R.E. Hargrave's Blog, page 409
July 10, 2013
Forbes Arnone: Summer Heat BLOG TOUR
Please welcome Forbes Arnone with her DEBUT PUBLICATION today. She is the author of In My Mother's Footsteps, which is one of three novellas in the Beach Reads Volume 1 anthology: Summer Heat.
Blurb:
Anela Alborn’s life is a lie. After growing up without the love of a father, her mother reveals his identity. Tragedy strikes and she sets off on an adventure that leads to more than she could ever imagine. Bumping into Christian Sivers distracts her from the real man of her dreams, her father. Will he live up to her dreams? And does she follow in her mother’s footsteps?
Excerpt:
My brown, wooden, antiquated cottage sat on top of a hill in Sausalito. The shingles were bleached out from exposure to the sun’s rays. A beautiful, naturally-worn deck wound around the small chalet and gave me one of the best views in town. The bold, red peaks of the Golden Gate Bridge were visible through the light haze of fog over the ocean. With the hot sun working overtime to clear the sky, the fog always seemed to linger around the tops of the bridge. To my left, I could look down and see the rocky shore that the tourists often frequented. The slick brown and black seals liked to sunbathe on the boulders at the water’s edge. People would gather to take pictures or have lunch in one of the quaint restaurants that overlooked the choppy, aqua-blue ocean.
I had grown up in Sausalito my entire life. With the exception of when I went to Berkley, I hadn’t adventured into the city much. Sometimes, I'd take the ferry to Angel Island with my mountain bike and take leisurely rides or run the hills. I hadn't done that since I ran out of my mother's house, either.
Now that I had packed up all of her belongings — with the exception a few things I wanted to keep — I was exhausted. As I sat on the deck of my small cottage and stared out into the vast ocean, I felt anxious about the file that sat on my lap. Lennie had given it to me at his office three days before and I had yet to open it. The fear at what I'd find seeped in and turned my stomach.
Focusing my attention, I looked down at the folder and decided the time had come to face whatever was inside. My hands trembled as I lifted the two metal prongs and opened the flap. I tipped the folder upside down to empty the contents, finding the usual white sheets of paper that were full of legal jargon. How I wished I didn't know what they meant. Sifting through it all, I found a copy of the deed to the house, which stated that it had been transferred to my name. Also, there was the pink slip to my mother's car to be filled out and mailed to the Department of Motor Vehicles, and a small envelope with my mother's messy, artsy script on the front. One word had been written on it: Anela.
Read my review HERE
I asked Ms. Arnone to tell us what she wanted to be when she grew up. Here's what she had to say . . .
Depended on what day it was. I changed careers every week and the great thing about that is my dad completely supported me with every idea. I wanted to be an actress; he was going to put me in acting classes. When I wanted to be a clothing designer; he found me a designing school. It kept going until I had no idea what I wanted to do. All I knew then was I needed to be my own boss. I worked for a major corporation for almost ten years and left to run the family business. I have been my own boss ever since. I don’t think I ever wished to be an author when I grew up. However, I am so glad I decided to give it a shot, because I have been so happy ever since. I now have two books releasing this summer: My first novella, In My Mother’s Footsteps releases July 2nd and my first novel, My Mr. Manny releases August 26th and I don’t plan on stopping there.
About the Author:
Jennifer Garcia’s (aka Forbes Arnone) love of travel began when she traveled to the West Coast to visit her father at the age of three. Her home until she was sixteen was a small coastal town near Boston. She currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband, two sons, and two dogs.Her lifelong love for reading and writing was put aside for many years while she made her way in the world and nurtured her young family. Even though she is older, and life never seems to settle, she’s finding her way while attending college full-time in pursuit of a B.A. in English Literature. She also runs a business, and is still caring for her family. Believing she can do it all, with the help of her family, she worked on her first novel during the late hours of the night while balancing the rest of her life during the day. Her hard work paid off, as her first novel, My Mr. Manny, will be published August 2013.
Where to find Ms. Arnone:
Facebook I Goodreads--Forbes Arnone I Goodreads--Jennifer GarciaTwitter I Blog I About.me I Authorsdb
Forbes Arnone’s Tour Schedule:7/1-Promo/excerpt: Laurynne7/1-Guest Post: Annamaria7/1-Promo/excerpt: Emily Birch7/1-Interview: Tilly Currer7/1-Review: Wyndy Dee7/2-Promo/Excerpt: Ashley/Melissa7/2-Review: Sarah Aisling7/3-Review: Sandi Layne7/3-Review: N. Isabelle Blanco7/4-Promo/Excerpt: Jude Ouvrard7/4-Review: Rose Caceres7/5-Review: Nat Wood7/5-Review: For the Love of The Writer7/5-Guest Post: Fandom Fanatic7/6-Promo/excerpt: Peggy7/7-Review Susanne Ziegelhofer7/7-Guest Post: Anna Crosswell7/8-Promo/Excerpt: Lorenz Font7/8-Promo/Excerpt: Cremona Cotovelea7/9-Review: Gillian7/9-Interview: Kim7/10-Guest Post: R. E. Hargrave7/11-Guest Post: Katya Armock7/12-Promo/excerpt: Shannon Patel7/13-Interview: Steve K. Smy7/14-Review: Sydney Logan7/14-Guest Post: Pearls
July 8, 2013
NEW RELEASE: Horse Country - A World of Horses by Christine Meunier
Please welcome to the blog today, guest author Christine Meunier as she talks about her upcoming release and herself by answering some of my random questions!
Christine Meunier
We'll start with some fun questions:
If I gave you an elephant where would you hide it?In my sock drawer!
If you were a cookie, which would you be?Chocolate chip with extra chocolate.
If I came to your home and looked inside the refrigerator, what would I find?A lot of home grown pumpkins!
What's your bad quality?Impatience.
If you were a tree, what would you be?A tagasaste (Lucerne tree), I’m fodder, shelter and wind protection all in one!
If you try to fail, and succeed, which have you done?Failed failing!
Why isn't the number 11 pronounced as onety one?It is when I say it!
Which is the best vacation you've ever had?I had five weeks in South Africa that consisted of horse riding daily and reading – heaven!
If given a choice, which animal would you want to be? Why?A horse. I think they’re graceful and to be able to run that fast would be awesome.
If you were stranded on a lonely beach, what are the five things that you would want to survive?My bible, guitar, pen and paper and more books!
Now that we know a little about Ms. Meunier, how about we learn about her book?
Blurb: Horse Country follows the lives of four young women work in the equine industry. Two instruct horse riding at their parent’s metropolitan riding school, whilst the other two work in the thoroughbred breeding industry. An amusing and informative novel, it follows the seasons in each industry.
Excerpt: Glancing out of the school window across the green oval the bored sixteen-year-old sighed, admitting to herself that it would be a lot more exhilarating racing her palomino gelding around the emerald surface, rather than sitting in a stuffy room while their teacher marked the roll.
Calling her name he gained her attention, marking her off before addressing the class.
“Morning everyone. Over the next fifteen minutes or so, I want you to have a think about what you’re going to do after year twelve.
“Because you’re in year eleven, I know most of you have already picked subjects that coincide with what you plan on studying in University. But, today I’d like you to have a think about what you want as a job after your studies and list five different possibilities for me. This year you’re going to do two bouts of work experience, so we will try and line these up with your preferences,” a balding fifty something pedagogue informed the general consensus of bored teens before him.
She smiled to herself, mentally correcting the teacher as she stared at the blank piece of paper in front of her. She didn’t want a job – she wanted a career.
And she wouldn’t spend fifteen minutes deciding on one either, she’d spent just short of fifteen years deciding on horses. Flicking through the University/TAFE guide before her she stopped on the letter E, her eyes scanning the page until she came across the word she was looking for.
Finding a list of seven or so careers, she mentally crossed out those that didn’t appeal to her, writing down the few that did before her attention returned to the green surface outside the classroom.
Replaying in her mind the conversation with her “Careers Teacher”, she smiled ruefully, more than aware of how she should have handled the conversation.
“Horses aren’t a career, dear. Every girl goes through a stage where she wants a pony; you’ll grow out of it. Aside from that, it’s too dangerous working with these unpredictable animals.”
It’ll be even more dangerous me working with them if I’m not initially trained to do so.
“Girls that want ponies do quickly grow out of it, generally by the time they’ve discovered the male population. I own a horse, have had this infatuation for the past ten or so years and don’t believe I’ll be growing out of it anytime soon. Though, if I am going to do so, surely I’d tire of the animals more quickly if I was put to work with them?”
Aware that this response from her could have turned the conversation either way, she was curious to know if it would have worked to her advantage.
Thankful she had a mother whom was insistent on her following her heart, there’d been no need for her to have a follow up conversation with the older male however, and it was all thanks to her mother’s “little conversation” with the man. She’d managed to convince the teacher to agree to let her daughter work with horses, at least for the first lot of work experience and that’s all that mattered to the teen.
Grinning, she scanned the list of horse properties in the phone book before her, highlighting those that were close enough for her to consider working at and therefore send a letter to.
About the Author:
Christine Meunier considers herself introduced to the wonderful world of horses at the late age of 13 when her parents agreed to lease a horse for her. She started experiencing horses via books from a young age and continues to do so, but recognises that horses cannot be learnt solely from books.
She has been studying horses from age 16, starting with the Certificate II in Horse Studies and is currently undertaking her Bachelor of Equine Science via distance education.
Christine has worked at numerous thoroughbred studs in Australia as well as overseas in Ireland for a breeding season.
She then gained experience in a couple of Melbourne based horse riding schools, instructing at a basic level before heading off overseas again, this time to South Africa to spend hours in the saddle of endurance and trail horses on the Wild Coast.
Particularly passionate about the world of breeding horses, she teaches equine studies focused on breeding, at a TAFE, Victoria, Australia.
She also writes a blog about equine education which you can view at http://equus-blog.com/
Where you can find Ms. Meunier:
Blog I Facebook I Goodreads
Horse Country - A World of Horses ON SALE July 1, 2013.
Christine Meunier
We'll start with some fun questions:
If I gave you an elephant where would you hide it?In my sock drawer!
If you were a cookie, which would you be?Chocolate chip with extra chocolate.
If I came to your home and looked inside the refrigerator, what would I find?A lot of home grown pumpkins!
What's your bad quality?Impatience.
If you were a tree, what would you be?A tagasaste (Lucerne tree), I’m fodder, shelter and wind protection all in one!
If you try to fail, and succeed, which have you done?Failed failing!
Why isn't the number 11 pronounced as onety one?It is when I say it!
Which is the best vacation you've ever had?I had five weeks in South Africa that consisted of horse riding daily and reading – heaven!
If given a choice, which animal would you want to be? Why?A horse. I think they’re graceful and to be able to run that fast would be awesome.
If you were stranded on a lonely beach, what are the five things that you would want to survive?My bible, guitar, pen and paper and more books!
Now that we know a little about Ms. Meunier, how about we learn about her book?
Blurb: Horse Country follows the lives of four young women work in the equine industry. Two instruct horse riding at their parent’s metropolitan riding school, whilst the other two work in the thoroughbred breeding industry. An amusing and informative novel, it follows the seasons in each industry.
Excerpt: Glancing out of the school window across the green oval the bored sixteen-year-old sighed, admitting to herself that it would be a lot more exhilarating racing her palomino gelding around the emerald surface, rather than sitting in a stuffy room while their teacher marked the roll.
Calling her name he gained her attention, marking her off before addressing the class.
“Morning everyone. Over the next fifteen minutes or so, I want you to have a think about what you’re going to do after year twelve.
“Because you’re in year eleven, I know most of you have already picked subjects that coincide with what you plan on studying in University. But, today I’d like you to have a think about what you want as a job after your studies and list five different possibilities for me. This year you’re going to do two bouts of work experience, so we will try and line these up with your preferences,” a balding fifty something pedagogue informed the general consensus of bored teens before him.
She smiled to herself, mentally correcting the teacher as she stared at the blank piece of paper in front of her. She didn’t want a job – she wanted a career.
And she wouldn’t spend fifteen minutes deciding on one either, she’d spent just short of fifteen years deciding on horses. Flicking through the University/TAFE guide before her she stopped on the letter E, her eyes scanning the page until she came across the word she was looking for.
Finding a list of seven or so careers, she mentally crossed out those that didn’t appeal to her, writing down the few that did before her attention returned to the green surface outside the classroom.
Replaying in her mind the conversation with her “Careers Teacher”, she smiled ruefully, more than aware of how she should have handled the conversation.
“Horses aren’t a career, dear. Every girl goes through a stage where she wants a pony; you’ll grow out of it. Aside from that, it’s too dangerous working with these unpredictable animals.”
It’ll be even more dangerous me working with them if I’m not initially trained to do so.
“Girls that want ponies do quickly grow out of it, generally by the time they’ve discovered the male population. I own a horse, have had this infatuation for the past ten or so years and don’t believe I’ll be growing out of it anytime soon. Though, if I am going to do so, surely I’d tire of the animals more quickly if I was put to work with them?”
Aware that this response from her could have turned the conversation either way, she was curious to know if it would have worked to her advantage.
Thankful she had a mother whom was insistent on her following her heart, there’d been no need for her to have a follow up conversation with the older male however, and it was all thanks to her mother’s “little conversation” with the man. She’d managed to convince the teacher to agree to let her daughter work with horses, at least for the first lot of work experience and that’s all that mattered to the teen.
Grinning, she scanned the list of horse properties in the phone book before her, highlighting those that were close enough for her to consider working at and therefore send a letter to.
About the Author:
Christine Meunier considers herself introduced to the wonderful world of horses at the late age of 13 when her parents agreed to lease a horse for her. She started experiencing horses via books from a young age and continues to do so, but recognises that horses cannot be learnt solely from books.
She has been studying horses from age 16, starting with the Certificate II in Horse Studies and is currently undertaking her Bachelor of Equine Science via distance education.
Christine has worked at numerous thoroughbred studs in Australia as well as overseas in Ireland for a breeding season.
She then gained experience in a couple of Melbourne based horse riding schools, instructing at a basic level before heading off overseas again, this time to South Africa to spend hours in the saddle of endurance and trail horses on the Wild Coast.
Particularly passionate about the world of breeding horses, she teaches equine studies focused on breeding, at a TAFE, Victoria, Australia.
She also writes a blog about equine education which you can view at http://equus-blog.com/
Where you can find Ms. Meunier:
Blog I Facebook I Goodreads
Horse Country - A World of Horses ON SALE July 1, 2013.
July 7, 2013
COVER REVEAL: My Mr. Manny by Jennifer Garcia
Summary—
Mia Balducci misses her childhood days and yearns for the big, Italian family that she left behind in small town Massachusetts. At the tender age of sixteen, Mia moves with her bachelor father to Los Angeles, but no matter how many years pass, it never becomes home to her. The years spent living with her father aren’t easy, especially since she can’t stop thinking about what she once had. Her enrollment in the University of Southern California promises to bring exciting changes to her life, but Mia winds up with big problems instead. When she runs into an old friend from her old hometown of Winthrop, she gets swept up in nostalgia, and she soon loses herself in a quickly-progressing romance. When the fantasy falls apart, she is left to raise her precious little girl, Lucia, on her own. The demands of Mia’s work schedule and Lucia’s needs increase, and their lives become increasingly hectic. It is soon clear to Mia that she needs help. Luckily, her life-saving cousin saves the day and brings the mother and daughter a male nanny – their new “manny.”
After losing his high-pressure job on Wall Street, Dominic Roberts wants to follow his dreams to have a family. He’s already one fiancée down, and there are no likely prospects for another. In order to find the family he so desperately wants, he finds himself getting into the manny business. Since he is fully qualified to provide child care and is eager to leave New York City behind, his sister-in-law is able to land him a job in California working for his first client – the beautiful and intriguing Mia Balducci.
Will Lucia like the new man in her mother's life? Will Mia? And will this new trio discover the happily ever after they all so desperately seek?
ON SALE August 26, 2013
Add My Mr. Manny to your Want to Read shelf on Goodreads HERE
Author Bio—
Jennifer Garcia’s (aka Forbes Arnone) love of travel began when she traveled to the West Coast to visit her father at the age of three. Her home until she was sixteen was a small coastal town near Boston. She currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband, two sons, and two dogs.Her lifelong love for reading and writing was put aside for many years while she made her way in the world and nurtured her young family. Even though she is older, and life never seems to settle, she’s finding her way while attending college full-time in pursuit of a B.A. in English Literature. She also runs a business, and is still caring for her family. Believing she can do it all, with the help of her family, she worked on her first novel during the late hours of the night while balancing the rest of her life during the day. Her hard work paid off, as her first novel, My Mr. Manny, will be published August 2013.
Find Jennifer on:FacebookGoodreads--Forbes ArnoneGoodreads--Jennifer GarciaTwitterBlogAbout.me Authorsdb
July 6, 2013
COVER REVEAL: A Divine Life, Book 2 of The Divine Trilogy
I can't believe the day is finally here and I get to show you the next cover in the Divine Trilogy! Thank you to the amazing JC Clarke for putting up with my crazy ideas and ramblings while you took my ideas and made them reality. A special shout out to JA Mash for stepping in last minute to do some polishing. You are both wonderful!
Summary:
Over the past year of being Jayden Masterson’s collared submissive, Catherine O’Chancey has worked through the mental terrors left behind by her old Dom — or at least she thinks she has. To celebrate their collaring anniversary, Jayden organizes a special day, during which her final fantasies will be realized and her limits tested. Will it prove to be more than she can handle? Can she endure the erotic onslaught her mind and body will experience and survive unscathed?
While Catherine faces these dark shadows and pleasurable highs, Jayden will find his own inner strength being tested, too. He has come to realize that, somewhere along the way, Catherine has taken possession of his heart, mind, and body. Now, he faces his biggest challenge ever; he must let go of all his submissives but one: his jewel, Catherine. Can he leave his philandering ways behind? Has he made the ultimate mistake by putting his jewel into the hands of others? Will his gift to Catherine wind up costing him the one thing that has ever meant something real to him?
Jayden has helped Catherine heal from past wrongs and chase away the nightmares. In return, Catherine has shown him what it means to care for someone beyond mere sexual gratification. Their strengthening bond as Master and submissive has paved the way for deeper emotions — if they can find the courage to open up to each other.
Join Catherine and Jayden for an emotion packed weekend that could forever change the future of their relationship. This could be their best chance at love, but first both Dom and sub must gain control over the one thing they can’t put in a collar: their deepest doubts and fears. For this kind of healing, the necessary treatment must be mutually given. Is it too late to erase some old scars?
Add A Divine Life to your Goodreads "Want to Read" shelf HERE
Goes ON SALE August 6, 2013
My special Divine Trilogy Giveaway and 50% off sale is still underway. GET DETAILS HERE
Summary:
Over the past year of being Jayden Masterson’s collared submissive, Catherine O’Chancey has worked through the mental terrors left behind by her old Dom — or at least she thinks she has. To celebrate their collaring anniversary, Jayden organizes a special day, during which her final fantasies will be realized and her limits tested. Will it prove to be more than she can handle? Can she endure the erotic onslaught her mind and body will experience and survive unscathed?
While Catherine faces these dark shadows and pleasurable highs, Jayden will find his own inner strength being tested, too. He has come to realize that, somewhere along the way, Catherine has taken possession of his heart, mind, and body. Now, he faces his biggest challenge ever; he must let go of all his submissives but one: his jewel, Catherine. Can he leave his philandering ways behind? Has he made the ultimate mistake by putting his jewel into the hands of others? Will his gift to Catherine wind up costing him the one thing that has ever meant something real to him?
Jayden has helped Catherine heal from past wrongs and chase away the nightmares. In return, Catherine has shown him what it means to care for someone beyond mere sexual gratification. Their strengthening bond as Master and submissive has paved the way for deeper emotions — if they can find the courage to open up to each other.
Join Catherine and Jayden for an emotion packed weekend that could forever change the future of their relationship. This could be their best chance at love, but first both Dom and sub must gain control over the one thing they can’t put in a collar: their deepest doubts and fears. For this kind of healing, the necessary treatment must be mutually given. Is it too late to erase some old scars?
Add A Divine Life to your Goodreads "Want to Read" shelf HERE
Goes ON SALE August 6, 2013
My special Divine Trilogy Giveaway and 50% off sale is still underway. GET DETAILS HERE
July 4, 2013
SIZZLING SUMMER BLOG HOP
Please join over 40 authors and bloggers as we celebrate summer with some fabulous romantic tales. Each blog will feature a SIZZLING excerpt from one of the author's own books or from one of their favorite reads.
CHECK IT OUT!
Thanks so much for stopping by to check out my offering for the Sizzling Summer Blog Hop! Be sure to check out the giveaway at the end of this post, as well as the other participating blogs for your chance to win additional prizes! A grand prize winner will be chosen by the hop host: The Romance Troupe.
To keep up with the hop on Twitter, use hashtag #SizzlingHop
On August 6, 2013, the second installment in The Divine Trilogy will be released. Because of this, I decided that sharing an excerpt from A Divine Life would be appropriate after a little reminder of book one To Serve is Divine.
Excerpt from A Divine Life; Book Two of The Divine Trilogy:
Catherine could feel a light breeze lifting and tossing her hair while the birds chirped in the back-ground. Using her toes, she pushed off the ground, causing the hammock to swing a little. She let the motion affect her and tipped her head back to enjoy the sounds of nature around them and the sun on her face.
Off to the side, the camera clicked and whirred.
In a subconscious gesture, Catherine licked her lips while the concept of what they were doing settled into her head. She could do this; she could even have fun with it.
Faint sounds could be heard while Shawn moved around her, and the wanton female felt the wetness starting to seep between her thighs. She leaned further back into the hammock, locking her fin-gers in the net to test and make sure she wasn’t going to flip herself out of it.
The snapping shutter captured her pose.
In an attempt to achieve some friction, Catherine allowed her thighs a discreet rub against each other. In such a short amount of time, she had become quite turned on, surprising herself.
That’s why you’re an exhibitionist, Erin.
“You’re doing great, doll. Now, take your hands and roam them along your body the way your Mas-ter would,” Shawn said softly.
A breath caught in her throat at his words. Could she do this? Of course she could —– and she would for her Master. Bringing her trembling hands to her knees, she started running them up her body, feeling the skirt gather and lift as she did.
Fast and furious, the camera’s sounds broke through the chirping birds.
A hiss escaped her when her fingers came in contact with the fresh ink, and it soon turned into a needy moan. Another click told her Shawn wanted to preserve everything. Her self-perusal continued until she was cupping her breasts through the transparent material. To be naked at that moment would have been heaven.
More pictures were taken while Catherine gave her breasts a gentle squeeze, and then took the rings between her fingers and pulled. Her wet lips fell open in a silent moan.
“That’s it, doll; let go. Enjoy that lingering touch. Tease yourself,” Shawn coaxed.
One hand kept tugging on a ring while she ran the other up over her chest to her neck, where Catherine fingered the paddle on her collar. A single click hit her ears before a momentary shift of the breeze carried that delicious musk and spice scent from earlier to Catherine’s olfactory lobe. Her heart rate picked up, and she sucked a finger into her mouth.
Shawn continued snapping the pictures and giving her verbal cues, and all too soon, the breeze shifted again, taking the scent with it. Catherine missed it at once without understanding why. Taking her now-wet finger, she slipped it under her blouse and began rubbing her thick nipple.
“Work your skirt up for me further, doll. Does that finger feel good?”
“Mmhmm,” the amateur model moaned and kept rubbing her nipple, adding in a light pinch while her free hand found the bottom of the skirt. Slow and steady, she inched the material higher, exposing her pale skin.
Several more images were saved to the memory card.
“Good girl. Part your legs; let your Master see you glisten.”
And there you have it! Sound like something you want to read? Visit the Get It Here page for all your retail options (after 8/6).
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Comment on this blog post and You could win...
GRAND PRIZE
An iPAD MINI
(US ONLY)
(Alternate prize for international winner)
GRAND PRIZE #2$50 Amazon Gift Card + surprise digital books from participating authors
OR
Fabulous Swag Pack #1
+ $10 Amazon/B&N GC
+ Several surprise digital books
(US ONLY for Swag)
OR
Fabulous Swag Pack #2
+ $10 Amazon/B&N GC
+ Several surprise digital books
(US ONLY for Swag)
We can't wait to meet you!
Follow all Hop announcements via
www.theromancetroupe.com
and on Twitter hashtag
#SizzlingHop
**Regarding the main hop giveaway: Winners will be chosen using Random.org
A winning blog will be chosen via random.org for each prize and then another number will be drawn to determine the winning commenter. Only comments with email addresses will be considered valid entries for the prizes. This process will be repeated for all prizes. The Romance Troupe will not retain any contributions past the date of the event.**
CHECK IT OUT!
Thanks so much for stopping by to check out my offering for the Sizzling Summer Blog Hop! Be sure to check out the giveaway at the end of this post, as well as the other participating blogs for your chance to win additional prizes! A grand prize winner will be chosen by the hop host: The Romance Troupe.
To keep up with the hop on Twitter, use hashtag #SizzlingHop
On August 6, 2013, the second installment in The Divine Trilogy will be released. Because of this, I decided that sharing an excerpt from A Divine Life would be appropriate after a little reminder of book one To Serve is Divine.
Excerpt from A Divine Life; Book Two of The Divine Trilogy:
Catherine could feel a light breeze lifting and tossing her hair while the birds chirped in the back-ground. Using her toes, she pushed off the ground, causing the hammock to swing a little. She let the motion affect her and tipped her head back to enjoy the sounds of nature around them and the sun on her face.
Off to the side, the camera clicked and whirred.
In a subconscious gesture, Catherine licked her lips while the concept of what they were doing settled into her head. She could do this; she could even have fun with it.
Faint sounds could be heard while Shawn moved around her, and the wanton female felt the wetness starting to seep between her thighs. She leaned further back into the hammock, locking her fin-gers in the net to test and make sure she wasn’t going to flip herself out of it.
The snapping shutter captured her pose.
In an attempt to achieve some friction, Catherine allowed her thighs a discreet rub against each other. In such a short amount of time, she had become quite turned on, surprising herself.
That’s why you’re an exhibitionist, Erin.
“You’re doing great, doll. Now, take your hands and roam them along your body the way your Mas-ter would,” Shawn said softly.
A breath caught in her throat at his words. Could she do this? Of course she could —– and she would for her Master. Bringing her trembling hands to her knees, she started running them up her body, feeling the skirt gather and lift as she did.
Fast and furious, the camera’s sounds broke through the chirping birds.
A hiss escaped her when her fingers came in contact with the fresh ink, and it soon turned into a needy moan. Another click told her Shawn wanted to preserve everything. Her self-perusal continued until she was cupping her breasts through the transparent material. To be naked at that moment would have been heaven.
More pictures were taken while Catherine gave her breasts a gentle squeeze, and then took the rings between her fingers and pulled. Her wet lips fell open in a silent moan.
“That’s it, doll; let go. Enjoy that lingering touch. Tease yourself,” Shawn coaxed.
One hand kept tugging on a ring while she ran the other up over her chest to her neck, where Catherine fingered the paddle on her collar. A single click hit her ears before a momentary shift of the breeze carried that delicious musk and spice scent from earlier to Catherine’s olfactory lobe. Her heart rate picked up, and she sucked a finger into her mouth.
Shawn continued snapping the pictures and giving her verbal cues, and all too soon, the breeze shifted again, taking the scent with it. Catherine missed it at once without understanding why. Taking her now-wet finger, she slipped it under her blouse and began rubbing her thick nipple.
“Work your skirt up for me further, doll. Does that finger feel good?”
“Mmhmm,” the amateur model moaned and kept rubbing her nipple, adding in a light pinch while her free hand found the bottom of the skirt. Slow and steady, she inched the material higher, exposing her pale skin.
Several more images were saved to the memory card.
“Good girl. Part your legs; let your Master see you glisten.”
And there you have it! Sound like something you want to read? Visit the Get It Here page for all your retail options (after 8/6).
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Comment on this blog post and You could win...
GRAND PRIZE
An iPAD MINI
(US ONLY)
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Fabulous Swag Pack #1
+ $10 Amazon/B&N GC
+ Several surprise digital books
(US ONLY for Swag)
OR
Fabulous Swag Pack #2
+ $10 Amazon/B&N GC
+ Several surprise digital books
(US ONLY for Swag)
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July 3, 2013
REVIEW: Fireworks by Lindsey Gray
*I received an ARC copy of Fireworks in exchange for an honest review*
Fireworks by Lindsey GrayGenre: RomanceLength: 92 pages (novella)Amazon
Blurb: Sophie McKibbin finds herself back in Sam Crawford’s life after ten years. Unfortunately, Sam is dating Lola, Sophie’s high school nemesis. Lola dumps Sam the day before he was supposed to introduce his mystery girlfriend to his family over the Fourth of July holiday. With the looming fear of disappointing his mother once again and his long held feelings for Sophie, he asks her to take Lola’s place. With family feuds, an old flame, and feelings that have been locked away for a decade, there is bound to be some fireworks.
For a novella, Fireworks packs a punch, spanning a decade in less than 100 pages. This is a story about what could have been and second chances. Gray’s writing style is clean and easy to follow, allowing the reader to disappear into Sam and Sophie’s tale for a couple of hours.
Circumstances weren’t right the first time the main couple meet. An age gap and an overbearing mother keep their blooming attraction stifled. Time marches on, however; Sam and Sophie move ahead with their lives and careers until chance brings them together again.
And this time circumstances are in their favor . . . almost. No one ever said love was easy, but Gray doesn’t make it too painful.
Fireworks earns a solid four butterflies from me, and my vote of confidence that you’ll enjoy this feel good summer romance.
Fireworks by Lindsey GrayGenre: RomanceLength: 92 pages (novella)Amazon
Blurb: Sophie McKibbin finds herself back in Sam Crawford’s life after ten years. Unfortunately, Sam is dating Lola, Sophie’s high school nemesis. Lola dumps Sam the day before he was supposed to introduce his mystery girlfriend to his family over the Fourth of July holiday. With the looming fear of disappointing his mother once again and his long held feelings for Sophie, he asks her to take Lola’s place. With family feuds, an old flame, and feelings that have been locked away for a decade, there is bound to be some fireworks.
For a novella, Fireworks packs a punch, spanning a decade in less than 100 pages. This is a story about what could have been and second chances. Gray’s writing style is clean and easy to follow, allowing the reader to disappear into Sam and Sophie’s tale for a couple of hours.
Circumstances weren’t right the first time the main couple meet. An age gap and an overbearing mother keep their blooming attraction stifled. Time marches on, however; Sam and Sophie move ahead with their lives and careers until chance brings them together again.
And this time circumstances are in their favor . . . almost. No one ever said love was easy, but Gray doesn’t make it too painful.
Fireworks earns a solid four butterflies from me, and my vote of confidence that you’ll enjoy this feel good summer romance.
Fireworks by Lindsey Grey BLOG TOUR
Welcome Lindsey Gray to the blog today in honor of her upcoming novella Fireworks. Below you'll find Lindsey's response to my request to discuss her bucket list, a GIVEAWAY, and you can read my review of Fireworks HERE.
Title: FireworksGenre: Contemporary Romance Goodreads Listing Publication Date: June 20th, 2013
Blurb:
Sophie McKibbin finds herself back in Sam Crawford’s life after ten years. Unfortunately, Sam is dating Lola, Sophie’s high school nemesis. Lola dumps Sam the day before he was supposed to introduce his mystery girlfriend to his family over the Fourth of July holiday. With the looming fear of disappointing his mother once again and his long held feelings for Sophie, he asks her to take Lola’s place. With family feuds, an old flame, and feelings that have been locked away for a decade, there is bound to be some fireworks.
“Fireworks” is a novella, approximately 22,000 words.
What's on your bucket list, Ms. Gray?
I have thought about doing this for years, but never sat down to write it all out. This was an experience to say the least. I know I can’t achieve all of the things on this list, but I’m sure as hell going to try to take a big chunk out of it.
My Bucket List (in no particular order) 1. See my children grow up and get married.2. Visit the homeland of my ancestors, Ireland.3. Watch my grandchildren grow up.4. Visit Harry Potter World. (The closest I will ever get to living in a book.)5. Write a novel that reaches number 1 on the New York Times Best Sellers List.6. Be nominated for an Academy Award. (I’m not sure I would want to win because I think I might die right then.)7. Ride in a hot air balloon. (Even though I’m terrified of heights)8. Earn enough money to pay the tuition for whatever college my children wish to attend.9. Have a photo shoot where I am dressed up as a 1940’s film noir heroine.10. Meet the Doctor and get a tour of the Tardis.11. Visit Epcot Center, Disneyworld, and Universal Studios.12. Go to ComicCon and sit on a panel.13. Learn how to draw.14. Have my own radio and/or television show.15. Act in a staring role in a movie and/or television series.16. Act in a supporting role in a movie and/or television series.17. See my novel, “Redemption”, made into a movie.18. Visit Italy with a fluent translator at my side.19. Celebrate my 50th wedding anniversary and still love my hubby as much as I do today. (He has promised to become a curmudgeon in his later years, so we’ll see.)20. Build a sandcastle on the beach of an ocean. (The lake 30 miles from home doesn’t count.)21. Watch my children succeed in their choice of vocation.22. Attend the Cannes Film Festival.23. Attend the Sundance Film Festival.24. Make my role in life resonate my passions.25. Visit Napa Valley, California and find out the secrets to wine making.26. Build and live in my dream home without it turning into a nightmare.27. Visit the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and snorkel if I can, no scuba diving.28. Visit Sydney, Australia and the Sydney Opera House.29. Have a drink in a real pub in England, Scotland, and Ireland.30. Vacation in Cape Cod with a house on the beach.31. See the Northern Lights.32. Learn how to play the guitar.33. Be listed as one of People Magazines Most Beautiful People. (I know my mom would vote for me to be on this one.)34. Own a bookstore.35. Own a production company.36. Ride as many rollercoasters as I can.37. Learn how to make Pizza Hut Pan pizza gluten free.38. Visit Chocolate World in Hershey, Pennsylvania and get chocolate wasted.39. Decorate my whole house for Christmas with a live tree, stockings hanging on the fireplace, and lights on the house that would make Clark Griswold cry.40. Swim under a waterfall.41. Participate in a flash mob.42. Visit Carlo’s Bakery and have Buddy make me the best gluten free cake ever made.43. Own a gluten free bakery.44. Attend a Masquerade Ball.45. Invent some really cool family traditions.46. Reach my goal weight and fit into a size 8 again . . . okay, maybe a size 10 would be more realistic.47. Own a houseboat and take my kids and grandkids out on it every summer like my parents and grandparents did.48. Go Indoor Skydiving. There is no way you are getting me to do the real thing.49. Find a cure for all of my ailments.50. Visit the Cancun, Mexico for a second honeymoon.
There are a few more personal ones I would add, but I’ll save those for another time. What are some of the things on your bucket list?
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About the Author:
Lindsey Gray dreamed of being several different things as a child such as a doctor, an actress, and a chef, but none held her attention like putting pen to paper and creating her own world through words. She has written three full-length novels and one short story for The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House and is now taking the self-publishing leap with her novella, "Fireworks".
A mid-west native, Lindsey enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, reading almost anything she can get her hands on, and making life interesting at each and every turn.
Where to find Ms. Gray: I Blog I Facebook I Twitter I Amazon IOther titles by Lindsey Gray available through:The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House
Purchase Links: Smashwords * Amazon
The rest of the Fireworks tour:
July 1stLisa Bilbrey ~ Review & Guest PostAli's Book Shelf ~ Review & Guest PostLissa Bryan ~ Review & InterviewJuly 2ndL.V. Lewis ~ ReviewJuly 3rdHook Me Up Book Blog ~ Promo PostR.E. Hargrave ~ Review & Guest PostOffbeat Vagabond ~ ReviewJuly 4thN.K. Smith ~ Review & Guest PostMich's Book Reviews ~ ReviewShawna's Surveys ~ Review
July 1, 2013
Block 24 by Evan Tyler BLOG TOUR
Today I get the pleasure of hosting Evan Tyler on her blog tour for the release of her novel Block 24. Enjoy the excerpt and be sure to check out the Rafflecopter GIVEAWAY at the bottom!
Blurb: A re-emergence of the past…
Natalie Clarke might be spiteful at best and vicious at worst, but was that reason enough for Phillip Gise to leave her lonely and diseased? Fortunately, she has a set of devious plans that just might keep her busy enough to forget her present situation.
Guy Lewis has played Best Friend Extraordinaire to Natalie since grade school, supporting her through all of her daily drama. This time around, Guy runs into his own troubles when his fierce, wealthy manager gives him the type of attention he never asked for…or expected.
Julia Clarke, Natalie’s younger sister, has arrived in Brooklyn to uncover their grandmother’s secret life in Block 24, the site of Auschwitz’s little-known brothel. What Julia discovers proves more relevant in the present age than ever before.
Both heady and sobering, Block 24 is a look at the ways evil from the past can so insidiously visit the present.
Excerpt from Chapter Three of Block 24:
Philip lay back on the bed, resettling the pillow behind his head and crossing his feet at the end of the bed. Natalie stared at his toes. “You know,” he said, “my mother went a little crazy when she found out I wasn't a virgin anymore. She sent me to a priest.” He chuckled. “I was nineteen. ”
Natalie gasped. “What, is she insane? Or just a slut-shamer?”
Philip climbed up to her end of the bed, lying on his side in front of her, his face a kiss away from hers. “Neither. She raised me with a lot of faith values. Church every Sunday. Sacraments. Catholic school. All of it.” He looked at her carefully, sliding a stray eyelash from beneath her eye and staring at it on his index finger. “My dad and mom left their countries to practice their faith freely. It’s a big deal to them.”
Natalie dropped her eyes. “What about their kids? They can’t expect you guys to be who they are. Or believe what they believe.”
“They do. I'm still a Catholic, baby.” He laughed. “A pretty fucked up one, but still. And all three of my sisters are still virgins.”
She looked back up. “How do you know that?”
“Male intuition.”
She shook her head. “So, what about me? Could you tell I was a whore when you first met me?”
Philip gave a short laugh, shaking his head, rolling his eyes, ultimately dismissing the question. “My mother and father were both virgins when they married. Kinda wild, when I think about it.”
Natalie humphed “Not wild. The exact opposite of wild, really. And while I’m sure that your parents' so-called purity really impresses you, I hate to break it to you—they're not virgins anymore.”
“What gave that away?” He smiled.
Natalie wanted with all her indignant heart to wilt that smile. “I’m sure they enjoy their sex life. Sure your dad gets some even more than you do. Sure your mom's a super freak. It aint a crime, Philip.”
“She’s married, Nat.”
“And you’re not,” she said, mocking his stillness with her syrupy, school-teacher voice. “You’re not them. We're not your fucking parents. We’ve got no reason to feel bad. You've got absolutely no reason to feel guilty.” She went suddenly into crude mode, her voice gruff and loud. “You’re Philip Fucking Gise. The original PG.”
He looked down, his eyelashes casting a shadow right below his eyes. “Well, we both could afford to be a little more G-rated, Nat. Come on, baby, let’s get up.”
She reached for his wrist before he could slide off the bed. “If I'm such a whore, why are you with me? Why do you fuck with me? Better yet, why do you fuck me? There are enough girls like Julia in the world. You could go find one.”
About the Author: Evan Tyler is an author by day, a lead guitarist by night. Her favourite authors are Toni Morrison and John Steinbeck. Her favourite guitarists are Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughn. She aspires to be like all of her favorites. Her debut novel, A Happy Accident, was the merging of her musical and literary aspirations. Evans second novel, Block 24, is a venture in a whole new direction.
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June 30, 2013
Who's Ready for the BEACH?!
After months of writing, editing, cover designs, and all the smaller behind the scenes stuff that goes into getting a book out to the public, I'm so thrilled the time is upon us for the release of Summer Heat, Beach Reads Volume 1!
I'm in excellent company authorwise on this anthology and can't wait to hear what everyone thinks.
Summer Heat on Goodreads
In My Mother's Footsteps
by Forbes Arnone
Just Like in the Movies
by M.B. Feeney
Haunted Raine
by R.E Hargrave
For teasers, author interaction, prizes, and a lot of fun . . .
Join the release party HERE
