Today, I have Adria Cimino back to share the cover of her newest book (out in stores March 2015), CLOSE TO DESTINY. So excited to have Adria back today- she’s such a lovely person!
In fact, I think she is so lovely- and I think you would agree- so why don’t you check out her social media (Facebook and Twitter)? It’ll give you something to do while you wait on CLOSE TO DESTINY to be released, yes?
On the count of 3… it’ll be time to reveal:
1! 2! 3! Let the reveal begin:
Photo Credit: Provided by Author
Stunning, right? I love the bokeh effect!
Oh, but you know that’s not all I have in store for you lovely folks- oh no… There is an excerpt!
Excerpt from CLOSE TO DESTINY by Adria Cimino:
The party was in full swing as we rose to our feet and stepped around the counter. The bartender handed us each a glass of champagne. I held mine gingerly between shaky hands. Destiny took a sip of hers, set it down on the counter and scanned the room. Wall-to-wall people. The disco balls reflected beaded dresses, tuxedo shirts and well-shined shoes. They danced to disco this time. Dancing Queen. A young woman wearing a sequined miniskirt stood on a makeshift stage with the band and shimmied to the music.
Although everyone appeared to be ignoring my disheveled appearance, I still felt uncomfortable standing there in bare feet and a nightgown. This is becoming a habit, I thought to myself, wryly.
Suddenly, the girl with the sequined miniskirt was no longer with the band and instead was greeting Destiny with a kiss on both cheeks. She had a round porcelain-doll face, accentuated by large blue eyes.
“Katherine, this is my best friend Audrey,” Destiny said.
Audrey kissed me on the cheek and flashed a perfect smile.
“I hope you enjoy the party,” she said. Then she turned to Destiny.
“I didn’t know you were going to be able to make it.”
“When there’s a will, there’s a way,” Destiny said. “I think you should return to the band. They can’t go on without you.”
Audrey laughed and hurried away with more ease in her stiletto heels than most people in sneakers. Destiny had turned away from the musicians and was scanning the rest of the room.
“Who are you looking for?” I asked. “Why did you bring me here this time? Will’s left, you know. There’s no point in trying to find him here.”
“If you want to see Will, you no longer need me, Katherine,” she said, smiling. “I’ve done my part. At this point, it’s up to you.”
Before I could say another word, someone called my name. Sam. He left Gabriel talking with someone near one of the windows and was making his way in our direction.
“Poor Sam,” Destiny said, shaking her head. “Why can’t he learn to accept things the way they are and enjoy?”
“What do you mean?”
“Nothing. I’ll leave the two of you to talk while I visit with my brother. Sam and I don’t mix very well.”
“But I still don’t understand why you brought me here.”
She either didn’t hear my words or chose not to address the subject.
“Don’t expect answers from her,” Sam said after kissing me on the cheek. “How’ve you been?”
“Not that well—mentally, I mean.”
“I’m glad I ran into you,” Sam said. “Listen, you have to get out of this place. Go home to New York and don’t come back. That’s what I’ve been trying to do, but unsuccessfully. It’s not too late for you to return to a normal life! What’s so great about these parties anyway? Surrounded by a bunch of bombastic fools who try to convince themselves that this is living…”
“Sam, I want to understand what this is all about! That’s what’s kept me coming back for more! Before Destiny dragged me back here, I was dead set on leaving first thing in the morning. But, my curiosity is starting to win over.”
“You need to leave this party if you hope to have any clear thoughts. C’mon, follow me.”
Sam took my hand, and in a matter of minutes, we were down the ladder, across the hall and running backwards through the maze.
************************************
My first thoughts: Who is Destiny? Second: Why does Sam want Katherine to leave? And third: The use of “bombastic” makes me feel giddy. It’s a word that is not used enough.
What do you think? Tell me in the comments!
Happy Reading and Bookishly Yours,
T @ Traveling With T
Traveling With T 
Thanks for featuring my book, Tamara! I’m glad the excerpt has you asking questions. 🙂
You are so welcome! The excerpt def has me asking questions!
I’d like to know why she’s barefoot and in her nightgown in a bar???! Intriguing. Reads like “If Only It Were True” by Marc Levy. Who has sold 23 million copies of his books!
Great question!! And nice comparison! Thanks for stopping by!
Having read the book already (lucky me!) I can say that’s a really good excerpt… gives you a taste and leaves you wanting more! Of course, I already know what happens 🙂
Lucky duck! 🙂 🙂