Brenda Sparks's Blog, page 48

Book Blitz and Giveaway: The Three Rs by Ashe Barker

The Three Rs is released on 14 February 2014, a story of desire and domination set in the North of England.

Throughout this blog tour there is a big competition being held by Totally Bound to win a Kindle Fire and a gift voucher to fill it with eBooks. Make sure you enter the competition here: 
Win A Fabulous Kindle Fire and you can also sign up to attend the release party on facebook on the 28th February where the winner will be announced amongst other games and prizes!
Second chances don’t come along that often. But when they do you grab them with both hands, right? And hold on tight.

Join Abigail on a physical and emotional journey as she unexpectedly inherits a share in a thriving construction business - a windfall that sets in motion a chain of events that bring her head-to-head with new and reluctant business partner, Cain Parrish.

Uprooted from a dead-end job, Abigail is quickly drawn to her dominant partner who seems attuned to her most secret desires AND her shameful secret that she's managed to conceal all her life.

As their relationship blossoms, so Abigail's secret threatens to jeopardize their business and their happiness. 

The 3 Rs will have you rooting for Abigail from start to finish. Take this bitter sweet journey with her and enjoy how the sparks fly in this tantalizing tale of burning passion.

Author Bio:

Until 2010 I was a director of a regeneration company in Leeds, in the UK, before becoming convinced there must be more to life. I left to work as an independent consultant, and still do some of that though most of my time is now spent writing. At last I’ve been able to realise my dream of writing erotic romance myself. I’ve been an avid reader of fiction for many years, erotic and other genres, and I still love reading historical and contemporary romances – the hotter the better. But now I have a good excuse for my guilty pleasure – research.

In my own writing I usually draw on settings and anecdotes from my own experience to lend colour, detail and realism to my plots and characters. An incident here, a chance remark there, a bizarre event or quirky character, any of these can spark a story idea. But ultimately my tales of love, challenge, resilience and compassion are the conjurings of my own lurid and smutty imagination.

When not writing – which is not very often these days - my time is divided between my role as resident taxi driver for my teenage daughter, and caring for a menagerie of dogs, rabbits, tortoises.  And most recently a very grumpy cockatiel.  I’m a rural parish councillor, and I’m passionate about evolving rural traditions and values to suit twenty first century lifestyles.

I’ve completed my third trilogy in the Black Combe ‘family’ which is due for release later this year and I’m well on with writing the fourth. I also have a novella coming out soon, and I have a short story in Totally Bounds Paramour collection, and another in the Jolly Rogered anthology which is due for publication in July 2014. I have a pile of story ideas still to work through, and keep thinking of new ones at the most unlikely moments, so you can expect to see a lot more from me.

Contact me:

I love to hear from readers.  You can find me on my blog, and on the Totally Bound site.  I’m on Facebook, twitter and Pinterest, and on Goodreads too. And there’s also my author page on Amazon


Excerpt from The Three Rs

I catch sight of the imposing Angel of the North—that awesome piece of outdoor art towering over the Northumberland landscape—long before we actually get to it. From a distance the haunting outline of the Angel, arms or wings outstretched, is intriguing. Up close it’s simply stunning. I love art, in any form. This is the first time I’ve actually seen this particular masterpiece, I don’t want to just sail past.

“Could we stop? I mean do we have time?”

“Of course. We’ve made good time so far. And we’re in no hurry anyway.” Cain signals to pull off the motorway and follows the signs to a small parking area. The huge statue is in front of us, just rising up and up from the grassy mound alongside the road, almost as if it’s been planted in a field. There’s a path leading to it, and a gaggle of people strolling around. I grab my bag and open the van door. Cain says nothing, but there is a thud from his door closing so I know he’s coming too.

Up close, the metalwork seems rusty, but I know this is what the artist intended. The real impact of this piece is gained from looking up at it. The ground slopes away downwards so I make my way to the foot of the hill, and turn to look back at the Angel. Moments later my sketchpad is out, and I’m seated on the ground, my pencil moving swiftly across the sheet as I draw the shape of the Angel silhouetted against the bright blue of the sky.

“Most people would take a photograph.” His tone has no hint of impatience in it. Instead, he sits down beside me and slightly back so he can watch me drawing.

“Not me. I like to draw.”

“I can see that. You’re good at it.”

“Thanks.”

We sit in companionable silence while I finish my sketch. It’s a simple enough image, which is probably why it is so beautiful. It doesn’t take long. When I finish I pass the sketchpad to Cain for him to look at my picture.

“Mmm, it’s good. Better than a photograph.”

“It’s just different, that’s all. I prefer drawings. Later, I might copy it in watercolours.”

“That’d be nice too.”

I turn to grin at him. “Now you’re just being polite. You want to get off, don’t you?”

He shrugs, smiling as he hands the sketchpad back to me. “When you’re ready. No rush.”

Even so, I get to my feet and turn to him. He extends his hand, an invitation that I should pull him up too. I grin, admiring his cheek. And his optimism. I take his hand, and with some effort haul him to his feet. Laughing, we make our way back to the van.

Buy Link : Totally Bound

Book Blitz: Love of a Rockstar by Nicole Simone

Thank you so much for joining me Luke! Tell me where you do find inspiration for your music.
Hi, thanks for having me. I find inspiration in everyday moments like two people falling in love, a blazing sunset or the simple act of human kindness. Sounds corny but there is an endless supply of inspiration if you keep your mind and heart open.

That’s not corny at all. I like a man who is in touch with his emotions.  Recently, it was revealed you have a four year old daughter named Nil. Why did you feel like you had to hide her from the public eye?
Sighs* While the life I lead is a dream come true, it does have it’s draw backs. Luckily, I am not hassled 24/7 by the media but nonetheless; I wanted to shield my daughter from the critique of the masses as long as I could.  Nil is a bright little girl who is wise beyond her years. The least I could do is give her a normal life after walking out on her and her mother. 

Correct me if I am wrong but it seems like that is one of your biggest regrets. How are you making up for lost time?
I can’t get back the moments I lost with my daughter. I can only build new ones so we go on a lot of adventures together. Yesterday much to Nil’s mom displeasure, we had a water fight in the backyard.  We got soaking wet and ran around for hours. Seeing pure happiness on Nil’s face made my year. 

That is adorable. Ok , moving on from your family life back to life as a musician. You have toured all around the world with your band. Which city or town is your favorite?
That’s a hard question to answer but I have to say hands down, Paris France. It’s impossible not to fall in love with a city that speaks to your romantic side. I’m hoping to take Nil and her mom there sometime in the near future. 


If you didn’t choose the path of musician, what would you want to be?
Laughs* Music has been in my blood since I was born but my other passion is cooking. Marlene (Nil’s mom) is an amazing pastry chef. In fact, she went to Culinary School and has talent like none other.  When we were younger, we dreamed about opening our own restaurant called “Norma Jeans.” 

Norma Jeans? That’s an interesting name. How did you get to the point of where you are now? A famous rock n roller with a current number one hit single.  
Man, you sure know to stroke a man’s ego. The road to stardom was filled with potholes and overall heartache. With no family to speak of, I turned to music as a sort of security blanket. Thank god it worked out because I have no idea where I would be if it didn’t.  I met the love of my life at one of my early gigs, found band mates that have become more like brothers and have seen the world outside Seattle.

And last but not least, the question all your fans want to know the answer to. Are you currently attached or single? 
A sly smile turns up Luke’s lips* I am hoping to win a certain woman over with my wit and charm. She is stubborn with a capitol A so it won’t be easy but she has my heart. Always has, always will.
 

Luke's Point of View:


I stepped out of the limo into the frigid Seattle air.  It had been almost four years since I came home and to be honest, my nerves were on edge.  My fans screamed wildly as I gave them a quick wave and hustled inside for warmth.  The elaborate entryway of the hotel reminded me how far I’d come since the beginning of my career.  Back when I was a broke ass musician, I slept in the van along with the rest of my band mates. Then again, we partied more than we slept. Alcohol kept my nightmares at bay and my emotions numb. That was in the past though; now, I was a new man, ready to face the consequences of my actions. My gaze landed on the receptionist desk where my manager said Marlene worked. Sure enough, there was a woman at the counter who looked like her but her hair was different.  Shorter, blunt at the edges with side swept bangs.  As if the woman could feel my eyes on her, she glanced up.  I knew it was Marlene by the shocked expression on her face.  As if she was seeing a ghost. 

 Just to double check, I took a step closer. “M?”

At the term of endearment, her tooth snagged her bottom lip and that was all I needed. My heart turned over in my chest as I looked at the woman who had haunted my dreams.  Her face was the same, still uniquely beautiful.  However, being a mother brought out an inner glow.  Like the first time I saw Marlene, it was as if I was staring at the sun. Happiness warmed my soul. It was obvious she didn’t feel the same.  Her wide-eyed stare turned into one of panic and my gut told me she was about to bolt.  Quickly, I strode over but it was too late.

I held out my hand to stop her. “Wait,” I yelled.

Marlene’s long leg’s sprinted toward the women’s restroom where she disappeared inside. I knew I should have told her I was in Seattle instead of surprising her. My manager clasped her hand on my shoulder.

“What are you staring at?” She asked.

My eyes willed for the door to open and for Marlene to re-emerge. I was borderline desperate to hear her musical voice again. 

“This time she was the one who ran away.” I murmured

I heard a smile in my manager’s voice. “So what are you going to do?”

“I’m going to wait.”

Four years ago, I walked out on the family I could have had. It would take a miracle for Marlene to forgive me and let me be a part of my daughter’s life.  Nonetheless, I was ready for the challenge.  They were everything I had left.






EXCERPT:

My head whipped toward the outside entrance where a black stretch limo pulled to the curb. Light bulbs flashed as Luke stepped out onto the sidewalk. A chorus of screams arose from the crowd as the women threw themselves at him. Luke’s bodyguard pushed them out of the way with a meaty hand. Was this what his life had become? One giant ego boost? At seventeen, I thought Luke was the cockiest son of a bitch I had ever met. I couldn’t imagine what he was like now.

When he strolled into the lobby, my breath hitched in my throat. The young man of twenty-two was long gone and replaced by a walking sex god. His strong jawline complemented his pale blue eyes, the same eyes that seduced me into bed for the very first time. His perfectly sculpted body was attired in all black. His dark hair hung long, brushing past his shoulders. He played the part of a rocker through and through. Old emotions I hadn’t felt in four years stirred in my stomach, equal parts lust and hate.

“Are you OK? You seem a little flushed,” Josie said.

I felt panic creeping up my throat. Luke Anderson was in my hotel. Otherwise known as Nil’s father. I swore up and down this side of the Mississippi that when I saw Luke again, I’d give him a piece of my mind. But as he glanced over at me, I felt the air leave my body. His absence from my life didn’t change the fact that he was my Kryptonite.



Inspiration Behind Book

The idea for “Love of a Rockstar came to me out of the blue.  After writing my first novel that had paranormal undertones, I wanted to break into a new genre.  Since I am a huge fan of author’s like Lisa Kleypas, my mind immediately went to Contemporary Romance.  Since I was dating a musician at the time, he inspired the plot line.  Although our love story was nothing like Marlene and Luke’s, my imagination took control and I started to write.  That was almost six months ago.  I took a “write by the seat of your pants” approach, which in the end worked out for the best. I truly feel as if the character’s guided me through the novel and let me tell their love story for the world to hear.    

Book Blitz: Chasing the Green Fairy by Melanie Karsak

[image error] [image error] Title: Chasing the Green Fairy Author: Melanie Karsak      Genre: Adult Steampunk Reveal Host: Lady Amber's Tours Novel Description: Chasing the Green Fairy The Airship Racing Chronicles Book II A sabotaged airship. A recovering opium addict. A messenger with life-shattering news. With the 1824 British airship qualifying race only weeks away, Lily Stargazer is at the top of her game. She’s racing like a pro, truly in love, and living clean. But on one ill-omened day, everything changes.   Pulled head-long into the ancient secrets of the realm, Lily soon finds herself embroiled in Celtic mysteries and fairy lore. And she’s not quite sure how she got there, or even if she wants to be involved. But Lily soon finds herself chasing the spirit of the realm while putting her own ghosts to rest. And only accepting the truth–about her heart and her country–can save her.   Melanie Karsak grew up in rural northwestern Pennsylvania where there wasn’t much to do but read books and go for hikes. She wrote her first novel, a gripping piece about a 1920s stage actress, when she was 12. Today, Melanie, a steampunk connoisseur, white elephant collector, and caffeine junkie, lives in Florida with her husband and two children. She is an Instructor of English at Eastern Florida State College. Keep in touch with the author online. She’s really nice! Blog: http://melaniekarsak.blogspot.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/MelanieKarsak Email: melanie@clockpunkpress.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorMelanieKarsak Authorgraph: http://www.authorgraph.com/authors/MelanieKarsak   Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/melaniekarsak/ Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6539577.Melanie_Karsak http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_vie... "quality="high" scale="noscale" width="408" height="382" wmode="transparent" name="FLVPlayer" salign="LT" flashvars="&p=12abc78ef721a87befbd796&skin_id=701&host=http://www.onetruemedia.com" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"> 13px verdana,arial,sans-serif;line-height:20px;padding-bottom:15px;width:408px;text-align:center;">http://www.onetruemedia.com/landing?&utm_source=emplay&utm_medium=txt5" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;">Make a video - it's fun, easy and free! underline;">www.onetruemedia.com  Chapter 1: A chartreuse-colored leaf fluttered down onto the wheel of the Stargazer. It was early morning. The mist covering the surface of the Thames reflected the rosy sunrise. Yawning, I reached out to brush it away only find it was not a leaf at all. Carefully, I balanced the fragile creature on the tip of my finger. “Mornin’, Lil. Hey, what’s that?” Jessup called as he bounced onto the deck of the Stargazer. Angus was cursing as he cranked out the repair platform below the ship. We were preparing for our morning practice run to Edinburgh. “A luna moth,” I replied. “I thought maybe you’d finally caught the green fairy,” Jessup joked as he climbed into the burner basket. I grinned. The moth’s green wings, dotted with yellowish eyes, wagged slowly up and down. It was beautiful, but it was dying. “My mother once told me that they are fey things, that they live in the other realm until it’s their time to die. Then, they come to humans.” “Why?” Jessup asked as he adjusted the valves. Orange flame sparked to life. “She said that even enchanted things want to be truly loved at least once.” “Don’t we all?” he replied with a laugh. A harsh wind blew across the Thames, clearing the morning mist. It snatched the delicate creature from my hands. I tried to catch it, but the breeze pulled it from me even as it was dying. I lost it to the wind. I sighed heavily as I picked up my tools then bounded over the side of the ship to the repair platform. I pulled out a dolly and rolled under, joining Angus who had fallen remarkably silent. The moment I saw the gear assembly on the Stargazer, I understood why. “What the hell?” I whispered. “Aye, lassie.” “Jessup!” I shouted. “Get the tower guards down here!” “What’s wrong?” Jessup called. “The Stargazer has been sabotaged!” I stared at the mangled gears. From the saw marks on the gear assembly to the metal shrapnel blown around the galley, it was clear what had happened. I felt like someone had punched me in the gut. Seconds later I heard Jessup’s boots hit the platform and the sound of him running toward the guard station. “They removed Sal’s torque mechanism. Sawed the bloody thing right off,” Angus said angrily. “But . . . who?” I stammered. “The Dilettanti?” Angus offered as he strained to examine the rest of the assembly. “No,” I said as I touched the saw marks. The rough metal cut my finger. “That business is finished. Byron saw to that.” I stuck my bloodied finger in my mouth. The salty taste of blood mixed with the tang of gear grease. “Then who?” “Someone who didn’t want us to race in the qualifying. Someone who wanted to learn what had us running so fast.” We were less than a month out from the British qualifying. While there were other good race teams in the realm, no one raced better than us. After all, we were the champions of the 1823 World Grand Prix. My stunt in Paris had brought us heaps of acclaim, but not all our British competitors were impressed. Envy had set in. “Grant?” Angus suggested. Julius Grant, whose team was sponsored by Westminster Gas Light, was our greatest competition at home. He hated us. He was annoyed that we were sponsored by Byron, annoyed that I was female, and annoyed that we were faster than him. Grant was the most likely suspect. But he was not the only one. “Almost too obvious. What about Lord D?” I wondered aloud. “He’d love to, but he doesn’t have the stones,” Angus replied. “Might be someone who doesn’t want us in the Prix. If they take us out during qualifying, we aren’t a threat abroad.” “That means it could be anyone.” “Hell, maybe one of Byron’s lovers took a stab at you.” “But I’m not even romantically involved with him anymore.” “The rest of the world doesn’t know that.” I rolled out from under the ship. Leaning against the Stargazer, I wiped my hands. The cut stung as grease mingled with the open wound. I wanted to either beat someone to death or cry. I wasn’t sure which. Maybe both. Angus joined me. “Can we get it fixed in time?” I asked him. He wiped sweat from his bald head as he thought. “It’ll be close. I’ll need Sal’s help.” “You? Need Sal?” “Aye, lassie.” “He’s busy getting the factory ready, but he’ll come.” Jessup returned with Edwin, the stationmaster, and Reggie, one of the guards. “Where the hell were your people last night?” Angus demanded of Edwin. We’d known Edwin for a long time, and we trusted the guards in London. Something wasn’t right. As Angus and Edwin discussed, a terrible ache rocked my stomach. I set my hand on the side of the Stargazer. Her honey-colored timbers shone in the sunlight. Just as sleek and beautiful as she was the first time I laid eyes on her, she was my pride and joy. My ship. My love. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. “What do you think, Lil?” Jessup asked. Clearly, I’d missed something. “Pardon?” “Edwin suggested we post a private guard,” Jessup explained. I nodded. “We’ll sort it out.” “Lily, I’m so sorry. Someone must have sneaked past us. I can’t believe it,” Edwin said. His clear blue eyes were brimming with tears. I set my hand on his shoulder. “Who was stationed on this end last night?” “Morton.” I sighed. I wasn’t one to point fingers, but that explained it. “Was he still drunk when he went home this morning?” I asked Reggie. Reggie shifted uncomfortably as Edwin turned to look at him. “He was,” Reggie answered after a moment. “That lazy, rummy bloke. I’ll kill him! I’ll kill him!” Edwin shouted, and in an angry huff, stomped back down the platform. “Sorry, Lily. Angus. Jessup. I won’t take my eyes off her,” Reggie said sadly then went to take a post near the Stargazer. “We’ll sleep on the ship until we get a guard on board,” I told Angus and Jessup who nodded in agreement. “A guard . . . but who can we trust?” Jessup asked. “The Stargazer is family. We need family to keep her safe,” Angus replied then looked at me. “You mean . . . Duncan?” About three years earlier, I’d been, albeit briefly, in a relationship with Angus’ older brother Duncan. While I’d fallen for Duncan the moment I’d laid eyes on him, we were not suited for one another. Back then, I wasn’t ready to give up Byron or anything else. Angus shrugged. “I suppose he’s over you by now.” “That’s all well and good,” Jessup spat, “but we need someone to look into this! Someone needs to be held accountable! We should send for the Bow Street boys.” Angus shook his head. “Only if we want everyone in London to know.” “Well, we need to do something!” Jessup protested. “Let’s keep it quiet. I’ll talk to Phineas,” I replied. Jessup nodded eagerly. “Yeah. Good idea.” Angus frowned. “Are you sure about that?” Phineas and I had a convoluted opiate history, but as Angus knew well, I’d been keeping my habits in check. “It’ll be fine. I’ll check in with Phin, go get Sal, and come back. We can head out to the league meeting together.” “If Grant looks even a wee bit guilty, I’m going to squeeze his neck,” Angus cursed. “If he looks guilty, I’ll help you,” I replied. I set my hand on the Stargazer. It was so painful to see something you loved damaged. “It’ll be all right, Lil,” Jessup said trying to comfort me. “We’ll get her fixed.” I smiled weakly at Jessup then turned to leave. I knew he was right, but it didn’t make me feel any better. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blitz: Cover to Covers by Alexandrea Weis

Title: Cover to Covers
Author: Alexandrea Weis  
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Tour Host: Lady Amber's Tours
Blurb:
A man driven by his desires

Tyler Moore is considered cold, ruthless, and determined to get everything he wants. CEO of a flourishing oil company, he thrives on order and never gives up control to anyone.

The woman from his past 

Monique Delome has left her unhappy past behind to pursue her dream of becoming a writer. Love is something she believes is better suited to the pages of her novels and not meant for real life.

Whether in the boardroom or the bedroom, Tyler Moore is always in charge. But when Monique Delome walks back into his life, everything changes. A successful romance author, all the sexy leading men Monique writes about strangely remind everyone of Tyler. Intrigued, Tyler sets out to seduce the one woman he could never forget. Soon Tyler gets more than he bargained for, and his grip on his well-ordered life is turned upside down.

Tyler Moore is about to find out what happens when a romantic tale jumps from the pages and comes to life between the sheets.   

Excerpt:

    “If I can be of any further assistance, Mr. Moore,” a peppy blonde with too much black eyeliner said to the man in the impeccably tailored, dark blue Hugo Boss suit. “Please, let me know. I have your suite key.” She pushed the white key-card over the surface of the front desk. “Your usual order of Veuve Clicquot and strawberries will be waiting in your room,” she added with a welcoming smile.

    The self-assured gentleman removed his dark Porsche sunglasses and let his deep-set dark brown eyes linger over the young woman’s attractive face. “Afraid I won’t be needing that this time, Missy,” he murmured, getting a glimpse at her nametag.

    “Oh, I’m sorry, Mr. Moore. I was informed you are always to have a bottle of Veuve Clicquot waiting in your room whenever you stay with us.”

    Wandering over Missy’s stout figure, his eyes fixated on the way her blue blazer clung to her ample bosom. “I usually do when I’m staying here for a relaxing weekend. This time, however, is all business.” He placed his sunglasses in his jacket pocket.

    Missy leaned forward, revealing her cleavage as her blue eyes meandered up and down his body. “I am very sorry to hear that, Mr. Moore.”

    The flirtatious pout that puckered her red lips made Tyler Moore wipe his hand across his chin, attempting to hide his cocky grin. At six-foot-one, with black, wavy hair outlining his chiseled cheekbones and determined, square jaw, he was used to getting such suggestive looks from the opposite sex. But he knew that looks could only get you so far with a woman.

    “How sorry are you?”

    Missy’s eyes popped with interest. “I…I’m not sure what you mean, Mr. Moore.”    

    “How sorry are you that I won’t be having any fun this weekend, Missy?”

    She fingered the lapel on her blue blazer adjacent to her right breast. “I would hate to think your stay here would only be about business, Mr. Moore. If there was anything I could do to change that….”

    He felt a kick of satisfaction as he gazed into her hopeful eyes. “Perhaps you might come up with a few suggestions of other ways I could spend my weekend in your wonderful hotel? We could go over them later…at the bar, after you get off work.”

    The pale blush blossoming on her cheeks was so becoming that Tyler almost began to believe their playful repartee had been worth the effort.

    “I’ll think about it, Mr. Moore.”

    “You do that, Missy. When you have an answer, you know where to find me.” He motioned to his overnight bag and black suitcase by the desk. “Be a sweetheart, and have the porter take my bags to my room. I have to meet a client in the bar before I go up to my suite.”

    The flush on Missy’s cheeks was positively radiant. “Yes, Mr. Moore. Right away.”

    Tyler turned from the polished reception desk, unable to hide his smug grin. No matter where he went, the lust in a woman’s eyes never got old. The entire episode with the desk clerk had only reinforced his belief that it was his confidence, and not his looks, that always got a woman to give him what he wanted. He had learned long ago that his handsome face could only take him so far in life, and had made a concerted effort to take control of any situation. It was a philosophy he had incorporated into every arena of his life.   

    “I’ll have to check back in with sweet little Missy. See how she looks without the blazer.” He strutted across the lobby toward the arched entrance of the Rattlesnake Bar.

    A warm glow of honey, onyx, and a contemporary Western-theme greeted him as he stepped into the cool bar. Perched on the brown leather barstools, an array of women sipped on a myriad of colorful alcoholic concoctions while trying to chase away the sweltering afternoon heat. Tyler noted how more than one set of eyes turned his way as he strolled up to the bar. He checked his confidence at the door and pushed all thoughts of possible late night hookups from his mind.

    His flourishing oil and gas business was always more important than women. Besides, women were nothing more than a distraction at this point in his life. Having just passed the milestone of his fiftieth birthday, Tyler pondered that perhaps it was time for him to stop pursuing such meaningless liaisons and settle down with a tolerable woman who could cater to all of his needs.

    “Two divorces is plenty,” he reasoned as he arrived at the onyx marble and teak-topped bar. Lightly stroking the smooth surface of the marble, he remembered many of the encounters he had experienced in that very bar. Snapshots of blurred faces and forgettable names skipped across his mind. Some of the women had been exciting, a few horrific, but none had been…memorable.

    You know who was memorable, don’t you, Ty? his inner voice taunted. She was the one you let slip through your fingers.

    Tyler snickered at his self-remonstrations. He hated to admit his inner demon was right, but it was. She had happened so long ago, but he found it funny how advancing age only seemed to make the memories of youth more poignant. It was as if growing older brought into focus the emotions that the impetuosity of youth seemed to blur.


Author Bio:


Alexandrea Weis is an advanced practice registered nurse who was born and raised in New Orleans. Her first novel, To My Senses, introduced readers to the world of Nicci Beauvoir and garnered numerous awards and rave reviews. Her popular second Nicci Beauvoir novel, Recovery, won the Gold Medal for best romantic suspense from The Reader’s Favorite Book Awards 2011, and was named best Romantic Suspense novel by the Spring 2011 NABE Pinnacle Book Awards. Her fourth novel, Broken Wings, won best Contemporary Romance by the NABE Pinnacle Book Awards in 2012, was a Silver Medal winner in the ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards for Romance, as well as a finalist in the Reader’s Favorite Book Awards for Contemporary Romance for 2012. Her last novel, Acadian Waltz received honorable mention at the Readers’ Favorite Book Awards for Best Contemporary Romance and was a Best Southern Fiction Finalist. A permitted wildlife rehabber with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries, Weis rescues orphaned and injured wildlife. She lives with her husband and pets in New Orleans. 

Book Blitz and Giveaway: Beautiful Dreams by Alicia Rae

Title: Beautiful Dreams (The Beautiful Series #3)

Author: Alicia Rae

Genre: Contemporary Romance 18+

Publication Date: January 20, 2014

Event Organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc.

~Synopsis ~

Kyle has mended Lily’s broken heart, and as they have fallen in love, all she dreams of is finally having her happily ever after.

But as time goes on, Lily can no longer ignore the desire to know more about Kyle's past. When she learns more, she will discover if she can heal Kyle’s heartache as he has done for her.

Will his secrets break them apart? Or will their love be enough to strengthen their bonds?

Add Beautiful Dreams to Goodreads

Beautiful Dreams (Beautiful #3) Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

My Beautiful (Beautiful #2) Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Beautiful Chances (Beautiful #1) Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

~About the Author ~

Alicia Rae is a Contemporary Romance Author who lives in Dekalb, Illinois, with her husband and three beautiful boys. Alicia has a passion for reading all types of romance, writing to bring a story to life, and photography.

Thank you to my dear sister, Kels, who showed me a few years ago how much I truly missed reading. And to my loving husband, for not throwing away my Nook, and planting the seed of writing into my mind. I am forever grateful. Xo

Readers, words cannot thank you enough for supporting me along this incredible journey. I hope you enjoy my novels as much as I do writing them. I thank each and every one of you.

Believe in yourself and follow your dreams...

Connect with the Author: Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Top Ten Pieces of Advice for Aspiring Authors

1.       Take a chance, and follow your dreams.

2.       The hardest part is to start. Grab a notebook or laptop and start an outline or jot down storyline ideas.

3.       Open up your mind and let your characters speak to you.

4.       Join a writers group for support.

5.       Let a close friend read your work. Words of affirmation can work wonders.

6.       When you feel like you’ve reached a dead-end, take a break and come back to it when you are ready with a clear mind.

7.       When you feel like quitting, push through your fears and hesitations. 

8.       Block out all the negative and focus on the positive parts of writing.

9.       Read your work again and again until you feel it’s perfect.

10.   Research all of your resources and find out what works best for you. Who you work with is very important.

11.   When you finally make it to the end of the road, do a happy dance J

Top Five Things I Love About my Characters…

1.       Their immediate attraction to one another because it’s my favorite type of books to read. When I started The Beautiful Series, Kyle and Lily naturally came to me that way.

2.       Kyle and Lily’s balance of chemistry and friendship. As in any relationship, I think it’s essential to have both. During proof reading, I always find myself blushing one minute and laughing out loud at their playfulness the next. My husband just gives me this funny look. It’s great. 

3.       Kyle and Lily’s support for each other. I hope to inspire others that no matter how rough life is at times, you can lean on your partner in a time of need. Relationships are a give and take.

4.       The emotional growth between Kyle and Lily has greater depth than I originally planned for this novel. It’s a love story, yet so much more. I can’t wait to write the rest of their journey. 

5.       Family dynamics are such a huge role in our lives, and I look forward to expanding on Kyle and Lily’s families in the future.  ;)  
Teaser:
Within inches of the door, Kyle stopped and spun around to face me, his eyes staring into the depths of mine. He dropped the luggage in his grasp, the thump echoing off the walls of the garage, and his hand lifted to caress my cheek. 

He smiled affectionately at me. “Ready?” 

I nodded shyly. “Ready,” I answered.

He cupped my chin and bent down to place a gentle kiss on my lips before pulling back to look at my eyes. “Welcome home, beautiful.”

“Thank you,” I said before closing the distance between us for another kiss. 

Kyle wrapped his arms around my waist and hauled my body against his. I locked my hands around his nape and kissed him with such fervor. His mouth was warm and sweet, and his kiss instantly settled the nerves in the pit of my stomach.

Kyle lifted me, and I squealed in surprise. I enclosed my legs around his hips as he turned to open the door with me in his arms.

Laughing, I tightened my grip to hold on to him. “What are you doing?” I screeched.

The door swung wide open as he turned his gaze back on me. “Carrying you over the threshold,” he answered, releasing a carefree boyish grin.

With a smile, I rolled my eyes at him. “That’s for the honeymoon.”

Kyle shook his head in disagreement. “Nope, I refuse to believe that. It’s for moving in together, too.” He winked and took the first step inside the house. 

“If you say so,” I chuckled.  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blitz: Always You by Missy Johnson

Book: Always You
Author: Missy Johnson
Genre: New Adult Contemporary

Tour Organized by: Indie Sage, LLC

Purchase Link:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1lGWCF6

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1fhRuqt

Nook: http://bit.ly/KGpBu7

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1akXLh1

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1gQGCQY

Synopsis:
I was thrilled when I was offered a graduate teaching position at the prestigious Tennerson Girls Academy. At twenty-three, this would be my first ‘real’ teaching assignment. Working at the elite boarding school, home to the daughters of some of the wealthiest people in the world, was a great opportunity that I would’ve been stupid to pass up.

One week into my new job, and I suddenly had no idea why I chose high school…I was a seventeen year old boy once, I knew how teenage girls behaved. 

You can’t even imagine the hell of trying to teach thirty, hormonal driven seventeen year olds who have been cooped up, away from any male contact. 

I could handle the whispers every time I entered the room. I could even handle the obvious attempts at gaining my attention. What I couldn’t handle was her…



Rich bitches and way too many rules. Was it any wonder that I hated school? 

Add to that the lack of male contact, and I was going insane. Like literally. I wasn’t used to this. A year ago I was normal. I had a boyfriend, friends and a loving family. There is nothing normal about me anymore, and nobody here lets me forget that.

My name is Wrenn, and I’m only here because my aunt took me in after what happened, but my aunt also happens to be the headmistress of this academy…Can you see my problem? 

I’m hated for my lack of money, and I’m hated for who my Aunt is.

Then he arrived. Dalton Reed. My new history teacher.

Slowly, he helped me see that even in the worst situations, there is always hope.


Excerpt

I laughed. “Trust me, they do. I’m the niece of the headmistress and I don’t come from a family of big money. Add to that all the ‘special’ attention I used to get from teachers who were just trying to look out for me, and what’s to not like?” I joked. I shrugged. “Not that I care. With the exception of Kass, I’d prefer not to know any of my peers. I focus on my schoolwork and grades. That’s it. Two more months and I’m free. Less than two months. Six weeks. Thank God for extra credit and early graduation.”

He was silent for a moment. “Anyone who chooses not to get to know you is missing out. Not you. You’re unlike anyone I’ve met.” He looked up and met my gaze; those incredible blue eyes were staring right into my soul. It gave me goose bumps. This guy made me feel like I wanted to live. Really live, not just go through the motions of day to day life.

 


About the Author:

Missy lives in a small town in Central Victoria with her husband, and her confused pets (a dog who think she’s a cat, a cat who thinks he’s a dog…you get the picture).

When she’s not writing, she can usually be found looking for something to read.

Contact:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Missy-...

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Giveaway:Missy Johnson is offering 5 ecopies of Always You as well a $25 Amazon GC.  The giveaway is open internationally.  Giveaway ends at 11:59 PM 02/01/2014. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blitz and GIVEAWAY: Compromising Positions by Mary Whitney

Title: Compromising Positions

Author: Mary Whitney

Genre: Women’s Fiction

Publication Date: January 28, 2014

Cover Design: R. Doyle from Literati Author Services, Inc.

Event Organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc.

Synopsis

We weren’t supposed to be friends. We weren’t even supposed to like each other. I’m Michael Grath. I’ll admit I was elected to Congress on my Republican family history. I was out to make a name for myself, until I met Jessie Clark, a spitfire Democrat. She’d be my nemesis, if I could just stop thinking about her. We’ve got nothing and everything in common, and one big issue that divides us. All of this is going to land us in more than one compromising position. And like I said, we weren’t supposed to be friends, we weren’t even supposed to like each other, and we certainly weren’t supposed to fall in love.

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About the Author

Even before she graduated from law school, Mary Whitney knew she wasn’t cut out to be a real lawyer. Drawn to politics, she’s spent her career as an organizer, lobbyist, and nonprofit executive. Nothing piques her interest more than a good political scandal or romance, and when she stumbled upon writing, she put the two together. A born Midwesterner, naturalized Texan, and transient resident of Washington, D.C., Mary now lives in Northern California with her two daughters and real lawyer husband.

Connect with the Author: Blog |Twitter | Facebook |Amazon Author Page | Pinterest |Goodreads

Purchase Link: Amazon a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blitz: Tales of Ever by Jen Wylie

Tales of Ever (Volumes 1-6)
By Jen Wylie
Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal, YA 10+
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20498455-tales-of-ever

Description:

~Tales of Ever is suitable for readers 10 and up. Originally written as a novella series, it has been reworked and is now available as a complete novel.

 

A few months ago, I was a normal girl. Life sucked, and just like everyone else, I took the simple things for granted. At least until I got this new power, a "gift" mom called it. Apparently, I'm a firestarter. I didn't want to be. I didn't ask to be. It would be cool if it wasn't so dangerous and I knew how to control it. When an uncle I'd never heard of showed up to take care of me after my mom died, I should have been grateful. As it turned out, my whole family isn't normal and more than a little bit crazy. I thought things couldn't get any worse. I was wrong. 

They banished me to Ever.

* * * * *

Welcome to Ever.

Ever; a deadly realm where feared, powerful, and dangerous magical beings are banished. It's not a world, but a magically created prison you can never break out of. Who, or what, made Ever? I've no idea. They were powerful, and cruel. That is all I can tell you.

Ever is like, and unlike, every other world. Nothing is safe. Safety is a dream. Ever is a nightmare. Few survive their first day. Nothing is what it seems. If something appears safe, it isn't. If something appears dangerous, well it is, but probably more than you think.

Ever has no sun, no moon, and no stars at night. Time is told by the ever changing color of the sky where portals open, dropping new inhabitants or new terrors. Time does pass. Don't worry, you won't get old. You won't live that long.

The landscape changes without reason from desert to jungle. The flora isn't safe at any time. There is food, if you can find it without getting eaten yourself. Most plants and animals are poisonous. So is the water.

Are you afraid? You should be. This is the end. It gets worse of course. Remember the portals? Do you think angels come through? Innocent people rarely do. Mostly, it is evil people, people too powerful to kill. Their magic works here. The creatures are worse.

Do you understand? Well, you will eventually, or you'll die. There is no escaping Ever.

Ever.

Available at all Amazon stores:

US: http://www.amazon.com/Tales-Ever-Volumes-1-6-Wylie-ebook/dp/B00HSCHK3I/

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00HSCHK3I

Excerpt 1:

Fire.

I see it everywhere.

It started a year ago, maybe more. I don't remember. Images of fire appear more now than they did before.

Flames always dance just out of sight. They flicker on school lockers, in windows, anywhere. Everywhere.

Now they hover over the road as I run. If I didn't know better, I'd think they were only mirages from the heat. They aren't real. They never are. Nothing burns, there is no heat. I hate seeing them. Every time they appear, I wonder if I'm crazy.

Glaring at my watch, I round the block. School sucked today, as usual. I've run farther and faster than I normally do, trying to push all my stupid problems away while trying to ignore the fire.

The last year I've been unsettled. Sometimes I get uncomfortable hot flashes. I don't understand why. Mom gets them sometimes, too. She says not to worry about it. I wish I could, but I know I'm too young for such things and they have been coming more often.

I can't tell her about seeing the fire, or about the dreams. She wouldn't believe me and I don't want to put more stress on her.

We do Yoga and that helps. So does running. I've done a lot of both as the months pass and things only get worse.

It hasn't been the best year. Mom lost one of her jobs. She found another, but it doesn't pay as much. Lack of money really stresses her out.

I hope she'll let me get a decent job soon. Something other than yard work and babysitting. I want to help. Mom looks so tired lately. She's really starting to worry me.

In a few months, I'll be sixteen. I haven't asked about getting my driver's license. I'm sure Mom won't bring it up either. We don't have money for a car, anyway. We don't even have money for lessons or the stupid license test.

What would I do if something happened to Mom?

I have no idea. We don't have any really close friends. A few people we sort of talk to, like our old neighbor, Mrs. Green. No family either, at least none that Mom ever talks about.

I don't have any friends at school. Even though I go to a public school, most of the kids there have money. We don't, and it shows. People can be so fickle. Of course, I don't really try to make friends. I fall into the quiet and shy group. Years ago I gave up trying. Too many times I thought I'd found a friend and then got stabbed in the back.

Of course seeing fire sets me apart, too. The fear of someone finding out how weird I am forces me to keep my distance. I know normal people don't see fire like I do, but some seem obsessed with it. I watch them play with matches and lighters outside at school and I only shake my head.

I'm not obsessed. What I see scares me. If I could, I'd choose to never see the flames again.



Bio:

Jen Wylie resides in rural Ontario, Canada with her  two boys, Australian shepherd and a disagreeable amount of wildlife. In a cosmic twist of fate she dislikes the snow and cold.

Before settling down to raise a family, she attained a BA from Queens University and worked in retail and sales.

Thanks to her mother she acquired a love of books at an early age and began writing in public school. She constantly has stories floating around in her head, and finds it amazing most people don’t. Jennifer writes various forms of fantasy, both novels and short stories.

My website: www.jenwylie.com

My blog: http://jlwylie.wordpress.com/

Twitter: @jen_wylie

Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4499919.Jen_Wylie

Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jennifer-Wylie/151266004895266

Amazon Author page: http://www.amazon.com/Jen-Wylie/e/B004HQ9XD8/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Book Blitz and GIVEAWAY: Everything You Know by Mary Beth Bass

Title:  Everything You Know
Author:  Mary Beth Bass
Genre:  Young Adult Fantasy (Romance)
Publication Date:  October 18, 2013

Publisher:  Boroughs Publishing Group
Event Organized by:  Literati Author Services, Inc.
~ Synopsis ~

NO ONE KNOWS EVERYTHING FOREVER

Emma Mathews never believed she was like everyone else, but neither did she think herself crazy. Meeting Joe Castlellaw, Henry Dearborn High’s newest student, was like waking on a cold rock in a strange place, the world bathed in liquid moonlight. Everything is different now…and fraught. Visions of a dark forest, a screaming woman and blood have begun to haunt Emma’s dreams, and not only at night. But Joe’s lonely beauty makes her float on air, and she would follow him anywhere--out of high school and through the great tree, to a world of poetry and political savagery, of magic and murder, to a life that is entirely theirs and yet unlike anything they have ever known.



Purchase Links:  Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | iTunes | All Romance

~ About the Author ~

More than a little obsessed with Keats and Moby Dick and fueled by loud music and cold grey days, Mary Beth Bass is the author of young adult fantasy and romantic women’s fiction. Her debut paranormal-women’s fiction hybrid, Follow Me received the Book Buyers Best Award for Time Travel, Fantasy, and Paranormal Romance.

An occasional travel writer, Mary Beth has written about Paris, Bordeaux, and Yorkshire, where she hiked the moors to the legendary setting for Wuthering Heights and stood breathless in the parsonage room where Charlotte, Anne, and Emily Bronte talked out their stories with each other.

And if I seem a little strange, well that’s because I am.

Also loves octopuses.

Connect with the Author:  Website | Facebook | Twitter | Tumblr | Goodreads | Pinterest

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Book Blitz and GIVEAWAY: Mark of the Chosen by Tesa W. Colvin

Title: Mark of the Chosen
Author: Tesa W Colvin       
Genre: Paranormal Fantasy

Tour Host: Lady Amber's Tours
Book Description:
Kao was more than just a Dark Warrior, his kills and success rate put him on the fast track to becoming a legend in the Unknowns.  So when he received orders to eliminate a potential threat to demonkind, he was up for the challenge. But in his attempts to carry out his assignment he quickly discovers that claiming victory will prove far more difficult than he anticipated.

~

Marked as “unchanged” and falling out of favor, his adversaries have riddled his path with distractions and ploys to overtake him. Now thrown into a quest to uncover the keys to unleashing the Reckoning, Kao’s every action brings him closer to revealing the darkest secrets of the kingdom. But will he be able to put it all together in time to ignite the rise of the Unknowns?

Buy Links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/T.W.-Colvin/e/B...

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/vi...

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/t....

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/tw-colvin


Author Bio:
Tesa W. Colvin (TWC) was born a southern girl, raised in Michigan and now calls the south home again. She is the President of VisionWise Creative Consulting, author of multiple collections of poetry and inspirational works for writers as well as the serial fiction novel "Dark Princess". Noted by many as a passionate author and blogger of all things writing, despite wearing several hats TWC has completely embraced her gift and is more focused than ever on perfecting her craft and publishing her work.

Links:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jusreadit

Blog: www.twcolvin.blogspot.com

Asunder FB Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-As...

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authortw.colvin


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