Krista Ames's Blog, page 107
July 24, 2013
Author, author... Lynn Crandall and Dancing with Detective Danger
...read all about it !!
Dancing with Detective Dangerby Lynn Crandall
Blurb
Uncovering secrets and exposing truth are all in a day’s work for private investigator Sterling Aegar. But when her latest case threatens to reveal her own buried feelings for an old love, Sterling runs for cover.
A body in the bathtub and pleas from a jilted wife to find her wayward husband mean a welcome break from the usual humdrum cases Sterling and her sister, Lacey, are called to investigate. But when Sterling’s old flame, Detective Ben Kirby, walks into the murder scene, she feels her world spin out of control. Danger from thugs and murderers poses no greater threat than the peril she’d suffer if she lets daredevil Ben get too close.
Seeing Sterling for the first time in two years is for Ben like drinking in a healing tonic. He could never forget the way it felt to run his hands over her delicious curves or the way she touched his soul. She remains the one person who can make the emptiness in his gut go away. Finding the murderer is his job, but protecting Sterling from seriously dangerous people is his mission.As the case unfolds, Sterling and Ben not only solve the murder and locate the missing husband, they confront secrets that set them each free from a painful past.
Buy LinksAmazon: http://www.amazon.com/Dancing-Detective-Crimson-Romance-ebook/dp/B00AWWONCMB&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dancing-with-detective-danger-lynn-crandall/1114140318iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/dancing-detective-danger/id591516585?mt=11Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Dancing-with-Detective-Danger/book-IFT6KRlM0EiRliNy8PF6gw/page1.html
Excerpt
Here’s a peek at the main characters’ first meet up in since their break up two years ago, told from the hero’s point of view.
Ben stood behind the richly embroidered drapes at the condo’s living room window anddiscreetly watched Sterling walk to the car as he shuffled paperwork through his fingers. Herpetite frame, dressed in a slim gray suit, pulled his attention as though he had no control.
That’s the way it was with her. He hadn't seen her for two years, but all during that time he’dbeen unable to will her out of his thoughts for very long. Seeing her up close and feeling herpresence today had stirred up old feelings inside him. After they’d gotten together, the terriblealoneness he’d grown to live with had vanished. It hadn't mattered that before she’d come alonghe’d had no one, no family, because she’d completely filled the emptiness in his gut. Then whenshe left, he’d felt all the more alone for having known but lost her.
Sterling’s straight, chestnut-colored hair had grown longer, brushing gently against her slimshoulders. He liked it. And the two years apart had worn beautifully on her fine-boned face. Shelooked even lovelier than he remembered. In the brief moments he’d stood next to her, he’dtaken in everything: her shapely curves, her intense, blue-green eyes, her sensuously curved lipsthe color of a rich Merlot wine.
Ben’s stomach tightened. It had to happen sooner or later, he thought to himself. Even thoughSterling had left his life, it seemed inevitable that they’d run into each other sometime whileworking a case. He’d like to think it meant their destinies were intimately intertwined. That eventhough their paths might occasionally diverge and meander, they were actually headed in thesame direction. She’d been emphatic at their breakup that there was no future for the two ofthem—that they wanted different things in life—but he just didn't believe it. He believed inpossibilities, and though in the interim he’d given Sterling her space, the hope remained strong inhim that eventually, along the way, they would come together again, perhaps even stronger thanbefore.
Ben watched Sterling drive away and couldn't help himself. Was it too much to hope maybethis time it could be different?
Link to Follow the Tour: http://tastybooktours.blogspot.com/2013/06/now-booking-tasty-blurb-tour-for_12.html
Author Info
Lynn Crandall started spinning stories as a child when she tried to entertain her younger sister at night when they were supposed to be going to sleep. In the dark, her stories typically took on a scary or paranormal element -- didn't do much to put them to sleep. Today, she hopes her stories still fail to put readers to sleep, but rather take them on a journey. That's what she’s been on since she decided to make writing her focus. As a reporter and magazine feature writer, she truly enjoys learning as she works on stories. As a romance writer, she enjoys doing the research and following an evolving story of the characters.
Author Linkshttp://www.lynn-crandall.com/ http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16719189-dancing-with-detective-danger http://www.amazon.com/Lynn-Crandall/e/B00AX9OA40 https://www.facebook.com/LynnCrandall...
Our author is hosting a Rafflecopter Giveaway ($10.00 Amazon or B&N Gift Card)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Dancing with Detective Dangerby Lynn Crandall
Blurb
Uncovering secrets and exposing truth are all in a day’s work for private investigator Sterling Aegar. But when her latest case threatens to reveal her own buried feelings for an old love, Sterling runs for cover.A body in the bathtub and pleas from a jilted wife to find her wayward husband mean a welcome break from the usual humdrum cases Sterling and her sister, Lacey, are called to investigate. But when Sterling’s old flame, Detective Ben Kirby, walks into the murder scene, she feels her world spin out of control. Danger from thugs and murderers poses no greater threat than the peril she’d suffer if she lets daredevil Ben get too close.
Seeing Sterling for the first time in two years is for Ben like drinking in a healing tonic. He could never forget the way it felt to run his hands over her delicious curves or the way she touched his soul. She remains the one person who can make the emptiness in his gut go away. Finding the murderer is his job, but protecting Sterling from seriously dangerous people is his mission.As the case unfolds, Sterling and Ben not only solve the murder and locate the missing husband, they confront secrets that set them each free from a painful past.
Buy LinksAmazon: http://www.amazon.com/Dancing-Detective-Crimson-Romance-ebook/dp/B00AWWONCMB&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dancing-with-detective-danger-lynn-crandall/1114140318iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/dancing-detective-danger/id591516585?mt=11Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Dancing-with-Detective-Danger/book-IFT6KRlM0EiRliNy8PF6gw/page1.html
Excerpt
Here’s a peek at the main characters’ first meet up in since their break up two years ago, told from the hero’s point of view.
Ben stood behind the richly embroidered drapes at the condo’s living room window anddiscreetly watched Sterling walk to the car as he shuffled paperwork through his fingers. Herpetite frame, dressed in a slim gray suit, pulled his attention as though he had no control.
That’s the way it was with her. He hadn't seen her for two years, but all during that time he’dbeen unable to will her out of his thoughts for very long. Seeing her up close and feeling herpresence today had stirred up old feelings inside him. After they’d gotten together, the terriblealoneness he’d grown to live with had vanished. It hadn't mattered that before she’d come alonghe’d had no one, no family, because she’d completely filled the emptiness in his gut. Then whenshe left, he’d felt all the more alone for having known but lost her.
Sterling’s straight, chestnut-colored hair had grown longer, brushing gently against her slimshoulders. He liked it. And the two years apart had worn beautifully on her fine-boned face. Shelooked even lovelier than he remembered. In the brief moments he’d stood next to her, he’dtaken in everything: her shapely curves, her intense, blue-green eyes, her sensuously curved lipsthe color of a rich Merlot wine.
Ben’s stomach tightened. It had to happen sooner or later, he thought to himself. Even thoughSterling had left his life, it seemed inevitable that they’d run into each other sometime whileworking a case. He’d like to think it meant their destinies were intimately intertwined. That eventhough their paths might occasionally diverge and meander, they were actually headed in thesame direction. She’d been emphatic at their breakup that there was no future for the two ofthem—that they wanted different things in life—but he just didn't believe it. He believed inpossibilities, and though in the interim he’d given Sterling her space, the hope remained strong inhim that eventually, along the way, they would come together again, perhaps even stronger thanbefore.
Ben watched Sterling drive away and couldn't help himself. Was it too much to hope maybethis time it could be different?
Link to Follow the Tour: http://tastybooktours.blogspot.com/2013/06/now-booking-tasty-blurb-tour-for_12.html
Author Info
Lynn Crandall started spinning stories as a child when she tried to entertain her younger sister at night when they were supposed to be going to sleep. In the dark, her stories typically took on a scary or paranormal element -- didn't do much to put them to sleep. Today, she hopes her stories still fail to put readers to sleep, but rather take them on a journey. That's what she’s been on since she decided to make writing her focus. As a reporter and magazine feature writer, she truly enjoys learning as she works on stories. As a romance writer, she enjoys doing the research and following an evolving story of the characters.Author Linkshttp://www.lynn-crandall.com/ http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16719189-dancing-with-detective-danger http://www.amazon.com/Lynn-Crandall/e/B00AX9OA40 https://www.facebook.com/LynnCrandall...
Our author is hosting a Rafflecopter Giveaway ($10.00 Amazon or B&N Gift Card)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
July 23, 2013
Review: Tigress for Two by Marissa Dobson **spoiler alert**
Tigress for Two
by
Marissa Dobson
A life lived in fear…
Kallie lived her life hiding from everyone and everything except selected members of her clan, fearing someone would discover who she was and what she had fled. She would not be tortured again, no matter if the cost was her life. When Taber enters her life, she isn’t sure if she should trust him or run as fast and as far as she can. His presence changes everything, and to let him in means she must remove the guards keeping her safe since her escape.
A debt that is owed…
Taber owes the Alaskan Tigers more than he could ever repay. They supported him and his Kodiak bear sleuth when they needed backing the most. He has joined their fight against the rogue tigers in order to repay his debt. Finding his mate among the Alaskan Tigers was unexpected. He always wanted a female bear as his sow mate, and to raise a few cubs of his own. What he didn’t need was a tigress with trust issues.
A love that could destroy them…
Finding his mate should be the best day of Thorben’s life, but when he comes to Taber’s aid and discovers his destined tigress mate is already his brother’s mate, brotherhood must overcome nature, because bears mate for life.
My Review:
First I need to say, this cover is gorgeous !! Second, what a great book from an amazing author!!
Wow, Tigress for Two was everything I'd hoped it would be after reading some of Marissa Dobson's other books. She packed a whollop, enticing the reader with angst, suspense, romance and suspense...oh did I say that twice? Well good cause I meant to, because she did a great job of keeping the reader in suspense throughout the whole story. I never new what was coming next but i was so intrigued I couldn't put the book down. And I seriously never imagined mixing shifter species but it was done well.
I immediately loved Taber. What an uber strong male. He was kind and courteous to the Alaskan Tigers, there to help them because they were friends but was then gruff when he met Kallie. However, his bear knew what it was doing and against his better judgment, he couldn't stay away from her. I loved how the mating bond took hold and didn't let him stray, keeping on her until she realized it as well. And Kallie, that poor damaged soul. She'd been through a lot and to say she was skiddish was an understatement. I think she could have been afraid of her own shadow but as the story unfolded, so did the bond between bear and tiger, the mating bond and Taber did his best to bring her from her shell, sheltering her as he needed and loving her as she'd let him.
Ms. Dobson also did a great job interjecting Thorben into their lives and I have to say I was a little worried at first. Kallie and Taber had created such a bond that i wondered how a second bear would blend into the mix after the fact but no fear...Marissa Dobson handled it with grace. I then became proud of both those Kodiak bears for settling what turmoil was between them to make a life for Kallie.
It didn't hurt that the mating(sex) scenes were smokin' too :)
This was book 3 of The Alaskan Tigers series and definitely a fantastic addition to the series. I really hope there is a book 4 because I can't wait to see what little cats or cubs those three have together...
Marissa Dobson and Tigress for Two definitely get my 5 stars !!
Get your copy today... Buy Links:
Sunshine Press ~ Kindle ~ Nook~ Smashwords ~ All Romance Ebooks ~ Kobo
Print: Sunshine Press ~ Amazon
Excerpt:
Taber Brown rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand for the umpteenth time in the last twenty minutes. Hour after hour, they scanned every shred of evidence Adam’s team brought back from San Francisco once they seized Victor. They hoped to discover something that would lead them to Pierce, but nothing so far. Everything they discovered reinforced their belief—Victor only teamed with Pierce to further his own agenda.
Could Pierce be so daft he wouldn’t have seen Victor’s true motivation? That was the question haunting not only Taber, but the Elders of the Alaskan Tigers as well. If they could see through Victor, surely Pierce had as well.
The papers cluttering the table detailed Victor’s plans to bring Bratva—the brotherhood, a Russian shifter terrorist group—to the states. Over the years, it appeared Victor had been gathering followers from different shifter groups with like-minded beliefs.
Taber pushed papers aside, searching for his squeeze bottle of honey buried somewhere under the clutter. With hours left, before the day’s end, he needed his honey to see him through. Where did that damn bottle go?
“Bear.” Adam growled when Taber shoved more papers out of the way. “You finished your honey an hour ago.”
“Shit.”
“We stocked some for you in the compound’s kitchen. Go get a refill and then get some damn sleep. You’re grumpy when you’re tired.”
“I’m a bear, damn it.” He rose, stretching his long legs. To him being a bear explained everything, but to the tigers well it might have been another story, especially after Adam raised an eyebrow. At that moment, Taber didn’t care.
He’d swing by the kitchen for another bottle of honey before checking in with the men guarding Victor. He also hoped to find Ty or Raja before hitting the sack, to see if any progress was made gaining information from Victor.
The kitchen was on the far side of the main compound building, away from the private quarters of the Alpha and Lieutenant, giving them both seclusion and security. He slipped his hand into the front pocket of his sweatshirt, his fingers wrapping around his cell phone. As he turned the last corner, leading to the long hallway toward the kitchen, he collided with a woman.
“Shit,” she said. Coffee covered the front of her shirt.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t expect anyone to be around here this time of the night.” Being nearly seven foot, he stared down at her. The white stripes sprinkled through her long, curly brown hair caught his attention. Did she do those on purpose? According to his cousin, they were highlights, but Taber couldn’t fathom why anyone would want such stripes painting their hair.
“You’re a damn shifter. You should have sensed me coming!” She growled at him, blotting the coffee stain with a napkin, but it only served to make matters worse.
“I said I was sorry, what more do you want woman?”
“Obviously nothing.” She snarled, shoving the napkins in her nearly empty coffee cup. She released a heavy sigh and moved to pass him.
He reached out, wrapping his hand around her small arm. She winced as if expecting him to cause her pain. He hated seeing fear resonating in her eyes. What happened to cause her such distress? “You’re right, I should have sensed you, but I wasn’t paying attention. Let me get you another cup.”
A sudden shot of electricity vibrated through their contact. He couldn’t tear his gaze from her.
This can’t be happening. My mate can’t be a tigress. I won’t have it. Especially a tigress with haunting in her eyes.
“So you can spill it over me again? I think not.” She pulled her arm free and pushed past him. He turned, his gaze following her as she sauntered down the hallway away from him. The sway of her hips drew his attention to her long, lush legs. The three-inch high heels she wore only served to add more sashay to her swaying hips. He wanted to run after her, to explore the electric jolt he received from her contact, but he instructed his feet to remain where he stood. He didn’t want a tigress as his mate, and he doubted he could help ease the pain within her eyes.
Buy Links again :)
Sunshine Press ~ Kindle ~ Nook~ Smashwords ~ All Romance Ebooks ~ Kobo
Print: Sunshine Press ~ Amazon
Find more books by Marissa Dobson here.
July 22, 2013
Review: Taming Johnny by Kaylie Newell
Taming Johnny
by Kaylie Newell
BlurbHe's got the temperament of a lion, and she's just the one to tame him.Police records clerk Emma Beaumont has always played it safe, never taking many risks. Quiet, shy, and a little overweight, she's convinced herself that she's comfortable with the way her life is. That is until she lays eyes on incredibly sexy Lieutenant Johnny Street. But she's never met anyone with such a terrible attitude. He's a jerk. Everyone thinks so.Little by little, Emma is forced to uncover a stronger, spunkier part of herself, one that isn't afraid to stand up to him. As she gets to know him, she starts seeing glimpses of a very different man. A man who has known great heartache, and as it turns out, has good reason for embracing such bitterness. Behind his sharp tongue and harsh demeanor, lies a young man who's desperately afraid of losing what's left of himself.As Emma's intense desire for Johnny turns to love, she will have to ask herself how far she'll go to chip away at his frosty heart. And at what cost.
Content Warning: contains sensual sex and strong language
My Review:
Well, it's official, I love Johnny !! I've always had a thing for the strong silent type, the kind that looks so confident on the outside but inside has a heart of gold and a bruised soul. He keeps his secrets and pain locked inside but appears the ever brooding alpha male on the surface. Then of course there's the fact that he's a cop....just does it for me :)
I also really took a liking to Emma. She's so quiet and shy but has a secret beauty about her. She's the total opposite of the gruff hero but that's exactly what makes them perfect for each other !
Everyday events and real-life personal struggles add depth to this 100+ page novella, which is the ideally perfect length to read in one sitting, definitely my favorite! I can't wait to add more by this fantastic author to my TBR pile.
I recommend you run out and get this one right away !! Kudos to you Ms. Newell!!
Excerpt http://beachwalkpress.com/taming-johnny-excerpt/
Buy Links: Amazon B&N
Author Info
For Kaylie Newell, storytelling is in the blood. Growing up the daughter of two gifted writers, she knew eventually she’d want to follow in their footsteps. While she’s written short stories her whole life, it wasn’t until after her kids were born that she decided to shoot for the moon and write her first romance novel. She hasn’t looked back since!Kaylie lives in Southern Oregon with her husband, two little girls, two indifferent cats and a Chihuahua named Pedro. She would love to hear from you! You can find her at: http://www.kaylienewell.com http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1121007272 http://twitter.com/#!/KaylieNewell
Link to Follow the Tour:
http://tastybooktours.blogspot.com/2013/05/now-booking-tasty-review-tour-for_2695.html
Tour Wide Rafflecopter Giveaway (Three Digital Copies of TAMING JOHNNY)
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July 21, 2013
Release Day Blast: Collared for a Night by
Collared for a NightBy: Susan Arden
BlurbAll it takes is one mistake to be marked. One bite, she crosses a line...into forever.
Diana Hambre's body is blazing. For days this leopardess shifter has spun through a body-searing heat cycle. Alone. Her senses reel when Shawn Barclay, her boss, walks into her reserved room at the Downtown Den, a stud club for shifters. He gives Diana a choice: spend the evening with him, give into his every desire, and she'll find out what it means to quench her heat-crazed thirst—or try her luck with a stranger, one of the club bangers.Shawn hates when his back is against the wall. One sip of Diana’s pheromone-laced scent is enough to force his alpha hand. The tables have turned and it's Diana's back he wants up against a wall or any other surface for that matter.
As the moon rises toward midnight, Shawn and Diana come to understand the difference between sex and bonding. For a night, neither of them resist their primal instincts, blindly giving into carnal desire. Her wild nature fights being subdued and she risks spontaneously shifting without warning.
Now, bearing Shawn's bite marks, she can’t simply walk away from him; not when he has the means to teach her to harness her leopardess nature. Shawn accepts the challenge of training Diana to control her untamed cravings. Employing every method available in and out of the bedroom, he discovers he's on the verge of ensnaring himself in the process.
Warning: Erotic scenes hot enough to peel paint
Link to Follow the Tour: http://tastybooktours.blogspot.com/2013/06/now-booking-release-day-tasty-book_19.html
Buy Links Barnes & Noble All Romance ebook Amazon US Amazon UK
Author Info
"I love to laugh. More than anything in the world, humor is food for the spirit."Previously, a teacher in the field of special education and biology, now Susan pursues her dream of writing fiction with several releases this year. Crafting sweet and spicy tales, she writes hot love stories across romance genres including contemporary erotic, Western, and fantasy/paranormal. She also writes under the name of Susan D. Taylor. She currently lives in TN along with husband, two cattle dogs, two crazy cats, a gecko and a corn snake.Author LinksWebsite /Twitter / FB / Playlist / Pinterest / Goodreads / Amazon / Crimson Romance
Tour Wide Giveaway ($25.00 Victoria’s Secret Gift Card)a Rafflecopter giveaway
Excerpt
Explicit Content: For Adults OnlyShe teased and nipped at his sweet spot, underneath his head, licking and sucking, and pushed past his dominance.
“Suck me harder, sweetheart.” Shawn’s voice was an inhuman, hoarse whisper. He stopped tonguing her pussy and held her head. He fucked her mouth, pumping and thrusting across her lips.
She adored the feel of his cock in her mouth and did as he instructed. Diana ran her claws across his flesh.
He followed suit, rasping the tips of his nails over her skin. Shivers broke out from the tiny pain-pleasure scratches over her skin. His muscles quivered around her. His scent filled her mouth and head. She could savor him without fear and, at this moment, had to taste his orgasm. A savage hunger tore into her.
Previously, her mouth had been a safe spot on her body where an alpha’s semen couldn’t cross her physical barrier. Yet now, her whole body convulsed and shifted, a sign of error in her judgment. This man was different. Her leopardess nature pushed outward. She told herself she must absorb his musky scent and taste if only to recognize his marking in the world beyond this room. He pulled out of her mouth and her leopardess mind quaked in frustration, on the edge of claiming her mate.
“No,” she roared. Her pelt rippled and she shook, flexing feline muscles. Spontaneously she’d let go and shifted. The experience was more than exhilarating. On all fours, she crouched next to him on the futon. Her long tail slapped against the wall. Never had shifting felt this powerful. She licked his face, stared at him from behind twitching whiskers, and she flicked her tail, snapping his leg.
“Diana, reel in your leopardess nature. Come back to me.” His whispered command eased her nature. “Now, sweetheart.” He rubbed his thumb on the ridge between her eyes, then petted the side of her cheek. She could feel his essence without responding to the content of his words. Deep within her, primitive instinct was a force that drove her, and she responded by purring and rubbing up against him, marking her scent over him.
Shawn’s voice lulled her. She calmed instantly. Acquiesced. Her animal and human forms flickered.
The scent she released as leopardess would be near impossible for him to resist. She dropped beside him, blinking, and lowered her lids. For him, she began the process of shifting back. She hissed, and then moaned, curling up next to him.
“I’m sorry,” she said, opening her eyes and contemplating him. This was the first time she had shifted in front of an alpha male for over a year. Was Shawn taken back at her lack of control?
Her fur receded, emitting sparks of energy over the length of her skin, tightening and smoothing into her human form. Her claws got caught in the futon. She tugged each curved spike free, then focused and steadied her nature. “I understand if we shift during sex, things will get away from us.”
Review: Crisis of Identity by Denise Moncrief
Crisis of Identity
by
Denise Moncrief
Tess Copeland is an operator. Her motto? Necessity is the mother of a good con. When Hurricane Irving slams into the Texas Gulf coast, Tess seizes the opportunity to escape her past by hijacking a dead woman's life, but Shelby Coleman's was the wrong identity to steal. And the cop that trails her? He's a U.S. Marshall with the Fugitive Task Force for the northern district of Illinois. Tess left Chicago because the criminal justice system gave her no choice. Now she's on the run from ghosts of misdeeds past--both hers and Shelby's.
Enter Trevor Smith, a pseudo-cowboy from Houston, Texas, with good looks, a quick tongue, and testosterone poisoning. Will Tess succumb to his questionable charms and become his damsel in distress? She doesn't have to faint at his feet--she's capable of handling just about anything. But will she choose to let Trevor be the man? When Tess kidnaps her niece, her life changes. She must make some hard decisions. Does she trust the lawman that promises her redemption, or does she trust the cowboy that promises her nothing but himself.
My Review:
Ooh, I am a huge fan of Denise Moncrief's books !!! I was thrilled to get to read this book and was not disappointed in any way. Ms. Moncrief has a wonderful story-telling ability that takes a hold of the reader and keeps you in suspense and enthralled throughout.
I love the story line of Tess stealing the identity of a dead woman and running from something she didn't even do. In steps the Marshall and a hot cowboy? Who knows what will happen !
Great job Denise Moncrief and just like her other stories, it is for sure highly recommended !! I can't wait to read what's next :)
Buy Links:
Amazon iTunes Barnes and Noble Smashwords Buy in Print
Author Bio:
Denise wrote her first story when she was in high school -- seventeen hand-written pages on school-ruled paper and an obvious rip-off of the last romance novel she read. She earned a degree in accounting, giving her some nice skills to earn a little money, but her passion has always been writing. She has written numerous short stories and more than a few full-length novels. Her favorite pasttimes when she's not writing are spending time with her family, traveling, reading, and scrapbooking. She lives in Louisiana with her husband, two children, and one very chubby dog.
Connect with Denise!
Website: www.denisemoncrief.com
Blog: www.denisemoncrief.blogspot.comFacebook page: www.facebook.com/DeniseMoncriefAuthorGoodreads author page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5818900.Denise_MoncriefTwitter: www.twitter.com/dmoncrief0131Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Denise-Moncrief/e/B007Y6Z1CU
July 18, 2013
Review: Lost Without You by Heather Thurmeier
Lost Without You
By
Heather Thurmeier
Blurb:
Zoe Oliver never wanted to be on another reality TV show…
until Chip Cormack made an offer too good to refuse. He’s guaranteed her a payday this time and a chance to redeem herself in America’s eyes. But Zoe worries she won’t be able to focus as her desire for Chip grows and her strength to resist him weakens. When she learns she’ll be roughing it in the woods with Chip and without luxuries like indoor plumbing and electricity, she’s instantly on edge, feeling naked and terrified that her scars will be exposed and her secrets revealed. When Zoe’s past turns up on the show, she fears she’ll lose not only the life she’s sacrificed everything else to have, but also the affections of the only man she’s ever trusted with her heart.Buy Links:
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/lost...
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Lost-Without-Crimson-Romance-ebook/dp/B00D5X0504/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
My Review:
Lost Without You (Book 3) was a really good book! I however, am not sad to see the series end...not yet anyway :) The reason for that? This is the first book in the series I've read. Talk about doing things bass-ackwards (hehe) I do love reading series though and am quite freakish about reading them in order, usually, whether they can stand alone or not so....my new mission is to get books 1 and 2 so I can read more about the events leading up to Zoe & Chip!
I also must confess that my hubby's name is Chip so I kind of created a serious fondness from the beginning. I felt a sort of kinship with Zoe as she and Chip learned new things about each other that would help them to become even closer.
Ms Thurmeier has a well written book here that kept me turning the pages reading about the adventures of Chip's reality show and the road to a Happily Ever After. A very enjoyable lighthearted & cute contemporary romance that I have the pleasure of highly recommending !!
Author Bio:
Heather Thurmeier is a lover of strawberry margaritas, a hater of spidres, and a reality TV junkie. She was born and raised in the Canadian prairies, but now lives in upstate New York with her own personal romance hero (aka her husband) and their two little princesses.When she's not busy taking care of the kids and an adventurous puppy named Indy, Heather's hard at work on her next romance novel.
"Heather Thurmeier's hunky heroes and feisty heroines will have you laughing out loud, falling in love ... and coming back for more!" ~Carly Phillips, NY Times Bestselling Author
"Heather Thurmeier writes sweet, funny romances that capture your heart!" --NYT and USA Today Bestselling Author Jennifer Probst
Author Links:Website: http://heatherthurmeier.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/HeatherThurme...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hthurmeier
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
Pinerest: http://pinterest.com/hthurmeier/
email: heatherthurmeier@gmail.com
Our author is hosting a tour wide Rafflecopter Giveaway for a $20.00 Amazon Gift Card
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Link to follow the tour, http://tastybooktours.blogspot.com/2013/04/now-booking-tasty-review-tour-for-lost.html
Author, author... Playing the Field with
...read all about it !!
Hi Jennifer, so great to have you here with us. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Thanks so much for having me! Okay, so I’m just going to dive in with a bit about me. I’m married to an incredible man and together we have four children (ages 12, 10, 2, and 8 months). We also have an enormous German Shepherd and two cats. Needless to say my house is always in some state of chaos or other. I’m a city girl and country girl all rolled into one who studied Anthropology in college. I cannot resist chocolate of any kind and I love to garden. Writing romance novels has been something I’ve wanted to do ever since I was introduced to the genre through the work of the amazing Julie Garwood. Everything she wrote made me smile. Now it’s my turn to hopefully make others happy. That’s pretty darn cool.
Do real life events find their way into your stories?
Always. PLAYING THE FIELD is the story of a single mother. I spent my fair share of time as a single mother, so I wrote from experience.
Do you ever mimic family members or people you know when you choose characters?
I think it’s inevitable that characteristics of those you interact with on a regular basis find their way into stories. I’ll admit that my son was inspiration for Charlie’s character in PLAYING THE FIELD. Shhh, don’t tell him. J
Do you find yourself going back to the same inspiration for each story or is it always something different?
It’s always something different. Often ideas spring forth from something my husband has said, honestly. He’s a geology professor, wildlife photographer and ex-photojournalist, so he’s got this great breadth of experience from which he gets his perspective. It’s fascinating listening to him. And yes, I’m bragging. It’s my right. J
When do you write? Early morning? During the day sometime or all day? After the kids go to bed?
I have four kids. I write whenever, wherever—often with a child attached to some part of my body.
How do you feel about marketing your book?
It’s a mixed bag, really. I love writing and want to share my stories with as many people as possible, but I’m also not very tech-savvy. Some of you out there have probably already gathered that by the state of my website. So, it’s a steep learning curve. But I’m getting there, I promise!
What social sites do you feel work best for marketing?
I think Twitter and Facebook, probably. But I didn’t even have a personal account before STEALING HOME, so I’m still really new at it.
Do you like to pitch stories to your publisher or do you wait until you have written the story and have a final manuscript to turn in?
I actually like pitching ideas (STEALING HOME was finished when I submitted it, however) to my editor. She doesn’t know it yet, but she’s about to get hit with a few. J
Is there any other genre that you would love to try writing? If so, what is it?
I love cozy mysteries! Especially ones with a paranormal angle. I would love to write one someday.
Do you always/ever see yourself as the heroine/hero when you write a story?
I tap into parts of me that connect with the character so I can visualize more fully. But they’re separate from me. I see them as their own person.
Just for fun, I have a few personal questions,
Favorite 5 1) Favorite Male Actor - Alan Rickman and Owen Wilson (weird combo, I know).2) Favorite vehicle – Mini Cooper3) Favorite way to relax – My couch, a book, and QUIET J Hammocks are good too.4) Favorite ice cream - I’m allergic to cow dairy! L Somebody needs to invent a killer goat milk ice cream, because I could do that. 5) Favorite outfit - Jeans, a cute T-shirt and my scuffed and worn cowboy boots. I’m a casual girl.
And for a bonus: If you could pick any place in the world to live, besides where you are now, where would it be? (Of course, without the hindrance of jobs or money needed)
New Zealand. Or British Columbia. Ooh, or maybe Scotland. I can’t choose.
Where can our readers find you??
Email: seasonsjennifer@gmail.comTwitter: @JenniferSeasonsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.seasons.3Website/blog: www.JenniferSeasons.com
Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it?
My new release is PLAYING THE FIELD, the second book in my Diamonds and Dugouts series, available in e-format on July 23, 2013 at all e-stores. Hunky ballplayer. Lots of steamy kissing. It’s a great read, y’all. J
BlurbSingle mother Sonny Miller has spent years avoiding love. A rotten childhood and an even rottener ex-boyfriend left her determined to protect her son—and herself—against the risks of romance. That is, until hotshot ballplayer JP Trudeau swaggers into her carefully constructed life, all sin-with-me eyes and irresistible grin. Sonny can't help but feel drawn to the sexy, confident man, even as every fiber of her being tells her to keep running the bases . . .
JP is known for being fast on his feet, not fast with his heart. But meeting Sonny and her boy sparks something in him—something he's never felt before, not from all the cleat-chasers in the major leagues. Sonny may be hell-bent on keeping him at arm's length no matter what, but this rookie has a plan. To get the girl, he must step up to the plate and convince her to take another chance on love . . . before this game gets rained out.
Buy LinksAmazon: http://www.amazon.com/Playing-Field-Diamonds-Dugouts-ebook/dp/B009YM481MB&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/playing-the-field-jennifer-seasons/1114078560?ean=9780062271464 iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/playing-the-field/id574664859?mt=11
*****
Thanks so much Jennifer for visiting with us today and you're welcome to come back anytime !!! I can't wait to read Playing the Field!Readers, make sure to get your copy today !
Until next time, happy reading !!
Krista
Hi Jennifer, so great to have you here with us. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Thanks so much for having me! Okay, so I’m just going to dive in with a bit about me. I’m married to an incredible man and together we have four children (ages 12, 10, 2, and 8 months). We also have an enormous German Shepherd and two cats. Needless to say my house is always in some state of chaos or other. I’m a city girl and country girl all rolled into one who studied Anthropology in college. I cannot resist chocolate of any kind and I love to garden. Writing romance novels has been something I’ve wanted to do ever since I was introduced to the genre through the work of the amazing Julie Garwood. Everything she wrote made me smile. Now it’s my turn to hopefully make others happy. That’s pretty darn cool.
Do real life events find their way into your stories?
Always. PLAYING THE FIELD is the story of a single mother. I spent my fair share of time as a single mother, so I wrote from experience.
Do you ever mimic family members or people you know when you choose characters?
I think it’s inevitable that characteristics of those you interact with on a regular basis find their way into stories. I’ll admit that my son was inspiration for Charlie’s character in PLAYING THE FIELD. Shhh, don’t tell him. J
Do you find yourself going back to the same inspiration for each story or is it always something different?
It’s always something different. Often ideas spring forth from something my husband has said, honestly. He’s a geology professor, wildlife photographer and ex-photojournalist, so he’s got this great breadth of experience from which he gets his perspective. It’s fascinating listening to him. And yes, I’m bragging. It’s my right. J
When do you write? Early morning? During the day sometime or all day? After the kids go to bed?
I have four kids. I write whenever, wherever—often with a child attached to some part of my body.
How do you feel about marketing your book?
It’s a mixed bag, really. I love writing and want to share my stories with as many people as possible, but I’m also not very tech-savvy. Some of you out there have probably already gathered that by the state of my website. So, it’s a steep learning curve. But I’m getting there, I promise!
What social sites do you feel work best for marketing?
I think Twitter and Facebook, probably. But I didn’t even have a personal account before STEALING HOME, so I’m still really new at it.
Do you like to pitch stories to your publisher or do you wait until you have written the story and have a final manuscript to turn in?
I actually like pitching ideas (STEALING HOME was finished when I submitted it, however) to my editor. She doesn’t know it yet, but she’s about to get hit with a few. J
Is there any other genre that you would love to try writing? If so, what is it?
I love cozy mysteries! Especially ones with a paranormal angle. I would love to write one someday.
Do you always/ever see yourself as the heroine/hero when you write a story?
I tap into parts of me that connect with the character so I can visualize more fully. But they’re separate from me. I see them as their own person.
Just for fun, I have a few personal questions,
Favorite 5 1) Favorite Male Actor - Alan Rickman and Owen Wilson (weird combo, I know).2) Favorite vehicle – Mini Cooper3) Favorite way to relax – My couch, a book, and QUIET J Hammocks are good too.4) Favorite ice cream - I’m allergic to cow dairy! L Somebody needs to invent a killer goat milk ice cream, because I could do that. 5) Favorite outfit - Jeans, a cute T-shirt and my scuffed and worn cowboy boots. I’m a casual girl.
And for a bonus: If you could pick any place in the world to live, besides where you are now, where would it be? (Of course, without the hindrance of jobs or money needed)
New Zealand. Or British Columbia. Ooh, or maybe Scotland. I can’t choose.
Where can our readers find you??
Email: seasonsjennifer@gmail.comTwitter: @JenniferSeasonsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.seasons.3Website/blog: www.JenniferSeasons.com
Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it?
My new release is PLAYING THE FIELD, the second book in my Diamonds and Dugouts series, available in e-format on July 23, 2013 at all e-stores. Hunky ballplayer. Lots of steamy kissing. It’s a great read, y’all. J
BlurbSingle mother Sonny Miller has spent years avoiding love. A rotten childhood and an even rottener ex-boyfriend left her determined to protect her son—and herself—against the risks of romance. That is, until hotshot ballplayer JP Trudeau swaggers into her carefully constructed life, all sin-with-me eyes and irresistible grin. Sonny can't help but feel drawn to the sexy, confident man, even as every fiber of her being tells her to keep running the bases . . .
JP is known for being fast on his feet, not fast with his heart. But meeting Sonny and her boy sparks something in him—something he's never felt before, not from all the cleat-chasers in the major leagues. Sonny may be hell-bent on keeping him at arm's length no matter what, but this rookie has a plan. To get the girl, he must step up to the plate and convince her to take another chance on love . . . before this game gets rained out.
Buy LinksAmazon: http://www.amazon.com/Playing-Field-Diamonds-Dugouts-ebook/dp/B009YM481MB&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/playing-the-field-jennifer-seasons/1114078560?ean=9780062271464 iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/playing-the-field/id574664859?mt=11
*****
Thanks so much Jennifer for visiting with us today and you're welcome to come back anytime !!! I can't wait to read Playing the Field!Readers, make sure to get your copy today !
Until next time, happy reading !!
Krista
July 15, 2013
Author, author... Guest Alexa Bourne
...read all about it !!
Carry Me HomeAlexa Bourne
When I started revising my very first book to submit to my epublisher, I never realized where it would lead me. From that book, that first romantic suspense novella, came the MacDougall siblings. They were secondary characters with lots of heart and opinions. Originally they were only meant to decorate the stories, to represent the friendly residents I’d run into on my trips to the Scottish Highlands. As I worked on a different story, they remained in the back of my mind, coaching me on life in their village and planting seeds for me to one day go back and share their own stories. When my senior editor asked me to join the talented authors launching the Decadent Tease line, I immediately knew it was time to share the MacDougall siblings' stories.
Jamie, the oldest of the 3, is the hero in Carry Me Home . He was so ready to have his story told. He’d been talking in my head for over a year, pleading with me to help save his marriage. (Of course, his heroine pleaded just as loudly for me to help convince him to let her go.) Meggie, the youngest and the only girl, is the heroine in Silent Surrender (which released July 10th). Ewan, the middle child, will hopefully be coming to you later this year (if I can get him to cooperate).
It was a very odd experience writing siblings that I knew would eventually have their own stories. I had to make sure I understood the relationships between them as well as their places within the family. Since they are so close, they naturally play a part in each others’ stories and I had to write their personalities consistently in each book. This wasn’t difficult because my characters are like people to me. They have their own quirks, behaviors and attitudes just like the rest of us. But for the first time as a writer I did have to pay serious attention to what I was doing from book to book.
In the end, I’m so proud and I think I’ve done each of the stories justice. Will I write connected stories again? Absolutely! Creating the MacDougall family, understanding their history and each individual member of the family was so much fun. Also, I think because the stories are connected that in some ways they’re even richer than my not connected stories. And anything that makes me a better writer is definitely a plus!
Book Blurb:
After six months in the city, Mary MacDougall returns to the Scottish Highlands to finalize her divorce. Because of a past tragedy, she doubts her husband Jamie can possibly love her with the same unbridled passion as before and insists ending the marriage is best for both of them. But Jamie has other ideas….Jamie MacDougall has no intention of letting his bonnie lass go. At least not without a fight. Aye, they’ve suffered heartache, and she may be ready to call it quits, but he refuses to throw away the partnership they’ve built since they were children. Instead, he’ll remind her they were meant to be together, forever.
Can this marriage survive pride and grief to allow love to carry them home?
Excerpt: “What do you want, Jamie?” She’d not get caught up in his soulful amber eyes. No, she would not.“You’ve had your bit of fun, but I want you to come home.” He tilted his head to one side and drifted his fingertips along her bare arm.She yanked away. “I’ve come to get my papers from you, to say good-bye to those I love, and to move on with my life.” She stepped around him and continued down the path to the center of Glenhalish. “I’ll be at the Kierlain House until Sunday. Please bring the forms and leave them with the front office.”“I don’t have them.” He nearly shouted with glee. “I tossed them out.”“I thought you might say that.” Smiling on the heels of another small victory, she fished through her handbag and pulled out another copy of the divorce papers. She’d come armed with a half-dozen copies just in case he chose to be difficult. She strode back to him with her chin held high and slapped the papers against his chest. “Here.”
Jamie stared at the lass’s fine arse strutting away from him. Her hair had been cut, straightened and the summer dress with the flowery print accentuated all the curves he’d fallen for so many years ago, the curves he knew so intimately. And those heels, for the love of St. Bridget, Mary hadn’t worn high heels like that since she left school. They’d brought her closer to his height, yet she still only reached his shoulders.She’d left Glenhalish in January, a cold, distant housewife, and come back this alluring woman. For a moment, panic set inside his gut. He’d intended to convince her to come home so they could face their grief and move on together, but seeing how much happier, sexier, and sophisticated she was, perhaps Edinburgh was good for her, better than he could be.But he wanted her back, wanted to get through this rough patch they’d strayed onto after the lad’s death, and return to the partnership they’d shared since primary school. They had too many years left. She couldn’t leave him. He wouldn’t survive without her.The lass may have plans to leave him forever, but Jamie MacDougall wouldn’t give her up without a fight.
Buy Links: Amazon Decadent Publishing All Romance Ebooks Barnes & Noble Smashwords
Reviews:
"Deeply moving...this is a must read!" ~ Jan Hudson
"This book was a short - sweet - happy ending type of book that was just perfect to read before bedtime !" Cheryl Rae on Goodreads rated it 5 of 5 stars.
"The story came to life on the first page. It tugged at my heart and never let go...If you want a story filled with passionate moments, a beautiful setting, and heartfelt emotion, Carry Me Home is a must read." 5 out of 5 stars - By Kathleen Gallagher
Author Bio: Alexa Bourne is a teacher by day and a romance writer by nights, weekends, and all school holidays. She also teaches online classes for writers throughout the year. She writes romantic suspense and contemporary romance and is thrilled to have the chance to share her love of Great Britain with readers everywhere.
When she's not concocting sinister plots and steamy love scenes or traveling and exploring new cultures, Alexa spends her time reading, watching brainless TV and thinking about exercising. She loves to interact with readers, so visit her web page, hang out at her blog, follow her on Twitter or drop her a note at Alexa@alexabourne.com!
Website Blog Twitter Facebook Goodreads
Carry Me HomeAlexa Bourne
When I started revising my very first book to submit to my epublisher, I never realized where it would lead me. From that book, that first romantic suspense novella, came the MacDougall siblings. They were secondary characters with lots of heart and opinions. Originally they were only meant to decorate the stories, to represent the friendly residents I’d run into on my trips to the Scottish Highlands. As I worked on a different story, they remained in the back of my mind, coaching me on life in their village and planting seeds for me to one day go back and share their own stories. When my senior editor asked me to join the talented authors launching the Decadent Tease line, I immediately knew it was time to share the MacDougall siblings' stories.
Jamie, the oldest of the 3, is the hero in Carry Me Home . He was so ready to have his story told. He’d been talking in my head for over a year, pleading with me to help save his marriage. (Of course, his heroine pleaded just as loudly for me to help convince him to let her go.) Meggie, the youngest and the only girl, is the heroine in Silent Surrender (which released July 10th). Ewan, the middle child, will hopefully be coming to you later this year (if I can get him to cooperate).
It was a very odd experience writing siblings that I knew would eventually have their own stories. I had to make sure I understood the relationships between them as well as their places within the family. Since they are so close, they naturally play a part in each others’ stories and I had to write their personalities consistently in each book. This wasn’t difficult because my characters are like people to me. They have their own quirks, behaviors and attitudes just like the rest of us. But for the first time as a writer I did have to pay serious attention to what I was doing from book to book.
In the end, I’m so proud and I think I’ve done each of the stories justice. Will I write connected stories again? Absolutely! Creating the MacDougall family, understanding their history and each individual member of the family was so much fun. Also, I think because the stories are connected that in some ways they’re even richer than my not connected stories. And anything that makes me a better writer is definitely a plus!
Book Blurb:
After six months in the city, Mary MacDougall returns to the Scottish Highlands to finalize her divorce. Because of a past tragedy, she doubts her husband Jamie can possibly love her with the same unbridled passion as before and insists ending the marriage is best for both of them. But Jamie has other ideas….Jamie MacDougall has no intention of letting his bonnie lass go. At least not without a fight. Aye, they’ve suffered heartache, and she may be ready to call it quits, but he refuses to throw away the partnership they’ve built since they were children. Instead, he’ll remind her they were meant to be together, forever.Can this marriage survive pride and grief to allow love to carry them home?
Excerpt: “What do you want, Jamie?” She’d not get caught up in his soulful amber eyes. No, she would not.“You’ve had your bit of fun, but I want you to come home.” He tilted his head to one side and drifted his fingertips along her bare arm.She yanked away. “I’ve come to get my papers from you, to say good-bye to those I love, and to move on with my life.” She stepped around him and continued down the path to the center of Glenhalish. “I’ll be at the Kierlain House until Sunday. Please bring the forms and leave them with the front office.”“I don’t have them.” He nearly shouted with glee. “I tossed them out.”“I thought you might say that.” Smiling on the heels of another small victory, she fished through her handbag and pulled out another copy of the divorce papers. She’d come armed with a half-dozen copies just in case he chose to be difficult. She strode back to him with her chin held high and slapped the papers against his chest. “Here.”
Jamie stared at the lass’s fine arse strutting away from him. Her hair had been cut, straightened and the summer dress with the flowery print accentuated all the curves he’d fallen for so many years ago, the curves he knew so intimately. And those heels, for the love of St. Bridget, Mary hadn’t worn high heels like that since she left school. They’d brought her closer to his height, yet she still only reached his shoulders.She’d left Glenhalish in January, a cold, distant housewife, and come back this alluring woman. For a moment, panic set inside his gut. He’d intended to convince her to come home so they could face their grief and move on together, but seeing how much happier, sexier, and sophisticated she was, perhaps Edinburgh was good for her, better than he could be.But he wanted her back, wanted to get through this rough patch they’d strayed onto after the lad’s death, and return to the partnership they’d shared since primary school. They had too many years left. She couldn’t leave him. He wouldn’t survive without her.The lass may have plans to leave him forever, but Jamie MacDougall wouldn’t give her up without a fight.
Buy Links: Amazon Decadent Publishing All Romance Ebooks Barnes & Noble Smashwords
Reviews:
"Deeply moving...this is a must read!" ~ Jan Hudson
"This book was a short - sweet - happy ending type of book that was just perfect to read before bedtime !" Cheryl Rae on Goodreads rated it 5 of 5 stars.
"The story came to life on the first page. It tugged at my heart and never let go...If you want a story filled with passionate moments, a beautiful setting, and heartfelt emotion, Carry Me Home is a must read." 5 out of 5 stars - By Kathleen Gallagher
Author Bio: Alexa Bourne is a teacher by day and a romance writer by nights, weekends, and all school holidays. She also teaches online classes for writers throughout the year. She writes romantic suspense and contemporary romance and is thrilled to have the chance to share her love of Great Britain with readers everywhere.
When she's not concocting sinister plots and steamy love scenes or traveling and exploring new cultures, Alexa spends her time reading, watching brainless TV and thinking about exercising. She loves to interact with readers, so visit her web page, hang out at her blog, follow her on Twitter or drop her a note at Alexa@alexabourne.com!
Website Blog Twitter Facebook Goodreads
July 12, 2013
Author, author.... Reality Hero by Ashlynn Monroe + Giveaway
...read all about it !!
[image error]
Reality Hero
By: Ashlynn Monroe
Blurb
Can reality TV handle a reluctant superhero bachelor, ten attention-seeking women, and one evil villain?
Dina Dell's career as a television producer has hit bottom. Desperate to save her job, she comes up with the idea for a reality show called I Want to Date a Superhero. But the only superhero bachelor she knows is the only man she's ever loved—Zane Blair.
Zane was once a normal human, but a traumatic childhood incident mutated him, along with Dina's sister and their friends. Dina was the only one who escaped without any superhero abilities. And while she might be the "normal" one, that only left her feeling like more of an outcast.
Her lack of powers put Zane in danger. Knowing that it was only a matter of time before someone used her to get to him, she left, breaking both their hearts in the process. After all the pain she caused him, will he be willing to help her now?
Then an old enemy emerges, putting Dina's plans on hold. When her superhero friends are the ones who need help, Dina just might learn that sometimes little Miss Average can be a hero too.
Content Warning: graphic sexual content
Excerpt
[image error] Heat burned in Dina's cheeks. Zane had no idea just how much those old feelings still lived inside of her.
She opened the door—this time he didn't get it for her—and ran up the stairs and into her building like the chicken she was. Her inner voice made clucking sounds the whole time she fled. Nothing terrified her quite like her longing for him. She wondered if he knew it and hoped he didn't.
She'd never get any rest and she had a mountain of work so she sat down and started going over everything. There was a lot more to putting on good TV than just turning on a camera. The phone rang and she jumped. Her hand slapped around on top of the papers on the desk until she found her cellphone buried under them. Her eyes were so blurry that she didn't even bother to look at the caller ID.
"Hello," Dina said.
"I've never been ashamed of you until today. Dina, how could you? You know Zane would never let you down. You used his feelings to abuse his good heart. I'm so angry with you that I don't even know the right words to express it. If you needed something, why didn't you talk to me first? I could've helped you. We could've come up with something different."
There was a pause. Dina didn't know what to say. It was a small relief when Ella continued.
"He hates the media, and now he'll not only just be on your show, but the tabloids will eat him alive too. They'll do all they can to find out his secret identity. You know the lies those rags print. This will start a feeding frenzy."
Dina knew she deserved the tongue lashing, so she said nothing. She had no defense, because her twin sister was right.
"Call this off. Please, as my sister, do this for me and save the best man in the city from this horrible mistake. I know how you feel about him, and you know how I feel about him. We both know how he feels about you."
There was another pause. Dina's throat closed. She knew, and it tore at her heart.
"Are you still there?" Ella sounded annoyed.
"Yes," Dina whispered brokenly.
"When you left, you ripped out his guts. Don't destroy his life. He still loves you."
"I know." That was what made asking him to be on the show so damn hard.
"I don't know why you turned your back on us, but you owe him. We all do. He's the best of us. We've lost Aaron. Don't take Zane away too. If he's exposed, God only knows what will happen to him—us. Don't do this, Dina."
She bit her lip. She wanted to tell her sister she'd come to her senses, but it was too late.
"Ella, I'm so sorry. I hate myself, but it's too late. They're already airing the promos on
[image error] the network, and the casting call went out. In the morning, I'm going to have dozens of women begging me to be on this show. Zane and I have been over for a very long time. We both know which one of us is in his life. You should be with him, not me. I'm his Achilles heel."
"Being in his life isn't the same as being in his heart, sis. He's always loved you, and while we look alike, I'll never be you. He wants you."
http://beachwalkpress.com/reality-hero-excerpt/
Buy Links
Beachwalk Press / Amazon / B&N
Author Info
Ashlynn Monroe is a busy wife and mom. She enjoys writing about anything and everything paranormal or fantasy related. She spends most of her time daydreaming up her next tale of romance.
Author Links
http://amazon.com/author/ashlynnmonroe
http://www.facebook.com/AshlynnMonroeAuthor
http://twitter.com/#!/ashlynn_monroe
http://www.kindlegraph.com/authors/ashlynn_monroe
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3442759.Ashlynn_Monroe
Two Digital Copies of REALITY HERO up for grabs during this tour !!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Link to Follow along with Entire Tour: http://tastybooktours.blogspot.com/2013/06/now-booking-tasty-blurb-tour-for_15.html
[image error]
[image error]
Reality Hero
By: Ashlynn Monroe
Blurb
Can reality TV handle a reluctant superhero bachelor, ten attention-seeking women, and one evil villain?
Dina Dell's career as a television producer has hit bottom. Desperate to save her job, she comes up with the idea for a reality show called I Want to Date a Superhero. But the only superhero bachelor she knows is the only man she's ever loved—Zane Blair.
Zane was once a normal human, but a traumatic childhood incident mutated him, along with Dina's sister and their friends. Dina was the only one who escaped without any superhero abilities. And while she might be the "normal" one, that only left her feeling like more of an outcast.
Her lack of powers put Zane in danger. Knowing that it was only a matter of time before someone used her to get to him, she left, breaking both their hearts in the process. After all the pain she caused him, will he be willing to help her now?
Then an old enemy emerges, putting Dina's plans on hold. When her superhero friends are the ones who need help, Dina just might learn that sometimes little Miss Average can be a hero too.
Content Warning: graphic sexual content
Excerpt
[image error] Heat burned in Dina's cheeks. Zane had no idea just how much those old feelings still lived inside of her.
She opened the door—this time he didn't get it for her—and ran up the stairs and into her building like the chicken she was. Her inner voice made clucking sounds the whole time she fled. Nothing terrified her quite like her longing for him. She wondered if he knew it and hoped he didn't.
She'd never get any rest and she had a mountain of work so she sat down and started going over everything. There was a lot more to putting on good TV than just turning on a camera. The phone rang and she jumped. Her hand slapped around on top of the papers on the desk until she found her cellphone buried under them. Her eyes were so blurry that she didn't even bother to look at the caller ID.
"Hello," Dina said.
"I've never been ashamed of you until today. Dina, how could you? You know Zane would never let you down. You used his feelings to abuse his good heart. I'm so angry with you that I don't even know the right words to express it. If you needed something, why didn't you talk to me first? I could've helped you. We could've come up with something different."
There was a pause. Dina didn't know what to say. It was a small relief when Ella continued.
"He hates the media, and now he'll not only just be on your show, but the tabloids will eat him alive too. They'll do all they can to find out his secret identity. You know the lies those rags print. This will start a feeding frenzy."
Dina knew she deserved the tongue lashing, so she said nothing. She had no defense, because her twin sister was right.
"Call this off. Please, as my sister, do this for me and save the best man in the city from this horrible mistake. I know how you feel about him, and you know how I feel about him. We both know how he feels about you."
There was another pause. Dina's throat closed. She knew, and it tore at her heart.
"Are you still there?" Ella sounded annoyed.
"Yes," Dina whispered brokenly.
"When you left, you ripped out his guts. Don't destroy his life. He still loves you."
"I know." That was what made asking him to be on the show so damn hard.
"I don't know why you turned your back on us, but you owe him. We all do. He's the best of us. We've lost Aaron. Don't take Zane away too. If he's exposed, God only knows what will happen to him—us. Don't do this, Dina."
She bit her lip. She wanted to tell her sister she'd come to her senses, but it was too late.
"Ella, I'm so sorry. I hate myself, but it's too late. They're already airing the promos on
[image error] the network, and the casting call went out. In the morning, I'm going to have dozens of women begging me to be on this show. Zane and I have been over for a very long time. We both know which one of us is in his life. You should be with him, not me. I'm his Achilles heel."
"Being in his life isn't the same as being in his heart, sis. He's always loved you, and while we look alike, I'll never be you. He wants you."
http://beachwalkpress.com/reality-hero-excerpt/
Buy Links
Beachwalk Press / Amazon / B&N
Author Info
Ashlynn Monroe is a busy wife and mom. She enjoys writing about anything and everything paranormal or fantasy related. She spends most of her time daydreaming up her next tale of romance.
Author Links
http://amazon.com/author/ashlynnmonroe
http://www.facebook.com/AshlynnMonroeAuthor
http://twitter.com/#!/ashlynn_monroe
http://www.kindlegraph.com/authors/ashlynn_monroe
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3442759.Ashlynn_Monroe
Two Digital Copies of REALITY HERO up for grabs during this tour !!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Link to Follow along with Entire Tour: http://tastybooktours.blogspot.com/2013/06/now-booking-tasty-blurb-tour-for_15.html
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July 11, 2013
Author, author... Jody A. Kessler and Death Lies Between Us
...read all about it !!
Welcome Jody, so great to have you here with us. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Writing has become my total and complete obsession, but definitely in a good way. When I’m not writing (or marketing) I am usually taking care of my family and home. On the rare occasion that I have a few spare minutes to myself, I love to go hiking or read a great book.
Do real life events find their way into your stories?
In some ways the answer is yes, but I usually mix things up quite a bit from actual events. For instance, who hasn’t partied as a teenager or gone to concerts? Most of us have at some point in our lives. In Death Lies Between Us, both of these events occur, but I place the scene in a haunted castle. As for the ghost hunting and practicing herbal medicine, yes, I do some of that too.
Do you ever mimic family members or people you know when you choose characters?
Many of my characters are a mixture of different people. I like to take a personality trait from one person and add it to something that really stands out from another person. Sometimes my characters find me and only exist in my imagination.
Do you find yourself going back to the same inspiration for each story or is it always something different?
My inspiration comes from anywhere or anything at any random moment. I’m always amazed at how my brain comes up with new ideas.
When do you write? Early morning? During the day sometime or all day? After the kids go to bed?
Any spare moment that I can find, which is mostly after my kid goes to bed. I feel sleep deprived often but I still prefer to write at night rather than in the morning.
How do you feel about marketing your book?
Wow!... is the best way to describe my feelings about marketing. It is a massive job that I wasn’t really expecting. Since the release of Death Lies Between Us, I have spent twice as much time marketing than writing.
What social sites do you feel work best for marketing?
I’m not an expert, but I think it is important for anyone to find social sites that you actually enjoy being on, and then do your best with them. Figure out how to maximize your efforts and gain the largest reach, but try to have some fun too. I personally prefer Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.
Do you like to pitch stories to your publisher or do you wait until you have written the story and have a final manuscript to turn in?
I definitely need to have the manuscript finished first. My writing time is sporadic at best. I couldn’t commit to a completion date.
Is there any other genre that you would love to try writing? If so, what is it?
I have always been fascinated with history. I would really like to try writing historical fiction, maybe with some time travel mixed in.
Do you always/ever see yourself as the heroine/hero when you write a story?
I don’t. I know my characters have elements of me in them but for the most part, they are totally unique individuals.
Just for fun, I have a few personal questions,
Favorite 5
1) Favorite Male Actor – I Adore Christian Bale, Colin Farrell, and Jackie Chan2) Favorite vehicle – Audi R8 in Black – I lust after this car!3) Favorite way to relax – Soaking in some hot springs4) Favorite ice cream – Vanilla raspberry swirl5) Favorite outfit – I like wearing layers, like in the winter, with a super cute coat, and some awesome boots.
And for a bonus: If you could pick any place in the world to live, besides where you are now, where would it be? (Of course, without the hindrance of jobs or money needed)
I would love to travel around Europe and see as much of it as I could before narrowing down just one place. A tour of France, Italy, and Slovenia would be at the top of my list.
Where can our readers find you??
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JodyAKessler Facebook: FacebookWebsite/blog: www.jodyakessler.comAmazon author page: Jody A Kessler Goodreads: Goodreads
Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it?
Thank you for sharing my new release,
Death Lies Between Us
. It is the first book in the series,
An Angel Falls
. Book two,
Angel Dreams
will be out in early 2014. Thank you very much for having me on your blog.
Blurb:
Saving the life of someone you love should not be the worst thing you have ever done, unless you are an Angel of Death.
Disgruntled with his position in the afterlife and conflicted by his feelings toward his new client, Nathaniel Evans forgoes the rules and saves nineteen year old Juliana Crowson from being hopelessly stuck in Forge Creek. This alters Juliana’s destiny and she finds herself in a series of near death accidents.
In the mountains of Colorado, Nathaniel comforts Juliana as she struggles to understand her paranormal abilities while coping with her brother’s drug addiction. When an ill-tempered Native American Shaman teaches her the difference between ghosts and place memories, she decides she wants nothing to do with the supernatural world. Too bad she doesn’t know that Nathaniel is part of it.
Will fate bring these two together, or has Nathaniel made the biggest mistake of his afterlife?
Excerpt:
He turns to stand in front of me, silent as a shadow. His hand lifts out of the dark. His fingertips brush the underside of my chin gently tipping my face up to his. How does he move and make no sound? His fingers move to my temple, brushing away a hair then trailing down to the edge of my jaw where they halt. He watches my face and looks into my eyes. I feel a surge of loneliness from somewhere deep inside him. I don’t understand it or have time to dwell on it but it makes me want to hold onto him. His gaze lowers to my mouth.
He’s so close. I didn’t see it before, but he glows. The slightest iridescent shimmer encapsulates him, so totally different than the way Chris’s aura looked. He smells good too, like I remembered, and more. It’s so familiar, but I can’t say where from. The ozone smell of clean air after a storm and hints of cinnamon and honey swirled in cream. It’s intoxicating. Even the feel of him standing near me is like a caress passing over my skin. I can’t believe myself. I’m going to let this vague stranger kiss me, and I want him to.
Buy a copy on: Amazon Barnes and Noble
One last thing before we let you leave us today :) Do you have a favorite recipe you'd like to share? I like to cook and am always looking for new recipes to try and share.
I love to cook too! Here is a recipe that is light, refreshing, and packed full of flavor. It is really great for summer cookouts or dinner parties as an appetizer. There are many variations on this recipe. This is the way me and my family like it.
Shrimp Ceviche Dip 1 pound cooked cocktail shrimp, chopped1/2 medium cucumber, chopped1 medium to large tomato, chopped1 avocado, pitted, peeled, and cut into small dice4 medium scallions, thinly sliced1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro1/4 cup fresh lime juice (1-2 limes)1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oilSalt & pepper to tasteTortilla chipsGently mix all the ingredients in a bowl, except the tortilla chips. Chill in the fridge for about an hour. Eat with your favorite chips.
*****
Oh lord that sounds heavenly !! Thanks so much for sharing that Jody !
It was a pleasure having you today and please come back anytime !
Until next time, happy reading !!
Krista
Welcome Jody, so great to have you here with us. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Writing has become my total and complete obsession, but definitely in a good way. When I’m not writing (or marketing) I am usually taking care of my family and home. On the rare occasion that I have a few spare minutes to myself, I love to go hiking or read a great book.
Do real life events find their way into your stories?
In some ways the answer is yes, but I usually mix things up quite a bit from actual events. For instance, who hasn’t partied as a teenager or gone to concerts? Most of us have at some point in our lives. In Death Lies Between Us, both of these events occur, but I place the scene in a haunted castle. As for the ghost hunting and practicing herbal medicine, yes, I do some of that too.
Do you ever mimic family members or people you know when you choose characters?
Many of my characters are a mixture of different people. I like to take a personality trait from one person and add it to something that really stands out from another person. Sometimes my characters find me and only exist in my imagination.
Do you find yourself going back to the same inspiration for each story or is it always something different?
My inspiration comes from anywhere or anything at any random moment. I’m always amazed at how my brain comes up with new ideas.
When do you write? Early morning? During the day sometime or all day? After the kids go to bed?
Any spare moment that I can find, which is mostly after my kid goes to bed. I feel sleep deprived often but I still prefer to write at night rather than in the morning.
How do you feel about marketing your book?
Wow!... is the best way to describe my feelings about marketing. It is a massive job that I wasn’t really expecting. Since the release of Death Lies Between Us, I have spent twice as much time marketing than writing.
What social sites do you feel work best for marketing?
I’m not an expert, but I think it is important for anyone to find social sites that you actually enjoy being on, and then do your best with them. Figure out how to maximize your efforts and gain the largest reach, but try to have some fun too. I personally prefer Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.
Do you like to pitch stories to your publisher or do you wait until you have written the story and have a final manuscript to turn in?
I definitely need to have the manuscript finished first. My writing time is sporadic at best. I couldn’t commit to a completion date.
Is there any other genre that you would love to try writing? If so, what is it?
I have always been fascinated with history. I would really like to try writing historical fiction, maybe with some time travel mixed in.
Do you always/ever see yourself as the heroine/hero when you write a story?
I don’t. I know my characters have elements of me in them but for the most part, they are totally unique individuals.
Just for fun, I have a few personal questions,
Favorite 5
1) Favorite Male Actor – I Adore Christian Bale, Colin Farrell, and Jackie Chan2) Favorite vehicle – Audi R8 in Black – I lust after this car!3) Favorite way to relax – Soaking in some hot springs4) Favorite ice cream – Vanilla raspberry swirl5) Favorite outfit – I like wearing layers, like in the winter, with a super cute coat, and some awesome boots.
And for a bonus: If you could pick any place in the world to live, besides where you are now, where would it be? (Of course, without the hindrance of jobs or money needed)
I would love to travel around Europe and see as much of it as I could before narrowing down just one place. A tour of France, Italy, and Slovenia would be at the top of my list.
Where can our readers find you??
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JodyAKessler Facebook: FacebookWebsite/blog: www.jodyakessler.comAmazon author page: Jody A Kessler Goodreads: Goodreads
Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it?
Thank you for sharing my new release,
Death Lies Between Us
. It is the first book in the series,
An Angel Falls
. Book two,
Angel Dreams
will be out in early 2014. Thank you very much for having me on your blog.Blurb:
Saving the life of someone you love should not be the worst thing you have ever done, unless you are an Angel of Death.
Disgruntled with his position in the afterlife and conflicted by his feelings toward his new client, Nathaniel Evans forgoes the rules and saves nineteen year old Juliana Crowson from being hopelessly stuck in Forge Creek. This alters Juliana’s destiny and she finds herself in a series of near death accidents.
In the mountains of Colorado, Nathaniel comforts Juliana as she struggles to understand her paranormal abilities while coping with her brother’s drug addiction. When an ill-tempered Native American Shaman teaches her the difference between ghosts and place memories, she decides she wants nothing to do with the supernatural world. Too bad she doesn’t know that Nathaniel is part of it.
Will fate bring these two together, or has Nathaniel made the biggest mistake of his afterlife?
Excerpt:
He turns to stand in front of me, silent as a shadow. His hand lifts out of the dark. His fingertips brush the underside of my chin gently tipping my face up to his. How does he move and make no sound? His fingers move to my temple, brushing away a hair then trailing down to the edge of my jaw where they halt. He watches my face and looks into my eyes. I feel a surge of loneliness from somewhere deep inside him. I don’t understand it or have time to dwell on it but it makes me want to hold onto him. His gaze lowers to my mouth.
He’s so close. I didn’t see it before, but he glows. The slightest iridescent shimmer encapsulates him, so totally different than the way Chris’s aura looked. He smells good too, like I remembered, and more. It’s so familiar, but I can’t say where from. The ozone smell of clean air after a storm and hints of cinnamon and honey swirled in cream. It’s intoxicating. Even the feel of him standing near me is like a caress passing over my skin. I can’t believe myself. I’m going to let this vague stranger kiss me, and I want him to.
Buy a copy on: Amazon Barnes and Noble
One last thing before we let you leave us today :) Do you have a favorite recipe you'd like to share? I like to cook and am always looking for new recipes to try and share.
I love to cook too! Here is a recipe that is light, refreshing, and packed full of flavor. It is really great for summer cookouts or dinner parties as an appetizer. There are many variations on this recipe. This is the way me and my family like it.
Shrimp Ceviche Dip 1 pound cooked cocktail shrimp, chopped1/2 medium cucumber, chopped1 medium to large tomato, chopped1 avocado, pitted, peeled, and cut into small dice4 medium scallions, thinly sliced1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro1/4 cup fresh lime juice (1-2 limes)1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oilSalt & pepper to tasteTortilla chipsGently mix all the ingredients in a bowl, except the tortilla chips. Chill in the fridge for about an hour. Eat with your favorite chips.
*****
Oh lord that sounds heavenly !! Thanks so much for sharing that Jody !
It was a pleasure having you today and please come back anytime !
Until next time, happy reading !!
Krista
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