Debra L. Martin's Blog, page 250

#New Releases: THEA ATKINSON, VALMORE DANIELS, DEAN BRECKENRIDGE, JM PIERCE

We all have our favorite authors, but have you read any of these authors? These are some of the best stories I've read and they all have new releases this month. I've done reviews on many of their books which you can read in the right sidebar under 'My Reviews.' So in no particular order, take a look at these fabulous new releases:

DEAN BRECKENBRIDGE:
Book Blurb:Wolf's friend Gordy needs help. He's being blackmailed for a 25-year-old murder that he claims he didn't commit. But somebody else insists he did, and they're going to murder his son in reprisal. Wolf races to stop the mayhem only to learn that his friend hasn't told him the whole truth. And the lies could get him killed.
Wolf returns in this follow-up to THE KILL FEVER, THE DARK and THE RED RUBY KILL that will leave you breathless.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IJYJGYA/ref=twoen-20
Kill Fever:Wolf Series #1http://www.amazon.com/Kill-Fever-Wolf-1-ebook/dp/B00H0BDKUO/ref=twoen-20The Dark: Wolf Series #2http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Wolf-2-Dean-Breckenridge-ebook/dp/B00H0BJBDO/ref=twoen-20The Ruby Red Kill: Wolf Series #3http://www.amazon.com/Red-Ruby-Kill-Wolf-ebook/dp/B00ID250JI/ref=twoen-20

VALMORE DANIELS:
Book Blurb:My name is Serena Rogers. After escaping from a juvenile detention center, all I wanted was to get as far away from home as I could and never look back. 
Everything changed when I uncovered the dark secret that's been haunting my family since before I was born. 
I am not who I thought I was. 
When I encounter an army of revolutionaries, I am faced with an impossible choice: fight them and risk the lives of everyone I love, or join them and lose my soul. 
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IJZQ1EM/ref=twoen-20https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/angel-tears-fourth-book-fallen/id797892195?mt=11http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/angel-tears-valmore-daniels/1118141642?ean=2940148158332http://store.kobobooks.com/Search?Query=9781927560051https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/397864https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Valmore_Daniels_Angel_Tears_The_Fourth_Book_of_Fal?id=vQHkAgAAQBAJ
FALLEN ANGEL series:Angel Fire:The First Book of Fallen Angelshttp://www.amazon.com/dp/B004K6MHSI/ref=twoen-20https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/angel-fire-first-book-fallen/id419771684?mt=11http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/angel-fire-valmore-daniels/ 1111394791http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/angel-fire-the-first-book-of-fallen-angelshttp://www.smashwords.com/books/view/38519https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Valmore_Daniels_Angel_Fire_The_First_Book_of_Falle?id=fZjaAQAAQBAJ
Angel's Breath: The Second Book Of Fallen Angelshttp://www.amazon.com/dp/B008MB28WC/ref=twoen-20https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/angels-breath-second-book/id550307478?mt=11http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/angels-breath-valmore-daniels/1112136515?ean=2940014942416http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/angel-s-breath-the-second-book-of-fallen-angelshttps://www.smashwords.com/books/view/205945https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Valmore_Daniels_Angel_s_Breath_The_Second_Book_of_?id=GZjaAQAAQBAJ
Earth Angel: The Third Book Of Fallen Angelshttp://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EZBSKIY/ref=twoen-20https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/earth-angel-third-book-fallen/id705808758?mt=11http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/earth-angel-valmore-daniels/1116829442?ean=2940148609605http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/earth-angel-the-third-book-of-fallen-angelshttps://www.smashwords.com/books/view/354361https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Valmore_Daniels_Earth_Angel_The_Third_Book_of_Fall?id=tZfaAQAAQBAJ
THEA ATKINSON:
Chrysalis (Theta Waves: Episode 4)She has the power to change the world; he was born to destroy it.
Theda wakes from her torturous session with the beast to discover she has been institutionalized by Ezekiel. He says it's to keep her safe, but she's been through his versions of safety before, and just barely lived. Now the beast has her where he wants her and offers her his freedom in exchange for information—information Theda suspects she will have to die to protect — even from the pale rider.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I9ZXNC0/ref=twoen-20http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/chrysalis-thea-atkinson/1118586947?ean=2940148247654https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Thea_Atkinson_Chrysalis?id=XKvNAgAAQBAJ&hl=enhttps://itunes.apple.com/us/book/chrysalis-theta-waves-4/id815651943?mt=11
Theta Waves series:Phoenix: Theta Waves Episode #1http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GXKOW96/ref=twoen-20
Dragon: Theta Waves Episode #2 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H0EX830/ref=twoen-20http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dragon-thea-atkinson/1117538742?ean=2940149004836http://play.google.com/store/books/details/Thea_Atkinson_Dragon?id=UEXFAgAAQBAJ&hl=enhttp://store.kobobooks.com/en-CA/ebook/dragon-theta-waves-episode-2https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/dragon/id770140004?mt=11
Agni: Theta Waves Episode #3http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HCK8X2S/ref=twoen-20http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/agni-thea-atkinson/1117715418?ean=2940149054176https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Thea_Atkinson_Agni?id=EqvNAgAAQBAJ&hl=enhttp://store.kobobooks.com/en-CA/ebook/agni-theta-waves-episode-3https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/agni-theta-waves-3/id783662295?mt=11
J.M. PIERCE
Axiom Theory: Book Four of the Shadow SeriesBook Blurb:Hidden in New Mexico’s Black Mountains, Test struggles to find the peace that his haunted past prevents. Though Alyssa and Cliff stand with him, and though he’s blanketed by the serenity and tranquility of the forest, he cannot quell the inner turmoil that plagues him.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the country, the last of the Reapers are plotting to avenge the death of their master. Woefully out-numbered and hoping to even the odds, Casper and Ashley have stolen a biological weapon unlike the world has ever seen. Their mission: mold the weapon for their purpose and eliminate Test along with the remainder of the rogue Shadows that side with him.
http://www.amazon.com/Axiom-Theory-Book-Shadow-Series-ebook/dp/B00ILHLZQM/ref=twoen-20
SHADOW SERIES:Failing Test: Book 1http://www.amazon.com/Failing-Test-Book-One-Shadow-ebook/dp/B003LSSRDA/ref=twoen-20A Shadow’s Light: Book 2http://www.amazon.com/Shadows-Light-Book-Two-Shadow-ebook/dp/B004WKQLR0/ref=twoen-20The Reverence of One: Book Threehttp://www.amazon.com/The-Reverence-One-Shadow-Series-ebook/dp/B0089DN6VU/ref=twoen-20 

#Excerpt: AFTER THE CURTAIN FALLS by Ainsley Shay

The moment is perfect to lean in and kiss her. And I badly want to put my hand on her cheek and bring my lips to hers.Addison looks at her wrist, my fingers still there. “I should go,” she says shattering my thoughts.I slide my hand from her wrist, along her palm, lingering on her fingertips with my own. Looking up into her eyes, I ask, Are you sure you want to?”She meets my eyes. “No.” Her voice whispers the simple word I was hoping she would say. “But they’re expecting me down there.” My stomach aches when she starts to get up. “Thanks for catching me when I fell.” She brushes the sand off her dress and walks through the wheat grass toward the shore.
~~~
“You’re a freak like me,” Naya says, no doubt present in her tone.Shaken by her word choice, but intrigued to know why she’s chosen it, I ask, “Am I? And how do you know that?” I swallow nothing, feeling my throat constrict as I wait for her answer.With concern on her face, her lips purse, and she shrugs one shoulder. “I just know.” She touches my arm, leans into me and whispers, “As a friend, just be careful. The people here,” she looks to her left and then to her right, “well…they aren’t very nice to our kind."
Book & Author Details:After the Curtain Falls by Ainsley Shay
Publication date: January 31st 2014
Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult
Synopsis:Erik never had to be anything other than a freak…until now.

Two hundred fifty-three days is a long time to fake being normal when night after night you perform miraculous feats on stage in a freak show. Thousands have paid to witness the miracle, suspecting nothing more than a hoax. But it is very real and it is slowly destroying him. Erik is weakened to the point where he’ll stop performing and start going to school for the first time ever—in his senior year. His only goal is to rebuild his strength so he can return to the stage and perform doing what he loves most in this world. What he didn’t plan for was the appearances of beautiful Addison and mysterious Naya. Now, unfamiliar feelings and bizarre new friendships threaten to unbalance Erik’s future as a miracle-performing freak.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20617601-after-the-curtain-falls?ac=1
Purchase (book is on sale for 0.99c during the blitz!):
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/after-the-curtain-falls-ainsley-shay/1118400664?ean=9781939588029http://www.amazon.com/After-Curtain-Falls-Ainsley-Shay-ebook/dp/B00I4HE1L0/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1392927507
AUTHOR BIOAinsley Shay avoids insanity by living mostly in the fiction world. She believes surrounding herself with positive people, and strives for balance in everything. She owns more jeans with rips and holes than without; and has recently found the magic of patches. For her, reading or writing the perfect sentence is better than the smoothest piece of dark chocolate melting in her mouth. She is a deltiologist for pure enjoyment, not for the study of. She longs to move north one day, even though she hates the cold. (Go figure!) So, for now, she continues to live in warm south Florida with her incredible husband, three beautiful daughters, and two lazy cats. (We won’t mention the dog.)
Author Links:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7789269.Ainsley_Shayhttp://ainsleyshay.blogspot.ca/https://www.facebook.com/ainsley.shayhttps://twitter.com/ainsleyshay

 

#Romance Release Day: TURNING HOME by Stephanie Nelson

When Brooke Kingsley finally captures the interest of her four-year crush—Dylan Crawford—her world turns upside down. Feeling alive for the first time, Brooke decides to spend her last three days of summer with Dylan and discovers there’s more to him than the rumors being whispered all over town. The problem is, Brooke’s father doesn’t want his daughter anywhere near the blue-collar bad boy. As Brooke leaves for college, she’ll realize that some boys aren’t easy to forget.

Dylan Crawford has hated the Roseville Snobs his entire life, but one particular Snob has captured his eye—Brooke Kingsley. He knows he should stay away from her, but willpower has never been his strong suit. Soon Brooke is all he can think about. When she leaves for school, Dylan tries to move on with other girls, but the memory of Brooke taunts him. There’s an undeniable pull to the very girl he’s been warned to stay away from.

When tragedy strikes the Kingsley household, secrets are uncovered. Brooke and Dylan must decide if what they feel for each other is strong enough to conquer their families’ dark past.

This is a NA (new adult) book and intended for readers 18+ Purchase on Amazon

No One Knows ANYTHING About MAKING IT by Michaelbrent Collings

I'm going to let you in on a little secret about writing success. And it's a GOOD secret. For realsies. So keep it to yourself. Only tell your Mommy or your Daddy or some adult you trust. Also that one girl/guy/person of questionable gender you've been trying to impress with your knowledgey goodness. Ready? Here it is:
No one knows a thing about how to achieve success in the world of writing. At least, not from any quantifiable (read: money, fame, awards, supermodels of male/female/questionable gender throwing themselves at you*) standpoint.
This from a guy who makes a chunk of change in this world. I have sold screenplays that became movies, written bestsellers, and am one of Amazon’s top-selling horror writers. And I’m admitting that I don’t know what I’m talking about.
But wait, there’s more….
There are a lot of people who are willing to give advice, lots of people who will tell you how to "make it big" – some from the legitimate goodness of their hearts, others because if they can fill your eyes with those green dollar signs and your ears with that "Ka-CHING" sound like in the cartoons it's easier for them to turn your pockets inside out and rifle through them without you noticing.
But no matter what they say, no matter what the people claim, there is no way to "know" what works in writing. And there's a simple reason for that: it's just too complex a subject, and every expert (talking about the legit ones here, not the pocket-rifling scallawags) just has too limited a viewpoint. It's like discussing the quantum field mechanics of a specific atom caught in a tornado and then trying to use that information to extrapolate whether or not the twister is going to take out Farmer Dale's barn or Farmer John's chicken coop**. No matter how good your quantum data is, moving from super-micro (itty-bitty) to super-macro (uber-giganto) is just too hard a leap. Even Einstein and Stephen Hawking have trouble reconciling them, so you really think the average writer – who crumbles to near-tears when confronted with tax forms, and who thinks "tie required" is a sign of apocalyptic distress – is going to be able to make that jump?
This is why, when you get five successful writers in a room and ask them about the way they got to where they are, you will get five different stories.
Bummer, huh. You might as well just spit into the wind and hope that it doesn't come back into your face but instead turns into gold via the power of magical fairy farts and unicorn dreams, right?
Well, not exactly.
See, the reality is that writing your way to fame and fortune (and a lack of supermodels) is NOT a science. If it were, there would be a B.S. degree offered in "The Science of Creative Writing For Fun and Profitology" at MIT and other non-liberal arts schools. The pay would be higher. It would also be mind-numbingly boring, and people would kill themselves when they realized they had signed up for a paint-by-numbers lifestyle that is anathematic to the kind of people generally attracted to writing – people who are as likely to try bungee jumping "for research purposes" as they are to do something responsible like use that money for rent or food or toilet paper***.
So writing is truly an art. It can't be totally quantified, boiled down to 1s and 0s, ons and offs that will always work (or not) at our whim.
BUT (and here's my big but, always rearing its big but-head****) though you can't quantify everything about the ins and outs of "successful writing," you CAN look at successful PRINICIPLES.
Wait, lemme 'splain. No, is too complicated. Lemme summarize.
Did you know that there is no one "right" way to lose weight? Some people react well to simple dieting, others to exercise, still others need gastic bypass or other major procedures to beat the belly bulge.
A very unlucky few will never lose the weight, no matter what.
A similarly small number will alway in perfect physical shape no matter what they shove in their face-holes. And I believe all religious and ethical schools of thought agree that it is okay to hate these people.
But as varied as dieting methods are, whether you're a P90X person or a Weight Watchers zealot, these things are generally helpful to know: eat a little less than you used to. Portion control is helpful. Avoid processed sugars. Exercise. Eat lots of grains and veggies, cut back on complex carbs.
Those seem to be things that hold true for most people. MOST. Some folks don't even follow THOSE rules. But in general they hold true.
In writing, it's the same. Some people will find success in one way, others find it in other ways. But there are ways you can maximize your chances.
A few:
Write. Doy. This one should be obvious, but apparently it ain't. I was flabbergasted to see a "study" that looked at how much "aspiring writers" made on average. It was zero dollars/year. Again: doy. Because "aspiring" is a politically correct, my-Mommy-thinks-I'm-a-special-flower way of saying "not." The simple fact is that if writing success is a crap shoot or a lottery, then every time you write a story or a book or a [insert your market here], you buy one more ticket, roll one more roll of the die.
Market. You may be the best writer. Like, EVAR. But if you put your work in a drawer, no one will ever hear about it, no one will ever care. Most people don't go through your drawers, so the chances of your work making you loads of dough are slim. Sure, a couple years ago you might have had a shot of ME going through your drawers, but thanks to a strategically-placed nanny cam  and a stiffly-worded restraining order I'm not allowed to do that anymore. So your work has to be taken out and shown around by YOU.
Network. This is part of marketing, but also its own thing. Go to cons and writing symposia, try to get to local writers groups and meet other writers, agents, editors. You'll meet a lot of interesting people. Some will be time-wasters, a lot won't help you. But some will. And you'll meet some genuinely interesting people who will become both friends and supporters. Muy importante.
Educate yourself. So many people think writing – and editing, and layout, and cover design, and everything else that goes into a book if you're an indie author – is something you just "do." Bullcrap.
That needs repeating.
BULL. FRICKIN'. CRAP.
Writing is something you just "do" if you're writing to your mommy. Mommies love everything. It's one of their best skills. But if you want to write for others, you gotta LEARN how to do this. Every successsful writer I know (and I know more than a few) has spent thousands of hours educating themselves – reading books, reading books about writing books, writing practice books that they know will probably stink – before "making it." You want to be a professional, you take the time to LEARN YOUR PROFESSION. Period.
There's more. Lots more. But this will get you started. No one knows anything. But there are things you can do to get you started, to put you on a path that is most likely to take you to your goal.
Now get to walkin'.     *This never happens regardless. We're writers and so are born to lonely misery. That's why you never see some scruffy dude in cut-off cargo pants typing in the corner of the beach volleyball court in beer commercials.
** The answer is both. Because I'M writing this, and I like to destroy things.  MWA-HAHAHAHA.
*** Homeless, skinny, stinky. This is why we don't get supermodels. Sheesh!
**** See what I did there? I crack myself up!
 Michaelbrent Collings is a #1 bestselling novelist and produced screenwriter. His most recent novel, CRIME SEEN, is a paranormal thriller, http://www.amazon.com/Crime-Seen-Michaelbrent-Collings-ebook/dp/B00HVGGB0Y/ref=twoen-20.
He hopes someday to develop superpowers, and maybe get a cool robot arm.

Michaelbrent has a wife and several kids, all of whom are much better looking than he is (though he admits that's a low bar to set), and much MUCH cooler than he is (also a low bar).

Michaelbrent has more writing advice at his website, michaelbrentcollings.com also has a Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/MichaelbrentCollings and can be followed on Twitter through his username @mbcollings. Follow him for awesome news, updates, and advance notice of sales. You will also be kept safe when the Glorious Revolution begins!

Interview with Katheryn Lane

Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book? Is it part of a series?I’ve recently published my first cowboy romance (most of my other books have been sheikh romances), called The Texas Cowboy. Here’s what it’s about:
Everything’s bigger in Texas, including the problems.
When Vicky flies into Texas, she immediately falls for the charms of local cowboy, Jack Cassidy. However, her wealthy Dallas cousin, Laura, has other ideas and will do everything she can to steer Vicky away from Jack and into the arms of a rich oilman.
Jack is resigned to living the life of a lonely cowboy whose only female company is his horses—that is, until he meets Vicky. However, Vicky isn’t the only person with a claim on his heart. Jack wasn’t always alone and his ex is about to make a dramatic comeback.
Every cowboy has a past and this cowboy’s past is about to destroy his future.
I originally wrote it as a stand-alone novel, with Jack and Vicky finally together at the end, having overcome the many obstacles and difficulties that stood in their way. However, their marriage is only implied and since the book was published, several readers have started to ask about their wedding and if Vicky’s cousin, Laura, will take over their wedding plans. Therefore, I’m now thinking of writing a sequel to The Texas Cowboy. I’m still trying to work out the details, but Laura will probably try to turn their wedding into a huge Dallas social event and Jack’s wild ex, Cassie, will definitely make a dramatic appearance. At the moment the book has the provisional title of The Texas Bride.
If you used a graphic designer/publisher’s designer, how involved were you during the creative process for your cover?When I published my first book, The Royal Sheikh, I tried to design my own cover and it was a disaster! After getting very frustrated with Photoshop, I decided to focus on writing and hire a professional to do the designing. The cover for The Texas Cowboy, as well as the covers for several of my sheikh romances, were created by Jane Dixon Smith at J. D. Smith Designs, who does a fantastic job! For each book I sent her a rough description of the type of images I would like her to use and then she drafted a series of possible covers. They always look so good that I ask readers and other authors for their opinions. This is really helpful as they often point things I haven’t even noticed. For example, the cover I almost chose for A Bride For The Sheikh showed a bride reclining. However, one reader who has worked as a wedding consultant, told me that you never, ever photograph a bride laying down (who knew!) and advised me against using it, so I went back to Jane who worked on a alterative design. After a few alterations, we settled on the final image, which I love!
The cover for The Texas Cowboy was also difficult because it was my first cowboy novel, so Jane worked on quite a few possible covers, and I asked other people for lots of advice and suggestions. All of Jane’s designs looked great, but I chose the final cover because I think it shows not just a sexy cowboy, but it also hints at the fact that this cowboy has a troubled past.    
Do you belong to a critique group? Have they helped improve your writing? I do and I find their help invaluable. As well as asking people for help about my book covers, I also have a group of beta readers who read my books before I publish them and offer suggestions. Generally, my beta readers are romance lovers who are prepared to tell me the truth: the good, the bad and the ugly! For my latest book, The Texas Cowboy, I was lucky enough to have some beta readers who are romance lovers and also know about Texas, including two people who live, or have lived, on a ranch. They were able to give me some really helpful tips about cowboys and ranches.
What is your writing process? Do you listen to music or do you like silence?The key thing for me is to have several hours at a stretch in which I’m free to write because it takes me a while to get into the flow of a story. Therefore, I find it very hard to write during the week when work and family commitments mean I don’t have that kind of free time. However, I’m a high school teacher which means I get long holidays, so a lot of my work is done during the breaks. Then, when I’m back at school, I mainly focus on promoting. Although it’s usually inevitable, I don’t like being disturbed while I’m working, but apart from that I can work with a variety of background noise, such as the TV or radio. If I can, I like to listen to music while I work as it helps me get into the mood. While I was writing The Texas Cowboy, I listened to a lot of country music. I’m a big fan of country music, especially Willie Nelson, Toby Keith, Alan Jackson and Tim McGraw, and listening to their songs helped me to imagine I was in Dallas, Texas…
Do you outline your story or just go where your muse takes you?Before I start a book, I draft an outline of the plot. However, once I begin writing, the characters can sometimes take over. For example, while I’m writing a scene, I might realize that a character would never do what I had originally planned, so I let them do something else which is more in keeping with their personality. For example, at one point in The Texas Cowboy, Jack is really upset. In the original plot he was meant to go out to the stables on his ranch and spend some time with his favorite horse, but once I started writing the scene, I realized that he was too angry to do that; what he really wanted to do was have a drink. Therefore, instead of going to the stables, he searches around in his kitchen and finds an old bottle of whiskey, an action which he regrets in the morning. Sometimes my characters take over, but not always to their benefit!
However, the basic outline of the plot remains the same, especially the end; the hero and heroine have to have their happily-ever-after ending. I couldn’t finish a romance with the hero and heroine apart. 
Did you hire an editor to review your manuscript before publishing?I think it’s vital to hire a professional editor. No mater how good you and your friends are at proof reading, it’s very hard to spot all the errors in a piece of writing as you tend to read what you expect to read. Therefore, I always hire a professional as errors in a book, even minor ones, can really spoil an enjoyable reading experience. Even though it’s expensive, I think it’s an essential cost. (However, I’m not able to have my interviews professionally edited, so if they are any mistakes in this, please forgive me!)      
What have you’ve learned during your self-publishing journey?The main thing I’ve learnt is that writing a book is only a very small part of the process. As well as cover design and editing, there’s also a huge amount of marketing involved and I think that’s true for both traditionally published and self-published authors.  As most of my marketing is done online, I’ve had to learn quite a lot of IT. Although I didn’t master Photoshop, I’ve learnt basic html and how to use a range of social networking sites, such as Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads and Pinterest. It’s been a steep learning curve, but it’s also been a lot of fun and I’ve met some amazing people along the way.
Besides Amazon, are there any other sites where your books are for sale?Most of my books are available from Smashwords as well as most online retailers such as Barnes and Noble, Nook, Apple etc. However, my last two books, A Bride For The Sheikh and The Texas Cowboy are currently only available on Amazon. However, this does mean that readers who are members of Amazon Prime can borrow these two books for free! 
What advice would you give a new author just entering into the self-publishing arena?Work hard (and it can be very hard work!), stay positive, keep writing and most of all have fun! The world of publishing is changing very fast at the moment and huge opportunities are opening up to writers that just weren’t available in past. Find these opportunities and make the most of them! Last of all, don’t do it for the money. If you want to get rich, you’d probably be better off putting all your energy into becoming a banker.  
What’s next for you?At the moment I’m thinking through and outlining The Texas Bride, a sequel to The Texas Cowboy, but I also have heaps of stories in my head, as well as several unfinished books on my computer, so it’s possible that one of those ideas will take over. I might start work on another sheikh romance and I’m also interested in working on a Regency romance. Whatever 2014 brings, I’ll be chatting about it on the following sites:
Blog: http://Katheryn-Lane.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/KatherynLane
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/KatherynLane.Author
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/KatherynLane 
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/KatherynLaneAmazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Katheryn-Lane/e/B0056NJRZ0/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
Thank you very much Debra for hosting me on your great site! I’ve really enjoyed doing this interview.

#Excerpt: LOST IN US by Layla Hagen

Book & Author Details:Lost in Us by Layla Hagen
Publication date: February 17th 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance
Synopsis:Serena has learned to live with her past, locking her secrets and nightmares deep inside her. But when her boyfriend of six years abruptly leaves her, she’s catapulted back into pain, nursing a broken heart. When indulging in mountains of chocolate doesn’t work, Serena decides the best way to deal with her shattered heart is to indulge in something else. A rebound . . .

The night she swaps her usual Sprite for tequila, she meets James. The encounter is breathtaking.
Electrifying.
And best not repeated.

James is a successful entrepreneur in Silicon Valley. A man who has amassed a fortune by taking risks. A man who has shunned commitment completely, and still does. He’s the exact opposite of Serena. But sometimes opposites attract. Sometimes they give in to burning passion. Sometimes opposites are perfect for each other.

James is everything her damaged soul could want. His kisses are intoxicating, his touch out of this world. He makes her forget. He grants her peace from her pain. But as they grow closer, Serena discovers she isn’t the only one with a past. James carries the scars of a past much darker than hers. One that has left him damaged, hurt, and wary of love. A past that gives him the power to shatter her.

Now James and Serena must find a way to mend one another. Or risk losing each other forever.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19317460-lost-in-us?from_search=true
Purchase: Will be found here come release day:http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Lost+in+Us+Layla+Hagen&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3ALost+in+Us+Layla+Hagen
AUTHOR BIO:My name is Layla Hagen and I am a New Adult Contemporary Romance author. I fell in love with books when I was nine years old, and my love affair with stories continues even now, many years later.

I write romantic stories and can’t wait to share them with the world. And I drink coffee. Lots of it, in case the photo didn’t make it obvious enough 
Author Links:http://laylahagen.com/https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7520984.Layla_Hagenhttps://www.facebook.com/LaylaHagenBookshttps://twitter.com/laylahagen
Excerpt:"Red suits you," a voice calls behind me. I'm suddenly very grateful for being squeezed in, because my knees seem to have turned to rubber.  But my relief only lasts for a few seconds, because the music starts and everyone around me disperses, moving to the dance floor. I don't fall. I can't move, either. When he finally comes into view, my breath is cut short. There is something about seeing his beautiful blue eyes behind a mask that makes every inch of my skin burn. So it wasn't the tequila last night. "Dance?" He extends his hand. "I can't dance." Out of the corner of my eye I see Sophie watching us, crestfallen. "That makes two of us," he says, though unlike me, he doesn't sound panicked in the slightest. I really can't dance. Especially not waltz. But he doesn't lower his hand, and instead of protesting further, I raise my hand and place it in his. As if in slow motion I see him putting his other arm around my waist, and pulling me so close to him that I feel his every breath against my skin. This doesn't help the burning sensation. At all. "You came," he says and his lips curve into last night’s same conceited smile."I make a habit of honoring my invitations," I say, surprised by how aggressive I sound. I bite my lip and look away, fixing my gaze on the highest point of the glass arch. "Did you and your friend arrive home safely last night?"Small talk. Fantastic. "If safely includes Jess throwing up twice on the way home, then yes.""Quite a party girl, your friend," he says appreciatively. "What makes you think I'm not one?" I regret the question instantly. Thinking that a former math whiz kid isn't the most hardcore party girl at Stanford is not an absurd conclusion to draw. But his answer takes me by complete surprise. "Having a steady boyfriend usually means you spend your free evenings and weekends … otherwise.""You asked Dani to spy on me?" "Of course not," he says with fake affronting. "I just know how to get the info I need from her.""What happened to old-fashioned questioning?" "It's old-fashioned," he answers with a smirk. "I like to consider myself modern.""Make that lazy and sneaky." I finally unhitch my gaze from the ceiling and look him in the eyes again. They are so much darker than a few minutes ago.  He tightens his grip on my waist. "Fine. Tell me three things about you."I try to put on my most serious look. "I grew up in London and San Francisco, used to play volleyball in a minor league, and want to work in investment banking." Did he really think I'll make it easy for him?"Let me rephrase," he smirks. "Tell me three things about you I won't find in your CV. Three dreams."The next sentence rolls out of my mouth despite my firm resolution to torment him by not really telling him anything about me. Especially not the weird things."I want to taste every single recipe in Willy Wonka's chocolate factory, get myself kidnapped by elves and locked up in Rivendell, and attend the midnight release of the next book about the wizarding world that I know Rowling will write. If that last thing fails, I want to learn how to fly on a broom, at the very least."He bursts into a cascade of laughter. But it's not in the slightest mocking or mean. It's warm and heartfelt. And loud. "Your turn," I say, in an attempt to stop him, because we are attracting less-than-friendly stares from the couples around us. "Stop laughing like a maniac and tell me three things about yourself. Three fears." He laughs for a few more seconds before assuming a solemn face. "I hate snakes and always keep a light on when I sleep. And I suffer from chronic commitment phobia."His words hit me like a whiplash. Amazing how lighthearted and playful he throws them at me. "So I've heard," I say, trying—and failing—to keep my voice steady. "I wanted to make sure you know it from me," he says in a soft voice. Yet for all the softness, it still feels like whiplash. "That's very considerate of you." Why do his words have this impact on me? Why do they have any impact at all? I guessed a while ago how things are. I wish we weren't dancing so I could run away. Put as much distance as possible between him and me. My wish is not far from being granted. Though I haven't listened to many waltzes in my life, I'm sure the orchestra is playing the ending tones right now. I try to distance myself from his intoxicating presence, but his grip on me is firmer than ever. "I saw how you were looking at me in that bar," he whispers with urgency. Crap, so Jess wasn't exaggerating. I do my best to put on the poker face she mimicked on our way home, then I remember I have a mask on anyway."Why did you invite me here?""Why did you come?" he asks, and there is a slight uneasiness in his voice. "Because you invited me," I answer as sardonically as possible. "I was curious," he says quietly.
Blitz-wide giveaway-$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal cash (INT)  a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

Interview with Kelly Walker

Q: Why did you choose to write a YA Fantasy book instead of other young adult sub-genres such as contemporary, paranormal, dystopian, etc.?I don’t think I really had a choice. I had to tell this story. Sure, I filled in some details, but mostly Riya wrote her own story and I just had to try and keep up. Once it took shape, I had to find a good genre to put it in. The only genre I intentionally stuck to was YA. I like to read YA books, and also because of the age range, I was pretty sure most would want to classify it as YA, so I tried to keep it appropriate.Q: What distracts you the most while you’re writing?Everything! The kids, the dogs, facebook, email, you name it. I've had to learn to go into my home office, shut the door and block the internet when I really want to get a good chunk of writing done. Otherwise I get sidetracked. Q: What is your all time favorite fantasy book?That’s like asking me to pick a favorite type of chocolate! Hmm, let’s see. Well, I consider fantasy a pretty broad category. I mean, you are asking me to chose between all the Harry Potter books and Twilight books and Outlander and A Song of Ice and Fire. And let's not forget Throne of Glass and Crown of Midnight. There is so much awesome fantasy out there, I can't simply pick a favorite.Q: What comes first, character or plot?Definitely character! For me, characters and maybe a small tidbit about their situation wheedle their way into my head, and then I have to work to figure out exactly who they are, and what their story is. That's not to say I've never intentionally created a character to fill a plot need, but for the most part, especially for my main characters, they are what drive the story.Q: What advice(s) would you give to writers whose dream is to publish a book?Do it! Do it right, and do it professionally, but do it. In today’s volcanic publishing landscape, fulfilling those dreams is entirely possible and plausible. Do your research because there are a lot of less than scrupulous people who prey on the uneducated, but if you want to publish a book and you are willing to put in the time and energy and effort, the sky is the limit.
Book & Author Details:Cornerstone by Kelly Walker
(Souls of the Stones #1)
Publication date: November 30th 2013
Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult
Synopsis:Epic Fantasy combines with Young Adult romance in this stunning new adventure set in a richly developed medieval world. Second Stone and Broken Stone are now available! Also be sure to look for Jaded Stone, the thrilling prequel to the Souls of the Stones series.

When Emariya Warren learns enemy forces have captured her father, she’ll do anything to save him. Anything. Even marry a mysterious prince she knows nothing about in order to rally the strength to arrange a rescue. During her journey to Torian’s foreign castle, Emariya comes face to face with her mother’s killers–and a deadly secret.

Not only does Emariya possess a powerful but unexpected magical gift passed down through each of her families, the prince she’s promised to marry possesses a third, and an ominous prophecy has warned the three gifts must never be combined.

If she breaks her promise to marry Torian, she won’t be able to save her father and if she keeps it, she may bring a curse upon everything she holds dear. Determining which choice is best won’t be easy, but when she meets the gorgeous prince who may desire more than just her heart, she realizes she will have to fight just to have a choice at all.

Her heart wants him desperately. Her head begs her to run. If she doesn’t want to share her mother’s fate, she’ll have to find a way to untangle the truth from the lies in time to save herself.

Discover the heartbreaking betrayals, fascinating magic and fated love of Cornerstone.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18306031-cornerstone
Purchase:Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Cornerstone-Souls-Of-The-Stones-ebook/dp/B009K6K4VB&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cornerstone-kelly-walker/1113613838?ean=2940016131207
AUTHOR BIO:Kelly Walker is a YA and NA author of several romantic titles, including the Souls of the Stones series. She has an unhealthy appreciation for chocolate, and a soft spot for rescued animals. Her best lessons on writing came from a lifetime of reading. She loves the fantastical, and the magical, and believes a captivating romance can be the most realistic magic of all. Kelly, her husband and her two children share their Virginia home with three dogs who walk her, and two cats who permit her to occasionally share their couch.
Author links:Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter
 

Book Tour Blast: CONFLICTING HEARTS by J.D. Burrows

Rachel Hayward hoped to have a quiet thirtieth birthday alone. Instead, fate had different plans. Caught in traffic and late for work, Rachel takes her eyes off the road to gawk at an accident and rear-ends the car in front of her. Sick over having ruined her day, she lowers her head and waits for the driver to begin a tirade over her stupidity. Instead, a kind man taps on her window showing genuine concern. 

 The brief colliding encounter suddenly starts a relationship between two strangers that takes off under odd circumstances. When intimacy begins, their relationship turns into a conflicting set of needs. Ian is tenderhearted and respectful, but Rachel desires aggressiveness from a man. The clash of desires threatens to tear them apart. As a result, she is faced with the decision to leave the man she loves or finally confront the painful secret of her childhood.  

Author Notes: Conflicting Hearts touches on a taboo subject, but one that is very real to many adult women in today's society. Statistically speaking, the shocking reality is that one out of every four girls will be sexually abused before their 18th birthday. Though this is a fictional work, that actually documents a factual event in another person's life, it has the power to open the eyes of readers to better understand those who have suffered abuse as a child. Written with a sprinkle of humor, believable characters, brutal reality, and sizzling romance, it is a book that some claim should be read by every woman. In the end, healing and healthy relationships are possible for those victims who seek help.
Amazon | B & N | Apple | Kobo | Sony Author Bio J. D. Burrows also writes under the name of Vicki Hopkins, who is an award winning and best selling author of historical romance. She started her writing career somewhat late in life, but can attest to the fact that it is never too late to follow your dreams. Her debut novel was released in 2009, and five books later, she doesn't think she will stop any time soon. With Russian blood on her father's side and English on her mother's, she blames her ancestors for the lethal combination in her genes that influence her stories. She lives in the beautiful, but rainy, Pacific Northwest with a pesky cat who refuses to let her sleep in. Her hobbies include researching her English ancestry and plotting her next book.
 Follow JD on FaceBook and Literary Addicts    Prize for the reader contest. 
 $45 Three-Month Gift Membership to Audible.com 

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

#Review: LOST IN A ROYAL KISS by Vanessa Kelly

4 of 5 stars
This introductory novella to Ms. Kelly's RENEGADE ROYALS series is a very enjoyable read. The tension between Sir Anthony and Linnet is well done, but I would have liked to learn more of why Linnet was avoiding him. They obviously have feelings for each other, but neither of them think the other is interested in a relationship so they both dance around the issue. Back and forth, they say things that lead to more misunderstandings and hurt feelings, but will they finally be able to confess their love for each and find their happy ending? I was pleased that Linnet was portrayed as a strong and capable young woman and not a simpering maiden. That was a refreshing change from many other regency stories. With the introduction of young Dominic and Chloe into the story and their most grievous problem, the story was packed with interesting characters. With the Epilogue, it was good to know that we'll be learning more of what happens to Dominic and Chloe. 

I received this title from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

My Top 10 Authors by Elizabeth Grace

It’s so hard to choose just ten authors to put on this list! There are so many I adore and they all bring something different to the table. I decided I’d narrow down the field by choosing those authors who books I’d one-click without even reading the book blurb. They wrote it? I’m buying it! ;)
In no particular order, here they are:
Karen Marie Moning – Karen’s Fever series is probably my all time favorite series. I’ve reread it countless times and each time I get something different out of it. She has a million hidden writing gems and quotable quotes in there. And Jericho Barrons? Ultimate alpha male!
Karina Halle – Karina’s writing is gritty and emotional. No one has an easy road to love in her books. Some of her books venture into the horror spectrum and more than once I’ve found myself looking over my shoulder while I’m reading because I’m creeped out.
Anne Stuart – Anne writes one of the best anti-heros around. Whether it’s a lord in a historical or a spy in a romantic suspense,  you always end up rooting for these guys! Her writing is dark and some of her older work has a gothic feel but they are always well done.
R.K. Lilley – R.K. writes erotica but her books leave me wreaked. They’re full of emotional angst and so many twists and turns if I had the time and life would allow it, I’d read them in one sitting.
Maya Banks – I’ve enjoyed every one of her books I’ve read whether it was an erotica book pushing new boundaries, one of her romantic suspense booksMadeline Sheehan – I love Madeline’s books because she doesn’t stick to conventions. Her stories are about as far away from a typical love story as you can get which makes them all the more interesting. Her characters are deeply flawed and at times do a lot of unlikeable things but you still love them!
Jill Shalvis – I’m a big fan of her Lucky Harbor series. It’s a great combination of interesting characters, funny situations and hot love scenes.
Stephen King – this probably needs no explanation. I’ve been reading King since I was a young girl and long been fascinated with his ability to play on our everyday fears.
Dan Brown – Like a lot of people I was introduced to his work through the DaVinci Code, but I went on to read all his other work and in my opinion it was just as good. He has intricately woven plots and suspense that keeps you turning the pages.
Sarah Jio – Sarah is the master at weaving a plot together that spans decades and happens both in the past and present. Her books are highly emotional and I’ve found myself crying more than a few times while reading them.
Book & Author details:Rumor Has It by Elisabeth Grace
(Limelight #1) Publication date: December 6, 2013
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance
Synopsis:All publicity is good publicity, right? Unless you’re recent college grad Ellie Wagner and an embarrassing video of you and your boyfriend goes viral. Every man in your life abandons you, but who knew a one-minute clip of your latest doomed relationship would brand you a slut, prevent you from getting your perfect job, and force you to keep doing the one thing you swore you’d never do again…live with your mother.

But staying with mom and her latest boy-toy (is this husband number four or five?) until your life turns around might not be all bad. Especially when you fall – literally – at the feet of a sexy, green-eyed stranger who offers you freedom and a life of luxury on a gold-rimmed platter.

There’s only one little problem – the man of your dreams is none other than Mason Nash, the latest hip-hop star busting up the music charts. Fame and fortune are his calling cards and he’s vying to steal the show on a new reality TV series that will catapult him into mainstream stardom. Hello spotlight.

The man behind the famous persona is perfect for Ellie in every way, but can she overcome the ugly pitfalls that come with Mason’s celebrity status? Or will she be forced to choose between the man she loves and the independent life she longs for? After all, fame and fortune aren’t always what they seem and not all publicity is good publicity…Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18517591-rumor-has-it?ac=1
Purchase:http://www.amazon.com/Rumor-Has-Limelight-Elisabeth-Grace-ebook/dp/B00H28ZM8I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1390846494&sr=8-1&keywords=Rumor+Has+It+Elisabeth+Gracehttp://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rumor-has-it-elisabeth-grace/1117475861?ean=2940045440431
AUTHOR BIO: I have a soft spot for romance novels with happily ever afters and a HOT spot for alpha males! I currently live outside Toronto, Canada with my hubby, two small children and cat spawned by the devil. Life is busy, but never to busy for a good story and to share my love of reading and writing with others. Things I can tell you that sum me up...I'm a sugar and carb addict, self-professed Gandy Girl, a disaster in the kitchen, a LOVER of all music, I enjoy reality TV and I'm an early riser! When I have a moment to breath you can usually find me typing furiously on the keyboard to get my next story on paper, or curled up reading about someone else's HEA. The second book in my Limelight series, Picture Perfect, is set to release at the end of March 2014.
Author Links:Website: http://www.Elisabeth-Grace.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/1elisabethgraceFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Elisabeth-Grace-Author/637982532897100Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7276641.Elisabeth_Grace


Giveaway: Tour wide giveaway Prize: 2 signed paperbacks  5 signed Rumor Has It bookmarks - open INTL 

a Rafflecopter giveaway