Karen Swart's Blog, page 38

Book Blast, Giveaway & Interview: The Agency: In the Defendant's Chair by @LynnYvonneMoon

 

 

The Agency: In the Defendant's Chair

The Agency Series

Book Four

Lynn Yvonne Moon

Genre: Fiction - Mystery

Publisher: Koehler Books

Date of Publication: November 2014

ISBN: 978-1-63393-036-0 ebook

ISBN: 978-1-94019-282-6 print

ASIN: B00OMVWLMI

Number of pages: 310

Cover Artist: Koehler Books

Book Description:

Her last memory before falling asleep is the love she feels for her husband and kids. Then she wakes up, confused, dizzy, and sick, and realizes where she is; a courtroom. This is the nightmare and reality of Early Sutton and other women like her across America.

Carrie Clark and Maddie Edwards reunite with The Agency to solve the mysterious murders that are plaguing America. They risk their lives as they travel from coast to coast gathering clues and piecing together a strange puzzle where the pieces don’t seem to fit. In The Defendant’s Chair examines the inner working of our US Government and a secret society as they manipulate the human genome in evil seclusion. In a race against time to save the human race, the women must contemplate both the ethical and moral issues of genetic tampering.

Available at Amazon

 

Did you always want to be a writer?

Did I always want to be a writer? Yes and no. When I was about twelve I wrote a short story. My eldest brother laughed at me and said writing was a waste of time. Never again did I try to write until I was much older. Now I write all the time.

If not what did you want to be?

I started out wanting to be a psychologist. I wanted to help others. But marriage and children squashed that dream and life pulled me into government purchasing where I remain today.

When did you first consider yourself a "writer"?

I finally considered myself a writer when I took my granddaughter shopping this last August. We were in a popular clothing store at the checkout counter when the clerk asked if I wanted to sign up for their rewards program. When I said yes she politely asked for my name. I replied Lynn Yvonne Moon. She stared at me and yelled out... "Are you the Lynn Yvonne Moon?" Everyone stopped what they were doing, the room because super quiet, and they all stared at me. Now I'm wondering to myself if the store had my name and picture behind the counter as a terrorist or something. The clerk then said a few words that changed my world forever. "I recognize you! You write The Agency series don't you. My mom reads all your books!" She then asked for my autograph for her mother. As I'm signing a duplicate receipt for her so she can prove I was actually there, everyone starts asking me about my novels. Three other customers claim to have read my novels and asked when the next one was due out. It was both exciting and eye opening for me. The women said they not only loved my stories but learned something about themselves in the process. Does this mean I'm a writer? I'm not sure... maybe.

How long did it take to get your first book published?

My first three novels are self-published, and therefore only a few months to get them to print.

Do you do another job except for writing and can you tell us more about it?

By night, I'm a professor of Government at the local community college. By day, I work for the Commonwealth of Virginia as a Contracting Officer where I manage the contract for traffic control on the interstates. Daily I am tallying numbers and ensuring the contractor is adhering to the contract requirements. Needless to say, I work two jobs.

What is the name of your latest book, and if you had to summarize it in less than 20 words what would you say?

My latest novel is In The Defendant's Chair. What the scientist are doing with genetic splicing and mixing of human and non-human genes scares me to death. Mixing that fear with the fear of being accused of killing a family brought me to my knees. Imagine what it did to my character Early Sutton?

Who is your publisher? Or do you self-publish?

My publisher is now Koehler Books which is an affiliate of Ingram Publisher Services (IPS). My first three novels I self-published, but now I work with a world-wide publisher.

How long does it usually take you to write a book, from the original idea to finishing writing it?

From concept to print, it usually takes me about a 1-1/2 years. Half a year to dream up the idea and let it float around in my head for awhile, and a year to formulate it on paper.

What can we expect from you in the future? ie More books of the same genre? Books of a different genre?

In the future a lot is coming your way from me. Book five in The Agency Series is currently in the writing phase along with a brand new Sci-Fi Young Adult adventure series. Book 1 of the YA series expected release date is May 2015. Two more novels are currently in the writing phase and will be ready for release in 2016 and 2017. My children's picture book is currently with the artist and I hope that one will be released in the summer of 2015.

What genre would you place your books into?

The Agency Series is classified as murder mystery or Government Conspiracy and the new young adult series is considered Science Fiction.

What made you decide to write that genre of book?

Why would I write within these genres, why it is what I read!

Do you have a favorite character from your book? And why are they your favorite?

In The Defendant's Chair introduces several new characters, but my favorite is Miss Charlotte. And that is all I'll say for now. Otherwise I will give part of the story away. But young Charlotte is a strong female not afraid to fight for what is right in her life.

How long have you been writing? and who or what inspired you to write?

Professionally, I've been writing since 2001. But I've told my children stories their whole lives. It was my eldest daughter who encouraged me to write some of my stories down for others.

Do you have a certain routine for writing? i.e. You listen to music, sit in a certain chair?

With music blaring through earplugs and a computer on my lap, you'll find me sitting on my bed busily adding words to paper. That is my writing realm, the place I find peace, the place I call home.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

Lynn Yvonne Moon is the author of the successful Agency Series, which deals with the implications of unlimited government power and money. She has worked for state and federal government since the 1990’s and uses her extensive personal experiences to captivate her audience with realistic stories of political corruption and black Government espionage.

Her first novel, When Souls Collide, introduces the reader to the ultimate power of The Agency. The second novel, What Rings True, awakens The Agency to the ramifications of never-ending political power. Dysfunctional Bloodline traces the steps of a family serial killer out for revenge. Lynn graduated from Troy State University where she earned a Masters Degree in Government. She currently works for the Commonwealth of Virginia and resides in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

http://www.lynnyvonnemoon.com/

https://www.facebook.com/#!/LynnYvonneMoon

@LynnYvonneMoon

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4387014.Lynn_Yvonne_Moon

Book Blast, Giveaway & Interview: The Guardians by @elise_marion

Presented by:

Title: The Guardians

Series: The Guardians Series #1

Author: Elise Marion

Audience: Adult

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Formats: E-book and Paperback

Publisher: Elise Marion

Cover by: PJ Friel

Editor: Zee Monodee

Pages: 178

ASIN: B00NLK4XBI

Date Published: October 31, 2014    

In the war between Heaven and Hell, a special race of humans with supernatural abilities will represent the balance between darkness and light. They are known as The Guardians. Jack Bennett comes from a long line of Guardians, a fact that has been drummed into him since he was a kid. When he and a select group of elite Guardians are called upon by Michael the Archangel to complete a special assignment, Jack gladly accepts. Seven years later, a failing mission and personal losses have left him jaded, bitter and without room for love or relationships in his life. The past that Addison Monroe is so desperately trying to escape is one she can’t outrun. The darkness inside that causes her to act unpredictably has gone unexplained until now. A woman claiming to be an angel appears with a revelation that will shake Addison to her core. Her dark nature is explained as Addison discovers that she is one of the Nephilim—a child born of a human mother and demon father. Despite the dark nature she was born with, Addison has been chosen by Heaven for a special purpose. Ten scrolls spelled to open up portals between Hell and Earth … ten demons who are using them to come and go from Earth at will, a violation of the terms set by heaven in the battle for souls … one demon known as the Great Duke of Hell who will stop at nothing to defeat her. Fighting alongside two Guardians, Addison must uncover the legendary Seal of Solomon—a ring that is said to possess the power to destroy demons, and wield it against the enemies of Heaven. As his task to protect her develops into something more, Jack will find separating his job from his personal life nearly impossible. Ignoring the dangers of becoming too attached, Jack will find that a woman whose very nature should repulse him, might just be his saving grace. Amazon / Goodreads / Barnes and Noble / Smashwords / Kobo / ARe “Hey,” he said, leaning against the doorframe. His voice sounded gruffer than he’d intended, but it matched his mood. “I just wanted to check on you. What happened back there at your mom’s house … well, I know it couldn’t have been easy for you.” She unfolded her long legs and stood, causing his breath to catch in his throat. She wore another one of his t-shirts and it just covered her thighs. All that tanned, supple skin bared to his view should have been a sin … hell, it had to be since all he could think about was finding out what she had on underneath. If anything. He swallowed, his throat gone dry. “I’m fine.” She shrugged, though she didn’t quite meet his gaze. He came into the room, though he kept his hands clasped behind his back to refrain from touching her, the temptation far too great. “I don’t believe that.” She scowled at him, hands going to her hips—gesture that showcased her curvy shape beneath the oversized shirt. “What do you want me to do? Fall into a heap on the floor and cry? Scream and yell? Throw things?” He shrugged. “If it helps. I told you, you don’t have to do this alone.” “See, I can’t lose control,” she argued, beginning to pace, heedless to the notebooks she kicked aside as she moved. “When I lose control, things break, people get hurt … I’m calm right now because I’m journaling, and that helps keep me grounded. I can pour all of that out onto the pages, and when I’m done, I feel better and think clearer.” “You think journaling will help you now?” His gaze flitted to the open notebook on the floor. On the pristine white pages, her rounded, feminine handwriting stood out in blue ink. “It helps me think, and I need that right now. Mama gave me a lot to think about, on top of all I learned from you guys and Elle.” He nodded. “It helps you sort through your thoughts. I get that. Would you mind if I asked where your head is at? It’s just that Reniel will be here in the morning and he’s going to ask. I’d like to know what to tell him.” Her shoulders slumped and she sat down on the bed, her hands clasped tight in her lap. “You know what’s funny about all this?” she mused, staring up at him. “I’ve spent so much time wishing that I mattered to someone, that I was important. I finally get my wish, and I don’t know what to do with it. I mean, here I am, just a stripper from the trailer park, and the balance in the spiritual world is relying on me and my decisions. It’s …” “Overwhelming,” he supplied when she trailed off. “Right?” “Yeah.” She nodded. “On top of that, my mom drops this bombshell about me being able to becoming a Guardian. What am I supposed to do with that?” He joined her on the bed, bracing his hands on the edge of the mattress. “Accept it if you want. Put it aside if you don’t.” She shook her head, hiding her face from him as her hair fell forward to shield it. “That’s just it. I know that I want it. This is my chance to do something good, to be something other than a stripper and the daughter of a junkie. But, in the back of my mind, I know I’d never be good enough. I mean, not for the Guardian part, anyway. I’ve already decided I’m going to help you guys find the Seal of Solomon. I’m going to wear it, and use it, and do whatever needs to be done to help send those demons back to Hell where they belong.” He should have been sighing with relief. Her agreement to wield the seal was all he should have cared about. All the same, he couldn’t turn his thoughts away from the prospect of a Guardianship for Addison. “Addison Monroe,” he said, studying her profile—or rather, the little bit of it he could see with her hair shadowing her face, “what has life done to you that you’re so hard on yourself? Who told you you weren’t worthy of anything good?” A lone tear trailed down to her jaw, hanging on the end before falling off and landing on the back of her hand. She didn’t sob; she didn’t wail; she didn’t so much as hiccup, but the sight of that lone tear broke Jack’s heart. “Everyone,” she whispered. She pulled her knees against her chest and wrapped her arms around them. It was the perfect picture of what Addison’s life had been—she comforted herself because she had no one else. Jack was drawn to her then, sliding across the mattress toward her. It wasn’t right, knowing someone had never been held when sad, or comforted when frustrated. He was almost afraid to touch her, not sure what her reaction would be. Yet, he couldn’t have stopped himself if he’d tried. His hand reached, and his fingertips encountered her chin, tilting it until she looked at him. She held the rest of her tears back. They formed clear pools, causing her hazel eyes to glitter like brilliant gold. “I don’t believe that,” he whispered with a smile, one thumb catching a stray tear as it escaped. “I don’t believe that for one moment.” “You don’t even know me,” she replied, her voice low and raspy with emotion. “I know enough,” he countered, his thumb still stroking her cheek in a slow caress. Her skin felt unbelievably soft. “I know that you’ve been through a lot and never let it tear you down. I know that a weaker person would have folded under the kind of torment Eligos has put you through. Look at what it did to your mother. She turned to drugs to escape, and it broke her. But you fought and never stopped fighting. I know that you take your clothes off for money, not because you’re a bad person … but because you know it’s a means to an end and that no one can objectify you unless you let them. I know that someday, you’re going to have a diploma with your name on it to prove that it wasn’t all for nothing. I know that you are the kind of person that I have always wanted to be but never felt like I ever measured up. So don’t you ever let me hear you say that you are nothing, Addison. You are someone. You are important. You matter … to me.” Her eyes grew wide, as if startled. As if she wanted to jump up and run because she didn’t know how to handle what he’d just said. And why should she know how? Jack would be willing to bet that no one had ever told her they loved her. No one had ever made her feel like she was worth anything. That knowledge made him want to be the one to give that to her. So, he did the one thing he could think of to show her with actions what he’d been trying to say with words. He leaned forward, his hand still cupping her face, and kissed her. It happened fast; a slight brush of his lips over hers, but it caused the surface of his skin to tingle. He paused at the corner of her mouth, his open eyes burning into hers. A silent exchange, and then … a whisper of a moment in which Addison’s breathy sigh skimmed his cheek. With a low whimper, she leaned into him, meeting his parted lips with her own. Jack’s fingers traced the path of her jawline back until he found her neck and gripped the nape. Strands of her hair tangled around his fingers and he clutched them, angling her for better access. Her arms came up around him and one of her hands stroked the back of his neck, her fingernails causing a tremor to roll down his spine. The kiss felt languid and slow, gentle, with an urgency that boiled just beneath the surface. She tasted sweet to him, a bit minty, and oh so addicting. He deepened the kiss, moving even closer to her on the bed, his free hand finding her waist and pulling her body up against his. She came without hesitation, half on his lap and half on the bed as she melded her chest to his and drank from his mouth. She offered her tongue, and he accepted it, groaning deep in his chest as the taste of her became so intense that his head began to spin. He held on to her tight, his fingers tangling in her hair and the fabric of her t-shirt. Her hold on his neck loosened and then her hands found his chest, warm and sure as they explored the width of him from shoulder to shoulder. Jack’s muscles tensed in response, his blood humming in his veins and shooting straight down to his groin. Bring me to Life by Evanessence My Immortal by Evanessence Demons by Imagine Dragons Grace by Kate Havnevick Gravity by Sara Bareilles Mine by Beyonce (feat. Drake) Stay by Rihanna (feat. Mikky Ekko Name: Jackson Bennett Jr. Age: 26 Occupation: Demon-hunter Supernatural ability: Voice waves Hometown: Brooklyn, NY Jackson “Jack” Bennett Jr. comes from a long line of supernatural beings known as Guardians, a fact that he’s been reminded of his entire life. Because he went his whole life training to hunt demons, he’s a dedicated soldier for the side of good, and honorable to a fault. He does, however, have his dark side. After losing his girlfriend, Tracy, to a mysterious murder, he has begun to question his calling as a Guardian and the reason he even bothers to fight at all. The former baseball star is athletic, and loves ‘old school’ rap music. His sense of loyalty are what make him the best friend a person can ever have … if you’re lucky enough to gain his trust. *** Name Micah Boudreaux Age: 27 Occupation: Demon-hunter Supernatural ability: Superhuman strength Hometown: New Orleans, LA Micah is as big as a bear, and probably twice as strong as one. He’s as tough as he looks, with a rough past and a cynical outlook on life. A rough family life and the loss of his sister, Tracy, have left him a little rough around the edges, made worse by seven years of demon-hunting alongside his partner, Jack, with little to no headway. But beneath the surface, Micah’s more complicated than he appears. His soft spot for broken things and talent for whipping up Cajun cuisine in the kitchen make him a person worth getting to know. His tall, outlandish tales are the stuff of legend in the Bayou, where no one ever knows whether or not he’s telling the truth. *** Name: Addison Monroe Age: 25 Occupation: Exotic Dancer Supernatural ability: telepathy, telekinesis, flight, fire Hometown: New Orleans, LA Addison is a naphil—half breed human and demon—with a dark side and lots of attitude. She never knew her demon father and was raised by a drug-addicted mother. Because of it, she’s independent because she learned to fend for herself at an early age, and jaded because life experience has taught her not to put her faith in anyone. She’s spent most of her life wondering if there is something wrong with her due to the dark thoughts and visions she has because of her demon side. While that side of her can become angry and violent, her human side balances her out with kindness, compassion, and vulnerability.   a Rafflecopter giveaway    

Character Name: Micah Boudreaux

Character Bio: Micah is as big as a bear, and probably twice as strong as one. He’s as tough as he looks, with a rough past and a cynical outlook on life. A rough family life and the loss of his sister, Tracy, have left him a little rough around the edges, made worse by seven years of demon-hunting alongside his partner, Jack, with little to no headway. But beneath the surface, Micah’s more complicated than he appears. His soft spot for broken things and talent for whipping up Cajun cuisine in the kitchen make him a person worth getting to know. His tall, outlandish tales are the stuff of legend in the Bayou, where no one ever knows whether or not he’s telling the truth.

 

Describe yourself what is your worst and vest quality?

I’m just a down-home country boy from the Bayou who loves himself some demon-huntin’. My best quality is my ability to adapt. I don’t have a bad quality. I’m made of awesome.

What is the one thing you wish other people knew about you?

 I’ve been told I have a temper, but that just ain’t true. If folks would just learn how not to piss me off, I’d be just dandy.

What is your biggest secret something no one knows about?

 Well, my sister was killed by a demon a little over a year ago, but it ain’t somethin’ I talk about … to anyone. Ever.

What are you most afraid of?

 I got superhuman strength … I got no reason to be afraid of anything!

What do you want more than anything?

 To finish my mission so I can have some kinda normal life. That don’t seem to be in my near future, though. So I guess for now I’d just like a pretty gal on my arm and all the moonshine I can drink.

What is your relationship status?

 I’m available, ladies.

How would you describe your sense of fashion?

Fashion? I don’t pay no mind to fancy clothes and whatnot. Gimme a pair of jeans, tank top, and my cowboy boots and I’m happy as a pig in mud!

How much of a rebel are you?

Why don’t you ask my Pa, who ‘bout went crazy tryin’ to break my rebellious streak. Sad to say, it never really stuck.

What do you considered to be your greatest achievement?

 Taking the mark of a Guardian and dedicating my life to fighting the dark forces of the world.

What is your idea of happiness?

Good ole Cajun cookin’, friends and family, and a six pack.

What is your current state of mind?

Some’d tell ya I was in a bad place due to my being a bit weary on the demon-fightin’ front. I say mind your own damn business. My mind is my own and ain’t nobody got any business worried ‘bout what goes on there.

What is your most treasured possession?

My guitar, a gift from my sister.

What is your most marked characteristic?

 Prob’ly my Cajun accent.

What is it that you, most dislike?

Stupid people and whiners.

Which living person do you, most despise?

 I’d say the devil himself seein’ as how I spend all my spare time fightin’ off his peons, but does the devil actually count as a person?

What is your greatest regret?

What’s with all the dadgum personal questions? I ain’t got time for regrets. I live my life one day at a time, and whatever comes, comes.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

 A nice rack, long legs, and a healthy libido.

Who is your favorite hero in fiction?

 Huck Finn

Which living person do you most admire?

My demon-huntin’ partner, Jack. He’s one of the best people I know.

If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?

I ain’t got to change a damn thing. I’m damn near perfect.

What is your motto?

When life gives you lemons, tell that bitch to go screw herself and bring you something else!

    Elise Marion is a lover books and has a special place in her heart for sweet and sensual romance. Writing about love across all walks of life is her passion, as is reaching people through the written word. The Army wife and stay-at-home mother of three spends most of her time taking care of her children. Her second job includes writing stories about characters that people can fall in love with. When the Texas native isn't caring for her family or writing, you can usually find her with her nose in a book, singing loudly, or cooking up something new in the kitchen. Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads /Amazon Tour Schedule –One Week Blog Tour For The Guardians By Elise Marion From Dec 8 To 16, 2014. Dec 8 Coffee Books & Art – Promo & Character Bio’s http://sarityahalomi.blogspot.com/ A Cauldron of Books – Promo & Dream Cast http://acauldronofbooks.info Portals to New Worlds – Promo, Character Interview & Dream Cast http://authorkarenswart.blogspot.com Dec 9 Bound 2 Escape - Promo http://www.bound2escape.com Angels with Attitude Book Reviews – Promo & Author Interview http://angelswithattitudebookreviews-joelle.blogspot.com Dec 10 Fictional Rendezvous Book Blog - Promo http://fictionalrendezvousbookblog.blogspot.com/ The Avid Reader – Promo & Character bio’s http://the-avidreader.blogspot.com Dec 11 Deal Sharing Aunt - Promo www.dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com Patricia D. Eddy – Promo & Guest Post http://www.pdeddy.com Dec 12 Indy Book Fairy - Promo & Character Bio’s http://paranormalbookfairy.blogspot.com/ Eclipse Reviews - Promo, Character Bio’s & Dream Cast http://eclipsereviews.weebly.com Dec 15 Hooked On Books Forever – Promo & Review http://hookedonbooksforever.blogspot.co.uk/ Dec 16 Books, Authors, Blogs - Promo & Author Interview http://therightbook4u.blogspot.com Vampy And Racey – Promo & Review http://vampyandracey.com/ Kelly P's Blog - Promo http://kellyatx.blogspot.com/

Book Blast & Interview: Lovely by @ElizaLoveStory

 

Lovely

Elite Doms of Washington Series

Book One

Elizabeth SaFleur

Published by: Troll River Publications

ISBN: 978-1-939564-48-1

ASIN: B00P3CHMQ0

Book Description:

Can you have love and power at the same time?

Congressman Jonathan Brond has mastered his work, his reputation and the art of sexual domination while keeping his family’s political legacy intact. But a chance encounter with college student Christiana Snow promises something he didn’t think was possible–meeting someone honest.

When the charismatic man proposes a summer of sensual, sexual submission, Christiana leaps into his world—the antidote to her bland life. But Washington, D.C. is an unforgiving place; soon gossip and scandal threatens their relationship.

Yet, in a town of players, sometimes introducing a new game is the only way out. Who knew love would be the winning plan?

Stand alone. Not a cliff-hanger.

Available at Amazon Kobo Smashwords Goodreads

For a sneak peak at the Elite Doms’ attempt to bring a little discipline to Washington, D.C., curious readers can download Holiday Ties,

the series’ first novelette, free from Amazon and Smashwords

The Jefferson Suite had a reputation. Everyone said so.

Christiana Snow watched Henrick, the sous-chef, slip a red rose into the silver bud vase on the room service tray she’d been tasked to deliver. “There are some naughty stories about the guests that stay in that suite.” He winked. “Let me take you to dinner, and I’ll tell you all about it."

She turned her back on Henrick’s smirk—and his eyes that never seemed to travel farther north than her neck. Since the day Christiana started working at The Oak she’d fought the desire to bend her knees to force his gaze to her face. It would only give him the wrong idea.

Instead she threw back two ibuprofens with her milk and then set the glass into a nearby bin of dirty dishes. Gossip made her head hurt.

She felt Henrick’s eyes travel her body as she pushed the room service cart into the elevator. "For a reporter's daughter, you aren't very curious,” he called after her.

Curiosity wasn’t the issue. The Oak, which stood mere blocks from the White House, attracted politicians and paparazzi—and dozens of men, sporting earbuds attached to wires disappearing into their dark suits, sent to watch them both. It took real concentration to ignore the stories that the hotel’s staff collected like trophies.

At least the tips were good at the boutique hotel and restaurant, and the mundane work gave her time to think—or think forward, as her father always said. And that’s what she was going to do—think forward and move forward. She didn’t have time to get wrapped up in other people’s lives and certainly not the pseudo reality of the D.C. politicos.

The elevator creaked to a stop. Water sloshed in the silver pitcher as Christiana leaned over the cart to push the slatted metal door aside. A dusty, oil-paint smell greeted her as she started down the hallway, lined with canvases of hunting scenes set in over-sized, gilded frames higher than she was tall and wider than her arms could stretch.

Christiana took in a lungful of the stagnant air as she reached the Jefferson Suite’s double doors at the end of the corridor. She knocked and listened for the sound of footsteps. No one came.

Her leg danced with impatience. Mrs. DeCord’s order was Christiana’s last task of the day, and she wanted to finish it as fast as possible to rush off to meet Avery, her best friend. Christiana had agreed to be her “date” at some society fundraiser that afternoon.

Christiana studied the rich mahogany crown molding, lining the long hallway. Gold brocade wallpaper led her eyes to images of smiling women, draped in gossamer swaths of pastel blue and green fabric. They stared down from their ceiling mural home, their eyes cold and full of secrets.

Christiana knocked on the door once more. After no response, she pulled her master key card from her apron pocket and slipped it to the lock slot. The door cracked open but stopped against something on the other side. Through the gap in the door, she saw a man’s shoe lying on its side.

She called into the room, “Hello? Room service. Ma’am?” No one answered though muffled voices resonated deeper within.

Well, she couldn’t wait. She pushed harder on the door, and the shoe slid aside.

The cart’s wheels whispered over the marble entryway floor. She announced herself one more time. No reply. She picked up the man’s dress shoe, an expensive leather smell wafting to her nose. She set it down beside a tufted chair in the hall.

A male voice echoed from the bathroom off the suite’s master bedroom. “No, Yvette.”

“Please take me. I won’t say a thing.” Mrs. DeCord’s voice reverberated off the tile.

“You know our agreement.”

Mrs. DeCord whined, “I don’t understand why I wasn’t invited. I’ll show up anyway.”

“You won’t do any such thing, Yvette.” He spoke her name like a caress. “Take off your panties.”

Christiana’s insides seized at the man’s abrupt change in tone. Maybe she had heard wrong. After a long silence, she urged the cart forward, but the wheels bogged down on the plush carpet in the living area.

The voice spoke. “Bend over, put your hands on the counter. Good. Look in the mirror. Eyes on me, Yvette.”

Smack! A sharp slap pierced the air, and Christiana jerked backward as if stung. Mrs. DeCord moaned. Was she hurt?

Christiana couldn’t break her gaze, eyes glued on the bedroom doors. They weren’t closed completely. They were slightly ajar, a sliver of the interior showing through a small crack.

“Open your legs.” The man’s voice, sandpaper and velvet, rooted Christiana in place even though her heart fluttered wildly. “Very nice, baby.”

Christiana took a deep breath to steady herself, inhaling musk mixed with the fragrance of lilacs. Something else hung heavy in the air.

Mrs. DeCord’s whimpers grew louder.

Should she call, so they knew she wasn’t trying to hide her presence? If they saw her, would they realize she had overheard? Should she leave? If she abandoned the lunch, they’d know she’d heard and run away, probably to gossip.

“Mmm, you like that, don’t you, sweetheart?”

Christiana licked her lips at the man’s chocolate-caramel tone. She tried to place the voice—maybe he was a radio announcer. No, he sounded too sexy and way too dangerous.

Slap! Slap! Christiana’s leg bumped into the cart and silverware clanked. Water splashed on the linen, and she stilled, but no new sound came from the bedroom.

She couldn’t abandon the lunch in the middle of the living room. She’d just have to be quick. Christiana maneuvered the cart to the small bay window overlooking Pennsylvania Avenue. She set up the silver and lifted the dome on Mrs. DeCord’s salad.

“Touch yourself,” the deep, rich voice said. Christiana’s heart punched at her ribs, and she lifted one hand to her breast to still it. Her eyes darted to the doors.

She gulped and tried to shake off the sound of the man’s sexy intonation. Christiana tiptoed over to the French doors of the master bedroom and risked a peek into the room. The bed’s comforter wilted over one side of the bed, and sheets bunched in a tight wad at the foot, bulging through the brass rails of the footboard. Pillows lay scattered on the floor. Braided black ropes hung limply from the frame of the headboard. She envisioned a restrained body, spread-eagle and helpless on the bed. Oh, god.

A chill broke out across her body. Instinct told her to click the doors shut. She winced at the snick of the door jam. Did they hear her?

More whispers escaped from behind the closed doors. She couldn’t make out the words, but the sensual rhythm of his voice rose and fell in a soothing, hypnotic cadence. Christiana’s ears strained for the man’s instructions, for what he wanted Mrs. DeCord to do next. Footsteps brushed across the carpet in the bedroom. The man spoke in rumbling purrs, approaching the bed.

She bit her bottom lip when a thought arose about that strange, human scent. Sex. A pang hit between her thighs as an image slipped into place of the faceless man—with that voice—putting his mouth on Mrs. DeCord’s neck.

A long wail and an ecstatic groan drifted from inside the bedroom.

Christiana stepped back. She needed to leave—now. If caught eavesdropping, even accidentally, she’d be dismissed. She clutched the silver dome to her chest like a shield and slunk to the marble foyer. The man’s smoky voice oozed into the main room as the suite’s front door clacked behind her, a barrier to . . . what?

She jogged down the long hallway to the elevator, punched the call button, and tried to steady her breathing as the elevator creaked upward. The man’s voice still reverberated in her chest. Relief coursed through her body, glad she hadn’t run into either of them inside, especially him. One look and he would have guessed she’d heard, had sucked in the air, heavy with sex, and understood.

Her imagination settled on Mrs. DeCord pressed into the mattress under a dark, mysterious man. His lips floated over her breast. Christiana shook her head in a vain attempt to stop the image from evolving into the man slipping his hands between the woman’s legs.

Christiana hit the button twice more. Come on. She gave up on the antiquated elevator and headed to the stairs. More questions surfaced with each step downward.

Did Henrik’s wink mean he knew? Who was Mrs. DeCord hooking up with in the Jefferson Suite? The mystery man had done something carnal to her, something she’d wanted done, though Christiana couldn’t imagine what. Something with ropes and slaps and Lord knows what else. Maybe she should’ve listened when the other waitresses, huddled in the employee break room, tittered about who slipped through the hotel lobby trying not to be noticed.

Then again, maybe not. She began to understand why her manager, Brian, had directed staff to drop off the orders and avoid looking around. He had warned, “In the political climate of Washington, D.C., some things are best not to see.”

Christiana dislodged her overactive daydreaming and ran to the staff room to gather her things before clocking out. She jumped when her phone rang.

“Hey, get here already! I’m guarding your dress in the main ladies room. You know where,” Avery said. “I never wore it, and you seem to like blue.”

Avery’s closet enjoyed a regular turnover, as the budding socialite wouldn’t be caught dead photographed in anything twice. Christiana was the grateful recipient of Avery’s generosity. Her hand-me-downs were really more like hand-me-ups for Christiana.

She grabbed her purse from her locker. “I’m leaving right now. How come this event is so early?”

“Mom said it’d be like happy hour. It’s really so they can all start drinking earlier. Serve anyone interesting today?”

“No one special.” She glanced in the small mirror inside the door and smoothed down a few wispy bangs to cover up the two-inch scar on her forehead, now pink from exertion.

“Oh, come on. It’s an election year. Everyone wants to be seen.”

Christiana laughed. “You sound like my dad.” The silence on the other end signaled Avery wasn’t pleased with the comparison. Another faux pas—something Avery said Christiana was very good at making, like wearing the same dress to a charity event more than once.

“Um, do you know Mrs. DeCord?” Christiana asked.

“Sure. Former Miss Dallas, married to a high-powered lawyer. Well, at least for now. Women like that go through men like wardrobe changes. Why? What’d she do? Spill it.”

“Oh, nothing. She comes in from time to time.” Damn, she shouldn’t have asked. Avery’s natural investigative nature came alive when a fellow socialite’s name arose.

“Who was she with today? Not her husband?” Avery’s voice lit up with excitement.

“I don’t know what her husband looks like. It was probably him.”

Avery snorted. “Yeah, right. No one goes to The Oak with who they’re supposed to be with.”

“I’ll take your word for it. Look, I’ll be there as soon as I can, okay?”

Christiana stuffed her phone into her purse and sprinted to the garage.

Cars choked Constitution Avenue even on a Saturday. Tourist season had begun in Washington. Families clad in matching t-shirts and people carrying maps and cameras would soon replace D.C.’s full-time residents, who would escape the city for Rehoboth Beach on most muggy summer weekends.

She shifted in her seat and adjusted the air conditioning vents to blow directly over her clammy chest. Christiana glanced to the National Mall alongside Constitution Avenue. Stopping at a red light every thirty-five feet never used to bother her. It gave her time to take in the sights. But lately the Washington Monument’s constant pointing to the sky created an unsettling feeling. It only reminded her nothing really changes in D.C.

Christiana pulled up to the entrance of the Rosemont Country Club only ten minutes late. Sunlight bounced off the brass plaque on the white brick pillars, the only announcement to the outside world that the elite of Washington gathered at the other end of the dogwood-lined driveway. Members of Congress discussed budget negotiations while golfing and bored wives complained about Neiman Marcus inventory while sunning themselves on the terrace.

Avery’s family had held membership here since the club opened in the 1920s. Her great-grandfather was one of the founding members. The Churchill women had spent countless hours flipping from their backs to their fronts by the swimming pool and attending mixers and events in the cool evenings. Avery reveled in the ambience. Butterflies usually took over Christiana’s stomach at the thought of crossing the threshold of the country club though she attempted to raise a little gratitude for Avery’s generosity in letting her tag along. Or drag me along.

Christiana handed her keys to the valet, whose traditional red coat was replaced by a ridiculous number in black and pink. Oh, right, today’s event was a fundraiser for breast cancer research. Great, she’d be in blue while everyone else draped themselves in various shades of fuchsia and rose. She hoped no one would notice. She knew everyone would. Even when helping a great cause, Washington feasted on mistakes, and failure to heed dress codes was a major gaffe. It took a lot of time and money—none of which she had—to conform to all the rules of Avery’s world.

She shook her head and tried to focus on not tripping up the stairs in her high-heeled sandals. But memories of work today and what she’d overheard at the Jefferson Suite kept replaying in her mind. Stop it. Chris. Think forward. She slipped through the massive oak door.

Reviews from Goodreads

5 star:

“Elizabeth SaFleur's book explodes and almost rocked our capital for a loop!”

5 star:

“Wow. Where do I start... This book, 'Lovely', was an exceptional book.”

5 star:

“Elizabeth SaFleur did an amazing job in creating a book that will stay with me. A must add to your tbr list. Highly recommended.”

4 star:

“Madame SaFleur a job well done. A perfect title—simply Lovely. Hoping that this story continues. In my opinion, Christiana and Jonathan’s journey is far from over.”

4 star:

“This page turner leaves you feeling vindicated and wanting more of HOT Jonathan.”

4 star:

“A great read and an author I'm certain to keep going back to.”

 

Character Name: Jonathan Brond

 

Character Bio: U.S. Congressman Jonathan Brond is the hero of Lovely, book number one in the Elite Doms of Washington series. Jonathan has mastered his work, his reputation and the art of sexual domination while keeping his family’s political legacy intact. But his position comes with a price—he has to choose between love and power.

 

 

 

    

 

Describe yourself what is your worst and best quality?

My worst quality would probably be that I’m impatient. I know it’s a terrible cliché for a politician to say they’re in office to make a difference. But I am. So I grow weary of indecision, stalemates and standstills quickly. In Washington, these things are common. I prefer a more . . . direct approach.

 

As for a best quality? Listening to praise can be deadly in my line of work. But my supporters have said they appreciate my desire to represent them well. The woman I’m currently involved with tells me I have “other” skills she appreciates. But voters don’t need those details. <wink>

 

What is the one thing you wish other people knew about you?

I would do anything to keep my loved ones safe and happy. Anything. There are certain people in Washington who need to get that message. I hope they’re listening.

 

What is your biggest secret something no one knows about?

Oh, a dangerous question to answer. Are you sure you aren’t a reporter? But since it’s just between us—off the record, of course—my desire for control is likely unparalleled. But you’d want that in a politician, right? Discipline. Dedication. That same goes for my personal relationships. We’ll leave it at that.

 

What are you most afraid of?

Losing someone I love. Losing the Brond’s family’s reputation is a close second. When my father lost his Senate seat a number of years ago, the scandal hit our family hard. It’s time to lay that story to rest. It’s time for a new Brond family future.

 

What do you want more than anything?

I want my own family – at the right time of course. On the outside, the Brond family looks ideal. After all, that’s what voters want, right? Someone who came from a perfect family? But looks can be deceiving. I plan on being an involved parent.

 

What is your relationship status?

I get asked this a lot. I’m single – for the moment. But if you read the papers, you’d know I enjoy the company of smart, beautiful women.

 

How would you describe your sense of fashion?

Any fashion sense I have is from my stepsister, Sarah, who is D.C.’s best personal stylist. She’s responsible for my addiction to the well-cut suit. <laughs> But politicians can’t be too well dressed. We look like our priorities are “off.” Sure, you’ll find a few Armani suits in my closet, along with several tuxedos by Giorgio. Given how many events I’m obligated to attend, I might as well show up well dressed.

 

How much of a rebel are you?

My party probably thinks I’m quite the rebel. I don’t follow the party line, but rather think for myself—always keeping my constituents in mind, of course. Just don’t call me a “maverick.” <wink> I drive my legislative assistant, Shane, a little crazy. In my private life, you’d definitely call me a nonconformist. Let’s just say my romantic life is  . . . unorthodox.

 

What do you considered to be your greatest achievement?

Being elected to Congress at age 28 was quite an achievement, and one I don’t take lightly given the level of responsibility that comes with such a post. But, as you know, no one on their death bed ever says they wished they’d spent more time at the office. My greatest achievement will be my marriage and my children. Someday.

 

What is your idea of happiness?

Knowing I’m doing good and fulfilling a need. This country has a lot of need. People also come with a lot of desires. The trick is to identify the right solution for it. Every woman, for instance, comes with her own personal desires. Once I discover what they are, I know what to do. I enjoy fulfilling a woman’s need. All of this is “off the record,” of course.

 

What is your current state of mind?

You’re not taping this, are you? Truthfully? I’m surprised at the political system. I know. I should have known better, given my family’s political legacy. But honestly I thought I’d do more than spend my days building consensus. It can be maddening to someone like me, someone who enjoys control. You could say I’m a little frustrated. I find the company of women to be a great help in relieving that stress.

 

What is your most treasured possession?

I try not to get attached to things. But if I could, I’d live on my sailboat. It reminds me of the less cumbersome days of my youth. Sarah and I sailed quite a bit together when we were young. You could say I found myself on the water. Sarah also helped.

 

What is your most marked characteristic?

Most people would say my confidence. About my abilities, my direction in life, and what I think it will take to get there.

 

What is it that you, most dislike?

As I said I’m impatient, and I don’t suffer fools gladly. This is an unfortunate characteristic for a politician. We regularly meet fools. We often have to work with them.

 

Which living person do you, most despise?

I couldn’t name one person. But someone who makes another feel ashamed of themselves would go to the top of my list. I could name a few colleagues who fit that bill. But it wouldn’t be wise to name names. Then there is a certain reporter who’s been getting on my nerves lately – Peter Snow. He’s the father of a young woman I met recently. Christiana Snow. A very intriguing young girl.

 

What is your greatest regret?

That I didn’t do more for my mother. She suffered from depression all her life. My father didn’t handle it well. I may have been eleven when she died, but I probably could have done more to help her.

 

What is the quality you most like in a man?

Integrity. Without it, you aren’t a man.

 

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

Honesty. But that’s rare. I don’t think I’ve met a woman who is “real” in a long time. Except for this young lady, Christiana, who I mentioned. She’s . . . unique.

 

Who is your favorite hero in fiction?

Ishmael from Moby Dick is quite the hero in my book. Going up against indifferent nature, never giving up, and being unapologetic of his quest are all things I admire.

 

Which living person do you most admire?

Alexander Rockingham. He’s my mentor and a man who also fought very hard to be himself. He told me to never be ashamed of who I am and what I believe is right – and to not let anyone else feel that way either. Alexander is a very private person. So, no, I can’t tell you what he does. But he lives here in Washington and is considered a mentor to a great many of my friends.

 

If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?

I’d like to more freely speak my mind. In my line of work, it’s hard to be yourself and keep voters happy. I guess you could say I sometimes have to bend the truth. It’s uncomfortable. Perhaps someday I won’t have to hide my true feelings.

 

What is your motto?

“Live free or die.”  I’m also rather fond of the official saying of my home state, the great state of Rhode Island, which is simply “hope.”

 

 

 

Elizabeth SaFleur is an erotic romance author who is finally sharing what simmers in her imagination—lots of alpha males, seductive encounters, and love. For many years she lived and worked in her novels’ setting, Washington, D.C., in public relations. In her thirty-year career, she represented or encountered some of the city's powerful insiders.

Elizabeth now writes, tweets and posts under her pseudonym, Elizabeth SaFleur, since her former clients might be a little shocked at their past PR counselor’s new career choice. Then again, perhaps they would fear they provided inspiration. (She has sworn secrecy.)

Her series, the Elite Doms of Washington, is contemporary erotic romance for the progressive woman—unafraid and unencumbered by society’s boundaries.

Lovely, the first novel in the series debuting in January 2015, was inspired one sunny day at an outside café in Washington Harbor where Elizabeth swore she witnessed a woman being lashed to a sailboat mast, happily. Lovely’s hero, Jonathan Brond, was born that day when he silently answered her unspoken question, “does she like that?” with yet another question: “Would you like to find out?”

Today Elizabeth shares twenty-eight, wildlife-filled acres in Central Virginia with her husband and dog, and is sometimes separated from her laptop to indulge in dance classes and visits to wineries and hiking trails with friends. She lives by one quote: “If you really want to be happy, nobody can stop you.”

Elizabeth is a member of the Romance Writers Association, the Washington Romance Writers, and avid reader of all fiction genres, but especially books with a happily-ever-after ending. Visit www.ElizabethSaFleur.com to drop her a note.

Author Website: http://www.elizabethsafleur.com/

Publisher Website: http://www.trollriverpub.com/

Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethSaFleur

Author Twitter: https://twitter.com/ElizaLoveStory

Author Google+ profile: google.com/+ElizabethSaFleur

Author Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/elizabethlovest/

Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8409162.Elizabeth_SaFleur

Author Amazon profile: www.amazon.com/author/elizabethsafleur

Book Blast, Giveaway & More: Who We Were by @Christysloat

Presented by: Title: Who We Were Author: Christy Sloat Audience: YA Genre: Contemporary romance Formats: E-book and Paperback Cover by: Najla Qamber Designs Editor: Melanie Williams Pages: 330 pages ISBN: 978-0692289952 ASIN: B00N980WYO Date Published: 15 September 2014     “Who we were had washed away with the summer. Who we are was yet to be seen.” Summer school at Alcott High was only supposed to gain Sadie Peters extra credit, nothing more. Her goal wasn't to make friends, or gain the attention of the most popular football player, yet she managed both. Her life was cruising along on course ... until that summer. Could a simple stint in a different school change her identity completely and introduce her to love for the first time? How would that affect her relationship with Lily, her best friend? Hopefully their friendship was strong enough to make it through the tumultuous summer. Sadie learns that great things come with change, but sometimes memories of the past are hardest to part with. Amazon / Goodreads / Barnes and Noble / Smashwords / ITunes Excerpt 1- I killed the engine and grabbed my new bag. I refused to go to summer classes with my junior year backpack. No way! I had purchased all new items for the next four weeks. This was a new school and a new chance to actually become someone different. A clean slate. No one here knew me, so my past history was erased. I would be Sadie Peters, popular and outgoing, instead of Sadie Peters, a shy nobody that no one pays any attention to. I looked up at Alcott High’s newly rebuilt entrance. It was the town’s oldest school, but it held the most history. It was the very first school built in Laurel Lakes when it was a small town. Now that the town has grown immensely, they needed a new school built, and that’s how Ridgeline High, my school, was built. While I liked my school for various reasons, I loved the history of Alcott. To me it held hope and immense change. After a complete and utterly disastrous junior year, I could only see promise staring me in the face. Excerpt 2 “Three weeks, Sadie. They didn’t even show up to my doctor’s visit to get the final results.” That made me so sad to hear. How could they do that? He made a fist and hit the dashboard, not hard, but enough to make himself feel better. I placed my hand on his and squeezed, letting him know I was here and I wasn’t going anywhere. “Do you ever feel invisible?” He asked looking out the window. I laughed. Did I ever. My mom worked so much I hardly ever saw her, and my dad wasn’t home anymore. Cara was off to college, and she just thought of me as the silly kid sister. No one at Ridgeline knew I existed, even though I passed them in the halls every day. But instead of giving him that answer, I gave him the one I really felt was true. The one that I felt right then in that moment. “Not anymore.” I turned to look at him, and he met my eyes at the same time. Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epO5s90xeYI     Christy Sloat is a SoCal born girl who resides in New Jersey currently with her husband, two daughters and Sophie her Chihuahua. Christy has embraced the love of reading and writing since her youth and was inspired by her grandmother's loving support. Christy passes that love of reading, writing, and creativity to her daughters, family, and friends. When you do not find Christy within the pages of a book you can find her being mommy, wife, crafter, and dear friend. She loves adventurous journeys with her friends and can be known to get lost inside a bookstore. Be sure to venture into her Past Lives Series, The Visitor's Series, and watch for many more exciting things to come. Check out her website www.christysloat.com     Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Amazon / Instagram Tour Schedule – Two Week Blog Tour for Who We Were by Christy Sloat from Dec 1 to Dec 18 2014 Dec 1 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too! - Promo http://3partnersinshopping.blogspot.com Dec 2 Deal Sharing Aunt - Promo www.dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com Hope To Read - Promo http://hopetoread.com Queekie Girl Reads – Promo & Review http://thequeekiegirl.blogspot.sg/ Dec 3 Fictional Rendezvous Book Blog - Promo http://fictionalrendezvousbookblog.blogspot.com/ Coffee Books & Art – Characters bio’s http://sarityahalomi.blogspot.com/ The MissPhyre Library – Promo & Review http://themissphyrelibrary.wordpress.com Dec 4 Books, Authors, Blogs – Promo & Author Interview http://therightbook4u.blogspot.com Movies, Shows & Books - Promo & Character Bio’s http://moviesshowsnbooks.blogspot.com/ Dec 5 The Reading Table – Promo & Review & Author Interview http://www.readingtable.weebly.com/ Eclipse Reviews - Promo, Author Interview & Character Bio’s http://eclipsereviews.weebly.com Dec 8 2 Girls & A Book – Promo & Characters Bio’s www.2girlsandabook.weebly.com Portals to New Worlds -  Promo & Character Bio’s http://authorkarenswart.blogspot.com Dec 9 A Cauldron of Books – Promo & Characters Bio’s http://acauldronofbooks.info The Phantom Paragrapher – Promo & Review http://www.thephantomparagrapher,blogspot.com Dec 10 The Avid Reader – Promo & Author Interview http://the-avidreader.blogspot.com Cajun Book Lover - Promo http://www.cajunbooklover.blogspot.com Dec 11 The Idle Musings of a Writer's Mind – Promo, Author Interview & Characters Bio’s http://theidlemusingsofawritersmind.blogspot.com Dec 12 Booky Ramblings of a Neurotic Mom - Promo http://bookyramblingsofaneuroticmom.blogspot.co.uk/ Dec 15 Angee's After Thoughts - Promo www.angeesafterthoughts.com Dec 16 Shayna Varadeaux - Promo http://www.shaynavaradeauxbooks.blogspot.com Kelly P's Blog – Promo http://kellyatx.blogspot.com/ Dec 17 The Little Bookworm Reviews - Promo http://thelittlebookwormreviews.blogspot.com/ Word to Dreams- Promo & Character Bio’s http://wordtodreams.blogspot.com Dec 18 What Shall We Blog About Today? -  Promo & Character’s Bio’s http://kenowinsky.blogspot.com

Cover Reveal: Phantom 2.0 by Leah D.W.

 

 

Title: Phantom 2.0 by Leah D.W.

Release day: 16 January 2015

Genre: YA paranormal

Author page: www.facebook.com/leahdwauthor

blurb:

“I am a phantom. Barely human with the duty to get rid of the possessed. That is why beings like me were created, why we were bred”

In a dying city filled with a deadly plague and even deadlier creatures, Déjà hides from a past drenched in blood and the only family she has ever known. She hates what she is and her cravings to spill fresh blood drives her away from anyone that gets too close. Living out her life wearing lace corsets and working in an underground nightclub keeps her secret from hurting others, until a bounty is placed on her head by a mystery benefactor.

Now she is stalked by an assassin that threatens to steal her heart and discovering a family of powerful beings that hold the key to her past, Déjà has no choice but to embrace what she truly is in order to battle the secrets that the city holds within its shadows.

Book Blast & Giveaway: Alert the Media by @MiaFoxBooks

   BOOK INFORMATION

TITLE – Alert the Media SERIES – Hollywood Hotties AUTHOR – Mia Fox GENRE – chick lit/social satire PUBLICATION DATE – already published LENGTH (Pages/# Words) - 225 PUBLISHER – Evatopia Press COVER ARTIST – Eden Crane

  BOOK SYNOPSIS

When you’re an entertainment publicist, there’s no better cure for a broken heart than to Alert the Media...

April and Ryan Monahan are the perfect Hollywood couple. He’s a handsome actor on the rise; she’s a high-powered entertainment publicist. Her job becomes more demanding, however, when Ryan announces he is gay and wants a divorce.

Believing that her persuasive power over the press will give Ryan the publicity he craves, April launches a swift media campaign to make him realize that he can’t live without her. But Ryan has decided that he likes the dating scene and April’s boss insists that she keep him happy as his account is important to the firm.

To her dismay, April is forced to protect her firm’s bottom line by maintaining Ryan’s status as a Hollywood heartthrob while enduring her own heartbreak. As she picks up the pieces of her destroyed marriage, April is determined to compete with Ryan for power, publicity, and true love -- even when her imagination takes her from the board room to the bedroom.

To save her sanity, her corner office, and her two dogs from becoming caught up in an ugly custody battle, April constructs a plan to use her media savvy skills to her advantage.

   BUY & TBR LINKS

AMAZON KINDLE US – AMAZON KINDLE CA – AMAZON KINDLE UK – AMAZON PAPERBACK – BARNES & NOBLES NOOK – BARNES & NOBLES PAPERBACK – SMASHWORDS – GOODREADS

EXCERPT

I didn’t flinch when I read my husband’s Facebook profile and learned Orlando Bloom is his all time fav actor. After all, Ryan is an actor and Orlando Bloom has a good body of work. I even remained calm when Ryan wrote about that body, citing Orlando’s hotness in pirate wear. Okay, maybe this was a warning sign, but one could argue that Ryan appreciates how costume design impacts a film.

Sure, there were other signs...all ignored. In fact, it wasn’t until I found his porn stash, with not so much as one breast in the mix, that I realized my rationalizations ceased to be rational. If only I had discovered Ryan in bed with a leggy blonde, even two, I could have managed. His revelation, on the other hand, gave me reason to doubt the existence of a higher being.

“April, we need to talk,” he said gravely.

Talk. When people mention four-letter words that one rarely comes to mind, but in my experience it’s just as toxic as the others. Case in point was this particular morning when Ryan sat me down in front of a steamy cappuccino and an obscenely large sticky bun. I regarded the bun with suspicion. I was a week shy of PMS and therefore not in need of carbs, and yet, here I was faced with a definite sign that some serious buttering up, apologizing, or pleading would occur. He obviously assumed (correctly) that artificial support would be needed.

“April, my life, actually...our lives, are about to change,” he continued once I had taken a healthy bite.

“You’re auditioning for a movie? Oh my gosh, I knew this day would come,” I said hopefully, if not a bit naively. What can you expect from a girl voted “Most Gullible” of her high school graduating class?

Ryan treaded lightly, “Honey, it’s something different. Call it a change of heart, but I’ve decided that I’m gay.”

“Gay? As in happy?”

“No, not exactly, at least not yet. Here, have some more,” he said pinching off a piece of the bun and popping it into my mouth that now hung open.

I swallowed hard. “How is this possible? We just had sex last night?”

“Yeah, I wanted to be sure. You gotta admit, we sure gave it the ol’ college try.”

“I’d say. We did it twice!”

“Just wanted to be 100%. April, sweetie, don’t blame yourself. Listen, we’ll talk later. I’m going to be late.”

After delivering this verbal right hook, Ryan apologized for the “bad news” and left to start his day.

      AUTHOR BIO

Mia Fox is a Los Angeles-based novelist who writes across varied genres including Young Adult/New Adult Paranormal Romance, Steampunk, and Chick Lit. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications from U.S.C.

Before writing full time, she worked as an entertainment publicist, a career she chronicles in her novel, “Alert the Media.” However, she is happy to leave that world behind her, preferring that any drama in her life is only that which she creates for her characters.

She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, three children, Casey, the Wonder Westie, and Bean, his brother.

AUTHOR FOLLOW LINKS

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE – WEBSITE / BLOG – FACEBOOK – TWITTER – GOOGLE+ - PINTEREST – TUMBLR – GOODREADS – BOOKTROPOLOUS SOCIAL

  GIVEAWAY

Swag Pack / Book Themed Necklace & Bracelet

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Book Blast & Giveaway: FATAL FORTY-EIGHT by @KassandraLamb

   BOOK INFORMATION

TITLE – FATAL FORTY-EIGHT SERIES – The Kate Huntington Mysteries #7 AUTHOR – Kassandra Lamb GENRE – Mystery/Thriller PUBLICATION DATE – Nov. 12, 2014 LENGTH (Pages/# Words) - 272 pages PUBLISHER – Misterio press LLC COVER ARTIST – Melinda VanLone, Book Cover Corner

     BOOK SYNOPSIS

Celebration turns to nightmare when psychotherapist Kate Huntington’s guest of honor disappears en route to her own retirement party. Kate’s former boss, Sally Ford, has been kidnapped by a serial killer who holds his victims exactly forty-eight hours before killing them.

With time ticking away, the police allow Kate and her P.I. husband to help with the investigation. The FBI agents involved in the case have mixed reactions to the “civilian consultants.” The senior agent welcomes Kate’s assistance as he fine-tunes his psychological profile. His voluptuous, young partner is more by the book. She locks horns out in the field with Kate’s husband, while back at headquarters, misunderstandings abound.

But they can ill afford these distractions. Sally’s time is about to expire.

BUY & TBR LINKS

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  EXCERPT

“Charles,” she said into the phone, “I’m sorry, but I have to–” “No, baby, that’s not the issue. I don’t care about going out to dinner, but that wasn’t really where we were going tonight.” “What do you mean?” Charles blew out air on the other end of the line. Dear lord, even his sighs are sexy! “You’ve got to promise you won’t let on that I told you.” “Told me what?” “I was charged with getting you to your surprise retirement party tonight.” It took a second for Sally to digest that. “So we’ve got to show up at the restaurant then.” “Yeah, that was the tricky part, how to get you to where we’re really going,” Charles said. “The party’s at a former employee’s house. A lady named Kate…can’t remember her last name.” “Huntington.” “No that isn’t it.” “Oh, right, Canfield. She’s remarried since she left the center.” Sally glanced at her watch. Five o’clock. “Charles, I’ve gotta go. I have this client waiting. What time’s the party?” “Seven was when I was supposed to get you there.” “Why don’t you swing by and pick me up at quarter of. We’ll come back for my car later.” “Okay,” Charles said, “but you’ve got to act surprised or Pauline is going to skin me alive.” “Pauline? She’s been retired six years now!” “You seem to inspire loyalty in even your former employees, baby.” “Humph. See you at six forty-five.” Sally hung up her desk phone and stood up. She tugged on the bottom of her tailored jacket. At least she was wearing something she would be comfortable in all evening. The pale peach suit was one of her favorite outfits, partly because it complemented her chocolate brown skin but mainly because it fit her so well, without any binding or pinching. Too often, in her opinion, women’s clothing was too much about the latest style and not enough about practicality and comfort. She went out to the waiting area of the center, an apology on her lips for keeping this new client waiting. But he never gave her a chance to verbalize it. The short, inconsequential-looking man stood up quickly. “Thank you for seeing me on such short notice, Ms. Ford. I’m thrilled to make your acquaintance.” Thrilled to make my acquaintance? What an odd choice of words. Sally extended her hand. As the man shook it, he placed his other hand on her arm. A sharp zing. Her arm reflexively jerked away. The man jumped back a little. “Oh my, I’m sorry. Static electricity.” His embarrassed laughter sounded almost feminine. “It’s such a nuisance this time of year.” “No problem, Mr. Johnson,” Sally said. “Come on in to my office.” He followed her down the short hallway and through the door, closing it behind him. Sally stumbled a little as she walked to the sitting area in the corner of the room, where she talked to clients. She was even more exhausted than she’d realized. Hopefully they would be able to beg off from the party after an hour or two. She gestured toward the loveseat and lowered herself into her own chair. “I’m sorry, Ms. Ford, for keeping you here this evening. I see that your staff has all gone home.” Sally shook her head, then wished she hadn’t when the room spun for a brief moment. “I was planning to work late anyway.” After she’d heard the poor man’s story over the phone earlier, and his comments that had hinted of severe depression and suicidal ideation, she wasn’t about to make him wait until Monday. She just hoped she could stay alert enough to be helpful. Fatigue was making her limbs heavy, and she realized her mind was wandering. Mr. Johnson was talking and she had no idea what he had just said. She shook her head again. Her vision blurred but her mind cleared enough for his words to partially register. “What time is Mr. Tolliver picking you up, Ms. Ford?” Sally tried to push herself up straighter in her chair. She wondered vaguely how this man knew about Charles. “What did you say?” Her voice sounded slurred, as if she’d been drinking. “I need to know exactly when Mr. Tolliver was supposed to pick you up, Ms. Ford,” Johnson said more firmly. Was supposed to, not is picking me up! Panic shot through her system. Her brain told her body to jump up and run, but her limbs didn’t respond. They felt like they were made of lead. “Why…” Sally’s head fell back against the chair, her neck no longer able to support its weight. “Because that is when the clock starts,” the man said. But Sally didn’t hear him. She had already sunk into darkness.

CHARACTER BIOS

Kate Huntington-Canfield: Born Kathleen O’Donnell, Kate has the Black-Irish coloring of dark curls and sky-blue eyes. At five-eight and with a decent figure–thanks to a good metabolism and tri-weekly aikido classes–she considers herself reasonably attractive. But occasionally another woman comes on to her hunky second husband, an uncomfortable reminder that she’s not quite in his league looks-wise.

Kate’s known for her voracious appetite, her inability to cook much of anything that’s edible, her warmth and intelligence, and an insatiable curiosity about what makes people tick. Her greatest passion, after her husband, is her work as a psychotherapist specializing in helping people recover from the traumatic events in their lives.

Trauma entered her own life a few years ago, when she was widowed at the hands of a killer with a murderous grudge against her and her close friend, lawyer Rob Franklin (Book 1 in the series).

Kate gets a second chance at love with private detective, Skip Canfield, but their respective professions sometimes bring murder and mayhem into their lives. Kate can’t help but worry that someday she will lose another husband to violence.

Reginald William “Skip” Canfield, III: Skip Canfield is six-five and drop-dead gorgeous. Gold flecks dance in his hazel eyes and his straight, brown hair has an annoying habit of flopping down over his forehead. But he wasn’t always tall, broad-shouldered and buff. The short, scrawny teenager who was bullied because of his goofy nickname still lives inside of him.

One can hear a touch of his Texan origins in his speech now and again, even though he’s lived in Maryland a couple decades now. Sometimes he let’s that Texas drawl creep in on purpose, when he wants to charm the ladies.

He was a confirmed bachelor, until he reconnected with a former client during a case several years ago. That summer, he fell for Kate Huntington and fell hard. But she was still grieving for her murdered husband (Book 2).

Skip is nothing if not patient, and eventually his patience paid off (Book 3). His laid-back personality serves him well in his work as a bodyguard and private investigator. There’s only one thing that can cause him to lose his cool–a threat to his wife or kids.

He and Kate have built a good life together. He adores his sometimes intense, occasionally a tad jealous, but always delightful and delectable wife.

   AUTHOR BIO

Writing and psychology have always vied for number one on Kassandra Lamb’s Greatest Passions list. In her youth, she had to make a decision between writing and paying the bills. Partial to electricity and food, she studied psychology. Now retired from a career as a psychotherapist and college professor, she spends most of her time in an alternate universe with her characters. The portal to this universe (aka her computer) is located in Florida where her husband and dog catch occasional glimpses of her. She and her husband also spend part of each summer in her native Maryland, where the Kate Huntington mysteries are set.

AUTHOR FOLLOW LINKS

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GIVEAWAY PRIZES

$20 Amazon gift card; either a book charm or key chain (winner’s choice) and a signed paperback copy of any Kate Huntington Mystery book.

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Book Blast & Interview: Winter Wolf by @rj_blain

 

Winter Wolf

Witch and Wolf

Book 2

RJ Blain

Publisher: Pen & Page Publishing

Release Date: November 24, 2014

ASIN: B00N1BXDMW

Book Description:

The Hunted Wizard

When Nicole dabbled in the occult, she lost it all: Her voice, her family, and her name. Now on the run from the Inquisition, she must prove to herself—and the world—that not all wizards are too dangerous to let live.

The savage murder of a bookstore employee throws Nicole into the middle of Inquisition business, like it or not. Driven by her inability to save the young man’s life, she decides to hunt the killer on her own. Using forbidden magic to investigate the past, she learns that the murderer is in fact a disease that could kill the entire werewolf race.

Forced to choose between saving lives and preserving her own, Nicole embraces the magic that sent her into exile. Without werewolves, the power of the Inquisition would dwindle, and she could live without being hunted.

Nicole’s only hope for success lies in the hands of the werewolves she hates and the Inquisition she fears, but finding someone to trust is only the beginning of her problems. There are those who want to ensure that the werewolves go extinct and that the Inquisition falls.

But, if she fails to find a cure, her family—including her twin sister—will perish…

Available at Amazon iTunes BN Kobo

Almost everyone in the store had a phone. Dormant devices, from reading lights to mobile chargers, littered the tables. One woman, browsing books nearby, had four battery-powered devices in her purse. One was a phone, and like mine, it hungered. Its need was strong; its battery waned to the point of failure.

If I wanted, I could charge it for her.

No one would notice if I did. Maybe the woman would wonder how her phone hadn’t died before she got home. It only had a few minutes left. It’d take me all of ten seconds to fix it for her. If I did, I wouldn’t be so aware of it. But to do so, I’d have to touch her—or her phone. Some things I could manipulate without having a direct conduit, but cell phone batteries were tricky, greedy things.

I cringed a little, setting the thriller book down. I picked up the next nearest title. I flipped it over, not reading the text on the back. Did I dare? Out of the corner of my eye, I watched the woman browsing through the books. All it would take was a few seconds. I could charge it without her noticing.

That was one thing I was actually good at.

I put the novel I held down and wandered to the same table, careful not to look at her. Book by book, I investigated the titles, circling to where she stood.

“You’re Nicole Thomas, aren’t you? The actress. You’re her.” My quarry appraised me with a pleased expression.

People normally recognized the mainliners, people with beautiful faces and voices to match, people who didn’t avoid crowds.

In short, people other than me.

I met her gaze, abandoning my perusal of novels. “I am,” I replied, wincing a little at the sandpaper-rough quality of my voice. At least I hadn’t been reduced to a whisper—yet. My fatal flaw was my rough, grating voice. Chronic laryngitis did that to a person. It ruined careers, as it had mine, though I hadn’t quite given up on being an actress. I’d already lost the ability to sing.

I wasn’t going to let a stupid disease take everything away from me.

The woman smiled, not seeming to mind talking to someone who sounded more like a zombie than a human. “You’re taller than I expected. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

She thrust out her hand.

We shook.

I left her phone alone.

“They keep putting me next to giants,” I quipped. It was true. When I did manage to get on the silver screen, I worked alongside actors easily a foot-and-a-half taller than me. “It’s a pleasure to meet you too.” I matched her smile. She didn’t tell me her name, and I didn’t ask for it.

It took all of my will not to fiddle with her phone. All it would take was a murmured word and a thought, and it’d be done. It would have been easy to charge the battery when our hands had been clasped together, but I hadn’t dared.

If, sometime later, she noticed her phone had magically been charged—literally—she might remember me. She knew my name.

And in true cowardice, I couldn’t bring myself to help her. If she connected the strange behavior of her phone with me, she might tell someone. If she did, I’d be as good as dead—or worse. I had dabbled in the occult, and the occult had dabbled back, and there were those who didn’t like when that happened.

The last thing I needed was them finding me.

 

Did you always wanted to be a writer? If not what did you want to be?  

This is one of my favorite questions, being honest with myself—it’s a nice hike through my pleasantly misspent youth. I think I went through the entire spectrum of potential dream jobs. There were a few that I got closer to achieving than others, though. I wanted to become a musician at one point—and had the audacity to con my mother into acquiring me not one, but four different instruments over the years. By the time I was a senior, I could passably play flute, violin, saxophone, and clarinet. I sat first chair flute and third chair violin in the same band in the same year at one point. (I had split my lip, which meant I couldn’t play flute… and I could play violin.) I also had to cover a saxophone solo in pep band because the sax players couldn’t make a basketball game.

I also wanted to become a vet for injured birds of prey. I had a bit of a hand with them. I had rescued a Great Horned Owl and a Cooper’s Hawk; the Owl was eventually euthanized after several months of fighting for his life, unfortunately—but the Cooper’s Hawk returned to his home some three months later. Both birds had been hit by cars… and no one else in my family was brave enough to get near wild birds of prey. (Hint, if you ever, ever see a wild hawk injured and unable to fly, you MUST throw a coat or blanket over them before you try to touch them. Some breeds are like rabbits and will have heart attacks from fright. If you cover them, they calm down.)

The owl was tricky to catch. I had to net him, toss a coat over him, and then figure out where his beak and talons were under the mess so I didn’t become a meal…. I ultimately didn’t go for either job; I didn’t have the patience for music and there are few schools that specialize in the treatment of birds of prey; I would’ve had to go to school fairly far away—and I am needle phobic. I break out in a cold sweat at the sight of them.

I also wanted to be a fighter pilot (my vision was unacceptable), President of the United States, and a marine biologist—and an engineer. I have varied interests. Let’s not forget professional sports player. Actually, let’s…

 

When did you first consider yourself a “writer”?

I think I really felt I was a writer the first time I got paid for writing in both fiction and non-fiction. I held a freelance writer gig for 10 years. It wasn’t until I sold a short story that I felt I could actually be a writer.

 

How long did it take to get your first book published?  

Ouch. This question hurts. I released The Eye of God in 2013. That puts me at roughly ten years from when I decided to try writing novels to making enough progress to release a book. I feel like I could have used at least another ten years of prep work.

 

How long does it usually take you to write a book, from the original idea to finishing writing it?  

It varies wildly from book to book, but a year is a conservative estimate—I can do several books in a year, though. There is a period of time where the book simply sits around and does nothing while I’m taking a step back from the project so I don’t go insane. I’m hoping for four books released in 2015, although several of them are already in varying stages of completion.

 

What can we expect from you in the future?  ie More books of the same genre? Books of a different genre?

I have a lot of plans for the near future! First up, I’ll be finishing up Storm Surge, which is the second book of my Requiem for the Rift King series. Later in 2015 I should be releasing Royal Slaves, which is book two of my Fall of Erelith series. I have huge hopes of finishing Blood Diamond, which is the third Witch & Wolf novel. I’m torn on the other project I want to work on after that; I have a traditional fantasy with steampunk elements novel and a fantasy action adventure I want to work on.

 

What genre would you place your books into?  

Witch & Wolf is a supernatural thriller series, Requiem for the Rift King is an epic fantasy series, and The Fall of Erelith is a traditional fantasy series. I am all over the place in the fantasy genre! I also have a science fiction I really want to get back to working on.

 

What made you decide to write that genre of book?  

Ever since I was little I liked the ‘Why?!’ question. Fantasy and science fiction simply let me pursue this interest. Nothing has changed—I still ask ‘why?’ a lot. Why is just the gatekeeper for the stereotypical ‘what if…’ questions many speculative fiction authors use as a starting point for their novels. I’m no different!

 

Do you have a favorite character from your books? And why are they your favorite?  

I’m torn on my favorite characters, so I’ll briefly go over a few—each series tends to have one or two. In Winter Wolf, I think Richard is one of my favorites; he’s so dynamic. He has a great deal of depth. His sense of loyalty and honor is really deeply engrained, and it’s something that I resonate with as a writer and reader. He always made scenes very enjoyable for me to write.

In The Eye of God, Blaise is definitely my favorite character. He’s just so different.

In Storm Without End, I really, really like Maiten. He’s so much fun. But, I like a lot of characters in that series. Everyone is a bit of a hike from normality, which makes them interesting. If I can apply the word ‘Interesting’ to a character, I probably love him or her.

 

Do you read all the reviews of your book/books?  

I… used to. Now I don’t as much. I’m too busy writing new books or reading a novel to go chase after reviews. Either someone liked or didn’t like the book; I write my novels for a certain type of audience… the negative reviews often are from those who don’t fit that audience. It’s a shame, because I want everyone to enjoy reading my novels, but that’s just impossible. Some will love it. Others won’t.

I often enjoy reading the 4 or 5 starred reviews, though.  My favorite is a solid 4 review with both what the reader loved and thought would make the book better; it’s someone who genuinely enjoyed the story and has something that I might be able to use to make future books better. Little beats having a passionate fan reviewing a book—both good and bad.

Do you choose a title first, or write the book then choose the title?  

This really varies from story to story; when I first started The Eye of God, I wrote the book with absolutely no idea what to call it. I gave it the name because of an item in the storyline. I… er… pardon the language, bullshitted the title. Alas, it stuck. In Requiem for the Rift King, I struggled for the first title, but once I had that, it got much easier to name books. Storm Without End is followed by Storm Surge, which is followed by The Tides of War. I’m undecided on how many novels it will take to get to the final book. That one, however, will be called Requiem for the Rift King.

 

Are character names and place names decided after their creation? Or do you pick a character/place name and then invent them?

This is such a hard one; characters are a product of where they live, their parents, and yes—even their name. Names are important. When I’m deciding who a character is or where they came from, I’m thinking about their names and who/what they are at the same time. I can’t really do one without having considered the other. Sometimes I don’t have to think too hard about it, but… sometimes I’ll spend hours trying to figure out who a character is and why their name would make them who they are. Sometimes the character is who they are in defiance of the name their parents gave them. Sometimes a character chooses a new name for their needs. Names are tricky, tricky buggers.

 

Do you decide on character traits (ie shy, quiet, tomboy girl) before writing the whole book or as you go along?  

I always pick a few traits before I start writing—but the characters develop as I write. I do need a starting ground for their character, though. Traits are often how a character comes to the decisions they do—and what motivates them. In Storm Without End, Kalen is very reckless. While he’s not suicidal, exactly… death is simply something that will eventually happen, so he’s willing to push the envelope as far as he can. He’s come to terms with his mortality long ago. But… he is stubborn. So while he is reckless and is willing to go to extremes, he refuses to give up without a fight. These two traits make him very, very good at survival. One drives him, and the other defines him—and over time, maybe he’ll even figure out how to get done what he needs to get done without going to such reckless extremes.

Quitting is typically not in his vocabulary, though.

This character started out with a single trait: Survivalist. I backtracked to figure out what sort of traits would make someone good at surviving things—emotional or physical. Characters are onions of many, many layers. All onions have a root, and for me, that first trait is how I grow them.

 

Are there any hidden messages or morals contained in your books? (Morals as in like Aesops Fables type of "The moral of this story is..")  

I laughed for a frightening long moment when I saw this question. I have been informed by my readers—particularly my mother and my sister—that there are very strong messages and morals in a lot of my books.

I did not, for any novel, go out to write a moral of the story. I set out to write a story about the lives of characters. So, here’s my counter question: Can a story about people not have a moral? People are so dynamic and chase after things so much… that I think every life has a moral of the story in it somewhere.

What the moral of the story is, however, is up for each reader to decide. I didn’t go into writing any of my novels to bring some subtle message, though… but I’m sure they are there, somewhere.

 

Which format of book do you prefer, eBook, hardback, or paperback?

I love them all. Books are books, no matter which format my books come in. However, there are some caveats to this.

If I’m taking a bath, I prefer a paperback. (Less money wasted if I dump the book in the tub and ruin it.)

If I’m reading in an airport, I like hardbacks. They can act as weapons as well as entertainment. (No creepy guys are going to come at me without me being dangerous with my hardback book!)

If I’m reading in bed… I like ebooks. I can hide under the blankets and read without needing a flashlight.

 

Do you think books transfer to movies well? Which is you favorite/worst book to movie transfer?

Your favorite food is?  

I absolutely adore a burrito grande from a Mexican fast-food style joint up the road from my husband’s office. They have a salsa bar. An entire bar dedicated to like eight different types of salsa. My husband goes and picks me up takeout sometime… and it’s just amazing. I just can’t make this at home; they guard those salsa recipes with their lives! (One day, one day, my precious.)

For the curious, a burrito grande is either chicken or beef, Mexican rice, lettuce, guacamole, black beans, sour cream, and some other delicious ingredients I don’t know the name of. It’s also quite huge.

They serve it with a salad on the side in this horrifically delicious vinaigrette dressing.

If my husband and I have a disagreement over something and he’s feeling apologetic, one of these will appear and all is forgiven. I’d do almost anything for one of these.

I usually end up with about four of the eight salsas. They’re all so very, very good—how could I just have one?!

… and I think I scared myself with how enthusiastically I wrote about my love of this Mexican place.

 

Your favorite group is?  

I have two absolute favorites; one is mostly instrumental, the other is not. The instrumental one is my top favorite. The Piano Guys create such beautiful music. I’m often writing my novels to their music.

For singer/band, my favorite is Bon Jovi. I wrote an entire novel to ‘It’s My Life’ on repeat. My husband cringes whenever I play that song now… I don’t blame him. It was background noise for me… and three months of torture for him.

 

 

RJ Blain suffers from a Moleskine journal obsession, a pen fixation, and a terrible tendency to pun without warning.

When she isn't playing pretend, she likes to think she's a cartographer and a sumi-e painter. In reality, she herds cats and a husband. She is currently on a quest for a new warrior fish.

In her spare time, she daydreams about being a spy. Should that fail, her contingency plan involves tying her best of enemies to spinning wheels and quoting James Bond villains until she is satisfied.

Blog: http://rjblain.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/rj_blain

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7190903.R_J_Blain

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/RJ-Blain/121746651191778

Book Blast, Giveaway & Interview: Luke’s Temptation by @caramarci

Presented by:

Title: Luke’s Temptation

Series: Redemption #3

Author: Cara Marsi

Audience: Adult

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Formats: E-book

Publisher: Cara Marsi

ASIN: B00MYC97LU

Date Published: Sep 30, 2014  

Anita Santisi is an independent, successful businesswoman with a wounded heart. And some very bad people after her. Break-ins, home invasions, and attempted abductions have turned her comfortable life dangerous. Can she trust her mysterious, sexy new neighbor, Luke Corrado, or is he behind the criminal acts? Special Agent Luke Corrado carries his guilt like a loaded Glock. A woman he loved was murdered because of him. Now, on a new undercover assignment to protect Anita Santisi, he’s determined to redeem himself. What he doesn’t expect is that Anita will tempt him to let down the barriers around his heart. As Anita and Luke find themselves in ever-increasing danger, they must fight to stay alive. Will they open their hearts to each other before it’s too late? Amazon / ITunes / Goodreads / Barnes & Noble More about The Redemption Series

Title: Franco’s Fortune ‘

Series: Redemption #2

Author: Cara Marsi

Pages: 172

ISBN: 9781301731787

ASIN: B00BNA3JQI

Date Published: Feb. 2013

 

"When a female bodyguard is hired to protect a rich playboy, she finds saving his life is easier than protecting her heart." When the past and present collide... Somebody wants rich playboy Franco Callahan dead. When security expert Josephine Fortune arrives on his doorstep thanks to his sister Doriana, Franco finds it hard to refuse. He's had a secret attraction for the diminutive bodyguard since they met at Doriana's wedding five years before. But attraction is all it is. Combat boot-clad Jo is not the kind of woman Franco usually loves and leaves. Which makes the ruse that Jo is his new live-in girlfriend just that until Jo gets a makeover. Suddenly seduction is on his mind and Franco has all the time in the world to pursue it—and Jo. Martial artist Jo can take down men twice her size without blinking, but Franco's appeal outmaneuvers her emotional defenses. Jo's tough exterior hides a dark past, and Franco seems determined to learn her every secret. But he has secrets of his own. The more Franco gets to know Jo, the more he realizes he needs her in his life, and not as his bodyguard. But as the threats to Franco escalate, Jo must use every one of her combat skills to protect him. Can Jo keep both Franco and her heart safe, or will they pay the ultimate price for love?

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Smashwords / Itunes / Kobo  

Title: Logan’s Redemption

Series: Redemption #1

Author: Cara Marsi

Formats: E-book

ASIN: B00BNA3JQI

Date Published: Jan 2014

 

Doriana Callahan's life is unraveling. Someone is stalking her and sabotaging her father's company; her teenage son is rebelling; and Logan Tanner is back in town. For sixteen years she's kept an explosive secret from Logan, a secret he soon discovers. Logan never belonged in Doriana's world, but a long time ago he allowed himself to dream of a future with her, until the awful night he was forced to run. Now he's back and he needs her forgiveness, but first he must forgive himself. Despite the fact that Doriana kept the existence of his son from him, Logan vows to protect her. He races against time to stop the culprit threatening Doriana and works to forge a bond with his son. Can the love and passion that still burn between Doriana and Logan overcome old lies and new dangers? The clock is ticking on a second chance at love. "Logan's Redemption has all the elements that keep the pages turning: romance, passion, thrills and suspense." Linda at Fallen Angel Reviews. "LOGAN'S REDEMPTION by Cara Marsi is a great read, plain and simple. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I definitely give it a Top Pick!" Julie at Romance Reader at Heart Reviews. "Logan's Redemption should definitely be added to your must-read list." My Romance Story Reviews. "Logan ’s Redemption is riveting." Lisa at My Romance Junkies Reviews.

Amazon / Goodreads / Itunes / Barnes & Nobel    

Did you always wanted to be a writer? If not what did you want to be?

Thank you for having me. I wanted to be a writer almost from the time I learned to read. But life got in the way and I didn’t pursue it. I also wanted to be an archeologist, but that didn’t happen either. Instead, I went into the boring corporate world. It wasn’t until much, much later when a friend and I were trading Harlequin romances that we looked at each other one day and said, “We can write one of these.” That started my writing journey. I soon learned that writing is hard work, very hard. But also very rewarding.

When did you first consider yourself a “writer”?

When I completed my first book (unsold).

How long did it take to get your first book published?

Ten long, hard years filled with rejections. But I kept learning and kept writing and I sold A Catered Affair, my first book, to Avalon Books. I’ve since gotten all rights back, revised the book (added in the love scenes I had to take out for Avalon) and I published it myself under the title, A Catered Romance.

Do you do another job except for writing and can you tell us more about it?

I worked for the telephone company for many years. I was a manager when I took early retirement. Then I worked for an insurance company for another 15 years, finally retiring for good in 2008.

What is the name of your latest book, and if you had to summarize it in less than 20 words what would you say?

The latest is book 3 in the Redemption series, Luke’s Temptation.  Danger and desire brew a volatile mix as two wounded souls fight to stay alive and find love.

 

Who is your publisher? Or do you self-publish?

I’ve been published with Avalon Books, The Wild Rose Press, Noble Romance Publishing. I currently have two short stories with Boroughs Publishing Group, and I’ve published a dozen short stories in magazines. However, I now prefer indie publishing.

How long does it usually take you to write a book, from the original idea to finishing writing it?

Usually 18 months. It took up to two years when I worked fulltime. However, I finished Luke’s Temptation in nine months.

What can we expect from you in the future?  ie More books of the same genre? Books of a different genre?

I’m getting ready to publish a short Christmas romance that will be the first in a series. In 2015, I plan to publish a short romance story set in Italy, Capri Nights. And I plan to write a sequel to my award-winning book, A Groom for Christmas.

What genre would you place your books into?

 Romance.

What made you decide to write that genre of book?

 I love a good love story and I love happy endings. Romance novels are life-affirming, and we all need that. Plus I love to read and write about hot men.

Do you have a favorite character from your books? And why are they your favorite?

Like any romance author, asking us to choose a favorite character is like asking a mother to choose among her children. I love all my heroes and heroines. When I’m writing a story, I fall in love with that hero.

How long have you been writing?, and who or what inspired you to write?

I’ve been writing longer than I want to admit. What inspired me is I love books and I wanted to write the kinds of books I like to read. I’ve made up stories in my head since childhood. I wanted to give life to those stories.

Do you have a certain routine you have for writing? ie You listen to music, sit in a certain chair?

I have an office where I’m surrounded by bookcases filled with my favorite books. The office has an en suite bathroom because it was once a first-floor bedroom. My husband jokes that if I had a TV, fridge, and microwave in the office, he’d never see me. My routine on most days is: feed Killer, my cat, and feed Tortie, the feral cat I take care of; then read the paper while eating breakfast; exercise for an hour; shower, lunch, then write. I try to write at least 1,000 words a day, which is how I finished Luke’s Temptation so quickly.

Do you read all the reviews of your book/books?

 I do, but there are some I wish I hadn’t read.

Do you choose a title first, or write the book then choose the title?

Title first. I may change the title as I write, but I need to know my title first.

How do you come up with characters names and place names in your books?

Sometimes the characters pop into my head. Other times, I get ideas from news articles or the people around me. Most of my books are set in places I know well or have visited. I sometimes change the place name, but they’re always based on real places.

Are character names and place names decided after their creation? Or do you pick a character/place name and then invent them?

I decide first who the characters are and where the story will be set.

Do you decide on character traits (ie shy, quiet, tomboy girl) before writing the whole book or as you go along?

I write out character sketches in longhand before I start a story. I have to know my characters. However, the characters change as the story progresses.

Are there any hidden messages or morals contained in your books? (Morals as in like Aesops Fables type of "The moral of this story is..")

I try to have my h/h each learn a lesson from their journey.

Which format of book do you prefer, eBook, hardback, or paperback?

I love books in all formats, but I adore my Kindle.

What is your favorite book and Why?  Have you read it more than once?

Green Darkness by Anya Seton. It came out in the 70’s. My hardback copy has pages coming loose because I read the book about five times. I love it because it has romance, suspense, thrills, history and reincarnation.

 

Do you think books transfer to movies well? Which is you favorite/worst book to movie transfer?

Some books will transfer to movies well, but most don’t. However, I read and loved all the Harry Potter books and I think those translated very well to movies.

 

Your favorite food is?

Wine. Oh, wait, that’s not a food, right? I love most foods and I’m willing to try almost anything. I’ve eaten alligator, kangaroo, snails. But I won’t eat monkey brains.

Your favorite singer/group is?

The Beatles.

Your favorite color is?

Green. My heroines wear a lot of green, and a green handbag figures prominently in my romantic suspense, Murder, Mi Amore.

Your favorite Author is?

I have so many, but one of my faves is Heather Graham.

        Cara Marsi, an award-winning author and self-proclaimed TV junkie, is a former corporate drone and cubicle dweller. Freed from her fabric-covered cage, she can now indulge her love of all things romance. She craves books with happy endings and loves to write about independent heroines and the strong heroes who love them. And she loves to put her characters in dangerous situations or situations merely dangerous to their hearts and watch them fight for the happy endings they deserve. An eclectic author, Cara is published in romantic suspense, paranormal romance, and contemporary romance. She's also published numerous short romance stories in national women's magazines and online. When not traveling or dreaming of traveling, Cara and her husband live on the East Coast in a house ruled by their fat black diva of a cat named Killer. Amazon / Facebook / Website / Twitter / Goodreads / Smashwords Tour Schedule - One Week Blog Tour for Luke’s Temptation, Redemption Series #3 by Cara Marci from Dec 1 to 9, 2014 Dec 1 Cherry0blossoms - Promo http://cherry0blossoms.blogspot.co.uk/ Bound 2 Escape - Promo http://www.bound2escape.com Fictional Rendezvous Book Blog - Promo http://fictionalrendezvousbookblog.blogspot.com/ BabyCakes Book Blog - Promo http://google.com/+CharBabyCakesWilcoxson The Adult Cover (And Everything in Between) - Author Interview http://theadultcoverbybritt.blogspot.com/ Dec 2 Read That - Promo & Review http://www.sookie72.wordpress.com Smile Somebody Loves You - Promo & Top Ten http://SSLYblog.wordpress.com Dec 3 Uniquec’s Book Blog - Promo & Review http://uniquecsblog.blogspot.ca/ Sweet Treat Reading Reviews - Promo http://strreviews.blogspot.com/ Eclipse Reviews - Promo & Character Interview http://www.eclipsereviews.weebly.com The Adult Cover (And Everything in Between) - Character Interview http://theadultcoverbybritt.blogspot.com/ Dec 4 Rustys Reading - Promo http://www.rustysreading.blogspot.com Cover Reveals - Promo http://CoverReveals.blogspot.com Portals To New Worlds - Promo & Author Interview http://authorkarenswart.blogspot.com Dec 5 The Adult Cover (And Everything in Between) - Top Ten http://theadultcoverbybritt.blogspot.com/ Darkest Cravings - Promo & Top Ten http://www.darkestcravings.weebly.com Dec 8 Jen's Reading Obsession - Promo & Review http://jensreadingobsession.blogspot.com/ A One-click Addict's Book Blog - Promo http://aone-clickaddictsbookblog.blogspot.com/ The Idle Musings of a Writer's Mind - Promo & Author Interview http://theidlemusingsofawritersmind.blogspot.com The Adult Cover (And Everything in Between) - Guest Post http://theadultcoverbybritt.blogspot.com/ Dec 9 Girlygirlbookreviews - Promo & Review http://www.girlygirlbookreviews.com/ Archaeolibrarian - I dig good books! - Promo http://archaeolibrarianologist.blogspot.de/ The Adult Cover (And Everything in Between) - Promo http://theadultcoverbybritt.blogspot.com/ Vampy And Racey - Promo & Review http://vampyandracey.com

Book Blast & Giveaway: Highland Storm by @VictoriaZak2

   BOOK INFORMATION

TITLE – Highland Storm SERIES – Guardians of Scotland series #2 AUTHOR – Victoria Zak GENRE – Scottish historical fantasy romance PUBLICATION DATE – Jan 13 2015 COVER ARTIST – JAB Designs

     BOOK SYNOPSIS

A long forgotten Ancient kingdom has been awakened and threatens to change the Dragonkine world forever.

Can passion weather the dragon’s storm?

The only true pleasures in life Conall Hamilton yearned for were to marry a good woman, raise a family, and hide away into seclusion to live a normal life away from battle and war, not an easy task for the Dragonkine warrior and Clan Douglas’s second in command. Assigned to investigate an allied clan, he vows upon his return to marry his love, Effie. That’s until the Dragonkine warrior finds himself accused of a crime he did not commit, murder. Imprisoned, he must find a way to escape not only to save his own life but to save the life of the woman he loves.

In time the past will catch up with you…

Effie Douglas is a survivor. Though not born a Douglas, Effie leaves her old life behind to seek safety within Clan Douglas. For five years Conall Hamilton has been her secret lover and savior, helping her pick up the pieces of her damaged past. Hiding the true nature of their relationship from their clan had become a burden for the red-headed lass and now she desires more. She wants Conall’s name. When Effie is summoned home, she is plagued with unwanted memories, treachery, and new found information that will change her life forever. Will Effie have the courage and strength to weather the storm that rages around her?

   PRE-ORDER BUY & TBR LINKS

AMAZON KINDLE US – AMAZON KINDLE AU – AMAZON KINDLE UK

   AUTHOR BIO

Growing up in the sister city to Stirling, Scotland, Sottish flare was abundant throughout Dunedin. From her High School band to the annual Highland Games that took place right across the street from her childhood home, the bagpipes beckoned her toward her calling. It seemed only natural for Victoria Zak to want to write in the Scottish historical romance genre. Add to the fact, she was also a paranormal romance junkie, there was no doubt that her influences would be the driving force behind her stories.

Although, she never sought out a writing career, her desire for the written word grew the more she read. Her love for Scotland, curiosity of history, and passion for romance has inspired her to write her first book, Highland Burn. The Guardians of Scotland series continues this winter with Highland Storm.

Now, Victoria Zak lives in the sunshine state with her husband, two beautiful children, and three furry friends. Living in paradise, being a stay at home, and to be able to share her stories has been a blessing.

Victoria loves to hear from her readers. You can connect with her through FB, Twitter, G+, and her website, www.victoriazalromance.com.

AUTHOR FOLLOW LINKS

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE – WEBSITE / BLOG – Newsletter - FB Page - FB Profile - TWITTER – GOOGLE+ - GOODREADS

Please help share the authors Thunderclap campaign

Hi everyone :) I just started a Thunderclap campaign for my new release Highland Storm and I would love your support. Supporting my campaign is easy peasy. All you have to do is click on this link http://bit.ly/1Adacss and add your support. That’s it.

What is thunderclap you ask… Thunderclap is a crowd-speaking platform that will blast out a timed Twitter, Facebook, or Tumblr post from all my supporters (you), creating a wave of attention. If you want to know more about Thunderclap click this link. https://www.thunderclap.it/?locale=en.

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