Samantha March's Blog, page 3
December 14, 2015
Favorite Gift Guest Blogger: Kayla Paine
We have been having a wonderful two weeks of celebrating the release of Marching Ink’s first holiday collection, All I Want For Christmas. If you missed the guest bloggers on both Laura Chapman’s and Cat Lavoie’s blogs – give them a read! I’m excited to kick off this week’s theme, which is favorite gift. Up first, we have blogger Kayla Paine!
My family dynamic is a little bit different then most 31 year olds. It’s just me and my dad (well and our 2 cats and my dog.) It’s been my dad and I for as long as I can remember. Our little family is well loved by our extended family of course (including my mom), but it’s always just me and him.
So when Samantha asked me if I wanted to write a guest post about my most favorite Christmas present, I went back and forth on which gift I would talk about. I received my dog Zoey 4 years ago for Christmas, but I think when it comes down to it, my most cherished gift is my Louis Vuitton Speedy 25. And it’s probably not for the reason you think.
Christmas of 2009 was going to be different. My Grandma had passed away that August and my family was closer than ever. Our already strong bond became unbreakable. My Grandpa who normally spends every Christmas in Florida was going to come home to NY to celebrate the season with us. It was going to be an extra fun and loving Christmas. When it came time to figure out what I wanted that year, I decided I wanted something I could use everyday and would really treasure for the rest of my life. I proposed the only thing on my list to my mom and dad saying they could spilt the cost of the my expensive request. My mom instantly said no, saying I would probably change my mind about it after a year or so. My dad was just quiet and didn’t say much. I guess now is the time where I need to tell you another thing that makes my family different, I’m the bread winner in my family. My dad works full time, but never brings home as much as I do. I don’t mind that this is our situation, but it does get tiresome after a while. Most Christmas, he would get me something small; socks, candy, a teddy bear, nothing big. Anyways, cut to Christmas morning, my Grandpa had spent the night at our house and it was so great to have him there just like when I was little. We made him open his gifts first and he was appreciative for his golf polos, golf balls, wallet, and chocolate covered cherries. I opened all of the gifts from my mom and thinking back now, I can’t remember one thing from the pile she sent me. There was one brown box left, that wasn’t wrapped (my dad doesn’t wrap gifts), and he pushed it closer to me.
I smiled as I pulled off the tape. Inside was a calendar, a new iPod, some candy, and a Coach bag. I opened the Coach bag and smiled as I genuinely said Thank you! I knew asking for a $650 handbag was a stretch, especially when I was always handling the finances. So I was going to be happy with the new brown leather Coach bag that was beautiful. After I said thank you a few more times, my dad told me to make sure there wasn’t anything left in the box. I saw there was some tissue paper, so I reached in a pulled it out. As I did, I saw there was a dark brown box and a lime green ribbon. The box read “Louis Vuitton”. I instantly started crying and couldn’t make out a single word.
I gently removed the ribbon, pulled back the lid, and found the fabric bag that contained my new Speedy. I pulled the gorgeous bag out and held it close to my chest. It was even prettier in person. I was still crying when I got up to hug and thank my dad. He then explained why he had gotten the Coach bag. The Speedy was sold out in the size 30 (my orginial request) and he didn’t want me to be disappointed with the 25, so he bought the Coach bag as a backup and I could return whichever one I didn’t want. I promptly packed up the Coach bag and put it to the side which would later be returned to my local Macy’s.
As I got out my phone to text all my friends to tell them what “Santa” had brought me, I over heard this conversation between my dad and Grandpa.
Grandpa: “I don’t get it. Why is she so happy? I know she likes bags, but why is she crying?”
My dad: “That bag is pretty expensive.”
Grandpa: “Donnie, you don’t have money like that to spend.”
My dad: “Kayla’s gone without a lot Christmases in the past, Dad. She doesn’t ask to spend money, rarely buys herself anything she really wants. She always puts me and the finances first. She’ll have this bag forever and for the Christmases to come where I can’t get her anything. But when she uses that purse everyday, it’ll always remind her of me.”
My dad was right, everyday when I pick up my beloved Louie, I always think of him.
Kayla writes the blog polished & bubbly
polishedandbubbly.blogspot.com
Instagram: polishedandbubbly
Facebook: facebook.com/polishedandbubbly
YouTube: polished&bubbly
Pinterest: kmp718
All I Want For Christmas – Four New Holiday Novellas from Marching Ink
Making Christmas by Laura Chapman
While settling into a new career in a new community, Ivy is determined not to let the holiday season pass her by. Enter the grownup advent calendar: twenty-four days of festivities to celebrate Christmas. What begins as a bit of fun turns into a mission to spread cheer when she meets Everett. After learning about his bad Christmas attitude, she invites him to join her quest. Despite his initial reservations, Everett quickly gets caught up in the spirit of the calendar. But when new feelings surface and are impossible to ignore, Everett’s inner curmudgeon threatens to put a damper on the whole experience.
Nine Ladies Dancing by Cat Lavoie
Casey Ellis is the last person who should be planning her office’s holiday party. Convinced she’s plagued with chronic Christmas bad luck, Casey isn’t interested in tempting fate. But when putting on a party planner hat seems like a good way to get closer to her longtime crush, Casey takes charge—and braces for impact.
When things start to fall apart—just like Casey knew they would—will she run and hide, or will she learn that bad luck can sometimes turn out to be Christmas magic in disguise?
The Christmas Surprise by Samantha March
Juliette Mabry is a happily married stay-at-home wife and mother…until there appears to be trouble brewing in her nearly ten-year marriage. Juliette takes it upon herself to find out if her husband is up to no good, but does she want to know the truth? Everything is revealed on Christmas, and Juliette is in for her biggest Christmas surprise.
What Happens at Midnight by Laura Chapman
Romantic comedy junkie Natalie lives out those fantasies in real life three New Year’s Eves in a row when fate throws her together with the same handsome stranger. A heartbreaking turn of events leaves her swearing off of love, forevers, and the holidays (bah humbug). That is until the mystery man from her past reappears years later. Over a holiday season, Natalie struggles to reconcile the whimsical notions of her past with the practical sensibilities she has worked so hard to develop. With the countdown to a new year looming, she must decide whether or not she is willing to give happily ever after another shot.
All I Want For Christmas is Now Available
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Goodreads
November 11, 2015
ON SALE TODAY! All I Want For Christmas: A Holiday Novella Collection
I am so excited for today because it’s Release Day! My publishing company, Marching Ink, is releasing book # 13 today – lucky #13! And it’s a special release, because it is our first holiday collection, featuring novellas from myself, Laura Chapman and Cat Lavoie. All the information is below, and we have a special gift card grab bag giveaway to go along with the release. Get entered, good luck and thank you for all the continued support! We hope you enjoy All I Want For Christmas!
All I Want For Christmas – Four New Holiday Novellas from Marching Ink
Making Christmas by Laura Chapman
While settling into a new career in a new community, Ivy is determined not to let the holiday season pass her by. Enter the grownup advent calendar: twenty-four days of festivities to celebrate Christmas. What begins as a bit of fun turns into a mission to spread cheer when she meets Everett. After learning about his bad Christmas attitude, she invites him to join her quest. Despite his initial reservations, Everett quickly gets caught up in the spirit of the calendar. But when new feelings surface and are impossible to ignore, Everett’s inner curmudgeon threatens to put a damper on the whole experience.
Nine Ladies Dancing by Cat Lavoie
Casey Ellis is the last person who should be planning her office’s holiday party. Convinced she’s plagued with chronic Christmas bad luck, Casey isn’t interested in tempting fate. But when putting on a party planner hat seems like a good way to get closer to her longtime crush, Casey takes charge—and braces for impact.
When things start to fall apart—just like Casey knew they would—will she run and hide, or will she learn that bad luck can sometimes turn out to be Christmas magic in disguise?
The Christmas Surprise by Samantha March
Juliette Mabry is a happily married stay-at-home wife and mother…until there appears to be trouble brewing in her nearly ten-year marriage. Juliette takes it upon herself to find out if her husband is up to no good, but does she want to know the truth? Everything is revealed on Christmas, and Juliette is in for her biggest Christmas surprise.
What Happens at Midnight by Laura Chapman
Romantic comedy junkie Natalie lives out those fantasies in real life three New Year’s Eves in a row when fate throws her together with the same handsome stranger. A heartbreaking turn of events leaves her swearing off of love, forevers, and the holidays (bah humbug). That is until the mystery man from her past reappears years later. Over a holiday season, Natalie struggles to reconcile the whimsical notions of her past with the practical sensibilities she has worked so hard to develop. With the countdown to a new year looming, she must decide whether or not she is willing to give happily ever after another shot.
Get Your Copy!
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1kHDgmJ
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/all-i-want-for-christmas-samantha-march/1122927098?ean=2940156675241
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/all-i-want-for-christmas-43
a Rafflecopter giveaway
October 28, 2015
RELEASE DAY: Peri in Progress by Cat Lavoie
Today I am wishing the happiest of release days to Cat Lavoie and her third novel Peri in Progress! Cat was my first author to sign with Marching Ink and it has been a true honor to work with her over the years and call her a friend. I hope you will get your copy of Peri in Progress and enjoy this chick lit tale as much as I did!
About the Book
You know what they say about best-laid plans…
After a disastrous thirty-first birthday party where she gets stood-up by a man she isn’t supposed to be dating, Peri McKenna decides it’s time to change what hasn’t been working—which is pretty much everything. Her love life is going nowhere fast, she’s bored to tears by a job that makes her the office pariah, and the lifelong junk food addiction that used to be somewhat quirky is now positively problematic. To top it all off, her newly-purchased home is falling apart and wishful thinking hasn’t done much to fix the leaky roof.
It’s time be an adult now that she’s officially ‘thirty-something.’
But when the first step of Peri’s self-improvement plan backfires, she starts to wonder if change might be overrated.
Enter Milo Preston, an up-and-coming chef who’s in town to take over a local restaurant. When Peri and Milo begin working together, she finds it hard to ignore his easy charm and captivating emerald-green eyes. Since Milo is her best friend’s estranged brother, Peri has to keep reminding herself that he is completely off-limits. As they grow closer, Milo introduces Peri to new foods, the joy (and pain) of jogging, and makes her think her luck might finally be turning.
But when the past catches up with them, Peri finds herself back at square one. Will she be able to sort herself out—or will the roof cave in on her once and for all?
About Cat
Cat Lavoie lives in Montreal, Canada with her tempestuous cat, Abbie. Her debut novel, BREAKING THE RULES, was published in August 2012 by Marching Ink. ZOEY & THE MOMENT OF ZEN was published in October 2013. PERI IN PROGRESS will be published in October 2015.
If Cat isn’t reading or writing, she’s most likely watching too much TV or daydreaming about her next trip to London.
Books Links
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1McRA3l
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1QYWmiT
Global Link: myBook.to/PeriinProgress
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/peri-in-progress
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/peri-in-progress-cat-lavoie/1122853253?ean=2940151219945
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26988197-peri-in-progress
Author Links
Website: http://www.catlavoie.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatLavoieAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/catenabi
Instagram: https://instagram.com/catlavoie4/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/catenabi/
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Cat-Lavoie/e/B008NQ8N7U/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1445560653&sr=8-1
More From Cat
Breaking the Rules – On Sale for 99 Cents!
https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/breaking-the-rules-16
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/breaking-the-rules-cat-lavoie/1112418281?ean=2940014839679
Zoey & The Moment of Zen – Discounted to $2.99!
https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/zoey-the-moment-of-zen
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/zoey-the-moment-of-zen-cat-lavoie/1117208382?ean=2940148733492
October 12, 2015
New Holiday Collection Coming Soon!
Today, I am so excited to announce the release of the next Marching Ink multi-author collection! Cat Lavoie, Laura Chapman and myself will be releasing All I Want For Christmas on November 11. We are also sharing the cover today, designed by our own Laura Chapman! All the details below and be sure to add it to your Goodreads shelf!
All I Want For Christmas (A Holiday Novella Collection)Authors: Samantha March, Laura Chapman, Cat Lavoie
Release Date: November 11
Blurb: Making Christmas by Laura Chapman
While settling into a new career in a new community, Ivy is determined not to let the holiday season pass her by. Enter the grownup advent calendar: twenty-four days of festivities to celebrate Christmas. What begins as a bit of fun turns into a mission to spread cheer when she meets Everett. After learning about his bad Christmas attitude, she invites him to join her quest. Despite his initial reservations, Everett quickly gets caught up in the spirit of the calendar. But when new feelings surface and are impossible to ignore, Everett’s inner curmudgeon threatens to put a damper on the whole experience.
Nine Ladies Dancing by Cat Lavoie
Casey Ellis is the last person who should be planning her office’s holiday party. Convinced she’s plagued with chronic Christmas bad luck, Casey isn’t interested in tempting fate. But when putting on a party planner hat seems like a good way to get closer to her longtime crush, Casey takes charge—and braces for impact.
When things start to fall apart—just like Casey knew they would—will she run and hide, or will she learn that bad luck can sometimes turn out to be Christmas magic in disguise?
The Christmas Surprise by Samantha March
Juliette Mabry is a happily married stay-at-home wife and mother…until there appears to be trouble brewing in her nearly ten-year marriage. Juliette takes it upon herself to find out if her husband is up to no good, but does she want to know the truth? Everything is revealed on Christmas, and Juliette is in for her biggest Christmas surprise.
What Happens at Midnight by Laura Chapman
Romantic comedy junkie Natalie lives out those fantasies in real life three New Year’s Eves in a row when fate throws her together with the same handsome stranger. A heartbreaking turn of events leaves her swearing off of love, forevers, and the holidays (bah humbug). That is until the mystery man from her past reappears years later. Over a holiday season, Natalie struggles to reconcile the whimsical notions of her past with the practical sensibilities she has worked so hard to develop. With the countdown to a new year looming, she must decide whether or not she is willing to give happily ever after another shot.
GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26986398-all-i-want-for-christmas
September 29, 2015
Here Comes the Bride Blog Hop
I am taking part in the Here Comes the Bride Blog Hop! Read on for an interview with Emerson from Up To I Do, and be sure to get entered in the giveaway 
Were you nervous on the big day?
I wasn’t. On September 7th, I was the picture of calm. The day before? Yeah, that day I was a bundle of nerves. Could we pull it off? Well….we did And it was beautiful.
Did anything go wrong?
Nothing important. Of course our best man ended up in the pool at the end of the night just like I thought he would. We were late serving dinner because the speeches ran way over the allotted time we set. And the DJ started to play the wrong song for our first dance, which my sister quickly fixed.
Be honest were you a total bridezilla? (Or do you have a Bridezilla story?)
Well…maybe just a little bit. I was under a lot of pressure, you have to understand. This was a Sinclair/Worthington wedding. Our wedding ended up being featured in New England Bridal just months after the big day. The last few months of planning I was a total stress-basket. But in the end, love won.
Bridesmaids, how many is too many?
I had six and I could have gone for a few more helping hands, believe me. Though I definitely wouldn’t recommend having them all come to dress appointments, because that was a disaster. Though, I’m looking at one maid in particular. Yes, you, Evie.
You can’t have a wedding without family – how did yours behave in the lead-up to the wedding or on the day?
My family is my life. We are so close, especially me and my sister, even though she’s always traveling. Leading up to the wedding…well, Milly got a man and Mom took on a new project so…I mean, they could have more excited that I was going to get married, just saying. But Grams stepped up big time. I love her so much and the change I made to the wedding…was the right decision all the way. She deserved it.
Are you still a believer in the happily ever after?
Of course! While Logan and I didn’t have love at first sight and it took us years to get together, I believe we will have our happily ever after. We were made for each other, after all.
Follow along the blog hop and get entered to win!
Monday – Monique McDonell
Tuesday – Samantha March/ChickLitPlus
Wednesday – Laura Chapman
Thursday – Nikki Mahood
Friday – Kathleen Irene Paterka
July 29, 2015
Book Four Release: Up To I Do
Please keep reading for all the details PLUS don’t miss the giveaway to celebrate! Thank you to everyone who has supported me through another writing process!
About the Book
Emerson Sinclair, twenty-seven year old hotel heiress, has said yes. With just over a year to plan her extravagant, over the top nuptials to Logan Worthington, it’s all hands on deck with the wedding plans. A Sinclair marrying into the Worthington family is the talk of their small New Hampshire town, and ideas include filming the wedding for a TV segment. But as the items get checked off the list, plans start to go … not as planned. From not getting a designer dress to a selfish bridesmaid and unaccountable best man, Emerson is afraid her wedding will be more a joke than anything.
When both her mother and sister seemingly begin to lose interest in her wedding plans in favor of their own personal lives, Emerson fears her big day will turn into the forgotten wedding. With the pressure to pull off a beautiful and elegant event that everyone expects from their respectable families, Emerson starts to forget the reason why she is saying I Do in the first place.
Author Bio
Samantha March is an author, editor, publisher, blogger, and all-around book lover. She runs the popular book/women’s lifestyle blog ChickLitPlus, which keeps her bookshelf stocked with the latest reads and up-to-date on all things health, fitness, fashion, and beauty related. In 2011, she launched her independent publishing company, Marching Ink, and has four published novels—Destined to Fail, The Green Ticket, A Questionable Friendship, and Up To I Do. When she isn’t reading, writing, or blogging, you can find her cheering for the Green Bay Packers. Samantha lives in Iowa with her husband and Vizsla puppy.
Stay Connected
Book Links
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/up-to-i-do-samantha-march/1122377630?ean=2940150767386
https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/up-to-i-do
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25548799-up-to-i-do
a Rafflecopter giveaway
July 17, 2015
Novel Spotlight and Excerpt: Neverending Beginnings by Mary Chris Escobar
Mary Chris Escobar will be on tour July 6-August 3 with her novel Neverending Beginnings
This contemporary romance is Groundhog Day meets My Best Friend’s Wedding. Readers who like women’s fiction by Meg Cabot, Emily Giffin and Allison Winn Scotch will enjoy this romantic comedy.
Kate is alarmed to find out that her best friend Amy is getting married after dating for only six months. Her alarm turns to shock when she learns that the groom-to-be is Kate’s old college ex. As the big day approaches, Kate’s inability to hide her feelings is threatening to ruin her friendship with Amy.
Kate’s last minute, vodka-fueled wedding toast has her wishing she could turn back the clock and make things right. Imagine her surprise when she wakes up the next day and finds out she can.
Forced to relive one of the most painful weeks of her life, Kate slowly works to repair the damage she has done. In the process, she learns a lot about herself and the cynically charming best man, Ben.
Please visit CLP Blog Tours for all the tour stops!
Excerpt:The screen on my phone lit up. I had silenced it before I went to bed. It was a text message from Ben. Did you get the squash yet? I smiled and clicked on the message to reply, then changed my mind and called instead.
“Hello,” he answered. There was a little gravel in his voice. It was nice.
“Just wanted you to know that there is a whole basket full of squash and salsa and spaghetti sauce in the trunk of my car.”
“You didn’t mention the salsa and spaghetti sauce the other night. I mean that’s a total game changer, I wouldn’t have even given you a hard time for blowing me off over that.” I could hear him smiling, which made tingles run the length of my spine.
“So what are you up to?” I asked.
“I was actually cutting out tiny people to glue onto this model I’m working on.”
“Like stick people?”
“No, tiny photographs of actual people.”
“Really. Where do you find something like that? Is it like clip art?”
He laughed. “Sort of. There are actually whole websites where you can download them for architectural purposes.”
“What are they wearing?”
“Um … are you trying to chat up my tiny model people? Because I think I might have to protest on their behalf. I mean they’ve never even met you. . Now if you’re asking me … ”
I hadn’t, of course, meant that at all, but I laughed. And tried desperately to fight back the onslaught of images and feelings the mere hint of intimacy with Ben seemed to produce. Perhaps calling him while I was lying in bed had been unwise.
“I, um … just wanted to make sure they were, you know, not going to embarrass themselves by being out of date … fashionably speaking. That’s all,” I tried to recover.
“Oh, I see. They certainly appreciate the concern.” He was still smiling.
“So, other than an update on the squash situation, and propositioning your tiny model people, any word from Jack?”
“Nope.”
“Oh.”
“I can call you tomorrow if I hear, though.”
“Yeah, that would be great.”
“So, are you having a good visit with your dad?” he asked.
I hesitated. “Yeah.”
“You don’t sound so sure there.”
I tried to remember if he knew about my mom. I don’t think it had come up this round, but there was the dessert … except that was last round. The combination of tired and tingly all over was making details hard at the present moment, so I just asked, “Did I tell you my mom passed away last year?”
“No. Wow. So I guess it is sort of weird being back there, huh?”
“Yeah.”
“Have you been back a lot?”
“No. Not much at all, actually.”
“How … I mean was it sudden … if you don’t mind me asking?”
“No. Not sudden. Cancer. And actually thanks for asking, most people are scared to.”
He was quiet, probably not sure what to say. As usual with him, I kept talking. “So my dad is starting to go through things. Wants my help tomorrow. I’m really dreading it.”
“I guess so,” he said sympathetically.
“He’s right. It’s time, and intellectually I know that. It just sucks … you know, emotionally.”
“Yeah.”
We were quiet again, but it wasn’t awkward. Never awkward.
“I didn’t mean to unload all that on you … I barely know you …”
“No, no … thanks for telling me. Now we won’t have that awkward moment later when I ask about your family.”
“Right, awkward, sort of like how I just asked what your little people were wearing.”
“I’d file that more under adorable, actually. And for the record, seriously, if you ever want to ask what I’m wearing, that would be nice, too.”
“Duly noted.” I smiled.
“So I’ll keep you posted if I hear anything tomorrow. Otherwise, Tuesday night?”
“Sounds good.”
“Good night,” he said.
“Good night.”
I hung up relaxed and sleepy. As I drifted off, I thought for the tiniest of split seconds, that possibly a phone relationship with Ben might not be the worst thing in the world.
Author Bio:Award-winning author Mary Chris writes women’s fiction. She was destined to write romance from a 
young age (as a child, her stuffed animals always got their happily-ever-afters). She lives in Richmond, Virginia in a renovated parking garage with her husband. Find her on her website, on Twitter or just about anywhere good coffee or craft beer is served.
Book Links
Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Neverending-Beginnings-ebook/dp/B00AV8T6H4
Apple iBooks
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/neverending-beginnings/id591634395?mt=11
Barnes & Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/neverending-beginnings-mary-chris-escobar/1114142721
Smashwords
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/269529
Kobo
https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/books/Neverending-Beginnings
Social Media Links
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mary-Chris-Escobar/592640960763303
http://twitter.com/marychris_e
https://instagram.com/marychris_e/
Goodreads
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6893031.Mary_Chris_Escobar
a Rafflecopter giveaway
July 1, 2015
Novel Spotlight: Dying Brand by Wendy Tyson #CLPBlogTours
Excerpt
CHAPTER ONE
Allison Campbell couldn’t think of anywhere else she’d rather be. Sitting in the Grand Ballroom at the Four Seasons next to her boyfriend, Jason, and her business manager, Vaughn, both of them dressed in evening garb and looking quite dashing, was the last place the image consultant expected to find herself on this early November evening. She’d been scheduled to present at a university ahead of her next book release. Nevertheless, when the invitation to be a guest of honor at Delvar’s award ceremony had arrived a month ago, she’d canceled her other plans and accepted without question.
Delvar’s was a success story of the very best kind.
Allison watched her mentee with maternal pride and the tiniest bit of professional told-you-so from her perch at the stage-side table. Not only was Delvar a sought after designer, but a role model to others. And that second reason was why they’d all gathered on a Saturday night to celebrate.
The gentleman on Allison’s left was engaged in a conversation with Delvar’s mother, and on Allison’s right, Jason was in the midst of a heated discussion with Vaughn. They were talking football, a topic Allison knew little about. Slightly giddy from Dom Perignon and a night away, Allison took advantage of her boyfriend’s distraction to check her email messages. It was then, with her small clutch open and her hand on the mobile device, that her phone rang. Allison answered quickly, without thinking, a move she would later regret.
The woman’s voice was one she recognized. The sound of it, rather like shattering glass or a fork scraped against a ceramic plate, made Allison shudder.
Her name was Leah Fairweather and she was a phantom of Allison’s past.
Allison rose from the table with her phone planted against her cheek and left the award ceremony without a word to her companions. The whimsical lights and excited voices of the Grand Ballroom receded to a dull blur of background noise.
“Are you listening?” Leah asked.
Allison swallowed. She was standing with her back up against the wall of the hotel lobby. She pictured Leah’s white-blond hair as it had been not that long ago: long, thick and curled on the ends. She saw Leah’s hooded grey eyes, that twisted little smile, part vixen, part intellectual snob. Allison knew these memories were colored by feelings of shame and remorse. Her mind had turned Leah Fairweather into a symbol of past regrets, both bigger and uglier than reality. Allison’s hand shook.
“I asked if you were listening.”
“I’m listening,” Allison said.
“Why? Of all the men, why him? You both promised. He said it was over, all of it. For God’s sake, why? And now, this—”
And now what? Allison blinked, confusion overriding other emotions. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Leah. Slow down.”
“Bullshit.”
A baby cried in Leah’s background and the sound registered as another accusation. Allison watched as a man in a tuxedo left the ballroom with a fifty-something blond hanging on his arm. They headed toward the doors that led to Arch Street. Allison said, “I’m going to hang up now, Leah. You’re upset. Confused. I haven’t seen Scott in almost five years. Except for a brief encounter, but that was just happenstance—”
“I know you’ve been seeing him.”
“That’s not true.”
“Liar.”
Allison closed her eyes, then opened them, fighting for control. From the corner of her eye, she saw Jason push open the ballroom doors. He looked around, searching for her.
“Good-bye, Leah,” Allison said.
“Wait!”
“I need to go.”
“Scott’s dead.”
Allison grabbed the wall. Her vision constricted, the heady lights becoming starbursts of ivory dancing in front of her face. Scott Fairweather, dead? But she had seen him, what, three weeks ago? He’d seemed fine. Perfectly fine.
“He’s dead, Allison.”
“What happened?”
“I thought maybe you could tell me. What happened to my husband?”
Jason spotted her. He was walking toward her, looking concerned. Allison wanted to hang up. She also wanted to know—had a sudden, crushing need to know—what had happened to her former paramour.
“How would I know what happened to him?”
“You were supposed to have been together the day he died.”
“Together?” The vise on Allison’s skull tightened. She felt Jason’s touch on her elbow, registered his eyes, full of questions. Allison turned toward the wall. She had to get off the phone. With a steadier voice, she said, “That’s not true.”
“You’re in his appointment book.”
“It’s not true. I have to go now, but—”
“He was murdered, Allison. And I’m sure you know why.”
About the Book
When image consultant Allison Campbell attends an award ceremony to honor a designer friend, she’s thrust into a murder investigation. Only this time, it’s personal.
A former boyfriend is dead, slain on the streets of Philadelphia. His widow claims he was meeting with Allison, yet Allison hadn’t spoken to him in years. Nothing about his death—or life—makes sense. When compromising photos from their past arrive at Allison’s office, they raise more questions than they answer.
Driven to find justice, Allison deconstructs the image her ex had created for himself, looking for clues about the man he’d become. As her hunt for the truth unveils secrets, Allison’s past and present collide—with deadly results.
Please visit CLP Blog Tours for all the tour stops!
Bio:Wendy Tyson is an author, lawyer and former therapist whose background has inspired her mysteries and thrillers. Wendy has written four published crime novels, including Dying Brand,the third novel in the Allison Campbell Mystery Series, to be released on May 5, 2015. The first in the Campbell series,Killer Image, was named a best mystery for book clubs in 2014 by Examiner.com. Wendy is also the author of the Greenhouse Mystery Series, the first of which, A Muddied Murder, is due to be released just in time for spring 2016. Wendy is a member of Sisters in Crime and International Thriller Writers and she is a contributing editor for The Big Thrill, International Thriller Writers’ online magazine. Wendy lives near Philadelphia with her husband, three sons and two dogs. Visit Wendy at:www.watyson.com.
Purchase links:
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dying-brand-wendy-tyson/1121212628?ean=2940150041295
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/dying-brand
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/dying-brand/id967059236?ls=1&mt=11
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Wendy_Tyson_Dying_Brand?id=SbyfBgAAQBAJ
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June 25, 2015
Novel Spotlight: Unexpected Chances by A.M. Willard #CLPBlogTours
A.M. Willard will be on tour June 15-29 with her novel Unexpected Chances
Tabitha Michaelson: the fun loving, sassy girl who loves
anything that sparkles. What you might not know is, she took an oath years ago
with her brother Seth, vowing to lock their hearts and throw away the key. She
has spent years keeping up the happy façade and not letting anyone get close.
It’s not until a chance meeting that Tabitha meets her match
in Carter Northwood.
Here’s a man whose life has been filled with lies, threats,
and tangled webs of disaster. Carter knows that if he takes this chance at true
love, the world around him will tumble down like a spiral staircase.
Two hearts meld to form a single beat from the start. A test
of trust, infinite love, and a longing for each other’s passion.
Please visit CLP Blog Tours for all the tour stops!
Excerpt
I take a gulp of my water and hear Cory say, “Who was that? Don’t play stupid with me. You better be happy I saw that and not Seth.”
“Cory, back off. I’m not your property or anyone else’s. It was a misunderstanding. Nothing more, okay,” I say, my voice laced with venom.
“No, you sure the hell aren’t my property. If you were, you know what I would do,” he says as he steps closer to me. He places his finger under my chin and lifts my head up to look at him.
“Tabitha, you know you mean the world to me. I’ll never allow someone to hurt you. Why can’t you see how much you mean to me? Hell, I think I’m in love with you.”
It’s like someone has ripped my heart out. “Cory, you know I love you, but not like that.”
“I know, Firecracker. But a guy can have hopes and dreams, can’t he?”
Author BioA.M. Willard is a true believer of soul mates, and happy ever after’s. She enjoys reading, sailing, and of course writing contemporary romance with some saucy scenes. Releasing her first novella of the One Night Series on April 12, 2014 has sent her on a new journey in life. A.M.’s passion for writing started at a young age, but with the love and support from her husband of eighteen years pushed her to follow her dreams. Once she hit that first publish button, she hasn’t looked back.
Publications available from A.M. Willard include the Chances Series, Love on the Screen, and everyone’s favorite the One Night Series. She’s also had an article published in the Writer’s Monthly Review Magazine.
A.M. Willard was born and raised in the Panhandle of Florida, but resides in Savannah Ga with her husband, son, two cats, one rotten dog, and her six chickens. Yes, we said chickens…
You can connect with A.M. Willard on her websitewww.amwillard.com or subscribe to her newsletter for the latest releases, teasers and sale alerts; http://eepurl.com/bb-Cd1
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May 27, 2015
#CLPBlogTours: Spotlight & Interview: Dear Internet: It’s Me, Avery by Jennifer Ammoscato
Today I am featuring Jennnifer Ammoscato and her debut novel Dear Internet: It’s Me, Avery. I just reviewed this over at Chick Lit Plus, and this book is true, laugh-out-loud chick lit. I hope you can read it, and please keep reading for an excerpt from the book and my Q&A with Jennifer.
**Interview**When did you know writing was for you?
I began writing as a child, producing such literary classics as The Big Woods (about werewolves) and a play that featured my marionettes, including “Jake, Jake, the Man with the Rake,” who spoke the immortal line, “I’m Jake, Jake, the man with the rake.” It played to rave reviews at the public library.
Why was Dear Internet: It’s Me, Avery a book you wanted to write?
First and foremost, I wanted to prove to myself that I could write an entire novel. I think any aspiring author who pushes himself or herself to create an entire world from what’s in their head should be proud of that—no matter if that book ever sells a single copy. Most people never get around to pursuing that dream.
I love your cover! Can you tell us who created it and how much input you had?
The cover was created by Dynamic Design, my husband’s graphic design and promotions company. Full disclosure: I’m a control freak. I worked very closely with the Dynamic Design artist to bring my girl Avery to life and capture her naivete, her childishness, and her youthful belief that love and the Internet conquers all.
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?
Editing! Dreaming up crazy scenarios is fun. Editing it all into something appealing takes far more time.
What are your favorite genres to read?
I love literary humour (The Rosie Project, Bridget Jones, “Shopaholic” series), action thrillers (Lee Child’s “Jack Reacher” series) and some horror (ghost stories—not blood and guts).
What do you want readers to take away from your story?
I want readers to get a laugh and be a bit inspired to take control of their own lives. To see the power to change things within themselves.
How important do you think social media is for authors these days?
I think social media is a wonderful way for a reader to connect with an author. To get a glimpse into their lives and their work. However, it is not a way to sell books. Nothing turns off prospective readers more than Facebook posts or tweets nagging people to buy a book.
What would be your advice to aspiring writers?
1) If you really want to write a book, just do it (to steal from Nike). It’s not rocket science. Just write words on a page. You can always change them.
2) Write for you. No one else.
3) Find your voice and be true to it. It’s what will set you apart.
**Excerpt**Before I know what’s happened, Ryan has grabbed my wrist and yanked me into the cubbyhole under Victoria’s massive desk. We crouch there, he behind me holding me tightly against him. We just fit inside the space. I pray we don’t wobble over.
Victoria’s crisp words announce her entrance: “I’ve just got to get my purse.” My life flashes before my eyes as I hear the footsteps of both The Ottawa Herald Tribune’s owner and publisher enter the room.
I’m literally afraid to breathe. I dig my nails into my palm in an effort to keep calm and stop myself from running screaming from under the desk.
“While I’m here, I might as well print out that file I need,” Victoria says. I think to where I remember seeing her wireless printer is during my few visits to her office. Oh, yes.
On the credenza. Behind us.
Oh God. I think I just threw up a little.
Ryan’s body tenses behind me as he pulls me even more tightly to him in an effort to calm me before I freak out and give us away. I hear her walk around the right side of the desk.
We are a moment from discovery.
“You have a great ass, Vicky.”
Holy shit!
I’m so startled by Wes’ pronouncement on my publisher’s anatomy that I almost hit my head on the desk above me. I could not have heard that correctly.
“I told you that I don’t appreciate you speaking to me that way.”
The floor creaks as Wes’s heavier steps come toward Victoria where she still stands a few feet to our right. Drops of sweat form on the back of my neck—both from gut-wrenching fear and from being stuck in such a close quarters with Ryan. I feel his warm breath on my neck.
“Let’s do it on the desk, baby.” The overburdened desk (and my imagination) groans with the weight of two bodies.
“Wes, someone could see us.”
“There’s no one here, baby. Or we could do it in your chair. Let’s leave the drapes open,” he coos, unbridled lust in his voice. He obviously harbours a fantasy about doing it at the office one way or another.
Revulsion and utter panic consume me. I close my eyes tightly and pray: Dear God, If you will only let me get out of this, I promise that I will go to church every Sunday for the rest of my life. Maybe some weekdays too. Depending on my schedule. I will be SUCH a good person. Please, please, PLEASE, God, with a cherry on top. I promise!
Turns out that I didn’t need God’s intervention. “We can’t, Wes. I’m serious.” There is simply no room for misinterpretation of the ice queen’s tone.
“Jesus, Vicky! You’re driving me crazy!”
Victoria immediately switches to a softer voice. She knows what side her bread is buttered on. “Wes, you know I want you but we’ve got to be careful. You’re married.”
“I’m going to leave her,” insists the horny, cheating bastard. “I don’t care. I’ve got to have you.”
I hear her exhale in what is clearly exasperation. “That’s sweet, Wes, but I’m not some needy, naive news intern. I know you’ll never leave her. Nor should you. You’ve built a life together with her. I understand that.”
“Victoria, how can you say that? You’re so hot. You make me so—“
I put my fingers in my ears and loudly sing “All the Single Ladies” to myself to drown out the rest of Wes’ words. But before he can elaborate on his newsroom fantasy and ruin sex for me for the rest of my life, “Vicky” shuts him down and strokes his ego at the same time. (It could have been worse. She could have stroked something else with us in listening range.)
Author Bio:
Author Jennifer Ammoscato – solving the world’s problems one cosmo at a time.
Jennifer Ammoscato is a paid, productive member of society. Frankly, it’s not enough.
Therefore, May 2015 will see the launch of her debut novel, “Dear Internet: It’s Me, Avery” (The
“Avery Fowler 2.0” series, Book I).
During the day, she is an intrepid writer/editor for the public relations department of a
Canadian university. By night, she fights crime and the urge to organize closets and stuff herself
with salted chocolate caramels.
Jennifer began writing as a child, producing such classics as “The Occurrence” (she understood
the appeal of werewolves long before Stephenie Meyer). She had to search for the courage to
write a novel, though. “That’s so F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway. I didn’t know if I
had the alcohol capacity for it.” However, after being goaded (sorry, encouraged) by a friend, she
took the leap.
Dreams do not inspire Jennifer’s books. In fact, they tend to terrify her. In particular, the everpopular
naked-at-school or I-have-a-final-exam-and-didn’t-study dreams. She usually just makes
stuff up.
She is married to her husband, Ezio. As opposed to someone else’s husband (insert name here).
She is the proud mom of two very tall sons, Dante and Christian.
Blog: www.JenniferAmmoscato.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorJenniferAmmoscato
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/JenAmmoscato
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JenAmmoscato
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8386357.Jennifer_Ammoscato
