R.E. Hargrave's Blog, page 411

INTERVIEW: Midnight Caller by NJ Cole BLOG TOUR

Today I have the pleasure of having NJ Cole stop by on the blog tour for her debut release Midnight Caller. I invite authors to answer anywhere from 5-10 questions up to as many as they want from my 'random question stash'; Cole took it to heart and had fun! Hope you enjoy getting a peak inside her head as much as I did.

NJ Cole

If I gave you an elephant where would you hide it?
I’d hide it at your house. You wouldn’t tell, would you?

What is your favorite color of socks to wear?
I don’t care what color they are, but I love warm fuzzy socks.

If you were a cookie, which would you be?
Something nutty.

Name one actor/actress you would love to get naughty with?
I have a thing for Jessica Alba. 

Do you suffer from sleepwalking?
Not sure, I’m asleep when I sleepwalk.

If you were given a chance, would you enter Big Brother?
That is one of my life time dreams!

Women or Cars?
Women…mmm women.

Do you like dogs or cats?
Both, but I have a goldendoodle. She’s super cute, and I named a character in my book after her (the character formerly known as “Rosalie”).

If I came to your home and looked inside the refrigerator, what would I find?
A light bulb…not sure about anything else. Just kidding. There would be Chinese food containers, a few pizza boxes, and various leftover boxes. There might be a yogurt, too.

Tell me how many hats you have in your house?
*ducks head* more than 100

How many pairs of shoes do you own?
Can you really own shoes? They are free range shoes that live in my closet. It seems that they breed in there, ‘cause there are more and more every year.

What's your bad quality?
I have a bad quality? I asked the voices in my head, and they say, perhaps the fact that I ask the voices, might be one of my bad qualities.

What was the best thing before sliced bread?
Sex…sex is always the best thing. It makes the world go round. 

Do you speak with your dog?
Yes, but she is a bitch and never answers.

If you try to fail, and succeed, which have you done?
I’ve probably gotten a lot of help from my friends regardless.

Do you know how to drop an egg onto a concrete floor without cracking it?
I suppose I could drop it from a quarter inch or less…

Why isn't the number 11 pronounced as onety one?
It isn’t?

Which is your most favorite book ever?
My most favoritest book ever in the whole wide world is Breaking Dawn.

Which is the one television character that you simply adore?
I kind of like the coyote…I mean…he is sure persistent!

What do you do when you feel very sad or depressed? 
kneel

Which is the best vacation you've ever had?
I haven’t had it yet. I’m going to Australia.

If given complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why?
         If all I could do was write, I’d love it!

If given a chance to skip work for a day, how would you spend the entire day?
Writing :)

Which is your favorite time of the day?
I love night time.

If given a choice, which animal would you want to be? Why?
Can any of them read? if not…none.

Which is your most favorite place on this earth?
There is a bridge about two miles from my house. Under the bridge there is a small stream and some rocks. If you sit on the rocks, you can listen to the stream and the occasional rumble of a car or truck going over the bridge. The sound drowns out all of the voices in my head with the exception of one…that is where they tell me their story.

If you were stranded on a lonely beach, what are the five things that you would want to survive?
Does this beach have internet service? lol…I’d want my computer, some sunblock, (no swimsuit…giggle), yeah…I’m good. Oh, wait…can I get like a bottomless pitcher of piña coladas?



ON SALE Tuesday, MAY 28, 2013



Goodreads Listing Facebook Author Page
Blurb:
Rebecca Summers enjoys pleasing herself with the curtains open. That is, until a mysterious man calls to tell her that he is watching. Her fantasy becomes reality as she begins to perform for this stranger, following his instructions over the phone while he watches from afar. Rebecca’s world is turned upside down when finally they meet and she enters into a D/s relationship with her Midnight Caller.
About the Author:
 NJ Cole is a witty, mid-western girl with a kinky side. She works by day and writes by night, all while being a mother to her wonderful boys and serving her Sir. Unlike many of today’s authors, she chooses to write in first person, allowing the readers to experience life through the eyes of the unique characters that live in her head. Her love of those characters and respect for their stories come through loud and clear in her writing. With over two million reads of her online work in the past six months, NJ Cole is clearly an up and coming author.
A Special Note from the Author:
OK, so here is the May 28th release day promotion. If you buy the book on May 28th I will send a postcard of the cover of Midnight Caller to any address you provide me. I will write a short note on the postcard and sign it. It's the best I can do since an autographed copy isn't possible for ebooks :)

Here's what you need to do:

1. Purchase a copy, either ebook or paperback, on May 28th. (one dayonly)

2. take a screen shot of your receipt, or forward it, or copy and past part of it, or in some way show me that you purchased on May 28th.

3. email it to njcolepromotions@gmail.com

4. Tell me who you would me like to make it out to. For example, if your facebook name and gmail name is something like Fanfic Reader... you don't want me to write it to, Dear Fanfic Reader, ..lol.. say, make it out to Sue. Also, since it is a post card, it won't come in an envelope. Make sure you're alright with the cover arriving at your house. Let me know if I can be creative with my note or if I should keep it PG.

Any questions you can message me on fb or at njcolepromotions@gmail.com

Saturday Snippets

I thought I'd do something a little fun and share some excerpts from my novellas and novels, both released and soon to be released. Hope you enjoy!

Visit Amazon to get your copy of this YA novella.    I made the drive from the grocery store out to Royal Hills with a dopey smile on my face. The woman I'd bumped into at the Food Lion had been an absolute delight. When I saw the smashed eggs dripping down her face and her green eyes blazing, the first word that popped into my head was "adorable." I needed to know more about her. Parking my car, I retrieved my bags, and headed for the door.  "Afternoon, Mr. Childress," a voice called from my right.  "Howdy, Mr. Harrison. Hedges are looking great," I called, shifting my body in the gardener's direction and slowing my walk. "Mom behave today?" I asked, and he tipped his hat.  "Yup, she didn't try harvesting my asters today," he replied with a chuckle, and I shook my head. Of course she went after those plants; they reminded her of the flowers she loved so much. Dad had courted her with wild daisies, and they'd been her favorite ever since. Since he'd passed and I had relocated here to be close by, I was doing my best to make sure she had fresh flowers every week.  I gave Mr. Harrison a wave and made my way inside to mom's room, where I found her watching the birdhouses that hung outside her window. A pair of hummingbirds was flitting back and forth, and I could see her blue eyes dance while she watched. Her hair was fixed in a neat bun; no longer the honey gold it had been in her youth, it was now a sophisticated silver.  "Hey, Mom," I said, loud enough for her to hear me, but not so loud it would startle her. I waited a few moments, knowing she would soon turn and give me a welcoming smile.  "Trent!" she cried with surprised excitement, and I squelched the feeling inside - the knowledge that this was going to be one of those days when she would again ask the questions I hated answering. It killed me each time I had to tell her Dad was gone. Her doctor hadn't yet diagnosed her with Alzheimer's, though the indications all pointed to it. Her brief moments of lucidity made me question if her continual lapses were in memory were intentional attempts to block her reality - if it was easier for her to exist in denial.
Visit Amazon to get your copy of this YA novella.
Visit Goodreads to see what reviewers are saying about Sugar & Spice.


Visit Amazon to get your copy of this BDSM erotica ~Book 1 of The Divine Trilogy.
“Oh,” Erin murmured – both from how good his hands felt on her tired foot, but more at the look in his eyes when she lifted her head toward him. It was all too familiar. 
That was awkward. She wanted this – to be with Jayden as Erin – but it wasn’t allowed. He’d said so, and she had agreed. So why was he setting her body on fire right now with that look? “Jayden.” She whimpered his name, but it got lost in her gasp of surprise when his hands tugged on her foot, dragging her body over the couch toward him. 
His fingers left fiery trails along Erin’s bare legs while he caressed her. The sliding motion had pushed her top up exposing her taut midriff, and when he spread her legs to pull her onto his lap she didn’t resist. Erin leaned in to kiss him and his hands enveloped her with a tight grip. Jayden pulled her in, his large hands spanning her back while he pushed her top further up and then over her head. 
They both made a feral sound when his lips molded to her breast and he began to suckle. She was willing to do whatever it took. Even keep her cool when his next words brought her back to reality. She would never be more than a submissive to him.  
“Do you want to play tonight, my pet? Since tomorrow is Christmas, shall we start early?” What could she do? “Aye, Master. This girl would love to see how you put a scene together here in her home.” Catherine would play, but on Erin’s turf. 
Her squeals when he stood up and carried her down the hall to her room were swallowed by his mouth descending on hers just before he set her down. “I’m going to have a look around your apartment to see what I can use, if that’s okay?” 
She nodded. 
“I want you naked and kneeling when I return, Jewel.”
Visit Amazon to get your copy of this BDSM erotica ~Book 1 of The Divine Trilogy.
Visit Goodreads to see what reviewers are saying about TSiD.



Haunted Raine  (Summer Heat Anthology, Beach Reads #1)

Cover reveal June 2, Release date of July 2, 2013.
Visit Goodreads to add to your "Want to Read" shelves.
My body stiffened at the words, and he pulled away so he could spin me in his arms.
“Lorraine, what’s going on? You looked like you’d seen a ghost when we found those cigarettes. Is there something you’re not telling me?”
A deep sigh escaped me. “Funny you should say that, because, um, I think I have—seen a ghost that is.” 
The moment the words were out, I clenched my eyes shut not wanting to see the look I knew he had to be giving me. The one that would say Rick thought I’d lost my mind. When he didn’t say anything or make any move to pull away, I risked peeking out from one eye. He was giving me a look all right, but not the way I’d expected. This was the look that had resulted in three children. I opened the other eye. 
“Are you going to call me crazy?” My whisper was thick and heavy like the steam that surrounded us.
Rick shook his head in the negative, and when he leaned in, more than just his lips pressed into me. I soon melted into the embrace, giving in to his long overdue attentions when my body ignited with desire. Fumbling our way out of the shower and into the main room, our clean, wet bodies hit the cold sheets while we kissed in desperation. 
Visit Goodreads to add to your "Want to Read" shelves.

A Divine Life Book 2 of The Divine Trilogy

Cover reveal July 6, Release date of August 6, 2013.*This excerpt is unedited*
One thing was certain in her mind: she knew that she needed this lifestyle. Deep down she would be restless and unfulfilled if she wasn’t handing control over to a Dom. Catherine had learned to desire the pain and humiliation because it allowed her the freedom of letting go. Giving up control released her mind to allow her body to be used by another.Another certainty occurred to Catherine. She’d gotten careless in developing feelings for Jayden, her Master. If it was his desire to give her to another, then she must accept that. By giving in to the reality and accepting her fate, she was serving her Master, and in turn, herself. At least Master wasn’t abandoning her, leaving her to flounder for a way to start over . . . again.When Catherine composed herself enough to look up, she found Paige looking over her shoulder. Turning her head to follow Paige’s gaze she was met with Sir Landon’s confused stare.Sniffling and wiping her nose with the back of her hand, Catherine settled. “This girl is sorry, Sir. It’s been an emotional day and she forgot her place. She’s now remembered and is ready to move on.”Sir Landon came forward and lifted her still trembling hand. “Of course, darlin’. Your mind and body have been through a lot today. Quite understandable.”

NEW RELEASE: Picture Perfect by Sapphire Kande

Author Sapphire KandeFacebook I GoodReads I Smashwords I Amazon I Blog I Twitter
Picture Perfect
Picture PerfectGenre: Contemporary Romance Release Date: May 21th 2013Cover Design: Lindsay Anne KendalBook Trailer:  Karli RushWatch the Book Trailer HERE
Summary: Karli Leon, a talented photographer, takes an assignment in sunny Florida. She has been hurt before and is not eager to entrust her heart and her vulnerabilities to anyone again. While working, she meets a local man who shows her a kind of love she thought only existed in stories. Logan Rush takes a walk that will change his life. Completely taken by an enchanting visiting photographer, he spends two weeks showing Karli just how perfect she is. They begin with a drink and a walk, and progress to a steamy summer romance. Can Logan win Karli's trust? Or will the shutter to her heart remain closed forever?


For the first week of release, Sapphire Kande is offering Picture Perfect for download at NO COST on Smashwords.  CLICK HERE

W.L. Sexton's Raven's Quest Blog Tour

For your reading entertainment today, I present a blog tour stop for Raven's Quest packed with goodies. Read on for blurb, excerpt, and an awesome Rafflecopter giveaway for multiple prizes!


Blurb: The Quest Series revolves around three women who are worlds apart but connected in more ways than one.  
The first book is Raven’s Quest.

We embark on Raven working as a Marketing Director at Stage Records who gets caught in a love triangle with the new CEO of Stage Records. She starts to fall in love with him as his old flame returns to the picture. With a broken heart Raven runs to Napa Valley to heal her wounds, and see her family.

Fate has other plans; she falls into the arms of an old crush that broke her heart as a teen. The GQ Race Car Driver that she met so many years ago. Raven has always had eyes for Tony Fox. How could she forget how he broke her heart with her best friend?

Now he is mature he sees her in a different light. She is a gorgeous, successful woman that he can’t be without. He will stop at nothing to have her.  


BUY NOW AT AMAZON           BUY NOW AT BARNES & NOBLE
Excerpt:

I hit the call button for the elevator. The 18th floor button had CEO on it. The door opened to the foyer of the office, and there were two empty desks for the assistants that he didn’t have yet. The desks were ready and waiting with state-of-the-art computers, and three of the best printers available. I could see that there were two other offices off to the side of the elevator area also. The art was stylish. I had to guess it was very early Italian; just amazing. It was as if I had stepped out of Hollywood and into Rome, Italy. The tile on the floor was a dark marble. The furniture looked Roman Italian. This floor had been closed for over a month to ensure it was ready for him.
I walked through the reception area into the double doors. He was on the phone, and he lifted a finger that told me to wait one minute. I took a seat until he was finished with his call. He was speaking Italian. Consequently, it was one of the sweetest sounds. It was so fuckin' sexy. I wondered who he was talking to.
He hung up with an, “Arrivederci. Momma.” Huh, definitely not a new love interest then. He stood up and my eyes were drawn straight to his. His eyes were so beautiful, mesmerizing even, just so intensely blue. I felt as if I were in a trance. I stood as he walked over to me and reached out his hand and said, “Miss Morrison, you ready to go?”
“Mr. Leone, please, call me Raven!” I answered.
“I will call you Raven when you start calling me Val!” He said with a smile.
“Oops! Val, yes, I’m ready.”
“Very well, Raaavvveeennn!” It took him a minute to say Raven as he purposely drew it out. It sounded so sarcastic, yet so fucking sexy.
The black SUV's doors were open, and he held my hand as I hopped in. It was a difficult adventure as I had on a skintight, pencil skirt. I didn’t want to stick my ass in his face. It was not what a sophisticated lady would do; I had to show some decorum. With an ass like mine, I had to try to get in without much of a scene. I have always had a butt – never was able to fit in jeans without taking in the waist. I had back! That is what Michael would tell me. I slowly tried to climb into the large SUV as my ass waved in Val’s face.
After I was settled in, Val came around to the driver's side, and we started to drive away. He leaned over to me and whispered to me, “Are you trying to tempt me, Raven?”
“Tempt you how, Val?” I asked with my eyebrow raised.
“You pushed your tight little ass up in the air. I noticed that ass as soon as you walked in the office this morning; it is the nicest ass I have ever seen!” he whispered.
“Oh, I’m so sorry! My skirt is a bit tight, and I didn’t want to pick it up, and show you all my business!” I said in a low voice. I know I heard him say “pity” under his breath. Oh, my heart spiked again, and I felt a quick rush of butterflies in my tummy. I was on an emotional roller-coaster, with Michael dumping me, and now this new CEO flirting with me. At least, I fucking hoped he was flirting. I needed to keep my emotions in check, but that little voice in my head kept talking to me.

BUY NOW AT AMAZON
         
BUY NOW AT BARNES & NOBLE


About  W.L. Sexton

Wendy grew up in Norwalk, California adopted at the age of two days. At the age of 44 Wendy found her Birth Mother. They are making up for time lost.
When Wendy is not Drag Racing with her husband of twenty-two years she is running the Racing team, working as a Trade Show Coordinator, or shopping at the Coach Store.
You can find her running the highways between; Phoenix, Arizona.  Las Vegas, Nevada.  California.
You can always find her with some-kind of coffee product in her hand.
She loves Fast Cars, Music and Tattoos.

Wendy loves to hear from you.
Twitter @wendy_sexton.Blog
AmazonEmail: wlsextonauthor@gmail.comFacebookGoodreads



a Rafflecopter giveaway

GUEST AUTHOR: Drew Avera

Please help me in welcoming Drew Avera to the blog today to discuss his book Dead Planet: Exodus and answer some of my random questions! 
Drew Avera

Synopsis: For twenty five hundred years the civilization on Mars has been ruled by the Syndicate, an organization run by the top one percent. Every need and desire of the average citizen has been fed by the machine in return for a lifetime of obedience. What happens when the profit margins fall and the people become a burden to the pockets of the Syndicate? What happens when their plans to exile their citizens to a certain death is revealed? This is the story of a man named Serus Blackwell who has a job to do. Serus is a policeman who works for the Agency, but it isn’t what you think. Can he protect his sister, Kara, before the Agency kills her, or will the programming he received from the Agency override his emotions and condemn Kara to the same fate as the rest of the planet?

Excerpt:
         Pain was my only friend in this dark laboratory. This labyrinth of hell has held me captive for the last two months. It wasn’t bad at first, mostly physical exertion to the point of exhaustion. I had endured that kind of training growing up playing sports, but this new part of my training was something else entirely. ‘The human mind can only endure so much torture,’ at least that is what they told me coming into this. I wish I had volunteered, at least then I wouldn’t feel as if I were a prisoner being tortured by my guards.
     “Dr. Roblin, how is Prospect Blackwell holding up?” the man in a black Agency uniform said as he walked through the door. I could not see his face but I had heard his voice before, come to think of it I had heard his voice several times throughout my time here. Wherever ‘here’ is, I’m not sure.
     “He is physically a perfect candidate, Agent Gentry. I must confess that I am concerned with his mental capabilities though,” the doctor talked about me like I was a caged animal, unable to think on my own.
     “What capabilities would that be, Dr?” There was an air of concern in the agent’s voice, though I’m not sure why. I would think that the idea of someone who is willing to put up a fight would be an attribute worthy of a member of the Agency.
     “He is not responding well to the reprogramming. Each time we show him a picture of you he becomes discontent, almost as if he is remembering what you did to his father,” Dr. Roblin said. Just the mention of my father brought me back to remembering what had happened. I can only see it in short spans of time, my father dead in the street, Kara crying in my arms, flashing lights surrounding the scene, and finally his face, the man who murdered my father.

There is currently a Goodreads giveaway open to US residents running through June 15, 2013 for Dead Planet.ENTER TO WIN HERE
Also, Mr. Avera will be celebrating Father's Day by offering Dead Planet at no cost on Amazon.

Random Questions:
1. Do you wear boxers or briefs? Boxer briefs, the best of both worlds.

2. What's your bad quality? Easily irritable, or compulsive, or just a general bad attitude in certain situations where stress is involved...or an inability to define that single bad trait.

3. Why isn't the number 11 pronounced as onety one? Because someone dropped the ball on a great opportunity.

4. What kind of music do you like? I like hard rock, it has an edge without being obnoxious. It seems like metalmusic nowadays is about how low they can play and how badly they can distort their voice into something you can't understand. I grew up with Metallica and Megadeth, so that's what I love. When writing though I pick music like Chevelle or Breaking Benjamin because it suites my mood when writing. Sometimes I listen to soundtrack scores to films. The soundtrack for Titanic is not one of them though.

5. Are you a morning person or a night person? Morning, or until the first stressful thing disrupts my day.

6. What is the craziest thing you've ever done? Joined the Navy, reenlisted in the Navy, am in the Navy, will continue to be in the Navy. It's a crazy life full of ups and downs. I've met some amazing people (my wife, and great lifelong friends), but I've seen some crazy ones too.

7. What is your idea of fun? I like to play guitar with my band. I also like the creative part of writing. I don't enjoy the revision process unless I am struck by a clever idea that I can work into the story. Most of the time it's "dang it, that's not how you spell that!".

8. What kind of kid were you? Naughty or nice? I was the nice kid diagnosed with ADHD. I think it fueled my creativity, along with some other things that stem from my childhood.


Drew Avera, Author Click the link and check out my debut novel, Dead Planet: Exodus here: Amazon
FacebookGoodreads Twitter: @DrewAvera Amazon Author's Page

COVER REVEAL: The Journey to Forever by Lisa Bilbrey

Blurb: 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. 

About the Author:
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.
GoodreadsFacebookTwitter Blog  Amazon Barnes & Noble
Renaissance Romance Publishing About.me
The Journey to Forever, book three in the Journey series, goes ON SALE June 18, 2013!

Guest Author: Sapphire Kande

Today I'm doing a little fun cross promotion with friend and fellow erotica author Sapphire Kande. She's here to share a little about herself and her book Molly's Sexual Curse. When you're done here, feel free to hop over to her blog HERE for my interview and a chance to win an ebook copy of To Serve is Divine along with an autographed TSiD bookmark! Without further ado, allow me to introduce:

Sapphire Kande
If I gave you an elephant where would you hide it?Why would I have to hide it? I'd ride it! Elephants are awesome dude! 
What is your favorite color of socks to wear?I despise socks! I only wear them if I have too... but if I had to, I would wear blue or purple.
What kind of kid were you, naughty or nice?Oh I was such a bad kid. According to my mother, when she would take me to the playground all of the other children would leave and cry. I guess I was a bully.... ;) 
Which is your favorite time of the day?11:11 - Don't know why. Maybe for all the fun wishes :D
Are you a morning person or a night person?Night! I hate waking up early... I could easily stay up all night.
If given a choice, which animal would you want to be? Why?White Wolf... such a beautiful majestic animal.
What is your favorite daily wear attire?Sweats and a Tee! Nothin better than just relaxing in my slippers with some lemonade.
Do you know how to drop an egg onto a concrete floor without cracking it?Super carefully? haha without googling it I would have to say be super close to the floor and maybe have a pillow under it?... but that would defeat the purpose of it wouldn't it? Maybe have it cradled in tissues and hung by a mini parachute made of mini umbrellas...or something super creative? 
Which is your most cherished childhood memory?I don't remember much about this day but I remember the moment. It was my fifth birthday and I was outside in my playground/backyard and I stuck my head in the hole that my mother had carved into poster board and on the sign it said look at me I'm five. - That's all I remember except my goofy grin.


Awesome answers, Ms. Kande! Can you tell us a little about Molly's Sexual Curse?

Blurb:
A witch's curse placed on Molly, a beautiful and young thing, makes her unable to live if she does not orgasm at least once a day. Literally.
Molly was sold to her new master, Tristan, who evidently falls in love with her at first sight. He takes her away from the life of living as someone's plaything and teaches Molly how to experience love as his woman and as his submissive. Though Tristan may be kind, he has a dark side to him which he brings out occasionally.
This is an epic story of the true love between Master Tristan and submissive Molly. After being rescued from the life of a sex slave, she slowly allows herself to believe in love once more. However, has Molly truly escaped her past? or will it eventually catch up to her? 
About the Author: During the day I work as a senior portrait photographer and a graphic designer. I'm also a college student who loves zombies, vampires, and werewolves. Anything supernatural I am drawn to along with Starbucks frapes! I spend my free time watching The Vampire Diaries and True Blood.
My favorite genre to write is erotica and it's strongly recommended by my readers to make sure you have your sham wow panties on because my stories will leave you with moisture in the very best of places.
Authors Links: FacebookAmazonSmashwordsTwitter @SapphireKandeBlogGoodreads

Here, there, and everywhere . . .

Hey everyone!  I'm up to my eyeballs in edits while both Haunted Raine (to be released July 2) and A Divine Life (to be released August 6) get their spit polish and shine but I wanted to pop in and give you some cool info:


Be sure to sign up for the Renaissance Romance Newsletter ~ the first one went out May 1st and is filled with news, tips, and a giveaway! SIGN UP HERE Reveals and releases OH MY! RenRom has a lot scheduled in the upcoming months as far as cover reveals followed by the actual book releases. Join us on Facebook to celebrate HERE . (My two covers will be included in this event *cheesy smile*)


Now a shout out for two friends who are about to make their publishing debut:
Elena M. Reyes can be found on FACEBOOK  to discuss her upcoming erotic novella Ardor
to be released under vanity press Malfunction Erotica
Blurb:
Gregory Thomas has always had an easy life. When it came to his profession, he excelled, gaining himself the position of manager to one of the nation’s biggest wholesale retailers. He was amazing at everything; except when it came to love. The night he found his ex-wife in bed with her gay best friend was the night he decided it wasn’t worth it. He was better off just focusing on his career, and nothing more.
He became content with just being. That is, until Jasmine Velez, his new employee, walked into his store.Blunt, and honest to a fault, the woman captivates him against his will. Not only is she gorgeous, but she’s the first woman that doesn’t chase him around. Something that makes ignoring her that much harder. The last thing he wants to do is try to have a relationship with a woman again, and he knows that if he allows Jasmine in, that’s exactly what he’s going to go for.
Except, then he’s faced with the possibility of Jasmine being with someone else, and the choice is taken from him. He’s left with only one option: He needs to make her his. But that might prove harder than he originally expected.How the hell does a man seduce a feisty woman whose gotten tired of waiting for him and is hellbent on not giving into him?
I did the primary edits on Reyes' novella, and I can tell you now that y'all are in for a treat!

NJ Cole can be found on FACEBOOK  to discuss her upcoming erotic release Midnight Caller

Join the Facebook release party HERE
Blurb:
Rebecca Summers enjoys pleasing herself with the curtains open. That is, until a mysterious man calls to tell her that he is watching. Her fantasy becomes reality as she begins to perform for this stranger, following his instructions over the phone while he watches from afar. Rebecca’s world is turned upside down when finally they meet and she enters into a D/s relationship with her Midnight Caller.
About the Author:
 NJ Cole is a witty, mid-western girl with a kinky side. She works by day and writes by night, all while being a mother to her wonderful boys and serving her Sir. Unlike many of today’s authors, she chooses to write in first person, allowing the readers to experience life through the eyes of the unique characters that live in her head. Her love of those characters and respect for their stories come through loud and clear in her writing. With over two million reads of her online work in the past six months, NJ Cole is clearly an up and coming author.

Writer's Workshop Virtual Blog Tour & Giveaways

Welcome back, Jitterbug! Today I get to spotlight the release of Writers Workshop with an excerpt and TWO giveaways. In addition I've got a guest post from one of the 36 contributing authors, Stephen Zimmer. Be sure to check out the entry forms at the bottom of the post.

About the Book:Writers Workshop of Science Fiction and Fantasy is a collection of essays and interviews by and with many of the movers-and-shakers in the industry.  Each contributor covers the specific element of craft he or she excels in.  Expect to find varying perspectives and viewpoints, which is why you many find differing opinions on any particular subject.This is, after all, a collection of advice from professional storytellers.  And no two writers have made it to the stage via the same journey-each has made his or her own path to success.  And that’s one of the strengths of this book.  The reader is afforded the luxury of discovering various approaches and then is allowed to choose what works best for him or her.
More Than One Right Way to WriteBy Stephen Zimmer
One of the things that makes Writers Workshop of Science Fiction & Fantasy such an insightful book for writers is the fact that it openly acknowledges there is more than one path to writing good literature.  
We’ve all heard of plotters and pantsers, those who outline fastidiously and those who fly by the seat of their pants in terms of plot development.  We’ve heard of authors who live by rigid word counts and others who don’t worry one iota about what their word count was for a given day.  We also know of authors who are minimalists, and more sparse with their descriptions, and others who paint a very detailed and comprehensive picture with their words. 
The truth is, both extremes in those three examples can be successful paths to take for a particular writer, as well as everything in between.   Writing is a very personal and individual art, and there really is no one-size-fits all approach to it.  
This is a very logical perspective, as any casual survey of a top-selling author’s reviews will tell you.  Pick any major author, and I can just about guarantee you that you will find reviews ranging between the book being the best thing ever read by a person to proclamations of the book being absolute garbage (seeing this will also help new writers in learning to handle negative reviews too!).   In these cases, those authors who are universally regarded as the most popular, and often award-winning, have connected with one reader while falling short of connecting with another. 
As you can see clearly in that short exercise, there is no one-size-fits-all for readers, two of whom can read the very same thing and come to completely opposing conclusions.  Similarly, there is no “one way” to writing, and that is an important fact to keep in mind from the beginning for writers who are just getting underway on their path or seeking their first publishing experience.  
It is far too easy for a newer or unpublished writer to take what a successful author says as a hard rule or gospel.  After all, a new writer can naturally feel like the things that come smoother to them must be wrong if it is in conflict with what a well-established author is saying.  The new writer might be more of a minimalist with description, a bit of a pantser with their approach to plot,  and loose with word counts, and feel they are way off track if they are taking in the words of a New York Times Best Selling Author who happens to be highly descriptive, a big outliner, and strict on their daily minimum word counts.  
The reality is that the new author’s voice and method of working could well be just fine for them, and perhaps it is helpful for that author to look into the insights of a major author who is known to be more minimalist, more of a pantser, or less concerned about word counts.  That is not to say that a new author should not read about other various approaches and perspectives, as there is always the chance of discovering methods and approaches that work even better.  It is merely saying that the author does need to be conscious of the truth that there is more than one path to creating effective, well-crafted literature. 
The Writers Workshop of Science Fiction & Fantasy embraces that truth right from the outset.  In fact, that truth is stated very clearly on the back cover, in words that one could say serve as one of the first highly beneficial insights among the host of perspectives and insights offered in this exciting new release!



Excerpt:

“Nothing fills a page faster than dialogue,” the writer said.
There it is, the blank page or screen, the intimidating and recurring challenge every writer must face. The temptation is to fill that page as quickly as possible, to advance the narrative however you can. Often the easiest way to do that, even for writers who are not masters of dialogue, is to get the characters talking. A few A few writers are even bold enough to begin novels or stories with a line of dialogue, something I don’t recommend unless you possess the skills of the early Robert A Heinlein, who began his story “Blowups Happen” with the suspenseful line: “Put down that wrench!” Orson Scott Card also opened his popular novel Ender’s Game with a piece of dialogue that immediately rouses the reader’s curiosity: “‘I’ve watched through his eyes, I’ve listened through his ears, and I tell you he’s the one.” Writing good and convincing dialogue is usually enough of a challenge without relying on it to hook a reader right at the beginning of one’s story. Writing dialogue, whatever the difficulties, is generally easier than, for example, crafting descriptive passages, offering insights into a character’spsychology, creating vigorous and absorbing action scenes, or presenting necessary exposition in a graceful way.
Writers who harbor dreams of scriptwriting may be especially prone to fill pages with dialogue, but others also succumb, partly because dialogue is a shortcut and a very useful one. Sometimes a few well-chosen words of conversation can accomplish as much in a story as pages of description and exposition. There are also a fair number of readers who are more absorbed by stretches of repartee than by beautifully and poetically rendered descriptions. (Writers meet these people all the time; they’re the ones who tell you they skip all the dull parts, often meaning those carefully wrought passages that cost you so much effort.) Better just to cut to the chase, or in this case, drop in on the conversation.
The strength of dialogue—namely that it can be a useful shortcut—is also its weakness. Writers who rely too much on dialogue risk leaving too much out. The writer may hear the characters clearly and easily envision the scene, but that doesn’t mean that the reader will. (In a review of a novel some years back, Joanna Russ wrote that passages in that book seemed to be largely about names drinking cups of coffee, noticing the designs of ashtrays, or riffing on the furnishings in a room, the characters were so indistinguishable.) The beginning writer is likely to produce dialogue in which the reader will find it hard to tell one character from another. The useful shortcut can produce a story that is sketchy, in which too much has been left out.

List of AuthorsNeil Gaiman Orson Scott CardUrsula K. Le GuinAlan Dean FosterJames GunnTim PowersHarry TurtledoveLarry NivenJoe HaldemanKevin J. AndersonElizabeth BearJay LakeNancy KressGeorge ZebrowskiPamela SargentMike ResnickEllen DatlowJames Patrick KellyJo FletcherStanley SchmidtGordon Van GelderLou AndersPeter CrowtherAnn VanderMeerJohn Joseph AdamsNick MamatasLucy A. SnyderAlethea KontisNisi ShawlJude-Marie GreenNayad A. MonroeG. Cameron FullerJackie GamberAmanda DeBordMax MillerJason Sizemore

GIVEAWAYS!
a Rafflecopter giveaway a Rafflecopter giveaway

REVIEW: Angel's Heart: The Keeper by Lisa Bilbrey

Angel's Heart: The Keeperby Lisa BilbreyGenre: Fantasy/RomanceLength: 242 pagesBUY IT NOW
BLURB: An age old prophecy, secret societies, and an enemy she never even knew she had, Sophie Crenshaw always thought of herself as just being average. Along with her two best friends, Deva and Tabitha, Sophie sets off on what she thinks is a normal vacation. What she doesn't know is that everything she thought she knew about who she is, and what she can do, is about to change. With the help of people who she's never met, but know everything about her, will she be able to get control of the feelings steering up inside of her? Or will it be too much for her to handle?Henry Chang grew up hearing the stories about the legendary Keeper of the Angel’s Heart.  In a divine moment, he's tied to her heart forever. Will their growing love give Sophie the strength and courage to face the greatest challenge of her young life?

EXCERPT: PRELUDE
The dark, ominous sky wrapped around Oliver Chang as he walked down the cobblestone street. He pulled his jacket tighter around his body in a vain effort to keep himself protected from the bitter cold wind biting at his skin. The streetlights did a poor job of lighting the way, illuminating only small portions of the street. The temptation to broaden the range of the lights pulsed through him, but it was imperative to play it safe tonight. Even with the shadows creeping up around him, he couldn’t put everyone at risk.
Oliver turned left, walking down the alley between two deserted buildings and sparing a look behind him. Tonight more than any other, he had to make sure that nobody followed. Dangerous people were out. Oliver couldn’t be sure who to put his faith in. Only a few select people had earned his trust, and even then, he’d learned to tell them only what he deemed necessary. Checking once again that he was still alone, Oliver ducked down a set of stairs that led to the basement.
The door’s hinges creaked as he let himself in, and a sigh slipped out when the blast of warm air sank through him. Oliver tugged his jacket off, walking down the dank hallway and coming to a stop in front of a large, steel door. He raised his hand, knocking three firm and distinct thumps that echoed through hallway.
“Password,” a steely voice asked from the other side of the door.
“Marigold,” Oliver said low, but clear.
A loud click came a moment before the door crept open. Oliver quickly stepped in the room, not wanting to stand idly in the hallway. Closing the door, the man behind him took his coat and offered him a respectful nod. Oliver looked around, noticing how everyone sat around the large, oak table in the middle of the room, anxiously awaiting any news. However, while everyone waited, nobody spoke. Everyone here knew tonight would change everything.
Oliver moved around the table, taking his usual seat. “Have we heard anything?”
“No, nobody’s called yet.” The woman who replied to him leaned back in her seat, dragging a frustrated hand through her long, black hair. “How can you be sure that your information is correct?”
“Nora.” At the mention of his wife’s name, quiet murmurs echoed throughout the room. Nora Chang wasn’t to be taken lightly by anyone. “She’s with them now.”
Before anyone could say anything, the door to the room flew open, and Nora Chang came bustling in. Her dark hair flew behind her and she had a wild look in her eyes. “She’s here,” she announced.
“Is she safe?” Oliver moved next to his wife, slipping his hand into hers.
“As safe as she can be for now.” Nora looked around, letting a smile spread over her lips. “Today, the world as we know it has changed. We now have the responsibility to do everything we can to protect the Angel’s Heart.”

Angel's Heart hits the ground running; you don't really stop until you reach the end, and are left wondering: Where's the rest? But not in the bad way; in the good way of you want more. 
Watching the page count climb as I worked my way through the book was bittersweet; I wanted to know what was going to happen next, but knew that every page turned would take me closer to the end. Bilbrey writes with a smooth flowing style that lets you envision the lush island all around without losing focus of the story line and her amazing characters. There is never a dull moment with the large ensemble of unique cast that make up the story. 
In my opinion, Angel's Heart is a great YA – more to the adult side of the spectrum – novel. A handful of well placed swear words, a fantasy 'first time' that should go down as one of the best, and a spiteful aunt hell bent on violent revenge all tip the scales toward making this a tale for more mature readers. 
If you like using your imagination and escaping into a world of magic, beauty, and the love of soul mates, then Angel's Heart: The Keeper is for you. Grab your copy, get cozy, and sit back for Bilbrey's adventure where Hawaii is just one stop on her fanciful journey!
5 butterflies for sure!


Find out more about Lisa Bilbrey HERE