Debra L. Martin's Blog, page 230

Ten Things an Author Should Know by Kristen Strassel

I’ve recently participated in a contest called Pitch Wars, which writers seeking agency representation submit their queries and first drafts to published/agented authors.  I was so humbled to receive so many amazing submissions!   The worst part of the contest was I could only pick two to work with. Two. I don’t have any kids, but my motherly instincts seem to scream the loudest in moshpits and Pitch Wars.  I wanted to help everyone.
Since I can’t go through and line edit everyone’s manuscript, the next best thing is to share the most common feedback I gave on the submissions.
1.              Get in your character’s head. Any character can set things down, sigh, look at things. I want to know what makes your character special on every page. I want her thoughts, feelings, and opinions. Make sure only your characters can tell this story.2.              Stay in the moment. If your character is under attack, she’s not going to notice how her clothes are wrinkling or minute details about her surroundings.  3.              Use description sparingly. Give us just enough to paint the picture, and then get back to the action. 4.              Read current titles in your genre. Pay special attention to the voice and the pace.5.              We are an ADD culture. Even if I love something, chances are, I’m still somewhat distracted. It’s just how we roll now. You need to grab me immediately, and then keep that pace going.6.              Read your work out loud. It seems horrifying, but it will help you get rid of clunky prose and bad dialog. We speak differently than we write. 7.              If you’re writing NA or YA, make sure your voice is appropriate for that age group!  You need to think like a 16 or a 21 year old, even if you’re old enough to have a 16 or a 21 year old. 8.              Be open to feedback. Anyone who took the time to read your story and tell you their thoughts has your best interests in mind. This is how your characters are coming across on the page. 9.              Trust your gut. If your characters want to do something, let them. Also, once you reach the revision stage, if a change doesn’t feel right to you, don’t do it!10.           There are many paths to publication. It’s not one size fits all. Do your research, talk to as many people as you can about the process. Don’t rush, make sure you have the best product you can possibly produce. And don’t give up. J
Book & Author Details:We Own the Night by Kristen Strassel
(Night Songs Collection #3)
Publication date: September 1st 2014
Genres: New Adult, Paranormal, Romance
Synopsis:Callie Chabot would stop at nothing to save her ex-boyfriend Blade Bennett from the clutches of vampire clan leader Talis de Rancourt, even if means becoming immortal herself. What she doesn’t know is that Blade has already defeated Talis, and he’s waiting for Callie in the afterlife.
Now Callie only has her creator, Tristan Trevosier, to turn to for guidance. But he’s too wrapped up in the debauchery of the Las Vegas rock scene to give a damn about the particulars of being undead. That’s enough to drive Callie crazy on its own, but female vampires are automatic clan leaders.
Not only does Callie have no idea how to wrangle a vampire clan, but her would-be followers have more to gain from her failure. They instead choose to follow Blade—and he’s hell-bent on making Callie pay for her bad decisions. Since he took out the existing clan leader, that automatically puts him at the helm of what should be Callie’s new clan.
That’s when seasoned rogue vampire, Cash Logan, shows up, shrouded in magic and mystery. No one is sure which side Cash is on, but Callie needs to take a chance on the one vampire who is willing to give her the answers she needs, no matter how dark and frightening they may be. Callie must trust her instincts and form alliances that may backfire. Cash shows Callie that playing nice is no longer an option, and that fixing her wrongs won’t always make everything right.To take control of her clan, Callie must look to her rival to discover exactly what makes her a leader.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22538749-we-own-the-night?ac=1
Purchase:--Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Own-Night-Songs-Collection-Book-ebook/dp/B00MQ5JQ0C/ref=twoen-20--B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/we-own-the-night-kristen-strassel/1120081025?ean=9781500510886
THE NIGHT SONGS COLLECTION:Seasons in the SunBecause the NightNight MovesWe Own the Night--Available September 1, 2014
AUTHOR BIOKristen Strassel is the author of The Night Songs Collection, a paranormal romance series about vampire rock stars in Las Vegas. After all, they tell you to write what you know. She is a passionate music fan who also loves football games and diners. Kristen works as a makeup artist on film and TV shows when she's not writing, and loves being behind the scenes. A former resident of Las Vegas, Kristen now lives in the Boston area.
Connect with Kristen!
www.kristenstrassel.com
www.facebook.com/kristenstrasselauthorwww.twitter.com/kristenstrassel
deadlyeverafter.com



 

Interview with Lessa Bow

What made you become a writer?In 2006 my daughter was diagnosed with bone cancer. At such a stressful time I struggled to read, so I jotted down my emotions and dreams to distract myself of an uncertain future. Eventually the notes turned into the essence of a story.
How do you get your inspiration for the story-lines/characters in your books? Most of my inspiration comes from life experiences, family and friends, though sometimes music and other books incite ideas and characterization.
What genre do you prefer to write about?I prefer to write contemporary New Adult, although I have a NA fantasy/romance shelved at home. I hope to revisit this story at the end of the year.
What are you working on at the moment and when is due to be released?Currently I’m writing contemporary NA with a sport theme, similar to Winning the Player, with an Aussie Rules football theme. It’s the third book in the series.
Who is your favourite author and your most loved book of theirs?My favourite author is Jennifer Armentrout. My favourite book… Gosh, all of them but I’m going with Wait for You.
What do you think of Book Trailers? Personally I like them and have completed one for Charming the Outback.Here is the link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3cV_bRImpw
What is your favorite part of designing the book covers?My covers are designed by my publisher Destiny Romance, an eBook imprint of Penguin Australia.
How do you come up with character names?Some names I just love so I use them. Other times I Google names, trends and meanings. My eldest daughter is a teacher and I find some names I like on her class lists. Although, all my hubby and daughters also offer suggestions.
What character in any of your books would you say has a similar personality to you?None and for very good reason J
If a character from any book EVER could come to life and you could meet them who would it be and what would the first question you ask them be?Jamie from the Outlander Series. I haven’t finished all the books in the series as yet so any questions I have might already be answered.
What do you love to do when you’re not writing?Reading.Spending time with my family or girlfriends.Dinner dates. Days at the beach.Watching sport, especially football.Going to the cinema.Hiking on beautiful trails.
What country would you love to visit and why?Brazil, as the first book I wrote is set there, and I find the culture intriguing as well as the country.
If you could say anything to your readers right now what would you say?THANK YOU!!The thing that makes me happier than writing is readers’ enjoying my stories.I owe them so much as it drives me to keep writing. You all rock!
I love hearing from readers so if you ever want to drop me a line, you can contact me on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/leesabowromanceor on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LeesaBowor visit my webpage: www.leesabow.com  
The one thing my wonderful readers can do to help me is post a review or rate my book on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8106454.Leesa_Bow and Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Leesa-Bow/e/B00KMU3QU4
It helps get the word out to other readers and there’s nothing I want more then to share my stories with the world.***
Book & Author Details:Charming the Outback by Leesa Bow
Published by: Destiny Romance
Publication date: September 2nd 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance
Synopsis:When jaded city girl Maddy McIntyre packs up and leaves Adelaide for a new job in the country, it’s not only a chance at a fresh start. Six months ago, the first guy she’d ever loved shattered her heart before moving home to Broken Hill. Deep down inside, Maddy is hoping that living in the same town will give her an opportunity to prove to Luke that she’s one temptation he can’t resist.But when she arrives in Broken Hill, Luke White is not the same guy she knew in the city. And it soon seems very clear that he doesn’t want her there. Although Maddy settles in quickly, excelling at work and partying with her new friends, she can’t understand why Luke is remaining so distant. Particularly when all her instincts are telling her that they’re meant to be together – and that he feels the same burning attraction.
As Maddy learns more about Luke’s family and background, she begins to understand that his mixed messages are caused by balancing what’s expected of him with what he really wants. Maddy gave Luke her heart long ago and, despite their differences, she knows she’ll only ever be happy with her hot country boy. But how can she convince him that she’s the risk he needs to take?
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22737667-charming-the-outback
Purchase:--Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Charming-Outback-Destiny-Bow-Leesa-ebook/dp/B00M3UUY9M/ref=twoen-20
--iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/au/book/charming-the-outback/id897765202?mt=11
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3cV_bRImpw
AUTHOR BIOLeesa Bow grew up in Broken Hill and later worked as a nurse at the local hospital before moving to Adelaide in her early twenties. Leesa began writing seriously when her second daughter became sick with cancer. Initially writing was therapeutic, but when her daughter got the all clear, she decided to continue writing seriously.

On weekends Leesa enjoys reading, watching basketball and football, having beach days with the family, catching up with girlfriends, and daydreaming about strong heroines for her next book.

You can find out more about Leesa at: http://www.leesabow.comhttps://www.facebook.com/Leesabowromancehttps://twitter.com/LeesaBow
 

#Excerpt: OUR SECOND CHANCE by C.D. Taylor

“Hey babe, sorry I didn’t tell you I’d be here today. After you told me you were working here, I knew you’d put an end to our date.”“You were right on that assumption.” I continued walking.“So how about a drink after work to apologize, my treat?”“Thanks for the offer but that’s not a good idea.”“And why not?” he ran his hand over my backside causing a flutter of excitement and apprehension to run through me.“Well for starters, you’re a client. That’s a huge conflict of interest Grant. I really wish you would’ve told me last night.”“I said I was sorry Emily.” He gave me a sad face. “Well like I said, this isn’t a good idea. We can’t continue to see each other. I know it was only one date but if you could please not say anything I’d appreciate it. I could lose my job over this.” I pleaded with him.“I understand your point, but I still see the way you look at me. And the way you were squirming in your seat in there. Tell me you don’t want me. Tell me that you wouldn’t like to have my hands all over you right now.”Oh my god. He was turning me on even more with his low seductive voice. I shouldn’t have been aroused by his forwardness. I should have been appalled and ran away. Why wasn’t I running away from him? I sped away from Jake and Jake didn’t even talk like Grant was. He was slow and sensual not crude and crass. “Grant it’s just not the best idea…”He suddenly grabbed my arm and yanked me into a vacant office, then shut and locked the door.“What are you do…?”I felt his lips crash onto mine in a bone melting kiss. The tango of our tongues felt so wrong but also so damn right. I mentally compared the kiss to Jakes. It wasn’t the same at all, no, Grant tookwhat he wanted and didn’t apologize for it.  He reached around me and grabbed my ass with is large hands, and squeezed hard. He pulled me into his front and I could feel the hard press of his hardness against me. I closed my eyes and let the sensations overwhelm me. I shouldn’t have been there, doing that. I knew better. But for some ignorant reason, I didn’t care. I wanted to get lost in the arms of someone. I didn’t want to be the good girl right then, I wanted to do something reckless and irresponsible, and not give a damn about the consequences. I had to prove to myself that I wasn’t that scared little canary in a cage anymore, no, I was a bird of prey, going after what I wanted. And dammit, I wouldhave it.  
Book & Author Details:Our Second Chance by C.D. Taylor
(Come Back to Me #1)
Published by: Booktrope Publishing
Publication date: February 16th 2013
Genres: Erotica, Romance
Synopsis:Our Second Chance by Author C.D. Taylor is a tale of forgiveness, redemption, and love. It demonstrates how the power of healing can strengthen the bond between family, friends, and lovers.

Emily Mills lives a life of opulence and luxury in Los Angeles but can’t shake the feeling that there is something more out there for her. It isn’t the picture perfect life her social circles expect and she knows something is missing. Unwilling to let happiness be a distant wish, she boards a plane to chase her dreams of becoming a lawyer in New York City. It doesn’t take long for her past to reappear with her former best friend from college, Jake Bradford. Knowing the feelings she’s held for Jake all these years, she still tries to convince herself that she isn’t worthy of any sort of love from him. Conceding to a fraction of her desire, Emily strikes a deal with Jake to become steamy friends with benefits. Soon her passionate bond with him turns out to be way more intense than she expects and she finds herself wishing her emotional scars didn’t rear their ugly head and destroy everything she’s worked for.

Can Emily forgive herself and those who have hurt her in the past to become the person she knows she can be? Or will the roadblocks in front of her cause her to make the decision to run like she’s been doing most of her life? Book 1 of this thrilling new 3-book series will leave you panting for more and cheering for second chances.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17403237-our-second-chance?ac=1
Purchase:--Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Our-Second-Chance-Chances-Are/dp/1620155028/ref=twoen-20--B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/our-second-chance-cd-taylor/1120027014?ean=9781620155028
AUTHOR BIO: C.D. Taylor began writing as an item to check off her bucket list. She resides in the southernmost part of Illinois, right on the mighty Mississippi river. She enjoys the quiet country life with her husband, son and the many farm animals that make up the rest of the family. C.D. decided that farm life was just a little too mundane, so she started writing erotica to spice things up, so far so good. C.D. entered cosmetology school right out of High School and practiced the art of hair styling for 12 years. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found sitting around a table making people laugh. She has always wanted to be a standup comic. She loves pulling practical jokes, dresses up in a costume every Halloween and believes that dancing is the key to a happy life (even if you aren’t a good dancer). 
She believes that life shouldn’t be taken too seriously, we will never get out alive anyway. More than anything, C.D. is a kid at heart, she doesn’t believe in bedtimes, eating everything on her plate, or having ice cream only for dessert. Her favorite quote is by Dr. Seuss…”Why fit in, when you were born to stand out.”
Author links:https://twitter.com/CDTaylor_Authorhttp://authorcdtaylor.com/https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4908299.C_D_Taylor
Blitz-wide giveaway --Our Second Chance Swag Pack with lots of goodies!Open internationally; ends Sept 9th
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Interview with Shawn McGuire

Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book? Is it part of a series? Here’s the back cover blurb and yes, BREAK MY BONES is the second in The Wish Makers series.
Everyone makes mistakes. Crissy’s just might kill her.
Seventeen-year-old Crissy Sheets was so sure Brad was the one, she believed him when he swore the first bruise was an accident. She believed him when he told her he loved her after the second. Now trapped in an abusive relationship with no idea of how to get out, she’s all but given up on ever having the life she dreams of. With little to lose, Crissy wishes for a better future.
She’s told her wish has been granted, but nothing has changed. Her house is still a dump, her mother is still drinking, and Brad still wants to control her every move. Then Lance moves into the house across the yard. He’s hot, chivalrous, and wants to help Crissy break free. Will standing up for herself push Brad too far?
Do you have a favorite character?I assume you mean one of my characters. J I love all of my characters, especially the main characters but Desiree, the genie/wish granter throughout the series, has a special place in my heart. First, she’ a hippie and hippies are always fun, but she’s also a really complicated character. The more I write about her the more depth I find.
Have you ever had a minor character evolve into a major one? Did that change the direction of the novel at all?That’s what happened with Desiree. She was originally just the genie. She had an important role but only showed up in a few scenes. Then that thing that writers talk about happening happened to me. She started talking to me. She insisted that she had a bigger role and demanded more screen time. If not for her this series most likely would’ve ended after STICKS AND STONES. Maybe BREAK MY BONES would still have happened too because Crissy has an amazing story too. But now I’ve got at least five books in this series and it could go on to more.
Did you try the traditional route to publishing, i.e. querying agents/publishers?I tried to break into the traditional publishing world for many years and would still welcome the opportunity at a hybrid career if it ever presents itself. I have a very specific vision for The Wish Makers however and the first thing every agent and editor said to me was, “Would you be willing to cut the genie?” Um, no.
Do you belong to a critique group? Have they helped improve your writing?Oh my, yes. I’ve got a number of critique partners in my world and I lover every one of them. I moved to Colorado from Wisconsin three years ago so my original group is still there, scattered across the state. There are six of us in the group – we call ourselves the Newberries – and have been together for over ten years. We each bring different strengths to the group which makes us really solid.
When I moved to Colorado, my writing friends circle grew and now there are two more women who help me immeasurably with this writing thing. They’re excellent at brainstorming and come up with story options I’d never considered.
What is your writing process? Do you listen to music or do you like silence?I listen to music but only instrumentals, lyrics distract me. I turn on Pandora, pop on my headphones, and shut the world out. Or rather enter my characters’ world.
I prefer mornings. Many authors do a certain number of hours or words per day. I write until I feel my brain shut off. The time that I really push myself is during the first draft. If I don’t just blast through it and get words of some kind on the page, it would take me forever to get through a first draft. I’m a great procrastinator.
Do you outline your story or just go where your muse takes you?I loosely outline, I need to know what my ending is. But in that muddy middle part, if the characters find a better path that the one I laid out, awesome!
Besides writing, do you have any other passions?My family. They are always, always first for me. I do have hobbies. I love to bake and cook. I enjoy crocheting and am trying to learn how to knit. Sometimes I quilt. One of my favorite things about living in Colorado is the mountains. Nothing inspires and grounds me like being in nature.
Some fun facts about you, which do you prefer – dogs or cats? Chocolate or vanilla? Coffee or Tea? Talk or Text? Day or Night?There are two cats, Meg and Cleo, wandering my house although I do love dogs too. Chocolate! Preferably a nice bitter dark kind covering almonds. I drink coffee in the morning and then switch to tea – iced in the summer, hot in the winter. Earl Grey is my favorite. I love the peace of early morning. My brain is clearest then and the words really flow.
What’s next for you?I still have these three other Wish Makers books to write. I’m nearly done with a good, solid draft of number 3 and will be sending it off to my CPs soon. Number four is starting to form in the back of my head and I have a pretty decent idea of what will happen in number five. Past that I’ve got some ideas for a serial and a New Adult trilogy.
*** Book & Author details:Break My Bones by Shawn McGuire
(The Wish Makers #2)
Publication date: September 1st 2014
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult
Synopsis:Everyone makes mistakes. Crissy’s just might kill her. Seventeen-year-old Crissy Sheets was so sure Brad was the one, she believed him when he swore the first bruise was an accident. She believed him when he told her he loved her after the second. Now trapped in an abusive relationship with no idea of how to get out, she’s all but given up on ever having the life she dreams of. With little to lose, Crissy wishes for a better future.

She’s told her wish has been granted, but nothing has changed. Her house is still a dump, her mother is still drinking, and Brad still wants to control her every move. Then Lance moves into the house across the yard. He’s hot, chivalrous, and wants to help Crissy break free. Will standing up for herself push Brad too far?
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22571053-break-my-bones
Purchase:--Kobo - http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/break-my-bones-1--Barnes & Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/break-my-bones-shawn-mcguire/1120079566?ean=2940046086584--iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewGrouping?cc=us&id=27820 --Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Break-Bones-Wish-Makers-Book-ebook/dp/B00MQJMEXY/ref=twoen-20--Smashwords - https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/464993
AUTHOR BIO Shawn McGuire is the author of young adult, coming-of-age novels that blend contemporary settings with a touch of fantasy and magic. She started writing after seeing the first Star Wars movie (that’s episode IV) as a kid: she couldn’t wait for the next one so wrote her own episodes. Sadly, those notebooks are long lost, but her desire to write is as strong now as it was then. She grew up in the beautiful Mississippi River town of Winona, Minnesota, the small town that inspired the setting for Sticks and Stones and the upcoming Break My Bones. After graduating college she moved to the Milwaukee area of Wisconsin (Go Pack Go!) where she lived for many years. She and her family now call Colorado home and when not writing or reading, Shawn enjoys cooking and baking, crafts, interior decorating, and spending time hiking and camping in the spectacular Rocky Mountains.

Author links:
Website: www.Shawn-McGuire.com
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/ShawnMcGuireAuthor
Twitter: @Shawn_McGuire
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/shawnmcguire1/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3231214.Shawn_McGuire
Giveaway:Tour-wide giveaway (INTL)--A handmade bracelet and BREAK MY BONES swag

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Excerpt: RETURN TO ME by Melissa MacKinnon

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Melissa will be awarding $25 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour, and a $10 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn host. Please click the banner to see additional stops on the tour.

Archaean bounty hunter Marek Coinnich isn't particularly fond of Engels. In fact, he prefers them dead. But to save his injured brother, he must enter the manor of an Engel enemy. Marek finds himself enthralled by the slave girl nursing his brother back to health. When his enchantment with her lands them in a compromising position, he refuses to let the young beauty pay for the misunderstanding with her life.

Brynn of Galhaven prefers to keep to the shadows. When she is ruined by an outsider, she barely escapes with her life and finds herself left alone in an unforgiving land. Through her struggles to survive, Brynn discovers a world she never imagined and never forgets the enemy Archaean who stole her heart.

Marek can’t deny his desire for Brynn, but these are wartimes, and she is the enemy. And though love knows no prejudice, the world in which he lives isn’t nearly as forgiving.

Buy links:
AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | GOODREADS | ESKAPE PRESSSMASHWORDS  | KOBO | ITUNESBOOKSTRAND | GOOGLE PLAY | ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS[image error]
Now enjoy an excerpt:

“Oh, now you want this?” He squeezed the wet fabric in his fingers.

“Not if you’re going to throw it at me.” She pouted, tasting the blood with the tip of her tongue.

“Here, have at it.” Marek handed her the cloth and the water bladder. “When you need my help, I’ll be waiting for your thanks.” Busying himself with the torch, Marek let her be.

The process was slow. Every inch of her ached. What she wouldn’t give for a bath — a proper one. When she was sure she had scrubbed her face thoroughly, Brynn set to work on her arms and legs. Mud resided in every cranny, making her tattered clothing seem like rags themselves.

“Would you care for help now?” he asked, watching her struggle.

“I’m fine.”

“’Tis all right to ask for help.”

“I said I’m fine,” she replied, peeling a section of matted hair from her shoulder. Brynn winced and sucked in a breath through her teeth, trying not to cry out while he was near. “Might I have a bit of privacy, warrior?”

“My name is Marek,” he corrected, “and do not worry — you haven’t anything I have not seen before. I’ve been cleaning those wounds of yours for days now.”

Brynn’s cheeks flushed, and she directed her attention elsewhere, ignoring his shameless stare. She focused on her wounds, keeping her distance.

Near the curtain, Marek unbuckled his belt to remove his tunic. He pulled the fabric over his hand and then down his arms. He stood bare-chested. Brynn averted her eyes.

Marek let out a rumbling laugh. “You are welcome to look, love.”

“I fear the gods will not forgive me if I do,” she whispered.

Melissa grew up surrounded by dragons, fearsome creatures, and damsels in distress from the wonderful world of make believe. She soon found her ideas on paper, littering her desk with world maps and character biographies. Study hall was used not for homework but for writing. Although she pursued a career in theater, the written word never left her. Melissa now leads a full life with her husband and children (five amazingly adorable clones to be exact), though she still finds time to write in her “spare time”. She sports a Military Wife badge of honor, and is lucky enough to have her own knight in camo armor.

Melissa enjoys writing everything from sexy, sword-toting heroes to spit-out-your coffee funny romantic comedies. Her passion lies within the ancient walls of fantasy and historical romance, where anything is possible.

Melissa MacKinnon: http://melissamackinnon.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelissaMacKinnon602?fref=ts

Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/melissa.mackinnon.author

Twitter: https://twitter.com/M_MacKinnon

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#Review: SOUL FORGE by Terry Ervin II

4 of 5 stars
This is the third novel in the First Civilization's Legacy series featuring the mercenary Flank Hawk, a young man with unfailing loyalty to those he serves. In this story, Flank Hawk is recruited by Enchantress Thulease to accompany her on a dangerous quest to learn what spell or magic will save her dying daughter. Some of the other familiar characters from previous novels, Lilly, Major Jadd, Sgt Drux, join them on the quest across the Kingdom. Throughout the journey, Flank Hawk steps up to do what is necessary irregardless of his own personal safety. 

Once again, Mr. Ervin does a great job of populating his world with creatures that both surprise and terrify the reader.  I'm amazed and delighted by his imagination from deadly desert creatures to the infamous Dark Elves. I found myself turning the pages faster the last third of the novel. Would Flank Hawk once again save the day? No spoilers here. I would definitely recommend reading the first two novels in this series to understand more of the world and what shapes Flank Hawk. Fans of fantasy will definitely enjoy this series. Recommended.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

 

#Excerpt: THE BOYS NEXT DOOR by Rosalie Lario

Excerpt:
A startled burst of laughter tumbles from my lips. I cover my mouth and turn to the small group who’s stopped right in front of us. Two pretty girls with string bikinis, a brunette and a bottle redhead, surround a guy with honey-toned skin and the most spectacular abs I’ve ever seen. My eyes get stuck there for a moment, memorizing the lines and angles of his ripped muscles. Then I notice his gray and white patterned board shorts, and it hits me where I’ve seen them before. My gaze shoots higher, and my heart gives a sickening lurch.Dark hair, full lips, molten chocolate-brown eyes and a too-beautiful-to-be-real face.Shit. It’s the guy from earlier, from outside my window.  His gaze on Cora, he says, “Cora,” in the same tone she used. Then his eyes move to me, leisurely looking me up and down, and he gives me a slow grin. “Shower Girl.”Mortification sets in as I realize, not only is he acknowledging that horrible, embarrassing situation, but also he’s seen my naked boobs. I stifle a groan.Jeez, kill me now.  Cora gives a baffled look from Ben to me, but I’m frozen in place, eyes locked on him as if he’s cast a spell over me. Not even the woefully obvious jealous glares of the two girls flanking him can tear my gaze away. There’s something about him, something arrogant yet mesmerizing. Finally, I recover enough to snap at him about his rude address. “A nice guy wouldn’t mention something like that.”One of his thick, straight brows lifts. “Good thing I’m not a nice guy.”He reaches his hand out for a shake and, like a mindless idiot, I take it. The moment our hands clasp, a bolt of electricity slides through my body, coalescing right between my thighs. I take a shallow, uneven breath. My body doesn’t care that this man isn’t a nice guy. It doesn’t care what he is. Uh oh. I didn’t come here looking for trouble, but it looks like it’s found me anyway.

***
Book & Author Details:The Boys Next Door by Rosalie Lario
Publication date: September 1st 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance
Synopsis:Life just got a bit more complicated…

After a heartbreaking betrayal, Lexi Ferrell is determined to get far away from her small hometown. So when she scores a scholarship to a prestigious law school in Miami, she jumps at the chance to live right on South Beach. Sun, sand, and an endless stream of beautiful people: who could resist? But her apartment complex provides far more than she asked for…in the form of two yummy new neighbors.

Matt Eisler and Ben Santos are best friends. Nothing could tear them apart...or so they thought. But when Lexi enters their life, neither one can resist wanting to make her his own.

Torn between the hot surfer boy and his exotic Latino roommate, Lexi vows to stay away from them both. But as she soon discovers, Matt and Ben are impossible to resist. And they’ll take her any way they can get her…even if it’s together. Could the three of them ever make it work? Because now that she’s experienced one night of unforgettable passion, the last thing she could ever do is choose between the boys next door.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23007009-the-boys-next-door
Purchase:Will be found here come release day: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=The+Boys+Next+Door+rosalie

AUTHOR BIO:Rosalie Lario is the award-winning, paranormal romance author of the Demons of Infernum and the Fallen Warriors series. Rosalie double majored in Anthropology and Classics as an undergraduate student, and briefly considered becoming an archaeologist before realizing they don’t actually live the life of Indiana Jones. So what was a classical geek armed with a lot of useless knowledge to do? Become a lawyer, of course!

After attending law school in Florida, she practiced real estate law for several years before finally admitting to herself that negotiating contracts wasn’t  nearly as fun as dreaming up stories. She never imagined all the mythology she studied would one day make the perfect fodder for the paranormal romance stories she now dreams up!

When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family in their home state of Florida
Author links:http://rosalielario.com/https://www.facebook.com/RosalieLariohttps://twitter.com/RosalieLariohttps://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4843915.Rosalie_Lario

 

#Excerpt: SILENT PARTNER by Stan Schatt

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Stan will be awarding a $25 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Silent Partner is a paranormal mystery, a police procedure novel with a female detective that will remind you of Harry Bosch, a ghost story that suggests what lies beyond death, and a comic look at a tabloid where the “truth” is whatever sells.

Enjoy an excerpt:

Frankie glared at Landry. His neck turned red, but he didn’t say anything.

“How could I live without her? I was addicted to her. Once you had her in your system, you never wanted her to leave. When I was away from her, I thought of her constantly. It wasn’t just the sex. She was the smartest, wittiest woman I’ve ever known. She was the most interesting and exciting woman I’ve ever met. She was also the most manipulative woman I’ve ever met. I hated myself for not throwing her out, but I just couldn’t. Love is a horrible thing, and not the wonderful things poets say.”

“Did she leave a note?” Frankie was trying to develop a timeline.

About the Author:
Stan Schatt grew up in Phoenix, Arizona and now resides in Carlsbad, California. He has written thirty-five books on a wide variety of subjects ranging from fiction to technology. He is co-author of Journey to a Different Dimension, an Amazon bestseller. He also authored Egypt Rising, a YA novel focusing on a teen’s experience in Egypt at the time of the Egyptian revolution of 2011. This novel contains paranormal elements including a secret buried under the Sphinx. The paranormal mystery Silent Partner is Schatt’s latest novel.

He has led several careers including futurist and executive for many of the world’s leading technology market research firms, police department administrator, autopsy assistant, software trainer, Telecommunications Department Chairman, and English professor. He taught at Tokyo University as a Fulbright exchange professor. His non-fiction includes books on such diverse topics as strategies for changing careers for a green industry job, studies of Michael Connelly and Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., network and data communications technology, telecommunications, computer programming.

http://www.pen-l.com/SilentPartner.html
http://www.stanschatt.com
http://www.twitter.com/stanschatt

a Rafflecopter giveaway

On Sale for .99: ASSASSIN'S CURSE, Book 1, The Witch Stone Prophecy

To help celebrate the release of Witch's Curse, Book 2 in the Witch Stone Prophecy series, ASSASSIN'S CURSE will be on sale for .99!





Welcome to the Kingdom of Tavia where the lines between good and evil blur.  White and Black witches are gathering their forces and both sides vie for the opportunity to capture the 'Children of Prophecy.' There is a single man, a former elite assassin, who has been compelled to keep the children safe. He'll have to use all his skills to stay one step ahead of the witches and the assassins who have been sent to bring him back, dead or alive!

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Assassins-Curse-Witch-Stone-Prophecy-ebook/dp/B006T3HN2A

BN: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/assassins-curse-debra-martin/1112744961

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/assassin-s-curse-book-1-the-witch-stone-prophecy

Teaser Page:


The moon finally broke through the dissipating rain clouds and its light afforded Jeda a better view of her building. The lone window of her room had scant protection: a threadbare cloth covering that barely held out the elements. The window would provide easy access for Jeda’s entry, but the rain had made everything a slick mess. He studied the outside of the dilapidated building and memorized the handholds and ledges that he would use in his climb to reach her. 
As he surveyed the building, his sixth sense flared again and a disturbing feeling swept over him. He had always thought of these feelings as his curse, his assassin’s curse: to be able to discern unknown danger before it happened. It often left him second-guessing himself and the choices he made. It was hard to trust these feeling when he did not understand where they came from. Curse or blessing, he felt them strongly as he watched the window across the narrow alleyway and wondered what he would find when he went through it. He looked around the rooftop and the surrounding area for anything unusual, but his only companions were the rats and the dead they feasted on. 
Something’s not right, I can feel it.

Guest Post: No Review is a “Bad” Review by Lynn Montagano

I had a nightmare recently that someone gave my book half a star. Not just one star but HALF a star. *whimper*
As a debut author, reviews are something I try not to dwell on. Do I want reviews? Yes. Lots of them. Good ones. Bad ones. Middle of the road ones. That means people are reading and having some type of reaction to the stories I’ve written. Any review is a form of publicity and as the saying goes “there’s no such thing as bad publicity.”
So what do you do when a review isn’t so glowing and fabulous?
Think of it this way. Anybody who reviews a book has spent time and energy thinking about it. They’re spreading the word. The beauty about a bad review is whatever it was about the story that particular reader didn’t like might be exactly what someone else loves. Seriously. How many times have I gone to see a big, loud special effects laden movie because some critic said it lacked substance? Too many to mention.
Everybody has their own relationship with the book they’re reading. I certainly do and have disliked many popular books that others can’t seem to get enough of. Does that make the book bad? Nope. It just meant it wasn’t for me.
I’ve been fortunate and haven’t received too many negative reviews. As I said, I’m a debut author so I try not to dwell on reviews too much if I can help it. It doesn’t mean my heart won’t break a little when somebody doesn’t like that my heroine is a little naive in certain situations or totally missed the point on why my hero can be so difficult.
Do I want everyone to love and squeeze and fawn over my characters the same way I do? Of course. What author wouldn’t. Will some readers do just that? Yes. I’ve already heard from numerous readers about how much they loved the characters and their story. On the days I do see a not so positive review I tend to focus on the comments that make me smile. Then, I jump right back into writing because at the end of the day, it’s what I love to do and I’m just happy to be able to share some of my stories with all of you.
Book & Author Details:Catch My Breath by Lynn Montagano
(Catch My Breath #1)
Published by: Harper Impulse
Publication date: April 17th 2014
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Synopsis:Lia Meyers’ plan for a relaxing Scottish vacation is short-lived when one uncharacteristic moment of clumsiness lands her in the arms of a dangerously attractive Englishman.

The perfect opportunity for a much needed holiday romance? Wrong! Lia’s still reeling from the mother of all bad breakups, and she really doesn’t have the patience for Alastair Holden – despite his effortless charm and cute British accent.

Arrogant and totally inscrutable, he’s exactly the sort of guy she wants to avoid but can’t: the man behind the mystery proves just too tempting to resist.

Drawn to him, Lia is forced to battle with her own insecurities, and the closer they become, the more she recognizes her own weaknesses as she peels away his layers with every night they spend together. Discovering the past Alastair is so desperate to conceal, Lia must decide if they can heal one another together or if their deepest fears will tear them apart.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21941797-catch-my-breath?ac=1
Purchase:Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Catch-My-Breath-HarperImpulse-Contemporary-ebook/dp/B00IR2J2BQ/ref=twoen-20
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/catch-my-breath-lynn-montagano/1119435167?ean=9780007558421
AUTHOR BIO A fresh, new voice in contemporary romance, Lynn is a former TV news writer who decided to take the plunge and write a novel. She's thrilled that her debut series is being published by Harper Impulse. The first book, Catch My Breath, was released in April 2014 to rave reviews. Its follow up, Unravel Me, hits the market in July.
Lynn grew up in a small town in Rhode Island before venturing out into the world. She's lived everywhere from Los Angeles to Boston to Orlando. An avid traveler, Lynn's been as far away as Australia and as close as Canada. Her favorite place to visit is London.
The small town girl is back on the east coast after a brief stint in Northern California. Lynn currently resides in Massachusetts, comfortably close to her beloved football team.
Author links:http://www.lynnmontagano.net/https://twitter.com/LynnMontaganohttps://www.facebook.com/AuthorLynnMontaganohttps://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7706026.Lynn_Montagano