Sarah Ballance's Blog, page 63

Press Release: Alice Bliss to Release in Paperback May 29, 2012

I reviewed Alice Bliss in December, calling the book “Absolutely Unforgettable.”

“Oh, Alice Bliss. If only I’d known ahead of time . . . or maybe not. This isn’t a story one can prepare for, and it’s not one from which a person can turn away. ALICE BLISS is a slice of life–a timely American classic from the day the words first hit the page. A story that is not only “now,” but also ageless. One of life and love and letting go, of moving on and healing and reaching for life through those hours that seem the darkest and equally those of blinding sun.

It’s amazing.” (read my full review here)

Alice Bliss (Pamela Dorman Books, Viking/Penguin) launches in paperback on May 29, 2012.

Massachusetts Library Association and Massachusetts Center for the Book have just named Alice Bliss a “Must-Read” book for 2012.  School Library Journal named Alice Bliss to their Best of 2011 list in the category “Adult Books for Teens.” Barnes and Noble chose Alice Bliss for their “Discover Great New Writers Program.” Alice Bliss is a “People Pick” for People magazine, “Best Books of Summer” for Entertainment Weekly, and “Book of the Week” for Stylist Magazine in the UK.

ALICE BLISS | blurb

When Alice learns that her father, Matt Bliss, is being deployed to Iraq she’s heartbroken. Alice idolizes her dad, working beside him in their garden, accompanying him on the occasional roofing job, playing baseball.  After Matt ships out, her mother begins to crumble under the pressure of suddenly being a single parent and Alice struggles to fill the void as she balances the drama of adolescence with the effort of keeping her family together.

But Alice is supported by a safety net strung with relationships, including almost boyfriends, a grandmother, a baker with too many children, her track coach, her kid sister, her Uncle Eddie, and even her well meaning but complicated mom. She will learn to drive, plant her father’s garden, and fall in love, all while trying to be strong for her mother, and take care of her precocious little sister, Ellie. But the smell of Matt is starting to fade from his blue shirt that Alice wears everyday and his infrequent phone calls are never long enough.

Alice Bliss is a profoundly moving coming-of-age novel about love and its many variations: the support of a small town looking after its own; love between an absent father and his daughter; complicated love between an adolescent girl and her mother; and an exploration of new love with the boy-next-door. These characters’ struggles amidst uncertain times echo our own, lending the novel an immediacy and poignancy that is both relevant and real. At once universal and very personal, Alice Bliss is a transforming story about those who are left at home during wartime, and a teenage girl bravely facing the future.

For more information and links to retailers, please click here.

Christine Warner: Just Breathe … or is it Breath?

Exciting, laugh-out-loud contemporary romantic suspense – click image for more information.

Christine Warner is back with a guest blog you guys are going to love, so I’m going to get out of her way — not just so you can see what she has to say, but also because she’s taking ice out of her drink to throw at me.

Christine Warner: Just Breathe…or is it Breath?

We all have words that make us stop mid key-board stroke and wonder (or is it wander) if we are making the write—oops, I mean right—choice.

I notice when I write there are certain words that trip me up and stop me in my tracks (or do I mean treks?).  Don’t you think everyone (or should I say every one with a space between the words?) has words that give them cause to pause?  As a writer I work hard to choose words which will convey my characters moods and feelings, set the scene, bring my story to life for my reader.  Sometimes it’s hard to accept (except) that I have to stop and double check myself from time to time to make sure I’m choosing the right word to get my point across the way I mean.

This brings me to those awesome people who help me get it right.  Critique partners.  As a writer, you have to love your critiquers.  (I know I don’t mean you’re right?  You’re is the contraction for you are).  These awesome sticklers of the written word catch many a mistake, not just with plot holes or inconsistencies, but grammar and spelling.  They are amazing and know—not no, as if in a negative response—their stuff.  Each partner is different in what they notice or catch, but they all have a flair (which means a conspicuous talent, whereas flare is either a noun meaning flame or a verb meaning to blaze or to burst in anger.) on finding those pesky mistakes and helping to make this woman get it right.  (Not women, which is a mistake my partners have caught for me hundreds of times, don’t know why, but I always seem to type the wrong one, even though I know the meaning…applause to the critique ladies).

The next time your fingers are flying across the keyboard at warp speed and your muse is talking so fast you can hardly manage to keep up, then one of those words jump out at you and your mind falls flat and your fingers curl, remember to not to let those mistakes bother you to the point where you lose sleep…*gulp*, I hope I don’t mean loose.  Trust in yourself and the eagle eyes of your cp’s.

After you get that first draft or tentative chapter out to your critiquers, you’ll be able to sit back and just breathe (I hope I don’t mean breath).

Author or not, please feel free to share any of those trip-up words that overtake your writing from time to time—or invade your thoughts.  I’d love to hear them.  And fingers crossed that I didn’t mess any of them up in my blog today…lol…now how funny would that be?

And while I’m here, I’d love to share a blurb and excerpt from my debut release, Some Like it in Handcuffs.

Sunny Kennedy, the only female in a family of blue blood male detectives, is determined to prove testosterone isn’t the only qualification required to solve a cold case. Handcuffed while undercover then taken to the precinct by an attractive detective, her domineering family demands she work with Detective Judson Blackwolf, or she’s off the case.

Judson Blackwolf thinks women in law enforcement should work behind the scenes. The prospect of working with his Captain’s sexy daughter doesn’t thrill him. He only agrees in hopes of solving the murder of his one time mentor’s daughter. Once the case is over, he’s moving to Montana to heal his wounds from the loss of his last partner.

But when their investigation takes a dangerous turn, Sunny and Jud soon realize their feelings for each other cannot be denied.

Judson soaked in her appearance, but controlled his grin. A pair of baggy sweatpants and a stretched out blue sweatshirt which matched the color of her eyes looked sexy as hell on Sunny. She’d pulled her hair into a pony tail and her small feet were hidden in a pair of girlish, fluffy, pink slippers. With her tomboyish ways, he never considered she’d own anything girly, fluffy, and especially pink. The black framed glasses perched on the tip of her nose almost caused him to come undone. He didn’t usually go for the brainy look, but the whole effect had him rethink his prejudice. Nerdy looked great from this view.

He looked around her small, homey apartment. Antique wooden tables accented the array of bright colored leather furniture. Neon red, green, yellow and blue leather filled the room. Somehow the quirky furnishings matched her personality, and the way she’d arranged the old and new pieces brought the room together nicely. Pictures of her family were visible on every available surface, and unexpected piles of romance novels covered a corner of the floor to his right. He smiled at the discovery. He’d have guessed she’d be more interested in true crime or mysteries.

He cleared his throat. “Nice place.”

“I like it.”

The way she slid her heart shaped pendant back and forth along the chain of her necklace betrayed her agitation. She hid her gaze beneath the fluttery fan of her lashes.

“Surprised to see me?”

He waited until she’d taken a seat on the yellow sofa before he claimed a spot on the red chair across from her.

“You could say that. I hoped you’d drop it and leave me to work alone.” The smile on her lips didn’t reach her eyes. “Your tough skin must’ve deflected the message I sent through my powers of mental telepathy.”

He laughed outright before he could stop himself. Her outspoken sense of humor and girl-next-door-look were a lethal combination since she was off limits. Only an idiot would mess with the boss’s daughter.

Some Like it in Handcuffs is available in print and digital format at:

http://thewildrosepress.com/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

http://www.amazon.com/

And you can find me at:

My blog/website:  http://christine-warner.com/

Twitter under ChristinesWords: https://twitter.com/#!/ChristinesWords

My Facebook page…stop by and give it a LIKE to keep up on what I have coming up: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Christine-Warner/143430882396013

I love to hear from readers and other authors J

Calls for Submission

The following calls for military romance and Christmas romance are open for all heat levels including menage and GLBT.

Military Romance

Ruby Lioness Press is currently looking for military romance novella submissions to be released around Veteran’s Day (November 11, 2012).

Any heat level is welcome, including Menage and GLBT. Stories must be romance with a HEA or Happy-for-now ending.

Stories should be:

•3,000-15,000 words

•Times New Roman

•12pt Type

•Double Spaced

•.doc or .rtf format

Please send submissions to submissions@rubylionesspress.com on or before August 31st, 2012.

Christmas Anthology

Ruby Lioness Press is currently looking for submissions for its Christmas Anthology, Under the Mistletoe.

This anthology is open to all romance genres with a Christmas theme

Any heat level is welcome, including Menage and GLBT. Stories must be romance with a HEA or Happily-for-now ending.

Stories should be:

5,000-15,000 words
Times New Roman
12pt Type
Double Space
.doc or .rtf format

Please send submissions to submissions@rubylionesspress.com on or before August 31st, 2012.

 

05.20.12 #SixSunday with Tide of Lies

Thrilling new romantic suspense! Click image for several electronic formats, including PDF and Kindle/Nook files.

TIDE OF LIES is *now available* from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Noble Romance! And for the scoop on the unsolved murders leading to the lies, check out FAMILIAR LIGHT, on sale for $1.50.

In this six, Holden approaches the beach house where he believes Julia is held by a killer.

Holden took the exterior stairs from the ground up to the first level of the house, moving sideways with his back against the wall. He saw nothing, and heard less. Too quiet. The beach community should be alive with the noise of tourists; now, only the gulls circled in reverence, yet their cries were absent from the wind. The ocean washed soundlessly to the east. As Holden watched the distant waves, their steady pattern a small comfort, he wondered if perhaps the sense of urgency he carried muted the world around him.

Click here to add TIDE OF LIES on Goodreads!

MORE INFO @ Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Noble Romance

Enjoy your Sunday six sentences at a time!  To see other participating authors, click here.

05.19.2012 #SweetSat Samples: Unforgiven

Riley Beckett’s past just came back to haunt her … and this time he’s got a gun. UNFORGIVEN … click image.

Congratulations to shadow31071(at)etc, this week’s gift card winner! If you’d like to be eligible for my weekly giveaways of a $10 gift card to Noble Romance or $5 to Amazon or Barnes & Noble (winner’s choice), simply subscribe by email using the box to your left. You’ll be automatically entered every week for as long as you remain a subscriber.

Gage and Riley were once lovers, but a deadly twist of fate tore them apart. Now, one year later, they’re thrown together by a murder in which Gage was the intended victim and Riley is wanted for the crime.

In this snippet — which does contain some profanity — Gage knows who the killer is, but he’s helpless to warn Riley. As this takes place, he’s flying down the interstate in the direction of her home, praying he’s not too late.

Barefoot was a small town like any other; he didn’t need proof to know she was headline news thanks to her connection to him and the two murders. Everyone in town probably wanted to get the story out of her.

But one person wanted much more than a damned story.

And Gage was without a way to protect Riley.

Frustration exploded into bitter shards of helplessness. He hung up on Maverick’s unanswered line and dialed Riley’s house with his thumb, hitting several wrong numbers in the process. Maybe she was there. Maybe she’d answer. Even if she just hung up on him, Gage needed a connection. He needed a way to try.

Her landline rang for several minutes before the phone company kyboshed it with a click. Then silence.

ADD IT ON GOODREADS!

BUY @ NOBLE ROMANCE | AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

For more Sweet Saturday clean excerpts, click here.

UNFORGIVEN

Riley Beckett’s past just came back to haunt her . . . and this time, he’s got a gun.

When Gage Lawton finds his brother shot dead on his back porch, every shred of evidence points to one person: Gage’s former lover, Riley. He and she didn’t part ways on good terms, and he’s not planning to rekindle anything now–not when he’s got a revolver pointed at her head and a finger on the trigger.

A year after Riley swore she and Gage were over, he returns in a hail of gunfire. One look into those achingly familiar blue eyes and she knows how wrong she was to let him go, but now far more than their heated past stands in the way. A twist of fate puts them in the crosshairs of a killer, leaving Riley with two slim options:  trust her greatest betrayer or face a murderer on her own.

BUY @ NOBLE ROMANCE | AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

L.J. Garland’s Sci-Fi Romance “MechMan” (G!veaway)

Sci-Fi Romance, Action, and Adventure – click image to learn more!

Our guest today kicks butt in more ways than one! In addition to wielding the almighty pen (keyboard?) with practiced ease, L.J. Garland also handles air craft and deadly weapons. And, um, complicates pronouns. (Stay with me … you’ll see what I mean). We have a *very* entertaining interview and a book to give away, so let’s get started!

Welcome, L.J.! It’s fabulous to meet you. Thanks for braving the visit. ;c)

Thank you so much for having us here today! We’re looking forward to your questions!

Readers, y’all catch that? *We*! LOL. L.J, I had to do some serious stalking to scoop you, but it was worth it! I love the teamwork vibe you’ve got going on. Can you tell readers about yourself—both L and J? *grin*

Oooh, so the cat’s out of the bag! LOL L.J. Garland isn’t just one person…It’s two! Laura & Jeff – We’re a husband-wife writing team. We met in college over 20 years ago and have been driving each other nuts ever since. Hey, after that long, ya gotta have a since of humor for sure! We have tons of hobbies and interests—but we have two that top our list.

First, we’re both licensed helicopter pilots with hundreds of hours of flight time. Chances are good you’ll see one type of flying machine or another in our stories…and the landings won’t always be pretty. But hey, any you walk away from are good, right? lol

The second thing that tops our list is we practice with a variety of weaponry from long bows to high-powered combat rifles. This, along with years of military experience, gives our books a heightened sense of reality. So, fire, fireworks, guns, pretty much anything that goes Boom!…yeah, it’s all good. LOL You’ll see that in our stories as well. High-action adventure and romance…and a happy-ever-after.

On the home front, we enjoy a life in a house filled with love, laughter, and tenuously restrained chaos. We have three cats, one whistling guinea pig, and three boisterous sons—who conspire to ensure there’s never a dull moment. It’s awesome!

Yeah, so my jaw in on the floor. I bet you guys are a mile a minute around there. (Although with six kids myself, I totally feel you on the weapons. Snicker.) As helicopter pilots, you’re both seriously into flight. What has been your most unforgettable experience with flying thus far?

Oh, easy answer! We flew our R-22 helicopter from the Georgia to California. Just to give you an idea…it’s like flying a VW 700 feet off the ground. The cabin is so tight, you’re rubbing elbows, but the scenery is awesome. You can see everything! We flew over mountains, followed Hwy 20, saw desserts and cattle, crossed the Mississippi river, oil rigs, the huge windmills out west. Super cool! Took about five days or so. During the trip, we celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary in the honeymoon suite in Palm Springs. Course, all that flying tends to wear a body out. We were so exhausted, we passed out. I’m still chewing nails over not getting to check out that humongous Jacuzzi tub! *sigh*

WOW! Some of my favorite memories involve traveling cross country, so needless to say, your trip sounds AMAZING. *wipes drool from chin* Let’s look at your other shared passion. What’s your favorite weapon to use, and why? Are there any of which you’re wary?

I have a highly modified Highpoint 995 9mm carbine with a scope. Love that rifle. At the range, I’ve shot the neck off of a water cooler bottle. And there’s very little we won’t shoot. LOL The hubby is building me a long range .223 AR15. I’d also love to get hold of a 50 cal. Jeff’s shot one in his military training. We also have compound bows that we both shoot. And we’ve built long and recurve bows from scratch. The creative side of me loves that because I get to choose woods and put them together in a pattern to form the riser. On our bucket lists, we both have shooting a sniper rifle at 700 yards listed—and there’s a payoff, too. If you hit the target, you get a certificate. LOL  So, no, there’s not that we’re wary over…hand us anything from an airsoft gun to a grenade launcher and we’re good to go!

I don’t actually know what a lot of those numbers mean (I’ll be googling after the interview, lol) but I caught up in the summary, and I believe you! LOL. My jaw is semi-permanently stuck to the floor but you’re *clearly* in better shape so let’s get to it. You’re here to talk about your book, MechMan. Can you introduce our readers to the story? What can you tell us we won’t find in the blurb?

Basically, it’s a story about a humanity and how they’re being wiped out by the Darch. The numbers are down to the tens of thousands. So, scientists created biomechs to fight battles against the Darch. They look and act like humans, but they’re just highly evolved artificial intelligence. Except for the hero… well, things kinda change for him and he falls in love with the heroine. That’s not supposed to happen. And the heroine falls for the biomech. They’re both confused and distraught about their feelings and struggle to figure out what it all means. And of course they do, but I’m not gonna tell how… lol

That’s a pretty intricate conflict! I’m impressed.  What might readers be surprised to learn about the plot or characters of MechMan?

The hero, Jex, was constructed from the parts leftover from previous biomechs. That’s why he was given a special mission to save humanity. If he failed, no big loss.

Okay….so that’s not true. But it could’ve been. LOL

LMAO! You had me going there for a minute. Let’s have some fun with MechMan. What’s the first sentence?

The needle slid between the third and fourth vertebrae in his neck.

OMG. I *felt* that. Gulp. What’s your favorite line in the book?

Heart pounding, an unexpected realization crystallized in his mind…if he kissed her, he would be hers.

I love it! How about an excerpt … three sentences long!

Raven set shields, brought weapons up, and lifted from the hangar floor, rising above the Darch cruisers.

“Eat this, you demon bastards.”

The pulse cannons erupted with a thick fan of fire.

I think that’s flight and weaponry, all in three sentences. You guys mean business, LOL!  Which scene of MechMan was most difficult for you to write? Why?

I would have to say when the pleasure cruiser was under attack. It was akin to the Poseidon Adventure and the whole ship turned on it’s side. Not only did we have to describe what everything was like at a ninety-degree angle, but also take into account the ship’s gravity…people sliding along the floor and falling. To top it off, we had four main characters to contend with as well. Lol

I can definitely see how that might be difficult. (And tense and frightening).  Which scene would you most like to experience for yourself? From whose POV?

That first kiss from Jex’s. The newness of any relationship is always thrilling and terrifying. And with him being a machine, it don’t get any newer than that! Lol

Oh, yeah. Love those first kiss scenes! What inspired the title of MechMan?

We already had the term ‘biomech’ used in the story to describe the warriors, but it didn’t sound quite right for a title. So…we just sorta jammed ‘mechanical’ with ‘man’ and voilà! MechMan. J

And it definitely fits! Before we dig into the blurb, can you tell us what you’re working on now?

Just released from Decadent Publishing is a sci-fi romance called Dead or Alive– Accused of murder, he turns to the only person who can save him. Too bad she’s a bounty hunter who holds a grudge.

We have and upcoming release from Decadent Publishing on May 18th. It’s a romantic suspense co-authored with the fabulous Debbie Gould called Sins of the Mind– He wants to protect her, but everyone she loves is dying. Is he next on the killer’s list?

We’re also working on several other paranormal romance projects.

Sounds like a “Happy Release Day!” is in order . . . congrats to you both and Debbie Gould! The books sound amazing — the tag lines are definitely working for you, lol. Let’s take a look at MechMan.

MECHMAN | blurb & links

Raven is on a suicide mission. Jex is a biomech on a mission to save humanity. They discover their mutual passion to destroy the enemy isn’t their only desire.

A war against the Darch has raged for years, and humanity is on the verge of extinction. Scientists have created biomechs to supplement as warriors, but it’s just a temporary fix on what appears an insurmountable problem. One desperate scientist injects JXS241, a biomech warrior, with what he hopes is the solution for mankind’s survival. But the biomech is captured by the enemy.

Raven Nirvanni survives on the fringes of a shattered culture. While on a self-imposed suicide mission to annihilate an enemy destroyer, she encounters the imprisoned biomech. Deciding the fate of humanity far outweighs the destruction of a single ship, she rescues him and decides to ensure he reaches his destination. With the enemy anticipating their every move, Raven is completely taken aback when she realizes she’s falling for JXS241. But can she really love a machine? And if so, can he reciprocate?

MORE INFO & BUY @ L&L Dreamspell |Amazon – Paperback / Ebook | Barnes & Noble – Paperback / Nook

L.J. GARLAND | bio & linkage

L.J. Garland is a husband-wife writing team who has thrived within their own romance for over 20 years. One of their favorite things to do is get into a hot bubble bath and brainstorm story ideas. Amid their long list of hobbies and interests, two activities stand above the rest. They are both licensed helicopter pilots with hundreds of hours of flight time, and they practice with a variety of weaponry from long bows to high-powered combat rifles. This, along with years of military experience, gives their books a heightened sense of reality. They enjoy their life together in a house filled with love, laughter, and adventure along with their four cats and three boisterous sons—who conspire to ensure there’s never a dull moment.

CONNECT @ WEBSITE | BLOG | PUBLISHER | AMAZON | TWITTER @LJ_Garland1

**GIVEAWAY**

L and J Garland have kindly offered an e-copy of MechMan for your reading pleasure. Want a chance to win it? Simply comment with your email address and you will be including in the drawing. And just for fun (not required), share your most memorable moment involving flight or weapons (hopefully not both, but tell us that, too!) I can’t wait to read your stories, and I hope you’ll help me welcome L.J. to our little corner of the web. L.J., this has been fantastic. I’m going to figure out what all those numbers mean, and in the meantime I’ll avoid infringing on your personal space at all costs, LOL! Thank you all so much for being here, and have a fan-tabulous day!

Love in Bloom Blog Hop May 18-23 (International Paperback G!veaway)

To return to the full list of participating blogs, please click image above.

** International Paperback Giveaway ** Easy Entry **

It’s blog hop time — YAY! The Love in Bloom Giveaway Hop is hosted by I Am A Reader Not A Writer and Portrait of a Book. All prizes throughout the blog hop are sweet, clean romance or contemporary/lighthearted YA. Here, you’ll have a chance to win a paperback copy of my sweet paranormal romance HAWTHORNE and possibly a $5 gift card to Noble Romance, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble (winner’s choice). For full details, keep reading!

HAWTHORNE | blurb

After 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?

ADD IT ON GOODREADS | READ AN EXCERPT

HOW TO ENTER

To enter, simply leave a comment with your valid email address. If, at the time of the drawing, the winner is an *email* subscriber to my blog, he or she will also receive a $5 e-gift certificate to Noble Romance, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble (winner’s choice). I will check the email address before contacting the winner, so please be sure to confirm your subscription or it will not be valid. Additionally, all *email* subscribers are automatically eligible for my weekly gift card giveaways.

This giveaway is open to international addresses, as long as the USPS will deliver to you. To verify your location, please visit usps.com. If shipping will be more than $15USD, I reserve the right to substitute a gift certificate or winner’s choice of ebooks to equal at least $15USD in value.

FOR MORE LOVE IN BLOOM GIVEAWAYS, CLICK HERE.

Debbie Gould’s “Second Chance” (G!veaway)

Take a CHANCE on this hot one night stand! Click image for details.

Debbie Gould joins us today with an extra special 1NS title featuring a hero who is US Air Force special ops. I hope you’ll take a minute to visit with this author and her powerful story line, then stay tuned to the end to find out how you can win it. I’d also like you to visit our comment section to tell us about your own military service or that of a loved one. But first, let’s get to know Debbie, shall we?

Welcome, Debbie! I scoped your bio and find it fascinating you only recently found your love of writing. What did you do prior to becoming an author?

I was and am still a nurse working full time in a rural setting family practice.

That sounds amazing. I bet you have a great relationships with your regulars, and rural ROCKS. (I’m a huge fan of country living. *grins*) I’m also a huge fan of romantic suspense. What draws you to write in the genre?

I love a story that combines some good  suspense in it along with romance. I like to be kept on the edge of my seat wondering what will happen next.

Me, too! I love the added tension. Let’s talk SECOND CHANCE. Can you introduce our readers to the story?

The hero, Colin, is in the Air Force. In Special Ops. His wife dies in childbirth while he is away on a mission and he basically shuts down emotionally, living only for the job. His sister-in-law has taken over care of his infant daughter, and his guilt keeps him from them. Two years later, his buddy has had enough of Colin wallowing in his guilt and conspires to help him get his life back.

Wow. Powerful plot! What might readers be surprised to learn about the story?

I think a lot of readers may not understand how Colin could let his grief and guilt affect his so deeply, but unless you are in the military or have a family member in, you just can’t understand what it’s like for them being deployed and away from their loved ones and the adjustment time it takes when they return home.

I live in a military town, and the deployments and homecomings are always all over the local news. Even though I don’t have any loved ones in the military, I always cry *so* much with those folks. I can only imagine how it must be for those families. (Thank you all!) This is such a poignant plot thread — I love it! Let’s have some fun with SECOND CHANCE. What’s the first sentence?

Colin had no idea what to say to her.

Yep, I’d keep reading! LOL. How about an excerpt … three sentences long! Yep, that’s it. Three!

Colin thrust his hand through his hair and glared at his friend. “I’m not hiding, damn it. You of all people know what Tabitha’s death did to me. I’d say I’m functioning pretty damn well.”

Such emotion there. I really feel for Colin just knowing his circumstances, and this furthers that. Which scene of SECOND CHANCE was most difficult for you to write? Why?

The sex is always the hardest for me to write. No idea why, it just really difficult to make it flow and be about emotion and not insert A into slot B.

OMG! ::cling:: Me, too! That is exactly my problem — sex scenes hate me! (*relieved it’s not just me* lol). Which scene of SECOND CHANCE would you most like to experience for yourself? From whose POV?

I would have loved to actually been there when Bobby was telling Colin what a jerk he was. They almost came to blows, but Bobby, Colin’s buddy, was trying to get Colin to realize how stubborn he was being.

Oooh, another powerful moment! (I’m dying to read this book, you know! LOL.) Before we get into the blurb, can you tell us what’s next for you? 

My writing partner, L.J. Garland and I have a Romantic Suspense Sins of the Mind coming out with Decadent Publishing and we are also working on Bobby’s story.

Much to look forward to! But we can start right here with SECOND CHANCE.

SECOND CHANCE | blurb

Lieutenant Colin Beckett, US Air Force special ops, lost his wife in childbirth while off on a mission. Two years later, he’s still trying to come to grips with the guilt that tortures him. And to complicate matters, he finds himself undeniably attracted to his wife’s sister, Emily. Struggling with his desire, he tells himself he doesn’t deserve a second chance with such an amazing woman.

Emily wants Colin in her life and her bed. Enlisting the help of Colin’s teammates and Madame Eve’s 1Night Stand dating service, she plans to prove to Colin he can have everything he lost once again.

Will their one night lead to the happy ending she longs for or the loneliness he thinks he deserves?

MORE INFO & BUY @ DECADENT | AMAZON

DEBBIE GOULD | bio & links

Born in Wichita Falls, Texas, at the age of two Debbie and her mother moved to New Jersey, spending many happy years on her grandparents’ horse farm. You’ll sometimes find this setting as a backdrop in her work.

As a teenager, she and her mother found a new home in Vermont, where she currently resides. With a daughter in the Air Force,  one son in college and the other working for the family business,  Debbie now shuffles her time between a husband and full time job as a nurse, and writing.

About seven years ago, while looking at over three hundred treasured books lining her shelves, she realized there was a multitude of stories of her own clamoring for release. Since then, she’s seriously persevered in keeping the keyboard in constant motion.

With two novels, Mountain’s Echo and Infidelity, and two novellas, November Rain and Second Chance now published, Debbie is now also working with a partner, L.J. Garland. Together the two have written Sins of the Mind and are hard at work on many more manuscripts.

Debbie has been a member of KOD, FTHRW, ELEMENTS and RWA Online.

MORE INFO & FOLLOW @ WEBSITE | BLOG | DECADENT | FACEBOOK @ Debbie Riker Gould

**GIVEAWAY**

One random commenter will be chosen to win an e-copy of SECOND CHANCE. To enter, simple say hello and provide your email address and you will be eligible for the giveaway. But in the spirit of all our military does for us, if you are in the military or know or are part of a military family, please use the comment section to give a shout out, say some thanks, or tell us about your friends and loved ones who serve or have served. They rock, so brag a little about them!

Debbie, I’d like to thank you for coming and introducing us to your story. Readers, thanks so much for allowing us to be a small part of your day. I can’t wait to read your comments!

 

Spotlight: Marie Astor’s “This Tangled Thing Called Love” (Tour-Wide G!veaway)

Marie Astor joins us today to introduce us to her contemporary romance THIS TANGLED THING CALLED LOVE, and I’m excited! This book was selected for the first round of Amazon’s Breakthrough Novel contest this year, so it’s a great one to get to know. *grins* Let’s take a closer look!

THIS TANGLED THING CALLED LOVE | blurb

Claire Chatfield has everything a girl could possibly wish for: looks, a promising career, and an engagement ring from one of New York’s most eligible heir-bachelors! Life should be a dream and yet, it does not feel like one… When an enigmatic new neighbor, Alec Brunell, moves into an apartment above from Claire’s, Claire is surprised to find herself wondering whether the choices she has made in her life are worth following through.

In order to secure his place as his father’s successor, David Lawson must settle down with a wife befitting the future head of Lawson Enterprises – and who could fit the prerequisite better than the stunningly beautiful and incredibly bright Claire Chatfield? There is just one glitch – David Lawson is in love with another woman.

A successful tango instructor, Alec Brunell, has never lacked for women’s attention, but he finds himself at a loss when faced with his downstairs neighbor, Claire Chatfield. Upon hearing of his occupation, most women swoon with desire, but Claire runs for the door. Still, her iciness only adds fuel to his fire, as Alec is determined to change Claire’s view of him.

This Tangled Thing Called Love is about finding one’s perfect match – sometimes following one’s heart is as convoluted as learning the steps of tango.

THIS TANGLED THING CALLED LOVE | excerpt

Alec put down the paint roller and wiped his forehead on the back of his arm. Man, he was beat – he had forgotten how grueling physical labor could be. Sure, he worked out six days a week, not to mention daily dance practice, but painting walls made him discover muscles he did know he had. Every bit of his body throbbed, but at least he had gotten the job done – the south wall was painted red, and the other three were white. Now, all he needed was wait for the paint to dry so that he could add a silhouette of a tango couple against the red background – that ought to complete the ambiance.

He opened the small fridge and reached for a bottle of orange juice. The cool liquid soothed his parched throat; holding the now half-empty bottle, Alec walked over to the window to check out his new view. All in all he was happy with his new digs: the rent was reasonable and the view was not bad either – from the top floor he had an unobstructed view of Second Avenue – not exactly the poshest of locations, but it would do. In a couple of days, once the paint smell would air out, he could move in.

Alec was not picky when it came to living quarters, as long as he had plenty of open space, which was why when the real estate agent showed him the top floor converted loft on Second Avenue and Eightieth Street, he signed the lease immediately. One thing he had not counted on was fussy neighbors. Alec smiled, thinking of the unexpected visitor from the morning. “Claire,” he mouthed her name, remembering her tousled chestnut hair and hazel eyes – even that bulky bathrobe she had been wearing could not conceal the shapely outlines of her body.

Of course, a girl like that was bound to be a challenge. But he had always liked challenge, and the fact that he was a professional tango dancer usually played in his favor. Usually, but it might not be so this time. Alec winced, remembering Claire’s reaction to his innocent question about her music taste. What was all that about? he wondered – as far as he was concerned, no one could resist tango. Well, he would get to the bottom of Claire’s music idiosyncrasies in due time, but in the meantime, he needed to think of a way to become more neighborly.

“Think of the devil,” Alec murmured, taking another gulp of orange juice as he spotted the subject of his thoughts exiting the lobby. Someone must have a hot night planned, he thought, his eyes examining every detail of Claire’s outfit, which was far more flattering than the bathrobe he remembered from this morning. Now, she was dressed in a little black number that fitted her body to a T – his instincts had been right, from long, shapely legs to firm, flat stomach to wonderfully full breasts, her body was downright perfect, and the way her chestnut mane bounced down her back made Alec want to get to know his neighbor better. Heading out for a night on the town, Alec mused – it was Saturday night after all, and he was glad to remark the absence of a male companion by Claire’s side. Suddenly, his new building looked even more appealing.

This Tangled Thing Called Love is a love story about finding one’s perfect match – sometimes following one’s heart is as convoluted as learning the steps of tango.

This Tangled Thing Called Love, has been selected in the first round of entries in the General Fiction category in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel contest this year.

Buy @ Amazon Kindle

MARIE ASTOR | about the author

Marie Astor is the author of contemporary romance novels Dance Me to the Stars, On the Rim of Love, and Lucky Charm.  Marie Astor has also authored a collection of short stories A Chance Encounter and Other Stories.

Marie’s latest contemporary romance novel, Dance Me to the Stars, has been selected in the first round of entries in the General Fiction category in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel contest this year.

Currently, Marie is working on her next novel – a first installment in her romantic suspense series.

Author Website: www.marieastor.com

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Marie-Astor/e/B004EBDX9Q/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/marieastorcollection

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4665230.Marie_Astor

Twitter: @marieastor

**GIVEAWAY**

There is a tour-wide giveaway with entry via Rafflecopter, but since free WordPress won’t play with Rafflecopter *at all* I am directing you to the main tour page to enter the giveaway. Click here to go to entry form. But before you go, check out what you can win!

Those are gorgeous! To follow the rest of the tour, please click here for the complete schedule. Marie, it’s been a pleasure having you visit. Readers, thank you all so much for being here, and we look forward to your comments. ;c) Have a fantastic day, everyone!

NY Times / USA Today Best-Selling Author Catherine Bybee’s “Highland Shifter” (G!veaway)

Get lost in the Mac Coinnich Time Travel Series! Click image for more information.

Catherine Bybee is back, and she’s brought an e-copy of her best-seller HIGHLAND SHIFTER to give away to one lucky reader. I have to tell you guys, I *loved* this book (you can read my review here) and it’s a real thrill to welcome Catherine so she can introduce this story to you all. Just brace yourselves — this first question holds some pretty mind-blowing stats. *grin* Shall we?

Welcome, Catherine! Yep, I’m going to say it. You are a (*deep breath*) New York Times Bestselling Author, USA Today Bestselling Author, Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, #1 Amazon Bestselling Author, and #1 Indie Reader Bestselling Author. Even with that staggering list of accomplishments, it *can’t* get old, LOL. So how did it feel to add each of these outstanding titles to your list of accomplishments?

First, thanks again for having me here, Sarah. I love being on your blog.

Okay…let me see if I can capture how this all felt (*deep breath*) Holy Mary Mother of…Son of a witches…You’ve got to be flippin’ kidding…Damn! – Kinda like that. It doesn’t get old. At least not yet. I hope I never forget how amazing these past few months have been. Just think, the last time I was on your blog I was asking yours and my readers to give a Bybee contemporary a chance. Boy did they! It’s amazing, Sarah. And I do think with all the changes happening in publishing there will be more and more writers making these lists.

I’m totally living through you. (No worries. I’ll wipe the drool off my chin before I get too close, lol.) That’s awesome, and I love how gracious you are. I’m thrilled to see your success! Are you a full time author, or do you have a “day job”?

Oh, no…I write full time now!

Living the dream, woman! LOL. Can you introduce readers to HIGHLAND SHIFTER? Share with us something we won’t find in the blurb!

Highland Shifter is the first part of my next three time travels. Because Simon grew up in the first trilogy my fans wanted to read his story. And as my readers know, I can’t just let my previous characters fade into the background so everyone has a part in my time travel books. It’s like a family reunion.

And I will personally vouch for the fact this story stands alone. Readers don’t need to read the first three books, but I’m betting they’ll want to keep going by the time they finish, LOL! What might readers be surprised to learn about the plot or characters of HIGHLAND SHIFTER?

I think my readers will be shocked at how the story ends. Not only do I leave a HEA, but I leave a big hint about the next book. All of which will be worth waiting for!

Definitely a great ending! And I totally agree with your assessment. Let’s have some fun with HIGHLAND SHIFTER. What’s the first sentence?

Current Day, Los Angeles…

Energy buzzed down Helen’s spine until she shivered with the electrical current her gift created.

Plenty of reasons to keep reading there, LOL! What’s your favorite line in the book?

Oh, that’s easy!

Her kilt wearing, animal talking, fire starting, druid, gorilla-man had figured out how to move them back in time.

Followed quickly by the next two lines…

Which meant Helen was about to experience medieval Scotland for a second time. Oh, joy. The first was so much fun. Why not do it again?

LOL! Those are really good, especially consider how the first trip went. (For those not in the know, let’s just say it was harrowing. *grin*) How about an excerpt … three sentences long! Yep, that’s it. Three!

Didn’t I just do that? Oh, okay…another one it is! *rolls eyes* Sarah is so demanding! Keep in mind that Simon is a shifter.

…when a deep, rumbling purr filled the room, Helen couldn’t control herself any longer and glanced over her shoulder.

In the middle of Simon’s kilt and discarded shirt, stood a two hundred pound black panther.

Helen’s heart raced to her throat.

Oh, yeah. That’s an amazing moment in the story.  On the flip side, which scene of HIGHLAND SHIFTER was most difficult for you to write? Why?

The scene when Amber says goodbye to her family. I cried like a baby. Why…because breaking her away from the family was needed, and painful all at the same time.

I totally sobbed while reading that. I kept thinking of my own kids and … well, meltdown. And you know it’s beautifully written to to evoke such emotion. *grin*  Which scene would you most like to experience for yourself? From whose POV?

I think the panther scene above from Helen’s POV would be steller!

Um, yeah! LOL. What inspired the title of HIGHLAND SHIFTER?

Duah…Highland Shifter. Speaks for itself. LOL

That it does! Throw some more titles at me … what are you currently working on?

Married by Monday, my follow up to Wife by Wednesday. But then I have a fantastic story coming in October with a publisher. Details to follow, but it has a Christmas/Holiday theme. Hint, hint…and of course Amber’s story. I’m busy, what can I say?

Great news for your readers! And let’s make ‘em happy right now … here’s a closer look at the featured book.

HIGHLAND SHIFTER | blurb

Helen Adams has a knack for finding lost objects, but the Simon McAllister she finds isn’t what she expected. The missing California teen is now a grown man—a kilted, sword wielding, Highland warrior.

A mysterious Druid book and Helen’s sixth sense send her to Scotland in search of a missing boy. After being attacked by strange men dressed in medieval garb, a handsome, desirable hero answering to the boy’s name rescues her. No one is more surprised than she to find herself in sixteenth century Scotland. Unable to deny the reality of time travel, Helen discovers smoldering passion with a man destined to leave her.

Simon has lived his Druid life in two very different worlds, two vastly different times, and when Helen practically lands in his lap, he knows his life is about to change forever. There are enemies in California lying in wait for her, and an army in Scotland closing in on his family. Simon is the only person who can protect her. But when she learns his most guarded secret, will she still want him? Can Helen love a Highland Shifter?

CATHERINE BYBEE | bio & links

New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author Catherine Bybee has been addicted to romance since her teens. After spending a decade of her life working as an RN in urban emergency rooms, Catherine is now dedicated to writing happily-ever-afters for the world to love. Catherine is married and raising two sons in Southern California.

She loves hearing from her readers so feel free to visit her at:

Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter

**Giveaway**

As promised, there’s an e-copy of HIGHLAND SHIFTER going to one lucky reader. To enter, simply comment with your email address and random.org will select a winner at the close of the giveaway. And just for fun (not required to enter), share with us the time and place to which you’d most like to travel in time. What draws you there?

On that note, I’d like to thank you all for being *here* today, and I’m really looking forward to those answers! ;c) Catherine, as always it has been a true pleasure. Thanks so much for sharing this fantastic story with us. Have a wonderful day, everyone!