Toni Aleo's Blog, page 20

Empty Net Cover reveal!

 
Well, here it is!!!


I absolutely LOVE it! Jaycee over at Sweet N Spicy Designs out did herself! It is gorgeous and I love that I decided to do a cover like this instead of just a hockey stick or goal, or whatever. I am really happy with the result and I can not wait for this book to come out! I wish it would come out tomorrow just so I can see what everyone thinks, but I just got done with the 2nd edit. So I'll have to wait!! I hope y'all love it!

Here is the blurb:

Definition of an Empty Net: When a team pulls the goalie for an extra attacker, desperately seeking a goal.

Audrey Parker was in a horrible place.
She hated her job, her sister was getting married and moving out, but worst of all, she was in love with a total jerk. No matter what she did, every guy she met hurt her. All she wanted was her happily ever after. Her Prince Charming. Her Lucas Brooks! She didn’t know how to change her life but she knew she needed too.
Feeling like she was about to hit rock bottom, Audrey wakes up next to Tate Odder.

Tate Odder had lost everything.
After being brought up from the Assassins’ farm team, the Florida Rays to the Nashville Assassins, Tate hopes he’ll forget everything he has lost. He doesn’t. Each day gets harder to live in a place he doesn’t know. Even being the first rookie goalie to shut out an opposing team three times during the Lord Stanly Cup Finals, he still felt empty. With the loss of his parents and sister still heavy on his heart, Tate isn’t sure how to live like everything is okay.

But when he wakes up beside Audrey Parker, things start to change. She turns his life upside down with her kooky sense of humor and her bright clothing. She is intelligent and beautiful, and for once, he doesn’t feel empty.
Will Audrey be the person to fill the holes in Tate’s heart, making him whole again?
Or will another player ruin everything, leaving him feeling forever like an empty net?

Read the first chapter of Tate and Audrey's story here!
Releasing September 11, 2012
for Amazon and B&N



Playlist for Empty Net





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Create a playlist at MixPod.com


Now the Giveaway!
I am giving away:
ebook of Taking Shots
ebook of Trying to Score
 Advance copy of Empty NetGood luck!
There will be 3 different winners! a Rafflecopter giveaway



Make sure you tell me what you think!!!





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Tomorrows cover reveal stops!

So tomorrow is the cover reveal like I said a billion times :) SO FREAKING EXCITED! I am having 50 stops at blogs I dont know through Reading Addiction Virtual Tours and then my bff Tara from Taters Tall Tails has set up a personal blog list for people I know and some I dont, but are getting to know! Everyone has been AAAAAHHHHHMAAAZZZING!! hehehe! I love meeting new bloggers and everyone knows how I love talking to fans, so tomorrow should be HUGE! Just a little note, I couldnt have done Empty Net without Tara, honestly, she has been my rock. I did Taking Shots alone with only the people from Booksie, and Trying to Score I did kinda by myself but Empty Net, man, Tara was there every step of the way. She has not only done that but she is very adamant on helping me make Empty Net huge! So heres to hoping I break the top 10 with this one!!! So thank you from the bottom of my heart, Tara!Okay, I gave y'all the list of the Reading Addiction tour, but here is the list the amazing, super awesome Tara put together for me:
 http://www.taterstalltails.com/http://twentysomethingfictionwriter.blogspot.com/
readersconfession.blogspot.com·      http://chocolatecoatedreviews.blogspot.com·     http://bumblesandfairytales.blogspot.com·    http://thebookishbabes.blogspot.com·      http://spewsofmyviews.blogspot.com www.autumnreview.com·      http://atastyread.blogspot.comhttp://www.guiltypleasuresbookreviews.com/·     http://stuckinbooks.comhttp://burningximpossiblyxbright.blogspot.com http://www.alwaysyaatheart.blogspot.comhttp://myfoolishwisdom.blogspot.com/ http://sageadderley.blogspot.com/ www.insightfulmindsreviews.com·      http://edandemreviews.blogspot.com/·     http://www.iwannabeadomesticgoddess.com/·      http://thecovercontessa.blogspot.com/·     booksoverboys.blogspot.com·   www.blogger.com/dreaminginthepages·    toughcriticbookreviews.blogspot.com·     http://booklovewitch.blogspot.com/ http://www.lushbudgetproduction.com/
·      http://justanotherbookaddict.blogspot.com/http://reviewsbymolly.com/ ·      http://somelikeitparanormall.blogspot.com/·     www.noseinabookblog.blogspot.com/·     http://k-booksxo.blogspot.com/·    http://amdase.blogspot.com/ http://ya-sisterhood.blogspot.com/
Okay, there is over 30 blogs here and to thank these fantastic ladies for doing my cover reveal, I wanted to run a giveaway to get them new followers. So here is how it works. There is two ways you can enter, one is go to 10 different blogs and comment on the cover reveal. Second way is going to 5 and 'following' their blog! Wanna know what you can win? There will be 6 winners.
A swag pack (2)ebook of Taking Shots (2)ebook of Trying to Score (2)
enter here!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thank you again everyone! Tomorrow is gonna be epic!


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Audrey’s cupcake Monday…on Sunday!

So because tomorrow is EMPTY NETs COVER REVEAL!!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!…lol…I decided to post Audrey’s cupcakes today. This time, I have been insanely busy with edits and family and friends and also trying to keep myself from writing, OH and I started Weight Watchers again, that I didnt get to make these. I found these on Pinterest and a friend made them and boy we’re they good. I thought I’d share the recipe and maybe someone will make them. Enjoy them, eat 5 for me, because Lord knows I can’t have them! lol. Enjoy!

 
By http://bubblynaturecreations.com

Ingredients

To make the cake part:
cake mix and the ingredients on the box to make cake and cupcake liners

Ice Cream:
Cake Batter Ice Cream of Choice I used the recipe found here: http://annies-eats.com/2010/05/14/cak... Blue Bell also makes a cake batter ice cream called “Krazy Cookie Dough”.

Stabilized Whip Cream:
I used the recipe found here: http://www.food.com/recipe/wilton-sta...

Instructions

Make the cake part of the cupcakes first by filling the bottom of 24 cupcake liners with 1/4 inch of cake batter and cooking until they bounce back (about 10 mins). Once cooled put your ice cream on top of the cake and freeze in the freezer or until the ice cream is hardened and cake is frozen (about 2 hours). Right before serving top with the stabilized whip cream and some sprinkles! Enjoy! 

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Audrey's cupcake Monday...on Sunday!

So because tomorrow is EMPTY NETs COVER REVEAL!!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!...lol...I decided to post Audrey's cupcakes today. This time, I have been insanely busy with edits and family and friends and also trying to keep myself from writing, OH and I started Weight Watchers again, that I didnt get to make these. I found these on Pinterest and a friend made them and boy we're they good. I thought I'd share the recipe and maybe someone will make them. Enjoy them, eat 5 for me, because Lord knows I can't have them! lol. Enjoy!
 By http://bubblynaturecreations.com
IngredientsTo make the cake part: cake mix and the ingredients on the box to make cake and cupcake liners Ice Cream: Cake Batter Ice Cream of Choice I used the recipe found here: http://annies-eats.com/2010/05/14/cak... Blue Bell also makes a cake batter ice cream called "Krazy Cookie Dough". Stabilized Whip Cream: I used the recipe found here: http://www.food.com/recipe/wilton-sta... the cake part of the cupcakes first by filling the bottom of 24 cupcake liners with 1/4 inch of cake batter and cooking until they bounce back (about 10 mins). Once cooled put your ice cream on top of the cake and freeze in the freezer or until the ice cream is hardened and cake is frozen (about 2 hours). Right before serving top with the stabilized whip cream and some sprinkles! Enjoy! 
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Tate’s Playlist Friday

I love this band. I’m pretty sure all of you know this, but man I love Boyce Avenue! They make me so happy! Here is a song that plays a big part in Empty Net!!

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Tate's Playlist Friday

I love this band. I'm pretty sure all of you know this, but man I love Boyce Avenue! They make me so happy! Here is a song that plays a big part in Empty Net!!





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I HIT 30,000 VIEWS!!

YIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!
I hit 30,000 views!! YEHAW! hehehehe! To celebrate I'm giving away a signed copy of Taking Shots!!! (US ONLY PLEASE) ANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD......here's a teaser of Empty Net :)

“I think you’re right.”
He chuckled, a deep throaty sound that made Audrey’s girly parts scream.
Oh, he was sexy.
Pinning her with a winning grin, he said, “I am always right.”
Audrey giggled at his cockiness. It was totally something Lucas would say, and thinking of him made her smile. She nodded her head before looking back up into the giant’s eyes, “Is that right?”
“Yes, I’ve been watching you all night and I am sure I was right to come and talk to you because honestly, you are the most gorgeous woman I have ever seen.”

Oh, wow. 

Now I hope you are able to breathe because I need you to enter this contest!!! Get to it!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks so much guys!!! Here's to 100,000 more!

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Totally Hot Thursday

Are you ready for some hotness??
Here we go! When I found this model, he was who I thought Erik Titvo would look like. You'll meet him in Empty Net. Great guy! hehe. He's Jakob's brother :) But, here is is. Y'all know I love me some tattooed men!
YUMMO!
His name is Maximilian Silberman....I would probably pay to hear him say his name.
YUM-FREAKING-MO!

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Totally Random Wednesday! Happy 4th!

  Happy 4th of July!!! I hope everyone has a fantastic day with friends and family!

If that gif doesnt make your day bright, then hell I dont know what would. I hope everyone is having a nice week and enjoying the little post I have been doing! A lot has happened this week for me and I am so excited to share it with y'all!! Lets do Random Wendesday! I had to rename it since I'm not writing, but I have a feeling that will be changing soon! So anyways, guess what?! I WENT BLONDE! EEEK!? I know right! lol. It is acutally really cute and I really love it. I can't wait to take pictures for the back of Empty Net, which reminds me...WHO IS EXCITED ABOUT THE COVER REVEAL?!?! Its only 5 days away!!!! EKKK!!! Have you entered the giveaway yet? If not, go do that! It ends the same day as the cover reveal!                   <~~~~~~~~~~~~HERE IS A LITTLE PEEK!!
OH IS THAT PEOPLE I SEE?!??!?! EKKK! TOLD YOU ITS GONNA BE WAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY DIFFERENT!!!!!!!!!!!
The same day I got my hair did, I got a new puppy! Meet, Dozer, our new baby bull dog :) He is such a sweetie and I just adore him so very much! I was wanting a pug, but my husband wanted a bulldog. Since I usually get what I want...like Disney in 93 days, I figured he could have what he wanted this time. I'm really happy with him, and he is just the perfect addition to our family.
Another great thing that happened to be this week was that my best friend came home from Iraq. As y'all know, well the ones that have been with me since day one, my best friend means the world to me and it is great to have her home safe and sound. I send her copies of my books over seas and she has honestly supported me in everything I do. She is my ride or die chick, and I love her so very much.
Now that I have shared my life thus far with you, lets discuss some other things.

I started reading that Look of Love by Bella Andre, and have totally lost interest in it. I dont know if its cause I am doing round two of edits for Empty Net or if it isnt the book for me. So any good suggestions about books, please send them my way! As I said, I'm doing round two of edits, and honestly, I forgot how freaking amazing the beginning of Empty Net is. I just love it so freaking much. I can't wait for the world to read this book. Its gonna be epic, I know it.
So I know all of you are wondering what I thought about Magic Mike. one word, really sums it up.
RAWR.
Yes, I growled, moaned, gasp, and hollered for those sexy men of Magic Mike. It was the best 7 bucks I have ever spent! hehehe. Joe was gorgeous, Channing, yummy, and Alex, good Lord, all mighty! hehehe. It was great, yes, there was absolutely no story line, but really who the heck cares?! lol!!!

Lets do some stats real quick:
 

Taking Shots and Trying to Score are doing well. TS is ranked 4.2 out of 5 on Amazon with 133 reviews. TTS is ranked 4.4 out of 5 with 101 reviews. I am almost to 100 reviews for TTS on goodreads, which I think is cool! I am doing a tour with Charisma Blog Tours and so far, its been okay. I am 1 for 3 so far. One blog loved me, the other two, no so much. lol! I have be in contact with a printing company here in Clarksville, and I am going to be getting mass quantities of the books to sale. I know that on some sites its an ARM and a LEG to get Taking Shots, and I dont want that anymore. So I am going to make it where you can buy my books and I'll sign them for everyone :) I am also thinking of running an awesome promotion for right before Empty Net comes out, so look forward to that. I am really excited because the t-shirts and jerseys should be in very soon! I CAN NOT WAIT! hehe! I also cant wait to get my hands on the print version of Empty Net. I know it is going to be gorgeous and I cant wait!Also for Empty Net, I will be doing another book week through Insightful Minds. I am really excited because last time it was a hoot of a time and I know Tabby has nothing but awesomeness planned for Empty Net. I think it is her fav book out of the three, I might be wrong, but I'm pretty sure it is! hehe :P

I have a confession too....I think its mine also.... EKK!! I know, y'all are probably shaking your heads at me, but there is something about Audrey and Tate was just GRIPS your heart and makes you fall in love. I know Shea and Elli are just to die for and Fallon and Lucas are just freaking hot, but Audrey and Tate have something special. I can't describe it. It just makes me happy.
So yeah, look forward to all that awesomeness that is happening. Did I mention that the cover reveal is in 5 days? that you'll have the cover, the first chapter, and playlist in a matter of days?? Arent you excited??!?! Cause I am! So freaking excited!
Also to let everyone know, I've decided to go forth with Blue Lines. I'm been thinking a lot about it and I think that I'm gonna be able to incorporate Harper in Blue Lines, so she wont be forgotten. I feel it is going to work out and I am excited for the future works. I've done good keeping 6 months between each release, so it will probably be February 2013 when it comes out. I havent started it, so dont hold me to that! LOL! I'll let y'all know when I do.

I have just now discovered Graffiti6 and this song touches my heart! I love it and wanted to share it with everyone. I am thinking of it being Blue Lines song, but I'm not sure yet! We'll see!


 
Now, look forward to tomorrow guys, total yumminess is coming your way. I hope you've enjoyed my little post and the ones to come. I'll talk to y'all next week!!! Have a great 4th and enjoy the rest of your week :)



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Grrrr epiracy !

As a lot of you know, I have been the victim of epiracy. Both my books have been shared on Sharetermpapers.com and no matter how many angry emails I send, they wont take them down. I was scrolling throught my news feed today when I saw that Rachel Vincent wrote a very honest article concering this fact. I dont follow Rachel, or read her books, I saw this from one of my frieds, and I wanted to share it with everyone.

Oh, the arguments to justify epiracy are old, and I'm pretty sure I've heard them all. Here are the most common, followed by the reasons they are total BS:

-I can't afford to buy new books.

Yeah. I couldn't either a few years ago. Know what I did? I went to the library and I borrowed books from friends. (Which is different than making a COPY of a book for a friend.) I've been there. I understand. But if you couldn't afford to buy a DVD, would you take one from the store?

-The book isn't out yet legally in my country.

I'm *truly* sorry. That sucks. But it happens, and trust me when I say that NO ONE is more frustrated about that than the author, who WANTS her books to be available everywhere. But when they aren't available in your country, the right thing to do is wait for them to come out there legally, if you can't order one online or have someone else ship a legal copy to you. That's what I have to do for many things I can't get in the US. Including Tim Tams and some books that get published in the UK first. I wait.

-I bought the print copy, so I should get the ecopy for free.

Really? I bought a blue shirt, so I should get the red one for free, right? Um...no. Not unless it's buy-one-get-one, or the publisher is giving away free (legal) downloads. Because those are two different products, which each have their own costs to produce and make available.

-But ebooks are overpriced, so no one's getting hurt if I download one occasionally.

For the first part of that...maybe. Some ebooks probably are overpriced. And you know what? The more they're stolen, the higher that price will be, because SOMEONE has to pay for the labor and production that go into even an ebook. But even if all ebooks *were* overpriced, so what? Clothes are overpriced. Especially jeans, IMO. Do you steal jeans because they're overpriced?

For the second part, you could NOT BE MORE WRONG. *Everyone* is hurt by epiracy. Authors sales dip, so publishers stop publishing them. Publishers lose money, so they have to charge higher prices. Consumers have to pay higher prices (unless they steal books, which started this whole mess in the first place) and they lose variety (because publishers will only be able to publish "sure things") and readers lose many of their favorite series (because they were canceled due to low sales, because people stole them instead of buying them).

How how right she is. Not only has my sells went down, but I see people giving me bad reviews for unediting material because they downloaded my book from a crappy source. It isnt fair to us authors. I understand that the books can be outrageously priced, but I try to be fair with my eBooks. Why should people get them for free? I worked hard on these books, I paid people to edit them, I think that asking for a price for my books is fair. I thank Rachel Vincent for posting this. I can't get my words out like this. All I want to do is cuss and scream and cry, but I am proud of this woman because she is standing up for all us authors. So way to go Rachel. I admire you.



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