Susan Griscom's Blog, page 20

INDIE AUTHOR BLOG HOP JULY 25 - 30th

What do you get when you mix teenage love, betrayal and disaster together?Allusive Aftershock

Being in love when you're only seventeen or eighteen doesn’t mean it feels any less important or less powerful than if you're twenty-five or fifty. Love is love, no matter how old you are. So many people marry their high school sweethearts and manage to stay married for 70+ years. That's pretty powerful if you ask me. Although I wasn’t one of the lucky ones to have found my soul mate in high school, the fact there are many, says so much about the power of young love.Writing Allusive Aftershock took some time traveling back to my own young adulthood years and back to my first serious boyfriend. It was serious up until I went away to college and he didn’t. Things happen. But he was my boyfriend during that awful earthquake we went through in our senior year of high school. The one I used in the beginning of Allusive Aftershock actually happened almost the exact way I described it in the book, except I didn’t have a little sister and brother. But, the earthquake in the beginning is the only part of the book that was taken from experience. The rest, I hope never happens, except maybe the love part.In Allusive Aftershock, both boys in the book are hot, so I had fun imagining I was Adela and having the difficult decision of figuring out which one she should actually trust, or like or even love.Natural disasters happen all over the world, whether it’s an earthquake, hurricane, tornado or fire they can all be devastating. I chose an earthquake for this story, only because I’d experienced them and could relate a little better. However, the ones that happen in Allusive Aftershock are fiction except for some similarities of the first one, but I would never want to be in one as horrible as the ones in Allusive Aftershock. My heart goes out to everyone who has ever experienced anything life-threatening caused by mother nature. When I wrote Allusive Aftershock, for me, it was more about the relationships between Adela, Courtland and Max that fueled the story, not the disaster. If you read Allusive Aftershock, I’d love to hear your thoughts and you can email me at susangriscom@hotmail.com or simply leave a review on Amazon.com. Be sure to enter the rafflecopter below for a chance to win a personalized autographed copy of Allusive Aftershock. Sorry, but with the high cost of shipping, this contest is USA only for the print book. But I'm also giving away 5 more e-book copies on Anna Dase's blog Read Between The Lines so be sure to enter that one which is international. 

Available in AUDIOBOOK format too! Great fun to listen while you exercise or clean house. You can find it on Amazon, Audible.com and iTunes. 
Clickto listen to a sample.


 Enjoy this excerpt from Allusive Aftershock from Adela's POV
With no electricity, I could barely make out the two figures standing by the door to the cellar. If not for the half moon, I would not have been able to see them at all. I stepped up to them and realized they were staring up at the sky and my eyes naturally followed their gaze. I had never seen such an awesome sight. Without any city lights for miles and miles, the stars in the sky were unusually bright and plentiful. A truly beautiful sight.“Wow,” I whispered, standing between Max and Court. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Court’s focus change and he stared down at me. There was something strange about the way his eyes bored into me, as if he could see into my soul. I waited for him to look away but he held his gaze on me while I pretended to marvel at the sky. I’d never seen him stare at me that way before and I got nervous. My fingers fidgeted with each other and I clamped two of them in my other hand to steady them. If I hadn’t known better, I never would have guessed in a million years he had injuries. His eyes stayed fixed on me with an intense tenderness I had never seen from a boy before. Maybe Courtland Reese wasn’t so bad after all. Standing between the two of them in all their glorious hotness had my stomach doing flip-flops. I knew it was wrong to think these things under the circumstances, but maybe my mind just needed the distraction … or confusion. I loved Max, but I was beginning to like Courtland too. Man, I was in so much trouble. 
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HAPPY READING AND LISTENING!!! Check out the other blogs in the tour for some more goodies to win!

WINTER NIGHT FALLING - by Ryan S. South - Excerpt and Character Bios

Book Title: Winter Night FallingSeries:  Ti-aran Chronicles: Rise of the Guardians Book OneEdition: SecondAuthor: Bryan R. SouthPublisher: Freaky Fiction Writing - http://freakyfictionwriting.wordpress.com/Cover Art: Bryan RaineyTour Organizer:Cu’s Ebook Giveaways - http://cuhelpingauthors.blogspot.com/
Book Blurb:
About the Author:Bryan R South  was born and Raised in the Pacific Northwest. He Graduated Kamiakin Highschool  in 1993 . Bryan has had several poems published and has been working on the Rise of the Guardians Series since he was 16, and did his senior year paper on being a fantasy novelist.   He has worked as a Linecook, in construction, and other odd jobs. He resides with his wife and fell author, S. Cu’Anam Policar, and their children in the Pacific Northwest still.
Author Links:
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/BryanRSouth?fref=tsGood Reads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1196582.Bryan_R_SouthWebsite - http://bryanrsouth.blogspot.com/Smashwords - http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/brsouth

 The characters of Winter Night Falling:
Orindyll Ravenslock – Arch mage of the First Order, Acting Grand Mage of the Orders of Five, Earl of Raven’s Bluff
J’Lann Silverhand-- Mage-Knight; First Sword of the 2nd Order, Later Preceptor (commanding officer) of the Mage-Knights.
Joran Silverhand—Mage-Knight; 3rd Order
Tomas Silverhand-- First thought to be a magus of the First Order; he is later discovered to be the Last of the Guardians, as well as a Divine Agent of Adara the Lost. Goddess of Knowledge, Nature, and Magic.
Count Evan Dupont-- Count of the Township of North Keep
Zatchion D’Orsk— Arch Magus of the 2nd Order.  Great Grandson of Orindyll Ravenslock. Baron of Caer Percivor.
Sarah D’Orsk -- Arch Magus of the 3rd Order. Great Granddaughter of Orindyll Ravenslock.
Sirenthial Silverbranch -- Arch Magus of the 4th Order. Heir to the Elven Throne of Erinor. Chronicler of the Orders of Five.
Chase Summers – Mage-Knight of the First Order, Traitor
Gregory Pecorian – Mage-Knight of the 2nd Order; Sergeant
Aileen Mistwinter—an Elven Hunter of Erinor; Twin of Tariel
Tariel Mistwinter – An Elven Hunter of Erinor; Twin of Aileen
Duke Echias of High Point – Duke of the City of High Point.
Captain Rancos – Captain of the Black Watch of High Point
Jack – Arch Mage of the 5th order. From Tiramon
Haicho – A portly Journeyman Mage of the 5th Order from North Keep
Kelvin – Former Grand Mage of the Orders of Five; Arch Mage of the First Order, King of Tiramon
Arrowthorn— Ranger of Tiramon, Heir to the Throne of Tiramon. Kelvin’s son
Alindryia Silverbranch—Queen of the Elven Kingdom of Erinor. Priestess of Adara. Mother of Sirenthial
Korinthial Silverbranch—Son of Sirenthial, Heir Presumptive of the Elven Kingdom of Erinor. Blade-Weaver.
Sebastion Thr’ask— Mage-Knight of the 4th Order. First Sword.
Orion Brighthammer— Mage-Knight of the 3rd Order. First Sword
Erik Joruss— Heir to the throne of the High Kingdom of Pendys
General Tapi— General of the Armies of Tiramon
Tir’alac— Shadar-Hai War-Leader.
Balin Ironfist— Dwarven KingsGuard. The maker of Joran’s Broadsword (though both do not seem to mention it in the story) Brother to Borodor
Borodor Ironfist— Dwarven KingsGuard. Brother to Balin.
Lee Featherhand— Mage-Knight of the 2nd Order
Charles Stormcloak— Mage-Knight of the 5th Order
Brother Bradley— A powerful Priest of Galaen the Just. God of Justice
Akbar— Dwarven Journeymen  Mage of the 2nd Order
Ermina— a Sylph bound to Joran’s Sword
Jarrack—A powerful Corrupted Portal Master of Limbo.
Cassandra— Lady of the Oak Glade, Guardian
Nysander – Shade of the Great Guardian of Erinor . Cassandra’s Grandfather.
Tyramononix—The Very First Guardian of the Four Kingdoms, Soul is bound to a Golden Torc Tomas wears
   Excerpt - Joran's admittance into the Mage-Knights of the Four Kingdoms    They quickly divided up the food amongst themselves and then ate quietly, each lost in their own thoughts. When the food was gone they sent Tomas to go find Joran who hadn’t appeared for breakfast. They returned a few moments later. Joran sat down with care not to stain his new attire he had purchased, a pair of Black leather boots, black dyed leather trousers and a bright yellow over tunic.  A new broadsword hung from a new baldric on his left hip, and his short sword now rose on his right. He gave each a nod, and waited for introductions of Sirenthial and Sebastion before he settled more comfortably into a seat on the bench a little ways down from Count Evan.
  “Alright then, to business then. Count Evan since we are in your principality we are going to allow you to sit in on what in the old days would be known as a Guild meeting. Gentlemen today we are going to start rebuilding the Orders of Five, as well as the Mage-Knights.” he paused to look at each in turn to allow his statement sink in.
  “Seeing how I am the most Senior Arch-Magus present, I am going to be acting Grand Mage, until we discover the whereabouts or demise of the current Grand Mage. Sirenthial here will be my Chronicler or Second. Any questions so far?” Everyone looked around at the others at the table, and seeing how no questions were forth coming Orindyll continued.
  ”First Sword Silverhand until by Challenge will be the Mage-Knight Preceptor. You Sir will see Sirenthial and I later. Sebastion you will hold your current position as First Sword of the 4th Order. To the next matter of business then, Gentlemen we have a warrior-adept among us who would join the Mage-Knights. He has been tested magically and been found with the talent. IF he is accepted into the Order of Mage-Knights, he will be of the 3rd Order. He has already completed half of his training, he was taught his sword lore by the Preceptor himself.”
            Sebastion stood up. “I would not attest to this normally, but has he been tried? We’re going to be traveling some dangerous roads in the near future.”
            J’Lann couldn’t contain a grin. “Joran, would you be interested in showing the assembled your skills?”       Joran gave a grin that matched his fathers and rose to his feet, stripping off his tunic, drew his swords and assumed a battle stance. Sebastion also stripped out of his tunic and picked up his battle axe and gave it an expert swing. J’Lann gestured to the others.
  “Gentlemen give them some room”
            While the others moved the table to allow for more sparring room, and kept themselves out of harm’s way, J’Lann turned to face the combatants. “First Blood, three separate cuts is declared winner... that is it ..... Begin.”
            The two combatants began to circle one another, each sizing the other up. Suddenly Sebastion lunged in, his axe coming in from the right, whistling through the air. At mid-swing he reversed the direction of the axes blade bringing it up in a nasty cut from below. The sound of steel on steel filled the air Joran crossed both his blades over the Axe in a parry designed to drive the axe down to the ground. Joran then brought his right foot up to kick the overextended Sebastion in the jaw sending the older warrior over backwards.
      With a roar of anger Sebastion kipped off his shoulders onto his feet and charged in swinging a deadly overhand chop towards Joran’s head. Joran parried with the broadsword and then dropped low and brought his short sword in a horizontal slash from the right that gave a quick slash into Sebastion’s left thigh, parting leathers and skin alike. Sebastion countered with a haft hook to Joran’s jaw sending him to the ground.
            Sebastion again roared and charged in with a swirling downward chop to Joran’s exposed back. Joran kicked out behind him catching the older warrior in his unprotected groin, and then sprang to his feet. he swung his swords in a fast spinning combo slicing open Sebastion’s exposed ribs on the right side, once, twice, and finally a third time.
 “ENOUGH” Roared Orindyll.
            Joran dropped down into a defensive crouch, one sword in the air behind him and the other in a forty-five degree angle in front of him. Sebastion stood cursing softly as he held his bleeding ribs with one hand while the other cupped his groin.  Orindyll walked over to Sebastion and laid a palm on the man’s ribs and uttered a quick incantation. Joran watching felt his jaw drop as he watched the older warrior’s wounds close right before his eyes. Orindyll gestured for both of them to resume their seats at the table.
 “Are his skills enough to satisfy you First Sword?” asked Orindyll.
            Sebastion coughed and nodded. “He kicked me so hard I am still coughing up the family jewels; yeah I would have him at my back or at my side.”  He paused and looked over to J’Lann. “You taught the boy some dirty tricks Preceptor.”
  “Anymore Objections?” asked Orindyll. Everyone shook their heads, and Sebastion chuckled and socked Joran in the arm playfully. Orindyll then gestured for Joran to come and stand before him. “Give me your sword Lad.” Joran reached down and pulled his broadsword from its scabbard and held it out to Orindyll hilt first.
 “Kneel. That’s it.  Joran of the Sixth Royal House of Silverhand, do you accept the Charge of guarding magic, and all things magical as decreed by the Order of Five with your life?”  “Yes.”  He replied softly.  “Do you accept the Charge of guarding the homes, families, and persons of your Brother Mages with your Life?”  “Yes.”
 “Furthermore by accepting these charges, do you understand that you now renounce the Authority of the Lower Crowns over your Person? And that you are no longer subject to their rule?  You are now outside their Caste system, and will hold only titles given to you by me, the Preceptor, or the High King?”   “I understand.” said Joran.
 “By accepting these charges your life is no longer your own. The only other authority over me is that of the High King. You now belong to the Order of Five and the Order of Mage-Knights until we release you from service.”  Orindyll then began a long incantation that was deep and loud, and the broadsword in his hands began to glow with a strong yellow light. He then touched each of Joran’s shoulders with the sword and then lastly set the sword on top of the young warriors head.
   “Bound by Five. Given by Five. Your sword is mine.  Arise Corporal Joran Silverhand, Mage-Knight of the 3rd Order.”  When Joran had reclaimed his feet, Orindyll set the point of the glowing sword over Joran’s heart and incanted once more. When he finished the smell of burning skin filled the air, and when he removed the swords tip, a glowing purple sword tattoo identical to his fathers glowed though his skin for all to see.
            Sebastion rose from his seat and came over to Congratulate Joran with a warrior’s arm shake. J’Lann was next who wrapped him in a huge bear hug that stole the boy’s breath. When everyone had congratulated Joran, Orindyll gestured for them to return to their seats

RELEASE DAY BLITZ - SAY WHEN by Tara West

Title: Say WhenAuthor: Tara WestSeries: Something More (#1)Genre: Adult Contemporary RomancePublisher: Shifting Sands Publishing Release Date: July 19 2013










Blurb/Synopsis:
He told me to say when, but I can’t. Not with Andrés. It’s so hard to say anything when he’s trailing feather soft kisses down my neck, or when his touch sends hot currents of lust rippling across my skin.Then there’s the way he smiles and offers soft words of encouragement when I’m creating art, almost like he believes I have talent.He’s not like any guy I’ve ever met. Not like my ex-fiancée. Not like my father. He’s got me thinking that maybe we can have something more. More than just lust, degradation, and abuse.And now I’m scared, because that means I’ll have to trust him with more than just my body, but with my heart, too.Christina Duval   ***Warning: this book contains graphic language, sex, and mature situations. Not intended for young adult readers.***
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A former Texas high school teacher, I enjoyed coaching the writing team and even the hectic deadlines that came with running the school publications. After taking a break to raise my baby girl, I now work from home as a cover artist.In my spare time, I loves to read, exercise and spend time with family and friends. I contribute the cover art for my Whispers Series and have designed covers for over 500 other books. Please visit me at http://www.tarawestauthor.wordpress.com/or www.tarawest.com where you can check out my Whispers series and sample my artwork.


Author Links
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   Excerpt Scene from chapter three...    I don’t know what force of nature compels me to break my “no eye contact” rule. Maybe it is his heady musk, or the warmth radiating off his frame, but when I look into his eyes, I swear I nearly wet my pants. The guy is gorgeous. Warm chocolate eyes, thick lashes, flawless tanned skin, marred only by the slightest bit of stubble on his square jaw. Black hair cut short frames his angular face. And that mouth, so full and sensual, my traitorous lips part as if compelled to kiss him.            When he looks down at me and smiles, I know I’m done for. My knees weaken and the heat rushes through me and spreads like wildfire. Damn me for acting the love-struck fool and smiling back.            His sensual lips part and I think, Oh, gawd, this is it. You’re about to totally violate your anti-slut protocol and make out with this random stranger. I don’t even have the strength to tell myself I’m acting like an idiot.            He leans toward me, and before he gets the chance to kiss me, he points to something just beyond my shoulder. “Do you girls need help?”            His deep, rich voice startles me, but not as much as the fact that I was about to kiss a total stranger—a stranger who’s obviously not interested in kissing me back.            I turn toward Karri. She’s slumped against the driver’s side door and sobbing into her hands. Well, don’t I feel like the total bitch?            My sexy Latin stud brushes past me, the click of his cowboy boots ringing across the pavement as he walks toward Karri. He’s a soldier. I can tell by his rigid, uniform stride, although his cropped hair should have given it away.  Karri’s brother is in the Marines, and he’s got a similar stiffness in his gait. I follow this guy, even though my legs are almost useless, weakened by my stupid crazy hormones.            “Uh, oh,” he says as he circles the car.            It’s still smoking, and I worry maybe Karri should back away, even though I’m pretty sure cars only blow up in the movies.             Karri looks at him through wide, watery eyes, and something flashes in her gaze. Oh, yeah, her slut sonar must be on high alert. I can’t say I blame her. His physique is just as impressive from the rear. His jeans mold to that ass perfectly, and even through his striped linen shirt, I can see the outline of a man in prime condition.            Karri wipes her eyes with the back of her hand. “My stupid car broke down.” She pouts and bats her lashes while thrusting out her generous cleavage.            “It’s not the car that’s stupid,” I say before I have the chance to stop myself. I slap my hand over my mouth. What the heck is wrong with me? But as I watch my friend slant me a dirty look and then turn a big smile on the stud, I know exactly what’s wrong. I’m being territorial over a guy, which is weird, because I’ve never been that way before, not even over Jackson. And for some odd reason, money grubbing hos are always throwing themselves at him.             “Mind if I take a look?” Stud muffin asks, but he’s already inside the car popping the lever. Smoke pours from the engine when he lifts the hood.            I take several steps back because the fumes are unbearable. Karri screeches and stomps a foot. He surveys the damage, and when he frowns, the tendons in his neck flex beneath his stiff shirt collar. Damn. I imagine the muscles beneath that shirt are even tighter. Double damn.             I cross one leg over the other, balancing awkwardly as I try to quell my raging hormones—that is how hot and bothered I am over a guy. 

SHOWCASE & GIVEAWAY - DANCING WITH DECEPTION AND DANCING WITH DEATH by Andrea Heltsley

Title: Dancing with Deception  Author: Andrea Heltsley Published: April 2013Word Count: 20,000Genre: Paranormal Romance
Content Warning: None
Recommended Age: Young Adult/Teens

Synopsis:
How far would you go to keep your nightmares a secret?

Wendy has been struggling with vivid, chilling nightmares that leave her exhausted and horrified. What will Wendy do to protect her secret when she discovers her nightmares are real? Death is coming and he’s coming for her.

Read the chilling prequel novella to the paranormal romance, Dancing with Death.·       Download your copy of Dancing with Deception on Kindle, Nook, and Smashwords for FREE!
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Title: Dancing with Death  Author: Andrea HeltsleyPublished: May 2013Word Count: 84,000PGenre: Paranormal Romance
Content Warning: None
Recommended Age: Young Adult/Teens






Synopsis:
Murders have plagued the woods in the past, making them a place of fear. Eighteen year old Wendy and her friends become worried when a new string of murders come to their high school.
After a horrible car accident, Wendy returns to school, going from wallflower to popular overnight. Suddenly she is the center of attention, paying more attention to guys and clothes. Things are heating up for Wendy with more than one guy vying for her affections.

As the murderer edges closer to Wendy she realizes things are changing. She is afflicted with nightmares that are all too real and she herself is undergoing unnatural changes. Learning the truth about her past, could be the key to saving her future.

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Excerpt from
 Dancing with Deception
 by Andrea Heltsley

I squinted until my eyes adjusted to the surrounding cover of night. Once they had adapted to the darkness, my eyes widened. I was standing next to a tall cluster of trees in the forest not far from my house.
Confusion settled over me as I peered around for any sign as to why I was out there. It was chilly and the wind was slicing right through me. I wished I had a coat on. 
Breaking through the haze of confusion, I suddenly shivered but not because of the cold. The hairs on my arms and neck stood on end and my heart was pounding. Thump, thump, thump, thump. 
The only sound was the rapid beating of my heart. I didn’t know why, but I felt nervous and uneasy. Something bad was coming and I was blind to whatever it was. 
Panic firmly took hold in my stomach and the butterflies caged inside me were let loose to flutter, fighting for freedom. My breathing had become harsh and labored. 
All kinds of wild thoughts were racing through my mind. The waiting was excruciating and my unease increased with each passing second. That’s when I heard it.
The crunch of branches and dead leaves in the distance filtered through the silence. I tried to discern where it was coming from, but had no luck. 
I strained to hear, but was too late. The sounds were coming in my direction. I spun frantically for a place to hide. The trees were thick, but not thick enough to cover me. I could only hide behind one and still myself. 
My hand flew to my mouth to cover the gasp of surprise I was about to unleash. The situation was bad, so much worse than I could have imagined.
There, in the inky darkness of the woods, I focused on two figures ahead of me. It was a chase. The first figure ran with little care of their surroundings. Twigs were snapping and branches were whipping. Leaves crunched loudly below their feet.
The second figure was faster though. It caught up and yanked the first figure to the ground with a loud ‘thud.’ A panicked scream pierced the air and I realized it was a woman that was being chased.
About the Author: 
 Andrea Heltsley is a biology nerd who decided it was more
fun writing than dissecting. She has written four novels and three more will be out in fall/winter 2013. She lives on coffee and reads like a robot. Her husband and two Italian greyhounds usually have to tear her away from the computer...imagine that. :)
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Giveaway Details: There is a tour wide giveaway. Prizes include the following:·       $10 Electronic Amazon Gift Card Giveaway is International.
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Music Inspiration for ASCEND by Alexandria Anthony & Giveaway

Title: Ascend: The Vampire Destiny Series Book 4Author:  Alexandra AnthonyPublished:  June 1st, 2013Word Count:  approx. 54,000Genre:  Paranormal Erotic RomanceContent Warning:  Erotic/sexual material and minimal violence.  Recommended Age - 18+
Synopsis:Waking up as an immortal…

Josephine Anderson awakes as true vampire, leaving her half-human life behind.  She has little time to adjust to the change however; her evil father has gone missing and wants nothing more than to destroy her and her vampire mate, Stefan Lifsten.  But they have other plans…

Secrets and revelations are revealed…

Josephine and Stefan head back to her childhood home to search for the lost journal her uncle kept – a journal that may unlock Stefan and Josephine’s shared past.  While searching, Josephine’s world is once again turned on its axis when she meets Liev Banin, who reveals a long-kept secret that will change everything for Josephine….and her family.  

Betrayed…

Still reeling from their discovery, they are rocked to their very core when a trusted friend betrays them…and threatens to destroy them all.

*This is a romantic, erotic book.  It contains sexy vampires, graphic language, adult content and situations that aren't for the faint of heart.   Consider yourself warned.*
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About the Author:
Alexandra lives in the Midwest.  She enjoys a steamy romance, a happy ending and isn’t afraid of things that go bump in the night.

She is the author of two paranormal, erotic series: The Dark Hart Chronicles and The Vampire Destiny Series.
Amazon Author Page | Facebook| Twitter | GoodReads| Website

What type of music is behind your inspiration for Ascend?I have a varied list that I use when I write…especially the sexy, steamy scenes I write.I have two playlists that I use when writing…the first one I’ll share is aptly titled, Sexy.Apologize – One RepublicBe Still My Love – BushCloser – Nine Inch NailsCome on Get Higher – Matt NathansonDo I Have to Say the Words? – Bryan AdamsHere With Me – The KillersHow – Maroon 5In Your Eyes – Peter GabrielNever Gonna Leave this Bed – Maroon 5Turning Page  - Sleeping At LastYou Can Leave Your Hat on – Joe CockerErotica – MadonnaEverything Will be Alright – The KillersI Drove All Night –Roy OrbinsonI Shall Believe  -Sheryl CrowCriminal – Fiona AppleSmooth Sailing  - Queens of The Stone Age
And of course, I also have a playlist that I use for general writing purposes.  It features a lot of the above songs, with a few additions I’ll list below:Bitter Sweet Symphony – The VerveTime Is Running Out- MuseSkyfall – AdeleSome Unholy War – Amy WinehouseBlack – Keri KimmelA Dustland Fairytale – The KillersRead My Mind – The KillersJust Give Me a Reason – PinkMiss Atomic Bomb- The KillersNewborn – MuseNo One Knows- Queens of The Stone AgeAsleep to Dream –Fiona AppleSmile Like You Mean It – The KillersHowlin’ For You – The Black KeysJoy Ride – The KillersAll These Things I’ve Done – The KillersHo Hey – The LumineersSupermassive Black Hole – MuseMadness – Muse

I need music to write.  I’m not sure if it’s the influence of the music, but I’ve tried to write in silence and it just doesn’t work.  I do most of my best writing when I tailor my music choices to the type of scenes I’m writing. 
a Rafflecopter giveaway Ascend: The Vampire Destiny Series # 4 by Alexandra Anthony:July 1st – Momma Chaos @ Reviewing in Chaos (Spotlight)July 2nd – Kristy @ Kristy Centeno (Spotlight)July 2nd – Tiffany & Ryan @ Book-Marks the Spot (Spotlight)July 3rd – Vicky @ Deal Sharing Aunt (Spotlight)July 4th – Laurie @ Laurie’s Paranormal Thoughts and Reviews (Tens List)July 5th – Dafeenah @ Indie Designz (Spotlight)July 5th – Darcia @ A Word Please (Interview)July 8th – Sabrina @ Sabrina’s Paranormal Palace (Guest Post)July 9th – Susan @ Susan’s Wicked Writing (Guest Post)July 9th – Denise @ Rantings of a Closet Vamp Princess (Interview)July 10th – Autumn @ Fallen Over Book Reviews (Spotlight)July 10th – Jaidis @ Juniper Grove (Spotlight)July 11th – Rania @ Urania’s Distractions (Spotlight)July 11th – Elora, Marie & Layna @ Lunar Haven Reviews and Designs (Spotlight)July 12th – Pavarti @ Pavarti K Tyler (Guest Post)
Link to the author’s tour page: http://junipergrovebooksolutions.com/ascend-by-alexandra-anthony/

COVER REVEAL - EVERYTHING BARED by Kristine Cayne

This beautiful cover was designed by Judi Fennell at www.formatting4U.com, using an image from Jenn LeBlanc at Illlustrated Romance (http://jennleblanc.photoshelter.com/).
Everything Bared is the story of Dani Harris, a firefighter on Jamie Caldwell's technical rescue team, and William Caldwell, Jamie's younger brother. Both Dani and William appear in the earlier books in the series, and the tension between this oil-and-water pair sizzles from the start.
Description 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 afamily, 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 nothing but 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.
ContestGreat news! The incredible Laron at Ninth Moon (http://www.ninthmoon.com) designed this gorgeous Six-Alarm Sexy T-shirt. 


 Would you like to have one? If so, fill out the rafflecopter below to enter. Contest ends Sunday, July 14, 2013 at 11:59pm Pacific time. 

Other Books in the Six-Alarm Sexy SeriesVery soon, Aftershocks and Under His Command will be released in a brand new bundle: Six-Alarm Sexy, Volume One. It will be available in ebook and print. Stay tuned. This should happen any minute!
Also by Kristine Cayne

Aftershocks (Six-Alarm Sexy, Prequel)
When Seattle is struck by a devastating earthquake, technical rescue firefighter Jamie Caldwell must save his estranged wife and daughter from the wreckage of a collapsed building. He's defied the odds hundreds of times, but will his luck finally run out for good?


Available from: Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | B&N | iTunes | Kobo | ARe | Smashwords

Under His Command (Six-Alarm Sexy, Book One)
Firefighter Jamie Caldwell is desperate to save his failing marriage earn the trust—and the sexual submission—of his controlling wife in the most pleasurable of ways.   
Available from: Amazon | Amazon UK | B&N | iTunes | Kobo | ARe | Smashwords

Thank you all for coming out and joining us in celebrating the cover reveal of Everything Bared. Best of luck to everyone who is participating in the giveaway!


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NEW RELEASE - HEAVENLY HELL by Aria Willaims

Title: Heavenly Hell Author: Aria Williams Series: Heavenly Hell Series (#1)Genre: YA/ParanormalPublisher: Self Published Release Date: TBAEdition/Formats Available In: E~Book & Print Blurb/Synopsis:


You'd think being stuck in the body of a beautiful seventeen year old girl forever would be a gift. But when you are fallen, it is more like a curse.Indiana was a beautiful angel, enjoying the perks of Heaven, until she was tricked by a demon to fall in love with him. She was forced to fall from Heaven and remain in her seventeen year old form, banished to Earth, for all of eternity. Now, unable to cope with her banishment, she is a seemingly normal seventeen year old girl by day, while she spends her nights punishing men for the wrongs they have committed against women.  Although Indiana has lived on Earth for thousands of years, she recently settled into a small town, where she has finally been able to make some lasting friendships. When a handsome, mysterious boy comes to town, Indiana knows something is not right. He might end up her ally, or she might end up in the fight of her life.Book Links
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My name is Aria Williams, and I am a new author who loves to write Young adult and paranormal novels. I live on nine acres of beautiful pasture land in the central west of NSW. I work full time as a nurse, this is where I get a lot of my inspiration from. For me I find my inspiration in the form of many vices either good or bad. I write from the heart and use my novels to express myself. My first novel was born from my feelings of helplessness in a world where even the innocent die and many people are left wondering why. It felt right to create a character that could heal any physical illness with some minor consequences.  My second novel Heavenly hell is from my personal experiences involving harassment, and the dominating role in which people in positions of authority take and use to their own selfish advancements. When I am not writing or working, I like to play with my dogs and have fun with my friends. 


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Excerpt The lone skater packed up his gear and waved goodbye to us. I couldn’t say I wasn’t happy to see him go. I had spent the whole day with him, and he didn’t go out of his way to be nice to me.“Hey, Nate, we’re going to go stuff our faces now. Come on! You’re a part of the gang now,” Mark said, obviously not knowing how I felt about this new Nate guy.
Turning to Mark, I gave him the dirtiest look I could. I pictured razor blades coming out of my eyes and cutting him up.







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Read Between The Lines July 1Paperrdolls July 2The Many Muses of MaryLynn July 2Indy Book Fairy July 3Spontaneous Literary Awareness July 3Le' Book Squirrel  July 4Best Books July 5Schadoh's Ramblings and Other Chaotic Mess July 5Alex Reads July 6Sabrina's Paranormal Palace  July 6A_TiffyFit's Quiet Reading Corner  July 7Susan's Wicked Writings July 8Ohana Day Academy July 9Proserpine Craving Books July 9Welcome to Larissa'a Bookish Life  July 10As You Wish Reviews July 11Amazing Books July 11Sun Mountain Reviews July 12Read2Review July 12Crystal's Random Thoughts July 13Confessions of the Paranormal  July 14A Little Bit of R&R  July 15Intoxicated By Books July 15

COVER REVEAL - A SECRET FATE (A WHISPER CAPE NOVEL, BOOK 3) by Susan Griscom

Title: A Secret Fate (A Whisper Cape Novel, Book 3)Author: Susan GriscomPublisher: Amber Glow BooksGenre: Paranormal Romance
Cover Design: Susan GriscomRelease Date: Fall 2013
Add it to your to read list.Goodreads  
Synopsis:Book three in the Whisper Cape Series.
Gerry, Addie and Cael almost captured Careen’s murderer but lost Cael in the battle. Is he alive? If so, will he return? And the bigger question, thanks to Gerry's handiwork, will Cael remember Addie? Is their love lost with him?
Addie’s family and friends think she should keep the relationship a secret. Just what she needs, more secrets and on top of everything else, someone stole the crystal. How is she supposed to get over the loss of her lover, a lover she'd barely had for only a few short months and deal with the secret of the lost crystal at the same time?
Aiden wants nothing more than to help Addie overcome her grief and get over Cael. Or is that all he wants? What happens when too many people know the secret and someone slips up? 
An unedited Excerpt from A Secret Fate For the umpteenth time, over the past two weeks, Addie recited the words over and over again in her head, begging, pleading, Cael, please remember me. Please remember you love me. Dragging her useless, helpless, and now rail-thin of a frame from the bed—their bed, his bed—she stumbled into the bathroom, hardly recognizing the person in the mirror. The sunken, dark eyes, her indented cheekbones, only made her brown eyes look larger and more recessed, giving her face a hollow look. Well, that was fine, now her face matched her hollow and empty soul.She couldn’t work, couldn’t sleep, couldn’t eat. Gerry threatened to give her job to Darcy permanently if she didn’t snap out of it and get her rear end into the bar soon. She didn’t care. Why should she? Let Darcy have the damn job. She didn’t need it. She had her trust fund, didn’t she? She couldn’t face going in there, seeing all those people, everyone asking how she was getting along … without Cael—the unspoken part of the sentence. Well, how the hell did they think she was? She just lost the man she loved. Lost her dad the year before. Who would be next? Who would she lose next? Maia? The Twins who weren’t even born yet? Unthinkable. But, as the old saying went, bad things happened in threes. Maybe if she stayed home, away from other people, nobody else would die or disappear. Her family, friends, they’d all taken turns checking in on her, Darcy one day, Maia another. Gerry, Cael’s uncle Bart even stopped by. Someone, once a day would come knocking on her door, trying to coax her out of the house. “Not ready,” she’d say. “I need time.” How much time would it take? How much time does a person normally require before they learn to cope with the loss of a loved one? Learn to cope? She didn’t want to learn to cope. Addie hadn’t had much time with Cael to begin with. She felt cheated. Resentful and cheated that she didn’t get to love and enjoy her soul mate for any longer than only a few short months. According to Maia, Cael and Addie were fated. She and Cael had joked, laughing about it being a secret fate because of Addie’s secluded and sheltered childhood. Well, fate was cruel, wasn’t it?
About SusanSusan Griscom daydreams often. And sometimes her daydreams interfere with her daydreams not to mention real life. Because, let’s face it, her character’s lives are so much more exciting. Sometimes it’s young adult or new adult or just plain old mainstream fiction and sometimes it’s paranormal romance, where her playing field delves into a different milieu than the usual vampires and werewolves. Some day she might write about fangs and fur, but for now she prefers sticking to strong heroes and heroines confronted with extraordinary forces of nature, powers and abilities beyond the norm, mixed with a little romance to get the blood boiling. Susan lives in the Sierra Foothills in Northern California with her very romantic husband, her small yippy dog, Riley, and her humongous black cat, Saké. Her family consists of his and hers; four wonderful sons and one beautiful daughter, and seven grand angels. Susan loves when a story takes hold and pulls her into the fantasy, that's magic. You can visit Susan at http://susangriscom.com or email her at susan@susangriscom.com.  She loves hearing from her fans.
Links to learn more about Susan:AmazonGoodreadsFacebook Fan PageFacebook personal pageTwitterWebsiteBlog
Other works by Susan: WHISPER CAPE (Book 1)Amazon USA
Amazon UK
Barnes & Noble












REFLECTIONS (Whisper Cape, Book 2)Amazon USAAmazon UKBarnes & Noble














ALLUSIVE AFTERSHOCK Amazon USAAmazon UKBarnes & Noble












BRIEF INTERLUDES Amazon USAAmazon UK













EROTIC INTERLUDES Amazon USAAmazon UK

Authors Blog Hop July 3rd - July 10th Giveaway

Welcome authors!!! I'm so excited and can't help but do a giveaway here. A $10 Gift Card to  Amazon or Barnes & Noble to one lucky winner and winner's choice of one of my own signed paperbacks to another so don't forget to enter on the Rafflecopter below, but before you start scrolling, let me say, thank you. I am so thrilled you stopped by my blog on this first ever blog hop for authors, organized by the lovely and talented Amber Garcia. A lot of people think that being an author is a lonely endeavor, but for those of us who slave away in front of our laptops, desktops, or whatever type of medium you use, pouring out our souls as creatively as we can, understand. You know when we talk to our characters we are never alone. Another outlet to snuffing out the lonely bug is music. One of my favorite questions to other authors is what type of music do you listen to while writing or do you have a play list that inspired your last book? So naturally, I like to answer that question as well.
I’m one of those authors who cannot listen to music while I write, but that doesn’t mean I don’t get inspired from it. In fact, I frequently reference different songs in my books that I tend to listen to and find inspiration for a scene. So if you read my books and come to a spot where I mention a song, you can bet I’ve been listening to it.
With Whisper Cape, I listened to Phantom of the Opera so many times I think my husband was ready to throw the CD out the car window. Gerard Butler’ voice in the movie helped keep my characters alive.
Though the Phantom did not inspire Cael’s character, the music did spark (no pun intended and if you don’t understand what I mean, ask me or, better yet, read the book!) my imagination for Addison’s. I’ve always said that Gerard Butler was and still is my main influence for Gerry Briden’s character in both Whisper Cape and Reflections. I have to admit though, looking at this picture from back when the movie was made, Gerard could most definitely have been my vision for Cael. This is pre 300 days, but yummy.   There is a scene in Phantom of the Opera where Christine is in the cemetery singing to her deceased father. Of course, in the movie and the live production it is snowing so the setting has nothing to do with a particular scene I wrote for Whisper Cape. But the lyrics and the mood are what ignited my inspiration. Addison is distraught after almost fatally injuring Cael and runs to the edge of the cliff, wishing she could talk to her father once more. In the music video below, right before Christine starts singing, she whispers about her father promising to send her the “Angel of Music.” After she sings “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again,” the Phantom sings, “Wandering Child,” luring her to him, reinforcing his deception of being the promised “Angel of Music.” It was the idea of Christine whispering to her father, singing to him that gave me the inspiration for that scene.

WISHING YOU WERE SOMEHOW HERE AGAIN:
WANDERING CHILD
Of course, it doesn’t happen anything like this in Whisper Capebut the music and the lyrics were so very inspiring.

Because of Aiden and the Band in Reflections, there were quite a few songs mentioned and I’d love to share them with you. Aiden performs ACDC’s, You Shook Me All Night LongAC/DC You shook me all night long, live Live At Donington HQLink: http://youtu.be/HfffzRJ9nVsEmbedded video code:
Aiden also sings Just the Way You Are, Bruno Mars. Here is a video of Bruno Mars performing in the studioAdele’s soft melody, Make You Feel My Love
Careen Faraday performs . Everyone is stunned at her beautiful voice, considering she’s not the most pleasant person to be around.Make you Feel My Love: Adele’s live performance dedicated this song to the late great Amy Winehouse.

No one sings this song in the book, but it was a huge inspiration for me while writing Reflections. Enjoy. Don’t you Remember – Adele

Lyrics:When Will I see you again.You left with no goodbye, not a single word was saidNo final kiss toseal any sinsI had no Idea of the state we were inI know I have a fickle heart and bitterness,And a wandering eye, And a heaviness in my headBut don’t you remember?Don’t you remember?The reason you loved me before,Baby, please remember me once more.When was the last time you thought of me?Or have you completely erased me from your memory?I often think about where I went wrongThe more I do, the less I knowBut I know a fickle heart, and bitterness, And a wondering eye,And a heaviness in my headBut don’t you remember?Don’t you remember?The reason you loved me before,Baby, please remember me once more.I gave you the space so you could breathe, I kept my distance so you would be freeIn hope that you’d find the missing piece,To bring you back to me.Why don’t you remember?Don’t you remember?The reason you loved me beforeBaby, please remember me once more.When will I see again?


For Allusive Aftershock, I listened to Pink's Try over and over again. The scene with Coutland carrying Adela through the forest fire was inspired from this song.








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Be sure to check out all the other blogs on this hop from the list below. I know I will be. Thanks so much for stopping by and feel free to contact me through this blog or email me anytime. I love sharing writing stories with other authors.

COVER REVEAL - TRIPPING ME UP by Amber Garza

Title: Tripping Me UpAuthor: Amber GarzaGenre: Young Adult ContemporaryPublisher: Self-Published
Release Date: August, 2013
Brief Synopsis
I may not have special powers, but sometimes I think I'm invisible. No one in my high school seems to notice me at all. When they finally do it's because the popular Tripp Bauer accidently smacks me in the face with a wad of paper. Talk about humiliating.
Only now he keeps talking to me.
At first it was to apologize, and I figured once I forgave him he'd go away. But he doesn't, and now my feelings for him are starting to grow. And that scares me. Guys like Tripp Bauer don't fall for girls like me. Or do they?


ABOUT AMBER


Amber Garza is the author of Young Adult paranormal and contemporary romance. She has had a passion for writing since she was a little girl, making books out of notebook paper and staples. Amber lives in California with her amazing husband and two hilarious children who provide her with enough material to keep her writing for years.


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LINKS TO AMBER’S OTHER WORKS
STAR STRUCK http://www.amazon.com/Star-Struck-ebook/dp/B00DCC6ITU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372281935&sr=8-1&keywords=star+struck+amber+garzaFALLING TO PIECES http://www.amazon.com/Falling-to-Pieces-ebook/dp/B00C0L2YWY/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1372282018&sr=1-1&keywords=falling+to+pieces+amber+garzaDAZZLEhttp://www.amazon.com/Dazzle-Delaneys-Gift-Series-ebook/dp/B009NMIQR0/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1372282097&sr=1-1&keywords=dazzle+amber+garza

PROWL  http://www.amazon.com/Prowl-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00A29T3RA/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1372282207&sr=1-1&keywords=prowl+trilogy+amber+garza