Unlike Any Other by Claudia Burgoa Blog Tour and Giveaway :)

Unlike Any Other

Unexpected Series #1

by: Claudia Burgoa

Publication Date: March 5, 2015

Cover Design: Hang Le

Synopsis

AJ 

The name AJ Colthurst may not have any meaning to the public eye, but it should, as I’m the daughter of two famous celebrities. Like any superstar, they crave privacy; so much of it, they built a house in the middle of nowhere for us children. As we grew older, we discovered the lies they built as a fort to protect us from the media, ended up causing emotional damage along the way.

I carry a portion of the guilt on my shoulders; the other part I discovered is the separation of my parents. Their unorthodox ways may have driven me bonkers, but knowing they are no longer together is unacceptable. 

That’s why I decided to rattle their cage by reminding at least one of my parents of the past and the reason they belong together. They need to remember why their love is so perfect and why they have to fight to keep it alive. Even if it means I have to dredge up some of my own painful memories along the way.

Gabe 

Back in the early eighties, I set myself to succeed in the financial world. The first step had been moving to New York City to become a stockbroker, but things didn’t work out the way I had hoped. Instead, I ended up making movies and by the end of the decade, Gabe Colt had become a famous name. The downside to my career of choice: the paparazzi. In order to protect my family and our privacy, I maintained my family away from the circus. It had been for their own good; a decision we had made before we started our family. 

However, those past decisions ended up chasing my entire family away and now I’m trying to put the pieces back together along with my little girl.

Purchase Links 

Only $0.99

Amazon US - http://tiny.cc/fgtdwx

Amazon UK - http://tiny.cc/ohtdwx

Amazon CA - http://tiny.cc/mitdwx

Barnes & Noble - http://tiny.cc/sjtdwx

Kobo - http://tiny.cc/yktdwx

 Excerpt

“So that’s it; bye, bye to the old, hello Twinkie wife?”

His gaze drops and I take it as a yes.

“Where is the big love, the one that happens once in a lifetime? What happened to it? If you lost it like that, then there’s no hope for the rest of us, Dad.”

No wonder my relationship fell apart like it did. The dreamer in me thought back to my sixteen-year-old self when I thought I had found the great love that could withstand everything. I claimed to have what my parents had … almost three years later reality slapped me, no, reality crushed me.

Gabriel doesn’t speak. He has no comeback or comment to what I say. He makes a one-eighty degree turn and stares out at the blue sea.

I don’t count how long he’s immobilized in front of the window, nor do I move. However, after what feels like hours, he extends his hand and curls his fingers toward me. The moment I’m next to him, he puts his arm around my shoulder and hugs me tight, kissing the top of my head.

I hug my dad for the first time in years and my back relaxes.

I’m home.

“You can stay together in the name of love just for so long, AJ,” his voice has lost all the strength, the shield is down.

My body and soul identify with his, we’re defeated, sad and with only so much energy left to continue.

This is one of the traits we share, putting on a brave front while withering inside.

“Lately, I wonder if what we had justified being together for so long.” I hate those words as he lets them out. “Was it real or a fantasy we built and once reality hit we couldn’t keep it together. It hurts, being apart is painful—I won’t lie.”

Really, it hurts? Because there’s a woman outside—pregnant. I want to yell at him, my teeth grind, but I don’t let my anger get the best of me.

Not yet.

“It was mutual, we came to the conclusion that we wanted different things, our lives were going in different directions, and now I’m trying to build something—a new life?”

The uncertainty in his voice is a gift, a speckle of light that gives me hope. The words… well, they sound like a speech they—my parents agreed on giving us. That’s the way they were while growing up, one parental front. I don’t want to jump to conclusions, but my money is on him. Gabriel called it off.

This is unfair. My parents drove me insane with their rules. Their crazy ideas and lies to the outside world. However, they are a match made in heaven. They are like milk and cookies, one can’t go without the other.

“This is wrong.” I shake my head. “You can’t finish a once in a lifetime love story like that,” I weakly claim. “Each time you told the story, it didn’t sound as if you made some sacrifices for us. It sounded as if you did it out of love. Am I wrong? Would you like to revise your story?”

He shakes his head.

“You should. Let’s do a play-by-play,” I suggest. “Maybe you can come clean and clear up all the lies you added to it when you told it as we grew up.”

“They weren’t lies,” he defends himself. “Maybe we skipped a few details… not many. We couldn’t disclose everything to our small children.”

“Once upon a time I thought I found what you did, Dad,” my bottom lip quivers, but I continue, “but everything crumbled, and… now I’m a cynic who doesn’t want to feel or believe. You’re proving me right, love is a shitty thing.”

“It isn’t, I can prove you wrong.”

“I’m all ears, Dad.”

Meet the Author

 Born on the mystical day of October 30th in the not so mystical lands of Mexico City, Claudia grew up with a childhood that resembled a caffeine-injected  soap opera. Seventeen years ago she ventured to the lands of her techie husband—a.k.a. the U.S.—with their offspring to start a new adventure. She now lives in Colorado working as a CFO for a small IT company, managing her household filled with three confused dogs, said nerd husband, two daughters wrought with fandoms and a son who thinks he’s the boss of the house. To survive she works continually to find purpose for the voices flitting through her head, plus she consumes high quantities of chocolate to keep the last threads of sanity intact.

 Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Follow the Tour

Pure Garcinia Cambogia Extract by Island Vibrance Review

Link to my review on Amazon:

GARCINIA CAMBOGIA ISLAND VIBRANCE

#IslandVibrance

***My Personal Review***

If you haven't heard of Garcinia Cambogia by now then you haven't been paying attention :)  It is EVERYWHERE!  It has been hailed by Dr Oz as a miracle weight loss product, and it is great for other ailments and your body as a whole.  Island Vibrance has created a formulation that is 75% HCA which is a very high percentage and it is extra strength to give you the best ingredients and results that are possible.  You get 180 veggie capsules in this bottle for $24.95 which is normally a 45 day supply unless you decide to take less than the recommended amount.  Garcinia works as both a weight loss supplement as well as an appetite suppressant.  HCA stands for hydroxycitric acid and it helps to stop new fat cells from forming which in turn is yet a third way it can help you lose weight.  No wonder it is being used so much! 

I took 1 a day so that I didn't overdo it and it is working - I can't imagine what upping the dose would do for me!  I have lost about 5 pounds over the course of 1 month taking this which isn't much to most people, but I am obese and to me 5 pounds is a HUGE loss :)  I will definitely keep taking this but do make sure to ask your doctor before taking it because I was on Welbutrin and I was told it would interact with that medication and there are others so don't just take it without checking, make sure you do it the right way :) 

Argan Oil - 100% Pure & USDA Organic Review

Link to my review on Amazon:

GOPURE ARGAN OIL

#ARGANOIL

***My Personal Review***

Argan oil is still unknown to a lot of people, but it has amazing benefits and this product uses them all.  It is 100% pure Moroccan Argan Oil - and this is something you have to watch for because a lot of products can not say that!  It immediately helps with everything from your face to your hair to your nails.  Even though it is an oil, I like that it does not leave that greasy residue but it really does leave your skin feeling so soft and moisturized.  I must say I am loving the Argan Oil so far.  I color my hair at least once every 2 months so naturally my hair takes a little damage.  This product has been awesome.  I am normally unable to purchase expensive shampoos/conditioners so I use the store-bought brands.  Using this product after getting out of the shower and just running it through has given my hair more volume and luster yet it does not leave a greasy residue as a lot of products you leave in.  And the best part is that it only takes a few drops, so one bottle of this will last you a LONG time.

And not only is it superb for hair but it works on nails and skin as well.  I have brittle and easily breakable nails and have never been able to grow them out.  I have been putting just a little drop of this in my hand and rubbing it all over my hands and nails for about a week now and they are less brittle and are really looking good!  They are shiny now where before they were dull :)  I love it!  Honestly you could not go wrong with this product - you can use it anywhere and get results and benefits.  Argan oil has so many uses and this is all natural, no artificial ingredients or fillers.  Go grab a bottle now by clicking the top image of this post :)

Air Bar Exercises DVD, Volume 1 Review

Link to my review on Amazon:

AIR BAR EXERCISE DVD

#abxdvd

***My Personal Review***

This exercise DVD is unlike any I have ever come across.  It teaches you how to use any kind of "air bar" to exercise just like you would in a ballet studio with an attached bar.  The nice part about these exercises is that you can do them anywhere AND because most people don't have a bar in their home, they don't have to go to the gym to find one.  You can relax and exercise in the comfort and privacy of your own home.  I noticed a difference between this and regular exercising by way of working other muscles that you wouldn't normally work with a regular bar - because you have to HOLD the bar so you are not just limply hanging onto something on the wall.  It forces your extra muscles to work out just as much as the rest of your body.  So in my opinion you are actually getting a BETTER workout by using this than a regular program.  Plus once you learn the routines you can do this ANYWHERE :)  On vacation, lunchtime at work, breaks, whenever and wherever you want because you don't need the extra equipment!  You will learn how to do a lot of great exercises but they are not easy - I am not used to working out and I had to do the first few for a while before I was able to move on!  It's definitely intense - so if you are not used to working out just take it slow and that is just another great thing about this DVD - you can go at your own pace and you don't have to feel like you are trying to "keep up" with everyone else in a class.  You can do the exercises as many times as you need and really get them down pat before moving on :) 

It is high intensity but also low impact - so for me that was better - I am okay with intensity but I fractured my feet 3 years ago and they are still frail and I also have a lot of back problems.  But these were great with my back issues because it teaches you how to keep your back straight without having to rely on the bar.  Awesome for me because I have trouble with posture.  This DVD is doctor and yoga teacher approved and comes with a 30 day instruction set for 30 minutes a day workouts to lose weight.  I also received a diet plan which was very helpful and juice recipes which is AWESOME!  Lots of extras to help aid in your weight loss.

Slayed on the Slopes by Kate Dyer-Seeley Release Event and Giveaway :)

Welcome to the release day event for Slayed on the Slopes by Kate Dyer-Seeley! This is the second book in the Pacific Northwest Mystery series. Slayed on the Slopes released March 31st by Kensington Publishing.

About the Book:
After talking her way into a job writing for Portland’s Northwest Extreme magazine, Meg Reed may now really be in over her head. Actually, about 8,000 feet over her head. . .

She’s at Mount Hood’s remote Silcox Hut, covering the seriously hardcore Ridge Rangers—Oregon’s elite high-altitude rescue team–during their four-day winter training. Sure, Meg beefed up her outdoor skills over the summer . . . but she’s still hoping to cover the event with some hot chocolate by the cheery fireplace. Then, during a sudden blizzard, she swears she hears gunshots. No one stranded in the hut believes her . . . until self-absorbed Ridge Ranger Ben Rogers is found outside in a pool of frozen blood. Meg’s now got to find this killer quickly . . . before cabin fever does them all in!

Praise For Scene Of The Climb

“A splendid overview of the greater Portland and Columbia River Gorge region, perfect for travel buffs. Her protagonist shows promise with her determined attitude and moxie.” –Library Journal

Includes Adventure Guides!

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Guest Post

Welcome to the top of the world. Okay, well maybe not quite. Welcome to the top of Oregon. In the second installment of the PNW Mystery Series Meg Reed is on the slopes of Oregon’s highest peak—Mt. Hood. She’s on assignment for Northwest Extreme to cover an intensive training weekend with the Ridge Rangers, a group of mountain guides who are dedicated to helping novice climbers trek to the summit.

Meg has high hopes for her weekend at high altitude. She plans to cozy up in front of a roaring fire with a cup of hot chocolate. She’s thrilled to be spending the weekend at the historic Timberline Lodge, one of Oregon’s most famed hotels and a national monument.

The iconic lodge sits at 6,000 feet in elevation and is a testament to American craftsmanship and resolve. It was constructed in just fifteen months as part of President Roosevelt’s New Deal. Unemployed workers from all over the country traveled to Mt. Hood to learn a new trade. They carted timber from the surrounding forest to carve out the lodge’s magnificent staircases and wood-beamed ceilings.

Today the lodge houses guests from all over the globe, making it one of Oregon’s most popular tourist attractions. In partnership with the National Forest Service, Timberline maintains the same high-quality craftsmanship as it did back in the 1930s. All the brightly colored Pendleton blankets in each quest room are woven by hand. The lodge is like stepping back in time. Down each cheery hallway you’ll discover Native American artwork, vintage ski photos, wood carvings, and stunning views of the summit and the entire Cascade Mountain Range.

After a long day on the slopes, you can gather in front of the giant basalt fireplace with steaming mugs of hot cocoa to warm your hands, or head to the Blue Ox Bar or Ram’s Head for a pint of Ice Axe Ale. You can soak your toes in Timberline’s outdoor hot tub or take a refreshing swim in its year-round heated outdoor pool. There’s nothing more magical than swimming as snowflakes fall and skiers fly past you.

When Meg arrives at the lodge she learns that the Ridge Rangers are actually meeting at the Silcox Hut, which is located a thousand vertical feet above Timberline and accessible only by snowcat or the chairlift. Meg’s not a fan of heights, so she opts for a bumpy ride up to the remote hut in the snowcat. The SilcoxHut is equally charming and fashioned after the lodge. Maybe she’ll be able to have her relaxing weekend after all… or maybe she’s going to be in way over her head.

Don't miss out on the first book, Scene of the Climb, available now!

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N 

About the Author:

Kate Dyer-Seeley writes the Pacific Northwest Mystery Series for Kensington Publishing. The first
book in the series, Scene of the Climb, features the rugged landscapes of the Columbia River Gorge and a young journalist who bills herself as an intrepid adventurer in order to land a gig writing for Northwest Extreme.

Her work has appeared in a variety of regional and international publications including: The Columbian, The Vancouver Voice, Seattle Backpacker, Portland Family Magazine, and Climbing Magazine.

Kate lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and son, where you can find her hitting the trail, at an artisan coffee shop, or at her favorite pub. Better yet—at all three.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Giveaway:

Winter warmer package- signed copy of Slayed on the Slopes, Signed copy of Scene of the Climb, Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Hot Chocolate Mix, Oregon Chai Tea, 1 Pound of Coffee and Collectable Mt. Hood art coaster (US)
Ends April 21, 2015

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This event was organized by CBB Book Promotions.

Rundown by Teresa Michaels Cover Reveal and Giveaway!

Rundown

Curveball Series #2

by Teresa Michaels

Cover Designer: Mayhem Cover Creations

Synopsis

Breanne Sullivan never expected to find love again. Allowing herself to move on wasn’t easy, and now it may be too late. Determined to give herself a second chance, she will go to any lengths to prove her love to Drew. If only she could find him. Desperate to numb his heartache in the wake of Breanne’s rejection, with something other than women and booze, Drew Scott packs his bags for the West Coast. Distance and a fresh start are just what he needs to heal the wounds caused by the only woman to ever captivate his heart. But when the past and present collide in an unexpected way, Breanne and Drew quickly learn that things aren’t always what they seem. Caught between solving the mysteries that haunt them and getting the happily ever after they deserve, the two once again find themselves at the center of a deadly conspiracy that could destroy them both. Answers come at a dangerous price. Sacrifices must be made in order to protect the ones they love. Can Breanne prove her love to Drew before its too late? Or will opposing forces interfere and destroy any chance of them having a future together?

Meet the Author

Teresa Michaels lives in the New England area with her husband and children.  Curveball is her debut novel.

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway