Sarah Cass's Blog: Sarah's StoryLines, page 19

The Dystopian Tour

To post this Grand Finale and add your Social Media to the Rafflecopter, email us at PrismBookTours(at)gmail.com with “Dystopian Grand Finale” in the subject line. A Prism Tour with Prism Book Tours It’s the Grand Finale for THE DYSTOPIAN TOUR! What will the future bring? We’ve featuring several possibilities. Did you miss any of them? Check them out now!! May 28: What Tomorrow May Bring #1 - Simplistic Reviews Tomorrow becomes today. What will it bring? Our potential for good is matched by that of destruction. At any moment, change can fall on the world, people fight and die, and our comfortable lives can be lost to corrupt leaders. These are circumstances we can’t imagine, but places like this exist in the world today. What if tomorrow brings that grave reality to us, and we wake to find our lives in flux, poverty and confusion? Perhaps humanity’s insatiable appetites drive us to the brink of survival where sanity is redefined and life, as we know it, changes forever. Tomorrow, our lives could be very dark. Dystopian tales take us to these lightless places where suffering is a daily chore. But they also show us that in the deepest part of the night, pitched against a backdrop of despair, a beam of hope will shine brighter than ever before. And in our darkest moments, it can show us the way back. Goodreads – Amazon Follow 11 authors into 11 dystopian tomorrows, where the dark portions of our humanity have taken hold of today, where the fabric of society is torn and greed consumes us all. Follow us down a dark path. May 29: Terra by Gretchen Powell: - Christy’s Cozy Corners Creating the Cover of Terra: A Behind-the-Scenes Look No matter what anybody says, it’s pretty much a fact that people do judge books by their covers. And can you blame them? After all, book covers are an art in and of themselves these days – the beautiful images, illustration, and typography that are blasted across the internet pique our interest and drive our readers’ minds. The cover is a reader’s first impression of what your book will be like. It only takes a second for that instant connection to be made: Bad cover, bad book. Great cover, great book. Now, that doesn’t always hold true, of course, since I myself have read plenty of incredible books with terrible covers, and vice versa. But it doesn’t change the fact that—especially as a self-published author—covers matter. And I knew from the get-go that I wanted the cover for TERRA to stand out, but still feel appropriate for the genre and would “fit in” with its traditionally-published book brethren. So here’s an exclusive scoop on what went into creating my debut novel’s cover.   Goodreads – Amazon – Barnes and Noble – Kobo – Apple Store Terra follows protagonist Terra Rhodon through a dystopian future where the planet’s natural resources have been depleted and the rich and powerful have fled to cities in the sky. May 30: Stitch & Shudder by Samantha Durante – Nocturnal Predators Reviews **What Everyone Had To Say About This Series** “Seems like your normal, seemingly average university cross paranormal romance story… until the dystopian sci-fi comes in. Everything from there changes… I am gobsmacked.” – Behind the Pages “Quite incredible… grips the reader and won’t let go. Officially entered a good book hangover.” – Parajunkee Goodreads – Amazon – Barnes and Noble Her heart races, her muscles coil, and every impulse in Alessa’s body screams at her to run… but yet she’s powerless to move. June 1: Contributor & Infiltrator by Nicole Ciacchella – Author Cindy C Bennett Unexpected Favorites One of the things that consistently surprises me when I write is how fond I grow of some characters, especially when they start out as little more than a nebulous concept. Contributor is no exception. When I was peopling the world, I thought a lot about Dara, her parents, her boyfriend, Jonathan, and her mentor, Letizia. I certainly gave consideration to the other characters as well, but this was the core group I focused on, and so imagine my surprise when I developed a major attachment to a couple of the characters I thought would just be minor players. The first is Javier Gutierrez, one of Dara’s rivals for the position of Assistant to the Head of Engineering… Goodreads – Amazon When the Great Famine threatened the existence of mankind, the Creators saved humanity. Humanity has been their loyal subject ever since. June 2: What Tomorrow May Bring #2 – I Am A Reader THE DYSTOPTOMISTS: PART 1 WHAT TOMORROW MAY BRING, the YA Dystopian boxed set, is a collection of dark yet hopeful stories from eleven different authors. Each wrote a short essay on dystopian fiction calledMy Thoughts On Tomorrow, to introduce their novels. Here are excerpts from six of those essays, the full versions can be found at The Hunt For Tomorrow. Meet The Dystoptomists: Shining Light on a Dark Future… Goodreads – Amazon Follow 11 authors into 11 dystopian tomorrows, where the dark portions of our humanity have taken hold of today, where the fabric of society is torn and greed consumes us all. Follow us down a dark path. June 3: Among the Joyful by Erin Eastham – My Devotional Thoughts Q&A: Among the Joyful Q: What was your inspiration for Among the Joyful? A: I happened to see an article about smile surgery, which is a real thing. Some young women in South Korea have a procedure done so that their default facial expression is a smile, no matter what they’re feeling. It made me think about the pressure we all feel at times to act like things are fine when they’re not, to present a happy appearance to the world no matter what’s going on inside. That was what prompted the idea for the world of Among the Joyful, where negative emotion has to be hidden if you want to be a functioning member of society. Q: What makes Among the Joyful different from all the other YA dystopias out there? A: I wanted to create a dystopian society that could just as easily be described as utopian. The original founders weren’t setting out to oppress people—they wanted to make life better, and in many ways they succeeded. They created a culture where service to others is valued, where citizens contribute to the public good and take care not to have a negative impact on their community. Of course, there’s a price, and that’s where it gets interesting. Goodreads – Amazon Everyone knows that it’s a citizen’s duty to smile; negative emotion is a social contagion, an aggressive act against society. For Alaire Larkin, staying positive has never been a problem. June 4: The Annihilation of Foreverland & Foreverland is Dead by Tony Bertauski – Mythical Books AUTHOR’s INTERVIEW Have you written in any other genres besides ya dystopian? What drew you to you this genre? I’ve been fascinated by consciousness, identity and what this all means since I was young. I would read my grandfather’s science fiction books with elements of artificial intelligence and wonder what happened when they died? I suppose that’s why all of my writing deals with the big mysteries of life in one way or another. In a way, I write for my own exploration, in a sort of thought experiment approach, pulling apart our identities, exploring what makes us who we are. If I lost my memories, would I still be me? If I had my body parts replaced with synthetic replications, at what point would I not be me? Do I even need a body? What am I? A few years ago, I figured I’d write a romance novel. Since all of my books have a romantic element, I thought it would be fun. Halfway through the novel, I found myself thinking more and more about the next project—a dystopian idea. So 40,000 words in, I scrapped the romance novel and got back to what I love. Goodreads – Amazon – Barnes and Noble – Google Play – Kobo – iTunes When kids awake on an island, they’re told there was an accident. Before they can go home, they will visit Foreverland, an alternate reality that will heal their minds. June 5: The Breeders & The Believers by Katie French – Beck Valley Books Take 10 – Author Interview What do you want to be when you grow up? I’ve always wanted to be a back-up singer for some awesome artist. You’d get all the joy of meeting fun people and performing, but do not have to lose your freedom or worry about tabloids and paparazzi. Who would play you in a film of your life? Brad Pitt. It would be a really weird, concept movie. Have you ever read or seen yourself as a character in a book or a movie? All the time. Right now I’m pretty sure I’m Jessica Day from TV show The New Girl. But without the cute bangs. Man, I should really get some bangs. Goodreads – Amazon – Barnes and Noble Sixteen-year-old Riley Meemick is one of the world’s last free girls. When Riley was born, her mother escaped the Breeders, the group of doctors using cruel experiments to bolster the dwindling human race. June 6: What Tomorrow May Bring #3 – Bookworm Lisa Meet The Dystoptomists: Shining Light on a Dark Future. WHAT TOMORROW MAY BRING, the YA Dystopian boxed set, is a collection of dark yet hopeful stories from eleven different authors. Each wrote a short essay on dystopian fiction called My Thoughts On Tomorrow, to introduce their novels. Part 1 featured excerpts from six of those authors. Here, with Part 2, are excerpts from the remaining five. The full versions can be found at The Hunt For Tomorrow. Join the mailing list for news on our upcoming dystopian scavenger hunt… Goodreads – Amazon Follow 11 authors into 11 dystopian tomorrows, where the dark portions of our humanity have taken hold of today, where the fabric of society is torn and greed consumes us all. Follow us down a dark path. Tour-Wide Giveaway Ends June 15th. US Only Giveaway Print copy of Terra + bookmarks Print copies of Stitch & Shudder + bookmarks Print copy of Among the Joyful Internationally Open Giveaway Amazon GC $15 (Megan) + $10 (Erin) + $10 (Samantha) 11 ecopies of What Tomorrow May Bring Ebook of Terra Ebooks of Stitch & Shudder 10 e-book copies of the complete Contributor trilogy, including book 3 (Kindle only) Ebook of Among the Joyful Ebooks of The Annihilation of Foreverland & Foreverland is Dead Ebook of A Taste of Tomorrow Boxed Set 5 ebooks of The Breeders & The Believers a Rafflecopter giveaway a Rafflecopter giveaway    

2014 Goal Update

It’s been a while since I checked in on the 2014 forecast for me and my writing. I meant this as a monthly check-in type of deal and thought maybe I should get back on that.  So, months after my last update, let’s see where I am. So first, the overall goals I’d set – with where I am now. I’ve challenged myself to write 600,000 words in 2014. (258,159 C as of 6/8/14 9:53PM) I will finish books 4 & 5 of the Dominion Falls series and submit by February 8th  - I did submit on 2/17/14 & both books were accepted/contracted. Releases in August’14 and January’15. I will fine-tune and perfect Leap (Hidden Senses #.5) for publication.  It goes to my editor on July 1st, then to the proofreader. I will build my audience and work harder at promotion. I am not doing enough with this. Need to get out more. I will find focus (see below), and figure out how to USE it. I am working on this. Some days I do great, others not so much. Call me a work in progress. And for my list of projects. Items in RED are done. Items in ORANGE are in progress (or progress notes). Items in BLUE are new. Some of the new items are in blue with the progress I’ve made in orange. Runaway Train (Dominion Falls 5) – 113k Stalled Independence (Lake Point #3) – 35k Katherine’s Story (Dominion Falls Prequel) - 48k – Named finally. Independent Brake Into a Mirror Darkly (Morgana Chronicles 1) – 100k (~10k done) Witch Way (Lake Point #4) – 30k (1k done) A Thorough Thanksgiving (Lake Point #5) – 30k The Tribe (The Tribe #1) – 85k The Wolf (The Tribe #2) – 85k (24395 done) Natural Selection – 40k (6921 done) Hybrid – unknown…going to do as “Chapters” not full length novel. The Dead Past (Dominion Falls 6-temporary name) – 100k The Chief (The Tribe #3) – 85k The Raven (The Tribe #4) – 85k Escaping Humanity (Co-authoring w/ Mary Terrani) – 100k (22k done) I’m quite certain at this point that I’m forgetting something. I do know that not on the list, but completed is setting an editing schedule with my editor. I’ve also come up with an idea for a new series, but it has to go on hold while I work my way through that crazy list up there.  Overall, I’m happy with my progress. Despite some crazy real life stuff and my typical propensity for distraction, I’ve almost reached the halfway point on my insane 600k goal. I have plenty of stories that are in progress or just need editing. I have ideas ready for next years holidays series, and my brain has not imploded yet. So yay me. Seriously, though. I expect items to be added to my list now that I’ve managed to check a few off. First, I need to finish Witch Way, The Wolf, & The Chief before I can seriously contemplate what to add to the list. Once I read the “There’s more red than black/orange” point, I know I have to start thinking toward the future. So one last goal right now is to adjust and add to all my goals next month, and get The Wolf and Witch Way completed. (P.S. Having that editing schedule set means a crap ton of books this year, people…seriously, it’s cah-razy).

Hexed by Michelle Krys – Release Day Blast

  | Amazon | BN | IndieBound | Goodreads | Hexed (The Witch Hunter #1) Author: Michelle Krys Publisher: Delacorte Press Pages: 384 Release Date: June 10th, 2014 Blurb: If high school is all about social status, Indigo Blackwood has it made. Sure, her quirky mom owns an occult shop, and a nerd just won’t stop trying to be her friend, but Indie is a popular cheerleader with a football-star boyfriend and a social circle powerful enough to ruin everyone at school. Who wouldn’t want to be her?Then a guy dies right before her eyes. And the dusty old family Bible her mom is freakishly possessive of is stolen. But it’s when a frustratingly sexy stranger named Bishop enters Indie’s world that she learns her destiny involves a lot more than pom-poms and parties. If she doesn’t get the Bible back, every witch on the planet will die. And that’s seriously bad news for Indie, because according to Bishop, she’s a witch too.Suddenly forced into a centuries-old war between witches and sorcerers, Indie’s about to uncover the many dark truths about her life—and a future unlike any she ever imagined on top of the cheer pyramid.   ABOUT THE AUTHOR Hi there! I’m the author of the YA novel HEXED, slated for publication with Delacorte Press/Random House Children’s Books Spring 2014. I’m repped by Adriann Ranta of Wolf Literary Services. Visit me at michellekrys.com or follow @MichelleKrys on Twitter. a Rafflecopter giveaway –Giveaway is open to US only. | Must be 13+ to Enter   1 Winner will get: A Signed copy of Hexed 3 Winners will get: Signed Swag

Tuesday Tales – Natural Selection

Welcome back to Tuesday Tales!  This weeks prompt is to be inspired by this picture. The hardest part about picture prompts is always the 300 word limit. I did have another post all ready to go, but it was 1200 words and that would have gotten me in trouble This week I return to that historical paranormal I was working on a while back, Natural Selection. In our last segment some months back, Leilyn told Dell he’d better figure out what she meant after she’d berated him for allowing is father to use her as a pawn to draw in her pack–especially when Dell has a way to wipe away her old pack’s claim. Now we join them again…and let’s see how Dell is coping with this: Leilyn lay in the field behind Olive’s home. In twelve hours her ‘uncle’ would be there with the pack, no doubt ready for attack. The field around her sat oddly silent, not filled with children playing as it had been in the days since she’d arrived. In the sky above her the first curling mass of storm clouds began to twist and turn in chaotic, senseless dips and turns. The sensation was oddly similar to her current emotional state. While her head and perhaps a base instinct told her she was where she belonged, the itching burn on her ankle tugged her in another direction. Plus, she hadn’t been treated poorly all her life, she’d been treated with care and almost esteem. It wasn’t until her uncle tried to force an unnatural mating that she’d run. Now, there was Dell. He stirred within her a base instinct. One she’d been kept from acting on. One that drew her to him. One that told her he approached. She smiled and closed her eyes, wondering what he’d attempt this time. For the past day he’d been attempting to woo her like a school girl. Flowers and treats, small tokens meant to show affection. “Afternoon, Dell.” She opened her eyes. He quirked a brow, but said nothing. “What have you brought me this time?” “Nothing.” Perhaps he was finally getting the point. Still, though she waited several minutes, he didn’t move an inch. With a sigh, she propped herself on her elbows and turned her gaze away. Right when she was ready to tease his lack of imagination, he dropped to his knees behind her and grabbed her shoulders. His nose brushed along her bare neck, and he sighed out a growl. “Duty keeps me from claiming you. Not ineptitude.” “Duty is overrated.” *~* Hope you enjoyed it!  Click on the Tuesday Tales badge to see more excellent entries!! *~*

Sunday Snippets 35 – Deep Fried Sweethearts

Welcome back to the Weekend Writing Warriors! This will be my last week with Michaela and Tag. I adore them, and clearly you all do as well…but it’s time to share other stories with you…such a shame because we’re just at the meat of the story…but you know what they say – leave ‘em wanting more, right? In this 8, Michaela finally let her new assistant manager run the store for a night. He did really well, and she’d just admitted as much, adding in a hint of praise. This is his reaction: With every word he’d brightened more, until a beaming smile warmed over half the doubts right out of her cold heart, “So do I get a passing grade?” She chuckled and shook her head, “This isn’t school.” “Too bad.” “What? Why?” “Because then I could start singing ‘Hot for Teacher’.” “Oh my God,” She buried her face in her hands, the tingling burn of a blush creeping up from head to toe. “Owen!” *A little creative editing involved to make the 8. *~* If you want more of these wonderful two…pick up a copy!  It doesn’t have to be Valentine’s Day to enjoy this May/December romance…It’s plenty hot enough for summer. | Amazon | SCP | BN | ARe |  Michaela O’Keefe is in over her head with her restaurant, The Midway.  Her ad for an assistant manager brings Owen “Tag” Montague to her doorstep. With an impeccable resume and dozens of letters of recommendation, she has little choice but to give him a chance. Ten years her junior, Tag sets her long-dead libido humming, but she gave up on love and her instincts on men years ago. Tag has had a crush on his new boss since his youth, but he’s determined to prove he can do the job. Still, he can’t resist the urge to make her blush down to her toes as often as possible. He knows her rough past in life and love makes it hard to trust, and he’s wary of crossing the line he so desperately wants to. Just when they manage to figure out how to work and play together, Michaela’s ex does all he can to destroy their budding love. When push comes to shove Michaela’s inability to give Tag the benefit of the doubt might destroy everything. Learning to trust herself again is the hardest lesson Michaela will ever have to learn – and by the time she does, it may be too late for love. *~* Head back on over to the Weekend Writing Warriors to read many more wonderful offerings!

Destiny Bay Romances: Sweet Editions by Helen Conrad

To post this Grand Finale and add your Social Media to the Rafflecopter, email us at PrismBookTours(at)gmail.com with “Destiny Bay Grand Finale” in the subject line. On tour with Prism Book Tours It’s the Grand Finale of the REVIEW & EXCERPT TOUR for Destiny Bay Romances: Sweet Editions by Helen Conrad Special Price! Run Run Runaway (book one in the series) is FREE for Kindle from today through June 4th!!! [Pin, share, or tweet this image for an extra entry in the giveaway.] Run Run Runaway Book Intro Letters from Annie Douglass Lima – excerpt “Jennifer Thornton, when are you going to grow up?” Her head shot up at the familiar voice, but the late afternoon sun was behind him, wrapping him in a mantle of light spears. All that stood out was a set of very wide shoulders and the vague outline of dark glasses hiding his eyes. Christy’s Cozy Corners – Excerpt She smiled at him, and his face softened, eyes hooded but not unfriendly. “I’ll be waiting for your call,” he teased back. Kelly P’s Blog – Excerpt He turned and looked at her. “No pictures of boyfriends?” he asked softly. “No one special in your life?” My Ereader and Me – Excerpt He hesitated for a moment, watching her. The tumbling chestnut curls invited an affectionate hand to rake through and put them in order. When she looked up at him, her eyes barely visible beneath the windblown hair, she looked so forlorn and vulnerable he had the urge to sweep her up in his arms . . . I Am A Reader – Excerpt Ah, if she only dared tell him! “Let’s race,” she challenged. “Down to the pier and back. The winner gets … a kiss,” she said wildly, dropping his arm. All That’s Written … – Excerpt Astrid laughed softly. “Don’t worry about it, dear.” She dabbed powder on her nose from a golden compact. “Reid is obviously fascinated with you for the moment.” deal sharing aunt – Review Who doesn’t argue with their parents? I was proud that Jennifer went home and tried to reconnect with her parents. She definitely got her stubbornness from her dad. I enjoyed reading about Destiny Bay and I am reading A Little Blackmail next! The Wonderings of One Person – Excerpt She didn’t really panic. A strange, white blankness came over her. Her mouth opened in a silent scream, and she tried to think carefully, logically, all the while the earth was rushing toward her as though she were in a jet plane aimed into the side of a mountain. Katie’s Clean Book Collection – Review Jennifer is quite the wild child. It remains a mystery why she chooses to throw herself out of airplanes, among other dangerous things, until later on in the book. The Reading Diaries – Review The book is a quick read that I finished in one afternoon it was hard to put down I had to see how Jennifer’s story would play out. I love a good clean romance that has a great story that is well written that teens as well as adults will enjoy. This is my first book by the author but I’m excited to read the next installment in the Destiny Bay Series. Mythical Books – Excerpt It occurred to Jennifer that the more she ate, the less time she’d have for talking. “You know what, this dessert list looks awfully good. Could you add a hot fudge sundae to my order?” She smiled at the waitress. Tressa’s Wishful Endings – Review I liked how carefree, but responsible (because she really is regardless of what others think) Jennifer is. I loved her teasing and fun nature. She definitely had her insecurities and they were her downfall on more than one occasion, but they fit her character. i blog 4 books – Review I enjoyed the beach town where the book was set. It was fun to imagine what it would be like to live in a beach community. Getting Your Read On – Review I liked the interactions between Jennifer and Reid. You feel the history and connection between them. My Love for Reading Keeps Growing – Excerpt “We can’t talk in here,” Reid yelled, his lips almost pressed against Jennifer’s ear. “You’re not supposed to talk in here,” she yelled back. The Written Adventure – Excerpt His smile grew slowly and he reached for her again. “Jenny, Jenny, how could I ever have doubted you? I think maybe you’re an angel sent to comfort us all.” LibriAmoriMiei – Review It ‘s a novel sweet, soft and clean, talks about love, friendship and family. [Pin, share, or tweet this image for an extra entry in the giveaway.] A Little Blackmail Book Intro Kelly P’s Blog – Excerpt “Vanessa, Vanessa,” he murmured, grinning. “How you’ve changed from the passionate woman of my dreams.” “I’m not Vanessa,” she hissed. “Sit,” he ordered, and she sat. “What would you like to eat?” “I’m not hungry,” she said, though a sudden rumbling in her stomach reminded her that she hadn’t eaten a thing since breakfast… My Love for Reading Keeps Growing – Excerpt “Look at her. After she travels, she goes into some sort of a time warp. She can hardly remember her name …” “I can remember yours,” she said sweetly, pretending to smile, but glaring at him from beneath lowered lashes. “‘Mud,’ wasn’t it?” Tressa’s Wishful Endings – Review Matt was also a fun male protagonist with all the usual charming personality (when he wanted to be charming) and good looks. There was definitely plenty of romantic tension between him and Janet. All That’s Written … – Excerpt “What?” His outrage echoed in her head. “Where are you?” She hesitated. What in the world was she going to tell him? If she told him the truth, he and Howie would be over here in no time, ready to rescue her. She couldn’t have that. I Am A Reader – Excerpt “Do I look like her?” she asked. “Like Vanessa?” He wasn’t sure, actually. He’d seen Vanessa’s picture in the magazine article about Matt and his enormously successful oil operations in Brazil and Argentina. He knew Vanessa was attractive, with long black hair — so that fit fine. That article was what had given him the idea to try this elaborate hoax. “You’re much prettier,” he admitted. My Ereader and Me – Excerpt She frowned at him… “She was pretty surprised to hear she’d already been replaced by another phony Vanessa.” He considered what she said for a moment, then shrugged, as though the whole affair hardly concerned him at all. “Never mind,” he said lightly. “You make a much better Vanessa than she did.” The Wonderings of One Person – Excerpt Maybe it was her sweet red mouth or the way her black hair brushed against her cheek. Maybe it was the way her smile seemed to light up the sky, sending a wave of intoxicating warmth through him. Whatever it was, for the moment at least, he was hooked. Mythical Books – Intro from Author Janet’s life has been academic and protected until now. Mistakes are made and her cat ends up being taken by Matt Carrington as a prop in a con he’s running against a sweet old lady. Janet takes the plunge into the dark side when she tries to steal her Alexander back and gets caught up in Matt’s plot, blackmailed into pretending to be his wife. Con men are usually charmers, and Matt is no exception. Soon Janet is torn between what she knows is right—and what her heart begins to feel. Katie’s Clean Book Collection – Review I thought it was funny that the opening scene showed Janet as a cat burglar trying to steal a cat. She isn’t that type of person at all. She values honestly above all else and hates to be caught in a lie, but that’s exactly where she finds herself when she is discovered by the one who “stole” her cat–Matt. The Reading Diaries – Review I like that Janet is a character that feels real, she’s had loss in her life but she’s learned to move on. I knew right off the bat that Matt was perfect for Janet he just has to win her over and not scare her away LibriAmoriMiei – Review It ‘s a story written really well, is smooth and addictive, once you start it is hard to quit. It ‘s a novel sweet and funny , even a little mysterious . i blog 4 books – Review A Little Blackmail picks up with Matt Carrington (brother of Reid Carrington from Run Run Runaway). Matt is obviously hiding something, so Janet’s unexpected arrival (behind the curtains of his second story bedroom!) definitely has the potential to complicate things. I was delighted by the “marriage” of convenience aspect—another favorite storyline of mine. Letters from Annie Douglass Lima – Excerpt He looked over at Janet on the bed, her dark hair spilled out in a midnight cloud. She looked like an angel against the white sheets. It had been a long time since a woman had captured his natural male inclinations like this one had. He tried to hide it with jokes and lighthearted banter, but it was there. It never left him. Getting Your Read On – Review Matt comes off as the bad guy at first but as bits of the story come out, we learn right along with Janet what Matt is really up to. Maybe he isn’t quite as bad as he first appeared to be. The Written Adventure – Excerpt She waited, heart pounding, in case anything inside was going to react, if any alarm was going to go off. There wasn’t a sound. Holding her breath, she pushed a little more. The door glided smoothly, leaving a six-inch opening. Janet stared at it, waiting, her heart beating furiously. Christy’s Cozy Corners – Excerpt He grinned. “Right after we’re married.” “Oh.” She hardly knew which way was up any longer. “Are we getting married?” “Am I getting ahead of things?” he asked, looking alarmed. “I don’t want to scare you. Forget I said that.” He kissed her softly… [Pin, share, or tweet this image for an extra entry in the giveaway.] Moving Too Fast Book Intro Kelly P’s Blog – Excerpt Reaching out lazily, he pretended to brush a curl from her cheek and tuck it behind her ear. He gave her another wink and turned to go, making his way back across the lawn. Carrie watched him go, breathing hard in a way that was pure embarrassment… “Do you know him?” Carrie shook her head. “I’m not sure. Who is he?” “Grant Carrington. The race-car driver.” deal sharing aunt – Review The author has created a great series with characters that could be my neighbors. The Carringtons are definitely sought after men. My Ereader and Me – Excerpt “To chance encounters,” he said, his eyes making the statement provocative. “To miraculous escapes,” she countered, her chin rising with the challenge. There was a charged tension between them as their gazes locked, and then the low rumble of his laugh spilled out, the rich, textured sound of it rubbing against her in a way that did nothing to soothe her jangled nerves. All That’s Written … – Highlight Mythical Books – Excerpt Grant’s cool gaze took in exactly what was going on. He looked at Carrie and immediately saw the anger in her eyes. They’d been baiting her and she was furious. A deep feeling of pure satisfaction filled him. Their loss just might be his gain after all. I Am A Reader – Excerpt “You came back,” he answered shortly. “I wasn’t sure you would.” She gestured toward the padded table. “Of course I came back. You can’t scare me off that easily.” The Wonderings of One Person – Excerpt The ocean breeze blew her hair across her face, and Grant reached to brush it back. Emotion welled up inside her, and she grabbed his hand, pressing it to her face, pressing the palm to her lips. “Oh, Carrie,” he said, groaning as though in pain, pulling her into his embrace. “What am I going to do with you?” Katie’s Clean Book Collection – Review Carrie is a very naive and inexperienced woman and feels that Grant is a danger to be around, just like a Big Bad Wolf (I loved that part!). She’s also pretty stubborn and quick to assume. Yet, she sure is willing to give her heart away faster than she wanted to. My Love for Reading Keeps Growing – Excerpt “Do you always get what you want?” she prodded, gazing up from beneath her dark lashes. He touched her chin with one lone finger. “Always,” he said, and it was as much a warning as a promise. Tressa’s Wishful Endings – Review By far Moving Too Fast was my favorite from this series! It had a dark and brooding bad boy for the male protagonist and a sweet and lovable female protagonist. There was plenty of romantic tension with just a few intense kisses… The Reading Diaries – Review Grant has issues but maybe that’s why I like him so much he’s very much a broken guy who needs a girl to heal his heart. i blog 4 books – Review Carrie’s determination to help Grant recover from his injury—despite the fact that he thinks he can recover on his own—was a great match for Grant’s stubbornness. I enjoyed seeing how Carrie grew throughout the book, to the point where she was a strong character rather than someone who has trouble standing up for herself. Letters from Annie Douglass Lima – Excerpt Carrie shuddered, averting her gaze. She was deeply troubled by what he’d told her. She was beginning more and more to understand why he was so hard on himself, so hard on her. Getting Your Read On – Review The attraction, chemistry and emotion in this book are on high at all times. The Written Adventure – Excerpt “You’ll have to accept it, Carrie.” His voice was rough, but gentle. “I don’t know who I am when I’m not racing. I need it. I have to go. And I may never be back.” She was living her own worst nightmare. “I can’t accept that,” she repeated. Christy’s Cozy Corners – Excerpt He sighed, shaking his head. “It’s different for me now.” Reaching across the gulf that separated them, he touched her cheek with his fingertips. “I . . . I’ve got you.” LibriAmoriMiei This is the funniest novel in the series, but is also very sweet and romantic. The author has also created for this story characters realistic, fun and very different from each other. A must read for those who love romance ……… Run Run Runaway Destiny Bay Romances – Forever Yours (Sweet Edition #1) by Helen Conrad Adult Romance Paperback & Ebook, 169 pages March 28th 2014 by Doorknock Publishing Run Run Runaway is the Sweet Edition of My Little Runaway, the story of Reid Carrington and Jennifer Thornton. It seemed like a good idea at the time. The trouble is, when you run from your problems, you often find out your biggest obstacle is along for the trip–it’s you! Reid Carrington realizes that when he finds Jennifer and recognizes the quiet desperation in her eyes. Can he save someone who doesn’t want to be saved? Or like a lifeguard rescuing a swimmer, will she pull him down into the undertow in the end? Recipes for Jennifer’s Mango Salsa and Tilly’s Bruschetta included. Purchase from Amazon. A Little Blackmail Destiny Bay Romances – Forever Yours (Sweet Edition #2) by Helen Conrad Adult Romance Paperback & Ebook, 172 pages March 28th 2014 by Doorknock Publishing A Little Blackmail is the Sweet Edition of Wife For A Night, the story of Janet Cardona and Matt Carrington. Sometimes you have to break the rules to right a wrong. Janet Cardona is usually a by-the-book good girl–but when Matt Carrington won’t give her cat back, she sees red. Rules mean nothing when there’s an animal to be saved. So when she’s caught in a burglary and blackmailed for it, she finds she can’t refuse. Matt only needs her to pretend to be his wife for a day or two so that he can run a scam he’s involved in. But once the pretense gets going, he begins to yearn for the real thing. Now Janet has to decide if she can let herself fall for a con man. Recipes for Crab Open-faced Sandwiches and Basic Asian Soup included. Purchase from Amazon. Moving Too Fast Destiny Bay Romances – Forever Yours (Sweet Edition #3) by Helen Conrad Adult Romance Paperback & Ebook, 165 pages March 28th 2014 by Doorknock Publishing Moving Too Fast is the Sweet Edition of Too Scared To Breathe, the story of Grant Carrington and Carrie Harlow. A sweet old-fashioned girl– –isn’t what Grant Carrington is looking for. A man who lives for speed and danger, he’s only slowed down because he’s been forced to by an injury. Carrie Harlow isn’t his type, but he needs her in order to heal. She knows she’s playing with fire, but she feels she can help him and she goes for it—even though she knows she’s endangering her own heart as she fixes his. Recipe for Carrie’s Chicken Picatta included. Purchase from Amazon. Helen Conrad is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than 90 romances (over 15 million copies sold) published under various pseudonyms with Harlequin, Silhouette, Loveswept, and others. She is currently revamping and rewriting much of her backlist–some available in the US for the first time–to present on Kindle. Website – Facebook – Goodreads A Little About the Destiny Bay Romances: Sweet Editions From Author Helen Conrad “The Destiny Bay Romances take place in the sort of beach town I’ve always loved–and now I live in one! But writing about beach towns came first and this series is centered on the rich, influential Carrington family living along the California Coast, and in Hawaii. These are good-looking, fast-driving, hard-hitting men and women whose impulses lead them into trouble every time–and inevitably to fall in love. The original series includes language and love scenes that aren’t, for the most part, especially harsh and explicit–but some of my readers from my years writing sweets for Harlequin as Raye Morgan have asked if we couldn’t have sweet and clean versions–and I thought–what a good idea! These are basically the same stories…but with the conflicts softened a bit, the language cleaned up, and no explicit love scenes. There are still a few adult situations, but they’re muted. Consider these the PG versions. I hope you enjoy them!” Tour-Wide Giveaway - US Grand Prize: $20 Amazon gift card and paperbacks of Run Run Runaway, A Little Blackmail, and Moving Too Fast - INT Grand Prize: $20 Amazon gift card and ebooks of Run Run Runaway, A Little Blackmail, and Moving Too Fast - 2 sets of ebooks of Run Run Runaway, A Little Blackmail, and Moving Too Fast (INT) a Rafflecopter giveaway a Rafflecopter giveaway  

Review: Destruction by Sharon Bayliss

*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book free in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own* Three and a Half Stars I’ll be honest. I had a hard time rating this one. I had to let it sit for a few days to figure it out. When I read the description I thought “Man I’m going to love this one!” Then partway in I thought I was disappointed…and then the story went so fast and at the end I was mad it finished, so I figured I ended up liking it, but I wasn’t entirely sure. David is a driven business and family man with a guilty secret–and affair he carried on years ago. He ended the affair, but when the woman disappeared with his children, he never stopped looking for them. The book starts with David getting “the call”. His kids are alive and in a children’s shelter. He learns they’ve been abused and their coping mechanism is to believe they are dark wizards. David himself is a flawed man. He is afraid of what damage the truth will do and continually hides it throughout the book, from beginning until the end. We see only through this thoughts that he might have learned his lesson finally, but not his actions. I wish we’d seen it more in his actions. The book was told from an all male POV. First David and then his son Patrick. For me, that was disconcerting because I’m not used to it anymore, but it was handled well. I liked the breaks from David’s point of view to get Patrick, the “level-headed” one of the bunch. I was disappointed in the ending, because I felt it was leading up to this giant crescendo…that never went anywhere. There was a great battle, that happened off screen. It was a let down…especially when the book ended abruptly right after. Sure, I want to be left wanting for book 2 (and I am…it is coming, right?)…but there was too much left unhandled, too much smoothed over, and not enough of the actual fight at the end. That’s why I had to knock it down to 3.5 stars. In the end, yes I want to read book 2 whenever it’s finished…but I hope it’s not lacking the same thing this one was. Destruction is not a romance, it’s more an Urban Fantasy. *Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book free in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own*

Tuesday Tales – Bottom – The Wolf

Welcome back to Tuesday Tales!  This weeks prompt is to be inspired by the word Bottom. I had intended on returning to Natural Selection for this week, but then as I was writing the next installment of The Tribe series - The Wolf, bottom naturally appeared. I figured I might as well get it down while the getting was good. To set the scene, it’s been six very long years since Kane and Velli have seen each other. Torturous in many ways for both of them, but Kane finally found her. She fought him tooth and nail the night before, causing many bruises when Kane tried to keep her still, but there are others that were not by his hand. When she finally slept, Kane relaxed, hoping he might break through her resistance to help. Kane’s offer to help is in more ways than one. He is a Shifter, and he has Healing magic. His own body heals easily…but he can also heal minor injuries in others, and he wants to heal her wounds…both the obvious ones, and the ones in her soul. She is his mate, although she has yet to believe him when he says so: Velli stirred in his arms, her soft whimper as she sat up drew his attention away from his dark musings. In an effort to keep her calm, Kane shut his eyes as if he slept to allow her to do what she felt she needed to. He’d only react if she tried to attack or escape. Once she’d stood and crossed the room, he opened his eyes a crack to keep an eye on her. There were bruises on her wrists from their struggle the night before, and his Healing magic told him there were more. She had fought tooth and nail against him, but knowing her fight had caused them didn’t lessen his guilt over the injuries. He would make amends and Heal them. Then maybe, just maybe, she’d be calm enough to let him talk. Once she disappeared behind the bathroom door, he sat. He exhaled a long breath and scrubbed his hand over his face. This would not be an easy day, and to make matters worse he’d found her the day before a full moon. The fates were conspiring against him, for the full moon meant pain for them both, and would add to Velli’s crankiness. The shower turned on, the drumming of droplets on the tub’s bottom thumped in his ears. A few seconds later he knew she stepped in by the change in sound. Maybe he’d make coffee, have it ready for her when she got out. Perhaps over neutral territory like coffee they could get everything started. A deep sob broke through the steady patter of water. Kane flew to his feet. Maybe he’d imagined it. No, there was another one. She was crying now, he knew it, and trying to hide behind the sounds of the shower. His heart wrenched. For far too long he’d been away from her, unable to aid her suffering. He wouldn’t let her grieve alone when he was right there. Even if he might be the cause of her tears, or because he probably was the reason. No matter the why’s, he wouldn’t stand by. On the way to the bathroom, he stripped down with an easy grace. Modern belief held that Native’s were modest about their bodies, and most were. That was a behavior and belief system instilled in the known tribes when they broke off from the core magical Tribe they’d been created out of, and became mostly human. The core Tribe held the balance of Shifters. To protect what they were, the Tribe made sure all descendant natives became modest, so the Shifters that couldn’t afford to be modest would be safer. It is hard to believe a culture that is naturally modest would so easily shed clothes to Shift, after all. At the bathroom door Kane hesitated. He took a moment to brace himself against whatever attack she’d launch before he entered. When the door opened there was no reaction from the shower. Her soft sobs echoed out from behind the curtain. He pushed aside the barrier between them, doing his best to not flinch when her shriek echoed through the enclosed space. “Vels.” His heart ached to have her shrink back from him. Still, he didn’t hesitate to step into the shower. “I’m not going to hurt you.” “Go away.” She turned her back on him, but didn’t run away or attack. Was that really good, or terrible? What was it Lily had once said about her? Velli is volatile. She certainly was. Kane stepped closer, the water hit his feet in rapid beats now. “Let me help you. Just this once.” “Why? So you can betray me again? Go away.” He touched her shoulder before pulling on it gently. Once she’d turned to face him, he brushed some tears from her cheek. With a sigh, he pulled her close and relaxed when she didn’t fight him. He closed his eyes and rested his cheek on the top of her head when she rested her forehead on his chest and let out another gut-wrenching sob. “It’s not your fault,” she spoke through hiccups. “I was marked for this long before you. You just made it worse.” “Well I’m here to make it better.” “You can’t. Nobody can.” “I’m a Healer. I can make anything better.” “It’s too late for me.” “It’s never too late.” *~* Hope you enjoyed it!  Click on the Tuesday Tales badge to see more excellent entries!! *~*

Sunday Snippets 34 – Deep Fried Sweethearts

Welcome back to the Weekend Writing Warriors! So Michaela and the young Tag have found common ground. Is that enough for the two of them? In this 8, Tag is working on the Nova he spoke of…when Michaela shows up: “You’ll never manage it that way.” Michaela’s voice shocked both men into jumping. Tools clanged against cement, and Tag jumped so high, he hit his forehead on the bolt, in the exact spot the wrench had clocked him minutes ago. “Ow, damn it. Son of a—” Michaela giggled, a foreign sound to Tag’s ears, but so welcome it almost overrode his pain. Almost. “Didn’t mean to scare you guys, I thought you heard me walking in.” *No creative editing for a change this week. *~* | Amazon | SCP | BN | ARe |  Michaela O’Keefe is in over her head with her restaurant, The Midway.  Her ad for an assistant manager brings Owen “Tag” Montague to her doorstep. With an impeccable resume and dozens of letters of recommendation, she has little choice but to give him a chance. Ten years her junior, Tag sets her long-dead libido humming, but she gave up on love and her instincts on men years ago. Tag has had a crush on his new boss since his youth, but he’s determined to prove he can do the job. Still, he can’t resist the urge to make her blush down to her toes as often as possible. He knows her rough past in life and love makes it hard to trust, and he’s wary of crossing the line he so desperately wants to. Just when they manage to figure out how to work and play together, Michaela’s ex does all he can to destroy their budding love. When push comes to shove Michaela’s inability to give Tag the benefit of the doubt might destroy everything. Learning to trust herself again is the hardest lesson Michaela will ever have to learn – and by the time she does, it may be too late for love. *~* Head back on over to the Weekend Writing Warriors to read many more wonderful offerings!

Tuesday Tales – Independent Brake

Welcome back to Tuesday Tales!  This weeks prompt is to be inspired by this picture. Goodness I’m running behind this week, and I’m sorry. Life was rather up and down and all around…and a sick kid at home today wasn’t very inspirational to writing. Anyhow…my prompt is rather inspired by this picture as I’m still in Kat’s story and a historical western would not have a mailbox or an electric lightbulb…I’m sort of bare-bones on the details…but anyhow. After a couple of months back in Dominion Falls, Kat has spent her time having fun with Cole, but as that devolves from pure sex into friendship, she has rather upped her pursuit of the older Norman…but today he has a surprise for her: They hadn’t gone quite a quarter of a mile before the small homestead came into view. She remembered the homestead being half-finished, devoid of life, before she’d left Dominion Falls. She couldn’t even remember who’d been building it, but she had noticed when she moved back that it had come to life, although it still seemed to be without an occupant. Someone had finished the home finally, and painted it a cheery yellow. Though the homestead was empty, chaisr perched on the small porch, just waiting for occupants. Much to Kat’s surprise, Norman slowed to a stop in front of the small home. “Norman?” “I was buildin’ it for Betsy, then she up and died.” She gasped and eyed the house. “I’d forgotten it was yours. You  left it to rot after she passed. When I left there was no porch or windows. Did someone buy it?” “Nah. Lots of promises I didn’t keep. Few years ago I figured I’d finish one promise and fixed it up real nice. Thought I might sell it, but ain’t been able to let it go.” “Understandable. I’m sure Elizabeth would have loved it. I remember she wore yellow all the time.” “Was her favorite color. But she’s gone now. It’s time to let go, I s’pose.” “Only you can know if it’s time.” “Thought maybe you’d wanna live here so’s you can get outta Cora’s place, I mean.” “What?” Kat dropped her hand from his arm and took a step back. “I’d rent it to ya, if ya want. If not, I’ll probably sell it.” “I couldn’t live in Betsy’s house. It’s a lovely gesture, and I appreciate the kindness, but it wouldn’t be right, me living there what with you ready to move on…” “I reckon I am. Been nine years, after all.” *~* Hope you enjoyed it!  Click on the Tuesday Tales badge to see more excellent entries!! *~*