Sarah Ballance's Blog, page 71

Rebecca Royce & "Embraced" (The Conditioned: Book 2)

EMBRACE this exciting new paranormal romance from Rebecca Royce! Click image.

It's Friday and it's no longer February (the month just SOUNDS cold) . . . that's a great way to start any weekend, LOL! But we'll do one better and spend some time with Rebecca Royce today. She's here to talk about her new book, EMBRACED, so grab your beverage of choice and behave yourselves. (Okay, not so much on the behavior but someone has to be the voice of reason, right?) Let's "embrace" Rebecca, shall we?

Welcome, Rebecca! EMBRACED is book two in a series you call The Conditioned. Before we dig into EMBRACED, can you tell us a little about the series? How does EMBRACED fit in?

Embraced is the next book in the Conditioned series.  It is the second story and it continues the journey, telling the readers about these amazing people and their fight for freedom.

One part of the blurb for EMBRACED really stands out for me: there is a haunting in hero Benedicte Lavelle's neighborhood. *rubs hands together with glee* Without giving too much away, what can you tell us about the haunting?

Strange things have started to happen to poor Ben and his neighbors.  Noises, things flying across the room, smashing mirrors…that kind of thing.  They're really not sure what to do about it and Ben gets elected by his neighbors to handle the task.

Okay, I am SO hooked already. I love strange happenings! What might readers be surprised to learn about the plot or characters of EMBRACED?

The characters are really good people placed into a really difficult situation and sometimes what we do when the cards are down is not what we thought we would do.  Sometimes being tested makes us become the people we should be—even if that's not who they thought they would be.

Well said, Rebecca. Let's have some fun with EMBRACED. What's the first sentence?

Every damn news outlet covered the Addison Wade-Spencer Lewis debacle.

Good one! What's your favorite line in the book?

"But does it make you want to lock him up?"

I know this seems random but its kind of pivotal to the books. Does knowing that someone can do something that you can't do, something potentially dangerous make you want to lock them up away from you?

That's really interesting, and certainly a great premise for a book (or series!). How about an excerpt … three sentences long! Yep, that's it. Three!

"I had no heart until I met you, Ben. I was dead inside. I love you."

Aw, that's incredibly sweet! Which scene of EMBRACED was most difficult for you to write? Why?

There are a few scenes where one of the characters has had something happen to him, a Conditioned person has done something to him and he's different.  The way he behaves…it was hard for me to write. Because I loved him. He's such a good, strong character and to see him like that was difficult for me.

This sounds more and more intriguing as we go along. ;c) Which scene of EMBRACED would you most like to experience for yourself? From whose POV?

I can't really answer this question without giving it away but it has to do with someone finally getting what they deserved.

Can't beat that for a happy ending! What are you currently working on? 

Well, I have two releases coming out Love Beyond Sight and Darkest Wolf. I'm currently writing the next Outsider book.

And with that, we'll take a closer look at EMBRACE!

EMBRACED | blurb

Benedicte Lavelle is a single father raising two small daughters. When his neighbors put him in charge of handling the haunting that plagues their neighborhood, he has no choice but to use disreputable means in order to bring in a Conditioned ghost hunter to help with their problem. He doesn't expect to be drawn to the young woman who arrives at his house in chains. He doesn't expect to have his entire life thrown into upheaval when she is snatched away.

Conditioned prisoner Seven-Two-Four has never had a name. She cannot read, and is scheduled to die as soon as she is returned to the Institution. The Conditioned are not considered human, but Seven can see ghost energy and she can love Ben like no one ever has before.

When fate takes Seven from Ben's arms, can he move on and find a new purpose in life or will he be forever trapped by the need to rescue those like his lost love?

Buy Link

REBECCA ROYCE | bio & links

As a teenager, I would hide in my room to read my favorite romance novels when I was supposed to be doing my homework.  I hope, these days, that my parents think it was worth it.

I am the mother of three adorable boys and I am fortunate to be married to my best friend.  We live in northern New Jersey and try not to freeze too badly during the winter months.

I am in love with science fiction, fantasy, and the paranormal and try to use all of these elements in my writing.  I've been told I'm a little bloodthirsty so I hope that when you read my work you'll enjoy the action packed ride that always ends in romance. I love to write series because I love to see characters develop over time and it always makes me happy to see my favorite characters make guest appearances in other books.

In my world anything is possible, anything can happen, and you should suspect that it will.

I'd love to hear from you!

Website | Facebook | Facebook Fan Page

I'd like to thank you all for visiting today. Your comments are welcome. ;c) Rebecca, it's been a pleasure. Happy Friday, everyone!

Lila Munro's "Assumed Identity" … and some BDSM 101

Check out ASSUMED IDENTITY from Lila Munro today! Click image.

Lila Munro is back, and as you can probably tell from the heading, things are about to get interesting. Her new book, ASSUMED IDENTITY, features BDSM and if you're not familiar with what's behind that particular set of closed doors, take heart. Lila was kind enough to cover the basics for me, and we're letting you all in on the conversation. Get ready for this one!

Welcome, Lila, and congratulations on the release of ASSUMED IDENTITY. This one has one hot, sexy plot! Can you tell our readers a bit about it?

I would love to! Our heroine has had a huge identity issue since her birth and her mother decided that it was acceptable to put Julie Marie Hayden Chelsea Stevens on her certificate. Wow! Who wouldn't have a bit of a complex, right? Fast forward, in an attempt to discover just what she is…our fair Julie has a might too much to drink one night and finds out utterly and completely she is as submissive as a person can get. Enter Mason. Master du jour who takes her places she never dreamed of in her wildest imagination. He's a psychological Dom and eighteen years her senior. Toss in Dante, Blake, and Shelby and you have a party!

A party indeed! And I have to say, I already want to read this book based on that introduction alone. Your energy is incredible! To borrow a line from the blurb, your heroine Julie has the "two most sexually eccentric best friends on the planet." How do their personalities draw out Julie's curiosities … or her desires?

Oh gosh. She's watched them hop around the sex circuit for years, but honestly it wasn't until Blake's new boyfriend, Dante, makes the scene that Julie sat up and took a veritable interest. See, any true submissive can sense a Dom a mile away and she finds herself wanting more and more to give in to Dante, but alas, although Dante is bi, he and Blake do not share…and, you'll have to read the book to find out how many more twists that relationship takes. J

I can only imagine! (Or I probably can't … I think you're right about having to read the book! *grin*) For readers not familiar with the dynamics of a sub/dom relationship (myself included, LOL), is the relationship more of a professional arrangement or is there romance involved?

Oh I can tell you need a crash course in BDSM 101. J No worries, help is here! First lesson, always denote the relationship as Dom/sub or D/s. You see, the Dom takes the lead here and is always addressed with a capitalized reference as is the sub introduced in lower case. It's not meant to be demeaning at all…it's the way of the relationship where the sub realizes his or her place as under the control of the Dom. Lost yet? J As far as how the relationship works past that, it differs as much between D/s partners as it does for "normal" vanilla couples. In some cases, there are Doms that consider themselves service Doms, or Dommes (female). They will take a sub for a night or short while only for the purpose of fulfilling his or her needs as well as the needs and desires of the sub. This to me is more of a professional arrangement. There is no romantic involvement, and sometimes no sex believe it or not. It is strictly an arrangement catering to the D/s dynamic in which one person relinquishes control and the other person graciously accepts it. Now as far as what happens in this type of relationship, that depends on the people involved. Sometimes it might be something as simple as one person coming to the other person's home to fulfill the fantasy of "housekeeper." It may be fleshing out a kink fantasy. My own characters are typically romantically involved and often end up married. Through my experience and sources I find that more often than not, couples are in lasting, emotional relationships based on love. I could go on and on and there's enough information and facts out there to fill volumes, but that's the bare bones. J

Wow! Believe it or not, you actually answered questions I didn't realize I had, like the difference between Dom and Domme. (And I'll make note of the D/s designation. I SO wanted to correct myself before posting the interview, LOL.) That response is a hard act to follow, but we'll give it a shot. What might readers be surprised to learn about the plot or characters of ASSUMED IDENTITY?

It's not so much what they'd be surprised to learn about the plot of Assumed Identity, but what happens in its sequel, Assumed Master. Assumed Master is set fifteen years in the future and my how things have changed for Julie…And if I told it wouldn't be a surprise. J There's a tease in the back of Assumed Identity in the form of chapter 1 of Assumed Master. J

Oh, NICE. Way to string me along! *Grin* Let's have some fun with . What's the first sentence of ASSUMED IDENTITY?

Julie Stevens set the last box down and looked around her new apartment with triumph.

Yay! She's done—let the party begin!. ;c) What's your favorite line in the book?

"So I turned to the garden of love that so many sweet flowers bore. And I saw it was filled with graves, and tombstones where flowers should be…" Mason conjured another bit of Blake from The Garden of Love then trailed off as he…

J I had to remember your content level and cut that short…

GAH! LOL. How about an excerpt … three sentences long! Yep, that's it. Three!

In Julie's mind there was only one thing to do.

Falling to her knees, she spread her legs and leaned forward, placing her head on the floor, arms extended. In the most submissive pose she could give him, she begged.

For a minute there, I thought you were going to have to leave that one unfinished, too, LOL! Great excerpt. ;c) Which scene of ASSUMED IDENTITY was most difficult for you to write? Why?

Julie's sister is an addict. The scenes involving her were some of the most difficult I've ever written as they were so emotional. Having lived with an addict for some years myself, it sort of scraped at me a bit, but I knew that in knowing and feeling what she knew and felt it would come across very real for my readers.

I bet those feelings come through with power, Lila. Which scene of ASSUMED IDENTITY would you most like to experience for yourself? From whose POV?

The chase scene in the gardens from Julie's POV. Who wouldn't want to be chased down by a hot Dom then teased relentlessly with a lily?

That doesn't sound bad at ALL! LOL. What are you currently working on? 

Right now I'm finishing up book four of this series, Assumed Master, the sequel to Assumed Identity, then the plan is to finish book three in my Slower Lower series, A Slower Lower Leap. After that I'll be returning to my first love, military romance which I'll be discussing frequently on my blog at Realmantic Moments.

Much ahead to keep your readers satisfied! ;c)  Let's take a closer look at ASSUMED IDENTITY.

ASSUMED IDENTITY | blurb & links

Innocent childhood games of dress-up and pretend…

Julie Stevens is as straight as they come. Or so she tries to convince herself. But it isn't easy believing that little white lie when she has the two most sexually eccentric best friends on the planet. One is a bi-sexual Domme who believes if it looks fun, try it. The other is a gay man in the role of slave to his very sexy Master whom Julie often wishes wasn't gay. Dante's commanding presence makes her want to do things that set her on fire with need and embarrassment. Given her boring vanilla life, how exactly does she fit into their world? Would they like to have a shinier third wheel?

Are a completely different animal for grownups…

After one wild evening and a bit too much liquid encouragement, Julie discovers a side of herself she's always tried to ignore. The realization she's a sub not only scares her, it excites her and she yearns for more. But the process of finding the right man to teach her becomes a real issue, until Mason comes along. He's everything Julie imagines a Dom should be. Armed with her masque and Renaissance costume, Julie is thrown for a loop when the handsome Master draws more willingness out of her than she ever thought possible. Is it possible she's more than a submissive? And will the assumptions he's made about her identity end up tearing them apart?

MORE INFO & BUY @ ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS | AMAZON

LILA MUNRO | bio & links

Lila Munro currently resides on the coast of North Carolina with her husband and their two four-legged kids. She's a military wife with an empty nest and takes much of her inspiration for her heroes from the marines she's lived around for the past fifteen years. Coining the term realmantica, she strives to produce quality romance in a realistic setting. Her genre of choice is contemporary romance that spans everything from the sensual to BDSM and ménage. When she's not writing, she enjoys reading everything she can get her hands on, trips to the museum and aquarium, taking field research trips, and soaking up the sun on the nearby beaches. Her works include The Executive Officer's Wife, Bound By Trust, Destiny's Fire, Salvation, Three for Keeps, the Force Recon series, the Slower Lower series, and the Identity series. She's a member in good standing of RWA and Passionate Ink. Currently she's working on sequels to several series to be released throughout 2012. And has a brand new line scheduled for winter 2012-13. Ms. Munro loves to hear from her readers and can be contacted via her website http://realmanticmoments.blogspot.com  or through Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Lila_Munro You can also contact her via email at lilasromance@gmail.com

That's it for today, folks! I'm so glad you all visited. Lila, thank you so much for joining us today and for the sit-down on the Dom/sub (

Leap Into Books Giveaway Hop: February 29 – March 5

Click image for a list of more than 200 giveaways for book lovers!

It's Leap Day! We're hanging out here, celebrating with the Leap Into Books Giveaway Hop, which is sponsored by I Am a Reader, Not a Writer and Jinky is Reading. Since it's such an *un*usual day, I'm going to do something a bit different than my usual giveaway. This time, YOU get to pick your prize!

WHAT YOU CAN WIN

Your choice of any of my published books in either PDF or Kindle gift formats. (See titles below). **BONUS** If you win and are also an **email subscriber** to my blog, you will also receive a $5 gift certificate to Amazon or Noble Romance (winner's choice). You MUST be an **email subscriber** at the time of the random drawing to take place at the close of the hop. To subscribe, please use the email subscription box at the top of the left hand sidebar. You must confirm your subscription to be eligible. *All email subscribers are automatically entered in each of my weekly gift card giveaways. For full details and privacy info, click here.

HOW TO ENTER

To enter, simply leave a comment with your email address. To be eligible for the gift card bonus, you must subscribe to my blog **by email** using the subscription box at the top of the left hand sidebar AND confirm your subscription.

AVAILABLE TITLES

For more information on each book, click the cover image or click here to go to my website.

       

Click here to rejoin the hop, and thanks for visiting!

Sharon Owen with "Thicker Than Water" … and a Unique Offer

Available in print and electronic formats. Click image for more info!

Today I'm absolutely honored to welcome Sharon Owen, who has in turn honored me with an extremely generous giveaway to go with her visit. I hope you'll stay with us until the end to see what she has to offer, but I will say this now: it's probably the most unique assemblage of prizes I've ever had the opportunity of announcing. And with that, it's my pleasure to introduce you to Sharon Owen.

Welcome, Sharon, and thanks for joining us! Before we talk about THICKER THAN WATER, I just wanted to tell you the photo of yourself on your blog is just so beautiful, and I truly enjoyed your bio. You speak lovingly of your maternal grandfather, a natural story teller, and it seems as if writing is very much a part of your blood. What made you decide to write your first novel?

I have always been intrigued by family history and connections. I already had an image of a talented independent singer/songwriter/musician who wanted to establish her music career without help from her wealthy influential family. Then, I wondered what it would take to make her choose family over career.

That's such a great plot trigger! THICKER THAN WATER is the first novel in the Brands Crossing Series. Can you tell our readers a bit about the story?

Thicker Than Water (Brands Crossing Series) is the first in a series of novels set in Brands Crossing, Texas. It chronicles the lives of the Kincaids, a prominent family in this mythical town, and focuses on a mystery that extends back to the mid-eighteenth century and the young Texas Republic.

In Thicker Than Water (Brands Crossing Series), the protagonist KATE O'DONNELL has to make a choose between continuing to pursue a music career and a promising romantic relationship in Nashville and returning to Texas to help solve the mystery surrounding her grandfather's fatal car crash. Family trumps career and romance and Kate heads for Brands Crossing where she searches for missing documents, investigates a centuries-old feud and is stalked by an anonymous, rose-sending admirer.

Girl, you are SO speaking my language! I how the past and present collide with an old feud and a new mystery, and for the pull to be great enough for Kate to give up her career and a new romance makes the story all the more enticing. Just … WOW! While we're in the heart of the story, Sharon, here's a related question. With which of THICKER THAN WATER's plot threads do you most closely identify? Are any pulled from your own life experiences?

I have always loved music and enjoyed singing. Unfortunately, I don't have the musical talent to take that career route, so I live vicariously through Kate O'Donnell.

I have lived most of my life in north Texas and have experienced both city and rural lifestyles there. My family structure is similar to Kate's and I have both academic and corporate career backgrounds. I brought all those experiences into the novel.

It sounds as if this is one story you are well equipped to write from the heart. ;c) What might readers be surprised to learn about the plot or characters of THICKER THAN WATER?

When I began the novel, Kate O'Donnell and her grandfather were the only fully developed characters I had. I did have an idea about the villain and who it would be. As the novel developed, characters I expected to fill supporting roles began to take over the book. Phillip Norwood was not the anticipated love interest but he took on that role. Claire Kincaid became such a strong character I had to promise to write her book next to keep her under control. The villain changed as well, developing a history and character traits that made him more sympathetic to the reader.

I've said it before but I don't mind saying it again: when an author creates characters who ultimately make demands such as those, it's a strong testament to the author's skill at character development! Let's have some fun with THICKER THAN WATER. What's the first sentence?

Like a modern Persephone, eight-year-old Katy O'Donnell sprinted out of the woods with her rescued victim and called out for justice from a higher power.

Wow, that's an attention grabber! What's your favorite line in the book?

She'd roared into Nashville—eighteen and green—with little more than a guitar, a couple of college scholarship, and the determination to carve out a successful recording career without relying on family money or influence.

And that sure says it, LOL. How about an excerpt … three sentences long! Yep, that's it. Three!

All their lives, Claire had punched holes in the illusions Kate preferred over reality. First, she'd outed Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny. Then, she'd unmasked Zorro, Bat Man and the Power Rangers. Finally, she'd stripped Lancelot, Prince Charming and Galahad down to their dirty underwear.

LMAO! That's FABulous. (I can see now how Claire might have started making demands for her own story, too, LOL.) Which scene of THICKER THAN WATER was most difficult for you to write? Why?

The hostage scene where Kate and her young cousin are held at gunpoint by one of the conspirators. The scene involves Phillip, Kate's brothers and the local police in negotiations with the captor who is not only desperate but under the influence of alcohol and drugs. There are several viewpoints shown in this scene and the logistics and choreography were complex. There was also a need to keep the emotional  level intense and believable.

I can certainly understand where you're coming from there. That sounds like an intense, highly charged situation! Which scene of THICKER THAN WATER would you most like to experience for yourself? From whose POV?

The musical performance in Chapter Three. Although the venue was a small club, Kate's performance electrified the crowd and inspired Phillip to write a scene for the goddess in the screenplay based on his computer fantasy game. Of course, I would want to be Kate.

Oh, wow. *Swoon.* It would be incredible to experience something like that! While I'm dreaming (LOL) how about a scoop. What are you currently working on? 

I am completing the second novel in the Brands Crossing Series titled Whatever Goes Around. This is Claire Kincaid's book. Claire is a young, goal-oriented  career woman who wants it all: glamorous career, an attractive, fashionable, refined appearance for both herself and her home and a perfect husband and father for her future, exceptional children. While concentrating on her personal goals, she finds time to examine her sister's and cousin's personal and professional challenges and decides to micromanage these family members' lives into more productive channels. Inadvertently she guides them into dangerous situations and discovers that she may not know all the answers as she had thought.

I love your plots, Sharon! They certainly aren't the same old ones recycled again – that's fantastic! ;c) Okay, back to the featured title. Let's take a look at THICKER THAN WATER and learn more about you through your bio, then we'll share the details of that awesome giveaway of yours.

THICKER THAN WATER | blurb & links

As a child, KATE O'DONNELL spends summers at her grandparents' estate in Brands Crossing, Texas where she  battles make-believe monsters, rescues endangered victims and a saves a mythical kingdom.

At twenty-five Kate is a singer/songwriter living in Nashville and pursuing a promising relationship with computer game designer PHILLIP NORWOOD. There, her only battles are fought in Aidenne's Revenge, Phillip's online fantasy game based on her childhood adventures.

When her grandfather is critically injured in a suspicious car crash, Kate  abandons career and romance to return home to solve the mystery. There, she  searches for incriminating documents, investigates a centuries-old family feud and confronts an anonymous rose-bearing admirer who stalks Kate in both real and virtual universes.

MORE INFO & BUY @ AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

SHARON OWEN | bio & links

I am a fiction writer, a university professor, a copy editor and an online writing teacher. My first Romantic Suspense: Thicker Than Water (Brands Crossing Series) was published in 2011 and the second book in the series, Whatever Goes Around, will be published in March, 2012.

My short stories and poetry have been published in Descant, Concho River Review, Iron Horse, American Literary Review, Trinity Writer's Workshop newsletter and collections of Christmas stories.

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE  | GOODREADS | WEBSITE | BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | EMAIL: SharonKatherine(at)SharonKOwen(dot)com

**Giveaway**

Hang on to your hats, guys. Lot of freebies up for grabs!

* 3 kindle e-book versions of THICKER THAN WATER *

* 1 print copy of THICKER THAN WATER (U.S. addresses only, please) *

* 3 free memberships to Sharon's online creative writing class: Simply Creating Fictional Characters *

I know, right? INCREDIBLE! To enter, please leave a comment with your email address. Please specify if you are eligible for the print copy of THICKER THAN WATER  and also if you are interested in the membership to Sharon's writing class.

Sharon, I'm so thrilled with your generous prizes and I'm sure my readers will be as well. Thank you so very much! Readerly folks, thank you for being here today, and please tell your friends about Sharon's giveaway using the share buttons following the post. Your participation is greatly appreciated. Everyone have a wonderful day, and good luck!

The Highlight Reel: February 2012

On Sale for $1.50 - LIMITED TIME ONLY! Click image for sale price.

You guys may have noticed I'm all over the place with my news and events, so I'm kicking off this new monthly newsletter-style feature to bring forth the highlights. If you're busy or, you know, can only stomach me in small quantities, then you're in exactly the right place! In general, you can expect this type of post on the last Monday of each month and you can find it easily at any time by clicking "Monthly Highlights" in the category listing on the left hand side bar. Okay, the formalities are behind us. Let's get moving!

FAMILIAR LIGHT Price Slashed!

In advance of the April 2 release of TIDE OF LIES, my novella FAMILIAR LIGHT is now available for just $1.50! This price is exclusive to Noble Romance, where you'll find all the popular e-formats including PDF, EPUB, HTML, Microsoft Reader, Mobi4Kindle, and MobiPocket.

What the heck does FAMILIAR LIGHT have to do with TIDE OF LIES, you ask? While TIDE OF LIES is a standalone novel, the story actually begins in FAMILIAR LIGHT with a love rekindled and an obsession turned deadly. The twist at the end leads right into TIDE OF LIES, which picks up with Holden's story as an old love and a long-buried secret devastate him . . . and that's all before the final showdown!

Held CAPTIVE by a New Cover

I admit it. My muse checked out, so my eye wandered. I ended up at For the Muse Designs, where I fell in love with a cover I had no business looking at. (To read the whole sordid tale, click here.) Now I'm plotting a historical romance, and I totally blame Elaina Lee (the artist behind FTMD and a stellar writer). This historical romance and I are sizing up one another, more than a little wary, but we'll get along just fine. Eventually. (Anyone know how to woo a historical romance? Ouch.)

By the way, to track my progress on CAPTIVE and my other works-in-progress, head over to my website. There, you can see word count meters and get the latest status on my up-and-coming stories. For my complete list of published books or to view a printable list of my work, click here.

This Just In: Book Reviews

02-26-2011 "Hawthorne was a stunning and exciting ghost story. It was very unexpected and riveting. I had a hard time putting it down. …wickedly entrancing and had me holding my breath in anticipation." Bre on HAWTHORNE (read the full review @ Books-n-Kisses)

02.11.2012 "I'm one of those readers or viewers who can generally figure out the storyline fairly quickly, but this story just blew me away." W. Lynn Chantale on HAWTHORNE (read the full review @ Decadent Decisions)

02.01.2012 "Ms. Ballance kept me guessing throughout the entire story. The killer was certainly the last person I expected. Well done, Ms. Ballance!"  Brea Essex on UNFORGIVEN (read the full review @ Clu's Review)

02.04.2012 "Ms. Ballance writing is very amazing and being so powerful it will move you to tears." Arlena Dean on HAWTHORNE (read the full review @ Great Minds Think Aloud)

02.11.2012 "This is a must read that you don't want to miss." Kari Boardman on HAWTHORNE (read the full review @ From the TBR Pile)

To see a full listing of all of my reviews, check out the Reviews tab on my blog. With each book title, you'll also find ratings (if left by the reviewer) and links to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Goodreads reader reviews.

UNFORGIVEN on Tour

I signed with Sizzling PR as a full time client and have toured nonstop since January. (For the record, virtual book tours do not seem to burn calories like, say, a walking book tour might. Otherwise, they rock.) You can check out my upcoming dates and see direct links to blogs I've visited by clicking the Appearances tab at the top of my blog.

Giveaways and Winners

In February alone, I've given away **$50** worth of gift cards and a number of ebooks. How can you be the next to score? I'm glad you asked! The easiest way to win is to subscribe to my blog **by email** in the box at the top of the left hand side bar and you'll be automatically entered in my weekly gift card giveaways. (For full details, click here.) I also participate in a number of blog hops, and when they're open to entries you'll find the graphics in the side bar. Be sure to check back often for a shot at the good stuff!

Coming Up Next

TIDE OF LIES is due to release from Noble Romance on April 2. For a sneak peek, check out the Six Sentence Sunday posts on my blog by clicking here.

Easy Stalking Guide (AKA Linkage)

Are you following me? Am I following you? (Are we going in circles?) Let's connect!

FACEBOOK | FACEBOOK FAN PAGE | TWITTER | GOODREADS

Comments? Questions?

If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on my blog, please don't hesitate to ask! I can't say I don't bite (just ask my husband), but I *can* say I don't bite well from a distance. ;c)

02.26.12 #SixSunday with Tide of Lies

Can't wait for this one? Check out FAMILIAR LIGHT (on sale for $1.50!) to get the early scoop on the unsolved murders leading to the LIES! Here's today's snippet between Holden and Julia. He's just learned her secret, but it's just a very small part of what she's keeping from him. As for the rest . . . .

Choking back sobs, Julia crossed the room, her perfectly polished toenails peeking from the thick carpet underfoot. She attached the chain on the door, not caring if she locked him out of his own apartment. The sooner he came back, the sooner it would be over.

She had to tell him. She cared for him too much to keep her secret any longer.

And he couldn't possibly care enough to forgive her for what she had to say.

TIDE OF LIES – romantic suspense coming April 2, 2012 to Noble Romance (excerpt subject to the wrath of my editor)

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

02.25.12 #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 Hildie Mcqueen, 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, 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.

Time froze, but the flames did not. Through the smoke and the squalor, the fire inexplicably licked both of the room's doorways—one near the front of the house, and the one Riley and Gage had entered near the back.

It made no sense. What kind of fire started everywhere at once? Gage jerked around, his attention immediately drawn to a window. He tugged on the back of Riley's shirt.

She spun, eyes wide. She'd already pulled her shirt over her mouth and nose, but the dry fabric wouldn't help long.

He pointed to the window and without waiting for a response, waded through the junk, falling twice, fighting coughs, and trying not to breathe. An upended wooden chair made for a nice battering ram; he grabbed and shoved it through the glass. Then, without missing a beat, he yanked the flimsy metal curtain rod from the wall. He ran the pole across the bottom of the pane in an effort to knock out the remaining shards of glass, grateful the cheap casements held one big thin panel, which saved them valuable time.

With the escape route as clear as it was going to get, he turned to Riley. The flames were spreading fast, the smoke so thick he didn't see her at first. One, then two desperate steps back and he saw her, crouched near the floor. He waved at her to approach, then ushered her ahead to their improvised escape.

Riley pushed her feet through the opening, kicking loose glass off the sill as she went. Seeing that she'd rolled to safety, Gage followed after her. The drop was meager, but the shock of fresh air was almost startling—as much as he wanted to stop and feast on it, he didn't. Instead, he stayed on Riley's heels, first crawling, and then fleeing the burning house.

"Trees." Still gasping for breath, he choked on the word. His gunshot arm burned as much as his lungs did. He focused on staving off a coughing fit. Just get to the woods, he told himself. Then we can worry about the rest. He was no expert on fires, but he'd bet his good arm there'd been an accelerant in that house—even with the boxes and papers all over the place, fire didn't simultaneously land in two spots at once—and he wasn't taking chances an explosion wouldn't follow.

Something more than coincidence triggered that fire. Tom Rigby had something to hide, and he was doing an impressive job of hiding it.

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

02.18.12 #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 Hildie Mcqueen, 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, 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.

Time froze, but the flames did not. Through the smoke and the squalor, the fire inexplicably licked both of the room's doorways—one near the front of the house, and the one Riley and Gage had entered near the back.

It made no sense. What kind of fire started everywhere at once? Gage jerked around, his attention immediately drawn to a window. He tugged on the back of Riley's shirt.

She spun, eyes wide. She'd already pulled her shirt over her mouth and nose, but the dry fabric wouldn't help long.

He pointed to the window and without waiting for a response, waded through the junk, falling twice, fighting coughs, and trying not to breathe. An upended wooden chair made for a nice battering ram; he grabbed and shoved it through the glass. Then, without missing a beat, he yanked the flimsy metal curtain rod from the wall. He ran the pole across the bottom of the pane in an effort to knock out the remaining shards of glass, grateful the cheap casements held one big thin panel, which saved them valuable time.

With the escape route as clear as it was going to get, he turned to Riley. The flames were spreading fast, the smoke so thick he didn't see her at first. One, then two desperate steps back and he saw her, crouched near the floor. He waved at her to approach, then ushered her ahead to their improvised escape.

Riley pushed her feet through the opening, kicking loose glass off the sill as she went. Seeing that she'd rolled to safety, Gage followed after her. The drop was meager, but the shock of fresh air was almost startling—as much as he wanted to stop and feast on it, he didn't. Instead, he stayed on Riley's heels, first crawling, and then fleeing the burning house.

"Trees." Still gasping for breath, he choked on the word. His gunshot arm burned as much as his lungs did. He focused on staving off a coughing fit. Just get to the woods, he told himself. Then we can worry about the rest. He was no expert on fires, but he'd bet his good arm there'd been an accelerant in that house—even with the boxes and papers all over the place, fire didn't simultaneously land in two spots at once—and he wasn't taking chances an explosion wouldn't follow.

Something more than coincidence triggered that fire. Tom Rigby had something to hide, and he was doing an impressive job of hiding it.

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

"Coming Up For Air" with T.D. Jones

Indulge in COMING UP FOR AIR by TD Jones - click image for more info!

It's time for another Texas invasion! Yep, not only is it Friday, but we've got author T.D. Jones here with a copy of her new book COMING UP FOR AIR up for grabs. To find out how you can win it, you'll have to keep reading. To find out more about T.D., you're in exactly the right place!

Welcome T.D.! Before we get into COMING UP FOR AIR, I'd like to ask a bit about your background. You're a Texas girl and your stories are set in small Texas towns. Will readers see a personal glimpse of your life in your books?  

I'm sure they will. I love small towns, where people know everyone. As a kid my hometown Odessa was a small town but now it's getting to be a big city but people still have that small town thinking about them.  I usually try to add something in each story in my book that reminds me of home.

I love the sense of community in a small town. That alone draws me to your books! ;c) In COMING UP FOR AIR, Maggie's ex comes back to town with a pregnant fiancée. Kevin is engaged to a woman who is carrying his child, but falling for Maggie again. It's one thing for Maggie to harbor feelings for Kevin after all these years, but how did you make him a sympathetic character considering his circumstances?  

Kevin is like a lot of guys, he knows what's going on around him but doesn't care to rock the boat…but when he sees Maggie again it's either sink or swim!

Oooh, well said! What might readers be surprised to learn about the plot or characters of COMING UP FOR AIR?

That it's a very simple love story with a lot of drama.

I can definitely see how that whole pregnant fiancee thing might lead to some drama, LOL! Let's have some fun with your book. What's the first sentence? 

Maggie Dawson ran her hand over the large belly of her patient.

OMG! I'm putting two and two together here … and I'm hooked! What's your favorite line in the book?

Maggie's mother had taught her manners and she would not find it proper for Maggie to jump this girl and start pulling out the fake Christie's' long, blonde hair, so Maggie decided against it, just out of respect for her dead mother.

LOL! That's a good one. How about an excerpt … three sentences long! Yep, that's it. Three!  

Maggie kept her eyes closed and let out a sigh. She would keep this memory stored, and when she thought of Kevin she would bring this one up. Forget all the other memories of him. This is the only one she wanted to remember now. She was finally coming up for air.

Fantastic tie-in to your title — that was a neat surprise. (And clever!) Which scene of COMING UP FOR AIR was most difficult for you to write? Why? 

I think where Maggie and Kevin are at the house together. I wanted them both to show their feelings but not say anything they truly regretted saying.

That's often a difficult line to write, but it seems as if you've put a lot of thought into it. ;c) Which scene of COMING UP FOR AIR would you most like to experience for yourself? From whose POV? 

I think the dancing scene from Maggie's POV. I'm not a great dancer and would love to be able to twirl around with my favorite guy.

Good one! (I SO cannot dance, LOL!) What are you currently working on?

I have Salem's World coming out in late Feb. I have Wrangled Hearts coming out in March and A Dangerous Game being released this year sometime. I'm working on a wedding series, a mystery series and a a single fiction called  Summerhouse Blues, and a how to writer's book…I think I might be a bit crazy!

WOW. You might be a bit crazy, but you're such an inspiration. That's amazing, and so is your new release. Let's take a closer look. ;c)

[image error]COMING UP FOR AIR | blurb & linkage

Maggie Dawson was left at the altar at the young age of eighteen. Now years later Kevin Walker is back in town and Maggie's life is turned upside down. She is determined not to fall in love with this guy for a second time. He broke her heart once, she is not letting him do it again or is she?

Kevin Walker comes back to Clover, Texas to sell the family ranch and never expects to run into Maggie, who is now the town doctor. He starts to fall in love with her again, but will she let him in?

Maggie always had a secret thought deep down in her heart that someday Kevin would come back to her. He would say he was sorry for leaving, and everything would be wonderful. They would live happily ever after like in the fairy tales. Never in the fairy tale did she dream that her prince would come back to town, and bring his pregnant fiancée with him.

More info & buy @ XoXo Publishing | Amazon

 T.D. JONES | bio & links

I'm a West Texas girl and wouldn't have it any other way. I love to see the blue sky and all the open space. At night you can walk out and see stars for miles. There's nothing like sitting on a porch and watching the Texas sky on a warm, summer night.

I've always dreamed of becoming a published writer and finally decided two years ago I was either going to make my dream come true or give it up. Luckily Melange-books decided I was worth giving a chance and published Hot Days. My dreams seem to becoming more of a reality since I will have my second story published in July 2011 and more to come out soon.

I love writing about characters who aren't perfect. They have problems and have to figure out ways to make their life better. Humor is sprinkled throughout my stories. It always surprises me that I'm able to write humor because I don't really find myself funny. I'm known to worry about things and stress out easy so maybe that's why I love writing humor, at least my characters are having fun!

Writing feeds my soul and I want to do it forever. I hope you enjoy reading my books as much as I love writing them.

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

**GIVEAWAY**

I'm going to let T.D. tell you about her giveaway herself. You'll have to be quick for this one! *Grin.*

T.D. Jones: I have one Amazon gift codes for kindle to give away for Coming Up For Air. Just be the first to respond to this interview. Be sure to leave your e-mail address.

Sarah: I'd like to thank you all for being here today. T.D., it's been a pleasure getting to know you and I wish you all the best with your sales. Thanks so much for your generosity. Have a fantastic weekend, everyone, and good luck!

A "Journey in Time" with Chris Karlsen

Take the JOURNEY of a lifetime within the pages of Chris Karlsen's JOURNEY IN TIME! Click image.

Today's guest has a fascinating bio. Not only has she spent 25 years in a really cool career, but she's traveled so extensively it blows my mind. And if that's not awesome enough, she brought with her a set of e-books to give away, so hang with us until the end of the interview to find out how you can win. But first, dear readers, please welcome Chris Karlsen!

Welcome, Chris! I stalked your bio a bit, and I have to say it's amazing. Twenty-five years in law enforcement, and you've been to some of the most storied places in the world. Which stand out the most in your memories?

There are several. The Tower of London, Canterbury Cathedral, Gloucestershire, Paris, Loire Valley, Istanbul, Ephesus ruins in Turkey, Bodrum, the ruins of Troy, Rhodes, Malta.  I could go on and on but those are a few.

*Jaw on ground.* I feel like I just saw all the cool brochures at a travel agency! What a life experience unmatched by any other. That's just astounding! (Yes, I like to travel, LOL.) Moving the focus to your book: JOURNEY IN TIME sounds like a fascinating read, and the reviews have been wonderful. Can you introduce our readers to the story?

Shakira, the heroine, is a mysterious woman. Alex, the hero, dances with at a charity ball in London. He tracks down her identity and finds out she's an attorney with respected firm. Through a misunderstanding he becomes her client. Because of that she refuses to date him for awhile. Eventually she agrees to go horseback riding in the countryside near the cottage he owns. They're caught in a freak storm and transported back to medieval England, an England preparing to go to war with France.

Alex has a strong tie to the time, which comes as a shock to Shakira. He's thought to be Baron Guiscard, a baron who was killed in battle during the war with France. If they can't return to the modern world, he will sail with the army in place of the baron and to certain death. History can't be changed and history doesn't care which man it takes. Without Alex, Shakira will be left in a medieval world without a protector or means to care for herself.

In spite of the terrible problems they must struggle with, and the obstacles thrown in the way, they discover how much they love each other. They find that their love is stronger than all the good and bad in the world around them and everything that threatens to tear them apart.

That's a really cool plot! Having him destined to die is such a clever was to add urgency to the story, which goes really in depth. How did you research 14th century England? Were you able to find any personal accounts of the time period?

I've had a fascination for medieval English history most of my life, along with a few other time periods. Over the years, I've collected many books on the subject. I had much of what I needed in my library to begin with but I also bought additional books on armor and clothing and the Hundred Years War.

I did find a book called, "The Life and Campaigns of the Black Prince," from contemporary letters, diaries and chronicles, including Chandos Herald's—"The Life of the Black Prince."  This book was edited and translated by Richard Barber. Chandos Herald was the Black Prince's official chronicler and I thought myself very lucky to find Barber's book.

In some of the books I have, I found lists of kitchen stock or household records from various nobles, which was interesting.

Wow, how COOL! I'd love to see that collection. ;c) What might readers be surprised to learn about the plot or characters of JOURNEY IN TIME?

I think they'll be amused by Shakira's arranging a medieval rendition of Fleetwood Mac's "Tusk" and Cole Porter's "The Way You Look Tonight," using instruments from the time. I also believe they will be pleased with how much of a fighter she is, especially when she's attacked by a royal favorite.

I hope they'll be moved when Alex reveals a private torment and the source of a repeating nightmare.

I think they'll be surprised and pleased with the scene where the science of time-travel and a possible theory for Shakira and Alex's experience is discussed.

   

This sounds like such a thorough plot! I love how many layers you've portrayed to us. Let's get to know JOURNEY IN TIME a bit better with some fun questions. What's the first sentence?

"It's late. I'd like to go," Alex said.

 That immediately draws me in, wondering where he is. *Grin.* What's your favorite line in the book?

"You've no idea how medieval I can get, especially with what's mine," he whispered against her lips.

Oh, wow. I love that possessiveness! How about an excerpt … three sentences long! Yep, that's it. Three!

"No." She refused to move. "I want to go home."

He looked ill, green around the gills, like he was sea-sick.

"You can't."

Enticing excerpt, Chris! Which scene of JOURNEY IN TIME was most difficult for you to write? Why?

The scene in his bedchamber in the castle where he explains they've gone back in time and how he's connected to the time. I had to find the language and attitude for Alex that I would need to see and hear if I was in Shakira's place that would convince me he was telling the truth. I couldn't gloss over the situation or treat the scene with a light hand. As much as I might be attracted to someone, they'd have to go a long way to make me believe a story like the one Alex is relating.

I second that! And I have a lot of respect for the thought you put into such a difficult — and significant — situation.  Which scene of JOURNEY IN TIME would you most like to experience for yourself? From whose POV?

Wow, difficult to choose. I really liked the love scenes and her POV there but I have my real life hero. Having said that, I would like to experience the jousting scene and from her POV. I'd love to try jousting.

Now *that* is an original answer, LOL! Okay, give us the scoop. What are you currently working on?

I just started book 3 of my "Knights in Time," series. "Journey in Time, " was book 2 and book 1 was "Heroes Live Forever." Book 3 is titled, "Knight Blindness," and the hero is the knight Stephen from "Journey in Time."

Next month I have "Golden Chariot," coming out. It is book 1 of a new series called "Dangerous Waters." It is a romantic thriller set off the coast of Turkey, near Troy.

I *so* love your exotic settings! And you bring such unique experience to your stories through your travels — I bet it really shows through your work. Let's take a closer look at today's featured title, shall we?

JOURNEY IN TIME | blurb & links

Journey in Time—Right woman…right man…Trapped in the wrong place and the wrong time.

London attorney, Shakira Constantine, finally agrees to spend the day with her handsome client, Alex Lancaster. While riding in the countryside, the couple finds themselves caught in a time warp and transported back to the 14th century, and an England preparing for war. Everyone believes Alex is the Baron Guy Guiscard…a baron who died in the upcoming battle.

If they can't find a way to return to the 21st century, Alex will have to sail with the army to certain death. Shakira will be left alone to survive in the alien and terrifying medieval world.

MORE INFO & BUY @ BOOKS TO GO NOW | AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

CHRIS KARLSEN | bio & links

I'm a retired police detective.  My father was a history professor and my mother was and is an avid reader. I grew up with a love of history and books. After I retired, I finally had the time to pursue writing, something I longed to do since I was a teen.

I've traveled extensively wanting to see the places I read about. I'm an animal lover. My husband and I live with four rescue dogs and have one rescue Thoroughbred.

LINKS @ WEBSITE | PUBLISHER | AUTHOR | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS

 

**GIVEAWAY**

 

As promised, Chris comes with a VERY generous giveaway! She's offering one e-set of her books — HEROES LIVE FOREVER and JOURNEY IN TIME — in PDF or as a gift from Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Is that incredible or what? If you'd like a chance to win, please comment with your e-mail address. A winner will be chosen at random. Your tweets and shares of this post are greatly appreciated, so please tell your friends. Chris, it's been an honor getting to know you today. Readerly types, thank you all so much for joining me today, and good luck!