Sharla Lovelace's Blog, page 16

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood…

And a crazy one!!!

Let's see… you can find me chatting with the nice people of Forever Book Lover, where I do believe they are reviewing my book as well…  Dear God, I hope they liked it!  It's the first one.

I'm also at Addicted To Words with Candie Campbell, where she is doing a giveaway.

My very first monthly newsletter came out TODAY (squee for me figuring out how to do it!) with a couple of cool surprises in it for my first brave mailing list souls.  LOL!

And…what else?

Oh yeah!

MY BOOK CAME OUT TODAY!!!!!

There's a little bit of happy dancing going on.  I won't lie.  And a little bit of anxiety.  Won't lie about that either.  But, hey, it's all good, right?  And maybe I'll lose a few pounds today, because Lord knows I'm too nervous to eat.  Then again, I may just eat everything in sight. 

I need a distraction…maybe a movie tonight.  Gotta see what's playing on On Demand.  What is the last movie you saw at the theater?  Mine is Hunger Games.

Blog Tour kicks off today!

I'm happy to announce that the blog tour has started! 

Fifteen days of different stops to kick off THE REASON IS YOU, which takes flight tomorrow!

Today I am at Paranormal Romantics, talking about what inspired me to write THE REASON IS YOU.  You might like my inspiration…

Come visit and leave a comment!  A random commenter will be chosen at the end of the tour to win a gift basket of prizes!

Also, my first newsletter goes out tomorrow, with a giveaway and fun little prize game only for those receiving it.  Sign up for it and get the skinny! 

In the meantime, I must go find coffee…. what's your favorite coffee?

Tagged: blog tour, book launch, paranormal romance, paranormal romantics, romance, sharla lovelace, sharla scroggs, the reason is you

Three Days… and squiggly lines…

What an amazing few weeks this has been!!!  The contests and then this last week of book giveaways…has just been SO much fun!  I can't imagine a better way to launch THE REASON IS YOU off into the world.

And into the world it is!  I've had two people tell me they received it in the mail already…EARLY!!!  I had to sit down on that one, and focus on my breathing.  Already out there…people reading it….breathe in …breathe out… LOL!!

I know it's time for the book to jump out there on its on and sink or swim, but there's been something comforting all along about knowing it was still safe in its little pre-pubbed bubble where everyone could admire from afar and smile and say nice things. 

No more bubble!

Okay, Sharla, suck it up.  On to other things…I'm really excited about something I've been playing around with…QR codes.  They are free and you can use them for ANYTHING, I tell you.  And so so so easy.  Here's one of many links to go make them:  http://www.waspbarcode.com/barcode_maker/QRCodeMaker.aspx   It's the one I use because there are no signups.

Anyone with a smart phone can download free (free, again! yay!) barcode scanning apps…I use ShopSavvy for Android and it lets you scan any barcode, get prices, and also scan QR codes.  It's really kinda fun once you play with it a little!  I'm scanning everything like a little kid with a toy.

One of the things I've decided to use QR codes for is a contest on my newsletter, which you'll see on Tuesday when it goes out on (deep breath) release day.  Also I've made one for my newsletter sign up form.  Then I put it on little stickers which I then put on my mini-Moo cards.  Because I find myself out and about and people that know the book is coming out will ask me what's up and the when's and where's and I kept thinking…wouldn't it be nice to be able to hand them something that they can just scan and sign up for the flippin' newsletter and not have to worry about going to my website and clicking on tabs and all that.  One signup and the newsletter will come to their email once a month.  (Speaking of which…if I could figure out how to make it a widget on the sidebar, I would, but I can't…lol…so to sign up, go to the Newsletter tab up there or click HERE.)

I got these ready yesterday, and I'm anxious to try them out!  Also thinking of using these same cards with mystery codes at my book signing (gulp) in May.  People can scan to see if they win something!  I think that would be fun.

What do you think?  What are some creative things you've done to promote something or catch attention?

Tagged: anxiety, April 3, book launch, ghosts, mini cards, promo, qr codes, romance novel, sharla lovelace, the reason is you

Today's Author Spotlight: Angel Betrayed by Cynthia Eden!

It's the last day!!!!! 

But it's not over!   First of all a big hug and thank you to Kat Magendie  yesterday for giving away a copy of FAMILY GRACES to Evie Clifton!  Congrats Evie!!

FOUR DAYS TILL THE REASON IS YOU IS OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED!

I say "officially" because some are already receiving it in the mail, which makes my insides quiver a bit…lol!

*****

Okay… Putting the perfect finishing touch on an amazing week of authors, is superstar writer, Cynthia Eden, with her paranormal romance, ANGEL BETRAYED.

Cynthia Eden is a national best-selling author of paranormal romance and romantic suspense novels. Her books have received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, and her novel, DEADLY FEAR, was named a RITA® finalist for best romantic suspense.

Cynthia is a southern girl who loves horror movies, chocolate, and happy endings. She has always wanted to write (don't most authors say that?), and particularly enjoys creating stories about monsters-vampires, werewolves, and even the real-life monsters that populate her romantic suspense stories.

 And here are the the famous three questions, with Cynthia's answers:

What's your favorite love story hero, from any story, any genre?

-Dracula. I count his tale as a love story/horror story blend. Poor guy—he just wanted his Minda!

What's your favorite love song and why?

-That is so hard! I'll do Elvis Presley's CAN'T HELP FALLING IN LOVE … mostly because my husband and I danced to that song at our wedding ten years ago.

What's your guilty pleasure comfort food?

-Chocolate—always, chocolate.

Now…for the good stuff… 
 ANGEL BETRAYED…
 

 

Sammael–call him Sam–was an angel once. An Angel of Death. But the dispassionate, watch-from-above thing just wasn't working for him when it meant watching evil torture innocent souls day in and day out. It might have cost him his wings, but these days he gets to apply the direct method on the bad guys. Problem is, what's making his life difficult is a bad girl…

Seline O'Shaw needs protection, and with the hounds of hell on her tail, she's not going to quibble too hard about where she gets it. Sam's virtue is questionable, but he's smoking hot, massively powerful, and owes her a favor. So what if she's getting a little case of angel lust? There are some damn deadly sins after her hide…

 ~~~~

WHEW!  that sounds HOT!! 

Now it's time to try to make it yours. 

Leave a comment below for Cynthia  (including your email address!), saying hello, dropping a thought or two about the book, the blurb, whatcha think about those wings… Because that's what you were looking at, right?  The wings?  Yeah.

Anyway…  LOL.   Okay, so same rules apply… Comment before 10pm CST and a random commenter (chosen by The Hat) will be chosen to win a signed ARC of Cynthia's  ANGEL BETRAYED!

For more information on Cynthia Eden and her books go to www.cynthiaeden.com. 

Now go comment to win this book! 

Tagged: angel betrayed, author giveaways, authors on parade, book launch, cynthia eden, paranormal romance, romance, sharla lovelace, the reason is you, womens fiction

Today's Author Spotlight: Family Graces by Kathryn Magendie!

JUST 5 MORE DAYS!  (not that I'm counting….nope…)  And before I get to the meat of today's giveaway, I want to mention that my book is being reviewed over at Dawn Alexander's blog today.  tiny squee!!   So if you're so moved, after stopping here, maybe you can stop over there.  Thanks!!

LOL.  I want to thank Donna Grant for giving away a signed copy of DARKEST HIGHLANDER to Denise Ellis  yesterday!  Congrats Denise !!

*****

Today's spotlight is on an author I hold dear to my heart, Kathryn Magendie.  She is a  sweet and funny friend and one of the peeps that graciously quoted for my book!  Kat, I love you, my friend!   Her third book in the Graces trilogy (TENDER GRACES, SECRET GRACES…) comes out in April with mine!  FAMILY GRACES is going to be awesome and I can't wait.  

Kathryn Magendie is an author, and Publishing Editor of The Rose & Thorn. She was born a West-by-god Virginia Hillbilly (and proud of it), moved here, there, and yonder, was stuck in the swamps of South Louisiana for many years, and one fine morning she left behind her moss-filled grandfather oak trees in South Louisiana and floated off to Home in a tucked-in cove in Maggie Valley, Western North Carolina, where she spins tales, drinks Deep Creek Blend coffee, an occasional vodka tonic with lime, and contemplates the glow of Old Moon.

She is a member of organizations such as BR NAWW, North Carolina Writer's Network, Mountain Writer's Alive in Haywood County, Backspace The Writer's Place, Netwest Mountain Writers.

Beautiful Maggie Valley, North Carolina, in Haywood County, has folded her into their arms and she is ever-appreciative and respectful of this town, this county, and these mountain people.  Sometimes she writes in the third person like this, but she doesn't like it, because it makes her feel a bit wonky and ickily self-important, but yet, then again, it allows her to remain distant from herself and that makes her laugh, slapping her knee. Her short stories, essays, photography, and poetry have been published in both online and print publications.

 
 
Of course I had to ask Kat the same three questions everyone else had to answer!! 
 

What's your favorite love story hero, from any story, any genre?

- I am the most unromantic of women. I hate kissing scenes, bleah! So do you know the first image that popped into my head when you asked that question? Well, since it's the first thing I thought of, that's what I'm going with. Shrek! Yup, ole green ogre Shrek. I just think that love story so sweet, and not at all sappy. And in the first one, if I remember correctly, he wanted to love the gorgeous Fiona but wasn't sure he was attracted to her; I mean, she was sooo lovely, and he thought "ugh" *laughing!* Love it! Then she revealed she was an ogre, too, and he was so relieved. I just thought that was cute as can be. Say it with me now: awwwwwwww!
 

What's your favorite love song and why?

- Omg, here I go again. With a completely NOT romantic song that isn't even really a love song, but it pops into my head every time I'm asked a version of this question, and I think it does because I am, again, so not romantic, and am not a cuddler or hugger, and really not much of a demonstrative person, and am so often into my own head, and forget to say "I love you," and, well, poor GMR!    But if I were to suddenly disappear, I'd want to be missed. So, yeah, I'm a freak; I'm a weirdo.
 
"I'm a freak; I'm a weirdo
I don't care if it hurts
I want to have control
I want a perfect body
I want a perfect soul
I want you to notice when I'm not around…"
 
That's what goes through my mind. I'm trying to insert something else. Um. Er. I'll keep thinking . . .

What's your guilty pleasure comfort food?

 - Actually, I can break apart that question. Comfort food: grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup–nothing like it to make me feel comforted. Guilty Pleasure food: Any kind of rich decadent dessert that makes you feel slightly sick after you've eaten every bite, but you eat it anyway, even knowing you are feeling slightly sick, because that's part of the guilt in the pleasure.

 
 
Now…for the good stuff… 
 FAMILY GRACES…
 

 
In lieu of a single blurb, here is a summary of the entire trilogy…
 
 
Forgiveness is the hardest path to travel…

In the first of the trilogy, Tender Graces, at Grandma Faith's urging, lonely Virginia Kate returns home from South Louisiana to the West Virginia holler to release her momma's ashes and confront her family's turbulant past.

In book 2, Secret Graces, Virginia Kate seeks to find the love and acceptance that has eluded her, and finds that her grandma's and momma's legacies have come to haunt her despite her vow to live her live differently.

In Family Graces, storyteller Virginia Kate explores her momma's (Katie Ivene), grandma's (Grandma Faith), stepmother's (Rebekha), and adoptive daughter's (Adin) lives, where along the way, she discovers her own path to love, freedom, acceptance, and forgiveness.

 ~~~~

Oh my goodness, I read the first two and can't WAIT for this!   Now it's your turn!

Leave a comment below for Kathryn (including your email address!), saying hello, dropping a thought or two about the book, the blurb, her dog, and her fun picture of her in her mountain cove!!  (I have special rocks picked from her creek…yep, I'm special like that…)  Okay, so same rules apply… Comment before 10pm CST (because I need my sleep…lol) and a random commenter (chosen by The Hat) will be chosen to win a signed copy of Kat's book, FAMILY GRACES.  

For more information on Kathryn Magendie and her books go to www.kathrynmagendie.com. 

Now go comment to win this book! 

Tagged: author giveaways, authors on parade, book launch, family graces, kathryn magendie, romance, sharla lovelace, the graces trilogy, the reason is you, womens fiction

Today's Author Spotlight: Darkest Highlander by Donna Grant!

I'M LOVING THIS WEEK!!!!!

SO much fun.  And a huge thanks to Roni Loren yesterday for giving away a copy of CRASH INTO YOU to Jean Jones !  Congrats Jean !!

*****

Today's spotlight is on another Texas-based author, Donna Grant, with her paranormal romance, DARKEST HIGHLANDER.  

 Donna Grant has been praised for her "totally addictive" and "unique and sensual" stories.  She's the bestselling author of more than twenty novels spanning multiple  genres of romance—Scottish Medieval, dark fantasy, time travel,  paranormal, and erotic.  Her latest acclaimed series, Dark Sword,  features a thrilling combination of Druids, primeval gods, and immortal  Highlanders who are dark, dangerous, and irresistible.

She lives with  her husband, two children, a dog, and three cats in Texas.

And here are the the famous three questions, with Donna's answers:

What's your favorite love story hero, from any story, any genre?

-Deagas MacKelter from Karen Marie Moning's THE DARK HIGHLANDER

What's your favorite love song and why?

-Unchained Melody by the Righteous Brothers.  Why?  Love the sound of his voice and the music, but combined with hearing it after watching Patrick Swayze in Ghost, and there was no turning back.

What's your guilty pleasure comfort food?

 -Pasta.  I love just about any kind of pasta.

Now…for the good stuff… 
 DARKEST HIGHLANDER…





HE IS HER SALVATION
For years, Broc has watched over her, protected  her—and hidden his love for her. But when his beautiful Sonya finds  herself in a hopeless situation, the Highlander flies to her side to  save her. Unfortunately, before the Druidess can thank him, Broc is  captured by his enemy and destined for eternal pain…
SHE IS HIS DESTINY
Sonya vows to help her noble warrior, though he is  imprisoned in a mountain of pure evil—bound in chains of the darkest  magic. With Sonya's own magic fading, she must summon the greatest power of all to save the man she loves. But even if these two hearts are  united, will they be strong enough to defeat the heart of darkness? Or  will their undying love doom them for all eternity…


 
~~~~

Wow, that sounds really good!!  Now it's time to try to make it yours. 

Leave a comment below for Donna (including your email address!), saying hello, dropping a thought or two about the book, the blurb, whether or not Texas girls wear cowboy hats… No, that's a joke.  Don't do that.  I'm one too, and I'll nix that right now.  We don't.  Unless we're at a Country bar…and then still probably not.  LOL.   Okay, so same rules apply… Comment before 10pm CST (because I need my sleep…lol) and a random commenter (chosen by The Hat) will be chosen to win a signed copy of Donna's book, DARKEST HIGHLANDER.  

For more information on Donna Grant and her books go to www.donnagrant.com. 

Now go comment to win this book! 

Tagged: author giveaways, authors on parade, book launch, darkest highlander, donna grant, paranormal romance, romance, sharla lovelace, the reason is you, womens fiction

Today's Author Spotlight: Crash Into You by Roni Loren!

YESTERDAY WAS FANTASTIC!!!!!

And thank you to Kristina McMorris yesterday for giving away a copy of BRIDGE OF SCARLET LEAVES to Dianne Venetta!  Congrats Dianne!!

*****

Today's spotlight is on a fellow debut author and friend of mine, Roni Loren, with her sizzling romance, CRASH INTO YOU.   And because Roni is shouting out about my book today as well, you can catch my post on her weekly Boyfriend Of The Week today, where I talk about the sexy inspiration for "Alex Stone", the hot and mysterious ghost in my book.

Roni wrote her first romance novel at age fifteen when she discovered writing about boys was way easier than actually talking to them. Since then, her flirting skills haven't improved, but she likes to think her storytelling ability has. Though she'll forever be a New Orleans girl at heart, she now lives in Dallas with her husband and son. If she's not working on her latest sexy story, you can find her reading, watching reality television, or indulging in her unhealthy addiction to rockstars, er, rock concerts. Yeah, that's it. Her debut novel, CRASH INTO YOU, is now available from Berkley Heat.   Website: www.roniloren.com

To keep with the trend, I asked Roni the same three questions.  Here are her answers:

What's your favorite love story hero, from any story, any genre?

Probably the story that made me fall in love with romance was Dirty Dancing. I know it's not a book, but Johnny Castle will always hold a special place for me. I can't resist a tortured bad boy hero. I also love Jamie from Diana Gabaldon's Outlander–the sweet-hearted warrior.

 

What's your favorite love song & why?
 
Gah, this is a tough one because I love so many songs. I'll Stand By You by The Pretenders is a good one (even if it can be applied to friendship just as much as love.) But really there are so many I could list. For CRASH INTO YOU, the theme song for the book was "Outside" by Staind. Not a traditional love song per se, but perfect for my couple.
 
What's your guilty pleasure comfort food?

Mexican food. Nothing makes life better than a big bowl of chips, salsa, and guacamole. (And queso if it's been a REALLY bad week, lol.)

 


 
Now…for the good stuff… 
 CRASH INTO YOU…

 
 

 
Brynn LeBreck has dedicated herself to helping women in crisis, but she never imagined how personal her work would get, or where it would take her. Her younger sister is missing, suspected to be hiding from cops and criminals alike at a highly secretive BDSM retreat—a place where the elite escape to play out their most extreme sexual fantasies. To find her Brynn must go undercover as a sexual submissive. Unfortunately, The Ranch is invitation only. And the one Master who can get her in is from the darkest corner of Brynn's past.
 
Brynn knows what attorney Reid Jamison is like once stripped of his conservative suit and tie. Years ago she left herself vulnerable only to have him crush her heart. Now she needs him again. Back on top. And he's all too willing to engage. But as their primal desires and old wounds are exposed, the sexual games escalate—and so does the danger. Their hearts aren't the only things at risk. Someone else is watching, playing by his own rules. And his game could be murder.

 

~~~~

Hot, right?  Well, it's time to try to make it yours. 

Leave a comment below for Roni, saying hello, dropping a thought or two about the book, the blurb, how sexy that cover is and how many times your eyes kept dropping to his hand… LOL!   Comment before 10pm CST (because I need my sleep…lol) and a random commenter (chosen by The Hat) will be chosen to win a signed copy of Roni's book, CRASH INTO YOU.  Be sure to leave your email address so we can contact you!

For more information on Roni and her books go to www.roniloren.com.  And don't forget to go check out her blog today…the man-candy is worth it.

Now go comment to win this book! 

 

Tagged: alex o'loughlin, author giveaways, authors on parade, book launch, boyfriend of the week, bridge of scarlet leaves, crash into you, kristina mcmorris, romance, roni loren, sharla lovelace, the reason is you, womens fiction

Today's Author Spotlight: Bridge of Scarlet Leaves by Kristina McMorris!

IT'S HERE!!!!!

The Authors On Parade week has begun!  A full week of giveaways before the release of THE REASON IS YOU, as each awesome author hands over a signed book to a random commenter.

And today, kicking off the parade, is the amazing and talented Kristina McMorris, giving away a copy of her latest release, BRIDGE OF SCARLET LEAVES.

*much clapping!*

Kristina McMorris is a graduate of Pepperdine University and the recipient of nearly twenty national literary awards. A host of weekly TV shows since age nine, including an Emmy® Award-winning program, she penned her debut novel, Letters from Home (Kensington Books, Avon/HarperCollins UK), based on inspiration from her grandparents' wartime courtship. This critically praised book was declared a must-read by Woman's Day magazine and achieved additional acclaim as a Reader's Digest Select Editions feature, a Doubleday/Literary Guild selection, and a 2011 Goodreads Choice Awards semifinalist for Best Historical Fiction. Her second novel, Bridge of Scarlet Leaves (March 2012), has already received glowing reviews from Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Reviews, among many others. Named one of Portland's "40 Under 40″ by The Business Journal, Kristina lives with her husband and two sons in the Pacific Northwest, where she refuses to own an umbrella.

For a little fun, I asked Kristina to answer the same questions I posed the last three weeks for the contests.  Here are her answers:

What's your favorite love story hero, from any story, any genre?
I'd have to say Jacob Jankowski from Water for Elephants — as both his young self and elderly version. I loved his daring nature, compassion, wisdom, wit, ability to survive through the worst of circumstances, and his drive to act in the face of injustice.

What's your favorite love song & why?
Ooh, there's so many from the '40s I love — especially when performed by someone like Nat King Cole, whose velvety voice never fails to give me chills. As for a specific tune, one of my favorites would have to be "At Last" by Etta James, filled with so much emotional rawness and beauty. Her recent passing is a stark reminder of just how fast we're losing a remarkable generation and how important it is that we continue to tell their stories.

What's your guilty pleasure comfort food?
My grandmother's Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole would have to take the top spot. Though crammed with enough sour cream, butter, and cheddar cheese to last a month, its heavenly aroma while baking in the oven instantly convinces me that calories from Grandma's dishes don't count, ha.


Now…for what you've been waiting for… the gorgeous
 BRIDGE OF SCARLET LEAVES…

Los Angeles, 1941. Violinist Maddie Kern's life seemed destined to unfold with the predictable elegance of a Bach concerto. Then she fell in love with Lane Moritomo. Her brother's best friend, Lane is the handsome, ambitious son of Japanese immigrants. Maddie was prepared for disapproval from their families, but when Pearl Harbor is bombed the day after she and Lane elope, the full force of their decision becomes apparent. In the eyes of a fearful nation, Lane is no longer just an outsider, but an enemy.

When her husband is interned at a war relocation camp, Maddie follows, sacrificing her Juilliard ambitions. Behind barbed wire, tension simmers and the line between patriot and traitor blurs. As Maddie strives for the hard-won acceptance of her new family, Lane risks everything to prove his allegiance to America, at tremendous cost.

~~~~

Doesn't that sound amazing?  Oh my goodness…  And that cover is just to die for.  Well, it could be yours. 

Leave a comment below for Kristina, letting her know what you think, just saying hello, maybe offer to cook her some hashbrown casserole or play some Nat King Cole!  LOL!   Comment before 10pm CST (because I need my sleep…lol) and a random commenter will be chosen to win a signed copy of Kristina's book, BRIDGE OF SCARLET LEAVES.  Be sure to leave your email address so we can contact you!

For more information on Kristina and her books go to www.KristinaMcMorris.com

Tagged: author giveaways, authors on parade, book launch, bridge of scarlet leaves, kristina mcmorris, romance, sharla lovelace, the reason is you, womens fiction

Authors On Parade starts tomorrow! See the line-up!

STARTING TOMORROW!!!

A whole week of Authors on Parade!! 

Yay!  I've been so excited about this next week's contests, you just don't know.  LOL!    Each day of this week will be a different amazing author giving away a signed copy of one of their books!   A random commenter will be chosen each day to win fabulous books, and I can't wait to get started!!

So, are you ready?  Here's the star-studded line up….

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

Mon 3/26:    Kristina McMorris's women's fiction, BRIDGE OF SCARLET LEAVES

Tue 3/27:     Roni Loren's erotic romance CRASH INTO YOU 

Wed 3/28:    Donna Grant's paranormal romance DARKEST HIGHLANDER

Thu 3/29:     Kathryn Magendie's southern fiction FAMILY GRACES

Fri 3/30:       Cynthia Eden's paranormal romance ANGEL OF DARKNESS

Are you excited now?

Tagged: authors on parade, book launch, contests, cynthia eden, donna grant, kat magendie, kristina mcmorris, romance, roni loren, sharla lovelace, sharla scroggs, the reason is you, womens fiction

Reminder…Last day to enter the Comfort Food Contest!!

A quick reminder today that it is the last day to enter the Mmm…All Comfort Food Welcome Contest to win a $15 Amazon or B&N gift card of your choice, and a $15 CafePress gift certificate!  All you have to do is tell me about your favorite comfort food!  A winner will be chosen early Saturday morning, and announced….because next week is the BIG BANANAS!  I'm so excited about next week's Authors On Parade!  Five fabulous authors giving away their books each day!!

Click HERE to be taken directly to the Comfort Food contest entry.  Good luck and have fun!!

11 days…it's getting close!!  Squeeeeeee!!!

Tagged: authors on parade, comfort food contest, contest, debut novel, romance, sharla lovelace, the reason is you