Proofs came yesterday! Always a happy mail day. The box was bigger than I thought it would be, then I realized it was because the book was bigger than I thought. It's a nice size, I think. A good meaty handful of book. Though, as usual, I grabbed it up with freshly-applied lotion on my hands, and smudged the cover up. That's the thing with these matte covers - if your hands are greasy, they'll leave marks.
Anyway, I thought you guys might like a little peek inside.
I'm always inspired by a classic story, and in this case, it's Henry IV, specifically the character of Prince Hal, who went on to become the competent and compelling King Henry V. So our opening quote is one of my favorite lines from the play.
Sadly for Aidan, his road to redemption is a little less English and glamorous.
So many things about this book surprised me as I was writing. It contains scenes I never anticipated writing, juxtaposed with scenes that feel arguably more tender and reserved than any in the series thus far. Sam kicks us off with a few words of her own, plucked from her unpublished manuscript, the thesis that she has to write for grad school. Sam's braver than I am; I'll applaud her for that.
Some of the dialogue in this book is my favorite to date.
Here's the official blurb text:
Real life. It isn’t sexy. Isn’t pretty. There are no alpha
bad boys. No easy outs. No Hollywood soundtrack. Real life hurts like hell and
tastes like the grit between your teeth. And love…love always bears a hefty
price. This isn’t a biker romance. This is love and war in the world of the
Lean Dogs.
Aidan Teague was born into the Lean Dogs Motorcycle Club, a third generation outlaw with big biker boots to fill. A perpetual screw-up and playboy, he’s never taken life seriously. Until now.
If his accident a year ago was a wakeup call, then a jolting
revelation from his latest lover is a life-altering shock. It won’t be simple,
but it’s high time Aidan came into his own. With the club on the brink of a new
war, beset by enemies old and new, Aidan must find the strength to lead, or
risk everyone he loves.
Secondhand Smoke is the fourth full-length installment in the
Dartmoor Series, and is NOT a standalone. This is a work of literary fiction,
so readers should expect lyrical prose and an emphasis on character development
and realism. Look for the first four volumes: Fearless, Price of Angels, Half
My Blood (A Dartmoor Novella), and The Skeleton King. Visit Lauren at
hoofprintpress.blogspot.com, facebook.com/Lauren Gilley – Author,
@lauren_gilley, or email her at authorlaurengilley@gmail.com.
Can't wait 'til the 19th! Follow me on Instagram (@hppress) for more lines and editing pics as I go.
What I wouldn't give to have this book IN MY HANDS! 😍
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