Debra L. Martin's Blog, page 174

NEW #Romance Release: FALLING FOR A SINGLE MOM by Donna Fasano

Falling for a Single Mom ~ Sweet Contemporary Duet Bundle“Fun, Flirty Romances! 5 Stars!”
Blurb:  USA Today Bestselling Author Donna Fasano brings you two stories that feature strong female leads. No one on this earth is more resilient than a single mom. She has to be. Her children are vulnerable, and they’re depending on her to create a nurturing, loving environment. But single moms deserve caring and affection, too. Come along as fate forces… er, ah… helps Julia and Lainey find the men of their dreams. (Goodness knows, these single moms are both too busy to find love on their own!) 

This Duet Bundle includes: HER FAKE ROMANCE and TAKE ME, I'M YOURS 
  
Buy links: US Kindle: http://amzn.to/2afnpa9UK Kindle: http://amzn.to/2aCD6uKiBooks: http://bit.ly/FallingiBooksNook: http://bit.ly/FallingNOOKKobo: http://bit.ly/FallingKOBOGoogle Play: http://bit.ly/FallingGOOGLE
Author bio: USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR DONNA FASANO is a three-time winner of the HOLT Medallion, a CataRomance Reviewers Choice Award winner for Best Single Title, a Desert Rose Golden Quill Award finalist, a Golden Heart finalist, and a two-time winner of Best Romance of the Year given by BigAl's Books & Pals Review Blog. Her books have sold 4 million copies worldwide and have been published in two dozen languages. Her novels have made the Kindle Top 100 Paid List numerous times, climbing as high as #5.
Visit her blog at www.DonnaFasano.com
Sign up for her monthly newsletter at http://mad.ly/signups/110899/join
Follow Donna on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/DonnaFasanoAuthor She loves to chat with readers.
Follow her on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/DonnaFaz

#Excerpt: ALL IN by Simona Ahrnstedt

 
Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better the chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: 
http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2016/06/blurb-blitz-all-in-by-simona-ahrnstedt.html
a Rafflecopter giveaway

NEW Release: CAJUN GHOST by James Moushon

ARIZONA SENATOR AND U.S. SENATORIAL CANADATE, TAD CLOSEN SHOT IN DOWNTOWN PHOENIX DURING PARADE

Politics. Corruption. Murder. Mystery.     
CIA Agent Jonathon Stone’s purchase of an old rifle from a gun dealer leads him on a search for the owner of the gun to protect the CIA Long Beach undercover operation.

As the search accelerates, fellow agent Carol Haney joins Stone on a journey that goes from California to the French quarter in New Orleans to the mountains in Northern Arizona. 

When he finds the owner, a Cajun gun for hire, he discovers that he was one of the shooters in downtown Phoenix the day Senator Ted Closen was assassinated. 

“I have uncovered a story that must be told. A crime that has remained unsolved for years. A murder that happen in broad daylight in front of thousands of people. A murder that possibly changed the politics of a state and a nation forever.”
Stone and Haney follow the trail through murderers, land barons and politicians to find the truth about the Cajun Ghost and the murder of Senator Tad Closen.

ON SALE for .99
Amazon buy link:
https://www.amazon.com/Cajun-Ghost-Jonathon-Stone-Mystery-ebook/dp/B01IKU20WM

#Review: SPLINTER by Sarah Fine

  4 of 5 stars
I requested a copy of this book though NetGalley because of the description. I hadn't realized it was book 2 of the series. While the story flowed well and kept my attention, it would have made things a lot clearer if I had understood the different kinds of magic in the story. The book unfolds in Mattie's POV, a sickly young woman who is just trying to survive. She's supposed to be married within a month and all she can focus on is the unending pain in her chest. Something is consuming her from the inside out. She is thrust into a deadly encounter with villains from the magical underground and her finance Ben was the one who put her in the situation. When Ben's brother Asa shows up to help rescue her, Mattie can no longer deny her conflicting feelings about the brothers. 
The author does a good job of keeping up the tension and suspense throughout the book. Just when you think Mattie is finally safe, someone else shows up bent on taking what Mattie has. I enjoyed the story and my favorite character was Asa. He was complicated, sullen, loving, unpredictable--a great combination for a hero.
I would recommend this book for fans of urban fantasy, but would suggest reading book 1 first to fully understand the complicated world Ms. Fine has created.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Blurb:Mattie Carver has relinquished the world of magic, with all its dark temptations. In six weeks, she’ll marry Ben Ward and claim the safe, small-town life she craves. But Mattie’s talents as a reliquary—someone able to smuggle magic within her body—make her a valuable commodity, even to those she trusts the most. Forced out of retirement by a painful betrayal, she must seek the help of the man she’s tried desperately to stay away from: Ben’s estranged brother, Asa.
Asa, a sensor and magic dealer, may have saved Ben months ago, but he’s complicated Mattie’s life beyond imagining. Trailed by lethal mobsters through Chicago’s seamy magical underbelly and an eerie traveling carnival, Mattie struggles to endure the priceless magic she’s holding and her feelings for Asa. Once, she thought she’d chosen her path. Now the only option may be to succumb to the destiny that’s choosing her, and hope she’s strong enough to survive.
Amazon buy link:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019OKC7I4/ref=twoen-20 

#Excerpt: THE CONGRESSMAN'S WIFE by Arie Pavlou and Charlene Keel

Be a Cougar    “Your husband is an inconsiderate ass,” Sybil said over dirty martinis after their drive up the mountain.  “Why do you put up with it?”
“Like I have a choice?”  Eden had just told Sybil about her birthday dinner with the Romano brothers.  “If I left, where would I go?  Mom’s still living in Texas, in a little two-bedroom house, with another woman.  There’s no room for me and the kids.  I guess I could take them to my dad’s—and they can get to know their thirty-year-old step-grandma.”
Sybil laughed.  “It would serve him right if you showed up.”
“Yeah,” Eden agreed.  “But seriously, I can’t do that to the kids.  It would rip their world apart, if I left their father just because I’m . . .” 
She paused, searching for the right word.
“Unhappy?” Sybil supplied.
“Not really,” Eden said.  “It’s just . . . when I’m not angry with Mitchell I’m bored out of my mind.”
“Even with the campaign in full swing?”
“Especially with that,” Eden said.  “It’s nothing I haven’t done before, just on a bigger scale.  I don’t think Mitchell can win and he’s spending so much money.  At this rate, we’ll never get out of debt.”  She blinked back the sudden, hot dart of tears before Sybil could see.  “Still no reason to end a marriage.”
“Maybe when the kids are older.”
Eden finished her martini and signaled the bartender for another.  “In ten more years, Rosie will be sixteen,” she said.  “I’ll be almost forty-five. All the men my age will be looking for a younger woman.”
“So get a younger man.  You need a secret boy toy.  Be a cougar—it’s all the rage.”
A quick image of Kaleb Stavros flashed through Eden’s mind.  “Yeah, right,” she said.
“What about that hot young cook you met at the fundraiser?”
“Chef.”
“Whatever.  Did you call him?”
“No point.  Mitchell and his campaign need my full attention, twenty-four-seven.  Any time I have to myself, I plan to sleep.”
“All the more reason you should have a little som’n-som’n on the side,” Sybil said.
“Oh, come on—you know that’s not me.  I may flirt a little here and there, but when it’s time to deliver—I don’t.”
“Well, that’s depressing.”
“Mitchell’s my husband.  I took vows, you know.  For better or worse—”
“Blah, blah, blah,” Sybil interrupted.  “So let’s just forget him, at least for the weekend.  Tonight—starting in twenty minutes—full spa treatment followed by hot chocolate in front of the fire.  Tomorrow we’ll get your silly antiquing done in the morning and your blasted autumn leaves out of the way in the afternoon, and then little Sybil’s going on the prowl.  You can come along and watch.”

BLURB:
All Eden Bancroft has ever been to her high-profile politician husband is a trophy wife, born and bred for the part. She believes she has no choice but to play it—until she meets a talented chef and restaurant heir who makes her feel loved for herself alone. The more her husband uses and belittles her, the more deeply Eden falls for Kaleb. Even with Mitchell’s congressional campaign in full swing, the lovers manage to find brief stolen moments together. When her husband is wounded by a bullet from a disgruntled lobbyist, Eden must stay by his side. What she learns can set her free, if she has the courage to take a stand.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Charlene Keel has written over a dozen novels and how-to books as well as multiple episodes of popular TV shows such as Fantasy Island and Days of our Lives.  Her Dell book, Rituals, was the basis for the first made-for-syndication soap opera.  Recently she co-authored The Tracks, a YA supernatural trilogy.  Shadow Train, the final installment, won a Paranormal Romance Guild Reviewer’s Choice Award.  Keel has also written screen adaptations of novels by bestselling authors, and has worked as editor or managing editor for a few international magazines.  In her spare time she ghostwrites books and screenplays for celebrities, doctors, corporate moguls, spies, strippers and anyone who has an interesting story to tell.
Website: CharleneKeel.net -   http://www.charlenekeel.net/
Follow Charlene on Twitter - https://twitter.com/CharleneKeel
Charlene Keel on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/charlene.keel.1
Blog: Red Sky Book Blog - https://redskybookblog.wordpress.com/category/charlene-keel/

Arie Pavlou is a popular chef who attended Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and then perfected his craft at some of the top-rated Michelin restaurants in France and New York.  He has lived and worked in France, Cyprus and the U. S. and is an avid world traveler who speaks five languages.  He enjoys all sports and has a talent for knife-throwing, which he perfected at Le Cordon Bleu.  Currently Chef de Cuisine at the renowned Bridgehampton Inn in New York, his specialties include Caramelized Baked Alaska, Winter Salad, Roast Lamb Fondue, Wild Game and Poached Pears with Mint Ice Cream.  The Congressman’s Wife is his first novel, and he’s currently writing a cookbook.
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/arie.pavlou




a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

#Excerpt: THE KING IN THE STONE by Carmen Ferreiro-Esteban

The King in the Stone
Carmen Ferreiro-Esteban
(Two Moon Princes, #2)
Publication date: July 25th 2016
Genres: Fantasy, Historical, Young Adult

A full moon,
A silver key,
And the unbending passion of two young lovers
will bring hope to a defeated kingdom
and, through their sorrow, deliver a king
who will change its fate.
Vivid visions have haunted Andrea since her arrival in northern Spain. In her visions, the ruins of the medieval village she’s excavating comes alive, and, around the fires burning in the no longer buried hearths, she sees people dressed in furs sharpening old fashioned swords.

Even more upsetting for her that the headaches her visions leave is the fact that Julián appears in them—Julián, the king from her world whose rejection she is trying hard to forget.

But when a slide bury Andrea under the mountain, Julian comes searching for her. Soon after they are reunited under the mountains, the full moon opens a portal and sends them back a thousand years into the past, to a time right after the Spaniards have been defeated by the Arabian invaders.

Separated by a bitter winter, Andrea and Julian are caught in opposite sides in the battle between the Spanish last unconquered settlements and the Arabian army. A battle for survival that will determine the fate of a kingdom and demand of them the ultimate sacrifice: As the Arabs close on the mountains, Julián makes a decision that will break Andrea’s heart and change them forever.

Goodreads / Amazon

Sequel to:

—
EXCERPT:In the following excerpt from The King in the Stone, Julián makes a fateful decision.
I don’t know how long I remained by the cliff staring down at Andrea’s broken body, so unnaturally still in her white shroud of snow. I don’t know how long I remained by the cliff lost in a world of my own. A world beyond feelings, beyond reason. A world in which, I came to believe, time could flow backwards, and as long as I didn’t move, didn’t breathe, it was still possible to reverse its course. Andrea would rise from the ledge and climb to my side, and her blood would be warm again inside her body and not a red stain over the snow.
I don’t know how long I remained by the cliff dreaming impossible dreams. Then somewhere down in the valley, a horse neighed and broke the spell.
I shivered. The rush of the fight had left me by now, and the bitter wind blowing through the mountain had covered my body with a frozen dust. If I didn’t leave soon I would freeze to death. Forcing my stiff legs to move, I turned my back to the ledge and started walking.
I didn’t remember going back into the cave and retrieving the sword and the knife from the bear’s body. I didn’t remember grabbing the cloak or picking up Andrea’s arrow from the ground or walking down the mountain. The next thing I remember is someone calling my name.
I shook my head to clear my mind and looked around. I was back in the oak grove where we had tethered the horses, and Irene stood in front of me.
I let go of the hilt of the sword I’d instinctively grabbed, and nodded to the girl whose waif-like face was tense with fear.
“Julián?”
I tried to talk. But no words came.
Irene moved closer and reached for my face. “You’re hurt, Julián. Let me help you.”
“There is no time. We must go. Now. Get the horses ready. I’ll get Theodorica.”
Turning my back on her, I entered the copse.
Her feet and hands bound, a dirty rag over her mouth, Theodorica was sitting on a stump. Her eyes full of contempt didn’t leave mine as I approached her, and when I removed her gag, she spat at me.
In anger, I lifted her and held her against the closest tree. Theodorica struggled like a wild animal trying to break free, and as I fought her back, something snapped inside my mind, turning the throbbing ache at Andrea’s loss into a feral urge to make Theodorica mine. Forcing her face still with one hand, I kissed her. I kissed her long and hard. Not because I cared for her, but because Andrea was dead and she alive, and in the aftermath of death we crave life.
I kissed her out of pain, out of anger and despair. Out of hate. I kissed her until her body grew willing under mine. Only then, I pulled back.
Without a word, I cut her bonds.
Theodorica stared at me.
“You got your wish, my lady,” I said in answer to the question she had not asked. “I’m coming with you to the Arab’s camp.”

Author Bio:

Carmen Ferreiro Esteban is the author of the medieval fantasy Two Moon Princess (Tanglewood Press 2007), and Immortal Love (Crimson Romance 2012). Her own translation into Spanish of Immortal Love can be found under the title Bécquer eterno.
Carmen was born in Galicia (northern Spain) and went to college in Madrid, where she finished her Ph.D. in Biology. She worked as a researcher in Spain and California, before moving to Pennsylvania, where she now works as a writer, editor and translator.
For more information, please visit her website www.carmenferreiroesteban.com/, or reach her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AuthorCarmenFerreiroEsteban?ref=ts.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook

GIVEAWAY!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

#Excerpt: CROW by Alexa Kim

Crow
Alexa Kim
(Life Tree – Master Trooper #2)
Publication date: July 25th 2016
Genres: Adult, Romance, Science Fiction

Crow has a lot on his plate as the new head of Sector A. Young and inexperienced as he is in his leading role, he still has to prove himself as a capable Alpha. Especially Strike is challenging him for rank.

Yet Crow is adamant about asserting his position, because only as Alpha can he finally have what has been out of his reach for so long – Leslie, a doctor and former head of Life Tree’s INBREED program.

Unfortunately for him, Leslie herself doesn’t make it any easier. Three years his senior, she still regards him as the young Trooper who qualified for INBREED. In her book, that’s two reasons not to let him into her bed.

When Strike catches on to Crow’s weakness and abducts Leslie, both men are out for blood…

Leslie is traumatized. In the blink of an eye, her world was turned upside down. She has gone from being a self-confident woman and head of INBREED to being property of a Trooper.
Although she likes Crow and feels drawn to him already, she simply cannot forgive him for trying to make her submit only so he can strengthen his position as Alpha and leader. Moreover, there is this secret she keeps… the reason she left Earth. If Crow were to find out, he would certainly cast her aside – a bitter experience Leslie has been through before. No, she’d rather ignore her feelings…

Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Crow-Life-Tree-Master-Trooper-ebook/dp/B01IYHOC1S

Goodreads / AmazonSequel to:
—
EXCERPT:– Crow –
“You enjoyed tonight,” I start, trying to get back the comfortable mood, but it’s not really working.
“Yes. I’m glad Larona lives here now.” Leslie’s eyes shine vividly for the first time since I’ve laid claim to her.
“You feel comfortable in her presence.”
“I do,” Leslie admits guilelessly while we take the remnants of our dinner back to the kitchen. “Larona and I get along well. She’s my friend.”
I feel another stab of jealousy, and then I regrettably say something absolutely moronic, “You’d rather spend time with her than with me.” Leslie turns around and looks at me with a frown that makes me want to bite my tongue off. You idiot. You bloody idiot!
“Well, Larona isn’t smothering me with a compulsive need for control!”
Her words shatter my self-control. A haze of abstruse thoughts clouds my mind, courtesy of my eight percent non-human DNA. Leslie is still challenging my authority. She’s mine, and I know what’s best for her… but she doesn’t take me seriously. She doesn’t admit my claim on her! I have to get her under control! She has to submit! With those thoughts running riot in my mind, adrenaline gets pumped into my blood, putting me into a mood that’s a mixture of aggression and arousal.
Of course, Leslie notices – the ostentatious tent in my pants is hard to miss. However, this time, she’s not afraid. Instead, she seems rather peeved… and aroused, which I’m able to tell from her scent. A part of my heightened emotions is profoundly satisfied by that development – at least physically, there are no issues in our compatibility.
Still, Leslie tries being obstinate. She crosses her arms in front of her chest. Her eyes are ablaze, and her brown hair falls in loose waves down to her shoulders. I notice every detail about her… and her stubbornness only makes me want her even more! Right now!
Leslie is wearing one of her white bodysuits that hardly conceals any of her feminine curves… neither the dip of her waist, nor her long legs, nor her shapely behind. Every inch of her body is sending me a clear message, yet I doubt she’s even aware of it.
“You want to grab me and throw me onto the bed again so you can proof something to yourself?” Her voice is flippant and just a bit husky.
I decide to play along. “There’s no need for that.”
“Great,” she retorts, but now there’s a hint of uncertainty in her voice. “Good night, then.”
Leslie turns to leave, but I’m not letting her off that easy. She hasn’t gone two steps when I grab her from behind, wrapping her in my arms. “I don’t need a bed to show you who you belong to… the kitchen will suffice.”

Author Bio:
Alexa Kim is a German author of hot sci-fi and fantasy romance books, usually with a dark touch. She used to be a regular with trade publishers for over ten years before she decided to try and make her own way as an indie author under the pen name Alexa Kim. In 2014, she hit it off with her MASTER TROOPER series, and she’s since been in Germany’s Amazon bestselling list on a regular basis.
When she’s not writing, she’s either indulging her hobby—singing—or spending time with a book and her two cats.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook

GIVEAWAY!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

#Excerpt: A GENTLEMAN AND A ROGUE by Stephanie Burkhart

Rex appeared in the doorway, stoic as ever, with a tray of food. He placed the tray on a nearby table. "The Windsors are here to see you."
Keira jumped to her feet. Her heart accelerated in her chest. Alice and Edmund! Heaven help her. She needed to shore up her willpower when it came to Edmund. Setting her shoulders, she followed Rex down the hall to the vestibule located just off the main entrance.
Alice stood in a simple blue muslin dress and fussed with her reticule. She always did her best to dress for comfort. Edmund wore a brown vest over a white shirt and pressed trousers. His frock coat hung over his arm.
"Keira!" Alice rushed forward and wrapped her into a warm embrace. Keira returned Alice's strong hug with one of her own, realizing she'd missed Alice more than she thought she would.
Edmund cleared his throat.
Keira glanced up. "Hello, Ed."
His eyes smoldered with desire. "Keira."
Oh, his red, pouty lips were like chocolate -- tempting her to take another bite. She looked at Rex. "Can you bring appetizers and coffee to my study?"
 He arched an eyebrow. "Coffee, My Lady?"
"Yes, coffee."
A little snort escaped his lips, but he departed.


BLURB:
Lady Keira Russell is destined to bring compressed natural gas to Britain. Her inner courage and mental toughness rarely falter – except when Prince Edmund Windsor is involved.

Edmund of Wales is from the future. His last jaunt through history muffed up the time line. Now, he's here to set it straight and win Keira's heart.

For Keira, if it isn't one obstacle, it's another. Queen Victoria has sponsored a competition to find a cleaner fuel source than coal. Keira's father is trying to build a windmill and the Ridgecrofts are working with gasoline. Then there's Edmund, whose sensual kisses and heated stares distract her down to her bones.

Keira has a choice: trust Edmund's notorious mischief-making or put her faith in Queen Victoria to make the right decision, but if Keira makes the wrong choice, the future of Great Britain will be changed forever.
BUY LINKS FOR A GENTLEMAN AND A ROGUE:
PUBLISHER'S BUY LINK:http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-366/The-Windsor-Diaries-Book/Detail.bokALL ROMANCE EBOOKS:https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thewindsordiariesbookthreeagentlemanandarogue-996194-141.htmlBARNES & NOBLE (NOOK)http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-windsor-diaries-book-two-stephanie-burkhart/1113777499AMAZON (KINDLE:)http://amzn.com/B00A5CF24C
~~~~~~~~~~~~~AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Author Bio: Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 dispatcher for LAPD.  She was born and raised in Manchester, New Hampshire.  After serving 11 years in the US Army she currently calls Castaic, California her home. Stephanie was married in Denmark in 1991 and has two young sons. She adores chocolate, is addicted to coffee and enjoys early morning walks.  She's also an assistant den leader for her son's Cub Scout den and is a Boy Scout mom. She writes paranormal, contemporary, and steampunk romance and has two children's books published with 4RV Publishing.
FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:
WEBSITE:http://www.stephanieburkhart.comTWITTER:http://twitter.com/StephBurkhartFACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthorGOOD READS:http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_BurkhartYOU TUBE CHANNEL:http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?feature=mheePINTEREST:http://pinterest.com/sgburkhart/

Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better the chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:  http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2016/07/book-blast-gentleman-and-rogue-by.html


a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

#Excerpt: VAMPIRE CREED by Rain Grey

Vampire Creed
Rain Grey
Publication date: May 21st 2016
Genres: New Adult, Paranormal, Romance

Barnaby Blaine Rice was a Vampire born in the depression with a very special power to see who people truly were. After a long, empty existence of witnessing the darkest points of humanity, Blaine happens to encounter a beautiful married woman named Mary Slate. Unable to handle his love for the beautiful human, Blaine accidentally kills another Vampire over her and is put under a serious debt with the Vampire Council.

Blaine reluctantly forces himself to forget the woman and allows her to live her life without his intervention. It wasn’t until 50-years-later that the distant memories of the captivating Mary are brought back to the surface. Blaine has the pleasure to encounter the young Wendy Slate, granddaughter of Mary Slate after a criminal vampire keeps her hostage. Blaine got there in time to stop the criminal, but not to stop the beginning of Wendy’s transition into Vampirism.

As he was forced to sire her into this new world, he discovers that Wendy is the most amazing person he’d ever met. Wendy has to make a life-altering decision as Blaine has to deal with his blooming feelings for a woman who was identical to his first love. This modern love story introduces the most influential turning point of these lover’s lives.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / iTunesGrab your copy today for FREE!
—
EXCERPT:Wendy SlateI got to the library minutes before nine thirty, Archer walking a few feet behind me.“You don’t have to act like my vampire bodyguard,” I murmured as I caught a small group looking at him with scared gazes, knowing he could hear me.
“Of course I do. I’m a vampire and your bodyguard.”
Rolling my eyes, I paused, letting him catch up to me before wrapping my arm around his. “It wouldn’t hurt to smile. Next thing I know, someone is going to report you to campus security and have you kicked out. Then you won’t be much of a bodyguard, will you?”
This time he rolled his eyes, but he did relax his facial features.
Together we walked up the steps. My group was meeting in a study room on the third floor. When we arrived at the room, only Jason was there. Opening the door alerted him of our arrival and he looked up with a smile.
Wait a second. For a split second, it looked like he was glaring at Archer. His expression changed so fast I wasn’t too sure I saw right, even with my keener eyesight since becoming a vampire.
“Who’s this? New boyfriend already?” he asked, a smile on his lips.
Brushing away my suspicions, I shook my head. “He’s a friend. He goes to school here too. Engineering major. Fifth year.”
I was quite impressed with myself having come up with a lie on my toes. I was going to introduce Archer as a friend anyway, but Jason question kind of caught me off guard.
Jason nodded, accepting my words. “The other two said it will be a while before they get here. They wanted to stop by their dorm first,” he spared another glance at Archer. “Will he be staying?”
In response to that, Archer plopped himself into a chair in the corner of the room. “You won’t even know I’m here,” he said before taking out his cell phone.
I had a feeling that wouldn’t be the truth if he planned on continuing watching his wrestling show. Ignoring him, I sat at the table across from Jason.
“I started developing some samples for the project,” I stated as I took my notebook and laptop from my backpack.
I started to go over what I had so far with him briefly as well as sharing our other ideas. Though, honestly, I was ready to leave before I even got here. I still had yet to convince Archer to take me to where Theo had brought me. And by not convince, I meant not even approach to the subject. As soon as the thought crossed my mind, I was guarding my thoughts so Archer would be none the wiser.

GIVEAWAY!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Interview with Norma Gail, LAND OF MY DREAMS

Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book? Is it part of a series?Land of My Dreams is a contemporary Christian romance set in Scotland and New Mexico. When Bonny Bryant cannot face the recent deaths of both parents and the break-up of her engagement, she accepts a position teaching American history and literature at a small Christian college in Scotland. Fleeing a broken heart, romance is the last thing on her mind until she meets Kieran MacDonell, a part-time math professor and full-time sheep farmer dealing with his own devastating loss.
Land of My Dreams spans the distance between New Mexico’s high desert mountains to Loch Garry, in the misty Scottish Highlands, with a timeless story of overwhelming grief, undying love, and compelling faith.
It is my debut novel and I am working on a sequel.
Do you have a favorite character?Though the main character is Bonny Bryant, my favorite character is Kieran MacDonell. He is such a man’s man, a farmer, teacher, outdoorsman, athlete, tender, loving man. He is a stereotypical, Scot, big, with reddish-blond hair, and accent, and a kilt. He is compassionate, loving, and romantic. He is flawed but well-meaning, the kind of man it’s easy to admire.

Did you try the traditional route to publishing, i.e. querying agents/publishers?I am traditionally published by a small Christian publisher, Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. I wanted the security of a publisher who knew what they were doing behind me and the confidence that someone other than a few friends and myself believed in my book.

How long before you got your offer of representation/your first contract? Was it for your first novel?Land of My Dreams is my first novel. At my first writer’s conference in 2011, I received encouragement that my book was publishable material as well as some rejections. I was offered contract for the same book following my second writer’s conference 2012. Because I am with such a small publisher, I do not have an agent.

Do you outline your story or just go where your muse takes you?I do not outline. I sit down and write. On the second time through, I look at where things are going and if events flow in a logical order. I don’t actually outline unless I get stuck somewhere. I write in layers, going deeper each time, fleshing out the characters, improving on the setting and character descriptions, deepening the conflict. Each day, I read what I wrote the day before and edit it before moving on.

Did you hire an editor to review your manuscript before publishing?I did not hire an editor before submitting my book the first time. As a result, much that an editor would have caught and polished before we began the official editing for publication was not. Therefore, it took longer. For the sequel, I have already had one edit that I paid for myself, and will have another before submitting it. Now, my publisher is recommending that writers have their own edit prior to submission.

What kinds of marketing [twitter, Facebook, blog, forums] are you involved with for promoting your book(s)?I have my own blog where I write devotionals on Mondays and interview authors two Fridays a month. I have a Facebook author’s page where fans can find me. I am active on Twitter, Google+, and LinkedIn. I guest blog for other authors whenever I can to reach new audiences. On Facebook, I joined a lot of pages which allow authors to
Do you find it difficult to juggle your time between marketing your current book and writing your next book?When I’m marketing I want to be writing and when I write I think I need to be marketing. It keeps me frustrated and busy. No matter what I’m doing, I feel as if I’m not doing enough.

What advice would you give a new author just entering into the self-publishing arena?

Besides writing, do you have any other passions?I was a women’s Bible study leader for 21 years. I gave it up recently due to health issues and cut back my blogging schedule as well. I miss it and still study on my own. I love family history research. I could get involved in that and forget everything else. It is a rich source of information for an historical series I want to write. I love travel and visiting areas where my ancestors live. Through my research, I have reunited a branch of the family that had lost touch to the point they didn’t even know each other existed. Now the descendants of my mother’s 8 siblings know where their family members are and keep in touch. I also love research in general. A contemporary novel like Land of My Dreams took almost as much research as a historical would because it was set in another country.

What’s next for you?I am working on my sequel. I am finishing a novella. I have some opportunities to go deeper in my family research, which will help with a historical document I want to finish by 2018. There is not enough time in a day.


BLURB:Alone and betrayed, American professor, Bonny Bryant longs for a haven of peace. She accepts a position at a small Christian college in Fort William, Scotland, craving escape from her painful past. The passionate love which develops when she meets fellow professor and sheep farmer, Kieran MacDonell, is something she never anticipated.
Kieran harbors a deep anger toward God in the face of his own devastating grief. When Bonny’s former fiancé reenters her life, Kieran’s loneliness draws him to a former student.
How will Bonny decide between her rivals? Can they set aside the past to make way for a future, or will it drive them apart?
Land of My Dreams, Christian Romance Novel, spans the distance between New Mexico’s high desert mountains and the misty Scottish Highlands with a timeless story of overwhelming grief, undying love, and compelling faith.
Book Links:Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Land-My-Dreams-Norma-Gail/dp/1941103170Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas Bookstore: http://store.lpcbooks.com/product/land-of-my-dreams/  Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/land-of-my-dreams-norma-gail/1119606864?ean=9781941103173
~~~~~~~~~~~~~AUTHOR Bio and Links: Norma Gail is the author of the contemporary Christian romance, Land of My Dreams. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, and the New Mexico Christian Novelists. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 40 years. They have two adult children.Connect with Norma:Website: www.normagail.org Amazon Author page: http://www.amazon.com/Norma-Gail/e/B00ILHXBAK/ Book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQbZIoC_JSEFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorNormaGail Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+NormaGailwritesPinterest: http://pinterest.com/normagailth/boards/  Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7874459
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Norma_GailLinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/norma-gail-thurston-holtman/42/71a/3b2
a Rafflecopter giveaway