Isabel Roman's Blog, page 27

#Guest: Rachel Brimble

Rachel lives with her husband and two young daughters in a small town near Bath in the UK.  After having several novels published by small US presses, she secured agent representation in 2011. In 2012, she sold two books to Harlequin Superromance. She also writes Victorian romance for Kensington--her debut was released in April 2013. 
Rachel is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and Romance Writers of America. When she isn’t writing, you’ll find Rachel with her head in a book or walking the beautiful English countryside with her family and beloved black Lab, Max. Her dream place to live is Bourton-on-the-Water in South West England…although she hopes a dream visit to Canada might just change her mind!


She likes nothing more than connecting and chatting with her readers and fellow romance writers. Rachel would love to hear from you!Links:WebsiteBlogTwitterFacebook

1. At any given time do you work on only one story at a time and maybe plot out the next one or are there many ideas racing around your head?
For the first time ever, I am in the position of fulfilling an existing two-book contract for one publisher as well as having another publisher considering a two-book proposal. I feel blessed and it’s a dream come true. Right now, I am polishing the sequel to The Seduction of Emily for eKensington as well as waiting for the dreaded ‘yes or no’ from Harlequin Superromance for my third and fourth book set in the fictional UK seaside town of Templeton Cove. Exciting times!2. Is there a genre you haven't written in but would like to? Or wish you could write in?
One day I’d like to try crime – whether that be cozy mystery or maybe a police procedural. I love writing romantic suspense and often find the suspense/villain aspect the most fun to write so it feels like a good progression… ;) 3. Do you add an element of romantic suspense in your stories? My debut with Harlequin Superromance, “Finding Justice” is romantic suspense as is the one coming out in August. All my books tend to have a threat of some sort whether than be a clear villain, or something dangerous the hero and heroine have to overcome in order to reach their goals. I love writing those edgy external obstacles that hopefully cause the reader to turn the pages a little faster!
4. Say you have unlimited funds: What kind of writing office/cottage would you create for yourself?I’d love a private extension to a huge house overlooking an enormous lake, completely surrounded by mountains. I have a recurring dream where I am working at my laptop on a bistro table and chairs, situated on a pier stretching out to the water. I’ve no idea where it is but I feel completely at peace there. I only hope it’s a premonition rather than a yearning, lol!
5. If you could turn your novel into a TV show, which novel or series would you do? Where would it be set? Network TV (ABC, NBC, CBS), Cable (AMC, BBC, Lifetime) or Premium Cable (HBO, Showtime, Starz)?I’m British but happen to watch a LOT of US drama, so I think I’m right in saying that as The Seduction of Emily is a Victorian romance, it would most likely be shown on HBO. Is that right? In the UK, it would be ITV.
6. Finally, tell us about your latest release! The Seduction of Emily is the first of a two-book contract I signed with eKensington last year. It tells the story of Emily Darson and Will Samson. A hero and heroine, both fighting to escape the reprecussions of their parent’s actions. It’s primarily a romance but also a fight for freedom and a different way of life. I set the majority of the book in the famous city of Bath, England that happens to be just a short thirty-minute drive from where I live. Happiness
Seduction is a wicked game, and no one plays it better than the devilish Will Samson in Rachel Brimble's captivating new novel. . .
Since girlhood, Emily Darson has accepted that she will marry Nicholas, the son of her father's trusted business partner. The marriage contract safeguards her family legacy, Emily's fortune, and everything she values--except her independence. Only when a sinfully handsome scoundrel enters her life does Emily realize quite how much a loveless match will cost her.
Will Samson has advanced from expert pickpocket to confidence trickster of the highest caliber. Now he has come to Bath to exact vengeance on the man who destroyed his mother--the man Emily will soon marry. But from his first glimpse of the enemy's bewitching, spirited fiancée, Will's plan changes.
Amid the ballrooms and salons of elegant society, heated glances explode into scandalous kisses. Revenge is sweet, but surrender will be irresistible. . .
Buy Links: Amazon USBarnes & NobleAmazon UK

#Review Storm Dancer by Rayne Hall

About Rayne:
[image error] Rayne Hall has published more than forty books under different pen names with different publishers in different genres, mostly fantasy, horror and non-fiction. Recent books include Storm Dancer (dark epic fantasy novel), Six Scary Tales Vol 1, 2 and 3 (mild horror stories), Six Historical Tales (short stories), Six Quirky Tales (humorous fantasy stories), Writing Fight Scenes, The World-Loss Diet and Writing Scary Scenes (instructions for authors).
She holds a college degree in publishing management and a masters degree in creative writing. Currently, she edits the Ten Tales series of multi-author short story anthologies: Bites: Ten Tales of Vampires, Haunted: Ten Tales of Ghosts, Scared: Ten Tales of Horror, Cutlass: Ten Tales of Pirates, Beltane: Ten Tales of Witchcraft, Spells: Ten Tales of Magic, Undead: Ten Tales of Zombies and more.  
Rayne has lived in Germany, China, Mongolia and Nepal and  has now settled in a small dilapidated town of former Victorian grandeur on the south coast of England.  https://sites.google.com/site/raynehallsdarkfantasyfiction/

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Rayne will be awarding an ebook copy of The Colour of Dishonor, Stories from the Storm Dancer World to a commenter on every stop (chosen by the host). One grand prize winner will received the following ten ebooks: Haunted: Ten Tales of Ghosts, Bites: Ten Tales of Vampires, Beltane: Ten Tales of Magic, Undead: Ten Tales of Zombies, Bites: Ten Tales of Zombies, Six Scary Tales Vol 1, Six Scary Tales Vol 2, Six Scary Tales Vol 3, Six Quirky Tales, Six Historical Tales. 

Blurb:  
Demon-possessed siege commander, Dahoud, atones for his atrocities by hiding his identity and protecting women from war's violence - but can he shield the woman he loves from the evil inside him?
Principled weather magician, Merida, brings rain to a parched desert land. When her magical dance rouses more than storms, she needs to overcome her scruples to escape from danger.
Thrust together, Dahoud and Merida must fight for freedom and survival. But how can they trust each other, when hatred and betrayal burn in their hearts?
'Storm Dancer' is a dark epic fantasy. British spellings. Caution: this book contains some violence and disturbing situations. Not recommended for under-16s.
Review:
A wonderfully written fantasy story with vivid details and a truly interesting plot that had many levels and meanings. The world Ms. Hall created is fascinating and clearly rendered, and I loved reading about it.

Unfortunately, I couldn't connect with the characters. Immature and insensitive didn't begin to describe them and I had little to no sympathy for either. I will give them this: Dahoud constantly fights his inner demonic djinn and really himself in the process, and Merida at least grows from the woman she was raised as into someone she truly owns.

I also think there needs to be a stronger warning about the level of violence: The caution about some violence and disturbing situations is not strong enough and I would not recommend this for even 16 year olds. This was very much an adult story with disturbing rape scenes and heavily graphic torture scenes.

Overall, I give it 3.5 stars
  
Excerpt:
Even in the shade of the graffiti-carved olive tree, the air sang with heat. Dahoud listened to the hum of voices in the tavern garden, the murmured gossip about royals and rebels. If patrons noticed him, they would only see a young clerk sitting among the lord-satrap's followers, a harmless bureaucrat. Dahoud planned to stay harmless. [image error]  The tavern bustled with women - whiteseers hanging about in the hope of earning a copper, traders celebrating deals, bellydancers clinking finger cymbals - women who neither backed away from him nor screamed.
The youngest of the entertainers wound her way between the benches towards their table, the tassels on her slender hips bouncing, the rows of copper rings on her sash tinkling with every snaky twist. Since she seemed nervous, as if it was her first show, he sent her an encouraging smile. Ignoring him, she shimmied to Lord Govan.
The djinn slithered inside Dahoud, stirring a stream of fury, whipping his blood into a hot storm. Would she dare to disregard the Black Besieger? What lesson would he teach to punish her insolence?
 Dahoud stared past her sweat-glistening torso, the urge to subdue her washing over him in a boiling wave. For three years, he had battled against the djinn's temptations. To indulge in fantasies would batter his defences and breach his resistance. He focused on the flavours on his tongue, the tart citron juice and the sage-spiced mutton, on the tender texture of the meat. 
Where to Buy: AmazonAmazon UK Kobo Smashwords iTunes Barnes and Noble

LA police building

I did a lot of research into the LAPD for my contemporary romantic suspense, Improper Conduct. All the information I use for the building itself, I got from Curbed Los Angeles.

The reason I continued to refer to this site is because of this paragraph:

We took a media tour of the building yesterday with Councilwoman Jan Perry and City Engineer Gary Moore, who showed us not only the public spaces, but also the future Compstat room, the roof helipad, Chief Bratton's future office (and he leaves that office on October 31st), and the fabled "cigar patio" that is not, despite rumors, Bratton's personal stogy stage, but is open to staff on the 10th floor. Each floor features an open floor plan, so cubicle dwellers will have access to natural light, while the offices and conference rooms line the inner perimeter of each floor.

But the pictures are worth it. If you get the chance, flip through them.

Having never been there, and getting all my information from the internet, I try to be general with my descriptions. But the fact that this building is shiny and new helps with the story.

#BookBlast: J.A. Huss and Range - I Am Not Junco

About the Author:
[image error] J.A. Huss writes new adult speculative fiction, contemporary romances, and an entire line of science non-fiction textbooks that cater to home learners. She also runs the New Adult Addiction and Clean Teen Reads book Blogs. She has an undergraduate degree in equine science and a graduate degree in forensic toxicology. She adores everything science and considers herself a major geek! Her first series is called I Am Just Junco.


  WebsiteAuthor BlogBook BlogFacebookTwitterGoodreads J.A. will be awarding a $25 gift card to Amazon or PayPal cash, winner's choice, plus a custom angel necklace, plus swag (Book marks, stickers, postcards) to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. (USA ONLY)


[image error] Blurb:


Two years have passed since Inanna stole Junco away from Lucan. Two years of unimaginable pain.  Two years of isolation, mutilation and torture. Two years of fear and loneliness in a morph tank. And that’s not something you just get over, even if you are psycho-assassin, Junco Coot.
Now Junco has to learn to live with the consequences.  Her Siblings are suspicious and angry, half her team is dead, Tier is wreaking death and destruction, Lucan is holding his secrets close, and she is spiraling out of control.
There is only one partnership that matters anymore – only one person she will trust and take direction from – and only one way out of the Hell she’s been sentenced to.
Junco is tired fighting and death. She’s had enough and this time she means to end it – once and for all.

Excerpt:
Letting HOUSE choose our clothes from the sphere was a mistake waiting to happen, but I turned on the screen and saw myself leaving the suborbital station in Dallas wearing Selia’s bustier and my jeans.
So.
A disguise was in order.
I just never thought she’d choose a sundress. With girly flowers in shades of pink and tangerine. Not orange, HOUSE corrected me. Tangerine.
And we match because she made herself an outfit just like it.  If it wasn’t so freaking funny to look at the two of us standing in the mirror, I’d cry.
She got me a purse too, a big one like that Cora chick was hauling around with her on Sargassum. And this is lime green.
“Ya know,” I turn to look down at her standing next to me. Her smile is big and I almost forgive her. “This whole let’s-stick-out-to-blend-in disguise never works. I mean, you do understand that, right? I’m the freaking master of this stealth crap and I’m telling you, the lime green bag will not hide us in plain sight.”
She shrugs and messes with her hair, pushing it off to the side, then tilts her head to look at herself.
“Who the hell are you?”
This pulls her back to me. “HOUSE. I’m HOUSE.”
“Well, you’re not acting like HOUSE. You’re acting like a child.”
She stuffs a small straw hat on her head. “I am a child.” Her eyes never even bother to look away from the mirror.
“You,” I pause for emphasis, “are an AI. Living inside me. You’re not a child.”
She shrugs and I grab my lime green bag of weapons and we head out the door.


Just gone.
On the outside anyway.
Buy links: CLUTCH – Book One: AmazonGoodreadsBook Trailer   FLEDGE – Book Two:  AmazonGoodreadsBook Trailer
FLIGHT  – Book Three: AmazonGoodreadsBook Trailer

#bookblast Eliza Daly's Identity Crisis

About Eliza:  Eliza Daly’s first attempt at creative writing was in fourth grade. She and her friends were huge Charlie’s Angels fans and she would sit in her bedroom at night writing scripts for them to act out at recess the following day. She was Kelly Garrett. Fast forward to the present, she’s still writing stories about beautiful women who always get their men. The journey from fourth grade script writer to published author wasn’t an easy one, but it was always an adventure and the final destination was well worth it.
When Eliza isn’t traveling for her job as an event planner, or tracing her ancestry roots through Ireland, she’s at home in Milwaukee working on her next novel, bouncing ideas off her husband Mark, and her cats Quigley, Frankie, and Sammy.
You can find Eliza on the web at:
WebsiteFacebookTwitterGoodreads

Blurb:

When Olivia Doyle’s father dies under suspicious circumstances, rather than inheriting a family fortune, she inherits a new identity. She learns they were placed in the Federal Witness Protection Program when she was five years old. Her father was involved in an art forgery ring and testified against the mob. Brought up not to trust anyone, Olivia has a difficult time relying on U.S. Marshal Ethan Ryder to protect her, and to keep her secret. She fears her father may have continued his life of crime through her art gallery. She has little choice but to depend on Ethan when she realizes someone is now after her. Olivia’s search for the truth leads her and Ethan across country to a family and past she doesn’t remember.
At the age of ten, Ethan witnessed a brutal murder. He vowed when he grew up, he’d protect people in danger. Protecting Olivia is difficult when she won’t trust him. He soon realizes his desire to protect her goes beyond doing his job, but if his judgment becomes clouded by emotions, her safety could be jeopardized.
Can Ethan and Olivia learn to trust each other when they uncover secrets that will change their lives forever?
Excerpt:
Olivia stood paralyzed, her mind racing, trying to comprehend the letter. Was this some kind of sick joke? For the past twenty-four years her dad had lived in fear that somebody would hurt them? What had forced him to leave behind everyone he’d loved? Everyone she’d probably loved, but obviously couldn’t remember. And if her mom wasn’t buried in San Francisco, whose grave had Olivia been visiting here all these years? She tried to hold the letter steady in her trembling hands. Of course it was vague. Her dad had been a man of few words. However, these few words expressed a lot of emotion, something he’d never been good at doing.
“Is everything all right?” Father Clifford’s voice penetrated her thoughts.
Concern creased the older man’s brow and from the curiosity filling his gray eyes, he had no clue what the envelope contained. Her dad hadn’t even trusted a priest with his secret. Her dad had been the only person she’d ever really trusted, and it turned out she hadn’t truly known him.
She merely nodded, unable to find her voice. She inhaled a deep breath. The scent of beeswax candles and incense did little to calm the panic racing through her veins. She unfolded a clipping from a Chicago newspaper, dated twenty-four years ago. The headline read Art Dealer in Bed with Mob Blows Whistle on Forgery Ring and Vinnie Carlucci. The article included a photo of police officers escorting her dad. She started reading the article. Prominent Chicago art dealer Andrew Donovan confesses to having sold more than a hundred forgeries...
Her stomach dropped. She slapped a hand over her mouth, certain she was about to vomit right there on the pew.
Her dad had been a criminal.
The nature of his crime made it all the more surreal.
She stared in disbelief at the papers in her hand. His name had been Andrew Donovan, not Alex Doyle. Her last name was Donovan. Was her first name actually Olivia? Instead of inheriting a family fortune, she’d inherited a new identity.
Or rather, an old one.
Identity Crisis is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes, All Romance, eBooks.com, and Kobo

#BookBlast Kate Pearce's Soul Sucker

About Kate: Award winning author, Kate Pearce was born into a large family of girls in England, and spent much of her childhood living very happily in a dream world. Despite being told that she really needed to 'get with the program', she graduated from the University College of Wales with an honors degree in history.
A move to the USA finally allowed her to fulfill her dreams and sit down and write her first romance novel. Kate is published by Signet Eclipse, Kensington Aphrodisia, Ellora's Cave, Carina Press, Cleis Press and Virgin Black Lace/Cheek.you can find her at:
WebsiteTwitterFacebook 

Kate will be awarding a $25 Amazon or BN GC, winner's choice, to two randomly drawn commenters during the tour.

BLURB:
The last time shapeshifting SBLE superstar Vadim Morosov worked with an empath, he got her killed and himself assigned to a desk. He worries about taking on another partner, but helping Ella track down an empath killer might be his only chance to save his career.
Naturally, the government decides to throw them together.
They resist at first, but they can't deny the simmering heat between them. As the killer's strikes grow closer to home, their bond gets tighter. And when the murderer finally traps Ella, her developing link with Vadim might be the only thing that can save her.

EXCERPT :

Ella stopped walking and faced him. “Look, are you programmed to disagree with everything I say, or are you just totally obnoxious?”
“Probably a little of both.”
“Then get over it. I’m already tired of having to argue with you all day.”
“You could try agreeing with me for a change.”
She started walking again. “Right. Like that’s going to happen. We’re obviously not meant to be best buddies, okay? So let’s do what Feehan said and try to get along at least on a professional level.”
“You prefer to keep things professional?”
“Of course.”
“You don’t date your colleagues?”
“Why, are you trying to summon up the courage to ask me out?”
He laughed, displaying a dimple near his chin. His blue eyes crinkled at the corners and he looked so damn sexy Ella almost wanted to smile back.
“For the record, Morosov, I don’t date.”
“Why not?”
“Because...” She glared at him. “I don’t owe you an explanation, do I?”
“Not yet.”
“Wow, you really are over-confident.”
“Not at all. As your colleague, I’m just concerned about your well-being.”
“I have men, I don’t date them.”
He nodded. “So you’re afraid of commitment.”
“My life will probably end at twenty-seven.” She looked up at him. “Would you subject someone you loved to that?”
Ella regretted the words the moment she said them. She didn’t want him feeling sorry for her.
He let out his breath. “Probably not.” He reached out and took her hand. “I apologize.”
She flinched as his magic shot through her. “I knew you weren’t quite human.”
He shrugged and released her hand. “I’m many things.”
Text Copyright © 2012 by Kate PearcePermission to reproduce text granted by Harlequin Books S.A. Cover art used by arrangement with Harlequin Enterprises Limited. All rights reserved. ® and TM are trademarks owned by Harlequin Enterprises Limited or its affiliated companies, used under license.

Buy Links:
Barnes &Noble
Amazon

Paisley Kirkpatrick and The Marriage Bargain

Today I'd like to welcome back Paisley Kirkpatrick with her newest release, Marriage Bargain. I asked Lady Paisley to share some things with us about writing, life, and her fantasy of the perfect writing cottage. 
1.At any given time do you work on only one story at a time and maybe plot out the next one or are there many ideas racing around your head?
I am usually working on a couple of stories at the same time. Since I have a new story being released every seven months, I am revising one while writing another. At times, I have three stories if I have revisions on the current story to be released. I do find that every once in a while I put the wrong name for my hero or heroine. My characters are so real to me that when they aren't where they are supposed to be, it is a surprise. I love when a new story begins taking shape. Some of my ideas go back twenty years and when they finally find the right plot to be put into, the story just takes off. 
2. Is there a genre you haven't written in but would like to? Or wish you could write in?
My male critique partner writes romance with werewolves and vampires. I had never read about them before and have found the genre to be quite fun. He's been encouraging me to write a western with a vampire in it, but I don't know if I am expert enough to tackle a vampire yet. I don't want to get bitten by one. Ghosts are a different story -- I have had plenty of run-ins with the ghosts who've been hanging around since the gold rush era.
3. Do you add an element of romantic suspense in your stories?
Yes, I do in all of my stories. I hadn't realized I was doing this until you asked. It's part of my major plot line. I guess it goes back to my mystery reading days and just came naturally. I like adding twists and turns and present a challenge to my characters.
4. Say you have unlimited funds: What kind of writing office/cottage would you create for yourself?
The tower room of a castle in the Scottish Highlands would be a nice idea. The winding staircase up to the office would have walls filled with books, alphabetized and filled with books on Scottish history, romance, and mysteries. A mural of all of Gerard Butler's movies would circle my office, and the desk would stand in the middle of the room with a plaid carpet. A life-size marble statue of Gerard similar to Michelangelo's David to draw inspiration from on cold lonely nights of writing would stand guard at the door.  Well, you asked! J
5. If you could turn your novel into a TV show, which novel or series would you do? Where would it be set?
This story would be difficult to put some place except for the trail across the country on a wagon train. Doubt it would make a good TV show at this time. My Paradise Pines Series is set in the Placerville, CA, area because of the gold rush era I put my characters into. I suppose it could be a bit like Deadwood with a little more class.
6. Finally, tell us about your latest release!
Marriage Bargain is set on the dusty trail of a wagon train traveling from St. Joseph, Missouri, to the California gold rush area at Placerville, California, in 1849. Betrayal and embarrassment drives Darrah Benjamin to run away from home to take a tutoring job in San Francisco. Darrah finds her journey a pathway to love and forgiveness when an arranged marriage to the wagon scout becomes much more than a convenience. Chase challenges her determination to keep their marriage in name only with his promise -- she’ll give him her heart and invite him to her bed before they arrive at their destination. Darrah has an immediate attraction to the rogue, but holds her emotions tight because she doesn't want her heart broken again.
Charles Danforth, a scout known as Chase, leads a wagon train of emigrants west through plains plundered by murderers. As an undercover agent of President Polk, he has sworn to stop the massacres.  Darrah's inadvertent comment gives him the clue he needs to achieve his assignment. His Sioux blood brother helps Chase end the killings, but almost ruins Chase’s chance of winning Darrah’s heart when he takes matters in his own hands to demonstrate the depth of love Chase has for his wife.
Where to Buy:AmazonBarnes and NobleDesert Breeze

#Guest: Louisa Bacio and her newest release, Mirabella’s Mardi Gras Menage

Today Louisa Bacio is my guest talking about her newest menage romance release, Mirabella’s Mardi Gras Ménage. Please join me in welcoming her!



1. At any given time do you work on only one story at a time and maybe plot out the next one or are there many ideas racing around your head?
It really depends upon the story. I’m working on a new erotic paranormal series. While I’ve finished the first book, I already have plans for the next three. The stories don’t always come to me in such an order, but I know who will be the main character in each, and pretty much how the stories go. Not bad for a pantser, eh?
2. Is there a genre you haven't written in but would like to? Or wish you could write in?
I’m almost done with a YA novel that’s a “book of my heart.” I also have a mainstream contemporary book I’d like to write. I have notes on it, but against, it’s a personal book – about the loss of a close friend, and the separation from another as we’ve become adults and drifted apart. Both of those veer from my normal genre of erotic romance. Since I’ve been writing on contract the past few years, I haven’t had a whole lot of time to delve into side projects.
3. Do you add an element of romantic suspense in your stories?

My first novel Sex University: Physical Education was an erotic romance thriller. There definitely was suspense in that novel. Primarily, I write in the paranormal realm.

4. Say you have unlimited funds: What kind of writing office/cottage would you create for yourself? 
One thing for sure, I would need PLENTY of bookshelves. Right now, I have one wall that’s only bookshelves and it’s full. I would love a workspace built outside of the house. It’s gotten better as my children have gotten older; however, when my youngest was a toddler, my husband would give me “writing time,” and I’d go into the master bedroom, and have her banging and crying on the door. It’s kinda hard to write romance under those conditions.
5. If you could turn your novel into a TV show, which novel or series would you do? Where would it be set? Network TV (ABC, NBC, CBS), Cable (AMC, BBC, Lifetime) or Premium Cable (HBO, Showtime, Starz)?
Definitely my erotic paranormal series, The Vampire, The Witch & The Werewolf. Right now, I’m up to four full-length novels and two novellas, and I know these characters. Because of the content, it would have to be a cable show.
That said, one story I’m currently finishing I shelved for two years. The first time around, my husband told me I had to turn it into a screenplay. He believes in it that much. So you never know.
6. Finally, tell us about your latest release!
Well, this story came to me as a surprise. When I finished book 4 The Wolfe Pack, I thought “that’s it.” Then a whispering started. Mirabella, who had been a side character throughout the series, insisted that she find her love. It actually turns out she has multiple loves … a threesome. I really like this story. It’s hot, but also sweet. It contains an element of finding oneself, and also being happy with who they are. And, I definitely hope others feel the same way.
Mirabella’s Mardi Gras MénageConstantly under the watchful eye of her Voodoo priestess aunt, Mirabella longs to break free during the events of Mardi Gras. Escapades draw her into the arms of Marguerite, a fiery redhead with a passion for life, and Nick, a familiar vampire who’s haunted by his transformation and past.
What starts as a new experience – a Mardi Gras Ménage – soon turns deadly, and none of their lives will ever be the same. 

Available via Ravenous Romance, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other eRetailers.
About Louisa: Louisa Bacio is the author of six erotic novels, including the paranormal series The Vampire, The Witch & The Werewolf, and numerous steamy short stories.
Bacio enjoys soaking up the sun in Southern California, and spending time with her family. In addition to writing and editing, Bacio teaches college courses in English, journalism, film studies and popular culture.
Drop in for a visit a:t: http://www.louisabacio.com  http://www.facebook.com/louisabaciohttp://www.twitter.com/louisabacioThanks so much for having me here today. 
Giveaway:A .pdf of a book from my backlist. Leave a comment with a valid email address, and you’ll be entered to win.Tour-wide: A $20 gift certificate to an online book retailer. Use the Rafflecopter to enter.$20 Rafflecopter Gift Card
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#BookBlast Russian Dolls by Cristelle Comby

AUTHOR INFORMATION:
Cristelle Comby was born and raised in the French-speaking area of Switzerland, somewhere between Geneva and Lausanne, where she still resides.
Thanks to her insatiable thirst for American and British action films and television dramas, her English is fluent.
She attributes to her origins her ever-peaceful nature and her undying love for chocolate. She has a passion for art, which also includes an interest in drawing and acting.
Russian Dolls is her first new-adult novel, and she’s hard at work on the next titles in the series.

Find out more at www.cristelle-comby.com

Cristelle will be awarding an autographed print copy of Russian Dolls to a randomly drawn commenter duringthe tour. 

BLURB:

Alexandra Neve is a student at University College London whose world suddenly falls apart. When her best friend jumps from the university’s rooftop, she can’t stop herself from asking, ‘Why?’ The police rule her friend’s death a suicide and for them the case is closed — so whom can she turn to for help?
Sometimes the person you need the most is the one you least expect to find, and in this case it’s none other than Ashford Egan, a blind middle-aged history professor, who’s more willing than most to listen to what she has to say.
Neve and Egan are as different as they come. She’s restless, careless at times, and fearless when the need arises, while he’s almost the complete opposite: a deep thinker with an analytical mind, a highly rational and collected individual.

As they enter the violent world of the Russian mafia, they must overcome their differences and learn to work together. It’s their only chance if they want to survive.


EXCERPT:

Life, death. Two concepts, two words.
You don’t think about them unless you’re forced to. You take the first for granted and try to forget the second.
You get on with your life, worry about meaningless things and you simply stop thinking about death, even though you see it every day on the telly, in the papers you read.

So long as it’s happening to others, you continue to go on with this comforting lie that says it’s never going to happen to you. The Reaper won’t come anywhere near you — until the day he does.

It could be a car crash, it could be a stroke. Or it could be your best friend jumping from the rooftop of the university you both attend. And suddenly you remember that death is very real and there’s no way of knowing who is going to be called next. You’re forced to face the frailty of life and accept your own mortality.

My best friend recently passed away and I almost died twice myself in the past couple of weeks. My name is Alexandra Neve. I’m a student who used to live in a reassuring bubble. It burst, and now I finally see the world for what it truly is.

Weekly goals: #romantic #suspense

Wow! It feels great to write again. And I love these characters. They're snarky and fun and very real and human to me. It feels great to finally be immersed in a story again...been too long! Half way finished (49% is close enough!) and I can't wait to jump back into the story.

This week my goal is to keep on writing. I hope to do another 20,000 words. My other goal is to survive those words.