C.A. Szarek's Blog, page 13
August 6, 2013
Tell Me About it Tuesday Welcomes Denise Bartlett!
This week's Tell Me About it Tuesday guest is VERY special! She's my very own Editor from Gypsy Shadow Publishing!
Without futher ado, meet Denise Bartlett!
Denise Bartlett is a former IRS tax auditor who has been writing since 1962, in the third grade. She has written short stories, novelettes and poetry and is working on several longer works. She published newspaper columns on gardening and preparing for and handling tax audits in 1980-83, and has been a contributing writer for many online groups since the ‘80s, including Writing.Com and multiple role-playing and other Yahoo! groups. She has reviewed and edited manuscripts of every genre and from many sources since the ‘70s. She is an avid reader and a prolific writer with a vast command of the English language.
Q. How has your journey in publishing been?
Surprising! Lots of things in my life prepared me to be a writer, but nothing in my youth prepared me for the possibility of personal computers and the prospect of co-owning a publishing company! I love to read and teach, so it turns out being an editor is an excellent occupation for me. Unbelievably, Gypsy Shadow’s owners have published almost 250 works by a hundred authors in four years!
Q. Anything you would or wouldn’t do again?
No regrets! I’d do it all again, letting the pieces fall where they may. The freedom to help my fellow authors improve their writing and become more confident as writers has meant so much to me. I love watching each one mature with every new manuscript.
Q. What advice do you have for someone who wants a career in writing?
Write. Share what you write with others. Find other writers and enjoy yourselves by building up, tearing down and rebuilding until it’s just write. If you want a career in writing, take yourself seriously. Get a website, create a Facebook fan page for you as an author and one for each series or stand-alone book. Get on Twitter and Good Reads. Look up your favorite authors and see what they are doing. Remember, readers like to buy from people they know something about. Share your hobbies and be creative.
Q. What other interests or hobbies do you have outside of writing?
I’m interested in everything. I love to listen to people tell me about experiences and explain things to me, so I spend quite a bit of time with my Mom’s generation. I love to sing and have sung in Sweet Adelines choruses and in quartets. I am intrigued with the healing arts and love working on spiritual growth. I am learning wildflower and creating habitats gardening from my mom and am a huge fan of nature. I love animals and walk my dog around our neighborhood twice a day when I’m home. I love scuba diving and traveling.
Q. Do you have a favorite story of the ones you’ve written, either published or not? Why?
Through the Flames, my most recent novel, is a young adult story about a high school football quarterback battling with the always tough years of growing up, building relationships, discovering how to communicate, while playing a game he truly loves. It’s a labor of love, tough to finish while running another business as well as working at GSP. I love athletes and athletics and have gotten very positive feedback, especially from women who had never really spent time inside the brain of an athlete and from athletes, both men and women, who know how it feels. Since the book also delves into sports injuries, especially concussions, it definitely touches on a hot topic. Okay...enough with the business questions! How about some fun stuff?
Q. If you won the lottery, what is the FIRST thing you’d do? What would you buy and why?
The first thing? Scream, yell and laugh, because I don’t buy lottery tickets very often. I’d buy acreage somewhere in central Texas with a spring and a spring-fed pond and a house with a gorgeous office for Gypsy Shadow Publishing. Then I’d buy the GypsyMobile and drive around to meet all our authors within driving range.
Q. When YOU read, what do you like to pick up?
Oh gosh, I read everything. It’s a weakness of mine. I read the cereal box, the fine print, booklets, pamphlets, billboards and anything else that crosses my path. I came home from the library with two books about the Alamo (I am a Texas historian, focusing on the forty years before the Battle of the Alamo) and a fantasy book by Cornelia Funke. While I was in the library, I read part of an autobiographical book where the author gave a short biography of several people he had met in his lifetime.
Q. Tell us one thing about you that might surprise us...it can be a secret...we won't tell. :)
I spent several years driving a ¾ ton delivery van in Houston, Texas with no accidents.
What an AWESOME INTERVIEW Thanx! Now tell us about that book!
It is absolutely amazing how little awareness there is in the general public about head injuries/brain injuries/concussions. As a result of writing Through the Flames, which focuses on a household where domestic violence has become the paradigm, I have spoken to many individuals about the causes and symptoms of these injuries.
In Texas, contact sports, especially football, are so much a part of the lives of a large number of individuals, injuries are brushed off and stopping to recover is seen as weak. Men and women of all ages 'tough it out' rather than confess to experiencing headaches, dizziness, balance problems and nausea.
A teen I spoke to recalled a four-wheeler accident where he hit his head and had headaches and dizziness for weeks. The leg injury he had prevailed to receive all the attention of surgery and rehab while the head injury was ignored, since he was diagnosed long ago as ADHD and they expect him not to remember things and to complain about headaches. That is only one example—domestic violence, pick up games, extreme sports, even instances of working with horses where the rider lands inelegantly all lend to the problem.
Education and awareness are important. It's an uphill battle and it's only just begun. Through the Flames is my effort to start some conversations about sports injuries, especially concussions, and their long-lasting, life-changing impact.
Through the Flames is a novel about a promising high school quarterback with a bright future in football. He has the adoration of his team, his school and his girl. Who could ask for more? True, Larry Allen's family is a shade on the dysfunctional side, but who has a perfect home life these days, right? His dad is away playing pro ball and training half of the year, his mother is a basket case since his older sister died (Book One if the Fire Series: Into the Fire) and his older brother has lost his drive to go anywhere in life. But Larry has it all together and is determined to be a success and take his team to the championships one more time before he graduates and signs with the college of his choice.
Things are just great . . . until Dad gets badly injured in play and Larry gets taken out by a member of the opposing team who has it in for him. The plot thickens from there and Larry finds himself suddenly uncertain what the future will hold for him. Denise Bartlett has worked with people with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) over the years and has seen some of the devastating effects of TBI. Her experience with TBI survivors is what fueled this story, and she has done her homework to make this tale a realistic, gripping glimpse of what goes on in the sports arena. The hope is that Through the Flames can help raise awareness about concussion in contact sports, particularly for young athletes, and the consequences of not taking head injuries seriously enough.
Buy it!Gypsy Shadow|Amazon|B & N
Without futher ado, meet Denise Bartlett!
Denise Bartlett is a former IRS tax auditor who has been writing since 1962, in the third grade. She has written short stories, novelettes and poetry and is working on several longer works. She published newspaper columns on gardening and preparing for and handling tax audits in 1980-83, and has been a contributing writer for many online groups since the ‘80s, including Writing.Com and multiple role-playing and other Yahoo! groups. She has reviewed and edited manuscripts of every genre and from many sources since the ‘70s. She is an avid reader and a prolific writer with a vast command of the English language.
Q. How has your journey in publishing been?
Surprising! Lots of things in my life prepared me to be a writer, but nothing in my youth prepared me for the possibility of personal computers and the prospect of co-owning a publishing company! I love to read and teach, so it turns out being an editor is an excellent occupation for me. Unbelievably, Gypsy Shadow’s owners have published almost 250 works by a hundred authors in four years!
Q. Anything you would or wouldn’t do again?
No regrets! I’d do it all again, letting the pieces fall where they may. The freedom to help my fellow authors improve their writing and become more confident as writers has meant so much to me. I love watching each one mature with every new manuscript.
Q. What advice do you have for someone who wants a career in writing?
Write. Share what you write with others. Find other writers and enjoy yourselves by building up, tearing down and rebuilding until it’s just write. If you want a career in writing, take yourself seriously. Get a website, create a Facebook fan page for you as an author and one for each series or stand-alone book. Get on Twitter and Good Reads. Look up your favorite authors and see what they are doing. Remember, readers like to buy from people they know something about. Share your hobbies and be creative.
Q. What other interests or hobbies do you have outside of writing?
I’m interested in everything. I love to listen to people tell me about experiences and explain things to me, so I spend quite a bit of time with my Mom’s generation. I love to sing and have sung in Sweet Adelines choruses and in quartets. I am intrigued with the healing arts and love working on spiritual growth. I am learning wildflower and creating habitats gardening from my mom and am a huge fan of nature. I love animals and walk my dog around our neighborhood twice a day when I’m home. I love scuba diving and traveling.
Q. Do you have a favorite story of the ones you’ve written, either published or not? Why?
Through the Flames, my most recent novel, is a young adult story about a high school football quarterback battling with the always tough years of growing up, building relationships, discovering how to communicate, while playing a game he truly loves. It’s a labor of love, tough to finish while running another business as well as working at GSP. I love athletes and athletics and have gotten very positive feedback, especially from women who had never really spent time inside the brain of an athlete and from athletes, both men and women, who know how it feels. Since the book also delves into sports injuries, especially concussions, it definitely touches on a hot topic. Okay...enough with the business questions! How about some fun stuff?
Q. If you won the lottery, what is the FIRST thing you’d do? What would you buy and why?
The first thing? Scream, yell and laugh, because I don’t buy lottery tickets very often. I’d buy acreage somewhere in central Texas with a spring and a spring-fed pond and a house with a gorgeous office for Gypsy Shadow Publishing. Then I’d buy the GypsyMobile and drive around to meet all our authors within driving range.
Q. When YOU read, what do you like to pick up?
Oh gosh, I read everything. It’s a weakness of mine. I read the cereal box, the fine print, booklets, pamphlets, billboards and anything else that crosses my path. I came home from the library with two books about the Alamo (I am a Texas historian, focusing on the forty years before the Battle of the Alamo) and a fantasy book by Cornelia Funke. While I was in the library, I read part of an autobiographical book where the author gave a short biography of several people he had met in his lifetime.
Q. Tell us one thing about you that might surprise us...it can be a secret...we won't tell. :)
I spent several years driving a ¾ ton delivery van in Houston, Texas with no accidents.
What an AWESOME INTERVIEW Thanx! Now tell us about that book!
It is absolutely amazing how little awareness there is in the general public about head injuries/brain injuries/concussions. As a result of writing Through the Flames, which focuses on a household where domestic violence has become the paradigm, I have spoken to many individuals about the causes and symptoms of these injuries.
In Texas, contact sports, especially football, are so much a part of the lives of a large number of individuals, injuries are brushed off and stopping to recover is seen as weak. Men and women of all ages 'tough it out' rather than confess to experiencing headaches, dizziness, balance problems and nausea.
A teen I spoke to recalled a four-wheeler accident where he hit his head and had headaches and dizziness for weeks. The leg injury he had prevailed to receive all the attention of surgery and rehab while the head injury was ignored, since he was diagnosed long ago as ADHD and they expect him not to remember things and to complain about headaches. That is only one example—domestic violence, pick up games, extreme sports, even instances of working with horses where the rider lands inelegantly all lend to the problem.
Education and awareness are important. It's an uphill battle and it's only just begun. Through the Flames is my effort to start some conversations about sports injuries, especially concussions, and their long-lasting, life-changing impact.
Through the Flames is a novel about a promising high school quarterback with a bright future in football. He has the adoration of his team, his school and his girl. Who could ask for more? True, Larry Allen's family is a shade on the dysfunctional side, but who has a perfect home life these days, right? His dad is away playing pro ball and training half of the year, his mother is a basket case since his older sister died (Book One if the Fire Series: Into the Fire) and his older brother has lost his drive to go anywhere in life. But Larry has it all together and is determined to be a success and take his team to the championships one more time before he graduates and signs with the college of his choice.
Things are just great . . . until Dad gets badly injured in play and Larry gets taken out by a member of the opposing team who has it in for him. The plot thickens from there and Larry finds himself suddenly uncertain what the future will hold for him. Denise Bartlett has worked with people with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) over the years and has seen some of the devastating effects of TBI. Her experience with TBI survivors is what fueled this story, and she has done her homework to make this tale a realistic, gripping glimpse of what goes on in the sports arena. The hope is that Through the Flames can help raise awareness about concussion in contact sports, particularly for young athletes, and the consequences of not taking head injuries seriously enough.
Buy it!Gypsy Shadow|Amazon|B & N
August 4, 2013
Lusting for Covers: Witches!
I came across this one on Facebook, and not only is the cover gorgeous, it looks like a FANTASTIC read. It's coming out 9/10/13, and it can't come soon enough, so I can READ IT!
Lusting for Covers is a weekly meme, held on Sunday, that allows bloggers to share their current cover obsession with fellow book lovers. It can be new, old, a reprint, or even a book that is not yet out-- it's all up to you! Join in on the fun, head over to TBQ's Book Palace and list your Lusting For Covers candidate.
This meme is hosted by TBQ @ TBQ's Book Palace. ___________________________________________________________________________________
Living in a world never truly meant for her, Ella Reese has tried her whole life to fit into the mold her parents wanted, and not stand out in a small town where gossip reigned supreme. Despised for what she is, she will be lucky to make it through her senior year intact and spending time with her two best friends would be a major bonus. However, Fate intervenes and Ella suddenly finds herself thrust into an odyssey where she not only discovers she is a powerful Goddess Touched True Witch but a life mate has also been chosen for her. In love with her soul mate and reunited with a family who accepts her, Ella's world falls apart when Fate deals her a horrific blow. As she travels the path Fate has set her on, she must uncover her true self or die trying.
Isn't it just GORGEOUS!? So, you can't read it just yet, but you can PRE-ORDER IT!!!SO AWESOME!
Amazon
Happy Sunday!
Happy Reading!
Lusting for Covers is a weekly meme, held on Sunday, that allows bloggers to share their current cover obsession with fellow book lovers. It can be new, old, a reprint, or even a book that is not yet out-- it's all up to you! Join in on the fun, head over to TBQ's Book Palace and list your Lusting For Covers candidate.
This meme is hosted by TBQ @ TBQ's Book Palace. ___________________________________________________________________________________
Living in a world never truly meant for her, Ella Reese has tried her whole life to fit into the mold her parents wanted, and not stand out in a small town where gossip reigned supreme. Despised for what she is, she will be lucky to make it through her senior year intact and spending time with her two best friends would be a major bonus. However, Fate intervenes and Ella suddenly finds herself thrust into an odyssey where she not only discovers she is a powerful Goddess Touched True Witch but a life mate has also been chosen for her. In love with her soul mate and reunited with a family who accepts her, Ella's world falls apart when Fate deals her a horrific blow. As she travels the path Fate has set her on, she must uncover her true self or die trying.
Isn't it just GORGEOUS!? So, you can't read it just yet, but you can PRE-ORDER IT!!!SO AWESOME!
Amazon
Happy Sunday!
Happy Reading!
August 2, 2013
Friday Feature: VBT Break Me by Jo-Anna Walker and GIVEAWAY!
For this week's Friday Feature, I am welcoming back my bestie, Jo-Anna Walker! Her debut, Break Me (Shattered Book One) released 7/26/2013 and I am overjoyed for her! I am honored to be a stop on her FIRST tour!
1. What role has books and reading played in your life?
Ever since I can remember, I've been an avid reader. It's a way to escape reality. Because of my love for books I have met some amazing people and authors. I've also been introduced to some amazing reads! Books are important and even if you're not an avid reader, I feel that reading at least one book a year is needed. :)
2. What are some of your favorite authors through your life? Any new favorites added to that list?
Oh my gosh. There are way too many. When I was a teenager, VC Andrews became a huge favorite. While I was growing up, there was another author (can't remember the name) that I would go crazy over. They wrote teen mystery type books. Oh and hello, RL Stein? Fantastic teen horror writer! But now, JR Ward is definitely by far my favorite! I traveled for 9 hours on a bus to Chicago just to see her. Lol!
3. Was there a moment when you decided to become an author? If so, was there someone or something that sparked that?
I actually just decided to start writing the beginning of this year. My aunt approached me last summer, telling me that I should write but I wasn't sure what and then bam, an idea came into my head. Now it started off as something different but that's how it works write? Characters grow and you yourself grow as a writer. I've learned so much in a short amount of time and I wouldn't change it for the world.
4. Do you read when you write? If so, does your writing influence the books you pick up?
Yes I read while writing and well I write romance and read romance so yeah, I guess you could say my writing influences the books I pick up.
5. Does a good book impact your work?
Hmm...I'm not sure. A good book definitely inspires me. Like Sylvia Day's sex scene's? Holy balls batman. Wow. *cough* Anyways, I find a good book helps me with my writing in the fact that it inspires me to be better.
6. As an author, do you think you read differently now? If so, how?
No, I don't think I do. :)
7. You have a table for four reservation and can invite three of your favorite authors (living or dead). Who would you invite and why?
JR Ward - cause hello? She's just awesome!
Anne Rice - She's the Queen of vampires and her Sleeping Beauty trilogy was my very first erotica read.
VC Andrews - She started my book obsession and I just love her brain.
Drrrrrrummmmmrolllly please! Tell us about that book!
Check out that gorgeous COVER!
Blurb: Running is always easier.Tori McLeod moved to the big city to get away from her mother—and her past. Her new routine is destroyed when she meets a mysterious stranger who won’t take no for an answer. Sebastian intrigues her, but his eyes hold secrets she would rather avoid. Sebastian Chelios, a hard-as-nails enforcer, is a new-in-town loner. He has to have her. Control her. Possess her. But he can’t—won’t—lose control, even though Tori’s innocence fascinates him. The last thing he’s going to do is love her, even after he gets her in his bed.
Losing control is dangerous, especially when someone from Sebastian’s past covets Tori, putting more than just her heart in danger.
Can Sebastian protect Tori from Jose’s sadistic obsession? If he gets his hands on her, will she make it out in one piece?
Buy It!Amazon|Amazon CA|Smashwords
More Jo:
Facebook Twitter Goodreads Blog
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Fave quote:
“And what’s wrong with reading romance?” I asked.
Black eyes, narrowed at me. “It usually means you can’t get a piece in real life so you have to resort to masturbating to paper or porn but,” he lifted my book, “looking at this cover, it looks like it could be a bit of both.”
1. What role has books and reading played in your life?
Ever since I can remember, I've been an avid reader. It's a way to escape reality. Because of my love for books I have met some amazing people and authors. I've also been introduced to some amazing reads! Books are important and even if you're not an avid reader, I feel that reading at least one book a year is needed. :)
2. What are some of your favorite authors through your life? Any new favorites added to that list?
Oh my gosh. There are way too many. When I was a teenager, VC Andrews became a huge favorite. While I was growing up, there was another author (can't remember the name) that I would go crazy over. They wrote teen mystery type books. Oh and hello, RL Stein? Fantastic teen horror writer! But now, JR Ward is definitely by far my favorite! I traveled for 9 hours on a bus to Chicago just to see her. Lol!
3. Was there a moment when you decided to become an author? If so, was there someone or something that sparked that?
I actually just decided to start writing the beginning of this year. My aunt approached me last summer, telling me that I should write but I wasn't sure what and then bam, an idea came into my head. Now it started off as something different but that's how it works write? Characters grow and you yourself grow as a writer. I've learned so much in a short amount of time and I wouldn't change it for the world.
4. Do you read when you write? If so, does your writing influence the books you pick up?
Yes I read while writing and well I write romance and read romance so yeah, I guess you could say my writing influences the books I pick up.
5. Does a good book impact your work?
Hmm...I'm not sure. A good book definitely inspires me. Like Sylvia Day's sex scene's? Holy balls batman. Wow. *cough* Anyways, I find a good book helps me with my writing in the fact that it inspires me to be better.
6. As an author, do you think you read differently now? If so, how?
No, I don't think I do. :)
7. You have a table for four reservation and can invite three of your favorite authors (living or dead). Who would you invite and why?
JR Ward - cause hello? She's just awesome!
Anne Rice - She's the Queen of vampires and her Sleeping Beauty trilogy was my very first erotica read.
VC Andrews - She started my book obsession and I just love her brain.
Drrrrrrummmmmrolllly please! Tell us about that book!
Check out that gorgeous COVER!
Blurb: Running is always easier.Tori McLeod moved to the big city to get away from her mother—and her past. Her new routine is destroyed when she meets a mysterious stranger who won’t take no for an answer. Sebastian intrigues her, but his eyes hold secrets she would rather avoid. Sebastian Chelios, a hard-as-nails enforcer, is a new-in-town loner. He has to have her. Control her. Possess her. But he can’t—won’t—lose control, even though Tori’s innocence fascinates him. The last thing he’s going to do is love her, even after he gets her in his bed.
Losing control is dangerous, especially when someone from Sebastian’s past covets Tori, putting more than just her heart in danger.
Can Sebastian protect Tori from Jose’s sadistic obsession? If he gets his hands on her, will she make it out in one piece?
Fave Quote: “I needed to know.” His voice raspy as the pad of his thumb ran over my bottom lip before he placed a soft kiss on my swollen lips.
I frowned, confused. “Know what?” I panted, gripping his shirt in my hand.
“If your lips tasted as good as they looked.”
Buy It!Amazon|Amazon CA|Smashwords
More Jo:Facebook Twitter Goodreads Blog
a Rafflecopter giveaway
July 30, 2013
Tell Me About it Tuesday Welcomes back Bebe Balocca!
This week I'm welcoming back fellow TEB author, Bebe Balocca!
She came to hang out again and let me torture her AGAIN with more interview questions!
Hehehe. Thanx for stopping by, Bebe! It was even more fun than last time!!
Meet Bebe!
Q. How long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing for an educational company (I edit and write those test passages that kids in grades K-10 take in reading standardized tests) for quite a few years, and in the last five years or so have branched out and written for parenting and culture magazines, both online and print. However, I’ve always, ALWAYS wanted to write fiction, so I really took the leap in fall of 2011 and pursued it aggressively.
Q. What advice would you give a new writer just starting out?
Do some research and find a particular company that appeals to you. (I write for Total-E-Bound and Ellora’s Cave and have had entirely positive experiences with both.) It should have a good reputation among authors and be open to submissions from new writers, and of course it should publish the type of book you want to write. Write with that company’s guidelines in mind. There may also be a particular submission call you can write to. Edit and revise carefully before you send, prepare to wait several weeks to hear back, and read what the editor says with an open mind and a thick skin. And while you’re waiting, of course, write something else!
Q. Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? If so, what do you do about it?
I still do contract work under my legal name, and I’m fortunate that my schedule is flexible. If I’m not feeling inspired to write fiction, then I go and work on test passages and revisions. I try to not get stuck—if I feel like I’m not accomplishing anything, I get up and do some chores or take one of our dogs for a walk. Sometimes it helps tremendously to just turn my brain off for awhile.
Okay...enough with the business questions! How about some fun stuff. You know, just between the two of us.
Q. The opportunity to go on a surprise vacation arises. You have 90 minutes to pack and get to the airport. Where will you go and what will you pack?To an all-inclusive luxury resort on the beach in Mexico. Three bikinis, two cover-ups, a few cute sundresses, flip-flops, undies, grab my purse and passport and I’m out the door!Q. When YOU read, what do you like to pick up?Lately I’ve been enjoying short stories. I’m finishing up “The Dragon Book,” an anthology of fantasy stories, and I have a couple of sci-fi anthologies that calling to me from my bookshelf. I also have some erotic romances that I can’t wait to read – “Love Claus” by Genevieve Scholl and “Venetian Love Knots” by Normandie Alleman in particular.Q. If they make a movie about your life, who do you want to play your part?Winona Ryder. I’ve been told that we look a little alike, and I like her. She seems like she’d be really fun to hang out with.Q. Tell us one thing about you that might surprise us...it can be a secret...we won't tell. :)I write with my blue-eyed dappled dachshund, Scarlett, either in the cushioned chair next to me or in my lap. I love her a ridiculous amount.
Drum roll please!!!!!!!!!! Let's hear about that new book! (which has an awesomesauce cover, btw!)
Blurb:
She knew that being close to tigers was her destiny, but she never thought she'd be riding on top of one…Faline Hopper owns and runs a free-range tiger refuge in northeastern Colorado. She loves the animals and the mission of Kat’s Crest, but the sanctuary is on the verge of financial disaster. A mysterious stranger with deep pockets comes to its rescue.
Hunter Cartwright is one tall, cool drink of Alabama water. Sparks fly immediately when he shows up at Faline’s door. He’s ravenous for the blond beauty, but there’s something he needs to make Faline understand before he can really sink his teeth into her.
Something that happens at sundown, when the tigers roam the sanctuary and the nightly hunts begin…
The curse of the tiger was cast by a Native American witch. Abetzi rejects the Great Spirit and worships a powerful demon instead. Faline is determined to free Hunter from the witch’s spell and to stop Abetzi from abusing exotic animals, but at what price?
Will Faline risk everything to put a halt to Abetzi’s cruelty—And will it be worth it?
Excerpt:
Faline threw the door open when he knocked. Hunter guessed by her wide smile that she’d assumed that one of her workers had returned. “Oh, hi,” she said, her buoyant smile replaced by a slightly abashed expression. “Hunter, right? Come on in.”
He nodded, running his eyes up and down her slim figure. Still in her sweatpants and hot pink tank top, Faline’s body was athletic, toned and lushly curved, and her hair was a tantalising blonde mop of bedheaded perfection. How many days had he gone without being around a beautiful woman? The hag had made his captivity seem like years, but it had been only a matter of weeks. Still, the way the thin ribbed cotton hugged the toned curve of her belly and the tender undersides of her breasts made him want to pounce on her and rip every shred of clothing from her body.
Clearing his throat, Hunter answered with a lopsided grin. “Yes, indeed. I slipped out while you were resting, but I’d like to talk with you about a possible position.” He suppressed a chuckle. I’d like to talk about having you positioned on your stomach with your legs spread wide…
“Oh, yes,” Faline answered. “Honestly, hiring someone new hasn’t been a remote possibility for some time, but it seems our situation has changed a great deal.” Her hazel eyes sparkled. “What sort of position were you considering?”
“Oh, I’m open to just about anything,” Hunter replied. “But I’ve had more than my fair share of dealings with tigers. I feel that I have a unique understanding of them.” The scream of a soaring hawk drew his attention to the window. “Be dark pretty soon,” he noted. “Guess those tigers will be up and about, huh?”
“Mm-hmm,” Faline answered. “They hunt at night.” Hunter felt her gaze on him and knew that she was both intrigued and wary about the stranger in her home.
“I don’t need any money, so you don’t need to worry about that. I’d just like to volunteer my services and let you decide how best to use me.” Hunter let his eyes wander down to her slim, tanned neck. She looked so vulnerable and sweet. He imagined that she’d taste of honey and salt. He wondered if she was even stronger than she looked—would she enjoy grappling with him while they made love? That could be, he thought, incredibly fun. His cock began to swell and stiffen inside the coarse fabric of his blue jeans.
“I will need somewhere to stay, though,” he murmured, and took a step toward her. “Maybe we can work something out between us.”
“Oh, um,” Faline stammered and licked her lips. “We could talk about your options, I suppose. I’d say I probably do have a place for you, now that you mention it, seeing as you’re comfortable with tigers.”
“I don’t know if ‘comfortable’ is the right word.” He took his hand in hers and brought it to his lips. “’Experienced’ is better, I think. I’d say I’m pretty experienced.” He pressed his lips to her knuckles and watched for her reaction. “Would you say that you’re experienced, too, Faline?”
Find it:TEB|Amazon|Amazon UK|Barnes & Noble|ARe
More Bebe:
Find me at my site: http://bebebalocca.comOn Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BebeBalocca?ref=hlAnd on Twitter: @BebeBalocca
She came to hang out again and let me torture her AGAIN with more interview questions!
Hehehe. Thanx for stopping by, Bebe! It was even more fun than last time!!
Meet Bebe!
"I live in a teeny-tiny town in the southeastern United States, surrounded by rolling hills and lots of cows. My house is brimming with my rowdy sons, hot husband, and more pets than I can shake a stick at. When I close my eyes, though, I’m in a white stucco villa on the Mediterranean, sipping a glass of red wine and watching the turquoise waves crash at my feet. Next to my hot husband, naturally."
Q. How long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing for an educational company (I edit and write those test passages that kids in grades K-10 take in reading standardized tests) for quite a few years, and in the last five years or so have branched out and written for parenting and culture magazines, both online and print. However, I’ve always, ALWAYS wanted to write fiction, so I really took the leap in fall of 2011 and pursued it aggressively.
Q. What advice would you give a new writer just starting out?
Do some research and find a particular company that appeals to you. (I write for Total-E-Bound and Ellora’s Cave and have had entirely positive experiences with both.) It should have a good reputation among authors and be open to submissions from new writers, and of course it should publish the type of book you want to write. Write with that company’s guidelines in mind. There may also be a particular submission call you can write to. Edit and revise carefully before you send, prepare to wait several weeks to hear back, and read what the editor says with an open mind and a thick skin. And while you’re waiting, of course, write something else!
Q. Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? If so, what do you do about it?
I still do contract work under my legal name, and I’m fortunate that my schedule is flexible. If I’m not feeling inspired to write fiction, then I go and work on test passages and revisions. I try to not get stuck—if I feel like I’m not accomplishing anything, I get up and do some chores or take one of our dogs for a walk. Sometimes it helps tremendously to just turn my brain off for awhile.
Okay...enough with the business questions! How about some fun stuff. You know, just between the two of us.
Q. The opportunity to go on a surprise vacation arises. You have 90 minutes to pack and get to the airport. Where will you go and what will you pack?To an all-inclusive luxury resort on the beach in Mexico. Three bikinis, two cover-ups, a few cute sundresses, flip-flops, undies, grab my purse and passport and I’m out the door!Q. When YOU read, what do you like to pick up?Lately I’ve been enjoying short stories. I’m finishing up “The Dragon Book,” an anthology of fantasy stories, and I have a couple of sci-fi anthologies that calling to me from my bookshelf. I also have some erotic romances that I can’t wait to read – “Love Claus” by Genevieve Scholl and “Venetian Love Knots” by Normandie Alleman in particular.Q. If they make a movie about your life, who do you want to play your part?Winona Ryder. I’ve been told that we look a little alike, and I like her. She seems like she’d be really fun to hang out with.Q. Tell us one thing about you that might surprise us...it can be a secret...we won't tell. :)I write with my blue-eyed dappled dachshund, Scarlett, either in the cushioned chair next to me or in my lap. I love her a ridiculous amount.
Drum roll please!!!!!!!!!! Let's hear about that new book! (which has an awesomesauce cover, btw!)
Blurb:
She knew that being close to tigers was her destiny, but she never thought she'd be riding on top of one…Faline Hopper owns and runs a free-range tiger refuge in northeastern Colorado. She loves the animals and the mission of Kat’s Crest, but the sanctuary is on the verge of financial disaster. A mysterious stranger with deep pockets comes to its rescue.
Hunter Cartwright is one tall, cool drink of Alabama water. Sparks fly immediately when he shows up at Faline’s door. He’s ravenous for the blond beauty, but there’s something he needs to make Faline understand before he can really sink his teeth into her.
Something that happens at sundown, when the tigers roam the sanctuary and the nightly hunts begin…
The curse of the tiger was cast by a Native American witch. Abetzi rejects the Great Spirit and worships a powerful demon instead. Faline is determined to free Hunter from the witch’s spell and to stop Abetzi from abusing exotic animals, but at what price?
Will Faline risk everything to put a halt to Abetzi’s cruelty—And will it be worth it?
Excerpt:
Faline threw the door open when he knocked. Hunter guessed by her wide smile that she’d assumed that one of her workers had returned. “Oh, hi,” she said, her buoyant smile replaced by a slightly abashed expression. “Hunter, right? Come on in.”
He nodded, running his eyes up and down her slim figure. Still in her sweatpants and hot pink tank top, Faline’s body was athletic, toned and lushly curved, and her hair was a tantalising blonde mop of bedheaded perfection. How many days had he gone without being around a beautiful woman? The hag had made his captivity seem like years, but it had been only a matter of weeks. Still, the way the thin ribbed cotton hugged the toned curve of her belly and the tender undersides of her breasts made him want to pounce on her and rip every shred of clothing from her body.
Clearing his throat, Hunter answered with a lopsided grin. “Yes, indeed. I slipped out while you were resting, but I’d like to talk with you about a possible position.” He suppressed a chuckle. I’d like to talk about having you positioned on your stomach with your legs spread wide…
“Oh, yes,” Faline answered. “Honestly, hiring someone new hasn’t been a remote possibility for some time, but it seems our situation has changed a great deal.” Her hazel eyes sparkled. “What sort of position were you considering?”
“Oh, I’m open to just about anything,” Hunter replied. “But I’ve had more than my fair share of dealings with tigers. I feel that I have a unique understanding of them.” The scream of a soaring hawk drew his attention to the window. “Be dark pretty soon,” he noted. “Guess those tigers will be up and about, huh?”
“Mm-hmm,” Faline answered. “They hunt at night.” Hunter felt her gaze on him and knew that she was both intrigued and wary about the stranger in her home.
“I don’t need any money, so you don’t need to worry about that. I’d just like to volunteer my services and let you decide how best to use me.” Hunter let his eyes wander down to her slim, tanned neck. She looked so vulnerable and sweet. He imagined that she’d taste of honey and salt. He wondered if she was even stronger than she looked—would she enjoy grappling with him while they made love? That could be, he thought, incredibly fun. His cock began to swell and stiffen inside the coarse fabric of his blue jeans.
“I will need somewhere to stay, though,” he murmured, and took a step toward her. “Maybe we can work something out between us.”
“Oh, um,” Faline stammered and licked her lips. “We could talk about your options, I suppose. I’d say I probably do have a place for you, now that you mention it, seeing as you’re comfortable with tigers.”
“I don’t know if ‘comfortable’ is the right word.” He took his hand in hers and brought it to his lips. “’Experienced’ is better, I think. I’d say I’m pretty experienced.” He pressed his lips to her knuckles and watched for her reaction. “Would you say that you’re experienced, too, Faline?”
Find it:TEB|Amazon|Amazon UK|Barnes & Noble|ARe
More Bebe:
Find me at my site: http://bebebalocca.comOn Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BebeBalocca?ref=hlAnd on Twitter: @BebeBalocca
July 27, 2013
HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!! Jo-Anna Walker's Break Me!
For this Sunday I have a VERY Special post. It's a BOOK BIRTHDAY!
I am over the moon excited to announce that my bestie, Jo-Anna Walker FINALLY has a book out!
Her debut, Break Me (Shattered Book One) is now out! This is a FANTASTIC read. I am so excited that it's finally out in the world.
Without further ado, Please check out Break Me!
Running is always easier.
Tori McLeod moved to the big city to get away from her mother—and her past. Her new routine is destroyed when she meets a mysterious stranger who won’t take no for an answer. Sebastian intrigues her, but his eyes hold secrets she would rather avoid.
Sebastian Chelios, a hard-as-nails enforcer, is a new-in-town loner. He has to have her. Control her. Possess her. But he can’t—won’t—lose control, even though Tori’s innocence fascinates him. The last thing he’s going to do is love her, even after he gets her in his bed.
Losing control is dangerous, especially when someone from Sebastian’s past covets Tori, putting more than just her heart in danger.
Can Sebastian protect Tori from Jose’s sadistic obsession? If he gets his hands on her, will she make it out in one piece?
Buy It!Amazon|Amazon CA|Smashwords
More Jo!Facebook Goodreads Blog
I am over the moon excited to announce that my bestie, Jo-Anna Walker FINALLY has a book out!
Her debut, Break Me (Shattered Book One) is now out! This is a FANTASTIC read. I am so excited that it's finally out in the world.
Without further ado, Please check out Break Me!
Running is always easier.
Tori McLeod moved to the big city to get away from her mother—and her past. Her new routine is destroyed when she meets a mysterious stranger who won’t take no for an answer. Sebastian intrigues her, but his eyes hold secrets she would rather avoid.
Sebastian Chelios, a hard-as-nails enforcer, is a new-in-town loner. He has to have her. Control her. Possess her. But he can’t—won’t—lose control, even though Tori’s innocence fascinates him. The last thing he’s going to do is love her, even after he gets her in his bed.
Losing control is dangerous, especially when someone from Sebastian’s past covets Tori, putting more than just her heart in danger.
Can Sebastian protect Tori from Jose’s sadistic obsession? If he gets his hands on her, will she make it out in one piece?
Buy It!Amazon|Amazon CA|Smashwords
More Jo!Facebook Goodreads Blog July 23, 2013
Tell Me About it Tuesday Welcomes
This week on Tell Me About it Tuesday, I am welcoming a good friend. Marsha R. West is one of the first authors I met when I joined my writing group, NTRWA and she's an overall fantastic person!
I am so excited that she stopped by for an interview and to share with us her debut, an awesome romantic suspense Vermont Escape.
Meet Marsha!!
Marsha R. West, a retired elementary school principal, is also a former school board member and threatre arts teacher. She writes romantic suspense where experience is required. Her heroes and heroines, struggling with life and loss, are surprised to discover second chances at love. Marsha, who loves to travel, lives in Texas with her supportive lawyer husband. They’ve raised two daughters who’ve presented them with three delightful grandchildren. She admits to being at the beck and call of two dogs, who run her home. She’s currently editing her latest work in progress.
Thanks for doing my invasive interview, Marsha!
Q. Do you do any special research for your novels?
Depending on the book, I do. Vermont Escape deals with state legislation on gambling issues. For Texas, I keep up with all that, just by reading the paper every morning. (I know there aren’t many of us left, but I still like the feel of the newsprint.J) The main part of the story takes place in Vermont—DUH. You probably figured that out from the title. Anyway, I went on-line to Vermont.gov and found lots of info. They call their legislature the assembly. The body meets every year as opposed to in Texas, which meets every other year. Because of story issues, I had to know when the term ran. What were there gambling laws and their gun laws? I’d visited Woodstock two times and had maps and info on business and things like that. It really helped to have been there. (I just realized I failed to mention in my acknowledgements in the book the friend who several years ago introduced me to Woodstock. L Nothing is perfect, try as hard as we might.)
Even during the final galley edits, my heart stopped when I thought for a moment I’d messed up about electronic cigarettes. Quick search of the internet led to a big sigh of relief. What I’d written was okay.
For other books, I’ve checked out how you join a police department, how/where can you do paternity testing in Fort Worth, info on gas leasing (easy for me with a DH and son-in-law as experts). I usually write about stuff that I’m familiar with. However, I remember on my third book, about a small town theater, a contest judge told me I was wrong on some specifics of what was going on in the theater. Really reamed me out for writing about stuff I didn’t know or research. Again, I called my resident expert, this time Daughter # 2, who’d worked in the particular theater I modeled the one in my story on, and in New York. She confirmed I was right. I refrained from writing the judge back to correct her, just filed it away so I’d not make the same mistake when I judge of telling the person they were wrong. When I notice something odd, I ask if they’re sure of their facts, but never tell them they’re wrong.
Q. What are you working on right now? Can you tell us about it?
Well I’m not writing anything new right now. Almost have book 5, TRUTH BE TOLD (SWAT member wants to stop her father’s blackmailer. Brother’s former partner struggles with physical limitations received saving her brother’s life.) ready to submit. This book is set in Fort Worth. Based on the kind of excellent advice I got on VERMONT ESCAPE from my MuseItUp editors, I could probably send TRUTH now. Plan was to send it in before VE releases. Running out of time. J It’s a stand-alone, as is VE, but in VE there’s a supporting character who earned his own book, and he’s in my 6th book SECOND CHANCES, which is the first in a series. As soon as I send off # 5, #6 will take center focus, so it can go off. Then it’s on to writing new books and resurrecting # 3, which will need quite some rewrites, but the story is good and I love the characters.
Okay...enough with the business questions! How about some fun stuff. You know, just between the two of us.
Q. The opportunity to go on a surprise vacation arises. You have 90 minutes to pack and get to the airport. Where will you go and what will you pack?
I love this question. Anybody who knows me knows I’m taking off for New England, probably somewhere along the rocky coast of Maine: Camden, Bar Harbor, and York Beach (though this is a sandy beach). Moosehead Lake up northwest is also spectacular. Perhaps Booth Bay Harbor where we’re going in October will become my favorite. I love the history, the old homes and buildings, the gorgeous trees. Along that rocky coastline, the stone is amazing. Add in the crash of the waves and highs seldom in the 90s and I’m a happy camper. Even though, I’ve been fortunate to go there many times, in all honesty, I don’t think I can pack in 90 minutes. I’m a planner. I try to make outfits coordinate. Limit the number of shoes. That sort of thing takes a while. Let’s assume everything was clean and I could fit into everything J then…jeans, long & short sleeved Ts, sweaters, good walking shoes, probably car coat (regardless of the season, it can turn really chilly, though I have friends up there who say, it’s unseasonably warm right now), lap top, I-phone, Nook, and DH. Oh and skin care products so I stay young looking. LOL
Q. If they make a movie about your life, who do you want to play your part?
Sally Field. I really identified with her in Steel Magnolias and wore my hair the same way for 20 years. LOL But there have been times in our lives when Patty Duke and I really resembled each other. Both short but play strong women. Of course, I haven’t been as small as they are in many moons. I wouldn’t think it necessary for them to put on weight to play the role. LOL
Q. Tell us one thing about you that might surprise us...it can be a secret...we won't tell. :)
Well, only if you promise not to tell. When I was in 8th grade, I wanted to be a US Senator. Think I’d just learned about Claire Booth Luce. She was cool, and powerful, and she wrote the wonderful play, The Women.
Now for my favorite part!!!!! Tell us about that AWESOME new release!
VERMONT ESCAPE is available on from MuseItUp Publishing! It released Friday, July 19 at B & N, Amazon and all the other e-venues. I’ve loved this story. My heroine turns 50 in the story. Here’s the short 20-word blurb:
Jill Barlow flees after husband & father are murdered. The syndicate will kill again for the damning evidence she possesses.
Based on the length of my responses, perhaps you can grasp how very difficult it is for me to get 85,000 words down to 20! LOL
Blurb: Two years after the murder of her husband, someone guns down Jill Barlow’s father, a Texas State Representative. The authorities suspect a connection between the murders, but can’t find proof.
Jill longs for the peace she found when she visited Vermont after her husband’s death. With the perpetrators still at large, she returns to the small town.
Considering buying a crystal store, the attraction Jill feels for the owner’s son takes her by surprise. A Vermont State Assemblyman, Jerrod Phillips, seems to resent her presence in his town.
A terrifying series of break-ins shatter her peaceful new life and drive her to seek shelter with Jerrod. Jill shields her adult children from the knowledge violence continues to stalk their family.
Meanwhile Jerrod holds Jill responsible for his brother’s death, and she fears involvement with another politician. With the lives of her family at stake and having lost so much already, how many sacrifices must Jill make?
Excerpt:
Jill Barlow reached for her make-up kit and brushed against the one thing she’d been doing her damnedest to avoid. Her heart rate tripped into overtime.
The package she received days after her dad was murdered. One month ago, but she couldn’t face opening a reminder of the nightmare.
Pictures of her vigorous father mixed with recent images of his closed casket. Nausea hit. Again. Damn. Why would someone blow off her father’s head? She didn’t stay to find out. She ran.
She’d pushed herself on a four-day trip from Texas to Vermont. Emotionally and physically exhausted, all she wanted to do was unpack her pajamas and climb into bed. Habit required she clean and moisturize her face. Habit provided comfort when life was chaotic. Habit could get her through the worst. Or not.
In the Woodstock Inn suite, her hand trembled when she removed the package and dropped it onto the bed where it lay on the white coverlet like a scorpion.
Hands propped on her knees, she leaned over, drew in needed oxygen. A minute passed, and then she straightened.
“Okay, open this. Every time you’ve come across the thing, you implode, morphing into a quivering mass of mush.”
Get it today!MuseItUp|Amazon|Barnes & Noble
More Marsha:Website Blog Facebook Twitter
Last but not least, Marsha has a question for everyone!
So tell me where your favorite places to vacation are and why. Love to hear from you!!!
I am so excited that she stopped by for an interview and to share with us her debut, an awesome romantic suspense Vermont Escape.
Meet Marsha!!Marsha R. West, a retired elementary school principal, is also a former school board member and threatre arts teacher. She writes romantic suspense where experience is required. Her heroes and heroines, struggling with life and loss, are surprised to discover second chances at love. Marsha, who loves to travel, lives in Texas with her supportive lawyer husband. They’ve raised two daughters who’ve presented them with three delightful grandchildren. She admits to being at the beck and call of two dogs, who run her home. She’s currently editing her latest work in progress.
Thanks for doing my invasive interview, Marsha!
Q. Do you do any special research for your novels?
Depending on the book, I do. Vermont Escape deals with state legislation on gambling issues. For Texas, I keep up with all that, just by reading the paper every morning. (I know there aren’t many of us left, but I still like the feel of the newsprint.J) The main part of the story takes place in Vermont—DUH. You probably figured that out from the title. Anyway, I went on-line to Vermont.gov and found lots of info. They call their legislature the assembly. The body meets every year as opposed to in Texas, which meets every other year. Because of story issues, I had to know when the term ran. What were there gambling laws and their gun laws? I’d visited Woodstock two times and had maps and info on business and things like that. It really helped to have been there. (I just realized I failed to mention in my acknowledgements in the book the friend who several years ago introduced me to Woodstock. L Nothing is perfect, try as hard as we might.)
Even during the final galley edits, my heart stopped when I thought for a moment I’d messed up about electronic cigarettes. Quick search of the internet led to a big sigh of relief. What I’d written was okay.
For other books, I’ve checked out how you join a police department, how/where can you do paternity testing in Fort Worth, info on gas leasing (easy for me with a DH and son-in-law as experts). I usually write about stuff that I’m familiar with. However, I remember on my third book, about a small town theater, a contest judge told me I was wrong on some specifics of what was going on in the theater. Really reamed me out for writing about stuff I didn’t know or research. Again, I called my resident expert, this time Daughter # 2, who’d worked in the particular theater I modeled the one in my story on, and in New York. She confirmed I was right. I refrained from writing the judge back to correct her, just filed it away so I’d not make the same mistake when I judge of telling the person they were wrong. When I notice something odd, I ask if they’re sure of their facts, but never tell them they’re wrong.
Q. What are you working on right now? Can you tell us about it?
Well I’m not writing anything new right now. Almost have book 5, TRUTH BE TOLD (SWAT member wants to stop her father’s blackmailer. Brother’s former partner struggles with physical limitations received saving her brother’s life.) ready to submit. This book is set in Fort Worth. Based on the kind of excellent advice I got on VERMONT ESCAPE from my MuseItUp editors, I could probably send TRUTH now. Plan was to send it in before VE releases. Running out of time. J It’s a stand-alone, as is VE, but in VE there’s a supporting character who earned his own book, and he’s in my 6th book SECOND CHANCES, which is the first in a series. As soon as I send off # 5, #6 will take center focus, so it can go off. Then it’s on to writing new books and resurrecting # 3, which will need quite some rewrites, but the story is good and I love the characters.
Okay...enough with the business questions! How about some fun stuff. You know, just between the two of us.
Q. The opportunity to go on a surprise vacation arises. You have 90 minutes to pack and get to the airport. Where will you go and what will you pack?
I love this question. Anybody who knows me knows I’m taking off for New England, probably somewhere along the rocky coast of Maine: Camden, Bar Harbor, and York Beach (though this is a sandy beach). Moosehead Lake up northwest is also spectacular. Perhaps Booth Bay Harbor where we’re going in October will become my favorite. I love the history, the old homes and buildings, the gorgeous trees. Along that rocky coastline, the stone is amazing. Add in the crash of the waves and highs seldom in the 90s and I’m a happy camper. Even though, I’ve been fortunate to go there many times, in all honesty, I don’t think I can pack in 90 minutes. I’m a planner. I try to make outfits coordinate. Limit the number of shoes. That sort of thing takes a while. Let’s assume everything was clean and I could fit into everything J then…jeans, long & short sleeved Ts, sweaters, good walking shoes, probably car coat (regardless of the season, it can turn really chilly, though I have friends up there who say, it’s unseasonably warm right now), lap top, I-phone, Nook, and DH. Oh and skin care products so I stay young looking. LOL
Q. If they make a movie about your life, who do you want to play your part?
Sally Field. I really identified with her in Steel Magnolias and wore my hair the same way for 20 years. LOL But there have been times in our lives when Patty Duke and I really resembled each other. Both short but play strong women. Of course, I haven’t been as small as they are in many moons. I wouldn’t think it necessary for them to put on weight to play the role. LOL
Q. Tell us one thing about you that might surprise us...it can be a secret...we won't tell. :)
Well, only if you promise not to tell. When I was in 8th grade, I wanted to be a US Senator. Think I’d just learned about Claire Booth Luce. She was cool, and powerful, and she wrote the wonderful play, The Women.
Now for my favorite part!!!!! Tell us about that AWESOME new release!
VERMONT ESCAPE is available on from MuseItUp Publishing! It released Friday, July 19 at B & N, Amazon and all the other e-venues. I’ve loved this story. My heroine turns 50 in the story. Here’s the short 20-word blurb:
Jill Barlow flees after husband & father are murdered. The syndicate will kill again for the damning evidence she possesses.
Based on the length of my responses, perhaps you can grasp how very difficult it is for me to get 85,000 words down to 20! LOL
Blurb: Two years after the murder of her husband, someone guns down Jill Barlow’s father, a Texas State Representative. The authorities suspect a connection between the murders, but can’t find proof. Jill longs for the peace she found when she visited Vermont after her husband’s death. With the perpetrators still at large, she returns to the small town.
Considering buying a crystal store, the attraction Jill feels for the owner’s son takes her by surprise. A Vermont State Assemblyman, Jerrod Phillips, seems to resent her presence in his town.
A terrifying series of break-ins shatter her peaceful new life and drive her to seek shelter with Jerrod. Jill shields her adult children from the knowledge violence continues to stalk their family.
Meanwhile Jerrod holds Jill responsible for his brother’s death, and she fears involvement with another politician. With the lives of her family at stake and having lost so much already, how many sacrifices must Jill make?
Excerpt:
Jill Barlow reached for her make-up kit and brushed against the one thing she’d been doing her damnedest to avoid. Her heart rate tripped into overtime.
The package she received days after her dad was murdered. One month ago, but she couldn’t face opening a reminder of the nightmare.
Pictures of her vigorous father mixed with recent images of his closed casket. Nausea hit. Again. Damn. Why would someone blow off her father’s head? She didn’t stay to find out. She ran.
She’d pushed herself on a four-day trip from Texas to Vermont. Emotionally and physically exhausted, all she wanted to do was unpack her pajamas and climb into bed. Habit required she clean and moisturize her face. Habit provided comfort when life was chaotic. Habit could get her through the worst. Or not.
In the Woodstock Inn suite, her hand trembled when she removed the package and dropped it onto the bed where it lay on the white coverlet like a scorpion.
Hands propped on her knees, she leaned over, drew in needed oxygen. A minute passed, and then she straightened.
“Okay, open this. Every time you’ve come across the thing, you implode, morphing into a quivering mass of mush.”
Get it today!MuseItUp|Amazon|Barnes & Noble
More Marsha:Website Blog Facebook Twitter
Last but not least, Marsha has a question for everyone!
So tell me where your favorite places to vacation are and why. Love to hear from you!!!
July 21, 2013
Six Sentence Sunday: Christmas in July!
So, it's no secret that I love Andi and Cole, the couple from Collision Force (Crossing Forces Book 1) my book that released June 28, 2013. I absolutely ADORE them.
They let me know (well, Cole mostly) that he wasn't quite done with what he had to say.
I wrote a small (as in short) Christmas Story, called Cole in Her Stocking. I adore how it turned out, and I wanted to share some of it with you.
I have some super sekrit news about this story. I will announce it soon! *evil grin*
“Hey, babe.” Cole flashed dimples that made her heart trip over itself. He was at her side in seconds, pulling her into his arms and pressing a kiss into her lips.
She sighed into his embrace, suddenly wishing they were alone, sans children. Naked would be good, too. They’d both been so tired because the baby wasn’t sleeping it’d been a while. “Hi,” she whispered into his mouth.
So I guess that's seven, but who's counting?
Hope you like it!
Happy Sunday!
Oh, if you haven't picked up Collision Force yet, it's only going to be available for .99 for about another week. So, get yours today!
Excerpt and buylinks on my website!
They let me know (well, Cole mostly) that he wasn't quite done with what he had to say.
I wrote a small (as in short) Christmas Story, called Cole in Her Stocking. I adore how it turned out, and I wanted to share some of it with you.
I have some super sekrit news about this story. I will announce it soon! *evil grin*
“Hey, babe.” Cole flashed dimples that made her heart trip over itself. He was at her side in seconds, pulling her into his arms and pressing a kiss into her lips.
She sighed into his embrace, suddenly wishing they were alone, sans children. Naked would be good, too. They’d both been so tired because the baby wasn’t sleeping it’d been a while. “Hi,” she whispered into his mouth.
So I guess that's seven, but who's counting?
Hope you like it!
Happy Sunday!
Oh, if you haven't picked up Collision Force yet, it's only going to be available for .99 for about another week. So, get yours today!
Excerpt and buylinks on my website!
July 19, 2013
Friday Feature: COVER REVEAL!!!!!!!
I am SOOOOOOOOOO excited about this week's Friday Feature! My very very good friend, JoAnna Grace has the cover of her debut to share with the world!
I ADORE this cover and I can't WAIT to read this book!
The gods work in mysterious ways…
Avery McClain is normal. Or so she thinks.
Until her life is shattered and she is rescued by a Thracian warrior. He takes her to the Haven, a realm of safety for the magical race of Olympians. There she discovers her life was meant for a higher calling as the mate of an Olympian Prince.
Her choice will change everything.
Ryse Castille has one job: convince Avery to step into her role as a Divine Grace. As with any mission, there are obstacles to overcome. Including the fact he is captivated by her. Of all the gifts the gods have given him, romance was not included. But Avery belongs to him and he will stop at nothing to protect her.
The enemy might be closer than they think.
Can Avery find the courage to embrace her destiny? Or will evil separate them for eternity?
I cannot WAIT for this book!!!!!!!!! So excited. It should be available and out in August!
The lovely JoAnna Grace has taken over my blog, so without further ado, here's Jo!
The Glass Slipper Revelation.
Do you remember the first time you heard the phrase “dreams come true?” Well for me, it was about the time I was thinking how cool a fairy godmother was. How sweet would it be to wave the wand and Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo: you’re a success!
We all seem to forget that before our dear Cinderella was a Princess, she was a lowly household servant! She worked hard, labored, took flack from her family, and she did it all with humility. But she had an abundance of faith that things wouldn’t be hard forever. And I would say her efforts paid off, wouldn’t you?
It’s easy to think that the real world can’t hold a bit of magic. The trials and troubles of every day life can turn us cold and cynical as our experiences grow. We tuck our dreams away for a more opportune time and some forget them entirely.
I was raised in a single parent household. My mother worked hard to give us what little we had. But my brothers and I learned that if you wanted something, you worked hard, saved your money and bought it yourself.
Practicality was the name of the game. We didn’t live frivolously nor did we go off chasing rainbows and pots of gold. By the time I was ten years old I was doing odd jobs for the people at church. I babysat for some and watered acres of flowers for others. What ever needed to be done.
From that upbringing came the philosophy to find a job/career that put food on the table and gas in the tank. Dreams? Dreams were for people who could afford them. I had to be realistic.
It took a long time for me to break out of that way of thinking. After I met my husband and we had our first child the dreamer in me surfaced again. I knew that I would teach my daughter that she could be anything she wanted to be, that she could make her dreams come true; the sky was the limit. I would do anything to see her soar.
But didn’t that make me a hypocrite? I had to really examine my thinking. Why was it ok for me to teach her to chase her dreams when I didn’t do that myself?
That’s when I had The Glass Slipper Revelation. I was working as an in-home spa girl when I received a plastic version of Cinderella’s famous footwear. I still keep that token on my shelf as a reminder that all it takes is some hard work, a lot of faith, and a big dream to bring the magic back to life.
With the release of Divine Destiny, my debut novel, I will have achieved my dream. Whether I sell one copy or one million copies, I will be able to tell my children (there’s a couple more now!) that I took a chance and made my dreams come true.
What’s your Glass Slipper Revelation?
Find JoAnna:
Website
Blog
Facebook
Twitter
I ADORE this cover and I can't WAIT to read this book!
The gods work in mysterious ways…
Avery McClain is normal. Or so she thinks.
Until her life is shattered and she is rescued by a Thracian warrior. He takes her to the Haven, a realm of safety for the magical race of Olympians. There she discovers her life was meant for a higher calling as the mate of an Olympian Prince.
Her choice will change everything.
Ryse Castille has one job: convince Avery to step into her role as a Divine Grace. As with any mission, there are obstacles to overcome. Including the fact he is captivated by her. Of all the gifts the gods have given him, romance was not included. But Avery belongs to him and he will stop at nothing to protect her.
The enemy might be closer than they think.
Can Avery find the courage to embrace her destiny? Or will evil separate them for eternity?
I cannot WAIT for this book!!!!!!!!! So excited. It should be available and out in August!
The lovely JoAnna Grace has taken over my blog, so without further ado, here's Jo!
The Glass Slipper Revelation.
Do you remember the first time you heard the phrase “dreams come true?” Well for me, it was about the time I was thinking how cool a fairy godmother was. How sweet would it be to wave the wand and Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo: you’re a success!
We all seem to forget that before our dear Cinderella was a Princess, she was a lowly household servant! She worked hard, labored, took flack from her family, and she did it all with humility. But she had an abundance of faith that things wouldn’t be hard forever. And I would say her efforts paid off, wouldn’t you?
It’s easy to think that the real world can’t hold a bit of magic. The trials and troubles of every day life can turn us cold and cynical as our experiences grow. We tuck our dreams away for a more opportune time and some forget them entirely.
I was raised in a single parent household. My mother worked hard to give us what little we had. But my brothers and I learned that if you wanted something, you worked hard, saved your money and bought it yourself.
Practicality was the name of the game. We didn’t live frivolously nor did we go off chasing rainbows and pots of gold. By the time I was ten years old I was doing odd jobs for the people at church. I babysat for some and watered acres of flowers for others. What ever needed to be done.
From that upbringing came the philosophy to find a job/career that put food on the table and gas in the tank. Dreams? Dreams were for people who could afford them. I had to be realistic.
It took a long time for me to break out of that way of thinking. After I met my husband and we had our first child the dreamer in me surfaced again. I knew that I would teach my daughter that she could be anything she wanted to be, that she could make her dreams come true; the sky was the limit. I would do anything to see her soar.
But didn’t that make me a hypocrite? I had to really examine my thinking. Why was it ok for me to teach her to chase her dreams when I didn’t do that myself?
That’s when I had The Glass Slipper Revelation. I was working as an in-home spa girl when I received a plastic version of Cinderella’s famous footwear. I still keep that token on my shelf as a reminder that all it takes is some hard work, a lot of faith, and a big dream to bring the magic back to life.
With the release of Divine Destiny, my debut novel, I will have achieved my dream. Whether I sell one copy or one million copies, I will be able to tell my children (there’s a couple more now!) that I took a chance and made my dreams come true.
What’s your Glass Slipper Revelation?
Find JoAnna:Website
Blog
July 16, 2013
Tell Me About It Tueday Welcomes (again) Lavender Daye!!!!!!!!!!!
My good friend and critique partner wanted to take over my blog, so I said yes! Without further ado, here's Lavender!
Fairy Tales for Smart Women
Hi! I’m Lavender Daye, and that’s what I write!“Why fairy tales?” you might ask.Here’s my answer.
By definition, a fairy tale is an interesting but highly implausible story, often told as an excuse.
Let’s compare the definition to my most recent release, Haze of Desire:
A beautiful but outspoken attorney receives a death threat. Samantha calls the trusted friend who always helps her out with security, but he’s out of town and his new partner shows up.
The hunky former military security specialist doesn’t want to babysit the acerbic attorney, even though she reminds him of hot nights and even hotter sheets.
Shots are fired (verbaland actual bullets!).Well, hell. He can’t leave her alone on the streets while someone takes potshots at her. Zack takes her to his place as a stopgap while he looks for somewhere safe to stash her.Death threats pile up.
The only place he knows with enough security already in place is his favorite BDSM club, Velvet Glove, and he happens to have friends to help him out with a private suite.
Does this sound like something that could happen to you?
Definitely not my everyday routine, but that’s just me. I sit and type all day. Nobody threatens my life (thank goodness), bullets don’t fly (except on the gun range with my personal prince), and I only visit BDSM clubs in my books ;).
I’m a wife, a mom, and a writer. And I’ve always loved a good story. I don’t want to read about housework or childcare or long car trips. When I choose a book to read, I want excitement! I want to get away from my regular (happy) life and connect with a character in an exciting part of her life.I want an adventure.
I want to be whisked into a world where criminals lurk and hot hunky heroes save the damsel in distress, and then carry her off to a hidden club where he teaches her the erotic joy of bondage and submission.
That isn’t too much to ask, is it?
Happy reading!Lavender Daye
Here's the lovely cover of the book she mentioned (It's a really good one)
BUY IT!
ALL of her Siren Books!
More Lavender:
Website
Fairy Tales for Smart Women
Hi! I’m Lavender Daye, and that’s what I write!“Why fairy tales?” you might ask.Here’s my answer.
By definition, a fairy tale is an interesting but highly implausible story, often told as an excuse.
Let’s compare the definition to my most recent release, Haze of Desire:
A beautiful but outspoken attorney receives a death threat. Samantha calls the trusted friend who always helps her out with security, but he’s out of town and his new partner shows up.
The hunky former military security specialist doesn’t want to babysit the acerbic attorney, even though she reminds him of hot nights and even hotter sheets.
Shots are fired (verbaland actual bullets!).Well, hell. He can’t leave her alone on the streets while someone takes potshots at her. Zack takes her to his place as a stopgap while he looks for somewhere safe to stash her.Death threats pile up.
The only place he knows with enough security already in place is his favorite BDSM club, Velvet Glove, and he happens to have friends to help him out with a private suite.
Does this sound like something that could happen to you?
Definitely not my everyday routine, but that’s just me. I sit and type all day. Nobody threatens my life (thank goodness), bullets don’t fly (except on the gun range with my personal prince), and I only visit BDSM clubs in my books ;).
I’m a wife, a mom, and a writer. And I’ve always loved a good story. I don’t want to read about housework or childcare or long car trips. When I choose a book to read, I want excitement! I want to get away from my regular (happy) life and connect with a character in an exciting part of her life.I want an adventure.
I want to be whisked into a world where criminals lurk and hot hunky heroes save the damsel in distress, and then carry her off to a hidden club where he teaches her the erotic joy of bondage and submission.
That isn’t too much to ask, is it?
Happy reading!Lavender Daye
Here's the lovely cover of the book she mentioned (It's a really good one)
BUY IT!
ALL of her Siren Books!
More Lavender:
Website
July 12, 2013
Friday Feature: Risen!
This week on Feature Friday I have the lovely Christine James sharing her new release, Risen!
All about Christine:
Christine and her husband coach a little league baseball team. Loves all things baseball and enjoys the out doors; camping, swimming, fishing, the whole nine yards. While she writes a lot of romance in her books, romance movies aren't really her thing. She likes to watch the action thrillers, scary movies, and anything suspense. She loves to read a good historical romance! Also, she is completely fascinated by all things pirate.
Her husband has been her cheerleader as she strives to achieve her writing goals; he's helped pick her up and dusted her off when she went through rejections; he laughs with her, and more times than not he laughs AT her. But more importantly he's there to lend her a shoulder for her to cry on. He's her rock but more importantly she considers him her best friend. Together they have two beautiful son's ages 8 and 2. She considers them her angels and by becoming an author she wants to show them that their dreams can come true.
The thing Christine loves the most, outside of writing and her family, is making people laugh. People come and go from our lives, influencing and changing us in all kinds of ways. Sometimes the influences are positive, but then again, some are negative. If we use the negative as a tool for learning, we could very well change or even save someone's life down the road. She strives to be the type of person that touches someone’s life in a positive way, even if it is by writing a book. She believes that if only a quarter of the people in the world would loosen up and smile, it would be a better place.
If she could share one message with the world, it would be that nothing is impossible and you should never stop following your dreams.
About the LOVELY Book:
Blurb:
Witness the Beginning...
A fun night in a small town carnival will change Erin’s life forever with a simple visit to a bizarre and mysterious fortune teller. Scared to death by what the haggard woman reveals, Erin quickly flees and quite literally collides with Angelo, a mysterious and captivating carnival worker. Later that night, he appears in her dreams but he’s not the only one visiting her slumber. Evil is lurking on the edge of the shadows and it's coming for her. Angelo is not what he seems, but then again no one ever is. Not even Erin.
Loyalties are tested and the lines of friendship begin to blur as long hidden truths come to light and fate bears down upon them all. Everyone has secrets but when some turn out to be more than heart wrenching, Erin has to decide who she can trust.
Can Erin deal with the harsh past that Angelo has been harboring or will it prevent her from doing what she's been chosen to do?
Excerpt:Erin could see him standing across the street, looking dashing in a tuxedo and a broad smile. He held out his hand, beckoning her. She stepped down off the curb but something caught her eye. Looking down, she saw she was wearing a beautiful red satin gown that shimmered beautifully in the pale street light. The strapless bodice fit snugly, pushing up her ample chest, while the bottom fanned out gracefully in waves. On her feet was a pair of matching red heels with thin straps and sparkling rhinestones. Never before had she felt so beautiful.
She went into his arms with ease and he swept her along the street, dancing and twirling around to softly lilting music. He held her close, her body fitting to his easily. She could feel his heart beating steadily against hers. The same smell from earlier seemed so much stronger than before. His eyes were such a light shade of gray, they were almost transparent. Dense fog swirled around their legs as they twirled and moved as one.
Then something changed and they were no longer dancing. She was standing in the middle of the street alone, wearing her pajamas. Somewhere a streetlight began to flicker eerily. The light made the fog appear bluish white and very sinister. Erin looked around, frantically searching for Angelo. She found him standing at the entrance of the fairgrounds. He no longer wore the tux. Even in the darkness she could see his eyes were no longer shimmering silver but dark gray bordering on black. His hair was pulled back tightly and his once beautiful face had turned stone cold and dangerous. He wore a black t-shirt tucked neatly into a pair of black cargo pants. The pants resembled the style that she’d seen paramedics wearing. The bottoms of the pants were tucked tightly into a pair of snugly laced, slightly worn, combat boots. Something glistened in his hand. It appeared to be a long blade that glistened in the dim light. Erin began to slowly back away but he moved toward her. She could see he was saying something but couldn’t make out the words.
When she blinked they were no longer standing in the middle of the street but in the center of a meadow surrounded by trees. The loud sound of beating wings came from somewhere behind her. Briefly she thought of a horror movie where everything was in slow motion. She tried to run but her feet felt as if they were encased in concrete. Slowly she turned. The sound of beating wings stirred the cold night air around her. When she looked up, huge black wings angled toward her. She tried to scream but the smell of sulfur was suffocating. Angry red eyes glared down at her and pain suddenly sliced through her body.
She tried frantically to get away, silently willing her feet to move. She had to get away from the wings and the blinding pain but the pain only intensified with each movement. Erin could smell something foul over the stinging scent of sulfur and she realized it was the unmistakable smell of burning flesh. She looked down and realized it was her flesh that was burning. She screamed as her sweats began to melt to her legs.
“Someone, help me!” she screeched and the answer she received was an angry hiss.
Erin sagged to the ground in pain as the flames raged over her lower body; she could hear the harsh sound of metal clanging against metal. Another shrill hiss and screech sliced through the night and soon the flapping noise was gone. Everything was cast into silence.
Gotta have it,right?
Amazon|Barnes and Noble|Smashwords|KOBO
Add it on goodreads
More Christine:Blog Facebook Twitter Email
All about Christine:
Christine and her husband coach a little league baseball team. Loves all things baseball and enjoys the out doors; camping, swimming, fishing, the whole nine yards. While she writes a lot of romance in her books, romance movies aren't really her thing. She likes to watch the action thrillers, scary movies, and anything suspense. She loves to read a good historical romance! Also, she is completely fascinated by all things pirate. Her husband has been her cheerleader as she strives to achieve her writing goals; he's helped pick her up and dusted her off when she went through rejections; he laughs with her, and more times than not he laughs AT her. But more importantly he's there to lend her a shoulder for her to cry on. He's her rock but more importantly she considers him her best friend. Together they have two beautiful son's ages 8 and 2. She considers them her angels and by becoming an author she wants to show them that their dreams can come true.
The thing Christine loves the most, outside of writing and her family, is making people laugh. People come and go from our lives, influencing and changing us in all kinds of ways. Sometimes the influences are positive, but then again, some are negative. If we use the negative as a tool for learning, we could very well change or even save someone's life down the road. She strives to be the type of person that touches someone’s life in a positive way, even if it is by writing a book. She believes that if only a quarter of the people in the world would loosen up and smile, it would be a better place.
If she could share one message with the world, it would be that nothing is impossible and you should never stop following your dreams.
About the LOVELY Book:Blurb:
Witness the Beginning...
A fun night in a small town carnival will change Erin’s life forever with a simple visit to a bizarre and mysterious fortune teller. Scared to death by what the haggard woman reveals, Erin quickly flees and quite literally collides with Angelo, a mysterious and captivating carnival worker. Later that night, he appears in her dreams but he’s not the only one visiting her slumber. Evil is lurking on the edge of the shadows and it's coming for her. Angelo is not what he seems, but then again no one ever is. Not even Erin.
Loyalties are tested and the lines of friendship begin to blur as long hidden truths come to light and fate bears down upon them all. Everyone has secrets but when some turn out to be more than heart wrenching, Erin has to decide who she can trust.
Can Erin deal with the harsh past that Angelo has been harboring or will it prevent her from doing what she's been chosen to do?
Excerpt:Erin could see him standing across the street, looking dashing in a tuxedo and a broad smile. He held out his hand, beckoning her. She stepped down off the curb but something caught her eye. Looking down, she saw she was wearing a beautiful red satin gown that shimmered beautifully in the pale street light. The strapless bodice fit snugly, pushing up her ample chest, while the bottom fanned out gracefully in waves. On her feet was a pair of matching red heels with thin straps and sparkling rhinestones. Never before had she felt so beautiful.
She went into his arms with ease and he swept her along the street, dancing and twirling around to softly lilting music. He held her close, her body fitting to his easily. She could feel his heart beating steadily against hers. The same smell from earlier seemed so much stronger than before. His eyes were such a light shade of gray, they were almost transparent. Dense fog swirled around their legs as they twirled and moved as one.
Then something changed and they were no longer dancing. She was standing in the middle of the street alone, wearing her pajamas. Somewhere a streetlight began to flicker eerily. The light made the fog appear bluish white and very sinister. Erin looked around, frantically searching for Angelo. She found him standing at the entrance of the fairgrounds. He no longer wore the tux. Even in the darkness she could see his eyes were no longer shimmering silver but dark gray bordering on black. His hair was pulled back tightly and his once beautiful face had turned stone cold and dangerous. He wore a black t-shirt tucked neatly into a pair of black cargo pants. The pants resembled the style that she’d seen paramedics wearing. The bottoms of the pants were tucked tightly into a pair of snugly laced, slightly worn, combat boots. Something glistened in his hand. It appeared to be a long blade that glistened in the dim light. Erin began to slowly back away but he moved toward her. She could see he was saying something but couldn’t make out the words.
When she blinked they were no longer standing in the middle of the street but in the center of a meadow surrounded by trees. The loud sound of beating wings came from somewhere behind her. Briefly she thought of a horror movie where everything was in slow motion. She tried to run but her feet felt as if they were encased in concrete. Slowly she turned. The sound of beating wings stirred the cold night air around her. When she looked up, huge black wings angled toward her. She tried to scream but the smell of sulfur was suffocating. Angry red eyes glared down at her and pain suddenly sliced through her body.
She tried frantically to get away, silently willing her feet to move. She had to get away from the wings and the blinding pain but the pain only intensified with each movement. Erin could smell something foul over the stinging scent of sulfur and she realized it was the unmistakable smell of burning flesh. She looked down and realized it was her flesh that was burning. She screamed as her sweats began to melt to her legs.
“Someone, help me!” she screeched and the answer she received was an angry hiss.
Erin sagged to the ground in pain as the flames raged over her lower body; she could hear the harsh sound of metal clanging against metal. Another shrill hiss and screech sliced through the night and soon the flapping noise was gone. Everything was cast into silence.
Gotta have it,right?
Amazon|Barnes and Noble|Smashwords|KOBO
Add it on goodreads
More Christine:Blog Facebook Twitter Email
