Krista Ames's Blog, page 128
October 27, 2012
Author, author...
...read all about it !!
Today our spotlight is on...
Bare Necessities (Brookfield Series Book Two) by Lacey Wolfe
After years of bad relationships, Ava Miller is finally living life for herself and isn't going to let anyone get in the way. Her dream is to open a lingerie shop, and she has chosen Brookfield Wyoming as her new home, where her dreams might just come true. Once she meets the town she's suddenly involved in a flirtatious battle for the right to open her store.
Seth Hampton is the town's sheriff, and when Ava shows up, he's not sure what hits him. He craves her, yet he can't stand to allow that type of shop to open in his small town. However, he isn't alone. Someone else wants Ava to leave town. Things take a turn when her shop is vandalized, and all evidence points to Seth.
Ava isn't sure what to think. While Seth seems to be the only one with motives, something inside her believes he would never do it. Can Ava and Seth figure it out before one of them gets hurt?
Exerpt:
The sun was starting to go down, and even though it was late summer in Brookfield, it still got a bit chilly in the evenings. Once in her car, she made the short drive over to the local diner, Swift Water Café. It was brightly lit, and the place appeared to be hopping. She couldn’t wait to start meeting people. She loved to socialize. Talking was just second nature to her—along with flirting.
Seth greeted her at her door, and as she stepped out, he placed his hand on her lower back. It was possessive, and at first she wanted to step away, but his hand soon dropped and she realized he was just being friendly.
In the diner, they made their way to a corner booth. Many of the customers quieted and watched as she and Seth took their seats. Just like a normal small town. She was new, and now they were curious. She smiled at everyone. First impressions were important.
A perky waitress made her way over and took their drink order. The blonde made flirty eyes at Seth, and Ava couldn’t help but be amused. He was most likely Brookfield’s number one bachelor. Every woman here probably wanted to tie him down and have six of his children. Thank God that was the last thing on her mind.
“So, Ava, tell me a little about yourself,” Seth said.
“Not much to tell, officer.”
Seth’s face lit up again. She enjoyed making him smile.
“Everyone around here loves Julie,” he said. “It’s nice having her home again. Have you been by to see her and Lila yet?”
“It’s the first thing on my agenda in the morning. I can’t believe how big Lila’s getting.”
The waitress returned with their drinks and then took their order. Diner food, what could be better? A nice, greasy sandwich and fries. She was thankful she wasn’t one of those women who watched her weight.
“So tell me, Ava, what brought you to our lovely town?”
“I’m opening my own business.” Ava took a sip of her soda.
“That’s great. We need some more shops. Let me guess, you’re opening up a boutique of some kind.”
“Something like that.”
“Rumor has it we have an adult store opening.” He laughed.
Ava froze. What was so funny?
Seth continued. “Whoever that nut job is, I hope they know this town isn’t having it. We plan on running them out. We have a reputation to keep up.”
The waitress came back, still batting her eyelashes at Seth. Looking at the food in front of her, Ava was no longer hungry. She dug through her purse for a ten-dollar bill, set it on the table, and then stood up. Seth gazed up, confused.
“Are you okay?” he asked. “Did I say something wrong?”
“Yes, you called me a nut job, and I’ve lost my appetite. I thought Brookfield would be different, but you’ve just shown me how wrong I was.” Ava turned and started to make her way to the entrance. Once she was outside, Seth came running out after her.
“You’re the one opening up a sex toy shop,” he said.
Rolling her eyes, she said, “It’s a lingerie shop, and in the back, there just so happens to be a small adult area. Why I’m explaining this to you, I don’t know.”
“Well, I hate to tell you, but that shop isn’t opening here.”
Crossing her arms, she glared at him. “Just try and stop me.”
Buy Links: Smashwords Amazon Barns and Noble All Romance ebooks
Finding Home (Brookefield Series Book One)
Julie Miller has returned to her home in Brookfield, Wyoming after discovering she is pregnant. All she wants is her mother to comfort her after her boyfriend told her to either have an abortion or leave. The only problem is, when she gets to her mother’s house, she doesn’t find her mom—she finds a half-naked man cooking breakfast.
Mark Thomas has moved to Brookfield to escape his past. He needs a fresh start to try and forget the things that haunt him, and Brookfield seems like the perfect place.
As if it isn’t bad enough that Julie doesn’t find her mother, a blizzard buries the town, and she is snowed in with Mark. Leaving them no choice, they begin a friendship while trying to resist the attraction they feel for one another.
Once the snow melts, Julie is free to leave. Will she choose to start a life in Brookfield or run back to New York? Meanwhile, Mark struggles to let go of his past and, if he does, is Julie his future?
About the Author:
Lacey Wolfe has always had a passion for words, whether it's getting lost in a book or writing her own. From the time she was a child she would slip away to write short stories about people she knew and fantasies she wished would happen. It has always been her dream to be a published author and with her two children now of school age, she finally has the time to work on making her dream come true.
Lacey lives in Georgia with her husband, son and daughter, their six cats and one black lab who rules the house.
You can find Lacey at the following places:
Her Site Twitter Facebook
Today our spotlight is on...
Bare Necessities (Brookfield Series Book Two) by Lacey Wolfe
After years of bad relationships, Ava Miller is finally living life for herself and isn't going to let anyone get in the way. Her dream is to open a lingerie shop, and she has chosen Brookfield Wyoming as her new home, where her dreams might just come true. Once she meets the town she's suddenly involved in a flirtatious battle for the right to open her store.
Seth Hampton is the town's sheriff, and when Ava shows up, he's not sure what hits him. He craves her, yet he can't stand to allow that type of shop to open in his small town. However, he isn't alone. Someone else wants Ava to leave town. Things take a turn when her shop is vandalized, and all evidence points to Seth.
Ava isn't sure what to think. While Seth seems to be the only one with motives, something inside her believes he would never do it. Can Ava and Seth figure it out before one of them gets hurt?
Exerpt:
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The sun was starting to go down, and even though it was late summer in Brookfield, it still got a bit chilly in the evenings. Once in her car, she made the short drive over to the local diner, Swift Water Café. It was brightly lit, and the place appeared to be hopping. She couldn’t wait to start meeting people. She loved to socialize. Talking was just second nature to her—along with flirting.Seth greeted her at her door, and as she stepped out, he placed his hand on her lower back. It was possessive, and at first she wanted to step away, but his hand soon dropped and she realized he was just being friendly.
In the diner, they made their way to a corner booth. Many of the customers quieted and watched as she and Seth took their seats. Just like a normal small town. She was new, and now they were curious. She smiled at everyone. First impressions were important.
A perky waitress made her way over and took their drink order. The blonde made flirty eyes at Seth, and Ava couldn’t help but be amused. He was most likely Brookfield’s number one bachelor. Every woman here probably wanted to tie him down and have six of his children. Thank God that was the last thing on her mind.
“So, Ava, tell me a little about yourself,” Seth said.
“Not much to tell, officer.”
Seth’s face lit up again. She enjoyed making him smile.
“Everyone around here loves Julie,” he said. “It’s nice having her home again. Have you been by to see her and Lila yet?”
“It’s the first thing on my agenda in the morning. I can’t believe how big Lila’s getting.”
The waitress returned with their drinks and then took their order. Diner food, what could be better? A nice, greasy sandwich and fries. She was thankful she wasn’t one of those women who watched her weight.
“So tell me, Ava, what brought you to our lovely town?”
“I’m opening my own business.” Ava took a sip of her soda.
“That’s great. We need some more shops. Let me guess, you’re opening up a boutique of some kind.”
“Something like that.”
“Rumor has it we have an adult store opening.” He laughed.
Ava froze. What was so funny?
Seth continued. “Whoever that nut job is, I hope they know this town isn’t having it. We plan on running them out. We have a reputation to keep up.”
The waitress came back, still batting her eyelashes at Seth. Looking at the food in front of her, Ava was no longer hungry. She dug through her purse for a ten-dollar bill, set it on the table, and then stood up. Seth gazed up, confused.
“Are you okay?” he asked. “Did I say something wrong?”
“Yes, you called me a nut job, and I’ve lost my appetite. I thought Brookfield would be different, but you’ve just shown me how wrong I was.” Ava turned and started to make her way to the entrance. Once she was outside, Seth came running out after her.
“You’re the one opening up a sex toy shop,” he said.
Rolling her eyes, she said, “It’s a lingerie shop, and in the back, there just so happens to be a small adult area. Why I’m explaining this to you, I don’t know.”
“Well, I hate to tell you, but that shop isn’t opening here.”
Crossing her arms, she glared at him. “Just try and stop me.”
Buy Links: Smashwords Amazon Barns and Noble All Romance ebooks
Finding Home (Brookefield Series Book One)
Julie Miller has returned to her home in Brookfield, Wyoming after discovering she is pregnant. All she wants is her mother to comfort her after her boyfriend told her to either have an abortion or leave. The only problem is, when she gets to her mother’s house, she doesn’t find her mom—she finds a half-naked man cooking breakfast.Mark Thomas has moved to Brookfield to escape his past. He needs a fresh start to try and forget the things that haunt him, and Brookfield seems like the perfect place.
As if it isn’t bad enough that Julie doesn’t find her mother, a blizzard buries the town, and she is snowed in with Mark. Leaving them no choice, they begin a friendship while trying to resist the attraction they feel for one another.
Once the snow melts, Julie is free to leave. Will she choose to start a life in Brookfield or run back to New York? Meanwhile, Mark struggles to let go of his past and, if he does, is Julie his future?
About the Author:
Lacey Wolfe has always had a passion for words, whether it's getting lost in a book or writing her own. From the time she was a child she would slip away to write short stories about people she knew and fantasies she wished would happen. It has always been her dream to be a published author and with her two children now of school age, she finally has the time to work on making her dream come true. Lacey lives in Georgia with her husband, son and daughter, their six cats and one black lab who rules the house.
You can find Lacey at the following places:
Her Site Twitter Facebook
October 26, 2012
Author, author...
...read all about it !!
Release Day Blitz
Style Me Sexy
Tara Chevrestt
Release Date - October 26th, 2012
Genre - Short Story, Sweet Romance
Bridget isn't beautiful. At least she doesn't think so. Besides, her ex always told her she wasn't. And she believes him. So when an online romance leads to a blind date, she heads to the salon for a makeover stat.
She's dismayed to discover that her usual stylist isn't available, and she has no choice but to let a man do her hair. Nervousness turns into sexual awareness as the sexy Javier buries his fingers in her tresses.
Javier has been aware of the timid but kind woman for some time and vows to make her see that she's beautiful on the outside as well as on the inside. Will he succeed in keeping his own feelings at bay and style her sexy?
Excerpt:
Bridget was grateful to get out from the under the hairdryer. Not only were her eyes beginning to water and tear, but she was looking forward to having Javier wash her hair, to have his soapy fingers massaging her scalp and oh to be at eye level with… Oh, my gawd. He’s gay. He’s not going to want you looking at his… oh, what does it matter? Looking isn’t the same as touching.
She followed him to the sinks and sat in the chair he beckoned her to. He placed a rolled up towel behind her neck before she rested it on the hard edge of the sink. He’s considerate. Deborah never did that. I always had a crick in my neck after washing…
She closed her eyes as the warm water cascaded over her hair. His fingers soon followed, pulling the foil from around the strands, caressing her mane as it fell into the sink. His attentions caused goose bumps to rise all over her body. She felt her nipples harden into little peaks beneath her bra.
Finally, the foil was removed from her hair, and his hands delved deep into her newly highlighted tresses. Oh, yeah. That feels so good. Some sprinkles of water fell onto her face when he rinsed the shampoo from her hair, but she barely noticed. She was noticing wetness growing elsewhere and not for the first time, was glad to be wearing the cape.
Javier, however, did notice the water on her face, for he gently dabbed at the drops around her eyelids with a towel. She opened her eyes, and they sought and met his. It felt like an eternity, but it was only a few minutes. They simply gazed at each other, and Bridget silently prayed that he didn’t notice the increase in her breaths. She tried to take short, measured inhalations, but it was hard to breathe at all with his eyes on hers, with his hands buried in her hair, with the knowledge that should she turn her head just a bit to the left, she would be eye level with his plumbing, and oh, she so wanted to look. How utterly and deliciously naughty.
Available now at Amazon & Whispers Publishing
Release Day Blitz
Style Me Sexy
Tara Chevrestt
Release Date - October 26th, 2012
Genre - Short Story, Sweet Romance Bridget isn't beautiful. At least she doesn't think so. Besides, her ex always told her she wasn't. And she believes him. So when an online romance leads to a blind date, she heads to the salon for a makeover stat.
She's dismayed to discover that her usual stylist isn't available, and she has no choice but to let a man do her hair. Nervousness turns into sexual awareness as the sexy Javier buries his fingers in her tresses.
Javier has been aware of the timid but kind woman for some time and vows to make her see that she's beautiful on the outside as well as on the inside. Will he succeed in keeping his own feelings at bay and style her sexy?
Excerpt:
Bridget was grateful to get out from the under the hairdryer. Not only were her eyes beginning to water and tear, but she was looking forward to having Javier wash her hair, to have his soapy fingers massaging her scalp and oh to be at eye level with… Oh, my gawd. He’s gay. He’s not going to want you looking at his… oh, what does it matter? Looking isn’t the same as touching.
She followed him to the sinks and sat in the chair he beckoned her to. He placed a rolled up towel behind her neck before she rested it on the hard edge of the sink. He’s considerate. Deborah never did that. I always had a crick in my neck after washing…
She closed her eyes as the warm water cascaded over her hair. His fingers soon followed, pulling the foil from around the strands, caressing her mane as it fell into the sink. His attentions caused goose bumps to rise all over her body. She felt her nipples harden into little peaks beneath her bra.
Finally, the foil was removed from her hair, and his hands delved deep into her newly highlighted tresses. Oh, yeah. That feels so good. Some sprinkles of water fell onto her face when he rinsed the shampoo from her hair, but she barely noticed. She was noticing wetness growing elsewhere and not for the first time, was glad to be wearing the cape.
Javier, however, did notice the water on her face, for he gently dabbed at the drops around her eyelids with a towel. She opened her eyes, and they sought and met his. It felt like an eternity, but it was only a few minutes. They simply gazed at each other, and Bridget silently prayed that he didn’t notice the increase in her breaths. She tried to take short, measured inhalations, but it was hard to breathe at all with his eyes on hers, with his hands buried in her hair, with the knowledge that should she turn her head just a bit to the left, she would be eye level with his plumbing, and oh, she so wanted to look. How utterly and deliciously naughty.
Available now at Amazon & Whispers Publishing
Finally Friday !!
Today is another fabulous Friday but seriously, how did it get here already??? Apparently i'm busier during the week than I thought, hmmm. Well anywho, today is a great day because we get to view another GREAT title from the back list of Turquoise Morning Press's library, woohoo!!!
Today it is......
Prince Charming
by Jennifer Anderson
A Honey Creek Young Adult Book
(Honey Creek Royalty Series, Book Two)
Break-ups are never easy, and Sarah O’Connor finds her hard truth from a note. Furious with the delivery and lack of reasoning, she’s forced to carry on with her life, but Josh’s timing couldn’t have been worse. The Ohio State High School Cheerleading competition is around the corner, and instead of focusing on a monumental win, she’s overwhelmed with the recent heartbreak, jealous when she sees him with a new girl, and confused by lingering feelings of taking him back.
Enter Adrian Beale, a face from her past. Soon, she’s more conflicted because while she knows she needs to move on, making Adrian an ideal candidate, Josh won’t go away.
She decides to put both boys aside to focus on winning state, but when she witnesses an scandalous situation, can she erase what she’s seen, or will the images plague her performance? Can Sarah move on from an old love to a new one, and will she carry her squad to victory?
Release: October 1, 2012
Category: Fiction, Young Adult, Contemporary
Heat Level: Sweet, Romantic Elements
Length: Novella, 25,000 words
Price: $2.99
Take me to the Turquoise Morning Press bookstore !!
Author Bio: Mommy, wife, cat owner, review coordinator for Turquoise Morning Press and author. Needless to say, my plate is full. Even though I’ve spent many years on either coast, I’ve spent a majority of my life in the Midwest. Here is where my heart grows with the love and support of my family and friends, and here is where I find inspiration for my stories.
I didn’t grow up wanting to be an author but knew I needed to do something creative. After many years of moving from one job to the next and not finding happiness, I set pen to paper and began work on a Young Adult novel that will never see the light of day. And that’s okay. Ice Princess, Book 1 in my Honey Creek Royalty Series, released April 2012. Book 3, Queen Mean is expected out December 2012 with King of the Lake, Book 4 out in 2013. You can find me on Twitter @JenniA8677, on my blog musingsfromthepeanutgallery.blogspot.com or check out my website jenandersonauthor.com . Thanks so much for stopping by today and Happy Reading :) Krista
Today it is......
Prince Charming
by Jennifer Anderson
A Honey Creek Young Adult Book
(Honey Creek Royalty Series, Book Two)
Break-ups are never easy, and Sarah O’Connor finds her hard truth from a note. Furious with the delivery and lack of reasoning, she’s forced to carry on with her life, but Josh’s timing couldn’t have been worse. The Ohio State High School Cheerleading competition is around the corner, and instead of focusing on a monumental win, she’s overwhelmed with the recent heartbreak, jealous when she sees him with a new girl, and confused by lingering feelings of taking him back.
Enter Adrian Beale, a face from her past. Soon, she’s more conflicted because while she knows she needs to move on, making Adrian an ideal candidate, Josh won’t go away.
She decides to put both boys aside to focus on winning state, but when she witnesses an scandalous situation, can she erase what she’s seen, or will the images plague her performance? Can Sarah move on from an old love to a new one, and will she carry her squad to victory?
Release: October 1, 2012
Category: Fiction, Young Adult, Contemporary
Heat Level: Sweet, Romantic Elements
Length: Novella, 25,000 words
Price: $2.99
Take me to the Turquoise Morning Press bookstore !!
Author Bio: Mommy, wife, cat owner, review coordinator for Turquoise Morning Press and author. Needless to say, my plate is full. Even though I’ve spent many years on either coast, I’ve spent a majority of my life in the Midwest. Here is where my heart grows with the love and support of my family and friends, and here is where I find inspiration for my stories.
I didn’t grow up wanting to be an author but knew I needed to do something creative. After many years of moving from one job to the next and not finding happiness, I set pen to paper and began work on a Young Adult novel that will never see the light of day. And that’s okay. Ice Princess, Book 1 in my Honey Creek Royalty Series, released April 2012. Book 3, Queen Mean is expected out December 2012 with King of the Lake, Book 4 out in 2013. You can find me on Twitter @JenniA8677, on my blog musingsfromthepeanutgallery.blogspot.com or check out my website jenandersonauthor.com . Thanks so much for stopping by today and Happy Reading :) Krista
October 25, 2012
Author, author...
...read all about it ! Today we have Avril Ashton ...
Welcome, so great to have you here with us. Can you tell us a little about yourself? I’m a Brooklyn baby, by way of the Caribbean. I’m a lover of books, of coffee, cake and naked men. I’m a hermit with no apologies and did I mention I liked cake?
Do real life events find their way into your stories? Nah. Real life is mad boring.
Do you ever mimic family members or people you know when you choose characters? LOL Nope. See previous.
Do you find yourself going back to the same inspiration for each story or is it always something different? My constant source of inspiration is music so yes, I’ll go to the same song over and over again, but it brings different insight to different stories.
When do you write? Early morning? During the day sometime or all day? After the kids go to bed? Early mornings after the kid is on the school bus and in the evenings at the EDJ.
How do you feel about marketing your book? It’s a bitch and a half, but necessary so I do it.
What social sites do you feel work best for marketing? I should know this, right? I’m not sure. I’m on Facebook and Twitter, but I don’t really do much promoting except for a release day blitz or when I get reviews. I have no way of knowing what works or don’t.
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 to have a finished product to send in before I do anything.
Is there any other genre that you would love to try writing? If so, what is it? At the moment I’ve dipped my toes in all the genres I’ve wanted to tackle.
Do you always/ever see yourself as the heroine/hero when you write a story? There are bits of myself in my heroines. Mostly all the dirty words and fly clothes.
Just for fun, I have a few personal questions,
Favorite 5 1) Favorite Male Actor - Jason Statham2) Favorite vehicle – One that gets me from point A to point B
3) Favorite way to relax - Read
4) Favorite ice cream – Pralines and Cream drizzled with hot caramel
5) Favorite outfit – Jeans and a T-shirt
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) Grenada, West Indies. Spice Isle.
Where can our readers find you??
Email: avril.ashton@yahoo.comTwitter: @AvrilAshFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/writeravrilashtonWebsite/blog: http://www.avrilashton.webs.comAmazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/author/avrilashtonGoodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4623203.Avril_Ashton
Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it?
Till Surrender is book two in my Paranormal Security Council series. Blurb
The key to his salvation is the one person he’s destined to love…and betray, so how long can Saint keep his distance and his secrets? How long Till Surrender?
Tattooed half-breed, Takayo ‘Saint’ St. John, kills for the PSC with single-minded efficiency. He’s never questioned or failed his assignments…until he stares into the cornflower blue eyes of Ryken Valte, the man whose life he’s infiltrated under false pretenses. Harsh words and a cold shoulder isn’t enough to keep the distance between them, but Saint’s mission hangs over his head. His job is to kill the brother of the man he loves and he sees no way out of his predicament.
Ryken melts under the intense attraction between him and Saint, but the man keeps pushing him away, denying their connection. Ryken would give up everything, do anything to have Saint at his side and in his bed, but secrets bigger than them make it impossible. Ryken yearns for Saint’s surrender, but he’ll get more than he bargained for when dark forces neither comprehends return with a vengeance.
Available at Total E Bound: http://bit.ly/IzdBFc ARe: http://bit.ly/N7T50C Amazon: http://amzn.to/ONZotH B&N: http://bit.ly/Pm2ZeE
EXCERPT R
Five and a half hours later, Saint still hadn’t got any sleep, but he’d managed to rub a nut off in the shower. Not quite the same as a warm, wet mouth swallowing him, but he could hold on—barely, till he found a willing partner.
As the pilot turned off the seatbelt sign, he stretched his legs out on the seat in front of him and read through the folder Remi had given him. He grinned when he saw his name remained the same. He didn’t technically exist, so they’d given him a brand new, and very violent background. Not too dissimilar from his real life, but the fake Takayo St John was all about honour and morality. Fighting for the greater good.
Ugh. Saint wanted to hurl. He already hated the new him. It was the perfect bait, though, to reel in the humans intent on making a move on the Council. He flipped back to the pages about his target.
Nathan Valte.
Tall and lean, the fair-headed former professor of literature looked older than his thirty-eight years. He’d turned activist against all Para citizens after his wife and child were killed by leopard shifters.
Literally torn apart.
Saint winced at the gruesome pictures. Since his loss, the professor had become outspoken about his hatred for Paras, amassing a pretty considerable following. Before now, no one in the paranormal community had taken him seriously, deeming him harmless and grieving. Something had definitely changed. What though? That info wasn’t in the file, but several attempts had been made on Valte’s life. The man was in desperate need of a bodyguard, and who better to fill the role but fake Saint?
He’d be embedded with Nathan at his Texas compound until Remi gave him the go-ahead to off the professor. Saint didn’t do up close and personal, though there was a first time for everything. As a half-breed—part Para, part human—no one would have an idea a Para was in their midst unless Saint wanted them to. Unlike full-blooded Paras, he could pass for human any day of the week.
He paused at a photo of Nathan Valte with a younger man by his side. The other man’s face was averted, his attention off camera, but he’d been graced with the same light colouring, slight build and fair hair as the professor. If Remi’s info was anything to go by, this would be the professor’s baby brother, ten years younger, Ryken.
Saint stared at the younger Valte, wishing he could see his face clearly. A sense of familiarity flooded him as he practically willed the man to turn around, look into the camera. Stupid. Did he know Ryken Valte? Should he? His gut told him yes. Saint caressed the man’s face in the photo and the tattoos on his chest, arm and back came alive—writhing, burning his skin with each stroke of his finger.
“Fuck.” Sweat popped out on Saint’s brow. He flung the folder across the plane’s cabin and staggered to his feet. What the hell?
Avril, thanks so much for being with us today!!
Readers, make sure you get in on the giveaway below and happy reading !!!
Krista
a Rafflecopter giveaway
October 23, 2012
Author, author...
...read all about it!!Super excited to have Carla Caruso with us today :) Welcome, so great to have you here with us. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Hello, I’m an Australian author called Carla Caruso. I’m behind the new eBook, Mommy Blogger (Eternal Press)! I’ve had a varied career as a newspaper and magazine journalist, government PR, fashion stylist – and now author. Hobbies include watching trashy TV shows, fashion, astrology and running.
Do real-life events find their way into your stories? Mommy Blogger was actually inspired by once applying to write for a mothers’ website, pretending I was a mom – when, in truth, I’m not. My clueless story ideas, needless to say, didn’t make the cut. I like to let my own experiences color my writing as a sort of therapy! You can get things down on the page – like, about that horrible boss you hated – and actually laugh about it and make good of a bad experience. Your experiences are unique to you, and great fodder for writing, and (hopefully) readers will find it all weird and interesting.
Do you ever mimic family members or people you know when you choose characters? Yes, but the characters usually comprise a mix of people’s traits – they’d never be a total copy of one person haha! Plus, any mimicked traits are usually over-exaggerated and are ‘colored’ through my own perception of that person. They’d probably see themselves very differently! I carry a mini notepad around and sometimes, when I’m with my sisters, I’ll write down something funny they say off-hand and they’ll give me a killer stare and ask me where I’m going to use it - oops! (Don’t know if I’d like if they did the reverse to me…)
Do you find yourself going back to the same inspiration for each story or is it always something different? I think everyone has some sort of message/theme to their books that they can’t help repeating. Mine seems to be a lot of ‘fish out of water’ stuff, because I’ve often felt like that in situations, from being a city slicker in my first journalism job at a country newspaper, to, on the other hand, being a small-town Adelaide girl moving to the big city of Sydney, Australia. I also often have stuff about ‘living in the past’ and things I could have done differently. I think that’s because I have a certain nostalgia about what’s past!
When do you write? Early morning? During the day sometime or all day? After the kids go to bed? I don’t have kids yet haha, so that’s out! I’m an at-home freelance journalist, so when I get the chance, I write during the day now. I would like to haul myself out of bed early morning, but love my sleep, and if I write at night, I toss and turn with ideas or things I could have written better.
How do you feel about marketing your book? It’s a bit scary, putting yourself out there. I’m not usually a self-promoter type, but it’s something you have to do, otherwise no one will know about your stuff – or read it!
What social sites do you feel work best for marketing? I’ve just got onto Twitter and that seems quite good. Facebook, of course! Having your own blog can also help people find out more about you if they’ve read your work and are curious. (Mine’s at www.carlacaruso.com.au.)
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 like to wait until it’s written, because usually it winds up looking slightly different to how I first envisaged. Plus, I find I can feel more passionate and confident about it when I know everything about it! I’m also stubborn once I have an idea in my head. I want to write it, no matter what, and don’t want to be swayed by another person’s doubts.
Is there any other genre that you would love to try writing? If so, what is it? Young adult fiction! My writing style is quite light-hearted and humorous (hopefully), so think it could suit.
Do you always/ever see yourself as the heroine/hero when you write a story? Sometimes! Depends how much they look/act like me. Some characters have been quite different, so it’s been like slipping into a role as an actor. Stella from Mommy Blogger is blond (I’m brunette) and quite OTT and ‘out there’ (I’m more laidback and quieter, I like to think.) In another of my books, Cityglitter, the half-fairy, half-human heroine’s also blond and ultra-gorgeous… like a Victoria’s Secret Angel, but with wings! Unfortunately, I don’t have any wings…
Just for fun, I have a few personal questions,
Favorite 5 1) Favorite Male Actor – Mark Wahlberg (it’s a childhood crush thing!)2) Favorite vehicle – Ferrari, naturally
3) Favorite way to relax – Watching a rom-com
4) Favorite ice cream – Coffee or mango-flavored – can’t pick just one!
5) Favorite outfit – Skinny jeans
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) The glamorous Monaco! (I’ve been there too, nicely)
Where can our readers find you??
Twitter: @CarlaCaruso79Website/blog: www.carlacaruso.com.auAmazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B009H28WN4
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6541142.Carla_Caruso
TRR/Manic: http://www.manicreaders.com/index.cfm?disp=bookdetail&bookid=28124
Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it?
Yes! As follows… Mommy Blogger by Carla Caruso BLURB: One baby, one lie–and a whole new career. Stella lands a great job as a mommy blogger. The catch is she’s never had children. Plunged into a world of insanity every mother faces, she must learn to cope as her lies build upon one another. A sexy ex comes into the picture, forcing her to choose between him or the job and a handsome ‘keeper’ of a co-worker. It can’t last forever.
Find it at…
Eternal Press: http://www.eternalpress.biz/book.php?isbn=9781615727223
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Mommy-Blogger-ebook/dp/B008SYQV62
Got a great review here also: http://thebookboost.blogspot.com.au/2012/09/the-full-scoop-review-series-mommy.html
Last but not least before we let you go, 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.
(This is a healthy one I’ve stolen from my friend, Jennifer!)
RECIPE FOR JEN'S BEAN SALAD
Ingredients:
1 large can of Edgell's 4 Bean Mix1 red tomato1/2 a cucumber1/2 a red onion1/2 a lemon + olive oil for the dressing
Steps:
1. Pour the 4 bean mix into your salad bowl2. Chop up the tomato, cucumber and onion and throw them in with your bean mix3. Drizzle with some olive oil and squeeze your 1/2 lemon into it
4. Mix it up and it's ready
Carla, thank you so much for being with us today and I cannot wait to read Mommy Blogger!! Congrats on your release :)
Readers, make sure you get yourcopy of Mommy Blogger today at either of these spots!
Eternal Press: http://www.eternalpress.biz/book.php?isbn=9781615727223
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Mommy-Blogger-ebook/dp/B008SYQV62
Until next time, happy reading!!
Krista
October 19, 2012
Finally Friday !!!
Love love love my Fridays :)
Unfortunately it won't be quiet in this household today with a half day of school and 4 glad-to-be-home kids but oh well. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em :)
I have been super behind and off schedule this month so today we are highlighting 3 great great books from the back list at Turquoise Morning Press.
Love Blossomsby Julie Anne Lindsey
A Honey Creek Sweet Romance - Seeds of Love Series
Jillian thought she had everything she needed until Jackson walked through her door...
There’s a wedding coming to Honey Creek and the whole town’s preparing for the party. When Jillian Parker agrees to host a few groomsmen at her inn, she has no idea what she’s in for. With events to coordinate, a bride to please, and an ex-fiancé to dodge, her comfortable life’s getting crazy fast.
And then there’s Jackson.
Jillian’s floored to discover one perfect groomsman is someone she’s known for years. Once a regular at Honey Creek reunions, he’s back for his cousin’s wedding. Jillian’s smitten, but falling in love is out of the question. She’s already juggling bar fights, lodge fires and financial woes. Not to mention, he’s leaving in a week and love takes time.
Release: September 3, 2012
Category: Fiction, Romance, Contemporary
Heat Level: Sweet
Length: Novella, 25,700 words
Price: $2.99 ebook only -
Reviews for Julie's Seeds of Love series:
“Julie Anne Lindsey really brought me back to the books that made me love to read.” ~Bethany Lopez, Goodreads review “It gave me the same feeling I get every time I re-read Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin.” ~Jessica Gard, Goodreads review “What a sweet adult romance!” ~Ashley Lavering, Goodreads review “I read this book in one sitting. I couldn’t put it down. At the end of each chapter, I had to go to the next. I HAD to see what was going to happen.” ~Lacey Wolfe, Romance Author Author Bio: Born and raised as an only child in Ohio, Julie had plenty of time to people watch and make things up. When she didn’t think she could make a living at the latter, her love of people led her to Kent State University where she earned a BA in Psychology. A few years and three kids later, she discovered the thrill of writing and hasn’t looked back. Writing allows her to harness her seemingly endless supply of energy and create something of value in the wake.
Julie is a mother of three, wife to a sane person and Ring Master at the Lindsey Circus. Most days you’ll find her online, amped up on caffeine and wielding a book. She blogs about books and writing at http://blog.juliealindsey.com
BUY LINK
Falling for Graceby Maddie James
Print,
Amazon (Kindle)
1RomanceEbooks (multiformats)
Smashwords (mutiformats)
Nook
Blurb:
She wasn't looking for love...
The owner of a successful, sophisticated boutique called Romantically Yours, Gracie Hart's nickname is the Diva of Romance. Who could have guessed that having once loved and lost, she has no intention of ever falling in love again, no matter how loudly her biological clock keeps ticking? Until, that is, her new tenants, Carson Price and his six-year-old daughter Izzie, arrive on the scene and proceed to wreak havoc in her life--and her heart!
...but it found her anyway!
Review
"...heartwarming and tender, this novel will brighten many dreary afternoons in small town America. James shows special talent for traditional romance. Expect more from this author."
Affaire de Coeur, 4 stars
Excerpt:
“Please let this work out,” she whispered and sent up a small prayer. “I need this to work out.”
Stopping briefly in front of the door, Gracie inhaled deep then exhaled long, twisted the dead-bolt, and opened the door fully.
She extended her hand without even really looking. “Mr. Price, I assume?”
Then she did look. Up. And up some more. My, he was a tall man. She gulped. He had to be tall for her to look up to him. She was nearly five foot ten, herself. Her mouth and lips went incredibly dry.
Her eyes met the most unbelievable sea-blue eyes she’d ever seen. Finally she felt something touch her palm.
“Oh!” She dragged her gaze away from his and glanced downward to her hand, now in his. His hand was warm, his handshake firm.
“Grace Hart?”
“Oh, yes.” She looked back into his face. “Yes, I’m Grace Hart. Mr. Price?”
He nodded and she took in more of his features. Dark brown hair, chiseled, high cheekbones, and those eyes....
“Yes,” he answered.
“Please come in,” she returned politely.
He stepped inside and she closed the door behind her, then felt it push open again against her rear.
“Forget something, Dad?”
Carson Price turned and so did Gracie. An imp of a child stood in the doorway, staring past her. Gracie guessed her to be about six or seven years of age. There was a frown on her face as she eyed her father, the doorway still framing her. Slowly, she crossed her arms over her chest and tilted her chin to look at Carson, a small look of defiance on her face. Her right foot repeatedly tapped the floor.
Gracie was not quite sure what to make of the child. She glanced quickly to Carson, who returned a hesitant smile, then to the child.
The little girl’s head held a mass of light brown curls which, if left loose, would most likely tumble halfway down her back, Gracie thought. Oh my, what she would have given, as a young girl, for curls like that. Oddly enough though, this child’s locks were caught up in a dusty, Louisville Cardinals baseball cap, which contrasted sharply with the Sunday-best frill she wore.
Gracie bent slightly to look the girl more closely in the face. “Well,” she finally said, pushing out her hand, “I’m Grace. What’s your name?”
“I’m Iz—”
Carson Price bolted forward. “Isabella,” he returned, grasping the child’s hand.
Gracie stood tall again and looked Carson in the eyes. It was nice looking directly into a man’s eyes and not looking down at him for once. “What a beautiful name.”
“Thank you. Isabella is my daughter. There was no school today. I hope you don’t mind. My babysitter is out of town.”
Gracie shook her head. “Oh, my no. It’s not a problem.”
She dismissed the issue of the child for a moment, then headed for the cash register. “Just give me a second to grab the keys and I’ll take you next door.”
An awkward silence filled the shop as Grace fumbled with the cash register drawer, her thoughts nowhere near where they should be.
Carson Price was not the kind of man she expected. No indeedy. He was much too—
No, she refused to think about it. After all, the man had a child. Most likely there was a wife in the picture somewhere.
Gracie sighed deeply.
With that thought, she retrieved the key from the secret drawer inside the old cash register. Gracie glanced up to see Carson crouched down on eye-level with the child, faint mutterings of conversation going on between father and daughter.
“Ready?” She stepped up behind them and Carson rose quickly to his feet, snatching the ball cap off his Isabella’s head on his ascent. Gracie registered a sharp glance of annoyance from the child and the stern, warning stare back from the parent as he quickly stuffed the ball cap into the back pocket of his khaki pants.
“We’ll take a look at the shop first, then the apartment,” she continued.
“That’s fine,” Carson Price replied.
“Unless, of course, you’d rather wait until your wife could come to look at the apartment.”
He shook his head. “No wife, just us.”
Gracie nodded. “Oh. Well, right this way then.” She extended a hand toward the front door.
Carson Price led the way, daughter in tow, and Gracie found herself watching those nicely fitting khaki’s from the rear until he opened the door and held it for her to pass through.
No wife. This wasn’t a good sign.
No indeedy.
There was a brief tingle as she brushed passed him and Gracie wondered from just where that tingle sprang. She’d not felt anything like that in—oh, in quite some time. Years, if she cared to admit it.
And she didn’t want to admit it.
She decided right then and there, that renting to Carson Price was probably a bad idea. A very bad idea.
He was much too handsome and much too charismatic for her own good. He had an adorable little child.
And no wife.
Two strikes against Mr. Carson Price.
No. Strikes two, three, and four.
Release: May, 2010Category: Category romance; contemporary
Heat Level: Sensual-SizzleLength: 252 pagesPrice: $0.99 digital; $10.99 print
Author Bio: Romance novelist Maddie James bounces between contemporary, historical, and paranormal worlds, as she pens stories within, and frequently crossing, a variety of romantic genres. With 30+ titles in print, under three pen names, she feels fortunate to spend her days working with some of the quirkiest characters around—those in her head, and in her life. She lives quietly with her muses, Calliope and Clio, who most days masquerade as four-legged furry creatures. www.maddiejames.net
BUY LINK
Meant To Beby Karen Stivali
Sometimes you’re already committed to the wrong person when fate finally brings you the right one.
When NYU professor Daniel Gardner’s career-obsessed wife convinces him to move to the suburbs, he hopes it’s a first step toward starting the family he longs to have. Instead of domestic bliss he finds his neighbor, Marienne Valeti. She loves her freelance design job, but must contend with a growing sense of isolation created by her husband’s indifference. A penchant for good books, bad movies, and Marienne’s to-die-for brownies sparks a powerful bond between them. Passion simmers, but they resist its lure, surrendering only in the seclusion of their minds. Their friendship helps them weather every hardship, from divorce to widowhood, leaving them both secretly wondering if it can survive a first kiss.
Release: August 26, 2012
Category: Fiction, Women's Fiction, Romantic Elements
Length: Novel, 100,000 words
Price: $4.99 Digital ebook; Trade Paperback TBD
Author Bio: Karen Stivali is a prolific writer, compulsive baker and chocoholic with a penchant for books, movies and fictional British men. When she’s not writing, she can be found cooking extravagant meals and serving them to family and friends. Prior to deciding to write full time Karen worked as a hand drawn animator, a clinical therapist, and held various food-related jobs ranging from waitress to specialty cake maker. Planning elaborate parties and fundraisers takes up what’s left of her time and sanity.
Karen has always been fascinated by the way people relate to one another, so she favors books and movies that feature richly detailed characters and their relationships. In her own writing she likes to explore the dynamics between characters and has a tendency to craft romantic love stories filled with sarcasm and sexy details.
Meant To Be is Karen’s first full length novel.
To learn more about Karen and her other writing projects you can visit her website http://karenstivali.com
BUY LINK
Thanks so much for stopping by and hope you like all these great titles by Turquoise Morning Press!!
Unfortunately it won't be quiet in this household today with a half day of school and 4 glad-to-be-home kids but oh well. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em :)
I have been super behind and off schedule this month so today we are highlighting 3 great great books from the back list at Turquoise Morning Press.
Love Blossomsby Julie Anne LindseyA Honey Creek Sweet Romance - Seeds of Love Series
Jillian thought she had everything she needed until Jackson walked through her door...
There’s a wedding coming to Honey Creek and the whole town’s preparing for the party. When Jillian Parker agrees to host a few groomsmen at her inn, she has no idea what she’s in for. With events to coordinate, a bride to please, and an ex-fiancé to dodge, her comfortable life’s getting crazy fast.
And then there’s Jackson.
Jillian’s floored to discover one perfect groomsman is someone she’s known for years. Once a regular at Honey Creek reunions, he’s back for his cousin’s wedding. Jillian’s smitten, but falling in love is out of the question. She’s already juggling bar fights, lodge fires and financial woes. Not to mention, he’s leaving in a week and love takes time.
Release: September 3, 2012
Category: Fiction, Romance, Contemporary
Heat Level: Sweet
Length: Novella, 25,700 words
Price: $2.99 ebook only -
Reviews for Julie's Seeds of Love series:
“Julie Anne Lindsey really brought me back to the books that made me love to read.” ~Bethany Lopez, Goodreads review “It gave me the same feeling I get every time I re-read Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin.” ~Jessica Gard, Goodreads review “What a sweet adult romance!” ~Ashley Lavering, Goodreads review “I read this book in one sitting. I couldn’t put it down. At the end of each chapter, I had to go to the next. I HAD to see what was going to happen.” ~Lacey Wolfe, Romance Author Author Bio: Born and raised as an only child in Ohio, Julie had plenty of time to people watch and make things up. When she didn’t think she could make a living at the latter, her love of people led her to Kent State University where she earned a BA in Psychology. A few years and three kids later, she discovered the thrill of writing and hasn’t looked back. Writing allows her to harness her seemingly endless supply of energy and create something of value in the wake.
Julie is a mother of three, wife to a sane person and Ring Master at the Lindsey Circus. Most days you’ll find her online, amped up on caffeine and wielding a book. She blogs about books and writing at http://blog.juliealindsey.com
BUY LINK
Falling for Graceby Maddie JamesPrint,
Amazon (Kindle)
1RomanceEbooks (multiformats)
Smashwords (mutiformats)
Nook
Blurb:
She wasn't looking for love...
The owner of a successful, sophisticated boutique called Romantically Yours, Gracie Hart's nickname is the Diva of Romance. Who could have guessed that having once loved and lost, she has no intention of ever falling in love again, no matter how loudly her biological clock keeps ticking? Until, that is, her new tenants, Carson Price and his six-year-old daughter Izzie, arrive on the scene and proceed to wreak havoc in her life--and her heart!
...but it found her anyway!
Review
"...heartwarming and tender, this novel will brighten many dreary afternoons in small town America. James shows special talent for traditional romance. Expect more from this author."
Affaire de Coeur, 4 stars
Excerpt:
“Please let this work out,” she whispered and sent up a small prayer. “I need this to work out.”
Stopping briefly in front of the door, Gracie inhaled deep then exhaled long, twisted the dead-bolt, and opened the door fully.
She extended her hand without even really looking. “Mr. Price, I assume?”
Then she did look. Up. And up some more. My, he was a tall man. She gulped. He had to be tall for her to look up to him. She was nearly five foot ten, herself. Her mouth and lips went incredibly dry.
Her eyes met the most unbelievable sea-blue eyes she’d ever seen. Finally she felt something touch her palm.
“Oh!” She dragged her gaze away from his and glanced downward to her hand, now in his. His hand was warm, his handshake firm.
“Grace Hart?”
“Oh, yes.” She looked back into his face. “Yes, I’m Grace Hart. Mr. Price?”
He nodded and she took in more of his features. Dark brown hair, chiseled, high cheekbones, and those eyes....
“Yes,” he answered.
“Please come in,” she returned politely.
He stepped inside and she closed the door behind her, then felt it push open again against her rear.
“Forget something, Dad?”
Carson Price turned and so did Gracie. An imp of a child stood in the doorway, staring past her. Gracie guessed her to be about six or seven years of age. There was a frown on her face as she eyed her father, the doorway still framing her. Slowly, she crossed her arms over her chest and tilted her chin to look at Carson, a small look of defiance on her face. Her right foot repeatedly tapped the floor.
Gracie was not quite sure what to make of the child. She glanced quickly to Carson, who returned a hesitant smile, then to the child.
The little girl’s head held a mass of light brown curls which, if left loose, would most likely tumble halfway down her back, Gracie thought. Oh my, what she would have given, as a young girl, for curls like that. Oddly enough though, this child’s locks were caught up in a dusty, Louisville Cardinals baseball cap, which contrasted sharply with the Sunday-best frill she wore.
Gracie bent slightly to look the girl more closely in the face. “Well,” she finally said, pushing out her hand, “I’m Grace. What’s your name?”
“I’m Iz—”
Carson Price bolted forward. “Isabella,” he returned, grasping the child’s hand.
Gracie stood tall again and looked Carson in the eyes. It was nice looking directly into a man’s eyes and not looking down at him for once. “What a beautiful name.”
“Thank you. Isabella is my daughter. There was no school today. I hope you don’t mind. My babysitter is out of town.”
Gracie shook her head. “Oh, my no. It’s not a problem.”
She dismissed the issue of the child for a moment, then headed for the cash register. “Just give me a second to grab the keys and I’ll take you next door.”
An awkward silence filled the shop as Grace fumbled with the cash register drawer, her thoughts nowhere near where they should be.
Carson Price was not the kind of man she expected. No indeedy. He was much too—
No, she refused to think about it. After all, the man had a child. Most likely there was a wife in the picture somewhere.
Gracie sighed deeply.
With that thought, she retrieved the key from the secret drawer inside the old cash register. Gracie glanced up to see Carson crouched down on eye-level with the child, faint mutterings of conversation going on between father and daughter.
“Ready?” She stepped up behind them and Carson rose quickly to his feet, snatching the ball cap off his Isabella’s head on his ascent. Gracie registered a sharp glance of annoyance from the child and the stern, warning stare back from the parent as he quickly stuffed the ball cap into the back pocket of his khaki pants.
“We’ll take a look at the shop first, then the apartment,” she continued.
“That’s fine,” Carson Price replied.
“Unless, of course, you’d rather wait until your wife could come to look at the apartment.”
He shook his head. “No wife, just us.”
Gracie nodded. “Oh. Well, right this way then.” She extended a hand toward the front door.
Carson Price led the way, daughter in tow, and Gracie found herself watching those nicely fitting khaki’s from the rear until he opened the door and held it for her to pass through.
No wife. This wasn’t a good sign.
No indeedy.
There was a brief tingle as she brushed passed him and Gracie wondered from just where that tingle sprang. She’d not felt anything like that in—oh, in quite some time. Years, if she cared to admit it.
And she didn’t want to admit it.
She decided right then and there, that renting to Carson Price was probably a bad idea. A very bad idea.
He was much too handsome and much too charismatic for her own good. He had an adorable little child.
And no wife.
Two strikes against Mr. Carson Price.
No. Strikes two, three, and four.
Release: May, 2010Category: Category romance; contemporary
Heat Level: Sensual-SizzleLength: 252 pagesPrice: $0.99 digital; $10.99 print
Author Bio: Romance novelist Maddie James bounces between contemporary, historical, and paranormal worlds, as she pens stories within, and frequently crossing, a variety of romantic genres. With 30+ titles in print, under three pen names, she feels fortunate to spend her days working with some of the quirkiest characters around—those in her head, and in her life. She lives quietly with her muses, Calliope and Clio, who most days masquerade as four-legged furry creatures. www.maddiejames.net
BUY LINK
Meant To Beby Karen StivaliSometimes you’re already committed to the wrong person when fate finally brings you the right one.
When NYU professor Daniel Gardner’s career-obsessed wife convinces him to move to the suburbs, he hopes it’s a first step toward starting the family he longs to have. Instead of domestic bliss he finds his neighbor, Marienne Valeti. She loves her freelance design job, but must contend with a growing sense of isolation created by her husband’s indifference. A penchant for good books, bad movies, and Marienne’s to-die-for brownies sparks a powerful bond between them. Passion simmers, but they resist its lure, surrendering only in the seclusion of their minds. Their friendship helps them weather every hardship, from divorce to widowhood, leaving them both secretly wondering if it can survive a first kiss.
Release: August 26, 2012
Category: Fiction, Women's Fiction, Romantic Elements
Length: Novel, 100,000 words
Price: $4.99 Digital ebook; Trade Paperback TBD
Author Bio: Karen Stivali is a prolific writer, compulsive baker and chocoholic with a penchant for books, movies and fictional British men. When she’s not writing, she can be found cooking extravagant meals and serving them to family and friends. Prior to deciding to write full time Karen worked as a hand drawn animator, a clinical therapist, and held various food-related jobs ranging from waitress to specialty cake maker. Planning elaborate parties and fundraisers takes up what’s left of her time and sanity.
Karen has always been fascinated by the way people relate to one another, so she favors books and movies that feature richly detailed characters and their relationships. In her own writing she likes to explore the dynamics between characters and has a tendency to craft romantic love stories filled with sarcasm and sexy details.
Meant To Be is Karen’s first full length novel.
To learn more about Karen and her other writing projects you can visit her website http://karenstivali.com
BUY LINK
Thanks so much for stopping by and hope you like all these great titles by Turquoise Morning Press!!
October 18, 2012
Author, author... #giveaway
...read all about it !!
I'm pleased to announce that today we are spotlighting ...
Tory Michaels
and
The Dream-Walker War Series
Blood Rage
The Dream-Walker War, Book 1
Evernight Publishing
Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy
2/8/12
Blurb:
For eighty years since the Great Awakening, humans and non-humans have lived in relative peace together. The peace is threatened when three bodies turn up less than a mile from the Bureau of Non-Human Affairs in Tampa, all bearing the signature of vampires who once terrorized Europe.
The Bureau's chief liaison to the vampires, Dara MacKechnie, learns that the Tampa victims are not alone when her ex-lover, and head of the vampire's Great Council, Anthony Caldwell comes calling.
The pair discovers the lie that separated them two centuries ago only banked their passion, not extinguished it. Dara must decide whether she can trust Anthony with her heart a second time as they try to head off the war that threatens all they hold dear.
Excerpt:
Instinct helped her draw back before she took more than she should. Dara sucked in air, trying to wipe away the addictive taste of him even while she absorbed the new details about his true nature.
“Good lord,” she said against his throat. “Wow doesn’t seem quite adequate.” The exchange was bliss itself, but ultimately left her unfulfilled. Her body throbbed with it, and she felt the same need in him, rock-hard desire pressing up against her core through their clothes. Dara shifted, trying to alleviate the pressure trapped between her thighs.
Anthony’s arm around her waist tightened, holding her still. He groaned, teeth grinding together. “I suggest, my pet, you stop moving if you wish me to remain a gentleman. There’s a reason exchanges take place during sex.”
Her mouth fell open. Chris had mentioned something of that nature on more than one occasion.In for a penny, in for a pound, Dara reasoned. It would be better than walking away right then, knowing they wanted the same thing. Maybe a second night would quench the lust, and she could let go of the need, the hunger for him he created just by breathing.
She shifted, straddling his lap to settle more firmly against the erection that bulged in his jeans and wrapped her arms around his neck. She felt reckless right then. A second night wouldn’t hurt anyone or anything. Dara found the notion liberating. “Do you really want me to stay still, Tony?”
His dark eyes glittered with familiar intensity as he clutched her hips. His mouth curled up at one corner. “Don’t call me that.”
“What?” She leaned forward and nuzzled the side of his neck, just above the tiny marks from where she had bitten him, and reached for the button on his jeans. “I don’t know. I rather like it. Sarah might be onto something with that. Tony Caldwell, man about town. Maybe I can convince you to like it.”
Anthony groaned as she slid the zipper down, shifting back on the couch. “Unlikely, but you can always try to convince me. What do you propose to do?”
Dara trailed her fingers just inside the waistband of his pants, toying with the firm flesh there. “I have an idea or two. It might be easier if you took your pants off though.”
“Are you going to reciprocate?” He set her own her feet before standing, towering over her.
She grinned up at him, easing the pants over his narrow hips until she could cup the rampant erection he sported. “Wasn’t planning on it quite yet.”
He shucked the pants off the rest of the way, kicking them to one side. A heartbeat later, his shirt joined the heap on the floor. Dara leaned back to admire the gorgeous sight he made, standing there totally nude. Oh, to have her camera, take a picture to remember this night for the rest of her existence, long after they moved on. Broad shoulders, chiseled abs leading down to his waist, with only a faint sprinkling of body hair.
She slowly circled him, trailing her fingertips over his middle, watching with delight as goosebumps rose in their wake.
****
Anthony held up his hands, watching her as she paused in front of him, clearly debating her course of action. It was a bit of a role reversal, as he was well-used to having her naked while heremained clothed. But he was inclined to give her her head and see where she led. “Now what?”
“Sit.” In that effort, she rested her hands, silky smooth and warm, on his chest to urge him down.
Yes, he liked this more decisive, assertive woman. He cherished the memory of her innocence and enthusiasm, but he found it quite alluring, a woman who knew what she wanted. And clearly she wanted something beyond the obvious. He settled back on the couch, arms spread along the back. If he didn’t, he’d reach for her and end this now. Control, Anthony, control.
His breath caught in his throat when she dropped to her knees between his legs and took him in her hands, stroked along his length. His world narrowed to just the two of them, everything not her fading rapidly as he thought only of the soft hands caressing him, something he’d long feared might never happen again. Anthony groaned. “You’re going to kill me, woman.”
A tiny, teasing smile crossed her face. “La petite mort, yes. That’s certainly the idea,” she said, cupping his balls. Warm breath tickled the length of him as she spoke.
His hands clenched into fists. He wouldn’t be able to take much of this, or he’d thoroughly disgrace himself by coming too soon. When she took him in her mouth, his eyes crossed. Gods, yes. If Odin himself popped in and offered to take him off to Valhalla, he would turn the god down in a heartbeat, just to stay like this. It’d been so long.
****
Dara allowed herself a satisfied mental smile at his raspy growl and swirled her tongue around his cock, continuing to caress him. He’d never let her get away with calling him Tony, but it’d been an excellent segue to this.
Her eyes closed as his fingers speared into her hair, massaging her scalp even as he slowed her pace.
“Such a talented mouth, pet,” he said, tugging strands free from the braid trailing down her back. “I’ve miss this so damned much.”
The words echoed round and round her head, and she hummed with satisfaction, drawing another long, tortured groan from him. And then voices from the past exploded from her subconscious, rough hands pulling at her. Such a good little pet. Dara choked.
“No!” She fell back, scrabbling away on the floor. Voices pressed in on her, upper-crust British accents, laughter, and pain. The newly recovered memories dug their claws in, and she buried her face in her knees, trying to force them back.
Blood Rage Buy Links
Evernight Publishing / AmazonUK / AmazonUS / BookStrand / AllRomance / B&N
Blood-Mage Rising The Dream-Walker War, Book 2 Evernight Publishing Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance 4/12/12 Blurb: In the eighty years since the Great Awakening, humans and non-humans have lived side by side, relatively at peace. In an attack that leaves his wife dead, Jordan MacNaught is caught up in the start of a war meant to turn the other races against the vampires. He knows beyond a doubt the vampires of yesteryear are not involved in the attacks. They're all dead, except for him.Jordan asks for Chris Javert's help in hunting those who murdered his wife. She's no stranger to hunting vampires. After all, she nearly destroyed Jordan when she ended the reign of his Aristocrats in Europe two hundred years ago. Exerpt: Despite the disturbing turn to her daydream, the shower centered her. It certainly ended her bout of the hornies. When she exited the frosted glass enclosure into the steam and gardenia-scented room, Chris could face the world, and Jordan, again. Cool marble tile provided a sharp contrast against the balmy miasma blanketing her. She needed to get dressed and back to work. "It's about time you got out," Jordan said as he materialized, seated on the edge of the counter between the sink bowls. His legs dangled over the edge.
"Son of a --" Chris yelped and leaped for her towel.
He blinked slowly, warning, and she just caught herself before the last word slipped out. The last time she called him son of a bitch, he buried her alive for disparaging his mother. For some reason, he objected to the pejorative, even though rumor had it he'd killed his mother at some point. She clutched at her towel like a shield.
"What are you doing in here?"
"To quote a certain someone, I should think that it's fairly obvious. I wanted to talk to you." He flashed a smile, fangs just barely showing, and leaned his weight back on his palms. "You know, Chrissy, if you'd just given me a bit longer, you wouldn't have had to resort to alternative methods."
She might be claustrophobic, but right then she wanted the floor to open up and swallow her whole. Dear God. Her reflection turned a nice, brilliant, beet red, and she looked around for her bathrobe, finally finding it slung over the door that separated the toilet from from the main portion of the room. "Mother of Lorminstra, you perverted jackanapes!"
Jordon blinked again, the picture of innocence. "I am the perverted one? Which one of us just masturbated in the shower?"
This absolutely can't be happening. Please let this be a continuation of the wierd-ass dream. Chris snatched her robe down and yanked it on, surreptitiously pinching her side in the process. Pain flared and dissipated. Unfortunately, the bathroom invasion continued unabated. Damn, no dream. She belted the flimsy scrapof silk, not feeling much more secure than with the towel. "You could have waited five minutes."
"I did. Then, when you still didn't emerge, I thought I'd wait in here."
Since the universe didn't see fit to rescue her by sending a great bolt of lightning or a tsunami to kill her, she needed to brazen the situation out. And had her shower really taken that long? Good Lord.
"What was so important you couldn't wait? And while there'd better not be a next time, next time let me know you're there. I could have finished..ah, I could have gotten, ah, ..."
There really wasn't a good way to end that statement, and she floundered. He didn't seem inclined to rescue her either, judging by his grin. Asshole. The recently departed headache began to squeeze her temples again.
"I wouldn't have enjoyed it half as much if I had interrupted, unless I joined in."
"Well, why didn't you?" In her brief glimpse before she bent at the waist and flipped her hair over her head to begin toweling it dry, she got a good visual confirmation that he definitely enjoyed the view. Must have been in mist form to see much, given the frosted glass that surrounded the shower.
"And get my clothes wet? Don't be absurd."
"A normal person would join me." She wrung her hair out with more force than strictly necessary. "Now explain what was so important you felt the need to become a Peeping Jordan, and then get out!"
"I think you need to have another go in the shower, if you're still this waspish."
Anthony would thank her if she killed hiim.
"I'll make this brief. You're fond of gambling, aren't you?"
"What of it?" She continued to rub viciously with the towel, not sure she followed him yet. "I'm fond of lots of things."
"Earlier, you propositioned me."
Chris choked. "I did no such thing!"
"Then what would you call it?"
"Losing my mind."
Jordan chuckled. From her upside down position, she saw his legs stop swinging as he leaned forward. "I propose a bet. Just to make our time a little more interesting, although I doubt it will beat what I just saw."
She purposely ignored the latter half of his statement. Finished with her scalp she moved on to the longer portion of her hair.
"If you win, I will walk the straight and narrow for, hmmm. Two decades should be impetus enough, even for you. While not admitting to having done anything that might get me in trouble under your country's Rights and Responsibilities Act, I promise not to indulge in any of my more exotic entertainments for that period. No murder, no torture, nothing of that nature." Her eyes widened, and she stood, towel held loosely in her right hand. "I thought that might garner your exclusive attention."
Mouth dry, she swallowed hard. For that offer, he wanted something big in return. "And if I lose?"
"I get your blood. More specifically, we forge a blood-bond."
No chance in hell.
Though she wanted to say the words, she didn't. If she rejected him out of hand without a good reason, he might wonder. Vampires commonly shared blood. It wasn't safe for her to do, since most people would feel obligated to turn her over to the Circle for execution if they figured out what she was.
She couldn't dismiss the possibility he'd offered the bet to see how desperate she was to avoid sharingn blood. In that case, she would say yes and win, no matter the cost.
"Quite the stakes. What's the bet?"
Blood-Mage Rising Buy Links Evernight Publishing / Amazon UK / AmazonUS / BookStrand / AllRomance / B&N Author Bio
Originally from the Sacramento Valley, Tory packed up and moved all the way to Southwest Florida in 2004 with her husband (a Florida native) under the premise that 'hurricanes almost never hit that part of the state.' That year, 4 blasted the area. 4 more came the following year, and her husband blames her for bringing the hurricanes. She now resides in Jacksonville and is relieved that, thus far, no more hurricanes have followed her around. She began writing in kindergarten when a turnip wished to be human and, other than a hiatus shortly after getting married, has never stopped. Her love of vampires began somewhere in junior high, and combining the two loves didn’t take long. She loves music, considers herself a ‘book slut’ whose reading habits would break her family financially if given free reign, and is (usually) delighted to be a mommy of twin Shrimpettes and a Shrimp.
Author Links
Tory Michaels Website / Facebook/ The Dream-Walker War Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads
Now, don't forget to enter on the Rafflecopter for a chance to win a $25 gift card(Amazon or B&N) and an ebook copy of book 1 and 2 of The Dream-Walker War series.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I'm pleased to announce that today we are spotlighting ...Tory Michaels
and
The Dream-Walker War Series
Blood Rage
The Dream-Walker War, Book 1
Evernight Publishing
Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy
2/8/12
Blurb:
For eighty years since the Great Awakening, humans and non-humans have lived in relative peace together. The peace is threatened when three bodies turn up less than a mile from the Bureau of Non-Human Affairs in Tampa, all bearing the signature of vampires who once terrorized Europe.
The Bureau's chief liaison to the vampires, Dara MacKechnie, learns that the Tampa victims are not alone when her ex-lover, and head of the vampire's Great Council, Anthony Caldwell comes calling.
The pair discovers the lie that separated them two centuries ago only banked their passion, not extinguished it. Dara must decide whether she can trust Anthony with her heart a second time as they try to head off the war that threatens all they hold dear.
Excerpt:
Instinct helped her draw back before she took more than she should. Dara sucked in air, trying to wipe away the addictive taste of him even while she absorbed the new details about his true nature.
“Good lord,” she said against his throat. “Wow doesn’t seem quite adequate.” The exchange was bliss itself, but ultimately left her unfulfilled. Her body throbbed with it, and she felt the same need in him, rock-hard desire pressing up against her core through their clothes. Dara shifted, trying to alleviate the pressure trapped between her thighs.
Anthony’s arm around her waist tightened, holding her still. He groaned, teeth grinding together. “I suggest, my pet, you stop moving if you wish me to remain a gentleman. There’s a reason exchanges take place during sex.”
Her mouth fell open. Chris had mentioned something of that nature on more than one occasion.In for a penny, in for a pound, Dara reasoned. It would be better than walking away right then, knowing they wanted the same thing. Maybe a second night would quench the lust, and she could let go of the need, the hunger for him he created just by breathing.
She shifted, straddling his lap to settle more firmly against the erection that bulged in his jeans and wrapped her arms around his neck. She felt reckless right then. A second night wouldn’t hurt anyone or anything. Dara found the notion liberating. “Do you really want me to stay still, Tony?”
His dark eyes glittered with familiar intensity as he clutched her hips. His mouth curled up at one corner. “Don’t call me that.”
“What?” She leaned forward and nuzzled the side of his neck, just above the tiny marks from where she had bitten him, and reached for the button on his jeans. “I don’t know. I rather like it. Sarah might be onto something with that. Tony Caldwell, man about town. Maybe I can convince you to like it.”
Anthony groaned as she slid the zipper down, shifting back on the couch. “Unlikely, but you can always try to convince me. What do you propose to do?”
Dara trailed her fingers just inside the waistband of his pants, toying with the firm flesh there. “I have an idea or two. It might be easier if you took your pants off though.”
“Are you going to reciprocate?” He set her own her feet before standing, towering over her.
She grinned up at him, easing the pants over his narrow hips until she could cup the rampant erection he sported. “Wasn’t planning on it quite yet.”
He shucked the pants off the rest of the way, kicking them to one side. A heartbeat later, his shirt joined the heap on the floor. Dara leaned back to admire the gorgeous sight he made, standing there totally nude. Oh, to have her camera, take a picture to remember this night for the rest of her existence, long after they moved on. Broad shoulders, chiseled abs leading down to his waist, with only a faint sprinkling of body hair.
She slowly circled him, trailing her fingertips over his middle, watching with delight as goosebumps rose in their wake.
****
Anthony held up his hands, watching her as she paused in front of him, clearly debating her course of action. It was a bit of a role reversal, as he was well-used to having her naked while heremained clothed. But he was inclined to give her her head and see where she led. “Now what?”
“Sit.” In that effort, she rested her hands, silky smooth and warm, on his chest to urge him down.
Yes, he liked this more decisive, assertive woman. He cherished the memory of her innocence and enthusiasm, but he found it quite alluring, a woman who knew what she wanted. And clearly she wanted something beyond the obvious. He settled back on the couch, arms spread along the back. If he didn’t, he’d reach for her and end this now. Control, Anthony, control.
His breath caught in his throat when she dropped to her knees between his legs and took him in her hands, stroked along his length. His world narrowed to just the two of them, everything not her fading rapidly as he thought only of the soft hands caressing him, something he’d long feared might never happen again. Anthony groaned. “You’re going to kill me, woman.”
A tiny, teasing smile crossed her face. “La petite mort, yes. That’s certainly the idea,” she said, cupping his balls. Warm breath tickled the length of him as she spoke.
His hands clenched into fists. He wouldn’t be able to take much of this, or he’d thoroughly disgrace himself by coming too soon. When she took him in her mouth, his eyes crossed. Gods, yes. If Odin himself popped in and offered to take him off to Valhalla, he would turn the god down in a heartbeat, just to stay like this. It’d been so long.
****
Dara allowed herself a satisfied mental smile at his raspy growl and swirled her tongue around his cock, continuing to caress him. He’d never let her get away with calling him Tony, but it’d been an excellent segue to this.
Her eyes closed as his fingers speared into her hair, massaging her scalp even as he slowed her pace.
“Such a talented mouth, pet,” he said, tugging strands free from the braid trailing down her back. “I’ve miss this so damned much.”
The words echoed round and round her head, and she hummed with satisfaction, drawing another long, tortured groan from him. And then voices from the past exploded from her subconscious, rough hands pulling at her. Such a good little pet. Dara choked.
“No!” She fell back, scrabbling away on the floor. Voices pressed in on her, upper-crust British accents, laughter, and pain. The newly recovered memories dug their claws in, and she buried her face in her knees, trying to force them back.
Blood Rage Buy Links
Evernight Publishing / AmazonUK / AmazonUS / BookStrand / AllRomance / B&N
Blood-Mage Rising The Dream-Walker War, Book 2 Evernight Publishing Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance 4/12/12 Blurb: In the eighty years since the Great Awakening, humans and non-humans have lived side by side, relatively at peace. In an attack that leaves his wife dead, Jordan MacNaught is caught up in the start of a war meant to turn the other races against the vampires. He knows beyond a doubt the vampires of yesteryear are not involved in the attacks. They're all dead, except for him.Jordan asks for Chris Javert's help in hunting those who murdered his wife. She's no stranger to hunting vampires. After all, she nearly destroyed Jordan when she ended the reign of his Aristocrats in Europe two hundred years ago. Exerpt: Despite the disturbing turn to her daydream, the shower centered her. It certainly ended her bout of the hornies. When she exited the frosted glass enclosure into the steam and gardenia-scented room, Chris could face the world, and Jordan, again. Cool marble tile provided a sharp contrast against the balmy miasma blanketing her. She needed to get dressed and back to work. "It's about time you got out," Jordan said as he materialized, seated on the edge of the counter between the sink bowls. His legs dangled over the edge."Son of a --" Chris yelped and leaped for her towel.
He blinked slowly, warning, and she just caught herself before the last word slipped out. The last time she called him son of a bitch, he buried her alive for disparaging his mother. For some reason, he objected to the pejorative, even though rumor had it he'd killed his mother at some point. She clutched at her towel like a shield.
"What are you doing in here?"
"To quote a certain someone, I should think that it's fairly obvious. I wanted to talk to you." He flashed a smile, fangs just barely showing, and leaned his weight back on his palms. "You know, Chrissy, if you'd just given me a bit longer, you wouldn't have had to resort to alternative methods."
She might be claustrophobic, but right then she wanted the floor to open up and swallow her whole. Dear God. Her reflection turned a nice, brilliant, beet red, and she looked around for her bathrobe, finally finding it slung over the door that separated the toilet from from the main portion of the room. "Mother of Lorminstra, you perverted jackanapes!"
Jordon blinked again, the picture of innocence. "I am the perverted one? Which one of us just masturbated in the shower?"
This absolutely can't be happening. Please let this be a continuation of the wierd-ass dream. Chris snatched her robe down and yanked it on, surreptitiously pinching her side in the process. Pain flared and dissipated. Unfortunately, the bathroom invasion continued unabated. Damn, no dream. She belted the flimsy scrapof silk, not feeling much more secure than with the towel. "You could have waited five minutes."
"I did. Then, when you still didn't emerge, I thought I'd wait in here."
Since the universe didn't see fit to rescue her by sending a great bolt of lightning or a tsunami to kill her, she needed to brazen the situation out. And had her shower really taken that long? Good Lord.
"What was so important you couldn't wait? And while there'd better not be a next time, next time let me know you're there. I could have finished..ah, I could have gotten, ah, ..."
There really wasn't a good way to end that statement, and she floundered. He didn't seem inclined to rescue her either, judging by his grin. Asshole. The recently departed headache began to squeeze her temples again.
"I wouldn't have enjoyed it half as much if I had interrupted, unless I joined in."
"Well, why didn't you?" In her brief glimpse before she bent at the waist and flipped her hair over her head to begin toweling it dry, she got a good visual confirmation that he definitely enjoyed the view. Must have been in mist form to see much, given the frosted glass that surrounded the shower.
"And get my clothes wet? Don't be absurd."
"A normal person would join me." She wrung her hair out with more force than strictly necessary. "Now explain what was so important you felt the need to become a Peeping Jordan, and then get out!"
"I think you need to have another go in the shower, if you're still this waspish."
Anthony would thank her if she killed hiim.
"I'll make this brief. You're fond of gambling, aren't you?"
"What of it?" She continued to rub viciously with the towel, not sure she followed him yet. "I'm fond of lots of things."
"Earlier, you propositioned me."
Chris choked. "I did no such thing!"
"Then what would you call it?"
"Losing my mind."
Jordan chuckled. From her upside down position, she saw his legs stop swinging as he leaned forward. "I propose a bet. Just to make our time a little more interesting, although I doubt it will beat what I just saw."
She purposely ignored the latter half of his statement. Finished with her scalp she moved on to the longer portion of her hair.
"If you win, I will walk the straight and narrow for, hmmm. Two decades should be impetus enough, even for you. While not admitting to having done anything that might get me in trouble under your country's Rights and Responsibilities Act, I promise not to indulge in any of my more exotic entertainments for that period. No murder, no torture, nothing of that nature." Her eyes widened, and she stood, towel held loosely in her right hand. "I thought that might garner your exclusive attention."
Mouth dry, she swallowed hard. For that offer, he wanted something big in return. "And if I lose?"
"I get your blood. More specifically, we forge a blood-bond."
No chance in hell.
Though she wanted to say the words, she didn't. If she rejected him out of hand without a good reason, he might wonder. Vampires commonly shared blood. It wasn't safe for her to do, since most people would feel obligated to turn her over to the Circle for execution if they figured out what she was.
She couldn't dismiss the possibility he'd offered the bet to see how desperate she was to avoid sharingn blood. In that case, she would say yes and win, no matter the cost.
"Quite the stakes. What's the bet?"
Blood-Mage Rising Buy Links Evernight Publishing / Amazon UK / AmazonUS / BookStrand / AllRomance / B&N Author Bio
Originally from the Sacramento Valley, Tory packed up and moved all the way to Southwest Florida in 2004 with her husband (a Florida native) under the premise that 'hurricanes almost never hit that part of the state.' That year, 4 blasted the area. 4 more came the following year, and her husband blames her for bringing the hurricanes. She now resides in Jacksonville and is relieved that, thus far, no more hurricanes have followed her around. She began writing in kindergarten when a turnip wished to be human and, other than a hiatus shortly after getting married, has never stopped. Her love of vampires began somewhere in junior high, and combining the two loves didn’t take long. She loves music, considers herself a ‘book slut’ whose reading habits would break her family financially if given free reign, and is (usually) delighted to be a mommy of twin Shrimpettes and a Shrimp. Author Links
Tory Michaels Website / Facebook/ The Dream-Walker War Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads
Now, don't forget to enter on the Rafflecopter for a chance to win a $25 gift card(Amazon or B&N) and an ebook copy of book 1 and 2 of The Dream-Walker War series.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
October 16, 2012
Author, author...
...read all about it !!
Today we have a spotlight for:
A Date with Deathby
Louisa Bacio
Death sucks. It’s boring, and there’s no chance of getting laid. Stuck in the waiting room of Heaven, Maise fantasizes about all the pleasures of the flesh she didn’t get to experience. When Maise discovers a business card for the dating service, 1Night Stand, she wonders if there’s still a chance.
Reece normally wouldn’t consider being set up, but after his brother buys him a certificate, he feels obligated. A romantic night on the Southern California coast, with the full-of-life Maise leaves him wanting more.
Will a 1Night Stand be enough to overcome death?
Buy Links: Decadent Publishing / Amazon / Nook
Excerpt:
He reached under the table, resting his hand on her thigh. “Want more?”
A zing of desire traveled through her body. “Not food.”
Maise worried her bottom lip between her teeth, thinking about the perfection of kissing him. Perhaps there was something to this dating service.
He slipped his hand into hers and led her back inside. With his thumb, he caressed the C-shape between her index finger and her thumb, sending a current of sensations fluttering through her system.
“I might be able think of one or two things to entertain you. First, will you dance with me?”
He stopped to turn on the stereo, and a slow Latin jazz began. Warm guitars built a rhythm that matched the beat of Maise’s heart. Reece held his hand out in offering, and the look of hopefulness on his face touched her. A man who’d suffered more than one loss in his recent past, he’d come for this date to get away and maybe find a glimmer of hope for the future.
She couldn’t be the one to turn him down. She stepped within the comfort of his embrace. In his arms, it was as if her other problems didn’t exist. The tightness in her chest began to unwind. If only they could stay here, in this resort, forever.
About the Author:
Louisa Bacio is the author of five erotic novels, including the paranormal series The Vampire, The Witch& The Werewolf, and numerous steamy short stories.
Bacio enjoys soaking up the sun in Southern California, and spending time with her family. In addition to writing and editing, Bacio teaches college courses in English, journalism, film studies and popular culture.
Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter
Today we have a spotlight for:
A Date with Deathby
Louisa Bacio
Death sucks. It’s boring, and there’s no chance of getting laid. Stuck in the waiting room of Heaven, Maise fantasizes about all the pleasures of the flesh she didn’t get to experience. When Maise discovers a business card for the dating service, 1Night Stand, she wonders if there’s still a chance.
Reece normally wouldn’t consider being set up, but after his brother buys him a certificate, he feels obligated. A romantic night on the Southern California coast, with the full-of-life Maise leaves him wanting more.
Will a 1Night Stand be enough to overcome death?
Buy Links: Decadent Publishing / Amazon / Nook
Excerpt: He reached under the table, resting his hand on her thigh. “Want more?”
A zing of desire traveled through her body. “Not food.”
Maise worried her bottom lip between her teeth, thinking about the perfection of kissing him. Perhaps there was something to this dating service.
He slipped his hand into hers and led her back inside. With his thumb, he caressed the C-shape between her index finger and her thumb, sending a current of sensations fluttering through her system.
“I might be able think of one or two things to entertain you. First, will you dance with me?”
He stopped to turn on the stereo, and a slow Latin jazz began. Warm guitars built a rhythm that matched the beat of Maise’s heart. Reece held his hand out in offering, and the look of hopefulness on his face touched her. A man who’d suffered more than one loss in his recent past, he’d come for this date to get away and maybe find a glimmer of hope for the future.
She couldn’t be the one to turn him down. She stepped within the comfort of his embrace. In his arms, it was as if her other problems didn’t exist. The tightness in her chest began to unwind. If only they could stay here, in this resort, forever.
About the Author:
Louisa Bacio is the author of five erotic novels, including the paranormal series The Vampire, The Witch& The Werewolf, and numerous steamy short stories.Bacio enjoys soaking up the sun in Southern California, and spending time with her family. In addition to writing and editing, Bacio teaches college courses in English, journalism, film studies and popular culture.
Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter
October 15, 2012
Author, author... #giveaway
read all about it.....
...presents a Release Day Blitz!!!!!!!
The Monster of Fame
by
Aimée Duffy
Can the voice of an angel heal a tortured soul?
Annabelle MacIntosh enters a reality singing contest to save her family from their mounting debt. Miles Oliver, celebrity judge and the owner of the biggest record company in the UK, doesn’t think she has what it takes. She sings like an angel, but when she performs all he can focus on is the terror in her eyes. It’s a look he knows only too well. After the pressure of fame destroyed his wife, Miles swore he’d never let the same thing happen to anyone else. Driven by the guilt he’s carried for years, Miles tries everything in his power to make sure Annabelle doesn’t succeed, because he doesn’t believe she’ll survive it.
Annabelle needs that prize money, and she’s determined to win it. As she fights to make it through each round of the contest, an attraction begins to develop between the two adversaries. The longer Annabelle remains in the competition, the deeper her attraction grows to the man who’s trying to prevent her from reaching her goal. Can she convince Miles she’s strong enough to fight the fame monster and win?
Genre(s): Contemporary Romance
Excerpt
He followed her to the kitchen, trying to keep his gaze from dropping to her shapely rear and only managing sporadically. In the last six years, no woman ever fired his blood quite like she did. Since the death of his wife, the guilt he felt taking another woman to bed doused the fire of his libido more effectively than jumping into a pool of ice cold water.
“We only have white. I hope that’s okay,” she said as she pulled a bottle from the Smeg fridge.
“White’s fine,” he assured her. She reached for the top shelf of one of the cupboards, pulling out two glasses. A strip of pearly skin flashed at her waist as the top rose. His eyes were drawn to the creamy concave of her stomach. His throat was taught. Every part of him itched to be closer to her.
“Here we go.” Annabelle carried the glasses over to the work surface he was leaning on. She was so close, her floral scent engulfed him.
“Annabelle,” he whispered huskily. She looked up at him, surprise crossing her features until she looked harder. She must have seen the feral hunger in his expression, known that when his attention dropped to her plump lips it was because he wanted to taste them. When his gaze locked hers, a flush stained her cheeks, but this time it wasn’t embarrassment.
Her colbalt eyes dropped to his lips and she moistened hers. Miles doubted anyone could resist this kind of desire. This feeling went beyond lust to an almost carnal level. It was all consuming and he didn’t have the strength to fight it.
Worse still, he didn’t want to.
With his mind filled with nothing but her, he dipped his head down and brushed his mouth against pink lips as soft as rose petals—intending to pull away after a second—but an all consuming need sped through his veins with a force he couldn’t control. Instead of pulling back he cupped the nape of her neck with his hand and deepened the kiss.
Annabelle’s mouth opened and he could taste her sweet breath on his tongue. She melted against him, as she snaked her hands around his neck. Every part of his body that touched hers burned and for the first time in six years, he was harder than granite.
He pulled his lips from hers and feathered her jaw with kisses. She gasped when he reached her neck, igniting his desire to an inferno. “Annabelle,” he groaned against the skin at her collarbone and she shivered all over.
He closed his eyes and nibbled her silky skin. Just as he was about to move back to her lips, Cassie’s face—grey and lifeless—flashed to the forefront of his mind. His heated blood morphed into cold sludge in his veins and his erection dissolved as swiftly as it had come.
Miles released her, instantaneously jumping back as if her touch burned him. Annabelle’s skin flushed and her eyes were so dark, they were no longer blue. Confusion colored her expression and he couldn’t speak. Guilt lay heavy in his gut, threatening to travel up his throat and choke him.
Closing his eyes, he pinched the bridge of his nose and took a deep breath. Cassie’s face—cold and lifeless—was ingrained against his lids and the sick feeling came back, the same as it had when he’d found her dead in their apartment.
“Miles?” He opened his eyes to Annabelle’s crest fallen face. His was so numb he couldn’t imagine what kind of expression he wore.
“I…can’t” he choked out and started toward the door, pushing away her outstretched hand. Once outside he gulped in a breath of cool night air and jumped into his car. What had he been thinking? He was supposed to befriend the girl, not kiss her until he became drunk with desire.
Buy Link: Beachwalk Press
Watch the Trailer:
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3l2vmkMibok
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Author Bio
A lifelong bookworm with an addiction to happily ever afters, Aimée Duffy has read romance for as long as she can remember. After spending years dreaming up her own handsome heroes and feisty heroines, she finally decided to put pen to paper and write.
She lives in Central Scotland, surrounded by family and friends. By day, she works in a private firm of lawyers, and by night she considers herself extremely lucky to be writing the books she loves to read, and to have the opportunity to share her characters’ happy ever afters with readers. In her free time she enjoys hillwalking and handbag shopping.
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The Monster of Fame by
Aimée Duffy
Can the voice of an angel heal a tortured soul?
Annabelle MacIntosh enters a reality singing contest to save her family from their mounting debt. Miles Oliver, celebrity judge and the owner of the biggest record company in the UK, doesn’t think she has what it takes. She sings like an angel, but when she performs all he can focus on is the terror in her eyes. It’s a look he knows only too well. After the pressure of fame destroyed his wife, Miles swore he’d never let the same thing happen to anyone else. Driven by the guilt he’s carried for years, Miles tries everything in his power to make sure Annabelle doesn’t succeed, because he doesn’t believe she’ll survive it.
Annabelle needs that prize money, and she’s determined to win it. As she fights to make it through each round of the contest, an attraction begins to develop between the two adversaries. The longer Annabelle remains in the competition, the deeper her attraction grows to the man who’s trying to prevent her from reaching her goal. Can she convince Miles she’s strong enough to fight the fame monster and win?
Genre(s): Contemporary Romance
Excerpt
He followed her to the kitchen, trying to keep his gaze from dropping to her shapely rear and only managing sporadically. In the last six years, no woman ever fired his blood quite like she did. Since the death of his wife, the guilt he felt taking another woman to bed doused the fire of his libido more effectively than jumping into a pool of ice cold water.
“We only have white. I hope that’s okay,” she said as she pulled a bottle from the Smeg fridge.
“White’s fine,” he assured her. She reached for the top shelf of one of the cupboards, pulling out two glasses. A strip of pearly skin flashed at her waist as the top rose. His eyes were drawn to the creamy concave of her stomach. His throat was taught. Every part of him itched to be closer to her.
“Here we go.” Annabelle carried the glasses over to the work surface he was leaning on. She was so close, her floral scent engulfed him.
“Annabelle,” he whispered huskily. She looked up at him, surprise crossing her features until she looked harder. She must have seen the feral hunger in his expression, known that when his attention dropped to her plump lips it was because he wanted to taste them. When his gaze locked hers, a flush stained her cheeks, but this time it wasn’t embarrassment.
Her colbalt eyes dropped to his lips and she moistened hers. Miles doubted anyone could resist this kind of desire. This feeling went beyond lust to an almost carnal level. It was all consuming and he didn’t have the strength to fight it.
Worse still, he didn’t want to.
With his mind filled with nothing but her, he dipped his head down and brushed his mouth against pink lips as soft as rose petals—intending to pull away after a second—but an all consuming need sped through his veins with a force he couldn’t control. Instead of pulling back he cupped the nape of her neck with his hand and deepened the kiss.
Annabelle’s mouth opened and he could taste her sweet breath on his tongue. She melted against him, as she snaked her hands around his neck. Every part of his body that touched hers burned and for the first time in six years, he was harder than granite.
He pulled his lips from hers and feathered her jaw with kisses. She gasped when he reached her neck, igniting his desire to an inferno. “Annabelle,” he groaned against the skin at her collarbone and she shivered all over.
He closed his eyes and nibbled her silky skin. Just as he was about to move back to her lips, Cassie’s face—grey and lifeless—flashed to the forefront of his mind. His heated blood morphed into cold sludge in his veins and his erection dissolved as swiftly as it had come.
Miles released her, instantaneously jumping back as if her touch burned him. Annabelle’s skin flushed and her eyes were so dark, they were no longer blue. Confusion colored her expression and he couldn’t speak. Guilt lay heavy in his gut, threatening to travel up his throat and choke him.Closing his eyes, he pinched the bridge of his nose and took a deep breath. Cassie’s face—cold and lifeless—was ingrained against his lids and the sick feeling came back, the same as it had when he’d found her dead in their apartment.
“Miles?” He opened his eyes to Annabelle’s crest fallen face. His was so numb he couldn’t imagine what kind of expression he wore.
“I…can’t” he choked out and started toward the door, pushing away her outstretched hand. Once outside he gulped in a breath of cool night air and jumped into his car. What had he been thinking? He was supposed to befriend the girl, not kiss her until he became drunk with desire.
Buy Link: Beachwalk Press
Watch the Trailer:
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3l2vmkMibok
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Author Bio
A lifelong bookworm with an addiction to happily ever afters, Aimée Duffy has read romance for as long as she can remember. After spending years dreaming up her own handsome heroes and feisty heroines, she finally decided to put pen to paper and write.She lives in Central Scotland, surrounded by family and friends. By day, she works in a private firm of lawyers, and by night she considers herself extremely lucky to be writing the books she loves to read, and to have the opportunity to share her characters’ happy ever afters with readers. In her free time she enjoys hillwalking and handbag shopping.
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October 14, 2012
Author, author...
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In the spotlight.....
Biz Jet JumpSeat by Telma CortezAerosexual series Blurp:A blistering turnaround for Jana
After a risqué stunt gets her fired from her flight attendant job, Jana finds an even better position, as crew for Dominatrix Productions. Excerpt: The next morning, Jana checked out early, ready for her first flight with Dominatrix Productions. Cynthia had sent her a text message letting her know that she could wear anything she wanted, but the more skin she showed the better. Jana was taken aback by the message, but relieved she no longer had to parade around in khakis and polo shirts. She chose a thin, flowing tank top. The sparkles along the dark red fabric perfectly matched the hem of her black skirt that stopped short a few inches above her knee and revealed the murals painted into the sides of Jana's legs. Starting at her feet, the depiction of a beautiful vine wove around her ankle and up her leg, blossoming into bursts of flowers on her thighs before disappearing beneath her clothing. Jana felt sexy and capable when she looked herself up and down in the mirror. She went down to the lobby for the complimentary breakfast as she waited for her ride. Not too long after she finished breakfast, her cell phone rang and she could see a limo pulling in front of the hotel. It was Cynthia, letting her know they were outside. As she stepped through the hotel doors onto the street, Cynthia emerged from the limo. She wore a tight blue dress that hugged her curves in all the right places. Cynthia smiled at Jana as she approached, nodding in approval at her appearance. During the short drive, Cynthia ran through what Jana could expect on the job. It was typical work as Cynthia explained. She would mostly be responsible for beverages and food. Cynthia smiled. "The plane is stocked with small amounts of almost anything imaginable, so satiating the needs of executives shouldn't be too far out of your capability." There was a hint too, of something in Cynthia's voice that Jana couldn't quite put a finger on. It was something that Cynthia hoped Jana would understand without needing it spelled out for her. But, Jana wasn't scared. She was eager to experience something different, and confidant that she could handle whatever they threw at her.
They arrived at the airport and went through security. Cynthia already had an employee badge made up for Jana, and they got through pretty quickly. They turned from the main terminal and exited the building down a flight of stairs. The jet was parked on the tarmac, not too far away. Cynthia ushered Jana on board and she felt an odd sense of pride when she looked up towards the terminal windows of the airport, wondering how many pairs of eyes were on her at that moment. She stopped in her tracks when she saw the aircraft cabin. There was a table situated in front of a curved couch, six full-length lounge chairs with fold over desks, and an amazing amount of open space in place of rows and rows of cramped seating. The décor was a modern mutation of seventies hues and angles. In the back of the plane in one of the plush lounge chairs sat Jana's new boss. Over dinner he had introduced himself as Thomas, but said he preferred to be called by his middle name, Anton, instead. He waved to the women and motioned for them to come over. Jana wore a look of amazement as she walked down the aisle. He reached into a cabinet built into the wall of the plane and pulled out a box with the company's insignia on it. Anton handed it to Jana with a smile and welcomed her on-board. On the ride to the airport she learned the company was the front for an adult entertainment empire. Anton had started the company out of college and built it to expand over websites, social media clubs, movie production and distribution; along with a slew of other small niche ventures. Cynthia had joined with him early and earned a generous salary to be his personal assistant. As the company was continuing to rapidly grow, Cynthia was finding she might be better off working during the flights instead of playing the role of his personal flight attendant. Cynthia had said to Jana during the ride that she was being trained to take Cynthia's place with Anton in the skies. "And believe me," she said, "you'll be flying way up there in the skies… if you catch my wind." Jana had only smiled in return, but was beginning to get the hint. She opened the box in her hands and all of her suspicions were confirmed. Against a tiny, beautiful, black satin pillow sat a sterling pair of diamond nipple clamps. Jana looked down at them. She was shocked, but enticed. Instead of being nervous, Jana took the opportunity to make an impression and establish herself as part of her new crew. She looked Anton in the eye, feeling Cynthia drink in every moment. She took one of the nipple clamps from the box and attached it to her pinkie, admiring the glimmer of the diamonds in the light of the plane. "Is this the entire uniform, or can I add a few bracelets to the mix?" Amazon Buy Link The Trailer: Link> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phzP1oIHz64 Embed code: About the Author: Write what you know, they say. Telma Cortez is an author and a flight attendant. She’s unzipping the sex lives of those working in the theater in the sky. ‘The Aerosexual Series’ is currently short erotic novels based on the sexual experiences of the aviation world from pilots to flight attendants, passengers to buziness jet owners. It might be hard to imagine, but the airline business is small. Word gets around from crew room to aircraft galley, overnight bar and hotel crew rooms where only airline crew are allowed to socialize. This is where she gets all of her juicy gossip and full on descriptions of crew antics for her stories If you’ve read and liked 50 shades of Grey then you’re bound to like Telma and ‘The Aerosexual series’. The mile high club is for pilot cadets, Telma’s stories are stratospheric… Site Twitter Facebook 
In the spotlight..... Biz Jet JumpSeat by Telma CortezAerosexual series Blurp:A blistering turnaround for Jana
After a risqué stunt gets her fired from her flight attendant job, Jana finds an even better position, as crew for Dominatrix Productions. Excerpt: The next morning, Jana checked out early, ready for her first flight with Dominatrix Productions. Cynthia had sent her a text message letting her know that she could wear anything she wanted, but the more skin she showed the better. Jana was taken aback by the message, but relieved she no longer had to parade around in khakis and polo shirts. She chose a thin, flowing tank top. The sparkles along the dark red fabric perfectly matched the hem of her black skirt that stopped short a few inches above her knee and revealed the murals painted into the sides of Jana's legs. Starting at her feet, the depiction of a beautiful vine wove around her ankle and up her leg, blossoming into bursts of flowers on her thighs before disappearing beneath her clothing. Jana felt sexy and capable when she looked herself up and down in the mirror. She went down to the lobby for the complimentary breakfast as she waited for her ride. Not too long after she finished breakfast, her cell phone rang and she could see a limo pulling in front of the hotel. It was Cynthia, letting her know they were outside. As she stepped through the hotel doors onto the street, Cynthia emerged from the limo. She wore a tight blue dress that hugged her curves in all the right places. Cynthia smiled at Jana as she approached, nodding in approval at her appearance. During the short drive, Cynthia ran through what Jana could expect on the job. It was typical work as Cynthia explained. She would mostly be responsible for beverages and food. Cynthia smiled. "The plane is stocked with small amounts of almost anything imaginable, so satiating the needs of executives shouldn't be too far out of your capability." There was a hint too, of something in Cynthia's voice that Jana couldn't quite put a finger on. It was something that Cynthia hoped Jana would understand without needing it spelled out for her. But, Jana wasn't scared. She was eager to experience something different, and confidant that she could handle whatever they threw at her.
They arrived at the airport and went through security. Cynthia already had an employee badge made up for Jana, and they got through pretty quickly. They turned from the main terminal and exited the building down a flight of stairs. The jet was parked on the tarmac, not too far away. Cynthia ushered Jana on board and she felt an odd sense of pride when she looked up towards the terminal windows of the airport, wondering how many pairs of eyes were on her at that moment. She stopped in her tracks when she saw the aircraft cabin. There was a table situated in front of a curved couch, six full-length lounge chairs with fold over desks, and an amazing amount of open space in place of rows and rows of cramped seating. The décor was a modern mutation of seventies hues and angles. In the back of the plane in one of the plush lounge chairs sat Jana's new boss. Over dinner he had introduced himself as Thomas, but said he preferred to be called by his middle name, Anton, instead. He waved to the women and motioned for them to come over. Jana wore a look of amazement as she walked down the aisle. He reached into a cabinet built into the wall of the plane and pulled out a box with the company's insignia on it. Anton handed it to Jana with a smile and welcomed her on-board. On the ride to the airport she learned the company was the front for an adult entertainment empire. Anton had started the company out of college and built it to expand over websites, social media clubs, movie production and distribution; along with a slew of other small niche ventures. Cynthia had joined with him early and earned a generous salary to be his personal assistant. As the company was continuing to rapidly grow, Cynthia was finding she might be better off working during the flights instead of playing the role of his personal flight attendant. Cynthia had said to Jana during the ride that she was being trained to take Cynthia's place with Anton in the skies. "And believe me," she said, "you'll be flying way up there in the skies… if you catch my wind." Jana had only smiled in return, but was beginning to get the hint. She opened the box in her hands and all of her suspicions were confirmed. Against a tiny, beautiful, black satin pillow sat a sterling pair of diamond nipple clamps. Jana looked down at them. She was shocked, but enticed. Instead of being nervous, Jana took the opportunity to make an impression and establish herself as part of her new crew. She looked Anton in the eye, feeling Cynthia drink in every moment. She took one of the nipple clamps from the box and attached it to her pinkie, admiring the glimmer of the diamonds in the light of the plane. "Is this the entire uniform, or can I add a few bracelets to the mix?" Amazon Buy Link The Trailer: Link> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phzP1oIHz64 Embed code: About the Author: Write what you know, they say. Telma Cortez is an author and a flight attendant. She’s unzipping the sex lives of those working in the theater in the sky. ‘The Aerosexual Series’ is currently short erotic novels based on the sexual experiences of the aviation world from pilots to flight attendants, passengers to buziness jet owners. It might be hard to imagine, but the airline business is small. Word gets around from crew room to aircraft galley, overnight bar and hotel crew rooms where only airline crew are allowed to socialize. This is where she gets all of her juicy gossip and full on descriptions of crew antics for her stories If you’ve read and liked 50 shades of Grey then you’re bound to like Telma and ‘The Aerosexual series’. The mile high club is for pilot cadets, Telma’s stories are stratospheric… Site Twitter Facebook
