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Albert Camus

Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.

Friday, July 31, 2015

A girl with fire - Just South of Biloxi (Asylum #4) by Lauren Hammond

This is the 4th book in the Asylum series but can be read as a companion standalone
Just south of Biloxi there was a boy and a girl who realized too quickly, too swiftly, that there is such a thing as shattered hearts and cracked dreams.

Description:

Release Date: July 21st, 2015

Just south of Biloxi there was a girl with spunk, a girl with spirit.

A girl with fire.

A girl with a heart full of rebellion.

Just south of Biloxi there was a boy, with a dazzling smile and a kind demeanor.

A boy with morals.

A boy in love.

Just south of Biloxi there was a boy and a girl who realized too quickly, too swiftly, that there is such a thing as shattered hearts and cracked dreams.

Just south of Biloxi there was a boy and a girl who would never truly understand the meaning of some hearts and some worlds are better left broken.

EXCERPT






He flashes me a demure smile followed by a wink. Then I swear I see it. Then I swear a see a flicker of adoration in his eye, and it scares me. There have been times during our friendship when he gives off a faint vibe that he'd like to be more and that terrifies me.

I've got myself convinced that I'd be no good at loving someone. This stems from my parents and how I've witnessed them play pretend with affection. How I've witnessed them strangle themselves with tension and regret. How I've witnessed them toss the words I love you around like they're tossing litter out a window and onto crowded highway.

I will never fall in love. I will never fall in love. I will never fall in love. I will never fall in love.

This has become my mantra.

My anthem.

At least that's what I tell myself every time Edward throws a smile or wink with a hint of something else my way.

We've maintained a completely platonic relationship for fourteen years and I intend to keep it that way.

***

My eyes travel down his shins all the way to his ankles and I take notice of how dirty his feet are. Not that I'm one to talk or anything. In the summer, shoes become the one thing that you've misplaced and can never seem to find. I can't even tell you how many times I've been screamed at by Mabel for running through the house with muddy feet.

"Here." Edward's hand in my face causes me to abandon my observation of his feet. "I'll help you up," he announces.

"Why?" I ask. "I just got here."

"Well I didn't," he says. "I've got somewhere to be."

"Where?" I try to search his eyes for answers, but the sun is blocking my view. His hand is still extended toward my face, but I have to lift my forearm over my head to get a clear look at his face.

"Just somewhere," he says. "Are you coming with or are you staying?"

"I'm staying," I tell him. For now anyway. "I'd like to avoid the shrill, high-pitched screams for as long as possible.

Edward throws his head back, letting out a deep, booming laugh that sounds so jovial and so beautiful it almost makes me laugh as well. His laugh is infectious that way. Most of the time, when I hear it, it doesn't matter where we are or what we're doing, I almost always start laughing. "See you tomorrow at dusk then?"

"I wouldn't miss it for the world." We meet at dusk most nights. We meet at dusk to watch the sunset, chase lightning bugs, and sometimes talk about life.

With that he takes off, sprinting though the thicket of trees while I'm left to wonder just where he has to be that's so important.




About the author:
Lauren Hammond knew from a young age that she was born to be a writer. After publishing her first novel in 2007, she then went on to write several screenplays and a few award winning poems.She aspires to be a positive role model for young people who have a pencil, a piece of paper, and a dream. Never give up on your dreams, you might wake up one day and regret not pursuing them.She has two more novels in the works, as well as some film projects.

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Author's Giveaway


9 comments:

Jan Lee said...

I've not read any books in this series. The only Asylum series I know is the one by Madeleine Roux. I'll have to start reading this from book one I think :)

Stephanie LaPlante said...

Sounds like an interesting bunch!

Juana said...

I liked the excerpt, and I would love to read this story.

Unknown said...

I've read the first book of the series and became hooked! Once I read through other books I'm picking this series back up and will definitely get this one as well. Thanks for the excerpt of it!

Joseph Hawkshaw said...

Great expert loved it thank you.

Sayomay said...

This looks awesome! It looks like the perfect wedding on the cover.
Mary Loki

Arf2-D2 said...

sounds interesting. There are some repeated words/sentences in the beginning of the excerpt.

Belinda M said...

thank you so much for the excerpt. I look forward to reading the novel

Unknown said...

love to read this story.