Krista Ames's Blog, page 126
November 19, 2012
Author, author... #spotlight & #giveaway
...read all about it !!!
The Cliff by Christie A. C. Gucker
Genre: Steamy Romance
Publisher: Pagan Writers Press
Release: September 28, 2012
Blurb
Can a childhood pact affect the lives of three adults?
Love and betrayal surrounds the lives of lifelong friends Lanie Rhodes, Grant Bennett, and Dane Voight. Years ago, they made a pact to remain together as friends forever. The boys also made another secret pact that same day—to never vie for Lanie’s love.
Grant and Lanie have secretly been pining for one another since they were children.
Now grown up, they finally admit their feelings for each other and what ensues is a twisted tale of deception as Dane does everything he can to stop them.
The story weaves around this uneven love triangle. What will happen to the pact? Will friendships be destroyed? Will lovers emerge?
Excerpt
“You go first,” I said.
“All right. I missed you so much these past six months,” he offered.
“I already know that; that doesn’t count.”
“But I don’t think you know the extent or how.”
“Okay . . . how then?”
“I don’t ever want you to be away again.”
“Grant, work will always cause one of us to travel for extended—” and he put a finger over my lips. I suddenly felt the urge to wrap my tongue around it.
“No, Lanie. I don’t ever want you to be away from me; never again. I missed you terribly.”
“Um, terribly?” God I was so lame. I stared into his eyes. The heat between us became intense. It was almost like electricity was crackling between us.
“Lanie, do I have to spell this out for you?”
“Yes, please. Spelling, definition, and then use it in a sentence.”
And then he just kissed me. It was a soft, gentle kiss that sent a shock wave from my lips right to my girliest of girl parts. When he pulled away, not very far away, he just stared into my eyes with something that was notlooking at me like a sister. What was he searching for?
“Could you please spell that again?” I murmured. He relaxed and laughed softly and kissed me again, this time allowing his tongue to brush across my bottom lip. I was melting.
It took everything not to pounce on him and do all the naughty things that were suddenly running through my head right there on my porch.
“Use it in a sentence, please.” I whispered with my eyes still closed, my head still tilted.
“Of course.” And he crushed his lips to mine, pulling my body against his. I was lost in him. His tongue began swirling with mine and my head began swirling, too. We remained in this sentence, which was slowly approaching a paragraph. I didn't care, I would have been happy kissing a novella with him.
When our lips finally parted, I wasn't sure what to do next. “Would you like to come in?” I sounded like a complete idiot.
“Lanie, I'm not sure this is right or wrong. I just know it's what I want. But I want to go very slowly. I don't ever want to hurt you or ruin things between us. Maybe not tonight. Promise you understand.”
I raised my right hand and stated, “I promise I understand.”
And then his lips were on mine again. I reached up and curled my fingers into his hair and drank him in. I wanted to pull him inside to see where this would go, but I had promised. So I released him.
available at: Pagan Writers Press
Christie A. C. Gucker
Christie A.C. Gucker lives in NJ with her husband, two daughters and a menagerie of pets. Being a mother is one of the greatest joys of her life. She has worked in the advertising industry for over 20 years as a degreed artist, but also works in the fine arts, especially sculpting out of stone or snapping photographs. Christie is also a singer and musician, and can be found singing on a few CDs.
After the death of her father, Christie searched for something to fill her desire to make a mark in this world. Her love of the arts and creativity allowed her to search for a new medium, which she found with a pen instead of a brush. Being an avid reader her whole life, and with her family cheering her on, she decided to take her shot, and began writing.
Fascinated by the supernatural and sharks, Christie studies both avidly. You’ll be sure to find something spooky lurking somewhere in her stories. Her greatest joy is sitting on a beach with her family while surf fishing, flying kites or building sandcastles with her girls.
Author Links
Website/ Facebook / Twitter
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thanks so much for visiting today!
Until next time, happy reading!
Krista
.jpg)
The Cliff by Christie A. C. Gucker
Genre: Steamy Romance
Publisher: Pagan Writers Press
Release: September 28, 2012
Blurb
Can a childhood pact affect the lives of three adults?
Love and betrayal surrounds the lives of lifelong friends Lanie Rhodes, Grant Bennett, and Dane Voight. Years ago, they made a pact to remain together as friends forever. The boys also made another secret pact that same day—to never vie for Lanie’s love.
Grant and Lanie have secretly been pining for one another since they were children.
Now grown up, they finally admit their feelings for each other and what ensues is a twisted tale of deception as Dane does everything he can to stop them.
The story weaves around this uneven love triangle. What will happen to the pact? Will friendships be destroyed? Will lovers emerge?
Excerpt
“You go first,” I said.
“All right. I missed you so much these past six months,” he offered.
“I already know that; that doesn’t count.”
“But I don’t think you know the extent or how.”
“Okay . . . how then?”
“I don’t ever want you to be away again.”
“Grant, work will always cause one of us to travel for extended—” and he put a finger over my lips. I suddenly felt the urge to wrap my tongue around it.
“No, Lanie. I don’t ever want you to be away from me; never again. I missed you terribly.”
“Um, terribly?” God I was so lame. I stared into his eyes. The heat between us became intense. It was almost like electricity was crackling between us.
“Lanie, do I have to spell this out for you?”
“Yes, please. Spelling, definition, and then use it in a sentence.”
And then he just kissed me. It was a soft, gentle kiss that sent a shock wave from my lips right to my girliest of girl parts. When he pulled away, not very far away, he just stared into my eyes with something that was notlooking at me like a sister. What was he searching for?
“Could you please spell that again?” I murmured. He relaxed and laughed softly and kissed me again, this time allowing his tongue to brush across my bottom lip. I was melting.
It took everything not to pounce on him and do all the naughty things that were suddenly running through my head right there on my porch.
“Use it in a sentence, please.” I whispered with my eyes still closed, my head still tilted.
“Of course.” And he crushed his lips to mine, pulling my body against his. I was lost in him. His tongue began swirling with mine and my head began swirling, too. We remained in this sentence, which was slowly approaching a paragraph. I didn't care, I would have been happy kissing a novella with him. When our lips finally parted, I wasn't sure what to do next. “Would you like to come in?” I sounded like a complete idiot.
“Lanie, I'm not sure this is right or wrong. I just know it's what I want. But I want to go very slowly. I don't ever want to hurt you or ruin things between us. Maybe not tonight. Promise you understand.”
I raised my right hand and stated, “I promise I understand.”
And then his lips were on mine again. I reached up and curled my fingers into his hair and drank him in. I wanted to pull him inside to see where this would go, but I had promised. So I released him.
available at: Pagan Writers Press
Christie A. C. Gucker
Christie A.C. Gucker lives in NJ with her husband, two daughters and a menagerie of pets. Being a mother is one of the greatest joys of her life. She has worked in the advertising industry for over 20 years as a degreed artist, but also works in the fine arts, especially sculpting out of stone or snapping photographs. Christie is also a singer and musician, and can be found singing on a few CDs.
After the death of her father, Christie searched for something to fill her desire to make a mark in this world. Her love of the arts and creativity allowed her to search for a new medium, which she found with a pen instead of a brush. Being an avid reader her whole life, and with her family cheering her on, she decided to take her shot, and began writing.
Fascinated by the supernatural and sharks, Christie studies both avidly. You’ll be sure to find something spooky lurking somewhere in her stories. Her greatest joy is sitting on a beach with her family while surf fishing, flying kites or building sandcastles with her girls.
Author Links
Website/ Facebook / Twitter
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thanks so much for visiting today!
Until next time, happy reading!
Krista
November 16, 2012
Finally Friday !!
Yay, another crisp and cold Fridy in the North !!! Today we have another great backlist book from Turquoise Morning Press.
Bluegrass Bountiful
by Lozi Hart Release: June 15, 2011
Category: Romance, Contemporary
Heat Level: Sensual
Length: 198 pages
Price: $2.99 digital, $11.99 print
Available at the following retailers: Turquoise Morning Press All Romance eBooks . Bookstrand . 1PlaceForRomance.com
Barnes and Noble Nookbook . Amazon Kindle
Graham McCullough never forgot his first Kentucky Derby or the dark-haired beauty who stole his heart that weekend twenty-five years ago. He’d gone home to Scotland after the Derby intending to return to Louisville to ask the woman to be his wife. But a family crises sent him to the wilds of the Amazon Rain Forest for the next six months and when he finally did make it back, she had vanished without a trace.
Mary Claire Beaumont lived each day with a reminder of the weekend she’d spent with Graham McCullough, oh so long ago, before he’d disappeared from the face of the earth. She’d gone home to her mother and father prepared to face life as a single parent with an illegitimate child—until her mother forced her marriage to old boyfriend, John Beaumont. Now twenty-five years later, her daughter grown, a widowed Mary Claire is ready to live her own life, until fate throws Graham McCullough straight into her path again.
Excerpt:
Louisville, Kentucky
The First Saturday in May 1979
Mary Claire Rutherford stomped her bare foot on the folded beach towel covering the hot surface, then held her breath as her wobbly perch threatened to collapse. “I still can’t see it!”
The last strains of My Old Kentucky Home faded from the speakers. Mary Claire looked around for anything else she could use to add height to the viewing stand she’d constructed, an old metal cooler stacked on top of multiple six-packs. She needed to hurry. The post parade was nearly over.
“Don’t tell me you’re actually here to see the race?”
Mary Claire turned to see who had spoken. Ah, the tall one with the muscles and no shirt. The one with the Scottish name that she knew she’d heard before. He’d caught her attention earlier when he’d shucked his clothes to reveal those ugly baggy swimming trunks just before diving headlong onto the Slip-n-Slide a group of frat boys had set up.
“Yeah.” She jumped off the cooler. “I watch it every year, but this is my first time in the infield. I didn’t realize I wouldn’t be able to see from here.”
“Tell you what.” He stooped down and held up his hand. “Climb on my shoulders. That should give you a proper view.”
“Oh yeah, right.”
“Really, come on. They’re almost to the gate.”
She glanced toward the track and then down at him. She did want to see this race. “Oh, what the hell.” She hitched her short-shorts up to the crease at the top of her legs, grasped his hand, and climbed on.
He raised straight up as if she weighed nothing at all. “How’s that? Can you see now?”
“Yes.” She wiggled, settling herself into the curve of his neck and shoulders.
Mary Claire put a hand above her eyes to shade them from the sun. The starter’s bell sounded and the gate burst open spewing a frenzy of horse flesh onto the track.
Bluegrass Bountiful broke from the number nine position and stayed just behind the leaders until they reached the quarter pole. Mary Claire held her breath, her heart pounding as she watched the horse make his move.
“Come on Bountiful. You can do it.” She yelled as the Rutherford Red Silks zoomed into the lead.
“Yes, yes, yes!” Mary Claire bounced up and down on her shoulder seat. She waved her arms in the air still cheering as the chestnut stallion crossed the finish line three lengths ahead of his nearest competitor.
Mary Claire laughed, elated with the success. Bountiful had gone off at fourteen to one. That meant as soon as she cashed in her ticket, she’d be twenty-eight hundred dollars richer, enough to give her at least another eight months of living expenses. Besides, even if she wasn’t speaking to her parents, she still wanted their Derby entry to win.
She had a special connection to this horse. She’d been in the barn the night Bountiful Bonny had foaled the much anticipated colt by Bluegrass King. Mary Claire had helped exercise and groom him and even slept in his stall on occasion. Her only regret was that she wouldn’t be in the winner’s circle today to congratulate Bluegrass Bountiful and slip him a sugar cube.
Graham McCullough stooped down again; this time to let the jubilant woman off his shoulders. She was flushed and smiling when she faced him.
He reached out and touched her arm. “It’s been a real pleasure to have you riding me screaming yes. How about we position you a bit lower and try it again?” He knew he shouldn’t have said it as soon as it came out of his mouth, but too much alcohol and too little food had stifled his better judgment.
He felt the sting of her hand across his face before he ever saw it coming. “Ouch!” He massaged his cheek as he watched her grab up a pair of leather sandals, stuff them into a floral print tote bag, and stalk off toward the entrance to the tunnel that went under the track, out of the infield, and toward the grandstand that stood beneath the twin spires of Churchill Downs.
****Thunder rumbled in the distance. The storm was moving closer and Graham was still wandering around the streets of Louisville in a neighborhood that, like him, had seen better days.
He’d been wearing only his bathing trunks when he woke up an hour or so ago. The incredibly small tee shirt he’d managed to stretch over his upper half and the flip-flops that slapped against his heels as he walked he’d found in the discarded debris of the hordes who invaded Louisville on Derby day. He didn’t have a clue what had happened to his own clothes or his wallet and cash.
After Miss Legs had tagged his jaw and stomped off, he’d stopped drinking beer and gone for the mint juleps—the signature drink of the day—only without the mint or the julep part. He’d been gulping straight bourbon during the final two races.
He vaguely remembered his friend, Robbie, saying the rest of them were going on to the hotel and Graham could catch up with them later. Only thing was, Graham wasn’t driving. He was only along for the ride this trip, so he hadn’t bothered to ask the name of the hotel.
He’d watched Miss Legs all afternoon in that scoop neck, sleeveless tee and those damned short-shorts up to her…. Graham shook his head to get the image out of his mind.
Her skin had been silky smooth, and oh, the way she’d smelled. The perfume she wore was the real thing—subtle and expensive.
It began to sprinkle. He looked up trying to determine if a downpour was imminent as he passed by the window of a small storefront diner. A glimpse of something inside caught his eye. He stopped. A floral print tote bag sat in a chair at the table by the window.
He recognized it because he’d given one like it as a birthday gift to his sister, Polly. He’d bought it in Paris at the Laura Ashley Shop. He smiled as he silently repeated, Paris, France not Paris, Kentucky, the way he and Polly had always done for their Kentucky born mother. It had become a McCullough family joke. He reached for the door handle and hesitated only a moment before he pulled it open and entered the building.
The walls of the little diner were lined with continuous rows of framed black and white photographic prints. Including ones taken at the very counter where a shabbily dressed old man and Miss Legs now sat.
She was deep in conversation with a man behind the counter who swiped at the surface of the bar with a wet rag. He wore an apron that may have been white a few years ago.
All three turned to look at Graham.
The man in the apron stopped in mid-swipe, raised the hand that held the rag, and pointed toward the door. “Keep on going, my friend. We’re all out of leftovers. I’m ready to lock up.”
Miss Legs did a double take and laughed. “You look a little worse for wear this evening.”
“Can I talk to you for a minute?” He pointed to the table by the window. “Over here.”
She hesitated then slid off the stool. “Sure, why not?” She walked to the table where the tote bag sat.
He pulled the chair out and waited for her to sit down.
“Oh, so we’re a gentleman now?” She remained standing.
He dipped his head and felt his cheeks warm with embarrassment. “I…I’m really sorry about that comment. It’s no excuse I know, but I plead intoxication. I do apologize.”
She pursed her lips and then nodded. “Accepted.” She sat down.
He stayed behind her and helped scoot the chair in before he sat down across from her.
He cleared his throat. “I…I hate to ask, but I need a favor.”
She raised her eyebrows. “And what would that be?”
“Can I borrow some money? I seem to have lost my funds along with my clothes. I only need enough for a hotel room tonight and to buy something to wear tomorrow.”
She gave a snort of laughter. “Did you hit your head today? You surely must realize there’s not an empty hotel room within a hundred miles of here. Besides, I don’t have any to lend you.” She started to get up, scrutinized his face, hesitated, then settled back into the chair.
Graham dropped his head. He was screwed. He knew he’d never get in touch with his dad. He was three weeks into a trip in the wilds of the Amazon Rain Forest. Graham looked at the clock. And, it was already well into Sunday in Great Britain. He’d play hell trying to find someone to wire him money.
“Well, then, do you know of anyplace close I could hang out for the next couple of days, out of the rain?” His stomach rumbled. “And maybe get a bit to eat?”
She rose all the way up this time and walked to the counter. “Burl, where’s that camera you keep handy?”
“In the drawer, where it always is.” The man in the apron answered.
“May I borrow it for a minute?”
Burl wiped his hands on the bib of his apron, took the 35 mm from its resting place and handed it to her.
She crossed the room again. She circled Graham, snapping pictures as she went then took the camera back to Burl. “Thank you.” She handed him the camera.
Miss Legs smiled as she turned and walked back to the table. Her eyes locked with Graham’s as she said in a loud clear voice. “Burl, if anything happens to me in the next couple of days, make sure you take those pictures to the police.”
She picked up her bag. “Come on. You can sleep on my sofa tonight. I may even let you have a peanut butter sandwich if you behave yourself.” About the Author: Lozi Hart grew up along the Ohio River in the Appalachian foothills of eastern Kentucky. She has studied music, art, architecture, interior design and anthropology. She adores old houses and loves writing about the people who inhabit them, whether their residence is in body or in spirit. Her first novel, Bluegrass Bountiful, will be published by Turquoise Morning Press in April of 2011. Lozi’s website is www.lozihart.com Stories by Lozi Hart “The Unhaunted House” in Something Spooky This Way Comes. www.lozihart.com
Bluegrass Bountiful
by Lozi Hart Release: June 15, 2011Category: Romance, Contemporary
Heat Level: Sensual
Length: 198 pages
Price: $2.99 digital, $11.99 print
Available at the following retailers: Turquoise Morning Press All Romance eBooks . Bookstrand . 1PlaceForRomance.com
Barnes and Noble Nookbook . Amazon Kindle
Graham McCullough never forgot his first Kentucky Derby or the dark-haired beauty who stole his heart that weekend twenty-five years ago. He’d gone home to Scotland after the Derby intending to return to Louisville to ask the woman to be his wife. But a family crises sent him to the wilds of the Amazon Rain Forest for the next six months and when he finally did make it back, she had vanished without a trace.
Mary Claire Beaumont lived each day with a reminder of the weekend she’d spent with Graham McCullough, oh so long ago, before he’d disappeared from the face of the earth. She’d gone home to her mother and father prepared to face life as a single parent with an illegitimate child—until her mother forced her marriage to old boyfriend, John Beaumont. Now twenty-five years later, her daughter grown, a widowed Mary Claire is ready to live her own life, until fate throws Graham McCullough straight into her path again.
Excerpt:
Louisville, Kentucky
The First Saturday in May 1979
Mary Claire Rutherford stomped her bare foot on the folded beach towel covering the hot surface, then held her breath as her wobbly perch threatened to collapse. “I still can’t see it!”
The last strains of My Old Kentucky Home faded from the speakers. Mary Claire looked around for anything else she could use to add height to the viewing stand she’d constructed, an old metal cooler stacked on top of multiple six-packs. She needed to hurry. The post parade was nearly over.
“Don’t tell me you’re actually here to see the race?”
Mary Claire turned to see who had spoken. Ah, the tall one with the muscles and no shirt. The one with the Scottish name that she knew she’d heard before. He’d caught her attention earlier when he’d shucked his clothes to reveal those ugly baggy swimming trunks just before diving headlong onto the Slip-n-Slide a group of frat boys had set up.
“Yeah.” She jumped off the cooler. “I watch it every year, but this is my first time in the infield. I didn’t realize I wouldn’t be able to see from here.”
“Tell you what.” He stooped down and held up his hand. “Climb on my shoulders. That should give you a proper view.”
“Oh yeah, right.”
“Really, come on. They’re almost to the gate.”
She glanced toward the track and then down at him. She did want to see this race. “Oh, what the hell.” She hitched her short-shorts up to the crease at the top of her legs, grasped his hand, and climbed on.
He raised straight up as if she weighed nothing at all. “How’s that? Can you see now?”
“Yes.” She wiggled, settling herself into the curve of his neck and shoulders.
Mary Claire put a hand above her eyes to shade them from the sun. The starter’s bell sounded and the gate burst open spewing a frenzy of horse flesh onto the track.
Bluegrass Bountiful broke from the number nine position and stayed just behind the leaders until they reached the quarter pole. Mary Claire held her breath, her heart pounding as she watched the horse make his move.
“Come on Bountiful. You can do it.” She yelled as the Rutherford Red Silks zoomed into the lead.
“Yes, yes, yes!” Mary Claire bounced up and down on her shoulder seat. She waved her arms in the air still cheering as the chestnut stallion crossed the finish line three lengths ahead of his nearest competitor.
Mary Claire laughed, elated with the success. Bountiful had gone off at fourteen to one. That meant as soon as she cashed in her ticket, she’d be twenty-eight hundred dollars richer, enough to give her at least another eight months of living expenses. Besides, even if she wasn’t speaking to her parents, she still wanted their Derby entry to win.
She had a special connection to this horse. She’d been in the barn the night Bountiful Bonny had foaled the much anticipated colt by Bluegrass King. Mary Claire had helped exercise and groom him and even slept in his stall on occasion. Her only regret was that she wouldn’t be in the winner’s circle today to congratulate Bluegrass Bountiful and slip him a sugar cube.
Graham McCullough stooped down again; this time to let the jubilant woman off his shoulders. She was flushed and smiling when she faced him.
He reached out and touched her arm. “It’s been a real pleasure to have you riding me screaming yes. How about we position you a bit lower and try it again?” He knew he shouldn’t have said it as soon as it came out of his mouth, but too much alcohol and too little food had stifled his better judgment.
He felt the sting of her hand across his face before he ever saw it coming. “Ouch!” He massaged his cheek as he watched her grab up a pair of leather sandals, stuff them into a floral print tote bag, and stalk off toward the entrance to the tunnel that went under the track, out of the infield, and toward the grandstand that stood beneath the twin spires of Churchill Downs.
****Thunder rumbled in the distance. The storm was moving closer and Graham was still wandering around the streets of Louisville in a neighborhood that, like him, had seen better days.
He’d been wearing only his bathing trunks when he woke up an hour or so ago. The incredibly small tee shirt he’d managed to stretch over his upper half and the flip-flops that slapped against his heels as he walked he’d found in the discarded debris of the hordes who invaded Louisville on Derby day. He didn’t have a clue what had happened to his own clothes or his wallet and cash.
After Miss Legs had tagged his jaw and stomped off, he’d stopped drinking beer and gone for the mint juleps—the signature drink of the day—only without the mint or the julep part. He’d been gulping straight bourbon during the final two races.
He vaguely remembered his friend, Robbie, saying the rest of them were going on to the hotel and Graham could catch up with them later. Only thing was, Graham wasn’t driving. He was only along for the ride this trip, so he hadn’t bothered to ask the name of the hotel.
He’d watched Miss Legs all afternoon in that scoop neck, sleeveless tee and those damned short-shorts up to her…. Graham shook his head to get the image out of his mind.
Her skin had been silky smooth, and oh, the way she’d smelled. The perfume she wore was the real thing—subtle and expensive.
It began to sprinkle. He looked up trying to determine if a downpour was imminent as he passed by the window of a small storefront diner. A glimpse of something inside caught his eye. He stopped. A floral print tote bag sat in a chair at the table by the window.
He recognized it because he’d given one like it as a birthday gift to his sister, Polly. He’d bought it in Paris at the Laura Ashley Shop. He smiled as he silently repeated, Paris, France not Paris, Kentucky, the way he and Polly had always done for their Kentucky born mother. It had become a McCullough family joke. He reached for the door handle and hesitated only a moment before he pulled it open and entered the building.
The walls of the little diner were lined with continuous rows of framed black and white photographic prints. Including ones taken at the very counter where a shabbily dressed old man and Miss Legs now sat.
She was deep in conversation with a man behind the counter who swiped at the surface of the bar with a wet rag. He wore an apron that may have been white a few years ago.
All three turned to look at Graham.
The man in the apron stopped in mid-swipe, raised the hand that held the rag, and pointed toward the door. “Keep on going, my friend. We’re all out of leftovers. I’m ready to lock up.”
Miss Legs did a double take and laughed. “You look a little worse for wear this evening.”
“Can I talk to you for a minute?” He pointed to the table by the window. “Over here.”
She hesitated then slid off the stool. “Sure, why not?” She walked to the table where the tote bag sat.
He pulled the chair out and waited for her to sit down.
“Oh, so we’re a gentleman now?” She remained standing.
He dipped his head and felt his cheeks warm with embarrassment. “I…I’m really sorry about that comment. It’s no excuse I know, but I plead intoxication. I do apologize.”
She pursed her lips and then nodded. “Accepted.” She sat down.
He stayed behind her and helped scoot the chair in before he sat down across from her.
He cleared his throat. “I…I hate to ask, but I need a favor.”
She raised her eyebrows. “And what would that be?”
“Can I borrow some money? I seem to have lost my funds along with my clothes. I only need enough for a hotel room tonight and to buy something to wear tomorrow.”
She gave a snort of laughter. “Did you hit your head today? You surely must realize there’s not an empty hotel room within a hundred miles of here. Besides, I don’t have any to lend you.” She started to get up, scrutinized his face, hesitated, then settled back into the chair.
Graham dropped his head. He was screwed. He knew he’d never get in touch with his dad. He was three weeks into a trip in the wilds of the Amazon Rain Forest. Graham looked at the clock. And, it was already well into Sunday in Great Britain. He’d play hell trying to find someone to wire him money.
“Well, then, do you know of anyplace close I could hang out for the next couple of days, out of the rain?” His stomach rumbled. “And maybe get a bit to eat?”
She rose all the way up this time and walked to the counter. “Burl, where’s that camera you keep handy?”
“In the drawer, where it always is.” The man in the apron answered.
“May I borrow it for a minute?”
Burl wiped his hands on the bib of his apron, took the 35 mm from its resting place and handed it to her.
She crossed the room again. She circled Graham, snapping pictures as she went then took the camera back to Burl. “Thank you.” She handed him the camera.
Miss Legs smiled as she turned and walked back to the table. Her eyes locked with Graham’s as she said in a loud clear voice. “Burl, if anything happens to me in the next couple of days, make sure you take those pictures to the police.”
She picked up her bag. “Come on. You can sleep on my sofa tonight. I may even let you have a peanut butter sandwich if you behave yourself.” About the Author: Lozi Hart grew up along the Ohio River in the Appalachian foothills of eastern Kentucky. She has studied music, art, architecture, interior design and anthropology. She adores old houses and loves writing about the people who inhabit them, whether their residence is in body or in spirit. Her first novel, Bluegrass Bountiful, will be published by Turquoise Morning Press in April of 2011. Lozi’s website is www.lozihart.com Stories by Lozi Hart “The Unhaunted House” in Something Spooky This Way Comes. www.lozihart.com
November 15, 2012
Author, author... #giveaway
...read all about it !!
Welcome Soraya, so great to have you here with us. Can you tell us a little about yourself? Well, I work a day job as a freelance writer in addition to being a romance author, and I’m also a wife and mom to toddler, two dogs and four horses! I write for Harlequin Romance, and I’m starting to dip my toe into the water of self-publishing J Do real life events find their way into your stories? I think real life events that I read about might sometimes end up in my stories, but not real things that happen in my own personal life. Although naturally I feel comfortable writing about ranch settings because I live on a farm and have had horses all my life, or writing stories with children in them because I love kids and we have many nieces and nephews. Do you ever mimic family members or people you know when you choose characters? No. There are certain qualities though that I love in my friends and family, that I may attribute to my main characters though. Do you find yourself going back to the same inspiration for each story or is it always something different? I often write military themed romance, and I’m sure I’ll write many more books featuring soldiers and/or Navy SEAL’s. I’m very inspired by those brave men and women all around the world who are proud to fight for their country. In saying that, each story I write is different, so there is different inspiration for each one. When do you write? Early morning? During the day sometime or all day? After the kids go to bed? I used to write during the day and at night (in between writing for my day job) but ever since toddler boy came along my routine is all over the place! Now, I have to balance so many things that I just write when I can. Usually that’s during the day because I’m simply too tired at night to stay up unless I’m close to deadline. How do you feel about marketing your book? I think marketing a book can be difficult, because on the one hand you don’t want to annoy your friends and readers with constant promotional posts and tweets, but then you do want them to buy your book! I don’t really do any marketing for my Harlequin Romance books because my publisher takes care of that, but I’m having to do a lot more of it for my self-published titles. What social sites do you feel work best for marketing? I think twitter is fantastic, and signing up for an appropriate blog tour has worked well for me too. 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 have a fantastic editor, and our process is for me to send her an outline and first chapter. She gives me feedback once she’s read it, and then she doesn’t see the manuscript until it’s complete. With this book, The Navy SEAL’s Promise, I worked very closely with my literary agent on it. She completed all the editing, and she was tough on me! But I’m really happy with the finished book. Is there any other genre that you would love to try writing? If so, what is it? I also write young adult romance, and I released my debut YA earlier this year. Changeis a paranormal romance, about leopard shifters! I’m working on the sequel to that book, along with another paranormal story. So yes, I do love writing in two genres, although I would only ever write romance because it’s what I know and love. Do you always/ever see yourself as the heroine/hero when you write a story? Not really. But I do think about how I would personally react to a situation if I was in the heroine’s shoes, and I think about how I would speak sometimes to ensure the dialogue is natural. Just for fun, I have a few personal questions,
Favorite 5
1) Favorite Male Actor - For hotness, Gerard Butler, but for great acting Leonardo Dicaprio. 2) Favorite vehicle – I dream of owning a white Range Rover Sport! 3) Favorite way to relax – at home outside on our farm. 4) Favorite ice cream – Chocolate! 5) Favorite outfit – Jeans, a pretty top and super high heels. 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 love Noosa, Australia. Gorgeous beach town with amazing restaurants, and of course I’d have to live in one of the homes overlooking the water! Where can our readers find you?? Email: soraya.lane@yahoo.com Twitter: @Soraya_Lane Facebook:www.facebook.com/SorayaLaneAuthor Website/blog: www.sorayalane.com Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Soraya-Lane/e/B005HS7GS4/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1348613324&sr=8-2-ent Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it?
THE NAVY SEAL’S PROMISE is out now! It’s available exclusively as a kindle ebook, and I’d love to give away a copy here! Just leave a comment and a winner will be selected J Here’s the blurb! With only 48 hours back on home soil for Christmas, United States Army Corporal Saskia Cullen is desperate to spend every minute with her young son. So when heavy snowfall closes JFK airport and she misses her connecting flight to Buffalo, she’s devastated. Until Navy SEAL Luke Gray offers to keep her company… and then personally escorts her home. Luke is back in the US on leave, waiting to hear the details of his next mission, and Saskia proves to be a pleasant distraction. And when he hears that she needs to get home to see her son, he’s prepared to do anything to help the sexy single mom. Trouble is, he hadn’t planned on falling for anyone, let alone a beautiful soldier about to return overseas. Soraya, thanks so much for being with us today!!Readers, make sure you leave a comment to be eligible for the drawing for a copy of The Navy Seal's Promise. Don't forget to leave your email address so you can be contacted! I know I can't wait to read this story :) Until next time, happy reading !! Krista
Welcome Soraya, so great to have you here with us. Can you tell us a little about yourself? Well, I work a day job as a freelance writer in addition to being a romance author, and I’m also a wife and mom to toddler, two dogs and four horses! I write for Harlequin Romance, and I’m starting to dip my toe into the water of self-publishing J Do real life events find their way into your stories? I think real life events that I read about might sometimes end up in my stories, but not real things that happen in my own personal life. Although naturally I feel comfortable writing about ranch settings because I live on a farm and have had horses all my life, or writing stories with children in them because I love kids and we have many nieces and nephews. Do you ever mimic family members or people you know when you choose characters? No. There are certain qualities though that I love in my friends and family, that I may attribute to my main characters though. Do you find yourself going back to the same inspiration for each story or is it always something different? I often write military themed romance, and I’m sure I’ll write many more books featuring soldiers and/or Navy SEAL’s. I’m very inspired by those brave men and women all around the world who are proud to fight for their country. In saying that, each story I write is different, so there is different inspiration for each one. When do you write? Early morning? During the day sometime or all day? After the kids go to bed? I used to write during the day and at night (in between writing for my day job) but ever since toddler boy came along my routine is all over the place! Now, I have to balance so many things that I just write when I can. Usually that’s during the day because I’m simply too tired at night to stay up unless I’m close to deadline. How do you feel about marketing your book? I think marketing a book can be difficult, because on the one hand you don’t want to annoy your friends and readers with constant promotional posts and tweets, but then you do want them to buy your book! I don’t really do any marketing for my Harlequin Romance books because my publisher takes care of that, but I’m having to do a lot more of it for my self-published titles. What social sites do you feel work best for marketing? I think twitter is fantastic, and signing up for an appropriate blog tour has worked well for me too. 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 have a fantastic editor, and our process is for me to send her an outline and first chapter. She gives me feedback once she’s read it, and then she doesn’t see the manuscript until it’s complete. With this book, The Navy SEAL’s Promise, I worked very closely with my literary agent on it. She completed all the editing, and she was tough on me! But I’m really happy with the finished book. Is there any other genre that you would love to try writing? If so, what is it? I also write young adult romance, and I released my debut YA earlier this year. Changeis a paranormal romance, about leopard shifters! I’m working on the sequel to that book, along with another paranormal story. So yes, I do love writing in two genres, although I would only ever write romance because it’s what I know and love. Do you always/ever see yourself as the heroine/hero when you write a story? Not really. But I do think about how I would personally react to a situation if I was in the heroine’s shoes, and I think about how I would speak sometimes to ensure the dialogue is natural. Just for fun, I have a few personal questions,
Favorite 5
1) Favorite Male Actor - For hotness, Gerard Butler, but for great acting Leonardo Dicaprio. 2) Favorite vehicle – I dream of owning a white Range Rover Sport! 3) Favorite way to relax – at home outside on our farm. 4) Favorite ice cream – Chocolate! 5) Favorite outfit – Jeans, a pretty top and super high heels. 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 love Noosa, Australia. Gorgeous beach town with amazing restaurants, and of course I’d have to live in one of the homes overlooking the water! Where can our readers find you?? Email: soraya.lane@yahoo.com Twitter: @Soraya_Lane Facebook:www.facebook.com/SorayaLaneAuthor Website/blog: www.sorayalane.com Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Soraya-Lane/e/B005HS7GS4/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1348613324&sr=8-2-ent Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it?
THE NAVY SEAL’S PROMISE is out now! It’s available exclusively as a kindle ebook, and I’d love to give away a copy here! Just leave a comment and a winner will be selected J Here’s the blurb! With only 48 hours back on home soil for Christmas, United States Army Corporal Saskia Cullen is desperate to spend every minute with her young son. So when heavy snowfall closes JFK airport and she misses her connecting flight to Buffalo, she’s devastated. Until Navy SEAL Luke Gray offers to keep her company… and then personally escorts her home. Luke is back in the US on leave, waiting to hear the details of his next mission, and Saskia proves to be a pleasant distraction. And when he hears that she needs to get home to see her son, he’s prepared to do anything to help the sexy single mom. Trouble is, he hadn’t planned on falling for anyone, let alone a beautiful soldier about to return overseas. Soraya, thanks so much for being with us today!!Readers, make sure you leave a comment to be eligible for the drawing for a copy of The Navy Seal's Promise. Don't forget to leave your email address so you can be contacted! I know I can't wait to read this story :) Until next time, happy reading !! Krista
November 14, 2012
Author, author...
...read all about it !!
Today we have the pleasure of hosting Alex Granados !
Welcome Alex, so great to have you here with us. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
If you are reading this, then by now you’ve heard that I have a novel out. It’s called “Cemetery Plot,” and it is the result of years of labor. Ok, that’s not, strictly speaking, true. I actually wrote it in a month and revised it over six, but the process of writing a novel was years in the making. I had to get over numerous doubts and fears, and I had to dig deep to find the perseverance to keep going no matter the odds. That’s how you find my book available for purchase today. “Cemetery Plot” isn’t exactly horror. It’s got zombies, so the word “horror” applies by default, but it’s more of a sci-fi rumination on the possibilities of the future. I’m not saying there are going to be zombies in the future — that would be ridiculous. But I do find it interesting to contemplate what happens in a long enough time line with all the bodies we so carefully preserve these days. They can’t stick around forever. Do we eventually start digging up old bodies to make room for the new? Or will burial be reserved for the rich, leaving the rest of us to go the cremation route? I don’t know, but “Cemetery Plot” imagines a world overrun with graves, and eventually, zombies. So I used horror as a way to examine a future that interested me. The book is also sci-fi. I’m a big sci-fi fan. My favorite writer is Kurt Vonnegut. I didn’t even know he was sci-fi until I saw the classification on a chart or page somewhere. I just thought he was awesome. But I have since discovered that anytime you deal with time or space travel, you’re solidly in sci-fi territory. Incidentally, “Cemetery Plot” deals with time travel. In fact, time travel is integral to the plot and its resolution.
Do real life events find their way into your stories?
Yes, though not so much in Cemetery Plot. I find that I’m able to more vividly capture scenes if they are based on something that actually happened to me. The one scene I can think of in Cemetery Plot related to this is when the zombie and the living dead medium have a conversation about “Hawaiian” pizza. The description of how the zombie came to love it mirrors my own experience.
Do you ever mimic family members or people you know when you choose characters?
Again, I do, but not so much in Cemetery Plot. It was more of a complete fabrication, though in my more recent novels, I find myself modeling characters more and more on the people I know.
Do you find yourself going back to the same inspiration for each story or is it always something different?
It’s usually something different. I go to different parts of my life for inspiration. If I want to write something that’s more realistic, I’ll go to times in my life when I was feeling particularly out of control or troubled. I find it makes for good drama. If I’m trying to do something more horror related, then I’m likely to stick with fears that I’ve had throughout my life. For my more science fiction type stuff, I draw from all experiences. They can all fit into some weird future, it that’s what I need.
When do you write? Early morning? During the day sometime or all day? After the kids go to bed?
It really depends on when I have time. If I have more time in the morning, then I like to write while I’m drinking my morning coffee. More often though, I have to wait until I go home, and then I try to write before dinner. I hate writing at night. I like sleeping more.
How do you feel about marketing your book?
I got to say, I don’t like it much. I like to write. I was never particularly interested in the “getting-myself-out-there” part, but I guess that’s an essential component these days.
What social sites do you feel work best for marketing?
Facebook is the only site I use, and I only joined that a few years ago because I had a crush on a girl who wanted to “friend” me. I have since become a Facebook addict and, in fact, only have the job I have now because of Facebook. That said, I don’t particularly think it works well for marketing. I think there are diminishing returns to publicizing yourself on there — A high probability of message burnout.
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 novels and then I pitch them. The stories are the stories, and I’m going to write them whether they get published or not.
Is there any other genre that you would love to try writing? If so, what is it?
I don’t know. I’ve done science fiction, horror, crime… maybe one day I’d like to try my hand at whatever “literary” writing is. But I’m still trying to figure that one out.
Do you always/ever see yourself as the heroine/hero when you write a story?
No, I actually think it’s more fun if whichever character I relate to is an asshole. It keeps me humble.
Just for fun, I have a few personal questions,
Favorite 5
1) Favorite Male Actor - Paul Giamatti
2) Favorite vehicle – Jeep Wrangler
3) Favorite way to relax – Reading4) Favorite ice cream – Chocolate5) Favorite outfit – I really like this fishing vest I have. It’s got like a million pockets, and I always carry a lot of junk around.
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)
Belize. I just went there on my honeymoon, and if I had my choice, I would have never have left.
Where can our readers find you??
Email: agranadoster@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/alexgranadoswrites
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5372214.Alex_Granados
Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it?
Cemetery Plot
EXCERPT: “Hi. My name is Nathan Mickels. I guess I could tell you about the end of the world, and being one of the last remaining humans on earth or some of that apocalyptic crap. But the truth is that the world hasn’t changed much since it ended. Sure, the dead are walking and people are dying. But there’s still money to be made.“Take me for instance. I specialize in a particular trade. You see, these Living Dead, they’re not the brightest creatures. Any mother hoping that her little Annie was going to come back and sit at her knee had a rude awakening. Little Annie was much more likely to bite her and turn her into a zombie than give her a hug. “Nevertheless, people find out that the dead are coming back to life, and they just got to see. That’s where I come in. It’s my job to hunt down the Living Dead. Specific ones. If your uncle Andrew died last year, you might hire me to find him and bring him to you. Of course, if you were smart, you already checked out the graveyard. You probably only come to me if you find a hole where your uncle should have been. “So out I go, and I track down your uncle. But what good is he going to be to you as a grunting hulk of shit for brains? None, that’s what. I have a unique talent that I get paid for. I’m kind of like what people used to think mediums were like. You know, they figured they could talk to the dead and all that crap. Well, I can talk to the dead. It takes some doing and some concentration, but leave me alone with a walker for a good six hours, and I can start getting something intelligible out of them. “Mind you, it’s not what you’d think of as intelligible, but it’s a language of sorts. Some kind of guttural, grunting and wheezing that resolves itself into meaning in my head. Well, you don’t believe me? Ask me anything? How old was Uncle Andrew when he lost his virginity? What did he really do to lose that sales job? Was he really just being friendly with his niece that time you caught them together in the bedroom? (Here’s a hint. No. You ought to kill that bastard all over again.) “Anyway. That’s me. The Living Dead medium.”Here is the blurb:
Vanessa Hawthorne is a zombie. . .at least that was the plan. Miserable with her life, she agreed to participate in a fatal ritual that would transform her into one of the Living Dead. Instead, she wakes up decades later alive, unaged and living in a world overrun with graveyards. But when a real estate tycoon finds out about Vanessa, he will stop at nothing to discover how she cheated death. He hopes that this knowledge will give him the power to resurrect the dead. The money he stands to make is incalculable. And he is willing to do whatever it takes — kidnapping, assault and even murder — to get the job done. Luckily for Vanessa, she has Mark Nimocks and his friend Emily to protect her. . . but at what costs? A zombie apocalypse is in the works, and it will take a medium from the future to find a way to undo the end of the world. But can he actually help change the past? Or is the world fated to be destroyed no matter what?
Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Cemetery-Plot-Alex-Granados/dp/0615711448/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1352321082&sr=8-1&keywords=Cemetery+Plot
Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishinghttp://www.crushingheartsandblackbutterfly.com/
Alex, thanks so much for sharing a little about yourself and about your new release!!
Readers, make sure you don't miss out on this new book by Alex granados, Cemetary Plot!
Until next time, happy reading !!
Krista
Today we have the pleasure of hosting Alex Granados !
Welcome Alex, so great to have you here with us. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
If you are reading this, then by now you’ve heard that I have a novel out. It’s called “Cemetery Plot,” and it is the result of years of labor. Ok, that’s not, strictly speaking, true. I actually wrote it in a month and revised it over six, but the process of writing a novel was years in the making. I had to get over numerous doubts and fears, and I had to dig deep to find the perseverance to keep going no matter the odds. That’s how you find my book available for purchase today. “Cemetery Plot” isn’t exactly horror. It’s got zombies, so the word “horror” applies by default, but it’s more of a sci-fi rumination on the possibilities of the future. I’m not saying there are going to be zombies in the future — that would be ridiculous. But I do find it interesting to contemplate what happens in a long enough time line with all the bodies we so carefully preserve these days. They can’t stick around forever. Do we eventually start digging up old bodies to make room for the new? Or will burial be reserved for the rich, leaving the rest of us to go the cremation route? I don’t know, but “Cemetery Plot” imagines a world overrun with graves, and eventually, zombies. So I used horror as a way to examine a future that interested me. The book is also sci-fi. I’m a big sci-fi fan. My favorite writer is Kurt Vonnegut. I didn’t even know he was sci-fi until I saw the classification on a chart or page somewhere. I just thought he was awesome. But I have since discovered that anytime you deal with time or space travel, you’re solidly in sci-fi territory. Incidentally, “Cemetery Plot” deals with time travel. In fact, time travel is integral to the plot and its resolution.
Do real life events find their way into your stories?
Yes, though not so much in Cemetery Plot. I find that I’m able to more vividly capture scenes if they are based on something that actually happened to me. The one scene I can think of in Cemetery Plot related to this is when the zombie and the living dead medium have a conversation about “Hawaiian” pizza. The description of how the zombie came to love it mirrors my own experience.
Do you ever mimic family members or people you know when you choose characters?
Again, I do, but not so much in Cemetery Plot. It was more of a complete fabrication, though in my more recent novels, I find myself modeling characters more and more on the people I know.
Do you find yourself going back to the same inspiration for each story or is it always something different?
It’s usually something different. I go to different parts of my life for inspiration. If I want to write something that’s more realistic, I’ll go to times in my life when I was feeling particularly out of control or troubled. I find it makes for good drama. If I’m trying to do something more horror related, then I’m likely to stick with fears that I’ve had throughout my life. For my more science fiction type stuff, I draw from all experiences. They can all fit into some weird future, it that’s what I need.
When do you write? Early morning? During the day sometime or all day? After the kids go to bed?
It really depends on when I have time. If I have more time in the morning, then I like to write while I’m drinking my morning coffee. More often though, I have to wait until I go home, and then I try to write before dinner. I hate writing at night. I like sleeping more.
How do you feel about marketing your book?
I got to say, I don’t like it much. I like to write. I was never particularly interested in the “getting-myself-out-there” part, but I guess that’s an essential component these days.
What social sites do you feel work best for marketing?
Facebook is the only site I use, and I only joined that a few years ago because I had a crush on a girl who wanted to “friend” me. I have since become a Facebook addict and, in fact, only have the job I have now because of Facebook. That said, I don’t particularly think it works well for marketing. I think there are diminishing returns to publicizing yourself on there — A high probability of message burnout.
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 novels and then I pitch them. The stories are the stories, and I’m going to write them whether they get published or not.
Is there any other genre that you would love to try writing? If so, what is it?
I don’t know. I’ve done science fiction, horror, crime… maybe one day I’d like to try my hand at whatever “literary” writing is. But I’m still trying to figure that one out.
Do you always/ever see yourself as the heroine/hero when you write a story?
No, I actually think it’s more fun if whichever character I relate to is an asshole. It keeps me humble.
Just for fun, I have a few personal questions,
Favorite 5
1) Favorite Male Actor - Paul Giamatti
2) Favorite vehicle – Jeep Wrangler
3) Favorite way to relax – Reading4) Favorite ice cream – Chocolate5) Favorite outfit – I really like this fishing vest I have. It’s got like a million pockets, and I always carry a lot of junk around.
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)
Belize. I just went there on my honeymoon, and if I had my choice, I would have never have left.
Where can our readers find you??
Email: agranadoster@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/alexgranadoswrites
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5372214.Alex_Granados
Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it?
Cemetery Plot
EXCERPT: “Hi. My name is Nathan Mickels. I guess I could tell you about the end of the world, and being one of the last remaining humans on earth or some of that apocalyptic crap. But the truth is that the world hasn’t changed much since it ended. Sure, the dead are walking and people are dying. But there’s still money to be made.“Take me for instance. I specialize in a particular trade. You see, these Living Dead, they’re not the brightest creatures. Any mother hoping that her little Annie was going to come back and sit at her knee had a rude awakening. Little Annie was much more likely to bite her and turn her into a zombie than give her a hug. “Nevertheless, people find out that the dead are coming back to life, and they just got to see. That’s where I come in. It’s my job to hunt down the Living Dead. Specific ones. If your uncle Andrew died last year, you might hire me to find him and bring him to you. Of course, if you were smart, you already checked out the graveyard. You probably only come to me if you find a hole where your uncle should have been. “So out I go, and I track down your uncle. But what good is he going to be to you as a grunting hulk of shit for brains? None, that’s what. I have a unique talent that I get paid for. I’m kind of like what people used to think mediums were like. You know, they figured they could talk to the dead and all that crap. Well, I can talk to the dead. It takes some doing and some concentration, but leave me alone with a walker for a good six hours, and I can start getting something intelligible out of them. “Mind you, it’s not what you’d think of as intelligible, but it’s a language of sorts. Some kind of guttural, grunting and wheezing that resolves itself into meaning in my head. Well, you don’t believe me? Ask me anything? How old was Uncle Andrew when he lost his virginity? What did he really do to lose that sales job? Was he really just being friendly with his niece that time you caught them together in the bedroom? (Here’s a hint. No. You ought to kill that bastard all over again.) “Anyway. That’s me. The Living Dead medium.”Here is the blurb: Vanessa Hawthorne is a zombie. . .at least that was the plan. Miserable with her life, she agreed to participate in a fatal ritual that would transform her into one of the Living Dead. Instead, she wakes up decades later alive, unaged and living in a world overrun with graveyards. But when a real estate tycoon finds out about Vanessa, he will stop at nothing to discover how she cheated death. He hopes that this knowledge will give him the power to resurrect the dead. The money he stands to make is incalculable. And he is willing to do whatever it takes — kidnapping, assault and even murder — to get the job done. Luckily for Vanessa, she has Mark Nimocks and his friend Emily to protect her. . . but at what costs? A zombie apocalypse is in the works, and it will take a medium from the future to find a way to undo the end of the world. But can he actually help change the past? Or is the world fated to be destroyed no matter what?
Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Cemetery-Plot-Alex-Granados/dp/0615711448/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1352321082&sr=8-1&keywords=Cemetery+Plot
Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishinghttp://www.crushingheartsandblackbutterfly.com/
Alex, thanks so much for sharing a little about yourself and about your new release!!
Readers, make sure you don't miss out on this new book by Alex granados, Cemetary Plot!
Until next time, happy reading !!
Krista
November 13, 2012
Author, author... Cover Reveal
...read all about it !!
MURDER ON OLYMPUS,
Book one of the Plato Jones series
byRobert B. Warren
Expected publication: March 28, 2013
At first glance, the Gods of Olympus are as different from one another as salt is from sugar. Despite their bickering, they share a universal bond, a thread of commonality that unites them.
They’re all jerks.
After a stint with the Olympic Bureau of Investigation, Plato Jones is through with the Gods and their political games. Against his protests, he's drawn into a murder investigation, where the murderer's targets are the Gods themselves.
Plato has cracked some tough cases: exposing cheating spouses, capturing treasonous heretics, hunting three-headed dogs. But this time he’s in over his head. How can he solve a crime that’s impossible to commit? And what chance does Plato—a mere mortal—have against something powerful enough to kill a God?
Author’s Bio:
A fan of thrillers, fantasy, and science fiction, Robert B. Warren has been writing stories ever since he could hold a pencil. In 2009, he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and creative writing from the University of Alabama—Roll Tide! He currently lives in the South.
MURDER ON OLYMPUS,
Book one of the Plato Jones series
byRobert B. Warren
Expected publication: March 28, 2013
At first glance, the Gods of Olympus are as different from one another as salt is from sugar. Despite their bickering, they share a universal bond, a thread of commonality that unites them. They’re all jerks.
After a stint with the Olympic Bureau of Investigation, Plato Jones is through with the Gods and their political games. Against his protests, he's drawn into a murder investigation, where the murderer's targets are the Gods themselves.
Plato has cracked some tough cases: exposing cheating spouses, capturing treasonous heretics, hunting three-headed dogs. But this time he’s in over his head. How can he solve a crime that’s impossible to commit? And what chance does Plato—a mere mortal—have against something powerful enough to kill a God?
Author’s Bio:
A fan of thrillers, fantasy, and science fiction, Robert B. Warren has been writing stories ever since he could hold a pencil. In 2009, he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and creative writing from the University of Alabama—Roll Tide! He currently lives in the South.
Author, author...
...read all about it !
Take This Man
Nona Raines
The biggest mistake of Elyse Zemanski's life was falling in love with Adam. When a night of sexual fantasy went too far, she was crushed and couldn't leave town fast enough.
The biggest mistake of Adam Vostek's life was letting Elyse go. He'd been afraid of the love she promised, and pushed her away—into another man's arms…and bed.
When Elyse returns to Summit to help a friend, Adam wants a second chance to prove he’s worthy—in and out of the bedroom. She claims she's over him but one look from those smoldering eyes, and she throws caution to the wind. Elyse offers him seven days of wild sex, hoping to get him out of her system.
Adam's good to go on the sex. But will a week be enough to win back Elyse's love and trust?
Genre: Contemporary erotic romance m/f
Buy Links: Barnes and Noble / Amazon/ The Wild Rose Press / All Romance ebooks
Excerpt:
They got as far as the parking lot before Adam dragged her into his arms for a kiss. Crushing her against the passenger's door of the truck, he nudged her belly with his rock-hard erection. Elyse dug her fingers into his shoulders to keep her wobbly legs from sliding out from under her.
His velvety tongue stroked hers—he tasted sweet and minty. Her own tongue played inside his mouth to catch more of the flavor. In a fog of lust, she rocked her body against his cock, teasing him. The heat in her belly was now a bonfire showering her with sparks. Her lips, breasts, and pussy were all aflame.
Someone cleared his throat nearby, and Elyse fell back to reality with a thump. An older couple passed nearby, the man glaring at them with disapproval, the woman trying to hide a smile. She flashed Elyse a wink over Adam's shoulder.
Adam pulled away with a groan. He opened her door and practically tossed her inside. In a blink, he was in his seat, giving her a searing look. Then his shoulders shook with laughter. “You're always getting me in trouble in public.”
“It's your fault,” she told him, her hand creeping to his thigh.
“Oh, right. My fault.” His large hand mimicked hers, resting on her thigh and gliding under her dress. She purred and adjusted her legs, opening to give him better access. His fingers skimmed lightly along her skin—now prickling with goosebumps. Meanwhile, Elyse stroked the bulge in his pants lightly, teasing him with her thumb.
Her breath slowed as he played at the juncture of her thighs, toying with the elastic of her panties. Her clit tingled, she was so close. She grasped Adam's fullness in her hand and he hissed. Then he snatched his hand away and removed hers, placing it safely on her seat.
Elyse moaned in frustration. “No fair.”
“Too many people here.” He spoke through gritted teeth. He turned the key, started the ignition. “My place.”
She pouted, even though she knew he was right. Shifting on her seat, she suppressed a groan. Her pussy was so wet and her clit so tender, it was agony to move.
He glanced at her as they pulled out of the lot. “You all right?”
“No,” she muttered. “I'm dying. Hurry, get us there.” She pressed her thighs together, but that just made her more aware of the throbbing.
“Just hang on.”
Pulling her dress to her the tops of her thighs, she gave him a sultry look. She needed to torture him a little. “I could play with myself, take the edge off.”
“Don't you dare.” His voice was thick. “I'm the only one who's gonna make you come tonight.” About the Author:Nona Raines became hooked on romances when she first picked up "The Flame and the Flower" by Kathleen Woodiwiss (and she's not telling how long ago that was). Romances may have changed since then, but her love for a good love story has not. She's been writing off and on for years, but it was only when she joined the Central New York Romance Writers Association that she finally gained the support and confidence she needed to complete a manuscript.
Nona lives in upstate New York with her many pets and is currently working on her next novel. A former librarian, she enjoys reading books of all genres and discussing them with others. She is thrilled to finally be able to call herself an author and looks forward to hearing from readers.
Website / Facebook
Take This Man
Nona Raines
The biggest mistake of Elyse Zemanski's life was falling in love with Adam. When a night of sexual fantasy went too far, she was crushed and couldn't leave town fast enough.
The biggest mistake of Adam Vostek's life was letting Elyse go. He'd been afraid of the love she promised, and pushed her away—into another man's arms…and bed. When Elyse returns to Summit to help a friend, Adam wants a second chance to prove he’s worthy—in and out of the bedroom. She claims she's over him but one look from those smoldering eyes, and she throws caution to the wind. Elyse offers him seven days of wild sex, hoping to get him out of her system.
Adam's good to go on the sex. But will a week be enough to win back Elyse's love and trust?
Genre: Contemporary erotic romance m/f
Buy Links: Barnes and Noble / Amazon/ The Wild Rose Press / All Romance ebooks
Excerpt:
They got as far as the parking lot before Adam dragged her into his arms for a kiss. Crushing her against the passenger's door of the truck, he nudged her belly with his rock-hard erection. Elyse dug her fingers into his shoulders to keep her wobbly legs from sliding out from under her.
His velvety tongue stroked hers—he tasted sweet and minty. Her own tongue played inside his mouth to catch more of the flavor. In a fog of lust, she rocked her body against his cock, teasing him. The heat in her belly was now a bonfire showering her with sparks. Her lips, breasts, and pussy were all aflame.
Someone cleared his throat nearby, and Elyse fell back to reality with a thump. An older couple passed nearby, the man glaring at them with disapproval, the woman trying to hide a smile. She flashed Elyse a wink over Adam's shoulder.
Adam pulled away with a groan. He opened her door and practically tossed her inside. In a blink, he was in his seat, giving her a searing look. Then his shoulders shook with laughter. “You're always getting me in trouble in public.”
“It's your fault,” she told him, her hand creeping to his thigh.
“Oh, right. My fault.” His large hand mimicked hers, resting on her thigh and gliding under her dress. She purred and adjusted her legs, opening to give him better access. His fingers skimmed lightly along her skin—now prickling with goosebumps. Meanwhile, Elyse stroked the bulge in his pants lightly, teasing him with her thumb.
Her breath slowed as he played at the juncture of her thighs, toying with the elastic of her panties. Her clit tingled, she was so close. She grasped Adam's fullness in her hand and he hissed. Then he snatched his hand away and removed hers, placing it safely on her seat.
Elyse moaned in frustration. “No fair.”
“Too many people here.” He spoke through gritted teeth. He turned the key, started the ignition. “My place.”
She pouted, even though she knew he was right. Shifting on her seat, she suppressed a groan. Her pussy was so wet and her clit so tender, it was agony to move.
He glanced at her as they pulled out of the lot. “You all right?”
“No,” she muttered. “I'm dying. Hurry, get us there.” She pressed her thighs together, but that just made her more aware of the throbbing.
“Just hang on.”
Pulling her dress to her the tops of her thighs, she gave him a sultry look. She needed to torture him a little. “I could play with myself, take the edge off.”
“Don't you dare.” His voice was thick. “I'm the only one who's gonna make you come tonight.” About the Author:Nona Raines became hooked on romances when she first picked up "The Flame and the Flower" by Kathleen Woodiwiss (and she's not telling how long ago that was). Romances may have changed since then, but her love for a good love story has not. She's been writing off and on for years, but it was only when she joined the Central New York Romance Writers Association that she finally gained the support and confidence she needed to complete a manuscript.
Nona lives in upstate New York with her many pets and is currently working on her next novel. A former librarian, she enjoys reading books of all genres and discussing them with others. She is thrilled to finally be able to call herself an author and looks forward to hearing from readers.
Website / Facebook
November 12, 2012
Author, author...
...read all about it !!
Today we have a spotlight on...
Ride a Cowboy; Save a HorsebyHoney Jans
Savanna Brown returns to Wyoming to save the reputation of the cowboy she ran away from on their wedding night. She makes the ranch owner an offer he can’t refuse if he wants to hang onto his ranch. She’ll pretend to come back to him until the talk dies down, then she’ll be on her way. Rafe Halliday is thrilled that his plan to lure his bride back to his place has worked. Now all he has to do is focus on getting sexy Savanna back into his bed where he figured their links of passion, love, and sex will complete their bond. But will love happen with evil forces trying to tear them apart? To find out lasso a copy of, “Save a Horse; Ride a Cowboy,” today. It’s sure to singe your lariat.
Excerpt:
“You’re going to do what?”
Savanna Brown gazed at the mutinous expression on her cousin’s pretty mahogany face, willing her to understand. “Rafe's reputation is in shreds since I left. I need, deep in my soul, to set things right. Please try to understand, Raven, I have to go back.”
“Back into the lion's den.” Raven shook her head her dark curls shaking as she closed the door of her at her law office. “Listen to me, cuz. You'll be going on a fool's errand. You don't think the man will actually take you back with open arms after you deserted him on your wedding night three weeks ago do you?”
“Rafe's housekeeper is going on a long deserved vacation. I'm all set to fill in for her at the ranch.”
“So she's the one who's been feeding you all these gloom and doom stories about him.” Raven scowled. “It could be a set up you know.”
“No, Rafe's not that devious.” Savanna added sadly, “He can't even tell a decent white lie. That's how I found out that he doesn't really love me. He only married me because of my family connections.”
Raven shook her head. “You, a housekeeper? I can't picture it.”
Savanna shrugged. “How hard can it be? You mop a few floors, open a few cans. I should even have enough spare time to finish the series of endangered species photos I was working on. It's the best work I've ever done and my editor said it could lead to some prestigious work.”
“That's just an excuse, Savanna, and you know it. You aren't responsible for ruining the cowboy any more than your mother was responsible for ruining your father. That was all our grumpy old grandfather's imagination. You can't fix the past by doing this.”
“That's not why.” Savanna noted Raven’s disbelief and sighed. “Maybe that's part of it, but the plain truth is I love the hardheaded, stubborn cowboy and I can't see his life ruined.”
“Somebody’s sure in an all fired hurry, boss.”
Rafe leaned forward in his rocker. His fatigue after a long dusty day on the range melted as he watched the silver Jeep Cherokee kick up a plume of dust in its wake. It sped toward them down the long ranch driveway. “It's the wife.”
“Wife.” Zeke Taylor, his ranch foreman, made the word sound like a curse. “I can't believe she has the guts to show her face around here after hightailing it on your wedding night.”
Rafe noted the sour expression on Zeke's wizened face, but ignored it. This wasn't up for debate. “I want you to spread the word. She's to be treated with respect.”
“I don't get it. The woman runs roughshod over you and you're going to lay out the red carpet for her.”
“Don't worry about it, Zeke.” Rafe smiled, adding confidently, “I've got everything under control this time around.”
“What you plannin' to do, sweet talk her into sticking around this time?” Zeke scowled and spat on the ground.
Rafe shook his head, his jaw tightening. “No, it'll take more than sweet talk to bind a fierce saddle shy filly like Savanna to my side. Don't you worry, I've got her figured out and before she knows it I'll have her tied to my side.”
Zeke slowly got up from the creaky rocker, slapping his battered Stetson against his leg. “I hope you know what you're doing, boy.”
“So do I,” Rafe said softly as he watched Zeke stomp toward the bunk house. He had to make this work. His future depended on it.
The Jeep came to a halt amid a cloud of dust. The inevitability of the moment hit him hard. He never doubted that one day Savanna would return, and when she did he would be the one in control. But first, he planned to extract a little payback before they settled down to domestic bliss. Savanna got out of the jeep and Rafe swallowed the lump in his throat. Dying embers of the sun caught the red highlights in her tawny dark hair turning it to molten fire and made her mocha skin look like the finest silk.
As she walked toward him, Rafe admired her ethnic beauty anew struck by the confident way she moved. That was what had attracted him in the first place six short weeks ago when she'd come to the area to shoot a series on the Grand Teton wildlife.
Rafe noted the proud angle of her chin and the keen intelligence in her sparkling golden eyes, passed down from her gypsy mother he’d heard her say. Dealing with her was going to be a challenge. And oh, how he loved challenges. The first moment they met, he'd known he had to have her and he almost had until she ran off on their wedding night. Three weeks later he still wasn't sure what spooked her, but he knew the best way to treat a spooked filly was put blinders on her. Instead, Rafe put up a blinder of a small white lie. Sure it was true that there'd been unmerciful gossip, but he could take it. And yes, his expansion loan had been turned down but there were ways to keep from selling up. Amazon & Red Rose Publishing About the Author:
Honey Jans lives in a small Midwestern town with her husband and true inspiration. She is a born romantic with an extraordinarily vivid, yet kinky, imagination. Honey loves writing erotica and hopes that her stories add a little spice to her readers lives.
Website / Blog
Today we have a spotlight on...
Ride a Cowboy; Save a HorsebyHoney Jans
Savanna Brown returns to Wyoming to save the reputation of the cowboy she ran away from on their wedding night. She makes the ranch owner an offer he can’t refuse if he wants to hang onto his ranch. She’ll pretend to come back to him until the talk dies down, then she’ll be on her way. Rafe Halliday is thrilled that his plan to lure his bride back to his place has worked. Now all he has to do is focus on getting sexy Savanna back into his bed where he figured their links of passion, love, and sex will complete their bond. But will love happen with evil forces trying to tear them apart? To find out lasso a copy of, “Save a Horse; Ride a Cowboy,” today. It’s sure to singe your lariat.
Excerpt:
“You’re going to do what?”
Savanna Brown gazed at the mutinous expression on her cousin’s pretty mahogany face, willing her to understand. “Rafe's reputation is in shreds since I left. I need, deep in my soul, to set things right. Please try to understand, Raven, I have to go back.”
“Back into the lion's den.” Raven shook her head her dark curls shaking as she closed the door of her at her law office. “Listen to me, cuz. You'll be going on a fool's errand. You don't think the man will actually take you back with open arms after you deserted him on your wedding night three weeks ago do you?”
“Rafe's housekeeper is going on a long deserved vacation. I'm all set to fill in for her at the ranch.”
“So she's the one who's been feeding you all these gloom and doom stories about him.” Raven scowled. “It could be a set up you know.”
“No, Rafe's not that devious.” Savanna added sadly, “He can't even tell a decent white lie. That's how I found out that he doesn't really love me. He only married me because of my family connections.”
Raven shook her head. “You, a housekeeper? I can't picture it.”
Savanna shrugged. “How hard can it be? You mop a few floors, open a few cans. I should even have enough spare time to finish the series of endangered species photos I was working on. It's the best work I've ever done and my editor said it could lead to some prestigious work.”
“That's just an excuse, Savanna, and you know it. You aren't responsible for ruining the cowboy any more than your mother was responsible for ruining your father. That was all our grumpy old grandfather's imagination. You can't fix the past by doing this.”
“That's not why.” Savanna noted Raven’s disbelief and sighed. “Maybe that's part of it, but the plain truth is I love the hardheaded, stubborn cowboy and I can't see his life ruined.”
“Somebody’s sure in an all fired hurry, boss.”
Rafe leaned forward in his rocker. His fatigue after a long dusty day on the range melted as he watched the silver Jeep Cherokee kick up a plume of dust in its wake. It sped toward them down the long ranch driveway. “It's the wife.”
“Wife.” Zeke Taylor, his ranch foreman, made the word sound like a curse. “I can't believe she has the guts to show her face around here after hightailing it on your wedding night.”
Rafe noted the sour expression on Zeke's wizened face, but ignored it. This wasn't up for debate. “I want you to spread the word. She's to be treated with respect.”
“I don't get it. The woman runs roughshod over you and you're going to lay out the red carpet for her.”
“Don't worry about it, Zeke.” Rafe smiled, adding confidently, “I've got everything under control this time around.”
“What you plannin' to do, sweet talk her into sticking around this time?” Zeke scowled and spat on the ground.
Rafe shook his head, his jaw tightening. “No, it'll take more than sweet talk to bind a fierce saddle shy filly like Savanna to my side. Don't you worry, I've got her figured out and before she knows it I'll have her tied to my side.”
Zeke slowly got up from the creaky rocker, slapping his battered Stetson against his leg. “I hope you know what you're doing, boy.”
“So do I,” Rafe said softly as he watched Zeke stomp toward the bunk house. He had to make this work. His future depended on it.
The Jeep came to a halt amid a cloud of dust. The inevitability of the moment hit him hard. He never doubted that one day Savanna would return, and when she did he would be the one in control. But first, he planned to extract a little payback before they settled down to domestic bliss. Savanna got out of the jeep and Rafe swallowed the lump in his throat. Dying embers of the sun caught the red highlights in her tawny dark hair turning it to molten fire and made her mocha skin look like the finest silk.
As she walked toward him, Rafe admired her ethnic beauty anew struck by the confident way she moved. That was what had attracted him in the first place six short weeks ago when she'd come to the area to shoot a series on the Grand Teton wildlife.
Rafe noted the proud angle of her chin and the keen intelligence in her sparkling golden eyes, passed down from her gypsy mother he’d heard her say. Dealing with her was going to be a challenge. And oh, how he loved challenges. The first moment they met, he'd known he had to have her and he almost had until she ran off on their wedding night. Three weeks later he still wasn't sure what spooked her, but he knew the best way to treat a spooked filly was put blinders on her. Instead, Rafe put up a blinder of a small white lie. Sure it was true that there'd been unmerciful gossip, but he could take it. And yes, his expansion loan had been turned down but there were ways to keep from selling up. Amazon & Red Rose Publishing About the Author:
Honey Jans lives in a small Midwestern town with her husband and true inspiration. She is a born romantic with an extraordinarily vivid, yet kinky, imagination. Honey loves writing erotica and hopes that her stories add a little spice to her readers lives.
Website / Blog
Author, author...
...read all about her !!
Today we have the wonderful
Virginia Nelson
with us.....
Welcome, can you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m a single mother of three kids living on the frozen shores of Lake Erie. Other than telling people to clean their rooms, I write stories of paranormal and erotic romance and travel as much as possible.
What did you want to be when you were growing up or did you always want to be a writer?
I wanted to be an astronaut or the president. Neither has worked out so far but since I’m a writer, I get to be everything. Actually, my real life turned out better than my plan except for the whole gravity thing.
When did you first start writing?
I’ve written as long as I can remember. My first finished story was at age nine but it won’t ever see the light of day.
What is a typical writing day like for you?
After I convince the boys to go to school, I get a mug of espresso and make sure my daughter, who attends an online school, is ready to go for the day. Then I try to write a few thousand words. By noon, I’m either getting ready for a meeting, a class or putting on the editor hat. If things go well, I might get back to writing in the evening but even if I don’t, I got it done first so I can feel pretty good about my day.
Do you have a specific routine you follow or specific items you need with you when you write?
I need only a computer. I’m a pretty simple gal.
What is your favorite part of writing? Is there anything you don’t like about being a writer?
My favorite part of writing is that, with just words strung together on a page, I can make readers actually react emotionally. It always seems a little magical to me, the ability to make people feel something with just my words.
What is your favorite length of book to write? (Short story, novella, full length novel) Why?
That really depends on the story. Some stories can be told best at novella/short story length and be tighter for the lack of extraneous words. Some stories would be cheating the reader not to include more. It really depends on what I’m telling.
How does your family feel about your writing and you being an author?
My kids and close friends couldn’t be more supportive. My mom and siblings…none of them are readers so they aren’t terribly impressed. They’d be more impressed if I did something more useful…lol
Is there a to-be-read waiting on your bedside table?
There’s a to-be-read PILE.
For fun, I have a few personal questions,
Favorite 5
1) Favorite Holiday – Halloween. I love the decorations and pretending to be something you’re not.
2) Favorite Drink Coffee
3) Favorite Author Just one? Okay, Robin McKinley. But if you allow me more, Heather Long, Saranna DeWylde, Kristan Higgins, Kim Harrison…
4) Favorite Book Probably Robin McKinley, The Blue Sword
5) Favorite Animal – cats. They’re sneaky and seductive.
And for a bonus: What is a typical mood for you? And is your mood different when you’re writing?
I’m pretty mellow normally. Same goes for writing. It takes a lot to rile me. Look out if you do.
Where can our readers find you??
Email: virg_nelson@yahoo.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/virg_nelson
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/virg.nelson
Website/blog: http://virg-nelson.com
http://virginianelson.blogspot.com
Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it?
The Hypnotist, Decadent Publishing Who knew quitting could be so hot?
Carnie Sabatina wants to break her bad habits, but is a hypnotist really the answer? Enter Doctor McSexy and a trip down the rabbit hole that not only makes her a believer, but sets her passion on fire.
Is it tempting fate to take control?
Mike Schommer’s love life crashed and burned when his ex dumped him for his best friend, but can playing with fire really save his heart? Enter Patient McHottie whose bad habits open a pandora’s box of secret cravings for hypnotist and patient...
Burning Up
One hypnotic suggestion sends them up in flames, but will temptation and passion be enough to turn their parlor tricks into happily ever after?
Excerpt:
As her eyelids fluttered open, a refreshed sense of peace and energy washed over her, as if she hadn’t stayed up past three a.m. then got back up at six that morning to meet a deadline.
No, not just refreshed and energized.
Impassioned.
Flicking a glance at the man next to her, so calm and cool, she knew what she wanted.
I want him to burn like I do.
Never having experienced that kind of immediate need for someone before, she was at a loss. She normally followed her impulses but….
I dare.
He smiled at her and it was weighted with exhaustion. He came across like a nice guy. A really nice guy.
She wanted to see him be a naughty guy.
Practicing powers of seduction she didn’t even know she had, she adjusted herself on the couch, intentionally allowing her skirt to ride up.
“Look, I am sorry that the hypnotism didn’t work on me. I mean, you gave it a shot.” She tossed her hair back, wondering for a moment how it came down.
His lips curled up slowly. “Thanks for that.”
“Mmm. I could reward you for giving it a shot, anyway.”
His brows dropped. “Huh?”
One of her hands dropped to his thigh, resting on the couch next to her, and she slowly caressed the tight denim. “I mean, you tried. The least I could do is give you a kiss….”Buy Links:
Decadent Publishing & Amazon
One last thing before we let you leave, 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 make a killer alfredo sauce from scratch. Ingredients:
Stick of butterPackage of cream cheeseGarlic in oilParmesan cheese (the grated kind in a bag, not the dry stuff in a jar) Milk
All you do is stick the butter in a frying pan. Melt it with the garlic (about a tablespoon will do the trick.) About now, your kitchen will smell amazing. Then add the cream cheese. Blend this in until the whole mess looks a bit like a white sticky goo. Add the parmesan (about a handful) and milk (until creamy…so a little bit at a time.)
You can then add salt and pepper to taste if you want and whatever meat you desire. If you don’t want to add meat, you can dip garlic bread into the white goo and it is awesome.
Enjoy!!
Oh good lord Virginia, that alfredo sounds scrumptious as does The Hypnotist. Thanks so much for being with us today and please come back soon!
Readers, don't miss out on the Hypnotist, a great story from Decadent's The Edge line by Virginia Nelson.
Until next time, happy reading !!
Krista
Today we have the wonderful Virginia Nelson
with us.....
Welcome, can you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m a single mother of three kids living on the frozen shores of Lake Erie. Other than telling people to clean their rooms, I write stories of paranormal and erotic romance and travel as much as possible.
What did you want to be when you were growing up or did you always want to be a writer?
I wanted to be an astronaut or the president. Neither has worked out so far but since I’m a writer, I get to be everything. Actually, my real life turned out better than my plan except for the whole gravity thing.
When did you first start writing?
I’ve written as long as I can remember. My first finished story was at age nine but it won’t ever see the light of day.
What is a typical writing day like for you?
After I convince the boys to go to school, I get a mug of espresso and make sure my daughter, who attends an online school, is ready to go for the day. Then I try to write a few thousand words. By noon, I’m either getting ready for a meeting, a class or putting on the editor hat. If things go well, I might get back to writing in the evening but even if I don’t, I got it done first so I can feel pretty good about my day.
Do you have a specific routine you follow or specific items you need with you when you write?
I need only a computer. I’m a pretty simple gal.
What is your favorite part of writing? Is there anything you don’t like about being a writer?
My favorite part of writing is that, with just words strung together on a page, I can make readers actually react emotionally. It always seems a little magical to me, the ability to make people feel something with just my words.
What is your favorite length of book to write? (Short story, novella, full length novel) Why?
That really depends on the story. Some stories can be told best at novella/short story length and be tighter for the lack of extraneous words. Some stories would be cheating the reader not to include more. It really depends on what I’m telling.
How does your family feel about your writing and you being an author?
My kids and close friends couldn’t be more supportive. My mom and siblings…none of them are readers so they aren’t terribly impressed. They’d be more impressed if I did something more useful…lol
Is there a to-be-read waiting on your bedside table?
There’s a to-be-read PILE.
For fun, I have a few personal questions,
Favorite 5
1) Favorite Holiday – Halloween. I love the decorations and pretending to be something you’re not.
2) Favorite Drink Coffee
3) Favorite Author Just one? Okay, Robin McKinley. But if you allow me more, Heather Long, Saranna DeWylde, Kristan Higgins, Kim Harrison…
4) Favorite Book Probably Robin McKinley, The Blue Sword
5) Favorite Animal – cats. They’re sneaky and seductive.
And for a bonus: What is a typical mood for you? And is your mood different when you’re writing?
I’m pretty mellow normally. Same goes for writing. It takes a lot to rile me. Look out if you do.
Where can our readers find you??
Email: virg_nelson@yahoo.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/virg_nelson
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/virg.nelson
Website/blog: http://virg-nelson.com
http://virginianelson.blogspot.com
Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it?
The Hypnotist, Decadent Publishing Who knew quitting could be so hot?
Carnie Sabatina wants to break her bad habits, but is a hypnotist really the answer? Enter Doctor McSexy and a trip down the rabbit hole that not only makes her a believer, but sets her passion on fire. Is it tempting fate to take control?
Mike Schommer’s love life crashed and burned when his ex dumped him for his best friend, but can playing with fire really save his heart? Enter Patient McHottie whose bad habits open a pandora’s box of secret cravings for hypnotist and patient...
Burning Up
One hypnotic suggestion sends them up in flames, but will temptation and passion be enough to turn their parlor tricks into happily ever after?
Excerpt:
As her eyelids fluttered open, a refreshed sense of peace and energy washed over her, as if she hadn’t stayed up past three a.m. then got back up at six that morning to meet a deadline.
No, not just refreshed and energized.
Impassioned.
Flicking a glance at the man next to her, so calm and cool, she knew what she wanted.
I want him to burn like I do.
Never having experienced that kind of immediate need for someone before, she was at a loss. She normally followed her impulses but….
I dare.
He smiled at her and it was weighted with exhaustion. He came across like a nice guy. A really nice guy.
She wanted to see him be a naughty guy.
Practicing powers of seduction she didn’t even know she had, she adjusted herself on the couch, intentionally allowing her skirt to ride up.
“Look, I am sorry that the hypnotism didn’t work on me. I mean, you gave it a shot.” She tossed her hair back, wondering for a moment how it came down.
His lips curled up slowly. “Thanks for that.”
“Mmm. I could reward you for giving it a shot, anyway.”
His brows dropped. “Huh?”
One of her hands dropped to his thigh, resting on the couch next to her, and she slowly caressed the tight denim. “I mean, you tried. The least I could do is give you a kiss….”Buy Links:
Decadent Publishing & Amazon
One last thing before we let you leave, 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 make a killer alfredo sauce from scratch. Ingredients:
Stick of butterPackage of cream cheeseGarlic in oilParmesan cheese (the grated kind in a bag, not the dry stuff in a jar) Milk
All you do is stick the butter in a frying pan. Melt it with the garlic (about a tablespoon will do the trick.) About now, your kitchen will smell amazing. Then add the cream cheese. Blend this in until the whole mess looks a bit like a white sticky goo. Add the parmesan (about a handful) and milk (until creamy…so a little bit at a time.)
You can then add salt and pepper to taste if you want and whatever meat you desire. If you don’t want to add meat, you can dip garlic bread into the white goo and it is awesome.
Enjoy!!
Oh good lord Virginia, that alfredo sounds scrumptious as does The Hypnotist. Thanks so much for being with us today and please come back soon!
Readers, don't miss out on the Hypnotist, a great story from Decadent's The Edge line by Virginia Nelson.
Until next time, happy reading !!
Krista
November 10, 2012
Author, author... #giveaway
...read all about it !!
Today we have author Erin Pryor here to talk with us and make sure you stick around because she's having a giveaway at the end !!
Hi Erin, can you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m 30 years old, been married for 12 years and have a beautiful 8 year old daughter and a handsome 4 year old son. I work full time, and try to squeeze in “retreat” weekends for my writing at least once a month, or every other month. I love writing and the possibilities of what can happen with my characters.
What did you want to be when you were growing up or did you always want to be a writer?
Actually, after I married my husband at 18, and fell in love with my favorite Author, Lynn Kurland, I secretly wanted to be a writer. But since I’d never been to College, I wondered if I could even pull it off and left it as a lofty goal that I would one day do before I died. Growing up as a kid, I wanted to be a Veternarian, but quickly realized I don’t like science, and hate needles even more.
When did you first start writing?
Three years ago, I dipped my hands in Fan Fiction. Haha. Funny now that I look back at it. I went to my first local chapter of the RWA in January, 2010. My writing has grown to a level I never thought to achieve before I turned 30. I attribute a lot of my success to going to meetings, participating in online classes, and openly listening to critiques on my work.
What is a typical writing day like for you?
I typically do it a whole day at a time, which is about once a week. I start in the morning, go to my local coffee shop, plug in my laptop, put in my headphones, and start typing away. I layout a plan the night before with scenes that I want to accomplish by writing one scentence blurbs on each scene. It gives me enough information that I’m able to write a full chapter, or until the next point of view break.
Do you have any specific routine you follow or specific items you need with you when you write?
Yes, I need to be “away” from it all. I can’t write at home. Too many distractions with my kids. I have to step away, put my headphones in, and just focus on telling the story in a seamless manner.
What is your favorite part of writing? Is there anything you don’t like about being a writer?
I love maneuvering characters in different ways, and seeing how they react to the situations they are thrown into. I mean, I have the jist of it down, but about halfway through the book, my characters seem to take a mind of their own and I’m just a vessel to be used in the transformation of their story. Plotting. I absolutely despise plotting. It is the most difficult thing for me. I mean, I can plot a few scenes in advance, but in order to properly execute a book, you need to plot the entire thing in advance, then the small scenes along the way. I don’t have a problem with the short term, but with the overall picture and trying to capture in in a way that will be executed seamlessly.
What is your favorite length of book to write? (Short story, novella, full length novel) Why?
I think my most favorite to write is a full-length novel, even though Pillars In Time is a novella. I like having the time to set up the story and execute it in a way that people can follow without the story feeling rushed, or unrealistic.
How does your family feel about your writing and you being an author?
They love it. My 8 year old daughter especially. She is so proud to go to school and tell all of her friends that her mommy is a published author. My husband, who is a High School Teacher at our childrens school (Private School K-12), hears all the time about how students buy my book and love it. My daughter is my best cheerleader, and my husband is my champion. Without my husband’s support, especially with the young kids, I wouldn’t be able to get time to ever write.
Is there a to-be-read waiting on your bedside table?
Yes, the latest Lynn Kurland novel. My problem is that I work 12+ hours a day, 6+ days a week, on top of writing myself, and being a wife and mommy, I don’t have time to sit down and read. What I do have time for is listening to books on tape. I’m a member to Audible.com and I listen to probably 1 book a week in the mornings while I’m working (I’m Bi-Polar and can majorly multi-task…lol).
Just for fun, I have a few personal questions,
Favorite 5
1) Favorite Holiday
I’m torn between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I think I like Thanksgiving more because I get to host it at our house.
2) Favorite Drink
What kind? LoL. I think my FAVORITE drink is 7-up and Cranberry Juice mixed together….SOOOOO refreshing
3) Favorite Author
Lynn Kurland
4) Favorite Book
I know this sounds bad for being an author, but I don’t think I have one.
5) Favorite Animal
Cat – because they are so self-sustaining. I tried the dog thing and though I love them, they are just not for me and my crazy/busy lifestyle.
And for a bonus: What is a typical mood for you? And is your mood different when you’re writing?
I’m a pretty happy-go-lucky person. I’m rarely caught in a bad mood, and when I am in one, it typically lasts for less than 5 minutes. I’m very bubbly and love to serve people (i.e. that’s why I love my job being a Mortgage Loan Processor). I wouldn’t say my mood is different when I’m writing, except with the exception of the scenes that I write. If I’m writing a scene with angst in it, I found that I’m wound up tight. When I write a scene where love is overflowing, I find that I miss my husband. So, I’m affected by the scenes I write, but my overall mood is the same.
Where can our readers find you??
Email: Erin.Pryor@Live.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/ErinPryorAuthorFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/erin.pryorauthorWebsite/blog: http://erinpryor.blogspot.com/Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Pillars-in-Time-ebook/dp/B007FUXCVM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349030258&sr=8-1&keywords=Pillars+in+time
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13511744-pillars-in-time
Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it?
Pillars in Timeout now at
Decadent Publishing
in the Bono Books line Determination is Cadence Hamilton’s middle name. Shesets her sights on a lofty goal in a man’s profession: to be the most sought after architect on the West Coast. When she hears of the chance to draft the renovation of a 14th Century Scottish castle, she jumps at her dream job…never expecting to be whisked away to the century itself.
Nicholas Kincaid, sole heir to Dunmaben castle, is in a horrible predicament: marry or forfeit his lands. But the woman who visits his dreams keeps him from falling into wedded bliss. With the clock ticking, he follows duty to marry to avoid losing his beloved home and will do whatever it takes to ensure the security and safety for all, both in and outside of his walls. Except the woman, who beholds secrets he seeks, becomes his distraction….
Neither Nicholas nor Cadence anticipates the threats close to home, or the lives that will be lost in the process. As their relationship is tested and unknown enemies revealed, will their love conquer all? Even the boundary of time?
Show More Buy Links:buy links:
Bono Bookstore ~ Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble
Before we let you leave us today, would you be willing to share a recipe with us? I love to cook and am always looking for new recipes to try and share :) Always a major hit when I host parties are the following two dips that I make.
Guacamole:
6 Avocados
2-3 minced cloves of garlic – or 1.5-2 tsp
1-2 minced Serrano Chili Pepper
½ Sweet Onion – chopped
1 Anaheim Chili Pepper (or known as Passilla), minced
2-3 Grape Ripened Tomatoes, Chopped
1 Lime, cut in half, and squeezed into mixture
Salt – to taste
Cilantro – 3 tablespoons chopped up
Mash together, add salt and garlic to taste, add additional Serrano’s if not spicy enough. Serve.
Artichoke Dip
You need a pie dish & set your oven to 350 degrees
2 Cans of Artichoke Hearts – Chopped & set aside
16 oz of Cream Cheese (let this sit out for an hour so it is easy/smooth to mix)
2 cups of Mayonaise
2 cups of Parmessean Chees
2 Jalepeno Peppers – Minced
Keep 8 oz of the Parmessean Cheese set aside. Mix/Cream all other ingredients together, move to pie pan. Take remainder 1 cup of cheese and sprinkle on top of mixture. Cover with tinfoil, put in oven for 25 minutes. Remove tinfoil and keep in oven for a remainder 10-15 minutes. Now...one last thing! Erin has given us permission to do an eReader or PDF format giveaway of her title Pillars in Time . All you have to do is answer this question (if you read the interview, it should be easy)... * What does Erin's Husband do?? Make sure when you leave your answer in the comments below, also leave your email address so that you can be contacted if you are a winner ! ~ ~ ~ ~ Erin, thanks so much for sharing your day with us! I hope you have many successes with Pillars in Time and am anxious to see the second book come out :) Until next time, happy reading ! Krista
Today we have author Erin Pryor here to talk with us and make sure you stick around because she's having a giveaway at the end !!
Hi Erin, can you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m 30 years old, been married for 12 years and have a beautiful 8 year old daughter and a handsome 4 year old son. I work full time, and try to squeeze in “retreat” weekends for my writing at least once a month, or every other month. I love writing and the possibilities of what can happen with my characters.
What did you want to be when you were growing up or did you always want to be a writer?
Actually, after I married my husband at 18, and fell in love with my favorite Author, Lynn Kurland, I secretly wanted to be a writer. But since I’d never been to College, I wondered if I could even pull it off and left it as a lofty goal that I would one day do before I died. Growing up as a kid, I wanted to be a Veternarian, but quickly realized I don’t like science, and hate needles even more.
When did you first start writing?
Three years ago, I dipped my hands in Fan Fiction. Haha. Funny now that I look back at it. I went to my first local chapter of the RWA in January, 2010. My writing has grown to a level I never thought to achieve before I turned 30. I attribute a lot of my success to going to meetings, participating in online classes, and openly listening to critiques on my work.
What is a typical writing day like for you?
I typically do it a whole day at a time, which is about once a week. I start in the morning, go to my local coffee shop, plug in my laptop, put in my headphones, and start typing away. I layout a plan the night before with scenes that I want to accomplish by writing one scentence blurbs on each scene. It gives me enough information that I’m able to write a full chapter, or until the next point of view break.
Do you have any specific routine you follow or specific items you need with you when you write?
Yes, I need to be “away” from it all. I can’t write at home. Too many distractions with my kids. I have to step away, put my headphones in, and just focus on telling the story in a seamless manner.
What is your favorite part of writing? Is there anything you don’t like about being a writer?
I love maneuvering characters in different ways, and seeing how they react to the situations they are thrown into. I mean, I have the jist of it down, but about halfway through the book, my characters seem to take a mind of their own and I’m just a vessel to be used in the transformation of their story. Plotting. I absolutely despise plotting. It is the most difficult thing for me. I mean, I can plot a few scenes in advance, but in order to properly execute a book, you need to plot the entire thing in advance, then the small scenes along the way. I don’t have a problem with the short term, but with the overall picture and trying to capture in in a way that will be executed seamlessly.
What is your favorite length of book to write? (Short story, novella, full length novel) Why?
I think my most favorite to write is a full-length novel, even though Pillars In Time is a novella. I like having the time to set up the story and execute it in a way that people can follow without the story feeling rushed, or unrealistic.
How does your family feel about your writing and you being an author?
They love it. My 8 year old daughter especially. She is so proud to go to school and tell all of her friends that her mommy is a published author. My husband, who is a High School Teacher at our childrens school (Private School K-12), hears all the time about how students buy my book and love it. My daughter is my best cheerleader, and my husband is my champion. Without my husband’s support, especially with the young kids, I wouldn’t be able to get time to ever write.
Is there a to-be-read waiting on your bedside table?
Yes, the latest Lynn Kurland novel. My problem is that I work 12+ hours a day, 6+ days a week, on top of writing myself, and being a wife and mommy, I don’t have time to sit down and read. What I do have time for is listening to books on tape. I’m a member to Audible.com and I listen to probably 1 book a week in the mornings while I’m working (I’m Bi-Polar and can majorly multi-task…lol).
Just for fun, I have a few personal questions,
Favorite 5
1) Favorite Holiday
I’m torn between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I think I like Thanksgiving more because I get to host it at our house.
2) Favorite Drink
What kind? LoL. I think my FAVORITE drink is 7-up and Cranberry Juice mixed together….SOOOOO refreshing
3) Favorite Author
Lynn Kurland
4) Favorite Book
I know this sounds bad for being an author, but I don’t think I have one.
5) Favorite Animal
Cat – because they are so self-sustaining. I tried the dog thing and though I love them, they are just not for me and my crazy/busy lifestyle.
And for a bonus: What is a typical mood for you? And is your mood different when you’re writing?
I’m a pretty happy-go-lucky person. I’m rarely caught in a bad mood, and when I am in one, it typically lasts for less than 5 minutes. I’m very bubbly and love to serve people (i.e. that’s why I love my job being a Mortgage Loan Processor). I wouldn’t say my mood is different when I’m writing, except with the exception of the scenes that I write. If I’m writing a scene with angst in it, I found that I’m wound up tight. When I write a scene where love is overflowing, I find that I miss my husband. So, I’m affected by the scenes I write, but my overall mood is the same.
Where can our readers find you??
Email: Erin.Pryor@Live.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/ErinPryorAuthorFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/erin.pryorauthorWebsite/blog: http://erinpryor.blogspot.com/Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Pillars-in-Time-ebook/dp/B007FUXCVM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349030258&sr=8-1&keywords=Pillars+in+time
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13511744-pillars-in-time
Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it?
Pillars in Timeout now at
Decadent Publishing
in the Bono Books line Determination is Cadence Hamilton’s middle name. Shesets her sights on a lofty goal in a man’s profession: to be the most sought after architect on the West Coast. When she hears of the chance to draft the renovation of a 14th Century Scottish castle, she jumps at her dream job…never expecting to be whisked away to the century itself.Nicholas Kincaid, sole heir to Dunmaben castle, is in a horrible predicament: marry or forfeit his lands. But the woman who visits his dreams keeps him from falling into wedded bliss. With the clock ticking, he follows duty to marry to avoid losing his beloved home and will do whatever it takes to ensure the security and safety for all, both in and outside of his walls. Except the woman, who beholds secrets he seeks, becomes his distraction….
Neither Nicholas nor Cadence anticipates the threats close to home, or the lives that will be lost in the process. As their relationship is tested and unknown enemies revealed, will their love conquer all? Even the boundary of time?
Show More Buy Links:buy links:
Bono Bookstore ~ Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble
Before we let you leave us today, would you be willing to share a recipe with us? I love to cook and am always looking for new recipes to try and share :) Always a major hit when I host parties are the following two dips that I make.
Guacamole:
6 Avocados
2-3 minced cloves of garlic – or 1.5-2 tsp
1-2 minced Serrano Chili Pepper
½ Sweet Onion – chopped
1 Anaheim Chili Pepper (or known as Passilla), minced
2-3 Grape Ripened Tomatoes, Chopped
1 Lime, cut in half, and squeezed into mixture
Salt – to taste
Cilantro – 3 tablespoons chopped up
Mash together, add salt and garlic to taste, add additional Serrano’s if not spicy enough. Serve.
Artichoke Dip
You need a pie dish & set your oven to 350 degrees
2 Cans of Artichoke Hearts – Chopped & set aside
16 oz of Cream Cheese (let this sit out for an hour so it is easy/smooth to mix)
2 cups of Mayonaise
2 cups of Parmessean Chees
2 Jalepeno Peppers – Minced
Keep 8 oz of the Parmessean Cheese set aside. Mix/Cream all other ingredients together, move to pie pan. Take remainder 1 cup of cheese and sprinkle on top of mixture. Cover with tinfoil, put in oven for 25 minutes. Remove tinfoil and keep in oven for a remainder 10-15 minutes. Now...one last thing! Erin has given us permission to do an eReader or PDF format giveaway of her title Pillars in Time . All you have to do is answer this question (if you read the interview, it should be easy)... * What does Erin's Husband do?? Make sure when you leave your answer in the comments below, also leave your email address so that you can be contacted if you are a winner ! ~ ~ ~ ~ Erin, thanks so much for sharing your day with us! I hope you have many successes with Pillars in Time and am anxious to see the second book come out :) Until next time, happy reading ! Krista
November 9, 2012
Two Blog Hops and giveaways :)
Howdy all,
I didn't realize I signed up for two blog hops that both started on the same day...so i've done them both!
Would love for you to visit them both. Just click on the links beside either of the buttons below it will take you right to the post. I am giving away different prizes on each too !!!
Autumn's Harvest
Military Hop
Thanks so much for stopping and happy hopping !!
Krista
I didn't realize I signed up for two blog hops that both started on the same day...so i've done them both!
Would love for you to visit them both. Just click on the links beside either of the buttons below it will take you right to the post. I am giving away different prizes on each too !!!
Autumn's Harvest
Military Hop
Thanks so much for stopping and happy hopping !!
Krista
