Monday, August 8, 2016

Excerpt and Giveaway for Frostbitten by Heather Beck

Title: Frostbitten
Author: Heather Beck
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Romance (Werewolf)
Length: 296 pages
Publisher: Enchanted Publishing

Blurb:
Great beauty hides dark secrets...

Seventeen-year-old Anastasia Lockhart has never led an easy life, but when she starts getting into serious trouble, she’s sent to live with her grandparents in Cedar Falls. The small, picturesque town hasn’t changed since she visited four years ago, with one exception – the presence of a handsome, mysterious boy named Frost. Despite warnings from her grandparents and friends to stay away from Frost, Anastasia can’t deny their attraction, and the more time they spend together, the deeper in love they fall. Unfortunately, Frost has a secret that is beyond Anastasia’s wildest imagination, and she soon finds herself in the midst of a supernatural legend that has haunted Cedar Falls for years.

Can Anastasia and Frost’s love really overcome anything, or are their fates much darker?

The book trailer can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wF5tgp4RjFk

Frostbitten Excerpt

Located five minutes south of the downtown core, on a large, beautifully maintained property was Cedar Falls High – a tall, two-story building that appeared too big for the town’s limited student population. Made from gray bricks of varying shades and covered in ivy that was dusted with snow, the school looked classic and very elegant. Playing fields and, of course, trees surrounded the area, with Cedar Falls Elementary and a church also nearby.
“Thanks for the ride,” Anastasia said as her grandfather brought the car to a stop outside the school. “You don’t need to pick me up, though. I can walk home.”
“I’d prefer if you didn’t,” he replied hesitantly. “Just because Cedar Falls is a small town doesn’t make it safe, especially now. I don’t want to scare you, Anastasia, but there may be a dangerous animal on the loose.”
“What kind of animal?” Anastasia hurried to ask, instantly thinking about the wolf cry she’d heard last night.
“The police haven’t released many details, but there have been multiple reports of missing pets and mauled deer.”
“Could it be a rogue bear?” Anastasia asked with some uncertainty, still reluctant to mention the events of last night. If she told him about what she’d heard and quite possibly seen, he’d either worry or think she was crazy. She couldn’t help but feel that it was in everyone’s best interest to just keep quiet.
“It’s a rogue something,” Mr. Lockhart answered. “I highly doubt it’s a bear, though. They’re hibernating at this time of year.”
“Well, whatever it is, I’ll take my chances,” Anastasia said, while noticing a small group of students who were walking past. As they looked directly at her, whispering and laughing, she knew that she was being talked about in a negative manner. More than anything, she wanted to fit in, but she wouldn’t achieve that by having her grandfather drive her to and from school, especially when the other students were either walking or driving themselves.
“Anastasia, it’s really not a problem,” he began, “I can meet you...”
“I said I’ll walk,” Anastasia interrupted as she exited the car. Quickly realizing that she was being too harsh, she added in a gentler tone, “You didn’t sign up to be my chauffeur. I know the way home.”
“I’m just asking you to be careful.”
“I will,” Anastasia promised as she closed the car door.
As her grandfather drove away, Anastasia studied the people who surrounded her. She was frustrated but not surprised to see that the school was segregated into cliques. Apparently, even small towns weren’t immune to the clichés of high school.
There were the geeks, who wore scarves, mittens, snow pants, and puffy, downy-filled coats despite the sunny and somewhat mild winter morning. Excitedly, they huddled together, while talking about the latest episode of some science fiction TV series. They were the only other students being dropped off by their seemingly over-protective and worrisome parents.
Then there were the cool girls, led by a queen bee who’d just driven her expensive-looking car into the best parking spot. With long, loosely curled blonde hair, perfect make-up, fashionable clothes, and a saunter worthy of the catwalk, she looked exactly like a model. Her obvious efforts to be flawless didn’t go unnoticed by her friends, who immediately greeted her with great enthusiasm.
Sighing, Anastasia began walking toward the school’s entrance. That’s when she noticed him – the boy she’d seen yesterday with Mr. Stone and had affectionately nicknamed Gorgeous – standing near the door, unaffected by the noisy students who filed into the school. He appeared to be waiting for someone and was looking straight at her; however, his stare wasn’t judgmental, like the other students from moments ago. Instead, he looked at her with interest and perhaps even desire. Despite Anastasia’s attempt not to be seduced, she felt her heart flutter.
“Oh my gosh! Is that Anastasia Lockhart?” someone suddenly called.
Anastasia looked at the girl who was hurrying toward her and then broke out into a big smile. “Chloe!” she exclaimed as they hugged. “It’s so great to see you!”
Parting from their embrace, Anastasia stepped back to look at her childhood friend. It appeared that Chloe had grown into a mature, confident young woman. Her brown hair, which she used to wear in two long braids, was now cut shoulder-length and fashioned in a stylish manner. She even wore a lot of make-up which brought out her pretty brown eyes. However, Chloe’s wide, slightly lopsided smile had remained unchanged, and just like before, it still made Anastasia smile whenever she saw it.
“Likewise,” Chloe said as she looked at Anastasia. “Oh my gosh,” she added for the second time that day. “You’re like insanely beautiful now, but then again, you always were.”
Anastasia had to bite her tongue. She didn’t want to bring down the mood by stating how deceiving appearances could be. Instead, she forced herself to smile and said, “Right back at you, Chloe. You look amazing.”
Chloe blushed, obviously delighted with the compliment. “It’s going to be so much fun having you around again – just like old times!”
“You knew I was coming?” Anastasia asked in surprise.
“Of course I did. Your grandfather told me to keep an eye out for you. He remembers how close we were.”
Anastasia wondered what exactly she meant. Was her grandfather asking Chloe to keep watch over her or to merely anticipate her arrival? Even though she was curious, she decided that it would be too embarrassing to inquire further.
“I can show you where your classes are,” Chloe offered, “and we’ll have lunch together for sure.”
Anastasia hardly heard Chloe as she looked toward the school’s entrance, searching for Gorgeous. Even with all the excitement of seeing her friend again, she hadn’t forgotten about him. Unfortunately, she was disappointed to discover that he’d left. Although it wasn’t likely, she’d hoped that he was waiting for her.
“Um, is everything alright?”
“What?” Anastasia asked, returning her attention to Chloe.
“You were looking for someone,” she said with a mischievous smile. “Who is he?”
“No one,” Anastasia replied too quickly.
Chloe laughed. “If you say so.”
“Can you show me where the office is?” Anastasia inquired, desperate to change the topic. “I don’t have my timetable yet.”
“You don’t even need to ask,” Chloe replied, linking arms with Anastasia and leading her through the school’s front doors. She chatted excitedly as they went, but Anastasia had trouble concentrating on what she was saying; all she could think about was seeing Gorgeous again.


Author Bio:



Heather Beck is a Canadian Author and Screenwriter who began writing professionally at the age of sixteen. Since then she has written eleven well-reviewed books, including the best-selling series, The Horror Diaries, which has sold in six continents.

Heather received an Honors Bachelor of Arts degree from university where she specialized in English and studied an array of disciplines. Currently, she is working on the Frostbitten series and has a middle grade anthology slated for publication. As a screenwriter, Heather has multiple television shows and movies in development. Her short films include: Young Eyes, The Rarity, Too Sensible For Love, Circular, and the forthcoming Witch’s Brew.

Besides writing, Heather’s greatest passion is the outdoors. She is an award-winning fisherwoman and a regular hiker. Her hobbies include swimming, playing badminton and volunteering with non-profit organizations.



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