Center of Gravity by Laura McNeill Review

Center of Gravity

A Novel

By Laura McNeill

Summer 2015’s Sharpest Domestic Suspense Novel

SECRETS, LIES, AND A SINGLE MOTHER FIGHTING FOR HER LIFE COLLIDE IN THE DEEP SOUTH

“A compelling, fierce, and ultimately hopeful tale. McNeill is a writer to watch.”

-- Joshilyn Jackson, NYT and USA Today bestselling author of Someone Else’s Love Story

“A heart stopping, nail-biting suspense novel that held me captive. Evocative writing and a compelling voice add to the mesmerizing effect of this excellent debut. I’ll be looking for her next book!”

-- Colleen Coble, author of The Inn at Ocean’s Edge and the Hope Beach novels

Her whole life, Ava Carson has been sure of one thing: she doesn’t measure up to her mother’s expectations. So when devastatingly handsome and successful Mitchell Carson sweeps into her life with his adorable son, a ready-made family seems like a dream come true. In the blink of an eye, she’s married, has a new baby, and life is grand.

Or is it?

In Center of Gravity [July 14, 2015, Thomas Nelson], the forthcoming novel from award-winning writer Laura McNeill, not all is as it seems – and Ava Carson is forced to become stronger than she’s ever known herself to be.

An evocative and skillfully crafted addition to the emerging domestic suspense genre,Center of Gravity is told in several voices: Ava’s and Mitchell’s, but also that of Jack, their superhero-obsessed eight-year-old from Mitchell’s first marriage, as well as Graham Thomas, a newcomer to town who will prove more central to the breakdown of it all than anyone could’ve predicted.

Immersing its reader in an idyllic, affluent coastal Alabama landscape while steadily weaving its protagonist into an impossible web of domestic discord, the consequences of rejecting southern mores, and a mother’s unbreakable love for her children, Center of Gravity keeps its reader sharply on the edge of their seat from first page to last.

“I’ve discovered that nearly everyone I talk to, virtually everyone who’s been through a breakup, has a story of darkness to tell,” McNeill explains of her inspiration to pen Center of Gravity. “This is a novel about the lies we tell ourselves and the lies we are told. It’s about the unfailing truth that things, and people, are not always what they seem. And it’s not my story. It’s everyone’s story.”

Among the timely topics and themes Center of Gravity explores include:

• Domestic violence, emotional manipulation, and finding strength in ones' self to leave a bad marriage and take on the unknown
• The insidious and pervasive "good ol' boys" mentality of the Deep South
• Why the choices we've made in the past don't have to define us
• The psychology of children of divorce, and the realities -- both good and bad -- of single motherhood in the South
• Acts of betrayal and the lies we tell ourselves to mask the red flags that are sometimes right in front of us

About the Author:

After six years behind the anchor desk at two CBS affiliates (where she earned awards from the Associated Press including Best News Anchor and Best Specialized Reporter), Laura McNeill moved to the Alabama Gulf Coast to raise her family. She holds a master’s degree in journalism from The Ohio State University, a bachelor’s degree in English from Clarion University of Pennsylvania, and is currently pursuing her MFA from New England College. An accomplished and award-winning author who has released four novels and one short story to date under the pen name Lauren Clark, Laura was recently awarded a two-book deal with Thomas Nelson Publishing, a division of HarperCollins.

Center of Gravity will be available in paperback and e-book formats via all major online retailers and in bookstores across North America as of July 14, 2015. It is currently available for pre-order.

ISBN: 978-0718030902

320 pages

$15.99 paperback / $8.15 e-book

Find Laura on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, and her website, lauramcneill.com.

My Review

This story gravitates your whole attention from beginning to end.  This intense suspense domestic thriller will make your toes curl, your stomach twist, and emotions on high overload with the unexpected torment Ava starts to endure because of her husband Mitchell's extreme jealousy.

As this story progresses, you watch Ava being a normal naive housewife.  However, as the situation unravels and her world is turned upside down, you watch her slowly grow into a strong fighting woman.

I usually don't read these books because the real life circumstances just scrapes my soul.  But I fell for Ava immediately.  You just can't deny her devotion to her children.  The unexpected twists made this story a hard one to put down.

I highly recommend this book.  It's fast paced, full of emotion, and has characters that you will love, and definitely those you will hate. 

Pep Talks Release Day Blitz

Synopsis

(This is the fourth book in the Pepper Jones series, which should be read in order. The first three books in the series may be purchased as a box set for a discounted price, under the title “The Pepper Jones Collection.”)

Pepper’s freshman year at college is a harder transition than she anticipated. Uncertain of her coach’s expectations or her place amongst her new teammates, she struggles to redefine her running goals and identity on the cross country team. Pepper’s steady relationship with Jace should be a source of comfort as she navigates the college social environment, but an unexpected event throws everything between them off track. Also, hear from Jace’s point of view for the first time EVER. Growing up is hard, and when you’re Pepper Jones, running may be the only way to help you get through it.

First Book in the Series

Pepped Up

Synopsis

Pepper Jones is ready for an epic cross country season. She wants to qualify for Nationals, and she’s willing to do anything it takes to make it happen. She can handle long miles and hill sprints, but boys? That’s an entirely different challenge.

Pepper’s never considered revealing her deeper feelings for her longtime friend, Jace Wilder. After all, he’s got the personal magnetism and good looks to hook just about any girl in town -- and he has. Their friendship stands apart from high school social circles, and they’re both just fine with that (or at least they pretend to be).

That is, until running star Ryan Harding moves to town.

When it comes to running, Pepper’s goals are clear. But when it comes to Jace and Ryan, it’s nowhere near as simple.



About the Author

Ali Dean lives in Colorado with her husband, twin toddlers, and golden retriever. In addition to reading and writing, she loves the outdoors- everything from marathon training and biking to snowboarding and skiing.

Mylea: The Journey Begins by Philip C Elrod Spotlight

Mylea: The Journey Begins is a fast-paced and exciting science fiction novel by Philip C. Elrod. It is the prequel to the Mylean Universe Chronicles. It was published in June 2015 and is available for sale on Amazon.

Synopsis:

Mylea tells the story of a civilization that has achieved incredible technical and scientific marvels. Yet, now, they appear to be helpless to save themselves from the total destruction of their planet by an approaching black hole.

The only apparent solution to their problem appeared to be here, on Earth. Their arrival could cause a sensation on Earth if it were widely known. The mission must be accomplished with the least possible contact with Earthlings. Can they trust the Earthlings they contact? Can the Earthlings trust them? Will they succeed or will Mylea be forever lost in the dark reaches of outer space?

Mylea: The Journey Begins

Prologue

Long ago, in a galaxy far away.... Oops, wrong story!

About twenty thousand years ago in a small globular galaxy that was in the process of merging with the nearby great spiral galaxy, our Milky Way, there existed a small blue planet much like Earth. The planet was called Mylea. It was much like our Earth, but very different in one significant way: almost all of the land mass of Mylea was contiguous around the middle of the planet, with a huge ocean dominating the lower hemisphere and another somewhat smaller ocean dominating the upper hemisphere.

Mylea was inhabited by an advanced civilization of beings that were remarkably like humans in appearance and shared physical traits. But, mentally and emotionally, there were many significant differences.

As the civilization advanced and matured, the Myleans managed to control warlike tendencies and live in harmony. Early in their civilization, warfare became an alien concept. That alone would set them apart from humans.

Myleans were technologically advanced compared to earthlings. Their scientists even conquered physics at the sub-atomic level, enabling them to generate electricity directly from several forms of matter. Even more importantly, they had been able to conquer the mysteries of gravity and used it extensively, particularly in their transpiration systems.

Life on Mylea was very close to utopian for several millennia and might have remained so for many more. But a disaster suddenly threatened to completely destroy them and their planet. When it looked as though they surely were doomed, their most famous scientist stepped forward and proposed a plan to save the planet and all its inhabitants.

His plan, however, was beyond anything ever conceived before. It was beyond audacious!

But it could be their only hope for survival.

The big question they had to answer was, “Is it possible?”

About the Author:

Philip C. Elrod was born and raised in a small town atop Sand Mountain in Northeast Alabama. After serving with the military in Germany, he returned to the United States and continued his education at the University of Florida and Florida Southern College, majoring in Industrial Engineering and Economics.

Phil is a computer system analyst/designer and securities trader. He resides in Richardson, Texas with his wife and his two “bosses”, a Japanese Chin and a miniature Shih Tzu. His interests include writing, reading, astronomy, photography, outdoor cooking, and travel.

Phil enjoys writing science fiction thrillers. His debut novel Mylea: The Journey Begins is the prequel to the Mylean Universe Chronicles. It tells the story of a technologically advanced civilization and their desperate fight to survive a cosmic cataclysm. Ultimately, their epic journey brings them to Earth seeking the assistance of a unique earthling. The second book in the series, The Krakow Klub, deals with what the earthling does with his Mylean legacy. To learn more, go to http://www.pcelrod.com/

Readers can connect with Phil on Twitter and Goodreads.

The Third Twin by CJ Omololu Review

Identical twins. Identical DNA. Identical suspects. It's Pretty Little Liars meets Revenge in this edge-of-your-seat thriller with a shocking twist.

When they were little, Lexi and her identical twin, Ava, made up a third sister, Alicia. If something broke? Alicia did it. Cookies got eaten? Alicia's guilty. Alicia was always to blame for everything. The game is all grown up now that the girls are seniors. They use Alicia as their cover to go out with boys who are hot but not exactly dating material. Boys they'd never, ever be with in real life.

Now one of the guys Alicia went out with has turned up dead, and Lexi wants to stop the game for good. As coincidences start piling up, Ava insists that if they follow the rules for being Alicia, everything will be fine. But when another boy is killed, the DNA evidence and surveillance photos point to only one suspect: Alicia. The girl who doesn't exist. As she runs from the cops, Lexi has to find the truth before another boy is murdered. Because either Ava is a killer…or Alicia is real. 

Published February 24th 2015 by Delacorte

I write as C.J., but you can call me Cynthia. My YA novel DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS came out in early 2010. My next book TRANSCENDENCE came out in June of 2012, followed by the sequel INTUITION in June of 2013. My newest book is a YA thriller called THE THIRD TWIN and will be out in February 2015 followed by another standalone thriller RECOVERY in early 2016. 

You might notice that I only give 4 or 5 star reviews. That isn't because I love everything, it's because I only review things I really love. As a writer, I know all that goes into making a book, and while a story might not strike a chord with me, who am I to say it won't with someone else? I hate tomatoes, but lots of people like them, and it's the same with a book. So, if I rate something here, it's means that I'd let you borrow my copy, but I really do want you to give it back so that I can read it again. 

Check out the Author's website HERE

My Review

This story is one amazing murder mystery!  There were so many twist and turns, unexpected surprises, you will not be able to put it down.  This is one story that you don't want to know any spoilers.

Ava and Lexi had an imaginary friend as children called Alicia.  However, as they grown older, they decided to make Alicia a little more real, by giving her a very outgoing personality, and each girl takes turns going out as "her" to date boys without any ties.  Alicia's personality is more like Ava's.  Lexi, is very conservative, and hopes to one day go to Standford.  

THEN, everything gets intense.  Weird things start to happen, murders, and all out creepiness, that ends up having them on the run.

This is a brilliant thriller that you won't be able to put down.  Give it a try!

My Serenity Book Tour

Meet Seth & Josefina in this second-chance romance

NOW AVAILABLE at the following retailers:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1O8twLE

UK: http://amzn.to/1UWipu9

iBook: http://apple.co/1O2rkVq

Google: http://bit.ly/1Jfcf4E

B&N: http://bit.ly/1GjvTX0  

KOBO: http://bit.ly/1BxvXpf

"Ms. Clarke has done it again! She's cre­ated a lovable couple that readers will relate to and want to know." InD'tale Ma­gazine

Blurb

When tragedy strikes, Seth Stewart is forced to return home after the death of his beloved father. The unexpected detour forces him to oversee the family’s auto shop and restaurant business, and Seth must kiss the prestigious internship goodbye after his first year at Berkeley Business School. When he collides with his first crush after his arrival, Seth wonders what possibly could have happened to Josefina Anders.

Josefina has hidden many secrets she is too ashamed to share with anyone, especially Seth. When they cross paths again, the urge to relive their past lingers in her mind even though she knows he couldn’t accept her sketchy past. Things get even more complicated when her mother returns, as well as her overly possessive ex, who decides to crash into her fragile existence all over again.

Will Seth’s connection for Josefina be strong enough to see past her secrets, or will he realize he can’t rekindle an old flame?

Excerpt

“Are you nervous, Mr. Stewart?” She smirked. Her eyes were beaming playfully.

     “No, not at all.” My pitch came off higher than I had expected, and I was upset with myself. I had to fix that. “I mean—” I cleared my throat. Two can play at this game, I thought. I squared my shoulders and sat up tall. “So, Josefina Anders, let me ask you some questions before I decide if I want to hire you.”

     Her brows lifted, most likely wondering if I was being serious or joking. Dropping her crossed leg, she pulled the chair closer to the table. Josie pulled a piece of paper out of an envelope that I hadn’t seen a second ago, tucked away behind her back. She placed a resume on my desk. “Ask away.”

     “How long have you been a waitress?”

     “As long as I can remember. I got hired right after high school.” She pointed to her resume. “You can see that I’ve only worked at a few places, but I’m loyal and a good employee.”

     “You’ve been a waitress for a long time, Ms. Anders. Do you think you’ll ever get sick of it?”

     “Not if it means I get to see Mr. Stewart.” Her lips curled wickedly.

     “Do you wear thongs or granny panties?”

     Josie’s lips puckered, stopping herself from busting up. “Mostly thongs, but I’m not wearing anything under my skirt at the moment.”

     Holy shit! I was trying to make her blush, but this was backfiring. Ignoring her last words, though it was extremely difficult to do, since all I could do was envision her with her skirt off, I continued, “Do you like to be on top or bottom?”

     “I will be in whatever position pleases Mr. Stewart. I’m very flexible.”

VIEW THE My Serenity Soundtrack (Lyrics by M. Clarke)  HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYe1JeIJ9yU&feature=youtu.be

Available for download at: http://amzn.to/1O2pYKp

My Review

When you fall in love with characters, it is completely awesome to keep reading about them when the series continues.

My Serenity doesn't disappoint.  It's about first love, and the chance to rekindle that love as adults. Because lets face it, you never forget your first love.  However, not only does this story brings the butterflies to the surface, it has an amazing plot with twists and fun loving goofing around.

I loved this story...adore the characters, and read ALL of Mary's books at full throttle.

My Clarity (Book One)

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1nxGeJW

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1mPYhXX

B & N: http://bit.ly/1mfmgRM

Smashword: http://bit.ly/1nxGIzK

iBooks: http://apple.co/1SAlhLV

Author Information

Mary Ting resides in Southern California with her husband and two children. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Writing her first novel, Crossroads Saga, happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother, and inspired by a dream she once had as a young girl. When she started reading new adult novels, she fell in love with the genre. It was the reason she had to write one-Something Great. Why the pen name, M Clarke? She tours with Magic Johnson Foundation to promote literacy and her children’s chapter book-No Bullies Allowed

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crossroadsbook

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaryTing

Website: http://www.authormaryting

Blog: http://www.marytingbooks.blogspot.com

Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7181038.M_Clarke

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/mting888/boards/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/authormaryting

TSU: https://www.tsu.co/AuthorMaryTing    

GIVEAWAY

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SIGHT by Juliet Madison Blog Tour, Playlist, and Giveaway

SIGHT by Juliet Madison
Official Blog Tour July 13 - 17

ABOUT THE BOOK

SIGHT
The Delta Girls: Book One
Author: Juliet Madison
Release Date: July 14, 2015
Publisher:  Diversion Books

SYNOPSIS:

“I spent my birthday fast asleep. In a coma to be exact.”

When Savannah wakes up after two months in the hospital, she sees a whole lot more than expected, things that could put those close to her at risk.

The five Delcarta sisters have never believed in the paranormal, not like their woo-woo mother. Instead they believe in the power of sisterhood, of romance, and rebuilding their lives after their father’s mysterious disappearance nine years earlier. Starting anew in the small town of Iris Harbor, they see potential in all.

But Savannah’s awakening after having surgery on a life-threatening aneurysm brings a unique ability to the Delcarta sisters–together, each can predict the future with one of the five senses. And Savannah has the gift of sight.

A serial arsonist has been terrorizing the tight-knit community, and the Delcarta sisters have their suspicions on who could be to blame, including a boy who starts as an adversary to Savannah and then very quickly becomes her whole world. Investigating these crimes, trying to stop them before the next flame is sparked will call upon Savannah to use her newfound abilities with the help of her sisters, and will put each of their lives in danger.

This stunning new paranormal series blends the sweetest of romances with breathless suspense, and introduces five young women who share a haunted past, an extraordinary gift, and an uncertain future. 

MUSIC PLAYLIST

5 Songs I would put on the soundtrack for SIGHT

Juliet Madison

1. I See Fire, by Ed Sheeran.

Sight has an arsonist terrorizing the town, so this song would be good for the soundtrack. But The Hobbit beat me to it!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mllXxyHTzfg

2. Bring Me To Life, Evanescence.

Seriously, listen to the lyrics. I feel like this song was made for Sight!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YxaaGgTQYM

3. Heart Hypnotic, Delta Goodrem.

I think this song would be good for the lighthearted parts of the story, and the romance between Savannah and Riley. The lyrics also mention visions, the future, and a fortune teller, which suits The Delta Girls! Besides, ‘Delta’ Goodrem sings it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rk-7GfGCH9E

4. Armageddon, Guy Sebastian.

Would be good for the suspense and action near the end, when Savannah discovers time is running out and danger is approaching, and she realizes what and who really matters.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaELRZY_k2E

5. Senses Working Overtime, by Mandy Moore (cover)

Couldn’t resist. Suits the concept of The Delta Girls series and has a fun vibe for the fun moments in the story.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvsDqHAFkFY

My Review

Wow, did you read the synopsis above?

Savannah, Serena, Sasha, Talia, and Tamara.  Five sisters. Five senses.

When Savannah awakes from a coma, the sisters' five senses wake too...and when they connect, the senses become stronger and they try to make sense of their new ability.

They are new in town, trying to start a new life and  move past the heartache. When the girls are taking a walk on the beach, they stumble upon a volleyball game and Savannah gets hit in the head with the ball. When over confident "Volleyball Guy"  aka Riley gives Savannah a fun but hard time, it's game on.

The sisters keep their ability a secret, and the visions start coming more frequently.  They are determined to figure out the mystery of their visions and uncover who is responsible for the fires that could harm a lot of people.

This story is amazing.  It is fast-paced from the first paragraph until the last.  The bond that the sisters have is compelling, and I just loved their individual personalities.  Each sister stood out, even with Savannah being the focal point.  The twists and unexpected turns were brilliantly placed, never leaving any slow spots in the story.  I discovered how the five senses were placed with each sister's personality was completely brilliant and creative. (how do authors come up with this stuff??) Riley, is just too cute.  The romance between Savannah and Riley gives those fun butterfly feelings in your belly.  When you get into the story, you learn how much Savannah and Riley are alike, and make a perfect fit...even with a little romance hiccups along the way.  Amazing mysterious plot, fascinating bond, and paranormal awesomeness will draw you into this series, wanting more like RIGHT NOW!

 I loved this book.  I love reads that entertaining that I can finish fast with my busy life.  I look forward to the adventure to come.

BOOK LINKS

Get The Book Now

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Juliet Madison is a bestselling author of romantic comedy, women’s fiction, and young adult mystery. After a successful career as a naturopath and a background in dance, art, internet marketing, and perfume sales (yes, she was one of those annoying people in department stores who spray you with perfume), she now prefers to indulge her propensity for multiple careers by living vicariously through her characters.

Living near the beach on the beautiful south coast of New South Wales, Australia, Juliet spends as much time as possible writing and as little time as possible doing housework.

Author Social Media links:
https://twitter.com/juliet_madison
https://www.facebook.com/JulietMadisonAuthor
https://www.facebook.com/groups/341320686069419/
https://www.pinterest.com/julietmadison/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6889443.Juliet_Madison
https://twitter.com/DeltaGirlsBook

GIVEAWAY

Three winners will each get a finished copy of SIGHT by Juliet Madison
Ships in US only | Must be 13+ To Enter

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