C.A. Szarek's Blog, page 17
April 12, 2013
Thank you!!! AND GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I want to give a huge thank you to Angie and Angie and Jo-Anna at Twinsie Talk Reviews for organizing and executing an AWESOME blog tour for me and Sword's Call.
I got to go to some awesome places around the web, and meet a tons of new people and see some GREAT GREAT blogs! People are AWESOME!
So, thank you very much to the following blogs: (check them out!)
Twinsie Talk Book ReviewsAuthor Jorja Lovett
Author Jerrie Alexander
For The Love Of Bookends
Author Delilah Devlin
Author Kimberly Packard
Diana @ Through My Eyes
Author Clover Autrey
The Book Tart
Paranormal and Urban Fantasy Reviews
Author Liz Crowe
Author Priscilla Shay
Romance Book Craze
Selena Lost In Thought
Romance Novel Promotions
Aries Girl Book Reviews
Author Gina Lee Nelson
Author Nancy Adams
I had a more than fantastic tour and I am so glad I met the awesome people of these blogs.
Thank you to all the people, friends (old and new) and new readers that commenting on my posts!
Congrats to all the winners of my giveaways!!!!!!!!!!!!
AND ONE LAST ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
One Commenter here will receive a SIGNED PAPERBACK OF SWORD'S CALL!
***Please be sure to list your email so I know where to contact you***
One of these will be yours! *wink*Thank you for stopping by.
Looking forward to doing it all over again for Collision Force in July!
Have a great weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 9, 2013
Tell me About it Tuesday! Welcome Kathleen S Allen!
Today I am welcoming fellow Gypsy, Kathleen S. Allen. who's here to talk to us all about a few wonderful YA books!
How to be Almost Famous in Ten Days, which is a brand new release!
AND
Book two, War of Fei, was released in February!
Thanx for stopping by and letting me interview you, Kathleen!!!!
Q. Do you do any special research for your novels?
Yes, I research as much as I can if I don’t know the subject or setting.
Q. What made you pick your particular genre?
I like to read YA so I thought I’d try and write in that genre.
Q. What are you working on right now? Can you tell us about it?
Yes, I have a new book I am starting, it’s about a teen and her mother who inherit a cottage on the coast of England and after they go there to live, the teen finds a mysterious box filled with secrets. That’s all I’m saying for now. ;)
Q. Do you ever hit the wall or find you've written yourself into a corner? How do you turn that around?
Many, many times. I will sometimes write myself into a corner so to speak and it’s either because I missed something important or misconstrued a character’s motivations. I have a worksheet I found called, Untangling Story Knots that I use. I’d tell you where I found it but I didn’t write it down. Anyway, the first thing you do is draw a line down the center of your notebook paper. On the left you list the story elements you must keep and on the right you list themes, characters, and plot points. Next you link them together with lines. Make notes as you draw the lines to make connections, if there’s a spot where there’s a connection that doesn’t fit, and the line is loopy in order to be logical then that is a trouble spot.
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?
That’s easy. Ireland. I’d pack pants, T-shirts, comfortable shoes, my iPhone and earphones and my laptop. Oh, and my passport. It should all fit into my backpack. On the way to the airport I’d download a bunch of books with my Kindle app so I’d have something to read on the plane.
Q. Are you more likely to be spotlighted on the TV show Hoarders or Fashion Police?
I don’t follow fashion and I wear whatever I feel comfortable in so probably the latter one. I don’t hoard anything except books. LOL.
Q. If they make a movie about your life, who do you want to play your part?
Someone fabulous of course.
Q. Tell us one thing about you that might surprise us...it can be a secret...we won't tell. :)
I’ve lived on both the west coast and east coast and I prefer the east coast attitude. I’m more of a east coast kinda person but I love the warmth of California.
Tell us about your new releases!
HOW TO BE ALMOST FAMOUS IN TEN DAYS, a YA contemporary released March 16, 2013 from GypsyShadow Publishing. 17yo Cassie feels invisible, especially next to her model gorgeous BFF. When she finds a book of rules on how to be famous in ten days she decides to follow the rules, along with her BFF’s help. Sometimes the results are humorous, sometimes serious, and sometimes almost disastrous.
Blurb:
Seventeen-year-old Cassie Cee feels invisible because she’s a double-digit size. She finds a book in a secondhand bookstore that she hopes will change her life. Her best friend’s brother wants to make vlogs about how she is following the ten rules she found in the book, why she is doing it, and how she feels about being invisible for his school project. She agrees, but only if he promises no one but his college advisor will see the vlogs. He promises, but a friend of his posts them online and they go viral. When one of the "famous rules" puts her best friend, Rachel in a dangerous situation, Cassie makes one last vlog and Chuck posts it online. But emails begin arriving from other girls who have felt invisible, and she realizes she has to own up to being "the real Cassie Cee."
Find it: Barnes & Noble | Amazon
WAR OF FEI, book 2 of the Lore of Fei series published by Muse It Up Publishing, released Feb. 8, 2013.
WAR OF FEI is the book where the faeries battle the humans who stole their land of Fei in order to get it back. Along the way Ariela, the main character who is a wingless faerie, discovers a secret in the Book of Lore that makes her doubt her alliance to her fellow faeries.
Ariela discovers a secret about the Veil of Enclosure that makes her doubt the alliance to her own race.
Blurb:
The faeries are ready to declare war on the humans who threaten to take away Fei, the land of the faeries. They enlist the help of the elves who do not trust either the faeries or the humans. The cost of war almost proves too much for the faeries as more and more of them are lost in battle. Will it be enough to win their hard-earned freedom or will the battle be lost forever?
Excerpt
I gave the signal, and the dragons rose. The elf archers readied their bows pointing the arrows toward the opening. I hoped none of them would shoot me by mistake. Gerfin stood beside me. Both of us had our swords at the ready.
“Here they come,” shouted the other guard. Balen, along with several of his men broke through the treeline. Behind them came small dragons with talons extended. They resembled great large birds about to pluck their prey from the ground. The dragons hissed and cried as they neared.
“Now!” I heard Balen yell. His men stopped right before the west entrance with wide-legged stances, slashing swords at the dragon-birds that cried out as blue-black blood poured from their wounds, staining the ground.
“Keep going,” Balen called.
More of his men came out of the trees, converging on the dragon things. They knocked the warriors off and in quick thrusts, left them lying dead on the ground. I noticed Balen had a cut on his cheek that bled. He turned to me.
“Stay your course, faerie. There are more behind us. Do not let them breach the opening!”
I nodded, crouching down low. The dragon things circled around and around without their riders on their backs as if they could not decide what to do.
Earh landed Tashie who bellowed at her. She jumped off, sprinting toward the opening. Tashie hovered near Ariela. It seemed neither Tashie nor Earh wanted much to do with each other.
“Earh, shoot straight,” I commanded.
Instead of shooting through the opening as I thought she might, she ran through to the other side. She shot an arrow into a dragon-like bird. It hit the ground with a thud, dead. She readied another arrow as fast as she had shot the first, in a quick succession. The others were flying, and then they were not. She inclined her head to me. I grinned back at her. Tashie gave a bellow as more men flew through the trees.
I rushed through the opening, so did Gerfin and the other elves on dragons. Ariela shouted something behind me. The blood rushing in my ears would not allow me to hear what she said. Balen, Gerfin, and I were now the front line, standing in front of the opening. I half expected to see Kel ride through next, but he did not. Another handful of men were all we could see. We fought hard, sending them back through the trees to where Balen’s men could vanquish them.
My legs ached from standing, my hand hurt from a slash; sweat pouring off me blinded me. Still, I held my ground. Most of the faeries had flown through the opening to help with the fighting. Our size had grown from only a handful to a large group of fighters.
Balen placed a hand on my arm. I almost swung at him.
Find it:MuseItUP | Amazon
Find Kathleen:
Websites: www.kathleensallen.weebly.com www.gaelicfairie.webs.comTwitter: @kathleeaPinterest: http://pinterest.com/kathleea/
Facebook: http://ow.ly/cWMFB Author Central page: amazon.com/author/kallen
April 7, 2013
Lusting for Covers! Hockey ROCKS!
This week I have a book by a friend of mine. The cover is awesome, and it's an AWESOME read! Even more awesome, she did the cover herself!
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. ___________________________________________________________________________________
Penalty Number One: Men
Making time for men and relationships doesn’t fit into former social worker Valerie Chase’s game plan. This crisis counselor turned cocktail waitress knows the score, though. Part of her would love to indulge in a little side action, especially when a certain hunky hockey player demands attention, but she's far too responsible to let herself get wild and crazy.
Penalty Number Two: Desire
Darren Moran’s good lucks and deadly determination make him a fan favorite. He‘s always wanted to play hockey and does it well. After the last season's disaster, the last thing he needs is to let some woman crawl under his skin and distract him. But... Valerie is different. She’s his good luck charm. She makes him play the best he's ever played and he’s not about to lose her, even if it means incurring penalties by encroaching on Valerie’s personal life.
Penalty Number Three: Passion
When the two take the game to the next level, Val’s got to call a timeout. An unplanned romance is a game-thrower, a sinful temptation that neither of them can afford. After all, there’s no way to have order in matters of the heart when the penalties tally up to an ejection from the game.
Find it:Barnes and Noble | Amazon
This is a great read, get it now! I ADORE how the blurb is done, too!
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. ___________________________________________________________________________________
Penalty Number One: Men
Making time for men and relationships doesn’t fit into former social worker Valerie Chase’s game plan. This crisis counselor turned cocktail waitress knows the score, though. Part of her would love to indulge in a little side action, especially when a certain hunky hockey player demands attention, but she's far too responsible to let herself get wild and crazy.
Penalty Number Two: Desire
Darren Moran’s good lucks and deadly determination make him a fan favorite. He‘s always wanted to play hockey and does it well. After the last season's disaster, the last thing he needs is to let some woman crawl under his skin and distract him. But... Valerie is different. She’s his good luck charm. She makes him play the best he's ever played and he’s not about to lose her, even if it means incurring penalties by encroaching on Valerie’s personal life.
Penalty Number Three: Passion
When the two take the game to the next level, Val’s got to call a timeout. An unplanned romance is a game-thrower, a sinful temptation that neither of them can afford. After all, there’s no way to have order in matters of the heart when the penalties tally up to an ejection from the game.
Find it:Barnes and Noble | Amazon
This is a great read, get it now! I ADORE how the blurb is done, too!
April 2, 2013
Tell Me About it Tuesday! Welcome Bebe Balocca
This week I have a fellow TEB author, Bebe Balocca! She came to hang out and let me tortue her with some interview questions! Hehehe. Thanx for stopping by, Bebe! It was a blast!
Meet Bebe!
Q. Do you do any special research for your novels?
Oh yes, I research about the setting (flora, fauna, climate, landscape, that sort of thing) as well as specific needs for particular books, and I research the names of characters carefully to make sure they have the connotations I want. I also research sex positions and ménage combinations in an effort to keep the intimate scenes exciting and plausible. For “Learning to Soar,” I learned about all kinds of sex toys and enhancement products. So, yes, the search history on my computer is a bit of a hoot.
Q. What’s your favorite genre to read? Do you write it?
I love to read romance with elements of the supernatural that doesn’t necessarily have a happily ever after ending. I also love to laugh while I read. Right now I’m writing more traditional romance stories with strong erotic content, as well as erotica, so there is quite a bit of overlap in the genres I read and those I write. I often include supernatural and comedic elements, too.
Q. What are you working on right now? Can you tell us about it?I’m nearing completion of the second book in the Prescott Woods series. Not settled on the title yet. Like the first book, Bubbles and Troubles, it has a good bit of humor interlaced with the erotic scenes, and there’s a strong magical element.Q. Did you ever write a character you didn’t like? Or one that gave you problems, going against your intentions for them or your story?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:
What happens at Volare STAYS at Volare…Ever since her relationship with Mark crashed and burned, Chloe's been unable to take off and reach the big O. Enter Damien Walters, a deliciously unconventional sex therapist. Damien's therapy sessions take place at his nightclub, and Chloe quickly sees why admittance to Volare is by-invitation-only. Volare's patrons, who are Damien's satisfied and discreet former clients, leave their inhibitions at the door when they walk past the bouncer. Anything goes on Volare's dance floor…Using a few key accessories and some hands-on help from Volare's regulars, Damien enables Chloe to reach her full sexual potential once more. And he has a special proposal just for her: Chloe can join him on the Volare crew as his accountant and therapy assistant. It's an offer Chloe can hardly refuse, especially given the fact that Damien's the man with his hand on the throttle.With the pulsing beat of Volare's dance floor, the seductively suave Damien bent on pleasing her, and her newly restored sexual prowess, Chloe's position at Volare seems like a dream come true. However, she's going to have to help Damien get over some of his own issues in order for the two of them to soar together.
Excerpt:
Monica eased her Accord into a kerb-side spot and turned off the motor. Even though the sedan’s windows were raised and its doors were closed, the thumping bass from the dance club pounded through the car like a racing heartbeat. A glowing rectangular sign proclaimed the club’s name, 'Volare', in bright blue letters on a black field. "Volare. It means 'to soar' in Italian," Monica noted. "So, is tonight your night to soar, Chloe?"Chloe brought her hands to her face and took a deep breath. "I can’t believe I let you talk me into this." She laughed uneasily. "I mean, seriously? A freelance sex therapist? He’s probably a pimp, or, like"—she made air quotes—"a movie producer." Chloe snorted. "And what kind of name is Damien anyway? Are we dealing with the spawn of Satan here?""Chloe, you’re ridiculous. We’ve been over this a million times. My own therapist recommended him to me, and Donna’s totally legitimate. Part of Damien’s thing is that he won’t actually touch you at all. He’s very professional. Damien completely solved my insecurity problem. I’ve never felt better." She placed a reassuring hand on Chloe’s shoulder and squeezed gently. "Trust me. I promise I wouldn’t steer you wrong.""Yeah, well, I agreed to this way back when I had a job," Chloe complained. "Two hundred bucks is a ton of cash considering my current income level. Just start the car again, Monica. This was a dumb idea."Monica pulled the keys from the ignition, dropped them into her purse, then closed it with a snap. "Look, Chloe, it’s a big deal that you can’t reach orgasm." Chloe exhaled with a whoosh as Monica continued, "Just because Mark was a total dick and made you feel like a loser when he dumped you, your sex life doesn’t have to end. It’s been three years and you haven’t gotten off. That, my friend, is criminal.""Yeah, well, lots of women don’t reach orgasm. It’s not the end of the world," Chloe protested feebly."Yeah, and lots of women settle for elastic-waist mom jeans, low thread-count sheets, and flabby frozen dinners. That doesn’t mean that these things are actually okay, Chloe! You are a woman of discriminating taste. A woman who enjoys the finer things. Fine food, fine wine, fine friends"—she flipped her wavy auburn hair off her shoulders and cleared her throat—"and fine sex. Trust me you’ll thank me for this. And with your, um, new employment situation, you’re going to want some hot, satisfying sex with a new guy. It’ll definitely help with the job hunt. You’ll be all loose and limber and raring to go. Think of it as an investment in yourself. The price is totally worth it, and besides, Damien has a satisfaction guaranteed policy.""But this guy"—Chloe bit her lip—"is he, you know, nice? Is he creepy or pervy or anything? What’s he going to do anyway?""He’s a nice guy, for sure, but I don’t know what treatment he’s going to suggest for you. It’s all very personalised," Monica answered. "For my problem, we did some exercises that boosted my self-esteem and made me feel like the hot, sexy woman that I am. Your problem is entirely different because you know you’re hot, right? You just need some help hitting it out of the park when you get up to bat. All the strike-outs you’ve been having in bed are making you afraid to play ball." Monica grinned impishly. "You know, if you’re that worried about getting help from a stranger with your orgasm problems, I’d be happy to offer my services as a friend. I’d even do it for free!" She gave Chloe’s nipples a quick tweak.Chloe swatted Monica’s hands away with an indignant cry and unsnapped her seatbelt. "Fine," she acquiesced with a laugh. "Fine. If my options for becoming orgasmic again are you"—she paused as Monica batted her eyes and pursed her lips with theatrical glee—"or a total stranger who’s a freelance sex therapist, I guess I’ll go for the total stranger." Chloe opened her car door. Thumping techno music flooded the vehicle.Chloe turned back to Monica and spoke over the music, "Why is his office in a nightclub anyway? That’s pretty weird."Monica shrugged. "Damien likes to have his therapy appointments in his office at Volare because it’s convenient. He owns the club, you know. Besides, sometimes the setting comes in handy.""Huh? How does it come in—?" Chloe attempted to ask, but Monica had already left the car and was headed towards Volare.
Find it:Barnes and Noble | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA
More Bebe:
Find me at my site: http://bebebalocca.comOn Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BebeBalocca?ref=hlAnd on Twitter: @BebeBalocca
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. Do you do any special research for your novels?
Oh yes, I research about the setting (flora, fauna, climate, landscape, that sort of thing) as well as specific needs for particular books, and I research the names of characters carefully to make sure they have the connotations I want. I also research sex positions and ménage combinations in an effort to keep the intimate scenes exciting and plausible. For “Learning to Soar,” I learned about all kinds of sex toys and enhancement products. So, yes, the search history on my computer is a bit of a hoot.
Q. What’s your favorite genre to read? Do you write it?
I love to read romance with elements of the supernatural that doesn’t necessarily have a happily ever after ending. I also love to laugh while I read. Right now I’m writing more traditional romance stories with strong erotic content, as well as erotica, so there is quite a bit of overlap in the genres I read and those I write. I often include supernatural and comedic elements, too.
Q. What are you working on right now? Can you tell us about it?I’m nearing completion of the second book in the Prescott Woods series. Not settled on the title yet. Like the first book, Bubbles and Troubles, it has a good bit of humor interlaced with the erotic scenes, and there’s a strong magical element.Q. Did you ever write a character you didn’t like? Or one that gave you problems, going against your intentions for them or your story?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:
What happens at Volare STAYS at Volare…Ever since her relationship with Mark crashed and burned, Chloe's been unable to take off and reach the big O. Enter Damien Walters, a deliciously unconventional sex therapist. Damien's therapy sessions take place at his nightclub, and Chloe quickly sees why admittance to Volare is by-invitation-only. Volare's patrons, who are Damien's satisfied and discreet former clients, leave their inhibitions at the door when they walk past the bouncer. Anything goes on Volare's dance floor…Using a few key accessories and some hands-on help from Volare's regulars, Damien enables Chloe to reach her full sexual potential once more. And he has a special proposal just for her: Chloe can join him on the Volare crew as his accountant and therapy assistant. It's an offer Chloe can hardly refuse, especially given the fact that Damien's the man with his hand on the throttle.With the pulsing beat of Volare's dance floor, the seductively suave Damien bent on pleasing her, and her newly restored sexual prowess, Chloe's position at Volare seems like a dream come true. However, she's going to have to help Damien get over some of his own issues in order for the two of them to soar together.
Excerpt:
Monica eased her Accord into a kerb-side spot and turned off the motor. Even though the sedan’s windows were raised and its doors were closed, the thumping bass from the dance club pounded through the car like a racing heartbeat. A glowing rectangular sign proclaimed the club’s name, 'Volare', in bright blue letters on a black field. "Volare. It means 'to soar' in Italian," Monica noted. "So, is tonight your night to soar, Chloe?"Chloe brought her hands to her face and took a deep breath. "I can’t believe I let you talk me into this." She laughed uneasily. "I mean, seriously? A freelance sex therapist? He’s probably a pimp, or, like"—she made air quotes—"a movie producer." Chloe snorted. "And what kind of name is Damien anyway? Are we dealing with the spawn of Satan here?""Chloe, you’re ridiculous. We’ve been over this a million times. My own therapist recommended him to me, and Donna’s totally legitimate. Part of Damien’s thing is that he won’t actually touch you at all. He’s very professional. Damien completely solved my insecurity problem. I’ve never felt better." She placed a reassuring hand on Chloe’s shoulder and squeezed gently. "Trust me. I promise I wouldn’t steer you wrong.""Yeah, well, I agreed to this way back when I had a job," Chloe complained. "Two hundred bucks is a ton of cash considering my current income level. Just start the car again, Monica. This was a dumb idea."Monica pulled the keys from the ignition, dropped them into her purse, then closed it with a snap. "Look, Chloe, it’s a big deal that you can’t reach orgasm." Chloe exhaled with a whoosh as Monica continued, "Just because Mark was a total dick and made you feel like a loser when he dumped you, your sex life doesn’t have to end. It’s been three years and you haven’t gotten off. That, my friend, is criminal.""Yeah, well, lots of women don’t reach orgasm. It’s not the end of the world," Chloe protested feebly."Yeah, and lots of women settle for elastic-waist mom jeans, low thread-count sheets, and flabby frozen dinners. That doesn’t mean that these things are actually okay, Chloe! You are a woman of discriminating taste. A woman who enjoys the finer things. Fine food, fine wine, fine friends"—she flipped her wavy auburn hair off her shoulders and cleared her throat—"and fine sex. Trust me you’ll thank me for this. And with your, um, new employment situation, you’re going to want some hot, satisfying sex with a new guy. It’ll definitely help with the job hunt. You’ll be all loose and limber and raring to go. Think of it as an investment in yourself. The price is totally worth it, and besides, Damien has a satisfaction guaranteed policy.""But this guy"—Chloe bit her lip—"is he, you know, nice? Is he creepy or pervy or anything? What’s he going to do anyway?""He’s a nice guy, for sure, but I don’t know what treatment he’s going to suggest for you. It’s all very personalised," Monica answered. "For my problem, we did some exercises that boosted my self-esteem and made me feel like the hot, sexy woman that I am. Your problem is entirely different because you know you’re hot, right? You just need some help hitting it out of the park when you get up to bat. All the strike-outs you’ve been having in bed are making you afraid to play ball." Monica grinned impishly. "You know, if you’re that worried about getting help from a stranger with your orgasm problems, I’d be happy to offer my services as a friend. I’d even do it for free!" She gave Chloe’s nipples a quick tweak.Chloe swatted Monica’s hands away with an indignant cry and unsnapped her seatbelt. "Fine," she acquiesced with a laugh. "Fine. If my options for becoming orgasmic again are you"—she paused as Monica batted her eyes and pursed her lips with theatrical glee—"or a total stranger who’s a freelance sex therapist, I guess I’ll go for the total stranger." Chloe opened her car door. Thumping techno music flooded the vehicle.Chloe turned back to Monica and spoke over the music, "Why is his office in a nightclub anyway? That’s pretty weird."Monica shrugged. "Damien likes to have his therapy appointments in his office at Volare because it’s convenient. He owns the club, you know. Besides, sometimes the setting comes in handy.""Huh? How does it come in—?" Chloe attempted to ask, but Monica had already left the car and was headed towards Volare.
Find it:Barnes and Noble | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA
More Bebe:
Find me at my site: http://bebebalocca.comOn Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BebeBalocca?ref=hlAnd on Twitter: @BebeBalocca
March 26, 2013
Tell me About it Tuesday: Welcome Aurelia Evans!
This week on Tell me About it Tuesday, I have fellow Total-E-Bound author, Aurelia T. Evans! I am excited to hear about her debut erotic novel, Winter Howl.
She also let me torture her a lil with the interview questions. Hehehe.
About Aurelia:
She is an erotic writer with a fondness for horror and the supernatural. Her short stories are featured in several anthologies, including Amber Dawn's Fist of the Spider Woman and Mitzi Szerato's Thrones of Desire. Her debut erotic novel, Winter Howl, is now available at Total-E-Bound. When she isn't writing, she enjoys watching horror films and making cookies.
Q. Do you do any special research for your novels?
I loathe research, but when the opportunity calls for it, I will grudgingly leave my story flow and look up something if I simply must know. Fortunately, most of my stories are set in a generalized “present time.” Minimal researching for that. It’s why I’ll probably never write steampunk, even though I love it. I’m in the middle of in-depth theological research for a book I’m writing next year, and it’s excruciating. I’d rather be writing.
It also helps that I write supernatural stories, so whenever something isn’t realistic, I can just answer “Magic!” and that’s that. (Just kidding, of course. Magic has to make sense, too.)
Q. What’s your favorite genre to read? Do you write it?
Absolutely. I read anything from horror, apocalyptic novels, and dystopias to urban fantasy, paranormal, and erotica. Funnily enough, I don’t read nearly as much erotica, percentage-wise, as I write. When I’m reading, I tend toward the mainstream. Maybe because I don’t want to get squirmy at inconvenient times – not that plotting doesn’t do that anyway.
Q. What are you working on right now? Can you tell us about it? Right now, I’m working on what I hope stays a novella and doesn’t become a novel about elementals. I’m an inordinately serious writer, sometimes, and I told myself at the beginning of the year that I wanted to write something fun, full stop. Of course, some serious slipped in anyway, because I’m an emotional masochist, but it’s mostly stayed light-hearted. And hot, of course. I’m also in the revision phase of Winter Howl’s sequel, the wolf-and-witch-centric Cry Wolf, which I hope will be released into the wild before year’s end, barring a cyberpocalypse.
Q. Did you ever write a character you didn’t like? Or one that gave you problems, going against your intentions for them or your story? I have, although that story’s presently in limbo in part becausehe’s as unlikable as he is pitiful. I think part of the reason I dislike that antagonist so much is that I’m a little too much like him. Self-reflection can be a bitch. Still, I have hopes to self-publish that story by Summer 2014 so that everyone else can hate and be turned on by him, too. Because I’m also an emotional sadist. Naturally.
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? Nothing clever here. I’m an incredibly practical packer, and since I don’t have hair or make-up stuff to get in the way, just your standard jeans and t-shirt fare, plus two or three books, my computer, and my stuffed biker koala, who’s my travel buddy. And I’d go to Philadelphia. Why? I don’t know. I’ve never been there before, and it’s been sticking around in my head a lot.
Q. If they make a movie about your life, who do you want to play your part? Rooney Mara’s good with depressed, angry, somewhat unstable female characters, right? In a less self-deprecating selection, although I’m a big fan of Mara, I think Amber Tamblyn’s got the awkward snarkiness down. :)
Q. Tell us one thing about you that might surprise us...it can be a secret...we won't tell. Ummm… I’ve got lots of secrets, but most of them are between me and my demons. Let’s see. You might be surprised to learn that although I’m a big horror fan, I’m still an easy horror audience. Even if my skeptic’s muttering in the back of my mind, I’ll still jump and sometimes scream at the big jump scares. I have no shame. I think horror loses a little something when you stop being scared by it.
Now what we've all been waiting for. Tell us all about that book! Your newest release with the DELICIOUS cover!
Winter Howl is my debut erotic novel. She was a shelf-baby for a while until I finally got off my ass (metaphorically speaking) and started sending her out. She was finally picked up and found a happy home at Total-e-Bound. With some downright smoldering f/m and f/f action, who doesn’t like a classic love triangle? With shapeshifters and werewolves?
Blurb:
Renee Chambers, a moderate-level agoraphobe, runs a no-kill dog sanctuary that doubles as a haven for canine shapeshifters. Britt, her best friend who also acts as Renee’s service dog, coaxes an anxious but curious Renee into a romance that has more than a little electricity. With her organisation running smoothly and a girlfriend who loves her, life could be worse.
Then Grant Heath, a rogue werewolf, shows up and turns her safe little world upside down and inside out, with a side of out of control. She knows it’s a terrible idea, but when she’s with him, she feels different from her tightly wound, controlled self—she almost feels normal. He never does anything she doesn’t want, but he also doesn’t care how far he pushes her beyond her agoraphobic limitations.
Renee finds herself caught between two different lovers, two different worlds. Should she stay with the shapeshifters and her sanctuary and accept being just an eccentric human being in a supernatural world? Or should she accept Grant’s offer to change her and run with him as a werewolf, violent and bloody, but also fearless?
Excerpt
“Looking for things you can take with you on your little trip? Low-cut tops, short skirts, sexy lingerie? It’s what he’s expecting from you. His little piece of human arm candy that he’s bringing along to show off to everyone. Looking good on the fur carpet.”
“I don’t have those things,” Renee said. Everything she had in her closet was functional. Most of the time, she was getting dirty or getting fur all over everything. If it looked marginally good on her, that was just a bonus. But there was nothing for a night on the town because she had never had one, or had expected to have one.
There was a rustle of cotton and the sound of a zipper. Britt was undressing behind her. “You don’t need those things,” Britt said. “You never did. You could be covered head to toe in clumps of mud and still have those bedroom eyes.”
Britt slid her arms around Renee’s waist and cupped her breasts, rubbed lightly at the peaks until Renee felt them grow harder under her bra. Britt pressed her mouth where Grant had kissed her on the neck, covering the sensation with a new one, a new mouth. Renee held the dresser drawer tightly with her left hand.
“Is it that he doesn’t care about you? Because you know that he doesn’t. And you know that I do. Is it that he’s rough?” Britt asked. “Is that why you’ll let him be with you? I can be rough. If it’s what you need, I can give you what you need, Renee. I always have.”
“I don’t need that from you,” Renee answered.
Britt stroked a hand down Renee’s stomach, brushing the waist of her jeans and slipping under. “From the beginning, I’ve honoured your boundaries because I knew that they were important. I knew that this is the way you are and always have been. But he just blasted through like an explosion, with no consideration, no understanding. What did he do to you that makes you feel like you need that?”
Britt was not considerate or gentle as she began to press with her fingers, trying to find the place that made Renee’s breathing hitch. When she did, Renee leaned back into Britt’s arms and closed her eyes.
“He’s everything I’m not. It’s not permanent, and I don’t think he’s fixing me. But for the moments that he pushes me past all the circling thoughts and paralysing fears, I can do things I’ve never done.” She tightened her grip on the drawer again, but this time because she could feel the pleasure inside her tensing her up. “And in those moments, I feel like I think a normal person does.”
“I can be what you want,” Britt said urgently.
“You are,” Renee said, pulling Britt’s hand from her jeans and turning around. She drew Britt down and kissed her, drawing her in, tasting her, taking her mouth. Britt moaned, losing herself in the passion Renee only occasionally showed. Renee was completely clothed, and Britt was completely bare. Renee stroked down from neck to thigh, feeling every curve as though memorising them.
“Don’t you understand?” Renee asked. She kissed a line down Britt’s sternum and bit lightly at her left breast. “You are what I want, and I don’t know why you ever stayed here when you could have been so much more with someone better than me. I don’t want you to be anything other than what you are. I’ve told you that I appreciate everything that you do for me, even if I don’t always have the words for it.”
“You seem to be doing very well right now,” Britt said. She tucked Renee’s hair behind her ears, scratching her nails across the scalp the way she knew Renee liked.
Find it:Amazon | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble |TEB ARe
Thanks VERY much for stopping by, Aurelia! I really appreciate it! It was alot of fun!
She also let me torture her a lil with the interview questions. Hehehe.
About Aurelia:
She is an erotic writer with a fondness for horror and the supernatural. Her short stories are featured in several anthologies, including Amber Dawn's Fist of the Spider Woman and Mitzi Szerato's Thrones of Desire. Her debut erotic novel, Winter Howl, is now available at Total-E-Bound. When she isn't writing, she enjoys watching horror films and making cookies.
Q. Do you do any special research for your novels?
I loathe research, but when the opportunity calls for it, I will grudgingly leave my story flow and look up something if I simply must know. Fortunately, most of my stories are set in a generalized “present time.” Minimal researching for that. It’s why I’ll probably never write steampunk, even though I love it. I’m in the middle of in-depth theological research for a book I’m writing next year, and it’s excruciating. I’d rather be writing.
It also helps that I write supernatural stories, so whenever something isn’t realistic, I can just answer “Magic!” and that’s that. (Just kidding, of course. Magic has to make sense, too.)
Q. What’s your favorite genre to read? Do you write it?
Absolutely. I read anything from horror, apocalyptic novels, and dystopias to urban fantasy, paranormal, and erotica. Funnily enough, I don’t read nearly as much erotica, percentage-wise, as I write. When I’m reading, I tend toward the mainstream. Maybe because I don’t want to get squirmy at inconvenient times – not that plotting doesn’t do that anyway.
Q. What are you working on right now? Can you tell us about it? Right now, I’m working on what I hope stays a novella and doesn’t become a novel about elementals. I’m an inordinately serious writer, sometimes, and I told myself at the beginning of the year that I wanted to write something fun, full stop. Of course, some serious slipped in anyway, because I’m an emotional masochist, but it’s mostly stayed light-hearted. And hot, of course. I’m also in the revision phase of Winter Howl’s sequel, the wolf-and-witch-centric Cry Wolf, which I hope will be released into the wild before year’s end, barring a cyberpocalypse.
Q. Did you ever write a character you didn’t like? Or one that gave you problems, going against your intentions for them or your story? I have, although that story’s presently in limbo in part becausehe’s as unlikable as he is pitiful. I think part of the reason I dislike that antagonist so much is that I’m a little too much like him. Self-reflection can be a bitch. Still, I have hopes to self-publish that story by Summer 2014 so that everyone else can hate and be turned on by him, too. Because I’m also an emotional sadist. Naturally.
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? Nothing clever here. I’m an incredibly practical packer, and since I don’t have hair or make-up stuff to get in the way, just your standard jeans and t-shirt fare, plus two or three books, my computer, and my stuffed biker koala, who’s my travel buddy. And I’d go to Philadelphia. Why? I don’t know. I’ve never been there before, and it’s been sticking around in my head a lot.
Q. If they make a movie about your life, who do you want to play your part? Rooney Mara’s good with depressed, angry, somewhat unstable female characters, right? In a less self-deprecating selection, although I’m a big fan of Mara, I think Amber Tamblyn’s got the awkward snarkiness down. :)
Q. Tell us one thing about you that might surprise us...it can be a secret...we won't tell. Ummm… I’ve got lots of secrets, but most of them are between me and my demons. Let’s see. You might be surprised to learn that although I’m a big horror fan, I’m still an easy horror audience. Even if my skeptic’s muttering in the back of my mind, I’ll still jump and sometimes scream at the big jump scares. I have no shame. I think horror loses a little something when you stop being scared by it.
Now what we've all been waiting for. Tell us all about that book! Your newest release with the DELICIOUS cover!
Winter Howl is my debut erotic novel. She was a shelf-baby for a while until I finally got off my ass (metaphorically speaking) and started sending her out. She was finally picked up and found a happy home at Total-e-Bound. With some downright smoldering f/m and f/f action, who doesn’t like a classic love triangle? With shapeshifters and werewolves?
Blurb:
Renee Chambers, a moderate-level agoraphobe, runs a no-kill dog sanctuary that doubles as a haven for canine shapeshifters. Britt, her best friend who also acts as Renee’s service dog, coaxes an anxious but curious Renee into a romance that has more than a little electricity. With her organisation running smoothly and a girlfriend who loves her, life could be worse.
Then Grant Heath, a rogue werewolf, shows up and turns her safe little world upside down and inside out, with a side of out of control. She knows it’s a terrible idea, but when she’s with him, she feels different from her tightly wound, controlled self—she almost feels normal. He never does anything she doesn’t want, but he also doesn’t care how far he pushes her beyond her agoraphobic limitations.
Renee finds herself caught between two different lovers, two different worlds. Should she stay with the shapeshifters and her sanctuary and accept being just an eccentric human being in a supernatural world? Or should she accept Grant’s offer to change her and run with him as a werewolf, violent and bloody, but also fearless?
Excerpt
“Looking for things you can take with you on your little trip? Low-cut tops, short skirts, sexy lingerie? It’s what he’s expecting from you. His little piece of human arm candy that he’s bringing along to show off to everyone. Looking good on the fur carpet.”
“I don’t have those things,” Renee said. Everything she had in her closet was functional. Most of the time, she was getting dirty or getting fur all over everything. If it looked marginally good on her, that was just a bonus. But there was nothing for a night on the town because she had never had one, or had expected to have one.
There was a rustle of cotton and the sound of a zipper. Britt was undressing behind her. “You don’t need those things,” Britt said. “You never did. You could be covered head to toe in clumps of mud and still have those bedroom eyes.”
Britt slid her arms around Renee’s waist and cupped her breasts, rubbed lightly at the peaks until Renee felt them grow harder under her bra. Britt pressed her mouth where Grant had kissed her on the neck, covering the sensation with a new one, a new mouth. Renee held the dresser drawer tightly with her left hand.
“Is it that he doesn’t care about you? Because you know that he doesn’t. And you know that I do. Is it that he’s rough?” Britt asked. “Is that why you’ll let him be with you? I can be rough. If it’s what you need, I can give you what you need, Renee. I always have.”
“I don’t need that from you,” Renee answered.
Britt stroked a hand down Renee’s stomach, brushing the waist of her jeans and slipping under. “From the beginning, I’ve honoured your boundaries because I knew that they were important. I knew that this is the way you are and always have been. But he just blasted through like an explosion, with no consideration, no understanding. What did he do to you that makes you feel like you need that?”
Britt was not considerate or gentle as she began to press with her fingers, trying to find the place that made Renee’s breathing hitch. When she did, Renee leaned back into Britt’s arms and closed her eyes.
“He’s everything I’m not. It’s not permanent, and I don’t think he’s fixing me. But for the moments that he pushes me past all the circling thoughts and paralysing fears, I can do things I’ve never done.” She tightened her grip on the drawer again, but this time because she could feel the pleasure inside her tensing her up. “And in those moments, I feel like I think a normal person does.”
“I can be what you want,” Britt said urgently.
“You are,” Renee said, pulling Britt’s hand from her jeans and turning around. She drew Britt down and kissed her, drawing her in, tasting her, taking her mouth. Britt moaned, losing herself in the passion Renee only occasionally showed. Renee was completely clothed, and Britt was completely bare. Renee stroked down from neck to thigh, feeling every curve as though memorising them.
“Don’t you understand?” Renee asked. She kissed a line down Britt’s sternum and bit lightly at her left breast. “You are what I want, and I don’t know why you ever stayed here when you could have been so much more with someone better than me. I don’t want you to be anything other than what you are. I’ve told you that I appreciate everything that you do for me, even if I don’t always have the words for it.”
“You seem to be doing very well right now,” Britt said. She tucked Renee’s hair behind her ears, scratching her nails across the scalp the way she knew Renee liked.
Find it:Amazon | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble |TEB ARe
Thanks VERY much for stopping by, Aurelia! I really appreciate it! It was alot of fun!
March 24, 2013
Lusting for Covers: A Killing Touch
So my nominee this week is a book by a friend of mine. I haven't read it yet, but I love this series, and I can't wait to dive in. And all I have to say, is when I saw this cover I went "WOW!" and I think my jaw dropped. I know you will see what I mean when you look at 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. ___________________________________________________________________________________
He’s everything she craves. She’s everything he dreads.
Sensory Ops, Book 4
Journalist Lana Quinn has a way with hard-hitting news. The story she’s uncovered has potential, but she needs the help of her best friend’s FBI team. She’s been rescued by them, worked with them, and partied with them, but convincing the second in command to believe her theory—that a killer’s touch sets off a lethal allergic reaction—is a frustrating challenge. Especially since he excites her, body and mind. He’s a danger she shouldn’t indulge. Aidan Burgess is resistant to helping Lana, but not for the reason she thinks. She has a knack for landing herself in trouble, which means she needs protection. Protecting her means staying near her, a journalist, who like all journalists uses whatever—and whomever—it takes to get her story. It’s a case he wants to refuse. Especially since she lights a fire in his blood. She’s a danger he can’t afford. As Lana follows up on lead after deadly lead, learning to trust and rely on each other becomes their only lifesaving hope. If their pride doesn’t become their final pitfall. Warning: This title contains a grudge-holding hero who gives “kiss my ass” new meaning, a heroine out to prove herself, and a danger that dares them to trust.
Find it: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
I can't wait to read this one!
Start Sensory Ops today if you haven't! Nikki is a fantastic author!
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. ___________________________________________________________________________________
He’s everything she craves. She’s everything he dreads. Sensory Ops, Book 4
Journalist Lana Quinn has a way with hard-hitting news. The story she’s uncovered has potential, but she needs the help of her best friend’s FBI team. She’s been rescued by them, worked with them, and partied with them, but convincing the second in command to believe her theory—that a killer’s touch sets off a lethal allergic reaction—is a frustrating challenge. Especially since he excites her, body and mind. He’s a danger she shouldn’t indulge. Aidan Burgess is resistant to helping Lana, but not for the reason she thinks. She has a knack for landing herself in trouble, which means she needs protection. Protecting her means staying near her, a journalist, who like all journalists uses whatever—and whomever—it takes to get her story. It’s a case he wants to refuse. Especially since she lights a fire in his blood. She’s a danger he can’t afford. As Lana follows up on lead after deadly lead, learning to trust and rely on each other becomes their only lifesaving hope. If their pride doesn’t become their final pitfall. Warning: This title contains a grudge-holding hero who gives “kiss my ass” new meaning, a heroine out to prove herself, and a danger that dares them to trust.
Find it: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
I can't wait to read this one!
Start Sensory Ops today if you haven't! Nikki is a fantastic author!
Happy Sunday!
Happy Reading!
March 19, 2013
Tell me About it Tuesday! Welcome Cecilia Robert!
This week on Tell me About it Tuesday is a very good friend of mine, Cecilia Robert!
I absolutely ADORE her books and I am so glad to share them with everyone!!!!
THANK YOU for stopping by, Cece!
About Cece:
She lives in Vienna with her two children, has an incurable obsession with books, anything romantic, TV and medieval architecture. When not working in her full time job, catching up with her two children, writing or reading, she can be found, knitting or crocheting, taking photos of old buildings.
Cece let me torture her with interview questions, so here goes!
Q. What made you pick your particular genre?
I write both contemporary romance and urban fantasy, and recently started on a paranormal romance story with steam punk elements. I usually write in genres I enjoy reading.
Q. What are you working on right now? Can you tell us about it?
I’m working on A Need so Insatiable – a contemporary romance.
About the story:
Graduate opera singer, Sophie Fisher’s life is on fire and it’s not her breathtaking voice lighting it, but the trail of debts her father left behind after he passed away a few months ago. If she’s not ducking around corners or slipping out of windows to escape the debt collectors and a slew of characters sent from hell, she’s dealing with her rebellious fifteen-year-old sister, Lilli, who is still coming to terms with their father’s death. And as if that’s not enough, Rafael Van Rees bursts into her life—literally—bringing with him a set of emotions she isn’t prepared to deal with and a life the public had no idea of.
Rafael Van Rees, Maestro extraordinaire, just wants to be left in peace to date whichever woman he feels like, have dinner with whomever he feels like, and just enjoy his life. Until he meets Sophie and his past returns to haunt him. And just when he thought he didn’t care about her, his history proves him wrong. He knows when it comes to her, it’s all or nothing. Besides, she makes him feel fuzzy all over.
Is Sophie’s fire hot enough to melt the ice coursing through his veins?
Q. Do you have a favorite story of the ones you’ve written, either published or not? Why?
Oh goodness! It’s quite difficult pointing out which story is my favorite. I love all my stories. Seriously, I can’t choose one over the other because every one of the is completely different.
Q. When YOU read, what do you like to pick up?
It depends on my mood at that particular moment. My reading tastes range from sweet romance, urban fantasy, historical to erotica, steam punk. I usually browse my list on my kindle. If I don’t have one that calls to my reading buds, then I check on book recommendations.
I am *really* excited to hear about your latest release. The cover is made of AWESOMESAUCE!!!!!!!!!!
Reaper’s Novice is my recent release – The story is about 17 year old girl, Ana, who loses her family in a accident. After trading her soul for the four souls of her family, she makes a deal with Grim and becomes his Novice. Only to find out there is more to her being chosen for this position. So much is revealed of who she truly is and the reason why she was chosen.
Excerpt
I jolt awake to the sound of my own snoring. The class erupts into a discordant choir of laughter, which heightens my loathing for Mondays.
Way to go, Ana. You snagged the position of the class clown of the day.
I look down at my hand and groan as I watch drool slide to the desk. I wipe my mouth with my other hand. In front of the class, Herr Bauer glares, his eyebrows almost touching his nose. I sink lower in my seat, my face heating up. He turns his thin frame to face the board and continues scribbling whatever I interrupted. The attention shifts to the front of the class, and I allow air in my lungs.
Last night Grim and I must have gone to over ten places, and every collection was as heart wrenching as the next.
I brace my pounding head with one hand, more to keep it from falling off than in concentration. My eyes alternate between the board and my notebook. I’m just glad Rolf will tutor me tomorrow. Hopefully I’ll be ready for exams on Wednesday.
Speaking of Rolf…
I glance over my shoulder one desk behind me and raise my eyebrows at Reiner. He shakes his head. He hasn’t seen or spoken to Rolf, either. He hasn’t replied to any of my texts. Wherever he is, I hope he’s safe.
The air inside the room shifts. My hand drops from my head, as I look around and zoom in on the slouching figure at the back of the class, and groan.
Zig is rapidly proving to be the bane of my existence. He smiles and waves, looking very proud of himself. I ignore him and face Herr Bauer, my heart pounding. Is there no way to stop this guy? Does he even listen?
What’s he up to? I dart a quick look over my shoulder. Zig struts confidently towards me. Before he reaches my desk, I shoot to my feet, excuse myself to the bathroom, and scurry out of the room, ignoring the teacher’s glare.
I head straight inside the girls’ bathroom. As soon as the door closes, I turn around and slam into Zig’s chest. “Gah!” I leap away from him. After checking under the stall doors and finding them empty, I round on him. “I’m in class, Zig. Studying for my exams. What do you want?”
He folds his arms across his chest and shrugs. “To rescue you, lovely. You were dying of boredom in there.”
My eyes blink open. “I was trying to concentrate.”
“You were snoring and drooling.”
I clench my jaw. Really, what does one say after being caught drooling? I lean back on the sink and rub my temples. “I can’t deal with you right now.”
Zig leans forwards, raises his eyebrows, and smiles. “I’m bearing gifts.” He hands me something wrapped in flimsy wrapping paper. “Your trench. Rikar says hi.”
At the mention of the tailor, I shudder. “Thanks.” I rub the light-as-air material, inspecting the tiny compartments for the soul vials while ignoring his eyes on me. My stomach twists as the truth of holding the trench in my hands hits me. It cements everything. What I am, not what I will become. “Doesn’t protect much during winter, does it?” I say in a quiet voice.
“It adapts to the season. Do you like it?”
“It’s beautiful.”
Zig ducks his head and peers at me. “Hey, are you okay?”
I nod. “Thank you, Zig.”
He rubs his hands together. “Good. Are you ready for our lessons?”
“Don’t you have any collections to do? I have to go back to class.”
“Nope. And your class ends in three, two, one…” The bell rings. “Come on, lovely. Let’s shift out of here. We’ll get your bag on the way out.” I don’t move a step. “Look, this training is part of your protection. You’ll add it to your kick-ass kit.”
“Kick-ass kit?” I frown. “What’s that?”
“Did Ernest give you the knife?” I nod. “Now, the kick-ass kit is the overall package you’ll need for the job. Trench, soul knife, food, me.” He wiggles his eyebrows.
I roll my eyes. “Right.”
“Good. We understand each other. Come on. Someone’s coming.”
I grab his hand, and we shift out and inside the now empty classroom. After shoving the books inside the rucksack, we leave.
Go get it, like TODAY!
Where to find it:
Amazon|Amazon UK|Amazon CA
I absolutely ADORE her books and I am so glad to share them with everyone!!!!
THANK YOU for stopping by, Cece!
About Cece:
She lives in Vienna with her two children, has an incurable obsession with books, anything romantic, TV and medieval architecture. When not working in her full time job, catching up with her two children, writing or reading, she can be found, knitting or crocheting, taking photos of old buildings.
Cece let me torture her with interview questions, so here goes!
Q. What made you pick your particular genre?
I write both contemporary romance and urban fantasy, and recently started on a paranormal romance story with steam punk elements. I usually write in genres I enjoy reading.
Q. What are you working on right now? Can you tell us about it?
I’m working on A Need so Insatiable – a contemporary romance.
About the story:
Graduate opera singer, Sophie Fisher’s life is on fire and it’s not her breathtaking voice lighting it, but the trail of debts her father left behind after he passed away a few months ago. If she’s not ducking around corners or slipping out of windows to escape the debt collectors and a slew of characters sent from hell, she’s dealing with her rebellious fifteen-year-old sister, Lilli, who is still coming to terms with their father’s death. And as if that’s not enough, Rafael Van Rees bursts into her life—literally—bringing with him a set of emotions she isn’t prepared to deal with and a life the public had no idea of.
Rafael Van Rees, Maestro extraordinaire, just wants to be left in peace to date whichever woman he feels like, have dinner with whomever he feels like, and just enjoy his life. Until he meets Sophie and his past returns to haunt him. And just when he thought he didn’t care about her, his history proves him wrong. He knows when it comes to her, it’s all or nothing. Besides, she makes him feel fuzzy all over.
Is Sophie’s fire hot enough to melt the ice coursing through his veins?
Q. Do you have a favorite story of the ones you’ve written, either published or not? Why?
Oh goodness! It’s quite difficult pointing out which story is my favorite. I love all my stories. Seriously, I can’t choose one over the other because every one of the is completely different.
Q. When YOU read, what do you like to pick up?
It depends on my mood at that particular moment. My reading tastes range from sweet romance, urban fantasy, historical to erotica, steam punk. I usually browse my list on my kindle. If I don’t have one that calls to my reading buds, then I check on book recommendations.
I am *really* excited to hear about your latest release. The cover is made of AWESOMESAUCE!!!!!!!!!!
Reaper’s Novice is my recent release – The story is about 17 year old girl, Ana, who loses her family in a accident. After trading her soul for the four souls of her family, she makes a deal with Grim and becomes his Novice. Only to find out there is more to her being chosen for this position. So much is revealed of who she truly is and the reason why she was chosen.
Excerpt
I jolt awake to the sound of my own snoring. The class erupts into a discordant choir of laughter, which heightens my loathing for Mondays.
Way to go, Ana. You snagged the position of the class clown of the day.
I look down at my hand and groan as I watch drool slide to the desk. I wipe my mouth with my other hand. In front of the class, Herr Bauer glares, his eyebrows almost touching his nose. I sink lower in my seat, my face heating up. He turns his thin frame to face the board and continues scribbling whatever I interrupted. The attention shifts to the front of the class, and I allow air in my lungs.
Last night Grim and I must have gone to over ten places, and every collection was as heart wrenching as the next.
I brace my pounding head with one hand, more to keep it from falling off than in concentration. My eyes alternate between the board and my notebook. I’m just glad Rolf will tutor me tomorrow. Hopefully I’ll be ready for exams on Wednesday.
Speaking of Rolf…
I glance over my shoulder one desk behind me and raise my eyebrows at Reiner. He shakes his head. He hasn’t seen or spoken to Rolf, either. He hasn’t replied to any of my texts. Wherever he is, I hope he’s safe.
The air inside the room shifts. My hand drops from my head, as I look around and zoom in on the slouching figure at the back of the class, and groan.
Zig is rapidly proving to be the bane of my existence. He smiles and waves, looking very proud of himself. I ignore him and face Herr Bauer, my heart pounding. Is there no way to stop this guy? Does he even listen?
What’s he up to? I dart a quick look over my shoulder. Zig struts confidently towards me. Before he reaches my desk, I shoot to my feet, excuse myself to the bathroom, and scurry out of the room, ignoring the teacher’s glare.
I head straight inside the girls’ bathroom. As soon as the door closes, I turn around and slam into Zig’s chest. “Gah!” I leap away from him. After checking under the stall doors and finding them empty, I round on him. “I’m in class, Zig. Studying for my exams. What do you want?”
He folds his arms across his chest and shrugs. “To rescue you, lovely. You were dying of boredom in there.”
My eyes blink open. “I was trying to concentrate.”
“You were snoring and drooling.”
I clench my jaw. Really, what does one say after being caught drooling? I lean back on the sink and rub my temples. “I can’t deal with you right now.”
Zig leans forwards, raises his eyebrows, and smiles. “I’m bearing gifts.” He hands me something wrapped in flimsy wrapping paper. “Your trench. Rikar says hi.”
At the mention of the tailor, I shudder. “Thanks.” I rub the light-as-air material, inspecting the tiny compartments for the soul vials while ignoring his eyes on me. My stomach twists as the truth of holding the trench in my hands hits me. It cements everything. What I am, not what I will become. “Doesn’t protect much during winter, does it?” I say in a quiet voice.
“It adapts to the season. Do you like it?”
“It’s beautiful.”
Zig ducks his head and peers at me. “Hey, are you okay?”
I nod. “Thank you, Zig.”
He rubs his hands together. “Good. Are you ready for our lessons?”
“Don’t you have any collections to do? I have to go back to class.”
“Nope. And your class ends in three, two, one…” The bell rings. “Come on, lovely. Let’s shift out of here. We’ll get your bag on the way out.” I don’t move a step. “Look, this training is part of your protection. You’ll add it to your kick-ass kit.”
“Kick-ass kit?” I frown. “What’s that?”
“Did Ernest give you the knife?” I nod. “Now, the kick-ass kit is the overall package you’ll need for the job. Trench, soul knife, food, me.” He wiggles his eyebrows.
I roll my eyes. “Right.”
“Good. We understand each other. Come on. Someone’s coming.”
I grab his hand, and we shift out and inside the now empty classroom. After shoving the books inside the rucksack, we leave.
Go get it, like TODAY!
Where to find it:
Amazon|Amazon UK|Amazon CA
March 17, 2013
Lusting for Covers: Beyond Shame!
A friend just lent this book to me, so I am going to read it soon. I saw the cover and went "WOW. Holy cover." So I thought it was worth sharing!
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. ___________________________________________________________________________________
A dangerous world of sex, lust and violence...
All Noelle Cunningham has ever wanted is a life beyond--beyond the walls of Eden, where only the righteous are allowed to remain, and beyond her stiflingly restrictive existence as a councilman's daughter. But only ruins lie outside the City, remnants of a society destroyed by solar storms decades earlier.
The sectors surrounding Eden house the corrupt, the criminal--men like Jasper McCray, bootlegger and cage fighter. Jas clawed his way up from nothing to stand at the right hand of Sector Four's ruthless leader, and he'll defend the O'Kane gang with his life. But no fight ever prepared him for the exiled City girl who falls at his feet.
Her innocence is undeniable, but so is their intense sexual attraction, and soon they're crossing every boundary Noelle barely knew she had. But if she wants to belong to Jas, first she'll have to open herself to the gang, and to a world where passion is power, and freedom is found in submission.
Series: Beyond, Book One. Book Two will be available March 19th, 2013
I am really excited to read this book!
Happy reading!
Happy Sunday!
Where to find it:Barnes & Noble|Amazon
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. ___________________________________________________________________________________
A dangerous world of sex, lust and violence...
All Noelle Cunningham has ever wanted is a life beyond--beyond the walls of Eden, where only the righteous are allowed to remain, and beyond her stiflingly restrictive existence as a councilman's daughter. But only ruins lie outside the City, remnants of a society destroyed by solar storms decades earlier.
The sectors surrounding Eden house the corrupt, the criminal--men like Jasper McCray, bootlegger and cage fighter. Jas clawed his way up from nothing to stand at the right hand of Sector Four's ruthless leader, and he'll defend the O'Kane gang with his life. But no fight ever prepared him for the exiled City girl who falls at his feet.
Her innocence is undeniable, but so is their intense sexual attraction, and soon they're crossing every boundary Noelle barely knew she had. But if she wants to belong to Jas, first she'll have to open herself to the gang, and to a world where passion is power, and freedom is found in submission.
Series: Beyond, Book One. Book Two will be available March 19th, 2013
I am really excited to read this book!
Happy reading!
Happy Sunday!
Where to find it:Barnes & Noble|Amazon
March 15, 2013
Sword's Call Virtual Signing is NOW LIVE!
So I am REALLLLLLLLLLLY excited to announce I have LOVELY print copies of my book and I am hosting a Virtual Signing!
What is a Virtual Signing?
It's where you can buy my book (using the link below) I sign it, and mail it to you! That way YOU can have a copy so Sword's Call without coming to Texas! However, if you want to come see me, BRING IT! Hehehehe!
Buy a SIGNED copy of Sword's Call! This link will take you to my website and you can buy my book!!!!!!
They are PRETTY!
Happy READING!
If you have any questions, please email me: ca@caszarek.com
What is a Virtual Signing?
It's where you can buy my book (using the link below) I sign it, and mail it to you! That way YOU can have a copy so Sword's Call without coming to Texas! However, if you want to come see me, BRING IT! Hehehehe!
Buy a SIGNED copy of Sword's Call! This link will take you to my website and you can buy my book!!!!!!
They are PRETTY!
Happy READING!
If you have any questions, please email me: ca@caszarek.com
March 14, 2013
Cover Reveal: Collision Force!
Instead of Three Sentence Thursday, I have something much more fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A COVER REVEAL for my book that's coming out in a few months!
I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO fricking excited to reveal the GENIUS of the Total-E-Bound art department.
I am in LOVE with my new cover! So, without further ado, meet Andi and Cole!
Collision Force (Crossing Forces Book One) will be published from Total-E-Bound Publishing!
Pre-Order May 20, 2013
Pre-Release June 3, 2013
General Release July 1,2013
Ebook and Print!
Blurb:
What do you guys think?
A COVER REVEAL for my book that's coming out in a few months!
I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO fricking excited to reveal the GENIUS of the Total-E-Bound art department.
I am in LOVE with my new cover! So, without further ado, meet Andi and Cole!
Collision Force (Crossing Forces Book One) will be published from Total-E-Bound Publishing!
Pre-Order May 20, 2013
Pre-Release June 3, 2013
General Release July 1,2013
Ebook and Print!
Blurb:
Badboy, married to his job FBI agent Cole Lucas always gets his man. So when the unthinkable happens and one gets away, Cole grits his teeth and hunts human trafficker Carlo Maldonado all the way to Antioch, Texas, where he collides with Detective Andi MacLaren.Cole doesn’t do small towns and he doesn’t get involved with women he works with, but Andi tempts him in ways he doesn’t want to acknowledge.
Two murders, her partner shot and leading the investigation on her own, the last thing Andi needs is a cocky FBI agent that sees her as no more than a tagalong.Widow and single mother Andi is used to being on her own. When Cole gets stuck without a place to stay, crashing on her couch puts them in dangerous territory.
Attraction and passion bring Andi to a place she left behind when her husband died. Her three-year-old son quickly wiggles his way into Cole’s heart, and he starts contemplating things—family, love—that he’d never planned for himself.
Can being forced to work together make them stronger or will their differences jeopardize their case and their hearts?
What do you guys think?
