SECOND SENTENCE SATURDAY is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Jess of From Me to You ... Video, Photography, & Book Reviews. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
Grab the novel/novella your currently reading or previously read
Open to the first page of Chapter 1 or its Prologue
Share the SECOND sentence from that page
Share the novel/novella's title & its author, so that other participants can add that novel to their TBR Lists if they want
The muscles in her calves felt as if they could give out at any moment, but she ignored the pain, concentrating on just getting home.
PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT to share either the link to your own SECOND SENTENCE SATURDAY post or share the sentence in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thank You!
Cori McCarthy delivers an emotionally taut page-turner from multiple points of view–combined with stunning visual storytelling.
Jaycee is about to accomplish what her older brother Jake couldn’t: live past graduation.
Jaycee is dealing with her brother’s death the only way she can–by re-creating Jake’s daredevil stunts. The ones that got him killed. She’s not crazy, okay? She just doesn’t have a whole lot of respect for staying alive.
Jaycee doesn’t expect to have help on her insane quest to remember Jake. But she’s joined by a group of unlikely friends – all with their own reasons for completing the dares and their own brand of dysfunction: the uptight, ex-best friend, the heartbroken poet, the slacker with Peter Pan syndrome, and… Mik. He doesn’t talk, but somehow still challenges Jayce to do the unthinkable-reveal the parts of herself that she buried with her brother.
Cori McCarthy’s gripping narrative defies expectation, moving seamlessly from prose to graphic novel panels and word art poetry, perfect for fans of E. Lockhart, Jennifer Niven, and Jandy Nelson. From the petrifying ruins of an insane asylum to the skeletal remains of the world’s largest amusement park, "You Were Here" takes you on an unforgettable journey of friendship, heartbreak and inevitable change.
Praise for "You Were Here" :
“The mix of forms as well as the insights each character gleans through their urban explorations render this book both readable and teachable on multiple levels.” – Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, STARRED Review
“Readers who appreciate stories of searching for personal truths will be happy to join this meaningful quest for identity and independence.” – Booklist
“"You Were Here" is wrenchingly beautiful in its honest and achingly accurate portrayal of grief and how it breaks us--and the way unconditional friendship puts us back together.” – Jo Knowles, award-winning author of See You At Harry’s and Read Between the Lines
“Through razor-sharp wit, no-holds-barred momentum, and heart-wrenching twists, Cori McCarthy dares you to climb through the broken, abandoned wreckage of the past, stand on the edge of the world, and face something even scarier: the truth.” – K. A. Barson, author of 45 Pounds (More or Less) and Charlotte Cuts it Out
“The urban explorers of "You Were Here" dive deep into the forgotten man-made spaces all around them--and their own feelings of loss, love, and fear. McCarthy deftly intertwines the characters' stories, filling them with authentic pain and heartache as well as soaring moments of grace and humor. I dare you to read it!” – Maggie Lehrman, author of The Cost of All Things
Cori McCarthy studied poetry and screenwriting before falling in love with writing for teens at Vermont College of Fine Arts. From a military family, Cori was born on Guam and lived a little bit of everywhere before she landed in Michigan. Learn more about her books at CoriMcCarthy.com
Book Excerpts :
“What do I see?” I asked, turning back to the halo effect created by Margaret’s splayed hair. “It was a game. She died because she was playing a game.”
“Just like Jake,” Natalie said.
“Right,” I quipped, trying to mask not only my annoyance at Natalie’s psychoanalyst tone but also a flare of grief. My chest grew tight. Why wouldn’t it go away? Why did all this still buckle me to the ground? Tears burned my eyes, and I took my hair out of my ponytail. This never happened when I came here with Mik. Mik didn’t talk or prod. Mik let me be while we walked around Jake’s old haunt, wondering if he was actually haunting it.
“My dad said that OU will raze the TB ward.” Bishop pointed out the window toward the building on the very top of the hill, by far the spookiest and most unkempt in The Ridges compound. “It’s the only fully abandoned building.”
“Raze?” I asked, suddenly angry. “When?”
“End of the summer, I think. My dad said it was going to cost a ton but that leaving the old building there while it was falling in is just asking for lawsuits.”
“Jake loved the TB ward,” I said. “They haven’t stripped it down like this building.”
“TB?” Zach asked.
“Tuberculosis,” Natalie said.
Bishop squinted at his friend. “TB has been one of the leading terminal diseases in society since the dawn of civilization, Zach.”
“But it doesn’t exist anymore,” Zach said. “Like leprosy.”
“It totally exists,” Natalie said. “And so does leprosy. Where do you learn these things?”
“TB is still the leading cause of death for all people with HIV,” Bishop said. “But don’t worry, Zach. You won’t get it.”
I was surprised to find Zach looking at me. “What kind of things are in there?”
I shrugged. “I’ve never been, but I know it’s more dangerous. All the windows and doors are boarded up to keep drunk undergrads out.”
“So there’s no way in?” Bishop asked.
I shook my head. “Didn’t say that. Every building in The Ridges compound is connected by basement tunnels. If we get into the basement, we can get into any building.”
We all shuffled to our feet and stood around the last portrait of Margaret Schilling.
“I’m in,” Bishop said, and I nodded. Bishop was cool; we’d been partners for two semesters straight in woodshop. He said odd, grandiose things sometimes, but I liked him for it. Plus there was a pretty good chance that Mik would show himself with only Bishop around.
“I’ll take you two to the exit,” I told Natalie and Zach.
“Well, hey,” Zach said. “What if I want to come?”
Natalie looked at him, stunned. “You want to go? What about Kolenski’s three kegs?”
“Kolenski gets kegs every couple of weeks.” Zach shoved his hands in his pockets. He had sobered up since they’d entered The Ridges, and now he just looked worn down. Even his hair had flattened. I’d written him off years ago, but the way he’d helped me find Jake’s footprint and waylaid Natalie…maybe he wasn’t such a garden-variety “dude.”
“Who else can say that they did this the night after graduation?” he added with a shrug.
“So Natalie’s the loose end?” I said. “Big surprise.”
“Wait a second. It was my idea to follow you in the first place. And I…I want to see it.”
“Really?” Zach asked her. “Even if it’s dangerous?”
“I’m going to minor in history. It’ll be like walking around inside of history.”
I knew Natalie well enough to know that she was deluding herself, but when I opened my mouth to point it out, I saw something instead. Bishop did too.
“Apple.” He pointed to the ground. “Guys. There’s an apple.”
A shiny, green Granny Smith apple sat in the doorway. I picked it up.
“Where the hell did that come from?” Zach asked, fear trilling his voice. “Is someone else here? That wasn’t there a few minutes ago, right? Right?”
They all looked up and down the hall. Nothing.
“Maybe Jake’s ghost put it there. Or Margaret’s,” I said. A thump of what could only be described as happiness resounded through my chest. It was foreign and weird, and yet welcome.
“You’re smiling,” Natalie said. “Why are you smiling? You never smile.”
I rubbed the apple on my shirt and took a huge crunching bite. Natalie looked like she was going to pass out. I winked. “This way to the basement.”
- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon: Paperback - Pages: 322; Kindle Edition - File Size: 1227 KB | Expected Release Date: January 5, 2016 | Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca | Obtained: NetGalley
"The Good, the Bad, and the Vampire" [Dead in the City Series, Book 4] by Sara Humphreys
Author's Book Description :“Sara Humphreys combines vampire and cowboy into a devastatingly sexy hero! "The Good, the Bad, and the Vampire" is a compelling, pulse-pounding, titillating adventure that grabs you from the first page, tosses you down, and steals your breath. Humphreys is a must-read in the paranormal genre!”–NYT Bestselling Author, Rebecca Zanetti
Beloved author Sara Humphreys’ acclaimed paranormal romance series continues with sweltering attraction between two vampires who have all the time in the world to satisfy their desires..
He wants eternity?
Dakota Shelton is a vampire cowboy with a penchant for cinnamon lollipops and Johnny Cash. Though highy skilled and deadly dangerous to his enemies, he’s still a Texas good ol’ boy at heart. And he has that heart set on wooing Trixie LaRoux-the most badass punk rock chick in town-the old-fashioned way.
Over her undead body…
Trixie is tough as nails and sharp as a silver stake-the last thing she wants is a man to sit on a porch and not grow old with. So it’ll take going to hell and back fighting a new threat to vampires before she admits Dakota’s courtship makes her blood hum. Turns out chivalry’s not dead after all.
Dead in the City series:
"Tall, Dark and Vampire" (Book 1)
"Vampire Trouble" (Book 2)
"Vampires Never Cry Wolf" (Book 3)
"The Good, the Bad and the Vampire" (Book 4)
My Book Review :5 out of 5 stars!! Trixie (Trix) loves being a vampire, being one has changed her life for the better but even after thirty years without her humanity, she still struggles with leaving her daughter behind. Therefore, at least once a week, she watches over her daughter in hopes of making sure she is okay and protecting her from anything bad that might come her way. Nevertheless, Trixie isn’t prepared for the gargoyles that force themselves into her daughter’s life and she’ll do anything it takes to protect her, even if that means transforming her daughter into a vampire as well, something she never wanted to happen. With a slow drawling cowboy vampire (Dakota) to help her keep her family together and hunt down the ones who destroyed her daughter’s life everything might be okay, that is until lies from their pasts are revealed. Now both Dakota & Trixie’s futures are the line … will they be able to right old wrongs before it’s all too late?
This fast-paced suspenseful paranormal romance is one that kept me wanting to read more! Ms. Humphreys’ writes a spectacular tale full of heart and heroism. Written in a way that the reader doesn’t need to follow the series yet made you fall in love with all of the characters, you’re bound to be entertained!
I loved the odd combo of Trixie and Dakota together. With her being a punk rock chick and him being a “good ole boy” cowboy it was interesting and charming to see how put up with being bloodmates. Yet as the reader finds Trixie and Dakota were destined to be together from day one, because of their surprising shared past adventures. They were such a sweet couple. I couldn’t get enough of them, loved how they came together, and wanted to read more! In truth, they intrigued me into this series. I hope it will be continued, as I want updates on them and the other members of Trixie’s coven!
I HIGHLY recommend this novel to those who are fans of Ms. Humphreys and/or to those looking for a uniquely delightful vampire paranormal romance!
"Well, smack my ass and call me Sally."
The deep Texas drawl echoed around her, stopping Trixie dead in her tracks. A shiver of lust whispered beneath her skin as it usually did when he was nearby, but she swiftly shoved it aside.
"Okay, Sally." Trixie rolled her shoulder and fought the buzz of attraction. "But you can smack your own ass." ~ within Chapter 1
THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE VAMPIRE by Author Sara Humphreys -- Read my #bookreview here:...
- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon: Kindle Edition - File Size: 550 KB | Expected Release Date: April 5, 2016 | Publisher: Random House Publishing : Loveswept | Obtained: NetGalley
"Catching Summer" [Second Chances Series, Book 6] by L. P. Dover
Author's Book Description :Hailed by Heidi McLaughlin as a bestselling author who “knows how to create the men who make us swoon,” L. P. Dover returns with an edgy, emotionally gripping Second Chances novel about a beautiful widow who can't resist a chiseled NFL player.
Former nurse Summer Jacobs has seen her fair share of suffering, but she never expected tragedy to hit so close to home. After watching her husband die in the MMA ring, Summer spends the next two years fighting her way through the darkness. The last thing she needs is another hardheaded athlete turning her life upside down. But that's exactly what happens when she meets a gridiron star who's as skilled at stealing hearts as he is at snagging passes.
Carolina Cougars wide receiver Evan Townsend usually has no problem winning fans, so he's intrigued when Summer shoots down his go-to plays for winning a woman's attention. Never one to back down from a challenge, Evan turns up the heat, setting off sparks that neither can deny. But as his slow seduction begins to chase away Summer's pain, he gets the feeling that someone is desperate to keep them apart. Now Evan will do anything to protect her—because he never misses a chance to make a perfect catch.
Advance praise for "Catching Summer"
“L. P. Dover knows how to create the men who make us swoon, the book boyfriends we all want.”—New York Times bestselling author Heidi McLaughlin
“L. P. Dover masterfully weaves together agonizing heartbreak and swoon-worthy romance with ultimate suspense. This second-chance love story had me flipping the pages from the very first scene, craving more with each twist and turn.”—USA Today bestselling author L. B. Simmons
My Book Review :3.5 out of 5 stars, this is a heart-wrenching tale about a woman (Summer) who is just recently getting over the tragic loss of her husband, along with his murder, and trying to start her life over with Evan, a football star that she's known for the past two years. However, there are people who are willing to do anything to keep Summer and Evan apart for good, even if that means brake-ins and killing others to get the results they want. Will the others succeed or will Summer and Evan’s love conquer all?
Sometimes you just have to break the rules. I had a feeling I was about to break a ton of them ... and I couldn't wait. ~ within Chapter 5 - titled 'Summer'
CATCHING SUMMER by L.P. Dover -- Read my #bookreview here:...
- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon: Paperback - Pages: 90; Kindle Edition - File Size: 3587 KB | Expected Release Date: February 24, 2016 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: Diane Hills
"Protected by the Tiger" [The Tiger's Protection Series, Book 2] by Diane Hills
Author's Book Description :Eternity is a very long time, it should be spent with someone who makes you happy, who makes you want to wake up each day, someone who you love and loves you back.
A new job, new home, and new life has Caroline going to her first day of work with a can-do attitude, unfortunately for her two men are about to change her life.
Protector and Alpha-Male-Tiger-Shifter, Zane, is sent in to stop the kidnapping of Caroline.
Caroline has an extremely pure Alpha-Female-Bear-Shifter bloodline and has been raised to believe she can only be mated to an Alpha-Male-Bear-Shifter.
Zane’s immediate connection with her starts as soon as he sees her picture.
Caroline feels the strong attraction as well.
When her father finds the Bear-Shifter for her, she has a choice to make, Zane or her bloodline, but will Zane be able to let go of her…
For fans of Milly Taiden and T. S. Joyce stories!
Each book in the The Tiger's Protection series can be read as a standalone and has a guaranteed HEA, no cliffhanger!
My Book Review :2 out of 5 stars. All of Caroline’s life she believed that her “step-father” turned her into a bear shifter when she was little and over the years, he drilled into her the fact that she NEEDS to mate with an alpha-male-bear-shifter to keep the bloodline pure. Now her parents are divorced and her “step-father” off to who-knows-where Caroline decides to start her life over in Atlanta, Georgia. Yet, not long after she starts her new job Zane, a hot tiger shifter, comes into her life claiming that he’s her mate and there to save her. Will Caroline decide to go against everything she’s been raised to believe or follow the path she’s always been on no matter the costs?
I’m trying to review this novella critically but it’s hard, mostly because this novella being written in a third person narrative that I am not a fan of reading. Plus, it was hard to read about a shifter (i.e. Caroline) who doesn’t trust their instincts and instead follows blindly along what they’ve been taught even though all the evidence points that to do so is a bad decision. Therefore I had to rate this novella the 2 out of 5 stars that I did. The two saving graces to this novella was Zane and the plot! I really enjoyed this novella’s backstory. And Zane. *happy sigh* I could not get enough of that man! =0)
NEVERTHELESS, I DO recommend this novella to those looking for a unique shifter romance.
A video posted by From Me to You ... (@fromjesstoyouservices) on
Book Teaser(s) :
He took her hand and held it to his heart. “Feel that, Caroline?”
His heart beat hard beneath his chest and the pace was fast. “It’s your heartbeat.”
“It beats harder for you. For you alone, it does that. From the moment I saw your face in a picture it’s beat hard for you.” ~ within the Chapter titled 'Perplexing Attraction'
"King of Prey" [King of Prey Series, Book 1] by Mandy M. Roth (aka Reagan Hawk, Kennedy Kovit, Rory Michaels, & Elle Spencer)
Author's Book Description : Paranormal Bird Shifter Romance
In a place where realms combine and portals open passages to the unknown, a prophecy speaks of fertility being restored to his people through the taking of King Kabril’s mate.
The prophecy neglects to mention she lacks something vital to his kind—wings. Kabril, King of the Buteos Regalis has no interest in taking a human mate. His kind believes humans are dirty, vile creatures who rely on machines to lift them into the air. The last place he wants to go in search of his mate is Earth, but he’s left no choice.
Never did he expect to find love on a planet with one moon, people who lack wings and a stubborn vixen who makes his heart soar. When he does, he fears the truth about who and what he truly is will steal it away. Little does he know his enemies fully intend on doing the taking.
My Book Review :3.5 out of 5 stars, Kabril is the King of the Buteos Regalis (the hawk shifters) and has been told by his Oracle that his mate has been found. The only trouble (for him as he dislikes them) is that his mate happens to be human. Therefore, he travels to Earth's realm to meet his mate and ends up with Rayna, a wildlife photographer. As they get to know one another they form an extraordinary bond but once outside forces try to kidnap Rayna and what Kabril is finally comes to light will that bond keep their relationship together in the end?
This fast-paced read keeps you on your toes and laughing the whole way through. It's an erotic romance that I couldn't help but smile about; mostly because of Kabril's blunders. I appreciated that while this novel is fast-paced it didn't feel rushed, by skipping ahead throughout their romance made it so the reader can feel like Kabril and Rayna are building a memorable relationship. Together they were a unique pair, a pair that becomes a united front against anyone wanting to separate them while bringing out a lightheartedness into each other’s lives.
I recommend it to those who are fans of Ms. Roth and/or those who like humorous erotic paranormal romances!
“Considering breaking our agreement?” asked Sachin, walking into the room from the back hall, carrying yet another box. The old home seemed to posses limitless boxes, filled with what Sachin had explained were keepsakes, though they meant little to Kabril.
Kabril cast Sachin a warning look. “And if I am?”
“I shall mock you without mercy for centuries for being a coward.”
“A what?”
“One without honor or bravery,” returned Sachin. He looked very smug.
“I am dangerously close to killing you.” Kabril touched his side, where he normally kept a sword.
“I know,” said Sachin, setting down the box. “Why do you think I disarmed you upon our arrival?” ~ within Chapter 4
“I swear, around you, Kabril, I have two left feet and I’d forget my head if it wasn’t attached.”
He paled. “Your head can detach?”
She laughed and pushed past him, mindful of the steep ledge. ~ within Chapter 10
Book Preview(s) :
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Mandy, then please check out her Amazon Acct.
- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon: Kindle Edition - File Size: 185 KB | Expected Release Date: January 29, 2015 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: Delilah Devlin
Author's Book Description : When Amanda meets her old high-school crush, he doesn’t remember her. A bouquet of flowers and a lost towel spark an affair neither one will forget.
This is a 5000-word erotic short story. It may be short in length, but it’s not short in passion!
My Book Review :4 out of 5 stars! Are you looking for a flirty fun story that will make you laugh and enjoy a good romance too? Than this novella is the one for you! Amanda (Mandy) & Dustin are cute and captivating in their sweet erotic romance! I wish I could have read more about them. I definitely recommend this to anyone wishing for a quick and humorous erotic romance to read!!
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to assault you.”
“Since I didn’t exactly conduct myself like a lady either, I forgive you.”
He cleared his throat, and one hand went to the knot at his hips to hold the towel in place.
She breathed a little easier.
“Who are you?”
Mandy rolled her eyes. “The delivery girl for Passionate Posies.”
“Your name.”
“You always this stubborn?”
One corner of his mouth kicked up. “I’ve never exposed myself to someone whose name I don’t even know.”
“Well, let me be the first. I have to go.” Since he still cut off the exit with his bulky frame, she gave him a pointed stare. “Nice seeing you again.” ~ within the novella/short story as there isn't any chapters
Book Preview(s) :
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Delilah, then please check out her Amazon Acct.
This site is a participant in various affiliate advertising programs through Amazon.com, Rakuten Marketing, Commission Junction, IndieBound, Smashwords, Book Depository, and more that are designed to provide a means for Jess to earn minimal advertising fees by showcasing the areas you can purchase the corresponding products that Jess discusses within her blog posts. Basically Jess earns from qualifying purchases.
More specifically Jess partners those websites' programs and you should be aware that they may collect personal information when you interact with their sites. The collection and use of this information is subject to their own privacy policies.
You can check out Rakuten Marketing's privacy policy here: https://rakutenmarketing.com/legal-notices/services-privacy-policy/
