Here’s the story in a nutshell: Her father died before she was born, but Ella Benton knows they have a special connection. Now, evidence points to his death in a psychiatric hospital, not a car accident as Mom claimed. When strange, supernatural signs appear, Ella wonders if Dad’s trying to tell her something, or if someone’s playing unsettling tricks. As the unexplained events become sinister, she finds herself terrified about who—or what—might harm her. Then the evidence points to Ella herself. What if, like Dad, she’s suffering a mental breakdown? Ella desperately needs to find answers, no matter how disturbing the truth might be.
The artist behind these masks is Melissa Ng, the founder of Lumecluster. This company prints 3D masks like the ones here. I loved what Ms Ng says about masks, “There is so much more to masks than simply for concealment or disguise. In fact, throughout history and cultures around the world, many masks served as protection against evil or as an expression of the human spirit, perseverance, identity or transformation. With this in mind, I wanted to make a mask that defined our times and our increasingly global maker/entrepreneurial tribe. A tribe that believes in making a difference in this world. And a tribe isn’t complete without its mask, right?”
A perfect quote for this week’s post: “It’s not what you look at that matters. It’s what you see.” Henry David Thoreau
Adult
the conspiracy theory column for her high school newspaper. As the editor, she
thrives on the thrill of uncovering the facts—until she gets tangled up in a
scandal.
secret, threats start, demanding she stop spreading the vicious rumors. Casey
blows it off and keeps on writing. Even sexy Victor Cruz, the hot senior with
the adorable accent who chases after Casey and tries to protect her, fails to
convince her to keep her mouth shut. But things only get worse as she ignores
the warnings, and soon, Casey must decide if exposing the truth is more
important to her than her life.
up the newsroom and rushed to my next class. I still had a smile on my face as
I plopped down on my seat in the back row of calculus. Victor Cruz, my secret
crush, entered the room. My pulse reacted to his presence, but, thank God, no
other part of me did that he could see. I didn’t want to be lusting after
anyone this year because I was planning on working hard toward my college goals
and didn’t need the distraction.
he gave his ex-girlfriend some rash because he cheated on her. I so did
not do the sexually transmitted diseases thing, and I definitely had zerorespect
for cheaters. Not even for a hunk like him, who obviously screwed around and
didn’t care if he got girls sick.
insides quiver. He was totally hot. His parents moved to New Jersey
from Spain during middle school when Vic was scrawny and didn’t speak much
English. When senior year started a month ago, no one recognized him because
he’d grown ten inches, gained fifty pounds—of muscle—and must have taken some
classes in style because, damn, the boy knew how to dress to show off his
build.
and a black, long-sleeved tee only made him sexier. And the way he walked? It
should’ve been a crime. He had a swagger about him that rivaled any of the good
old boys of Hollywood. Watching it made me quiver in places I didn’t know could
quiver.
held me captive. He had the values of an old-fashioned guy—holding the door
open for girls, helping them with heavy stuff, defending them when guys were
too rough or mean.
side of him … sigh.
help but stare at his thighs, mesmerized by the fluid sway they made with each
step.
thick black brow. I diverted my eyes and pretended to be very interested in the
junior’s notebook next to me. But I didn’t even know his name. Ugh.
winked at the girls that were staring at him.
eyes on me, I shifted in my seat, fighting the funny tingle in my stomach that
came from looking at him.
a distraction, Vic knew how sexy he’d become. He acted so cocky and confident,
I wanted to smack the grin off his face and remind him that not long ago, he
could have passed for a ten-year-old boy who couldn’t speak English or speak to
girls.
good for him. And shiny black hair, smooth, bronze skin, and deep brown eyes
that … never mind. Didn’t matter anyway.
her hips so hard, I wondered how they didn’t dislocate. She leaned over his
back and wrapped her arms around his ample shoulders, pressing her boobs into
his back. I’m sure he loved that. “Hey, Vic. Busy this weekend? My parents are
out of town, and we can go riding if you want. I’ll pack us a lunch.” She ran
her fingernails over his chest as she spoke, clearly enjoying the feel of him.
slipped out of her grasp. “Sorry, I’m busy, but thanks for asking.”
sure to press her boobs into his neck. I rolled my eyes so hard, they almost
didn’t return to face front. That would suck. What would I tell the nurse? I
was looking at my brain instead of in front of me and I needed an eye
adjustment?
messages, done with listening to the vixen and her attempts at charming the
hottest guy in school.
Spanish accent. He had this way of dragging out the end of my name, making it
sound like Kay Seee.
so I just grunted at him. How else could I get anything done with him around?
Bachelor’s degrees from Georgian Court University and Rutgers University and a
Master’s degree from The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New
Jersey. She is an avid reader and particularly enjoys true crime and
young adult novels. She grew up in New Jersey and currently resides
in Monmouth County with her husband and cats. When she’s not writing, she loves
to travel to sunny islands where she snorkels by day and stargazes by
night. She always takes her Nook with her.
Juneta Key says
Congrats to both authors.
Juneta @ Writer's Gambit
Katie L. Carroll says
So nice to hear about your critique partner's book. A good critique partner is worth their weight in gold. And gorgeous masks!
C. Lee McKenzie says
They are indeed.
Yvonne Ventresca says
My thoughts exactly about critique partners!
Melissa — thanks for your kind words! Hooray for chilling and mysterious!
Yvonne V
Mason Canyon says
Lot of good things going on here. Congrats to both on their releases.
Thoughts in Progress
and MC Book Tours
Yvonne Ventresca says
Mason, thank you!
Melissa — thanks for your kind words! Hooray for chilling and mysterious!
Yvonne V
Liz A. says
Sounds like a couple of interesting books. And those masks are amazing.
Yvonne Ventresca says
Thank you, Liz! 🙂
Melissa Sugar says
Congrats to both Yvonne and Kimberly. Both books sound fascinating. I'm really hooked on the concept of Black Lies White Flowers. It is my kind of book. Chilling, mysterious and anything with a mental hospital setting and death that is something other than what it appears. Lost Reputation sounds good as well. Loved the excerpt. I really like Casey and the hunk from Spain. Cool mask. I don't really understand the blogfest or meme, but I will pop over and read some of the post and see what it's all about.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I don't understand it either, but here I am in the middle and working my way through.
Yvonne Ventresca says
Melissa — thanks for your kind words! Hooray for chilling and mysterious!
Yvonne V
Kim says
Thanks for hosting me! Appreciate all the well wishes 🙂
Yvonne Ventresca says
Congrats to you, Kim!
Yvonne V
C. Lee McKenzie says
Good luck with this one, Kim.
Shooting Stars Mag says
How exciting – that's great you two are such good friends. I LOVE this cover and it sounds like a great book. Perfect for October!
Yvonne Ventresca says
Good friendships certainly make the writing life easier!
Yvonne V
Gina Gao says
Congrats to both authors! This sounds like an interesting read.
http://www.ficklemillennial.wordpress.com
Yvonne Ventresca says
Gina — thank you!
Yvonne V
Kelly Hashway/Ashelyn Drake says
Congrats to Yvonne and Kimberly!
Yvonne Ventresca says
Thank you, Kelly!
Dianne K. Salerni says
I can't wait to read Yvonne's book! I loved PANDEMIC, and I just know BFWL is going to be a great read.
Yvonne Ventresca says
Dianne — thanks for that vote of confidence! 🙂
Yvonne V
C. Lee McKenzie says
I loved this #InkRipples. I think the idea of this hop is among the best.
Yvonne Ventresca says
You always do the most interesting blog hops!
Yvonne V
DEZMOND says
that first one has an interesting title
Yvonne Ventresca says
Thanks, Dezmond!
Yvonne V
Elizabeth Seckman says
Some of the best friends I have never met are writing friends. They really are special relationships.
Yvonne Ventresca says
I agree, Elizabeth. There's something special about writing friendships.
Yvonne V
H.R. Sinclair, Southpaw says
Black Flowers and White Lies sounds good, and maybe spooky too. Congrats to both authors. And the masks are beautiful. I love the detail.
Yvonne Ventresca says
Thank you, HR! I do love spooky.
Yvonne V
Donna K. Weaver says
Intriguing premise there, with Black Flowers. Congrats to Yvonne!
Yvonne Ventresca says
Donna — thank you so much!
Yvonne V
C. Lee McKenzie says
Hi to everyone. I'm doing a bulk response to all of your very supportive posts today because I'm running on fumes and soon to be out of petrol! I do appreciate all of your comments for Yvonne and Kimberly. I'm hoping their books do well.
Yvonne Ventresca says
Lee — thank you so much for featuring me. I loved your intro. I'm so glad we're on this journey together! 🙂
YV
C. Lee McKenzie says
I don't know how many times I've had to write you and say, "Can you help me with this?" You always say yes.
Shady Del Knight says
Hi, Cheryl Lee!
Cutting through the clutter and getting your book noticed is important. A compelling title like Black Flowers, White Lies is half the battle won. Based on the teaser provided, your friend Yvonne has a gripping mystery tale to tell. Kimberly's book about a budding journalist and investigative reporter is equally intriguing and the cover art pops. Both works should appeal to YA and adult readers alike.
Have a great week, dear friend Cheryl Lee!
Yvonne Ventresca says
Thanks! I agree, a title (and often the cover) can make a big difference.
Yvonne V
Kai Strand says
Wow, so much in this post! Congrats to both authors on their exciting books. And those masks are stunning! Thanks for sharing (& participating)
Yvonne Ventresca says
The masks are very unique!
Yvonne V
Pat Hatt says
Both sound like they have great plots indeed. Yep, every tribe sure needs a mask.
Yvonne Ventresca says
Pat — thanks!
Yvonne V
DMS says
Black Flowers, White Lies sounds fascinating. I am definitely curious about it after reading the description.
Lost Reputation sounds like a page turner. I hope the main character will be okay- but it sounds like she is taking lots of risks. I am sure I will be biting my nails when I read this one. 🙂
Wishing both authors the best of luck!
~Jess
Yvonne Ventresca says
Thank you, Jess!
Yvonne V
Tamara Narayan says
Congrats to the authors of these intense stories! I love the masks. I've been seeing more feathered masks of Mardi Gras variety in stores for Halloween. I even bought a rabbit one for my daughter as that is her favorite animal.
Yvonne Ventresca says
Tamara — I bet the rabbit mask is adorable!
Yvonne V
Beverly Stowe McClure says
What a great way to start the week, with new books. Congratulations, Yvonne and Kimberley.
Wonderful post, Lee. Masks are fascinating. These are lovely.
Love the quote. Have a great week.
Yvonne Ventresca says
Beverly — I like that quote, too.
Yvonne V
Juneta Key says
Congrats to both authors. Definitely sound like intriguing and interesting reads>
Juneta @ Writer's Gambit
Yvonne Ventresca says
Juneta — thank you!
Yvonne V
Bish Denham says
Congratulations to both Yvonne and Kimberley whose books sound very interesting indeed.
Yvonne Ventresca says
Thank you, Bish!
Yvonne V
Christine Rains says
Congrats to Yvonne and Kimberley! Love those masks. Such intricate details in them.
Yvonne Ventresca says
Christine — thank you!
Yvonne V
Nick Wilford says
The masks are beautiful! Congrats to Yvonne and Kimberley. Both books sound thrilling.
Yvonne Ventresca says
Thank you, Nick!
Yvonne V
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
Cool masks.
That first book sounds chilling. Lots of neat elements combined.
Yvonne Ventresca says
Thanks, Alex! Chilling was the goal. 🙂
Yvonne V
Barbara Fisher says
Hi Lee, Black flowers white lies sounds like my kind of book, thanks so much for sharing it with your readers.
Yvonne Ventresca says
Barbara — I'm glad it sounds appealing!
Yvonne V