R.E. Hargrave's Blog, page 403

COVER REVEAL The Halleluiah Baby by Kathleen Martin

Summary: Treez McDuffy is a single woman who’s recently retired from a  forty-year-long-lifeless job. She’s now faced with facing herself.  The wounds from her childhood  re-open, having never really healed. They’re responsible for her unwillingness and inability to have formed any type of meaningful relationship. She is alone without any sense of purpose or belonging and consoles herself with endless cigarettes, liter-boxes of Merlot and micro-waved frozen dinners.   
Something happens that ignites a transformation.  One morning she hears the sound of Canada geese flying over her apartment on their way home. They’re calling her to join them. She rushes out onto her balcony and is overwhelmed by the momentous display of this huge flock of geese flying overhead.   It stirs something inside her which has lain dormant for years – hope to change her life. But to change, she has to change everything.   
She terminates the lease on her the rent-controlled apartment she’s had for thirty years, cashes in her retirement savings, buys a new car, adopts a dog, aptly named, Guido, from the local pound and sets out to travel the Trans Canada Highway on a tentatively planned journey to the Badlands of South Dakota.
On day of her departure, she suffers an extreme anxiety attack after travelling only a few blocks from her old apartment. Somehow the realization of what she’s done has remained safe in her imagination but now it’s reality. She fears she’s made a very reckless and foolish decision but it’s too late to turn back. 
What starts off as a trip to the Badlands veers dramatically off course as she encounters people and events, both natural and supernatural that steer her in a whole new direction.She is challenged in ways she has never experienced before. She is on an odyssey of rebirth and self-discovery.
ON SALE November 26, 2013but you can add it on GOODREADS now!


Author Bio and Links: Kathleen Martin is a Gemini-nominated writer for film, novelist and playwright. Her first book “Penny Maybe” was published in Canada and in Germany. She lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband and a little herd of little dogs.

Facebook I Twitter I Goodreads

If This is Wrong by K.L. Platt FALL FIRES BLOG TOUR

Summary:As children, Thomas and Caleb formed an unlikely friendship, which has continued through tragedies and celebrations and into manhood. They have grown together over the years, but now their relationship is changing into something more. Can their bond survive the challenges that life will bring them? Is it wrong to risk everything for the chance of something more?

Add it on GOODREADSFall Fires (full anthology) on Goodreads

Excerpt from If This is Wrong:

“Why would you say that? I’m here ‘cause you’re my friend. It’s not like you did it on purpose.” Thomas couldn’t look at his friend. What would he think if he knew he had kind of done it on purpose? All he had wanted to do was get muddy so he could change his stupid clothes; now he had spoiled everything.“Tommy?” Caleb enquired.“I’m sorry, it’s all my fault; I just didn’t want you to see me like this.” He winced, pulling on his now dusty clothes.Caleb didn’t understand what Thomas was saying. See him like what? “Tommy?”“Look at me, Caleb, I’m dressed like I’m going to church, not a picnic. I want to be in jean shorts, like you, and baseball shirts,” he whispered, so his father couldn’t hear him. “I don’t want this stupid Brylcreem in my hair...I want it messy.” Thomas slammed his good hand onto the car seat, sending a shockwave through his injured one.“Tommy, I don’t care what you wear. I’m not your friend for your dress sense; I’m your friend because you're funny and smart.” Caleb looked towards Benjamin and he swore he saw his mouth turn up at the corner.
Two hours later, they arrived at the park, with Thomas sporting a very smart blue cast on his arm. His father hadn’t argued when he was asked whether he wanted a plain one or a coloured one. Polly fussed over her son, saying she wished they had indeed used a plain one. Benjamin winked at his son and they laughed.


Knowing Platt was going to be stopping by during her tour, I posed her with the following:Having known you in the Twilight fandom for a few years now, I know that publishing has been a long-time dream of yours. Now that it's happened, what's the next dream you plan to tackle?
Wow where to start, I have a number of projects on the go at the moment in the same genre of writing a compilation of short stories about love and loss names Love and other endings.
I am attempting my first fantasy story named Nephlim, I am enjoying allowing my imagination to take flight in this one, building cities and characters of another world is amazing.
I am re writing one of my favourite fanfics and making it into a full book.
Eventually I wish to move into young adult fiction with an idea of an academy of tween witches, a number of fantasy fiction has been aimed at I feel towards the mid to late teens and with the help of my niece I shall be writing for the lower teens.
I would love to finish writing my fanfics, after all as you said this is what brought me to where I am today and I feel I owe my readers to finish their favourite stories.

Excerpt from Nephlim:Taking my final look at the place I had called my home for eons, a place I was now being exiled from; merely for loving someone and her bearing my child. In front of me Soryan glows in its early morning magnificence. The lush greenery of the hills that stretch out to the outer realms of the kingdom, the temperate forest of Lei with its golden leaves and amber tree barks looked ethereal in the sunrise. The gossamer river that flowed through the centre of Soryan sparkled like a jewelled ribbon as it curved its course through the village.
“It is time,” Bradox barked behind me causing me to tense as he grabbed my wings roughly, closing my eyes I took a long breath then exhaled.
“Let’s get it over with,” I responded curtly “He’s safe? Jayden my son you promised.”
“We said he would be, we do not break our promises.” Bradox chided as he pushed me to my knees.
Bending my head I waited for the first cut of the sharp blade that was to relinquish me of my wings, rendering me human, able to grow old, become sick and eventually pass on.
The first cut felt like a hot blade searing my skin causing me to cry out and fall forward grasping the dew covered grass with my hands. White feathers billowed around me and I closed my eyes to the sight.
Panting I held still while they finished their work, cauterising the roots so stop infection. Faces flooded my mind of Alexa her raven coloured hair blowing in the warm evening breeze as we strolled through Central Park, next the expression on her face as she came apart in my arms, these were soon replaced by the horror of red, thick liquid that drained from my golden beauty.
I started as a hand clapped my shoulder and another pulled me from the ground.


About the Author:




K. L. Platt lives with her family in the Devonshire countryside in the UK. She is a nanny, but her dream is to be a full time author. She can’t remember a time when she didn’t have a pencil, pen, or book in her hand. It was, however, the likes of J K Rowling and Stephenie Meyer that gave her the fire to drive herself to where she is today.Always encouraged to follow her dream as a child by her own parents and grandparents, her grandma told her, “If you believe you can do it, then you can.” Her uncle was also a writer but sadly never got to have any of his stories published.
Website I Facebook

Karen's Tour Schedule:
10/22:10/23: Lorenz – Promo/Excerpt10/24: N. Wood -- Interview10/25: Jude Ouvrard – Guest Post10/26: Jennifer Garcia – Promo/Excerpt 10/27: R.E. Hargrave – Guest Post 10/28: C.W. Stevens – Promo/Excerpt10/29: Mich's Book Reviews – Guest Post10/30: Elizabeth M. Lawrence – Guest Post10/31: Lily G. Blunt – Guest Post 11/1:  Layne Faire – Guest Post          Sam – Promo/Excerpt11/2: The Hive Book Reviews – Review/Promo/Excerpt11/3: S.A. Jones – Promo/excerpts 11/4: M.C. Rayne -- Review

COVER REVEAL Crimson Dawn by Amos Cassidy

Crimson Dawn (Crimson #3)By Amos CassidyPub October 25th, 2013Nevermore Press
Blurb:
The Power has arisen. The Power has taken what belongs to Raven. The Power must pay.
Raven will do anything to reclaim what is his, even venture into The Dreaming – a part of Faerie that is shunned even by the fey – to seek out the one being who may be able to give him the answers he seeks. With Mick as his guide and Maxwell and Harold at his back, Raven must fight his demons to reach his angel.
The Power is home.The Power has taken the throne.
Bres, Lugh and Faye will all feel the consequences of their actions in different ways.  The Power has a plan and it will eliminate all who stand in its way.
The Devourer is awake.The Devourer has a champion.
Roman has been charged with a task that will save the world, but at a devastating cost. 
The Power is in control.The Power has a vessel.
Rose will do anything to reclaim her body and stop The Power from exacting his selfish ambitions. With the help of her Guardian she must find a way to expel The Power. But will her plan succeed, or will her final sacrifice be her last?
Add Crimson Dawn on GOODREADS
ON SALE OCTOBER 25, 2013
Amazon US I Amazon UK

Crimson Midnight (Crimson #1) Links:Goodreads I Amazon US I Amazon UK

Crimson Darkness (Crimson #2) Links:Goodreads I Amazon US I Amazon UK

Author Bio:


Amos Cassidy - a team of two. Amos is a 29 year old Diva and Cassidy a 37 year old mum of three.Aside from a passion for writing and a love of reading they also share an addiction to coffee, love anything Joss Whedon and are constantly playing tug of war over Jensen Ackles.They have been writing together for four years. The Crimson series is their debut project.  

Social Media links: 
Facebook I Twitter I AmosCassidy Blog CrimsonSeries Blog I Goodreads

REVIEW: Whispers of Time Gone By by Lisa Bilbrey

Whispers of Time Gone By by Lisa Bilbrey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Whispers is a short read that tells a much bigger story than the word count would suggest. That being said, I wish Bilbrey had explored this storyline further. The main characters have known each other since they were 6 years old; surely that leaves room to tell more.
The short time we, as the reader, get to spend with Ian & Elizabeth is enough to express how deep their love is. That makes the premise of this read that much sadder.
In summary: with the exception of a few editing errors, this is a well presented tale. I cant promise you a happy, feel good ending, but if you give this one a chance, you will walk away with an appreciation for true love.
Well done, Ms. Bilbrey.

BUY IT NOW

Feather Light by Lorenz Font BLOG TOUR

Today I get to welcome Lorenz Font back to the blog as I join in her blog tour with a review. Also, be sure to check out the Rafflecopter GIVEAWAY at the end of the post!
Congratulations, Lorenz!
Summary:Parker Davis has conquered three major American cities and is the new ‘it’ man in massage. He earned the nickname ‘Feather Light’ for his sensual touches, tender caresses, and soft voice eliciting an almost orgasmic release. Clients from all over clamor for his services, and his clientele is growing by the minute. Business is at its peak, which makes Parker a busy man who has no time to deal with problems, let alone dwell on his blindness. With his declining vision, Parker has to accept his limitations and the changes brought forth by this disease, but he is not ready to relinquish the last control he has left. He is still the master in his bedroom.
Kelly Storm, a Hollywood actress, will do whatever it takes to get some much-deserved peace. Being famous has its perks, except the little privacy her popularity afforded her is slowly eating at her. With the paparazzi hounding her every minute of the day and her personal life under constant scrutiny, Kelly wants a semblance of normalcy wherever she can get it. Under the urging of a close friend, she agrees give Parker a try.   
Their first meeting is nothing she expects. Kelly finds comfort in his gentle probing and the spellbinding experience guaranteed to keep her coming back for more. Parker knows the woman on his table is special. He feels her vulnerability with his fingertips, and her smooth curves leave a burning ache inside him.
One night of steamy passion is all it takes to know that they wanted each other in more ways than one. Kelly hides in heavy disguises, making it impossible for Parker to know her true identity. What secret is Kelly keeping, and will she trust Parker enough to tell him the truth? Will Parker see beyond Kelly’s lies to show her what a future with him holds?
The Writers Coffee Shop I kobo I Barnes & Noble I Amazon


My Review:
This is the third book of Font’s that I’ve had the pleasure of reading and reviewing, but it’s the first non-vampire one. For Feather Light, Font has left the paranormal world behind in favor of a new, erotic one—and I like it. In fact, I enjoyed this one so much that I pushed aside everything to read this in a day—something I’ve not been inclined to do for a while.
Font’s newest offering is being marketed as an erotic romance. There is some light BDSM to it, however I would not classify this as a book belonging to that particular genre. Allow me to elaborate on that.
Because of my work on The Divine Trilogy, Font approached me and asked for my honest assessment of this book. What I found in the male lead, Parker Davis, was not so much a Dom as a man with a dominant persona and a side-taste for kink. When Davis, the successful proprietor of Knead Me, finds his sight diminishing due to an illness, he grabs and holds onto the one thing in his life he can still have full control over—sex. With a woman blindfolded, bound, and at his mercy, he owes no explanations for his lack of sight. His magical hands that move with a feather light touch, need no light to bring forth cries of release and pleasure thus building his self-confidence and helping him keep his sanity when the rest of his world is spiraling out of control.
Enter Kelly Storm: famous actress and Hollywood “It” girl who is desperate for an escape, for a chance to NOT be seen for once, and watch the sparks fly.
Feather Light is a tale of loss, trust, and love; of learning that no matter how hard it gets, with determination, anything can be overcome. We also get to see a little bit of playful side to Font with her creativity in this book. All I’m gonna say is, “Go, George!”
I can give Feather Light a 5 butterfly recommendation without reservation.



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 debut novel Hunted, the first book of The Gates Legacy Trilogy and Indivisible Line, a romantic thriller. Her newest novel, Tormented, the second installment of The Gates Legacy, is now available for vampire lovers everywhere.   
Writing is a therapy for Lorenz, and a perfect day consists of writing and playing with her characters 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 currently lives in California with her husband, children, and two demanding dogs. She divides her time between a full-time job as a Business Office Manager for a hospital and her busy writing schedule.
TWCS Book Page I TWCS Author PageLorenz Font's Blog I Facebook

a Rafflecopter giveaway

COVER REVEAL: Desire by B.L. Wilde

Written Elegance Presents: 
Desire (The Seductors Series Vol. 1)by B.L. Wilde

Cover Design by Jo Matthews
Genre: Erotica
Scheduled Release: December 6, 2013



Summary: 

Jade has worked as a Seductor in a secret organization for five years now. Her main job? To earn the trust of her targets and secure the object or information her company was hired to steal—by any means necessary. She’s damn good at it, too. With five years left on her contract, she is handed an assignment that turns her world upside down.

Oliver Kirkham is the attractive, young CEO of Kirkham Industries, a weapons manufacturing company, and is currently in possession of some very important blueprints—blueprints that could change the way war, as we know it, works. He’s extremely focused and doesn’t have time to date, at least until he comes to the rescue of a shy but very alluring Jade Gibbs.

What happens when one night of passion turns into more? Will Jade allow her feelings for Oliver to get in the way of her mission? Or will she do what she was hired to do and secure the steal?



Excerpt: 

Oliver wined and dined me with style. The conversation followed effortlessly, and a few hours later we were back in the bar having a nightcap.

“I really can’t thank you enough for dinner, Oliver.”

“It was my pleasure, Jade. I’ve enjoyed your companionship immensely tonight.”

“Do you really own your own company?”

“Why do you ask that?” he chuckled into his coffee.

“You’re so young and…fun. I thought CEOs were supposed to be bald with beer bellies, and be too stressed out to even crack a smile.”

“Are those the kind of CEOs you have as your clients?”

“Yes,” I laughed.

“These interior art skills of yours—how much do they cost?”

“Are you interested in utilizing my skills, Oliver?”

“I’m very interested, Miss Gibbs.” Oliver’s look became almost predatory.

“Maybe we should take this conversation elsewhere, then?” I suggested, looking around the bar.

“Where did you have in mind?” he asked, moving a little closer, his hand lightly skimming my leg.

“I was thinking of retiring for the night. It’s getting quite late,” I breathed, stretching out to play with his tie.

“Alone?”

“Actually, I was kind of hoping for some company,” I whispered timidly, pushing off my stool and slowly walking toward the lobby area. Counting to five, I turned to see Oliver walking toward me, looking dark and dangerously handsome. I was actually looking forward to seeing if this guy was any good in bed.

I pushed the button for the elevator and leaned against the wall just as he caught up with me.

“I hope I’m reading these signs correctly,” he grinned just as the elevator doors opened. With a small grin, I stepped in and pulled him with me. Oliver crashed his lips against mine right as the doors closed behind us.

Kissing was second nature to me. I could fake desire, even if it felt like I was kissing a wet fish, but as Oliver lifted me by my ass and pinned me against the elevator wall, I groaned in actual pleasure. I didn’t have to fake it. Desire flooded through my veins as I ran my hands into his dark hair.

“Christ, you’re beautiful,” he groaned, his lips moving down my neck while his hands began to fumble for the hem of my dress. I was about to start dry humping the guy if he kept on like he was.

“Ugh…” I groaned as his hands worked their way under my dress and he gripped my ass cheeks roughly. “Oliver…ugh…which floor?” He leaned toward the elevator buttons with me still wrapped around him, and pressed a button before quickly returning to attacking my neck.

“I saw you the moment I walked into the bar tonight,” he purred, his hands running slowly down my chest. Both my legs were wrapped around his waist. “And I wanted you.”

“Ugh…I…I’m flattered,” I said, forcing a blush. The elevator opened and Oliver finally let me go. As I slid down his body, I could feel his muscles through his shirt. Mm…it really was going to be a fun few months.

“I want you to know I don’t usually do this sort of thing,” I muttered, playing with the zipper on my purse while he opened his bedroom door.

“Neither do I.” He shook his head as if to clear it from a random thought, and somehow, I didn’t believe him. He was too smooth and confident to have never picked a girl up in a bar before.

“Wow, your room is so much bigger than mine!” I acted awestruck, gazing around as I placed my bag on a table. “Is this just the living area?” I gasped, turning to see that he was suddenly right in front of me. He responded by crashing his lips against mine while backing me against the wall.

“I don’t want to make small talk anymore. I just want to fuck you, Jade,” he growled into my ear. Holy crap! I was so turned on; I could feel the wetness between my legs begin to flow. His hands came back up underneath my dress, but rather than grab my ass like he had in the elevator, he simply pulled my panties down. “Do you want me to fuck you?”

“YES!” It was a plea, because in that moment, I’d never wanted anything more. I heard his belt buckle and the sound of foil before he was suddenly slamming me hard against the wall. Fuck, I’d dreamed of being taken this way, but never once had I thought it would happen. Who was this guy?

“I’m going to make you cum harder than you’ve ever cum before,” he smoldered into my ear. His fingers slowly teased my entrance and I arched my back, needing more. “I can feel how much you want this. I know your kind—shy and withdrawn. Let me free you. Let me release the desire I know is inside you.” Oh, this guy had no idea just how much desire was inside me. I wrapped my legs tightly around his waist, drawing him toward me before I bit down on his neck.

“Fuck, yes,” Oliver growled, and with one deep thrust he was inside me.

I’d never been fucked this hard before. I was wanton. I needed everything the guy could give me as he slammed into me over and over again while I was pinned against the wall. “You feel so good,” he panted between thrusts.

“Fuck me harder!” I was totally breaking character, but I’d never had a man bring me to orgasm without my help before, and right now, I needed that moment more than the air I breathed.

“Harder? You better brace yourself then.” Oliver gripped my legs and rotated his hips before pushing deeper and faster inside me.

Before I could make sense of what was happening, I felt myself begin to build—the feeling becoming warmer and more intense with each of his movements. This guy was going to make me cum. Jade Phillips—top Seductor—was finally going to cum by the power of a man!

“Give it to me, Jade. Don’t you fucking dare deny yourself!” Oliver could feel my orgasm begin to take control, so he slid his fingers between us, circling my clit to help ease my release out.

When I did explode, it was earth shattering.

“Ugh…fuck…fuck…fuck,” I groaned, my entire body trembling.

Oliver continued to pound into me until he found his own release. “Fuck, yes, Jade…ugh…ugh…I knew you’d make me cum this hard!” Oh my God! He looked so hot when he climaxed.

I was still pinned against the wall, held up by his arms as we regulated our breathing. “You see?” Oliver finally spoke. “I knew there was a wild girl in there somewhere.” 



About the Author: 

B.L. Wilde is a British author obsessed with many things, including heated love stories. Supported fully by her husband, she can often be found at her desk working on her next project.

Her journey into the world of erotica began when she started writing online stories over three years ago, and she hasn't looked back since. 


Author Links:Goodreads     |     Facebook     |     Twitter     |     Blog     |     Website


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wonderland by Jude Ouvrard FALL FIRES BLOG TOUR

Summary:Lucas Colton is far too young to go through all this pain but meeting poetry teacher, Preston Davidson, changed everything. His life went from heartbreak to joyful and then, from friendship to love. The impact Preston had on Lucas’ life was mesmerising.  What would you do if you knew you may not have a tomorrow?

Add it on GOODREADS Fall Fires (full anthology) on Goodreads

Excerpt from Wonderland:

When I arrived at Central Park, Preston was sitting by the statue of Alice in Wonderland with two steaming cups of coffee in hand. He wore a canary yellow sweatshirt with a pair of dark blue jeans and black leather converse.“You’re on time,” I teased, taking one of the cups from him.“I figure I shouldn’t waste any more time.” Preston took a sip of his coffee. “Life is too important right now. I don’t want to miss anything.”“I can see that you’ve thought about my situation thoroughly.” I couldn’t help but be flattered. It was obvious now that he cared about me, even if just as a friend.“I have a few questions for you. If you don’t mind, of course.” Curious, I wanted to know what was going on inside his brain. Looking through his glasses, I saw how tired his eyes were, how the rims were red. He hadn’t slept all night, I would bet. “I’m not sure I’ll be able to answer all of them, but I’m willing to try.” Preston made me nervous, and I hoped he wasn’t going to ask for a medical explanation. I had asked to be told what was necessary. The details weren’t important to me. All I knew was that I had kidney cancer, and that it had started to spread to my other organs. My lungs were affected, but they were giving me enough medication to keep me out of pain.“I want you to name three things you can’t live without,” he said. That seemed pretty simple, nothing to be worried about.“Coffee, a good movie, and cheesecake.” I laughed. “You took me off guard. I don’t know, but those are things that I enjoy, I guess.”“It’s perfect. Now tell me: what would you do if bacteria were killing all the coffee beans in the world, and you foresaw that thirty days from now, you wouldn’t be able to find a single coffee bean in the world?”Was Preston serious? What kind of question was that? I shook my head and smiled. “I’d drink as much as I could, and I’d try to freeze some to keep for special occasions.”“Good answer. Now tell me: what would you do if the film industry decided that it was no longer profit-earning to produce movies and that thirty days from now, there wouldn’t be any movies anywhere for sale or rent?”“I would buy as many movies as I could afford, and go to the movie theater one last time.”“Another great answer. Last, but not least: what would you do if the Cheesecake Factory was going bankrupt, and thirty days from now, you couldn’t find a single piece of cheesecake in the entire world?”“I would eat cheesecake for every meal, gain weight, and die of heart failure,” I joked.Preston laughed. “I’m asking you all these questions because I’ve come up with a plan. You said you might have weeks to live. Let’s hope you have a month. You have to make the most out of it. You have to enjoy and do everything you’ve ever dreamed of doing. Are you ready to have the best time of your life?”A smile spread over my lips. “Okay, I see where you’re going with this.”“I’ll spend that month with you. I want to be with you every time you smile or cry, when you feel good, or when you’re in pain. You can’t do this alone, Lucas. So tell me: what is it that you’ve always dreamed of doing?”“I’m a pretty simple guy; don’t need much to be happy, so forgive me if we aren’t going to Australia. I think we’ll stay here in New York.”
“Sounds good to me — and my wallet.” Preston looked at me, waiting for me to tell him everything I wanted to do before the end came.

Jude has visited before, so this time I asked her:  What do you think it takes to be a successful author?
Nicholas Sparks is an author that I appreciate. I’ve also learned a lot from him. There are three things he believes can help any author: Research, Read and Write.I’ve also learned a lot from Stephen King. I’m not a big fan of his books but everything he says makes sense. I love the way he thinks. He is very inspiring and real. Here is a quote from Stephen King; it also confirms what Nicholas Sparks mentions. “If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.”I’ve read A LOT of books in the past few years. Every book I read teaches me something. It can be words; it can be in spiritual way or how to create a storyline. There is always something new to learn. Reading helps you build your own story, your own creativity. You learn the mechanics or patterns and it makes your story much stronger and believable. When you are ready to work on your story, some people like to have a very detailed plan while some others would rather be free to write as it comes. You build your own method. Get your ideas together, write and never stop believing. Write for yourself and have fun doing it. The love you give to your work is contagious. If you believe in what you do, your story will reflect it. Put your heart into it and the reader will feel it.Don’t write in hopes of making money because this is where most authors fails. Write because it is your passion. Last year, out of thousand books, only a small amount was successful. Here are two quotes from Stephen King:“Writing isn’t about making money, getting famous, getting dates, getting laid or making friends. In the end, it’s about enriching the lives of those who will read your work, and enriching your own life, as well.”“I’ve written because it fulfilled me. Maybe it paid off the mortgage on the house and got the kids through college, but those things were on the side–I did it for the buzz. I did it for the pure joy of the thing. And if you can do it for joy, you can do it forever.”Make friends with other authors, help them, and pay it forward. Don’t judge anyone in the industry because it’s a small world. I’ve seen enough horror stories in the past months. Be respectful. Do it because you love it, not because you have to.  Most importantly, never give up because winners never quit and quitters never win.
A successful author is not someone who sells 500 000 books in twelve months. A successful author is someone who works hard, writes with a passion, works on his book until its perfect, gets a kick ass cover and is proud to show the world how good his book is. This, in my eyes, is what a successful writer means. All it takes is desire and you can achieve greatness.
About the Author:

Jude was born and raised in a small village named Lacolle. She now lives in Montreal, Canada. She is the proud mother of a beautiful four year old son, and has spent the last twelve years with her partner, Cedric.
French is her native language, but she prefers to write in her second language, English.Besides working full time for a Title Insurance Company and being a mother, Jude has a passion for books, both reading and writing them.
She is currently working on a novel called Body, Ink, and Soul. Coming soon!
Also by Jude Ouvrard:Under the Sun, Heat Wave: Volume Two
 Website/Blog I Twitter @judeouvrard I wTwitter @authorjude_oFacebook I Goodreads I Pinterest I About.meAmazon I Barnes & Noble

Jude's Tour Schedule:

10/22: Lily G. Blunt – Guest Post10/23: N. Wood -- Interview10/24: R.E. Hargrave – Guest Post10/25: Jennifer Garcia – Promo/Excerpt10/26: Elizabeth M. Lawrence – Guest Post10/27: C.W. Stevens – Promo/Excerpt10/28: Lorenz – Promo/Excerpt10/29: Layne Faire – Guest Post10/30: S.A. Jones – Promo/excerpts 10/31: Mich's Book Reviews – Guest Post11/1: K.L. Pratt – Promo/Excerpt         Sam – Promo/Excerpt11/2: The Hive Book Reviews – Review/Promo/Excerpt11/3: 11/4: M.C. Rayne -- Review

Winter's Love by N.L. Leeks FALL FIRES BLOG TOUR

Summary:A past relationship has left Jared Winter broken. When Eric Healey runs into him, Jared finds a reason to learn to trust again. The two men begin to fall for one another, but the prejudice around them threatens to tear them apart. Can their love survive in the real world?

Add it on GOODREADSAdd Fall Fires (full anthology) on Goodreads

Excerpt from Winter's Love:


“Hey! Jared! Yoo-hoo!”I cringed once more and turned to my sister, forcing a smile. “Hey, Rose-Anne.” “What are you doing here?” She giggled.“Well, Rose-Anne, in general one attends Asda, or any other supermarket, when they’re doing their food shopping,” I sniggered.Rose-Anne rolled her eyes and glowered at me. I knew what she meant and was trying to be subtle while avoiding her questions.“Jared, stop playing dumb with me. You know what I mean. Curry powder, two types of meat, and prawns? You only cook this fancy when . . . Oh! You have a date tonight, don’t you?” she squealed.Behind me, the cashier told me the check came to twenty-three pounds and some change. I handed her a twenty and a five and waited for her to hand me the difference. As she placed it in my hand, I took it and grabbed my already bagged shopping, thankful that it had been done while Rose-Anne had been interrogating me. Trouble was, she was still at it while I made my way back to the car.“Rose-Anne! For the love of all alive, will you please drop the subject? I love you to pieces, but for just once, can I enjoy something without having to be interrogated by you?” I yelled.I saw tears pool in her eyes and felt the guilt in an instant. Finding my car, I placed the shopping in the back and pulled her into a hug. I sighed. “I’m sorry, sissy, but sometimes you are just too much.” “Sorry, Jed.” I cringed at the nickname, “I know I’m too nosy for my own good. But it’s been so long since we’ve seen you with someone. We were beginning to think you had taken a life of celibacy, all because of . . .”
“No! I don’t want to hear his name, sissy! Yes, I’m having someone over for dinner tonight. It’ll only be the second time I have seen him, so yeah I’m playing my cards close to my chest. And yes, I’m a little dubious about where this will go, but I won’t allow . . . him . . . to ruin everything good in my life, okay? My friend’s name is Eric, seeing as you’re dancing around I’m sure that’s what you wanted to ask me. Now that you’ve achieved your mission, you may return to our beloved parents and tell them anything you want, but no phone calls tonight!”

Welcome new author N.L. Leeks to the site! For her visit, I decided to get in her head and asked:
How do you write a story? Does a moment of inspiration strike you and you just run with it; or do you get a little tickle and dive into research to make it grow? What do you have to go through to bring your tale to life?

It varies to tell the truth, sometimes I can be listening to a song, and a sort of movie will unfold in my mind. I have no idea where the images come from, but one minute I’m lost in the song, the next, a storyboard has appeared. Other times, I can be reading something, I’m either not happy with what’s happening or I just think that it could have gone differently and I’ll go do some research and see what I can do to make my own version possible.

Occasionally, something will niggle in the back of my head, so I’ll think on it, see what I can do with it, if anything, and make it into a story. Though it rarely ever does happen that way. It’s like being told you have one hour to write something down for part of a story and go! Your head will just go totally blank and nothing happens, I often find that writer’s block will hit me more often if I just try to come up with something almost out of the blue. Sometimes it’s best to leave that niggle alone and tell it to go away.

It does amuse me though, where some of my inspiration can come from. I remember once as a child, thinking back on a dream that I’d had and trying to write it into a story. The dream was that fantastical and brilliant that I had to get it down pen to paper. I think I was about six or seven when that happened. I can still remember the dream to this day and I believe I may still have that story somewhere, complete in child scrawl.

The inspiration for Winter’s Love came from a couple of things. Firstly, a good friend of mine was attacked a couple of years ago while out with his boyfriend. They hadn’t been doing anything untoward or rude, just walking home and when they passed through a ginnel (alley for any American’s reading this) and a bunch of lads attacked. Even now, there is a lot of stigma and hate for same sex relationships, and I wanted to write something that could show and prove that it’s a beautiful thing and not something that should be shunned or hated. The other part comes from my own past. I suffered a lot of abuse as a child, and a lot of the pain and fear was poured into one of my characters, I could write his pain and self loathing effortlessly, because I had felt those same things. When I decided to use my own past to create one of my characters, his persona flowed quickly.

All in all, it proves that inspiration can strike anywhere and in any shape or form.

About the Author:

N.L. Leeks lives in England with her fiancé, whom she has been with since the age of eighteen. She first began writing when she was a child. Her friends, Matt and Lou, helped her reignite that passion as an adult, and her journey into writing began once more.
Facebook I Goodreads I Tumblr

Natasha's Tour Schedule:

10/22: N. Wood -- Interview10/23: R.E. Hargrave – Guest Post10/24: Jennifer Garcia – Promo/Excerpt10/25: Elizabeth M. Lawrence – Guest Post10/26: C.W. Stevens – Promo/Excerpt10/27: Lily G. Blunt – Guest Post10/28: Layne Faire – Guest Post10/29: S.A. Jones – Promo/excerpts10/30: Mich's Book Reviews – Guest Post10/31: Lorenz – Promo/Excerpt11/1: K.L. Pratt – Promo/Excerpt         Sam – Promo/Excerpt11/2: The Hive Book Reviews – Review/Promo/Excerpt11/3: Jude Ouvrard – Guest Post 11/4: M.C. Rayne -- Review

Exit Strategy by L.V. Lewis COVER REVEAL

Author L.V. Lewis revisits the world of Keisha Beale and Tristan White from her  Fifty Shades of Jungle Fever  in the soon to be released Exit Strategy!

Ex·it Strat·e·gy (noun) 1. A preplanned means of extricating oneself from a situation that is likely to become difficult or unpleasant. 2. The method by which a venture capitalist or business owner intends to get out of an investment that he or she has made in the past.
Will Keisha and Tristan exercise their elaborate EXIT STRATEGY and end their unorthodox arrangement?Assailed by demons she thought she had conquered, Keisha Beale has uttered the words to end her tumultuous relationship with Tristan White. Separated, they grapple for a time with their personal demons. However, when their lives apart become unbearable, a credible threat brings them back together prematurely.As they seek to discover who is responsible for the threats, several seemingly unrelated incidents throw them into a tailspin. Will Keisha’s youthful indiscretions or Tristan’s un-reconciled feelings for a former sub derail their tenuous arrangement?In the meantime, trouble in Nathan and Jada’s paradise send dramatic ripples that hint of future difficulties in the idyllic pairing.Nothing Ventured…Tristan uses his vast wealth and connections to correct a gross miscarriage of justice, while Keisha makes herself utterly vulnerable to Tristan and fears he has chosen to exercise his own exit strategy.…Nothing Gained!Will this be the end of the indecent arrangement that became a fairy tale? Or will Keisha and Tristan reveal the trauma from their pasts so they may heal and completely embrace their relationship?Sensual, suspenseful, and still infused with the riotous levity of Triple-G and Fairy Hoochie Mama, the Ghetto Girl Romance Quadrilogy departs from full parody with a distinctive take on love, loyalty, sacrifice, redemption, and acceptance.
L. V. Lewis doesn't have the financial means of Tristan White, but she wouldn't want readers to go away from this cover reveal empty handed, so she's giving all viewers the chance to win one of the following three prizes (1) Kindle (2) $50 gift card (from either Amazon, B&N, or iTunes), 3) Signed Personalized copies of Fifty Shades of Jungle Fever and Exit Strategy. These prizes will be awarded about a week after the release of Exit Strategy!The giveaway will run from October 22nd - November 15th. During the week of October 29th - November 5th, Fifty Shades of Jungle Fever will be on sale for $.99!
DISCLAIMER:  If for some reason the book doesn’t load on all the platforms by the release date, this will be due to circumstances beyond my control. I apologize in advance for any snafus that might occur.

So without further ado, here's the fabulous new cover of Exit Strategy! Cover Design by:CoverMeCreative.com by © krischarbonneau@yahoo.com

Photo Credits:Cover Image - Passion © Chris Schmidt - Track5 Photography via iStockPhoto.comVintage Carriage Return © Editorial via Dreamstime.com

ABOUT THE AUTHORL. V. Lewis has one foot in South Georgia and the other in North Florida. She's been blessed with a husband who's put up with her for a lot of years and has given birth to four children, two of whom she has raised to adulthood and one to near adulthood. She delights in her almost empty nest status so much that she writes the kinkiest novels she can conjure up.

L. V. Lewis’s Exhaustive List of Contact Info:
 Email: lv.lewis148@gmail.com GoodReads, Twitter, Facebook, The Block, & Pinterest


a Rafflecopter giveaway

L. V. Lewis’s Buy Links for Fifty Shades of Jungle Fever:Barnes & Noble I Amazon I Kobo I Smashwords I iTunes I Sony

COVER REVEAL: The Journey Collection by Lisa Bilbrey

Over the last year, we've followed the tale of Travis McCoy, hometown football hero, in short installments as they were released.  Now, prepare to have the story of Travis, Penelope, and Max at your fingertips in one easy to read collection!


Journey Collection summaries
The Journey Home The Sharks’ star quarterback, Travis McCoy has it all, until an injury ends his season early. When he receives an invitation to attend the big homecoming game from his alma mater, Travis decides it’s time to face his past. The journey home sends Travis down a path that he never expects. Will he be able to come to grips when everything around him is spiraling out of control?

"The characters, especially Max, felt so real it was as if I was watching a movie unfold rather than reading words."
The Journey of Champions Travis McCoy thought the journey home would be the hardest choice he ever had to make. It isn’t until he finds himself walking out the door and leaving his family behind that he realizes his journey is only just beginning. Now, with only a handful of weeks until Christmas, Travis tries to find his way back home. This time, he plans on staying forever.

"This novella was even more incredible than the last! You see Travis grow, mature, change and all for the better!"

The Journey to Forever Finally back in the warm embrace of his family, Travis McCoy relishes every moment he gets to spend with his wife and son. After almost losing them due to his own selfishness, he makes the decision to never let go of his family again. With his plan set in motion, Travis, Penelope, and Max start a new journey, one that leads them to forever.

"The Journey to Forever is very well written and will leave you wishing for more. I truly recommend this novella along with the first two, so that you can be a part of Travis and Penelope's journey."
The Journey to a New Life Travis McCoy’s journey has led him down a road of changes where he found the love of his life and their child. Travis, Penelope, and Max have struggled during their time apart, found their way back home, and finally tied their lives together as a family. Now, Penelope and Travis find themselves on a new journey, one that leads them to the greatest gift of all.

"The final installment in The Journey Collection was by far my favorite."


Coming to ebook and paperback November 26, 2013



Biography—Lisa Bilbrey is a mom of three and has been married to her high school sweetheart since 1996. Finding a love in the written word, she started writing as a way to express herself. From the first word she wrote, she'd found her heart and soul. Always willing to learn, she's spends much of her time trying to improve as a storyteller.
In late 2011, Lisa opened Renaissance Romance Publishing with Michele Richard and Laura Braley.
Goodreads I Facebook I Twitter I Blog Amazon I Barnes & Noble Renaissance Romance Publishing About.me