Heather Gunter's Blog, page 68

Release Day Event: Breaking the Rules by H.B. Heinzer

We know you've all been waiting for this one.  Well wait no longer - Breaking the Rules by H.B. Heinzer is available NOW!!



Release date: August 1, 2013
Author: H.B. HeinzerHosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions



Growing up in small town Wisconsin, Carly Turner couldn't wait to escape when she graduated high school. Now, she's living the life in New York City, even if she isn't seeing her name in lights like she used to dream about at night. She's living paycheck-to-paycheck, working behind the scenes in small theaters off Broadway. When there's an equipment malfunction the week before opening night, Carly makes a call that winds up changing everything. Life in the city isn't all it's cracked up to be. While she feels like she's getting closer to making the move from behind the scenes to center stage, she misses being surrounded by people who understand the quirks that come from living in a town of five thousand people. That, and the fact that he's sexy as sin, make Adam everything she feels like she's missing. The only problem? He's her best friend's kid brother... Adam Sanders wants to settle down, find a good woman and start a family like he sees so many of his friends doing. But how is he supposed to meet Ms. Right when he's constantly on the road for work? When he's sent to New York to handle a repair that would typically be contracted out as a favor to his boss, he's just about to his breaking point. Everything changes when the stagehand sent to open the theater for him is none other than his big sister's childhood friend. The same girl he lusted after as a teenager. Could this be fate's way of showing him that he was looking in the wrong place for love? As Adam and Carly's friendship develops, lines will be crossed and rules will be broken. Will they be able to come out the other side without destroying everything they had back in Brooklyn?



With the exception of three years spent in the middle of Nebraska, H.B. Heinzer has called southern Wisconsin home. During that time in Nebraska, she imagined one of her favorite authors living on the far western edge of the county, just south of the highway. At the time, becoming a novelist was a distant dream for her. Now, she is the author living in that location. Ironically, she later found out that same favorite author lives just outside the town HB lived in for the first eighteen years of her life. Now, HB lives in the middle of nowhere but still close enough to the city to not feel isolated. It's the perfect place to let her two kids run and explore their huge yard, teach them about the food chain as they prepare their first-ever garden and debate building a chicken coop. It's one of those dreams that is only possible thanks to the amazing opportunities that have come through writing.


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Release Day Blitz: Last Blood by Kristen Painter

The Day Is Finally Here!!!!! Last Blood (House Of Comarré #5) Is Available To Buy!!!!Last Blood is the 5th (and final) installment in the captivating story of Mal and Chrysabelle. (For those that may have somehow missed this exciting saga scroll down for a special offer on book 1)






In the final showdown between the forces of dark and light, Mal and Chrysabelle face not only Tatiana, but the ancient evil that now controls her: the Castus Sanguis. Chrysabelle gathers her friends and family around her, forming a plan to bring an end to the chaos surrounding them. But the Castus is the most powerful being they've ever come up against. Defeating such evil will require a great sacrifice from someone on the side of light.
One of them will change sides. One of them will die. No one will survive unscathed. Can Chrysabelle save those she cares about or will that love get her killed? What price is she willing to pay to draw last blood?





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Special Offer For Book 1 In The Series - Blood Rights For those that haven't joined the journey yet right now you can get book 1 in the series for just $2.99 for either Kindle Or Nook!!!!
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When the characters in Kristen Painter's head started to take over, she decided to put them on paper and share them with the world. She writes paranormal romance and the gothic fantasy vampire series, House of Comarre, for Orbit Books. She has also been published in non-fiction, poetry and short stories. The former college English teacher can often be found online at Romance Divas, the award-winning writers' forum she co-founded. She's represented by Elaine Spencer of The Knight Agency.

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Release Day Launch: Escaping Me by Elizabeth Lee

Today is Release Day for Escaping Me by Elizabeth Lee and you really should pick this one up.  Good girl meets bad boy and there's chemistry ... lot's of chemistry!!  Check out the teaser and Tami's review and enter the giveaway while you're here!


TITLE:  Escaping MeAUTHOR:  Elizabeth LeeGENRE:  New Adult Contemporary RELEASE DATE: July 30th, 2013

All she wanted to do was forget. Forget the memory of walking in on her boyfriend in the middle of, well, another girl. Forget how she had her entire life planned out. And, forget about being perfect all the time. Unfortunately, she was Whitney Vandaveer and despite the fact that she moved to the middle of nowhere—she couldn't.
He always knew he would never be more than nothing. No job, no money, no future. Cole Pritchett had accepted the fact that he would always be the screw up and he was okay with it. Until he met her.

Here's the thing they quickly found out—sometimes we all need a little help escaping who we think we are.




It’s so hard to describe how I felt when I finished Escaping Me .  It was a delightful read and I had that kind of *sigh* moment, where you feel fulfilled and happy for the characters.  This is a gorgeous story about working out who you are, finding someone who accepts just that and falling in love.
Whitney Vandaveer is the daughter of a successful and wealthy lawyer.  Her boyfriend is exactly the kind of guy her father expects her to be with and her life is planned out ahead of her.  That is until she catches her boyfriend cheating on her.  Whitney heads to her mother’s farm to spend time with her sister Mallory and her mother for the summer break.  It’s an opportunity to think about what she wants for her life, now that everything she thought she wanted doesn't seem so appealing.
Cole Pritchett is a hot head (oh and a hottie!).  Sent away from his home town by his brother because he’s stretched the friendship with the law one too many times.  Cole finds himself playing white knight to Whitney when she pushes herself too hard on a run and passes out in her driveway.  There’s a good chunk of Cole that doesn't want to play Good Samaritan, he just wants to live a quiet existence and avoid others for as long as he can to increase the chances that he won’t beat the crap out of someone.  But Whitney’s good looks aren't lost on him and he does the right thing, returning her to her mother’s farm.
The relationship between Whitney and Cole develops fairly quickly, but what I really liked was the way they grappled with the issues they faced.  Both of them were working so hard to escape who they had been, to be ‘better’.  And what they found in each other was an acceptance of who they were.  Both had had experiences that left them feeling deficient, but they had just enough self worth to want to try to be different.  They manage to connect in a way that allows them to do just that.
There isn't a major event or drama in this story that they have to recover from.  There is a series of issues they face that challenge their relationship and test their ability to not fall back into old habits. 
In each other they find enough to feel worthy of the other, which inspires them to pursue what they really want in life. There is a happy ending and no cliff hanger.  Oh and it would be remiss of me not to mention Elizabeth Lee can write very steamy love scenes ... *fans self*
I really enjoyed Escaping Me.  There are a number of other wonderful characters, Mallory; Whitney’s sister, Zeke; Cole’s workmate, Leanne; Whitney’s mum.  Even Whitney’s dad turns out to be not quite as pompous as I first thought.  If you’re looking for a feel good story, with just a tiny touch of drama then I suggest you pick up Escaping Me.

4 out 5 stars

When I'm not writing or playing the part of wife and mother, you can find me dancing back-up for Beyonce, singing back-up for Miranda, or sunning myself on the beach with a drink in hand. Here's the thing about being born and raised in a small town—you have a very vivid imagination! Now, I channel it all to create stories where the girl always ends up with the right guy, first kisses are magical, and a happy ending is just that!



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In the Spotlight: A Night to Forget by Jessica Wood

Today we're shining a spotlight on A Night to Forget by Jessica Wood.  This is Jessica's debut book and we think she's done a pretty fine job.  It's short, steamy and will leave you wanting more.


A Night to Forget is the first book in the two-book series, Emma's Story. The second book in this series, The Day to Remember is scheduled to be released in August 2013.
What happens in Cancun doesn’t always stay in Cancun.
When Emma Anderson and her friends decided to spend their senior year Spring Break in Cancun, she expected some crazy memories to end their final college days. What Emma didn’t expect was to meet Brandon Fisher. Tall and sexy, with dimples that would make any girl swoon, Brandon Fisher was literally the man of Emma’s dreams. She couldn't quite believe that this stranger, who seduced her every night in her dreams, actually existed.

After serendipitously bumping into each other, Emma could not resist Brandon’s pull and spent an unforgettable night with him. Passing it off as a spring break fling, Emma never expected to see Brandon again. But when she started her first day at her new job a few months later, there he was. The only problem was, Brandon didn’t even remember her.





A Night to Forget by Jessica Wood is a short read with just over 120 pages, so it’s not long, but there was enough in the story to whisk me away for a couple of hours and I really enjoyed it.  I know there have been variable reviews about this book but I was impressed by this first effort from Jessica Wood.  Some of the elements I use in my assessment/rating of a book are how engaged I am with the story, whether I'm entertained and whether reading is effortless.  A Night to Forget ticked all of those boxes for me.  There were some minor editing issues, but nothing substantial.  Characters were well developed, the dialogue was good, particularly some of the exchanges between the group of girlfriends.  While some of the story line is a little far fetched - it is a work of fiction and the romantic in me appreciated it.
Emma Anderson is in her final year of college.  Despite having a steady boyfriend for almost a year, Emma has not yet lost her virginity and is not actually convinced that Mike (her boyfriend) should be the one to take it.  Adding to her reluctance are the fairly sensual encounters she's been having each night with the man of her dreams. 
Emma heads to Cancun for spring break with three of her friends and much to her surprise she fleetingly sees the man she's been dreaming about.  On the night before she is heading home, Emma runs into Brandon again and has an encounter equal to those in her dreams.  With a flight to catch early the next morning Emma leaves Brandon a note with her number and hopes that he'll make contact - but unfortunately for Emma, he doesn't.  Fast forward six months and Emma is in San Fracisco to take up her internship with a marketing company.  Imagine her shock to discover that Brandon, her dream man, is her new boss and it would seem he has no recollection of their encounter in Cancun.
A Night to Forget then follows the interactions between Emma and Brandon as she tries to balance her feelings for him against the fact that he does not seem remember what was a significant event for her and of course that he is also her boss.  There is definitely an attraction between the two.
Given the length of the book things do move fairly quickly, but I didn't feel like it was rushed.  This book is part one of a two part series and it does finish with a bit of a cliffhanger.  While I'm not really a fan of those, I didn't mind this one so much.  I am very keen to find out how the balance of the story will play out and book two is due for release in August, so there is not long to wait!  
4 out of 5 stars

Jessica Wood writes new adult contemporary romance and chick-lit.
While she has lived in countless cities throughout the U.S., her heart belongs to San Francisco. To her, there’s something seductively romantic about the Golden Gate Bridge, the steep rolling hills of the city streets, the cable cars, and the Victorian-style architecture.
She loves a strong, masculine man with a witty personality. While she is headstrong and extremely independent, she can’t resist a man who takes control of the relationship, both outside and inside of the bedroom.
She loves to travel internationally, and tries to plan a yearly trip abroad. She also loves to cook and bake, and—to the benefit of her friends—she loves to share. She also enjoys ceramics and being creative with her hands. She has a weakness for good (maybe bad) TV shows; she’s up-to-date on over 25 current shows, and no, that wasn’t a joke.
And it goes without saying, she loves books—they’re like old and dear friends who have always been there to make her laugh and make her cry.
The one thing she wished she had more of is time.

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Blog Tour: When it's Least Expected by Heather Van Fleet

Welcome to our stop on the When It's Least Expected blog tour.  




Moving on after a tragedy can be impossible, especially when you’ve been dealing with those tragedies for over two years. But it’s her senior year, and Harley Anderson is more than ready to do just that, even though the skeletons in her closet can’t exactly be hidden.
Enter Mason Daniel, the egotistical, sexy, surfer boy from California. A boy with his own hidden demons, and an even bigger secret agenda. Mason isn’t right for Harley. He knows this better than anyone. He’s the epitome of a runner, a guy who takes what he can get, only to split a short while later. But he can’t deny the emotions that Harley brings out of him, so he’s going to break his rules for once.
He should have known what it would lead to…

Two kindred souls, both lost and then found. Will they fail in their search for contentment and happiness, or will they instead find true love when it’s least expected?
Recommended for 16+ due to some language, underage drinking, and slight sexual content





Mason’s heart raced, his hands trembled. His mouth went dry. Finally, she turned around, and shit…there was no way he could tear his gaze away at that point.
Damn, when had he turned into a creeper?
Her profile appeared first as she dug her slender hand into some wallet thingy. And then boom, she finally glanced up at him.
He gaped, and then he blinked. Holy…shit…the girl…was a goddess.
His body numbed, his eyes bugged from his head. The breath in his chest was lost in that stunned sort of way, just as the sexy as sin creature, with the chocolate brown eyes, glared back at him. Mason blinked again, this time his jaw practically became unhinged. He knew he should look away, or maybe at least wipe the drool hanging from his mouth, but he was too frozen in place to a damn thing.
“What the hell are you staring at?” she snarled. Her upper lip curled on one side, Elvis style.
Damn… Who knew grimaces could be so sexy? She owned that grimace – worked it like a sex slave. Like a love sick puppy, Mason found himself grinning back at her, only to get assaulted with more nasty words from that pretty full-lipped mouth.
“Umm, are you going to answer me sometime tonight, pal, or are you just going to stand there, grinning like the idiot you most likely are?” She finished wiping off her hands with some sort of napkin before she moved in closer, stalking him with fierceness in her hateful eyes.
The sight of her body coming near should have had Mason running, but he didn’t. Couldn’t was the better word. He needed to be near her. Hell, he needed to touch her… He tucked his hands back in his pockets to keep from doing just that. He had to get control before he did something stupid.
“I couldn’t help but notice your little problem, so I thought I’d be your knight in shining armor tonight…” he winked. God, where did all his game go? He wanted to smack his own face, but he was too distracted by the sudden appearance of her barely there freckles across her cream colored skin. In fact, the closer she got to him, the harder he tightened his fists to fight off the freakish urge to reach out and play connect the dots with them.
He shook his head, clearing his pussy thoughts, taking a breath to steady his voice at the same time. He wiped a damp palm down the front of his face. There was no way some little midwestern girl, with hair that resembled midnight ocean waves, was going to get to him.
“Wow, I’ve got my own very own hero here, Abs. Why ever didn’t you tell me?” She tried her hand at an Alabama drawl, fanning her face at the same time. Her attitude should have turned him off, but damn if it didn’t draw him in more.
“Hey now, no need to get an attitude with me, Little Beast,” he replied, digging the lost key chain from his pocket. Her eyes narrowed down at his hands, reaching out to swipe it from him. He grinned, holding it above his head. No way was he letting it go that easily.
It was play time.






Heather Van Fleet currently resides in northern Illinois, with her three daughters, Kelsey, Emma, and Isabella, and her fabulous hubby (and high school sweetheart) Chris, with whom she’s been blissfully married to now for ten plus years. She’s a stay at home mom by day, and an avid and completely obsessive writer and reader by night.


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Promotional Event: Love of Truth by C.T. Oliver

Today we have the pleasure of bringing to you Love of Truth by C.T. Oliver.




Title: Love of TruthAuthor: CT Oliver Release date: July 13th, 2013 Genre: Contemporary Romance Age Group: New Adult /Adult Event organized by: AToMR Tours



For the next eleven days all Amelia Adler wants is a nice relaxing vacation on the beach. All she’ll do is drink pineapple margaritas and read sexy steamy romance novels. She doesn’t want to think about the stress of her daily life nor the fact that she doesn’t know what to do with her life.

Craig Patrice just wants to spend his last spring break catching wave after waves during the day in the Pacific Ocean, and relax as much as he can at night. This is his last break before finishing law school and starting at a firm this upcoming summer. He has no desire for a fling or a girlfriend. All he wants is to buckle down and finish this year off right. That is until he gets a glimpse of his vacationing neighbor, and for the life of him, he can’t look away.

Though Craig and Amelia are somewhat reluctant for a relationship, they seem to find comfort in one another and can’t let go of each other. Finding romance on vacation is one thing, but can their relationship withstand the demand of real life and once their past catches up with them will believing in each other’s truth save their future.


Craig leans forward and kisses my forehead. “Because you were tired and needed your sleep. We were up late.” He reaches over and runs his hand up and down my stomach making me catch my breath in surprise. “So, I know you’re friends are here and everything, but I want to take you out to dinner tonight.” He tilts his head over and gives me a quick kiss on the lips. “It will be our first date. ” His grin gives me chills down my spine while his touch is blazing my skin.
            “Oh, okay,” I whisper, trying to mask my excitement. I’m feeling really joyous at the idea of going on a date with Craig. I want to jump up and down and do a little dance on the bed, but decide to play it cool.
            “Good.” He leans in and kisses down the side of me face. “I can’t wait for tonight. Pick you up at 1900, that’s 7:00 PM for you.” He plants a big, wet, curl your toes kiss on my lips while his hand roams over one of my breasts making me lift my hips towards him. All of the sudden he breaks from the kiss with a big smile on his face. “Tonight, baby.” He brushes his thumb over my nipple a couple of times before grabbing Larry and hops out of bed leaving me hot and bothered.
            I gasp. “Tease!”


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Blog Tour Stop: The Light in the Wound by Christine Brae

Welcome to the Blog Tour for  The Light In The Wound  by Christine Brae. We've got a fan made book trailer, some teasers and an excerpt  from the book for you today.  Enjoy!


Title: The Light in the Wound Author: Christine BraeGenre: Contemporary Romance FictionRelease date: July 23, 2013Tour Organised by: Brandee's Book Endings


Affected by her parents’ highly publicized divorce, Isabel grows up isolated and alone, with a resolve to never fall in love and repeat their mistakes. 

When Jesse Cain enters her life, she falls hopelessly in love with him, and every sadness she’s ever felt is washed away by his intensity and passion. But people change as they grow up. Things can never stay the same forever. 
Jesse and Isabel fight to stay together, determined to hold on to what they once had. Isabel wonders if a second love can ever be enough to make her forget her first.







(Fan made trailer by Janna Mashburn)

Once during our freshman year, Jesse called and asked me to meet him on the baseball field late one evening after school. I automatically assumed that he wanted me to watch him practice, something I would often do when I didn't have much homework to finish. As I walked across the newly shaved grass, I wondered where he could be. It worried me a bit to see no one there. The grounds were dark, except for a faded lamppost illuminating the walkways. The night was hot and humid, so I dressed in shorts for the occasion, fully expecting to be sitting on a bench watching Jesse play. He popped out of nowhere, just as I was about to walk up the steps toward the stands.

"Hi," I said, as I looked around the field. "Am I late? Did I get the practice time wrong?"

"Nope," he answered with a grin. "Practice ended an hour ago."

"Oh. Am I here to pick you up?" I asked, still confused.

"I thought we'd play on the field for a bit," he said as he took my hand and led me further in toward the bases. He had his pitching glove on and carried a bat in his right hand.

"Play what, Jess? You know I don't know anything about this game!" I laughed incredulously.

"Yes, you do! You've been watching me do this for almost three years! I thought it would be fun to watch you swing a bat," he coaxed. "Come on, you'll do great, I promise. Here, wear these so you don't hurt your hands." He fished into his pockets and handed me some batting gloves. I wiggled my fingers to make sure that they were still in there. They were twice the size of my hands. He looked delighted and enamored with me all at the same time. "You look so cute. Come here," he ordered as he pulled me in for a hug. Seconds later, he handed me the bat and then walked backwards until he was a few feet away from me.

"This is heavy!" I said, as I lifted the bat and mockingly took on the stance—both knees bent, two hands on the bat.

"Issy baby, you're gonna fall over if you lean like that." He laughed. "This isn't tennis. Keep one foot in front of you, turn your body to face me. Now just relax and swing when I pitch, ok?"

"Like this?" I breathed, as I stuck my leg out and swiveled my hips.

"If you keep that up, we'll be swinging something else," he teased.

Five empty swings later, I finally hit the ball. It didn't go very far, but I whooped and he whooped and I ran twice around the bases. It didn't take much effort for him to pursue me as soon as he caught the ball. I hit the ball two more times until he chased me down and lifted me off the ground.

"Jess!" I panted, as he swooped me in his arms. "That was hard work! What do I get for doing this?" I flirted.

"Me," he responded, as I wrapped my arms and legs around him.

"I'll take that," I whispered, and with a tender kiss, I gave him permission to carry me back to the dugout.



I love to read, write about reading, shop, write about shopping, three day weekends, high heels and purses. I’m a wife, a mother, a corporate executive, a loyal friend and a passionate believer in true love. This is all you need to know about me. If you get my stories, you get my heart.



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Cover Reveal: Searching for Tomorrow by Katie Mac

The fabulous Katie Mac has written her first book!  We are so excited to be part of the cover reveal for Searching for Tomorrow - check it out!!



What happens when you find the one person who completes you, and then life conspires against you? How do you set your grief and anguish aside? How do you pick up the shattered pieces, put those pieces back together again, and try to move on?

Katie and Tripp met on the playground the first day of third grade when Tripp tried to rescue Katie from Zack, her twin brother. A lifelong friendship that later blossomed into love began that day.

Broken beyond her own ability to repair, Katie boxes her grief up and attempts to raise her three girls the best she can on her own. As time slowly passes, Katie relives her times with Tripp while struggling most days to even get out of bed. She is reminded of him at every turn.

Zack is Katie's twin brother and was Tripp's best friend. Having lost his own love, he dedicates himself to helping Katie put her life back together. Throw in a mother-in-law who torments at every turn and poor Katie can't even find a chance to breathe, much less a desire to somehow search for tomorrow.






Tell us 5 surprising things about yourself.
I am a PK. If you know what that means, then you know what that means. I have always wanted to be a red head with long, beautiful corkscrew curls. No matter what I’m doing, I would rather be outside, day or night, hot or cold, rain or shine. I was awarded two separate scholarships when I graduated high school. One was a teaching fellowship and the other was for writing. I love to cook, almost as much as I like to eat. I spent a couple of years as a private cook for a local family and loved every minute of it What is your writing environment? 
At the moment, I have a makeshift office in my pantry! If need be, I can shut the door and cut off part of the noise. I hope to have a more permanent space soon.
One of your favorite quotes?

To whom much is given, much is required. 

Random things about my novel.

Just a bit of nonsense. I am Kathryn Anne, and my two sisters are Rebekah Elizabeth and Sarah Margaret. My husband is Channing, and my son is Zachary. One of my daughters is Elizabeth, and I still have to work my daughter Brittany into the book. Highlands is my most favorite place in the world to go when my soul need refreshing. Last, but not least, I actually had a great-grandma Tiddy!

Flirting Questions

What does love feel like?
          Warm, fuzzy, secure, safe, sheltered

How did you meet your significant other?
          In the lobby of the bank that I worked in. I was on all fours under a Christmas tree tightening the screws in the base. What can I say? Baby got back!

If you could take a romantic trip, where would it be?
          Any trip I take with Hubs is romantic. One of his favorite things to do is to whisk me away to wine and dine me.

Do you believe in love at first sight?
          Absolutely! Ask me how I feel about my grandson Grayson!


Katie Mac is a simple country girl who likes to spend time with her hubba, hunka hubby, her three kids and her friends. She loves to cook and really loves to eat! During the spring and summer, you will more than likely find her outside puttering around in her garden. When the veggies start coming in, she will probably be sweating over a hot canner in the kitchen, canning all the goodies she is blessed with. Katie likes to hike and go camping, and as a Girl Scout leader, she gets to do this pretty often! On cold winter nights, you will probably find her wrapped in a warm blanket, lost in a good book, while sitting in her rocking chair on the front porch!

Katie was born and raised in North Carolina, and while she loves to travel, she can't imagine ever leaving the mountains that she has come to call home. Not a day goes by that Katie doesn't thank God for abundantly blessing her. He has been so good to her, and she is very grateful. She holds Jeremiah 29:11 very close to her heart and believes it with every fiber of her being. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Katie loves flip flops, chocolate, sweet tea and dirt between her toes. As far back as she can remember, she's had a book in her hand. Reading has carried her to places she will never go. It has introduced her to people that she will never meet. When life is great and when it is rough, she's always been able to find a book to carry her through. She finally decided to write down some of the stories in her head (yes, be scared) and heart after dawdling around and wasting years dreaming. She hopes you enjoy reading those stories as much as she loves writing them!


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Blog Tour: Playing With Fire (Guarded Hearts #1) by Ashley Piscitelli

Welcome to our stop on the Playing With Fire blog tour.  We've got teasers, an interview with Ashley and a giveaway for you - enjoy!



Release Date: July 15, 2013Author:   Ashley PiscitelliTitle:   Playing With Fire (Guarded Hearts #1)Genre:   Romance


Madison Stevens has had a shitty life, her mother died at the age of four and her father has always blamed her for it.  She went through the foster system and is now attending college.  Her boyfriend Chris is not willing to share Madison with anyone, not even her friends.
Her first day at college she meets Carter James, who makes her want everything she never thought she could have.  She knows that she should ignore her feelings for Carter, but it's not as easy as it sounds.
As Carter and Madison begin to fall in love, they face many obstacles.  Their biggest one is Chris who is not going to let her go easily.
Playing with Fire will be the first book in a three book series.  It is about the obstacles that stand in your way on the path to love.  It tests the characters strength and commitment to each other on every level from old boyfriends/girlfriends, to insecurities, and throws a little violence and scheming into the mix.
"Chris was like fire.  It was pretty to look at but if you got too close you got burnt, and if it wasn't controlled it would destroy everything in its path.  Doing what I was about to do with Carter was dangerous, but what can I say I never had parents to warn me not to play with fire."






Carter
“Listen, I know I was an asshole and I’m sorry. It just drives me crazy that you’re with him, Maddy. I can see that your not happy. Where is that girl I met the first day that had that great smile? You never smile when you’re with him and that’s a damn shame because you have a beautiful smile.”
I saw the blush creeping up her face and, before I knew what I was doing, I went over to her and kissed her. Her lips were just as soft as I imagined they would be. She gasped and I took advantage, slipping my tongue into her mouth. I could tell she wasn’t experienced, but it didn’t matter. This was the best kiss I had ever had in my life. She pulled away suddenly, grabbed her jacket, and ran for the door. I caught up to her. ”Maddy, please stay.”
“Carter, I can’t do this. I’m with someone else!”

“I know you are and I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me.” Yes, I do. I’m falling for her.

So Ashley, thank you so much for heading over the Into the Night Reviews and spending some time with us. 



What was your inspiration for Playing With Fire? Truthfully, I had kept having a dream about these two people. It was actually the scene where Maddy goes to Carter’s house in the middle of the night. After about the fourth night I wrote it down and just kept going with it.

What was the biggest frustration (or biggest achievement) when writing Playing With Fire?
I think the biggest achievement was the fact that I only started this book in April and was done by the end of May. I couldn’t believe how fast it all went and how easily it came once I started. I think the biggest frustration would be when I would think of a scene and then forget it before I ever got to write it down. One time I was in the shower and thought up a really great one liner, by the time I got out and went to write it down it was gone.

We hear stories about authors having to have certain things to be able to write effectively – what are your “must have’s” when you’re writing? I think my only must have is that I can’t have my kids around. They think it’s really cool that I am writing a book, but now they want to read it. I told them when they turn 18 they can, but that doesn’t stop them from trying to peek at what I’m doing.


How did you know that Playing With Fire would be part of a series?  And can you give us any hints about what to expect in book 2? I didn’t intend for it to be a series at first, it was just going to be a stand-alone book about Maddy and Carter. However once I started writing scenes with Carter’s friends and family I had all these new ideas popping into my head. I planned out the other two books while I was still writing Playing With Fire so I could incorporate their storylines into it. I hate when you are reading a series and a storyline comes out of nowhere like it was an afterthought. 

Book 2 will be about Jason and Nicole’s story. It will pick up where Playing With Fire left off, since I know everyone who read it is dying to know what happens. We will get mostly Jason and Nicole’s POVS, however we may get some from Maddy and Carter. I used to get annoyed with series that forget all about the previous characters, your readers fall in love with them so they need to be present. Jason and Nicole are both firecrackers and when they get together there will definitely be sparks.

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
Funny, generous, and driven. I love to have fun and laugh, my friends are amazing and many of my characters are based on them. I love to help people and I would do anything for someone I love. Driven is probably the most true for me right now. I’m currently finishing up my degree in Education, raising my son and stepdaughter, taking care of my other children (my husband and two dogs), and trying to work in some time with friends to help me keep my sanity.
What/Who is current favorite book/author?
My favourite author right now is Abbi Glines. I absolutely love all of her books, and I will admit to an intense Rush Crush! I love how much she cares about her fans too and I think that is so important.
And what would be your ultimate guilty pleasure?
My ultimate guilty pleasure is desert and reading, preferably when they are done together. Many authors say that they cannot read a book while writing theirs, however I feel like it helps me. Sometimes I need a break and to let my mind rest and reading has always been my way to do that.
Okay – so just to get a little bit more insight to you – pick one of the following:
Paperback or e-book? E-book, my Kindle is so packed with books right now.
White, Milk or Dark chocolate? Dark chocolate, the best part is I’m the only one in the house that likes it.
White or Red wine? Hmmmm, I am really not that big on wine, except for Arbor Mist. I love the fruity blends and in that I will drink either their white or red.
Sleeping in or Staying up late? I wish I could say sleeping in but I wake up before eight everyday, it’s like my internal clock hates me. While I was writing the book it was a lot of staying up late.
Summer or Winter? Winter, I absolutely hate the humidity and I’d much rather throw on a blanket and cuddle on the couch.
Facebook or Twitter? Facebook, I do have a Twitter but I am just learning the ropes on it.
Ashley it’s been fantastic chatting with you, all the best with the blog tour for Playing With Fire.



I need to start by saying be prepared for a massive cliffhanger!  I'm generally not a fan of them, and I could tell as I was nearing the end of the book that it was going to be an 'unfinished' story, but I wasn't quite prepared for the enormity of the cliffhanger.  I'm not sure what the authors plans are in terms of the timing for the release of book two, but hopefully she won't keep people waiting too long.
Playing with Fire was a quick read that had enough in it to keep me focussed to the end.  It took only a couple of hours to finish and I enjoyed the story.  I think the editing let this one down a little bit and, for me, this impacted on the quality of the story.  While I always try and look past typo's or wrong word use (eg your instead of you're) they distract me enough that I am not completely engaged in my reading in the way I prefer to be.
That aside, there is lots to like in Playing with Fire - Carter James particularly!  Hot, sensitive (seriously the guy watched The Notebook and a number of other chick flicks and even shed a tear or two!!) and focussed on giving Maddy anything and everything.  It was a little bit of insta love from Carter's perspective - but the reticence from Maddy made the relationship believable.  And she had a lot to be reticent about - particularly her psychopath boyfriend Chris.  He is one intense dude and there are scenes involving him that some people will find quite disturbing.
Maddy is quite a damaged girl.  She's had a very rough life and never had anyone just love and accept her.  While she generally keeps her distance from people she had found herself in a relationship with Chris at highschool.  He continued the trend of treating her badly and Maddy simply thought it was what she deserved.  That is until she meets Carter and he starts to get under her skin.
There are good chunks of the story focussed on Maddy and Carter and the development of their relationship.  I couldn't help but wonder when Chris was going to show up again and I think the author had the balance of his participation in the story quite right.  You would almost start to believe he was gone completely and then something would happen and you'd realise he really is completely crazy and Carter's obsession with keeping Maddy safe was warranted.
There are a couple of side stories that peaked my interest and I these are setting up elements for the two other books in this three book series.  In particular, Jason and Nicole's story is one that I'd like to know more about.  And then there is the mystery of Spencer - I really do wonder what he is getting himself into!! 

Overall Playing With Fire was an enjoyable read.  Not one that is likely to hit my re-read list, but certainly entertaining enough that I would read the other books in the series when they are available.
3 out of 5 stars



My name is Ashley Piscitelli and I love reading and at times finish a book in just a day. I love reading romance books! I feel like being able to lose yourself in a book in one of the more exciting aspects. The books I love to read and write will be ones that make you feel for the characters. You should have an opinion on every character in a book. Whether you love them, hate them, or think they are up to something. I live in Philadelphia Pennsylvania with my husband, two kids, and two dogs. On top of starting a writing career I am a full time student, and a full time mom. I love spending time with my kids, although I have to hide the computer from them when I am writing! I love being active and being able to do any activity outdoors. I have always thought as an author the most important critic is your reader, so I would love to hear from you. If you read the book and loved it or hated it, tell me. As long as it is in a constructive way I will always answer and interact with you. I want fans to feel free to tell me what they want for the characters in the story and what they want to see happen.


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Cover Reveal: Dear Adam by Ava Zavora

Today we have the pleasure of participating in the cover reveal for Dear Adam by author Ava Zavora.  It sounds like an entertaining read and with the proliferation of on-line dating sites and 'virtual' relationships I suspect it is likely to grab the attention of many!


Genre: Contemporary RomanceFormat: Kindle ebookRelease date: August 2013


 “You’re more real to me than any man I’ve ever known … ”
To book blogger Eden, Adam is the embodiment of every literary fantasy she’s ever had. Intelligent, wickedly funny, sexy, and attentive – he and his fascinating life seem right out of a book. Their whirlwind relationship is so intense and all consuming that soon she can’t imagine being with anyone else. 
But there’s one little thing that’s keeping Adam and Eden from their happily ever after.  
They’ve never met. She doesn’t even know what he looks like.  
Despite how hard she’s fallen for him and how he makes her feel, Eden’s doubts begin to threaten their passionate love affair. Why is he so mysterious? Why does he seem reluctant to meet her? What is Adam hiding?  
Afraid that she’s being made a fool of, Eden is forced to choose between her heart and her head. Is Adam too good to be true, as her common sense is telling her, or is the truth more startling than fiction?




In her childhood, Ava Zavora used to ride water buffaloes and wade in swamps.  Nowadays, she writes dark fairy tales and romantic novels about adventurous women.



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