ESSENCE by Lisa Ann O'Kane!

This past Tuesday, I had the privilege of attending the launch party for author Lisa Ann O'Kane's debut novel, ESSENCE at one of my favorite bookstores, Inkwood Books of Tampa. 

 

 

Wine, food, books, and an adorable author reading the word breast and nipple out loud while blushing and apologizing to the audience for her embarrassment. It was awesome.

I'm always so impressed when authors do a reading. Lisa earned bonus points for choosing a scene that made her blush (with her parents in the room!) Although I've done a few book signings, I've lucked out by NOT having to read out loud in front of a crowd. I am sure I would stutter and stumble and probably die of nervousness, but Lisa handled herself beautifully, and the scene she read had me wanting to slip and slide into her story. (You'll have to read the book to appreciate that last statement.) 

It was my first time meeting Lisa in real life, and although she was always sweet and lovely in all of our email conversations, she was even lovelier in person. Yay for new local author friends!

 Huge congrats to Lisa on her debut! 

*throws confetti*

And now here's all the info so you too can become a fan of Lisa and ESSENCE. 

 Autumn escaped a cult, but now she realizes she's fallen into another. 

Growing up in San Francisco's Centrist Movement, sixteen year-old Autumn Grace has always believed emotions--adrenaline, endorphins, even happiness--drain your Essence and lead to an early death. But her younger brother's passing and a run-in with a group of Outsiders casts her faith into question. 

Ryder Stone, the sexy, rebellious leader of the Outsiders, claims Essence drain is nothing more than a Centrist scare tactic -- and he can prove it.

 Autumn follows Ryder to his Community of adrenaline junkies and free spirits in Yosemite National Park, and they introduce her to a life of adventure, romance, sex, drugs and freedom. But as she discovers dark secrets beneath the Community's perfect exterior, she realizes the more she risks in search of the perfect rush, the further she has to fall.

Buy your copy now! 

Amazon UK

Amazon Canada

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

Lisa Ann O'Kane is a young adult author and former vagabond who once camped out in Yosemite National Park for an entire summer, an experience that inspired her debut novel ESSENCE. Her background is in zookeeping and environmental education, and she has been kicked, cornered, bitten and chased by nearly every animal she has ever loved. She currently resides in Florida, and she is now a huge fan of shooting stars, indoor plumbing and keeping both her feet planted firmly on the trail.

Website: http://lisaannokane.com/

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