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Jul
6 2009 | ||
Today’s prize is a copy of Megan Hart’s newest release, Deeper and a “Read in Bed” pillow!
Of all the books I’ve read and/or critted for Megan, this is up at the very top of my favorite list, which says a lot because kidding aside, I happen to think Megan is one of the most talented and insightful writers out there right now.
This book is unexpected in so many ways. It’s a ghost story, a love story, a story about a woman who has returned to the place where she spent the most formative years of her youth and early adulthood. It’s sexy and smart and it made my heart ache in places.
Bess is a fabulous character. A woman who has turned a new corner in her life. A big scary one and she’s taking it on. She’s a woman with a lot of context and Megan Hart has a way of introducing her through the interactions she has with her sons, with her estranged, straying soon to be ex husband and through Nick.
The book wends its way forward by way of going back in time. As we learn about Bess from then, Bess from now is dealing with her choices. There’s a sort of dreamy quality about this shift. It’s not abrupt at all and it lends a sense of being out of time, which works well given that this is, in part, a ghost story.
This isn’t a romance though there are romantic elements. It’s Bess’ story, it’s her HEA and it’s a great book I can’t recommend enough.
Blurb:
Some lovers never leave you…
Twenty years ago she had her whole life spread out before her like a mesmerizing map. She was Bess Walsh, a fresh-scrubbed, middle-class student ready to conquer the design world. And she was taken. Absolutely and completely.
But not by Andy, her well-groomed, intellectual boyfriend who hinted more than once about a ring. No. During that hot summer as a waitress and living on the beach, she met Nick, a dark haired, local bad boy. He was, to put it mildly, not someone she could take home to Daddy.
Instead, Nick became her dirty little secret; a fervent sexual accomplice who knew how to ignite an all-consuming obsession she had no idea she carried deep within her.
Bess had always wondered what happened to Nick after that summer, after their promise to meet again. And now, back at the beach house and taking a break from responsibility, from marriage, from life, she discovers his heartbreaking fate–and why he never came back for her. Suddenly Nick’s name is on her lips…his hands on her thighs…dark hair and eyes called back from the swirling gray of purgatory’s depths.
Dead, alive, or something in-between, they can’t stop their hunger.
She wouldn’t dare.
Excerpt from DEEPER by MEGAN HART:
She didn’t remember much about it, just that she’d been small. With grammy holding one hand and her mom holding the other, little Bess had kicked and splashed at the water. A rogue wave had pulled her from her mom’s grasp and tumbled her, head over foot, beneath the water. She could recall the tug of the water and the scrape of sand on her back and face as she rolled. She’d held her breath instinctively, and closed her eyes against the sting of sand and salt. Her lungs had hurt in moments, worse than the scrapes on her knees and elbows. A rough slice of a broken shell cut her hand as she scrabbled for something to hold onto.
Just before they pulled her out of the water, the pain stopped. And she’d seen…
“The gray.” Bess startled upright, the words on her lips tasting like blood from where she’d bitten her tongue.
They’d pulled her out of the water and she’d vomited up the sea, and until now she’d forgotten all about how the world had turned to gray. Until now. Bess sat up higher, her heart pounding. The blanket tangled around her feet.
She smelled saltwater and seaweed, and blinking, turned to the doorway where a dark figure stood silhouetted.
She heard the soft plink-plink of water dripping onto the hardwood floor. She heard the sound of her own breath. She heard the rush and roar of the ocean outside.
She opened her arms.
He knelt at her feet and buried his face in her lap. His shoulders heaved. His hair, soaking, wet her skirt and his skin beneath her fingers was hot and wet. He was naked. Bess ran her fingers down the individual bumps of Nick’s spine, the sleek curve of his ribs. He’d always been lean, but now he seemed fragile, too.
He sobbed once, low, and grabbed her thighs tight. The odor of the ocean overpowered everything else, his usual sensual smell of soap and cologne with a hint of smoke gone. Nick moaned low in his throat, and broke her heart again.
“Don’t leave me again.” Each word sounded like it tortured him. His fingers curled into the folds of her skirt.
Though he radiated heat like sun-baked sand, Bess gathered up the blanket and wrapped it around him, then eased herself onto the floor beside him. Nick buried his face against her neck. His wet hair tickled her cheek. Bess held him tight, the two of them wrapped in the afghan, and wondered what to say to make all of this better.
“When you’re gone, I think you won’t come back.”
Bess rubbed her cheek along his wet head. “I came back, Nick.”
His arms tightened on her. His shoulders heaved a time or two more, but then he pulled away. His eyes flashed in the stripe of light from the window. She saw no tears.
“I had to go out,” she said softly. She pushed his hair, drying now, off his forehead, and cupped his cheek.
She’d always imagined Nick as fearless. She’d been the one to doubt. The benefit of hindsight showed her he’d been as afraid as she’d been. Maybe more. Even so, seeing him this way disconcerted her.
“I know you did.” Shaking off her touch, he sat with his back against the couch. The blanket fell around his waist. “Forget it.”
“When I came home, and you were gone…” Bess hesitated. “I thought you weren’t coming back. I thought I’d lost you, Nick. Forever, this time.”
He turned to look at her, the mouth that brought her such pleasure turned down at the corners. After a moment he reached to cup his hand on the back of her neck. She thought he might kiss her, maybe pull her onto his lap and start to fuck her there on the floor, and despite the bruises and the chafing, her body responded at once.
But Nick didn’t kiss her. He only looked at her. “I don’t want to go back. Not ever.”
Bess shook her head a tiny bit, not dislodging his grasp from her neck. “And I don’t want you to.”
Shadows bisected his faint smile. “No?”
“No.”
“What are we going to do?” His fingers curled and his thumb pressed against the beat of her pulse. She leaned toward him, letting his heat wash over her. “When your kids get here? What then? You gonna tell them I’m your boyfriend? Tell ‘em you’re fucking me, and oh, by the way, I’m not…I’m—”
She put her mouth on his to silence him. He let her kiss him, but he didn’t kiss her back, and after a second she pulled away. “Shh. I’ll think of something.”
Nick got up. The blanket fell away. She’d been on her knees for him before, but this time it didn’t feel right with him looking down on her. Bess stood, too.
Nick stalked to the wall and turned on the overhead light. Bess threw up her hand to keep away the glare, and blinking, didn’t see him grabbing her wrist until he was already pulling her toward the large mirror. He stared at their side-by-side reflections.
“What do you see?” He asked.
Bess’s eyes had adjusted now to the brightness, but she blinked a few more times. “Me. And you.”
Nick stared hard into the mirror. “I look the same to you. And you look the same to me. But not to yourself.”
“I don’t remember what I looked like then,” she said. “Unless I look at pictures. I can’t remember what it was like to stare at my face in the mirror, Nick. I look the way I look. I look my age.”
He turned to her. “You’re afraid of what people will say.”
“There’s more than one reason to be afraid of that,” Bess told him, not meaning to be cruel but hearing it sound that way.
Nick looked again at their reflection. “Do you think anyone would recognize me?”
“I did.”
He smiled. “How about someone I wasn’t fucking?”
“Gee, Nick,” she said, stung. “Was there anyone you weren’t fucking?”
“Hey.” He caught her arm as she pulled away. “Bess. Don’t. I’m sorry.”
She let him pull her close, her face against his bare chest. She slid her hands down his back to fill her hands with the firm, smooth cheeks of his ass. He nuzzled her hair.
“I just wonder,” he whispered. “If there’s anyone besides you who would remember who I am.”
TODAY’S QUESTION: Do you like ghost stories? Why? Why not?
I’ll choose a winner at random from the comments tomorrow at noon pacific!
DAILY CONTEST NOW CLOSED FOR ENTRIES
July 6th, 2009 at 3:29 am · Link
No to ghost stories because I’m a total wimp. Ghosts in stories scare me so I avoid them. lol
Still, congrats on Deeper, Megan! 😀
July 6th, 2009 at 3:56 am · Link
I really don’t like ghost stories, however when you read a good story sometimes you get so involved that you do like and believe in ghosts!!!
The book sounds like it will be a great book to read!!! Congrats Megan!!! 😛
July 6th, 2009 at 4:24 am · Link
I like ghost stories. I love mystery and there’s usually super-mystery story of the ghost and his doings.
July 6th, 2009 at 4:28 am · Link
I do like ghost stories. But only if there’s romance 🙂 I can read just about anything if there’s even a hint of something about love…
July 6th, 2009 at 4:35 am · Link
I haven’t really read any ghost stories, but I have nothing against them.
July 6th, 2009 at 4:49 am · Link
Normally I don’t really like ghost stories, because it kind of makes the HEA not possible. This one however is the exception to the rule 🙂
July 6th, 2009 at 5:09 am · Link
It depends on the ghost story! I don’t like creepy scary ghost stories at all.
July 6th, 2009 at 5:11 am · Link
I love ghost stories as long as they are not the ones that try to scare the dickons out of you. I stayed up all night reading a book about hauntings and ghosts once because I was alone in the house and too scare to go to bed.
July 6th, 2009 at 5:43 am · Link
Good Morning Lauren:
I love ghost stories, especially when it is a romance. I like my paranormal romance laced with a bit of horror, so ghost stories told in that context are great!
Thanks so much.
L 😀
July 6th, 2009 at 6:18 am · Link
I have never been that big on ghost stories. Why…I don’t know. maybe if it was a story where someone fell in love with a ghost
July 6th, 2009 at 6:20 am · Link
Yes, I love ghost stories. Its a different aspect to write in and challenging in some ways I think.
July 6th, 2009 at 6:35 am · Link
ghost stories are the best! even when i was a kid in elementary school, i’ve been obsessed. now i’m a member of the Louisville Ghost Hunters society.
so do YOU think i like ghost stories?? 
July 6th, 2009 at 6:37 am · Link
I have to be honest, I don’t know. I am trying to think if I have read any at all, and I really do not think that I have. Now, I like to read lots of different genres, so I am intersted…especially if anyone has any suggestions 😆
Thanks!
amy m
July 6th, 2009 at 6:37 am · Link
I’d have to say no…I’m such a wuss. Lol.
July 6th, 2009 at 6:43 am · Link
I do love a good ghost story especially if it is satisfyingly resolved.
July 6th, 2009 at 6:57 am · Link
I’m not a ghost story person. Scary movies and books just freak me out.
July 6th, 2009 at 7:14 am · Link
A good ghost story is wonderful!! So many aren’t done well and it just a huge disappointment. HOWEVER, Megan Hart always rocks it! Talk about a hot cover huh? woo!
July 6th, 2009 at 7:15 am · Link
Hmmm a ghost story. Those type of books usually aren’t my cup of tea but the book sounds so good I want to read it anyway!
July 6th, 2009 at 7:32 am · Link
Love ghost stories. I was told that books that were considered Science Fiction before 1942 are now listed as Science. Maybe someday Ghost stories won’t be fiction???
July 6th, 2009 at 7:35 am · Link
Like all paranormals ghost stories are very good; as long as you remember they are just that a story, hopefully well written.
July 6th, 2009 at 7:38 am · Link
I enjoy a ghost story that has a good plot with some romance in it. I just don’t like the ones that scare you silly with not much point to them.
July 6th, 2009 at 7:41 am · Link
Really depends. The more scary and creeped-out no because my mind tends to be very receptive, and I’ll end up scaring myself over time.
This is why I refuse to watch horror or ghost-related movies.. Though of late, I have been watching Ghost Adventurers on travel channel.
July 6th, 2009 at 7:50 am · Link
LOVE Ghost stories! Sometimes the endings are sad, but if done right, they are DEFINELTY worth the time!! 😀
July 6th, 2009 at 8:01 am · Link
It depends on the ghost. If there is a friendly ghost and not an evil one, I like to read the story. Megan Hart’s book sounds great. 😀
July 6th, 2009 at 8:02 am · Link
I looooooove ghost stories, really really really scary ones. 😉
Deeper’s not a scary ghost story, though.
M 😎
July 6th, 2009 at 8:08 am · Link
I don’t really like ghost stories unless it has a happy ending, like the movie Ghost Story. Otherwise, I think I’ll pass. What can I say, I’m a wimp!
July 6th, 2009 at 8:42 am · Link
I love ghost stories since they prove love can overcome anything, including death. That notion is what romance is all about.
July 6th, 2009 at 9:01 am · Link
I love ghost stories, especially if it includes romance.
July 6th, 2009 at 9:03 am · Link
Hi Lauren,
I love a good ghost story, no matter what the genre is. As long as the mystery surrounding the ghost story is plausible I’m reading it. Have a great week and Congrats on the upcoming book. 😀
July 6th, 2009 at 9:10 am · Link
I DO like ghost stories….one of my favorite reads evah is Stardust of Yesterday by Lynn Kurland. Not sure why I like them so much, maybe that air of mystery and past??
July 6th, 2009 at 9:25 am · Link
I’m not crazy about ghost stories. for some reason I find them harder to believe than other paranormal stories, and I always feel that there is no way for them to have a good ending.
July 6th, 2009 at 9:25 am · Link
I love ghost stories. I like ghost stories that scare, but I also like ghost stories that do more than that. Some of my favorite “kid” ghost stories were the ones that made you feel for the ghost, and wish you could help the hero/heroine ‘help’ them, too.
I also like them because I have such an active imagination, so reading a ghost story really gets my internal muse going, and sometimes I come up with the best story ideas!
July 6th, 2009 at 9:28 am · Link
I enjoy ghost stories and one of my favorite shows is the Ghost Whisperer!
July 6th, 2009 at 9:38 am · Link
OOO I love ghost stories the romantic kind. The sense of loss love, found love, in a different time place love,
there is the gut wrenching loss of your soul mate which I think this book is all about. Everyone need to have a good crying story does the body good… I so will get this book, there is nothing I love more than a book that make’s me Laugh CRY & cheer for the happy ending.Just added Megan Hart Deeper to my list of MUST book’s to Buy Thanks Lauren have good day.
July 6th, 2009 at 9:47 am · Link
I love the sad ghost stories more than the evil-batshit-crazy-axe-murderer-on-a-rampage-ones.
The ones about lost loves and people who spend their whole lives and afterlives pining after a tragic love.
How’s that for shmoopy? (smiles)
July 6th, 2009 at 9:52 am · Link
I love ghost stories. Things that go bump in the night intrigue me. Please count me in for this contest. The excerpt was wonderful. Have a great day.
house_mouse88 at yahoo dot com
July 6th, 2009 at 9:53 am · Link
I like ghost stories. Makes more things in the story seem possible.
July 6th, 2009 at 10:14 am · Link
I like ghost stories, as they represent more possibilities. I do not like stories about poltergeists or angry spirits.
July 6th, 2009 at 10:14 am · Link
I do enjoy a good ghost story.
I rather like dark, mysterious stories with or without romance.
I did recently read a really good romance, ‘ghost’ story with a fabulous twist at the end that made the happy ending totally believable.
And boy, that cover is beautiful!!!
Valerie
July 6th, 2009 at 10:17 am · Link
If the story is well writen I like ghost stories I don’t like horror but if its not that I would read it
July 6th, 2009 at 10:25 am · Link
I do enjoy ghost stories. Some of my favorites are by Heather Graham. I like ones where the ghost is trying to avenge a past wrong.
July 6th, 2009 at 10:36 am · Link
I like ghost stories even though they scare me sometimes…LOL
July 6th, 2009 at 10:47 am · Link
I love ghost stories! Especially if they send a chill up my spine.
July 6th, 2009 at 10:57 am · Link
Ghosts are not my fav thing to read about – but I love looking for them on tours of spooky places!
July 6th, 2009 at 11:08 am · Link
I love ghost stories, even though I’m a big wimp and I always get scared.:shock: I read Tempted by Megan Hart and loved it!!!!!!!!!
July 6th, 2009 at 11:18 am · Link
It honestly depends on the story, If the story is a great story with ghosts in it. But if I read a blurb and the way the ghost is written in to the book doesn’t grab my attention then I tend to stay away from it.
~Afshan
July 6th, 2009 at 11:21 am · Link
I do like them but I don’t read them a lot because I’m chicken. Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier is fabulous–probably my favorite ghost story of all time.
July 6th, 2009 at 11:48 am · Link
I do like ghost stories. I love the movie “Ghost” with Patrick Swayze & Demi Moore. It’s nice to fantazie sometimes and think that love will endure like that and your loved ones that have passed have got your back when you do something you shouldn’t or just to protect you.
July 6th, 2009 at 11:53 am · Link
I love an occational ghost story because they make one imagine outside the box. 😯
July 6th, 2009 at 11:53 am · Link
I love ghost stories. I get a rush from fear. The only problem is that I’ve read and watched so much scary stuff that it’s lost it’s effect. I still read & watch everything hoping that one day something will terrify me like it used to.