B.L. Blair's Blog, page 66

Svatura Cover Reveal - $15 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

Designed by: Debbie Taylor at The Wild Rose PressPublication Date: To Be AnnouncedGenre: Paranormal RomanceSeries: The Svatura Series, Volume 1
When fairy tales turn into nightmares…
Ellie Aubrey has spent most of her unnaturally long life hiding her extraordinary abilities from the world. On the run from the shapeshifting wolves who murdered her family, she risks discovery in order to secretly watch over another group of similarly gifted people, determined they won’t suffer the same fate.
Alex Jenner has come home to protect his family from an unknown danger lurking in the woods. Suspicious of the new girl in town, he challenges Ellie in ways that will spark one of two possible outcomes: they’ll spontaneously combust, or she’ll lose control of the one power she’s fought so hard to contain.
In this fairy tale, the dragon the prince must slay is also the princess who holds his heart.
Designed by: Debbie Taylor at The Wild Rose PressPublication Date: To Be AnnouncedGenre: Paranormal RomanceSeries: The Svatura Series, Volume 2
Selene sacrificed everything when she took her brother’s place as ruler of the Vyusher—including her secret love for one-time adversary Griffin Aubrey. When nightmares that are just a little too real start, Selene fears she’s turned into a cold-blooded killer…the monster Griffin thinks she is.
Griffin and Ellie Aubrey are finally safe for the first time in over a hundred years, and Griffin doesn’t want to easily forgive the woman he blames for killing his family. But when an unknown menace drives Selene to leave her people and seek their help, Griffin must decide.
Can he move past his hatred of everything she is? Or will the bond that could bring them both the greatest joy now be the source of their deepest despair?
Designed by: Debbie Taylor at The Wild Rose PressPublication Date: To Be AnnouncedGenre: Paranormal RomanceSeries: The Svatura Series, Volume 3
Lila Jenner left her family to start a new life away from Ramsey Pierce. After decades of rejection, she needs the chance to discover who she is without him. Helping to rebuild relationships between tribes of Svatura is just the opportunity she needs.
Determined that the fire raging inside him will never harm Lila, Ramsey denies the magical bond that could be theirs alone. But when an old enemy resurfaces and Lila disappears, he realizes he’ll do anything to win her back and make her his.
However, Maddox, driven by a centuries-old quest for revenge, is stronger than any of them ever imagined. Friends and enemies must band together against this shared threat. Even then, they may discover too late that one dragon is not always enough…
Designed by: Debbie Taylor at The Wild Rose PressPublication Date: To Be AnnouncedGenre: Paranormal RomanceSeries: The Svatura Series, Volume 4
Only oblivion can stop her pain.
Adelaide Jenner feels nothing… she is completely numb inside. Her fated love abandoned her and joined their enemy. On that day her sister turned off all Adelaide’s emotions in order to save her from a heartbreak that could push her over the edge of sanity. But the great power she claims, wielded without compassion or love, can only lead to pain.
Nate Pierce believes Adelaide used her extraordinary powers to deceive him all these years. So he destroyed a relationship he thought to be false and hungers for revenge. Now, Nate serves Maddox, unaware that his new leader is using him as a pawn in a bid to enslave or kill all Svatura.
The only hope of finally defeating Maddox is for Adelaide and her sisters to combine their growing powers against him. But the key to a Svatura’s power is the heart, and Adelaide is still missing hers.

Award-winning paranormal and contemporary romance author, Abigail Owen was born in Greeley, Colorado, and raised in Austin, Texas. She now resides in Northern California with her husband and two adorable children who are the center of her universe.

Abigail grew up consuming books and exploring the world through her writing. A fourth generation graduate of Texas A&M University, she attempted to find a practical career related to her favorite pastime by earning a degree in English Rhetoric (Technical Writing). However, she swiftly discovered that writing without imagination is not nearly as fun as writing with it.

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Peace, Love & Romance Book Blast Gift Card and Swag Giveaway #PLRBlast

Some sweet and some sizzling, but all celebrating women who have loved, lost, and triumphed...

To Be Published: August 25, 2015Genre: Contemporary RomanceFor a limited time, ten of today's hottest and bestselling authors bring you Peace, Love & Romance - a collection of full-length novels (some sweet, some sizzling!) all celebrating women who have loved, lost, and triumphed.
*****Out Of The Box, Regifted – Jennifer Theriot (Amazon Bestselling Author) With a new beginning on the horizon for Olivia and Ash, what could possibly stop them from finding their happily-ever-after? In the midst of joy, this blended family finds they have to trust in love and family bonds to get them through what is coming next...or self-destruct. How long can Ash keep parts of his life hidden from those who love him?
*****Scary Modsters – Diane Rinella (Amazon Internationally Bestselling Author, two category Amazon Hot 100 Author) Rosalyn is ridiculed for her eclectic wardrobe and unconventional music collection. Niles’s offbeat character is her perfect complement. Sadly his flaws equate to relationship suicide. When Niles learns he can overcome his obstacles by helping the ghost of deceased rock deity Peter Lane avenge murder, how far will he go to secure Rosalyn’s heart?
*****Cheating To Survive – Christine Ardigo Cheating to Survive weaves the story of three Norlyn Plains Hospital coworkers and their seemingly perfect lives. However, their marriages are anything but ideal. When they decide to cheat on their husbands, will they find happiness or be destroyed by the consequences? Christine Ardigo handles infidelity realistically and humorously. It will resonate in some way with every woman on the planet.
*****Chain of Title - Robyn Roze Newly divorced Shayna wants adventure, and Sean wants her. But the revelation of her ex-husband’s dirty secret sets off a chain of events with deadly consequences that reveals who Sean really is and leaves Shayna to question how well she knew either man. Robyn Roze weaves a story of love, loss, betrayal, and ultimately forgiveness.
*****A Different Kind Of Forever - Dee Ernst (Amazon Bestselling Author)Michael is a hot, young rock star. Diane is a single mom almost twenty years older. When they meet, the attraction is immediate. He knows she’s the real thing. She can’t ignore her feelings for Michael, but can’t see past their differences. A Different Kind of Forever is about two complicated people finding—and trying to hold on to— love.
*****Tahoe Blues – Aubree Lane (Amazon Bestselling Author) When Cara finds the glitz and glitter of casino life isn’t what it’s cracked up to be, she divorces her husband, finds a new love, a new home, and new piece of jewelry around her ankle. Under house arrest for a crime she didn’t commit, Cara must rely on a zany group of misfits to help set her free.
*****Tropical Nightmares – Kelly Cozzone (Amazon Internationally Bestselling Author)The tranquil life David Murphy and Tiana Alexander built on St. Lucia is threatened by the dangerous and vengeful Robert Dubose. Can they survive his lust for revenge, or will his secret partner succeed where he failed? Can their love survive, or will it be the final casualty?
*****The Fizgig – Jill Cox Vogt (Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Competition Winner) Daisy Young believes that when life hands you lemons, eat chocolate and get on with it, but no amount of candy gets her mind off her drowned fiancé—until she flees to East Tennessee’s mountains and meets a man with a dark, secret past.
*****Doubling Back To Love - Rebecca Warner (Great Southeast Book Festival Top 10, Honorable Mention) Lexi Avery asks, "Why does it have to come down to choosing just one man, when no one man can give me everything I want?" Why indeed? Follow her tantalizing adventures as she explores love's options.
*****Sex and the Widow Miles - Nan Reinhardt (Amazon Bestselling Author) Julie is anticipating an idyllic retirement with her husband, Charlie, when he dies suddenly. She meets a younger man, Will, and embraces life—and sex—again. But a dark secret reveals her perfect marriage may have been a lie. Jules goes in search of the truth and finds there’s always a second chance for love.
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Jennifer Theriot - Jennifer Theriot hails from the Great State of Texas. She is a career woman, working as CFO of a Texas based real estate investment firm by day and does her writing at nights and on weekends. In her limited spare time, Jennifer enjoys being outdoors; preferably somewhere on a beach curled up with a good book. Spending time with family and friends, listening to music, watching a baseball game and enjoying a good bottle of wine are usually on her to-do lists. She’s mom to three grown children and ‘MiMi’ to three grandkids – all of whom she adores!
Diane Rinella - Enjoying San Francisco as a backdrop, the ghosts in Diane’s 150-year old Victorian home augment the chorus in her head. With insomnia as their catalyst, these voices have become multifarious characters that haunt her well into the sun’s crowning hours, refusing to let go until they have manipulated her into succumbing to their whims. Her experiences as an actress, business owner, artisan cake designer, software project manager, Internet radio disc jockey, vintage rock n’ roll journalist/fan girl, and lover of dark and quirky personalities influence her idiosyncratic writing.
Christine Ardigo - I’m a registered dietitian/personal trainer who writes Women's Fiction novels in my spare time. When weight lifting, rock climbing, white-water rafting, and jumping out of airplanes wasn’t enough, I decided to fulfill a dream I had as a child: to write a book. 
I’ve lived in New York my entire life and can’t imagine living anywhere else. I have the beaches, the bay and the city, all a half hour away. I’ve built memories here with my husband, two silly daughters and a bunch of crazy friends, all whom I love very much.
Robyn Roze - Robyn Roze lives amongst the cornfields of the Midwest and telecommutes as an accountant. Her passion is writing romantic women’s fiction with enough steam to fog a Kindle screen. Writing was a childhood dream of Robyn’s. She won creative writing awards as a girl and teachers encouraged her to pursue it as a career. Robyn’s stories contain one key element that her readers love: a strong, independent heroine.
When she’s not spending time with her fictional families, she loves to spend time with her real one: her high school sweetheart, their two moody teenagers, and a pampered rescue mutt.
Dee Ernst - Dee always wanted to be a writer, but life kept getting in the way. Finally, in her forties, she thought it was time to give writing a real shot. After many rejection letters, she self-published Better Off Without Him. A Different Kind of Forever was released in April of 2012. In the spring of 2013, she signed with Montlake Publishing and launched her third title, A Slight Change of Plan, that fall. Better Than Your Dreams was self-published in August, 2014. Dee finds a lot in common with all her heroines, including living in New Jersey.
Aubree Lane - Aubree Lane lives in the beautiful foothills of Northern California with her husband, two wonderful sons, and a super special peek-a-poo, named Tanner. When not managing the pooper-scooper, Aubree enjoys warm sand, hot sun, and the cool waters of the Pacific. Her motto: Write Until Your Butt Hurts, and Your Eyes Are Crossed.
Kelly Cozonne - Kelly Cozzone was born in New Martinsville, WV. After spending 15 years in Myrtle Beach, SC, she finally made it back to her adopted hometown, Austin, TX. In addition to being an author, Kelly writes for ‪Examiner.com and shares her thoughts and stories that strike a chord in her on her blog. She is a member of the National Association of Professional Women. When Kelly isn't writing the mystery stories she loves, she is following her beloved Texas Longhorns. An avid football fan, she spends her fall months rooting on her favorite teams.
Jill Cox Vogt - Originally from the mountains of Tennessee, Jill Cox Vogt has published poetry in literary journals, including Appalachian Heritage, and won top honors in national poetry and short story competitions. While she never set out to live throughout the United States, from Florida to Montana and several places in between, she’s chalked it up to the gypsy in her soul. Her adventures were worth it, but she landed in Louisiana with her husband and dog where she enjoys swimming, chocolate, and books.
Rebecca Warner - Upon moving to Miami after college, ‪Rebecca Warner found herself competing for equal position and pay in the male-dominated banking world. She chose to project femininity and confidence, and to "hit 'em with her smarts," which proved to be a successful strategy. Consequently, her stories are built on the tenets of sexy, feminine and smart women who pursue what they want in love and life, without fear or apology. She and her wonderful husband of 27 years now live in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina with their two rescue dogs.
Nan Reinhardt  - Nan Reinhardt is a writer of romantic fiction for women in their prime, who for the last 20 years, has earned her living as a freelance copyeditor and proofreader. But writing is Nan’s first and most enduring passion. She can’t remember a time in her life when she wasn’t writing—she wrote her first romance novel at the age of ten and is still writing, but now from the viewpoint of a wiser, slightly rumpled, menopausal woman who believes that love never ages, women only grow more interesting, and everybody needs a little sexy romance.


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Monday Excerpt - Forgive Me (Holton Series #4)

Although the night was dark, the moon was bright.  There were no streetlights, but he could see the house.  Staring at the window, Mitch allowed his mind to wander back to that fateful day that changed his life forever.
Mitch reached the clearing and stopped.  For the first time in three years, someone else was there.  In his spot.  And of all people, why did it have to be her?  There was no mistaking that long, silky, black hair or that amazing figure.  His body responded like it always did when he saw her.  It drove him crazy because Emily Fairview was not the type of girl he wanted to be interested in, and he was definitely not the type of guy she would ever look at twice.The thought sent a surge of anger through him, and he opened his mouth to issue a scathing comment when a sound stopped him.  Emily’s shoulders shook and a soft sob echoed through the clearing.  She was crying.  Mitch took a step toward her and then stopped.  He shook his head and turned around to leave when he heard it again.  He briefly closed his eyes.  He couldn’t leave her there alone.  He took a deep breath, shuffled his feet, and walked into the clearing.“I didn’t know anyone else knew about this place,” he said calmly.  Emily whipped around to face him, eyes brimming, tear tracks on her face.  She was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen.  She had vivid blue eyes and an exquisite face with a dimple just to the left of her mouth.  She stepped away from him as if she were afraid.  It irritated him, but he understood.  He looked mean, dressed in a t-shirt, jeans, and his new black leather jacket.  His mother called it his renegade look.Mitch knew he had something of a reputation.  Although he had a pretty laid-back personality, he wouldn’t tolerate cruelty.  The other kids didn’t mess with him or anyone under his protection.  He had learned at an early age that if you stood a certain way, projected a certain attitude, and wore a certain look, people left you alone.  Most people weren’t afraid of him because they knew him, but he used that persona when he needed to intimidate someone.  He had never used it on Emily. “I like coming to this clearing because it’s peaceful,” he continued in a soft voice.  As he hoped, Emily relaxed.  Mitch casually set the backpack he was carrying on a short stump near the edge of the clearing.  He reached in and pulled out two bottles of water.  “It’s nice all year around.  When it’s hot, the trees provide shade, and when it’s cool, they protect you from the wind.”He offered her a bottle.  She was no longer crying, but he could still see the evidence of her tears.  She didn’t move but simply watched him.  He waited patiently.  Finally, she took a step toward him and reached for the water.  He gave her a quick smile and turned back to his backpack.  “I was here earlier this winter when the creek froze.  It was still nice.”Mitch pulled out a throw blanket.  He unfolded it and started to lay it on the ground when Emily made an undefinable noise.  Quickly, he looked at her.  She had a strange look on her face.  She opened her mouth and then closed it again.“What?” Mitch asked.“Where did you get that?” she stammered, pointing at the blanket.Mitch laughed and looked at the article in his hands.  It was hot pink with white baby bunnies all over it.  He looked at Emily, grinned, and said one word.  “Tori.”A smile finally crossed her face.  “Of course, Tori.”Tori was his little sister, Victoria.  She was flamboyant, outgoing, crazy, and at least to Mitch, absolutely wonderful.  There were few people in town, much less high school, who didn’t know his sister.  And though Victoria was two years younger, Mitch had no doubt that Emily knew her too.“I borrowed a throw she had on her bed last year.  When I returned it, it was covered with leaves and dirt.  I think I ripped it some.  She told me I couldn’t borrow her things anymore but bought me this for my birthday.  She said no one would care if I destroyed it.”“It looks like it’s still in pretty good shape.”“Yeah, that’s the problem with ugly things.  You can’t damage them.  I just throw it in the wash, and it comes out almost as good as new.”  Mitch spread the blanket on the ground and sat down.  “Would you like to sit?”“Oh,” Emily looked around and then back at him.  “I probably should go.”“Up to you, but there’s plenty of room, and I’m willing to share.  I have food,” Mitch replied, trying to sound non-threatening.  He reached back into the backpack and pulled out a bag of chips, two sandwiches, and a couple of candy bars.  He usually spent hours in the clearing so he always brought plenty of food.Emily looked out at the creek, took a deep breath, and then walked over and sat beside him.  Mitch tried not to gloat.  He didn’t want to scare her off.  He handed her a sandwich and then opened the chips.  They ate in silence a few minutes.“You come here a lot?” Emily asked.“Whenever I can.  After school and on weekends when I’m not working.”  Mitch had a job at a local convenience store.  He worked two nights a week and a shift on the weekend.“What do you do when you are here?”“Write, mostly.  Think about what I want to write.”“You write for the school paper, don’t you?”Mitch nodded.  “I’m working on an article about the school colors and how they were chosen all those years ago.”“Will you tell me about?”She seemed genuinely interested so Mitch told Emily about his story.  They then talked for the next hour about writing, books, and school.  Mitch was surprised at how intelligent Emily was.  He hadn’t thought she was stupid.  He knew she did well in school.  He just hadn’t realized how well read and knowledgeable she was.“I didn’t know you were interested in computers,” he said.She nodded and turned toward him, eyes shining with excitement.  “I love them.  Everything about them.  Programming, the technical side, software.  I like all the software programs.  It’s exciting.  I plan on doing something with computers for my career.  I’m not sure what yet, but something.”“Well, it is a good field.  I’m sure you will be a success.”“You plan on being a writer?”Mitch smiled.  “An investigative reporter.”“You write really well.  I’ve read your articles in the school paper.”“Thanks.”They sat in companionable silence for a few minutes.  The area was quiet, just the rustling of the trees and the babbling creek.  Mitch didn’t want to spoil the moment, but he was worried about Emily.  She had been crying.  There had to be a reason.

August 2015 Giveaway

This month's giveaway is a Holton Series Gift Bag which will include a tote bag, a copy of all four books, and a bookmark.  You may enter each day.  

Entering the giveaway will also register you to receive my quarterly newsletter.  You may unsubscribe at any time.
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New Release - Hollow Towns by Ann Livi Andrews

Hollow Towns Blurb
The end didn’t come swiftly as media and literature had predicted. There was no deadly virus released to wipe out humanity. There was no meteor on course to collide with earth. There was no Biblical flood or fire and brimstone. And there was no army of the undead to rise up against the living.
In fact, no one knew where or when it began. It was suspected to have first occurred in some remote village without the means to report what was happening. Even when it began to be reported, no one understood what was happening, so no one was alarmed. They were just lightning storms. First came a thick, gray cloud covering that blocked out the entire sky and all light. Then the steady and unending drizzle of rain that never turned into a downpour, but never lightened up either. Then there were reports of lightning. But no one took notice. After all, who cared about a mild storm? It wasn’t until the cloud bank reached Spain, and then France, that the panic began to rise.
Scientists called it a climate shift, but even they couldn’t explain how it was destroying entire cities or why there were very few bodies found. Paranormal experts claimed extraterrestrial visits and mass abductions. Conspiracy theorists believed the government was concealing either a massive war that was quickly escalating and approaching the United States or a government funded weather control experiment had grown to an uncontrollable scale. The religious believed, wholeheartedly, that it was the Second Coming.
But when the thick cover of clouds and the steady rain reached American soil, people stopped looking for the root cause and began trying to find a means of survival. In the end it didn’t matter whether a family had boarded up their house, hid in a basement, secured themselves in a panic room, fled to the country, or found a cave or underground bunker that they thought would protect them. It found them just the same as it had everyone else. And the cities that had once stood out so brightly against the darkness were now just as silent and hollow as every other town, village, farmhouse, hut, and tent around the world.
Hollow Towns Excerpt
Lucy felt herself begin to shake, but kept her teeth clamped shut. She closed her eyes tightly and prayed that they were gone and wouldn’t return for her. Get up. She shook her head and clutched her legs to her chest even tighter. They hadn’t found her. Maybe they wouldn’t find her. Better to hide than to run. Run.Feeling a shiver of adrenaline, she stood. This must be what the fight or flight reflex felt like. Anxiety hit her full in the stomach. She couldn’t stay here, waiting for them to return. The last standing building in town, an obvious hiding spot. She opened the door a little wider and peered out. Empty. Quiet. No shadows. No eerie faces spying in through the windows. Anticipating the jingle of the door at any moment, she knelt down and crawled her way out of the closet. If she stayed low enough, they couldn’t see her. If she moved slowly until she reached the door, then maybe she could outrun them in the open. The rational side of her screamed into her head. She should be hiding. Staying still. She didn’t know who they were or what they wanted. Why did she think she could outrun them? But she knew if she stayed here, the anxiety would drive her insane. And so she crept forward. As she reached the final aisle, she thought she heard a noise outside the door. Heart racing, she froze. The jingle would come any moment. But it didn’t. Nor did any other sound. No voices. No footsteps. Slowly, she stood. And right before her head cleared the shelves, the most horrifying sound she’d ever heard filled her ears. JINGLE.
Available on Amazon.
Guest Blog Post
Welcome to Hollow Towns: a book that has taken me nine years and countless revisions to finally complete and publish.
Even though I wasn’t actively working on Hannah and Charlie’s story for the full nine years, it’s been an exhausting journey. Each time I went through to edit, the story seemed to take a completely different turn than I expected. What is it about works in progress that seem to write themselves regardless of your intentions for them?
The lesson that I’m trying to take away from my first two full length novels taking me over nine years to write and publish, is that despite the ups and downs I’ve been through in life, writing has been a constant. I’ve never given up on it and it’s never given up on me. With each revision I went through with Hollow Towns, my experiences changed not only the plot, but my main characters and the emotion behind the book.
But my excitement with completing a book is always a little bittersweet. Now I have to choose another project to finish and I have to say goodbye (at least for a little while) to the characters I’ve grown so attached to.

About the Author:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnLiviAndrewsTwitter: @annliviandrewsPinterest: annliviGoodreads: AnnLiviAndrews

July Giveaway - Last Day to Enter

Giveaway for July is an eCopy of Dead in a Dumpster: Leah Norwood Mystery #1. Entering the giveaway will also register you to receive my quarterly newsletter.You may unsubscribe at any time. 


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Through His Heart by Deborah Camp $50 Gift Card Giveaway

  “Sending you an SOS.” 
When psychic Trudy Tucker hears this plaintive cry in her mind and then connects psychically with a little girl’s kidnapper, she is drawn to a small town in Missouri where everyone is suspect – including herself and her lover, celebrated psychic detective Levi Wolfe. As she and Levi work together to sort through whom and what to trust, an innocent life hangs in the balance.
 
 
 A shudder raced through her and her stomach knotted. Nausea rose up to her throat as darkness descended in her mind. “I’m sending you an SOS. Sending you an SOS. An SOS.” Can you find me? Can you hear me? “I hear you,” Trudy whispered, answering the small, trembling voice. “Did you say something, Rachel? Are you singing something?” This was a different voice in her head. A deep bass, but gentle. Coaxing, cajoling, cunning. The darkness parted like a curtain in Trudy’s mind and Rachel came into view. She sat in a child’s white rocking chair, her red tennis shoes dangling inches from the floor. A wedge of purple discolored her right cheek. Her lips twitched and her chin quivered. “Be a good girl and do what you’re told and that won’t happen to you again. No one wants to hurt you. You gotta obey, though. Can’t say ‘no’ to your elders. Your mama should have taught you that.” “It hurts.” “Want me to kiss it and make it well?” Rachel rounded her shoulders, making herself smaller. “Nuh-uh.” “Okay then. I could make it stop hurting though . . . I’ll read you a Bible story. How about that? Remember what we talked about? God is way up here . . . then there’s his disciples right here . . . and then your elders . . . and you’re way down below that.” Glimpses of hands . . . moving up and down, illustrating the levels. Dirty nails, dry skinned knuckles.“Where’s Mommy?” “Are you hearing me? This is important.” “I want to talk to Mommy.” “She doesn’t want to talk to you! God gave you to us. Your Mommy is busy serving the Lord and now you’re here serving us because it’s been ordained. Quit touching your face! That won’t help it heal. Come sit in my lap while I read. Did you hear me ask nice? You won’t like it if I have to ask twice. That’s my good girl. You act like this all the time and you won’t get any more boo-boos.” Was he kissing her? Was he licking her? 
http://www.amazon.com/Deborah-Camp/e/B001HOGDMW/Book Video: https://youtu.be/7AFG88e98eM


Author of more than 40 novels, Deborah lives in Oklahoma. She has been a full-time writer since she graduated from the University of Tulsa. She worked for a few years as a reporter for newspapers before becoming a freelance writer. Deborah’s first novel was published in the late 1970s and her books have been published by Jove, New American Library, Harlequin, Silhouette, and Avon. She has been inducted into the Oklahoma Authors Hall of Fame and she is a charter member of the Romance Writers of America. She is widely published in non-fiction and writes and edits for a magazine focused on small businesses. Deborah taught fiction writing for more than 10 years at a community college. She is currently working on a series of novels featuring two psychics who work with police nationwide to identify and track serial murderers. All of her novels are available on Amazon as ebooks
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 Guest Post 
Tips for Novice Writers – and Reviewers!
When I taught writing there was always a student in every class who would approach me after having a few pages edited by me and ask, “Should I just give up writing?” To which I would answer, “If all it takes is for me to tell you to, then by all means, give it up!”Sure, I knew the student wanted me to stroke and coo and say, “No, you must not quit!” But really? If that’s all it had taken for me to stop writing, I would have thrown away my pen and paper in fifth grade!If you’re a writer, you write. Doesn’t matter if no one but you reads it. Stories and characters waltz about in your brain and you simply have to allow them to blossom into text. However, once we do allow our works to be seen by people other than those who personally know us, then we have to learn to accept criticism and we must understand when to take advice to heart and when to dismiss it. These are difficult lessons to master.
Here are the top three things I’ve learned from reviewers:1.      Get as many reviews as possible from people you don’t know. Look for similar praise and beefs. If several reviewers praised your snappy dialogue, rejoice and strive to make your dialogue sparkle even more. Conversely, if several reviewers note that your pace is slow or that it was difficult to understand her heroine’s motivation, take a close look at those hiccups. Fix them before you write your next book.2.      When reviewers find typos or bad grammar and punctuation, hire a professional editor and proofreader for your next project. Be aware that editors and proofreaders aren’t the same thing. Editors discuss plotting, characterization, pacing, word choices, and sentence structure. Proofreaders catch typos, incorrect punctuation, misspellings, and continuity mistakes.3.      Be sure that the people who review your books actually like the type of book you’ve written. I’ve had yucky reviews from people who admitted that “I don’t usually read this kind of thing” or “romances aren’t my cup of tea.” I dismiss those. Same goes for the editor you choose. Ask the editor who she/he has read in your genre and what her/his favorite books are in your genre. If she/he hasn’t read any books that have been published in the past two years, then she/he probably isn’t savvy about what’s hot and what’s not in your field.4.      In closing, let me also caution you not to reply to a reviewer or editor until you’ve given yourself a day to think about it. Temper whatever you say or write, understanding that your work was published and people have a right to their opinion. With reviewers, it’s best to thank them, taking them  to task only when they get “personal” in their critiques. With editors, it’s best to discuss why and how you can improve what you’ve put on paper. Great editors can make you a great writer, so when you find one, don’t ruin the relationship by being too cantankerous and stubborn. Giveaway:a Rafflecopter giveaway

Dead in a Dumpster Giveaway on Goodreads

If you are a member of Goodreads, I am giving away a paperback copy of my book, Dead in a Dumpster.  Enter here:


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Goodreads Book Giveaway Dead in a Dumpster by B.L. Blair Giveaway ends August 01, 2015.
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Excerpt - Convince Me (Holton Series #1)

     Driving cautiously, she slowed the car and rounded the curve moving the car closer to the center stripe as she couldn't see the right hand edge.  The car coming from the opposite direction had done the same, and suddenly, Anna was faced with two bright headlights bearing down on her.     For a moment, she did not know what to do, then reacting instinctively, she jerked the car to the right and her bumper narrowly missed hitting the other vehicle.  The slick road made it difficult to control the car, but she had been driving slowly enough that she managed to slide into the side ditch unharmed.     Anna sat in her car stunned and unbelieving.  She had never been in a car accident before and wasn't sure what to do, which was an unusual situation.  Anna had learned at an early age to be calm and efficient.  It was the only way to survive.  Her abusive father had hated inefficiency and commotion, so she had learned to be controlled and competent.  Anna hated not being in control.     For this reason, she loved accounting.  Numbers could be controlled.  It may take her a little time, but she could always find an answer, which was more than she could do with people.     Anna shook her head and then leaned forward to check on Sophie.  The cat appeared unharmed but began protesting the rough treatment.  Anna tried to reassure her and soon the cat settled.  Anna took a deep breath then reached for the insurance manual in her glove compartment.  The manual would tell her what she needed to do.  She felt better already.  She had a plan.     All thoughts of a plan immediately flew out of her head when the door of her car swung open and a deep, soft voice asked, "Are you alright?"     Anna turned and looked up into the most beautiful blue eyes she had ever seen.  Eyes that were the color of a cloudless sky on an early spring day.  They were framed with dark thick lashes that lightened on the tips.  The lean, clean face went well with the eyes.  It was a pleasant face, not too hard or too soft, but a man's face nonetheless.  It was lean and powerful.  He had strong cheekbones and a straight nose.  Light blond hair fell across his forehead.  She stared at him unable to move.  Her heart began to pound, and her body reacted to his nearness.  She had never reacted so strongly to any man before, and she forced herself to take a deep breath.     He leaned into the car and asked again, "Miss, are you alright?"     This time his voice propelled her into action.  She shook off the fog that had come over her and nodded once before saying, "Yes, I am fine.  Just a little shaken.  Was anyone hurt?"     She glanced again at the man staring at her with a concerned look on his face.  Their gazes locked, and he watched her silently with his calm blue eyes.  He seemed very close, and Anna leaned back against the seat to get farther away.  His broad shoulders filled the doorway, and she felt a small jolt of fear.  She hated feeling physically intimidated.  But the fear quickly faded as he looked at her a moment longer then a slow, gentle smile crossed his face.  Anna felt her heart stop.  She willed it to begin beating again.     "There is only you and me," he said softly. 

two Outta three by S. Briones Lim

Jesse Tyler is the perfect mix of sweet prince and bad boy… 
He is also my best friend—and I’m hopelessly in love with him. 
Unfortunately he didn’t feel the same way about me, and to make matters worse, he moved away in the middle of our senior year, completely cutting me off. 
Now after a few years (and did I mention a new guy?) I am hit with the biggest bombshell of all—Jesse is moving back to town! 
I know I should be happy, but I can’t help but feel a bit nervous about our reunion, especially since I never once stopped loving him. 
Will things be weird between us? 
Will we struggle to reconnect? 
But even more importantly… 
Will he finally feel the same way about me?

Purchase LinksAmazon:US: http://amzn.to/1HIwaIuCAN: http://amzn.to/1AKaUj6UK: http://amzn.to/1FThhiWBarnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1fcW2A5
Excerpt“So, I was thinking we can go out to Carbanaro’s tomorrow night,” Ethan said coyly. “Are you kidding me? That place is expensive!” I exclaimed with a mouth full of food. Apparently, I had lost all sense of table manners, but of course Ethan was nice enough not to care. “Well, it’ll be our fourth date and I was thinking—” “Oh! I didn’t know anybody else was in here,” a voice exclaimed. I looked up to see Jesse’s shocked face. He glanced between me and Ethan and then back again. “It’s okay, man. Just having lunch with Rocky.” Ethan reached out and tapped my arm. Jesse’s lips tightened. “I see.” Ethan smiled warmly, seemingly oblivious to Jesse’s judging eyes. “Are you new here? I haven’t seen you before.” I cleared my throat, nearly choking on a piece of lettuce. “Ethan, this is my old friend, Jesse. He just started working for us yesterday.” I paused and glanced back up at Jesse, who had backed his way over to the old fridge in the corner of the break room. “Jesse, this is Ethan. He’s…uh….we…uh…” Ethan stiffened slightly, but never lost the smile on his face. “No labels.” “No labels,” Jesse repeated. He opened the fridge and grabbed a dirtied insulated lunch bag. Realizing he had no choice but to eat with us, I quickly began chomping down my salad. Anything to hurry lunch along. “Old friends, huh?” Ethan glanced between the two of us. “How long have you known each other?”Jesse answered for me. “We’ve been friends since we were fourteen.” “Wow, almost ten years. That’s impressive!” Ethan’s eyes widened in appreciation. “We lost touch a few years back,” I corrected, stabbing into yet another cucumber. I kept my eyes focused on my half-eaten salad and didn’t notice Jesse quickly making an exit. “Where are you heading off to? You can eat with us,” Ethan offered. I lifted my head and realized Jesse was already making his way towards the door. He paused sheepishly and shook his head. “No offense, but I’m a bit of introvert. I need my lunch break to regroup…alone.” “Understood, my man.” Introvert? Since when? “Are you sure you aren’t just sneaking out to take a smoke?” I asked doubtfully. Jesse shook his head, but kept his expression cold. “I quit a long time ago.” He stopped smoking too? Ethan turned back towards me. “So, Carbanaro’s? Tomorrow evening?” “Uh, sure,” I replied absently. “Why not?”
Thanks to her Mom’s unwavering devotion to read a bedtime story to her every single night throughout her childhood years, S. BRIONES LIM’s love for books began before she could even speak.Raised in Southern California, Author S. Briones Lim initially dreamt of becoming an artist and/ or Book Author. A Psychology Degree (Summa cum Laude), a stint in Art School, and a career in Advertising/Media later, she is finally delving back into her first love – books. As a self- renowned bookworm, S. Briones Lim’s love for books has inspired her to pen her own novels and hopes her readers will fall in love with her stories as much as she enjoyed writing them.Author of the Amazon Bestselling novel, Caught Inside, S. Briones Lim’s other obsessions include time with family, POPCORN, watching movies and her dogs, Tobi and Roscoe. She currently lives on the East Coast with her husband and continues to write every day.
Contact InformationWebsite: sbrioneslimauthor.wordpress.comFacebook: facebook.com/sbrioneslim and facebook.com/authorsbrioneslimTwitter: @sbrioneslimGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7155647.S_Briones_LimAmazon: http://www.amazon.com/S.-Briones-Lim/e/B00DQCOM12/