Susan Griscom's Blog, page 19

An Interview with NELY CAB, Author of CREATURA - Excerpt and Giveaway!

Title: CreaturaAuthor: Nely Cab2nd Edition Publication: August 6th, 2013 Word Count: approx. 82,000Genre: YA Paranormal RomanceRecommended Age:  13+
Synopsis: Isis can control her dreams. Or she could—until recently. The creature in her nightmares has been haunting her for months. As if being dumped wasn’t bad enough, now she dreads going to sleep. She decides to confront the creature and win back some of her peace; only, she finds that he’s not a monster and he’s not a dream.

A sacrifice for love, a shocking discovery and a jealous ex-boyfriend blur the lines between reality and dreams, making it hard to tell who the real monsters are.

Who would’ve known…that sometimes love is lethal?
Amazon| Barnes & Noble | GoodReads

About the Author:Nely Cab was born on December 9, 1974, in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico. She has lived and resided in a small, quiet South Texas town most of her life. Putting her Computer Accounting skills to use, Cab worked in banking for several years. In 2001, the author relocated to Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, where she dedicated time to the study of culinary arts and the art of oil painting. After her return to the U.S., Nely resumed her employment in banking and later transitioned to the field of Social Work. Today, Nely Cab writes from the comfort of her home, where she lives with her husband and son. Her life goal is to check-off Bucket List Item No. 95,623,351: To Conquer the World. While she aspires world domination, Nely continues to work on her debut series Creatura.Amazon Author Page | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads | Blog | Website

THE INTERVIEW
Hi Nely, I’m so glad you could join me today. I know your fans are eager to learn a little bit about you, I know I am.  
1. When did you decide you wanted to write a novel?I didn’t. I decided I wanted to write short stories and Creatura just developed into a novel on its own. It was purely accidental.
2.  Is there any message in your novel that you hope to convey to your readers? Yes, if you read Creatura you’ll find that there it touches on family unity, faith, respect and chivalry. These are things that I feel our younger generations are forgetting. I wrote them in the book in hopes that we’d remember not to take these for granted.
3.  Is there anything unique about the setting for your book?The setting of the book is in the town I consider home. Los Fresnos is small town with a population of 5000 residents, surrounded by farmland and rural routes. I graduated from Los Fresnos High School, which is the same school Isis attends. The beach is only 25 minutes away from it.
4.  Do your characters seem real to you? Can you relate to their story in any way that you would like to share with your fans?My characters do feel real to me. If they didn’t, I don’t think I could write their stories. The connection between my characters and me is special, because each of them has a little something from my own personality that I knit into their character. I can relate to the relationship between Isis and David because it’s very similar to experiences I had when I had admirers trying to woo me—of course none of them were deities. They gave me roses, sang to me, serenaded me, held doors open, pulled out chairs...surprised me with chocolate and stuffed animals. And I was only a teenager when all these things romantic gestures happened. Who knew I’d be using these experiences later in life to write a book.
5.  Do your characters remind you of any one in particular? Isis reminds me of my sister because she was modeled after her. Galen reminds me of my brother because I took a lot of his personality to mold Galen’s character.
6.  Does your heroine have any of yourself in her? If so, what features are those? Isis is stubborn and a romantic at heart. She sets her mind on something and nothing can sway her. She’s also too quick to trust people.
7.  Do your characters change throughout the course of the story?Yes. Through the experiences they live, they become more mature.8.  Was any part of the book difficult to write or make you feel uncomfortable?The ending was horrible. I hate scenes like that. I can’t tell you about it because it’ll ruin the story.
9.  Was there any particular song or song track that inspired Creatura?Yes, there were three actually and I’ll provide the lyrics that most spoke to me:1.      Boulevard of Broken Dreams by Green Day“I walk this empty streetOn the Boulevard of Broken DreamsWhen the city sleepsAnd I'm the only one and I walk alone
My shadow's the only one that walks beside meMy shallow heart's the only thing that's beatingSometimes I wish someone up there will find me'til then I walk alone”
2.     Amazing by Kanye West“I'm a monster, I'm a mavenI know this world is changingNever gave in, never gave upI'm the only thing I'm afraid of…”
3.    Love Lockdown by Kanye West“I'm not lovin' you the way I wanted toWhat I had to do, had to run from youI'm in love with you but the vibe is wrongAnd that haunted me all the way home”
10.  Creatura has a gorgeous cover. Can you tell us how you chose the picture?I was perusing through Phatpuppy’s gallery when I came across it. It was just so very perfect. The model had all the emotions that I wanted portrayed: solitude and a hint of fear that caused her that look of fury.
11.  When you write, are you a plotter or a panster? I’m mostly a punster at the beginning. Then the plotting comes in when I get that initial high out of my system.
12.  How long did it take you to write Creatura? It took me a year and a half because I was in no hurry. I really never had given thought to publishing it.
13.  What’s in store for the future. Any other books in the works?Currently, I’m writing book 2 in the Creatura series; it’s slowly but surely getting finished. I also have a new idea for an untitled New Adult book series, but I’m not sure about that one yet.
14.  Can you describe your writing workspace? If you work at a desk, what is on your desk right now. I work at a desk. On my left, there are books by other authors and lots of Creatura swag. In the middle and at the desk’s angle (picture a right angle) is my computer right in front of me. Off to the back of the computer and to the left a bit, there’s my wish wall. It’s where I keep pictures of my bucket list items. To my right is a lighted vanity mirror (my desk is misused often lol!) and my diet soda, water and office supplies, like tape, staple, pens etc. It’s a real mess in here!
Fun StuffWhite or Red Wine? Neither. Favorite Ice Cream? Chocolate and Pistachio Favorite Food? ALL OF IT!Favorite place to read? Anywhere that it’s nice and quiet.
Thank you for sharing your most inner secrets with us today.

 And thank you for having me as guest! 

NOW PLEASE ENJOY THIS EXCERPT FROM CREATURA


In my dreams, he watches me. Haunts me. He’s the cause of my nightmares, and the dread of my nights. 

My name is Isis Martin, and I’m seventeen years old. I suffer from a sleeping disorder. After three months, I’m finding it difficult to function on one or two hours of sleep per night.


Today I’ve got another session with Dr. Jameson. He’s my best friend’s dad and the only psychiatrist in town. He suggested I start a journal to release my stress and maybe one day I’d be able to sleep again. He says my recurring dream is only a reflection of my anxiety to sleep, but there’s something that tells me he’s wrong.


***


I had always been able to control my dreams. I don’t know how, but I could. In my sleep I discovered worlds that only existed in my imagination. My favorite was a poppy field where the sun rested over the horizon frozen in time for no one else but me. The meadow with the odd shaped tree that I had named Infinity was my private haven and my emotional sanctuary. In that far away land, night never came and day never broke. It was the place where tears did not fall and worries did not exist…until the nightmares began. 


***


“You’re proposing a wager?”


I nodded. 


“If I win, you’ll leave my dreams forever,” I said.


He gazed at me for a moment. Maybe it was just my imagination, but I thought I saw trace of a grin on his face.


“If I should win, you will believe I am not a dream,” David said. 


“If you say so,” I snickered. “I guess this is goodbye since I’ll be winning.” 


“And…” he said


“There’s more?”


“And…you will never again come here.”


“Okay,” I said. “Fair enough.”


“And…” he said again.


“That’s too many ‘ands’.”


“And…” he continued, “I bid you not farewell, but good morrow.”


David tipped his head as he disappeared, leaving behind a cloud of golden dust.


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A Hot and Steamy Sale This Weekend

Make your weekend Hot and Steamy   Whisper Cape Only .99 cents for the entire weekendAugust 24 and 25, 2013


Because I love you ♥

The Music Behind LOVE, LIES, & DECEPTION by L.P. Dover

Please join me in welcoming the lovely L.P. Dover to my blog today as she reveals the The music behind Love, Lies and Deception. But first, a little about the book...

Title: Love, Lies, and Deception
Author: L.P. Dover


Synopsis

What do you do when the one person you thought you knew turns out to be the one you knew the least?

Twenty-three year old Marissa Chase, and soon to be college graduate, has everything going for her: wonderful friends, a lucrative degree, and a chance to explore the world. What made it even better – or so she thought – was when her path crossed with the alluring Alec Holden. Unable to stay away from him, Marissa experiences a love like no other, and falls into his world of passion and intrigue. However, things begin to shift when this path takes a deadly turn.

Her trust is put to the test when hidden dangers unfold before her, revealing secrets that have been buried for years. Secrets that were meant to stay hidden. Murder, lies, and betrayal … will Marissa figure it all out in time and escape with her life intact, or will she be too late and fall into the trap of deception?
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17989749-love-lies-deception
 What a gorgeous cover. Check out the full print version.
Now for the music behind Love, Lies, and Deception. The music behind the book is actually an interesting topic. I have no clue why I had such a desire to choose the music I did, but it just felt right. My characters in Love, Lies, and Deception remind me so much of how I was when I was in college. I went to Appalachian State University and that is where I have my characters attending. It brought back so many memories. During my time there, I remembered a lot of the songs I used to jam to back then, most of them being 90’s R&B songs.When so many of the songs reminded me of my story I thought, “hey, why not have a 90’s playlist?”Hence, the reason why I have all 90’s songs on my playlist. When I went through my edits, all I did was listen to the songs I had picked out over and over.  What can I say … I’m a 90’s chick.
PLAYLIST
When Can I see You by BabyfaceAnytime by Brian McKnightI Wanna Sex You Up by Color Me BaddAll My Life by K-Ci and JoJoDon’t Leave Me by BlackstreetNumb by Linkin ParkCupid by 112Too Close by NextYou Make Me Wanna by UsherIn the End by Linkin ParkTwisted by Keith Sweat
Back at One by Brian McKnight
Something about L.P. Dover:
               L.P. Dover lives in the beautiful state of North Carolina with her husband and two wonderful daughters.  She’s an avid reader that loves her collection of books. Writing has always been her passion and she’s delighted to share it with the world.  L.P. Dover spent several years in college starting out with a major in Psychology and then switching to dental.  She worked in the dental field for eight years and then decided to stay home with her two beautiful girls. Her works consist of the Forever Fae series, and the Second Chances series. She’s really excited to be able to experience writing in the different genres.  Her reading used to consist of nothing but suspense thrillers, but now she can't get away from the paranormal/fantasy books.  Now that she has started on her passion and began writing, you will not see her go anywhere without a notebook, pen, and her secret energy builder … chocolate.L.P. Dover can be found at: www.authorlpdoverbooks.comEmail: lpdover@authorlpdoverbooks.comTwitter: @LPDoverFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/LP-Dover/318455714919114Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/L.P.-Dover/e/B00AFVV8TG/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1374003942&sr=8-2-entGoodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6526309.L_P_Dover
 Excerpt:
Taking a deep breath, I turned around to face him with his hands still holding onto my arms. “Are you asking me on another date?” I asked, teasing him. 
He smirked, a slow tilting of his lip that had me aching to bite it. “That’s up to you if that’s what you want to call it,” he murmured heatedly.
“What if I do want to call it that?” I asked boldly.
Alec pinned me up against the counter and placed his arms on both sides of me, locking me in to the confines of his body. His piercing blue gaze held me captive, and I was drowning, struggling to breathe as he moved closer.
Bending low, he continued his torturous teasing by breathing across my neck. My eyes fluttered closed as his lips connected with the tender flesh at my collarbone. I shivered as the chill bumps fanned across my skin and made me weak. His voice in my ear immediately counteracted the chills. “If you want to call this dating, then I think that usually requires a little bit of touching, does it not?”My breathing accelerated as Alec’s body grew flush with mine, leaning dangerously against me. He tilted my head back slightly so I had to look into his face. Slowly, I placed my hands on his hips, and instead of touching the waist of his jeans I was met with the bare skin of his body where his shirt had lifted up.
Holy shit, his skin felt hot! I could feel the ridges on his sides where they disappeared beneath his jeans, and I wanted nothing more than to trail my tongue down the contours of his muscles.
With hooded eyes, and a raspy, breathless voice, I replied, “I’m sure it’s customary to withstand some touching, but not too much since I don’t know you very well.” I said it, but my body didn’t really mean it, and he could tell I was lying to myself.
Slowly, he brought his hand to my face and trailed one of his long, lithe fingers over my cheek and down my neck. “Like this,” he insisted, swirling his finger around my neck. “Is this the kind of touching we’re allowed to do?” Chill bumps exploded across my skin, making me shiver.
“Yes,” I breathed, relishing in the feel of his touch. “Just like that.”
Closing my eyes, I sighed as he trailed his finger further down, stopping at my navel. The heat of his breath fanned across my face as I felt him dipping lower. I didn’t dare open my eyes and risk breaking the connection, but I wanted to see the heat in his gaze. Ever so slowly, his mouth connected with mine, soft and confident. He lingered for a moment, not moving, just his lips touched lightly to mine.
I wanted more … a lot more.
****************************Now I want more. Can't wait to read this. 

COVER REVEAL - ON THE RUN by MaryLynn Bast

Title: ON THE RUN Author: MaryLynn BastSeries: Heart Of a Wolf SeriesGenre: ParanormalPublisher: Werewolf Tails PublishingRelease Date: TBABlurb/Synopsis: With the Wolf Council after her, Amber is on the run. Leaving Blake behind, her true love, she’s never been in one place long enough to make any other friends and when she actually meets Giovana, Amber is happy, but leery. With good reason.

MaryLynn Bast moved from Texas to Las Vegas in July 2010. Currently a full time student working on her Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design, MaryLynn works as a consultant for a contractor with the US Military, traveling from base to base across the US and around the world. MaryLynn is thrilled to meet many new people and experience the different cultures. MaryLynn recently visited a pet rescue in search of a kitten. After hearing the horrible story of how one cat was treated, she adopted a one and a half year of black cat. Magic won her heart immediately and has trained her very well.


Places to find MaryLynn
Amazon Author Page   BlogFacebook PersonalFacebook PageGoodreadsLinkedInPinterestTwitter

2,000 LIKES GIVEAWAY!!!!

I said when I hit 2,000 “Likes” on Facebook, I would have a giveaway. Well, guess what? I am now at 2,045 and growing. 2,000 likes is a huge milestone and I really want to show my appreciation to all my fans and offer some fantastic prizes. Because, after all, you are the reason I keep at this. I know I would continue to write, but I don’t think I’d be as eager to share if not for all my wonder fans. I hope you all like the line- up I have for you. There will be Five (5) winners. All signed print copies and swag open to US only. All other prizes are international. Good Luck!! ♥
1 Audible Audio Unabridged Edition of Allusive Aftershock 
Narrated by Rachel Jacobs, the audiobook is 8 hours and 43 minutes.  Click here to listen to a sample.





And... 1 Original Allusive Aftershock Tote bag filled with various swag, including a signed paperback  of Allusive Aftershock in paperback, Allusive Aftershock and Whisper Cape themed lip balm, key chain, post cards and bookmarks.








And...
1 signed paperback of Allusive Aftershock with signed bookmarks and postcards.
A young adult novel about destruction, friendship, betrayal, and love.

What happens when a major earthquake changes life as you know it and the boy you thought you hated ends up saving you? Three times!

Courtland Reese is the guy everyone hates and makes fun of because ... well, he is weird. He communicates with animals. Strange or interesting, seventeen-year-old Adela Castielle can't quite figure out, but when he saves her from being trampled by her own horse, she begins to understand him a little better and wants to learn more about him.

But, Max--her best friend/dream guy/someday-to-be-her-husband-only-he-doesn't-know-it-yet--hates Courtland with a passion. Adela wants to know why, except neither boy is talking.

When Max leaves her stranded in his parents' wine cave with his worst enemy, Courtland, after what the experts are calling a "megathrust" earthquake, Adela starts to question her loyalty to Max as steamy kisses in a dark damp cellar only fuel her emotions with more conflict.

But does she really have time to worry about that when fire, destruction and mayhem surround her?
And... 1 e-book copy of Whisper Cape book 1A Steamy Paranormal Romance/Suspense
5 Stars Phenomenal Book!!! Top Pick Review- Night Owl ReviewsA powerful woman, an extraordinary man, and a maniac who wants to destroy them. Fate has brought them together, but will it make them stronger or destroy them all in end?
Escape to a world where the impossible becomes possible and sparks ignite.
WHISPER CAPE is a town of secrets and Addison MacKenna soon becomes tangled in a web of them. Plagued with nightmares of her father's sudden and brutal death, Addie struggles with her anguish and refuses to believe his demise was accidental. 
Fighting to shake off one of those devastating early morning nightmares, Addison finds it even harder to escape from the vision of a man lying on the side of the road--a man she may have just killed. When she frantically tries to locate him, he seemingly disappears, just the beginning of strange occurrences in her life. She also cannot ignore the weird sensations in her own body. Suddenly, the impossible seems possible, but is that a blessing or a curse? 
Believing that her continual and worsening nightmares are both the key to her own new abilities and the clue to her father's death, Addie knows she will not rest until she has the answers she craves. As she strives to cope with her new remarkable talents, someone else learns of her abilities--a disgruntled maniacal psychopath with his own agenda that involves eliminating Addie. The only one who can protect her, instruct her in the use of her powers and teach her how to destroy the murderous monster is the same man who makes Addie's heart race and her blood heat with passion. The same man she'd left for dead. 
Cael Sheridan may be arrogant and mysterious but he's also undeniably gorgeous. A member of a secret society, he is sworn to protect the woman he believes to be the daughter of his recently murdered mentor. In the process, he finds it impossible to resist her magnetic sensuality, complicating his efforts to shield and guide her as she learns to manage her newly acquired skills. At the same time, Addison has much to teach him about trust and commitment. Will fate win in the end? You be the judge.
Check it out on Amazon
And...
1 e-book copy of Reflections, Whisper Cape book 2

 Book 2 in the Steamy Paranormal Romance/Suspense, Whisper Cape SeriesWhat if you heard a voice whispering warnings while you coped with a frightening pregnancy? Knowing the future has its advantages...or does it?Can love survive the reflections and memories lost?Welcome to Maia's world.Gerry has loved Maia from the very first moment he laid eyes on her and now that she's pregnant with his child, he's over the moon with happiness. Likewise, Maia is overjoyed about having Gerry's baby, but when she starts seeing and hearing an old woman who warns Maia about the pregnancy, Maia starts to think she is losing her mind. But Maia's nightmare has only just begun...
A most sought after beautiful woman, the talented lead singer in an up and coming rock band, sets her sights on Gerry determined to rekindle an old flame. But murder befalls the sleepy town of Whisper Cape once again, creating suspicion and betrayal, and a love once considered invincible, begins to crumble and fall apart.
Check it out on Amazon 
Enter the Rafflecopter below to win. All signed print copies and swag open to US only. E-books and Audiobook prizes are international. Good Luck!! ♥
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A SECRET FATE - FRIDAY TEASER

I'm enjoying writing this third book in the series so much, I'm having trouble keeping it to myself until publication day. So enjoy this little snippet and I hope you have a super duper weekend. ♥
♥♥♥♥♥
“I’m a mess, Cael,” she whispered into the stillness of the room. A room so ghostly still since he’d been gone. Her mind and soul rendered a similar emptiness now that she couldn’t hear his thoughts or feel him in her head. “I miss you so, so much. Why can’t you hear me? Why can’t we communicate anymore? I know you’re not … gone from this world. That I know. I do feel that here.” She placed her hand over her heart as the single tear dripped down her cheek. Tired of crying, tired of the stabbing pain in her heart she wanted to feel something else. Anything else, but the only thing she had was her powers. She held out her hands and felt the heat generate through them and up her arms. She closed her eyes, willing the fire to take control.

Add it to your TBR on Goodreads
Be prepared for A Secret Fate and read Whisper Cape, Book 1 and Reflections, Book 2 . 
Amazon UK link for Whisper CapeAmazon UK link for ReflectionsHappy ReadingSusan

UNMASKING PAULIE BINGHAM by Anne Carter - INTERVIEW WITH PAULIE - REVIEW - GIVEAWAY.

It is my pleasure to welcome Anne Cater, author of Unmasking Paulie Bingham to my blog today. Stick around because we have some goodies in store for you. We have an excerpt from her new release, Unmasking Paulie Bingham, an awesome interview with Paulie Bingham himself, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Paulie is quite the charmer. And on top of all that, Anne is giving some cool stuff away, so be sure to check out the rafflecopter below and enter.

Title UNMASKING PAULIE BINGHAM

Author ANNE CARTER
Genre Romance, Murder Mystery Tour Host  Lady Amber's Tours




Synopsis
"The last thing I expected was to fall in love with a woman."

Until Katrina Newman touched his face for the first time, British pop star Paulie Bingham was content with his openly gay lifestyle. That he could be any other way never entered his mind. Now, with Kate tugging at his heartstrings, he begins a journey of self-discovery that will lead him through the best—and worst—times of his life.

Though her faith in him sometimes falters, Kate’s love for Paulie never ebbs despite his obsessive ways, his foray into drugs and his habitual infidelity. But will his connection to a high-profile London murder case prove more than Kate & Paulie’s tattered relationship can handle?
Something About Anne “I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else,” Anne Carter asserts, when asked about her life in Southern California, where she’s lived since she was two. She cites the people, the weather and the beach as factors in her love affair with the West coast. Family, too, provides an anchor to the area, which she describes as a melting pot of humanity, “rich with characters and plots just waiting to be written.”

While romantic mystery and suspense are her favorites, Anne has written middle grade mysteries, literary shorts, poetry and non-fiction. Long a lighthouse fanatic, it was only a matter of time before her obsessions intersected and a series of lighthouse novels emerged. Paranormal elements abound in both POINT SURRENDER and CAPE SEDUCTION, where mystery, romance and troubled ghosts provide hauntingly entertaining tales set in California lighthouses.

When she is not writing, editing or promoting, Anne enjoys time with her husband and children, two happy dogs and a psychotic cat. She is a skilled photo editor and loves restoring old snapshots and creating digital slideshows. Watch for the third paranormal lighthouse mystery, ANGEL'S GATE, coming soon!

For more about Anne Carter and to read excerpts, visit www. BeaconStreetBooks.com or write AnneCarter@BeaconStreetBooks.com.
Links
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... http://beaconstreetbooks.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/pamripling
Excer[t from Unmaskig Paulie Bingham “I’m here to see Paulie Bingham.”“What makes you think he’s here?”Kate swallowed, narrowed her eyes, and looked past the man into the house. “Because I gave him that leather jacket on the couch there, and he never goes anywhere without it,” she lied. “You expect me to believe that? And who are you?” Arms akimbo, the man squared his stance, tried to block her view. “I’m his fucking mother.” Now certain that Paulie was inside, Kate muscled her way in, tossed her bag onto the couch. “Where is he?”Sullen, the man gestured toward the hallway. Kate paused. “I suggest you get dressed and leave. Now.”“Oh, no way. Dude owes me money. I don’t mind giving him a little extra time to get himself together, so I’ll just hang out.”The cowboy boots placed neatly beside the wall clearly weren’t Paulie’s style. Kate picked them up, along with an adjacent stack of folded clothing, and shoved them at the man. “How much?”“One hundred for the hour. No, wait. Two hundred. Because he’s a junkie. Makes it tough.”Kate pulled some bills from the hip pocket of her jeans. “Here’s twenty. Be glad I don’t bust you, too. Now get the hell out.” She flashed a fake movie badge she had pocketed just in case. The rent boy gave her a wide-eyed stare, then hurried into his pants and carried the rest out the door. Kate sighed, waited until she heard the sports car start up and drive away.She was hesitant to go into the bedroom, afraid of what she might find. Afraid not to.She eased the door open. “Paulie?” she beckoned softly, peering into the darkened room. The light from a nightstand clock radio barely illuminated the figure of a man lying on the bed. “Paul?” she repeated, taking a halting step into the room. “Are you okay? It’s Kate.” She didn’t realize she was holding her breath until she heard him sigh. “Thank you,” she whispered, then moved closer to the bed.“I wish… I wish you were really here,” came his softly spoken words, wistful, weak.“I amhere.”“You are always here. But you always go ‘way.”Kate went to him, sat down on the edge of the bed, found his hand in the darkness. “I won’t go away. I promise.”

Now for the Interview Hello, Paulie, and welcome to my blog. Please make yourself comfortable. Would you like a glass of wine?
“Don’t mind if I do!”
Help yourself to some grapes and cheese. It’s Dubliner, my favorite and goes very well with that Cabernet you’re sipping.
“Great, thanks for remembering I’m a vegetarian. A vegetarian who can’t stop eating cheese...”
To start things off, can you tell us a little about yourself?
1.  Where do you live now?“I’m still in Southern California. I can’t keep away from the sunshine. Still adore London, but only on holidays to see my sister Peg. After a few days in the rain, I’m ready to come back here.”
2.  Paulie, one thing I’d love to know is when did you become a musician?“I was around twelve, thirteen. It was an escape. Some place I could go and not get beat upon. My mates and I practiced in an abandoned flat – a derelict house bombed out during the war and never repaired.”
3.  What type of music do you play?“We loved music in the style of T. Rex. Bowie. Freddie Mercury, later. We’d try anything once or twice, you know, the Mersey beat, the folk-house acoustic, even Disco—God, that was cringe-worthy! Ultimately we got into Glam rock. Today, I do whatever I fancy at the moment.”
4.  Were you a musician before you realized you were gay or after?“Funny you should ask. I think I never quite realized anything. I ... just... was. Both. Gay, and musical.”
5.  How surprised were you to find Katrina attractive?“Ah, Kate. Yes. I was quite surprised. I didn’t like her much, at first, cheeky little witch, telling me what to do, how to hold still, pushing my face around, you know... but when she professed her love, I just sort of... you know, I can’t describe it. I was quite confused. Scared.”
6.  Was there anything in particular that attracted you to Katrina?“She was strong. She was confident. All those things I wanted to be. She had power, and in my own twisted way, I sucked that power from her. I felt awkward and weak without her.”
7.  What is it about Kate that you love the most?“She has an inner beauty that wraps around everything. She cares. She puts others first—also her worst attribute. Me, Bonnie, Rob... never herself. “
8.  What on earth ever possessed you to partake in and experiment with drugs?(Pauses, looks away.)“That weakness I mentioned. I was a slave to attention. Peer pressure was my life at that time. There was this guy, I wanted to be close to him, and without the drugs, well, I wasn’t cool. He did coke and Ecstasy and such. When he tired of me, I went off on a vague sort of journey, and nothing satisfied me. Someone offered me smack.”(Pauses again, offers uneasy smile, scratches forehead.)“I can’t—I can’t explain why. It was just the next thing. Nothing else mattered.”
9.  Why do you think Kate seduced you when she knew you were gay?“Ha! Why does Kate do anything she does? Because she’s Kate. She knows what she wants. That night, apparently, she wanted me. Lord knows why...”
10.   How did she manage to persuade you to make love to her? “You would have had to have been there. We’d been sipping champers. Talking trash about our ex’s. She was warm, and loving, and lonely. I was hurting deep inside, a hurt I’d been pushing down for weeks. She dug it out, and tucked herself inside instead. She touched me—both my body and my heart. I don’t know how it happened, but it did...”
11.  How conflicted did you feel about it afterward? “I was afraid to think about it much. I told her I’d been with a woman before, but I lied. Probably the only time I ever got away with lying to her. She was my first. I was so confused, but I refused to examine it. Until after she left. All I remember is this extreme emptiness.”
12.  Did you fall in love with Kate instantly or was it over time?“We often joked that it was that night. Maybe it was. I went on and convinced myself that it was all a stupid mistake, I was gay and that was that. I didn’t need her, or any woman. A silly, one time encounter and it wouldn’t happen again. When she reappeared in my life, when I was on my hallucinogenic deathbed, I felt something fill up inside me. That same hole, she moved into again, fixed me up, fixed my life. Was it love? How could it not be.”
13.  How did you feel when you found out you were going to be a father?“If I was scared of admitting bisexuality, I was terrified of being a father. I suppose most straight guys expect to become a parent one day, but I’d had no experience with that sort of thinking. I was nauseous. I was deeply afraid I’d seriously blow it. But I was so wrong. Bonnie turned out to be the shining accomplishment of my whole life.”
14. Did you feel any amount of jealousy when Kate began seeing Rob? “You must be joking. I wanted to clock him one on the bean. So hot. So talented. Sure of himself. They even looked good together. He was American, he was savvy, he was straight besides. Everything she needed and deserved. And me, I’m the one who gets life’s sand kicked in his face.”(Thoughtful.)“But you know, he was right for her. And I love him.”
(The room fell silent for a few minutes as I thought about Paulie, Kate and Rob and so I knew I had to lighten things up a bit before I teared up.) 
Okay, Just for fun now.
What kind of car do you drive? “Cars hold no intrigue for me. I only drive out of necessity. I like Kate’s Beemer, but I hated it at the time—she picked it out because it’s just like his. Rob’s.”
Do you sleep listening to music? If so, what type?“Jazz. Blues. Love Dinah Washington. Ella Fitzgerald. Della Reese.”Wine or beer?(Chuckles) “I’m not supposed to have either. But I’ll have an occasional glass of a good red.” (Holds up Cab. in salute)Chocolate or Vanilla? We are not talking sex here. LOL“Chocolate. No question there. Remember my addictions!”Ocean or Lake?“Ocean. Specifically, California beaches. Clothing optional.”What is your favorite song?“At the moment, “Ever the Same” by Rob Thomas. Good song. Lots of emotion. Reminds me of Kate.”What is your favorite food?“Heaps of roasted veggies with olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper. I’m easy to please.”
Thank you for visiting me today, Paulie. I wish you all the best and I know someday you’ll be a big star.  Oh wait, you already are. J
“Ta, Susan! It’s been a lark.”

And The Giveaway!
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RELEASE DAY - BROKEN by Jamie Loeak

Title: Broken
Author: Jamie Loeak
Series: The Outsiders
Genre: YA Contemporary
Publisher: Self-Published
Release Date: August 3 2013
Blurb/Synopsis:

Carter Daniels is a typical runaway.
Unsure of who he is or where he's going, Carter is only sure of one thing; his past is going to stay in the past. But when he gets pulled into the popular crowd at Mason County High School, he's forced to choose: tell the truth about who he is or lie.
Lie.
And it seems to be working. His parents wanted to get him that crappy apartment because they're never home. He crashed his car so he doesn't have one. His weekends are filled because he has to spend time with his parents.
But when Carter is forced to open up to an outsider because of an English assignment, everything changes. There is something he sees in her, an undeniable connection. A need to discover what lies behind those sad eyes. But will Carter lower his defenses in order to get past hers? Will he let her in, or will he choose to stay broken?


Excerpt"Normal, as in what happened today with the sign? And Lane and Brooke cornering you in the bathroom? Is that normal for you?"Vandelya blushes. She clearly didn't want me to see that, but she can't do anything about it now."I want to stop them. I can't let them hurt you like that, Vandelya."


Jamie Loeak is an aspiring YA author. She has written and published her trilogy and continues to work toward finishing the ideas for more novels that pop into her ever changing mind. Jamie resides in Florida, where she is a middle school teacher. Finding time for writing is difficult within the world of lesson plans, assessments, and students; however, Jamie makes sure to make time for all of the things that she loves in life, including her students, pets, and loving boyfriend. When Jamie isn't writing or grading papers, she is forcing her sister into photo shoots or playing her guitar. Her current goal is to become a bestselling author.
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Other Works by Jamie Loeak
The Body and Soul Trilogy Body and Soul (#1)The Key’s Keeper (#2)Fire and Ice (#3)The Elicit Novella Series The Star Caster (#1)The Shadow Walker (#2)

KINDLE FIRE HD GIVEAWAY - August 1 - August 15, 2013

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NEW RELEASE - EVERYTHING BARED by Kristine Cayne and GIVEAWAY

Introducing the newest Six Alarm masterpiece from Kristine Cayne just released today. Wanna get sexy?After you read all about the book and the other six-alarm books, scroll down so you can enter the giveaway. Kristine is giving away An Exclusive Six-Alarm Sexy T-shirt and one Under His Command Custom Bookmark.

Tile: EVERYTHING BAREDAuthor: Kristine CayneGenre: EroticPublisher: Kristine CayneRelease Date: July 30, 2013










Two polar opposites—she’s kinky, he’s uptight—discover they share a taboo desire that may destroy both their futures. Firefighter Dani Harris has always wanted a family, but doesn’t think it’s possible because of her demanding, high-stakes career. Her sex life is as high-adrenaline as her job, and that’s just one more thing that makes her unsuitable to be a wife and mother. Her secret kink—exhibitionism—has gotten in the way of more than one relationship. Will she ever find a man who not only shares her wild fantasies, but loves her for them?Burdened with ensuring the success of the struggling family business, William Caldwell IV needs a wife suited for a CEO—one with money and connections, who can manage his busy social life and raise their 2.5 children. He’s got everything all mapped out, but when he meets Dani, a woman who’s  every kind of wrong, she taps into desires he’s only half-recognized and long-suppressed. Suddenly his carefully crafted five-year plan feels as confining as a straightjacket. As Dani and Will’s sexual experimentation escalates, they test the limits of polite society by baring all and risking exposure—an exposure that could cost them their reputations and careers.

Short blurbWhen firefighter Dani Harris meets William Caldwell IV, sparks fly even though they’re polar opposites. She’s fiery, sexually adventurous, and takes no prisoners; he’s a tiger in the boardroom, but his tie is just a little too tight outside of it. Dani’s wild ways and exhibitionist side shake up William’s buttoned-up world and ignite his secret fantasies—but threaten to derail his five-year plan for becoming CEO. Can she loosen him up so they can find a middle ground? Or will his ideas about who he needs to be torpedo their sizzling attraction?


Breakfast Excerpt (PG13)

When he rounded the corner into the kitchen, she almost choked on her coffee. Shit. The man was a walking, talking advertisement for Brooks Brothers. She’d teased him about wearing a tie to a barbeque once, but the truth of the matter was that Will wore a suit like he was born to it. The light gray fabric of his jacket molded his wide shoulders and chest to perfection, reminding her of the man in her dream. His trousers hugged thigh muscles that rippled with each step he took toward her.Pure suit porn.A few feet away from her, he stopped and surveyed the kitchen, his brows furrowing into a deep V. “What’s all this?”She flipped her ponytail over her shoulder. “Breakfast. A meal generally eaten in the morning.”“Ha. It looks like you’re expecting your whole platoon.”Ignoring his sarcasm, she slathered butter on her toast, then indicated the chair across from her. “Sit. Have some.”A resigned expression on his face, he pulled out the chair and sat. He sipped his coffee and nodded. “I see you found my Caffé Vita.”“S’good stuff,” she said around a mouthful.A corner of his lips quirked up as he regarded her with amusement. “Do you always eat this much?”She set her fork down with more force than she’d meant. Why did men always make comments about how much or how little women ate? “What’s it to you?”“Nothing really. It’s just most women I know don’t eat anything if it isn’t green.”“Then you know the wrong kind of women,” she said before shoveling a piece of toast loaded with egg into her mouth. Yeah, she knew it was bad manners, but fuck him. She took a sip of coffee to help the food go down, and that’s when she noticed he hadn’t taken a single bite. “What’s wrong? You don’t like eggs?”“I usually eat cereal.”“Really? All I saw was a box of that bran crap my mom used to force down our throats when we were constipated.”His face turned red. “Don’t you have a filter?”
“Didn’t think I needed one. We’re roomies now.” She tried not to laugh, but the expression on his face was priceless. And she couldn’t help poking at him just a little more. “If you’re having a problem, I could pick up some Metamucil for you.” She grinned.

Award-winning author Kristine Cayne is fascinated by the mysteries of human psychology—twisted secrets, deep-seated beliefs, out-of-control desires. Add in high-stakes scenarios and real-world villains, and you have a story worth writing, and reading.
Kristine’s heroes and heroines are pitted against each other by their radically opposing life experiences. By overcoming their differences and finding common ground, they triumph over their enemies and find true happiness in each other’s arms.
Today she lives in the Pacific Northwest, thriving on the mix of cultures, languages, religions and ideologies. When she’s not writing, she’s people-watching, imagining entire life stories, and inventing all sorts of danger for the unsuspecting heroes and heroines who cross her path.
To learn more about Kristine and her stories, visit her website: www.kristinecayne.com
Kristine Cayne’s links:Blog (http://kristinecayne.blogspot.com/)Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/KristineCayneAuthor) Twitter (http://twitter.com/KristineCayne)New Releases List (http://kristinecayne.blogspot.com/p/new-releases-list.html) or Website (http://www.kristinecayne.com)Goodreads (http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5428452.Kristine_Cayne)
Six-Alarm Sexy Series Book Links
 Everything Bared (Six-Alarm Sexy, Book Two)
Amazon:   ; Amazon UK:   ; Amazon CA:   ; Amazon DE:   Amazon FR: 

 Aftershocks (Six-Alarm Sexy, Prequel)
Amazon: http://bit.ly/12Jl1Rd; Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/YbD1lR; Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/10aZT1x; B&N: http://bit.ly/YQCT6Z; iTunes: http://bit.ly/XT0kBE; Kobo: http://bit.ly/ZnT0MJ; ARe: http://bit.ly/11F9K2j; Smashwords: http://bit.ly/14ktyw6




Under His Command (Six-Alarm Sexy, Book One)Amazon: http://bit.ly/XRWR1H;  Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/V0pefF; B&N: http://bit.ly/ZRWPK0; iTunes: http://bit.ly/13hCJK2; Kobo: http://bit.ly/14rdf0B; ARe: http://bit.ly/X8Sc0G; Smashwords: http://bit.ly/ZnUmXG Six-Alarm Sexy, Volume One (Bundle Aftershocks & Under His Command)

Amazon ebook: http://bit.ly/16JJxjO; Amazon print: http://bit.ly/14ZpHCW; Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1bdNrsZl; Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/13b0KRVl; Amazon DE: http://amzn.to/15eb3b8; Amazon FR: http://amzn.to/18y18yB; B&N: http://bit.ly/14ZpQGA; Kobo: http://bit.ly/18lrt2G;NOW THE GIVEAWAY


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