Plastic Hearts ARC Giveaway

I was going to post this in a rafflecopter giveaway but it doesn't want to cooperate;) If you would like a chance to win an ebook copy of Plastic Hearts before 10:00pm central time tonight, leave a comment below telling me if you read on Kindle, Nook or Other! I will be using random.org to pick a winner. Winner has 24 hours to respond and claim their prize...

Last Teaser from Plastic Hearts

This one is a little steamier than previous teasers...not recommended for the younger crowd;)

Release: March 1, 2013

I heard Dane clear his throat from across the table and looked up to find him staring at me. “Do you need help with something?”
He had a glint in his eyes, those beautiful green eyes. “Actually, yes, can you see if you can find a book on Salvador Dali? I suck at finding books in the library; it’s like the road less traveled without a map.”
“But they have a whole system,” I said. I thought that learning the Dewey Decimal System was a pretty standard part of elementary school education. Maybe it wasn’t in New York.
“I know, I just don’t have time to learn it today. Please. I’m buying you a pizza later,” he said before sticking his lower lip out at me. How could I say no to that?
“Fine, I’ll be right back.” I walked through a few aisles to the back of the library. This was definitely a less utilized area of the library. The books all looked and smelled old. When I was younger, I used to go into my grandparent’s library and pull books from the shelf to smell them. Some people liked the smell of gasoline or rubber cement, but for me it was always the smell of old books. The old leather bound ones smelled the best. I couldn’t help myself when I grabbed a black leather Art History 1800-1899 book from the shelf and inhaled its scent. 
I had completely lost touch with all reality, when I felt big strong arms wrap around my waist. Turning around quickly, I saw Dane standing in front of me with a huge grin on his face. “What are you doing over here? I thought you didn’t know your way around the library?” There was a bit more annoyance in my voice than I intended, but he had just taken me away from my “moment”.
“I know my way around the library; we learned that back in elementary school.” He was still grinning at me and I was not seeing the humor in this. He definitely had other things on his mind. They weren’t the smartest, considering the circumstances.
“But-” I started. He placed a finger on my lips and moved us back so I was up against the bookcase. He replaced his finger with his lips and I was temporary frozen in place. I couldn’t believe my boyfriend was kissing me in the library in the middle of the day. Alexandra Riley did not do this, but after thinking about if for a split second I realized that Alex Riley would so do this and I wrapped my arms around his neck. The electricity between us was uncontrollable and I felt like I’d combust at any moment. 
He walked us into a dark corner where he began to move his hands up to my breasts. “Dane!” A light chuckle escaped his mouth, but he didn’t stop and God knows I really didn’t want him to. I felt all self-control and self-consciousness leave my body as I wrapped my legs around his waist. I was not sure who started it, but our bodies began to move slightly and it created a friction between my legs that had me biting his shoulder a few minutes later. A week ago I hadn’t even had sex, and now I was having orgasms in the library. 
When I had calmed down, Dane stood me on my feet and helped me straighten out my clothes. I laughed as he worked to adjust himself. I felt bad that he didn’t get as much out of our little exchange as I did, but I wasn’t quite ready to take care of that problem in the library. 
I started to walk back to our table when Dane said my name. I turned around; he looked serious, but he was biting his lip to hold back an obvious smile. “Did you find that book?”
I walked toward him, stopping when our lips were only inches apart, “You seem to know your way around the library just fine”. I ran my eyes down his body before returning them to meet his. He wanted me to kiss him, his eyes were hooded and bore into me with enough passion for the both of us. 
When I turned to walk toward the table, he grabbed my wrist. “It was the glasses.”
“What?” I was genuinely confused.
“The glasses,” he repeated, pointing at them where they rested on top of my head. “They are sexy as hell and if you wear them to the library or anywhere else again, I’m going to-” He stopped. 
“Going to what?”
He pulled me close and whispered in my ear. “I’m going to fuck you and I won’t care who’s watching.” He released me and I walked back to the table in stunned silence. His words sent another shot of warmth through my body and a red tint to my face. He sat down with a big grin; part of me wanted to smack it off his face and part of me wanted to return it.

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Plastic Hearts Prologue

Prologue from Plastic Hearts
Release March 1, 2013

 

"Another mimosa, miss?" the waiter asked, distracting me from the piece of art in the corner.

"No, I'm fine. Thank you," I replied, shifting my attention back to the modern abstract painting. I hated the country club, but I had to admit the decorator had great taste. 

"Are you having a good time?"

I turned to face Ryan, my boyfriend of eight months. I smiled weakly at him. I was not having a good time, but I would never admit it.  This was my part.  To play the happy, successful, put-together daughter who doted on her parents.  Being here with our families made me miss the peace of my college dorm. Only four more hours before we had to leave to head back to NYU. Still, it seemed four hours too long.

"Yes, the food is delicious," I said, pulling my muffin apart and popping a piece in my mouth.  Honestly, I had barely touched anything.  My mother watched what I put in my mouth and I would rather go hungry than listen to her rattle off how many calories I ate.  She wouldn’t do it here, of course.

"So, Alexandra, have you decided which field you're going to practice medicine in?" Thomas, Ryan's father, asked.

I cleared my throat and glanced around the table, realizing all eyes were on me. "I'm thinking about pediatrics, but I'm still undecided," I finally replied. The truth was that I haven't been thinking about it at all. I noticed my father's eyes were locked on me. This was a rare occurrence, but also one that terrified me. His attention rarely came with good intentions.

"As in surgery?" my father asked, his eyes were still glued on mine.

I looked down to calm my racing nerves. "No, just general pediatrics. I don't think surgery is for me." Medicine in general wasn't for me.

My eyes met his again and I said a silent prayer that we were in the club and this conversation wouldn’t continue. He gave me a look that said it wasn't over, but returned his attention to his prime rib. I took a deep breath as I began to move the fruit around on my plate.

Ryan placed his hand on my thigh. "Are you all right? You seem tense."

"I'm fine," I said, leaning in to kiss his cheek.

"Aren't they adorable Catherine?" Jillian, Ryan's mom, beamed from across the table, leaning in on her elbows.

I glanced over at my mother who sat with her signature fake smile. She looked happy and had a polite demeanor whenever we were around her friends. "Yes, they are. How can they not be though? Look at us," my mother said, bringing her third glass of wine to her perfect red lips.

"I see some planning in our future," Jillian smiled. I almost choked on a piece of pineapple. I could imagine all the time the two of them have spent discussing our future. They would like nothing more than for the two of us to make little country club babies.

"Gwen, how are the wedding plans coming along?" I asked to bring the attention away from myself.

"Great! We have the menu all worked out and the tuxes have been ordered. Just a few little things left and then we are all set," my sister said, smiling up at her fiancé. They looked perfect together, but that was where the connection ended for me. So many times, I'd wanted to ask her if this was what she truly wanted, because I think the line between her wants and my parent’s wants had been blurred.

"When will the bridesmaid dresses be in?" I asked.

"Next week. I'll give you a call when it comes in and you can pick it up at Kleinfeld."

"I hope it still fits with all the bread you've been eating over break," my mother sneered from across the table. I waited for someone at the table to correct her, to tell her she was being ridiculous, but no one said a word.

I needed fresh air. I needed to get out of her for a few minutes to regain my equilibrium. "Ryan, do you want to go take a walk outside for a few minutes?"

"Sure, let me go grab our coats," he said, walking away from the table. Gwen grabbed my hand. "Alex, don't worry. You'll look gorgeous in your dress," she smiled. I squeezed her hand and walked toward the lobby to meet Ryan.

Ryan helped me with my coat and we stepped outside to take in the cool January air. It was unbearably cold this time of year, but I would rather be anywhere but at that table. Our families had come to the Hamptons for winter break and it had been the longest three weeks of my life. Okay, maybe not the longest, but now that I knew what it was like to be on my own after finishing one semester of college, this was torture. I was constantly trapped under a microscope and couldn't get out from under it. It wasn't like I ever really tried. This was my life; I was used to it and up until recently, I thought I was happy with it.

"Do you want to go sit in the car? I'm freezing," Ryan asked, entwining his fingers with mine.

I nodded as we walked toward his shiny black BMW. Being alone with him has been awkward during these last few weeks. Things would be so much easier if we had just remained friends. He opened the door for me before moving to the driver’s side.  He cranked up the heat, rubbing his hands together as we sat in silence.

"I can't believe classes start again in two days," he said, breaking the silence.

"I know. I'm ready to get back in a routine though. You?"

He shrugged. "I don't know. I won't get to see you again until Gwen's wedding." He grabbed my hand and rubbed his lips over my knuckles. He was a sweet guy, but maybe not the one for me. I had gone back and forth, trying to decide what I should do about us. I needed to make a decision soon.

"I can't believe she is getting married in two months. It seems like just yesterday we were riding our bikes through the neighborhood." I smiled at the memory. Things were simple back then.

"Yeah. Do you remember when we were racing and you fell and tore your new tights?"

I laughed. "Yeah, we buried them in your sand box and tried to convince my mother that I hadn't worn any that day."

"That didn't work though, did it?" he asked. I stopped laughing as I remembered how my mother cornered me until I told her the truth. She always picked up on my lies. Always. I didn't get to ride my bike the rest of that summer as a punishment.

"No, it didn't," I whispered. Ryan and I created an album of memories between us. Some were good and some were bad, but we experienced it all together. He knew the parts of me I let him see well. He just didn't hold the key to everything.

He cupped my face in his hands, bringing my eyes to his. I didn't see electric sparks. I didn't see rainbows. I saw my best friend. As he leaned in to kiss me, I closed my eyes and tried to pretend that this was where I wanted to be. That this was what I wanted to be doing, but still no electricity. He pulled away. "I love you, Alexandra."

"I love you, too," I whispered. And I did. I loved him, but I needed to consider what that meant to me. Was he my forever?

"We should probably get back inside before someone comes looking for us," Ryan said, turning the car off.

I followed him inside, telling myself only three hours and six minutes before I could leave again. Before I could return to my new normal.

Plastic Hearts Cover Reveal

Plastic Hearts by Lisa De Jong
Release Date: March 1, 2013

Blurb:

My life has always been safe. I like it that way. I grew up in a fake society where plastic hearts rule. If our hearts are made of plastic, they can never be broken. My parents have expectations and I do everything I can to meet them, even if it means giving up on my own dreams. 

Now, all I want is to be free to make my own choices.

Dane Wright is everything I have been warned to stay away from. We met one night while I was with my perfect, parent-approved boyfriend and I haven’t stopped thinking about him. I don’t want to like him. I am doing everything I can to ignore his pull, but my heart seems to want what it cannot have, what it has never had.

Can he measure up? He may think I am too good for him, but maybe he is too good for me. 

Life is a series of choices and I have never been able to make my own. Until one day, when my heart decides to make a choice for me.

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Video Teaser #1

Plastic Hearts Book Description

My life has always been safe. I like it that way. I grew up in a fake society where plastic hearts rule. If our hearts are made of plastic, they can never be broken. My parents have expectations and I do everything I can to meet them, even if it means giving up on my own dreams. 

Now, all I want is to be free to make my own choices.

Dane Wright is everything I have been warned to stay away from. We met one night while I was with my perfect, parent-approved boyfriend and I haven’t stopped thinking about him. I don’t want to like him. I am doing everything I can to ignore his pull, but my heart seems to want what it cannot have, what it has never had.

Can he measure up? He may think I am too good for him, but maybe he is too good for me. 

Life is a series of choices and I have never been able to make my own. Until one day, when my heart decides to make a choice for me.

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Plastic Hearts Teaser #4

I stared at him for a moment silently pleading before he spoke again.  “I’ll step out in the hall if you do one thing for me first.”

I eyed him suspiciously, “And what’s that?” 

His eyes lowered, “Kiss me”. 

My stomach fluttered as I stood on my tippy toes to kiss his cheek but, before I could react, he cupped my face in his hands and locked his lips on mine.  His mouth was warm and soft as he massaged my lips with passion and desire.  He worshipped my tongue with his own as his fingers coiled in my hair, sending a tingle through my body.  I’d never done anything crazy like bungee jumping or skydiving but I imagined this was what falling must feel like; the euphoria and bliss mixed with a little bit of danger.   Just as reached behind his back to bring his body closer to mine, he pulled away looking at me through dark, hooded eyes. I could feel his warm breath on my face but my body felt cold and my knees were weak; I needed the connection back.   I wanted to kiss him again but he stopped me by placing his finger on my lips.   “You better get dressed,” he whispered, rubbing his thumb over my lips.  He kissed me softly one more time before he left my room without saying another word.

I stood there motionless for several minutes, rubbing my fingers over my lips.  Every time he kissed me it was better than the last.  Is it possible for every kiss to be the best kiss?  It was when your boyfriend was Dane Wright.  I turned to grab my clothes from the bed and dressed quickly.  I was going to walk to class as Dane Wright’s girlfriend; someone may need to pinch me.

Plastic Hearts Teaser #3

We took the short drive in silence.  I was content to steal occasional glances at him and breathe in his familiar smell.  Every time I stole a peak at him, he had an incredibly sexy smirk on his face.  I wasn’t sure if I was the cause of that smirk but I sure hoped so.

I pulled up in front of his building and a put my car in park, leaving the engine running.  “Do you want to come upstairs?”  He had a hopeful look on his face and I hated to wipe it off but I had homework to do and I wasn’t quite ready to be back in his apartment alone.

“I should really get back.  I have a paper to finish and it’s getting kind of late.”  I sent him a soft smile, which he returned.  I have never felt so much emotion from one smile.  There was something so genuine and warm about it and I tried to capture it in my mind to hold for later.

“I understand.”  He reached over and cupped my cheeks in his hands, planting a light kiss on my lips. “See you in class tomorrow, Baby”.

“I thought I was Gorgeous.”

“You are gorgeous, baby.” 

He rubbed his thumb over my lower lip and I couldn’t help but kiss it.  “I kind of like the sound of that,” I whispered, leaning into his hand.

“Goodnight, Baby.”

“Goodnight.”  He kissed me one more time before getting out of the car and disappearing into his building.

At this moment, I felt like everything was right in the world.  I felt something I had never felt before and if this was what following my heart felt like, I may never get back up again.

Plastic Hearts Teaser #2

There was no guarantee that he was going to show up but I was hopeful that he would.  A man took my coat as I entered the packed gallery.  I took a quick look around and when I didn’t see him, I started looking at various sculptures, large paintings in vibrant colors and collages of items that would be junk to some people but put together in the gallery were absolutely beautiful. 

I turned a corner and standing right in front of me talking to an older couple was Dane.  He wore black dress pants with a grey sweater that fits snug around his arms and chest.  I liked this Dane but have to admit I missed the leather jacket.  I imagined the way it smelt and how it felt to hold him with it on.  The other night I was stupid to think I could just walk away from this.  He saw me and stopped talking for a second before he returned his attention back to the couple.  I felt rejected but not enough to give up so easily.  I looked at the metal sculptures that are arranged behind him and discovered that the artist was Dane Wright.

They were of couples, one was dancing, one was hugging, one appeared to be sitting on a bench and one was holding hands.  They were so simple yet beautiful.  I knew he was talented but I had no idea he could do this.

“Does my work live up to your expectations?” he asked, startling me. He stood so close to me that I could feel his breath on the back of my neck.  I smelt his cologne and it intoxicated me.

I turned around, leaving us separated by only inches. “They’re beautiful,” I whispered.

“Really?”  His voice was controlled but there was a hint of sarcasm.  I didn’t say anything; I deserved his tone.

“Really.”  I took a deep breath and said what I came to say.  “Look, Dane, I’m really sorry for what happened the other night.  I had a great time with you and I let my head get in the way.”

He moved his head a little closer to mine and the way he looked at me, I was sure he was going to tell me to go away. In fact, that was what I expected to hear when I came here.  And then, before I could process what happened, his lips were on mine.  At first, I didn’t react but then my body took over as I wrapped one hand behind his neck, tasting the mint on his lips and savoring the soft feel of his mouth; the connection made me pull him closer until there was absolutely no space between us.  As his tongue begged for entrance, I granted it.  We stood there for what seemed like forever, like there was no one else in the room.  His kiss was soft yet passionate and at that very moment, I knew it was the first meaningful kiss I have ever had. I needed him and I was his if he’d have me.

He broke away, putting his forehead to mine.  His eyes were hooded and I wanted nothing more than to have those lips back on mine.  I felt naked and vulnerable as I waited for him to say something. “We can’t be friends,” he finally said as he closed his eyes. 

Plastic Hearts Teaser #1

I wasn’t looking forward to seeing Dane when Monday rolled around. Okay, maybe there was a small part of me that was looking forward to seeing him. He was the only person I had ever met that could excite me and frustrate me at the same time. I arrived before he did and waited for him to make his grand entrance. With Dane, everything was a grand entrance.

When he walked in wearing faded jeans that sat low on his hips and a charcoal grey Henley my mouth may have dropped open just a little bit. His eyes met mine and he smiled, showing me his signature dimple. “Good morning, I thought you should know that it kind of sucked not waking up with you in my bed this morning.” Did he really just say that to me? I looked around to make sure no one else heard him. I didn’t need the rumor mill kicked into high gear.

“Well, you are going to have many sucky mornings then,” I said, smirking as I pulled a notebook out of my bag.

“No Gorgeous, I think you’re wrong. I think my luck is about to change.” He winked, he seriously just winked at me and I felt the elusive butterflies fluttering in my stomach. The thought of spending more time with him excited me but it couldn’t happen. I wasn’t a fan of trying something when I knew it was destined to fail.

“Do you ever leave your arrogance at home or does it follow you wherever you go?” He laughed before leaning in so we were only inches apart. 

“This isn’t arrogance, I’m just honest and soon enough you’ll be honest with yourself and admit that you want me as much as I want you.” Did he just say he wants me? My cheeks had to be fire engine red at this point and I hoped he didn’t notice.

“You’re not my type,” I muttered, looking up but avoiding his eyes. He ran his hand through his short hair as he studied me with his intense eyes.

“Okay, why don’t you give me a chance before you draw any conclusions. Go out with me on Thursday night. There’s a DJ playing at the club that I’ve heard is really good and we already know that we move pretty well together,” he said, as he sat back in his chair, studying me intently. If he looked at me like that for too long, I was going to lose my resolve. I never understood how some guys got girls in their beds so quickly but if I was most other girls, that probably where I would be right now.

“Not going to happen.” I moved my eyes to my desk, tracing the faux wood marks with my finger before looking back up.

“Just one date and if you don’t have a good time, we don’t have to go out again but give me one night.”  I made the mistake of looking into his eyes then; they were pleading with me to say yes and I couldn’t look away this time.