Debra L. Martin's Blog, page 207

Happy Memorial Day!

Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May. It was formally known as Decoration Day and commemorates all men and women, who have died in military service for the United States. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials on Memorial Day and it is traditionally seen as the start of the summer season.

Memorial Day started as an event to honor Union soldiers, who had died during the American Civil War. It was inspired by the way people in the Southern states honored their dead. After World War I, it was extended to include all men and women, who died in any war or military action.

The current name for this day did not come into use until after World War II. Decoration Day and then Memorial Day used to be held on May 30, regardless of the day of the week, on which it fell. In 1968, the Uniform Holidays Bill was passed as part of a move to use federal holidays to create three-day weekends. This meant that that, from 1971, Memorial Day holiday has been officially observed on the last Monday in May. However, it took a longer period for all American states to recognize the new date.

Whatever you decide to do on this 3-day weekend, say a prayer and a "thank you" for all of the US military personnel who are serving around the world to keep us all safe.

Fabulous Summer #Romance bundle for .99: Book Boyfriends Cafe Summer Lovin' Anthology 2015

14 Full-length Novels & Novellas on SALE for only .99!

Available as a boxed set for a limited time!

A savings of more than 75% if the books were purchased separately. Summer is heating up with 14 traditional romances from USA Today, national bestselling, and award-winning authors, brought to you by Book Boyfriends Cafe.
Foreword by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Leanne Banks.

Cora Rules by Mel Curtis, USA Today Bestselling Author. NBA coach Trent Parker is a stickler for the rules, until he meets Cora Rule, the biggest rulebreaker of the Rule clan.

Surrender to Love by Raine English, USA Today Bestselling Author. When Tara Spencer agrees to spend the summer caring for her ailing grandmother, she has no idea how her life will be changed by the handsome stranger next door.

The Merry-Go-Round by Donna Fasano, USA Today Bestselling Author. When Lauren divorces her husband, her life quickly turns into a 3-ring circus. Will she step off the merry-go-round--or reach out and grab the brass ring?

Twist of Fate by Patti Forsythe, USA Today Bestselling author. Rebecca Perris is on a dangerous quest to find her sister, but when she meets Aaron al-Rashid again, it's her heart that's at risk.

Her French Count by Mona Risk, USA Today Bestselling Author. A Da Vinci Code in a French Chateau. The lovely American architect has turned his life upside down, but are his chateau and a missing statue worth endangering her life?

Love Me Forever by Ari Thatcher, USA Today Bestselling Author. Escaping to Maui to get over her divorce, Jen runs into her first love, who blew her off at the end of her vacation. Matt had given up hope of ever finding her again. Can he convince her to give him a second chance?

Playing the Rookie by Rachelle Ayala, National Bestselling Author. A rookie pitcher and a sports intern on the rebound connect to get over their exes. Will their fling turn into true love or destroy both of their careers?

Duke of Devonwood by Carly Carson, National Bestselling Author. Sparks fly as Miranda plots to gain control of her inheritance from a modern day Duke who tries his best to resist her wiles. Can both of them win?

True North by Kelly Collins, National Bestselling Author. Alexa leaves Los Angeles with a scarred heart, a beat up car and a secret. She's fleeing her hopelessness to find her future. Can a sexy stranger mend her heart and be her compass?

Fashion Victim by Suz deMello, best-selling, award-winning author: Hot isn't a hot enough word to describe corporate raider Fletcher Wolf, but since he's suing couturier Cara Fletcher for, oh, a gazillion dollars, she figures she shouldn't hit on him...at least not too hard.

Season, Unforgettable by Keta Diablo, National Bestselling Author. He promised his mother he'd wrap up the Pine Bay project, and he would have if not for a nature lover who can't be bought at any price. Now he's fighting for the other side, fighting to recapture his abandoned dreams, and fighting to win her heart.

Most Likely to Turn up the Heat by Cheryl Harper. Sue Walker's "no soldiers, no cops, no coworkers" policy doesn't stand a chance against injured cop turned high school security guard Max Holt. His mission to return to Dallas and danger could be the dealbreaker.

My Favorite What If by Lyssa Layne, National Bestselling Author. Jacob "Smitty" Smith and Sloan Talbott have both have been hurt. Neither is looking for love. Will one week in paradise be a fling to remember or could it possibly lead to something more?

Relay For Love by Susan Ann Wall, National Bestselling Author. A cancer survivor who celebrates in silence...a widow who remembers the man she lost...a fight back where two hearts battle to be together.
Amazon buy link:http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VS0W82E/ref=twoen-20

#Excerpt: A SOUL TO KEEP by Moira Keith

Excerpt:“You are in over your head.”
Caleb spun around and found Gabriel sitting on the bench behind him. “You really need to get a life, Gabriel, and stop obsessing over mine.”
“Oh, if obsession were truly the reason I’m here.” Gabriel focused his gaze on him. “I'm warning you, the things you don't know about this woman are as dangerous as the things you do.”
“Could you be anymore cryptic?”
“No. You know I'm bound from revealing certain things. Fate...destiny...whatever you want to call it, has to unfold. I can only warn based on the knowledge I possess. I cannot offer up any information and risk potentially altering the course of fate.” Gabriel leaned against the back of the bench and studied him.
“Never stopped you before.” Caleb knew if it would sway things in a direction that would benefit him or the Fallen in general, Gabriel would share every detail he possessed.
“You really are in over your head, aren't you?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
Gabriel sighed and stared out across the street. “I could still have you reassigned. It's not too late.”
“Good luck trying. I’ll not leave here. Not while I believe she’s in danger.”
“Mortal women cannot love us the way we long to be loved. I tried to warn you a century ago when Taelynn was still alive. The mortals we fall for become pawns in the battle between good and evil. Your love for your wife, even in death, allowed Azrael to use her against you. To use her against all of us. If you’d listened when I told you to stay away from her, she would’ve been safe to live out the rest of her life and you would still be amongst the glorious ranks of Michael’s army and not stuck here with me. Instead, she is lost to us, the one sent to protect her has gone rogue, and it cost you dearly. You didn’t listen then, but I urge you to listen now.”


BLURB: One moment can impact the future.
Love never served Jayde Cross well and owing a debt to a demon is the proof. Reaping is a lonely existence and with her thirtieth birthday approaching, she's got enough to worry about without adding romance to the mix. It's why her friendship with the man living next door works so well. They both live lives filled with secrets and ignoring their self-imposed rules isn’t an option. Too bad her heart disagrees.
The past is about to come back and haunt one of Heaven’s Fallen.
Caleb Thorne always found living among mortals difficult, until he met the intriguing woman down the hall. She demands nothing of him and is completely safe. When an enemy from his past catches up with him, Caleb soon discovers the rules of the Fallen exist for a reason and loving a mortal may prove to be the bigger danger.
In a world where their love is forbidden, Jayde and Caleb may just discover that sometimes breaking rules is the only thing that can set you free.
Buy Links:http://www.amazon.com/Soul-Keep-Saints-Sinners-Book-ebook/dp/B00LF4EK7O/http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-soul-to-keep-moira-keith/1119883537https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/a-soul-to-keep/id897096661?mt=11

AUTHOR Bio and Links:Moira Keith is a lover of shoes, a connoisseur of Guinness, baker of cocktail themed cupcakes, and an overall complete mess! She is also a proud Texan by birth (and true Southern girl at heart).
Moira lives in the city of neon with her twin zombie sons, a fish, three parakeets, and a turtle.
http://moirakeith.com/https://twitter.com/moirakeithhttps://www.facebook.com/authormoirakeith

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/2015/03/vbt-soul-to-keep-by-moira-keith.html
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Q&A with C. J. Lake, SKY HIGH

What makes Jamie and Sky such a great couple?When the story begins, Sky is in a tough transition, finally coming to terms with the fact that her ski career is over after it had only just begun—and that she has to figure out what’s next.  She has become somewhat negative and cynical, but when Jamie comes along with his easygoing, funny personality, he inevitably brings a positive energy to Sky’s life.  
If you had to choose, what is your favorite scene?Sky and Jamie have a confrontation about their whole “friendship” and what’s really been happening below the surface.  It’s a pretty intense, sexy scene and I love that whole moment between them! 
Do you have a music playlist for this book?Yes!  My #1 Jamie-Sky inspiration song is “Afterlife” by Ingrid Michaelson—but there are so many fun, romantic songs that remind me of their love!  Like: “Want to Want Me” (Jason Derulo), “Sugar” (Maroon 5), “Boom Clap” (Charli XCX), “Riptide” (Vance Joy), “Classic” (MKTO), “Love Me Like You Do” (Ellie Goulding), and “Unconditional” (Katy Perry).
What are your must-haves while writing?I’d like to say good lighting and espresso—but truthfully, I’ll write even when I’m out of espresso.  Still…good lighting is a must and I will pretty happily settle for regular coffee.
What else should readers know?Sky High is the third book in The Attraction Series.  Like the other books in the series, Sky High is a standalone novel—although characters from Constructing Us (Book 1) and A Hot Winter(Book 2) also appear, so readers can see how they’re doing!  I had a lot of fun with this book, because Jamie is one-of-a-kind and I hope I captured that.
What’s next?Coming up are Parts 2 & 3 of The Allnighter (My New Stepbrother).  I recently released Part 1, which you can check out here: http://amzn.to/1cuDWZc  Mick and Cady would be perfect together…if only the timing and circumstances weren’t so imperfect!  The rest of their sexy and at times funny love story is coming soon…
Also, Let it Burn (Book 4 in the Attraction Series), is coming in 2016!


Book & Author Details:Sky High by C.J. Lake
(The Attraction #3)
Publication date: May 2015
Genres: New Adult, Romance
Synopsis:**All books in C.J. Lake’s Attraction Series are standalone novels with NO cliffhangers.**

First she stole my parking spot.  Then we became friends.  Then I fell completely, mind-torturingly in love with her.  Oh, wait—I think that happened first.

Sky High by C.J. Lake – coming in May!
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24514174-sky-high?ac=1
Purchase:Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sky-High-Attraction-Book-3-ebook/dp/B00X1MYSP2/ref=la_B00LYVFAKE_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1430611295&sr=1-5
AUTHOR BIO:C.J. Lake is a storyteller who is passionate about art, surfing, and skiing/snowboarding. Residing near the coast of Massachusetts, C.J. is currently working on a new book. Readers can get in touch via email (writercjlake@gmail.com) or follow C.J. on Twitter @brightbluesurf.
GIVEAWAYBlitz-wide giveaway (INTL)A $15 gift card to Amazon and a signed copy of C.J.'s first book, Constructing Us.
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#Excerpt: ONCE IN A BLUE MOON by Amie Stuart

Excerpt:The days and weeks after my run-ins with Rhea and Ty floated by in a haze of tears, ice cream and anything else I could shove in my mouth. I’d never in my life been so in the dumps over a man but repeated self-scoldings and peptalks did no good. I had come to think of my life in terms of BT—before Ty and AT—after Ty. The first few weeks AT, I’d alternated between nausea and binge eating. Definitely not like me; however, I’d never had my heart well and truly broken before. Squashed and beaten like a flower in a South Texas flash flood. This was unquestionably new territory for me and at first, I allowed myself to mope, eat, and cry. But things didn’t seem to improve. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t pull myself out of my funk, and continued eating and crying...and sleeping. I was depressed.My depression lifted at the oddest incident. But even that didn’t last long. The week after I blacked Rhea’s eye I came home to find my grass had been cut. Totally not out of the ordinary since I paid my neighbor’s sons to cut and bag for me. The Jackson brothers—a couple of twelve year old, fair-haired imps were always looking to make a dime.About time, too. They were a week past due. On my way to work the next morning I stuffed an envelope with their pay in the mailbox, figuring their mother would give it to them. And a couple weeks later we repeated our song and dance. Late in August, just before school started, their mom, who was the source of their blonde hair and always looked frazzled, showed up on my doorstep with both envelopes. And that’s when I got tickled."Betti, I’m sorry to bother you, but I found these in my mail.""Oh Bev, that was for the boys mowing my grass. I hadn’t seen you around, so I just left their money in your mailbox.""Well, see now, that’s the thing. The boys left July 1 to go spend the rest of the summer with their daddy up in Wichita Falls. Then my mama got sick a week later, and I’ve been in Alabama. Sally Truesdale’s been collecting all my mail and watering my yard. I just got back last week, and I’m still trying to set my house straight.""So, who cut my grass?" Frowning, I stepped out on my porch and looked around. Like the mysterious grass cutter would still be nearby. "I have no clue, but Sally did mention she’d seen Ty Boudreaux pass through here quite a bit lately." What in the hell was Sally Truesdale smoking? Bev wasn’t one to gossip...but she was a woman. And Sally was always in the know. We eyed each other in the porch light, both of us fully aware my response would be reported to Sally and then repeated all over town.  "Why in the world would Ty Boudreaux come around here?" Least said; least spread was my motto. "This isn’t his side of town." I put on my best "I have no clue," frown and crossed my arms. Thank God it was dark out. "She said she saw him more than once." Bev could fish ‘till the cows came home. "I hear he’s been having a lot of trouble since Rhea up and left him."My lips were sealed. But if Sally had seen him, then who else had? No way was I going to try and find out first-hand what Sally knew, or worse, canvas the neighbors to find out if anyone had actually seen Ty mowing my grass. And honestly, why would he?Mowing a woman’s grass while she wasn’t homehad to be the most insane thing I’ve ever heard of. Right?

Book & Author Details:Once in a Blue Moon by Amie Stuart
Publication date: May 19th 2015
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Synopsis:At eighteen, Ty Boudreaux married his high school sweetheart and planned to live happily ever after on the family ranch. But after twelve years in a volatile, one-sided marriage, this gentle cowboy is struggling to put his life back together.
At eighteen, Bettina Blanchard’s goal in life had been to shake the dust of Bluebonnet, Texas off her heels, and with her baby sister now safely in college, that dream is within her grasp. But underneath Bad Betti’s tough exterior beats the heart of a woman with hopes and dreams, and she’s loved Ty almost as long as he loved his ex-wife.
When fate drops Ty in her lap, one night of passion leaves them dealing with a pregnancy and a marriage both have reservations about. Can a girl from the wrong side of the tracks and Bluebonnet’s favorite son find common ground outside the bedroom? Despite the interfering in-laws, a jealous baby sister and a holiday no one wants to remember, Betti and Ty discover that even though their happily ever after doesn’t come easy, anything worth having is worth working for.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25395805-once-in-a-blue-moon
Purchase:Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/ONCE-BLUE-MOON-BLUEBONNET-TEXAS-ebook/dp/B00WNSW5N2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1431632476&sr=8-1&keywords=Once+in+a+Blue+Moon+amie

AUTHOR BIO:Amie Stuart is the last of a dying breed, a native Texan, and still makes her home there, where cowboys and music (her other two loves) abound. Growing up, she wanted to be a lawyer and a psychologist. No doubt the shrinks would have a field day with her head, but she's seen the error of her ways and considers all those other jobs 'research' for the writing gig.

She's a multiple contest finalist as well as a trained contest judge and is affectionately know as The Terminator by her critique partners. She's written as CELIA STUART for Black Lace Books, & Liquid Silver Books, and as AMIE STUART for Kensington Aphrodisia, she has a short story (PEACHES 'N CREAM) in Zane's CARMEL FLAVA 2, and launched Cobblestone Press's short erotica line,Wicked in 2007.


 

On SALE .99: Epic #fantasy WITCH'S CURSE

Immerse yourself once again in the Kingdom of Tavia and follow elite assassin Jeda, twins Kara & Kala, powerful witches Gelda and Elizabeth on their epic journey to find the legendary Witch Stone.The Witch Stone is Jeda's wife last hope to awaken her from an unnatural coma.




Book blurb: When elite assassin, Jeda DeLongo, fled the Assassin's Guild years earlier, he knew there would be a price to be paid. No one ever left the Guild, but he never imagined his beloved wife and unborn son would pay the price for his betrayal. Now Keisha's life hangs in the balance and the most powerful healers in the Kingdom cannot lift her unnatural coma the assassins put her in. There is only one cure, find the legendary Witch Stone.

Jeda leads an impossible quest to recover the Witch Stone--a stone that has been lost for a hundred years. Crucial to the success of the quest are his twin daughters, the famous children of prophecy, but are they unwitting pawns in the witch's power struggles? Forces of White and Black Witches are gathering. Can Jeda find the Witch Stone and heal his wife or will he be instrumental in starting another witch war, the likes of which the kingdom has never seen before?

Buy links:
Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/Witchs-Curse-Witch-Stone-Prophecy-ebook/dp/B00LRI47FS
BN: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-witchs-curse-paul-martin/1108022567
Reviewers comments:"The story takes the reader through twists and turns worthy of epic fantasy while managing to keep the reins of tension taut and the characters true. We get to see through the eyes of evil-doers and heroes alike, and that feature brings a freshness to the plot that I enjoyed. Even minor characters became favorites..."  "The writing is superb, the descriptions detailed without going overboard. Every city, every dimly lit tavern, and every snowy mountain pass was vivid in my mind. If you love epic fantasy, this IS the series for you...""Witch's Curse didn't disappoint! Loaded with drama, action, and plenty of twists and turns--not to mention a villain worthy to follow in the footsteps of Mave--this book kept me glued from the first page to the last!"

SALE .99 - THE SILVER CROSS, Paranormal Romance

Looking for an exciting and intense urban fantasy? Join Boston detective Lacey Gardner as she tries to rid the city of vampires in THE SILVER CROSS. It’s on sale for only .99 for a limited time only!


Blurb: Blurb:There are two things Boston detective Lacey Gardner knows about killing vampires. Slicing off a head or a hit directly to the heart are the only surefire ways to kill one. Silver is their Achilles heel. A vampire never wears silver.

When she meets bartender extraordinaire, Damon Harte, her heart does a quickstep for the dark hunky guy. She's learned the hard way that having a love interest in her line of work can be heart-wrenching. She's kept to herself for years, but something about Damon captivates her and draws her to him. When she learns Damon's devastating secret, she knows what she has to do: kill the man who has stolen her heart.
Buy Links:Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Silver-Cross-Vampire-Nightlife-Novel-ebook/dp/B009BW6PUW/ref=twoen-20
BN: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-silver-cross-debra-l-martin/1116308189

Reviewer Comments: Excellent!
"When tragedy happens it can put your life in a tailspin. That is exactly what happened to Lacey Gardner after the death of her sister. Lacey is a detective in the Fringe department which is the division of the police department that deals with things of the paranormal and the regular department doesn't want to deal with. Lacey is really good for this job with the mess of her life she is able to connect with her job on a level most couldn't. The controversy between Damon and Nic gives us a story that we are unable to put down from the first page to the very last page. I love how the authors gave the background to who and what Damon was and the history of the Silver Cross he wore and why. Thank you for such a intense and amazing story. I highly recommend if you like a paranormal romance that has you on the edge of your seat."
Another Read into the Night gem!
"I loved the action right from the beginning of the book. It definitely got me hooked, and then I met the heroine, Lacey & absolutely loved her. It's nice to see a main character who is a strong assertive female. This book has action, adventure, romance and rich, well developed characters. I will be waiting for the sequel, cause I know it's coming!"

Phenomenal!"I loved this book! It had an awesome mix of mystery, action, and romance. Lacey was a fierce. strong-willed, lead female and I also really enjoyed getting to know her partners. Through them, you learned a little more about her too. Her and Damon had a great energy together and you could tell from the beginning that he wasn't like the other vampires, the ones that Lacey made a living getting rid of. I can't wait to read the next in this series and everything else from these authors!!"

Exhilarating and Exciting!
"The Silver Cross was an excellent read. Not too slow at all - the pace was exhilarating and exciting. I read it in one (long) sitting. I found I just could not put it down. I needed to know what was going to happen next with Damon and Lacey - together or separately."

Interview with Louise Lyndon, OF LOVE AND VENGEANCE

Have you ever had a minor character evolve into a major one? Did that change the direction of the novel at all?Absolutely! In fact, my current novel, Of Love and Vengeance, originally started out as Lord Hugh’s story – but Lord Aymon wouldn’t behave and keep quiet as a secondary character should. So, I started to delve a little more into Aymon’s story and I quickly realized that Of Love and Vengeance was Aymon’s story and Hugh became the secondary character.

How long before you got your offer of representation/your first contract? Was it for your first novel?
If memory serves me correctly it was within 30 days. I’m with The Wild Rose Press and they are brilliant at not keeping the author hanging on for months, or even years, waiting to hear an answer. I signed with them for Of Love and Vengeance.
What factors influenced your decision to go with a particular agent or publisher?I did my research and asked around lots of author friends. I know a few authors who were already with them and I only heard good things about them. One of the things that hugely influenced me was their speed in which they responded to emails. That may not sound like a big thing but I’m still waiting to hear back from publishers who requested a partial submission more than a year and a half ago. So, responding to emails (promptly) and not leaving authors hanging was a major factor for me. Also, I knew The Wild Rose Press are not so massively big I’d get lost in the grand scheme of things. That’s also very important to me. My editor there is brilliant and from my first contact with her I knew things felt right.
Are you currently under a traditional publishing contract for future books or do you have manuscripts that you will self-publish? Are you doing both?At the moment, I’m still pretty knew to the publishing world, so I’m happy being with a digital first publisher. I get asked a lot why I don’t self-publish – I have nothing against those who self-publish. In fact, I only have the upmost respect and total awe for them. They don’t only have to be brilliant authors but fantastic business people too. I am not a business minded person. Yet. Perhaps down the track, once I learn more about the publishing world, I’ll self-publish. But at the moment I’m not yet ready to go down that road.
Do you belong to a critique group? Have they helped improve your writing?
When I first started out I had a few critique partners and I really found them useful. But, I had an extremely bad experience with one of them, so much so that I actually stopped writing for a few years. It caused me to really lose confidence in my writing. When I started writing again I decided not to have a critique partner. And that was a huge thing for me. It took me so long to get the confidence in my own writing back and trust myself as an author. Are critique partners a bad thing? No. Of course not. They can be extremely beneficial. But for me, for the time being, I’m happy flying solo. Who knows what may happen down the track!

Do you outline your story or just go where your muse takes you?Honestly? I just go where the muse takes me. I greatly admire those who can sit down and plot. Me? I’m a panster through and through. I love not knowing where my characters are going to take me. It’s exciting. Yet, it can also me a massive time waster! I’ve written so many scenes that end up on the cutting room floor simply because I didn’t have an outline as to where I was going. I have tried to plot. Once. It ended with me throwing the sticky notes across the room and screaming at the top of my lungs, ‘I give up!’.

Besides Amazon, are there any other sites where your books are for sale?You can find Of Love and Vengeance at all the major sites. Here are my buy links:
AMAZON US: http://amzn.to/1zW0SZ3
AMAZON UK: http://ow.ly/GGmSn
The Wild Rose Press http://ow.ly/FT0oKNook: http://bit.ly/1E35qRb
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1rd3y2C
iBooks: http://bit.ly/1Hq9Yh7
Google: http://ow.ly/GGmWb

What kinds of marketing [twitter, facebook, blog, forums] are you involved with for promoting your book(s)?I love social media – I’m completely addicted to it. So, you’ll find me on all the usual sites… Facebook, Twitter, website, blog.
I also belong to a forum called, Romance Divas. It’s a fantastic group of romance authors who share the highs and lows of the publishing industry. They are a group of the most supportive authors I’ve come across. I love hanging out there.

Do you find it difficult to juggle your time between marketing your current book and writing your next book?
Oh, yes. Very much so. I have to admit I was somewhat naïve before Of Love and Vengeance came out. I thought it would be released and I’d do a bit of marketing and that’d be it. I’d then have all of this time to sit down and write the next book. Well, I’ve been slapped in the face with a huge dose of reality! I probably spend double the time doing marketing than writing. BUT, I happen to like the marketing side of things. However, it does mean I have to become very strict with me time so nothing gets left behind.

Besides writing, do you have any other passions?I have to admit – I’m an avid knitter! I love it – I find it so relaxing. I can sit in front of the tv or listen to some music and just let my mind go (usually thinking of my characters) while I whip up a scarf. It’s summer where I live so I haven’t done much knitting lately, so I’m eagerly waiting until the cooler months set in so I can whip out my needles again!


BLURB:
Forced to marry Lord Aymon to ensure her young nephew’s survival, English Lady Laila vows undying hatred for the Norman she holds responsible for the deaths of so many innocents. Discovering Aymon has committed an act of treason gives her the chance to seek vengeance he deserves.  But can Laila let Aymon die at the hands of the king once she learns the truth?
A hardened Norman warrior, Lord Aymon has lived through atrocities no man ever should. With the invasion of England over, all he wants is a quiet life and a wife who will give him heirs and obey his every command. Instead, he finds himself wed to feisty and outspoken Laila. But when she learns the truth of his treasonous act, can Aymon count on her to keep his secret?
BUY LINKS:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Love-Vengeance-Louise-Lyndon-ebook/dp/B00Q3NBQ56/
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/of-love-and-vengeance-louise-lyndon/1120929944
Publisher: http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=242_176_138&products_id=5976
AUTHOR Bio and Links:Louise grew up in country Victoria, Australia, before moving to England, where for sixteen years she soaked up the vibrancy of London and the medieval history of England. She has since returned to Australia and now lives in Melbourne.
She has been writing the moment she picked up a copy of Diana Gabaldon's first Outlander novel twenty something years ago. She thought to herself, 'this is what I want to do' - not travel back in time, but become a novelist! She has always had snippets of dialogue and scenes floating around in her head with characters screaming at her to bring them to life.
In 2013, Louise won first prize in the Crested Butte Sandy Writing contest – Historical category for her story, The Promise, which is now called, Of Love and Vengeance.
When not writing, she can be found covered in mud, crawling under barbed wire and hoisting herself over twelve foot walls - under the guise of competing in Spartan races all over Australia.
AUTHOR LINKS:EMAIL:  louise_lyndon@yahoo.comWebsite:  http://www.LouiseLyndon.comBlog: http://www.LouiseLyndon.com/blogFacebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Louise-Lyndon/1472910852955051Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouiseLyndon1Pinterest: llyndon3513
GOODREADS:https://www.goodreads.com/LouiseLyndon

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/2014/11/nbtm-tour-of-love-and-vengeance-by.html


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HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Mother's Day wishes to all the Moms out there. 


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Interview with Ingrid Seymour, IGNITE THE SHADOWS

Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book? Is it part of a series?IGNITE THE SHADOWS is a young adult Sci-Fi about a teen hacker who joins a clandestine organization to fight the sentient parasites that attacking Earth and eventually supplanting the human brain. This is the first book in a trilogy acquired by Harper Voyager
Do you have a favorite character?Definitely, Marci. She is the protagonist of IGNITE THE SHADOWS. I like her decisiveness. She is independent and strong in spite of everything—even when she finds out the most terrifying truth about herself. No spoilers ;)
Did you try the traditional route to publishing, i.e. querying agents/publishers?Yes. Most definitely. My aim was to be a hybrid author so I would be able to enjoy the best of both worlds, and I’m happy to have achieved my goal. The IGNITE THE SHADOWS trilogy is published by Harper Collins, but I have other books out there for which I went indie.
How long before you got your offer of representation/your first contract? Was it for your first novel?It took me 7 years to get a traditional contract, but I don’t think that is rare.  I had the offer from Harper Voyager which, in turn, helped me get an agent. The offer was for IGNITE THE SHADOWS which was the 4th book I wrote.
What factors influenced your decision to go with a particular agent or publisher?Harper Voyager publishes amazing sci-fi and fantasy. Names like George RR Martin, JRR Tolkien and Ray Bradbury. When I received the offer it was an easy decision.
Are you currently under a traditional publishing contract for future books or do you have manuscripts that you will self-publish? Are you doing both?IGNITE THE SHADOWS has a traditional contract for 3 books in the series. I also have other manuscripts in the queue that I will self-publish. I just love being a hybrid author!
If you used a graphic designer/publisher’s designer, how involved were you during the creative process for your cover?For all my self-published, I have worked with the cover designer very closely. I immensely enjoy the process and love it when the artist makes my vision come true. So far, the cover for my YA urban fantasy, KEEPER, is my favorite.
What is your writing process? Do you listen to music or do you like silence?I have full-time job, so mostly I write during my lunch hour, doing sprints of one thousand words in one hour (#1k1h) . Since I’ve been doing that, I’ve pretty much learned to write anywhere, regardless of what’s going on around me. I’m glad that now I’m able to write in any environment. Music is always a nice bonus, especially when the song matches the mood of what I’m writing. I have a few playlists that to help with that :)
Do you outline your story or just go where your muse takes you?I’m pretty much a pantser. I’ve tried to do outlines, but the truth is that I feel creatively dry when I do that. Nothing comes out.
What’s next for you?Currently, I’m working on the sequel to IGNITE THE SHADOWS. After that, I will be focusing on writing the sequel to KEEPER, which I will self-publish. I have projects planned for this year and next. I love being busy!



Book & Author details: Ignite The Shadows by Ingrid Seymour
(Ignite The Shadows #1)
Published by: HarperVoyager
Publication date: April 23rd 2015
Genres: Science Fiction, Urban Fantasy, Young Adult
Synopsis:Sixteen-year-old Marci Guerrero is one of the best teen hackers in Seattle. However, she’d give up all her talents to know she isn’t crazy.
Marci feels possessed by what she perceives as shadowy spectres that take control of her body and make her do crazy things. While spying on the clandestine group known as IgNiTe, she’s confronted by the leader, James McCray. His presence stirs the spectres inside her brain into a maddening frenzy. Her symptoms and ability to control them don’t go unnoticed by James, who soon recruits her and shows her the awful truth.
Half of the world’s population is infected by sentient parasites. They bind themselves to the human brain and replace the pathways for all thoughts and actions. The creatures then morph their hosts into grotesque monsters with extraordinary strengths. Winged, clawed, fanged half-humans become living nightmares. Now Marci wishes she was crazy, because the truth is worse.
She’s infected.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24595250-ignite-the-shadows?ac=1
Purchase: --Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OXHFR4K/ref=twoen-20--B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ignite-the-shadows-ingrid-seymour/1120641100

AUTHOR BIO:Ingrid Seymour is the author of IGNITE THE SHADOWS (Harper Voyager, April 23rd, 2015). When she’s not writing books, she spends her time working as a software engineer, cooking exotic recipes, hanging out with her family and working out. She writes young adult and new adult fiction in a variety of genres, including Sci-Fi, urban fantasy, romance, paranormal and horror.

Her favorite outings involve a trip to the library or bookstore where she immediately gravitates toward the YA section. She’s an avid reader and fangirl of many amazing books. She is a dreamer and a fighter who believes perseverance and hard work can make dreams come true.

She lives in Birmingham, AL with her husband, two kids and a cat named Mimi.
Author links:http://ingridseymour.com/https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4052093.Ingrid_Seymourhttps://www.facebook.com/IngridSeymourAuthorhttps://twitter.com/ingrid_seymour  
Giveaway:Tour-wide giveaway (INTL)IGNITE THE SHADOWS ebook + $25 Amazon Gift Card a Rafflecopter giveaway