Rebuilding Trust (Cover Reveal) by Elison Grace

Rebuilding Trust by Elison Grace
Release date: Nov. 3, 2015

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26148324-rebuilding-trust          

The only thing Cory took serious was his career as a firefighter. His relationships consisted of nothing more than one night stands.

Until he met her.

After Carrie’s heart has been shattered she changed her life. Forced herself to become a strong-willed, independent woman. She didn't need anyone to support her.

Especially a man.

Cory makes it his mission to win Carrie’s love and trust. Can he help rebuild her shattered heart or

will their hearts end up in a pile of ashes?

Unedited and subject to change

July 2013 Carrie There are those defining moments in life when your world as you have known it is ripped away from you. You have to decide if you are going to lie down and let it crush you or are you going to get up, strap on your big girl panties, and make a new life. I chose the latter. When my world and future were ripped away from me I chose to redefine myself and become an independent woman. I have been dependent on people my entire life and it has gotten me nothing, but heartache and pain. Time for a change. I could not believe that I was preparing to marry the man I have loved since I was sixteen years old. Standing in front of the mirror, I felt like a cake topper in my mother’s choice of dress. It was not me at all. You could barely see me or my figure amongst the mounds of tulle in the skirt. The top is long sleeved with lace resting along the collar bone and the back dipping wide, stopping just below my shoulder blades. My exposed shoulder blades were the only skin you could find in this dress. I wanted to take it off as soon as I put it on, but, for my mother’s sake, I came out to show the group. I don’t know why I bothered. There was not a dress in the universe that would make us both happy. This could be why my wedding dress was one of the last things I needed to pick for the wedding. If I was being honest, it was one of the only things I really got to pick. My mother was trying to hijack that too. When she heard that Toby and I had gotten engaged, she immediately got on the phone with Lois, Toby’s mom. Together the two of them have been planning their dream wedding for us. They came together to pick the location of the wedding, reception and over the top hotel ballroom. The colors, robin’s egg blue with ivory accents with ivory roses all around, are boring. I let them plan it all because they were paying and I didn’t care enough to fight. I just wanted to be married to Toby. He is my heart. We have been together since we were sixteen. Nobody knew me better than him. He is my constant and my strength and I couldn’t wait to have that in my life forever. That’s I all I care about. They can have the rest, except for the dress. I want to pick a dress that makes me feel beautiful and confidant, not like a cake topper. “Oh, you look like a bride!” Mother coos as Lois nods her agreement. Rolling my eyes, I decide I have to take a stand or I will be stuck in this monstrosity of a wedding dress for my wedding. “I hate this and I’m not going to wear it. I am going to go back in there, resist the urge to burn this dress, and come out in something I love. This is my day. I appreciate everything you two have done for me, but I need to pick this dress myself.” Gathering the mass of tulle I stormed off into the dressing room. The consultant followed me in. “From now on we are just focusing on my picks. Let’s start with that one please,” I said as I pointed to the dress that caught my eye as soon as I walked in. Sliding the dress over my head, she zipped it up and I turned to face the mirror. Goose bumps pricked my arms and my breath caught. This is the dress that I would marry Toby in. The dress was everything I never knew I wanted. It just felt right. The bodice was covered in intricate flower patterned lace with pearl straps. The skirt was light ivory tulle with a shear organza overlay. The same lace from the bodice adorned the bottom of the skirt. The piece that made it perfect was the silver belt that was intricately detailed like the lace and had pearl accents throughout. I had considered taking it off and having them ring it up. I really didn’t want the mothers to ruin this for me. There is no way that would be acceptable to the mothers so I went out there to let them know that this was the one and I am not changing my mind. Stepping onto the podium, I look at myself in the big mirror. This was it and I just had to make them see it. I called the bridal consultant over and asked her if she could get me a veil to put on with the dress. I need all the help I can get to get us all on the same page. Turning towards the group I wait for them to shoot the dress down so I can defend it. My mother’s hand flies to her mouth her eyes sparkle with unshed tears. She looks over at my future mother in law and they both nod. “This is it. You look gorgeous.” My mother in law says. Yes, I have found the one. Turning back to the mirror I inspect myself in the mirror. I look like a bride. I am going to walk down the aisle and marry the man of my dreams in this dress. He is going to love it. My phone chirped from my purse that I had left with my mother. I ignored it. That wasn’t the time for texts. It was time for my celebration. The phone chirped three more times consecutively so I decide that whoever it is must think that whatever they have to say is important. Stepping off the pedestal, I dig my phone from purse and slide my finger across the screen to see who it is. There were four texts from Toby. Opening the first one, I gasped. It was a close up picture of a girl with her lips wrapped around a dick. At first, I was like what the fuck is this? Upon closer inspection I saw the black tribal tattoo down his side that I knew so well. I sat beside Toby when he got it last year. My hands begin to shake. I know I shouldn’t open the rest, but, I can’t seem to stop myself. The next one is a picture of Toby and a bleach blond kissing. Tears stream down my face as everyone watches me. I have not said a word so they don’t know that my heart is shattering. Opening the third, my eyes land on a picture that looks like it was taken by Toby. It shows the entire front of the same girl, fully naked and exposed, as she is riding him. My knees buckle as I look at it and my future is ripped away from me. I switch to the final text. Toby: Heard you were getting married. Wanted to show you who you were committing your life to. Throwing the phone as if the words had burned me, I sat there on the floor in a pile of tulle and organza crying over my shattered heart and demolished future. They say that timing is everything and the timing of the job offer to be a teacher at Loveland Elementary in Colorado couldn’t have been better if I had planned it. I have graduated from Iowa State with a teaching degree. Originally the plan was to try to get a position around Ames, get married, have the two point five kids, and live happily ever after with my high school sweetheart. It was the fairytale everyone talks about. That fairy tale has been crushed and it’s time to create a new story featuring me alone as the heroine. I had not applied to schools out of state and I was surprised when they had called me asking if I would be interested in starting in the upcoming school year. I guess my professor had a friend there and called them to recommend me after she had heard that I may need a new start. I could kiss her for this because that is exactly what I need. I accepted the position without any hesitation and began arranging my new life in Loveland, Colorado. Through the internet I found a girl who was looking for a roommate. She is a nurse at the cancer center there and seems really nice. My parents have helped me with starting money because they really want me to move away. They don’t like the way my tainted marriage plans and decimated future make them look to their friends. Apparently, I am now an embarrassment because Toby was sticking his dick in other women behind my back. My car is packed to the brim with all of my possessions. If it didn’t fit in the car, it was staying here. Can you think of a better way to force a new start? I can’t. I don’t have the room to bring my past with me so I have to go and start anew in a new place. Starting with new stuff. Waking up early, I slide into my Grad Am SE. I don’t bother to say goodbye to mother or the rest of the family. What’s the point? They want me gone so I’m gone. They are not getting any teary, heartfelt goodbyes. They would just be a lie anyway. Backing from the driveway, I start the long drive to Colorado; to my new life.  

Goodreads

  Firefighters and best friends, Dylan and Roy, face death on a daily basis.Now they face death personally when Roy is diagnosed with a terminal disease. Lana, a nurse, becomes the strength Dylan needs when everything is crashing down around him. Will he have the courage to push past the unknown? When the life he has known goes up in flames will the love of his life rise out of the ashes?

Amazon http://amzn.to/1Lr85lL

             

Recent Release...My Fairy Darkness by Ellie Keys

Title: My Fairy Darkness (The Darkness Series, Book 1)

Author: Ellie Keys formerly E. L. R. Jones

Release Date: June 23, 2015

Genre: Adventure Romance

 A much anticipated release from this author.  The first four chapters of this book was released originally last month with an anthology: Untamed and Unleashed Paranormal Twists.  Now, the entire novel is available for reader enjoyment.  A portion is shared here just give a little tease for those who want to start it now!

Purchase Link:

Amazon | Amazon (CA) | Amazon (UK) | Paperback

Teasers:

Synopsis:

I'm called Sapphire to those that would bring about death and evil to an otherwise peaceful domain. It is a name that has earned me a modicum of respect and a hell of a lot of enemies. I know this shit. It's what I crave. Tonight's enemy better be cooperative. I'm really not in the mood to play around. 
Princess Arabella Gwin has a secret that she's been keeping from the members of her council and the inhabitants of her kingdom. She believes it best for them not to know about her nighttime activities. She learns that she isn't the only one that is keeping secrets and the "darkness" within may be the only thing that is keeping her alive. A dark side, a huge secret, a known and unknown enemy along with newcomer trying to keep it together long enough to find out the truth about her past in order to enjoy the future. 
Ellie Keys is the new pen name for author E.L.R. Jones. She is retiring the old name and working under the new.

First Chapter: 

~~ The Hindrance (1) ~~

~~Ari~~

The main doors of the meeting room crash open and in runs a small man.  He isn’t really small, but short by comparison to those of our kind.  There are those that believe that fairies are cute, dainty, little creatures that can be held in the palm of their hand. This is a gross misconception.  We don’t flit around, spread pixie dust or any other crap like that.  I, for one, wouldn’t be caught dead in those skimpy, slutty, attention grabbing outfits that she parades around in.  We definitely aren’t off spreading love and whatever else that little twit stands for.  I am nobody’s Tinkerbell. 

Who I am is the reason for this tale?  It isn’t supposed to be like this.  I didn’t think that it would get this bad.  Yet, here I sit.  I am sitting at the head of the table, watching an annoying, little man make his way to the elders of our community to inform them of something I already know about.  If I weren’t who I was, then I would’ve left already.  Unfortunately, I am who I am and I have to give a damn.  So, I wait as his weathered body attempts to quicken his steps.  He can tell that we are patiently waiting, some of us less so than others, for him to speak.  It is not often the evening meal is interrupted.  Come to think of it, I can only think of one time.  That man lost his head after delivering his news.  Hmm, I wonder if that will be what follows today.  Ooh, I love a good beheading.  Although, that one had been far too quick for my liking.

The little man finally makes it to the center of the room and bows his head.  I think I'm going to make a suggestion that we put a microphone or intercom at the entrance.  It would save us precious time.  I mean who really has time to sit around waiting for our elderly to make their way to us to present themselves.  I could've done seven rounds of training by now.

I lean to my right where one of the only people that can tolerate my usual foul mood is sitting.  My eyes flash.  I see the reflection of it in the silverware that’s on the table.  I realize the twitchiness that I am feeling is stemming from the side of me that I try to keep dormant.  The need to stop this man’s heart or separate his head from his shoulders for his increasingly slow pace is not who I am.  It is all part of the darkness that I carry within and fight daily to control.  

Before I can voice my greatest desire, he does. 

"Saph, don't.  I already know that you're itching for a kill. Your hand is twitching.  Fifteen and I'll turn you loose," Carlimine whispers. 

At first glance, he looks like a wise, old man with his twin peaks of white streaks that grow from matching points at either side of his temples. The rest of his hair appears to be in rebellion and is jet black.  All of it is bone straight and shoulder length when it is released from the confines of the dijo; the hair binding, hand created by my aunt that is silver and carved with his initials. Today, it is up as mine is.  His hair is usually either bound in that or the blades we were given.

We wear sacred symbols on the hilt of our blades.  They are whispered protections from our ancestors handed down by the heads of the family line. All of our blades, even the ones we wear in our hair, have been twice blessed.  Once by the family head, then again by our unit leader. The blades in our hair look like chopsticks.  The enemy doesn't know it's a weapon until it is too late because it is protruding from their body. The kibos are my second favorite weapons.  The first is my kiban and it is a beauty.

Carlimine is my leader.  He keeps the ne-athé at bay.  He is currently interrupting my thoughts of death and dismemberment with his words of caution and discretion.  His call sign is "Uncle Carl".  Although, there are times when he is referred to solely as “C.”.  It’s not something I’ve ever used, but I have noticed others making a reference to it.  The “call sign” I know is the one that I use.

If that name comes across any of my screens, then I know I have something or someone to take care of.  His looks are deceiving, which is the way he likes it.  When one looks at his appearance, he looks cool, calm and collected.  He doesn't look as if he has a care in the world.  Underneath it all, he is cold, callous and calculating.  He is forever accessing the situations around us.  The man is a well oiled machine with the body of a twenty-five year old. He is cut so tough that a person will need medical attention if they touch him. The buck stops with him. He taught me everything I know.  His voice brings my mind back to the here and now.  I'm not allowed to let my mind drift.  It isn't the best if I am left to my own devices for long periods of time.  Hence, the reason for the continued mental interruptions.

"Saph, you are not paying attention.  Access the room. What do you see?" his words float around me as I make myself focus and do as he has commanded.  Even when his words are whispered, I know the difference between a request and a command.

I settle into my seat, but not in the way most would.  My chair is wood carved with etchings that match the design of my wings.  If those wings were to be released at this moment, then they would give off an indigo hue because I am in the seat of royalty and leadership.  The cushions that pad the back and base of my chair share that color as do my robes.  The back of the chair is at least three feet higher than the top of my head when I am seated. It is at least a foot and a half taller when I am standing next to it.  I stand five feet seven inches without heels.  My chair is a seat of power, but is the smallest in comparison with that of my aunt's and father's.

When I am seated at my place then my back is flush with the elongated backing of my chair.  My feet settle on the post that rests at the front of my seat so that they don't dangle. 

"A royal does not go about kicking their feet, scuffing their shoes or shredding their garments because they think it is fun, Arabella.  There is a time for play and a time for seriousness.  You must learn to conform and bend to the purposes that have been set before you, my dear."

I giggle to myself as my aunt's words come back to me.  If she only knew how the words would come to shape my life, then I don't think she would've ever have posed them to me in that manner.  Carlimine's finger tapping my hand causes me to redirect my thoughts.  That gesture is a silent reminder that I am not doing what he commanded me to do.   It grates on my nerves and comforts me all at the same time that he knows me well enough to know when I am doing what I am supposed to or not.  I attune myself to my surroundings.

My posture is one of rigidity because I've stiffened due to my uncle's slight chastisement.  I have to remind myself that he is doing this to teach me.  I relax my shoulders and take a deep breath.  I am in the middle of my chair. My long arms are resting on the arm rails of it and my hands are loosely hanging over the ends.  I open my previously closed eyes and begin my assessment.

The little man is still blathering on.  I have no clue exactly what he is saying, but the point of it is there is a threat against the kingdom.  Purif is to be attacked sometime in the near future.  I begin to watch the man a little bit closer.  The bald spot at the top of his head is shiny enough for me to see the reflection of my uncle’s face.  Goodness! How sad is that?  I wish I could just put him out of his misery.  He’s an old man and there won’t be many that will miss him.  I’m sure they will get over it with the proper enticement. 

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About the Author: 

Ellie Keys is an author of mystery and thriller novels. The characters of her stories are loud, exuberant and controlling when it comes to demanding her attention. The personalities that come out on paper give audience members insight into the reason why she is a little off center. She loves writing, reading a good book and losing herself in a great movie. 

Ellie is thrilled to be able to share the stories from the wealth of works that she has created. There is a great deal in store for lovers of mystery and thrill seekers. She invites you to follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest, look her up on her website or any of the following sites:

Social Media: 

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Available Now...Raber Wolf Pack by Ryan Michele

Title: Raber Wolf Pack: Book One

Series: Raber Wolf Pack

Author: Ryan Michele

Genre: PNR/Shifter

Release Date: June 29, 2015

"There will come a time in our world when greed, power and wealth will overrule good judgement, and packs will be destroyed."

In the blink of an eye, everything can change, altering life as we know it forever. 

Zara was happy and carefree, until receiving her gift from the heavens. Her world tilts completely on its axis when she faces torture at the hands of a person meant to love her. Forced into a life of servitude, she's left only a shell of her former self.

Lifemates are a gift all their own. A powerful link that can’t be broken. 

Zara crosses paths with Xavier, Alpha of the Raber Pack, and the one time playboy finds himself drawn to the broken woman. As their connection flares to life, he grows determined to unleash the spitfire she hides within. 

Little does Xavier know that in finding Zara, he's ignited a flame that could destroy everyone’s lives…

"Wow what a completely different shifter book. I loved every second of it." ~ Goodreads Reviewer

"I love me some sexy wolves, especially when the story is as fresh and unique as Ryan Michele's Raber Wolf Pack." ~ Goodreads Reviewer

"Can you say holy hell balls of hotness? Raber Wolf Pack: Book One was an absolutely amazing read! If you are looking for one hot, sexy as hell Alpha look no further than Michele's Xavier." ~ Goodreads Reviewer

Ryan Michele has a huge obsession with reading, which only came to life after her best friend said she had to read Twilight. After reading that series, her entire world changed in the blink of an eye. Not only was she sucked into new worlds and all of the wonderful words authors put down on paper, she felt the urge to begin to write down the characters that played inside of her head. In doing so, Safe was born. When she’s not reading or writing, she spends time taking care of her two children and her husband, enjoying the outdoors and laying in the sun.

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