Donna Augustine's Blog, page 10
December 14, 2013
A Very Paranormal Holiday Blog Hop
Authors Kallysten and Tricia Schneider organized this Very Paranormal holidays Blog Hop to share their love for paranormal romance, help you discover new authors, win books, prizes… and maybe a brand new Kindle Fire!
Two days ago, Jo Davids was a waitress by night and a college kid by day, with the unnerving problem of objects floating around her.
One Day ago, Jo’s sexy boss, Cormac, noticed her for all the wrong reasons when she witnessed a man transform into a monster in the basement of his casino.
Today, Cormac ordered her shot.
If he’s real lucky, she won’t die. Because if she does, all hope is lost.
CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR FREE COPY:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/378507
with coupon code: GE99R
Offer valid til Jan 6th.
My Giveaway
Grand Prize
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December 11, 2013
Winter Warmers Giveaway Hop
In the culinary world, there is a thing called the amuse-bouche, a single bite. I often get single random scenes that play through my head. For this giveaway, I’ve decided to share one, a sort of literary amuse-bouche.
We stood mere inches apart, just close enough for a deep breath to cause my shirt to graze his chest. I’d wanted him since I was a young girl of fourteen. Now, at twenty-six, he’d finally taken notice of me.
Now was too late, but bad my body disagreed with me. Back arched, lips parted and ragged breaths, every signal contradicted my next words to him.
“We can’t do this. I’ve got a life you don’t fit into.”
He moved a hair closer and I stepped back until I felt the wall behind me. He bent his head closer to me, hands on either side. So close but not close enough.
“You can’t do this,” he said, a playful smile on his face and a gleam of anticipation in his intense grey eyes. “I can do anything I want.”
His left hand ran along my neck, his thumb pressing my chin upward. I should tell him to stop. I would before it got any further. His lips teasingly touched mine. His tongue darted into my mouth, inviting me to play, just as my reserve started to give way.
This man was my kryptonite.
I’m giving away a $10 Amazon gift card to help fill your kindle with romance!
I’d like to thank Felicity Heaton and Indie Romance Books for hosting this blog hop! Their links are below if you would like to visit them.
http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk/blog/ http://www.indieromancebooks.com/blog/
Don’t stop here! There is a list of sites below, all with their own giveaways : )
December 8, 2013
Alchemy Series Book Tour
GRAND PRIZE: a signed paperback set of THE ALCHEMY series & a Gift Card to Amazon (international winner will get eBooks instead of paperbacks)
RUNNERS-UP: 3 runners up will receive an eBook of choice from THE ALCHEMY series
12/9 Coffee Talk Writers (Series Spotlight)
http://www.coffeetalkwriters.com
12/9 Literal Addiction (Series Spotlight)
http://www.literaladdiction.com/book-blasts-and-more.php
12/10 Literal Hotties Naughty Book Reviews (series spotlight)
http://literalhottiesnaughtybookreviews.blogspot.com/
12/10 Romance Junkies (Interview)
http://www.romancejunkies.com/rjblog/
12/10 You Gotta Read Reviews (series spotlight)
http://yougottaread.com
12/11 Salacious Reads (Series Spotlight)
http://www.salaciousreads.com
12/11 Eclipse Reviews (series spotlight)
http://totaleclipsereviews.blogspot.com
12/12 KT Book Reviews (Guest Post)
http://ktbookreviews.blogspot.com/
12/12 Night Owl Reviews (Series Spotlight)
http://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Blog/Articles/The-Alchemy-Series-Tour-by-Donna-Augustine
12/13 Darkest Addictions Reviews (Series Spotlight)
http://darkestaddictions.blogspot.com
12/13 Paranormal Romance Fans for Life (Series Spotlight)
http://www.paranormalfanforlife.blogspot.com
12/16 I Smell Sheep (Review)
http://www.ismellsheep.com/
12/17 Book Pages and Dripping Ink (series spotlight)
http://bookpagesanddrippingink.blogspot.com
12/18 Book Monster Reviews (guest post)
http://www.bookmonsterreviews.com
12/20 Mythical Books (Series Spotlight)
http://mythicalbooks.blogspot.ro/
12/21 Diane’s Book Blog (Interview)
http://dianelynchbookreviews.blogspot.com/
12/22 Why I Can’t Stop Reading (Interview)
http://whyicantstopreading.wordpress.com
12/23 Deal Sharing Aunt (series spotlight)
http://www.dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com
12/26 Charlene Blogs (series spotlight)
http://charleneawilsonblog.blogspot.com/
12/27 Offbeat Vagabond (Spotlight)
http://offbeatvagabond.blogspot.com/
12/29 Dalene’s Book Reviews (Interview)
http://dalenesbookreviews.blogspot.com/
November 23, 2013
Breakthrough Authors Blog Hop
Writing From the Heart
“There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.” ― Ernest Hemingway
When I began my writing journey, I had very romantic notions. Wow, was I a blithering idiot. The thing I was least prepared for is how emotionally draining it could be.
I guess if you write about nothing but happy things, it might be more pleasant. Unfortunately for me, that’s not my style. That doesn’t mean I don’t love a happy ending. Those are my favorite. But, what is a happy ending without some heartache to make you appreciate it better? That’s where the real fun is and makes me think of Ernest Hemingway’s brilliant words, quoted above.
In my opinion, the only way to write realistically about something is to dig up your own memories. Have I gone through anything as horrific as my characters? Thankfully no, but like most people, I’ve had my share of heartbreak and tragedy. These are the painful memories I use to relate to how my characters are feeling. I’d never realized how useful they would be one day. I’m still not happy I had them, but at least now they are useful, instead of just clogging up my psyche.
So my advice to anyone that’s thinking of writing is, be prepared to go digging for skeletons. It’s the past wounds that you endured that will make your stories sing, or cry depending on the book.
Two days ago, Jo Davids was a waitress by night and a college kid by day, with the unnerving problem of objects floating around her.
One Day ago, Jo’s sexy boss, Cormac, noticed her for all the wrong reasons when she witnessed a man transform into a monster in the basement of his casino.
Today, Cormac ordered her shot.
If he’s real lucky, she won’t die. Because if she does, all hope is lost.
The first five chapters are available here.
Grand Prize
November 18, 2013
Interview and Giveaway with Dawna Raver
What made you decide to write fantasy? I love the freedom you have with fantasy. You’re not confined to the possible. Plus, magic is just cool.
Your books aren’t easily categorized. If you could create a genre that fit them perfectly, what would it be called and why?
I guess romantic, new adult, fantasy. All of my stories center around main characters who are between 21-28 years old.
What made you start writing?
I was recovering from surgery and was bored out if my skull. So, I sat down and started making notes about an old memory. Four years later, Colour Wielders was complete.
What type of books do you read? Do you have time to read anymore?
The only way I’m able to keep up with reading is because of audiobooks. I adore them. Without them, I’d be way behind. I love urban fantasy, paranormal romance, contemporary romance, and erotica. Right now, I’m listening to Real by Katy Evans. Loving it so far.
What authors were your biggest influence?
JK Rowling, Karen Moning, Jim Butcher, and JR Ward.
What was the last book that blew your socks off?
I’d have to say Wallbanger by Alice Clayton. That book busted me up!
New release by Dawna Raver. Severed Colours, Book 2, A Colour Wielders Novel.
The epic continues…
Quinn Sinclair trusted Arik Morgaine until he betrayed her. Scared and alone, she finds herself delivered into the hands of the evil Morgana le Fay. When Quinn discovers Morgana’s plans are beyond demented and seriously depraved—making life with the Changeling seem like a day at the beach—she wonders if death is a better option?
Arik Morgaine vowed he’d save Quinn no matter the price. When his well thought out plans go terribly awry, a desperate and heartbroken Arik is forced to beg the cruel Triarchia for help. Unwilling to go on without his Älskling, he answers a question that irrevocably alters their lives.
Can Arik and Quinn find a way back to each other, or will the price of saving her rip them apart forever?
New Adult. Recommended for 18 and above. Mature themes, sexual situations, and profanity.
Purchase at Amazon now!
In celebration of Severed Colours’ release, Colour Wielders will be on sale from November 18-20 for $.99. Purchase it at Amazon now.
November 12, 2013
Home for the Holidays Hop
Home for the holidays hop
November 13th – November 18th
Grand Prize Shopping Spree: $450+ Gift Card or
Paypal Cash
Second Place Grand Prize: (1) E-Book from every
participating Author
To enter, comment on the homepage of the blog hop here. Comment on this blog with your email address for an additional entry.
As a huge cheesecake fan, I make one for every holiday. This is my favorite recipe
New York Cheesecake
Crust
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus room-temperature butter for pan
12 graham crackers
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
Filling
2 1/2 pounds bar cream cheese, room temperature (I always use Philadelphia)
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest, plus 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. (I cheat on this and skip the lemon zest. You can also use vanilla instead of lemon.)
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup sour cream, room temperature
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Make crust: Butter a 9-by-3-inch springform pan. In a food processor, pulse graham crackers until fine crumbs form; add melted butter, sugar, and salt, and pulse to combine. Press crumb mixture into bottom and about 1 inch up side of pan. Bake until set, 12 to 15 minutes; let cool on a wire rack. Reduce oven to 325 degrees.
Set a kettle of water to boil. Make filling: Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese on medium until fluffy, scraping down side of bowl. Gradually add sugar, beating until fluffy. Beat in lemon zest and juice, and salt. Beat in eggs, one at a time, scraping down side of bowl after each addition. Beat in sour cream.
Wrap bottom half of pan in foil. Pour in filling; place in a roasting pan. Pour in boiling water to come halfway up side of springform. Bake until just set in center, about 1 3/4 hours. Remove pan from water; let cool 20 minutes. Run a paring knife around edge; let cool completely. Cover; chill overnight before serving.
This is a recipe from Martha Stewart. I’d like to add that I think the most important part of making a cheesecake is not overcooking it. If it starts to crack, it’s over cooking. The surface should remain level. I typically check to whether my cheesecake is cooked by tapping on the pan. You want the inner 2-3″ in diameter to still jiggle when you stop cooking.
My ebook contribution is an ecopy of the keepers.
Two days ago, Jo Davids was a waitress by night and a college kid by day, with the unnerving problem of objects floating around her.
One Day ago, Jo’s sexy boss, Cormac, noticed her for all the wrong reasons when she witnessed a man transform into a monster in the basement of his casino.
Today, Cormac ordered her shot.
If he’s real lucky, she won’t die. Because if she does, all hope is lost.
Check out the rest of the participating sites and gain extra entries.
HOSTS
1. Just Jeannie’s Books and Bling
2. Liberty Ann’s Snifferwalk Books
3. Fab Four
4. Lady Amber’s Reviews
5. Stephanie’s Book Shelf
6. Shhh, Mommy’s In the Bathtub…Reading
7. Sizzling Reads
8. Susan B. Anna
9. The Maze of Twisty Passages
10. A Book Junkie’s Obsession
11. In The Pages of a Good Book
AUTHORS
1. Krystal Shannan | 2. Elyse Grant | 3. Jennifer Kacey
4. Daryl Devore | 5. Victoria Adams | 6. Jessica E. Subject
7. Liza O’Connor | 8. Andrea Cooper | 9. Regina Morris
10. N. L. Greene | 11. Angela Rose | 12. Jerrie Alexander
13. Harper A. Brooks | 14. Lori King | 15. K’Anne Meinel
16. A. J. Williams | 17. Tara Lain | 18. Ginger Ring
19. Malia Mallory | 20. Jennifer Lowery | 21. T. F. Walsh
22. Heather Long | 23. Sophia Renny | 24. Susan Edwards
25. Anna Wells | 26. Anne Lange | 27. Catherine Wolffe
28. Ann Marie Oakes | 29. Ella Sheridan | 30. Amber Lea Easton
31. Tory Richards | 32. Morgan K Wyatt | 33. Dani Wade
34. Kim Headlee | 35. Mary Wehr | 36. Dariel Raye
37. Donna Steele | 38. Nhys Glover | 39. Renea Mason
40. Jennie Marsland | 41. Kellie Kamryn | 42. Jinni James
43. Carol A. Strickland | 44. Krista Ames | 45. Sandra Schwab
46. Justine Elvira | 47. Suzan Tisdale | 48. Zoe Dawson
49. Harlie Williams | 50. Lynda K. Frazier | 51. Kathryn Edgar
52. Natalie Gibson (Satin Sheets Romance) | 53. Dakota Trace
54. Draven St. James | 55. Jodi Vaughn | 56. Donna Augustine
57. Cait Jarrod | 58. Tracy Lee | 59. Laura Howard
60. A. L. Jambor | 61. Lynn Richards | 62. Hennessee Andrews
63. Christy Dilg | 64. Angela Peach | 65. Holly Roberts
66. Nikki Barrett | 67. Alexandra Anthony | 68. Tracy Lee
69. Paige Tyler | 70. Lynn Lawler | 71. Tabitha Short
72. Dawn Martinez | 73. Madison Johns
74. Mary Moriarty 75. M. J. Summers
PDF GRAB BAG BOOKS for SECOND GRAND PRIZE!!!
more covers coming…
November 10, 2013
Shattered Blurb and Cover, Alchemy Book #3
I thought I could be a hero. That was before I helped destroy the world. Now, as I stand among the rubble of what used to be, I wonder how we’re ever going to pick up the pieces.
Everyday is a struggle, and people are getting desperate. Creatures that never should have existed are picking away at the dwindling numbers of the human race. And the knowledge that could be our salvation lies with the senator who reigns supreme on the other half of the globe.
November 9, 2013
Alchemy Series, Book #3 Coming Soon!
I wanted to let everyone know that book #3 of The Alchemy Series, Shattered, will be hitting the shelves shortly. It will be out by the end of this month!
To celebrate its release, I’m planning some fun events. I’ll be doing plenty of giveaways. Www.ISmellSheep.com will be hosting a giveaway for a needle felted wolf that I sculpted on the 28th of November. They’ll be a tutorial posted along with it for anyone that is interested in the felting process. The giveaway will also include an Amazon gift card and book giveaways.
I’ll keep everyone posted as more dates are firmed up!
October 28, 2013
Hot Halloween Heroes Giveaway Hop
In honor of this paranormal themed hop, I decided to write a scene for my readers who have been longing for a little more of the romantic side of things. This scene happens in between book #1 and #2.
Cormac Alternate P.O.V.
"Cormac!" Jo yelled from the other room.
I placed the sheet of paper I'd been looking at back on my desk,
waiting for her to enter. I could tell from her tone, she was coming ready to
fight. I had to keep the smile from my face. She'd find it condescending if I
was smirking while she was in a rage.
Her blond hair whipped about her as she stormed into my office. I
inwardly groaned when I saw the outfit she wore, too short of a skirt
complimented by a too tight shirt.
"Yes?" I asked, trying to remain neutral. I'd never had to fight so
hard to keep my composure. She tested my control like no one I'd ever known.
"Your schedule is killing me." She stopped in front of my desk with
one leg jutting out in the opposite direction and toe tapping impatiently.
She was the most glorious woman I'd ever met and it had nothing to do with what
she looked like. It was the life bursting from her. She was a survivor. No
matter what came at her, she'd make it. She tried to hide who she was behind a
jaded facade. A tough girl who cared for no one but it was all for show.
"Are you listening to me?" she asked impatiently. She leaned forward
and rested her hands on my desk. "You are ruining my life. There was a big
poker game tonight that I'm going to miss."
A poker game where she would flirt and bat her eyes, employing every wile she
possessed to manipulate the men at the table to her advantage.
"Couldn't be helped." I shrugged and leaned back in my chair. I
imagined how she might react if I pulled her over the desk and into my lap.
I saw her chest rise and fall as if she knew where my thoughts had wandered and
she found them equally exciting. Flushed, she stood up straight and left,
presumably to go tell her little poker boys she wasn't going to make it.
But it was okay. She didn't fight with them. She saved that for me and I knew why. And when she eventually figured it out, I'd be waiting.
Now for the goodies!
One ecopy of The Keepers and a $10 Amazon gift card.
October 22, 2013
Haunted Open House Giveaway Blog Hop
This Halloween, I’d like to pay homage to one of the best horror writers ever born, Stephen King. In particular, I’d like to write a little about The Stand.
For me, a pandemic is one of the most terrifying ideas. There are several things that play into my fear, like the fact that scientists say we are actually overdue for a pandemic. Maybe I’ve watched too many specials on The Black Plague. Did you know that there are some estimates that say it wiped out almost half of the population? It could be the idea that a simple flu, something everyone has experienced, could suddenly turn deadly and rob me of half my family in a matter of weeks.
Some books make you believe in love and some make you feel empathy. After I read The Stand, for weeks I couldn’t hear someone sneeze without a part of me shuddering. Now that is good writing!
And on to the Goodies! For this blog hop I’ll be giving away an ecopy of The Keepers and a $10 Amazon gift card.
Visit Nancy Gideon Here
You can continue to collect more giveaways at the links below!
