Oceans Collide

Oceans Collide, Book One of The Oceans Series

Livie Acosta is a young woman who at the tender age of twenty-three has suffered such strong and heart-wrenching emotions, that she no longer accepts them into her world. Throughout her life beginning at the age of seven she has rebuked such emotions with a fierce passion. One horrific incident that resulted in her mother's miscarriage started the chain of pain she's had to battle and live with. Through the abuse and abandonment she receives at the heavy hand of her mother, Livie finds the only way she can survive is to curb her ability to feel emotions, and unfortunately the only way she knows how to achieve this paradise is by 'cutting'.

For years she has lived in a sheltered bubble, avoiding people, along with any aspect of life that requires one to show emotion. Not to mention her decision to stay close to her mother has her leaving the comfort of her own home nearly on a nightly basis to save her mother time and time again. It takes the sudden death of her mother to force Livie out into the world in search for a new purpose. Upon this forced quest she immediately meets one of two souls that are going to rock her world into a new dimension.

Lawrence Hawthorne knows pain, grief, and emotions period, all too well. Despite his carefree nature and easy going personality he also harbors some tough demons that immediately draw him to Livie. It doesn't take long to recognize the deeply seeded pain that resides in her own soul and that leads Lawrence to call on his right hand man for help in protecting her.

As soon as Ocean Hawthorne steps onto the scene, Livie's world... the void world she's known since forever changes in a way that threatens to expose her secret. The Hawthorne cousins, vow to protect her from her self-destructive qualities amidst the angst, pain, and trials they all individually go through. Desperately they hold onto each other for support and as love and passion blossom it threatens to destroy the weak foundation of solitude that Livie has strived so hard to achieve. Will the intrusion of two beautiful and tortured souls finally be enough to induce the strength Livie needs to fight her demons, or will their love and devotion finally push her far enough to make the deepest cut she'd ever been forced to make?

I heard someone clearing their throat, causing me to snap my head up from my phone.

Coming around the corner was a tall and very, very hot guy. I must have turned into a deer caught in some kind of bright and sexy as hell headlights.

Since when did Alex Pettyfer buff up and open an MMA studio?

“Can I help you?”

Realizing my mouth was open, I snapped it shut and nervously stuffed my phone in to my pocket. “Yes. I was actually wondering if the owner was hiring for staff yet. I saw an article in the paper highlighting a new MMA studio opening. Do you know where I can find the owner?”

“You’re looking at him, Sunshine.” I looked him up and down from head to toe again.

“Serious?” He looked a little offended by my response, but he looked so young to be in this business. He should be modeling or catching some hang ten waves as a professional surfer. He had that look about him.

“Ouch, Sunshine. What’s wrong with me being the owner?” He asked honestly while crossing his thick arms across his chest, and those biceps were oh so yummy.

“Sorry… I didn’t mean for it to sound so rude. You just look very young to be in this type of business. I hope I didn’t offend you.” His smile returned and it instantly calmed me.

“Sunshine, you don’t have to apologize,” he said as he made his way toward me.

He extended his hand out and I took it in mine shaking it firmly. Dad always said a firm handshake was a sign of respect.

His touch was warm and soothing. Something about him made me feel extremely comfortable. It wasn’t just that he was sexy and looked like the delicious Alex Pettyfer. His energy enveloped me and calmed me for some reason. “Lawrence Nathaniel Hawthorne at your service. Nice to meet you.”

Letting go of his hand, I smiled back. “Livie Acosta. Nice to meet you, too.”

“So you say you’re looking for a job? Here at my studio?” He asked this in a rather incredulous way.

I ignored the dumb look on his face, because honestly, he didn’t know I could put him on his ass in a second. I reached into my shoulder bag and pulled out my portfolio. “Yes. I am interested in working for you, especially, if you are going to turn this studio into an MMA training facility. That’s what I read in the paper.”

He took my portfolio and opened it, keeping an eye on me as he perused it. He flipped it open and skimmed through it.

This guy was tall and I had to tilt my chin up just to make eye contact.

God, I hated being short right now!

As quickly as he opened the folder, he closed it and handed it back. “Okay, Livie. You seem to have some experience in martial arts and if you want to work for me, you wouldn’t mind showing me what you’re made of, would you?”

Cocky son of a bitch!

I reached over, pulled my shoulder bag off and laid it on the counter. I emptied my back pocket of my phone and car keys.

Smiling, I looked up at him. “I thought you’d never ask.”

His laughter made my heart sing. He really did have a strange effect on me. It wasn’t sexually charged or intrusive. I could see myself trusting this man with my life if I had to and I kind of wanted to at the moment.

“Follow me, Sunshine.” He turned on his heels and I followed.

He walked me to the center of the studio where the rubber flooring was the thickest.

Aww… he was trying to make it easy for me.

He really didn’t need to, but he didn’t know that yet. “Alright, I don’t want either one of us to get hurt, so go ahead and stretch. I’ll do the same.” He turned his back to me so I could stretch.

“You got it.” I responded and immediately bent my body forward at the hips. I didn’t stretch for too long, because my body was restless and craving for the physical contact.

He turned to face me and the grin on his face said it all. He was dying for physical contact, too.

A fighter always knew that look in another fighter. That hungry predatory look.

He stepped forward opening his stance. “You ready, Sunshine?”

As my response, I jumped up and did a roundhouse kick to his face and only missed it by inches.

His smile widened showing all his pearly whites. Once he regained his step, he swung his leg wide trying to drop me to the ground. I quickly jumped and rolled on the rubber matting, bouncing back up once my feet hit the ground again.

He came in fast with a jab and hook that I dodged with my quick footwork. I palmed him hard to the sternum and brought my shin up to contact with his left rib cage. They were clean shots and stunned him a little, but not enough.

Before I could pull back, he caught the back of my calf and held it firm.

Shit!

I dropped my body backward, extending my arms to reach for the ground and brought my left leg up fast, kicking him in the chin.

He let go of my leg as he stammered back. Not wasting any time, he lunged for me picking me up and slamming by back hard against the mat.

I grunted from the impact. Taking it as a sign of weakness, he shifted his weight to pin me, but I pulled my arms up hard snapping his elbows up and out from under him.

Before he could come down hard on me, I took my elbows and buried them in his trapezius muscles, pulling myself up.

Once his face was nearly buried in my cleavage, I kneed him twice to the ribs and was able to fling myself around him putting him in a firm chokehold.

Thinking quick, he rolled onto his knees, pulled his arms around my waste and then flipped me up and over his head.

I came down hard on the mat again. I huffed my bangs out of my face completely hell bent on putting Mr. Pettyfer on his ass.

As he backed up to stand, I kicked my legs under me, propelling my body upright. I bent my left leg and used my right to sweep his legs out from under him and I nailed him.

He fell hard on his ass. When he fell, I bent backwards using my hands to hold my weight and planted both high top sneakers on his chest sending him flying to the treadmills behind him.

“Fuck me!” was all I heard as he slammed into the machines. He didn’t look mad at the moment, just shocked.

Grabbing his ribs, he coughed. I walked up to him and extended my hand out to him. I was a good sport… once I won, that is.

Taking my hand, I hauled him up, propping his shoulder over mine to help him stand. Laughter erupted from his chest and I couldn’t help but to join him. I pulled away from his body once he was on his feet.

“You most definitely are hired.” He breathed heavily.

I wanted to jump up and down, but I wouldn’t allow myself to do it in front of him. I simply gave him a ridiculous smile from ear to ear.

“So now that you’ve officially laid your new boss flat on his ass, do you care to join me for lunch?”

Without even thinking about it, my mouth opened and responded for me. “Yeah, sure. Mind if I go home to get cleaned up first? I’ll meet you anywhere just name the place and time.”

“Yeah, no problem. I need to put some ice on these ribs.” He said laughing. “Why don’t we make it dinner? Give me your address, and I’ll come pick you up. We can talk about the studio and get to know each other better. Is that cool with you?”

“Yes, of course. I have some things I need to do before then, so that works out perfectly.” He walked me to the reception desk where I picked up my stuff.

We exchanged numbers and I texted him the address to my hotel. He gave me a funny look when he read the address, but before he could question me.

I thanked him for the offer and bolted out the door. As my body sunk into the driver seat, I could still feel his eyes on me. Ignoring his stare, I cranked Lucy up and drove away.

I got the fucking job!

What is the title of your book and who is it published through?  
My series is called The Oceans Series which is comprised of four novels. The first being Oceans Collide, Book 2 being Oceans Submerged, Book 3 Hawthorne’s Calm, and Book 4 Hawthorne’s Arrived. All of these titles will be published by Lock & Key Publications.

What was your inspiration to write this book? 
The Oceans Series started out with the vision of a strong male character named Ocean, and a very beautiful and conflicted young woman named Livie. I started writing for myself late in 2013 and the novel came about as a personal outlet to my own reality. I drew a lot of the raw emotion from my own feelings and bled them into a powerful story about pain, loss, love, and inner strength.

How does it feel to have your work published?
AMAZING! As an indie Author I had no idea what the heck I was getting myself into. All I knew at the time was that I had a story and I wanted this story read and loved by hundreds all over the world. I never imagined that my story would be so powerful and so loved by many that it would lead to my search for publication. Reaching this far has truly been a surprise that I certainly was not expecting but certainly one that I dreamed for.

At what age were you when you discovered your passion for writing?
I have always had a passion for written words. I’ve always been the type to write someone a letter rather than use my words in conversation. Also, my endless imagination for everything fantasy and fiction has always led me to search for a release in writing. As a child I wrote poetry which I was recognized for. My mind is an ever flowing river of thoughts, dialogue, dreams and hopes, which every now and then mesh into a really incredible story.

Who do your character’s personalities reflect? 
I have to say that when creating my characters…I can’t even remember how they came about. They just were. I knew who was going to be strong, who was going to be weak and who was going to be the glue to hold every else’s head above water. However, I honestly think my characters in this series is a very strong reflection of myself. I am a Pisces and we are very good at adapting to our surroundings and fitting in when we don’t want to be alone. All of my emotions, personal conflicts, fears, aspirations and dreams are somehow weaved into each of my characters. They are truly a reflection of myself at some point in my life.

Are you a late-night writer or do you prefer to write during the day? 
I am a round-the-clock writer. My mind never stops going, talking, plotting, and preparing for the moment I can sit down and let it all out. I write best when I am listening to music however, it could be night or day, as long as I am tune with music I am in writing HEAVEN!

Who has been your support system throughout this journey? 
I really do have an awesome family, but other than myself no one really knows how involved I am as a writer. No one else in my family loves to read and write the way I do, so it’s hard for them to understand my obsession with writing and creating my stories. They do support me in my dedication to becoming a well known and loved writer and to me that is all that counts.

Can your readers expect any more work from you in the future? 
Here to stay and a lot to say! Readers can definitely count on seeing more from M.A. De Olmos! Up to date I have four complete novels just waiting for the chance to break free and make it to published status.

Do you have any interests in writing other genres? 
I love switching up my genres. It keeps me fresh and always learning about my writing style. I mainly gravitate towards New Adult Contemporary and New Adult Paranormal Fantasy. I am obsessed with werewolves so…the possibilities are endless.

What are some of your other hobbies? 
My hobbies consist of being a fulltime mother of two, a fulltime medical biller and indie author. When I am not at work or catering to my zombie’s (six and three year olds) I am busy sneaking in some writing. Free time is scarce but when I can break away from the world I love to watch movies and television series.

What is the one thing you absolutely cannot live without and not ashamed to admit? 
Okay putting it out there I cannot live without chocolate and or my battery operated boyfriend. Yeap. I went there.

There are a lot of aspiring authors out there…what is your advice to them? 
My advice to aspiring authors is to follow your gut. Some say the heart, but I say follow your gut. Your instinct is a powerful tool. Also, keep an open mind about your own work and please, please, please be confident in yourself. Not everyone will like, love and cherish your work but when you are given the opportunity to connect with readers that have fallen in love with your work, IT IS ALL WORTH IT. There is no other feeling like knowing you’ve almost made someone chuck their kindle across the room while screaming at your FU*KING cliffhanger at the end of the novel! I LOVE IT!

On a lazy day and you have absolutely nothing on your to-do schedule, what we would we catch you doing? 
You would most likely find me glued to Netflix watching a Paranormal or Supernatural series. Son’s of Anarchy is my exception because JAX IS HELLA FINE!

You have only one minute to grab three items from your writing station…what are your choices and why? Iphone, notepad and pen. I would need to grab my iphone for my Pandora app which is always on. The notepad and pen is for my writing. I like writing on paper first and then transferring it over into my laptop. I find that my mind automatically polished my thoughts this way when my transferring my words from paper to computer. It’s fun because the words I couldn’t think of before or plots I couldn’t make just right… just happen.

List a few interesting things about you.
I am Hispanic was born in Manhattan, New York and my parents are from Dominican Republic. I sing extremely well…in the shower. I am obsessed with supernatural men including but certainly not limited to the fine men in The Vampire Diaries, The Originals, Supernatural, Witches of East End, Being Human and the list goes on ladies and gents.

List your characters and their personalities.

Livie Acosta~ is a real kick ass chick. Livie keeps to herself for personal reasons but is as strong willed as they come. Livie is a bull in a china shop. She is internally weak but physically she’s a powerhouse of kickass.

Law Hawthorne~ is they guy I would so want as my best friend for life. He is a real nut! Law is the extremely hot guy with ADHD tendencies that is all about family and loyalty. No one messes with his loved ones but he sure as hell knows how to have a good time. He might break a few noses in the poses, but shit happens, right? HEHEHE

Ocean Hawthorne~ is that guy that you just want to crack open just to see how damaged he really is and then protect him from all that is bad in the world…okay maybe that’s what I want to do. Ocean is a fighter. He fights against the world and he fights with himself. He can love hard but is in too much pain to do so. So there for he is moody, angry, and lives his life without consequences. Real sexy bad ass!

What will readers gain from reading your book? 
The Oceans Series touches on a lot of real life situations. Not just hot sex, but real heart wrenching realities that many people go through alone. I hope that this series gives readers hope. No matter how hard, how cruel and how completely fucked our situations are we still have the will to fight back. Somehow we can fight back and hold on just a little while longer…just enough to make it to see tomorrow and then, then we tighten up our boots and do it again. There is nothing like realizing that you have got it in you to overcome what you fear. That is what The Oceans Series is all about.

Where can your book be purchased?
Book one, Oceans Collide, can be found on Amazon, Kobo, Barnes and Noble as soon as August 1st. Book Two, Oceans Submerged, will be available through the same starting Friday, August 8th!!

Where may we stalk…I mean, follow…you? Stalkers are more than welcome!!! The more the merrier and the more trouble I can get into. You can follow me and my rants on www.facebook.com/oceanscollide, twitter @allensmad, mdeolmos.blog.com and via email at ireadtolive1205@gmail.com. Oh and good reads under Melissa DeOlmos of course. I love to hear from readers, bloggers, reviewers!

My name is Melissa DeOlmos, an aspiring author and a newbie to the world of indie writing. I live in sunny side Palm Bay, Florida with my two lovely crazies ages five and two, along with my Law Enforcement champ of a husband.

I could say that writing novels has been a passion that I’ve always pursued, but I can’t. Writing for me has always been my own secret escape into a land of wonders and opportunities. Filled with love and so much trouble, I sometimes wonder if I need medication for the stories that pop into my head.

I have now decided to share my mystical mind and stories with the world so, hopefully, others may also find that little something extra they’ve been looking for within my stories. Thank you and I hope you enjoy my books.