R.E. Hargrave's Blog, page 372

Passion in the Pages: BOOK REVIEW: Hunter & Prey by Kira Barker

Passion in the Pages: BOOK REVIEW: Hunter & Prey by Kira Barker: From Goodreads: Penelope Thompson loves her life. She has everything she wants. With her beauty, charm, and intelligence, she is at the...

Author to AUTHOR Sneak Peek Sunday: Ascension by Lorenz Font

 

Ascension , Book 3 of The Gates Legacy by Lorenz FontToday, enjoy a sneak peek of Ascension, the newest release coming from Lorenz Font on January 8! This is the third installment of The Gates Legacy Series...
~Will a human woman’s love give a vampire prince the strength to violate the Vampire Council’s age-old decree?~  
Blog Tour starts in just 4 days! Be sure to follow the tour, sign up for prizes and get to know the gang at Tack Enterprises!   The flimsy door was torn off its hinges like a piece of cardboard. “What the hell is going on here?” Rohnert’s voice rattled everything around them, sending the bottles of precious anesthetics to the floor with a loud crash.“Don’t you ever knock?” Shelly wobbled to the nearest chair and flopped onto it clumsily.“I heard you cry. What’s wrong?” Rohnert rushed to her side, ignoring her question, and placed his hand on her belly.It could have been the warmth of his touch or some quack medicinal magic, but her back felt instant relief. Shelly had wanted to deny him the privilege of connecting with their unborn child. Instead, she smothered a moan at the glorious reprieve he brought to her. She was much too proud to acknowledge how his presence soothed her. “Nothing’s wrong. I probably pulled a muscle when I bent down to pick up the scissors.” She tried to move away from him, to disconnect herself from his touch.Cheryl took one look at Rohnert, and without a word took her leave. Mort scrambled to his feet and followed suit.Rohnert kept his hand on her back. “You’re lying.” He peered at her.Shelly bit her tongue to keep herself from lobbing another furious retort. She looked away, focusing on the exit. He had no right to look so attractive and virile, and her heart shouldn’t be hammering against her chest the way it was. Under his close scrutiny, she felt vulnerable, naked almost, and she hated the sexual stirring in her gut.“You look tired.”“I’m fine. It’s my normal. I have to go to work now.”“You’re done working for the night.” Rohnert’s eyes bore into hers. The command in voice would have sent others seeking for cover.She was no pushover. “You’re not telling me what to do.” Shelly stood up and bolted past him.Rohnert was quick to restrain her, and he spun her around to face him. “I’m not doing this to annoy you. You have to look after yourself and our child. Your schedule doesn’t allow you enough rest.”Sure. He was going all gallant on her, showing concern. It was a bit too cozy and little too late.“No, it isn’t,” he said, answering her unspoken words. “I left because I wanted to protect—”“Oh spare me the details. You left because you’re afraid to show you care. Now that I’m pregnant, you come waltzing back into my life to take control. If you’re concerned for the child’s well-being, don’t be. I’m going to let It know who the sperm donor is.”She watched his face harden. “Do not call our child It. We’re going to give him a name, and I’m not just a donor. I intend to be a part of his life every step of the way.”So he had been eavesdropping. Just for kicks, she pushed on. “And how do you propose that we go about doing that?” Shelly held Rohnert’s gaze with enough challenge to discourage any man.His features softened, and his eyes crinkled. “I want a ceremony to bind us. I don’t want my son to be born a bastard.”As in getting married? Her chest felt weird all of a sudden, inflating at the prospect, but she tamped down her excitement. Where in hell does this man get these silly notions?“And if I won’t do it?”Rohnert smiled, exposing the tips of his fangs. “You won’t deny your child the life he deserves.”Too cocky for his own good. Shelly snorted and shook her head. “This child deserves to live in peace away from the killings and without the fear of getting killed.” It was obvious that she’d struck a nerve when his nostrils flared. Shelly stifled a smile.“I will protect my child with my life.” He pulled her closer until their faces were almost touching and held her chin with his thumb and forefinger. “You won’t get rid of me, even if you try.” Without giving her a chance to answer, he cupped her face with his big hands and captured her mouth in a hungry kiss, demanding her to respond. Shelly planted her palms against his chest and pushed. Rohnert didn’t budge. He growled against her lips and deepened the kiss, rendering her breathless and weak in the knees. Her hands relaxed then fisted in his jacket, finally feeling the burn of his mouth.Oh, God. How could she think straight? She prided herself on being tough, and she usually stuck to her resolve. Yet Rohnert short circuited her brain, making it difficult to think of anything but getting him between her legs.His hands wound down to the small of her back and pressed her body until there was not a hairline of space between them. She felt lightheaded. This had to stop. She wasn’t going to . . .Shelly moaned, unable to stop herself from touching his face. If she were truthful with herself, she wanted this and needed him like air.She also needed a doctor. It was obvious she was sick in the head. She had vowed not to allow him walk all over her, and look at what was she doing—allowing him to trample her will and moaning like a sex-starved kitten while he did.Rohnert released her mouth and whispered. “Stop fighting your attraction to me.”Shelly met his feral gaze and released a sigh. “This is for our child.” It sounded believable to her ears, just enough to salvage her pride. All it had taken was one kiss, and she was ready to make a go of it.[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhlQ1...] ~~BUY LINKS~~Amazon - Kobo - Barnes and Noble - TWCS PH ~~ABOUT THE AUTHOR~~  

 Lorenz Font discovered her love of writing after reading a celebrated novel that inspired one idea after another. She is currently enjoying the buzz from her vampire novels Hunted and Tormented, the first and second book of The Gates Legacy Series, Indivisible Line, a romantic thriller, Feather Light, an erotic romance and Pieces of Broken Time, a military romance. Lorenz’s perfect day consists of writing and lounging on her garage couch, aka the office, with a glass of her favorite cabernet while listening to her ever-growing music collection. She enjoys dabbling in different genres, with an intense focus on angst and the redemption of flawed characters. Her fascination with romantic twists is a mainstay in all her stories. Lorenz lives in California with her husband, children, and two demanding dogs. She divides her time between her full-time job and her busy writing schedule.


   Be sure to look for books one and two if you haven't read them yet!

~~CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR~~Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads * Website 
Join the RELEASE DAY PARTY!  
Ascension Release Day, Author Giveaway Rafflecopter 1a Rafflecopter giveawayAscension Release Day, Author Giveaway Rafflecopter 2a Rafflecopter giveaway 
Praise for Ascension "The best way for me to describe Ascension is, come for the smoking hot vampires and stay for the action, suspense and gut wrenching drama. It’s not hard to fall under the spell of the visionary creation of Lorenz Font." - Jolene, Valley Girl Gone Country Goodreads ReviewWould you like to join Lorenz Font's Street Team? We'd loved to have you!Fill out the Info Form Here!

RELEASE BLITZ: Indulgence by Jeanne McDonald

Indulgence by: Jeanne McDonaldGenre: Erotica/Erotic RomanceRelease date: January 4, 2015


One night of indulging in her carnal nature will unlock a world of mystery and desire she never dreamed existed.

A year has passed since Addison George was left at the altar after her husband-to-be announced he was gay.  Still friends despite what happened, she secretly harbors hope that all of this was a phase and he will come crawling back to her.  That dream is shattered when he announces that he’s engaged to the man he left her for.  Spiraling out of control, Addison agrees to accompany her best friend to the sex party of the year. Hosted by world-renowned erotic romance author, Sebastian Hawk, exposed anonymity is the name of the game.  The rules are simple: all guests are required to remain nude for the duration of the event, except for a mask to hide one’s identity, and everyone must partake in at least one salacious delight.Out of her sexual league, Addison spends the evening with a certain clothed employee who explains to her the world in which the enigmatic author lives.  While she wishes to understand more about the strange novelist, Addison can’t help but feel drawn to the handsome and mysterious employee who has introduced her to the sensual realm of Indulgence.
Lost in a world of secrets and passion, Addison will unmask the man behind the mystery while exploring her carnal nature.  Through it all, she’ll discover that not everything is as it seems, and to never judge a book solely by its cover.


Jeanne McDonald began telling stories at the ripe young age of five, when her mother considered the truth to be a lie due to her extensive embellishment to the retelling of an event.  She wrote her first short story when she was twelve years old, and at the age of sixteen she tried her hand at poetry.  She reconnected with her love for writing in 2010 thanks to the encouragement of a dear friend.

Her passions include a "mild" Starbucks addiction, music, reading, quotes, movies, and romance.  When she's not spending time with her family, she can be found reading, writing, chatting with her friends or diligently working toward her bachelor's degree in Literature.  A proud Texan, Jeanne currently resides in the Dallas/Fort Worth area with her family.


                                   
 

 Other works by this author                        


Jeanne McDonald's Amazon Page

NEW RELEASE: Black & White by Traci Hayden

 

Beth Huntley, photographer and devoted bachelorette, doesn’t believe in true love. Too much hurt and disappointment has left her hiding behind the camera. All she can see is a black and white world around her.William Lorde, widower and father, was once an open and carefree man. The loss of his wife has left him wrapped up in the needs of his little girl. He can no longer see the colors of the world as he struggles each and every day. What happens when these two similarly different people meet and help each other to step out of the world they’ve created for themselves? Will they find a love that helps them heal from the past, enjoy their present and create a beautiful future?

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-A4Xk...
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJ9zg...

GoodreadsAmazon USAmazon CA William stopped short and leaned against one of the buildings lining the street. "Beth, can I ask you an honest question?"

I didn't even think twice before answering, "Sure, ask away."

"Are you here with me out of pity, or are you okay being with a fucked-up guy like me?" he asked quietly.

To say I was stunned would've been an understatement. I moved towards him and laid my hands against his folded arms. The current which seemed to connect us sizzled in the cool air. He needed the truth. "I'm not here out of pity, nor are you a fucked-up anything. You’re hurting, lost and in need of a friend. Despite how angry I was at Jude and Anne’s interference, I think they might have been right about one thing. It seems I'm the perfect person."

He closed his eyes and laid his head back against the wall. "I am fucked-up, Beth. I can't seem to stay on a straight path anymore. One day I can see some daylight at the end of the tunnel, and then the next day, the world seems so dark and gray again."

"William, it's completely understandable. When my parents divorced, I was all over the place for months, hell, years actually. For a child, being unable to understand what was happening or why everything had to change, God, I thought I was going crazy. I wish I’d had someone to help me through those times. Maybe I wouldn't be the fucked-up woman I am now." Honesty in this case, seemed as though it would be the best policy.

"But I'm not a child, Beth. I'm a grown man who should be able to handle this better," William said, looking down at me and I could see the torment in his eyes. "I'm so screwed up."

"You're not screwed up. You're suffering through one of the most terrible things which could happen to anyone. You lost your wife so suddenly, and you were left with a tiny baby who needs you to be strong all time for her. My God, I’m sure if I was in a similar situation, I would be a blubbering mess of goo. I'm so impressed by your strength," I argued. "You’re a strong man, you have a lot going on, but you're working through it, you work hard every day to provide for your baby girl."

"I don't know how to do this. How do I make sure Angel doesn't turn into me?" William asked, tears falling freely down his face.

I reached up, laying a hand on his cheek and wiped the tears away with my thumb. "Let me help, I'll try to help you figure out what I wish someone had taught me."

William covered my hand with his. "Why, Beth? Why would you commit yourself to doing this for a complete stranger?"

I thought about the answer for a moment. Why was I doing this? Was I truly interested in William, the idea of saving him, or was I doing this out of a need to help someone I saw as a friend? I decided again to be honest.

"I don't know, William. I've seen you light up when you look at that beautiful little girl of yours, and I know you deserve to be happy. I want the sparkle in your eyes to shine for the whole world. I want to see it sparkle every single day."

William let his arms drop to his sides. "I don't know if it's possible. It won't be fair to you, not if I can't be helped."

"Let me decide what I consider fair. For now, let's just take it one day at a time. Let me be a friend and help bring you back to life," I suggested.

Before I even had time to consider what I was doing, I pressed my body against his, wrapping my arms tightly around his waist. It felt so right, as if I molded against him perfectly. Once more I berated myself as a fraud. I wanted to help a friend, but my physical attraction for William was hoping for more. The question of whether this was a good idea spun around inside my head once again.

William wrapped his arms around me, holding on as if I was a beacon of light in a storm. "Maybe I can bring you back to life in return," he whispered against the top of my head.

Traci Hayden is a mother of four beautiful girls and one adorable granddaughter.

She has always had a passion for reading, but recently the obsession for writing has taken over.

As a Nova Scotian native now living in British Columbia, Traci has travelled across Canada, fuelling her imagination from coast to coast.

Along with two dogs and two cats, Traci's home is shared with her partner of 17 years. He is her rock and constant support.

Traci loves all genres of writing, but currently is exploring the world of romance.

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Reflections on 2014 from R.E. Hargrave

On this last day of 2014, I find myself sitting here thinking back on what I've accomplished, and what I hope to tackle in the future. By some mad fortune I can now say I have seven published books ... quite something, when at the beginning of this publishing journey I had no certainty if I'd be stopping at one. However, I can claim four novellas and a three novel series under my belt. That's nothing for me to shake a stick at. Of those seven, I've even got six of them available in print! One of my novellas has also been included in a fourteen-book anthology: Treasured Moments which is still at it's introductory price of only $0.99!
Around my writing, editing, and formatting schedule for myself, I managed to sneak a little bit of reading in, enough to come up with a top ten list: SEE FULL LIST with my reviews and retails links. I'm already digging in and lining up my reading list for 2015, and can't wait to see where those new reads will take me! 
Kira Barker, Al Daltry, J.M. Darhower, Sam JD Hunt, Samantha Jacobey, Amber L. Johnson, Jason Luke, Kris Thompson, Cherime MacFarlane, and Gracen Miller made the cut.
When I wasn't working on projects for myself, I was spending time helping out some fellow Indie authors prepare their own books for release ... either through beta-reading, editing, or formatting. Here are the results of those efforts:
~From Elena M Reyes~Follow her on Amazon

Marking Her (Marked #1)Marking Him (Marked #2)


~From M.B. Feeney~Follow her on Amazon
 
Right Click, Love (Edition 2) The One that Got Away~Coming Feb 2015

~From L.J. Harris~Follow her on Amazon
Ms. Harris has an amazing project in the works, His Personal Assistant , which will hopefully hit virtual shelves in 2015. Keep an eye out!

Highlights from 2014:
In April, I released Unchained Melody, a military romance novella.
Amazon Kindle $0.99
I launched my street team, Divine Darlins, in June.JOIN HERE

My first official book signing in the small town of Granbury, Texas happened in July.Joining me were fellow Texas authors Jennifer Theriot, Jeanne McDonald, and Tessa Gray.

In August I succumbed to the dreaded ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE:Facebook video
October was a double month.  First, I released my erotic novella, The Food Critic: Amazon Kindle $0.99
Second, it found me in Austin as a guest of Lorenz Font at the Texas Book Festival, where I got to meet (and get signed books from) several amazing authors!
December, of course, brought my year to an amazing finish with the release of Surreal.






If you fancy a signed copy of any of my books direct from me, you can order one here: Order Form





May 2015 start off with a bang for all of you. Here's to another wild year filled with crazy twists!

COVER REVEAL: The One that Got Away by M.B. Feeney

Cover RevealForThe One That Got Away
by M. B. Feeney Summary:There’s something about that one person we date in our teens, but never become intimate with. Why does a sexless relationship render us unable to stop carrying that person, the what if, with us into our adult life?For Heidi Johnson, Shane Hughes is her “one that got away.” Through the years, he has stayed in the back of her mind while she became an adult, a mother, and her own person. Meanwhile, Shane has lived a life of regret that he let Heidi go for the wrong reasons: fear and a misguided sense of not wanting to hurt either of them. When they reconnect online, the memories they've tried to suppress over the years return, reigniting the feelings never explored ‘back in the day.’ Will a school reunion in their home town of London, surrounded by old school friends, help the pair address the questions the years apart left unanswered? Or will they still be left with wanting more?

Coming Soon: 13 February 2015


Cover design by J.C. Clarke of Grafix Momma



Out of the corner of my eye I watched Shane while he settled into the chair and took a swig of his beer. Trying to be discreet, I watched his Adam’s apple bob under the smattering of stubble that was starting to cover his face and neck.

His hands moved from where they caressed my face, stroking my neck down to my shoulders. I gasped when his thumb rubbed the side of my breast as he dropped his hands to my hips.


About the Author:  M. B. Feeney is an army brat who finally settled down in Birmingham, UK with her other half, two kids and a dog. Currently at university studying for her BA (Hons) in primary teaching, she procrastinates on her assignments by listening to music of all genres and trying to get ‘just one more paragraph’ written on whichever WIP is open. She is also a serious doodler and chocoholic. Writing has been her one true love ever since she could spell, and publishing is the final culmination of her hard work and ambition.Her publishing career began with two novellas, and she currently has a novel under way, whilst Honour, a compilation of her own military based shorts, is due for release 1st November 2013. Always having something on the go can often lead to block which eventually gets dissolved by good music and an even better book.

Find her on Facebook I Twitter I Blog

BOOK BLITZ: Defined by Others by MCV Egan

TITLE: Defined by OtherAUTHOR: M.C.V. EganGENRE: Women's Contemporary FictionPUBLICATION DATE: December 11, 2014COVER DESIGN: Babble Graphics front cover Nethed Back cover
LENGTH: 50,000 wordsCONTENT WARNING: Adult Content - Drug Use/Drinking



SYNOPSIS
A word, a single word defines a moment for Anne. She needs to find a new one when her spouse leaves her at the age of 47, coming out of the closet literally in a closet. She finds herself back in her hometown amongst her high school friends which she left behind in her past.

An inheritance from a friend leaves her with the means to meddle and spy on the lives of some of their mutual acquaintances. In an attempt to run from her reality Anne gets engrossed in a game of "fun" and "flirtation" with her friend and fellow sufferer Connie at her side. Anne however did not read all the files and what to her is fun games turns into a deadly reality. It is no longer a game.

Life, death and not even a defining word can stop the reality of manipulation.


EXCERPT
I sat in Pete’s office after the video ended staring at the screen with her frozen image. She looked gaunt and ravaged by the illness that had eventually taken her life. When they lowered her coffin into the grave the day before I felt that my youth and much of what makes life feel like an adventure was being lowered into the ground with her.

As I stared at the image my mouth felt dry, my hands had a slight tremor and even in my thoughts I could not quite find the right word to define the moment, to define my feelings. I burst out crying in loud wracking sobs and I heard the door open, through my heavy tears the contact lenses swam and moved in my eyes and everything seemed a blur. I felt the hand on my shoulder and as he handed me the tissues he said,

“Can I get you something? Anything? Water? Coffee?”

I blew my nose and composed myself as best I could.

“Water, ice cold water would be nice.”

As he walked towards a bar in the back of his office I heard him say,

“It’s a little early but I can offer you something stronger if you prefer.”

“No thanks, water with ice will be fine.”

The musical clink of the ice cubes against the glass was the familiar tone made only by fine crystal. I recognized the Baccarat pattern, it was the same as the crystal in my parents’ home. He hesitated and cleared his throat before he spoke again.

“I know speaking ill of the dead is in very poor taste but Amanda was not a nice person. I am bound as her attorney to follow her instructions to the letter, you can watch; what is obviously a pretty nasty recording as many times as you wish, but when you are done I need to destroy it, in front of you. Then I am to hand you a box and again you are to open it in absolute privacy, so preferably not in this office. Can I suggest I destroy it right here and now? I have pliers and I can smash the flash drive into nothing.”

“It really is not at all what you imagine. She was even nice and apologized in it. She could be an absolute bitch, but my tears and sadness are not for her.”

“Oh, I see. How’s your dad doing?”

“Better.”

“We were all surprised to see you at the funeral, I actually expected to fly down to Florida and hand all this to you there. She left a nice expense account for that. How long have you been in town?”

“Just a few days, Mom assumed they’d be flying up for Thanksgiving. They are so afraid Obama will get re-elected after the Romney tape that they wanted to vote in person.”

“He might win you know. Although you would not know it in this town by the Romney signs everywhere.”

“Signs can’t vote.”

“Spoken like a true Democrat.”

“Yeah, yet another choice where I absolutely failed my parents.”

“Don’t knock yourself, I do not think any of us live up to parental expectations.”

I drank the ice cold water and nodded my head at the screen, no words were needed he closed the file Amanda’s face disappeared from the screen. He pulled out the flash drive and reached into a drawer, as he crunched and cracked the flash drive that was when I knew, he too had fallen prey to one or more of Amanda’s nasty games.

“I think it is pretty done. If you are not sure why don’t you shoot it?”

“That is not a bad idea.”

That was when we both started to laugh, I did not recognize it then but that was precisely when we bonded, laughing over the nasty remains of a common enemy. I gathered my things including the package Amanda had bequeathed me and Pete walked me to the car.

“It would only be a conflict of interest to offer help in anything regarding Amanda, but if you need any help with your parents’ home, don’t hesitate to call me. Do you have the card I gave you yesterday at the funeral?”

“It is such a small town Pete, even if I lose the card, now that everyone knows I’m here it will be hard to avoid me.”

I stopped at the grocery store on my way home. Everyone in town knew I was there, so there was no sense in driving into the city to get what I needed. I had already put a nice dent in mom’s pantry and dad’s bar. I had been there well over a week, trying to understand what I had missed, how I had not known about Frank. Then Amanda died and curiosity got the better of me. What did Alison say?

“Enemies always attend each other’s funerals. I guess it is a way of knowing they won…”

Well, we weren’t always enemies, and sometimes it is the good and healthy memories that make someone go to a funeral. Amanda was the first of us to die. At 47 it seemed too young to bury a contemporary. Once she was diagnosed it was only a matter of time, it was pretty amazing she lasted as long as she did, but if nothing else money can buy you time and in 2012 time can mean science and technology might just come up with some medication or medical treatment that changes everything.

It had not worked for Amanda, but so far it had worked for my dad. This last stroke seemed to be the first time he had an untimely health issue, with no easy fix in site.

Amanda fought hard for a good two years and then lost, the image of her greenish skin color and emaciated body made that perfectly clear. Her beautiful heart shaped face was gaunt and her eyes sunken in the video, the voice was the strangest and most unrecognizable trait. Was it Karma to go so slowly and with so much suffering? Our shopping Carts collided and I was as startled by that as by the tone of her voice.

“Hi Anne.”

“Connie? I just assumed you were not in town. I did not see you at Amanda’s funeral yesterday.”

“I don’t like funerals. I sent flowers. I saw the comments on Social Media. I was surprised you were there.”

“Social Media? I have avoided social media, the only use would be spying on my kids.”

“Most people use it. In a very public way.”

“Is something wrong?”

“You really don’t know, do you?”

Cyberspace helping small town gossip. I was so detached from the experiences of my youth and my past. I could not imagine there was anything I had missed that mattered in the here and now.

“You know, my dad is really ill, I am just here getting the house in order and figuring out the best way to help them get settled in Florida full-time.”

“I’m sorry about your dad. Can I come over tonight? I’ll bring a nice dinner, we really need to talk. It’s about Frank.”

This time I could easily put a word to define the situation; Dumbfounded. It is a small town but mom assured me that no-one knew.

“I…”

“Believe me it is just as uncomfortable for me as it is for you, but we really need to talk. Better said it is about Frank and Mike.”

I learned at a very young age that the moments that define us in life are sometimes as concrete as a ton of bricks falling loudly and painfully on top of us. This was one of those moments, not at all like the subtle hidden one when Pete and I laughed together.

“What time?”

“Is seven OK? I can bring dinner.”

“You really think we can eat?”

“I’ll bring wine.”

I nodded. I started to pile food like a robot in the shopping cart, as the salesclerk rang it up I wondered why I had chosen all of Frank’s favorites.


BOOK LINKS
Amazon US
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Goodreads

ADDITIONAL BOOKS
M.C. has one other book that earned her many 5 star reviews. The Bridge of Deaths is a true life mystery novel with a love that spans time.



2011 VERSION OF THE BRIDGE OF DEATHS (AMAZON US)
REVISED ADDITION (2014) (AMAZON US)
WEBSITE
TUMBLR
FACEBOOK

ABOUT AUTHOR
M.C.V. Egan is the pen name chosen by Maria Catalina Vergara Egan the author of The Bridge of Deaths in two versions as well as the soon to be released Defined by Others.

Catalina was born in Mexico City, Mexico in 1959, the sixth of eight children, in a traditional Catholic family. Communication in such a large family fueled her desire and need to find a voice and write.

She only spent her childhood in Mexico. Her father became an employee of The World Bank in Washington D.C. From the early 1970s at the age of 12 she moved with her entire family to the United States.

Catalina was already fluent in Southern English as she had spent one school year in the town of Pineville, Louisiana with her grandparents. There she won the English award; ironically being the only one who had English as a second language in her class. In the D.C. suburbs she attended various private Catholic schools and graduated from Winston Churchill High School in Potomac, Maryland in 1977.

She attended Montgomery Community College, where she changed majors every semester. She also studied in Lyons, France at the Catholic University for two years. In 1981, due to an impulsive young marriage to a Viking (The Swedish kind, not the football player kind) Catalina moved to Sweden where she resided for five years and taught at a language school for Swedish, Danish, and Finnish business people. She returned to the USA in the late 1980s where she has been living ever since. She is fluent in Spanish, English, French and Swedish.

Maria Catalina Vergara Egan is married and has one son, who together with their five pound Chihuahua make her feel like a fulltime mother. Although she would not call herself an Astrologer she has taken many classes and taught a few beginner classes in Astrology. This is one of her many past times when she is not writing or researching.


AUTHOR LINKS
MC is very active around the net. Besides creating sites about her books, she runs around the social sites, making friends along the way. Click on any of these links and see what MC is up to today.
Google+
Twitter
Goodreads
LinkedIN
Amazon
Book Blogs

GIVEAWAY
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MoB Promosmagicofbookspromo@gmail.com

COVER REVEAL: Jade (Special Operations Command Series #2) by S. Reynolds

Title: Jade (Special Operations Command Series #2)Genre: Romance/Erotica with ActionAuthor: Stephanie ReynoldsRelease Date: Jan 12, 2015 Synopsis:
Jade Conner is taking a big risk, working undercover as a drug buyer. His team is desperately trying to intercept and stop the importation of a wicked new drug into South Florida. In the middle of a buy, he meets a young woman, who seems utterly out of place. Alli Reed is helplessly trapped, having foolishly made the wrong choice. Now, she must deliver the drugs or die.Worse, she the sister of one of the team members: the case just took the worst possible turn!   







♦About The Author♦

Bio:I am a new author and hope to publish many of my books. I have been working on my first book for some time now, but I am finally making that leap. I have many stories that I want to put to paper and hopefully you all will follow me on my journey. I currently live in Charleston, WV with my two beautiful children. I do work a full time job and I have a passion for writing. My only hobby is reading. I like to write whatever is on my mind but I like to explore with my writing. I like to have my books feel like your inside them as the actual characters. I like my characters to be strong. Sex is important between loving people therefore all my books contain graphic scenes but are not classified as erotica. The character's themselves have more basis. If you would like to know more, please feel free to contact me, I would love to hear from you.

 
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COVER REVEAL/NEW RELEASE: Black & White by Traci Hayden

TITLE: Black & WhiteAUTHOR: Traci HaydenGENRE: Contemporary RomancePUBLICATION DATE: December 20, 2014COVER DESIGN: MoB ~ Tami Adams

SYNOPSIS
Beth Huntley, photographer and devoted bachelorette, doesn’t believe in true love. Too much hurt and disappointment has left her hiding behind the camera. All she can see is a black and white world around her.
William Lorde, widower and father, was once an open and carefree man. The loss of his wife has left him wrapped up in the needs of his little girl. He can no longer see the colors of the world as he struggles each and every day.
What happens when these two similarly different people meet and help each other to step out of the world they’ve created for themselves? Will they find a love that helps them heal from the past, enjoy their present and create a beautiful future?
TEASERS




ABOUT AUTHOR
Traci Hayden is a mother of four beautiful girls and one adorable granddaughter. 
She has always had a passion for reading, but recently the obsession for writing has taken over. 
As a Nova Scotian native now living in British Columbia, Traci has travelled across Canada, fuelling her imagination from coast to coast. 
Along with two dogs and two cats, Traci's home is shared with her partner of 17 years. He is her rock and constant support. 
Traci loves all genres of writing, but currently is exploring the world of romance.
AUTHOR LINKS
Facebook ~ Twitter

Amazon ~ Goodreads

Blog

ADDITIONAL BOOKS  

GoodReads
Amazon US
Amazon CA
Amazon UK

MoB Promosmagicofbookspromo@gmail.com

Virtual Cookie Exchange & Giveaway

I'm so excited to be participating in the Virtual Cookie Exchange, along with a group of amazing authors. Every day, you get a delicious cookie recipe - and achance to enter a giveaway for TWO $25 Amazon Gift Cards!



My very first published work was a novella called Sugar & Spice . In this sweet tale, we meet single mother, Lacey Harrison, and her daughter Candy. Lacey owns the town bakery and thinks her life is good just the way it is, until Trent Childress moves into town and turns her world upside down with his charming smile and good manners.
EXCERPT: Following St. Patty’s Day, the orders started coming in strong and steady. That was typical this time of year, due to the large number of spring births in our area; I’d joked on more than one occasion about there being something in the water. Plus, there was planning for the Easter bake sale. I was staying late to double-check my inventory, along with getting pre-made dough blended and packed into the freezer to help speed the process as orders came due.
Before I knew it, my kitchen had been taken over once again. Now I was standing next to a table decorated with bunnies and eggs decorated in bright colors, peddling our wares. Candy had run off, saying she wanted to find someone that, “I had to meet.” I was hoping she’d moved past the mysterious Coach C to someone closer to her own age.
“Enjoy, Steve,” I said, thanking Coach Rose’s husband for his purchase of two dozen honey carrot cookies. He stepped away, revealing my daughter, who had her hand latched onto the arm of my Valentine’s Day egg disaster: Trent.
“Lacey,” he murmured, his eyes meeting mine and igniting a tugging feeling inside of my stomach that crept lower the longer he looked at me.
“Hey, Trent,” I choked a bit on his name. “Gonna support the school again?” His spreading grin changed the tug to a full on twist and pull, and I lost my breath.
“Least I can do, seeing how they employ me and all,” he answered with a cheeky tone.
“Coach C?” I hazarded a guess, my nose scrunching up.
“Yes, ma’am. Nice to meet ya,” he extended his hand. “Your daughter is a delight to have in class,” he teased with a roll of his eyes. I laughed.
“I bet. I’m guessing you’re aware of a certain crush?” I asked, leaning in so that gossipy ears could not overhear me, though our positioning itself was bound to start gossip.

He turned in towards me, his breath a warm whisper on my cheek as he replied, “Yes, I am, and I’m handling it by openly flirting with her mother.”

~Sugar & Spice, Chapter 3



Here's the recipe for one of Lacey's best sellers, Honey Carrot Cookies, compliments of SheKnows ...



Honey Carrot CookiesIngredients
3/4 cup butter1/2 cup honey1 egg1 teaspoon vanilla1/2 teaspoon lemon extract2 cups flour2 teaspoons baking powder1/2 teaspoon salt1-1/4 cups grated carrots
Cream butter, honey, eggs, vanilla and lemon extract.
Combine flour, baking powder and salt.
Blend flour combination into egg mixture.
Fold in carrots.
Drop by teaspoon onto prepared cookie sheets.
Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes.

Makes about 4 dozen.
So that's the cookie recipe... now for the giveaway!Just name today's recipe for a chance to win - and if you have a Pinterest account you can get bonus entries for pinning each of the recipes in the Virtual Cookie Exchange. Good luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Be sure to be watching these blogs for your chance to win! 

December 14
Lindsey Gray
http://lindsey-gray.blogspot.com/
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December 15
Lisa Bilbrey-Author
http://lisabilbrey.blogspot.com/
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December 16
Ava O'Shay
http://avaoshayromance.blogspot.com/
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December 17
Angel Lawson Author
http://www.angellawson.com/blog/
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December 18
R.E. Hargrave, Author
http://www.rehargrave.com/
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December 19
Jennifer Garcia, Author
http://jenniferfgarcia.com/
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December 20
Bev Elle, Author
https://bevelle.wordpress.com/
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December 21
Sydney Logan Author
http://www.sydneylogan.com/
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December 22
T.M. Franklin
http://www.TMFranklin.com/
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December 23
K. B. Hoyle
http://nightnark.blogspot.com/
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You don't have to have a Pinterest account to enter, but you get more entries if you do! It's free and easy - http://www.pinterest.com/
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