At What Cost

During her junior year, sixteen-year-old Maggie Reynolds expected to shop for prom dresses not maternity clothes. Now, instead of studying for the SATs, she’s reading, What to Expect When You’re Expecting. Maggie’s ‘Mother Dearest’ lives in fear that Maggie will somehow taint the family name, so Maggie can’t turn to her for help. Meanwhile, her father is oblivious to anything but his 9-9 job. And her boyfriend, Justin? She’s pretty sure he’ll stay by her side.

While Maggie wrestles with her options, Justin offers a solution: abortion. It would solve all her problems quickly, easily, and effectively. And her parents would never know, which means they won’t throw her out and cut her off like they’d always threatened if she got herself knocked up. But an easy decision becomes difficult when Maggie’s aunt discovers her secret and sets out on a mission to stop the abortion, putting a kink in Maggie’s plan. Now Maggie must decide which choice she can live with: abortion or teenage motherhood. Either way, it’ll be a tough road to travel.

*Young Adult RONE finalist award and the USA Best Book Award finalist in Youth Issues *

Special Note: At What Cost can be purchased for 99 cents at Amazon and Barnes & Noble for this week only! Buy Links: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Astraea Press | Kobo | Smashwords | Audible

“You’re pregnant?” It was a harsh half statement, half question punctuated with clenched teeth.

“Wha—?” Maggie was too shocked to realize what had happened, but when she looked back to where she stood, she spotted a sheepish looking Lauren mouthing the words, “I’m

sorry.”

“Ugh.”

“Well, are you?” His grip on her tightened.

“Justin, you’re hurting my arm.”

He let go and motioned for her to sit with a quick thrust of his hand toward the table, but his eyes revealed his anger. He was furious, but then she saw a hint of fear hidden behind his golden irises. In those moments, she was five years old again, the day she’d broken her mother’s favorite vase. Her mother had loomed over her, drilling her for information. Pointed and yelled. This time, it was Justin.

“Are you, or aren’t you?” His eyes crinkled, his brow furrowed, and a deep crease appeared on his forehead. Trying to control his reactions proved to be impossible, and soon, his leg bounced under the table, and he wiped the nervous sweat on his palms off on his jeans.

This still wasn’t the place to talk. The cement walls of the school were beginning to feel like a jail cell; anywhere she went, Maggie felt trapped.

“Can we talk about this after school?” Maggie said, trying to be assertive.

His knuckles turned white as he clenched his fists. “No, we can’t. If you’re pregnant, I need to know.”

This wasn’t how she had pictured it. She was supposed to plan the conversation and the place. Definitely not in the corner of the cafeteria with people walking by who might hear her secret, a secret she hadn’t decided how to handle. Thank you so much, Lauren!

Justin grabbed her wrists from across the table. “Maggie, it’s a simple yes or no question. Are. You. Pregnant?”

She could feel the rage rolling off him in waves, and she knew stalling was not an option.

“Yes.”

The silence grew louder, and Justin didn’t move. He stared at her, his eyes shifting across her eyes in a quick staccato. She didn’t know she could feel so uncomfortable, so she tried to ease that discomfort by looking away. When she met his gaze again, he glared at her, not saying a word. He never spoke. Not when he let go of her wrists, not when he got up from the seat across from her, not when he left the room.

Not a single word.

Author Info: Jessie Andersen lives in a small town in Western New York with her husband and three kids. A former English teacher, she now spends her time writing while the kids are at school and the baby is sleeping. She volunteers at the local library and sings in the church band. You can find information about her books at her website, and you can follow her blogs at her personal blog and her book blog. You can also follow her on Twitter and on Facebook.

The Liebster Award

The rules (which incidentally are made to be broken) for the Liebster Award are:

1. Each nominee must answer the 11 questions.

2. Create 11 questions for the next nominees to answer.

3. Link back to who nominated them.

4. Choose 11 people and link them in your post.

5. Go to their page and tell them.

6. No tag backs!

I was tagged by Lisa Orchard!

 

Q&A time:

Favorite Breakfast?

 

Breakfast Sandwiches or Eggs Benadict.

 

Beer or Wine?

 

Neither.

 

Dog or Cat?

 

Both are nice, but I'll pick cats.

 

Coffee or Tea?

 

Tea

 

Winter or Summer?

 

Winter

 

PC or Apple?

 

PC

 

What are your goals for 2013?

 

Get an agent, self-publish, and do some other crazy writing related things that I'm keeping a secret for the time being.

What makes your day brighter?

 

The kiddo hanging out with me and being silly.

 

What’s your biggest pet peeve?

 

Oh, I have a number of them from work.

 

How old were you when you stopped believing in Santa Claus?

 

Some time in elementary school. I never got too big into the whole thing, though so it wasn't traumatizing.

 

What do you write about?

 

The real question is, what don't I write about. I like YA, Sci-fi, Fantasy, Contemporary, the works! :D

The Legacy

The Legacy

Chapter Forty One

Orion had a son. So much had changed so quickly over a year. When he first met Esmeralda he didn't think they would ever have children. In fact, he was almost certain he would have to find a way to protect her from the wrath of his family. After all, she had rejected him. Dragon law meant she should have been executed, but he couldn't bring himself to do it. He would have figured out how to keep her safe as well as give her back her freedom. Thankfully, she'd accepted his desire to court her, so the issue was no longer present.

Shortly after their re-dedication ceremony, she had gotten pregnant. They made a home in the apartment Orion had purchased. Everything fell into place perfectly. Esie was about to open up her first dress shop, and Orion's investments into technology were already proving fruitful. Growing up, Orion had plenty of money, but none of it was his own to use. Now, he had a plethora of money and he didn't know where to begin spending it. He was almost positive he had more money than even his parents, and that was saying a lot since his father was the Great Dragon Lord over all of the Oceina.

I'm finally proving myself. Hopefully father will see that and be proud for a change. He sighed, looking down at the egg wrapped up inside of the blankets. The incubation period was one of the most difficult. Eggs needed to be kept warm and watched constantly in case the boy inside tried to break free early, or something else happened. Temperature had to be monitored constantly. If the egg became too cold, the child would die. Orion didn't mind watching over his son. He just wished the process was easier. Perhaps I can work with some of my kin to develop a new way of heating the eggs. Something more efficient.

"You're so smart, I'm sure you can," Esie said. She hugged him from behind.

Orion gave her a small smile. "You over estimate me. I'm not the genius. I just come up with the ideas and someone else has to execute them."

"It doesn't make you any less smart."

"I suppose not."

"With how well your investments are developing, I think you could start up your own company."

He laughed. "You think so?"

"I know so. And everything you think up is so helpful, so amazing. Some of the things you've thought up with electricity, I would have never dreamed of."

"I just want the world to be better for everyone."

Esie kissed his lips. "And that's the most amazing part of it all. You're doing this all for everyone else. We have enough money to buy a castle, and you'd rather stay here."

"I already own a castle," he teased.

"Not the point."

"I know, I understand what you are saying. Material things have never appealed to me. In the end, it's all just stuff, and all of that stuff will fade." He sighed and gazed down at the egg in the blankets once more. "All of my life I had a lot of things, but no family, no friends even, to share those things with. My kin do not like me as much as my brothers. Because, you see, my brothers are all a lot more accomplished than I am. They have big estates and run empires out in the countryside. They're intelligent, strong, and a lot more aggressive."

"You're intelligent and strong and aggressive too. When you need to be, I mean. I don't understand."

He shrugged. "The dragons still live in a time where we are supposed to be great, powerful men. I choose to seek my power in other ways. A few understand and are thinking along the same lengths as I am. Like Timothy, for example. As my generation grows older, a lot more changes will begin. I need to be patient, and then my vision for the future will be understood. Anyway, the point I was trying to make was, having a lot of stuff never did anything for me because I was still alone. I would rather be close to you and poor with nothing, than have a mansion where I hardly saw you. If it bothers you that I don't want to flaunt our wealth, then I apologize."

"No, it doesn't bother me." She kissed him again. "I'm starting to understand so much more what things matter the most. I've never been so happy before in my life, and I have about the same amount of things as I did growing up. I hated it before. With you, not so much. My heart feels full, and I think that is what you are saying. You want a full heart. I don't understand why your family feels the way they do about you."

"I don't either, but they'll step out of the stone age some day." He smirked.

She nestled into his side. "Some day."

The Legacy

The Legacy

Chapter Forty

"Come on Esie! He's almost out. Just one more, I promise." Orion squeezed her hand, and she made sure to cling to him as if her life depended on it. Labor was much more difficult than she had anticipated.

It's just an egg. It won't be as hard as an actual baby. Ha! I want to see you try to push a cantaloupe through a hole the size of a lemon. I don't care if it's smaller and more malleable than a baby. This is impossible. Tears streamed down her face as she gave one last push and the egg holding her son slid out of her body with ease.

Shh, it's done now. "You did it. Oh, he's beautiful." Orion kissed her forehead. He wrapped the slimy, sapphire blue, egg, in a towel and then handed it to her.

She couldn't get over how soft and leather like the shell was. Inside, she could feel the baby moving around. A baby was inside of the egg. It was unfathomable, and yet fitting all the same. After all, she'd just given birth to her first dragon son. Dragons were supposed to be born from eggs, weren't they? And yet, her child would be just as human and vulnerable as she was. Amazing.

"You are, you're amazing," Orion whispered.

A year ago, Esie would have never imagined her life ending up the way it had. So much had changed. She was a married woman, loved her husband dearly, and now was also one with the dragons. As Orion explained it, by being one with him, she was becoming like his species. Now she was a mother as well as a wife. A mother to a beautiful son, and she couldn't wait to see what he looked like as an actual baby, to gaze upon his face, and hold his soft, warm, body in her hands. An egg wasn't quite as satisfying for her to hold, but it would do for the time being. There was no element of surprise with his gender. All dragons were born male, a fact that made her much more sad than she anticipated. A daughter was not something Esie had considered having, but now that she couldn't have one, she wanted one. But someday, my boys will marry, and I will be able to dote on them just as if they were my own.

She kissed the egg. "My beautiful, Brian."

Summer Fun

Let's get summer vacation started!

It’s that time of year again – SUMMER.

Shorts, flip flops, and sunglasses.

While the ice cream is thawing, the sun is rising, and that summer heat is blazing, I say it’s about high time for a giveaway! Wouldn’t you say?

And what better way to enjoy the beginning of your summer than with a little reading? How about doing that reading on a new Kindle HD?

This summer kindle giveaway is brought to you by an amazing group of Indie authors who’ve decided to start your break off with a kick. Follow the giveaway everyday of this month and collect your summer words as you go. Submit them in the end and earn yourself more points towards the grand prize! Complete the rafflecopter and you’re set.

Today's summer word is: Vacation

I N T E R N A T I O N A L

Ends June 30th – 12:00 AM EST

a Rafflecopter giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Check out "Legend of the Tribes" and earn more entries into the contest.

Amazon

Two short stories from The Dragon Saga. Two more tribes are explored.

“Legend of the Aero Dragon”

Etzli is the youngest son of the Great Dragon Lord of the Wind. Per the traditions of his people, his whole life is planned out for him by his parents – including his future bride. At first, he dreads the idea of marrying a woman he's never met. Then he lays his eyes on his betrothed, Itotia. After one dance, he's convinced his family finally got something right for him. Little does he know that the woman who claims to be his future bride is actually an imposter.

“Legend of the Terran Dragon”

Single father, Taj, has done his best to adapt to his new life after the tragic death of his wife. With the pressure to remarry, on top of being thrust into a political game he doesn't want to play, Taj is close to having a mental breakdown. The light at the end of his tunnel is his co-worker Romina. But the closer he gets to her, the harder it is to keep his biggest secret from her.

The New Super Spies!!!

It’s Here! The third book in the Super Spies Series! Below are the cover, blurb, and an excerpt! Check it out!

To celebrate this new release the first two books are on sale for $.99! Check it out! It’s a series you won’t want to miss!

Sarah Cole and her sister Lacey are at it once again when they learn their missing parents’ cell phone has been traced to Alden, Michigan. When the FBI declines to continue the investigation, Sarah takes matters into her own hands. She calls upon the Super Spies and they delve into the situation. Suddenly, the teens find themselves immersed in small town intrigue and mystery involving a menacing stranger, who Sarah dubs “The Stalker." But when Sarah learns he’s connected to her parents’ disappearance, she’s determined to find out what that connection is. The Super Spies embark on a journey that leads them into a web of corporate corruption at its highest level that leaves innocent victims in its wake. Can they find the proof they need to stop the greedy corporation before it’s too late?

***

Chapter One

“What do you mean you lost them?” Sarah Cole fidgeted as she waited for Agent Gray to answer. I can’t believe it! He lost the only clue to our parents’ location. What is wrong with this picture? Agitated, Sarah shifted in her seat and chewed on her lip. She was uncomfortable in the folding chair and rearranged her petite frame so she wouldn’t feel the cold metal against her bare legs. Shivering, she glanced around the all-too-familiar room.

The gray cement block walls no longer gave her that creepy, closed-in feeling she’d used to get when she first came to the interrogation rooms. She remembered the first time she’d been in that tiny space. It had been the day she’d discovered the Cat Lady’s dead body. Sarah shuddered at the memory and then smiled when she remembered forming the Super Spies and bringing the Cat Lady Killer to justice. Glancing around the room again, she realized she’d been in this room quite a bit these last few weeks, not only during the Cat Lady investigation, but the High School Bomber investigation as well. Shivering again, Sarah rubbed her arms but she really wasn’t cold. Her mind filled with the image of the bomber the Super Spies had helped apprehend just a week earlier.

Wow! Was it just last week?

She tugged at a lock of her honey colored hair, then brushed it away with an impatient hand. She sighed and glanced at her younger sister. Lacey sat beside her with her legs crossed, jiggling her foot at such a rapid rate it seemed like her whole body was electrified. She caught Sarah’s eye and for a moment her eyes glittered like emeralds before she shifted her gaze to Aunt June, who had placed her hand on Lacey’s leg in what appeared to be an attempt to quiet her. Sarah shifted in her chair and sighed again. Are we ever going to find Mom and Dad?

A commotion out in the hall drew everyone’s attention. Sarah leaned forward and craned her neck to see what was happening.

“Chief, we’ve got an OD!” An officer yelled.

“What?” Chief Johnson yelled as he rushed by. “An OD on what? Give me the details.”

“The parents found their son unconscious in his room this morning, and an empty bottle of prescription medication on his bedside table.”

“What was it?” Chief Johnson asked.

“It’s Myodine.”

“Who makes it?”

“Ah… Piper Drugs.”

“Call Poison Control with the name and manufacturer and ask them what to do about an overdose. Instruct the parents to get their son to the hospital pronto,” Chief Johnson ordered.

“They’ve brought him here.”

“What?” Chief Johnson exclaimed.

The sound of policemen rushing through the hall pulled Sarah and her sister out of their seats. They hurried to the door, unable to stifle their curiosity. Peering down the corridor, Sarah caught a glimpse of a young man sagging between two officers as they desperately tried to keep him on his feet. One officer gently slapped his face while the other officers held him up. The young man blinked and then gagged, puking on the officer in front of him.

The rancid stench of fresh vomit filled the air. While plugging her nose, Sarah ducked back inside the interrogation room, followed by her sister. Sarah closed the door, hoping it would keep the smell from penetrating the room.

“Did you hear that, Lace? Piper Drugs! That’s the company Dad works for,” Sarah whispered in her sister’s ear before proceeding back to her seat.

Lacey opened her mouth to speak, but closed it when Agent Gray cleared his

throat and motioned for them to sit down.

He continued his conversation as if they hadn’t been interrupted. We were on our way to the location of the ping… but before we got there it disappeared.”

“So, what does that mean? Did you find our parents or what?” Sarah blurted out as she sat down. She stared into Agent Gray’s icy blue eyes, trying to read his mind.

 Lisa Orchard grew up loving books. She was hooked on mysteries by the fifth grade and even wrote a few of her own. She knew she wanted to be a writer even then. “The Super Spies and the High School Bomber” is the second book in the “Super Spies” series. Her first book was published in March of 2012 and it has received rave reviews.

After graduating from Central Michigan University with a Marketing Degree she spent many years in the insurance industry, pining to express her creative side. The decision to stay home with her children gave her the opportunity to follow her dream and become a writer. She currently resides in Rockford Michigan with her husband, Steve, and two wonderful boys. Currently, she’s working on the third novel that stars the same quirky teens. When she’s not writing she enjoys spending time with her family, running, hiking, and reading.

Social Media Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lisa-Orchard/328536613877060?ref=hl

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lisaorchard1

Website: http://www.lisaorchard.com/

Buylinks:

“The Super Spies and the Cat Lady Killer”

Astraea Press: http://www.astraeapress.com/#!/~/product/id=10078468

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Super-Spies-Lady-Killer-ebook/dp/B007JZH61K

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-super-spies-and-the-cat-lady-killer-lisa-orchard/1109518725?ean=2940014338202

“The Super Spies and the High School Bomber”

Astraea Press: http://www.astraeapress.com/#!/~/product/id=13594238

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Super-Spies-School-Bomber-ebook/dp/B008P8O7OY/

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-super-spies-and-the-high-school-bomber-lisa-orchard/1112263058?ean=2940014992244

A Slow Burning Fire

Free Until the 26th!

Download Here From Amazon

Ever since super star, Arial Oakley, could remember, she's been in love with her hunky co-star Bryce Valentine. The only problem: Bryce has been in a relationship with another ac-tress for quite some time. Not wanting to be “the other woman”, Arial never pursued any of her feelings for him despite how well they connected.

When Bryce suddenly becomes single, both of their worlds are flipped upside down. To help him nurse his aching heart, Arial invites him back home to her family farm for some much needed peace and quiet from the paparazzi.

What neither of them expects is to fall in love: with the calm, with the country, with each other. But how much of it is real, and how much of it is a means to escape a broken heart?

Download Here From Amazon