Roxanne Rhoads's Blog, page 469

Giveaway 5 copies of Covet by JR Ward

I am a huge Black Dagger Brotherhood fan as I know many of you are too.

Did you know that in 2009, J.R. Ward debuted a spin off series- The Fallen Angels?

COVET is the first book fo the series.

The Fallen Angels are set in the same world as the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, and the books have all the same sizzling elements that everyone loves about BDB- strong, sexy characters; triumphs over evil; kickass battles; and of course romance. 

The fifth book in this series, POSSESSION, goes on sale October 1 and to celebrate the publisher is giving away 5 copies f the first book in the series, Covet her at Fang-tastic Books.



POSSESSION
by J.R. Ward
October 2013
When Cait Douglass resolves to get over her broken heart, throw off her inhibitions, and start really living, she’s unprepared for the two sensual men who cross her path.  Torn between them, she doesn’t know which to choose--or what kind of dire consequences could follow.

Jim Heron, fallen angel and reluctant savior, is ahead in the war, but he puts everything at risk when he seeks to make a deal with the devil--literally.  As yet another soul is unwittingly caught in the battle between him and the demon Devina, his fixation on an innocent trapped in Hell threatens to sidetrack him from his sacred duty...  

Can good still prevail if true love makes a savior weak?  And will a woman’s future be the key, or the curse, for all of humanity?  Only time, and hearts, will tell.

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RAPTURE
by J.R. Ward
October 2012


Mels Carmichael, reporter for the Caldwell Courier Journal, gets the shock of her life when a man stumbles in front of her car outside the local cemetery. After the accident, his amnesia is just the kind of mystery she likes to solve, but she soon discovers they’re in over their heads with his past. Over their heads with passion, too...
As shadows walk the line between reality and another realm, and her lover’s memory begins to come back, the two of them learn that nothing is truly dead and buried. Especially when you’re trapped in a no holds barred war between angels and demons. With a soul on the line, and Mels’s heart at risk, what in Heaven—or in Hell—will it take to save them both?
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ENVYby J.R. Ward
Published by Signet Eclipse
October 2011


As the son of a serial killer, homicide detective Thomas "Veck" DelVecchio, Jr., grew up in the shadow of evil. Now, on the knife-edge between civic duty and blind retribution, he atones for the sins of his father---while fighting his inner demons. Assigned to monitor Veck is Internal Affairs officer Sophia Reilly, whose interest in him is both professional and arousingly personal. 


And Veck and Sophia have another link: Jim Heron, a mysterious stranger with too many answers...to questions that are deadly. When Veck and Sophia are drawn into the ultimate battle between good and evil, their fallen angel savior is the only thing that stands between them and eternal damnation. 



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CRAVEby J.R. Ward
Published by Signet Eclipse
October 2010

Seven deadly sins. Seven souls that must be saved. One more no-holds- barred battle between a fallen angel with a hardened heart and a demon with everything to lose. Isaac Rothe is a black ops soldier with a dark past and a grim future. The target of an assassin, he finds himself behind bars, his fate in the hands of his gorgeous public defender Grier Childe. 

His hot attraction to her can only lead to trouble-and that's before Jim Heron tells him his soul is in danger. Caught up in a wicked game with the demon who shadows Jim, Isaac must decide whether the soldier in him can believe that true love is the ultimate weapon against evil.

Read an excerpt from CRAVE

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COVET
by J.R. Ward
October 2009
Seven deadly sins. Seven souls to save. This is the first battle between a savior who doesn't believe and a demon with nothing to lose!

Redemption isn't a word Jim Heron knows much about-his specialty is revenge, and to him, sin is all relative. But everything changes when he becomes a fallen angel and is charged with saving the souls of seven people from the seven deadly sins. And failure is not an option.

Vin DiPietro long ago sold his soul to his business, and he's good with that-until fate intervenes in the form of a tough-talking, Harley-riding, self-professed savior. And then he meets a woman who will make him question his destiny, his sanity, and his heart-and he has to work with a fallen angel to win her over and redeem his own soul.

Read an excerpt from COVET


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Interview and Giveaway with Nick Kelly

Can you tell readers a little bit about yourself and what inspired to write in this particular genre?
I grew up a total comic book kid in Philly. My grandfather would bring home comic books from the recycling business, with pages missing, and my brother and I just devoured them. Between comics and movies, I’ve totally loved the sci-fi genre my whole life. Catwalk actually made his debut in 2001 in the “Independent Voices 3” comic book. He’s just finding his way to novels in 2013.
What inspired you to write this book?
I spent over 20 years as a musician. It’s hard to describe the amazing feeling of sharing something you’ve created and exposed to the world, and to have it received with excitement and enthusiasm. It’s cool when it’s a three-minute song. It’s really something when it’s a character and a universe that you’ve been working on for years. Cat’s been prowling around in my brain since the 90’s.
Please tell us about your latest release.
This release, “Catwalk: Messiah” is the origin story of Leon “Catwalk” Caliber. He’s a former DC cop who goes out to what was once Los Angeles to lay low, take up some odd jobs, and live among the less fortunate residents. When a madman starts creating cybernetic versions of the Four Horsemen, Cat is the only one who can stop him and save the city. 
Do you have a special formula for creating characters' names? Do you try to match a name with a certain meaning to attributes of the character or do you search for names popular in certain time periods or regions?
Many of my main characters come from research. The supporting characters are all fair game. I’ve turned people I’ve met into lawyers, a brother-in-law, a gun runner, a medical technician, and a mortician, to name a few. If the evidence in a case calls on something that actually happened, I will stay true to the case file. That’s the exception. Oh, and if someone dies a particularly gruesome death, they’re probably based on someone who offended me or a family member.
What is your favorite scene from the book? Could you share a little bit of it, without spoilers of course?
I really love the first chapter. I wanted to just dive right into the action. This is the first time many people will meet Cat, and I wanted to hit the fast lane with the pedal to the metal right away. I have some fantastic writers who guide me and help me with edits. I think that chapter was re-written a dozen times. 
Did you find anything really interesting while researching this or another book?
I wrote the second book before I wrote this one, but I felt it introduced too much of the universe outside of the character. “Messiah” then became the origin story. In book two, “Lineage”, I have a scene set where the Manson Family murdered Sharon Tate and friends in Beverly Hills. That was a pretty dark piece of research. 
What is the most interesting thing you have physically done for book related research purposes?
In order to figure out some of the acrobatics of a character with cybernetic legs, I started taking classes at Urban Evolution, our local parkour gym. It’s addictive. Parkour is essentially urban gymnastics. If you’ve seen “The Amazing Spider-Man”, Andrew Garfield does a ton of parkour in that film.
Can you tell readers a little bit about the world building in the book/series? How does this world differ from our normal world?
The setting defines the characters to an extent. The story begins in 2033 in Nitro City, the moniker for what Los Angeles has become. Geo-stabilizer technology has been perfected, eliminating the threat of earthquakes, so the rich companies began building up. The richest of the rich live in the ivory towers and the poor commoners live Downtown. Cat has decided to make Downtown his home and scrape out a living doing dirty work. Cybernetics have become the new style and the new power. Everyone has some form of artificial enhancement. Cat’s cybernetics in particular are a big part of the story and the character.
With the book being part of a series, are there any character or story arcs, that readers jumping in somewhere other than the first book, need to be aware of? Can these books be read as stand alones?
That’s a challenge that comes up when writing a series. How does the writer balance the material for new fans and those who are familiar with the characters and the world. My goal is to recap just enough that new fans get the characters while making each book strong enough on its own. I’m fortunate that several of my writer friends have the same challenge and we can bounce ideas off one another for support.
Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? How do you deal with it?
My blushing bride, Stacia D. Kelly, is also my writing partner. We can bounce ideas off of one another, or even bounce one another around, sparring in the gym, doing martial arts. (That’s a great way to write and re-write fight scenes if you’re stuck on the mechanics.) She has a book titled “Muse” that helps writers overcome writer’s block. She actually presented on that topic at the Romance Writers of America conference in Atlanta one year. 
Do you write in different genres?
I do. Stacia and I are writing a very different story, focusing more on the supernatural than the technical side of sci-fi. It’s totally different than the Catwalk stories. I’m also working on a poker-themed set of zombie short stories.
Do you find it difficult to write in multiple genres?
I don’t. I do make sure to check with my readers and writer friends to ensure that each character has their own unique voice. I don’t want people to hear me to the point that they’re pulled out of the story. 
Other than writing, what are some of your interests, hobbies or passions in life?
I believe life without music would be the definition of Hell. I’ve been a singer and musician for most of my life, playing everywhere from New York to Las Vegas. I’m also the indie movie guy, reviewing books and movies for www.horrorview.com. I love hockey, sci-fi, traveling, and goofing off with my son. He definitely has my sense of humor, but fortunately, he also got Stacia’s smarts.
What was the last amazing book you read?
J.T. Bock released her first Ultra Security novel, titled “A Surefire Way” earlier this year. I can only describe it as a superhero fantasy romance, think “The Princess Bride” meets “X-Men: First Class.” She created some amazing imagery in that story, and set up what should be a very fun series. (The first chapter is included in “Catwalk: Messiah.”)
Where is your favorite place to read? Do you have a cozy corner or special reading spot?
I really enjoy reading while I travel. I can get through several books on a trip. Ever heard the flight attendant telling the guy in the window seat to power down his Kindle for the tenth time? Yeah, I’m that guy.
What can readers expect next from you?
“Ichi”, the first book in the Samurai Sisters will be released in October. It’s lighter than the Catwalk material, with some police procedural, some romance, and a whole lot of neat supernatural goings-on. I really enjoyed writing with Stacia, and I think readers will enjoy it.
Where can readers find you on the web?
www.nickkelly.com is my blog, facebook.com/NickKellyAuthor, and Amazon.com. I love tweeting with people, so hit me up at @Nick_Kelly.
Would you like to leave readers with a little teaser or excerpt from the book?
Here’s the prologue. I think it sets the wheels in motion well:
“Okay, Sweetie, open your eyes.”
Leon “Catwalk” Caliber takes a long drag off of his cigarette. The voice on the vidscreen triggers the same sick taste in his throat as the first time he pressed the play button. The series of events on-screen remains the same: the awkward smile of the girl in the frame, the sweet and self-absorbed tone with which the man just off-camera delivers his dialogue, the slight, excited shaking of the camera as she looks up at him. Once again he asks the young girl which hand holds the coin, even though only his left hand is extended. She’s nervous. Her shoulders are pulled up, and her arms are tight to her body. She shifts to accommodate the tight fit of her school uniform. She blushes, the ghost of Shirley Temple, complete with pigtails and storybook innocence. She giggles and touches the back of the man’s gloved hand with a finger. She’s correct.
It’s the right hand that wields the bone saw.
Catwalk stops the recording. The glass next to him is empty, the bottle of bourbon almost the same. The dull glow of the paused recording is the only light in the loft, save a few blinking sensors from the bay that hosts his motorcycle and gear. He stares mutely at the image on the screen. He already has the rest of it memorized. The girl survives for another two minutes and 17 seconds. She doesn’t suffer long. Thank whatever God she believes in that she doesn’t feel what happens next. This killer doesn’t keep his victims alive along. He saves the mutilation and sex acts until after they’re dead. He doesn’t get off on torture, just the rush of ending a life … even that of an eight-year-old girl.
Cat takes a hold of his whiskey tumbler, mindlessly raising it to his lips. The lack of liquid distracts him from the screen. The video was an unexpected test. Someone hoping to remain anonymous had paid a deposit for his services. The instructions were simple. Watch the video. Find the killer. Get vengeance for the victims. Get proof. Get paid.
His yellow eyes return to the screen. His lips curl into a sneer. After watching the recording once, he was willing to do the job for free. That feeling amplified each time he watched the girl die. Cat chuckles out loud. He’s curious at his reaction. This chit never bothered him before. Why now? Why her?
He stands and walks away from the screen. He needs a break. He stands and stretches. The muscles along his arms and sides are sore. His legs and spine don’t protest. They’re hard-wired into his nervous system. Thanks to modern cybernetic technology, he can leap from the sidewalk to the top of an apartment complex, and outrun most of the commercial vehicles on the market.
The benefits aren’t without a curse. His immune system has never quite solved the riddle of his experimental cybernetics. Treatment is painful and expensive. He could use the money this job would bring in.
Catwalk stands in front of one of the windows, listening to the endless clamor of sirens, screams and gunfire in the distance. He’s chosen a nasty part of Downtown. It’s dangerous, but it’s very private. As a professional hitman, that’s worth the risk.
Running his hands through his jet black hair, he ties it into its customary ponytail. He never had the chance to remove his jacket once he got the transmission. Instead, he watched the recording the first time, completely submersed in it enough to tune out everything else.He looks over his shoulder at the custom-crafted, armored helmet resting on the counter. The triangular yellow cat’s eyes stare back at him. Cursing under his breath, Cat walks toward the helmet and the armored motorcycle behind it with cold intent.
There’s work to be done.




September 2 InterviewDeb Sandershttp://debsanders.com
September 3 Guest blogRose & Beps Blog – http://rosebeps.blogspot.it/
September 5 interviewPembroke Sinclair.  pembrokesinclair.blogspot.com
September 6 Guest blogThe Snarkology  http://melissasnark.blogspot
September 9 SpotlightLet’s Start Saving Now – www.letsstartsavingnow.comBook Worm & More, http://bookwormandmore.blogspot.com/
September 10 SpotlightDalene’s Book Reviewshttp://dalenesbookreviews.blogspot.com/
September 15 Interview Bewitching Book Tours Magazinewww.issuu.com/bewitchingbooktours
September 17 Spotlighthttp://houseofmalfunction.com/c-w-book-reviews/
September 18 Guest blogCloey's Book Reviews and Other Stuffcloeyk.blogspot.com
September 20 InterviewThe Creatively Green Write at Home Momwww.creativelygreen.blogspot.com
September 23 InterviewRoxanne’s Realmwww.roxannesrealm.blogspot.com
September 24 Guest blogMythical Bookshttp://mythicalbooks.blogspot.ro/
September 25 SpotlightBooks and Tales:http://www.booksandtales.blogspot.co.uk/
September 26 InterviewFang-tastic Bookswww.fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com
September 27 Guest blogReading In Twilighthttp://readingintwilight.blogspot.com
September 30 SpotlightMila Ramoswww.jademystique.blogspot.com 
September 30 SpotlightMommasez...bloghttp://ccclubbs.com/





Catwalk: Messiah
Leon “Catwalk” Caliber SeriesBook OneNick Kelly
Genre: Sci-Fi
ISBN: 978-0-9852837-5-9
Number of pages: 249Word Count: 70,266
Cover Artist: Heidi Sutherlin
Amazon
Book Description: 
Nitro City, 2033.
Leon "Catwalk" Caliber left his cop job in DC behind, heading to the City of Angels to earn a living off the grid. He took a few odd jobs that called for his particular skill set – extortion, espionage, and the occasional hit – and managed to carve out a niche for himself among the Downtown dwellers.
All the changed when a new breed of MetaHuman cyborg appeared on the streets with explosive violence. Cat’s quiet existence is sent into turmoil when he finds himself right in the crosshairs. He must evade the assassin squads sent by a vengeful pimp, uncover the origin of these mysterious new mechs, and keep the cops off of his tail. Simple enough, except that the cybernetic technology that powers his body threatens to sever his humanity at any moment. Can the killer with a conscience find a cure, solve the case, get the girl, and live to see another day?

About the Author:
Nick grew up on sci-fi, horror flicks, Dungeons and Dragons, good music, and recycled comic books. He has been published internationally as a comic book author and musician. He’s spent over half his life on stage from New York to Las Vegas. He is outspoken, supportive, and willing to take a good kick to the ribs for the right cause. When not touring the world, Nick lives at home with his blushing bride (and co-author), Dr. Stacia Kelly, their son, and a rotating roster of cats and dogs.
www.nickkelly.com
www.facebook.com/NickKellyAuthor
twitter @Nick_Kelly
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00BQD7J2W

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THE WOODEN CHAIR AND EMOTIONAL ABUSE

            When writing THE WOODEN CHAIR, I drew on my clinical experience as a psychotherapist. Leini, the protagonist in THE WOODEN CHAIR, suffers emotional abuse from her mother, mainly      -     coarse and rude attitude, -        inattention and harsh criticism, -        denigration of Leini’s personality, -        name-calling, -        degradation, -        inappropriate and excessive demands, -        humiliation
Although I’ve read a lot about different forms of abuse, emotional abuse is the one that continues to mystify me somewhat. Some of my colleagues say that one form of abuse or another always exists when bringing up a child. If you swat your child on the rump once, it can hardly be called abuse. I’ve come to understand that it’s the severity and frequency of a parent’s behavior that determines whether it’s abuse or not. If a parent slaps a child in the face so hard the child goes deaf, it is definitely abuse. If a parent shakes a baby so violently, brain damage and death follow, it is definitely abuse.             Mira, Leini’s mother, uses emotional blackmail to make Leini agree to a risky eye operation. Mira’s promises that if Leini is beautiful once her squinty eye has been straightened then Mira will love her. The implication is clear; Mira can’t love her own child if she’s imperfect.            When Leini is about nine years old, Mira again calls her by an ugly name. To Leini, this is once too often. For the first time in her life she dares stand up to her mother, telling Mira her name is not twerp, not brat, never to call her by these names again. From this moment for the rest of her mother’s life Leini calls her Mira.             People often ask from where the title THE WOODEN CHAIR comes. While I was planning the book, one of the working titles was The One-Eyed Girl, which is pretty terrible, I think. As I was continued writing, the title THE WOODEN CHAIR jumped off the page at me. Leini tries to cuddle on her mother’s lap, but finds it hard and uncomfortable, like the wooden chair in their kitchen. The title was right there in mother’s lap. Mira’s unwelcoming arms, her lack of response to Leini’s need for affection constitute emotional abuse. When Mira let’s slip a term of endearment “my baby,” Leini is filled with joy, but doesn’t quite believe she heard right. She asks Mira to repeat what she said. Mira says it again, but leaves out “my baby.” This wouldn’t constitute emotional abuse if it happened occasionally, but Mira speaks words of endearment more by accident, in the presence of other people to make a good impression as the caring mother, never alone with Leini. Mira withholds expressions of love and affection, thus emotionally abuses Leini. She uses blackmail to obtain what she wants Leini to do. As a mother of two now adult children, this kind of behavior makes me shudder.            As is often the case with these children, Leini grows up emotionally needy, afraid to trust people. Her courage is remarkable in that she refuses to perpetuate her mother’s behavior on her own children. Leini gives herself the means to recover from the trauma the abuse has left and to put stop the abuse with her generation.
            





The Wooden ChairRayne E. Golay
Genre: Family saga/literary fiction
Publisher: Untreed Reads Publication
Date of Publication:  May 15, 2013
ISBN: 9781611875614
Number of pages: 317Word Count: 100,00
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Untreed Reads Publishing
Book Description:
Winner of the Royal Palm Award, Florida Writers Association
Set against the background of the Finno-Russian winter war, this story starts I Helsinki in 1943 and spans over fifty years of Leini Bauman’s life.
As a child, Leini stands ready to do anything to win her mother Mira’s love. This effort costs her the sight in one eye and as a result, causes her to endure bullying from kids her own age. As a teenager, with her Grandpa’s help, she undergoes one more surgery to straighten her eye, but the psychological scar of the events of her childhood remain.
Leini struggles to break free of Mira’s tyranny by leaving her native Helsinki to study psychology at Geneva University. A few years later, married, herself to a wonderful man, about to become a mother, she is determined with her own children not to repeat Mira’s behavior. With the help of a psychiatrist, she labors through the pains of past hurts to become a nurturing and loving mother and wife, as well as a successful professional, as she grows from victim to victor over adversity. Can her efforts lead her to the one thing she needs to discover the most - the ability to forgive her mother?
About the Author:
Whenever I pause and think about my past, I realized I’ve lived three lives in one. Some people are lucky to spend their whole life in the village or town or country where they were born. They’re surrounded by relatives and friends they’ve known since childhood, have deep roots. I believe they are very rich. My life has been made of a different cloth with hues of the rainbow. It’s been about change and adaptation.
I was born in Helsinki, Finland. For various reasons I changed schools three times before Highschool. When I was very small, my mother used to read to me. She helped me put letters together to form words. As she was done reading  “A Thousand and One Nights” my passion was born. From then on, I read everything with the printed word: matchboxes, newspapers, pamphlet and books, of course. I was no more than six years old when my father obtained a library card for me. Believe me, that was one of the happiest days of my childhood. To this day, I read at least three books a week. In school, I always had high grades in composition and wanted to be a journalist, but my parents had other plans. I got a Masters degree in psychology, was certified as addictions counselor in England after studies in the United States.
Skilled in languages, from the age of fifteen I translated dialogues in Hollywood movies from English into Finnish and Swedish. This, my first paying job, came through my father, who was the Nordic managing director of a prominent American film company.
After graduation, I married, had two children in rapid succession. My then husband was transferred to Geneva, Switzerland, so that’s where we moved with our two wonderful children.
In Geneva, I worked in a multinational company as an addictions counselor with responsibilities for all of the company’s European subsidiaries.  During this time, I wrote two non-fiction books: one about alcoholism, another about dysfunction in the workplace. I also wrote the script to “Something of The Danger That Exists,” a 50 minute film, used within the company as part of an educational program, which I facilitated. In my function, I was a frequent speaker on dependence at conferences and business groups. As I oversaw company sites throughout Europe and the then East Block countries, I’m fortunate to have traveled extensively.
As an avid reader, I’ve read most American, French and Russian classics, modern literature and poetry. It may seem that my books are autobiographical, particularly THE WOODEN CHAIR, but that’s not so. I believe in writing about what I know, so my life has parallels in Leini’s story, but I guess you have to read the book to find out more.
My whole life I’ve longed for the sun and warmth. When opportunity presented itself, I took up residence in Florida. I live here with my partner, my best friend and husband.
The award winning novel THE WOODEN CHAIR is my second book. At present, I’m editing my third story.
Every book is a journey so enjoy the trip.
Visit Rayne Online:
www.raynegolay.com
www.raynegolay.com/blog.html
www.facebook.com/Rayne.Golay
www.twitter.com/rayne_golay
www.goodreads.com/RayneGolay

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Halloween Costumes for Couples

Pure Costumes Store has a great selection of Halloween costumes for couples.
Everything from Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf to Super Hero couples. 
They have funny Bacon and Eggs, Zombies, Swat Teams, Pirates and so many fun costume ideas for couples.
I really like the Lady In Waiting costume which could easily be Lady Guinevere and the matching King Arthur costume 


And of course I adore the Vampire Couple- Just One Bite and the Dashing Male Vampire


What costumes are you looking for? Are you looking for coupel ideas?

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the w...

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Vampire Costumes at Pure Costumes

So I'm totally despressed that there's no vampire ball in Flint this year

Hopefully next year it will be back, I heard there was a scheduling conflict with the venue this year.

Bummer.

But that doesn't mean I'm not still in search of vampire costumes and accessories. I'm always on the lookout for fun, sexy and amazing vamp related stuff.

PureCostumes.com is still one of the first places I check for all things vampire when it comes to costuming.

Pure Costumes Vampires section has some really great items.

Like this Victorian Vampire Bustier



















And this gorgeous Red Hooded Cloak



















So whether you're looking for the perfect vampire costume or the finishing touch to a costume you already have, Pure Costumes is worth checking out.

Starting out as an Indie Writer – 5 Things You Should Know

Starting out as an Indie Writer – 5 Things You Should Know
Being a writer is amazing. But as a writer, there are a few things you still need to remember, because the worst mistake you can make is compromise your writing because someone told you that you should.
1. Writing, just like reading, is subjective. You don’t just go to the bookstore or look online, clicking “buy” or snatching every book on the bookshelves that you see just because. You look, you consider, you read little blurbs, and then you decide. Writing is the same. You have to write what you believe in, no matter what anyone else says. Sure, there will be constructive criticism, and that you should listen to, but don’t go back to your manuscript and start changing scenes and deleting characters because of someone’s opinion. If you feel they’re on the right track, then of course take it into consideration, but if you feel like you are compromising something by doing so, don’t do it. Because you won’t feel good about it otherwise, never mind want to stand behind it!
2. Reviews are like a box of chocolates…you know the rest! Negative reviews are unavoidable, unfortunately. Think of your favorite author on this planet, then go to Goodreads and look at your favorite novel on the planet that he/she wrote. And you will see that 1 star. You’ll probably even see “HATE HATE HATE” scrawled all over one review, for no particular reason other than just hating the novel. Yep, no explanation at all. It will just be there, like some sort of horrible, one-eyed Cyclops. But again, this doesn’t mean your book sucks, or you suck. People like what they like, and hate what they hate. Remember that you’ll fall into both sides of that scale. There will also be that one 5 star review, followed by how much that person loved, loved your book.  And that, my friends, is a feeling that will quickly pulverize that Cyclops.
3. Be nice to bloggers! Okay, this is so utterly important I probably can’t get it across to you in one paragraph, but you have to know this. For indie authors, bloggers are your saviors—they are the ones that get your book out there. They are the ones that can take you out of the slush and make you relevant. Therefore it follows that you need to treat them as a person. Yes, they are people, people! When you ask for a review, know that they’re going to be honest in that review. That review you asked for just might be negative, but remember, that’s okay! Your book is still being talked about. It’s still hanging out on someone’s blog and getting onto a reader’s radar. It definitely does not deserve a very mean rant directed toward that blogger that you asked to review. A polite “thank you” is all that is necessary. In short, don’t be mean, don’t be cruel. They’re doing their jobs, and you need to do yours. In a professional manner.
4. Patience. Success does not come overnight. Or over-week. Or even over-year. It just…happens, especially if you put the work into it. There are so many avenues to take as an indie author to get your book out there. Blog tours, reviews, book cover reveals, chat forums, so many! (Side note, please refer to #3 here, because again, these are all because of bloggers). But this all takes time, and effort, and more time. Reviews won’t be instant (in fact, you often have to book them months in advance), tours won’t be tomorrow…you get the gist. Just keep at it, keep emailing, keep requesting, just keep doing it. The fruits of your labor will eventually manifest themselves.
5. Believe. This may sound lame, but you absolutely have to do this: believe in yourself, believe in your work. No matter how many hits on the chin you take, remember why you’re here, why you did this. Because you love writing, you love sharing your story with other people, and even if you affect just one person, it’s all worth it. You’re here because you love what you do. Reviews will come and go, but your writing is forever. So hold your book close to your chest and just remember: I freaking wrote a novel.

September 16 InterviewMythical Bookshttp://mythicalbooks.blogspot.ro/
September 16 SpotlightBookish Randomness http://bookishrandomness.blogspot.com/
September 17 InterviewYA Book Reviewswww.reviewssofyabooks.blogpot.ca
September 17 reviewPainted Words www.Tipsy-Ink.com/apps/blog
September 18 reviewtrips down imagination roadhttp://a-reader-lives-a-thousand-lives.blogspot.co.uk
September 19 InterviewDiane's Book Bloghttp://dianelynchbookreviews.blogspot.com/
September 19 SpotlightClaire's Book Cornerwww.clairesbookcorner.blogspot.com
September 20 Guest blogMama Knows Bookshttp://mamaknowsbooks.blogspot.com/
September 20 InterviewPembroke Sinclair.  www.pembrokesinclair.blogspot.com

September 23 Guest blog
Fang-tastic Books
www.fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com

September 24 Interview and reviewhappy tails and tales 
http://magluvsya03.wordpress.com

September 25 Guest blogVailia's Page Turnerhttp://vailiapageturner.blogspot.com/
September 25 SpotlightIndiewritersreview http://indiewritersreview.wordpress.com/
September 26 Spotlight and reviewRamblings of a Book Lunatichttp://booklunaticramblings.blogspot.com
September 27 Guest blogEbook Escapesebookescapes.com
September 27 reviewEscape Into A Bookhttp://eatsleepread88.blogspot.com/
September 30 SpotlightWicca Witch 4 Book Bloghttp://wiccawitch4.blogspot.ca/
September 30 reviewBooker like a hookerhttp://bookerlikeahooker.blogspot.com/


Dark SoulsDark Souls SeriesVolume I
Ketley Allison
Genre: New Adult Urban Fantasy
Date of Publication: July 19, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-615-85755-8
Number of pages: 280Word Count: 103,000
Amazon  BN  Smashwords
Book Description:
19-year-old Emily desperately wants a name for what she is. For what is consuming and torturing her. For what is changing her.
But she’s not crazy like her mother. She’s not.
Emily may not be as crazy as she thinks, because her body is no longer her own. Something is stirring inside her. It is soft, seductive, and tells her what to do to survive. As Emily learns that her world has been infected by demons that consume human souls and fit seamlessly into the bodies they empty, she must also accept that she is one of them. Yet, she is different from the rest, because her darkness didn’t inhabit her, it was awakened. And it doesn’t just want the humans.

About the Author:
Ketley Allison is a twenty-something (maybe almost thirty-something) author who believes that supernatural love shouldn't stop at eighteen. She began her career by writing books as birthday presents for her friends (with her friend as the main character and opposite a super sexy lead, of course) before ending it in order to walk down a path she thought she was supposed to follow.
The writing bug never left her--and, in fact, would often bleed into the official papers she was supposed to write--so now Ketley's putting down her suit and finally following her dream. While her friends are no longer the stars of her books, she still throws in bits and pieces of them into each and every one of her characters.
As a result, her books tend to focus a lot on friendships as well as love, because let's be honest, friends are what really get you through--especially when your epic love turns into epic heartbreak.
Web/Blog: www.ketleyssoul.com
Twitter: @KetleyAllison
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ketley-Allison/285488141592659
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18242935-dark-souls

Interview with Brie McGill

Can you tell readers a little bit about yourself and what inspired to write in this particular genre?
William Cooper gave me nightmares, and my dad forced me to start reading Orwell at a young age. Absolute power corrupts absolutely, and a quick glance through the daily newspaper confirms this. From smart phones, to smart meters, to cameras on next-gen gaming consoles, to bluetooth wireless installed in vehicles, to CCTV, to social networks employing facial recognition, somebody somewhere is watching everyone always.The moral of my story, of course, is that those who are watching should not watch too closely. Sometimes I wear a moo-moo, cover my face in peanut butter, and do the worm on my kitchen floor while listening to terrible disco. I just want to spare them the horror.
Was one of your characters more challenging to write than another?
I was initially bored with my villains, so I decided to exaggerate their evil and eccentric qualities. Skirra is OCD and loves her subjects too much; Krodha's only method of solving problems is to resort to violence; Brigham is an ice-cold transhumanist.
Is there a character that you enjoyed writing more than any of the others?
Burnaby Rue is crazy. The Daityan military experimented with clinically killing him and resuscitating him for the purposes of mind control via trauma. One day, Burnaby had a near death experience during experimentation, came back to life, broke away from his mind control programming, and massacred everyone in the office.
Despite his escape, he never psychologically recovered from the incident. He is bent on revenge and outs his cigarettes everywhere, including against friends' mattresses and his own pants leg.
Do you have a formula for developing characters? Like do you create a character sketch or list of attributes before you start writing or do you just let the character develop as you write?
The characters find me and beg me to write them. However, after we're introduced, it's my job to make sure they have an interesting balance of strengths and weaknesses. I especially like each main character to have a weakness that can be exploited by villains to maintain a tug-of-war of power until the end of the book. Lukian has a number of handicaps (he is brainwashed, injected with nanomachines, and bumbles awkwardly through social situations), and his battle with those qualities are what endears him most to me.
What is your favorite scene from the book? Could you share a little bit of it, without spoilers of course?
My favorite scenes in Kain are when Lukian experiences altered states of consciousness. They are composed completely of archetypes and fragments of his mind. It's the part where the readers really get to know him, and the part where he gets to know himself.
What is the most interesting thing you have physically done for book related research purposes?
Unfortunately, I can only dream of doing all the things I researched! I learned about climbing through air ducts, into elevator shafts, wading through sewers, and shooting guns in zero gravity.
With the book being part of a series, are there any character or story arcs, that readers jumping in somewhere other than the first book, need to be aware of? Can these books be read as stand alones?
All the books in the Sex, Drugs, and Cyberpunk series are written to be read as stand alone novels. They can be read in any order--but the more books you read, the more you will learn about the characters and the world.
Lukian Valentin has some busy days working as a body guard in Jambu ahead of him, but I need to write a few more books to introduce the villains, before he fights them.
Do any of your characters have similar characteristics of yourself in them and what are they?
Lukian went through some rough times and had to reach deep inside his soul to find himself, to appreciate the value of his life--we've both overcome suffering in similar ways. Part of what made me want to write the story was to share the reminder of never losing hope, and that any determined person can overcome anything.
Naoko's hatred of cappuccino machines is also my hatred of cappuccino machines.
Do you have any weird writing quirks or rituals?
I can't sit on the same piece of furniture for too long. I sat on my futon to write my first book and half of my second book--now the futon is an instant source of writer's block (sorry, Futon). I also need to change positions frequently. I don't sit at a desk and have all varieties of pillows for strange sprawling positions.
What are your guilty pleasures in life?
Peanut butter and chocolate chip Lara Bars, listening to Evanescence, and watching mushy romantic anime.
What can readers expect next from you?
On October 23rd, I'm releasing another book as part of a twin series (Sex, Drugs, and Biopunk), set in the same world as Lukian's story. There is a different roster of characters, but it provides deep political insight to the workings of Lukian's world. It's science fiction, with heavy paranormal romance and gothic horror elements. After a last-minute title change, the book is called Alien Bride.
Where can readers find you on the web?
My books are currently for sale on Amazon. After October, they will be available through Smashwords and its affiliated distributors.
I highly encourage any curious readers to visit my website, friend me on Facebook, or drop me an email!



Kain
Sex, Drugs, and CyberpunkBook OneBrie McGill
Genre: Cyberpunk/Steamy Romance
ISBN: 148267324XASIN: B00CQ8BJLI
Number of pages: 323Word Count: 115,000
Cover Artist: Jeanne Quinn
Amazon
Book Description:
Counting days is irrelevant in the life of a well-to-do man, unless he counts the days passed in total service to the Empire. Salute. Submit. Shut up and scan the wrist. Therapists armed with batons and brass knuckles guide the derelict along a well-beaten path to Glory.

When human experiment Lukian Valentin escapes the Empire to save his crumbling sanity--through a grimescape of fissured highways, collapsing factories, putrescent sewers--he realizes the fight isn’t only for his life, it’s for his mind. Torturous flashbacks from a murky past spur him on a quest for freedom, while the Empire’s elite retrievers remain at his heels, determined to bring him home for repair.

Lukian needs one doctor to remove the implanted chips from his body, and another to serve him a tall glass of answers. Lukian attempts a psychedelic salvage of his partitioned mind, gleaning fragments of the painful truth about his identity.

A scorching, clothes-ripping rendezvous with a mysterious woman offers Lukian a glimpse of his humanity, and respite from his nightmarish past. It also provides the Empire the perfect weakness to exploit for his recapture.

To rise to the challenge of protecting his new life, his freedom of thought, and his one shot at love, Lukian must reach deep into his mind to find his true identity. To defeat the Empire, he requires the deadly power of his former self--a power that threatens to consume him.

About the Author:
Doctors suspect Brie developed an overactive imagination during childhood to cope with the expansive corn maze known as rural Pennsylvania. Unable to afford an operation to have the stories surgically removed from her brain, she opted instead to write them down.
Brie lives in British Columbia with her boyfriend and naughty black cat, somewhere not too far from the sea. She enjoys trips to the local farm, chatting with her long-distance friends on a rotary phone, and roflstomping video games from the nineties.
Brie's favorite authors include Anne Rice, George Orwell, and Hunter S. Thompson.
Official page: www.sexdrugsandcyberpunk.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Brie-Mcgill/129204760606726
Twitter: www.twitter.com/briemcgill
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7085769.Brie_McGill
Google+: https://plus.google.com/102373263520859406267/posts

Spotlight on Heavy Metal by Natalie J Damschroder

Heavy MetalGoddesses RisingBook TwoNatalie J. Damschroder
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
ISBN:  978-1622668908ASIN: B00BFQANU0
Number of pages:  341Word Count: 98,000
Cover Artist: Liz Pelletier
Amazon    BN  Powell’s Books iTunes
Book Description:
The world is not what Riley Kordek imagined. On the run from those who’ve targeted her, all Riley wants is a chance to figure out her new ability to bend metal’s energy. When a hot guy who knows more than he should helps her escape her attackers, she thinks she might’ve found someone who can lead her to the answers she needs.
Three years ago, Sam Remington walked away from his employer and the woman he loved, and now, all he’s looking to do is fill the gaping hole left behind. Except, when Sam takes Riley to the Society for Goddess Education and Defense, the stakes rise beyond what either of them could have imagined.
After being alone for so long, falling for Sam would be far too easy—and far too painful, once his old flame calls needing his help. Worse, Riley uncovers a plot with disastrous ramifications not only for herself, but for Sam and the people he loves—and potentially every goddess in the country.
CHAPTER ONE- HEAVY METAL“The Society for Goddess Education and Defense is your go-to resource for learning about your heritage, preparing for the onset of your abilities, and building supportive relationships with your fellow goddesses.”
—Sam Remington, promotional video, Society website

Riley’s sneakers crunched on gravel as she crossed the pitted lot in front of the squat, rundown bar just off a quiet road in Bridgeport, Connecticut. There was no sign over the door to tell her she was in the right place. Even if she was, her information wasn’t necessarily reliable. But she’d reached her limit even before her car had been stolen, and now all she wanted was a moment to sit down and decide her next move. What it was would depend on who stood behind the bar when she went inside.

The door creaked when she pushed it open and thudded solidly behind her after she stepped through. She shoved her hands in the pockets of her denim jacket and glanced around. The room was dim, hazy even though smoking had been banned in bars and restaurants years ago. The tables and chairs were mismatched, some wood, some metal frames and vinyl seats, even a few molded plastic. Most were empty at this late hour. Riley had wanted to be here earlier, when it would be more crowded and she could linger unobserved, but the car thing had made that impossible.

She made her way past a couple leaning close over a two-top, ignoring their beers in favor of making kissy-faces. She settled with her back to a corner and studied the other people in the place. Stalling. Postponing the moment when she found Sam Remington, or didn’t.

Three guys at the bar shouted at a replay of a European soccer match on the TV over their heads, groaning loudly when the goalkeeper made a diving save. At the other end of the battered expanse of oak, a grizzled old man held up two fingers at the bartender. He added some whiskey to the old guy’s glass, and when he spoke, his deep, slightly rough voice reached Riley easily.

“That’s your limit, Tedley.”

“I can count,” the old man groused, but he winked at the bartender and pulled a few crumpled bills from his pocket. A dimple flashed in the bartender’s cheek before he turned to deposit the money in the till.

Riley sagged into her chair, her eyelids stinging. She’d found him. Maybe he could help her, maybe not. But for the first time in months—hell, in years—she had a move to make. Half an ounce of control, or at least the illusion of it.

Sam looked a little different from the video she’d watched, oh, fifty-five times on the website for the Society for Goddess Education and Defense. His dark hair was longer, for one. Shaggier. It looked just as silky, though, when he shoved one side behind an ear. And his T-shirt hugged his chest and biceps much more lovingly than the tidy button-down he’d worn in the video. She wouldn’t have guessed he was so tall, either. At least six foot four. Her head would probably hit the center of his chest.

She swallowed and glanced away. The image that had flashed through her mind was definitely ill timed. No reason her head would ever have occasion to meet his chest. But if it did…

“What can I get you?”

Riley jerked her head up. In the few seconds she’d been fighting her thoughts, Sam had crossed the bar to her table. Why wasn’t there a waitress working so he didn’t have to leave the bar? Damn the assholes who’d taken her car and made her get here so late.

The soccer guys called goodbyes over their shoulders, and the couple followed them out. Sam waved and then rested his hands on his hips, waiting for her order. She cleared her throat, the sound loud in the now-quiet bar. The TV was off. Maybe she’d been lost in visualization longer than she’d thought. And there was that chest again, the hollow between his collarbones set off perfectly by the slight V-neck of his gray shirt.

“Uh, Coke, please.”

“Pepsi okay?”

“Yes,” she said even though she hated Pepsi, just so he’d walk away sooner. She needed time to think, to figure out how to approach him. She hadn’t practiced anything before now, afraid to hope a vague Facebook reference could lead her to the right place.

Traveling to Connecticut wasn’t a big deal, since she’d been on the move for what seemed like forever, but she didn’t want to expect too much and be flattened when she wound up in limbo once again.

So while Sam drew her soda from the tap, she tried to come up with an opening gambit. It wasn’t easy with her brain so fogged from fatigue. She’d been sleeping in her car as she traveled, not having enough money for a motel anymore. She’d walked a few miles to get to the bar, too, and while she wasn’t out of shape, it added to the toll of a stressful day after a very long string of stressful days. And it was well after one in the morning.

She took a deep breath and shook off the haze. She shouldn’t lose this opportunity. What if she didn’t get it again? So maybe just keep it simple. Hi. What do you know about goddesses?

No, that was stupid. She knew what he knew—it was all over the Society website. Brief mentions in news items and meeting agendas and press releases, plus that video about a new educational program, all added up to “this guy is connected.” But he wasn’t one of them. He couldn’t be—he was male. That was the only reason she was here.

Maybe it would be best to blurt it all out. I need your help. I’m all alone and crazy things are happening all around me, and everything I’ve been raised to believe has been flipped on its head. Goddesses don’t exist, but if that’s the truth, then I must be crazy.


About the Author:
Natalie J. Damschroder is an award-winning author of contemporary and paranormal romance—Love with a Shot of Adrenaline. She sold her first book in 1999, and 2013 will see the publication of her 14th novel. She grew up in Massachusetts and loves the New England Patriots more than anything. (Except her family. And writing and reading. And popcorn.)
When she's not writing, revising, proofreading, or promoting her work, she does freelance editing and works part time as a chiropractic assistant. She and her husband have two daughters she's dubbed "the anti-teenagers," one of whom is also a novelist. (The other one prefers math. Smart kid. Practical.)
You can learn more about her and her books at:
www.nataliedamschroder.com
http://www.goodreads.com/NatalieJDamschroder
https://twitter.com/NJDamschroder
https://www.facebook.com/NJDamschroder
http://nataliedamschroder.blogspot.com/
Everybody Needs a Little Romancewww.everybodyneedsalittleromance.com     




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September 9 Guest blogOfficial Blog of A.C. Jameshttp://acjamesbooks.blogspot.com/
September 9 reviewThe Speculative Salon – http://speculativesalon.blogspot.com/
September 10 Spotlightwww.christina-mcknight.blogspot.com
September 11 InterviewAdrienne Woods books and reviewshttp://woodsadrienne.wordpress.com
September 12 InterviewSarah Ballance http://sarahballance.wordpress.com/
September 13 SpotlightEclipse Reviewshttp://totaleclipsereviews.blogspot.com
September 13 Spotlight Sapphyria's Steamy Book Reviewssaphssteamybooks.blogspot.com
September 15Literal Addictionhttp://www.literaladdiction.com/
September 16 Spotlight Nicky Peacock Authorhttp://nickypeacockauthor.wordpress.com/
September 16 Spotlight Faerie Tale Bookswww.faerietalebooks.org
September 17 Spotlighthttp://rosebeps.blogspot.it/
September 17 SpotlightA Bibliophiles Thoughts on Bookshttp://bibliophilesthoughtsonbooks.blogspot.com/
September 18 SpotlightBook Suburbiahttp://booksuburbia.com/
September 19 SpotlightVictoria's Gossiphttp://victoriasgossip.com/blog/
September 19 Interview Dalene’s Book Reviewshttp://dalenesbookreviews.blogspot.com/
September 20 Guest blogRamblings From This Chickhttp://ramblingsfromthischick.blogspot.com/
September 20 Spotlight Wicca Witch 4 Book Bloghttp://wiccawitch4.blogspot.ca
September 23 InterviewButterfly-o-Meter Bookshttp://butterfly-o-meter.com/
September 23 Interview http://paranormalbookfairy.blogspot.com/
September 23 reviewParanormal Romance Fans for Life http://paranormalromancefanforlife.blogspot.com/

Now on Tour Replacing Gentry by Julie N. Ford

September 23 InterviewThe Creatively Green Write at Home Momwww.creativelygreen.blogspot.com
September 24 SpotlightAuthor Leah DWhttp://authorleahdw.blogspot.com/
September 24 SpotlightRose & Beps Blog -http://rosebeps.blogspot.it/
September 25 InterviewPembroke Sinclair.  www.pembrokesinclair.blogspot.com
September 26 Guest blogSun Mountain Reviewswww.sunmountainreviews.wordpress.com
September 27 Guest blogMama Knows Bookshttp://mamaknowsbooks.blogspot.com/
September 30 Interviewhttp://readingintwilight.blogspot.com/
October 1 Spotlight3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too!    http://3partnersinshopping.blogspot.com
October 2 Interview and reviewStorm Goddess Book Reviewshttp://www.stormgoddessbookreviews.blogspot.com/
October 3 InterviewDalene’s Book Reviewshttp://dalenesbookreviews.blogspot.com/
October 3 Spotlight (review)Share My Destinyhttp://sharemydestiny.blogspot.com
October 4 Guest blogCloey's Book Reviews and Other Stuffcloeyk.blogspot.com
October 4 SpotlightMythical Bookshttp://www.mythicalbooks.blogspot.ro/
October 7 Interview and reviewSharing Links and Wisdom, http://sharinglinksandwisdom.blogspot.com
October 7 SpotlightRamblings of a Book Lunatichttp://booklunaticramblings.blogspot.com
October 7 reviewThe Indigo Quill – http://theindigoquill.blogspot.com



Replacing Gentry
Julie N. Ford
Genre: Women’s Fiction/Suspense
Publisher: WiDo Publishing
Date of Publication: April 2013
ISBN: 1937178315
Number of pages: 286Word Count: 88,000
Cover Artist: Steve Novak
Amazon     BN
Book Description:
When Marlie agrees to attend a cadaver ball at Vanderbilt Medical School, she did not expect to actually see any cadavers. Or, that a strange apparition would issue her a chilling message. 
Despite the cadaver's warning, Marlie is married a year later to Tennessee State Senator, Daniel Cannon, and living in a plantation-style mansion with two step-sons. Add to the mix her growing suspicion that something is amiss with the death of Daniel’s first wife, Gentry, and newlywed Marlie is definitely in over her pretty Yankee head.
What begins as an innocent inquiry into her new husband’s clouded past ends with Marlie in the midst of a dangerous conspiracy.
A modern twist on the classic Gothic romance novels of Rebecca and Jane Eyre, Replacing Gentry follows Marlie’s precarious journey as she learns the truth about the man she married.

About the Author:
Julie N. Ford graduated from San Diego State University with a BA in Political Science and a minor in English Literature. In addition, she has a Masters in Social Work from the University of Alabama. Professionally, she has worked in teaching and as a Marriage & Family Counselor.In addition to Replacing Gentry, she is the author of two women’s fiction novels, The Woman He Married and No Holly for Christmas, published in 2011. She also wrote a romance/chick-lit novel, Count Down to Love, published in 2011. Count Down to Love was a 2011 Whitney Award finalist.

Currently, she lives in Nashville, TN with her husband, two daughters and one baby hedgehog. For more information or see what Julie is working on now, you can visit her at JulieNFord.com.
https://www.facebook.com/JulieNFord.Author
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4718785.Julie_N_Ford
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