody when the tour ends?

If you've read Spark, or The Resistance, then you must dive into Tulsa where the characters are featured. If you haven't read those books, no worries, Tulsa is a COMPLETE STANDALONE in The Crow Brothers world.

Ella Uncovered (Tales of Happily Ever After Book 1) by Shannon Nemechek

iBooks http://bit.ly/EllaUncovereditunes
Barnes and noble http://bit.ly/EllaUncoveredNook
Amazon http://bit.ly/EllaUncovered

Also check out: 

Warranted Pleasures: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073WHD7LN?tag=geolinker-20

Warranted Desires: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CVCKWHN

Ella Jameson is not a witch, no matter what people say about her behind her back. Granted, she does have the ability to disappear. Working for the CIA as an undercover operative, Ella takes on any identity needed to protect others. Prince Thomas Henry Phillips of Sweden can literally charm the pants off any woman he meets. It’s the reason the local tabloids have dubbed him Prince “Charming”. It seems he’s made quite a name for himself, not just in the bedroom, but by finding his life threatened right before the Presidential Ball. Ella is tasked with another undercover assignment, this time posing as the Princess of Sweden, to keep Prince Thomas safe at all costs. Deadly assassins aside, Ella cannot risk falling for the Prince’s legendary charms. She’s found herself on the hardest mission to date -staying out of Prince Charming’s bed.

Episode 1
This is a serial series that may or may not end in a semi-cliffhanger. Each episode or serial will release approx every 30 days. This original story appeared in Timeless Ever After Anthology but this Episode has additional chapters. Follow Along over the next year Ella and Thomas' story

Veil of Blood by Derek Adam

They've awoken something they don't understand. Secrets they're not ready to share.

But they share far more than they realize.

Luca and Emma travel to Detroit seeking answers to recent events, unaware they've triggered events along the way that could release the most terrifying of nightmares from across the veil.

What started as the simplest paranormal investigation escalates into an assault from multiple fronts as Emma's organization questions her loyalty, the Ahnenerbe presses to finish what it started, watchful eyes wait for the perfect moment to strike, and as the veil is lifted Luca must come to terms with who he is...
and what he must become.

Travel with Luca, Emma, Sutter, Virgil, Bella, and Hitch in Veil of Blood, book 2 in the Veil of Darkness series, a gripping and suspenseful paranormal romance from author Derek Adam.

Devil in a Suit (Cockiest Suits Book 1) by Alex Wolf

I'm a devil in a suit.

I don't play nice.

It's not my style.

I'm the best attorney in Dallas and I have a reputation to maintain.

If opposing counsel smells weakness, they walk all over you.

Not on my watch.

Life was good until I met her--Brooke. I had more money than I could ever spend. More power than one man should possess. People respect me and it's for a reason. I demand it.

Brooke's nothing but another encounter.

She'll end up beneath me. They all do. I'll keep it casual. Nothing more.

I don't do relationships. I don't do love. It's counterproductive to the lifestyle I lead.

But, no matter how hard I fight it, I want more. Brooke doesn't take any sh*t and she gives it back twice as hard. She turns me on in ways that can't be explained with her tight body and snarky mouth.

I'll take whatever I want from her and then some.

Because I'm Weston Hunter, Attorney at Law.

*Devil in a Suit is a 25k word contemporary romance standalone in typical Alex Wolf style with a possessive alphahole and a snarky heroine that gives it right back to him. It also contains bonus excerpts from book 2, Playboy in a Suit, coming to kindles on March 11, and a few of his other stories.*

All of You (A Rebel Desire Novel Book 3) by Fabiola Francisco

#1 Amazon Best Seller in Country Music
She's a single mom with a messy life. He's Rebel Desire's bass player.

I want what all my friends have.

He doesn't need my baggage.

I can't stop thinking about her.

Romance isn't my priority, my daughter is.

I want to show her she can have it all.

He thinks we can be a family.

Her and Rae are my family now, and no one will take them away from me.

He stays even when it's easier to leave.

I'm going to give her her southern fairytale.

Unfaded (Faded Duet Book 2) by Julie Johnson

They warned me not to get too close.
Too bad I didn’t listen.
Enter a star’s orbit, it’ll burn you down to ashes before you know what’s happened.
And he was the most beautiful star in the night sky.
Singed beyond repair, I left Los Angeles behind.
Left him behind.
But I was kidding myself if I thought a few thousand miles of space would erase my memory.
And I was plain stupid if I thought he’d let me go without a fight.
They say the brightest stars burn out the fastest…
But the strongest loves don’t ever fade.

UNFADED is the final installment of a sexy, emotional duet about a jaded rock star and a starry-eyed songwriter. Due to sex, drugs, and rock & roll, it is recommended for readers ages 16 and up.

Finding Me (Another Falls Creek Romance Book 2) by SF Benson

Sometimes loving someone means finding yourself first.

Colton Najex, an incubus, has spent a month in Hell contemplating his life. The royal supernatural has grown tired of the decadent parties and wild sexcapades with forgettable females and males. Something’s amiss in his world.

He’s bored.

Unhappy.

Lonely.

Colton craves a more humane, laid back way of life with someone special.

Jeremiah Jones, a struggling musician, has spent the last few years chasing the impossible. He wants a little solitude and a life spent making music with a special someone—a person of destiny according to a celestial prophecy. Unfortunately, Jeremiah seems to only attract a long interlude of Mr. Wrongs.

He’s frustrated.

Downhearted.

Lonely.

Jeremiah’s ready to give up and merely live in a world alone—just him and his music.

But an innocent wish from Colton to his grandfather, the king of Hell, changes everything forever.

When two souls—one from Heaven and the other from Hell—collide, can they put aside rhetoric and just embrace love?