Tina Gayle's Blog, page 34

Curve My Song Presented by @GoddessFish for @sarahgaicurvy

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Curve My Song is now free everywhere, so be sure and pick up your copy today!

Follow the amazing plus size trio, The Curvies, as they find love, drama, tears, laughs and a song to match every situation. Bree Carson loves her life, friends and little town, but something is missing. Taylor Cole returns home after ten years and old flames reignite. Can he break through Bree’s walls? This book is the first in a three novella set following the lives of three curvy best friends: Bree, Elise and Skyla. The first book follows Bree and her life as she fumbles her way through letting down walls and letting love in. This novella has a lot of laughs and a little drama and introduces the readers to the rest of the characters leading into the second book, which builds up suspense for the third and final installment. These novellas will appeal to plus size or curvy women everywhere, especially those who enjoy books in the BBW (big, beautiful women), chicklit and women’s fiction genres. It’s just one of those reads that busy women of today can enjoy while they relate to the curvy ladies who aren’t super models but representative of your average everyday beauty.

Enjoy an excerpt:

Forty-five minutes later, I rush through the front door of the shop. Tables and sofa seats are filled with customers, and people are lining up at the counter to place or pay for their orders.

I see Skyla running around, trying her best to keep pace, and looking flustered. Throwing my things under the counter top, I make my way to the cash register and begin working.

When Skyla sees that I have finally arrived, a look of anger and frustration floods her face. After staring me down for what felt like hours (okay, like ten seconds), the ‘I’m-so-mad-at-you’ face is suddenly transformed into a look of relief as she drops her shoulders and breathes a sigh.



About the Author:
Sarah Gai is the author of The Curvies series. Living in Victoria Australia. As a devoted wife and mother of three, when Sarah is not writing she will be found reading in a quiet corner somewhere or out for coffee with her own real life Curvies. Being a busy mum she was always trying to find a quick and fun read to squeeze in and that is when the idea for the three novella set sparked into her mind. Wanting to write for all the women out there who want a good short read about strong friendships, romance and body positive, love the skin you're in kind of fiction.

Website- http://www.sarahgai.com
Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/sarahgaiauthor
Twitter- http://www.twitter.com/sarahgaicurvy
Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/Sarahgai

Get the book at Amazon, Smashwords, iTunes, or Barnes and Noble.


 AUTHOR WILL BE GIVING AWAY: $25 Amazon/BN GC


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning.


The tour dates can be found here: http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2014/10/super-book-blast-curve-my-song-by-sarah.html




Sounds like a fun book to read,


Tina

Black Dragon by @AnitaPhilmar - A Box Set to Spice Up the Night

Spotlight for the box set "Black Dragon"

Get all three for one low price.

http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/wildcatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=149&products_id=970



Here's the blurb for each


Black Dragon’s Blood Amanda Spencer has spent years searching for clues to her first husband's murder. Now, she is close, too close to let William VanHorn get in the way. He wants to claim her as his wife, but she doesn’t have time to satisfy the man's needs. She wants answers not sex.Set on fire by Amanda, William won’t let the lady escape. If she wants answers, he'll get them. As head of the Dragon Center, he has connections and nothing will stop him from capturing her heart.



Black Dragon’s Moon Dragon Center agent, Dee Butterfield, finally has the job she's always longed for. On her first assignment, her job is to protect sculptor, Scott VanHorn. His rich dragon blood tempts her into an affair that could not only jeopardize her career but possibly her life.Determined to find out who killed his best friend, Scott poses as a struggling artist to help the Dragon Center investigate a corrupt art dealer. He has ulterior motives for requesting Dee as his protector, getting her in his bed not the least of them. However, Scott soon realizes his mistake.When the mission becomes more dangerous than either of them anticipate, Scott's black dragon blood stirs to protect Dee while hers calls for retribution.



Black Dragon’s Heart Devoted chemist, Sarah VanHorn, lives for her research but fantasizes about loving Jake Ramsey. Her two worlds collide when the dragon center agent arrives to rescue her from the company suspected of producing chemicals dangerous to those with dragon blood.Sarah's not the only one with fantasies. Jake wants Sarah as his mate and he's waited years to claim her. Now, under his protective custody—not to mention the influence of Syndetic's sexual stimulant scenting the air—he can't resist the fiery temptation to finally make her his.But when tragedy strikes and their dreams are threatened, will Sarah sacrifice her career, Jake, and possibly her life to discover the answers? And will Jake let her?


Read the beginning of each book at http://www.anitaphilmar.com/bookpg.html


Purchase at



Wild Rose Press 
B&N | Kobo |
All Romance








Thanks Anita for sharing,


Tina

Family Mystery to Solve with the help of Spirits and a Ghost

What if we had family spirits that guided our lives?

In Summer's Growth, Amber Harrison is given the opportunity to become the Winston family keeper. She runs the family trust and lives in the family home.

Problem is she has to prove herself by solving a two hundred year old mystery.

The family spirits try to help her find the answers to the disappearance of her great, great, great, great, grandmother. Yet, there are forces which don't want her to find the answer. Luckily, the ghost of her grandmother is helping and saves Amber's life on more than one occasion.

Can Amber solve the mystery or will those who don't want the mystery revealed kick her out of her new job permanently by killing her?


Excerpt -


Mattie raised her chin as if ready to receive the blow. The resistance in her eyes warned of the fireworks to come. “Amber isn’t a stranger. She’s part of the family.”
Heedless of the danger, Cynthia forged ahead. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Having forgotten Josh, Amber jumped at the sound of his voice. “Mom, don’t you remember? Amber told us she’s part of the Winston family tree.”
Locked in combat with Mattie, Cynthia didn’t shift her gaze away from her sister. “I believe there’s more to it. Would you care to tell us the rest of the story, Mattie?”
She shrugged. “I have decided to name Amber as heir to the estate.”
Stunned, questions shot through Amber’s head like bullets. What? Did Winston Manor really belong to Mattie? Then who was Jonathan? And why did he write...
Cynthia jumped to her feet and screamed at the top of her lungs. “What in the hell do you think you’re doing? The estate is locked up in a trust fund.”
She threw her napkin on the table and slammed her hand down over it. “You idiot, just because this girl claims to be part of the family is no reason to award her the estate. We’re talking about my family legacy too.”
The sheer fury resonating from Cynthia’s body frightened Amber. Were the two sisters about to rumble?
“You have no right to hand it over to her or anyone else.” Cynthia pointed her finger at Mattie and continued with her tirade. “If you don’t want to be in charge of the trust fund, let Josh handle it. We’re your closest living relatives.”
The color drained from Mattie’s face, but she remained composed. “I’m sorry, but my mind is made up.”
“You’ll regret this. I won’t stand by and let you steal away my inheritance.” Cynthia pivoted on her heels and without a backward glance stomped to the door. “Come on Josh, we’re leaving.”
In shock, Amber waited for the scene to unfold. Josh stood, walked to his aunt, kissed her cheek and followed his mother out of the room.
The front door clicking shut didn’t interrupt the hushed sound of hurt radiating from Mattie.
Impatient for answers, Amber couldn’t remain silent. “This doesn’t make any sense. The letter I received said I’m supposed to inherit the estate from someone named Jonathan. Not you.”
A sad expression marred Mattie’s face and she patted Amber’s hand. “I know. I’m the current owner-slash-keeper of the estate. When I die, you’ll inherit the estate. Until then, you’ll be the new keeper or lead trustee.”
“But I don’t understand. It’ll be years before you die.” Amber swiveled her head around and studied Mattie's pale complexion. “Unless you’re sick?”
“No, but I’ve had the responsibility of the estate for a long time. I need to learn to do something else.” She shoved away her plate. “This arrangement will offer you the chance to learn what it takes to be the keeper. And it will free me up to figure out what I want to do. A nice exchange if you ask me.”
“But why didn’t you tell me this before?” Amber suspected more to the omission.
“I didn’t think it mattered.” Mattie rose, lifted her plate and walked into the kitchen.
“But Cynthia is your sister.” Amber rushed to gather up her dishes. “Shouldn’t one of them inherit the estate?”

Read First Chapter of "Summer's Growth"  Purchase ebook at:
www.smashwords.com www.amazon.com

 Also if you are a member of Goodread be sure to check out my preview of Summer's Growth that includes several chapters.
https://www.goodreads.com/reader/35560-summer-s-growth?return_to=%2Fbook%2Fshow%2F17332182-summer-s-growth


The next book, "Fallen Leaves" should be out at the beginning of 2014.

 
Tina Gayle grew up a dreamer and loved to escape into the world of books.

She is currently finishing up her series about four executive wives and has started a new series - The Family Tree about how spiritual guides directed the lives of the current generation.
Read the first chapter of her books by visiting her website and find her at
Home - www.tinagayle.net

Blog - www.tinagayle.blogspot.com

Twitter - https://twitter.com/#!/AuthorTinaGayle

Goodread - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1641826.Tina_Gayle

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/tina.gayle

Google + - https://plus.google.com

Linkin - http://www.linkedin.com/pub/tina-gayle/11/689/759

 

How to Promote #9 in My Book - Now What? #MFRWauthor

There are many ways to Promote yourself as a writer.

I believe the best way is to look for promotion everywhere.

Yahoo groups, ads, promotional items can all help and should be used, but don't miss an opportunity to sell your book at other venues too.

Church, clubs, the grocery store, the park, on an airplane, we meet people every day and most like to read.

Hand them a business card or talk to them about being a writer. You never know where you next reader might come from.

Recently, I read and article about some thing not to do.

The article suggested not buying banner ads, stated that most people do not click through to your site so are not worth the money.

Another is a suggestion to not to respond to negative feedback. No one likes a bad review, but it does not help to address it an any way. Let it go and get on to writing your next book.


Tina
www.tinagayle.net

Joan Barbara Simon's a Long Time Walk on Water

LONG TIME WALK ON WATER  by Joan Barbara Simon



 

Summary:

 

Emily Thompson, Rose to her friends, emigrates to the motherland, England, in search of a better life. It will be hard work for the young mother in this rich man’s country; above all she must also come to terms with this unknown phenomenon; di Hinglish dem.

 

James Dunbar. Jack is what he answers to. Picking his way through the mucky incidents of life, he consoles himself that things will get better.

 

They happen to meet at a bus-stop, Emily and Jack.

 

A tale of how the humble live whilst waiting for their dreams to come true.

 

 

*

 

 

            The door slammed after a quick “Thank you!”, after the taxi-driver had been paid and had winked at her as he drove off, wheeling his vehicle round in a seamless U-turn further down the road.

 

            So, this was Beswick Road. An infantry of redbrick and glass, shoulder to shoulder. Not many people on the street. Not like back home. Pale, lonely-looking, dreary herds had wandered, morosely, past her cab window as cab-man insisted through the London streets to her new home, Hinglan, where the sun seemed to have changed its mind. Rose wondered how on earth it might have come about that such a cold, miserable place be praised melodiously in parishes far and wide for its green and pleasant lands. It began drizzling. Again. Light flakes of water you don’t even notice at first, playing with you, meaning no real harm, but Rose had had her hair done especially, plus her clothes were new, so she picked up her suitcase, pushed open the garden gate and mounted the steps to the front door. A three-storey house with further rooms, it seemed, in the basement.

            “Lord have mercy! Dem live undergrown like some sort of animal!”

She pushed the bell marked Brown. It screeched, alarmed, as though Rose had unexpectedly, maliciously, dug her fingernails into its side. No-one came at once.

            “If yu tink me ringing dat bell one more time!” she cursed through her bottom lip, taking a step back to crane her neck up at the house. Her new home. She wondered how long for. Another step back and she caught a young black girl sweep the curtains back from a ground floor window, report over her shoulder what she saw, then disappear before she had had the time to catch Rose smooth her skirt out and wait at the bottom of the stairs.

“Juss hopen dat blaasted door before me drench, yaa,” and whilst the cussing came naturally, she had to will her toes down hard against the sole of her shoe to stop her right foot from tapping impatiently that way. Inside the house a door opened. Closed. A key laboured in the lock to keep whatever out of sight. The floorboards creaked all the way to the front door, which inched open just enough to reveal half of a slender young West Indian girl.

            “Yes?”

 

 

‘Beautifully written. Joan Barbara Simon is a wordsmith par excellence.’ (The Sunday Gleaner)

 

If you, too, enjoyed reading this, here’s where you can read more:

 

Waterstones    Barnes & Noble   The Book Depository   Smashwords

Amazon US   Amazon UK   Amazon France    Amazon Germany 

 

 

 

Stay in touch with Joan Barbara Simon:

 

joan-barbara-simon.com    facebook    twitter    blog

 

 

 

Your friend,Junie.

The novel is not a typical story where you know how things will end even before you've even finished the first page. I promise, you won't! Not until the very last words. And it's more than a mere love story. It’s about faith; about loving the life you see ahead of you, in your dreams. And allowing no one to take it away from you.’(Joan Barbara Simon, interviewed by Lucy Walton for Female First)
About the Author

Dr Joan Barbara Simon divides her time between researching children’s literacy development and writing fiction. Having obtained her first Ph.D. in educational studies, she’s dared to go for her ultimate challenge: a Ph.D in Creative Writing.  Of herself, she says: ‘I’ve made it my mission to look more closely at undefined spaces as the best way to resist the temptation and comfort of easy answers. I’m interested in a broad range of language issues. Currently wrapping my brain around the political properties of words as polysemic, liminal entities and the nature of their common borders with the visual arts and gendered realities. That said, I’m a nice girl, so talk to me.





If you, too, enjoyed reading this, here’s where you can read more:
Waterstones    Barnes & Noble   The Book Depository   SmashwordsAmazon US   Amazon UK   Amazon France    Amazon Germany 


Stay in touch with Joan Barbara Simon:
joan-barbara-simon.com    facebook    twitter    blog


Thanks for sharing Joan,


Tina

New Non-Fiction Book - Short Little Guide for Authors

I decided to write this guide after a good friend of mine asked me for help. She wanted to self-publish her book. Being a smart woman, she did some research and found that there was a lot more to the process than she had initially thought. After we had talked, I realized just how much I did know about being a published author.
My sincere hope is that this will help anyone who is interested in getting their story published.
Check it out onhttp://www.smashwords.com/books/view/158663
Or Amazonhttp://www.amazon.com/Wrote-My-First-Story-ebook/dp/B0080JK5Y4/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1336489260&sr=1-1

Where are You in the Process of Writing Your Book? #MFRWauthor

Every author needs to think about where they are in the journey to getting their book published.

Some like to enjoy the writing process without thinking about the venture ahead.

Others have already jumped into the pool of getting their name out to the world.


Where are you?

* Are you writing the book? – There are steps you can take right now to get your name out there. (They are listed here but I will cover them in more detail below.) The world can learn about you right now– therefore making it easier when you release your book.

• Set up a blog

• Get your website domain name and set up your website.

• Join writing groups.

• Join social networking sites.

* The book is written and you’re ready to roll. Fork in the Road Already – Understand the benefits and drawbacks of choosing to either follow the traditional route or self-publishing road. (Special note – promoting yourself as an author and your book is still your responsibility no matter which option you chose.)

This is no easy decision and an author should check into both before making a decision.

Hope this helps,

Tina

#FallingIntoLove Book by Ashley York - The Saxon Bride

The Saxon Bride buy link:
http://www.amazon.com/Saxon-Bride-Norman-Conquest-ebook/dp/B00M08LCJI/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1411140570
Blurb:


In war torn England the battle lines between Saxon and Norman are clearly drawn. The Saxons must fight for everything they have in the hopes of winning their country back from the Normans who are determined to break their resistance. Rowena Godwinson, the sole remaining member of the defeated royal family, stands proudly against the Normans that would trample them underfoot.
When the new King decrees she marry a powerful Norman knight, her subjugation appears to be complete. The handsome soldier with the kind brown eyes and gentle touch is a threat to her determination to defy the interlopers. Can she hold firm to her Saxon heritage and refuse to give in to his advances?
John of Normandy resists marriage and wants only to prove himself worthy of William's trust but when rewarded by King William with the gift of an earldom and a Saxon bride, he balks at marriage, driven by the guilt of knowing her father died by his sword. However, John's reluctance is soon replaced by a deep desire to please this woman and win her over as well as her people.
 As their people look to them for guidance and peace, can John and Rowena find a love that unites all of England?
 
Bio:
Always an avid romance reader herself, Ashley York enjoys bringing history to life through vibrant and meaningful characters, writing historical romance novels full of passion and intrigue set in the 11th and 12th century British Isles. Her newest release, The Saxon Bride, is the first in the Norman Conquest series.
When she is not writing, talking about writing, or thinking about writing, Ashley relaxes with visits to the local pubs listening to live Celtic tunes. She lives in southern New England with her husband and 3 very spoiled animals.
Links for Ashley 
links: www.ashleyyorkauthor.com
email: ashleyyorkauthor@gmail.com
Twitter: @ashley1066york

EXCERPT:
A Norman. I have been given to a Norman to wife.
Rowena Godwinson, daughter of the late Earl of Essex and the last living member of that powerful Saxon family, stood before her reflection in the polished brass. The wedding gown passed down through three generations of Godwin women before her, draped softly across the shoulders, skimming down her waist and falling over the tips of her deerskin slippers. She blinked back with vacant eyes.
Fear tripped up her spine and her stomach clenched. She had lived among the victors for nigh on five years now. Their disdain for her people was quite obvious. Now the man who had usurped her own uncle as rightful king at the Battle of Hastings had ordered her to marry. With both parents dead, she was his ward.
Rowena clenched her teeth and turned to the window. She glimpsed the slate roof of the chapel beyond the trees where the nuptials would take place this very day. Her family's chapel. Countless celebrations with uncles, close friends, and more cousins than she could name, had taken place there. Those were happy years.
"My lady?"
Rowena looked at the drawn face of her handmaiden, Joan. The blonde sheen of her hair, long gone with the stress of the circumstances and occupation they were all forced to live under.
"Yes?"
Joan gulped. "Do you think he will be kind to you? Tonight, I mean?"
Rowena's breath caught in her throat. The marriage bed. How would her husband treat her? With kindness? As her husband, he gained much by this union. A lot of responsibility, yes, but also power. Some men loved power.
She tipped her chin up.
"I believe he will be kind as I will give him no reason not to be."
Joan's eyes rounded. Rowena smiled tightly.
"Fear not, Joan. I will be amicable."
"My lady, would that I could impart upon you my own knowledge, but I have none. Your mother's death before she prepared you leaves you in a bad way."
"Perhaps he will be a gentle man. John." His name was all she knew.
"Yes, my lady. He is one of William's most trusted knights."
"A warrior." Rowena's tone was flat and for an instant she saw again her father. Cold and dead. Blood all around. She forced the memory aside. "Then he will be a good protector."
"Yes, but of whom?"


Thanks for sharing your book with us,


Tina
 
 

#FallingIntoLove with A Bloody Good Cruise by Diana Rubino

A BLOODY GOOD CRUISE is a fun-filled blend of the vampire world and luxury cruises, starring romance author Mona Rossi and Fausto Silvius, a full-blooded vampire. The popularity of cruises and vampires make it a unique blend, but a very fun setting.  My stories are romances set against a backdrop of political upheaval, court intrigue, poverty general drama of the surroundings, and at times a splash of the paranormal. What I’m trying to get across in my stories is that love can prevail no matter what the conflicts and obstacles, earthly or not.  Coffeetime Romance says in its review, “A Bloody Good Cruiseis a high seas adventure with twists and turns around every corner. The lively cast spins non-stop excitement with thrills and enough snags to keep the pages turning.”  I wanted to combine Italian vampires, comedy and cruising in one package, so I hopped on my imaginary ship The Romanzato get my characters in all kinds of trouble. I envisioned the hero, Fausto, as actor Vincent Irizarry (Dr. Hayward on All My Children). That made my job so much easier. He is THE perfect vampire. Italian vampires and hunters (the Vampire Ball Busters) leave the field wide open for comic relief, and I had plenty of chances in this story. Since I'm hooked on cruising and I'm Italian, I didn't need to do that much research. The name Fausto came from an Italian woman I met in the 1980s, Fausta. I knew I had to use some version of that name in one of my books. My husband and I are hooked on cruising, and my very first cruise was on the Eastern Mediterranean, beginning in Rome and ending in Istanbul. The ports of call included Rhodes, Cyprus, Santorini, and Egypt. Because I love Italy and cruising, I wanted to combine those passions with a humorous story about vampires and how they face prejudice in the human world.

I met an Italian woman named Fausta in 1983 and always loved that name--I always planned to use that name in one of my books someday. I finally got the chance with the hero Fausto, close enough!The actor I envision for the hero Fausto is Vincent Irizarry, who played Dr. David Hayward on All My Children. He is every bit the perfect vampire.

  Excerpt:  Mona forced a dose of cheer through her jangly nerves. Vampire hunters wouldn’t have the balls to attack Fausto and his friends on this ship. Security was tight. “Well, you’re here, so does that mean you’ve been going out, and aren’t confined to your house any more?”Fausto shrugged. “Almost. I couldn’t wallow in self-pity forever. And I knew seeing you would make it worthwhile.”She smiled and gave him a genuine Italian cheek pinch. “I’ll cheer you up, faccia bella, you can count on that. You must feel safe.” She gestured at the tacky duds. “I mean, relatively speaking.”   “Don’t let this scare you, but –” He glanced around over the rims of his shades. Uh-oh. Whenever he said “don’t let this scare you,” it scared her. “I got an ominous message at the doctor’s office earlier.”“What—” She swallowed a lump. “What kind of ominous message?”He looked away, shaking his head. “Nothing to get alarmed about. The hunters just want me to know they’re here. After the initial jolt wore off, I said, ‘okay, I’m being stalked again.’ But I’m used to it. It doesn’t make me constantly look over my shoulder like in the old days. My family’s murder gave me a reality check. If they want me, they’ll get me. I can’t let it interfere with my work, or what little leisure time I have here. And you shouldn’t either.” He gazed at her adoringly and cupped her cheek. His hand was surprisingly warm. “But you’re still scared. All the blood’s drained out of your face, and not in a good way.” An Interview with Mona Rossi, heroine of A Bloody Good Cruise   You, the Heroine . . . Readers love to know about their favorite heroines, and this is your chance to make them feel close to you. If you have 2 hours free time tonight, what would you rather do? Why?  Soak in my hot tub overlooking the Tuscany Hills with a chilled glass of Gianni Brunelli Brunello di Montalcino Riserva from right there in Tuscany. Fausto bought me a case of this for our one-year anniversary. It’s a  deep ruby red with intense aromas of notes of leather and cherry. Upon sipping, you get an astringent taste.  At $389 a bottle, I splurge when I sell a book—then I buy another bottle when the book sales hit the 1,000 copy mark. But when I can’t be so decadent I drink Beaujolais Nouveau, produced in the Beaujolais region of France. (sorry, Fausto, it’s not Italian.) It comes out once a year, and goes on sale the third Thursday of November. If you don’t get to a store in time, you can miss out. It sells out fast. Distributors deliver it to stores at 12:01 a.m. local time. I’ve seen people in line waiting for it. I’d do that for a Springsteen concert, but not for a bottle of wine! Yes, I’m a Springsteen fan, and that’s something else I’d do with two free hours—go to one of his shows or blast his CDs and dance like crazy.But along with the wine, I’d have Sinatra or Dean Martin playing in the background, with a vanilla candle. And if I’m feeling indulgent, I’ll bring three white chocolate truffles, and eat them fast so they don’t melt.       What kind of books do you love to read? Why? The same kind of romances I write—suspense, where the heroine gets into one mess after another. I read out loud, it improves my diction for when I speak at writers’ conferences. I also like to browse cookbooks. I take a snapshot of the recipe in my head, then go and improvise. My favorite author is Linda Howard. She writes such pulse-pounding suspense. And I know this sounds hokey, but when I met Fausto, I began reading Anne Rice. Fausto and his family aren’t the same kinds of vampires she writes about, but it gave me some perspective. To me, the original book Dracula, by Bram Stoker, was scary as hell. But I do consider it one of my favorite books because it was so innovative. I never believed in vampires before that book, and look where I am now!      I like to go to Goodreads to seek out new titles. I don’t read the reader reviews, though. Too many of them have misled me. I just read the book summary and make up my own mind. What is your stress buster?  A Pilates class or watching my favorite shows while working out on the elliptical trainer—I watch comedy working out, certainly not the news—I want to bust stress, not increase it. I have DVDs of some classic sitcoms: I Love Lucy, the Dick Van Dyke Show, All in the Family, Seinfeld—and some live standup: Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, Richard Pryor, the pioneers, the greats. No comedians working the clubs today come close to those legends. Moving for an hour to comedy—or music—is the best way to relieve stress and work it all off. When not on the elliptical, I’ll get out my iPod, close the door, pull the shades and torch some calories dancing to my cardio mix—a scientifically engineered mix of songs that burn 450 calories—one of my warm up songs is Scream by Usher, one sprint song is Pump It by Black Eyed Peas, a recover song is Goin’ In by J.Lo, and a cool down song is Halo by Beyoncé. What is your favorite food? What food do you seek when you’re sad, sort of a comfort food?  Cheesecake made with cottage cheese—it’s healthy and low fat, and tastes every bit as good as ‘real’ cheesecake but much lighter. I also make honey balls, “Struffoli” which is a Christmas treat, but I make them year round. I added the recipe below. Every morning I make a healthy smoothie with almond milk, coconut milk, yogurt, either spinach or kale, cinnamon, and protein powder. If I use chocolate powder, I also add peanut butter. You can’t even taste the spinach or kale, but it does turn the smoothie green. I also do some creative things to oatmeal—top it with cinnamon or nutmeg. I make it with a green tea bag instead of plain water for a healthy boost.Describe yourself in one word. Determined. What is the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done? Being turned—but it was a matter of life and death. I trusted Fausto with my life, and here I am.What makes you happy/sad/disappointed/frustrated/hopeful/angry? (Pick one) What makes me angry is intolerance. After I went through with Fausto and his family, I saw first-hand what someone different must go through to gain acceptance. I’m trying to change that by giving talks about vampires, explaining who we really are, so someday prejudice against us—and anyone else the ‘majority’ deems ‘different’ will be an ugly thing of the past.What are your wildest dreams/fantasies/kinks/quirks? My wildest dream is to live a week in Ancient Rome, as a Senator’s mistress. What do you most want out of life, and what’s its opposite? I most want social acceptance and its opposite is to disappear in the crowd,      to be an ordinary citizen. What would you never say, do or think? I’d never insult someone just to show I’m better or smarter.I’d never let anyone boss me around.I’d never think I’m inferior to anyone because of my new status as a vampire. What are some of your faults? I’m too assertive at times. I still worry about what people think of me. I overcompensate to get them to accept and like me. I make a mess after cooking and don’t clean it up right away. This drives Fausto nuts. He’s a neat freak. Another fault that also drives him nuts is that I put off going to the doctor. We’ve been granted eternal life, but we do have to get checkups along the way!

 

         

 

I’m a longtime a member of Romance Writers of America, the Richard III Society and the Aaron Burr Association.

 

Please visit me at www.dianarubino.com, www.facebook.com/dianarubinoauthor

www.dianarubino.author.blogspot.com

and on Twitter @DianaLRubino.

 

A Bloody Good Cruise is available in:

Kindle Version: www.amzn.com/B00ILXYAI6


Or purchase from Wild Rose Press
http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=242_177_136&products_id=5682



Paperback: bit.ly/1k8Vlrs

 
Thanks for sharing Diana,


Tina

 

Pamela S. Thibodeaux Shares Two #FallingIntoLove Romances from her Tempered Series

Title: Tempered Fire (book 3 in Tempered series)



Blurb: Amber Harris is a good girl on the brink of womanhood. Stanley Morrison is a young man at the start of his life. For each other, they have always felt the fireworks that two people in love should feel. But the questions about his past, his pride, and Amber's father might be the end of what could be a strong relationship. As the two try to protect their budding romance, some unlikely but powerful forces conspire to keep them apart. Will they survive the wishes of everyone around them with their relationship intact?
 
Excerpt: Emotion burst to life within her and swarmed through Amber until it overflowed, warm and wet down her cheeks.
Stan tasted her tears and groaned. Loosening his hold he broke the kiss, burying his face against her shoulder. “God,” he mumbled, lifting his head to meet her gaze. “I’m sorry.”
She looked at him wide-eyed and trembling. Anger, desire, and wonder warred in her eyes. She rolled them in an exaggerated gesture. “Now, he apologizes,” she muttered then leveled her gaze on him.
“Why haven’t you kissed me like that before?”
His breath heaved while he struggled for control. “Didn’t think it was proper, still don’t.”
“So that’s what you meant by all lips and teeth and tongue?” she asked, her voice quivering with awe.
He stepped back, touching her cheek with his uninjured hand. “Yes.” His voice was raw, eyes fierce. “But not with anger, never with anger. I’m sorry.”
Grabbing his hand, she pressed a kiss into it. “Show me,” she urged her eyes soft and warm. “Kiss me again, Stanley.”
“No, Amber.” But she was pressing against him, her arms sliding around his neck. Senses dulled by fatigue, resistance clouded by pain, control ravished and weakened by desire, Stanley succumbed with a groan. Hauling her gently but firmly against him, he buried his lips on hers, this time with devastating tenderness.
His mouth embraced hers tasting, teasing, savoring her lips as though he were a starving man biting into his first meal in weeks. His teeth nipped at her lip, tugging a moan from deep within her. Amber clung to him weakly as they slid to the floor.
Purchase Links:
Kindle http://amzn.to/18Zptxm
Nook http://bit.ly/13HR0xX
Smashwords http://bit.ly/1h4vmLr
 


Title: Lori’s Redemption (short story spin-off of Tempered Fire)

 
Blurb: Lori Strickland (introduced in Tempered Fire) has always been known as her father's "wild child" with no desire to change until she meets ex-bull-rider-turned-preacher Rafe Judson. Her attempts to change her wanton ways come to naught until she realizes redemption only comes with true repentance.
 
Excerpt: Lori headed toward Recluse, Wyoming after another round of rodeos where the cash and prizes vaulted her to the next level of achievement. She hadn’t thought of Rafe in months. Hadn’t allowed herself to think of him, and wouldn’t indulge in useless fantasies now.
She’d made peace with the fact she was nothing more than a bad seed and there was no way around it. Oh she tried to be good. She stayed out of the bars for weeks on end, attended the prayer services before or after each rodeo when available, even visited with a group of supposedly devout believers who traveled a state-wide circuit within the national itinerary, but nothing seemed to help or make an impact on her life. Nor had she found the support she’d hoped, only judgment and criticism. Answers to her questions only incited debates until she was scorned for her doubt and unbelief or shunned completely. Maverick was right when he said there was no in between and since she couldn’t succeed at being good, Lori figured she’d be bad.        
Just as she had all of her life.
More than once she thought about calling Stanley or Amber or even Lexie for counsel, but was too ashamed to admit the total mess her life was in. She even considered quitting. Just give up and go home. But she was too close to making pro status, too close to the culmination of the dream that began in her heart nearly four years ago.          
A dream she once thought came as a directive from God.
Now, she knew better.
God didn’t give success to losers; the devil lured them into it then left them to their own devices no matter how hard they tried to be good. Besides, even at her best, there was no way she’d ever be good enough for a preacher.
 
Purchase Links:
Kindle http://amzn.to/195l5Ay
Nook http://bit.ly/16bn7Jn
Smashwords http://bit.ly/1a1Mm6q
Deeper Shopping http://bit.ly/14Hm4Cs






Author bio: Award-winning author, Pamela S. Thibodeaux is the Co-Founder and a lifetime member of Bayou Writers Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Multi-published in romantic fiction as well as creative non-fiction, her writing has been tagged as, “Inspirational with an Edge!” ™ and reviewed as “steamier and grittier than the typical Christian novel without decreasing the message.”

 

URL for Photo: http://bit.ly/SAsS2T

 

Links:

Website address: http://www.pamelathibodeaux.com  

Blog: http://pamswildroseblog.blogspot.com

Face Book: http://facebook.com/pamelasthibodeaux

Twitter: http://twitter.com/psthib @psthib



Thanks Pam for sharing,


Tina