Brenda Sparks's Blog, page 43
June 29, 2014
Book Blitz and #Giveaway: Contact by Laurisa White Reyes
Title: ContactAuthor: Laurisa White Reyes
Genre: Young Adult Urban Fantasy
Expected Release Date: June 23rd, 2014
Publisher: Hallowed Ink Press
Blurb:It takes only half a second…
…Like those commercials where a crash test dummy rockets forward at high speed and slams into a wall.
…In that instant, every thought in Emma Lynn Walsh’s head collides with mine—every thought, memory, hope, disappointment and dream.
…I open my eyes to see Dr. Walsh peering at me, a puzzled expression on her face.
“Let—go—of—me,” I order though clenched teeth.
Mira wants to die. She’s attempted suicide twice already, and failed. Every time she comes in contact with another person, skin to skin, that person’s psyche uploads into hers. While her psychologist considers this a gift, for Mira, it’s a curse from which she cannot escape.
To make matters worse, Mira’s father is being investigated in the deaths of several volunteer test subjects of a miracle drug. Shortly after Mira’s mother starts asking questions, she ends up in a coma. Although her father claims it was an accident, thanks to her “condition” Mira knows the truth…but proving it just might get her killed!
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20707931-contact
Author Bio:
After earning her B.A. in English in 1995, Laurisa White Reyes spent many years writing for newspapers and magazines before gathering enough courage to live her dream of writing novels. Contact is her third published book. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in creative writing, is a book editor for Hamilton Springs/Xchyler Press, and is the Editor-in-chief of Middle Shelf Magazine. She lives in Southern California with her husband and five children.
Links:
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5244611.Laurisa_White_Reyes
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Laurisa-White-Reyes/e/B006IL8HUK/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lwreyes
Blog: http://laurisareyes.blogspot.com
Web: http://www.laurisawhitereyes.com
Goodreads * Facebook * Web * TwitterClick below to enter Laurisa's giveaway... a Rafflecopter giveaway
June 28, 2014
Book Blitz: Stone of Destiny by Laura Howard
Title: Stone of Destiny Author: Laura Howard
Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance
Hosted by: Lady Amber's Tours
Synopsis:
Allison thought it was crazy enough when she found out her father, Liam, wasn't entirely human. But now she has to join his magical allies to unravel his former mistress's plans. Aoife wants to keep Allison's parents apart forever.
Despite Allison's efforts to keep Ethan, the only guy she's ever cared about, out of this supernatural mess, fate keeps throwing him back into the mix.
Will Allison be able to find the amulet that holds the enchantment Aoife placed on Liam and destroy it? Are Ethan' s feelings for Allison strong enough to endure the magic of the Tuatha De Danaan?
Buy Links:
Amazon * B&N
Author Bio:
Laura Howard lives in New Hampshire with her husband and four children. Her obsession with books began at the age of 6 when she got her first library card. Nancy Drew, Sweet Valley High and other girly novels were routinely devoured in single sittings. Books took a backseat to diapers when she had her first child. It wasn’t until the release of a little novel called Twilight, 8 years later, that she rediscovered her love of fiction. Soon after, her own characters began to make themselves known. The Forgotten Ones is her first published novel.
Social Media Links:
Blog|Facebook|Twitter
Buy Links:
Amazon * B&N
June 27, 2014
Book Blitz: The Luthier's Apprentice by Mayra Calvani
Title: The Luthier’s ApprenticeAuthor: Mayra Calvani
Genre: YA Paranormal Fantasy
Hosted by: Lady Amber's Tours
Promo blurb:Niccolò Paganini (1782-1840), one of the greatest violinists who ever lived and rumored to have made a pact with the devil, has somehow transferred unique powers to another…
When violinists around the world mysteriously vanish, 16-year-old Emma Braun takes notice. But when her beloved violin teacher disappears… Emma takes charge. With Sherlock Holmes fanatic, not to mention gorgeous Corey Fletcher, Emma discovers a parallel world ruled by an ex-violinist turned evil sorceress who wants to rule the music world on her own terms.
But why are only men violinists captured and not women? What is the connection between Emma's family, the sorceress, and the infamous Niccolò Paganini?
Emma must unravel the mystery in order to save her teacher from the fatal destiny that awaits him. And undo the curse that torments her family—before evil wins and she becomes the next luthier's apprentice…
Chapter excerpt:
http://twilighttimesbooks.com/LuthiersApprentice_ch1.html
Purchase links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K93R3OO/
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-luthiers-apprentice-mayra-calvani/1119467189
The Luthier’s Apprentice
Chapter One
Brussels, Belgium
Present day
Sixteen-year old Emma Braun got off the school bus and strode down Stockel Square toward her home. She glanced up at the October sky and wrapped her wool scarf tighter around her neck. Heavy dark clouds threatened a downpour.
As she passed a newspaper stand, the headlines on The Brussels Gazette caught her attention:
ANOTHER VIOLINIST VANISHES!
Emma stopped. For a moment she could only stare. She dug into her jacket pocket for coins and bought a copy.
The newspaper article left her stunned. Not only because three well-known violinists had gone missing in the last several months, but because the latest one was her teacher, Monsieur Dupriez.
The news story seemed so hard to believe, she stopped at the next street corner to read it one more time.
It was the last week of October, and the shops and homes were lightly adorned with Halloween decorations. Pumpkins and Jack-o-lanterns sat on doorsteps. Witches, broomsticks, and black cats hunkered down in windows and shops. Just last evening, Emma had sauntered along this street with her best friend Annika, unconcerned and looking forward to Halloween. Now, everything had turned dark and ominous.
The strange incidents she had experienced for the past two weeks added to her stress.
At first she had thought they were a string of coincidences, but not anymore. While scowling at obnoxious Billie Lynam during school recess, for instance, she wished he would fall flat on his face… and half a minute later, her wish was granted. On various occasions she guessed people’s thoughts before they spoke. And yesterday, on her way home from school, she accurately guessed the meal her mom had left on the table for her.
Was she some kind of a psychic? If so, why now? People didn’t develop powers like these overnight. Did they?
She hadn’t told her mom about her new abilities yet; only Annika knew. Maybe she would tell her mom today, after she shared the news about Monsieur Dupriez.
As Emma approached her home, she quickened her step. By the time she reached the door she was almost running. She raced into the hallway and dropped her book bag on the floor.
“Mom!” she called, looking in the kitchen, then in the living room. The house was silent. “Mom!” she called again, racing up the stairs to the bedrooms. Entering her mother’s room, Emma found her sitting very still on the bed with a crumpled letter in her hand.
When her mom saw her, she hastily put the crumpled piece of paper into her pocket and rose from the bed. Her arched brows were furrowed with anxiety.
Emma momentarily forgot the newspaper article. “Are you okay, Mom?”
“I’ve just received some unsettling news,” her mom said. “I must make a trip to see your Aunt Lili. She’s ill. She…I don’t know how long I’ll be gone.”
Aunt Lili? Emma frowned. More surprises. Emma had never met her mom’s eccentric only sister, who lived alone in the Hungarian mountains secluded in an old chateau surrounded by dark woods—or so her mom said. Though again, her mom hardly ever mentioned her.
“What’s wrong with Aunt Lili?” Emma asked. “Can’t I come with you?” She had always been intrigued by her mysterious aunt.
“No. You’ll stay with Grandpa. You enjoy working with him, don’t you?” Her brown eyes met Emma’s before turning away, and though her voice sounded matter-of-fact, Emma detected a trace of ambivalence.
Emma sighed. She loved violin making with a passion, but Grandpa was a bitter taskmaster. No matter how much she tried to please him, she never could. Maybe that’s why her mom often seemed so reluctant about her apprenticeship.
“I’d rather go with you,” Emma said. “Plus, next week is holiday.” All Saints holiday week—or Toussaint, as they called it here—almost always coincided with Halloween.
“That’s out of the question. I don’t know how long I’ll be gone. Besides, you can’t miss your violin lessons, not with the Christmas competition at the academy coming up soon.”
“I’m not so sure about that,” Emma said gravely, extending the newspaper.
Her mom took it. “What’s this?”
“This is why I came running up the stairs.”
Her mom read the headlines. She gasped and looked at Emma. When she finished reading, she sat on the edge of the mattress and stared into space. “Oh, my God...” she whispered.
Emma sat next to her mom. “It says Monsieur Dupriez disappeared in his study. The doors and windows were locked from the inside. The police don’t have any explanation. How can this happen? It’s not logical. It’s not humanly possible.”
“No, not humanly possible…”
“Just like the other three—that German violinist, the French one, the American. Nobody has explained their disappearances. Who would want to kidnap violinists?” When her mom didn’t answer, she began to gnaw at her fingernail.
As if by reflex, her mom pulled Emma’s hand away from her mouth.
“Sorry,” Emma mumbled. “I’m just worried about him.”
“Poor Madame Dupriez. We must visit her. She must be in quite a state.”
“Can you call her now?”
Her mom sighed. “I will. In a moment.” She looked at Emma, her features softening. Gently, she smoothed Emma’s glossy chestnut locks and side fringe away from her face. “Don’t worry, everything will be fine. You mustn’t be afraid.”
“Afraid? Why would I be afraid?”
“I mean, about Monsieur Dupriez.” Her mom appeared flustered.
“I’m not afraid. I’m worried, and angry. I want to find out what happened to him. Without him, I don’t even want to take part in the competition.”
Monsieur Dupriez had been Emma’s teacher since she was four years old. But more than teacher, he was her mentor.
“You will do your best at the competition—with or without Monsieur Dupriez. Do you hear me?” her mom said. Then her voice softened. “Listen, darling, I know how close you are to Monsieur Dupriez, but you cannot allow his disappearance to destroy your chances at the competition. I’m not asking you to win, only to do your best. You have great talent, a gift, and your duty is to use it to the best of your ability. Never forget this. Monsieur Dupriez would never want you to forget this.”
“You still haven’t told me what’s wrong with Aunt Lili,” Emma said, changing the conversation. “Why must you go to her now, after all these years?”
Looking into Emma’s face, her mom hesitated, as if unable to decide what—or how much—to say. “You know she’s always been ill, a recluse. She…” She rose from the bed and walked to the window, then opened the curtain. It had started raining, the drops pelted against the glass. “This time it’s serious. She may die.”
Emma couldn’t help feeling a twinge of suspicion. She hated distrusting her mom, whom she loved more than anything in the world, but this time her mom was lying. Emma trusted that feeling, another of her freaky new abilities. She felt an overwhelming urge to chew her fingernails, but tried to control herself. For her mom, a violinist’s hands were a work of art.
“But what’s wrong with her? What kind of disease does she have?” Emma insisted.
“Her heart is very weak.” Her mom turned away from the window to face Emma. Her voice was laced with impatience.
And again Emma thought: She’s lying.
“Please don’t worry about it,” her mom went on in a lighter tone. “I’ll try to come back soon.”
“How soon?”
“As soon as I can manage.”
“Grandpa is always in such a nasty mood,” Emma complained.
“Well, that isn’t news, is it?” Her mom stared down at the floor, as if absorbed by her own thoughts. After a pause, she added, “He’s old and his back always hurts. You know that.”
“I love Grandpa, but he’s so freaking…” She tried to come up with the right word. Bizarre. Instead she said, “Mysterious. You know, with his violins.”
Her mom looked at Emma and frowned, as if waiting for her to say more.
“You know what I mean, Mom. With that room at the top of the stairs. The one that’s always locked.”
Her mom’s features hardened. “He keeps his most valuable pieces in there. You must never disobey him. He would be very disappointed.”
“Who said I would go in there?” Emma asked, trying to sound innocent. If there was something she intended to do, it was going inside that room. Once she’d almost been successful. For some crazy reason, Grandpa had forgotten to lock it one day. But the instant she touched the doorknob, he had called her from the bottom of the stairs, his wrinkled features twisted into a mask that had left her frozen. He had appeared enraged and afraid at the same time.
“When are you leaving?” Emma asked, shaking off the past to focus on the present issue.
“As soon as possible. Tomorrow, probably. I’ll get the plane tickets today.”
“Mom...”
“Emma, please. If you’re going to complain or say anything negative, I don’t want to hear it.”
Fine. Obviously, this wasn’t the best time to bring up her new psychic powers. She headed to the door.
“Where are you going?” her mom asked.
“To my room.”
“I’ll call Madame Dupriez to see if we may visit her after dinner. In the meantime, I want you to pack. You’re moving to Grandpa’s tomorrow.”
In her room, Emma dragged her suitcase from the top shelf in the closet and set it on the floor.
“Hi, Sweetie,” she said to Blackie, her rabbit. “Want to get some exercise?” She opened the cage door so Blackie could hop out and roam about her room. Blackie was housebroken, and smart as a cat—or close to it.
She stared at the elegant taffeta gown hanging from her wardrobe door, a strapless design a la Anne Sophie Mutter she’d already bought for the upcoming violin competition.
She sighed.
Slumped on the bed, Emma wondered for the umpteenth time about Monsieur Dupriez’s strange disappearance.
Where could he be?
Author bio:
Award-winning author Mayra Calvani has penned over ten books for children and adults in genres ranging from picture books to nonfiction to paranormal fantasy novels. She’s had over 300 articles, short stories, interviews and reviews published in magazines such as The Writer, Writer’s Journal and Bloomsbury Review, among others. A native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, she now resides in Brussels, Belgium.
Connect with the author on the Web:
http://www.MayraCalvani.com
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mayra-Calvanis-Fan-Page/162383023775888
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mcalvani
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/272703.Mayra_Calvani
Cover Reveal: Insurmountable by TE White
Title: Insurmountable Author: TE White Genre: New Adult Contemporary RomanceHosted by: Lady Amber's Tours
Insurmountable Book Blurb
This isnât some happy love story. If you want that, try something else. No, I own this nightmare and would have never guessed it could have happened to me. My life is painstakingly puzzled out. And if I have to admit it, I fall for Red the first time I see her. In fact, she is the first of many things for me and maybe my last. She is the reflection of my happiness and the beginning to my end. She is the stain that covers my heart in the color of her blood-red hair. Thoughts of her consume me and continue to bombard my mind like ricochet gunfire. So what can possibly go wrong, you wonder? A humorous chuckle escapes me, in case you didnât hear it. Yeah, I can tell you, but you will judge me unfairly. This you need to hear from the beginning, so you know all the facts and feel what I felt. Maybe even sympathize and not give me your scorn. Then maybe you can possibly⦠possibly comprehend the enormity of my crossroads. You have to know I never planned or meant for any of this. It isnât my fault. Itâs someone elseâs sins that have efficiently destroyed my life in one fell swoop. My name? My name is Tade Astor and happiness for me is insurmountable. *Warning â this book contains explicit sexual situations and may not be suited for everyone.
T.E. White resides in New Jersey and is avid reader who spends stolen moments in time writing stories that will possible shock you, but hopefully in a good way. Writing isnât a new dream and something T.E. White has been compelled to do. The ultimate goal is to entertain you and create provocative thoughts in your head. The fantasy is to create stories you love. Hopefully all will be achieved. When not writing, T.E. White can be found daydreaming about new stories, watching fantastic TV shows/movies, or spending time with family. If you would like to connect, please use these links below. Website http://www.tewhite.net Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100006783978655 Twitter: @TEWhiteAuthor Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8302057.T_E_White
Excerpt #1
Gavin asked, âWhoâs the redhead youâve been staring at all night? My eyes shifted from the captivating creature back to my best mate who sported a smirk having caught me watching her. She was stunning with hair almost the same color as her strawberry colored lips, which contrasting sharply with her porcelain skin. Stupefied with lust, I was mesmerized by her barely revealed yet Venus Flytrap cleavage, intoxicating to look at but deadly to the heart. âI donât know her,â I said simply. In the nearly four years Iâd spent at St. Maryâs College of Maryland, a small private honors college on a stretch of remote eastern shore, Iâd never seen her before. And I didnât get the vibe she was local. According to Gavin, some high schools were larger in student population than our school. So it was odd our paths hadnât crossed and I knew I would remember a face like hers. âWhy donât you go talk to her before she thinks youâre some creepy stalker or you can take on Cruella for the night?â He laughed to himself at his joke about the girl who just passed us. I tipped the beer Iâd been nursing all night to my lips and took a long swallow. âMind your business Gav.â He chuckled. âNo way some chick has you caught all up and you havenât even said one word to her. This is priceless. In three and a half years, no one had you this wound up.â I might have been coiled tight because my pants were uncomfortably tight. Any more pressure and I might just jizz. It had been too long since Iâd gotten laid and I didnât have difficulty getting any. That wasnât the problem at all. I was just particular and choosy. It was important to maintain a low profile, as a Senatorâs son. Tonight, the redhead in question was the reason I was all worked up. The trouble was she didnât appear the type for a one night shag. And that was all I had to offer. Yet, I found myself walking in her direction.
Excerpt #2
A riptide of emotions clamped down on my throat rendering me unable to speak. I wanted to reach for Reaganâs hand before I let my own fall away. Stunned, Iâd been unable to do anything but stare at the mouths that had continued to speak. However, the ringing in my ear prevented me from hearing a coherent word. A single ember burned a chasm down my cheek. The blazing hot tear was as unfamiliar as it was appropriate given the situation. My world had burned to ash with the things said and not said in that room. I felt like a foreigner while the walls moved in on me like a house of card ready to fall. Claustrophobia had set in and finally I faced the woman behind me. âDonât,â I said, watching Reaganâs horror. She gazed at me like I was a monster. The stranger reflected in her eyes wasnât me. âPlease.â It was almost pathetic how I pleaded. How the mighty had fallen. I felt their pity and scorned them for it. One woman had made me weak and I hated it and didnât care all at the same time. She was it for me. If somehow they succeeded in poisoning her with their blasphemy, I would live my life a lonely and broken man. No way could I survive without her.
Book Blitz: Saving Abel by Gina Whitney
Title: Saving Abel (Rocker Series: One) Author: Gina Whitney Genre: Erotica BDSM Co - Hosts: Lady Amber's Tours & Panty Dropping Book Blog Blurb: Abel Gunner, the lead singer of the band Lethal Abel, is what beautiful nightmares are made of. His gritty, melodic rasp threatens to rip your heart out of your chest and leave you gasping for the very breath he robbed you of. His kisses, detonating on impact, leave you ruined. Abel is also a Dom, and his appetite for seduction is legendary and intense. After a chance encounter with Gia, his need to dominate this woman increases tenfold. He wants to consume her, merge with her, and never leave her body.Abel's emerald eyes touch the deepest part of Gia's soul in a way that terrifies her. She fears he can see her secret. Lies, guilt, and betrayal lay beneath her skin, and she's terrified of being exposed. How will Gia ever begin to explain? She doesn't believe she's worthy of him, and her greatest fear is that her carefully guarded heart will be shattered. However, she finds herself unable to deny this rogue tattooed rocker whose kisses just might ruin her.
Author Bio: Gina Whitney grew up reading Judy Blume, and Nancy Drew books. She was raised in the town of North Valley Stream, New York(Long Island)and attended community college for fashion design. At 19 she opened a boutique. She recently published her first paranormal romance novel Blood Ties. When she's not writing, she's hanging with family and friends. She shares a home with her wonderful sonâs PJ and Drew, and their 200lb Mastiff Hercules. She currently lives in Massapequa, New York. Reading has always been a passion and obsession. You can usually find her typing furiously while shouting obscenities over her latest work. She also enjoys a good laugh, being snarky, espresso, and above all steamy swooning angst filled novels. She's pathologically obsessed with True Blood(Eric ;), Games of Thrones, Borgias, Vampire Diaries and Originals. You can also find her chatting it up with readers on Facebook. Links: Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ginawhitneyauthor Twitter: https://twitter.com/ginamwhitney Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Gina-Whitney/e/... Blog: http://authorginawhitney.blogspot.com/ Buy Links: Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Saving-Abel-Rocker-Book-1-ebook/dp/B00LBPBV7Y/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1403847964&sr=1-5&keywords=Gina+Whitney?tag=ladambstou-20 Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/saving-abel-gina-whitney/1119877882?ean=2940149696994
The Dungeon I I opened my eyes, seeking him out. He was singing an a cappella version of â¦? What song was that? I knew it wasnât one of Lethal Abelâs. I listened keenly, searching for any frame of reference. Oh, now I knew! It was his version of Katy Perryâs âDark Horse.â His had an edge to it. Nonetheless, it was beautiful. And more importantly, it was quintessential Abel. He mastered everything he did, on his terms. Make me your cupidâ Make me your one and only But donât make me your enemy, your enemy, your enemy So you wanna play with magic Girl, you should know what youâre falling for Baby, do you dare to do this? âCause Iâm coming at you like a dark horse Are you ready for a perfect storm, a perfect storm? âCause once youâre mine, thereâs no going back ⦠[Listen to OLNâs version of âDark Horseâ here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKVknRFEhpc.] Oh, God. His version of reality was quickly becoming mine. I laid back down and let his voice pull me back under again, swathing me in his gravelly tonesâcarrying me to him.
June 26, 2014
June 26th is Forgiveness Day. Are You Ready to #Forgive the One that Wronged You?
Since Forgiveness Day is June 26th, I thought I'd share my views on the topic.Seems like forgiveness is in short supply these days. In fact, yesterdayI saw a man stop traffic and get out of his truck just so he could let another drive know he didn’t appreciate being cut off. Really dude? After you cut ME off, you get out of your truck to confront someone for doing the same thing to you. Can you say Karma?!?
Now I know forgiveness is easier said than done for some. And I don’t profess to have all the answers but I’ve been described as laid-back and having an infinite amount of patience. However, I don’t think those are accurate. I think I’m just really good at letting go and forgiving. So how do I do it?
I make a list of the good things that emerge as a result of an awful experience. It’s tempting to focus on the negative parts of an experience. Don’t! Instead exam what happened then look at the problem from a completely new angle; look at the positive side. See if you can identify 10 positive outcomes of the experience that has required your forgiveness.
I try to be compassionate with myself. If you've ruminated over the wrong for a long time, taking a new direction could take some time, too. When you try to make a new path out of the darkness of anger and hurt, you'll make mistakes. Forgive yourself. Be patient and kind to yourself. Remember, extreme emotional pain has a profound effect on the body. Give yourself time to heal both physically and emotionally. Eat healthy. Rest. Give yourself permission to feel the emotions and process them. Then let go. Don't bottle up the pain.
I try to balance trust with wisdom. It's a fact that not all of our fellow humans are trustworthy. Painful memories can serve to protect us from future hurts. In fact, some victims of crime, for example, are empowered when given permission to not forgive. Know when to walk away and how to protect yourself from getting into a situation that will lead to hurt. Forgiveness is not acceptance of wrong behavior. While it's fruitless to torment yourself over a person's actions, you should not be his or her willing victim. Acknowledge; move on.
The heroes and heroines in my stories struggle with forgiveness. In my latest story, Alpha Mine, the hero, Stephan, discriminates against the heroine, Katrina, for being human. He does things under the guise of protecting her that would make some women cringe. And yet, Kat realizes that if they are to have their happily ever after, her vampire needs to change and she must find a way to forgive him.
It isn’t easy to forgive someone who wrongs you. I won’t pretend that I’ve
forgiven everyone who has hurt me. But when you can let the
hurt go, you’ll be a happier person.
As Max Lucado once said…
June 25, 2014
Book Blitz and #Giveaway: The Billionaire Doms of Club Pluto
Andreasby Bella Ross
The Billionaire Doms of Club Pluto, Volume #1
Publication Date: May 16, 2014
Genres: Erotica, Romance, Serial
Purchase from: Amazon • Kobo •
Add to Goodreads.
Synopsis: One
determined Journalist….
Freelance journalist, Genevieve Parker, has just been handed the biggest story of her career. But there’s one problem…Going undercover as a submissive in one of the most exclusive BDSM clubs in the world was more than she bargained for. But that’s nothing compared to the man she meets there. Andreas Contos. Her assignment. Gorgeous. Powerful. Mysterious. Genevieve is fascinated…intrigued. But does her intense attraction and willingness to go places with him she’s never gone before sexually really have to do with writing her exposé? Feeling confused and overwhelmed, every instinct tells her to run before her professional facade comes crashing down…before she has to choose between obligation and desire....
One elusive billionaire…
Greek billionaire, Andreas Contos, is more than he seems. Between the powerful company he keeps and the secrets that lurk behind closed doors, trusting anyone is out of the question – especially the lush and sensual woman he just met. But there is something different about Genevieve – a guarded nature he’s anxious to penetrate. Unable to resist her, Andreas proceeds in taking her under his wing for the night to show her his world – a world of exquisite pleasure. As the two of them get deeper in exploring the eroticism of mind and body, danger watches them from the shadows…. About the Author: Bella Ross has many passions, two of which are writing and travelling. It is no surprise then that her 'Wanderlust Series' & 'Club Pluto Series' take place in glamorous capitals or exotic locales around the world. Its the perfect backdrop/setting for her characters to explore and indulge their lusts and passions, loves and desires.
When she's not writing, she's reading, or gallivanting all over seeking new inspiration, or people watching while enjoying a latte at Starbucks and jotting down ideas.
She loves to hear from readers, and looks forward to interacting through her various social media channels. So stop by and say hi!
Blog • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads
June 23, 2014
Forgiveness Day is Coming. Are You Ready to Forgive? #MFRWauthor
Since Forgiveness Day is June 26th, I thought I'd share my views on the topic.Seems like forgiveness is in short supply these days. In fact, yesterdayI saw a man stop traffic and get out of his truck just so he could let another drive know he didn’t appreciate being cut off. Really dude? After you cut ME off, you get out of your truck to confront someone for doing the same thing to you. Can you say Karma?!?
Now I know forgiveness is easier said than done for some. And I don’t profess to have all the answers but I’ve been described as laid-back and having an infinite amount of patience. However, I don’t think those are accurate. I think I’m just really good at letting go and forgiving. So how do I do it?
I make a list of the good things that emerge as a result of an awful experience. It’s tempting to focus on the negative parts of an experience. Don’t! Instead exam what happened then look at the problem from a completely new angle; look at the positive side. See if you can identify 10 positive outcomes of the experience that has required your forgiveness.
I try to be compassionate with myself. If you've ruminated over the wrong for a long time, taking a new direction could take some time, too. When you try to make a new path out of the darkness of anger and hurt, you'll make mistakes. Forgive yourself. Be patient and kind to yourself. Remember, extreme emotional pain has a profound effect on the body. Give yourself time to heal both physically and emotionally. Eat healthy. Rest. Give yourself permission to feel the emotions and process them. Then let go. Don't bottle up the pain.
I try to balance trust with wisdom. It's a fact that not all of our fellow humans are trustworthy. Painful memories can serve to protect us from future hurts. In fact, some victims of crime, for example, are empowered when given permission to not forgive. Know when to walk away and how to protect yourself from getting into a situation that will lead to hurt. Forgiveness is not acceptance of wrong behavior. While it's fruitless to torment yourself over a person's actions, you should not be his or her willing victim. Acknowledge; move on.
The heroes and heroines in my stories struggle with forgiveness. In my latest story, Alpha Mine, the hero, Stephan, discriminates against the heroine, Katrina, for being human. He does things under the guise of protecting her that would make some women cringe. And yet, Kat realizes that if they are to have their happily ever after, her vampire needs to change and she must find a way to forgive him.
It isn’t easy to forgive someone who wrongs you. I won’t pretend that I’ve
forgiven everyone who has hurt me. But when you can let the
hurt go, you’ll be a happier person.
As Max Lucado once said…
June 22, 2014
Book Blitz and #Giveaway: Beautiful Lies by Gina Whitney
Title: Beautiful LiesAuthor: Gina Whitney
Genre: Erotic Romance
Hosted by: Lady Amber's Tours
Synopsis:
Enigmatic Cameron Sterling is quickly rising through the ranks at New York’s most prestigious and corrupt law firm Wotherspoon and Associates. He has willfully avoided any meaningful personal relationships and is content to casually hook up with Becky, a young woman who fancies herself as his actual girlfriend. As a child, Cam witnessed his father murder his mother, and this was the genesis of his relationship-avoidance issue. The only thing he cares about now is becoming a partner at Wotherspoon and Associates. Cam is obsessed with the promotion and will not let anything—or anyone—stand in his way.
But when Cam crosses paths with Lilly Amsel, a fashion model, the edges of his well laid plans begin to fray. At first, Cam is unimpressed by Lilly’s exaggerated effervescence and entitled air. However, he is taken aback by her incredible beauty—legs as long as an Amazon’s, silky honeyed-hair, and blazing body. This undeniable physical attraction disturbs Cam on all levels, leaving him intrigued by Lilly and wanting to get away from her at the same time.
Lilly is strongly aroused by Cam’s moody presence. His dark, erotic looks and heady scent ignite long-dormant embers of wanton desire buried deep within her. Practically hypnotized, she finds her body reacting in the most surprising and carnal of ways. However, the two separate and never expect to see each other again, but somehow they manage to still linger on each other. Lilly’s larger-than-life persona that Cam initially encountered is a sham, though. It is a well-crafted costume that masks deeply rooted insecurity and an unfortunate dependence on prescription drugs. This stems from a horrifically abusive childhood that she is trying desperately, and unsuccessfully, to forget. Her mediocre modeling career was the perfect vehicle for her to escape that tumult and simultaneously receive acceptance and praise. It did not matter to Lilly that the kudos were based on superficial assumptions. She was still almost satisfied with the result and what modeling could not fix, the drugs could.
Enthrallment and lust have other plans, though. Despite their best efforts to stay apart, Cam and Lilly come back together and embark on a tempestuous affair. For both of them, a torrid weekend getaway in the mountains unleashes years of pent-up sexual frustration and destroys inhibitions. Cam has no problem taking charge as he relishes Lilly’s delicious inner nectar. Again and again, Cam delivers Lilly pleasure she has never known before, leaving her trembling as she reclaims the goddess within.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
Buy Links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Beautiful-Lies-Gina-Whitney-ebook/dp/B00JVZ0WLC/ref=la_B00DWDU1KG_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1398356103&sr=1-2
Author Bio:
Gina Whitney grew up reading Judy Blume, and Nancy Drew books. She was raised in the town of North Valley Stream, New York(Long Island)and attended community college for fashion design. At 19 she opened a boutique. She recently published her first paranormal romance novel Blood Ties. When she's not writing, she's hanging with family and friends. She shares a home with her wonderful son’s PJ and Drew, and their 200lb Mastiff Hercules. She currently lives in Massapequa, New York. Reading has always been a passion and obsession. You can usually find her typing furiously while shouting obscenities over her latest work. She also enjoys a good laugh, being snarky, espresso, and above all steamy swooning angst filled novels. She's pathologically obsessed with True Blood(Eric ;), Games of Thrones, Borgias, Vampire Diaries and Originals. You can also find her chatting it up with readers on Facebook.
Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z29MXf...
Links:
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ginawhitneyauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ginamwhitney
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Gina-Whitney/e/...
Blog: http://authorginawhitney.blogspot.com/
a Rafflecopter giveaway
June 21, 2014
Book Blitz: Bloodlust by Nicole Zoltack
Title: BLOODLUSTAuthor: Nicole Zoltack
Genre: NA Epic Fantasy Romance
Hosted by: Lady Amber's Tours
Book Description:In a world torn by prejudice and hatred, six races struggle for supremacy.
Barbarian-Princess Ivy is unwilling to allow her father to provoke the other races into war and forms an unlikely alliance with Lukor the goliath to save her people from utter destruction. Unbeknownst to her, Lukor blames the barbarians for murdering his sister and plans on sabotaging her goal.
Almost despite each other, they grow to respect each other on their journey to decode secret messages from the trolls. But nothing Ivy can do will prevent the war as her father is blinded by bloodlust and incites it himself. Not even killing him and becoming Barbaroness can stop the tide. And when Bloodlust claims Ivy, forcing her to kill everyone in her path, she must make a choice to destroy even Lukor, who she may have started to fall for and him her in return.
Buy Links:
http://www.amazon.com/Bloodlust-Nicole-Zoltack-ebook/dp/B00ILWAKPO/
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bloodlust-nicole-zoltack/1118732222
http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/bloodlust-16
Excerpt:
The coolness of the water did little to sooth her soul, but she relished washing all the same. After dunking her head beneath the water, she flipped her hair back.
Another heart beat. She slid closer to her sword, hidden beneath her clothes as she scanned the mountainside. No one.
A form stepped out from behind a tree. Another few paces and he almost left the shadows behind. Her breathing became slower as she took in his garb. A barbarian. One she did not immediately recognize. He stood tall, impossibly so, his muscles bulging against his tunic.
Whoever he was, he did not belong here. Watching her bathe. She who was to be their barbaroness.
A rush of adrenaline coursed through her, and she was dressed and armed faster than one could blink twice. The shield rested lightly on her back, its weight felt unfamiliar.
"Who are you?" she demanded, pointing the tip of her blade toward him.
Calmly, coolly, as if he had no reason to fear — how she would relish correcting his thinking on that point — he advanced, face still hidden by shadows, his hands in a defenseless manner. As if she could believe he did not have a weapon or five on his person.
"I am merely thirsty." His voice was smooth, but there was an undercurrent to it that piqued her curiosity. There were few barbarians she did not know. Who was he?
But now was not the time for introductions, handsome as he was. "Find another source of water."
Still he advanced, and so she rushed toward him. Too many people had defied her as of late. The arc of her sword swooshed by and clanged against a sword he removed from his back. They fought on level with each other, neither having the clear advantage. That he held his own against her both unnerved and enthralled her. For years she had trained and honed her skill, perfecting every weapon, until no other barbarian could best her. Even her kicks and punches were lethal. A long time had passed since she last faced a worthy opponent.
And worthy he was. He used his height on her to swing wide arcs, which she had to dance away from. His smoothness with his weapon, the grace he exhibited... Perhaps I have met my match.
Match. The term her mother had often used when describing those she thought Ivy should consider to be her barbaron, when her time to rule claim. The notion of marriage was one she never considered seriously, but this barbarian had her on her toes, fighting for her life, and she loved it, embraced it. How odd this felt, especially considering she did not even know his name.
Not that she had meant match the way Mother had. An equal, perhaps? But there was no equal to a barbarian-princess.
The battle turned from foolhardy to serious when her sword came within inches of slicing off his ear. His eyes narrowed, and his breathing changed. Had she triggered his Bloodlust? In the darkness of the forest, she still had not clearly glimpsed his face yet.
His huge hand grabbed her wrist and crushed it. Still, she held on, refusing to be unarmed. His other hand dropped his sword and gripped her neck. He dragged her to him.
And that's when she smelled him. Beneath the scent of the stolen tunic he wore, his stench rolled over her, filling her nostrils and revealing who he truly was.
Not a barbarian after all.
But a goliath.
Author Bio:
Nicole Zoltack loves to write in many genres, especially romance, whether fantasy, paranormal, or regency. When she’s not writing about knights, superheroes, or zombies, she loves to spend time with her loving husband and three energetic young boys. She enjoys riding horses (pretending they’re unicorns, of course!) and going to the PA Renaissance Faire, dressed in garb. She’ll also read anything she can get her hands on. Her current favorite TV show is The Walking Dead. To learn more about Nicole and her writing, visit http://NicoleZoltack.blogspot.com.
Author Links:
http://NicoleZoltack.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/NicoleZoltack
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2887586.Nicole_Zoltack
http://www.wattpad.com/user/NicoleZoltack
