Lynelle Clark's Blog, page 99

Release Day Event of Bride Undone By Kate Deveaux. You can read an Excerpt from the new book and enter the giveaway.

A Romantica® erotic romance from Ellora’s CavePublisher: Ellora’s CaveGeneral Release: April 11, 2014ISBN: 9781419903540Hosted By: Book Promotions by Literary Nook


                                                                    

Ellora’s Cave | Amazon | Barnes & Noble  
Synopsis This bride takes ‘I do’ to a whole new level — just not with the groom. In one week Chloe will walk down the aisle. Yet she’s a bride who can’t stop spying on the weddings of total strangers. Desperate to catch a glimpse of what true love really looks like, she is having serious second thoughts about tying the knot. Until she meets Wes — the sexy long lost father of her groom. The hunk from Texas confirms her worst fears. She is marrying the wrong man. Battling her intense attraction for Wes, the flame between them burns too hot to resist. Chloe and Wes give into their scorching passion and struggle with the consequences of their love.

                                                     

EXCERPT

Chloe spotted the long hallway from last night. Bingo. She was getting close. She hurried down the teak-paneled hall and paused at the closed door at the end. The heavy wood door. The door she’d had trouble opening last night when Wes had placed his hand over hers. An electric current flashed through her when he touched her, something she never felt with Conner.Taking a deep breath, she gathered her courage and opened the door, practically flying backward before she got her balance as she stepped inside. She stopped abruptly once inside.No sign of Wes. Damn. He was probably already at the board meeting. Ugh, she’d have to wait for him. Chloe just prayed he hadn’t done anything stupid as she slowly glanced around the room, taking in the details she’d missed last night. The large metal-and-glass desk, the collection of sculptures at one end of the room, the comfy clubroom couch and occasional chairs, sailing trophies and the gorgeous Kashan carpet on the floor. Must have cost a mint. She loved those Persian carpets but had never had a client with pockets deep enough to buy one.The door opened and Chloe jumped.“Chloe?” Wes said in surprise. He froze in the doorway, his jaw set tight and his eyes dark.“Wes, I had to come talk to you.”“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” He glanced out behind him into the hall nervously. “I told you I am sorry.” He stepped inside the doorway, leaving the door wide open.He walked over to his desk and rested his fingers on the glass. “We really shouldn’t be together. I’m leaving today.”“No, no, Wes.” She moved toward him. “It’s not your fault.”Wes’s eyes changed from amber to dark espresso. “I have to get to a board meeting. Please go, Chloe.”Her eyes searched his and she saw pain in his dark gaze. “I can’t.” She moved one step closer to him.Wes shook his head. “I shouldn’t have come for the wedding. None of this would have happened.”“Yes…yes, you should have.” A hint of desperation crept through her. “Well actually there isn’t going to be a wedding, but that’s not your fault.” She searched for the right words. “I was having second thoughts before you ever arrived. I was going to churches and watching complete strangers get married. The wedding was doomed before you ever got here.” Her words tumbled out faster than she could think them.Wes said nothing, but his raised eyebrows and taut neck muscles told her she wasn’t getting through to him.“I knew what Conner and I had wasn’t right, that there was something missing.” She knew she was babbling but she had to let him know how she felt. “I have feelings for you, Wes….feelings I can’t hide. You probably think I’m crazy, spying on strangers’ weddings, but it just wasn’t right, me and Conner. And when I met you I knew. The minute I met you.” Tears welled in her eyes.Wes looked stunned, as if someone had punched him in the stomach. She thought he was going to bolt from the room. He stood there staring at her before striding quickly toward the open door.Instead of leaving, he paused and looked back at her and then shut the door and deliberately pressed the lock button. He said nothing, turning on his heels, walking back to his desk, placing his hand on the phone.Shit, he was going to phone Conner. He was going to keep her there captive in his office and call Conner and tell him what a nut bar his fiancée was.Immobile, she watched him as he picked up the phone.“Marie. Cancel the board meeting.” He looked up at Chloe and they locked eyes. Chloe’s stomach flipped and she started to tremble as Wes spoke into the phone. “Some new information came and in and I need time to review it. Send them all back downstairs, will you?”He hung up the phone and stood behind the desk, his posture tense. Chloe’s heart pounded in her chest.“Chloe,” he said gently, coming around the front of the desk, but carefully keeping his distance from her.“You might have cold feet. Everyone does. It’s natural.” His eyes softened to amber but she could see the tension in his taut neck muscles remained, belying his calming tone. “I didn’t mean to lead you on.”Dammit. How dare he think he’d led her on? How dare he discount her feelings so casually and sound so condescending? She knew he felt it when they kissed. And he must be scared. She was too. His expression hardened and she braced for his rebuke.Wes looked at her, but was silent.“Wes, it’s not your fault.” She struggled to convince him. “But I can’t marry your son, I have feelings for you and I can’t ignore them. I don’t want to,” she said, stepping toward him, praying he didn’t push her away.He didn’t move, just stood there stone faced.“Don’t tell me you don’t feel it too.” She gazed at his chiseled face, his strong jaw, the flicker of gold in his eyes making her melt inside as they turned tender.“Chloe,” he said softly, making her body melt. “What am I going to do with you?”“You feel it too, don’t you?” She narrowed the space between them until she could feel the heat off his body and the thrum of his pulse.“Fuck,” he cursed as he looked down at his cowboy boots and then slowly back up at her. He shook his head as if in defeat and grasped her, pulling her to him. He pressed her body hard against his, jarring her with the impact, but loving the strength in his embrace.


                                           

Author Bio
                                                          

KATE DEVEAUX is a contemporary, erotic romance writer and die-hard romantic. It was after reading Jane Eyre in high school, that she became hooked on the idea of writing about romance, excitement and drama. Kate has been penning stories, from the sensual to the sinfully sexy, ever since! A former wedding planner, Kate has always been "in love" with love! She was inspired to transition from writing racy short stories to full length manuscripts after meeting other authors in the romance world at industry workshops, conferences and events. Now a multi published contemporary romance novelist, Kate is a member of Savvy Author, Romance Writers of America (RWA) as well as their erotic romance chapter, Passionate Ink. Born in London, England, Kate has lived in both the U.K. and the U.S. When she’s not busy writing or reading, Kate can be found on the tennis court—yes, there’s even "love" in that game too! What’s Kate up to next? Kate is busy completing several books for release 2014, each filled with sexy romance, heroines who are no shrinking violets, and heroes who make your heart skip a beat… Coming soon in 2014….Platinum Pleasures and A Vixen in Venice



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Sometimes the best remedy for cold feet is a red hot Texan.

                                                           

Book Blast and Giveaway for 'When Ice Melts'

Paperback: 294 pagesPublisher: Al Tonya Washington (January 3, 2014)ISBN-10: 0989145557ISBN-13: 978-0989145558Genre: Romantic Suspense/ Women FictionAge group: Adult 18+
About The Book Icia Graham’s love affair with Rakim Transou had the makings of a fairy tale romance with the happily ever after ending, until the night of Rakim’s college graduation party. For Icia, it was the night her life was forever changed. So desperate to escape the horrific memories she’d suddenly been saddled with, Icia left school and the man she loved. The years passed and; in that time, both Rakim and Icia reached goals that carried them to the heights of success. For Rakim it was a powerful advertising agency that brought him a respected and revered name in the business. Icia’s accomplishment was a bit darker, but no less revered and she had no desire to revisit the past and be tortured by thoughts of love lost with the only man she’d ever wanted. A series of events however, would bring Icia right back to where she swore she’d never return. Once more Rakim Transou was back in her life and she was simultaneously overjoyed and distraught. How could she start anew with the man who still meant everything to her, when there were so many secrets between them? When the need for vengeance on those; who were still very much a part of Rakim’s life, still raged so viciously inside her?




About The Author AlTonya Washington has been a published romance novelist for 10 years. In 2013, her Harlequin Kimani novel "His Texas Touch" won the Romantic Times Magazine Reviewer's Choice Award for Best Series Romance of 2012. In addition to being an author, AlTonya also works as a college Reference Librarian. Writing as T. Onyx, AlTonya released her latest erotica "Ravenous: Ruler of Perfection II" in 2013.Her newest title with Harlequin Kimani is "Provocative Passion" nominated for an AMB Ovation Award for Outstanding Interracial Romance and the sequel to the January 2013 release "Provocative Territory". In November she will release "A Lover's Debt", the 17th title in the Ramsey Tesano saga.


Buy Links Amazon ebook: http://amzn.to/1luSPdnAmazon paperback: http://amzn.to/1i7KQ1zBarnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1dUKRdK


Social Links: Email: altonya@lovealtonya.comWebsite: http://www.lovealtonya.comWebsite: www.alsreaders.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/altonyawTwitter: www.twitter.com/RamseysgirlTour Hosted by WNL Book Tour www.wnlbooktours.comAuthor Tour Schedule: http://wnlbooktours.com/altonya-washington-when-ice-melts/



Excerpt


"Here you go, Val," Rakim Transou was saying to his assistant as he signed the last of the three contracts on his desk. "I don't have time, man," he grumbled to his Vice President.Charles 'Cory" Henderson shook his head at his boss and best friend, before perching his lean body on the edge of the desk. "You need to think about this, Kimm.""Is that it, Valerie?" Rakim sighed, pleased to see his mound of work slowly dissolving.Val scanned the documents and smiled. "That's it," she sang and headed out of the office."Kimm, what's the point of owning this place if you're not gonna have fun runnin' it?" Cory asked, once Val was gone.Rakim ran both hands over his soft, close-cut hair. "The last thing I need to do is waste my day looking at pictures.""Of models," Cory pointed out, smiling devilishly. "Do you know how stress-relieving that can be?"Rakim groaned. "Here we go," he said, leaning back in his leather swivel chair. "You know I get tired of you telling me how sad my life is. If I hadn't been focused on business all these years, you wouldn't be working for one of the most successful ad agencies in the country."Cory nodded, familiar with the speech. He cleared his throat and braced his hands on top of the polished cherry wood desk. "And given that you own one of the most successful agencies in the country, why can't you have some fun?"Rakim leaned forward to pin Cory with his deep, obsidian stare. "I don't want one of the most successful agencies. I want the most successful agency, period."Cory slapped a hand against his bald head. "Man, thinking like that'll never get you a steady woman.""I can live with that," Rakim easily replied, focusing his attention on the appointment book lying open on the desk."I give up," Cory mumbled and walked out of the plush, twentieth floor office.Alone, Rakim allowed the facade to fade. He massaged the bridge of his nose, then opened the bottom desk drawer and pulled a tattered envelope from the back. The expression was fixed, intense on his handsome, dark-chocolate face. His midnight gaze was riveted on the contents of the note he knew by heart.
Rakim,I'm so sorry I couldn’t be there today. Something's happened and I have to leave. I'll be changing schools. Don't try to find me. My parents won't tell you anything. I hate doing this to you, but I can't see you again.  I just can't. I do love you-so much. It's really better like this. I love you, but if you hate me now, I understand.  Coco.
            As usual, once Rakim finished reading the letter, he pressed the page to his nose. He swore he could still smell her perfume clinging to it.The relationship they shared had been so right. She was everything to him and he trusted her with his life. When he walked into his bedroom the afternoon of the graduation, his entire world changed. He found the note lying in the center of the bed. Icia Graham had taken anything else that would have reminded him of her-including all the pictures. The brief letter provided no answers. It was most effective; however, in helping him lose his temper. Rakim grunted as he remembered the way he demolished the house. Cory and Fred had been so spooked by his mood that they left him alone for a week.Just then, Cory's earlier comments filtered his mind. He had completely buried himself in work after Icia left. He took the job he'd been offered in Richmond and worked there while obtaining his Masters degree. Afterwards, he went back home to Houston and put everything he had into building his company. Now, The Transou Agency was respected by its competitors and clients alike.
Of course, Rakim acknowledged that his private life may have suffered. Not that there weren't women. There had been several. Unfortunately, he only had to be in the relationship for a matter of months, before he began to compare his companion to Icia. Not even that flaw could keep the women away, though. Rakim Transou's good looks seem to intensify with age. He stood well over six feet and had been blessed with a flawless deep chocolate complexion and the type of lean, muscular frame that flattered everything he wore. The thick, curly afro he used to sport had been trimmed to a close-cut fade. The style only enhanced his pitch, deep-set eyes and sleek brows. His wide mouth was made more enticing by the set of double dimples which appeared whenever he spoke or smiled.

Author is giving away $10.00 Amazon Gift Card, One signed autograph copy and one ebook copy of When Ice Melts.
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Interview with Meredith Allard. Review for Her Loving husband's curse #2 in The Loving Husband Trilogy.

Meredith AllardAuthor’s Interview Questions          1.     Are you famous is the general question I get when family and friends introduces me to their friends. It always left me with a pause as quick comebacks filters through my mind but ending up saying something like ….”Oh gee thanks” and give a shy smile, silly I know but the idea unsettles me. (a)Does this happen to you and (b) what do you say?
To my family and friends I’m just Meredith so I don’t get introduced at “My daughter the writer.” When people ask me what I do, and I tell them I’m a writer, they don’t seem overawed, which is good because if I ever were asked the question about being famous, I would respond exactly as you do!
     2.     In general do you like to talk about you writing and published books or are you very close-lip about it? If no why?
It depends on who I’m talking to. If I’m talking to other writers or readers, I can talk about my books until the cows come home. When people contact me with questions, I’m more than happy to answer any and all questions about writing and my books (as evidenced here today).
In my day to day life, though, I have to say I’m pretty closed lipped about being a writer. At my day job, I don’t mention it at all. One of the things I’ve learned is that people aren’t always happy for you when success happens. I’ve had to learn that those reactions are more about them than about me.
      3.     What book/s are you currently writing and what is it about?
My newest novel, That You Are Here, has just been released. It’s a very different style of story for me. No vampires in that one. It’s a love story, which shouldn’t be too much of a surprise to readers of The Loving Husband Trilogy, but it’s set completely in the present day, which is different for me.
Now that That You Are Here is out in the world, I’m focusing on my next novel, which is a combination of my love for Dickens, my interest in Victorian London, and my fascination with Downton Abbey. No vampires in that one either. At least I don’t think so.
     4.     Why this particular genre?
Genre is an interesting question for me because I write in many different genres. The Loving Husband Trilogy is paranormal and historical. I have three other novels that are historical fiction, and That You Are Here is completely contemporary. The truth is I write whatever interests me at the time, and my interests are varied, so I end up writing in many different genres about many different topics.


      5.     What inspire or motivate you to write?
I’m inspired by so many different things. Sometimes I’m inspired by books I read. Sometimes I’m inspired by television shows or movies. Sometimes it’s just a passing fancy. I’ve learned to pay attention to the motivation because there may be a novel in there somewhere.
     6.     What is the writing process like for you?
I write at my desk in my apartment in the afternoons. I have a day job, so I usually get to my desk around 4 p.m., and I work until 8 p.m. My process is I procrastinate as long as I can on my social media pages on Twitter, Facebook, Google +, and my favorite, Pinterest. Then I procrastinate looking for something to watch on TV. Then I procrastinate by checking my e-mail. Then I procrastinate by feeding the cats. At some point in the process I do finally start writing. When I’m writing a first draft I type 1500 words a day (I used the word type on purpose since I’m not writing anything worth anything then). When I’m into the second and later drafts I get to work a little more readily since I have a stronger sense of what I’m doing.
     7.     How did/do you teach yourself to write?
I was an English major in college, so that gave me a firm groundwork to start with. I took a lot of creative writing classes. Then it took a lot of years of trial and error finding a style, a voice that suited me. I also teach writing, and every time I teach writing I learn something new myself. I’m still learning how to be a better writer. I think that’s something you never stop learning.
     8.     What aspect of the craft do you think is most difficult to learn?
For me, finding my own voice was hard. I had these writers I loved like Charles Dickens and Toni Morrison and I wanted to write like them, but I’d make a second-rate Dickens and a particularly lousy Morrison. I had to learn how to take the aspects of their styles that I loved and incorporate it into my own way of speaking on paper.

     9.     What has been the most encouraging comment someone has made about your writing?
There have been too many to name. I have been genuinely blessed in the way my books have been received by readers. I know my books aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but there are readers who really get the stories, and I’m so grateful.
When Her Dear & Loving Husband, Book One in the Loving Husband Trilogy, was first published, I was amazed by some of the four and five star reviews that were out there. I couldn’t believe people would say such nice things about my book. That was definitely encouraging. It helped me realize I was on the right track writing down these crazy story ideas that occurred to me.
     10.  What is the best and/ or worst part of being a writer? 
     I love that quote from Dorothy Parker, something along the lines of “I hate writing. I love having written.” Writing is the best and the worst part of being a writer. It takes a lot of effort for me to get the words on the page in a way I’m happy with. I can see the story so clearly in my head, and it’s always a challenge to get the words on the page to match the movie I see behind my eyes.
     11.   Any advice for struggling writers?            The best advice is to write. I know it sounds obvious, but one thing I found from being a writing teacher is that people love to talk about writing, but they don’t often sit down and write. The only way to grow as a writer is to put words onto paper, every day if you can.
     12.  What is your favorite genre to read or write?                   I love to read historical fiction, and I mostly write historical fiction as well.
     13.  Favorite author?            Charles Dickens. I started writing novels after I read David Copperfield and Great Expectations.
                                                             
      14.  What did you do before you became a writer? 
      I was a teacher, and I’m still a teacher today. I love teaching and I’m lucky I get to do the two things I love most—writing and teaching.
                                                                  15.  Was it a life long dream or triggered recently? 
       I knew from the fourth grade that I wanted to be a teacher, so it was definitely a lifelong dream.
      16.   Do you have a bucket/ to-do list and would you share at least two things on it?       I’ve never been the bucket list type. I take each day as it comes. My main goal is to write as many books as I can before my time is up. I interviewed the master historical novelist John Jakes years ago, and I remember when he said there’s never enough time to write all the books you want to write. I believe that’s true.
     17. Most daring thing or experience you have done you would like to share?
      I’m not a particularly adventurous person, I’m afraid. I think that’s why I love writing fiction so much. When I’m writing stories I can do things and go places I wouldn’t dare in real life.
                                                            
      18.   This or that questions:         ·        Coffee or Tea – I love both, but most days it’s coffee.        ·        Sweet or savory – Definitely sweet. I have a powerful sweet tooth.        ·        Home make meal or takeouts – I do love to cook, so I’m always looking for     new recipes for homemade meals.        ·        Winter or summer – Summer. I love the sunshine.        ·        Night owl or Early Bird – I’m a night owl, and I have yet to make peace with having to wake up early (meaning before 10 a.m.) in the morning.         ·        Telephone or visits – Visits. I have a hearing loss and hate talking on the phone.        ·        Which social network do you prefer? Love me some Pinterest. I could pin all day if I had the time. That’s where I find a lot of my recipes (see #3).        ·        Blogger or website? Blog. I love the flexibility it allows me.        ·        What does your family say about your career? Supportive or Clueless.    Mainly supportive, though oddly most of them haven’t read my books!
And FinallyMoto/wisdom in life you live by. 
I love this from Marianne Williamson. It’s a lesson I’m still learning.Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?                         ~Marianne Williamson
Contact details and buy links of the newest books you would
like the readers to know.
Meredith’s Blog
Her Loving Husband’s Curse and the entire Loving Husband Trilogy are available at:
Amazon / BN / iTunes




About the book
How far will you go to protect the one you love?

Finally, after many long and lonely years, James Wentworth’s life is falling into place. Together with his wife, Sarah, the only woman he has ever loved, he has found the meaning behind her nightmares about the Salem Witch Trials, and now they are rebuilding the life they began together so long ago.

But the past is never far behind for the Wentworths. While Sarah is haunted by new visions, now about the baby she carried over three hundred years before, James is confronted with painful memories from his time with the Cherokee on the Trail of Tears. Through it all, the persistent reporter Kenneth Hempel reappears, still determined to prove that the undead walk the earth. If Hempel succeeds in his quest, James and Sarah will suffer. Will the curse of the vampire prevent James and Sarah from living their happily ever after?

Her Loving Husband’s Curse is Book Two of the Loving Husband Trilogy. Book One, Her Dear & Loving Husband, is now available from Copperfield Press.

My 5 Star review
I received the book from the touring host for an honest review. 
Her Loving Husband's Curse is the second book in the Trilogy, and I was fortunate to read the first as well. Book 2 continues a year later as the lives of James and Sarah comes more under the spotlight; now married and trying to make a normal life for themselves. 
In book 1 we met them as single people, both searching for something they could only find with each other. As Sarah's dreams led them towards each other, secrets and mysteries unfolded that made that book an amazing read. Sarah was led to the town of Salem where she discovered she had a husband and was pregnant. But the biggest shock had been that she was hanged as a witch during the Witch hunt of 1692. 
James, her husband, now vampire waited for her for over three hundred years to return to him. A very unique love story that takes you back to that horrific time in history.
Now they were ready to move on as a 'normal' couple but once again dreams terrified Sarah with no idea of what it meant. James had more secrets that he kept from her, all to protect her from his curse. The more things unruffled in the book, the more he cursed the life he was leading, not willing that his family would suffer from the curse. 
In this book the focus was on the Trails of Tears and what the Cherokee people endured during that time in history. It was a very emotional and horrific time; the author had woven it into the story brilliantly; helping you to understand what they'd experienced on that three month long road where loved ones were left dead, with barely enough water or food to survive the harsh conditions.
We met many of the previous characters in this book once again, with a few new ones to add more twists in the tale. Kenneth Hempel is back of course, determined to expose the vampire community to the world through his blog. With more focus on James as he tries to avoid the frenzy he knew would follow. With Hempel's death it just exhilarated. 
As with all myths there is pro and cons of why we need to know the truth and people's reactions remained the same; if it were during the Witch trails or the Trails of Tears, people's attitudes never changed; I think the author did a wonderful work highlighting this fact.Once again I was touched by the author's compassionate writing as she wrote this book with the high and lows of humanity and how we react to the unfamiliar, and I was not disappointed at all. The emotional roller coaster as James searched for answers to protect the woman he loves with all his 'heart'. His devotion to Sarah was astounding, his love visible in every word and touch. 
Both the characters have grown in their relationship with each other, both looking for more in life, ready to settle and have a family; each established in their careers. When the parenting question came to light, you knew more twist will follow. Once again the author took the paranormal further but yet kept it realistic and believable. I think it's a great edition to this series and I cannot wait to start with book 3.

Promo Blitz of Sara-Kate’s Spirit By Natalie-Nicole Bates. Excerpt and Enter the giveaway.

Giveaway – One $20 Amazon Gift Card
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Title: Sara Kate's SpiritAuthor: Natalie-Nicole BatesGenre: Paranormal RomanceHosted By: Book Promotions by Literary Nook
Fallen spirit guide Sara-Kate has cocooned herself into an isolating, lonely life on earth. After a series of devastating incidents, she now prefers solitude to contact with others. Her quiet existence is shattered when one night outside of her home, Sara-Kate awakens to the sound of a horrible accident, and finds a man near death. She offers comfort to the dying man before setting off back home. Soon after, a knock at the door brings a surprise. The dead man has somehow managed to follow her home! Reed Thayer is dead, and doesn’t know it. As Sara-Kate struggles with how to tell Reed about his new existence, her feelings for him continue to grow and a relationship blooms. She knows nothing will ever be the same for them when he finally learns the truth, and that their new found love may die when all is revealed.

Praise for Sara Kate’s Spirit- “On the surface, "Sara-Kate’s Spirit" seems like a light little paranormal—it is not. Although it is novella-size, it is crammed full of emotion and deep character development. The reader feels for Sara-Kate, for her past pain and her current predicament with Reed.” 5 star TOP PICK ~ Night Owl Reviews


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ExcerptSara-Kate’s peaceful sleep was shattered by the sound of crunching metal and images of black smoke. If she were conscious, the decision would be easy. She would shut out the world and stay in her comfortable bed. It wasn’t her job anymore to worry about the welfare of people in trouble. As it was now, she still went above and beyond what was expected of her. But often in sleep, the unconscious overrides common sense, and the emotions of spirit were harder to keep in check. Sara-Kate rose out of her body with the grace of a butterfly. With her feet hovering several inches from the oak floor, she floated from the bedroom, down the staircase, and through the front door as if it wasn’t there. Her instincts carried her through her front garden, beyond the gate and onto the road—the place she never ventured to in her human form. Her self-imposed exile wasn’t because she was cold or cruel, she simply couldn’t face any more heart breaking loss. To stay inside her own piece of heaven was to keep her heart safe. Besides, there were strict rules when it came to spirits and the living. Something looked different. Even though she never left the sanctuary of her home, she knew how the road beyond looked, the layout of the houses. This place was different. This was another dimension. She died a long time earlier, and could pass through dimensions with ease. Occasionally, she couldn’t control it—like tonight. It happened before. Still, no matter where she travelled, she still managed to find her way home. Now, there was a matter at hand. An acrid smoke filled the air, a sure sign an accident occurred on the unfamiliar road. This was confirmed by the sight of twisted metal. Bittersweet emotion filled Sara-Kate. While it was true that a human life was most likely lost, a soul would move on to a new plane of existence, where peace and love might be waiting. A plane Sara-Kate never rose to. She drifted to the car, one time a fancy little red import, and passed through the window. and into the passenger seat. By the look at the interior, the car’s airbag failed to deploy, and lurched its driver forward against the restraints. Her eyes focused on the driver, by his uneven breathing, he was still alive, just barely. Blood bubbled from his nose, and his eyes fixed to the ceiling. She leaned over and smoothed back his long dark hair from his face. Laying a gentle hand against his forehead, she tried to instill healing into the man, but her instinct told her clearly her healing would not be enough to save him. Instead, she hoped her touch would instead bring him comfort. His head turned only enough to connect his eyes to hers. Shock rocked her. Could he actually see her? There was a fear and disbelief in his eyes for sure, but he was focused on her eyes, as well. Even at the brink of death, no one ever detected her before. Now she thought, he’s very, very special. He would go on to do amazing things in his next existence, and that brought Sara-Kate great joy. “Just let go,” she encouraged. “I don’t want to die,” he whispered, his voice thick and raspy. “It will be better, Reed, I promise.” “You know my name. You must be some kind of angel.” She smiled. “Not exactly. I’m just here to help you transition into your new life.” Tears poured from his eyes. “Please don’t leave me.” “I’m not going anywhere, she said, and sent as much comfort and love through her hand and into his body as she could muster, without completely draining herself. Sirens blared off in the distance, and Reed’s breath became ragged. As he took his final breath, she lifted her hand from his forehead, and pressed a kiss against his cool skin. When she saw the flashing red and blue lights of police and ambulance vehicles, she decided to make her exit from the scene. There was nothing more she could do now but return home to her own dimension, to her body and her bed.
Author BioNatalie-Nicole Bates is a book reviewer and author. Her passions in life include books and hockey along with Victorian and Edwardian era photography and antique poison bottles. Natalie contributes her uncharacteristic love of hockey to being born in Russia. She currently resides in the UK where she is working on her next book and adding to her collection of 19th century post-mortem photos. Visit Natalie online at www.natalienicolebates.com

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Announcing a Release day Blitz for 'Everything I want'.

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Lily is moving forward after her break up with Alfie. Her journey continues through some extremely emotional times during key events, as she becomes more self- assured and begins to develop as an performing artist. It isn't easy for Lily to forget Alfie because of circumstances in Alfie's life. However, Lily is tortured by constant reminders of their time together, and this does little for her resolve to move on.  Although, Lily has made her choice, it is also tinged with sadness. Her love for Alfie remains strong, and she fights a constant internal battle, between loving him and loving her music. Lily thinks it's impossible to have both. A fabulous opportunity arises for Lily, but there is a possibility of this bringing her face to face with Alfie again. Can Lily cope with the emotional turmoil this would bring her? Or, is the risk of seeing Alfie something she feels able to manage now?

Musically, Lily concentrates her efforts much more, which brings success, post Alfie. Through this, she finds friends in some of the most unlikely of circumstances. All of her friends continue to protect her, and are all well aware of the impact Lily's relationship with Alfie has had on her. All apart from Elle, who gives Lily food for thought. Although, Lily's mind is still plagued with memories of Alfie; which continue to impact on her to such an extent, Lily has been unable to form new romantic ties. Professionally, her relationships couldn't be better. She is offered some amazing opportunities rarely available, and is determined to do make the most of them. This is especially important to her, given the sacrifices she has made in the past to do this. Will Lily's music be enough for her, and prove to be everything she ever wanted?



His strong arms held me tightly, like he might never get the chance todo this again. The front of his hard body came flush with mine. I
could feel he was aroused as he tilted his hips into mine. My body
went stiff, and I fought with everything I had inside me to resist
him, but I still craved the closeness with him.

Alfie let out a shuddery breath and kissed the skin on my neck before
drawing his nose the length of it and letting me go. In my head I was
telling myself to get out of there before something happened between
us. Because if it did... I knew I'd be lost to him all over again.




?? HAVEN'T READ THIS SERIES YET ??CATCH UP BEFORE THE RELEASE OF BOOK 3
BOOK 1
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BOOK 2

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BOOK 3

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I have lived my whole life with comments from both, relative strangers and close friends telling me I should write a book. People continually tell me I have an ability to tell a story and make even the mundane sound interesting. (I’m personally not aware of that.)
The thought of doing this, was something I never thought I would entertain, because being dyslexic, during my childhood and adolescence, I found it very difficult to get past how to spell something, never mind how coherent the sentence sounded. So writing a few paragraphs usually made me sweat.
As a child I discovered coping strategies and developed my own ways of getting by, I wasn’t stupid by any stretch of the imagination, but left school at fifteen without any academic qualifications. I wasn't diagnosed with dyslexia until I attended university at the age of thirty. 
(Both of my children were diagnosed with dyslexia, one at the age of seven and one much later, although, I could see my traits present in him, and both have excelled academically in their chosen professions.
Thanks to the invention of the computer and information technology, my world changed. I learned how to communicate in written form effectively, not afraid to use language present in my oral skills that were lacking in my written work, for fear of spelling them wrongly, which gave me the confidence to write the books. Had I, had to write a book on paper, I know I would never have finished the first page.
I recently discovered the joy of writing after a challenge by a friend, which turned into three books. As I am constantly challenging others to face their demons, I decided, after some persuasion, to brave it out and share the books with others. I don’t have any expectations for them other than to tell the story.
This was a huge step for me, and took courage because there are so many fabulous clever people out there, writing amazing pieces of work that sadly, very few people ever see. 
My work:  I have had the pleasure (and the drama) of working in The National Health Service and in an independent capacity for Social Services in the UK for many years. My work has been supporting many women, children, young people, and families during this time. Sometimes, this has been at some of the toughest or most vulnerable times in their lives. 
During this time I have observed the communications of all parties involved both, in their relationships with others and how their decisions affect the subsequent outcomes for them and others. I have shared in the births and in the deaths of some of these people, and I never take advantage of the privilege my position brings me.
People ask what does the K.L. stand for K.L. Shandwick is a pseudonym. This isn’t to ‘hide’ behind, (I am not ashamed of what I’ve written), but to afford my clients the appropriate level of confidentiality by association. So, K L stands for KL. I am an independent author, who presently self publishes through kindle, but I hope to have a print copy of my books shortly.



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Rape. One word changed his life. Mason Tredwell had it all. He was a good looking, well respected doctor. He had money, power, friends, and never worried about finding a woman to warm his bed. But, that all changed when he was wrongfully accused of rape. And now, after five years in prison and the loss of everything he cared about, he wants revenge.
Abandoned as a baby and bounced around different foster homes, Kat Gingham never really had a charmed life. But now, things are really falling apart. She has no money, no job, and even her lying, cheating boyfriend is gone too. She allows herself one night to cry about her situation before she picks herself back up. Kat falls asleep, safe in her bed, but when she wakes up, she’s no longer at home, and she’s no longer alone. She’s facing Mason, a guy who claims she ruined his life. And he’s hell bent on breaking her down, humiliating her, just like she supposedly did to him.
The problem is that she claims she has no clue what he is talking about, but he doesn’t believe her, declaring facts don’t lie.
Is Kat lying? Can she convince Mason to let her go? Or is fate playing a role in why they were thrown into this together?

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EXERPT“All right, fine. You’re on,” he said after a moment of hesitation.  “Tell me, what is my favorite book?”  “Count of Monte Cristo,” Kat answered almost instantly.  She watched Mason’s eyebrows shoot toward the sky.  She got it.  It wasn’t really hard to tell that was his favorite book.  He didn’t speak, and the obvious shock on his face was almost comical.  She felt she had to put him out of his misery and tell him how she knew that was probably the book that had gotten him through his nights in prison.  “I know it’s your favorite because it’s the most worn out one in your massive collection, like you've read it over and over again.  The pages are folded, noting your favorite passages.  But that’s not why it’s your favorite.  You love it because it's a story of revenge. It's a story about a man who was wrongfully imprisoned and seeks revenge upon those who put him there. Am I right?” He seemed to snap out of his thoughts. “You know nothing about revenge.” His voice was like cold steel.  “You can't possible understand where I’m coming from.” “Oh, but you’re wrong,” she cut him off. “The Count of Monte Cristo is not only about seeking revenge, it's also about a man who goes half-mad seeking that revenge. Dante only realizes too late that in order for him to truly get revenge, he must forgive his enemies and himself. So yes, Mason, I do know a thing or two about revenge, but you should know that without forgiveness, you won't be able to free yourself.”  She didn’t give him a chance to rebut before she turned to walk out the door, only looking back for a moment, a smile playing on her lips. “I’ll be taking my day off tomorrow."  She left him sitting stunned but not for long.  She heard him storm out of the room and out the door only moments later.  That was proof that she had gotten under his skin, and she did take the next day off, but he avoided her like the plague after that.  Her cat chasing mouse game continued with him brushing her off.  But she wasn’t giving up.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR
About me, huh? Hmmm, let's see...some fun facts: I'm in my late twenties, I'm married to a great guy who likes to drive me crazy sometimes, but I love it and him, I am one of those people that when asked to do something says "No...Yes" (yeah, I know, I'm stuck in the 90's), I am a total nerd (like you couldn't tell), I am a Trojan (Fight On!), I work in health insurance (fun times-well, I actually work with my sis, so I guess they technically are fun times), I am way too close to my fam and I feel like I'm forgetting something, hmm...oh yeah, I LOVE to read and write!!!


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Today the spotlight is on Orange Blossom by Sarah Daltry.

Orange Blossom, the penultimate title in Sarah Daltry's bestselling New Adult romance series,  Flowering, is available now!  The reading order and information about the other titles follows.


Title: Orange BlossomAuthor: Sarah DaltryCover Design: Shoutlines Design18+ New Adult Contemporary RomanceBuy Link: "I’ve never understood a year. A year was always a measurement of something bad for me. A year in my father’s prison sentence, a year since my mom’s death, a year left of school before I could get far, far away from here. Now, as I look down the end of my college career, with only a little more than a semester to go, a year seems like something magical. It has been a year since Lily chose me, since she sat with me on the old swing set and made a decision that I was worthy of her. And every minute of the entire year has been better than the last." You already know their stories: Lily, the perfect princess, always living someone else's life. And Jack, the broken boy, who had stopped believing in hope. Somehow, though, they found each other and what was one night blossomed into a love story. Now, a year later, Jack and Lily are dreaming of the future. Despite all of his promises to himself that he would never be indebted to anyone, Jack makes a new promise - this time to Lily - that he will be there for her forever. But when life unravels for them, he starts to pull away, and Lily worries he's out of reach for good. When Jack does the unthinkable, Lily is left destroyed. Is it possible to have a happily ever after?

 Does love ever really save anyone? Listen to the Playlist or watch the Trailer!

  Excerpt:                          

  He’s smiling. Not that smirk he gets when he’s bitter but also pleased about something. It’s not the smile that says that he knows happiness is temporary. When he lines up his Skee-ball shot, there is a smile on his face that is pure. Genuine. It’s like taking a step back and seeing Jack in a photograph. One from years before his life went crazy. He’s just a dorky kid playing Skee-ball and he’s so happy when he nails the shot. He does an awkward little dance and it’s the kind of thing about Jack that makes me love him. He’s gorgeous and sexy and aggressive yet sweet. He’s kind and considerate of me, both sexually and in general. But I don’t love Jack for that. I love him because there is light in the world in the space he takes up. I know he doesn’t see it, but he’s inside himself. From the outside, all I see is the absolute electricity and fire that fills the air around him. “That’s how it’s done,” he tells me when he finishes his game, wrapping up his ridiculous stack of tickets. I’m so going to lose, but I don’t care. He’s happy. I just almost wish I was better at this, so we could stay here longer, so that Jack could be this part of himself for as long as he needs. “I think you’re perfect,” I say. “Because I’m good at Skee-ball? Shit, that’s all it takes?” I shake my head. “No, but you tell me all the time. I don’t think I ever say it to you. I don’t like the idea of perfection. It’s too much of a standard to live up to, but I don’t think you even understand. It’s cheesy and probably cliché, but I just can’t imagine how I could breathe without you. How did I exist before this?” He looks down, uncomfortable because it’s one thing to tell Jack he’s hot or sexy; he can handle that and he gets cocky and ridiculous when I tell him that. But this part of him, this vulnerability, he buries it so deep that drawing attention to it makes him want to disappear. But I don’t want that. I want him to embrace it, because it’s sweet and beautiful. “Don’t look down,” I say and I lift his face to look at me. His eyes explode with light, the way fireworks do on New Year’s when the sky is like ink and then it’s suddenly on fire. I lean in and kiss him, feeling his hands tighten on my arms and his lips opening against mine. He’s scared. I can feel it in the way he kisses me today; he feels himself falling and he’s trying to hold on and I need to figure out how to be steady enough to hold him. “Trust me,” I plead. “Let me take some of what you’re feeling. I can handle it, Jack.” He nods. “Another day. Today, I just want to stay here, to be here with you, where it’s safe and comfortable and my entire world is this. Where strawberries and popcorn and Skee-ball and shitty plastic toys are the entirety of what exists.” He pauses. “I promise, Lily. I will. Soon. But let me hide from it. Just for a little longer?” “Okay, but don’t hide from me, okay?” I ask. “I’ll try,” he offers and it’s okay that he can’t promise. He’s honest and I would rather he is than say something he knows is a lie. I’m not fragile. I won’t break if he hurts me. I just don’t want him to worry about doing it. I never signed up for it to be easy. I knew from the start that it wouldn’t be. “Now, stop distracting me. Unless you want to concede defeat?” “Never gonna happen,” I say and I settle in to play more Skee-ball. I don’t really care about winning since whatever the prize ends up being is going to be more of him, regardless. But I try my best and actually win two games in a row. Of course, that’s as long as it lasts. When he beats me, by eight games, he gloats in his victory, but he ends up using his tickets to get me a green plastic piggy bank. The options are pretty bad, but I love that he picked the bank, because it’s hideous and cheap and we spent far more than we could even fit in the bank. I love it because I’ll never use it, but it will always be like this day – something that doesn’t really belong but needs to exist because the world is simply better for it being there.
  Series Reading Order: Forget Me Not, Lily of the Valley, and Blue Rose can be read in any order. There is some crossover in scenes between the titles, but each stands alone as one character's story. Star of Bethlehem is a direct continuation from Forget Me Not and Lily of the Valley. Orange Blossom and Ambrosia (releasing June 6, 2014) assume readers have read the other four titles and read as sequels. In essence, the first three are #1, Star of Bethlehem is #1.5, Orange Blossom is #2, and Ambrosia is #3.



Title: Forget Me Not (Lily’s Story)Author: Sarah DaltryCover: Shoutlines Design18+ New Adult contemporary romance
Buy it Now! This is a coming of age story, but it isn't always sweet and innocent. If dirty talk, bedroom toys, and threesomes offend you... this is not your book. "No one tells you when you start school just how homesick you will be, or how hard it will be to start life over with no direction and no friends or family. No one says that becoming your own person is terrifying." I never wanted anything but Derek, my brother's best friend. When I chose a college, it didn't seem to matter that he would be an hour away. We could survive it. After all, we were in love. But almost immediately, things change between us. I blame myself. Maybe I'm just not sure how to be a girlfriend and independent. Life seems to be getting away from me - and then there's Jack, the guy down the hall. He's rude and vulgar and my parents would be shocked by him, yet every single time I see him, I feel like I'm being pulled toward him. It's physical, sure, but there's something in Jack's eyes - and I want to know him. I know I don't always make the right choices, and I'm the only person at fault when everything falls apart. How do I tell Derek, the guy who was supposed to be everything, that I don't feel like fighting for him anymore? And do I run to Jack, when I know his past is way too much for me to handle when I've just turned 19? Finally, where do I end up in all of this?

Can I be more than just someone else's idea of what I should be?

  Listen to the Playlist or watch the Trailer!

                                                   
Title: Lily of the Valley (Jack’s story)Author: Sarah DaltryCover: Shoutlines Design18+ New Adult contemporary romance
Buy it Now! Jack's story isn't pretty. He's suicidal, depressed, and he uses meaningless sex and alcohol to survive. However, the story is about finding light in the darkness, but sometimes the road there isn't always easy to walk. "No one tells you about pain. They tell you that it hurts, that sometimes it's consuming. What they don't tell you is that it's not the pain that can kill you. It's the uncomfortable numbness that follows, the weakness in your body when you realize your lungs may stop taking in air and you just can't exert enough energy to care. It's the way taste and color and smell fade from the world and all you're left with is a sepia print of misery. That's when the shift starts - the movement from passive to active. I fall asleep, hoping that the morning will bring back the pain. At least the pain is a thing." I'm a plague, a cancer. My mom is dead - and my father is in prison for it. I survived high school because college was my way out. I needed to escape, to get away from my family and the people who tortured me, but it hasn't grown any easier. I don't pretend that I'm a good person. I drink far more than I should, and I use my best friend, Alana, because together, we thrive on destroying each other - as well as the parts of us we hate. I don't believe in love, but sex is fun and it also makes me feel something. The morning I see Lily, the beautiful princess who smells inexplicably like strawberries every time I see her, I realize I'm in trouble. I should hate her. I want to hate her, because the alternative terrifies me. However, as she continues to crash into my life (often literally), I can't avoid feeling something that is the one thing I swore I would never feel. I can't fall in love, because people like me don't live in a world where love saves anyone. She just won't go away, though, and I don't know if I can keep running. The voices and the darkness hover over me and they threaten to bring me back to the safety of my hate, but the stupid scent of strawberries lingers on the horizon, as something like hope.

  Listen to the Playlist or watch the Trailer!

                                                      
Title: Blue Rose (Alana’s story)Author: Sarah DaltryCover Design: Shoutlines Design Buy it Now! Warning: This book deals with topics of abuse and may trigger reactions in people who have experienced those things in their own lives. It remains a story about healing, but it's not always an easy journey. "Four. My life has been shaped by four people. Four men, to be more specific. My father, my stepfather, my best friend, and my boyfriend. The first two shaped it in horrible ways, but what I am, who I am, is all because of four men." Over the last twenty years, I've learned how to keep secrets. It doesn't really matter, since everyone already seems to think they know everything about me. So I hide. I avoid confrontation, I treat Xanax like a magic pill that will make it all go away, and I become everything they think I am. A slut. A whore. Nothing but trash. I can only name two guys who have ever made me feel like I was more than that. Jack is my best friend and I've loved him since I met him. Now, though, he's in love... with someone else, and I guess I need to get over him. Somehow. And then there's Dave. The guy I never gave a chance. The guy I used almost as much as people used me, because I wanted to pretend I was someone worth loving. Two years have passed since we last spoke, but I don't know how to stop thinking about him. My new therapist is making me face my past, and she tells me that life inevitably changes without our permission. I believe it, but I know what I am. I hear what she's saying to me, and I want to try again with Dave, to help Jack find joy, to love myself, and to move on. I just wonder if anyone can do that, really.

  Listen to the Playlist or watch the Trailer!

                                                        
Title: Star of Bethlehem Author: Sarah DaltryCover: Shoutlines Design18+ NA contemporary romance Buy it Now! This is a holiday novella-length story that follows Forget Me Not and Lily of the Valley. "With you, Jack, it was the first time I ever felt real. It was the first time anyone looked at me and saw substance. It was the first time I wanted to make someone see me." Jack: New Year's Eve. I've somehow managed to get here, and now I'm wearing a hideous and unreasonably itchy sweater, because I want to impress Lily's family. I want to do anything for this girl who has made me believe in second chances. Lily: The house is beautiful and shining with light, but it feels empty. At least until Jack gets here. I know how desperately he wants this - a family, love, a home. If I can be the person who can give it to him, it's all I need, but I hope I can keep him from seeing how hollow it all really is. Listen to the Playlist or watch the Trailer!

                                          

About the Author: Sarah Daltry writes about the regular people who populate our lives. She's written works in various genres - romance, erotica, fantasy, horror. Genre isn't as important as telling a story about people and how their lives unfold. Sarah tends to focus on YA/NA characters but she's been known to shake it up. Most of her stories are about relationships - romantic, familial, friendly - because love and empathy are the foundation of life. It doesn't matter if the story is set in contemporary NY, historical Britain, or a fantasy world in the future - human beings are most interesting in the ways they interact with others. This is the principle behind all of Sarah's stories. Sarah has spent most of her life in school, from her BA and MA in English and writing to teaching both at the high school and college level. She also loves studying art history and really anything because learning is fun. When Sarah isn't writing, she tends to waste a lot of time checking Facebook for pictures of cats, shooting virtual zombies, and simply staring out the window. Sarah has also written Bitter Fruits , an urban fantasy romance, and Backward Compatible , a gamer geek romantic comedy.

  Author Social Media Links: Website: /  Facebook: /  Twitter : / Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sarahdaltry/boards/ Tumblr: http://www.tumblr.com/blog/sarahdaltry

Buy links. Book will be .99 for the first week only on Amazon!
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Paperback - 

Book blast tour with Blue Butterffly. Read more about this Cristian Fiction. Plus a chance to win.

Paperback: 314 pagesPublisher: L.B. Publishing (March 3, 2014)ISBN-10: 0984896759ISBN-13: 978-0984896752Book Title: Blue Butterfly Genre: Christian Fiction,  Age Group 18+
Tour Hosted by WNL Book Tours: www.wnlbooktours.comAuthor Tour Schedule: http://bit.ly/1oCKKEJ


About The Book There have been five black ballerinas that have made a noticeable mark in the world of ballet. Five that have fought to have the world see their talent rather than the color of their skin. Each has graced the stage as soloist and/or principal dancer. Precious Blue Johnson is set to become one of them. Precious Blue Johnson, young, country and naive, from Lutts County, Georgia, is traveling to the energizing city of New York to search for her birth father and perhaps make history by becoming the first black ballerina. Her simple mocha skin and thick lips will put her in the center of a movement, expose secrets and unlock the past as she steps onto the stage as the Blue Butterfly. She will be guided by the vivacious and wise Ms. Ann and fall in love with the alluring Ray Silvers. Ray brings the whole package. Enchanting eyes, a bright future as a doctor, and a willingness to love completely. To Precious, he is perfect. Except Ray’s package includes his deadly past. Will their love survive the one person who could end it all—his drug-addicted mother?



About The Author Clean Fiction novelist Marian L. Thomas is a dynamic story-teller with five engaging and dramatic novels to her credit. Her books have been seen on national television stations and featured in print magazines and newspapers. She has also been a guest on many broadcast and online radio stations. Her titles, My Father’s Colors and Strings of Color both received the USA Best Book Finalist Award. What makes her books unique? Mrs. Thomas is a pioneer for clean fiction for contemporary female readers. She refuses to lace her work with explicit sexual themes or profanity. Ms. Thomas’ books are rich with ever-intriguing themes of race, family strife, love, courage, friendship and forgiveness. And yet her tales, which seem to pre-stage current tabloid headlines, are spelled out in ways that suit the delicate moral tastes of both the Christian Fiction reader and the Clean Fiction book reader. Ms. Thomas resides in a suburb of Georgia with her husband, family and dear friends.

Social Links Email: info@marianlthomas.com Website:   www.marianlthomas.comAmazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/1kO44gvTwitter: https://twitter.com/MarianLThomas01

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Excerpt Blue Butterfly by Marian L. Thomas

From Chapter OneThey say on the night that I was born June 30, 1969the fringes of the moon could be seen peeking out through the thin layers of the clouds. They say that the rain had done come down so hard it felt like something was tearing away at your soul, drop by drop. They say my mama was laying in the birthing room screaming because I was ripping her life away from her. They say that the doctors wanted to cut away at her tummy, but she had done plain-out refused. She was an ebullient woman, with the heart of an unbreakable but beautiful stallion.I ain't never seen the woman with eyes so blue they felt like they could reach down into the pit of your core and tell you about yourself. I ain't never seen the warmth of her smile or the way she could soothe my daddy with her kind-hearted words. People talk under their breath about her. Talk about how long her silky blond hair was or how thin and soft her frame was. I do alls I can when I hear them whispering about the woman who gave her life so I could dance in the rain on a hot summer day.Just before she took her last breath they say that she stared into my eyes and smiled because I done come into the world with what she thought was the better part of her. The one feature that my daddy loved the most.She was the one who placed the weight of my name upon me. Precious Blue Johnson, but everyone around here in Lutts County, Georgia, fixed my name at Precious.My dear, sweet Daddy is a tall, well-stocked-around-the-tummy man. I heard that back in his heyday he sported a nicely trimmed frame of six feet, two inches. That his hair used to be slicked back so perfectly there wasn't a black woman in Lutts County that wasn't dying to give it a coat or two of sweet brown sugar with the very tips of their hard-worked fingers.
His shoulders hang now sometimes, but that wasn't always the case. No, it be said that when Charles Johnson used to walk down these dirt-filled roads, his shoulders stood towering with an air of confidence that one could breathe in from a mile away.Once upon a time, it be rumored that his hazel brown eyes were fixed on singing his way out of Lutts County. They still talk about this fact in the rooms of their barely-able-to-stand homes, where they figure can't nobody hear them but God. Whispering under the dim lights about how it is such a shame that he wasted his talent on a white woman.There are nights when I would wonder what his voice must have sounded like. I would hear him humming sometimes, but I ain't never heard the sound of butter flowing from his lips.
That's what they say he sounded like


One ebook (Kindle, Mobi) copy of Blue Butterfly will be given away! 
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Today's spotlight is on 'At their service' by Isla Munro. A Sci-Fi Erotic MMF Menage Novel. Plus a chance to win a $30 Amazon gift card.

   Title – At Their Service  Author – Isla Munro  Genre – Science Fiction Erotic MMF Menage  Publication Date – 7 March 2014  Length – 92 pages/ 26,000 words  Publisher – Etopia Press  Cover Artist – Valerie Tibbs      Book Blurb/Synopsis – Can a prince, a maid, and a valet live happily ever after? Forced to be a maid to her family, nursemaid to her birth-mother, and slave to her step-mother, the only high point in Drella’s life is a new job at the palace. She will get to meet the handsome Prince Abran. However, Drella is not expecting to be attracted to both the prince and his valet. The equally handsome Oshan invites Drella to enjoy a night of passion with both men...all three of them together. Can Drella put the messy relationship between her own four parents aside and accept the love offered by a prince and his valet? Prince Abran is heir to the throne of Erotania. He loves his country and he loves his valet, Oshan. But his passionate relationship with the manservant cannot produce his own heir. In a culture where family groups consist of up to four bi-sexual adults and their offspring, it’s not much of a leap to bring a woman into their bed chamber. But what woman will be acceptable to his mother, attracted to both men, and willing to put up with his arrogance? Oshan loves his master and knows he needs an heir. When Drella starts work in the palace, he can tell that Abran is attracted to the pretty maid. But Drella has her own challenges to face. Can Oshan and the man he loves discover Drella’s demons and help her fight them? And can a prince, a valet, and a maid defy the impossible and find their very own happily ever after?      AMAZON US  |  AMAZON UK  |  BARNES & NOBLES  |  GOODREADS 
EXCERPT

“Hi, Drella.”
“Hi.” Her voice was a mere whisper, and she looked as if she wanted to be anywhere but speaking to him.
“Hello. I’m Clara.” The human girl shoved her hand toward him. He took it and smiled at her. It still seemed strange to shake hands with someone he had just met. The custom on Threni was to bow to new acquaintances.
“It’s lovely to meet you, Clara. Do you mind if I take Drella outside to speak to her privately? We won’t be long.” He could see Drella out of the corner of his eye shaking her head, a mutinous look on her face.
“Not at all. I would never stop her from talking to such a handsome man.” She fluttered her eyelashes. “And if she says no, please feel free to come and make your offer to me.” Her eyes were bright and sparkled with mischief—she was clearly joking.
“Please, Drella.” He turned his most pleading expression on her, and her mutinous look crumbled.
“OK,” she conceded, and got up, and marched out of the bar. Once outside, he took her gently by the arm and guided her to the quiet alleyway.
“What do you want?” She leaned against the wall and looked over his shoulder.
“I wanted to apologize if the prince or I embarrassed you today. He feels very bad about spying on us.”
“We were in the prince’s shower area. And besides, I spied on you.”
“The prince doesn’t mind that you were watching us. In fact, he’s quite turned on by it.” Oshan brought his hand up to cup her cheek, and she leaned into the caress. He breathed a sigh of relief. He was not being rejected. “He would like you to be involved next time. And so would I.”
“Involved?”
“Yes, Drella. We both want you. We discussed it. Since we got together there has only been the two of us. But we like you and we both want you.”
She was wide-eyed again, which only made her more appealing. Her mouth opened slightly in surprise, and he couldn’t help himself. He leaned forward and ran his tongue along her lower lip. She tentatively touched his tongue with her own and placed her hand at his nape. He captured her lips fully. After a few moments, he drew away and raised an eyebrow at her.
“I’m with Clara,” she said as if it was some kind of explanation.
“It doesn’t have to be tonight.” She nodded in understanding. “What about tomorrow night?”
“I have to go home from work and make dinner, but I could come back to the palace afterward.”
“Dinner? Do you already have children?”
“No. It’s for my parents and siblings.”
“Can they not get their own dinner?”
“It’s a complicated situation.” Her shoulders sagged slightly and some of the glow left her gaze. She looked tired. What exactly was her situation that she had to make her grown-up family dinner?
“Very well. After dinner. Come up to the palace. You can use your pass to get in. If anyone asks, say Prince Abran has asked to see you. No one will ask any questions.”

 
SHARE YOUR AUTHOR BIO HERE: Isla lives in tiny cottage in the wilds of Scotland. She loves history, sci-fi, romance and coffee. She is also passionate about music but has never put enough effort into learning a musical instrument properly. She has always made up stories in her head or imagined the worst case scenarios whenever mildly dramatic events happen. She has always been told she had too vivid an imagination. Since she has discovered novel writing, she has thoroughly enjoyed putting that imagination to the test.Character Bios

Abran – Crown Prince of Erotania

Abran is the only son of the King and Queen of Erotania – a Kingdom on the planet Threni. He has had every privilege: a good education, plenty of money and possessions – everything a kid could want. Now as an adult, he has his valet Oshan. His mother, Queen Emba believes he needs and heir and to beget an heir he and Oshan need to open up their spousal unit to a female. Like all Threni adults, he’s bisexual , so when he meets Drella, he believes she may very well be the one to complete his relationship with his valet.

Oshan has had humble beginnings. He has managed to work his way up to being valet to Abran, Crown Prince of Erotania. He is practical and loving and regularly has to encourage the headstrong prince to do the right thing. Oshan loves Abran with a fierce loyalty and is more than willing to share him in order to fulfil Abran’s duties. When he meets Drella he is instantly attracted to her and knows that Abran is too. But he must be the go-between to bring her to the prince and reassure her that her station in life is immaterial.
Drella – Maid in the palace at Erotania and in her own home.Drella has grown up with two mothers and two fathers in the usual Threni household (four bisexual adults make up one spousal unit along with any children). But with her birth mother ill, her fathers too wrapped up in each other and her “step” mother, Breda, bitter from loneliness, Drella seems to have drawn the short straw. She is maid, nurse and slave to her ungrateful relatives. Having given up the chance of further education, she has worked her way up in menial jobs until at last she gets a job at the palace. She even gets to make the sexy prince’s bed. But having seen the way her father’s act, she’s not so keen to turn out bitter and twisted like Breda. Can the Prince and his valet convince her that they won’t shut her out and that their relationship with her is as important as their relationship with each other? 
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Promo Tour for Tag Chaser by Kandi Steiner. Read the excerpts and Q & Q with author. Enter the giveaway.

SYNOPSIS
Paisley Bronson is a 27 year old successful advertising professional, but the most exciting part of her life happens outside of work. Claiming the life of a Tag Chaser toward the end of her college career has taught her one thing: Never get too close. She has enjoyed her dating lifestyle, but when her best friend makes a bet that she won’t ever be able to date a normal guy, her competitive nature takes control and she vows to change the game.
 When Paisley meets the incredibly handsome and practically perfect Corbin Ray, she begins to think keeping her word might be easier than she thought. But when an accidental discovery reveals that Corbin is in the Army, she knows she must run the other way and never look back. Although it kills her, she aims to move on and look for a new prospect.
There’s just one small problem.
Paisley’s been assigned a new client at work, and his name is Corbin Ray.
Will Paisley and Corbin give in to the chemistry between them, or will their past and present complications keep them apart?
Fall in love with this fun and irresistibly naughty game of cat and mouse.



BUY LINKSGoodreads: http://bit.ly/19qHd2f
Amazon: http://amzn.to/NcFp9a
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Kobo: http://bit.ly/1d0hHDD



WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING “Tag Chaser is a heart-pounding and utterly captivating story of finding true love and fighting for it. One of my absolute favorite books.” – Kellee Fabre, beta reader“A fresh, laugh-out-loud storyline. I didn’t want it to end.” – Tisha Carter, beta reader“Have you ever read a book that made you forget to eat or use the bathroom?  Well, Tag Chaser is one of those books.” – MaRanda McCandless, Randa’s Reviews“Tag Chaser is full of undeniable chemistry. Definitely a page-turner.” – Sasha Whittington, beta reader“I’m a dude, and even I liked it. Tag Chaser is unexpectedly funny and romantic.” – Sean Brown, beta reader“Fun, funny, and hot.” – Betsy Kash, editor


EXCERPT
“I guess you’re right – Paisley, was it?”



God, he even makes my name sound like a sex object. “Mmm hmm, and that’s something else you owe me. Shouldn’t I know the name of the brave knight in shining armor who saved me tonight?” At this, his grin turns to a full blown smile and I fumble with my drink a bit. Holy shit, he has the most gorgeous smile I’ve ever seen. His teeth are blazing white like his shirt against his skin and his dimple deepens, “I think I’m more of a dark knight than a knight in shining armor.” Holy. Fuck. He smirks at what I can only imagine is my jaw flopping to the floor again. “Corbin,” he finally says, extending his hand for mine. “Corbin Ray.” When he says his last name I notice the touch of twang in his voice. He’s Southern, too? Dear God, help me. He takes my hand in his and squeezes lightly, sending a quick thrill through me. I focus on keeping the drool inside my mouth and squeeze in return. “Nice to meet you, Corbin.” “Likewise, doll.” His eyes glow fierce again and the music in Diggs is lost to me. All I can hear is the thumping in my chest increasing. I’m suddenly extremely warm, though I’m not sure if it’s him or the alcohol.

EXCERPT 2
             I flush and take another, longer sip from my glass. I look up at him, my guiltiness written all over my face, I’m sure. He laughs a little and shakes his head, “Relax, you don’t need to explain anything to me if you really don’t want to. I’m curious, but I’m just glad you met me for dinner tonight.”             “I am, too.” I blurt out. Shit, Paisley, you’re supposed to not be interested. “It was delicious.”             Corbin’s eyes are searching mine and I feel him leaning in closer to me. Shit, shit, shit. “But, uh, I have yoga really early tomorrow. So I should probably get going,” I fumble, setting my glass of wine down on the coffee table. I go to stand but Corbin’s hand reaches out for mine, stopping me in my tracks.             “Wait, what about dessert?”             I turn to face him again and melt to the floor when I see the look in his eyes. They’re dark, daring. He’s daring me to stay. Daring me to take a chance. He slides his other hand around my waist, leaning closer with every word, “You’ve got three options.” I know I should leave, should stand up right now and walk toward the door, but I’m frozen in place and captured by his eyes. “ I could whip up some delicious chocolate fondue with fresh cut strawberries,” he breathes, tickling my back a little with his fingertips. My breath is hitched in my throat and I can hear my heart beating in my ears, the rate rapidly increasing with every syllable that escapes his mouth. “We could make a trip to the store and pick up the perfect ingredients for you to show off your baking skills,” he pulls me a little closer and I have to turn away, the intensity in his eyes too much for me to handle. My legs start shaking a little and I try to steady them and focus on breathing. His body is so close to mine now, I can feel his chest against mine. “Or,” he pulls his hand from mine and touches the side of my face, running his fingers up through my hair, and begins planting soft kisses on my neck. “We could stay right here, and I could make you dessert, instead.” Holy. Fuck. 

EXCERPT 3“You look like an angel,” he says, grabbing my hand and pulling me back down with him instead of standing up. He pulls me on top of him and presses his forehead to mine, staring deep into my eyes. Slowly, he runs his hands through my hair and pulls me closer, inch by inch, until our lips are touching again. I swear his kisses could kill me, could take all of my life and I would still want them.             “I’m no angel, just like you’re no knight in shining armor,” I say, thinking back to Thursday night when we first met.             “Hmm, that may be. But I still think we could make a pretty good story together,” he smiles, kissing down my neck to my collarbone.             “Oh, you think so?” I laugh, letting his kisses blaze a fire down my body.             “It’s worth a shot, right? Who knows, it could be a fairy tale,” he says as he stands up, pulling me with him. “Or a train wreck.”




ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kandi Steiner is a Creative Writing and Advertising/Public Relations graduate from the University of Central Florida living in Tampa with her husband. Kandi works full time as a social media specialist, but also works part time as a Zumba fitness instructor and blackjack dealer. Kandi started writing back in the 4th grade after reading the first Harry Potter installment. In 6th grade, she wrote and edited her own newspaper and distributed to her classmates. Eventually, the principal caught on and the newspaper was quickly halted, though Kandi tried fighting for her “freedom of press.” She took particular interest in writing romance after college, as she has always been a die hard hopeless romantic (like most girls brought up on Disney movies).
When Kandi isn’t working or writing, you can find her reading books of all kinds, talking with her extremely vocal cat, and spending time with her friends and family. She enjoys beach days, movie marathons, live music, craft beer and sweet wine – not necessarily in that order.
 Connect with Kandi:
KandiSteiner.comwww.facebook.com/KandiSteinerwww.twitter.com/KandiSteiner Q&A with KandiWho inspired you to start writing?
My mom, definitely. She's actually very into reading like I am and is a great writer herself. I hope to one day convince her to write a novel, too. She inspired me when I was very young and encouraged me to pursue my love of writing, no matter what. Everything I've written from awful love poems in high school (yuck!) to decent pieces in college, she has always been there for me.Why romance?Great question! I have no idea. I always pictured myself writing non-fiction or nothing at all, but one of my final capstone courses in college was an advanced fiction course that really turned me on to the possibilities of creating a story. Why romance specifically? Well, we could blame it on my husband for showing me love so early in life, but it's probably more Disney's fault than anyone else's. I'm a girl, I love to love, what could be better than romance writing?
How do you write your novels?
Sporadically and without any structure at all. Sometimes I'll be driving and I'll whip out my phone and record something to write down later. Sometimes I'll write a scene and sometimes I'll just write about my character to get to know them better. Eventually, I sit down and map everything out so that I don't forget anything (blonde moments are a habit for me) and then I slowly start piecing it all together. It makes sense to me, but if I told any of my professors this they might kill me lol.

When did you know you wanted to write a novel?
Honestly, it hit me out of the blue. I got the idea for Tag Chaser when I was in the shower and I just couldn't shake it. I was dreaming about the characters, writing random scenes in my head, and just thinking about them constantly. I decided it was a sign to stop being so scared of failure and just write it. The way I see it, the worst thing that could happen is no one likes it - and in that case it will still be loved by me and that's what matters.  Why should readers pick up Tag Chaser? Tag Chaser is a unique story that I think hasn’t been told yet. Often times we fall in love with characters who are so perfect, either individually or for each other. Tag Chaser is about exploring our imperfections and learning not to fight that chemistry that sometimes we just feel, whether it’s easy or not. I think anyone who reads Tag Chaser will laugh and love, and those are both two very beautiful things.
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