One Day Soon

By A. Meredith Walters

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He found me in blood and tears.

I stayed with him through darkness and fire.

We loved each other in the moment between innocence and bitter truth.

We were the kids easily ignored, who grew into adults we hardly knew.

We weren’t meant to last forever. And we didn’t.

He ran away.

I tried to move on.

Yet I never stopped thinking about the boy who had fought to keep me alive in a world that would have swallowed me whole. He was the past that I buried, but never forgot.

Until the day I found him again, years after believing I had lost him forever.

And in cold, resentful eyes, I saw the heart of the man who had been everything when I had nothing at all. So I vowed to hold onto the second chance that was stolen from the children we had been.

Sometimes fate is ugly. Life can be twisted.

And who we are can be ruined by who we once were.

For two people who had survived so much, we would have to learn how to hold on before we were forced to let go.

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Excerpt

“Maybe I should tell you a story. It’s been a long time since I’ve done that. You always liked when I made up dumb stuff to get you to smile.” I chuckled. “The more improbable the better, right? So let me think of something completely unrealistic.”

I sniffled, wiping my wet cheeks. I hadn’t realized I was crying.

“Once upon a time there was a sad, lonely boy who was actually a forgotten prince. No one knew that he was rich and powerful and had a family that was searching for him.” I smiled sadly, wishing, more than anything, that this particular story had been true.

“One day he met a girl who swore that she would help him get back home to the castle. They fell in love. The prince wanted her to come back to the castle with him so they could live there together. They fought dragons and defeated ogres. They ran from witches and swam through oceans. And finally they found the castle. The prince’s family welcomed him home and he married his princess. And they lived happily ever after.”

I rested my forehead on the back of his hand, hating how cold his skin was. “You always loved your fairytales,” I mused, wishing he had been able to find his.

The hand in mine stirred and I bolted upright. Yoss’s face was contorted in pain, his eyes fluttering.

I got to my feet and reached for the call button so I could alert the nurse that something was wrong.

Then he let out a breath and his eyes opened. They were clouded and confused as they darted around the room, taking everything in.

I was rooted to the spot, not moving. He frowned and then winced when he tried to sit up.

“Uh, you shouldn’t do that. Take it easy,” I instructed, my voice shaking.

Then the wild, green eyes found me. There was no immediate recognition and I felt the crushing weight of disappointment.

He doesn’t know who I am.

His eyes were cold. So cold. Dead. He groaned as he lifted his hand to his face, touching the bandaged skin.

“Let me call the nurse. Your doctor will want to see you now that you’re awake—”

“Where am I?” he asked, his voice rough and hard.

It was a voice I had heard a million times in my dreams.

A voice I never thought I’d hear again. Not in real life.

“You’re at Lupton Memorial Hospital. You were brought in last night.” I didn’t give him any more details. I wasn’t sure he was ready for all that. He had just gained consciousness after all.

“The hospital,” he repeated. He struggled to sit up and hissed in pain at the effort.

“Seriously, you should wait and let me call the nurse—”

His eyes flashed in my direction and the cloud of confusion lifted as he speared me with a look that I felt in my bones.

Recognition.

His eyes widened and his mouth parted in disbelief.

I wanted to say something—anything—but my tongue felt frozen behind my teeth.

Yoss shook his head and closed his eyes. He let out a noise that sounded a lot like a sob and my heart knew the sound of pain when it heard it.

When he opened his eyes again, they were wet. Long, dark lashes spikey with tears that refused to fall.

A hundred memories arched between us. A thousand words spoken softly in the dark.

A dozen promises never kept.

His lips curved upwards into the shadow of a smile that I remembered and loved so much.

“Imi,” he whispered.

I nodded, still otherwise paralyzed.

“Imi,” he said again, a tear traveled the length of his cheek and dripped off his chin.

“It’s me, Yoss,” I said finally, forcing myself to speak.

Our eyes met. They held.

They clung and they devastated.

Fifteen years had passed but none of that mattered.

In that instant we were kids again. Remembering a time when, to each other, we were everything.

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Michel’s Review

Spoiler Free Review

There are some novels that are in a class by themselves. One Day Soon by A. Meredith Walters is one of those books. It is by far one of the best novels I have ever read. It was more than a fictional story. It was more than an epic romance. It was a story that opened up the emotional vault and gave the readers a very real story. A story that was beautiful and brutal.   A story where hope and hopelessness are just mere words that can change within a moments notice. A story that portrayed the true meaning of love and giving of the heart. It’s an ugly story that has a beautiful message. Love is hope and without hope life is just an empty vessel.

One Day Soon consumed me. I could not pull myself away from this story. While reading it I couldn’t breath and found myself drowning in tears. The emotional ups and downs, twists and turns, and moments of truth made this book more than a fictional story or epic romance. It was a thought provoking eye opener making me aware of some of the injustices of the world. When I finished this book it left an impression on my soul.

I have sat down several times and tried to write a review for One Day Soon. Each time I found I didn’t have the adequate words to do justice for this novel. I don’t want to give away spoilers because this is a book that every reader needs to experience on a personal level. This novel can appeal to readers of all genres and of all ages. Although it is brutally graphic, it is brutally honest. It gives the reader a very vivid picture of Yoss and Imi’s lives. It takes the reader on an emotional journey as these two teenagers try to survive their lives. As they journey through the different phases of life, neither one is untouched by their time together. It’s not about the heartbreak from a young immature relationship that leaves a multitude of regrets and what ifs. It’s about losing the other half of your soul because life reared it’s ugly head and shredded the map. Trying to get back on course and navigate through each crossroad to reach the final destination seems impossible because you feel hopelessly lost. When you finally reach the final destination, you find that you are not the same person that began the journey. The only thing that remained the same was the truth in their souls. This is Yoss and Imi’s story.

The story is written from Imogin Connor’s POV, past and present. Each passage is delivered with precision that draws the readers into Yoss and Imi’s lives. The reader gets to experience the cruel, turbulent life that they find themselves in during their teenage years. Their lives and means of survival become intertwined into more than just physical actions. They become dependent on one another on the deepest level. They are beginning to build their hopes and dreams around one another even though they are in a hopeless situation. One Day Soon takes on a whole new meaning for them, giving them hope until it doesn’t. One Day Soon becomes the very thing that tears them apart. One Day Soon takes on another whole new meaning in their present lives. One Day Soon is more than their hopes and dreams. It’s the defining moment in their lives.

As Yoss and Imi’s story begins to evolve the reader is introduced to a cast of characters that validate their lives. Each character adds a significant piece to their story .The good, the bad, and the in between, their place in Yoss and Imi’s lives helps mold them into the adults they are now. Each character leaves a mark on their souls.

As I finished this book the first thing I wanted to do was hug my teenagers and tell them that I SEE THEM, I LOVE THEM, and NEVER LOSE HOPE. I looked at world beyond my front door with a very different view. I won’t turn a blind eye on some of the injustices I see on street corners. I now see that it could easily be one of my children, their friends, or schoolmates in the same situation. My door will always be open for them.

A. Meredith Walters delivered a profound story of life, love, and hope. The love Imi and Yoss shared was beyond epic. Their journey was tough and A. Meredith Walters did not dilute it or sugarcoat it. She delivered an honest and vivid picture of their lives. She delivered a story that is beyond memorable. It is epic!

As I read over this review, I once again wanted to trash it and start over. I then realized I will never find the right words, the perfect description, or adequate thoughts to praise One Day Soon by A. Meredith Walters. I am not a writer, I am a reader that was lucky enough to experience this profound story.

Read One Day Soon by A. Meredith Walters.

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The New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Contemporary and Paranormal romance including The Find You in the Dark and Bad Rep series as well as the upcoming stand alone romance, Reclaiming the Sand, and a dark new adult series for Gallery Books.

A. Meredith spent ten years as a counselor for at risk teens and children. First working at a Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault program and then later a program for children with severe emotional and mental health issues. Her former clients and their stories continue to influence every aspect of her writing.

When not writing (or being tortured with all manner of beauty products at the hand of her very imaginative and extremely girly daughter), she is eating chocolate, watching reality television that could rot your brain and reading a smutty novel or two.

A. Meredith is represented by Michelle Johnson with the Inklings Literary Agency.

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS | AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Finley

M/M Contemporary Romance

By Ella Frank

Release Date: March 22, 2016

Synopsis:

It’s time to come home, Finn.

It’s been seven years since Daniel Finley left his hometown in Florida for the hustle and bustle of Chicago’s city life.

Since then, he’s worked hard for his position at the prestigious law firm Leighton & Associates, even when it’s caused distance and isolation from his family and friends. But that’s all about to change.

On his thirtieth birthday, he receives the one thing he never dared hope for. Something that was promised to him years earlier—a note. One simple sentence from the man he’s never been able to forget.

Six words will forever change the course of their lives.

Brantley Hayes has it all. Or so he thinks. When he first made the decision to take a job down in Florida, his family thought he was crazy. But, after years of living in the quiet beach town, he finally feels a sense of community. He’s surrounded himself with friends who are like family, has a job he loves, and owns a spectacular beachfront property that is his sanctuary.

Yet he still feels unfulfilled, as if a piece of the puzzle is missing, and he knows exactly which piece it is. On an impulse, he follows through with a promise he made years earlier. A promise to call home the one he sent away.

Nothing is as simple as it seems.

After years of separation, the former lovers are reunited, but Brantley wasn’t expecting to encounter the high walls now guarding Daniel’s heart.
Daniel may not be the same person he was when he left, but he knows that the first step to healing is the note in his hand.

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About Ella Frank

Find Ella Frank Online

Power Play

Pilots Hockey Series – Book 2

By Sophia Henry

Genre: New Adult / Sports Romance

Buy : Amazon / B & N / ITunes 

Synopsis:

Beneath her innocent facade, Gabriella Bertucci has her reasons to be standoffish with guys. Especially guys like Landon Taylor, a star defenseman on the minor-league Detroit Pilots and the object of a serious crush since he first walked into her family’s market. But when Landon comes through for her in a moment of crisis, Gaby starts to wonder if there might be more to Landon than hard muscles and fast skates.

Landon isn’t afraid of telling Gaby that he’s got it for her bad. The problem is, she seems unwilling to believe it. And though Landon enjoys his reputation as a cool-headed athlete, he hates losing—both on the rink and off. It’s his competitiveness that makes him so damn good at what he does . . . but it also makes him just a little bit complicated.

One minute Gaby’s tempted to give in; the next, she’s getting cold feet. How can she trust a guy who’s destined for bigger and better things to stick around? Then again, when Landon pulls her close with those powerful arms, the only thing that matters is right now.

Michel’s Review

Power Play by Sophia Henry is the second book in the Pilots Hockey Series. The Pilot Hockey series features players from the Pilot Hockey Team, a farm team located in Detroit.  Each of these players is waiting for their call up to the AHL.  They are trying to establish their names and perfect their game.  They are all hungry to move up to the professional level.  But they are also hot blooded young men trying to find their fit in life.

Power Play takes place in the heart of Detroit.  A city that is decaying right before their eyes.  Landon Taylor and Gaby have grown up in this city and seen the changes.  Their families have known each other since they were small children but Landon and Gaby Bertucci didn’t really know each other at all.  Landon grew up playing hockey and attending private schools that catered to his game. Gaby grew up in the heart of Detroit in a tight knit Italian family.  Her family has spent generations in Detroit.  Their food markets and produce stand is an icon in Detroit.  The Bertucci family is branching out and trying to breath life into the city once more by opening a store that features local artist and products from local businesses.  The store is not thriving in the current economic conditions of their city.  They are stressed to the max trying to make this store a success.  When Sophia’s father has a heart attack right before her and Landon’s eyes, it changes everything.  Suddenly there is a reason to get to know one another.  The dynamics of the family business will change and leave Sophia as nothing more than a stock person. Although she is demoted in her family’s business, she has also caught Landon Taylor’s eye.

Landon is fighting to get noticed on the ice and brought up to the pro’s. He comes from an interesting family background that makes him question where he fits into the overall picture. At the same time he is trying to win Gaby’s heart.  As he gets to know her better he sees more than a beautiful girl.  He sees her strength, her intelligence, and her dedication to her family.  He wants to help her make the store succeed and have her father recognize her talents.

Gaby has always fought for her place within the family business.  As a girl in a male dominated Italian family, it is hard.  To make matters worse her family has long ties with the Mitchell Family, another deep seated family in Detroit.  Her family chose their ties to the Mitchell family over Gaby’s best interest.  Being around Landon Taylor makes her feel like a million dollars.  He sees the real girl behind the Bertucci family facade.  He sees her intelligence, her dreams, and her ambitions.  He also encourages her to reach for her dreams.

As the story unfolds Landon and Gaby build a beautiful relationship.  It seems like a sure thing until real life gets in the way.  The Bertucci family has put their foot down once more and put Gaby in her place. Nothing Landon does will make her see what’s right in front of her eyes.

Sophia Henry added another emotional and engaging novel to the Pilot Hockey series.  I fell head over heels for Landon.  He’s the kind of guy I want my daughter to date.  He is the kind of guy we want our sons to be. She also delivered a fresh and original plot in the sports romance arena.

I can’t wait to see who is called up next in the Pilot Hockey arena!

Read Power Play by Sophia Henry.

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The Pilot Hockey Series

Delayed Penalty – Book 1

Auden Berezin is used to losing people: her father, her mother, her first love. Now, just when she believes those childhood wounds are finally healing, she loses something else: the soccer scholarship that was her ticket to college. Scrambling to earn tuition money, she’s relieved to find a gig translating for a Russian minor-league hockey player—until she realizes that he’s the same dangerously sexy jerk who propositioned her at the bar the night before.

Equal parts muscle and scar tissue, Aleksandr Varenkov knows about trauma. Maybe that’s what draws him to Auden. He also lost his family too young, and he channeled the pain into his passions: first hockey, then vodka and women. But all that seems to just melt away the instant he kisses Auden and feels a jolt of desire as sudden and surprising as a hard check on the ice.

After everything she’s been through, Auden can’t bring herself to trust any man, let alone a hot-headed puck jockey with a bad reputation. Aleksandr just hopes she’ll give him a chance—long enough to prove he’s finally met the one who makes him want to change.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes

Power Play – Book 2

Beneath her innocent facade, Gabriella Bertucci has her reasons to be standoffish with guys. Especially guys like Landon Taylor, a star defenseman on the minor-league Detroit Pilots and the object of a serious crush since he first walked into her family’s market. But when Landon comes through for her in a moment of crisis, Gaby starts to wonder if there might be more to Landon than hard muscles and fast skates.

Landon isn’t afraid of telling Gaby that he’s got it for her bad. The problem is, she seems unwilling to believe it. And though Landon enjoys his reputation as a cool-headed athlete, he hates losing—both on the rink and off. It’s his competitiveness that makes him so damn good at what he does . . . but it also makes him just a little bit complicated.

One minute Gaby’s tempted to give in; the next, she’s getting cold feet. How can she trust a guy who’s destined for bigger and better things to stick around? Then again, when Landon pulls her close with those powerful arms, the only thing that matters is right now.

Buy : Amazon / B & N / ITunes 

Coming Soon…

Interference – Book 3

Release Date: June 7, 2016

Linden Meadows doesn’t back down from anyone, especially if her family’s involved. So when her little brother’s new hockey coach benches him in the middle of a game, Linden lets him have it. She also notices that the coach is way hotter than she expects, but Linden won’t let herself get burned by another athlete. Been there, done that—and had a kid at seventeen to show for it.

When Jason Taylor isn’t taking abuse from hockey moms, he’s patrolling the streets as a member of the Bridgeland PD. After Jason pulls Linden over for speeding, he begins to see that there’s more to her than a big mouth . . . or a lead foot. Their chemistry leads to good company, intense conversation, and an intimacy that pushes beyond the boundaries of friendship. And yet Linden’s decision to keep her now three-year-old son, Holden, is a painful reminder to Jason that his own mother gave him up for adoption.

Linden’s sure she’s found the man to round out their family. But when Holden’s deadbeat dad forces his way back into the picture, Jason starts to back off. He needs time—to heal, to grow, and to love with all his heart.

Pre Order: Amazon / B & N / ITunes

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About the Author

Sophia Henry, a proud Detroit native, fell in love with reading, writing and hockey all before she became a teenager. She did not, however, fall in love with snow. So after graduating with a BS in English from Central Michigan University, she moved to the warmth of North Carolina for the remainder of her winters.

She spends her days writing books featuring hot, hockey-playing heroes. When she’s not writing, she’s chasing her two high-energy sons, reading, watching her beloved Detroit Red Wings and rocking out at concerts with her husband.

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