Sarah Ballance's Blog, page 41
March 9, 2013
Mar.10.2013 #WeWriWa #8Sunday #SnipSun with Last Call
Welcome readers! And for my fellow authors, whether you’re here from Weekend Writing Warriors (WeWriWa, also known as the new 8 Sentence Sunday) or from the Snippet Sunday FB group, I’m thrilled you’ve joined me. Today I’m sharing sentences from my romantic suspense LAST CALL, which is available now for just 99 cents.
Now Available: romantic suspense for only 99 cents!
Last week BadGuy outed Nick for betraying Rhys. Just a few sentences later, this is from Nick’s POV.
Was [a guy Nick recognizes] rogue or had he infiltrated Vincent’s organization? Nick wanted to believe the latter, but would he put Rhys’s life on it?
No.
Rhys, for her part, managed to keep it together. No shred of the panic Nick had felt earlier. But her eyes shot venom, and most of it was targeted at him.
She can’t believe BadGuy … she can’t believe I did this to her.
Only he had.
On a personal note, I’m still catching up from last week but I absolutely will return all of those visits as well as those from this week.
L AST CALL is now available for just 99 cents from For the Muse Publishing, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords (formats: .mobi, .epub, HTML, PDF, RTF, LRF, PalmDoc, and Plain Text). Click here to add to Goodreads or here for reviews.
For more 8 Sentence Sunday Snippets, please click the image below.
March 7, 2013
NYT and USA Today Bestselling Author Jennifer Probst Talks “All the Way”
We are joined today by the incredibly talented and successful Jennifer Probst. She’s here to scoop us on her sizzling new release ALL THE WAY, so if y’all can tear your eyes away from that smokin’ hot cover, I hope you’ll cruise on down the page for a closer look. Nothing like an intimate little peek inside that, er, package. Right?
Welcome, Jennifer, and congratulations on your new release! As a NY Times and USA Today bestselling author, you have plenty of readers familiar with your work. Does ALL THE WAY offer the same voice readers loved in your series titles, or is this single title romance a departure from what readers know?
Thank you so much, Sarah! All the Way incorporates the most important item I think readers count on in my work: voice. It’s my stamp of identity in all my books that keep everything consistent. The story has a lot of humor, sharp dialogue and banter, and I love the way my heroine challenges my hero after he broke her heart years ago. She doesn’t make it easy for him!
Humor, sharp dialogue, and banter–you’re a woman after my own heart. *grin* What might readers be surprised to learn about the plot or characters of ALL THE WAY?
It was a book I wrote over a decade ago! It sat in the drawer for a long time but I’ve always been drawn back to the story. I decided the time was finally right, so I pulled it out and pretty much re-wrote the book. It also contains a lot of my favorite themes: family and food!
Yes, food. Sweet, decadent morsels of yummy … oh, I was back on the cover. Ahem. Let’s have some fun with ALL THE WAY. What’s the first sentence?
“Hey, Gavin, can you take table three?”
Right in the action–love that! How about a short excerpt … three sentences long!
“Your column was personal. Not up to your standards, Red. You always talk to the owner after a review to see if he or she had any comments, especially if you decide not to recommend the restaurant. You’re usually fair, but you didn’t write one decent comment 
about Mia Casa.”
“I liked the bread.”
He snorted.
LOL! I love your sense of humor. Which scene of ALL THE WAY was most difficult for you to write? Why?
The moment Miranda decides to give him a second chance and go for it. The building blocks had to be very strong in order to make that moment more powerful, so I struggled with completing it in the right way for the reader to get the most satisfaction.
From the perspective of an author, I have to say I absolutely appreciate the work that goes into such a moment. As a reader, you don’t always see how difficult it can be, but the best writing looks so easy on the page. I’m ready to read it now, LOL! Which scene would you most like to experience for yourself? From whose POV?
The sex scene when he claims her for good. From Miranda’s pov. Oh yeah!
I don’t think I need to ask what that’s all about! *grin* What inspired ALL THE WAY’s title?
Frank Sinatra. He sang a gorgeous song from The Joker Is Wild and I loved incorporating his music and the song’s lyrics into the story.
And now I’m all over Kindle AND YouTube, thankyouverymuch. LOL! Before we take a closer look at ALL THE WAY, can you tell us about your current project?
I’m working on many new projects! My newest installment in the marriage series is coming on July 23rd – The Marriage Merger. Then I’ll be continuing those characters into the Lovespell series. And I’ll be introducing a new set of hunky men coming October called the Posse series.
It sounds like your readers will be happily occupied for some time to come, so let’s not keep them from ALL THE WAY a moment longer!
All The WayThe food critic…
Miranda Storme never expected to see Gavin Luciano again. Three years ago, they had an intense affair—and then he bolted. Now he’s back, and Miranda has the pleasure of a little payback: a scathing review of his restaurant. Revenge is a dish best served the first chance you get…
And the restaurateur…
With three months to make his family’s struggling Italian restaurant successful, a bad review is Gavin’s worst nightmare. But this isn’t just about the meal. He’s finally realized what he left behind and is determined to spend the next eight weeks proving himself to her in the kitchen…and in the bedroom! This is one dish she won’t be able to refuse…
Jennifer Probst
Jennifer Probst is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of contemporary romance fiction, both sexy and erotic.
Price: $2.99
Page count: 159 pages
Buy links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Author links: Goodreads | Website | Facebook | Twitter: @JenniferProbst
Sarah here: Thank you, Jennifer, for visiting with us today! I have to say, ALL THE WAY looks delicious in more ways than one. Congratulations, and I wish you much success! Readers, thanks so much for being here today. Are you a fan of Jennifer’s work? Which of her books do you love the most?
March 6, 2013
$75 Book Blast: Max Xylander and the Island of Zumuruud ($75 #Giveaway + More)
Max Xylander and the Island of Zumuruud
Max has anger management issues. But she has a secret, too. She can make things happen. Like magic. She almost killed a loser skate punk and nearly used it on her stuck up older sister. The question is, can she do anything other than blow things up? Can she learn to control it? And is it really possible that an obscure teenage girl is the key to keeping all of humanity safe?
Philip just got his ring back. He got it taken away for messing with his teacher’s mind so he can cheat on a test. Now that he has his ring, he thinks he should be able to use his power to make his life better. A lot better. The problem is that people want him to be responsible. But if you could do magic, wouldn’t you use it to escape work in any way possible?
Aaron wants to be a soldier. He knows there are lots of people who would try to take over, and he’s determined to stop them. The problem is that there’s this new girl. And she might be not be on the right side of things. She’s really talented and pretty, but she might be able to destroy everything he believes in. Whatever the case, he knows he needs to learn to be world class with the magic sword while he figures out what to do.
Brynn never gets out. Her grandfather won’t permit it. Her only access to the outside world are high fashion magazines, so she has an unusual idea what she should wear. She’s dying to get out and travel. And adopt animals. Any kind of animal. Is she a lonely future granny with cats or are her ridiculous clothes actually the next fashion craze? What possible role could she play in the destiny of the world?
Max Xylander and the Island of Zumuruud is a fast-paced fantasy adventure for all ages (10 and up) and is the first of a planned trilogy. Fans of magic, swordplay, secret agents, and conspiracies set in a modern everyday world will not be able to put the book down. Jon Thomason is a debut author and paints a vivid world of magic right under our noses and delivers rapid-fire action that keeps the pages turning.
Purchase
Amazon * Barnes & Noble
Praise
“Impressively inventive and enjoyable…vivid storytelling and exceptional characterization…Max’s personality is layered and complex…conveyed flawlessly…keeping readers intrigued and engaged…writing style is smooth, and a subtle sense of humor comes through…narrative tension builds at a good pace and easily flows toward a satisfying and exciting conclusion…parents are likely to both approve of the story and enjoy reading it themselves…talented writer…sure to find an appreciative audience that will eagerly anticipate the next book in the series.” — ForeWord Clarion Review
“Thomason shines in his heroine’s characterization…magical” –blueink Review
Download a FREE Copy!
Max Xylander and the Island of Zumuruud is FREE from March 7th to 11th on AMAZON.
Author Jon Thomason
Jon Thomason lives with his family in San Diego, after many years living in the beautiful Seattle area. He has a successful career in high tech where he’s been fortunate enough to participate in many big-name industry releases.
Storytelling permeates everything he does. In the moments when Jon is not helping build the story of the tech world, he can almost always be found working on a project: writing, photography, videography, graphics design, or 3D art.
And he’s always careful to conceal his jinni magic abilities, though perhaps might slip one day and be discovered…
Links
Facebook * Amazon * Goodreads * Twitter
Tour Schedule
Book Blast Giveaway
$75 Amazon.com Gift Card or Paypal Cash (International)
Apple EarPods (US only)
Lunar Love #Giveaway Hop March 8th-16th (INT, multiple winners)
Hello, hoppers! The Lunar Love Giveaway Hop is for books with paranormal, supernatural, science fiction or space travel element or books with lunar covers. It’s hosted by I Am A Reader Not A Writer and co-hosted by Bookworm Lisa and features 100+ giveaways, so be sure to click the image or follow the links at the bottom of the page for many more places to enter!
The Prize (5 Winners!)
I’m giving away five digital copies of my ghost story, HAWTHORNE, which is a sweet romance. Winners will be chosen with the help of random.org at the close of the hop and will be gifted copies from their choice of Amazon or Barnes & Noble. If you do not have a Nook or Kindle, I can send one of the formats available from Smashwords.
HawthorneAfter a terrifying encounter with the unexplained, it took ten years and the news of her grandmother’s passing for Emma Grace Hawthorne to return to her childhood home. She sought peace in saying a proper goodbye, but what she found was an old love, a sordid family history, and a wrong only she could right.
Living in the shadow of Hawthorne Manor, Noah Garrett never forgot about Emma Grace. In a house full of secrets, his search for missing documents revealed a truth that could cost him everything. What he found gave Emma the freedom to walk away from the mansion, her heart free and clear, but at what price to Noah?
To Enter
To enter, please leave a comment with your contact info. (If you put your email address in the comment form, I will be able to see it. You do not have to post it publicly.) The only requirement for entry is to leave a comment,but I would also greatly appreciate if you’d click the Amazon “like” button for my new 99c release, LAST CALL. (ETA the like button isn’t always there. Amazon toys with us. *shakes fist at sky* Please know how much I appreciate your attempts, even if Amazon isn’t playing nicely.) If you enjoy my blog and want to be the first to learn of new giveaways and releases, consider following me (email box at the top of the sidebar) and liking me on facebook (“like” box a bit further down in the sidebar).
For 100+ more fantastic giveaways, click the image above or head to the linky list by clicking here to see all participating blogs.
VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. For full giveaway rules, please click here.
CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO THE BLOG HOP!
March 5, 2013
Kashif Ross: Q&A with Kode Payne from “New World Order”
Author Kashif Ross is here with a guest spot in which he interviews Kode Payne, a character from NEW WORLD ORDER. Let’s listen in, shall we?
Kashif: Tell us a little about yourself.
Kode: Well, my name is Kode Payne. I was once tall, but due to a freak incident I’m just dark and handsome. I have long flowing hair and enjoy assassinating people during their long walks on the beach. There’s a certain thrill I get when they see me up close. It’s like death at first sight or something like that.
Kashif: Assassinating? Do you kill people for a living?
Kode: Not necessarily. Now I’m living to kill people, but there’s always a fine line when someone dies. You never know if you’re doing it for revenge, pleasure, or to find a meal.
Kashif: How did this all begin? When did you start killing people?
Kode: It all started when I crawled out of a very ugly and demonic womb. After sitting in that blood of evil for long, it spread into my DNA. My twin brother and I were raised to fight in Gladiator Sports Entertainment. While he received royal treatment from our parents, I was forced to murder anyone that disrespected the prince. You can say killing became an art. Red became my favorite paint color and I learned to use various brushes to decorate my canvas—long swords, short swords, guns, etc.
Kashif: Explain Gladiator Sports Entertainment for the readers.
Kode: GSE is like any other sports association. They use franchise players to bring in fans. In order to hold on to their money makers, arena owners prevent the strongest from killing each other, but allow those with little to no power to hack and slash one another to death. The big difference between GSE and an average sport is the political power. Gladiator stadiums are owned by politicians. Arenas are given more land based on their wins and losses.
Kashif: That’s enough about business. Tell us about your love life.
Kode: You want to know if an assassin falls in love?
Kashif: Yes.
Kode: I definitely care about someone, but I don’t have much of a choice. If I didn’t take her on dates, she’d start smashing my head into a wall again.
Kashif: Do you two work together as mercenaries?
Kode: You could say that. She and other friends joined me to take down a very well protected politician. Helios is no pushover, but he stays out of reach. I’ve been pursuing him and my biological mother for the past four years. I hope to decapitate them and practice human taxidermy in order to decorate my trophy room, but hunting those two down has proven to be difficult.
Kashif: Do you think you’ll ever have kids?
Kode: I’d rather chew a bullet.
Kashif: Where do you see yourself in twenty years?
Kode: Oh! Tough question. Maybe picking on children that are ditching school. You know, dangling them by the ankles from tall buildings. I enjoy motivating youth to continue their education and keep them off the streets.
Kashif: What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Kode: My best quality is sarcasm. I believe that my words have a spring to them. A pop. But my weakness is short skirts. They get me every time.
Kashif: Anything you’d like to tell the readers about your next adventure?
Kode: Yes. Die.
New World OrderKode spent four years searching for the HATS, fighting battles that put his team members’ lives in danger. Now, he struggles to pursue his desire to avenge the mother that loved him and kill the one filled with hatred. But he hasn’t gotten any closer to his goals and his ceremonial bandages only make his day to day life more agonizing.
After finding a clue that could finally lead him to the device, Kode and Seth embark on a stealthy mission to challenge Helios’ men. The two run into more than just a few soldiers, but an entire army led by a traitorous Colt Council member.
Given the opportunity, Kode and Seth flee for safety, but they are hunted relentlessly by a plethora of new and old enemies. In order to save the life of his only living son, Blake sends the team to the one place they can find refuge until Kode can remove his bandages. Angie, Jamie, Kode, Richard, and Seth must live in a library located in Helios’ hometown of New York City.
When Kode opens his eyes to the severity of his situation, it’s too late. He’s surrounded by the familiar Swagger, the pretentious Cane, and the beautifully valiant Valerie Death. The codenames are just as mysterious as their omnipotent leader, Minister E.
The time for lies and games cannot last much longer. Angie and Kode’s relationship with Helios will finally be revealed and the team will learn that everything in the dark will be brought to light or dragged to the trenches of Tartarus.
Find it @ Amazon
The Barcode Series:
- Legend of Apollo (Book 1)
- Cavern of Youth (Book 2)
- New War Order (Book 3)
Kashif Ross
I am the enemy of gummy bears. I break into their homes and slaughter their women and children. But I’m mostly proud of my candybalism, biting off their heads!
Stalk @ Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
March 4, 2013
$100 Book Blast: Death & Kisses by Clover Autrey ($100 #Giveaway)
Death and Kisses
“My only thought was for Aden. I ran to him, kicking up water and called out his name. He turned and my heart skidded, crumbled and dropped to my feet. Not Aden, but Brad. Then where was . . .?
I looked down to where Brad’s gaze had been focused, down, down, in the murky water towards the center of the pond. No. Noooo! I shouldn’t be able to see him through the stirred-up sediment, but I did. Pascual was drowning Aden just as he had drowned Brad.”
One night changed Kasey’s life forever. The star football player drowned and everyone at school blames her. And oh, yeah, since that night, she can see ghosts. Not that she’s afraid of them. Much. She’s more concerned with staying under the radar as the school’s once-popular, now outcast loner freak. Until the boy she supposedly killed shows up wanting revenge.
Regardless of Kasey’s outcast status, the hot new guy in school, Aden, wants to help her figure out how to get the angry ghost to leave her alone. So what if he also wants to contact his dead brother? And why are all the ghosts suddenly following Aden around?
Purchase
Kindle * Amazon * Barnes & Noble
Author Clover Autrey
Clover Autrey’s books have been referred to as “Romance in the Safety Zone.” The pages are chock full of adventure, attraction, fantasy and love, safe enough to read with your daughter or your grandmother, yet not so sweet it will put you in a sugar coma.
Inspired by her love of Louis L’Amour heroes, Clover (yeah, that’s her real name), packed up and moved to Texas where she found a real live Texan of her own. She’s been there ever since where she and Pat (who else would a Clover marry but a Patrick?), and their three boys, listen to the coyotes howl at the trains each evening.
Links
Blog * Website * Twitter
Praise for Clover Autrey
~Great Expectations Finalist 2012~
Ms. Autrey is a dynamic storyteller. I was enthralled from the very first page. ~~ Dark Angel ReviewsYou will find yourself rooting that these two brave characters are able to find a way through every obstacle thrown in their way. ~~ TwoLips Reviews
…has excitement and danger, intrigue and adventure. The love that grows is but one facet of this story… ~~ The Romance Studio
It really left me speechless, it was so wonderful. Not only is it unlike anything you’ll ever read, but it really pulls you through so many emotions as you read it. ~~Rogues and Romance
BookBlast $100 Giveaway
$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 3/17/13 – RAFFLECOPTER ENTRY REQUIRED – CLICK HERE
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
March 3, 2013
Book Blast: Memories of Murder by Lara Nance (#Giveaway)
Memories of Murder
When Maeve McKenna renounces her witch powers and accepts a low-key nurse practitioner position at a Virginia retirement community, the last thing she expects is a suicide her first day on the job.
As the town’s sexy sheriff, Paul Sutton, starts looking into the tragic death of his father’s friend, Maeve can’t help but get involved–with both the case and him. Their informal investigation unveils an old journal that connects the ruins of a nearby asylum and long-forgotten cemetery with the shiny new retirement community’s memory unit–and Maeve’s Alzheimer’s patients.
Maeve senses a sinister presence in the old asylum, calling to the patients, but in order to stop it from killing again, she must first conquer some demons of her own and reclaim the magic she’s denied herself.
Buy MEMORIES OF MURDER @ Amazon
Memories of Murder | Excerpt“No, stop. Don’t jump!” Maeve McKenna yelled at the man poised on the roof three stories above her. Her heart pounded as he took a step that left his toes hanging over the edge. A wave of cold that had nothing to do with fear pressed about her as though a frigid hand gripped her soul. She frowned at the eerie presence and pressed her hands to her head.
“Damn.” She swirled around looking for help. Across the parking lot and among the small villas scattered about the manicured landscape, elderly couples strolled or walked their dogs. But they were too far away to do more than stare in her direction. The urge to use her powers was pointless, she no longer had them.
“Hey,” she called trying to get the man’s attention as he looked back over his shoulder, eyes wide as he flinched away from something she couldn’t see. If only he would talk to her, she might be able to keep him safe until someone got to him. He had on pajamas, so he must be a patient. She held up her hands. “Hey, back up, stop.”
“Oh, no! Mr. Baker, no!” A woman with short black hair ran from the main entrance of the retirement community, waving her arms.
Both Maeve and the woman screamed as the unfortunate Mr. Baker took a step into the air and hurtled to the ground. He landed in a heap of tangled limbs and bloody splatter on the sidewalk in front of them. The cold presence surrounding Maeve seeped away, leaving her rubbing her arms and puzzled at the sensation.
Buy MEMORIES OF MURDER @ Amazon
Lara NanceLara Nance grew up and lived in many cities throughout the South. She loves to write in a variety of genres within the scope of women’s fiction. But the basis of all her stories is a tale that will entertain and intrigue.
If you want to escape and lose yourself in a novel, you’ve come to the right place. Choose your genre and settle in to be entertained. From thrilling mysteries and steampunk tales, to paranormal romance and adventure, Lara’s willing to explore a variety of compelling stories full of danger and suspense, with a touch of romance.
Having been on the fencing team in college and now living on a sailboat convinces her that she was a pirate in another life, or possibly kin to Errol Flynn… However, due to the unfortunate demise of the romantic pirates of the past, she lives out her fantasies, thrills and adventures in her stories.
Currently docked in Norfolk, Virginia (until the wind changes) Lara enjoys living on her sailboat and spends time reading, of course writing, indulging a variety of artistic endeavors, cooking and sailing with her husband, Joe and their Yorkie, Rio.
Find Lara Nance @ WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK
Giveaway
At each stop, Lara will award a signed cover flat, while a $50 Amazon gift card will be awarded to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. So be sure to leave your comment here today for your chance to win a fantastic prize! See the rest of her tour schedule (here) for additional excerpts and more chances to enter. And before you go, grab your copy of MEMORIES OF MURDER, which is FREE on Amazon March 4-8.
No Strings Attached #Giveaway Hop: March 5-11th (INT)
Welcome to this month’s edition of the No Strings Attached Giveaway Hop, hosted by I Am A Reader Not A Writer. To enter, the only thing you need to do is leave a comment with your email address. (If you put your email address in the comment form, I will see it. You do NOT need to post it publicly).
The Prize
The winner (who will be chosen by random.org at the close of the giveaway) may select the ebook of his or her choice from either Amazon or Barnes & Noble. The book may be of any genre, but it must be priced at $10.00 or less and must be delivered electronically.
For nearly 100 additional giveaways, click the image above or head to the linky list by clicking here to see all participating blogs.
VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. For full giveaway rules, please click here.
CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO THE BLOG HOP!
March 2, 2013
Mar.03.2013 #WeWriWa #8Sunday #SnipSun with Last Call
Welcome readers! And for my fellow authors, whether you’re here from Weekend Writing Warriors (WeWriWa, also known as the new 8 Sentence Sunday) or from the Snippet Sunday FB group, I’m thrilled you’ve joined me. Today I’m sharing sentences from my romantic suspense LAST CALL, which is available now for just 99 cents.
Now Available: romantic suspense for only 99 cents!
In this snippet, which is from Rhys’s point-of-view, the BadGuy confrontation goes from bad to worse.
The fat man grinned and lifted a highball glass, spinning the liquid inside. “Why, Detective Clark. Your boyfriend didn’t fill you in?”
“What arrangement?” Rhys demanded, looking from one man to the next.
Nick’s steely gaze—completely free of the shock tearing through Rhys—was fixed on BadGuy.
He knew.
“His job,” BadGuy said, “was to bring you to us.”
Next week we’ll get inside Nick’s head, but if you don’t want to wait, L AST CALL is now available for just 99 cents from For the Muse Publishing, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords (formats: .mobi, .epub, HTML, PDF, RTF, LRF, PalmDoc, and Plain Text). Click here to add to Goodreads or here for reviews.
For more 8 Sentence Sunday Snippets, please click the image below.
February 28, 2013
Bloggers Wanted: Promote the Kobo Arc 64GB #Giveaway (Sign-Ups)
Kobo Arc Giveaway Event
Hosted by: Mom to Bed by 8
Prize: Kobo Arc 64GB {RV$400}
Event dates: 3/25 – 4/15
SIGN-UP HERE!
