A.K. Morgen's Blog, page 4
June 9, 2016
New Release: A Taste of Death and Honey by Sharon Bayliss #fantasy
When Samantha’s parents died, she lost everything. Her home. Her friends. Her hope. Then a life-loving spring witch at the children’s shelter fills her life with light and joy once again.But like the springtime, Samantha’s happiness doesn’t last forever. Her friend dies violently in front of her, the victim of a mysterious killing spell. Furious and grief-stricken, Samantha resents her own weak spring magic. She doesn’t need life and renewal. She wants revenge…and death.
Homeless and alone, Samantha seeks shelter with her old friends, the Vandergraff family, and finds an unexpected ally in the powerful winter solstice witch, Evangeline. The girls’ anger and eagerness lead them to cast a killing spell before knowing the truth behind Samantha’s friend’s death or the identity of her killer.
Once the spell is cast, they can’t take it back, and they must fight to stop their own curse before it takes away everyone they love.
AMAZON: https://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=a+taste+of+death+and+honey+sharon+bayliss
GOODREADS: www.goodreads.com/book/show/29779890-...
TRAILER: youtu.be/QxrXFYn5T1Q
ABOUT THE AUTHORAs an author and social worker, Sharon has devoted her life to making the lives of real people better and the lives of fictional people much, much worse. When she’s not writing, she enjoys living in her “happily-ever-after” with her husband and two young sons. She can be found eating Tex-Mex on patios, wearing flip-flops, and playing in the mud (which she calls gardening).
Website: www.sharonbayliss.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/authorsharonbayliss
Twitter: @SharonBayliss
May 31, 2016
New Release: The Contract by Melanie Moreland #romance #giveaway
Release Blitz The ContractAuthor: Melanie MorelandGenre: Contemporary RomanceCover Designer: Monark Design ServicesPublisher: Enchanted Publications
Amazon ~ iTunes ~ B&N ~ Kobo ~ Signed Paperback
A tyrant by day, a playboy by night. That is the reputation that precedes Richard VanRyan. He lives life the way he wants, no concern for the opinion of others. He cares for no one, is completely unrepentant, and he has no desire to change his ways.Katharine Elliott works under Richard as his PA. She despises him and his questionable ethics, but endures all the garbage he sends her way, because she needs the job. Her end goal is far more important than the daily abuse and demands she tolerates from her nasty tyrant of a boss. Until the day, he asks her for something she never expected. A new role with a personal contractâ fiancée instead of PA. What happens when two people who loathe each other, have to live together and act as though they are madly in love? Sparks. Thatâs what happens. Can the power of love really change a person? Will they survive the contract? What do you do when the one person you hate the most becomes the one person you canât live without?
a Rafflecopter giveaway
AMAZON
AMAZON
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Melanie Moreland lives a happy and content life in a quiet area of Ontario with her beloved husband of twenty-six-plus years. Nothing means more to her than her friends and family, and she cherishes every moment spent with them.Known as the quiet one with the big laugh, Melanie works at a local university and for its football team. Her job, while demanding, is rewarding as she cheers on her team to victory.
While seriously addicted to coffee, and highly challenged with all things computer-related and technical, she relishes baking, cooking, and trying new recipes for people to sample. She loves to throw dinner parties, and also enjoys travelling, here and abroad, but finds coming home is always the best part of any trip.
Melanie delights in a good romance story with some bumps along the way, but is a true believer in happily ever after. When her head isnât buried in a book, it is bent over a keyboard, furiously typing away as her characters dictate their creative storylines to her, often with a large glass of wine keeping her company.
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May 20, 2016
Book Marketing: Six Tips for Beginners #LifeBooksWriting
It's Week 3 of the #LifeBooksWriting Blog Challenge, where authors from all walks of life and genres share posts about either their lives, books, or writing. You can follow along with the challenge with the #LifeBooksWriting hashtag on social media, or follow the prompt guidelines below to participate! 
One of the things I think most new authors are unprepared for is the amount of work that goes into publishing even AFTER the book is available to readers. Getting it on shelves is, in so many ways, only half the battle! Once it's there, you have to let people know that it's there...and in a lot of instances, telling them so isn't enough!
You have to put a little work into effectively marketing your books. It can be absolutely exhausting! But it's also absolutely important. Here are my six marketing tips to (hopefully) make your life a little easier.
1. Build a Mailing List - If you don't have one, you NEED one. This will allow you to keep in touch with your readers without having to pay to reach them like you often have to do on social media sites like your Facebook Fan Page. Giving readers an incentive to sign up for your list, like a free book or exclusive content can be a great help. Equally as important...you have to utilize your list! Don't just let it sit there, collecting dust. And don't be shy about sending them stuff. They signed up for a reason. If they decide it's not for them, they can always unsubscribe. I, personally, use Mailchimp, because I like the way it's set up and I can integrate it with Instafreebie. There are other options out there, but I'm not as familiar with them. Ask around and find out what your author friends are using.
2. Use Instafreebie - When running a give away to gain subscribers, to say thanks to your subscribers, or simply to find new readers, Instafreebie is a great option. It allows you to give away a title for free, and has a lot of great options to help you along the way. You can set a password so the giveaway is contained to only those you provide the password to, you can make it public, you can integrate your mailing list so readers sign up in order to grab the freebie.... Lots of options that allow you to give away books while retaining control!
3. Learn to love Facebook Ads - I'm begrudgingly adding this one to the list for a number of reasons. First, Facebook Ads, when done right, can be incredibly powerful tools. Second, if you want your stuff to be seen on Facebook, even by those who Like your page, you're going to have to bite the bullet and deal with Facebook Ads. Third, they can be a great way to find new readers. All of that said...I have a love/hate relationship with FB Ads. They can be a total pain in the ass, with FB approving and disapproving ads with no rhyme or reason. I've had an ad for a New Adult book with NO sex denied because it was "sexual". I had to appeal, and FB was like, "Our bad!". I've had an ad approved, had it start running, and then midway through, FB disapproved it. Again, I had to appeal, only for them to be like, "Our bad!". This is particularly infuriating if you're running an ad for a time-sensitive sale or giveaway. BUT... FB ads really can be worth the hassle. Play with them. Learn to use them. Learn to love them. You need them, as much as it pains me to say that.
4. Sign up for CoPromote and Triberr - To help others find your content, consider signing up for a service like CoPromote or Triberr, both of which allow others to easily find and share your content. In exchange, you find and share relevant content from others. I used Triberr for a long time, but don't have as much time for it now. Instead, I use CoPromote. I've had a lot of success getting my content seen, have grown my followers, and I've found a lot of great content myself.
5. Schedule a Bookbub Campaign - Bookbub is expensive...let's just put that out there now. You also have to meet certain criteria in order for them to feature your book. But if they do, the return on investment is absolutely worth it! Curiosity Quills has run Bookbub campaigns for FADE several times with really great results. With their help, FADE sold over 4k copies in a matter of days. It also increased sales for FALL, the second book in the series. I cannot say enough how worth the expense Bookbub can be!
6. Gather Book Reviews - Gaining reviews for a title is an incredibly important element of book marketing. Build a list of reviewers you can contact when a new title comes out, or when you're running a Review Tour. Ask your readers to post their reviews to Goodreads and Amazon, even if those reviews are short and sweet. This is important, not only because other readers want to know what people think of the book, but because you have to have a certain number in order to use services like Bookbub, or for Amazon to add your books to the emails they send out. That said, you have to take the good with the bad. You will get negative reviews, and they won't always be nice about why they hated every single thing about your book. You have to learn to roll with the punches and let it go. Seriously. Let. It. Go. Don't email someone who hated your book and try to change their mind or tell them why they're wrong. You're going to cause bigger problems doing that than the review caused in the first place! Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion, even when we don't necessarily like them or agree.
What is your go-to marketing tip? What has worked for you in the past? I'd love to know!
One of the things I think most new authors are unprepared for is the amount of work that goes into publishing even AFTER the book is available to readers. Getting it on shelves is, in so many ways, only half the battle! Once it's there, you have to let people know that it's there...and in a lot of instances, telling them so isn't enough!You have to put a little work into effectively marketing your books. It can be absolutely exhausting! But it's also absolutely important. Here are my six marketing tips to (hopefully) make your life a little easier.
1. Build a Mailing List - If you don't have one, you NEED one. This will allow you to keep in touch with your readers without having to pay to reach them like you often have to do on social media sites like your Facebook Fan Page. Giving readers an incentive to sign up for your list, like a free book or exclusive content can be a great help. Equally as important...you have to utilize your list! Don't just let it sit there, collecting dust. And don't be shy about sending them stuff. They signed up for a reason. If they decide it's not for them, they can always unsubscribe. I, personally, use Mailchimp, because I like the way it's set up and I can integrate it with Instafreebie. There are other options out there, but I'm not as familiar with them. Ask around and find out what your author friends are using.
2. Use Instafreebie - When running a give away to gain subscribers, to say thanks to your subscribers, or simply to find new readers, Instafreebie is a great option. It allows you to give away a title for free, and has a lot of great options to help you along the way. You can set a password so the giveaway is contained to only those you provide the password to, you can make it public, you can integrate your mailing list so readers sign up in order to grab the freebie.... Lots of options that allow you to give away books while retaining control!
3. Learn to love Facebook Ads - I'm begrudgingly adding this one to the list for a number of reasons. First, Facebook Ads, when done right, can be incredibly powerful tools. Second, if you want your stuff to be seen on Facebook, even by those who Like your page, you're going to have to bite the bullet and deal with Facebook Ads. Third, they can be a great way to find new readers. All of that said...I have a love/hate relationship with FB Ads. They can be a total pain in the ass, with FB approving and disapproving ads with no rhyme or reason. I've had an ad for a New Adult book with NO sex denied because it was "sexual". I had to appeal, and FB was like, "Our bad!". I've had an ad approved, had it start running, and then midway through, FB disapproved it. Again, I had to appeal, only for them to be like, "Our bad!". This is particularly infuriating if you're running an ad for a time-sensitive sale or giveaway. BUT... FB ads really can be worth the hassle. Play with them. Learn to use them. Learn to love them. You need them, as much as it pains me to say that.
4. Sign up for CoPromote and Triberr - To help others find your content, consider signing up for a service like CoPromote or Triberr, both of which allow others to easily find and share your content. In exchange, you find and share relevant content from others. I used Triberr for a long time, but don't have as much time for it now. Instead, I use CoPromote. I've had a lot of success getting my content seen, have grown my followers, and I've found a lot of great content myself.
5. Schedule a Bookbub Campaign - Bookbub is expensive...let's just put that out there now. You also have to meet certain criteria in order for them to feature your book. But if they do, the return on investment is absolutely worth it! Curiosity Quills has run Bookbub campaigns for FADE several times with really great results. With their help, FADE sold over 4k copies in a matter of days. It also increased sales for FALL, the second book in the series. I cannot say enough how worth the expense Bookbub can be!
6. Gather Book Reviews - Gaining reviews for a title is an incredibly important element of book marketing. Build a list of reviewers you can contact when a new title comes out, or when you're running a Review Tour. Ask your readers to post their reviews to Goodreads and Amazon, even if those reviews are short and sweet. This is important, not only because other readers want to know what people think of the book, but because you have to have a certain number in order to use services like Bookbub, or for Amazon to add your books to the emails they send out. That said, you have to take the good with the bad. You will get negative reviews, and they won't always be nice about why they hated every single thing about your book. You have to learn to roll with the punches and let it go. Seriously. Let. It. Go. Don't email someone who hated your book and try to change their mind or tell them why they're wrong. You're going to cause bigger problems doing that than the review caused in the first place! Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion, even when we don't necessarily like them or agree.
What is your go-to marketing tip? What has worked for you in the past? I'd love to know!
May 13, 2016
My Latest Reads #lifebookswriting
It's Week 2 of the #LifeBooksWriting Blog Challenge, where authors from all walks of life and genres share posts about either their lives, books, or writing. You can follow along with the challenge with the #LifeBooksWriting hashtag on social media, or follow the prompt guidelines below to participate! 
Now that All Over You is out, I've had a little more time to read recently. I have been happily using every minute to catch up on all the books on TBR list. I have so many great books just waiting for my attention! Being able to spend the time diving into them is always a treat. Here's my latest three.
RAINING DOWN RULES by B.K. Rivers
Jemma Bowers hasn’t kissed anyone in over a thousand days. She knows—she’s counted.
For twenty-year-old Jemma, rules are not meant to be broken…even if she’s the one who created them. Friendships have boundaries, relationships mean trouble, and don’t even get her started on sex. Haunted by the death of her mother and her father’s abandonment, Jemma finds herself hungry for something meaningful and permanent, but is afraid of what may happen if she pursues it.
Jordan Capshaw can’t fight his addiction. Not even if it will cost him his career…
When Jemma finds Jordan drunk and barefoot in the street, she convinces him to get in her car. Aside from the fact he’s the lead singer of her favorite band and pretty much the rock star of her dreams, she quickly realizes his addiction is a monster neither of them can control.
Who knew choosing between a rock star and a fireman could be so difficult?
Emotions run high as Jemma soon finds herself caught between the troubled rock star and her growing affections for Vic Harper, a swoon-worthy firefighter from her past. But when her grandmother passes away, leaving her with no other family, Jemma’s world falls apart.
To save herself from further heartbreak, she risks it all by breaking her own rules, and putting her heart on the line.
After all, the heart just might be the biggest rule breaker of them all…
You can read my review of Raining Down Rules at: http://www.aydenmorgen.com/blog/review-raining-down-rules-by-bk-rivers-romance
TARGET ON OUR BACKS by J. M Darhower
The best way to keep your word is never to give it.
Not long ago, in a chapel in Vegas, I swore to love Karissa for the rest of my days. But nobody's promised an infinite number of tomorrows. Nobody's promised forever. Sometimes, all we have left is today.
Carpe Diem
Seize the day.
It should've been over, we should've been happy, but people are making it hard for me to live in peace. I've got so much blood on my hands they'll never be clean, and somebody out there seems to want me to pay for it. Happily Ever After always comes at a cost, one any real man would be willing to pay. But that doesn't mean I'm just going to roll over and accept these consequences.
Because when it comes to the woman I love? The life I've fought for?
Nobody is safe.
You can read my review of Targets on our Backs at: http://www.aydenmorgen.com/blog/review-target-on-our-backs-by-jmdarhower-romance-suspense-mafia
SEDUCING THE FIREMAN by Jennifer Bonds
Firefighter Jackson Hart is back in Brooklyn and on the hunt for the girl who’s kept him burning for ten long years. The girl he left, in a total prick move, without saying goodbye. Now he’s determined to make it right, to hell with her three-date rule.
But Becca’s not ready to forgive and forget. In fact, she seems determined to stoke his fire every chance she gets. She wants to avoid sexy distractions like him? Fine. Because what she doesn’t know—yet—is that Jax isn’t the kind of man to give up when he wants something. And he always gets what he wants.
You can read my review of Seducing the Fireman on the blog today! What are you reading right now?
Next up for me are:Cursed Be the Wicked by J.R. Richardson
Coming Down by Carrie Elks
Beautiful Broken Girl by Rachael Tonks
Starcrossed by Suzanne Carroll
Now that All Over You is out, I've had a little more time to read recently. I have been happily using every minute to catch up on all the books on TBR list. I have so many great books just waiting for my attention! Being able to spend the time diving into them is always a treat. Here's my latest three.
RAINING DOWN RULES by B.K. Rivers
Jemma Bowers hasn’t kissed anyone in over a thousand days. She knows—she’s counted.
For twenty-year-old Jemma, rules are not meant to be broken…even if she’s the one who created them. Friendships have boundaries, relationships mean trouble, and don’t even get her started on sex. Haunted by the death of her mother and her father’s abandonment, Jemma finds herself hungry for something meaningful and permanent, but is afraid of what may happen if she pursues it.
Jordan Capshaw can’t fight his addiction. Not even if it will cost him his career…
When Jemma finds Jordan drunk and barefoot in the street, she convinces him to get in her car. Aside from the fact he’s the lead singer of her favorite band and pretty much the rock star of her dreams, she quickly realizes his addiction is a monster neither of them can control.
Who knew choosing between a rock star and a fireman could be so difficult?
Emotions run high as Jemma soon finds herself caught between the troubled rock star and her growing affections for Vic Harper, a swoon-worthy firefighter from her past. But when her grandmother passes away, leaving her with no other family, Jemma’s world falls apart.
To save herself from further heartbreak, she risks it all by breaking her own rules, and putting her heart on the line.
After all, the heart just might be the biggest rule breaker of them all…
You can read my review of Raining Down Rules at: http://www.aydenmorgen.com/blog/review-raining-down-rules-by-bk-rivers-romance
TARGET ON OUR BACKS by J. M Darhower
The best way to keep your word is never to give it.
Not long ago, in a chapel in Vegas, I swore to love Karissa for the rest of my days. But nobody's promised an infinite number of tomorrows. Nobody's promised forever. Sometimes, all we have left is today.
Carpe Diem
Seize the day.
It should've been over, we should've been happy, but people are making it hard for me to live in peace. I've got so much blood on my hands they'll never be clean, and somebody out there seems to want me to pay for it. Happily Ever After always comes at a cost, one any real man would be willing to pay. But that doesn't mean I'm just going to roll over and accept these consequences.
Because when it comes to the woman I love? The life I've fought for?
Nobody is safe.
You can read my review of Targets on our Backs at: http://www.aydenmorgen.com/blog/review-target-on-our-backs-by-jmdarhower-romance-suspense-mafia
SEDUCING THE FIREMAN by Jennifer BondsFirefighter Jackson Hart is back in Brooklyn and on the hunt for the girl who’s kept him burning for ten long years. The girl he left, in a total prick move, without saying goodbye. Now he’s determined to make it right, to hell with her three-date rule.
But Becca’s not ready to forgive and forget. In fact, she seems determined to stoke his fire every chance she gets. She wants to avoid sexy distractions like him? Fine. Because what she doesn’t know—yet—is that Jax isn’t the kind of man to give up when he wants something. And he always gets what he wants.
You can read my review of Seducing the Fireman on the blog today! What are you reading right now?
Next up for me are:Cursed Be the Wicked by J.R. Richardson
Coming Down by Carrie Elks
Beautiful Broken Girl by Rachael Tonks
Starcrossed by Suzanne Carroll
May 12, 2016
Seducing the Fireman by Jennifer Bonds: Blog Tour and Review #romance
He Always Gets What He Wants…And He Wants Her…He’ll do whatever it takes to get her…Becca Mancini doesn't have time for distractions, especially the walking, talking, swaggering, sexy-as-sin kind that disappear without a trace and leave scars on your heart and revenge on your lips. So when Jackson Hart strong-arms his way back into her life, determined to rekindle the flames, there's only one thing she knows for sure. Sparks. Will. Fly.
Check out Jennifer Bonds’s newest Risky Business novel, SEDUCING THE FIREMAN.
About SEDUCING THE FIREMAN
He’ll break her three-date rule or go down in flames trying…
Firefighter Jackson Hart is back in Brooklyn and on the hunt for the girl who’s kept him burning for ten long years. The girl he left, in a total prick move, without saying goodbye. Now he’s determined to make it right, to hell with her three-date rule.
But Becca’s not ready to forgive and forget. In fact, she seems determined to stoke his fire every chance she gets. She wants to avoid sexy distractions like him? Fine. Because what she doesn’t know—yet—is that Jax isn’t the kind of man to give up when he wants something. And he always gets what he wants.
On Sale in Digital: May 2, 2016
Amazon | iBooks | Kobo | B&N | Goodreads
My Review
ARC Provided in Exchange for Honest Review
I'm always the first to say that I don't read many novels featuring firefighters. After working with them for so long, it's hard to switch off that little voice and get into a story. But when this one hit my inbox, I had to give it a shot.
I wasn't disappointed.
I loved Jackson and Becca as characters. They were well rounded with their own faults and foibles. Becca can be a little bitchy, and Jackson a little too accommodating. That's not necessarily a bad thing. To me, those traits humanized both characters. At times they both spent a little too much time in their heads, but I didn't mind that so much. As a couple, the two are hot, hot, hot. Ms. Bonds is great at writing steamy sex scenes. She's also great at humor, which I loved!
I also really appreciate how much work Ms. Bonds put into the details. A lot of authors who write about firefighters do the bare minimum and call it a day. That wasn't the case here. Ms. Bonds offered a not-always-rosy look at what it's like to be a First Responder. It's long, exhausting hours of grueling work. You lose people. You get hurt. It eats at you. I cannot say enough how much I appreciate the details and how those details helped define and shape the relationship between Becca and Jackson.
All in all, I was pleasantly surprised with Seducing the Fireman. I'll definitely be recommending this one. 4/5 Stars.
Add SEDUCING THE FIREMAN to your TBR pile on Goodreads!
**10% Of First Month’s Sales Go to the FDNY Foundation**
CELEBRATE THE RELEASE WITH A GIVEAWAY!
Grand Prize: A Kindle Fire!
3 Runner-Ups: A FDNY 2016 Calendar & 1 digital backlist title from Jennifer Bondsa Rafflecopter giveaway
Author Bio:
Jennifer Bonds writes sizzling contemporary romance with sassy heroines, sexy heroes, and a whole lot of mischief. When she's not writing or wrangling toddlers, she can be found curled up with a good book and a bottle of wine. Jennifer lives in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where her overactive imagination and weakness for reality TV keep life interesting. She's lucky enough to live with her own real life hero, two adorable children, and a pair of rambunctious dogs. Loves Buffy, Mexican food, the Winchester brothers, and all things zombie. Sings off-key.
Connect with Jennifer : Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon
May 9, 2016
Cover Reveal: A Taste of Death and Honey by @SharonBayliss #fantasy
The time has come!! I'm happy to help Sharon present the cover of book three in The December People Series, A Taste of Death and Honey . I think it's stunning! And just the right amount of creepy. What do you think?
This book will grab you by the throat, challenge your mind, and turn your heart inside out. Sharon Bayliss delivers a powerful, emotional punch with her third book in the December People series. - Amy Bearce, author of The World of Aluvia SeriesWhen Samantha’s parents died, she lost everything. Her home. Her friends. Her hope. Then a life-loving spring witch at the children’s shelter fills her life with light and joy once again.
But like the springtime, Samantha’s happiness doesn’t last forever. Her friend dies violently in front of her, the victim of a mysterious killing spell. Furious and grief-stricken, Samantha resents her own weak spring magic. She doesn’t need life and renewal. She wants revenge…and death.
Homeless and alone, Samantha seeks shelter with her old friends, the Vandergraff family, and finds an unexpected ally in the powerful winter solstice witch, Evangeline. The girls’ anger and eagerness lead them to cast a killing spell before knowing the truth behind Samantha’s friend’s death or the identity of her killer.
Once the spell is cast, they can’t take it back, and they must fight to stop their own curse before it takes away everyone they love.
A Taste of Death and Honey comes out on 6/9/16!! If you're interested in reading it early and writing a review, please sign up here. And if you're new to the series, you can get caught up by reading Destruction (Book One) and Watch Me Burn (Book Two), both available on Amazon and Audible.
Thank you for your support!
May 6, 2016
My Writing Space is Non-Existent #lifebookswriting
Today is the start of the #LifeBooksWriting Blog Challenge, where authors from all walks of life and genres share posts about either their lives, books, or writing. You can follow along with the challenge with the #LifeBooksWriting hashtag on social media, or follow the prompt guidelines below to participate! 
I have a confession to make.
When my husband and I moved into our house a little over three years ago, we had all of these plans to turn our den (pictured to the left prior to moving in) into an office/library where I could write and he could work from home when needed.
Our den is a massive room with a lot of open space. We were going to repaint, put down big rugs, add comfy furniture, install bookshelves and french doors to keep the minions out, and make it extra cozy so I could write in comfort.
He fell ill not long after we moved in, and the plan got put on hold. When I fractured my hip not long after he recovered, the plan got put on hold again. Fast-forward to now and the plan for the room still hasn't come to fruition.
So it's still this giant, mostly unused room. We have a couch in there and a big-screen television...and that's it. Seriously. There's nothing else in there (except for the shy cat who hides in there when company comes over). We've been so busy with our careers since we both bounced back, we just haven't found the time to finish the room.
Instead, I find myself writing at work a lot. Since I'm there 12 hours a night on nights we're scheduled, I find that I have to do a little writing at work or I'd never get it finished! But a 911 Center is never quiet. Phones are ringing. Deputies are talking on the radio. People are trickling in and out. We're chatting with each other or listening to the news/television. There are a lot of distractions! That makes it hard to concentrate and get a lot done, especially on nights when absolute chaos descends on us in the form of major accidents, shootings, bad weather, etc. I can't put an emergency on hold to finish a scene!
As a result, I will often spend my days off curled up in the living room, playing catch up on all the writing and editing I didn't get to finish. We have this crazy comfy couch so all the minions can snuggle up with me. I can also catch up on all the shows waiting on my DVR, or hubby can hang out and play video games while I work. Our living room is the center of the Morgen household. We're in there so much, the dogs actually have their own sofa. But there are plenty of distractions to be found there, too! With three dogs, two cats, and a husband...you can just imagine. :)
So my goal for this year is to actually renovate the den into a room where I can work without quite so many distractions.
My dream space will have a ton of shelves for books, storage for all of my writing things (like swag, my author banners, etc), a comfy chaise, lots of lighting, and ample floor space for me to pile up pillows to write. I like to be comfortable and have room to spread out to write, so being able to curl up on a sofa or on a pile of pillows in the floor is mandatory! As are doors to keep hubby's cat out, as she likes to tear up paper.
Something like the room below (from Home DecoMastery) is my goal, only with thick rugs over our porcelain tile instead of hardwood floors. :)
Now I just have to decide what to do with the other half of the den...
I have a confession to make.When my husband and I moved into our house a little over three years ago, we had all of these plans to turn our den (pictured to the left prior to moving in) into an office/library where I could write and he could work from home when needed.
Our den is a massive room with a lot of open space. We were going to repaint, put down big rugs, add comfy furniture, install bookshelves and french doors to keep the minions out, and make it extra cozy so I could write in comfort.
He fell ill not long after we moved in, and the plan got put on hold. When I fractured my hip not long after he recovered, the plan got put on hold again. Fast-forward to now and the plan for the room still hasn't come to fruition.
So it's still this giant, mostly unused room. We have a couch in there and a big-screen television...and that's it. Seriously. There's nothing else in there (except for the shy cat who hides in there when company comes over). We've been so busy with our careers since we both bounced back, we just haven't found the time to finish the room.
Instead, I find myself writing at work a lot. Since I'm there 12 hours a night on nights we're scheduled, I find that I have to do a little writing at work or I'd never get it finished! But a 911 Center is never quiet. Phones are ringing. Deputies are talking on the radio. People are trickling in and out. We're chatting with each other or listening to the news/television. There are a lot of distractions! That makes it hard to concentrate and get a lot done, especially on nights when absolute chaos descends on us in the form of major accidents, shootings, bad weather, etc. I can't put an emergency on hold to finish a scene!
As a result, I will often spend my days off curled up in the living room, playing catch up on all the writing and editing I didn't get to finish. We have this crazy comfy couch so all the minions can snuggle up with me. I can also catch up on all the shows waiting on my DVR, or hubby can hang out and play video games while I work. Our living room is the center of the Morgen household. We're in there so much, the dogs actually have their own sofa. But there are plenty of distractions to be found there, too! With three dogs, two cats, and a husband...you can just imagine. :)
So my goal for this year is to actually renovate the den into a room where I can work without quite so many distractions.
My dream space will have a ton of shelves for books, storage for all of my writing things (like swag, my author banners, etc), a comfy chaise, lots of lighting, and ample floor space for me to pile up pillows to write. I like to be comfortable and have room to spread out to write, so being able to curl up on a sofa or on a pile of pillows in the floor is mandatory! As are doors to keep hubby's cat out, as she likes to tear up paper.
Something like the room below (from Home DecoMastery) is my goal, only with thick rugs over our porcelain tile instead of hardwood floors. :)
Now I just have to decide what to do with the other half of the den...
Review: Target on our Backs by @JMDarhower #romance #suspense #mafia
SummaryThe best way to keep your word is never to give it.
Not long ago, in a chapel in Vegas, I swore to love Karissa for the rest of my days. But nobody's promised an infinite number of tomorrows. Nobody's promised forever. Sometimes, all we have left is today.
Carpe Diem
Seize the day.
It should've been over, we should've been happy, but people are making it hard for me to live in peace. I've got so much blood on my hands they'll never be clean, and somebody out there seems to want me to pay for it. Happily Ever After always comes at a cost, one any real man would be willing to pay. But that doesn't mean I'm just going to roll over and accept these consequences.
Because when it comes to the woman I love? The life I've fought for?
Nobody is safe.
Order Target on our Backs on Amazon: http://amzn.com/B01AXNKOHW
Add Target on our Backs to your TBR list on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28670916-target-on-our-backs
My Review
Spoiler Alert! Curse Word Alert!
By now, I think we all know how fucking much I love Ignazio Vitale. He's all kinds of messed up. He's far from innocent. He can be a real bastard. He is exactly the kind of guy I always cheer for. What can I say? I love a bad guy gone good almost as much as I love a good guy gone bad.
When J.M. wrote Torture to Her Soul, I was holding out hope for a third book. And then she delivered, and I realized that it was time to say goodbye to Naz. What? No! I wasn't ready, which is why this review has taken so freaking long to write. Like Boys II Men said, it's so hard to say goodbye.
In all seriousness though, Target on our Backs was everything I've come to expect from Ms. Darhower and more. It's fast paced, and full of drama and intrigue. The sex scenes were on point. Karissa kept me laughing like usual. Plus there is death, mayhem, and fucking explosions. You guys know how much I love it when shit blows up! And let's not forget that scene where Naz goes rogue on the entire fucking mafia.
Not even kidding.
I'm in love with this man. Seriously. I don't know what else to say except that this book killed me in the best ways. I cried at work reading it, because J.M. always makes me freaking cry at work. I ignored all kinds of real-life responsibilities to read, and I regret nothing. Except maybe that we really do have to say goodbye to Naz now.
How fucking depressing.
If you haven't read this series, do it. Sooner rather than later.
5/5 Stars.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
JM Darhower is the USA Today Bestselling Author of romance novels of all flavors (erotic, suspense, contemporary, paranormal). She lives in a tiny town in the Carolinas with her family, where she churns out more words than will ever see the light of day. She has a deep passion for politics and human rights, and when she isn’t writing she’s usually ranting about those things. Chronic crimper with a vulgar mouth, she admits to having a social media addiction.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JMDarhower
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JMDarhower
Website: http://www.jmdarhower.com
May 1, 2016
All Over You Release Day! #romance #standalone
A detective is about to take down a kindergarten teacher, one dirty word at a time...
All Falls Down Series (Standalone)Genre: Contemporary RomanceRelease Date: May 1st, 2016Cover Designer: Jada D'Lee DesignsPublisher: Enchanted Publications
Ivy Kendall's only plan for her life was to teach, but then it all fell apart...When Rory Clark disappears from UCLA after a lengthy online relationship with a "catfish" pretending to be Ivy, the sassy former model turned kindergarten teacher is forced to dive headfirst into the mystery in order to clear her name. The catfishing phenomenon meets good, old-fashioned police work when Cameron Lewis, a bossy San Francisco detective with a dominant streak, offers to help her uncover the awful truth about her stolen identity and Rory's disappearance.
They've barely scratched the surface when Ivy is charged with a murder she swears she didn't commit.
As the evidence against her piles up and the intense attraction between her and Cameron deepens, Ivy wants nothing more than to lean on the tattooed detective. He's already seen her at her worse. Now she has to find the courage to trust him with her heart. But how can she when she's terrified doing so will ruin his career?
Her greatest fear becomes reality when the ugly truth is revealed and their lives come tumbling down around them.
Betrayed by the one person she never suspected, Ivy makes a reckless decision that puts her in the sights of a murderer and jeopardizes Cameron's career. He will do whatever it takes to save the woman he loves...even if that means becoming a killer himself.
Will he be able to reach her before it's too late, or will Rory's catfish take more than just one life?
All Over You is a completely standalone sister novel to the All Falls Down duo, intended for readers aged 18 and over.
AMAZON (Free on Kindle Unlimited!)| GOODREADS
Facebook Release Event (May 4th from 3p-9p EST)
"Morning," Detective Lewis says, leaning against the doorjamb with a cup of coffee in each hand and a smirk on his face. He's dressed casually today, in jeans and a dark t-shirt. His tattoos once again peek from beneath his sleeves. He's foregone shaving. The scruff on his face makes him even hotter than usual. He's all rough and rugged, and what is he doing here?
"What are you doing here?"
He throws his head back and laughs at me, the wicked sound making my belly flip.
His laugh is incredible.
Before I can decide if I'm offended he's laughing at me, confused that he's here, or happy to see him again, he straightens up and holds out a cup of coffee like a peace offering.
"Wasn't sure how you take it," he says, his hungry gaze running up and down my body. Desire flares in his eyes as he takes in my tank top and tiny shorts, turning them that same dark, stormy gray from yesterday. "But I'm thinking you got about as much sleep as I did last night, so it's strong."
I take the proffered coffee, gaping at him.
"You gonna invite me in?" He cocks a brow at me, smirking again.
"Didn't think I needed to," I grumble, lifting the cup to my nose and inhaling the rich scent. "You didn't wait around for an invite yesterday."
He narrows his eyes on me, clearly not amused by the sarcastic edge to my comment, but I'm not nearly awake enough to heed the warning inherent in that look.
"Sure, Detective Lewis," I enthuse loudly, holding the door open wide for him and rolling my eyes. "Come on in."
He steps inside, crowding me even though there's plenty of room for him to go around me. My nipples immediately pucker as his scent wraps around me. God, why does he have to smell so divine? I can't deal with him smelling that good this early in the morning, especially not with those tattoos on display.
He crowds closer, until he's right up in my personal space, his breath washing across the side of my neck. "Dreamed about that smart mouth all night," he mutters right beside my ear. "So don't fuck with me if you don't want me giving you something to fill it with, kitten."
Jesus. That mouth. That filthy, sexy mouth.
A shiver rolls down my spine, and a little whimper escapes my lips.
He hums as if he's satisfied by my reaction and steps away, giving me room to pull the door closed. I take a moment to turn the deadbolt, trying to marshal my thoughts before I face him again.
What is he doing here?
And why is he so fascinated with my mouth and filling it?
Ayden lives in the heart of Arkansas with her childhood sweetheart/husband of twelve years, and their five furry minions. When not writing, she spends her time hiking, reading, volunteering, causing mischief, and building a Spork army. Ayden graduated summa cum laude with her Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and Forensic Psychology in 2009 before going on to complete her graduate degree in CJ and Law. She currently puts her education to use in the social services and CJ field.
Ayden also writes Young and New Adult fantasy under the penname A.K. Morgen.
You can find her on Twitter, Facebook, or via her website at http://aydenmorgen.com.
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Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Goodreads
Amazon (Free on Kindle Unlimited)| Goodreads
April 27, 2016
Review: Raining Down Rules by B.K. Rivers #romance
Jemma Bowers hasn’t kissed anyone in over a thousand days. She knows—she’s counted.For twenty-year-old Jemma, rules are not meant to be broken…even if she’s the one who created them. Friendships have boundaries, relationships mean trouble, and don’t even get her started on sex. Haunted by the death of her mother and her father’s abandonment, Jemma finds herself hungry for something meaningful and permanent, but is afraid of what may happen if she pursues it.
Jordan Capshaw can’t fight his addiction. Not even if it will cost him his career…
When Jemma finds Jordan drunk and barefoot in the street, she convinces him to get in her car. Aside from the fact he’s the lead singer of her favorite band and pretty much the rock star of her dreams, she quickly realizes his addiction is a monster neither of them can control.
Who knew choosing between a rock star and a fireman could be so difficult?
Emotions run high as Jemma soon finds herself caught between the troubled rock star and her growing affections for Vic Harper, a swoon-worthy firefighter from her past. But when her grandmother passes away, leaving her with no other family, Jemma’s world falls apart.
To save herself from further heartbreak, she risks it all by breaking her own rules, and putting her heart on the line.
After all, the heart just might be the biggest rule breaker of them all…
AMAZON | GOODREADS My Review
I don't read many love triangle romances, but when B.K. offered an ARC in exchange for an honest review, I decided to give this one a shot. The summary intrigued me! I wasn't disappointed.
The author's writing drew me in from page one. Jemma was such a believable character, and I absolutely adored her granny. I vacillated between wanting to strangle Jordan and wanting to hug him. He's such a difficult character with his addictions and poor-me attitude, but I really enjoyed reading about him. I have such a huge soft spot for the troubled bad-boys. They're so much more realistic to me than the manwhore bad-boys.
I loved how Jemma didn't take any crap from him! From the word go, she stood up for herself and didn't let him get away with anything. She's strong, compassionate, and a really great character.
I enjoyed Vic, but I didn't *love* him. That has more to do with my day job than anything the author did wrong. When firefighters are your coworkers, a little of the mystique wears off. :)
I won't spoil the book for you by telling you who Jemma ultimately chooses, but I will say I cannot wait for the second book!
If you're down for a good love triangle and a few tears, this one is for you.
4.5 of 5 stars
ABOUT THE AUTHORBK Rivers grew up riding through rolling fields of grain on horseback, driving hay trucks and catching frogs in a silver creek. She traded country life for the big city when she married the love of her life, but the heart always returns to the country.
BK, her husband and three children live in the Phoenix suburbs on their own mini farm surrounded by crowing roosters and the low nicker of horses. When she’s not writing, she can be found baking anything sweet, in fact it’s been said her brownies are so good they save marriages.
The inspiration for her novels comes in many forms, but mostly from her Gotye channel on Pandora. She writes young adult and new adult novels to the beat of Gotye, Snow Patrol and many others. She is currently under contract with Limitless Publishing to publish her first novel.
