I Know Lucy by Melissa Pearl Blg Tour

Genre: YA Romantic Suspense

Lucy Tate is on the run. After witnessing the brutal murder of her parents, she's spent five years in hiding -- taking on different personas and faking her way through life. The authorities can't be trusted, so she remains in the shadows, always one beat ahead of the man who is forever hunting her. That is, until she meets Zach Schultz, a senior at Monte Vista High and the one guy she can’t bear to leave. Suddenly her natural instincts to lie, steal, and run are overshadowed by something else...the desire to stay. It’s her one shot at a normal life. Curious by nature, Zach is immediately drawn to the new girl at school. How can a person look both confident and vulnerable all in the same moment? Determined to learn more about her, he tries to get close, but is thrown into a world of lies and confusion. The only thing that becomes apparent is that discovering the truth may get him killed.

About The Author

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Melissa Pearl was born in Auckland, New Zealand, but has spent much of her life abroad, living in countries such as Jordan, Cyprus and Pakistan... not to mention a nine month road trip around North America with her husband. "Best. Year. Ever!!" She now lives in China with her husband and two sons. She is a trained elementary teacher, but writing is her passion. Since becoming a full time mother she has had the opportunity to pursue this dream and her debut novel hit the internet in November 2011. Since then she has continued to produce a steady stream of books. Recently she signed with Evatopia Press and her first Evatopia book is coming out in February 2014 - True Colors, The Masks Series #1. She is very excited to be trying out new things this year while continuing to publish under her own name as well. She has six books planned for 2014 and is excited about writing each and every one of them. "I am passionate about writing. It stirs a fire in my soul that I never knew I had. I want to be the best writer I can possibly be and transport my readers into another world where they can laugh, cry and fall in love."

Guest Post

The Life of a Conartist

Lucy was only 13 years old when her parents were murdered. Since then, she's been on the run for her life. She can't go to the law, because the law has proven to be crooked. She's on her own and picking scraps out of garbage cans quickly doesn't cut it. Luckily for her, she meets Marlin and Shorty. These two men change her life by teaching her the art of the con.

Now, the only thing I know about conning is from one of my favorite shows, Hustle, and the odd con-artist movie I've seen. I had to put my researcher hat on and spent a few hours reading up on different tricks conartists use to scam people. It was really fun and I learned a bunch of cool stuff...not that I'd ever try any of it, but Lucy certainly does and it was so much fun getting to live out this tricky art through some of my characters.

EXCERPT

Lucy attempted to regulate her breathing as she waited. Trying to convince herself this was a good idea would never work, so she just had to shut her brain off and do it. Closing her eyes, she visualized how the scene would play out.

"Time to move." Marlin slapped her back before pushing her out onto the street and running in the opposite direction. She stayed against the wall hoping no one would notice her. As soon as the lady separated from the crowd, Lucy dashed towards her. Snatching the purse, she kept running, hoping the lady would be too shocked to hang on and fight back.

"Help! Stop! My purse!" She sounded so distressed, making Lucy cringe.

Following Marlin's instructions, she jumped down onto the street and raced around the tree. Dodging a kid on a skateboard, she leapt to the side and crashed straight into a body. Tight arms wrapped around her as she fell back to the ground.

"Give me that, you little thief."

The bag was wrenched from her grasp by an angry looking Marlin. She scrambled out of his clutches and ran into the first alley. Whipping off the beanie covering her face, she threw it into the dumpster along with her brown jacket. She pulled her hair free, flicking it out as she ran down the alley and around the back of the building the way they'd planned.

Pulling in a calming breath, she walked speedily through the shop, acting as though coming through the private back entrance was something she did everyday. Thankfully the shopkeeper was busy and didn't notice as she slipped out the front door and ran towards Marlin.

"Are you okay?" She touched his arm, cutting his conversation with the old lady short.

"Yeah, someone just tried to steal this lady's purse."

"I saw you run from the shop and had no idea what was going on." Lucy touched her chest, looking worried as she slipped her hand within the crook of Marlin's arm.

"This kind boy just saved me from a mugger." The lady smiled.

Lucy rested her head against Marlin's shoulder. "That's my bro, always thinking of others first." She smiled lovingly at him before touching the lady's shoulder. "Are you alright? That must have given you such a fright."

"Well yes, it did." Her ringed fingers fluttered through the air. "You don't expect some masked robber to snatch your things when you're innocently walking along the street."

Giving her a sweet smile, Lucy wondered how they were going to lead the conversation in the right direction.

Marlin kissed her forehead. "I'm okay, sis."

"I know. I just want you to be careful." She fiddled with the lapel of his collar, spotting an opening and taking it. "Your treatment starts again on Monday and you know you have to be healthy otherwise they'll delay it."

"Treatment?" The lady frowned.

Lucy waved her hand, trying to act as though it didn't bother her, but her eyes sprouted with tears. "Chemo...again. We've enjoyed a healthy remission, but it's back."

"Helen, it's going to be okay." Marlin squeezed her hand.

Lucy wiped at a few tears that had started to fall. "Sorry," she whispered, looking at the lady. "Mom passed away a few years ago from the same thing and it just gets me now and again."

"Oh, my dear." The lady squeezed her arm.

"We just came out for a final afternoon of fun before we go back to the sickness and the..." Lucy waved her hand and swallowed, sniffing a couple of times for good measure.

"Well, here let me help you enjoy it." She opened up her purse, pulling her wallet free.

"Oh no, please ma'am, you don't have to do that." Marlin shook his head.

"I know I don't," she snapped. "But I want to." She finished with a gorgeous smile.

Grabbing Marlin's hand, she slapped some money into it and patted his arm. "You two take care of each other."

Lucy let the tears keep flowing, feigning speechlessness as she touched her chest. "Thank you," she mouthed. She swiped a few tears away. "That is so kind."

Buy Links
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/i-know-lucy-melissa-pearl/1119129181?ean=2940045810746 
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/421073 
Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/nz/book/i-know-lucy/id845190459?mt=11 
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Know-Lucy-Fugitive-Melissa-Pearl-ebook/dp/B00JRPGE9U/ref=sr_1_1_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1397861804&sr=1-1&keywords=I+Know+Lucy

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