Krista Ames's Blog, page 125

Author, author... spotlight & #giveaway

...read all about it !!

Today we have a spotlight on

Something More

by

Ella Jade


An affair and a shocking secret threaten to tear apart a rich and powerful family.

Claudia Samson, housekeeper to the privileged Callahan family, finds herself alone and pregnant after a brief fling with Gavin, the youngest Callahan son. When she informed him of the pregnancy he accused her of running a scam and made it clear that she was on her own.

Brody Callahan, Gavin's older half-brother, has devoted his entire life to running the family business. He doesn't realize what he's been missing by throwing himself into his work until he finds Claudia asleep in the family guest bedroom. He has discovered his very own Sleeping Beauty. Intrigued by the young woman, he vows to get to know her better.

Although Claudia is instantly attracted to the charismatic businessman, she knows her secret will destroy any chance they have for a future together, but Brody's awfully hard to resist.

Meanwhile, as Gavin watches Brody and Claudia's relationship develop, he begins to devise a plan to use the secret to his advantage. He wants full partnership in the business—something he was denied by both his brother and their deceased father—and maybe now he can finally obtain it.

Can Brody and Claudia survive the storm, or will the secrets and blackmail destroy both them and their love?

Content Warning: graphic sex and some explicit language

Beachwalk Press Buy Link
 Excerpt
As Claudia placed the last throw pillow on the bed, she couldn’t help but think how inviting it looked. It was a little after three o’clock, and she still had an hour to work, but she was so tired, and her back was sore. She just needed to sit for a moment. She knew Angela was down at the stables and wasn’t due back for a bit, so she sat on the edge of the bed and closed her eyes.
She was only eleven weeks pregnant, but that little baby was sucking every last ounce of energy from her body. The afternoons were the worst. All she wanted to do was cuddle on the couch in her tiny apartment and sleep for an hour or two. She leaned back and sunk deep into the soft mattress. Her bed at home was nowhere near this comfortable. Everything was spotless and pretty in the guest bedroom. The sunlit room smelled like fresh-cut roses. The soft pink tones adorning the walls and curtains lulled her into a deep state of relaxation.
The last thing she remembered was the white of the ceiling before she heard a voice pull her from her unintentional slumber. She felt a warm hand on her arm. As soon as she opened her eyes she realized what had happened.
She’d fallen asleep, on the job, in a guest bedroom of a home she was hired to clean. As she gazed into his stunning blue eyes she tried to recover from her nap. She’d never noticed how clear his eyes were. Then again, she’d never been this close to Brody Callahan before.
“Is everything okay, Ms. Samson?” He pushed a strand of his thick, dark hair from his forehead. He and Gavin had almost the same messy kind of haircut, but Brody’s hair was darker and tamer.
Claudia stood from the bed much too quickly. The room swirled around her and then she lost her balance, falling against his hard, muscular chest.
“Whoa.” He caught her by the forearm, staring down at her with concern. “Are you okay?”
“I’m sorry, Mr. Callahan.”
Could my day get any worse?
Beachwalk Press Buy Link
 
Watch the Trailer:
Link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=4o6F0ibHyGw
 
About the Author:
Ella Jade has been writing for as long as she can remember. As a child, she often had a notebook and pen with her, and now as an adult, the laptop is never far. The plots and dialogue have always played out in her head, but she never knew what to do with them. That all changed when she discovered the eBook industry. She started penning novels at a rapid pace and now she can't be stopped.

Ella resides in New Jersey with her husband and two young boys. When she's not chasing after her kids, she's busy writing, attending PTO meetings, kickboxing, and scrapbooking. She hopes you'll get lost in her words.

Site      Facebook Author Page      Twitter  
Giveaway:

Ella is giving away a digital copy of her book. To enter for a chance to win please fill out the Rafflecopter!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author, author...

...read all about it !!

Today we have Nona Raines with us  :)

 
Hi Nona, can you tell us a little about yourself??
 Hi Krista! Thanks so much for letting me join you today.
I'm a former librarian (though once a librarian, always a librarian, I think) who now writes naughty romances. While my books incorporate quite a bit of heat, I also hope that they touch peoples' hearts. In my private life, I live with my dangerous pit bull Iris (she just might lick you to death) and four cats who think they're in charge and they only keep me around to open the cans of Fancy Feast.
 
What or who initially inspired you to become a writer?
It was something I always wanted to do. I had inspiration from many sources: my parents, who were both great readers and always made sure we children had access to many books; a number of teachers who encouraged my early efforts; and other authors whose work I enjoyed.
 
What kind of research do you do for a novel and how extensive do you get?  

I read books, scour the internet, talk to people. Research is fascinating. I try to do enough to bring realism to the story without getting too technical. One could easily "get lost" in it and never get around to writing! 
 
Do you have a special place you like to do your writing? Such as an office, a spare room, the dining room table, your couch?
 I often write on my living room sofa with the dog curled up beside me or on my bed upstairs with a cat on either side. They're my muses J!
 
As a reader, what types of works do you like to read and do you think they influence the genre/genres you write in?

I love reading all kinds of books—nonfiction, mystery and of course romance. Though I write erotic romance, I enjoy all types of love stories, from sexy to sweet.
 
What is your favorite method of writing...as in laptop, desktop, Ipad or the old fashioned pencil and paper??  And do you plot out your story or go with the flow of your muse?
 I love my laptop! The poor thing gets cranked up in the morning and doesn't get shut down until late in the evening. Though when I'm plotting, I find good old pen and ink is a real help. I do plot, but the plot often changes as I progress.
 
When you need a break or some time off from the trials of being a writer, what can you be found doing?
 Hanging out with my pets, reading, watching movies. Occasionally I have been known to clean.
 
Is there anything about yourself nobody knows that you would like to share with our readers??
 When I was a kid I got my tongue stuck on a frozen flag pole, just like in "A Christmas Story". Nobody triple dog dared me, I just was just dumb enough to come up with it myself. I got free, but did end up leaving a little bit of me behind on the pole, lol.
   

For fun, I have a few personal questions,    

Your Favorite 5
1) Favorite color – They're all so pretty I can never make up my mind.
2) Favorite dessert – Homemade lemon meringue pie
3) Favorite Season - Autumn
4) Favorite sad song- The sextette from "Lucia di Lammermoor"
5) Favorite Romantic movie – The Enchanted Cottage (an oldie but goodie)
 And a bonus, what is your ideal romantic vacation??
Hey, let me find a partner first, lol!
 
 Where can our readers find you?? 

Email: nona@nonaraines.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nonaraines
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NonaRaines.author
Website/blog: http://divasofdesire.blogspot.com/
Amazon author page: amazon.com/author/nonaraines
 
Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it?
This is from my recent release Uncollared, from Loose Id:
 
Submissive Mia Manetti is devastated when her first Master uncollars her just as she was hoping for a permanent relationship with him.  Trying to move on, she agrees to sub for a powerful and sexy new Dom.

Chess Ryan has wanted Mia from the first moment he saw her at Club Restraint, but it was always "hands off" because she belonged to his friend Philip.  Now, thanks to that friend's maneuvers, Mia is finally his.  But only for a little while.

Mia finds it increasingly difficult to keep her feelings in check as she experiences erotic delights with Master Chess, sensual and sexual fantasies that she's never known before.  Is she setting herself up for another heart ache?

Guilt, secrets and misplaced pride all keep Chess and Mia from being completely honest with each other.  As they connect sexually and emotionally, they realize their relationship has grown too serious to be called "play".  How far are they willing to go as Master and slave?



 Uncollared is available at:
Loose Id   Amazon  Barnes and Noble   All Romance ebooks
 
Reviews:
A Recommended Read! "This book grabbed me from the first page." Four and a half kinks, Kinky Book Reviews
http://kinkybookreviews.com/wordpress/two-view-uncollared-by-nona-raines/
 
"If you love an evocatively written book with real people that enjoy a BDSM relationship, then this one is for you." Four and a half stars, Long and Short Reviews (Erotic Romance)
http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/2012/09/uncollared-by-nona-raines.html?zx=3270355402c90328
 
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 but it's totally up to you.  

I have a great recipe for homemade cranberry sauce that's a beautiful accompaniment to anyone's holiday turkey. Just pick over and rinse a bag of cranberries, then toss them into a pot with one cup of juice (either orange or cranberry is a good choice) and one cup of maple syrup. Let it all simmer until the berries have popped and the mixture thickens. Skim off any foam that may bubble up. Once the sauce has cooled, add one cup of chopped walnuts or pecans. Delicious!
 
Thanks again for having me here!
 Nona Raines
Hot Contemporary Romance
Edgy ~ Emotional ~ Erotic
www.nonaraines.com   Facebook, Twitter, Blog
  Nona, thanks so much for being here!  It was great learning more about you and Uncollared is definitely on my TBR list !!

Readers, make sure not to miss out on this great book !

Until next time, happy reading !!

Krista

Cover Reveal & #giveaway

and what a pretty cover it is !!!



The Tiger’s Heart ~Alaskan Tigers: Book Two~
 When the Lieutenant of the Alaskan Tigers Raja Harrison rescues Bethany from the hands of kidnappers he gets more than he bargains for. It was supposed to be an easy rescue, instead he finds the injured Bethany—and his mate. For years he’s avoided the mating topic, believing his job is too dangerous to risk another. But now Bethany threatens to risk that fragile control he’s once had.
 A rouge shifter wants Bethany Thompson and is determined to destroy all she holds dear, along with the tiger shifter population. When she’s kidnapped, beaten and forced into the world of shifters, her whole world is turned upside down. The shifter problems now are her problems as her family secret comes to light.
Can Raja and Bethany join focuses with the other elders of the Alaskan Tigers to bring down the rouge shifter? Or will the rouge destroy all Raja serves to protect?
Website / Facebook / Facebook Street Team / Twitter
Bio -  
Born and raised in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, Marissa Dobson now resides about an hour from Washington, D.C. She is a lady who likes to keep busy, and is always busy doing something. With two different college degrees, she believes you are never done learning.
Being the first daughter to an avid reader, this gave her the advantage of learning to read at a young age. Since learning to read she has always had her nose in a book. It wasn’t until she was a teenager that she started writing down the stories she came up with.
Marissa is blessed with a wonderful supportive husband, Thomas. He is her other half and allows her to stay home and pursue her writing. He puts up with all her quirks and listens to her brainstorm in the middle of the night?
Her writing buddies Max (a cocker spaniel) and Dawne (a beagle mix) are always around to listen to me bounce ideas off them. They might not be able to answer, but they are helpful in their own ways.
She love to hear from readers so send her an email at marissa@marissadobson.com or visit her online at http://www.marissadobson.com.
AND Great news!  Marissa is doing a giveaway of an ebook copy of Tiger Time (Alaskan Tigers, Book One).  Giveaway ends on December 9th at 11:59pm.Just follow the Rafflecopter below, do your thing and good luck :) a Rafflecopter giveaway


Thanks for stopping by and until next time, happy reading !

Krista 

Chocolate Kisses anyone? #giveaway

Hi and welcome! Today we have a great author and a wonderful friend Darlene Fredette  Thanks so much for visiting with us today Darlene.  Can you tell us a little about yourself? I’ve been an avid reader since childhood and loved to put a pencil to paper and plot out stories of my own. I followed a career path in administration, which led to a successful position as Director of Administration and Marketing. I developed and published a magazine titled ‘Still Moments’ in 2003 and launched a Publishing House in May 2011. As a publisher and writer, I spend my days in my office with my shadow (large Yellow Lab) laying close by. Do real life events find their way into your stories? Heck no, I’m way too boring. Do you ever mimic family members or people you know when you choose characters? Not usually, but a friend of mine calls my dog a ‘beast’ so, I’m definitely writing that into one of my stories someday. Do you find yourself going back to the same inspiration for each story or is it always something different? I don’t know about inspiration, but new stories always hit me when I’m doing housework. I can have most of the story mapped out in my head by the time the chores are done. When do you write?  Early morning? During the day sometime or all day?  After the kids go to bed? I wish I had a regular schedule! I write whenever I get the chance, but never before bed, because I can’t fall asleep…the words are still active and won’t let me rest. How do you feel about marketing your book? I’m not a marketing queen, but I try my best. What social sites do you feel work best for marketing? I blog, tweet, and Facebook. And I publish a magazine with a huge subscription base, which helps with exposure. 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’ve always written the story first. Must be done and polished before I let anyone’s eyes see it other than my own. Is there any other genre that you would love to try writing?  If so, what is it? I write romance with chick lit flair and include lots of plot twists. I’ve recently formed a friendship with westerns, so I see a western romance in the future. The story is in my head, just need to get it into print. Do you always/ever see yourself as the heroine/hero when you write a story? Heck no, as I said I’m way too boring…and my heroine’s have drama and baggage, lol. Just for fun, I have a few personal questions,  Favorite 5 1)         Favorite Male Actor  - there’s so many I can’t name just one, but to name a few: Alex O’Loughlin, Ryan Reynolds, Johnny Depp, Jake Gyllenhaal, Chris Hemsworth, Jason Statham, and most definitely John Cusack. 2)         Favorite vehicle – My SUV (love my truck!) 3)         Favorite way to relax – Read, write, and hang out with my family. 4)         Favorite ice cream – French Vanilla 5)         Favorite outfit – Jammies! 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) Australia…because they don’t have winter like we do here on the East Coast.  Where can our readers find you??  Web/Blog Site: http://findingthewritewords.blogspot.com/ Still Moments Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Still-Moments-Magazine/111477208866396?ref=nf Twitter: https://twitter.com/DarleneLF   Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it? Chocolate Kisses is my recent release from Still Moments Publishing. It’s the first book in the Redford Falls Series. When Jackson Frost returns to Redford Falls, Candi Cane knows he’s not only after her chocolate kisses.
Now today, Darlene would like to give away 1 digital copy of Chocolate Kisses.  All you need to do is leave a  comment with your email address on this post to enter!

Couldn't get any simpler right?  And if you just want to buy a copy for yourself, follow any of these links :)
 

Still Moments Publishing Library: http://www.stillmomentspublishing.com/2012/10/chocolate-kisses.html

Still Moments Publishing eBook Store: http://www.stillmomentspublishing.com/p/ebook-store.html

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009K6F14K

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/241224
Goodreads Reviews: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16058901-chocolate-kisses-redford-falls-series Books Etc. Review:http://booksandstuff-kstar.blogspot.com/2012/12/just-finished-chocolate-kisses.html   Darlene it was such a pleasure to have you today and good luck readers ! Until next time, happy reading ! Krista    

Today's my day....

at
The Romance Reviews
for
 The Year End Splash Party !!!!

follow this link for your chance to win an ebook copy of

Take Me Home, Cowboy !!

plus lots of other prizes...including
the Grand Prize of a $100 gift card
from The Romance Reviews !

link to my question ::   http://www.theromancereviews.com/event.php

Make sure you sign in first but then scroll down and answer all the questions and Take Me Home, Cowboy is question #6.



Can't wait to see who wins :)

Merry Menage #Giveway Hop

Welcome to my contribution to the
Merry Menage Giveway Hopwith a special thanks to our sponsors...Day DreamingMy Secret Romance & The Book Tart


I'm going to share a couple of my favorite holiday recipes.  My kids would never let me get away with not including these two in any of our holiday meals :)


  Cream Cheese Bars     2 (8oz.) boxes Cream Cheese(softened)
3/4 c. sugar
2 cans croissant rolls
1/2 stick butter or margarine
3 to 4 shakes cinnamon-sugar mix

Preheat oven to 350 deg.  Mix sugar and cream cheese, set aside.  Spray bottom of 13 x 9 pan.  Spread 1 can of croissant rolls in bottom of pan.  Make sure all seems are pressed together.  Cover rolls with cream cheese mixture.  Carefully spread 2nd can of croissant rolls over top of cream cheese mix.  (I spread the 2nd can in sections on a cutting board first then place them on top so the cream cheese is all covered)   Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar all over top and dot with butter.  Bake 20-25 min. or until rolls are browning.  Cool completely before cutting and serving.

   Ham Pickle Rollups    1  1lb. package Ham slices
1-2 jars Pickle spears
1 (8 oz)pkg. Cream Cheese

Drain and pat dry pickle spears. Lay out and pat dry ham slices(I do 2 at a time on my cutting board)
Soften cream cheese in small intervals in microwave for easy spreading.  On 1 slice of ham, generously spread cream cheese, covering whole slice.  Lay down pickle slice and roll up, then slice into pieces.  Chill & Serve  *   *   *   *    And while we're on the subject of recipes, i've decided to give away a pdf copy of a recipe collection I am proud to be a contributor to.  Making Magic   A unique collection ofRecipes, crafts, photos, poems, and more composed by the Still Moments Publishing Team !
 It is available now in pdf and print.
Would make a great Christmas Gift !

Just follow the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win !

Don't forget to hop to all the other great participants for more chances to win goodies...that list is below as well :)    a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author, author.... #giveaway

....read all about it !!!


Today we have the pleasure
 of getting to know


Laura DeLuca

Hi Laura, can you tell us a little about yourself?


I live at the Jersey Shore with my husband, Timmie, and my four kids whose ages range from 1 through 12. In addition to being a writer, I am also a mom blogger and we own a restaurant at the Jersey Shore.
 What or who initially inspired you to become a writer?
 I always wanted to be a writer, but it was Christopher Pike who inspired me to write YA. I loved him as a teenager and he remains one of my favorite authors to this day.
 
What kind of research do you do for a novel and how extensive do you get?
 Most of my research comes from reading. For Morrigan, I read at least a dozen books on Celtic myth. I also use search engines a lot. When I wanted to describe the castle, I pulled up a picture of Blarney Castle.
 
Do you have a special place you like to do your writing?
 If I have the opportunity, I love to write out in nature, especially at the beach.
 
As a reader, what types of works do you like to read and do you think they influence the genre/genres you write in?
 I love historical and paranormal books and it definitely influences my work, though I tend to read only adult novels and not YA anymore.  
 
What is your favorite method of writing...as in laptop, desktop, Ipad or the old fashioned pencil and paper??
 I am probably one of the only authors left who still hand writes my first draft. After that, I use my desktop computer to type it out and make revisions.
 
When you need a break or some time off from the trials of being a writer, what can you be found doing?
Walking on the beach or nature trails, meditating, or taking a bubble bath.
 
Is there anything about yourself nobody knows that you would like to share with our readers??
 I’m afraid my real life is pretty boring, and I don’t have many secrets worth sharing.  One thing that not that many people know is that I’m really into past lives and have had several successful regressions.
  For fun, I have a few personal questions,  
Your Favorite 5   1) Favorite color –  Green 2) Favorite dessert – Tiramisu 3) Favorite Season –Fall 4) Favorite sad song-  My Heart Will Go On (Yes, I know its corny) 5) Favorite Romantic movie – Titanic
And a bonus, what is your ideal romantic vacation??  
Since I live at the Jersey Shore, my whole life is a vacation, but I would really like to go to Ireland. Doesn’t have to be romantic though. Hubby can stay home with the kids.
 
Where can our readers find you?? 
Email:  timmiedeluca@comcast.net
Twitter: www.twitter.com/authorldeluca
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorlaurade...
Website/blog: http://authorlauradeluca.blogspot.com/
Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Laura-DeLuca/e/...
Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/authorlaurad...
 
Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it?
Morrigan Shuffled from place to place in the foster system, Morrigan doesn't know the meaning of home. Plus, she is different. She has power over fire, the ability to move objects with her mind,  and glimpse into the future. Just when she believes her life can’t get any stranger, she discovers her true identity. Filtiarn, a knight with a dark past and a surprising secret, has been tasked with guiding the heir of Tír Na NÓg through countless perils to be returned to her family. Once Morrigan has been reunited with her mother and grandmother, their triad can save the forgotten land of magic from being devoured by an ancient evil.

buy link:    Amazon   Excerpt: Morrigan took out a white candle and a stick of dragon blood incense, and set them up in the corner of the room. She sat cross-legged, and leaned forward to light them. No matches were necessary. No lighter either. She simply touched her finger to the end of the wick, and with an iridescent spark, the candle flickered to life. It shone at first with a bright blue flame that gradually settled into a more normal orange. It was the same with the incense—another reason why she preferred not to have an audience. She stared into the candle for a moment, and took a few deep breaths to clear her mind of all thoughts but those of the magic she intended to perform. Danu and Dagda sat on either side of her, instantly falling into silence, as though they knew she needed her complete concentration. Their energy beside her only seemed to add to the growing sense of power that charged the room. Morrigan closed her eyes and began to shuffle the cards. As she did, she allowed her breathing to become more even. A silence filled the room as the rest of the mortal world fell away. Soon the only sound she heard was the light thump of her own heartbeat, echoed by the quicker, fast paced beat of the cats’ hearts. She wasn’t sure how much time passed as the cards slipped through her fingers. It might have been minutes. It might have been hours. When she allowed herself to fall into a trance, time became insubstantial, irrelevant. The tarot cards were so old; the designs on the back were almost completely worn away. She had to shuffle gently to keep them from crumbling to pieces in her hands. Yet they held a power that she knew no newer cards could offer her. As she shuffled them, she focused her energy into them, silently requesting to be given the answers she was seeking.  She allowed the image of her mother to fill her mind. When she finally felt the cards had fallen into the order they were meant to be in, she placed the deck face down on the floor, and cut them with her right hand. Then, taking one last, calming breath, she lifted the top card from the pile. With a trembling hand, she laid it down and read it.  “Wheel of Fortune,” she said aloud. In the center of card was a wheel. As she stared at the picture, that wheel seemed to turn clockwise. The movements made her feel slightly dizzy. The bedroom around her became more and more surreal.  The scene on the card became her reality. The figure of the sphinx that sat on top of the turning wheel looked so very real. It might have turned its head to look at her. Its lips may or may not have moved. Morrigan swore she heard a deep, resonating voice whispering the meaning of the card into her ear. Destiny approaching. An unexpected and sudden change was coming—change that could lead to good fortune. It was the card of fate and karma returned. It meant that she needed to be prepared—to expect the unexpected. Morrigan knew the cards were telling her something was going to happen—and soon. Her destiny, whatever it was, was about to be realized. Even if it did bring fortune, it still scared her to death. She considered packing up the cards right then and there. Her rational mind had every intention of doing just that. Her hands didn’t get the message her brain was sending. Before she knew what she was doing, she had already flipped over the second card. “The Empress,” she whispered. She exhaled deeply. “My mother.” It was the only interpretation imaginable. Even as she said it, the pregnant woman, crowned with stars and adorned in a gown decorated with pomegranates, turned to her and smiled. She was no longer a vague featureless stranger, but the same woman Morrigan had sketched earlier that day—a face that mirrored her own. It was an older version of herself, which she saw in the reflection in the nearby full length mirror, had turned chalk white. The Empress was a symbol of maternal power—of strong feminine influence. But could it mean that her mother was returning? She had never allowed herself to consider such a possibility. To dwell on something so unlikely would have been too painful. But now, with just the flip of a card, she found herself daring to dream. There was only one way to find out for sure. She had to keep going with the reading.  “Six of Cups.” The third card in the spread represented her past, and even her immediate present. The six of cups specifically symbolized childhood, and she was, technically, still a child. But she had a feeling that her childhood was about to end quite abruptly. The cups in the picture were lined up across a high stone wall, each cup holding the memories of her past. Her past. It was nothing but a childhood filled with longing—longings which were perhaps about to be fulfilled. She visualized herself taking each cup down from the wall, and pouring the troubling memories away. It was time to start fresh. A new world was about to open up for her. She had known it as soon as she had seen the image of her mother’s face. But what would that world be like? What was waiting for her in the future? Morrigan turned over the fourth card. “The Knight of Wands.” The man on the horse carrying the staff had her baffled. Not because she didn’t know its normal meaning, but because as she stared at the card, it began to take on the physical attributes of the knight in her drawings. He had the same long dreadlocks, the same bewitching stare, even the same cocky smile. The familiarity did not cancel out the meaning of the card. The knight of wands was representative of a dark man filled with a kind of honey-tongued charm. He was also fiery and arrogant, a man with a definite possibility of a dark side. If the knight of wands was coming into her life, she knew she needed to proceed with caution. She thought she was done with the fourth card, and was preparing to move on to the next, when once again, she found she had lost control of her body. This time, her hands refused to move, while her eyes forced their way back to the knight in the card. She watched as the long haired stranger began to move forward—wandering over various landscapes, some high mountains, some meadows and fields ripe for the harvest. He kept looking back over his shoulder, as though he were speaking to someone. He was on a journey, and he wasn’t alone. Morrigan didn’t need to see his companion to know who it must be. So, her journey would soon begin, and she wouldn’t be traveling alone. She would have a guide. Whether or not that would be a good thing was another question best left to the cards to answer. The next card told her nothing she didn’t already know. “The Moon,” she said. “Caution.” It was a scary card. It warned of tricks and illusions. The two howling wolves that stood under the moon looked back at her menacingly, growling, showing their pointed fangs in a snarl. For the first time since she began the reading, Danu and Dagda made their presence known by lifting their heads and hissing threateningly in the direction of the beasts. Even the cats sensed it. The journey she was about to embark on wouldn’t be all fun and family reunions. There would be obstacles and deceit, most likely from people she thought could be trusted. The moon was a sign that danger was certainly awaiting her. In was an ominous omen. “Shhhh.” She hushed the hissing cats, and gave them each a gentle stroke to try to settle them down, though she was far from settled herself. Again she felt the urge to stop the spread. Her instincts were telling her that no good was going to come out of this reading. She was only going to scare herself. She should never have done it in the first place. When would she learn that sometimes it was best to let life play out without interference or prophetic warnings? Then again, she knew that to be forewarned might be her only advantage. So with more bravery than she felt, Morrigan flipped over the final card.  “No . . . .” she gasped when she looked down at the terrible, skeletal face. “Oh no.” She should have known. She thought a part of her did know even before she glanced down at the gruesome scene—a skeleton with a scythe in a field of body parts. With the divination going in the direction it was, what else could be the final outcome? “Death,” she whispered. “Death.” She knew that in most cases, the death card was a symbol of personal transformation rather than literal death. But a deeper sense of understanding told her that this time the card was meant to be taken literally. She saw only glimpses and shadows in her mind. Brief flashes of faces, some familiar, like her mother and the knight—some still strangers, like a beautiful, almost angelic blonde woman in a flowing white gown. But around them all, including herself, she saw the shadows of death. Morrigan felt decidedly shaky as she gathered up her tarot cards. She placed them securely in the bottom of her bag just as she heard the door downstairs slam shut. The reading hadn’t made everything as crystal clear as she had hoped, but one thing was certain. Her whole life was about to change. Laura is also having a giveaway for this tour, One Morrigan Prize Pack.  It includes a signed copy of the book, a pendant, sage pack and 2 crystals.Just follow the Rafflecopter below ! 
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Laura, thanks so much for being with us today, it was a pleasure !!!

Readers, don't miss your chance at this great giveaway !!

Until next time, happy reading !

Krista

Author, author...

...read all about it !!



Today we have Andrew P. Weston with us...



Hi Andrew, so great to have you here with us.  Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I was born in a little town called Bearwood in the UK. As the name suggests, it was an area of sweeping forests and woodlands (once home to thousands of bears) and was all that remained of the mighty Forest of Arden of Middle-Ages fame.
My family was 5thgeneration military, (Royal Navy), and with that kind of heritage, it was almost a foregone conclusion which way my life would unfold.
Sure enough, despite being very creative and an avid sportsperson, I joined the military. I was originally accepted into the Navy on a 5 year ‘electronics and navigation’ accelerated promotion course. However, I changed my mind with only a month until enlistment and joined the Royal Marines instead.
Life was “interesting” to say the least, and I ended up serving in a specialist unit that travelled to all sorts of wonderful places around the world. Unfortunately, my work prevented me from enjoying those places – apart from the jungles of South America – which I loved.
Just under 9 years later, I joined the Police Service in the South West of the UK, and went on to serve in a number of diverse roles, (high speed pursuit driver, motorcyclist etc), and then later within Crime Intelligence.
Despite my rough and ‘thuggish’ exterior, I love drawing, poetry, gardening and dancing, and a huge animal lover – especially cats.
An accident at work ended my career earlier than intended, but that gave me time to devote myself to the writing I’d wanted to do for quite a number of years.
 
Do real life events find their way into your stories?
Certainly! In Guardian Angels – the first person rescued was a little boy who runs out in front of a truck. That was inspired by a true-life fatal accident I attended as a police officer. It was a heart-rending incident, and something I never forgot. In fact, it was one of many incidents that helped me create the Guardian Concept – a Global Emergency Rescue Service, capable of responding to events far more quickly than anything available today! 
Do you ever mimic family members or people you know when you choose characters?
Oh yes indeed. In Guardian Angels, a main character who will develop throughout the books is Guardian Commander Anatt Yasin. You look at her – you’ll meet my wife! Ha ha. (At last – I can get her to do what I want!) (You do realize I’m a dead man for saying that? – Good-bye cruel world) J 
Do you find yourself going back to the same inspiration for each story or is it always something different?
For me, it’s always something different. My head is crammed full of ideas from all sorts of ‘triggers’ throughout an eventful life. I struggle to find the time to get them all down. 
When do you write?  Early morning? During the day sometime or all day?  After the kids go to bed?
During the summer, I work as a security officer at a hotel here on Kos. So it’s very difficult to find quality time. However, as from November, I’m going to try writing ‘full time’ for 6 months. I will write in the mornings, 6 days a week and conduct my research/checks, etc, for an hour or two in the afternoons. That will ensure my wife gets my undivided attention regularly…as she deserves for supporting me J

How do you feel about marketing your book?
Honestly? I’d love to know how to do it better. I don’t really have a clue how to do it ‘properly’.

What social sites do you feel work best for marketing?
Facebook and Twitter. But any suggestions – I’m game!

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 usually finish the manuscript, and then see what they think. However, for the forthcoming Cambion Series, I was asked to submit a pitch. I did, for a series of 3 books. Then I was blown away when the pitch was accepted! Needless to say, I got busy writing.

Is there any other genre that you would love to try writing?  If so, what is it?
Steampunk! Just having the audacity to mix history with sci-fi/fantasy is a huge challenge. I’ve got a concept in mind, so, when the main series I’m currently committed to are complete, I might give it a try!

Do you always/ever see yourself as the heroine/hero when you write a story?
I always try to put something of myself into the main character. That way, I can appreciate how they would react under any given set of circumstances. (I could end up being psychoanalyzed here eh?)
 
Just for fun, I have a few personal questions, 
Favorite 5 1)    Favorite Male Actor  - Tommy Lee Jones 2)    Favorite vehicle – BMW 530d M Sport. (sigh).
3)    Favorite way to relax – Meditating in the garden with the cats or watching a movie.
4)    Favorite ice cream – I love chocolate and vanilla nut big cones
5)    Favorite outfit – My Batman and Tutu combo with flippers! A must when you want to make the right impression. (For really important meetings, I also add a comedy mustache!)


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)  Seriously? Now I’m writing, the U.S.A. Probably Texas. I have friends there I’ve visited in the past and it’s the right place to be to make contacts, attend events, and ensure the right marketing takes place. Where I am now…although idyllic, is the twilight zone of the world. (And I DEFINITELY want to go on a journey…)
 
Where can our readers find you??  Website: http://www.andrewpweston.com Blog: http://andrewpweston.blogspot.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/WestonAndrew
Networkblog: http://www.networkedblogs.com/user/100003476264034
Linkedin: http://gr.linkedin.com/pub/andrew-weston/4b/256/64a
 Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/andrewpaul.weston
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_athr_dp_sr_1?_encoding=UTF8&field-author=Andrew%20P%20Weston&ie=UTF8&search-alias=books&sort=relevancerank

 
Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it? Thank you.

Guardian Angels.

In a series of terrifying events, otherworldly beings intervene to save innocent lives. The world community reacts with relief as they realize that angels may in fact exist, and they are diligently protecting us.

But there are those who would seek to stop what they feel is a threat against their livelihoods. How far will some go to battle the Guardians? Is the fairy tale over before it even begins?
Guardian Angels is a powerful and compelling story about the catalyst that has the power to unite society in the hope for a better future. The spark of hope is fragile—can it last?


Amazon.com   Paperback  &  ebookAmazon.co.uk   Paperback   &   ebookBarnes and Noble   Paperback   &  ebook Smashwords   &   Pagan Writers Press
 

Andrew thanks so much for being with us today and can't wait to read Guardian Angels !!

Readers, make sure you get your copy today !!

Until next time, happy reading!!

Krista

Give a Reader a Reader !!!

Give a Reader a Reader from Decadent Publishing!
Enter to win a Nook 'Simple Touch with Glowlight' that you can give to a friend this holiday, plus 45 Decadent Publishing eBooks for each of you from participating authors, all listed in the poster below!      All you need to do is follow along with the blog hop, comment on each of the Decadent Author's posts and follow the rules of the Rafflecopter below :)  Easy right? 
 
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You have many chances to win every day from November 15th through December 15th.  Don't forget to comment daily for your chance to win !!
 
Click here for the entire list of Blog Hop stops !

This is just one of the 45 books that will be loaded on the Nook...

Take Me Home, Cowboy
Ally Kincaid returns to Freewill, Wyoming, to see her father after a two year absence. Anticipating a quiet family reunion, she finds herself butting heads with her father’s foreman instead. The man’s arrogance and sexy drawl push all her buttons, making her wonder what he’s hiding beneath his cowboy swagger.
Matt Gentry walked away from the past and shies from the future. No ties means no one gets hurt…until the boss’s daughter, a hot, green-eyed blonde, tempts him to break his own rules.
When tragedy strikes, will building tension and pride destroy their growing attraction or show them the way home?available now at:  Decadent, Amazon, B&N, ARe, Manic

And if this huge hop weren't enough, the Decadent Authors are also participating in the Black Friday Blog Hop for only 1 day, Friday November 23rd.


Please come on by and join in the Black Friday Fun !!!  You can visit my web page or our sponsor, Mark of the Stars blog.

Thanks all and happy hopping !!

Krista

Author, author... Valerie Mann + a #giveway

...read all about it !!

Today we have the ever wonderful Valerie Mann....


Hi Valerie, so great to have you here with us.  Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Hmmm. I’m pretty boring. But you asked for it:
  Currently, I work for Decadent Publishing in a variety of capacities, including taking care of submissions, handling the various blogs, review coordinating, and managing and editing for the 1Night Stand series, Edge series, and soon-to-launch, Challenge series
  I got married too young, and am still married (to the same guy), which proves young lovers actually do know what they’re doing sometimes. We have five kids and have lived all over the eastern half of the US. I’m always on a diet, or thinking about the next one. Or trying to forget about thinking about dieting. I’m a dog person, but have two cats and a grandcat (since our eldest daughter moved home and brought her furkid with her). All of our cats’ names end in an O.  I’m a news junkie. I will read just about anything except mysteries. I go to the movies at least twice per week. Don’t ask me about the 13-hour Twilight marathon I went to last week. I’m still recovering.

Do real life events find their way into your stories?
Not really. As an author I draw from experiences and everything I’ve done has affected my author voice, but there has only been one published story that you could compare to my “real life”.
Do you ever mimic family members or people you know when you choose characters?
No. That would be decidedly ugly and possibly dangerous.
Do you find yourself going back to the same inspiration for each story or is it always something different?
My heroes are always strong, somewhat silent and tend to brood.
In November 2006, my husband took me to see the James Bond movie, Casino Royale. You know the one…Daniel Craig in the sexy blue bathing suit? Yeah, that one. We were at a true crossroad in our life, husband had just lost his lucrative job and we were being fairly nomadic with three kids still living at home. One of our beloved dogs had just died. There was nothing stable in our lives. I sat in the theater, and not even five minutes into that movie, I had this epiphany: I’m going to write a book.
I think I’ve seen that movie twenty times and every time I do, it inspires me. Daniel Craig is the quintessential sexy, brooding hero.
When do you write?  Early morning? During the day sometime or all day?  After the kids go to bed?
I can’t write if there are other things pressing on me, and since I work from home, I never get away from the pressing stuff. Which is why my book releases are eighteen months apart, LOL  I do find that if I set a deadline, I can usually meet it.
How do you feel about marketing your book?
Someday when I’m rich and famous, I’ll pay someone to do it for me.
What social sites do you feel work best for marketing?
Good question! Whatever I’m most active on at the time. Probably Facebook. I don’t do Twitter, I have a Dumbphone and I don’t want to be tied to it any more than I have to.
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 write mainly for the 1Night Stand series, so I just submit it. Since I’m one of the creators of the series, my stories are pretty much a shoo-in, LOL!
Is there any other genre that you would love to try writing?  If so, what is it?
Not really. I love contemporary romance, I feel like my voice is truest in that genre. However, I dipped my toe in paranormal romance with one book and I would love to do it again. But that worldbuilding stuff is intimidating. And I’m my harshest critic, so I won’t attempt a genre unless I’m sure I can pull it off.
Do you always/ever see yourself as the heroine/hero when you write a story?
Never. Nope. Not even once. But they all sound like me. If I try to make a heroine sweet, shy or having good grace and manners, she quickly fights back and gets mouthy and sarcastic. Just like her mom J
Now just for fun, I have a few personal questions:)
Favorite 5
1)    Favorite Male Actor  - Daniel Craig (because he’s hot) and Clint Eastwood (because he’s sarcastic like me!) Tom Hardy could star in a few of my fantasies with no problem, too.
2)    Favorite vehicle –  In my dreams – a Maybach Exelero. With Daniel Craig driving. In reality – an H2 Hummer. With me behind the wheel.
3)    Favorite way to relax – Going to the movies. Once in awhile I’ll read, but I edit so many hours per week, nothing holds my attention for long. Until JR Ward’s next Black Dagger Brotherhood book comes out and then I’m glued to my Kindle for a few hours.
4)    Favorite ice cream – Friendly’s Butter Crunch. With hot fudge, salted almonds, and whipped cream. Can you tell I used to work at Friendly’s?
5)    Favorite outfit – Jeans, comfy shirt and slippers. Pretty much what I’m wearing right now. It’s awesome to work from home!
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)  In the Scottish Highlands with Daniel Craig as my next door neighbor. Just so you know, my husband is well aware of this insane crush I have on Dan. He’s not in the least threatened, more’s the pity.

Where can our readers find you??  Email:  ValerieMann09@yahoo.com
Twitter:  mann.valerie (but don’t expect to see me there. It’s like spotting an endangered species when I wander into Twitterville)
Facebook: Valerie.Mann
Website/blog:  valeriemann.com
Amazon author page:  Amazon.com/Valerie-Mann/
Goodreads:  Valerie_mann
TRR/Manic: manicreaders.com/ValerieMann/

 
Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it? 


My latest book, First Comes Marriage, released on November 16th…which also happened to be a milestone birthday for me…I won’t tell you which milestone though. This was a fun book to write because it’s the first time Madame Eve, owner of the 1Night Stand dating service, went beyond her normal scope of services and arranged a marriage. Mystical woman that she is, she knew one night would not be enough for Beth and Chris, two lonely people who wanted companionship, love, and children, but hadn’t found the right person yet.
And for readers who read the first 1Night Stand (and we’re going on 150+ contracted stories now), you’ll remember Jackson Castillo, the owner of the hotel chain where Eve tends to send her clients on their one-night stands. He had his own one-night stand in To Feel Again and ended up marrying Leah, a petite ball of fire. Jackson and Leah show up in First Comes Marriageand they were fun to revisit!
Buy links for First Comes Marriage:
Decadent Publishing | Amazon| All Romance | Barnes & Noble
 
First Comes Marriage


Who agrees to an arranged marriage in the 21st century?  Beth Malone can't believe a date request with the 1Night Stand service morphed into an arranged marriage offer.  But after a heartbreaking divorce and no kngith in shining armor coming to sweep her off her feet, her desire to find that knight and have a family is looking more like a reality.

After filling out a 1Night Stand questionnaire worthy of the CIA,  Christian Ramos is stunned when Madame Eve offers to arrange more than a date for one night:  she suggests a wife!  What the Hell?  After his best friend Jackson Castillo stops laughing, he advises him to consider the offer.  Between the fortieth birthday looming on the horizon and his Latino upbringing, Chris is forced to take a hard look at his life.  Reality check --time is running out for what he wants--a family and  woman to share his life.


First comes love, then comes marriage isn't part of their matrimonial situation, but neither Beth nor Christian anticipated the immediate attraction and contentment that comes with saying, "I do."
  

Excerpt: 

“We need to get this over with.”
Her eyes widened in shock. “Get what over with?” But she knew.
Chris dropped his hand and gave her a rueful smile. “We’re married. I want to make love to my wife.” He waited for her to respond again and when she didn’t, he added, “Now.”
Beth blinked. Her heart started beating again. She liked a man who knew what he wanted. Especially when he wanted her. Stretching up, she gave him a light kiss. He clasped her waist with both hands and pulled her against him, fusing his mouth to hers, nothing like he had during their wedding. He invaded her, tasting and exploring with his tongue, forcing her to open for him.
She wound her arms around his neck and gave in, letting the invasion happen. Every fear disappeared and the only trembling happening was from desire. Her breasts swelled, aching to be touched. She wanted him. How wonderful he was hers.
Chris eased away but didn’t let go, wearing the same dazed look she must have had after their wedding kiss. He stepped back a few paces, bringing her with him, until he reached the bed.
“Turn around.”
Beth narrowed her eyes but obeyed. The zipper on the back of her dress descended and the silky garment puddled at her feet as he turned her back to face him. His hungry gaze swept over her, and she shivered with anticipation. Leaning in, he kissed the space between her breasts, his face tight with desire. No man had ever looked at her body that way…so appreciative.
Reaching behind her, he unhooked her bra, and tossed it on the floor to join the dress. Her nipples stood at attention, swollen and needy. She shivered again.
He tilted his head back. “Am I going too fast?”
She cupped his face and gave him a hard kiss. “Hurry,” she whispered.
   
 Now, before we let you leave us today.  I have a thing about cooking and am always looking for new recipes to try and share. Anything you can share with us?


Lemon Brownies
 
1 box lemon cake mix
1/2 c. oil
3 eggs
1 small box lemon Jello
 
Topping:
1 c. powdered sugar
1/2 c. lemon juice
 
Mix all ingredients together well. Bake in 9 x 13" pan for 30 minutes at 325 degrees. Don’t be afraid to overbake a bit until top is brown. Remove from oven; while still hot, punch holes in top of cake with toothpick and pour topping mixture over cake. Cool first and cut into squares; powdered sugar may be sprinkled over all.


****
  Valerie, it was a pleasure having you with us and please come back soon!  I'm going now to make the lemon bars :)

Readers, you need to visit the buy links and get your copy of First Comes Marriage!!

Decadent Publishing | Amazon| All Romance | Barnes& amp; Noble


Now make sure to visit the rafflecopter for your chance to win Valerie's ebook,  To Feel Again.


Until next time, happy reading !

Krista
 
  a Rafflecopter giveaway