RWM Wednesday: Featuring All the Contemporaries

Read With Me: Contemporary Edition

Summer Days and Summer Nights edited by Stephanie Perkins

Unrivaled by Alyson Noel

You Know Me Well by Nina LaCour and David Levithan

When We Collided by Emery Lord

The Yearbook Committee by Sarah Ayoub

Sing by Vivi Greene

I thought it might be fun to talk about the books I'm reading in a new little feature I'm calling, "Read With Me Wednesday's" twice a month. It's been a struggle this year, trying to juggle work, personal life, and reading all at the same time and still have some "free time" for me. So, after giving it some thought, I've decided that I'm not going to set a "how many books I'll be reading this year" goal, because it's just been too much added pressure on me and honestly it's started to suck the fun out reading. I've also decided that I'm going to read whatever feels right and what I'm in the mood to read, while still intermingling some of the ARC's I've received for review into that pile as well.

This Wednesday, we're going to be talking about "all the Contemporaries", because it seems like I've been on a really big kick with them lately. It's summer time and I love sinking into a really fun, super carefree, sweet romance or a super hyped-up, all drama, crazy ball of contemporary feels. Also, I love how diverse most of the books I'm most excited to read this summer, are. But enough of my gabbing, let's talk about these books and what I loved about them or why I want/can't wait to read them. 

Currently Reading...

Summer Days and Summer Nights 

edited by Stephanie Perkins

I'm really enjoying this book, I'm about half way through it and I've been taking my time reading two or three stories a day or whenever I have time. It's not as strong as the My True Love Gave to Me anthology of short stories, but it's really cute, fun, and a couple of the stories has super feels. I absolutely love the short story that Francesca Lia Block wrote, it was beautiful, angsty, and super feels-y. It really gave me something to think about, to reflect on, plus is made me cry. It was just gorgeous and so far, it has been one of my absolute favorites. (Even though, some have said it just seemed pointless.)

I also really loved how adorable and cute Stephanie Perkins story was and I'm really looking forward to reading the one that Jennifer E. Smith wrote, since I've heard that it puts a positive spin on highlighting Autism and how it affects the people who have to live with it on a daily basis. If you like short stories and summer, I would definitely suggest picking up a copy and reading it, because it's tons of fun and feels-y. 

Unrivaled by Alyson Noel

I actually received a finished copy of this book via the publisher and I have to say, that despite some residual feelings, I'm actually enjoying it. It's a pretty good summer mystery, filled with all kinds of drama, various characters from different backgrounds, and different purposes that all tie into the bigger part of the story. 

Again, I'm about half-way through it, and I'm really liking it. So, if you're looking for a pretty decent summer mystery, I would actually suggest you give this one a try and see how you like it. 

Wanting to Read...

You Know Me Well 

by Nina LaCour and David Levithan

Okay, so, where do I even begin with this book?! Because, I love the fact that it's so LGBTQ+ positive (that there are more books like this that are being written and released soon in YA), that Nina LaCour and David Levithan freaking wrote a book together, (what?!), or that the basic premise of it just sounds so amazing. I want this book to become a movie, so that I can like freaking obsess over it like crazy. 

There should be more books like these, more characters and stories exactly like this one in YA. This book is going to be absolutely gorgeous and brave and full of so many wonderful things and I can't wait to read it.

When We Collided by Emery Lord

"We are seventeen and shattered and still dancing. We have messy, throbbing hearts, and we are stronger than anyone could ever know…"

That quote is THE WHY I want to read this book, because if the rest of it is ANYTHING like that then I know it's going to be absolutely beautiful and amazing. This is how I want to spend the rest of my summer days, reading books like these that give me ALL THE FEELS. That, and the fact that it's unlike any of the other books that she's written, that it highlights mental illness in such a raw and realistic thought provoking way just makes me want to read it even more! 

This is probably going to be one that I'm going to want to physically own a copy of and not just have it on my Kindle. 

The Yearbook Committee by Sarah Ayoub

I absolutely love reading books like this one, because you get to meet various characters, see how their lives crossed or intersected in some way or another, and also see the future impact that it had on them. You just get to see so many sides to each person, see their story, and how it affects them and other's around them that you can't help, but feel. 

Currently Read...

Sing by Vivi Greene

I know from looking at Goodreads that pretty everyone and their mother, thinks this book is based on Taylor Swift and her life. I can't say whether or not it was or wasn't inspired by her, but I am going to say that not everything is about Taylor Swift (who, I actually kind of like btw). This story was fun, super sweet and charming, and it definitely made me laugh and cry at the same time. It actually made me feel something, it was the first book that I've picked up in the last couple of months that I actually wanted to sit down and just drown in without putting it away until I was finished. It was another one that was sent as finished copy by the publisher for review and I have yet to find the words to say how much I enjoyed it. 

I just don't care what other people think, really, because until you've read it you don't really know who it's about or what it's really about. There's a little bit more there to it, than meets the eye and I felt like it was really sweet and cute and funny in all of the right ways that a summer romance and finding oneself and being brave enough to accept the changes in who you were, who you are becoming, and who you want to be no matter the odds that you'll face or the people or things that might fall away in your life. That is how this story spoke to me and I really loved it. 

So, those are the books that I'm currently reading, what I want to read, and what I've read so far. 

What are you reading? Wanting to read? Have read? 

Let me know in the comments below!

Book Blitz+Giveaway: Because I Love You by Tori Rigby

I'm really excited to be a part of this particular book blitz, especially since one of the topics being discussed during ArmChairBEA this week is about more diversity in books. I love reading in general, it's literally changed the way that I look at the world around, which is why I'm always craving more diversity in the type of books that I love to read - which is - pretty much everything within reason. I've definitely been trying to step outside of my comfort zone even more so now, than I was willing to do back when I originally started this blog and decided that I was going to be seriously about keeping it up. 

Books can do so many things for you, if you let them open your eyes to the world around you. They can become a sort of "escapism" and people use them for "coping mechanisms", and also reading in general for fun. I love the fun light-hearted, carefree books that you can just sink into easily and finish in a lazy day out in the summer sun; but I also love the books that can challenge your way of thinking, give you a different view or outlook on something, or just change your mind completely. 

Those books are filled with diversity in all kinds, like LGBTQIA+, topics on mental illnesses, books exploring teen pregnancy (such as this one) and the affects it can have from all sides, racial issues, and they can explore many different backgrounds and cultures giving you a plethera of characters ranging from one nationality to many more, heroes and heroines that come in all shapes and sizes. These are the kinds of books that I'm kind of filling my days off with, when I get the chance to read.

Which, is why, I'm really excited to be sharing an excerpt of Because I Love You by the lovely and talented Tori Rigby with you. Before starting this blog, this isn't the type of book that I would have actually thought to pick up and read or even really want to read. I wasn't all that much of a contemporary person, nor was I really that into reading books that explored "teen pregnancy," which is continuously on the rise. Now, though, it's different. I look forward to reading a copy of this book and I am thrilled to try and get other's into being more open to reading books that span a wide diverse of topics and characters.

So, if you're interested, check out the excerpt below and don't forget to enter the giveway. Also, please leave Tori Rigby some love as well.

Because I Love You

Tori Rigby

Publisher: Blaze Publishing

Published: May 17th 2016

Age Demographic: YA

Genres: Contemporary 

Eight weeks after sixteen-year-old Andie Hamilton gives her virginity to her best friend, “the stick” says she’s pregnant.

Her friends treat her like she’s carrying the plague, her classmates torture and ridicule her, and the boy she thought loved her doesn’t even care. Afraid to experience the next seven months alone, she turns to her ex-boyfriend, Neil Donaghue, a dark-haired, blue-eyed player. With him, she finds comfort and the support she desperately needs to make the hardest decision of her life: whether or not to keep the baby.

Then a tragic accident leads Andie to discover Neil’s keeping a secret that could dramatically alter their lives, and she’s forced to make a choice. But after hearing her son’s heartbeat for the first time, she doesn’t know how she’ll ever be able to let go.

Goodreads * Amazon * B&N * Blaze Publishing

Can't decide if you want to read Because I Love You?
Let the small excerpt decide that for you...

Excerpt from Because I Love You
Written by Tori Rigby

No matter how much I needed him, I couldn’t let Neil throw his future away for me. He would do anything to keep me protected, comforted; I knew that like I knew the sky was blue. But I had to show him the same selfless love, or I’d forever regret holding him back. Which meant one thing: I was on my own.

My stomach turned to stone. But what about Ethan? Even if I did manage to drop out of high school and find a job that paid a decent wage, I couldn’t provide for a baby by myself. I couldn’t raise a baby in poverty—I wouldn’t. My son deserved so much more. But how the hell was I supposed to let him go?

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Author Bio

Adopted at three-days-old by a construction worker and a stay at home mom, Tori Rigby grew up with her nose in a book and her fingers on piano keys, always awaiting the day she’d take her own adventure. Now, she goes on multiple journeys through her contemporary and historical romances. She longs to live in the Scottish Highlands, and her favorite place in history is Medieval England—she’d even give up her Internet and running water to go back in time! Tori also writes high-concept genre fiction as Vicki Leigh, and when she isn’t writing, she’s kicking butt in krav maga or attending classes to learn how to catch bad guys.

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Book Blitz&Giveaway: Painting Sky by Rita Branches

It feels like New Adult novels and their respective author's have literally taken over my life within the last year or two. There's something that I crave more and more about the raw, gritty, grown-up and mature tone they seem to take on. It feels like I'm reading books that are targeted towards me, as an avid book reader and I keep voraciously devouring them every single chance that I get. I've watched people that I admire grow into becoming some of the best New Adult romance authors out there. People like, Molli Moran, Lia Riley, Jessica Sorensen, Eliza Freed, and Rita Branches are what make me want to read more. 

That's why, I'm really excited to be part of this blitz, because it's talented author's like Rita Branches, that fuel my desire to read and Painting Sky, looks like it's going to be amazing. So, if you guys are interested in checking out some amazing New Adult author's and discovering new books, as well as reading what I think will turn out to be an amazing gem, then keep reading and check out the excerpt below. It's got me, hook line, and sinker!

Painting Sky 

Rita Branches

Release Date: 04/25/16

Age Demographic: NA

Genre: Contemporary

Pages: 306

Nobody ever said life was easy…

People pleaser, Jane Skylar wants nothing more than to earn her art degree, start her life, and bask in the bliss of living with her boyfriend.

But things don’t always go as planned…

Struggling with her creative side, Jane finds herself in turmoil, often confiding in her roommate – another, more talented art student, Keith Hale. Keith just so happens to be her boyfriend’s older, brooding brother. After a devastating breakup, Jane turns to Keith for comfort. But when the lines blur between roommate and lover, Jane’s life becomes more complicated than ever before.

When Keith’s past comes back to haunt him, their lives all get turned upside down, forcing the truth to surface. Now Jane must fight for what she wants–even if it hurts everyone she loves.

Goodreads * Amazon

EXCERPT:

When I pulled the door open, the last person I wanted to see was sitting on a stool, sipping his morning coffee. He didn’t acknowledge me.

I poured some coffee in a random mug, since Keith was using my favorite one, and tried to reach the last package of cookies on the top shelf. I really didn’t want to use the stool in front of Keith.

What was the least humiliating decision? Trying to reach it by jumping on the counter or getting the stupid stool? I almost decided on just eating something at school when a throat being cleared sounded just behind me. I knew that, if I turned around, he would be invading my personal space. I had no intention of letting him ruin my birthday, so I stayed put with my arms crossed over my chest.

“Were you deciding between the cookies, the canned peas, or the rice? Because I can help with either one of them, just not sure which one you get in the morning.” Keith snickered. I could smell him, and the fact that such a pleasant smell could come from such an unpleasant person puzzled me.

I had the strong urge to turn and flip him the finger. I had never done that in my life, but could now understand why people did it. Instead, I turned slowly, thinking about how to have the upper hand this time.

I was right about the personal space: I leaned back and rested my hands behind me on the counter. He was standing so close to me that I had to look up to see his eyes. For a second, I saw the indecision there, as if he knew he should step back.

I had to think of a witty response fast, but then I noticed he had shaved— that was where the amazing smell was coming from. He had a small cut on his throat.

Keith wasn’t smirking now; he was genuinely waiting for me to do something. I wished I could read his thoughts so I could do the exact opposite of what he was hoping for.

I quickly took the wish back. It was my birthday, after all, and we never did know when a wish would be granted. This was one I really didn’t want to come true. Hearing his words hurt enough without having to hear his thoughts, as well.

“Next time you shave, try standing an inch or two closer to the blade,” I whispered, leaning closer to his shoulder.

I was so pleased with my joke that I pondered going upstairs and writing it down. I smiled triumphantly at my quick response and did a little happy dance inside.

“Did you have to think on that one this whole time, or were you just checking me out?”

My smile faltered and then completely disappeared. That had been a good one. Okay, I must have thought about it a little longer than I realized. Maybe I had been kind of checking him out—not in a “you’re so hot” way, but more of a “if you could just be a statue and never speak or move, I would thank the powers that be” way.

I stuck my chin out to try to appear taller. “That was a good one and you know it.” I crossed my arms again and brushed against his chest in the process.

Author Bio:

Rita Branches is an independent YA (young adult) author who enjoys spending every free moment (when she´s not reading) writing emotional stories. Visit: http://ritabranches.wordpress.com

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Blog Tour & Author Interview: Truest by Jackie Lee Sommers

"Rescue wears masks, you know. It's why people say it's darkest before the dawn."

*Truest ;; Jackie Lee Sommers*

I'm excited to be a part of this blog tour, for such a compelling, raw, and realistic young adult contemporary romance novel. Jackie Lee Sommers completely puts me away, with the bare bones of this story, the twist thrown towards the end, and the breaking of stereotypes all too commonly associated with young adult literature. I'm lucky to have her with me on the blog today, sharing some insight into what she would love to see more of in YA novels, more on the characters and the concept behind Truest and why she wrote it, and just general things to share. 

But first, I'd love to share a little bit more about the book with you guys. 

Truest
Jackie Lea Sommers
Published: September 1. 2015
Age Demographic: YA Contemporary
Pages: 384

Silas Hart has seriously shaken up Westlin Beck's small-town life. 

Brand new to town, Silas is different than the guys in Green Lake. He's curious, poetic, philosophical, maddening-- and really, really cute. 

But Silas has a sister-- and she has a secret. 

And West has a boyfriend. 

And life in Green Lake is about to change forever.

Truest is a stunning, addictive debut. Romantic, fun, tender, and satisfying, it asks as many questions as it answers.

To purchase Truest by Jackie Lea Sommers please visit:

Amazon * Barnes&Noble

An Interview with the Author

Jackie Lea Sommers

Hi Jackie, thank you for joining me today on the blog, it's nice to have you here. I'm really excited about reading your debut YA novel, Truest. From the synopsis alone, there's an air of mystery to this tender romance novel that has definitely gripped me, can you talk a little bit about that without giving too much of it away?

Thank you for having me here! Yes, while this book has a lot of sweet romance between Westlin, the pastor’s daughter, and Silas, the new guy in town, the mystery in the book surrounds Laurel, Silas’s twin sister, who is battling against a little-known mental disorder. All three teens try to help one another with their individual struggles, but the summer still surprises them.

I know with some authors, they draw inspiration and feeling from personal events and various moments of their lives, was there anything in particular that motivated you when you were writing Truest?

Yes, actually! The mental disorder that Laurel is facing is one that I’ve dealt with at various times in my own life, though at those times, I never knew it had a name. When I learned its name, I knew I would write about it eventually.

It seems that with YA fiction all of those tropes and cliches seem to come along, if there were anything that you could change about the genre or explore more of within the genre what would it be and where would you like to see YA within the next three to five years?

Wow, this is an amazing, deep question! I hope my answer is duly thoughtful. What would I like to see YA look like five years from now? I’d love to see YA fiction continue to embrace the realistic contemporary path. I once read this quote from a fantasy author who said that fantasy literature was exciting and magical and full of color and victory cries, and then he compared real life to paying taxes and white walls and the buzz of the lawnmower. And I just found that quote so faulty. I think that real life has so much magic in it-- and that’s why I love to write realistic contemporary YA, to show that. There are already so many tremendous authors writing contemp in ways that are literary and magical; in five years, I hope there’s even more.

Getting back to the book, Truest, I have just a fun little question for you. If the rights to Truest were ever optioned to become a feature adaptation film and you had the chance to cast the the two main roles in it, who would you choose and why would you chose them?

West would be Emma Watson BECAUSE EMMA WATSON.
Silas would be Grant Gustin from The Flash. He’s tall and cute and a runner. ;-)
Laurel would be played by Elizabeth Olsen; I look at that actress and see Laurel.

Since Truest is your debut novel into the YA market, what have you learned or experience that you think might be helpful to another author that might just be starting out?

I’ve learned just how much work it is, even post-book deal. I guess I had once assumed that all the hard work came before getting the contact, and then after that would be mostly gravy. I couldn’t have been more wrong! The book deal was the starting line to another year of tremendously hard work on Truest. I’m so grateful to my incredible editor at HarperCollins; she pushes me past my own boundaries in such beautiful, thoughtful, brilliant ways. I am so proud of her and so delighted I get to work with her again on my next novel.

Thank you, so much for being on the blog with me today Jackie, I really do appreciate you dropping by and sharing your thoughts and insights into the world of YA and what it's like writing a book for the first time and putting it out there. Is there anything else that you would like to say?


Truest is a labor of love, and the characters you’ll encounter are so real and dear to me. I hope you’ll fall in love with them too.

Spotted: A Super Awesome Giveaway

One signed and annotated hardcover of Truest

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About the Author

Website * Twitter * Facebook

Jackie Lea Sommers lives and loves and writes in Minnesota, where the people are nice and the Os are long. She is the 2013 winner of the Katherine Paterson Prize. 

She dislikes OCD, horcruxes, and Minnesota winters. She likes book boyfriends, cranky teenagers, and Minnesota springs. 

Truest is her first novel.

Don't forget to visit Jackie on Goodreads.

Cover Reveal: As You Breathe Again (The Walker Boys, 2) by Molli Moran

I'm super thrilled and excited to be sharing the cover reveal for As You Breathe Again, the breathless anticipated sequel to As You Turn Away in The Walker Boys series. I've already developed a girl!crush on Lanie Shaw, you guys. It's unbelievable! Molli Moran, is one of my absolute favorite New Adult author's, if you're looking for swoon-worthy southern romance with edge and diversity, then you won't be disappointed in her books at all. 

Her characters are as charming as they are feisty, her stories are compelling and breathless, and her writing is absolutely gorgeous. I've been waiting on this sequel for what feels like ages, because As You Turn Away gave me ALL THE FEELS and I expect nothing less from this book. Come on guys, Reece Walker?! 

As You Breathe Again
Molli Moran
(The Walker Boys #2)
Published: February 4th 2016
Genres: NA Contemporary

She’s never had the courage to hold on to anyone. He never learned how to let go of what he wants.

Delaney Shaw isn’t looking for anything complicated. After her teaching career is put on hold, she decides to spend the summer in Georgia with her best friend. Lanie lives for the here and now, and she isn’t thinking past the end of the summer. She’s never had any problem being unattached, because she learned a long time ago that life is safer that way.

Until Reece Walker decides to change her mind.

Almost a year after his ex-wife’s death, Reece is still reeling from her passing. He’s devoted himself to raising their son and working his family’s farm to keep himself grounded. Reece feels like he’s lost sight of the man he used to be, and he’s not sure how to find his way back.

Everything changes when the woman he’s unsuccessfully tried to forget walks back into his life.

Even though she’s fighting their sizzling chemistry, Lanie is losing the war. But love isn’t always like it is in the movies, and they have real issues. Lanie is terrified Reece’s small town won’t accept their interracial relationship, and she doesn’t know how to let him in.

Lanie has had years to build her defenses, but Reece isn’t the sort to give up without a fight. If he can counter Lanie’s fears with the future only he can offer her, maybe they can both learn to breathe again.

Sequel to:

Add to Goodreads * Pre-order

About the Author

Molli Moran is a Southern author who doesn't consider her day complete if she hasn't written. She loves coffee and talking fast, things she attributes to being raised by Gilmore Girls. She's a romantic at heart, and brings that to her books, which are usually about characters chasing after their happily ever after. Although content when reading, she can often be found watching and flailing over Doctor Who, cuddling her various pets, or spending time with friends, family, or her girlfriend. Molli loves Oxford commas, country music, Stefan Salvatore, and scarves.

Molli is the author of The Walker Boys series, about a trio of rowdy brothers, their growth and individual journeys, and the sassy girls who love them. She's also written a New Adult standalone novel, ONE SONG AWAY, with other books constantly on her mind. You can keep in touch with Molli on Twitter, where she hangs out as @MissMolliWrites.

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Book Sale Alert: For A Limited Time Only

Spotted:

For A limited time only you can get a digital copy of

The Illusion of Annabella

Unravelling You Series

Unbeautiful You Series

For just $.99 cents!!!

If you are looking for an amazing New Adult author to sink your teeth into, Jessica Sorensen is by far one of my absolute favorites and I highly recommend her. She has written some of my favorite series that have changed the way that I view the world and various things in it. Her characters are raw, edgy, and she isn't afraid to write the truth - ugly and dysfunctional, beautiful and tormented, in such a way that it gives you ALL THE FEELS! 

I'm always excited to get the chance to introduce someone new to this author, because she is by far one of my absolute favorites. So, definitely go check out her books, if you're thinking about wanting to dip your toes into the New Adult genre or if you are just looking for a new book to pick up and you think one of these might wet your appetite. 

Click here for more information on Jessica Sorensen and her books.

Book Blitz+Giveaway: The Secrets We Keep by Lily Velez

I'm excited to be sharing The Secrets We Kept by the lovely Lily Velez on the blog today. It's an incredibly sweet and endearing Young Adult contemporary romance that will pull at your heartstrings and leave you with ALL THE FEELINGS. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of this book in the coming year and sink into it. I have a feeling that I'm absolutely going to fall in love with the beautifully broken yet strong Cadence and Sully. I am such a sucker for those childhood sweetheart romance stories and I think this book has ALL OF THAT and SO MUCH MORE!

Just the excerpt alone, has me vying for this book and this couple! Also, don't forget to stick around and enter the giveaway. It's filled with some pretty amazing prizes. 

The Secrets We Kept

Lily Velez

Published: November 8th 2015

Genres: YA Contemporary

One year. That’s how long it’s been since childhood sweethearts Sully Graham and Cadence Gilbertson broke up, since one adoption and one out-of-state move turned their worlds upside down.

Suddenly, Cadence is back in New York City, but something’s different about her. The light in her eyes, the music in her laughter, the warmth in her smile—all of those things have entirely vanished. In their place stand the makings of a girl Sully can’t even begin to recognize, much less understand.

Still, despite the collective history of heartbreak between them, he’s convinced he can win her trust again, and he’s committed to proving the invincibility of their love no matter what it takes.

But Cadence is quietly harboring secrets of her own. Dark secrets. Ugly secrets. Secrets that could break a person. And though broken herself and unbearably lonely, she’s determined to protect Sully from her terrible, biting truths. Even if it means locking him out of her life forever.

The only problem is it seems her heart hasn’t quite received the memo. One glimpse of him is all it takes for her to trip into familiar (and, she’ll admit, addictive) feelings that threaten to all but consume her. Now her biggest fear is that her secrets will begin to slowly unravel one by one…long before Sully’s resolve ever does.

The Secrets We Kept is a moving story about first love, friendship, and forgiveness, and the enduring bonds that forever connect us and give us our strength.

Goodreads * Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Excerpt from The Secrets We Keep
by Lily Velez

Sully still remembered the first time that he saw Cadence. It was a sweltering summer that year. Push-cart ice cream vendors roamed the neighborhood blocks like soldiers on patrol, circling playgrounds and community swimming pools. It was common to see people pop open fire hydrants like champagne bottles, children dancing in the shoots of water as miniature rainbows reflected off the asphalt.

Sully and his brother, twelve and ten years old at the time, were living with the Petersons back then along with a tribe of foster siblings. Ol’ Man Peterson was a Vietnam vet with PTSD and a short-fuse temper that exploded so quickly, it was like his personality had a gas leak. Usually, maintaining a thirty-foot distance from the man at all times was insurance against his drunken rampages. His military pedigree had bred in him a no-nonsense adherence to hard work and, where appropriate, hard discipline—both of which were far less easy to escape.

The hard work in particular manifested in the Peterson prison as an endless checklist of chores (otherwise known as “slave labor” in the Spencer Graham lexicon), the completion or lack thereof of which determined whether or not you ate dinner that night. Additionally, each child had to fulfill their assigned task in accordance with certain standards, and as Ol’ Man Peterson was an uncompromising perfectionist, one chore could go through three to five rounds before the man extended a grunt of approval.

The afternoon Cadence arrived, Sully and Spencer were attached to yard work. While the Peterson walk-up sat only a few yards from the curb, which meant there barely existed a lawn between the chain-link fence and the front door, Ol’ Man Peterson preferred his grass cut to an exact height. It was taking painstaking precision to perfect his science.

Spencer lay on his stomach with a see-through ruler to measure the blades of grass. “I think you cut this side of the walkway too short.”

Sully rested a broom atop his shoulders, arms draping over it like a scarecrow. “It’s way too hot to even care, dude.”

“I care because I want to see the new Adam Sandler, movie and I’m not about to get grounded for another weekend.”

“How many times have I been grounded because of you?”

Spencer stood. “Whatever. I’m taking over sweeping duty.” He stretched out a hand to receive the broom, but Sully’s gaze had already shifted to a royal blue SUV parking alongside the curb. A woman emerged from the driver’s side. She came around to open the backseat door closest to the Peterson home. Two ballet flats appeared from under the door, reaching for the street. When the woman closed the door, a girl who looked to be Sully’s age or slightly younger stood with her, hands bracketed to the straps of her backpack and her bottom lip caught softly under her front teeth.

Spencer snapped in Sully’s face. “Hellooo? Earth to Sully.” Sully nodded toward the two, and when Spencer turned and saw them, he said, “Uh oh. Another casualty.”

The woman, clearly the girl’s caseworker, greeted the boys with a cheery “working hard?” before continuing up the walkway with her charge. Sully waited for the girl to look his way, and when she finally did, he offered her a soft, barely-there smile by way of hello. Part greeting, part commiseration. She instantly looked away.

They discovered her name only because she was sharing a bunk-bed with their friend Novah. “Cadence Livingston,” she told them. “She’s been in the system for a few years. She doesn’t talk much. Or at all. Those are the only things I was able to get from her. She’s probably halfway to being a mute.”

“I wish Spencer was a mute,” Sully muttered.

“Ha ha,” Spencer said. “You’re so funny. Absolutely hilarious. How did I get so lucky to have a brother like you?” Then he excused himself to see about fixing the eyesore Sully had made of the front lawn and left Sully fixated on the enigma of the quiet and elusive Cadence Livingston.

About the Author

Lily Velez has been writing stories since she was six years old. Not much has changed since then. She still prefers the written word and her overactive imagination over the ‘real world’ (though to be fair, her stories no longer feature talking dinosaurs). 

A graduate of Rollins College and a Florida native, when she’s not reading or writing, she spends most of her days wrangling up her pit bulls Noah and Luna, planning exciting travel adventures, and nursing her addiction to cheese. All this when she isn’t participating in the extreme sport known as napping. 

You can learn more about Lily and her books at www.lilyvelezbooks.com. Lily’s debut novel, The Secrets We Kept, comes out November 8, 2015.

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