Invisible has a date with the editor.

Now, while it's not now, or anytime soon.......................the manuscript does has a confirmed date sometime in February.

That means an early release date in March is looking like a strong possibility.

Any blogs that reviewed the first two want in on this action?

Have you been waiting?

Some people can't believe I would willingly give a sneak peek at the 1st chapter of 'Invisible Crown'. However, since there are so many of you waiting for this novel, and it's not done yet.......I have to give you something, right?


I hope to have the novel finished, to the editor, and uploaded on Amazon Mid February. It will be hard to say goodbye to these crazy, wild characters.......but I have faith that another one of my upcoming series might spark your attention as well.


But.............until then.........here is the first chapter. Enjoy, tell your friends, and don't forget to check back in for updates on release date!

'Invisible Crown' 

(T.A. Hardenbrook © 2014, Unedited and Subject To Change)

Chapter 1: Haven’t I been in this hell before?

Pretty sure it was God’s way of saying that I had solidified my place in hell, when the first thing I heard stepping into the store was the fucking song ‘Endless Love.’ It’s like bringing back old memories, ones that I really tried so freaking hard to erase from my simple, confused, and distracted mind this last year or so.

“I’m going to need a drink,” Danielle muttered, grimacing at the white fluffy frock that’s draped on a mannequin.  

This place was way too nice for a girl like me. I wear old band shirts, and black skinny jeans. The only time I had ever worn a pair of heels was in Reid’s music video and some award shows I had been drug to. Now, standing here in the lobby of this ritzy store, full of tulle and big ass shiny bows, I’m beginning to doubt the sanity of my best friend Danielle’s mind.

“Are you sure this was the right place?”

“Molly, seriously? Don’t doubt my styling skills. Sure, it might be a little overkill, and the ginormous chandelier is a little gaudy, but they have an Arthur Risque trunk show going on right now. That, my friend, totally cancels out any of the shitty decor in the building.”

Groaning, I fidgeted with the buckle on belt and shuffled my feet awkwardly. Why I couldn’t just go to David’s Bridal was way beyond my comprehension. All I remembered was Danielle muttering something about marrying rock royalty, and I couldn’t be caught in any off the rack style dress.

I begged and pleaded with Reid to run off and just elope somewhere. I was totally game for something tropical and sandy. But, for some unknown reason, my ever so stubborn Fiancé seemed to think we needed this big gigantic event. I’m pretty sure it was just his publicist trying to spin some positivity in his favor after these rough last couple of months. But, what in the hell do I know.

“Ah, you must be Molly McGlenister. I’m Veronica, the owner of Belle,” a tall skinny older blonde with the perfect old lady haircut gushed as her heels tapped loudly on the marble walkway.

“Yep,” I said quickly, forcing a fake smile across my face. Remind me to kill Danielle later; this place is going to be the death of me.

“I am so excited you are here with us today. I’ve heard so much about your upcoming nuptials, that I’m sure it’s going to be the wedding of the year.” Veronica grabbed my hand and clamps down so hard I’m pretty sure her bony fingers will leave bruises if she ever let go.

“I spoke with someone on the phone about a private viewing of the Arthur Risqué showing?” Danielle interrupted, giving me time to yank my hand out of crazy bridal ladies clutches.

“And you are?”

“Lead stylist for Political Drowning, and personal stylist for Molly.” Danielle’s eyes narrowed at the lady, as they both took a moment to determine who had a better pissing match stance.

After several long awkward seconds, a fake as sin smile came across Veronica’s face. “Of course. We already have the large private room set up in back with two of our best consultants ready and available for you.” Veronica ushered us forward with her bony hands, and I follow behind her closely, carefully avoiding any direct eye contact with the massive dresses that want to devour me whole.

“This place scares me, Danielle.” I whispered.

“It will be fine once we get some booze in you.” An evil smirk spread across her smug little face, and I instantly wanted to smack her. Running away had never sounded better then right now.

Six glasses of champagne and a gazillion dresses later, I was official drunk and stuck in a disaster of beads and lace. The first twenty dresses had been automatic no’s in Danielle’s book. Truthfully, I hadn’t found a single thing yet that didn’t make me want to claw my eyes out and wear rags down the aisle.

“I just don’t understand,” Danielle sighed, rolling her eyes at the dresses lining the wall. She tipped back the remaining booze in her flute, and then handed it off to some poor bitch girl who had been refilling our glasses all afternoon.

“Did you really think this would be easy?” Grabbing my small boobs, I squeezed them together in the dress and sighed. There was no way I’m filling out the tops in these things without getting a boob job, and since the wedding was only seven weeks away, getting the funbags inflated wasn’t in the cards.

“Seriously, how fucking hard can this be. I have been thinking of dressing you since you said yes on that stage, and for gosh sakes it should be freaking easy!” Danielle snapped her fingers at the poor souls who kept brining dress upon dress into our room. The two girls scattered like mice and zipped out the door.

“You are an uber bitch today,” I grumbled, reaching for the clasp in the back.

Danielle huffed and wobbled over to me. Swatting my hands away, she undoes the clasp and helps the dress slide down my stick thin body. “You really need some more curves.”

“I can buy those later, thanks.” Stepping out of the dress, I flopped down on a plush chair in just my undies and corset. With all the shit that has happened Reid’s  and that tramp, the band falling apart, the band getting back together, and Reid’s publicist hiring the wedding planner from hell to help spin a positive note on Reid’s latest mishaps, had made me want to shoot myself.

Most girls would run from this kind of insanity. However, since I grew up with the world’s most dysfunctional family, I somehow survive in all the chaos and commotion.

“How hard is it to find that dress. I have the damn thing pictured in my freaking head, and it just needs to magically appear on a fucking hanger.” Danielle huffed, grabbing a full glass from the fancy silver tray.

A knock came from the other side of the door, and the poor stylist appeared, scampering in like scolded child. Holding a long sleek dress up, the short blonde one cleared her throat to gain Danielle’s attention.”

“Brilliant,” Danielle shrieked, leaping from chaise lounge and spilling her drink all over the pristine white carpet. 

My eyes grew wide as I watch the dark red color spread over the floor. Danielle was gushing over the recent frock being held up and I’m worried about the gigantic spill that will never come out of the floor, and how much it’s going to cost me. Just because I have money and am marrying into even more money doesn’t mean I’m okay with spending it.

“Finally! I was starting to wonder if you guys had any sort of taste in those fake bleach blonde heads of yours.”

“Danielle!” I gasped. Normally, I had no filter on what came out of my mouth either, but I always tried to refrain from belittling people. “I apologize for my friend who obviously lost her damn mind.” Pushing up the corset that kept sliding down my rail straight body, I bite my lip cautiously and continued to stare at the stain that no one in the room seemed to even notice or care about.

“Don’t apologize for me, Molly. Just trot your happy little wedding ass back into the dressing area and slip this magical number on this instant.”

Taking my eyes away from the spill, I shook my head at the insane look Danielle was sporting, clutching the hanger like a Pteranodon snatching its last meal during the meteor shower that killed them all. Her look is priceless, almost making me want to dig out my phone and snap a picture, thus being able to immortalize this side of crazy for the rest of her life.

But, it was the dress that caught my eye. The smooth creamy fabric that draped over the hanger so elegantly, the way it shined in the dimmed lightening, the delicate details that made a person want to reach out and simply touch the patterns adorning the frock.  If I ever had a dream dress while growing up, this had to be the one I had envisioned.

“Why are you still standing there? That corset isn’t going to work with this dress. Either get into the dressing room, or drop it right here.” Danielle’s eyebrows narrowed while using her free hand to point to the dressing room. I knew she was serious about getting naked out in public, considering most of the wardrobe changes done during the tour are backstage, out in the open. Modesty wasn’t a stylist’s strong suit.

Breaking away from the magnificent dress, my eyes immediately darted back to the dreaded stain. “Is anyone going to clean that up?”

Danielle gives me a disgusted look while the two blondes glance at the stain and shake their head. If my mother was here should would have had a bitch fit, and had a cleaning company on speed dial. Thankfully, that bridge burned and had no hope for government bailout or repair anytime soon.

“You are all insane,” I muttered while heading back for the dressing area. I bet the cost of that dress could carpet the entire store ten times over, and maybe even redo the concrete outside the front of the building too. Taking a deep breath, I unhooked the corset and turned around to face the short blonde haired girl, beaming with the dress off the plush white hanger.

“Are you ready to cry?” she asked.

“I’m not the type of girl who cries over things like that. Maybe if I broke my leg, or had my heart ripped out and smashed into a million pieces, I’d cry. But, putting on a dress wasn’t something that would be getting tears to shed from my eyes.” Turning around, I faced the mirror and observed as the associate started to take care of the back.

Holding my breath, I watched as a single tear started to trickle down my flushed cheek.  I couldn’t believe this was really me.  Who in the hell had I become?

“I can’t believe I spent that much money on a dress.”

“Why are you being such a Sally about it, Molly? You have the money, not to mention the man you agreed to marry is far from being poor.” Danielle’s sunglasses were halfway down her nose, letting me see the enormous eye roll of frustration for my panic over swiping my card for that large of a figure.

Pushing her glasses back up on her face, she tossed her feet up on the dash, wiggling her perfectly manicured toes in the sky high black pumps.

“Get your grimy ass shoes off her dashboard,” I shrieked, instantly smacking the side of Danielle’s shoulder.

“You really need to get some medication or something. This infatuation you have with this car is starting to scare me.”

“I don’t need medication, Danielle. There is nothing wrong with the love I have for this beautiful piece of metal and leather.”

“You do realize I think it’s illegal in the state of Washington to have relations with inanimate objects, right?” Danielle’s laughter tore through the small cab of the car. She knew exactly how much this car means to me, and getting her back in my life was almost better then sex. Almost.

I thought I had lost her; gone forever when my father sold her off when I ran away to Seattle. She was the last piece of hope I had in saving the relationship with my family once my father died. I wanted nothing from the estate, the practice, hell, even talking with my mother and sister didn’t matter to me. I only wanted the hot piece of road metal, the freedom I felt when turning on her ignition and tossing it into drive.

Gritting my teeth, I can feel my hands tighten around the heavy steering wheel.

“Calm down there, Killer. Remember, I was there when we had to peel you off the loading dock in complete hysterics when Reid surprised you with it.”

“I love you, Danielle. But keep your nasty shoes off the dashboard,” I threaten again, still keeping my eyes firmly locked on the streets ahead of us.

“Have I taught you nothing in this last year? These are not nasty shoes, Molly. These are Louis Vuitton, and further more they are from his upcoming spring collection. You can’t even get these in stores yet.”

I knew Danielle was staring at her shoes, proudly gloating at her accomplishment on scoring those heels before being available to the public. Since PD has become such a huge hit, Danielle’s career has flourished right alongside of the band. Everyone that is anyone is calling her to style them. From award shoes, to music videos, and even full costume tour wardrobe, this woman’s tastes are all the rage right now.

“I let the shop know we need to schedule two separate fittings in the next month. I want to make sure this thing fits perfectly before the big day.” Danielle grabs her phone from her purse on the floorboard and instantly starts tapping away at the screen.

“It’s not like I’m pregnant or anything,” I muttered softly.

“Well, thank god for that. After that whole massive freak-out last time, I do hope you did something to prevent that from happening again.” Without even looking up from her phone, Danielle lets out a snort and continues to sink further into that evil mechanical device attached firmly to her hands.

“Yes, Danielle.  I had that little plastic t shaped thing shoved up my vagina to prevent something like that from ever happening.”

“You do realize its only good for like, what…..five year? After that we can have a bunch of little Molly and Reid’s running around Hollywood. Can you even imagine how fucking cute that would be?”

“Maybe I should look into getting him neutered?”  Putting my car into park, I shut off the engine and glance over Danielle, who is in a fits of hysterics in the seat next to me.

“He isn’t a dog, Molly. You can’t just legally chop off his balls.”

“Eh, semantics.” Shrugging my shoulders, I open the car door and climb out. With my family history, there is no way I want to bring any children into this world. Not to mention, when I thought I was pregnant with Reid’s kid earlier, I believed my entire world had ended with that stupid false positive on the pregnancy test.  I should have known that with my luck, I would end up being the three percent that is written on the box to receive a false reading.

“Your mother would make a fantastic grandmother,” Danielle’s cackle is heard throughout the almost empty parking garage.

“Shut your face before I throat punch you,” I glare black at my friend. Walking over to the elevator, I slam my hand into the up bottom, then firmly cross my hands against my chest.

“You really should think about getting those done. I know a fantastic doctor that can probably get you in this week. Then you still have like six weeks of heeling before the big day, and boom, your dress fits even better.”

“You never stop, do you?”

“And your are just now questioning this? Seriously, Molly, where has your head been these last few weeks?”

Stepping into the elevator, I let out a small sigh, letting my shoulders drop a little as the large doors close in front of us. Besides saying yes to one of the biggest rock stars in the world, I also said yes to all the drama that comes along with it. Getting married to Reid and becoming Mrs Chambers will be the easiest thing on our plate right now. Dealing with a certain someone is the larger issue that I’m just not sure I how to handle just yet.

“Stop causing more stress in that pretty blonde head of yours, Molly. We still have to finalize the invitation this afternoon before I get on a plane for Los Angeles.”

“I know.” Nodding my head, I shuffle out the elevator and dig for the apartment key on the keychain.  Six more weeks of living in this little two bedroom that I share with Megan. Only six more weeks of the simplicity of living in a world known as Molly McGlenister. Then, no longer will I be able to slip around town undetected. I’ll share the same last name with Reid Chambers, and forever be subjected to lies, cheaters, and scandalous women, that take shame and world domination to a whole new level.

“Just six more weeks till you become the beautiful Molly Anne Chambers,” Danielle gushed as we walking into my small place. “Isn’t that going to be fucking fantastic?”

“It’s going to be something, alright.” Tossing my keys on to the small kitchen bar top, I glance at the dining table that’s filled with different styles of invites. My life has never been one of simplicity. I grew up with money, and the glitz and glamour. That was the biggest reason for running away from Georgia, and now, I’m walking right back into the world of sparkle all over again.

Is this a case of some alien body snatchers? Or am I really starting to turn into my mother and sister willingly?

The first chapter of "Invisible Crown?"

So, I'm thinking of posting the first chapter of the final installment of Invisible Crown on Christmas.

Good present or bad present?

A little sneak peek.........because I LOVE you all!

Join me on tsū, they are sharing social revenues with all of us #tsunation https://www.tsu.co/tahardenbrook

Rantings on SOA

I wasn't going to say anything about it, but I just can't shake the finale of SOA last night.

I absolutely loved the show for the first three seasons, then it seemed to get a little loose in the writing, and while I have watched since the beginning, I was no longer enjoying it like I had been.

Season 7 seemed to come full circle, starting to tie up those gazillion different story lines (what I personally thought was the downfall of the show, too much going on at times), and the clubs hierarchy finally coming to light. That being said, I was enjoying the show again, and faithfully waiting for the last episode where it all would end.

*SPOILER* Stop reading now if you have yet to watch the episode.

At last, it was 10 pm in Washington, and I had stayed away from all previous FB posts about what was happening on the east coast. I do feel the finale was well written/done, however was not pleased with the ending. I get the justification of Jax having to die. Everything comes full circle and the damage he has caused along the way basically lead to the decision of ending his life. I get the symbolism in riding off in the hills and getting taken out by the MAC truck, however poetic or not, I kinda felt it was a cop out.

I wanted something more. I knew he had to die, but that final scene just didn't sit right with me. But, none the less and great show (minus a couple of dragging seasons), and ultimately I will miss the Tuesday night time slot it occupied on my DVR.

Teaser Tuesday.................do you want some?

Invisible Crown, Hide Your Crazy 3) 2015

“I don’t care if she’s giving birth to a freaking two headed purple alien named George. That woman has no right to call in the fucking middle of the night and demand him to bring her pickles that come in the squatty jar.” Throwing my phone across the bar top, I cringed when I heard it shatter on the hardwood floor.

“Well, now I’m only speaking in technical terms, but I think she does have the right to call him.” Megan winced for the impact of my verbal onslaught, knowing damn well the comment she made would push me over the edge this morning.

“Well, fuck. I guess the tramp can call him. But, to demand pickles in the small jar opposed to just grabbing whatever is on the shelf is absolutely absurd.” Opening the fridge, my eyes land on a large jar stuffed amongst the crap on the top shelf. “Give me your phone,” I demand, letting the fridge close with a smile.

Snatching the phone Megan had offered out to me, I quickly dialed Danielle, knowing she will be completely down with this genius plan of mine. “So, the bitch wants pickles. I’m going to give her pickles. Who do I call to get a hundred cases of pickled asparagus delivered?”

(Subject to change/Unedited)

Upcoming Dates For Releases

So........there has been some questioning on when the last book in the Hide Your Crazy series is coming out.

January/February (ish): Invisible Crown (Hide Your Crazy, Book 3)

May/June (ish): Stupid Boy (McPherson Family Saga, Book 1)

September/October: Risk (Stand alone, romance/suspense novel)

As always please be aware that dates *could* change. I'm only human (sadly), and life does come a calling at times.

I'm being greedy today.

Oh.....it's Teaser Tuesday again. It comes every single week........and the need to share with the readers what I am writing consumes me so much that I spend hours trying to figure out what little snippet to give to you all.

However, today isn't going to be one of those days. Sorry, but i'm saving all those wonderful little moments that make your insides squirm for myself. Call me selfish, but I'm going to enjoy what I've been writing these last couple weeks for myself.

It will be out for the masses soon enough.

Is it done yet?

I have been working on the cover for "Invisible Crown" for the last couple days, and I think it is finally done.

Done as in first draft kind of done. I still have to tweak the image, re-size things, sharpen objects, and the list goes on. 

But........I do believe it's a win.

A little something, something, to make a Monday more enjoyable.

Ranting............again.

I know I have spoken of this many a time before, however it's something that authors have to deal with on a daily basis. Publicity.

When I first started my author page on FB, it seemed to work really well. I supplemented with my blog and Goodreads, and my novel got out there fairly well. Now, it seems as if I'm posting on FB to an empty audience. Giveaways only reach a handful of people, offers are never claimed, and unfortunately it's hard to get the novel  out there.

I absolutely love my latest release. It's about a love story that grows over time. No, it's not an automatic attraction kind of thing, but more of the story on how their relationship got started. Life isn't perfect, and for my two main characters that couldn't be more of the truth.

So, if you haven't grabbed a copy, I encourage you to do so. Give it a read, and remember it's not the typical love story where you dive right into their relationship, it's their journey on how they got there.

If you love it, share it with your friends, if you don't then I hope another one of my novels speak to you better. I'll always keep writing as a way to tell the stories whirling around in my head, and I hope that my latest lets your mind take off in adventure.

3 Days Left!

Just 72 hours left of the $10 Amazon Gift Card giveaway for leaving a review on Amazon!

Have you read Bar 49? Write a couple sentences and you could be the lucky recipient of the GC!

I can't' help but share.................

So, I have been totally captivated by this story in my mind. Also, I've been sitting on the cover for a couple months, and really don't want to to wait anymore.

No cover reveal, no contests to enter, just the cover for an upcoming novel i'm so excited about.

I'm hunting for betas.......................It's a slow process.

Want to get in on the action?

Click here for the sign up form!

Blogger Reviews!

Just because the book has been released, doesn't mean i'm not still taking review requests for blogs. Reviewing the novel and helping me spread the word helps me beyond belief, and i'm always willing to send out copies of the novel. 

Please don't hesitate to contact me!

Who doesn't like an Amazon Gift Card Giveaway?

It's Live!

Get it now!

The first teaser for 'Stupid Boy'!

Hangovers are a total bitch, but this one will be worth it!

The final copy has been submitted!

This morning, I clicked the submit button on Amazon. Yep, the final copy of 'Bar 49' is in the works to be published on October 13th.

I'm so excited to share this story with you all. It's completely different than anything I have written before, no instant love in this novel.

<3 I hope you all enjoy it!

Are you the person i'm looking for?

I need you. Do you like to review?

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1-py22XFN9UEASG23LWuI5Mv1tftNiMaCGdbgN2jGjcM/viewform?usp=send_form

So, there has been this story trapped in my head.

Yep, an author's mind never really turns off. This story has been invading my head for the last couple days, and is now finally taking shape.

 'Stupid Boy' coming Spring 2015

Growing up in a house full of boys is not the everyday norm for most girls. However, for Blair McPherson, it was all she had ever known. Losing her mother long before she could remember, was something that weighed heavily in her testosterone filled world.  What Blair lacked in femininity, she more then made of up for in other areas. She could throw a football better than some high school quarterbacks, change a tire in sixty-seconds flat, bait a hook, skin a deer, and throw a right hook that can knock a man to his knees.  Sure, she didn’t possess the qualities to become Miss America, but who really needed the ability to walk in heels anyway?

Life was simple in Blair’s world. Going to college was a natural progression, seeing that her two older brothers were already at New Haven State College playing football. 

But life after high school wasn’t what she thought it would be. Her tomboy ways and girl next door looks didn’t allow for making friends with the other girls on campus. Not to mention having some of your best friends be the most sought after meal tickets on campus, basically branded her as one of ‘those girls’ permanently.  Her once easy existence was now clouded with evil women, and men who just wanted in her pants to ‘seek revenge.’

She thought her life was hard with two brothers in high school, but college took it to a whole new level. There was no chance at finding love with her family on campus. Between her brothers and their friends, Blair was doomed to live a life of sweaty jockstraps, and being pegged the ‘little sister’. She was forever seen as being untouchable. That was until him.

Sometimes life throws a flag on the field, and you have to figure out what play to call next all on your own. 

Waiting.

It's that dreaded time, once the novel is finished and back from the editor, and you have sent the young thing out into the world for others to consume. Waiting. Waiting to hear what people think, waiting for that first review, waiting to see if the thing you spend so much time on these last couple months is going to take flight and not nosedive terribly into a fiery pit of hell.

Waiting sucks.

Check out Amazon!

'Bar 49' is now available for pre-order on Amazon.com

October 13th is right around corner. Are you ready to dive into Charlie and Reid's life?

And they are out!

The ARC's for'Bar 49' have headed off to their new homes with blogs this evening.

So...........this means it's releasing October 13th!

There is still time for blogs to get in on the action, just send me a message.

The countdown has begun.

Tick, Tock, Tick, Tock.

Eeeek!!

So, Bar 49 is headed to the editor THIS FRIDAY!

I don't know if I should cry, run away, pee my pants, or just do the Carlton.

To stir up the interest in 'Bar 49' release, coming this October................how about the first two chapters?

'Bar 49'

Releasing October 2014

(Unedited/Subject to change)

Chapter 1

Charlie

The crisp fall air is evident this morning, as the multicolor leaves swirl around in the wind. The grass is slowly turning from yellow to brown, and crunches under my feet as I walk. This is the first time I have been back here, since, well……………………yeah. It has been awhile.

Kneeling on the cold hard ground, I force the gigantic sized lump making its appearance in my throat down, and slowly close my eyes. It is almost too painful to be doing this. My mind still cannot seem to wrap around the logistics of what happened not that long ago. Trying to erase the pain is never going to work; yet, coming back here does not seem to be helping either. How many times can you beat yourself down and expect to be able to rise again in the morning?

Forcing myself to open my eyes, I let the silent tears stream down my cheeks.

“I am so sorry,” I manage to choke out, letting the pain in my heart take control of my emotions once again. This is never going to get any easier, no matter how many times I try and let it go.

I believe in second chances. I also believe in seconds, thirds, and even fourths. We are humans; and with that, come mistakes. No one in the world is perfect, and thinking otherwise will just result in failure and heartbreak. Far too often are people written off before they can show their full potential. If no one believes in someone enough to give them a second chance, then how does one expect the same courtesy extended to them when they screw up? Everyone is entitled to a second chance; however with the current society, most of the time those second chances never come.

Take me for example. I was a horrible child. I did absolutely everything possible to break my mother’s heart. The pain she felt at the hand of my childish behavior goes way beyond simple disappointment. I had truly shattered and destroyed any opportunity at forging that mother-daughter bond that she so desperately wanted and needed.  By thirteen, I was sneaking out of our apartment and drinking with people much older. I had never really liked the taste of alcohol, but I continued to drink to simply fit in with the crowd. At age sixteen, I had dropped out of school and became pregnant. My relationship with my mother was so bleak at that point, that there was no way on earth I could even begin to fathom the thought of parenting myself.

Not once did my mother ever give up on me. After countless nights of not knowing where I was, getting calls from the police to come pick me up, and even when I faced shoplifting charges, she stood by my side. Chance after chance, my mother kept throwing me a line.  She refused to let me become another statistic in life’s parenting failures. As much as I pushed, screamed, proved her wrong on countless occasions, she continued to extend that long rope of chances.  I hung myself with that rope countless times before even realizing what she was doing; giving me chance after chance at becoming a better person.

I should be the one who is dead, and not the woman who tried so hard to make a better life for me.

It’s a funny thing how this world works. Someone who deserves an easy pass in life ends up in the gutter, while the person who has been looking for handouts since day one gets to relish in what life has to offer. Some people have it easy and others get punished daily for things beyond their control.

 For whatever reason, things were finally starting to straighten out for me. Everyone is bound to hit rock bottom at some point in their life; sometimes sooner, rather than later. I guess; I need to be thankful for that moment hitting me early on in my life. It could have took me years to realize the destructive path I chose blindly to wander, was only leading me further down the path of heartbreak. I am twenty-one and sober for the first time in years.

 I didn’t come out unscathed from the years of devastation; every bad choice came with repercussions brought on later in life. Unfortunately, I have a record, and the desire for alcohol never really leaves my system. Luckily, there are not any felony charges on my record; so I don’t have to check that dreaded box when filling out applications for employment. But, if a background check is ran, my DUI charge shows up. Stupidity at its finest right there.  It’s not like I have an explanation to why I chose to drink and drive that night, considering I had done it plenty of times without being caught. I was an alcoholic, and convinced myself that I was invincible. It’s amazing the things one can justify when your head is clouded from awful judgment.

In nothing less than a sheer miracle, I managed to keep my record clean once I turned eighteen. The juvenile court system made a deal with me back in my disgruntled teen years that my record would be sealed once I reached the age of eighteen, if I could manage to keep myself from any further chaos and mayhem.  Luckily for me, my shoplifting days were short and few; thus keeping myself out of the court system till my fated DUI incident two years ago.

Having your record sealed meant it is only hidden to employers and the general public. Law enforcement and the courts could still see everything that had been recorded about your unlawful incidents; and unfortunately that came into play when I went up for sentencing.  Normally, with a person’s first DUI charge, they get community service, a fine, maybe even their license suspended. That would have been a welcomed punishment considering the reprimand I received. The judge wanted to make an example out of me that morning, giving others waiting in the courtroom something to fear as they watched the ugliness unfold.

All said and done, I served seventy-two days in jail, ninety days at an in-patient rehab, thirty-five hundred dollars in fees, and the loss of my license for one year. I guess that’s what happens when you are a little shit during your teen years, and get a DUI before you even reach the legal drinking age. I can’t forget to add that I also got a MIC to add to the fun pile of alphabet soup that now ran behind my name.  I would forever be branded as having a DUI on my record; and regrettably, it wasn’t something that went away easily.

Getting slapped with the DUI charge was basically hitting rock bottom. I guess I could have fell further, but I’m pretty sure that is where my downwards spiral into the depths of hell would have ended anyway. For as stupid as I was back then, I didn’t do drugs, nor did I ever have the desire to touch them. My self-medication was alcohol, and it did just fine to dull the constant pain of everyday life.

I was a raving bitch while going through withdrawal in jail. After functioning daily with a pretty large amount of booze, I went to having none at my disposal. There was no way anyone wanted to be friends with me while I was in there. My cellmate didn’t even talk to me for the first thirty days; basically ignoring me from sun up to sun down.  I guess that was fine, considering I no longer had those social needs of being friendly. I just wanted to do my time and get out. The glorious seventeen hundred hours didn’t go by as quickly as I would have wanted, but in the end I survived. My interactions with people were awkward, since most of the conversations I had there were with myself about whatever book I was reading.

But, in the end, I was free and that was all that mattered. Technically, I wasn’t free in the sense that I could do anything I wanted, but free of the barb wire fencing and cold grey concrete walls.

The next three months I was stuck in emotional hell. I had already detoxed my system in jail; but knew the cravings and desires were what would be worked on in rehab. A transport worker picked me up the day of my release, and flew with me to the middle of nowhere Colorado. Upon arriving at “The Healing Lodge,” I had already crossed the place off in my mind. I didn’t want to spend the time talking about my addiction, listening to other people’s sob stories, and really admitting that I had a problem to begin with.

I didn’t actually admit to my drinking problem till I was halfway through the court-ordered time. Before that, I ignorantly lived in my wonderful world, blaming everyone else but myself; for my own problems.  The first thirty days were the roughest, considering I had no outside contact to the world. There were no visits from my mother, no letters of encouragement, basically no freedom. It was almost like being in a larger jail cell. I walked from my bright yellow single bedroom, to the sterile looking cafeteria, to my assigned therapist every single day. There was no variation to my routine. I woke up, repeated actions, and then went back to bed.  Even in jail my mother would come weekly to see me. In rehab, the only contact with someone besides my therapists, nurses, and orderlies, were the other fellow junkies during meal times; and at that stage in the program, no one was really into making friends.

The lodge was split into three sections to accommodate the different phases of healing. The first couple of weeks I was situated in lodge one, otherwise known as the “We are not yet able to join the human race, and talk appropriately” area. Most of the people in this area were coming down from whatever high they chose to partake in. Nights were filled with screaming and crying; people begging someone to help them. I tried to sleep those specific nights with my pillow pressed firmly over my head, but during rounds the orderly would always come rip it off to make sure I was still alive. Luckily, my first transition phase didn’t last long, as I was already sober from doing the little stint in jail. Sure, my body was void of the alcohol, but my mind still wanted the cold liquid goodness to grace my lips once again.  

At that point in my life had I been offered a beer, I would have gladly taken a drink. It felt great to be sober, but it still didn’t register upstairs what it truly meant to go without. I really thought that rehab would be a cake walk. I just had to go through the motions and it would be over quickly. I guess my ignorance to my real problem blinded me into thinking it would be all okay. Sadly, reality would hit later on, and just how much damage I had done to myself would be brought to light.

“Are you all set Charlie?” my best friend Samantha asks, closing the hatch to my Ford.

“I think so,” I reply, taking a quick glance around the vehicle. It is the first time since rehab that I will be leaving my mother’s house. Well, technically, I have to leave my mother’s house. The sale is being finalized this afternoon.

“Hey, it is going to be okay.” Samantha wraps her arms around me tightly, firmly squeezing my numb body.

I have yet to feel anything since my mother’s death three months ago. Not a single emotion registers with my body. I am just a mirror image of my former self; one void of compassion and life.

“Guess I better get going,” I softly mutter, glancing down at the cracks in the pavement. I cannot bring myself to look at my mother’s house one last time. There were some great memories we shared in this place. Sadly, most of the ones I remember were during the times I had been a cold hearted bitch. I guess, technically, I can still register pain, since it is the only thing that constantly hangs around anymore.

“Call me when you get there,” Samantha utters out a soft cry, gently wiping the few scattered tears that grace her high cheekbones.

I simply nod my head and yank my car door open. I force a soft smile at Sam, and quickly duck into my seat. I refuse to look into the rear view mirror, for I know she is standing there on the sidewalk, waiting for me to drive away. I never deserved her friendship over the years. She has always been a much better friend to me than I ever have been to her. She is the perfect daughter I wish I could have been for my mother. She was a straight A student in school, popular, pretty, and a kind soul. If someone was hurting, you could count on Samantha to try and make it better. She is the type of woman you could bring any problem to and she will help you solve it. I swear her life is like a Disney fairytale, complete with little woodlin’ creatures that follow her wherever she goes. Someday she will make a perfect princess, and live out her happily ever after with the most amazing prince. She deserves everything good in this cold, hard, cruel world.

Throwing my hand up in the air, I wiggle my fingers without looking back and pull the car away from the curb. I guess you could say I am running away, then again, I really have nothing keeping me here anymore.

Sitting at the stoplight, staring at the freeway entrance ahead of me, I let out a massive sigh.

“See you later Sacramento,” I mutter, watching the red light turn to green. Taking my foot off the brake, I thrust it upon the gas pedal and speed off into the world unknown; refusing to look back once again.

Everyone has a point in their life when they ask if that’s it. If everything they have been working for their entire existence comes to a peak, and they begin to question if it has all been worth it. My life before my mother died was clouded and bleak. I never thought of planning for the future, and in all honesty, could have cared less what happened. The only difference between then and now is that I’m sober. I still don’t feel things the way I should, and maybe that is something that no ‘program’ can ever fix.

The drive to Coos Bay is only seven hours, and could easily be done in a day. But, I didn’t want to push it; hence driving at barely legal granny speeds. I am not thrilled about heading over to my uncle’s place to crash and “figure out my next step” as he put it. In all actuality, I didn’t really care what could happen next. If I drift through life, it is totally fine by me. There is no purpose to what I am going to be doing; I am simply surviving in the simplest form.

I glance down at my phone ringing in the cup holder, and cringe as the ringtone blares. For some reason, Sam thought uploading happy songs as ringtones would pull me out of this funk when all it really made me want to do is chuck the device out the window.

“Hi Uncle Mark,” I answer, clenching my jaw and forcing a smile across my face. It isn’t like he can see the scowl I am trying hard to fight off from emerging on my face, but I need to make sure I put on a good show when I get there. Practice makes perfect, and I am going to need a whole lot of it if I plan on surviving the next couple of months.

“Hi Sweetie, where are you at?”  His voice was warm and sincere. He was an exact copy of my mom, always wanting to extend a hand when ever needed.

“I think I’m about an hour or so out.”

“Alright sweet girl. We are short staffed at the bar tonight, so I won’t be at the house when you get there. I left a key under the red flower pot on the steps. Just let yourself in.”

“Okay,” I mumbled, not breaking my stare at the road ahead of me.

“I’ll see you soon Charlie,” he says, quickly ending the call.

“Yep, see you soon,” I reply to the already dead line.  Tossing my phone into the seat next to me; I flick the silent radio on and turn the volume button up as loud as I can stand.  The Eagles song ‘Desperado” blares out the speakers and I can’t help but laugh. Well, isn’t that just a dose of reality smacking me in the face.

Chapter 2

Greyson

“Hey Cameron, I don’t have anything on the books for the rest of the evening right?” I yell at our secretary from my room. Today has been nothing but a bitch, and I could really use a tall glass of Crown right about now.

“Nope, your books are empty. Why, you want something?” Cameron calls from the front counter.

“Hell no,” I chuckle, poking my head around the door and flash her a naughty smile. It is a Saturday night, and that means the world is my playground. Two of my clients had been fucking thorns in my sides, whining the whole damn time I was working. Pretty sure that constitutes a free pass to get a little wild tonight.

“Please don’t get too smashed or arrested tonight. You have an appointment on the books Monday at eleven,” she narrows her eyes as I approach.

“I wouldn’t dream of it, Doll,” I wink, placing a soft kiss to the side of her cheek.

“I didn’t stop by the bank today, so I have no bail money if you get arrested.”

“Good thing they accept cards now too,” I crack while tossing open the front door. I have no intentions of getting arrested tonight, but I do plan on getting a little hammered. Clicking the remote on my truck, the alarm beeps and I yank open the door open. Tossing my jacket and phone on the seat next to me, I shove the keys into the ignition and take off to my favorite bar. The night is full of possibilities, and it all starts at a little place I like to call home. The beer is cold, everyone knows my name, and women come in by the truckload. The perfect ending to my otherwise suck ass kind of day.

Pulling around back of the bar, I quickly kill the engine and hop out. Setting the alarm, I can’t help but smile. Tonight is a welcome change of pace since I have been busting my ass these last couple of weeks at the shop. Punching the code into the back door, the music slams against my body when I finally get it open. “Perfect,” I grin selfishly. Tonight is going to be exactly what I need.

I shout a couple hellos to the kitchen staff while wandering through the staff doors to the main floor. The place has yet to fill up, but that will change drastically once the clock hits nine.

“Good, you must have gotten the message,” Mark yells over the music when he sees me approaching the back bar.

“What are you talking about old man?” I laugh, sitting down on a bar stool in front of him.

“I need you tonight. Tony called in sick.”

“No way man. I don’t want to be working.”

“Please Greyson, I need the help,” Mark pleads; looking around the back of the bar like he done lost his mind.

“Mark,” I groan. This is not part of my epic night of getting fucked up. My plans include drinking loads of alcohol, finding a chick, knocking one out, and then going home. The night did not include me hopping behind this damn bar and serving people.

“Greyson, please,” Mark begs again.

“Fuck,” I moan, tipping my head back to the ceiling.

“Where in the hell is the salt rim?” Mark babbles, looking around the top of the bar.

“Shit old man, get back to your office,” I laugh pushing myself off the barstool and hoping over the bar top. There is no way he would be able to handle the crowd tonight, unless everyone orders bottles and nothing else.  

“I owe you,” Mark sighs, patting my shoulder.

“Damn right you do.” Tossing my keys under the ledge, I turn to wash my hands in the sink.

“Thanks for helping tonight Greyson,” Nate, another bartender at the end of the bar shouts.

“Yep,” I nod, realizing my dreams of getting wasted have now vanished. Wiping my hands off on a towel, I put on my most sinister smile and help the two hot blondes that are now waiting for me on the other side.

“What can I get you ladies tonight, besides me later?” I ask with a wink, knowing damn well the reaction I would be getting. The two blondes giggle as they look back and forth at each other. If I couldn’t get smashed, I am bound to get some ass once this place closes.

The bar is packed a little after nine, and I silently curse Mark while filing another shot glass. If he wasn’t basically family, I would not be helping out right now. It is the last weekend before the college starts back up, hence all the eager bodies tonight, just begging to get smashed before responsibility sets in.

Like I was two hours earlier. 

There is not a huge bar selection in town, so most of the younger crowd always ends up here. I normally won’t complain, since the college brought a new crop for the picking every couple of months. And, it was nice to walk out of this place with a couple hundred bucks at the end of the night too. My day job covers all the bills and more, but stashing some away never hurt anyone.  

I start to mix my fiftieth Sex On The Beach of the night, and someone catches my eye at the end of the bar. My eyes quickly dart over in her direction, and I slowly take her in. She is absolutely stunning, but fuck, I doubt if the guys at the door carded her coming in. Quickly, I finish my drinks and slide them over to the ladies waiting, placing the drink order on their tab. Rolling my eyes, I knew what needed to be done. Beautiful or not, she was underage and couldn’t be in here. I refuse for Mark or Ito get fined if the state boards try and claim we served her.

I wander down to where she is sitting, watching as she scopes out the crowd on the dance floor. It is a damn shame that I am going to have to be a total dick, but what else am I going to do? Crossing my arms in front of me, I wait for her to turn her attention.

She is totally engrossed with the people grinding on one another out there, oblivious to me standing there, waiting to crush her dreams at getting tipsy in this place tonight. Clearing my voice, she startles and looks directly at me.

“Fuck,” I mumble once our eyes connect.

“Sorry, I must have been spacing,” she says softly. Her voice is so sweet that it is hard to hear over the thumping base coming from the corner of the dance floor. Her eyes are crystal blue, sparkling even in this dark, dingy place. My words are taken back as she continues to meekly smile at me standing there.

Shaking my head, I lower my eyes and direct them at the door. “Do your fucking job, Vance,” I shout, flipping him off with a scowl on my face. Turning back to the pretty little dark-haired beauty on the stool, I prepare myself to flip on dick mode.  The question in her eyes is evident, as her face wrinkles in wonder.

“I hate doing this, but all my flags are going up saying you’re not twenty-one,” I sigh, bracing myself on the bar top.

She smirks and starts to dig through her purse. I know the drill. She will continue to dig through that bag for a little while longer, and then exclaim she must have lost it at the door.  I release the grip on the bar and rub my eyebrows. I hate doing this shit.

A mischievous look flashes across her face while she slaps her ID down on the bar. Grabbing the card, I quickly bring it up to my face, glancing back and forth at the picture and her sitting on the bar stool.

“No problem right?” she spoke, still sitting there with a shit eating grin.

I smirk at her little comment and hand her back the ID. Either she has a badass hook up for a fake one, or she really is twenty-one.

“What can I get you sweetie?” I ask, licking my lips slowly.

“Is Mark here?”

“Yep, but he is really busy tonight,” I respond, watching her eyes for her reaction.

“Can you just let him know Charlie is here?” She offers me a sweet smile that makes my dick stand at attention. This really can’t be good.

“Charlie you said?” I question, silently cursing at my dick to abandon ship.

“That is what I said,” Charlie laughs, tossing her hair back over her shoulders.

“Isn’t that a man’s name?”

“If that is your way of asking if I have a cock, well, then no. Sorry if you thought you found a butt buddy tonight,” she grins, an evil tone threads through her words.

“Touché,” I laugh, holding my hands up in surrender. I nod my head and duck around the bar for Mark’s office. Knocking quickly on the molding, I wait for him to look up from his computer.

“There is a Charlie here to see you?” I comment, giving him a puzzled look.

“Oh,” he responds, hopping up from his desk and hurrying out the door.

My curiosity peaks as I can’t seem to figure out why a beautiful girl like that would be looking for Mark. Not that Mark couldn’t get himself some young pussy, but she just doesn’t strike me as the type of girl who digs older men. I watch as her eyes light up when Mark comes around the corner. Obviously I am wrong, and that lucky bastard just scored big.

Shaking my head, I wander back behind the bar and start filling the never ending orders.

“What time are you off tonight Greyson,” a red head says suggestively. I give her a quick glance over, and normally would take her up on the offer she is implying. But, then I hear that damn little dark hair stunner down the bar laugh, and my dick no longer wants to come out and play with the redhead sporting fake tits. Fuck.

“Hey Greyson, will you get Charlie a water here?” Mark calls down to me.

I smile and swiftly grab a glass and fill it. Walking it down to the end of the bar, I slide it in front of Charlie and force myself to stay silent.

“Greyson, I would like to introduce you to my niece, Charlie. Charlie, this is Greyson. He helps out behind the bar sometimes when I need it,” Mark announces, beaming like a fricken idiot.

“We met Uncle Mark. Greyson carded me then insinuated that I have a penis,” she says simply, showing no emotion on her face what-so-ever.

My eyes grow wide as my brain sputters to figure out what I could possibly say to explain the situation. Suddenly, laughter tore through the both of them, and Charlie lets a smile crack across her face.

“Nice,” I chuckle, knowing damn well this woman got the better of me.

“I’m just kidding,” Charlie grins, bring the water up to her lips.

“I’m going to get back to work,” I add, tipping my head back to the line of customers waiting for drinks.

Mark shoos me away with his hand and leans back on the bar to talk with Charlie. I can’t help but look over my shoulder at her, and catch her looking at me. Smirking, I lean back against the bar and take the next order.

“Well hello ladies,” I snicker, taking full advantage of their tits they have on display tonight.

I kept stealing glances down at Charlie and Mark for the next hour or so. There is something completely different about that girl, something that I can’t quite place my finger on yet. She is not like the rest of the woman that prance around this place. Her pale skin and deep dark hair with blue eyes is a striking contrast to the sea of blonde invading the bar tonight. Her simple long sleeve white shirt and jeans are also something abnormal, considering most of the women in here have at least seventy percent of their skin showing. I get at least three sets of tits and a pussy or two flashed in my direction the nights I work behind the bar, and Charlie was completely covered. Strange girl.

I look back down at the bar once the crowd has drastically thinned out, and am surprised she isn’t there. Scanning around the now half empty bar, I look for her quickly, and realize she isn’t here.

“Go ahead and check out Greyson, thanks for the help,” Mark’s head popped around the bar corner, giving me a smile.

Tossing a towel underneath the bar, I nod my head and give a two finger salute to Nate. Grabbing my keys I head down the hallway to my truck. Tonight’s epic mission at getting drunk and having sex is a complete bust. I only took two shots and my dick decided to be a Sally after meeting Charlie.

Storming out the back door, I sulk over to my truck and yank the door open. “Fucking stupid night,” I grumble while firing it up.  The radio comes on blasting some sappy ass love song and I reach over to smash the damn thing till it turns off. There will be none of that tonight.

Giveaway ending soon..................

Did you enter? Cause if I wasn't hosting this shin dig, I would have totally entered. I might be a little bias, considering I love Amazon, and I wrote the novel. But heck, we can't always be perfect now, can we?


I really want a doughnut.

It's tomorrow already, right?

CHECK OUT THE COVER!

Oh, and don't forget the giveaway too!

'Bar 49' Cover Reveal Giveaway!

The cover reveal is happening on Tuesday!

Have you signed up for the cover reveal yet?

No?

You really should!

Click here for sign up!

I do have a love affair for messed up women, and Charlie totally fits the bill.

"Reluctance sweeps over my body as images of last night replay in my mind. How angry I had been this morning waking up and seeing him passed out on the couch, how the thought of him driving added to the possibility of losing him, made me sick to my stomach in the shower. Now, standing here in the doorway, all I can think about is punching him in the throat, then wrapping my arms around his massive frame. Why are my feelings all over the damn place?" 

~Charlie, 'Bar 49'

© 2014 T.A. Hardenbrook

Cover Reveal for 'Bar 49' Sign Up

Hi Friends! 

I'm looking for blogs to help with the cover reveal! Cover reveal takes place August 19th, and a Rafflecopter giveaway for a $15 Amazon GC will be in the mix.

Can you help? Does not need to be top post! 

Bar 49 Cover Reveal Sign Up

Betas.

I love sending chapters out to Beta. It's like Christmas morning and I can't wait to hear what they think.


On other note, I also love grapes, and summer, and beer.

ARC's and wine. They go together right?

Starting to contact blogs about ARC Reviews. I love the writing process, designing covers, putting together teasers, and stuff like that. 

I hate promoting. It is a total thorn in my side, but a necessary one since FB does not share much on pages these days. Things like this requires a glass of wine..........or maybe the whole bottle?

Teaser Tuesday!

Love it, share it, spread the word please! 

Street Team Sign Up!

Just sent out an email to the potential street team peoples. Yes, the email did include a section on glittery pink unicorns, because really, what email is complete without them.

Are you on the list? Want to join in on the madness? Talk to me people.

A little 'Bar 49' teaser this morning!

Are you getting excited yet?

Want to join in on the crazy?

Click it, you know you want to.

Want to go on a journey with me?

A little something from 'Bar 49'

"It’s official. This woman will be the death of my ego. I have never had to work this hard to get a female to speak more than a few words to me. Normally, all I needed to do was give them a sloppy grin, cock my head to the side, and shove my hands into the front pockets of my jeans. A trademark move I have mastered since middle school and it seems to have absolutely zero effect on the small dark hair beauty who continues to blow off my advances." 

* Greyson  'Bar 49'  

 (Coming Fall 2014)

Cover for books.

Choosing a book cover can be a completely daunting task. Countless hours searching for the right image to speak to you, then to only have half of the effort in designing done. Then comes the task of turning it into an actual book cover. Some people like to higher graphic artists to do this task for them; me, not so much. I like to have total control of the outcome, thus taking my obsession to a whole new level of crazy. So, that's my biggest struggle right now is finding that perfect image.

I need some inspiration to smack me in the face.

Pizza and writing.

So, as some of you know I'm on a diet. Technically a lifestyle change, since I must change my mind set for the rest of my life. But, every now and then, I getting a little craving. Last night's feast was pizza. Glorius Pizza Hut pizza.

Now, most people could have one slice and be done. But, no. Not me. I ate three, then verbally spewed all over a working manuscript.

This morning when I looked back over it , I wondered if I had been drunk. Pizza drunk is a dangerous thing I tell ya.

Behind the times in apps for my phone.

So, laying in bed this morning, I wondered if there was an app for Blogger. Low and behold, ta-da, of course there was.

Needless to say, I'm apparently behind the times. But, now I get to spend way more time with you all! I'll consider this fate, if nothing else then sheer luck that my brain and phone came together at the right moment.

Fighting the FB battle.

It seems that as the time goes on getting people to interact on Facebook is like pulling teeth. A couple likes here and there, but that's about it.

I love the interaction with other readers, authors, and fans. Won't you please talk with me? It's getting rather lonely talking to myself, not to mention people start looking at me crazy.

Photo shoot/Cover reveal!?!?

So the photo shoot for "Bar 49" has been rained out twice. As much as I enjoy two wet bodies rubbing on each other, sometimes it does not make for a sexy cover. Hopefully this weekend will provide better results. Maybe a cover reveal next month? Anyone want to help? I really hate organizing. Maybe it's the ADD in me......................but did you know I like shiny things?

This is me begging.............................

Hey friends! Here is my regularly scheduled beg that if you have read either 'Hot Southern Mess' and/or 'Cheap & Classy' is you could possibly leave a few short sentences on Amazon. It's crucial for authors to get feedback on what the masses like/didn't like/ and or even hated. 

So once again, THANK YOU for taking the time and giving the novels a shot. I appreciate each and every one of you tremendously.  T.A. Hardenbrook

Book number three anyone?

Don't forget that Molly and Reid's story is not over with 'Cheap & Classy'. There is still more questions to be answered, sex toys to be bought, and even a special event in their upcoming future. So watch out for the final installment in the 'Hide Your Crazy' this winter!

The correct version is finally LIVE!

The *Correct* version of Amazon is finally live, after uploading the wrong one two days ago and having it get stuck!

'Cheap & Classy' on Amazon

My oops.................

**Alright** We have finally got to the disaster of 'Cheap & Classy'' release. Upon uploading the file, I somehow clicked the wrong file, uploading a previous version that I had been working on with the editor. When I went back to fix it, the old file was still Live, thus uploading the current version should have deleted version number one. 

However, that was not the case. So, I apologize for my screw up earlier, and Amazon is working on deleting the old file, so the new one will post. Once again, I apologize for the mix up, and hope you give the story a chance, when the correct version is in place. It will not affect the content, just editing issues that were changed between the copies.

I understand that there are some questions from book one to book two, and I promise the answers are in there, just maybe not blown up in a chapter heading  But, the ending does leave you with a cliffhanger or sorts................kinda.............well it is hard to explain. Please, if you have any questions, just shoot me a message.

Tomorrow morning the correct version should be available for purchase, and you are more then welcome to return the copy you have already purchased for a cleaner version of 'Cheap & Classy'.

I hope you all enjoy the story, and watch out for "Invisible Crown', book three in the 'Hide Your Crazy' series coming this winter.

 Much love, T.A. Hardenbrook

Damn you autocorrect.........................

So, apparently since I write mostly in Microsoft Word, and the program likes to automatically correct things for me, a name was changed slightly in the end of "Cheap & Classy". It was brought to my attention tonight, and is currently being fixed on Amazon, and the corrected version should be available tomorrow. Sorry for the confusion (It is not a huge mistake, but could be noticeable), and I hope you all enjoy the novel!

1 More Day

Can you believe the release for 'Cheap & Classy' is only a day away?
Don't forget that the novel will be on sale for $0.99 for the first 24 hours!

So grab a copy and enjoy another round of Molly and Reid.

1 Week Count Down!

'Cheap & Classy' is officially a week away from being released! I'm so excited to share book two with you all in 7 Freaking Days!


On another uber cool note, I have picked the models (yes, I did say plural) for the next novel I am working on "Bar 49" cover! Hopefully, my photographer will be able to shoot soon...............watch for it's release late September!

Back from the editor!

'Cheap & Classy' is now back from the editor and is in its final stages before publication!

So Freaking Excited!

Please tell me i'm not the only one excited for this second book of drama, love, and most importantly some Reid Chambers?

So, I still suck at updating my blog

Yes, you may all curse my name, yell profanities, and even toss some sticks if you see me. Once again, I'm going to make a more conscious effort at keeping up with this thing!

'Cheap & Classy' will be released JUNE 11th, 2014!

You read that right, SO FREAKING SOON!

As promised on my facebook account, for the first 24 hours, the second book in the 'Hide Your Crazy' Series will be only $0.99! After that, because I drug my feet for SO long with this book, it's only ever going to be $1.99.


I appreciate everyone for reading the first, 'Hot Southern Mess' and look forward to one more book with these characters coming January 2015 titled "Invisible Crown' the conclusion to the series.

Oh, and if anyone is interested in my next project, a standalone novel titled "Bar 49", please email me. I am looking for some beta's to read it early July.


Until next time,

Peace, Love, and Sloths,

T.A. Hardenbrook

Sad news.......................

It is with a heavy heart that I share this all with you. As a writer, I want my story to be wonderful and entertaining. Thus, 'Cheap & Classy' needs some work. I have scrapped the ending, and am in the process of reworking the bad boy. On that note, unfortunately it will not be ready for the end of April release date. I am hoping to only extend the date out by a month, thus allowing time for me to tie up the details into a neat little package. 

The good news...............well since it won't be ready, I have decided to have the a three day release price at $0.99 for you all! I understand the frustration, and hope you all are still looking forward to continuing Molly's journey through 'Cheap & Classy' and the conclusion 'Invisible Crowns' (Due out winter 2014)

Feel free to rant/rave, send me bad ju-ju vibes, or whatever floats your boat. I am truly sorry.  Much Love, Author T.A. Hardenbrook