Casey Peeler's Blog, page 57
May 31, 2013
Cover Reveal & Giveaway! —->An Easy Dare
Cat loved Gabe from the time she was five years old. She thought it would be easy: fall in love with your childhood sweetheart, get married and live happily ever after. But as the years go on, the fairy tale soon falls apart. At twenty, Gabe – penniless, unable to find work, and drinking himself into a bad reputation – leaves New Orleans, believing that Cat is better off without him.
She doesn’t hear from him for three years.
Not until her bachelorette party, when he sends her a $400 bottle of Champagne the night before she’s set to marry Cort Belrose, a wealthy restaurateur that Gabe despises.
It seems the past three years have treated Gabe well. He’s now mysteriously wealthy and the picture of a perfect Southern gentleman – a gentleman who is quietly seeking vengeance on the man who forced him out of the city and stole the woman he loved.
With Gabe’s return, the sweltering heat of New Orleans becomes even more stifling as Cat struggles with the truth about her malicious husband and her consuming lifelong love for the vengeful and troubled Gabe.
I’m a Louisiana girl who loves to write about strong, opinionated women who go after what they want, even if they make a few mistakes on the way. And usually those mistakes involve MEN! (Sound like your life? Yeah, me too, lol). That being said, bad-ass women and the men they love make for great stories, and that’s what I always aim to bring my readers: A great story with lots of drama. A story you wanna keep reading. And while you’re here exploring, why not check out my Facebook page? http://www.Facebook.com/AuthorRosalieRousseaux
Change of Heart Book Blast
Persevere.
That’s how I’ve gotten through nineteen years of life. It’s what I do every single day—no matter how badly the odds are stacked against me.
Persevere, and survive.
Those are my two guiding words. I never knew either of my parents. I have no family and no home. The only person I could ever rely on was myself. In this cruel world, that’s about as much as I could ask for.
Love? Hah. Don’t talk to me about love. I stopped believing in it the day my first boyfriend ripped out my heart three years ago.
That’s why love is the last thing on my mind when I leave a packed college bar with a captivating stranger. Yet everything changes when I’m awakened in the middle of the night by a pounding at the door. Suddenly, an arrangement meant for just one night threatens to become something much deeper.
All expectations are thrown to the wind as I’m tangled in a dangerous world unlike anything I can believe. The man I met has secrets swirling around him like a dark cape. I’m about to become his biggest one…
Together, we stumble toward the elevator. Rich breaks away for a second to hit the button. The light doesn’t come on.
“Damn,” he growls, “it’s busted again.”
I’m one step ahead of him. I’d spotted the stairs when we entered. I grab his hand and pull him after me with no hesitation. I start up the cement stairwell, determined to get to his room as fast as possible.
“Penny, wait.”
I look back, confused. “What?”
A devilish smile plays on his lips. “Only this.” Without warning his hands wrap around my waist, and I’m being lifted up as easily as if I were a doll. He turns to the side and presses my body against the wall, suspending me between him and the concrete.
His mouth crashes down on mine again. I curl my legs around his torso, locking my ankles together, and kiss him back with the passion reserved for a lover after ten long years apart. I didn’t think it was possible, but I’m getting even more turned on. Rich’s hands move down to grasp the outside of my thighs, and I moan into his kiss as the muscles of my core clench in sinful fashion. I want him so
badly. If we don’t get somewhere private soon, I won’t be wholly opposed to jumping him in public.
I gasp as he steps away, freeing me from the wall. I start to fall, but one of his hands darts down to catch me just beneath the knees. The other one cradles my shoulders. Before I know it, I’m slung across his arms like a bride on her wedding night.
“I’ve always wanted to carry a girl up these stairs,” Rich admits.
I laugh, and wrap my arm around his neck. “Oh, you are just the best type of romantic.”
Four flights of stairs later, Rich pushes open the fire door to a dimly-lit hallway. He carries me down the hall and stops in front of an entrance on the right. He sets me down, then fishes around in his jeans for the key. When the door creaks open, he sweeps a hand out in front of him. “Welcome to my humble abode.”
I walk in, curious about his apartment. I tend to side with the camp of people who believe that a person’s living arrangements can reveal a lot about his personality. But, I don’t find much to work with here.
The apartment is sparse and dark. Pale moonlight filters in through the balcony window, shining down on the only piece of furniture present: a queen size mattress lying on the floor of the living room. The red brick walls are totally empty—no girly posters or other things I might expect in a bachelor’s apartment. There are no lamps, no chairs, no couches.
After a moment, I notice a second piece of furniture: a small, old-school CRT TV camped in one corner of the studio apartment.
Rich switches on the light. “So?” he asks, “what do you think?”
I walk past the entrance. There’s one hall leading away from the room. It is filled with brown cardboard boxes. Lots and lots of boxes. “Did you just move in or something?”
Rich laughs behind me. “Yeah, something like that. You want a drink?”
“A drink?” I say. “No, I—”
The words catch in my throat as he grabs my hips and spins me around. I had no idea he’d come so close. He’d moved from the door to me without making a sound. His fingers lock together against my lower back, and he tugs me into him, pressing my belly to his waist. I feel his growing erection right away, and a diabolical excitement builds inside me.
Nothing happens.
For a long moment, Richard just holds me like that, staring into my eyes as I’m left dangling off his arms. His irises are the color of sea mist. I’m hypnotized by the deep intensity I see brewing just beneath the surface. I have no doubt that that type of intensity is mirrored in my eyes.
Then, moving slowly, as if restraining himself, Richard lowers his mouth to cover mine. This time, his kiss is sweet and gentle. Subtle and caring. He explores my upper lip first, then traces the line going to the corner of my mouth. His lips form a perfect mold over mine.
I was wrong before. This is the kiss reserved for a lover you haven’t seen in ten years.
Purchased your copy today
Amazon † Barnes and Noble
I’m Scarlett Edwards. I’m a full-time student (2nd year, undergrad) and part-time writer. I hope to switch those around soon!
I’m kind of old fashioned. I write all my stories using paper and ink. At the end of the day, I transcribe them on my laptop. It takes a bit longer, but writing in a notebook really focuses my thoughts.
I love vintage photography. I have an old-school film camera that was my mom’s from before I was born. I use it to take pictures almost every day.
Yours to Savor is the first full book I worked on. It went through six drafts, and took me ten months to complete. In the two months since getting it done, I finished two drafts of brand new stories. I’m getting faster!
I love hearing from my readers. I love getting feedback about my books. I’m just getting started, and plan on doing this writing gig for a long, long time.
I take inspiration from all the indie romance authors. Addison Moore, Samantha Young, Colleen Hoover, Jessica Sorensen, and everyone else…. you girls rock!
Website † Facebook † GoodReads
I love hearing from readers! If you read my book and want to share your thoughts, good or bad, email me! Scarlett@ScarlettEdwards.com. I’ll be sure to reply!!
May 28, 2013
What happens when life is no longer distorted? Distorted by Laura Dunaway—-> A Review
Book Synopsis:
Aly Chase has worked for Paul Pierce for years, loving him from afar. He is handsome, rich, and the powerful CEO of Pierce Homes. Just when Aly has decided her love for him is futile and vows to move on, Paul begins to give Aly the attention she had always desired, forcing her to feel confused by his actions.
Then there’s Aly’s best friend, Ethan Baker. He’s sweet, handsome and charming. He is also in love with her. He’s accepted that Aly and he will only be friends, until one day Aly realizes that her feelings towards Ethan are way more.
Aly is caught in between the man she’s loved for so long and the man that has always been there for her. As her feelings are pulled and tugged in both directions, she must make a choice before her distorted life loses both of them.
Who will end up winning Aly’s heart?
My Thoughts
I don’t know where to begin with this book. I had the honor of reading Distorted and giving my honest review… which is exactly what you’re always going to get from me!
This story is different than a lot of books I read- the type of relationships, friendships, & work relationships.
I can bet that everyone has had a crush on their boss or another employee, but what happens when that gets taken to another level? What happens when you take the “best friend” to the next level? This is exactly what happens to Aly.
Aly is a super smart and attractive girl (from what I gather from employees and friends,) but she doesn’t see herself that way. She also crushes hard on her boss. I mean to the point she’s about to lose it with the dumb ass girlfriend he’s been carrying on his arm for like 3 years.
Paul is her boss… he’s hot, rich, gets along great with Aly, and can’t stand Ethan. There are so many attributes that he has that pull you in. He is a very caring person, especially with people in needy communities. That makes you love him, but then he makes mistakes. I just kept praying that Aly would be smarter than I was giving her credit!
Ethan, he is her best friend from college, works with her and Paul, and has been in love with her from first sight. He is everything that a girl wants. Even though Aly is in love with Pierce, he still stands by her, gives her time, and is always a perfect gentleman.
I sat down and read this book in one sitting! I couldn’t put it down, and had to know what was going to happen. I just had to know if the good guy win or the rich prick!
My favorite part is how this books starts… with a definition. Distorted is to twist out of a proper or rational relation of parts; give a false account of; to cause to work in a twisted or disorderly manner; pervert ( my fav LOL) At the beginning, I didn’t know how all of this would work into the book besides the obvious… title. By the end, my perspective was no longer distorted.. in fact, it was crystal clear! So if you want a crystal clear perspective on Distorted… you need to 1-click right now!
Wanna know more about Laura Dunaway?
May 27, 2013
Use caution before Skinny Dipping! The Hazards of Skinny Dipping: A review
This isn’t a deep book about first loves or self-discovery. If you want a book like that, I’d be happy to recommend one, but I don’t have that kind of story to tell. Instead my story is about rash decisions and finding out that your dream guy is bad in bed. It’s the story of when I finally went skinny dipping, and how my life was never the same again. Oh, and it’s also the story of my freshman year of college and realizing Mr. Right might have been there all along.
*New Adult Romance- Contains Sexual Situations*
My Thoughts
I was super luck to get an ARC for an honest review… and an honest review is what you are going to get! I loved this book!
The Hazards of Skinny Dipping takes the idea of a Bucket List and turns it into something not death related! Who ever thought that cross that last item on you “Off to college” list would change the fate of your college love life.
I’m sure when you were younger that you all had a crush on that one guy… the one that was older, hotter, never looked at you like you existed… well, I’m here to tell you that fairytales do come true in this book…. but, sometime fairytales turn into one hot sexy nightmare! 
Also, it’s about see what is right in front of you. Sometime we think we know what we want, but when we actually get it… it’s nothing like you plan. What if the man of your dreams was there all along? Would you let go of that fairytale/nightmare to find true love?
This book was fantastic! I loved the story line about making choices and how that impacts your life decisions. I only had one fear throughout this entire book, and that was that Dylan would continue to be the selfish pompous ass and make Juliet’s life miserable.
If I had to pick my favorite part of the book, it’s def going to be the ending because there’s nothing like going back to the one scene that changed you life and rewriting it!
Just remember girls… in the words of Juliet…. “If you do decide to go skinny dipping, make sure to bring a towel!” 
Find out more about Alyssa Rose Ivy
Buy it on:
No More Wasted Time by Beverly Preston—-> A Review
Book Synopsis:
After losing her husband to a sudden heart attack, Tess Mathews escapes to Bora Bora to lay her husband and sorrow to rest. What she doesn’t expect is a new beginning. Tom Clemmins is an A-list actor whose life revolves around work and an onslaught of women. He travels to Bora Bora for a much-needed break. Tom has a few ideas of how he’ll enjoy his vacation, but love isn’t one of them. Until he sees Tess. Reserving a private shark-feeding excursion to scatter her husband’s ashes into the lagoon, Tess is furious when Mr. Hollywood bribes his way onto the boat, leaving her no other choice but to share the boat ride. Tess is torn between tremendous guilt and zealous lust when their boat ride turns into a week full of romance and desire neither thought imaginable. Utterly smitten with a woman for the first time in his life, Tom casts his commitment phobia aside and whisks Tess off to Malibu where he introduces her as his “girlfriend” on the red carpet. As the paparazzi besiege, can Tess survive the media blitz that ensues in order to find her second chance at love?
My Thoughts
No More Wasted Time has been on my kindle for what feels like forever! I finally decided to step away for signing up for so many tours, and read something that I have been wanting to read for a while!
I have throughly enjoyed this book. I loved the story line, even though at times I felt it was slow paced or more like I should be further in the book than what my % showed.
I loved that the characters were mature adults that were established in who they were and what they wanted. I love that they took a risk on each other in Bora Bora. I honestly think one of my favorite parts of the book is about half way through the book… when Tom surprises Tess with an extended vacation… I thought it was super cute how he took the time to make sure her girls knew she was ok! I also loved how Tom always put Tess first… in everything, it is a great story about a mature relationship… & how love should be! Finding your soul mate, and being together forever! It’s like a an adult happily ever after!
I really enjoyed this book, and am glad it is now off my TBR list! If you want a read that is about mature adults, but still hot and steamy… this is your read
Find out more about Beverly Preston & No More Wasted Time at this website!
May 25, 2013
The day is FINALLY here! Announcement time @HdcoverTherapy
May 25th has FINALLY arrived! I have had to do everything in my power to NOT give this announcement away before today! So… with no further adieu …………
Book Synopsis:
After getting involved with Dylan, the bad boy of the Dixon High Swim team, Charley decides to stay close to home for college. It’s just safer that way. Until she realizes it’s a mistake… just like dating Dylan. She decides to put the past behind her and leave the small hick town of Grassy Pond. There is only one problem; she makes this decision 3 weeks before Fall Semester starts.
Charley packs up her Honda and heads to Southern College but on the morning she’s about to leave, Cash walks back into her life. He has been her best friend since they were 4 and is the only one that knows the REAL Charley. She leaves her farm in Grassy Pond with all kinds of “what ifs?”
Charley decides to live her college career to the fullest. She finds a great group of friends, joins the swim team, and meets a guy named Joe. He’s got eyes that make ya wanna melt!
There is only one problem…Charley has been away from home for only 48 hours before she breaks the 2 promises she made to herself. Will she be able to overcome her past? Find new love? What will happen with Cash now that he is back in her life? Will she find what she is wanting in Jack-a-lope Joe? How will her Freshman year end?… Joe, Cash, or alone?
A Little More Info:
No Turning Back is my debut novel. While I
No Turning Back is a book of choices, decision, and how life can come full circle. I am so happy to have special people in my life to support me on the new adventure. One that I have to put out there is the amazing Amanda Bennett! She has been my go to when I was trying to figure out where to start the journey!
Over the coming months, you can check out teasers, excerpts, playlist, dreamcast, and more right here! If you really want to know more about No Turning Back, make sure you check Amanda Bennett’s Faithless releasing September 2013…. Chapter 1 of No Turning Back will be featured!
Starting in July, I will post new and upcoming info about No Turning Back. There will be a cover reveal tour in August, and blog tour near its release date! That info will post soon! As for now, you can keep up to date with info about No Turning Back from the following places:
Facebook page: Casey Peeler-Author
Website: http://hardcovertherapy.com/no-turning-back-full-circle-1
Twitter: @HDcoverTherapy
Goodreads:www.goodreads.com/user/show/16117017-casey-peeler
Also, here’s what is up this week on Hardcover Therapy…
Now- May 31st Girl With Guitar Blog Tour
Monday- No More Wasted Time Review
Tuesday- The Hazards of Skinny Dipping Review
Wednesday- Distorted Review
Thursday- Girl With Guitar Review & giveaway
Friday- Suddenly Royal Review
**Signups are underway for the following tours, click on link to sign up**
Consequences by Aleatha Romig Blog Tour June 19-29
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1BBW7kKXbE86g0GBISO9M-beOnserCulfP8glSTTBSoY/viewform
Undescribible by Shantel Tessier Blog Tour July 23-Aug 3
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1EnG5BxfNkfu20JIEokDxIc2TmnF1Q1DxxmiOu3GAeUo/viewform
Book Synposis:
Samantha Hall needs a fresh start
Broken hearted and alone in a new city, Samantha begins to build a new life for herself while working as a bartender. Focusing on her new friends and rebuilding her broken life, Samantha is content.
Until she meets him – attorney by day and a cocky, foul mouth playboy by night.
All girls want Slade Long, but not one has ever been able to keep his attention for long. Having a different woman in his bed every night is how he prefers it-no emotion, no connection.
Until he meets her – an angel with the sweetest voice he has ever heard and the most enticing green eyes. Samantha makes him second guess his actions and has him wanting something he didn’t know existed. How can a man who has never been in love, be so sure? Can real love happen this fast?
Burned by her past, Samantha struggles to keep up with the overwhelming passion she feels for Slade. She knows that he will be nothing but trouble to her already fragile heart, but how long can she continue to deny the love that she feels for him?
Will Samantha let Slade prove his love is real, or will she push him away?
She thought she knew love……
He thought he never wanted love…..
Together they will show each other what they can’t live without.
Nowhere to Hide by Nina D’Angelo Blog Tour Aug 6-17
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1_nGvOFwHZ0QvcP5iGzrnR9DvquWVhA7jvGzZNoP8XKE/viewform
Stephanie Carovella came back to Los Angeles to face her past and nearly lost her future to a serial killer.
Now she has a chance to start a new life with a new man.
But is that what she wants? While she battles Jase Devlin, the man who won’t stop until they are together, she gains the attention of another serial killer.
This time it’s the copycat killer; one who will stop at nothing to possess her.
Can she survive the madness of another killer? Will she give in to Jase Devlin’s advances? And will she see the real threat before it’s too late?
Or will Stephanie Carovella discover she has Nowhere To Hide?
Truth by Aleatha Romig Blog Tour Aug 13-24
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1VA9LhgOkEZmdxa0HpIlrocyfYwLMtwBRsI20k0MVWhY/viewform
Claire Nichols endured the CONSEQUENCES of Anthony Rawlings’ vendetta. When she first arrived to his home, her goal was survival. Through strength and compartmentalization Claire captivated her captor. Her resilience in the face of his rule threatened Anthony’s well developed plan. Domination became desire and power turned to love. Their passion and adoration in a world of opulence appeared perfect. Yet, reality was a roller coaster of emotion. Claire’s world teetered on the edge of sanity as Antony monitored her every move. When given the opportunity to flee, Claire drove away. A fateful decision which set a well laid plan into motion. However, unbeknownst to either of them, there were others who saw past the perfect facade of Anthony Rawlings. There were others who saw the TRUTH. Conspiracy and unfulfilled promises result in an early prison release for Claire. Not just a release – a pardon. According to the law, her crime never happened! Will it be that easy? Faced with freedom from her past… can Claire seize it? Can she build a new life, mend her broken spirit, become the woman she once was, and seek her own revenge? Or is it all a game? And does the game master have different plans? How does Sophia Burke fit into the puzzle that is Tony and Claire? Will her presence affect the future of this well esteemed man? Can he dominate twice? Is that his goal? TRUTH continues the tumultuous saga of CONSEQUENCES, introduces new players, and uncovers more intrigue. Aleatha Romig skillfully weaves past transgressions through current deception to create a fervent world of obsessed desire. In this reality can an all-consuming relationship survive? When buried sins are discovered they threaten not only Tony and Claire’s future — but their very lives! Will the TRUTH be revealed in time?
May 24, 2013
On Tour with Girl With Guitar~!
SYNOPSIS
After Kylie’s dad dies in a freak accident, he leaves her with nothing other than her crazy stepmother, Darla, and the ability to play guitar. When Darla kicks Kylie out and she loses her job all in the same day, she hops a bus to Nashville determined to make her late father’s dreams come true. Waitressing and saving her pennies to record a demo, her big break comes when she’s asked to join a tour going down the tubes with once platinum album-selling country music superstar Trace Corbin. But touring with Trace is hardly a dream come true since he’s pretty much drinking his career down the drain. If Kylie can’t pull Trace out of his rut, he’ll pull her and her dreams down with him.
AUTHOR BIO
Caisey Quinn lives in a suburb outside of Birmingham, Alabama with her husband, daughter, and other assorted animals. She wears cowgirl boots most of the time, even to church. Girl with Guitar is her first novel. She is currently working on the second book in the Kylie Ryans series, Girl on Tour. She can be found online at http://www.caiseyquinnwrites.com.
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS
Website: www.caiseyquinnwrites.com
Twitter: @CaiseyQuinn
This Trust of Mine Blog Tour Stops @ HDcoverTherapy today!
Book Description:
“Love cannot be defined by age or time, but by the way that person makes you feel. He made me feel completely vulnerable, but vulnerability I have learned is a gift, one that I will gladly accept from Madison Raine.”
Kayla
Madison had irrevocably changed me. He opened me up to feel things I had never felt, and he never judged me for my past. In the short amount of time I had known him, I had fallen in love with him and everything he encompassed. He showed me how to live, how to enjoy life, but best of all, he showed me how to love. They say bad things happen to good people, well that saying rang truer to me now than ever before. Madison is gone. He is off at school in Arizona, and I just couldn’t bring myself to leave with him. That was my first mistake.
See the thing about trouble is, it will always find you. Trouble found me the night he left, and that night forever changed me. Now I am fighting my way back, alone.
Madison
Leaving Kayla was one of the hardest things I had ever had to do. To say I regret my decision to leave her behind, would be an understatement. My world shifted when I met her and I would forever be changed. Everything felt different now that I was away, everything with her at least. Something was wrong, I could feel it. I needed to go to her to find out what this feeling was, but would she trust me enough to tell me, and could I trust her to forgive me.
“When life, love and heart breaking circumstances stand to pull apart a bond so strong, what do you do without trust?”
My Thoughts
I really think I have to take a few deep breaths! 1….2…3… Ok, I think I’m ready. I sat down to read This Trust of Mine about 11pm or so… I finished like by 1am. Then I thought to myself, I’ll write my review tomorrow… NOT LIKELY! I couldn’t turn my brain off! It was a freakin’ rollercoaster ride and I loved it! I am almost at a loss for words.
If you haven’t read This Love of Mine (Raine #1,) you need to start there. Kayla and Madison have a relationship that has been tested, but in my opinion is meant to be. Madison’s makes choices that effect both of them. He leaves to follow his dreams when Kayla needs him the most.
Throughout this entire book, you learn about Madison and Kayla. What makes their hearts beat, hearts break, and how important family/relationships are to them. Not to mention you are totally left with a MAJOR cliffhanger at the end… but I had a hunch that was what was going to happen….I’m not spoil it for ya
In Raine #2, We learn a lot about both sides of Grandparents. I will say that currently, I am in the situation that Madison is faced (which I will not give away either.) I think that is the main reason I couldn’t stop thinking about this book last night. It was very real for me, and I know will be real for others. You will be able to put yourself in his shoes… cry, remember who you love, make you think twice about how you spend your time with other, and how to put others first.
Kayla continues to be the strong willed young lady that she was in Raine #1. Madison is still the hot, sexy, baseball player, with a country accent, killer voice, and loves Madison through and through.
If you haven’t met Kayla & Madison, you are totally missing out on a one of a kind love. This story will have you begging for more, praying for every character, feeling like you are going to suffocate from all the pain, love, friendships, mourning, and the fact that you will hold your breath because you have to know what is going to happen next.
Since it’s over a month till July, I better not hold me breath but I can PROMISE you, I’m going to be first in line to have it in my hand, and finding out the destiny of Kayla and Madison! So if you
Amanda Bennett, you never cease to amaze me! I am always waiting ever so unpatiently for your next book… you truly are an amazing author with an amazing
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Playlist
When I was Your Man- Bruno Mars
Blown Away- Carrie Underwood
Never Let Me Go- Florence and The Machine
You’ll Think of Me- Keith Urban
Tonight I wanna Cry- Keith Urban
Must Be Doin Somethin’ Right- Billy Currington
She Will Be Loved- Maroon 5
Sad- Maroon 5
Trust Me- The Fray
Trust In Me Now- Anthony Evans
When I look at You- Miley Cyrus
I Hope You Find It- Miley Cyrus
Lucky Now- Ryan Adams
That’s What You Get- Paramore
Give Your Heart A Break- Demi Lovato
Desire- Ryan Adams
When It Rains- Paramore
Come Home- Ryan Adams
Bound To You- Christina Aguilera
Can’t Shake You- Gloriana
Safe and Sound- Taylor Swift
Radioactive- Imagine Dragons
Somewhere Only We Know- Keane
Paradise- Coldplay
Poison and Wine- The Civil Wars
You Don’t Know Her Like I do- Brantley Gilbert
I Don’t Do Lonely Well- Jason Aldean
Fall Into Me- Brantley Gilbert
The One That Got Away- Jake Owen
Like Jesus Does- Eric Church
Wanted You More- Lady Antebellum
Alone With You- Jake Owen
Love Your Love The Most- Eric Church
She’s My Kind of Rain- Time McGraw
I knew You Were Trouble- Taylor Swift
Highway Don’t Care- Tim McGraw
Excerpts
My feet left the ground with the strength of his arms pulling me up and into him. My arms instinctively wrapped tightly around his neck with the strength of a thousand men. I breathed in his scent and my lips grazed the base of his heated neck. He was here. He was actually here in front of me and he was touching me with those unbelievable hands. My eyes fluttered shut as his grip on my waist tightened enough for me to feel his excitement against my belly. I let a small knowing smile creep across my face with the knowledge that I still affected him so. When I could finally find the words to speak, beat me to the punch, as always. ~Kayla
Check out Amanda Bennett on her Blog
What’s up with Caisey Quinn? —–> Here Today! ;)
Today, we have the AMAZING Caisey Quinn on the blog!
1. What inspired you to write Girl With Guitar?
Basically I’ve always been a huge country music fan. (Even when I was little and used to ride in my daddy’s truck jamming to Hank Sr. My mama called it knee-slappin’ music! Ha!) At a Luke Bryan concert last summer, a friend of a friend made a few comments about opening for Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert before they were a big deal and before they were officially an item. He talked about their onstage chemistry and thus my story was born!
2. What books have most influenced your life most?
This is such a long list it’s ridiculous. Here’s the short version: Les Mis (Hugo), The Perks of Being a Wallflower (Chbosky), and Jennifer Echols’ Going Too Far.(For the long list, keep an eye out for my guest post on My Top 10 Favorite Books of All Time).
3. What author has influenced you the most?
Ack! Just one? I can’t narrow that to just one. I will say this. I am such a Jennifer Echols fangirl. Y’all don’t even know. I met her at a book signing for her first romantic drama, Going Too Far, and I still have the picture of us up in my office. Her stories are sweet, heart wrenching, and A-freaking-ddicting! And she’s a local author. Meeting her back in like 2007 I think it was, it hit me that hey, a chick in Alabama CAN be an author! At that time I thought they all had to live in New York. Who knew? I could add Abbi Glines to this also, but I have to confess I actually hadn’t read anything by her until one of my CPs suggested it after reading a draft of GwG. But yeah, her too! Rock on Alabama Author Chicks!
4. What book are you reading now?
Oohh some good ones! Open on my Kindle right now are my CP’s newest release Love in Darkness and Abbi Glines’ Twisted Perfection. Writing seriously interferes with my reading time but I can’t pass up a great book!
5. When did your desire to write start?
I pretty much started writing as soon as I could. In ninth grade I had a poem published in a teen magazine and I was addicted to it after that.
6. Do you have any advice for other writers?
Not sure how good it is, but here’s my newbie indie author advice: 1.Finish what you start. Even when you don’t want to. Some days it will be rough, but keep at it! 2.Set goals. Word counts, deadlines, etc. You can’t reach them if you don’t have them. 3. Do not try to do this alone. Get some beta readers, make friends with other authors and ask the ones you work well with to be critique partners. Return favors.
7. What can readers look forward to in the future?
The second installment of the Kylie Ryans series, Girl on Tour, is scheduled for release late summer/early fall of this year. I also have a novel called Keep Me Still that I plan to release this year as well. (late Oct. early Nov.) It’s a stand-alone at this time but if readers ask for it, I may release the prequel novella titled Let You Go and the companion, Defending the Score/Getting His Due (between titles at the moment). Currently I’m working on a series of books called The Second Chance novels that I hope to submit to Entangled Publishing by the end of June. Working titles are Last Second Chance, Tempted By Fate, and Betting on Chance. If they pass, I’ll be self-pubbing those as well—probably early 2014.
8. Who or what inspires you?
Everything! It seriously takes a major effort not to grab a pen and jot writing ideas down every second of the day. Music plays a huge role in my writing but I’ve also found inspiration in movies, people I meet, and random observations everywhere I go.
9. If you could be a superhero, what supernatural power would you choose?
The power to heal. I am always fascinated by those characters that put their hands on people and heal them. (Mr. Miyagi in Karate Kid!). I’ve lost a lost of loved ones to illnesses and injuries that involved long-term suffering so this is a power I’d love to have. That or mind-reading.
10. What is your favorite movie?
Right now it’s a tie between Pitch Perfect and The Breakfast Club. Can.Not.Stop.Watching.
11. What kind of music do you like?
I am what my brother calls an uneducated listener. I like whatever feels good to my ears. And my soul! My brother is “An Actual Musician.” As in, he’s In A Band and studied music at an institution of higher learning. I’m a country girl at heart but I listen to lots of different types of music and also enjoy Adam Lambert, The Civil Wars, The Lumineers, Christina Perri, Rihanna, Third Day, Tenth Avenue North, Red, Flyleaf, Fireflight, and a few others, including some most people have never even heard of. But I blame that on my brother.
12. W hat advice would you give to someone who wants to publish a book?
DO NOT TRY TO DO THIS ALONE. I know I said that in my advice to writers, but it’s huge when it comes to publishing. Writing you can do alone. Yes. But when you get to the publishing part, whether going the traditional or indie route, you will need people to help you. Seek those people out. You’ll be glad you did. And also, the market is always changing, so even if you get a million rejections from agents, that doesn’t mean your book won’t do well. Can’t hurt to try!
13. Do you have a message for my blog’s followers?
Thank you so much for your support! People don’t realize how much a kind word, review, email, Tweet, FB message, etc. can mean to an author. Even if you don’t purchase or read my book(s), just dropping me a line to say “cool cover” or something of that nature makes my day/week/month/year/life!!! Big hugs to all of you!
Thanks so much Caisey for joining us today! I can’t WAIT to post my review on May 30th!
Thanks for having me!!
CAISEY QUINN’s TOP 10
Several readers have asked me “what authors have inspired you and/or influenced your writing?” The response to that question is so long, I could write an entire book about that alone. So for the sake of giving a clear-cut, concise answer instead, I made a list. (I used to be a high school English teacher in my former life. I make A LOT of lists). So here are the 10 books that have meant something to me and have probably influenced me more than I even realize. They’re in alphabetical order, not order of significance as they are all equally important to me!
1.Going too Far ~ Jennifer Echols
It’s funny that this one is first alphabetically because I am such a Jennifer Echols fangirl. Y’all don’t even know. I met her at a book signing for her first romantic drama, Going Too Far, and I still have the picture of us up in my office. Her stories are sweet, heart wrenching, and A-freaking-ddicting! And she’s a local author. Meeting her back in like 2007 I think it was, it hit me that hey, a chick in Alabama CAN be an author! At that time I thought they all had to live in New York. Who knew? I could add Abbi Glines to this also, but I have to confess I actually hadn’t read anything by her until one of my CPs suggested it after reading a draft of GwG. But yeah, her too! Rock on Alabama Author Chicks!
2. Her Forbidden Hero ~ Laura Kaye Oh, how I love LK. Her style of writing is one I could drink in forever. The angsty anticipation in this book had me squirming as I read. Her ability to turn high emotional situations on a dime is one I try to emulate but probably don’t do as well.
3. Jane Eyre ~ Emily Bronte
This book was the first one I ever read where a female character turned down a love interest and set off alone to struggle her ass off. It stuck with me to say the least.
4. Leave Me Breathless ~ Cherrie Lynn
Oh, this book. Hang on, I have to go grab something to fan myself with. Whew, okay, I’m back now. Boy did she title this one correctly. I was new to reading adult romance and erotica and such and hadn’t yet learned not to whip out my Kindle and read in public. People in Panera Bread probably thought I was having a stroke. But the hotness, and there’s A LOT of hotness in this one, is well balanced with the loving relationship the characters form. And they need each other on so many levels. I can only hope to achieve that type of balance in my books.
5. Les Miserables ~ Victor Hugo
My students used to groan every time I mentioned this book. But you haven’t heard my spiel so here goes. This is the kind of book that changes you. The kind of book that alters the makeup of your soul. It’s a little thicker when you finish because you left a piece of yourself inside of it.
Saviors don’t always come in perfect form, and you don’t always recognize them when they do. My dad was a man that gave EVERYTHING to people who showed little appreciation in return. Myself included. When he died, I experienced a type of grief I didn’t even know existed. Permanent. Crippling. This book evoked a similar type of pain and loss and raked me raw as Jean Valjean reminded me of my dad in so many ways. Just knowing a book could do this made me want to write. And it intimidated the hell out of me and I almost never wrote again.
6. Rescue Me ~ Rachel Gibson
This was the first book of hers I’d ever read. It was the type of good that as soon as I finished the last page, I opened it back up and started again. It’s a perfect example of two flawed beings finding perfection in the other. It also made me want to buy a horse ranch. So now you all know why I’m really writing, saving my pennies until that day comes.
7. Someone Else’s Fairytale ~ E.M. Tippetts
Mark it, I’m a Jason Vanderholt fangirl and proud of it. If there is one author I am glad to have found via a book review blog I used to have, it’s Emily Tippetts. SEF was so good, I Tweeted her as soon as I heard there was a second one and volunteered to beta read. Mostly because I couldn’t wait for it. That turned into a CP relationship and a long distance friendship that I cherish. When I say she influences me, I mean she scrapped my original ending of GwG and fixed my hot mess of a first draft in too many ways to count. Woman is a fount of knowledge and is generous with what she has learned. I always feel like I got lucky and sat by the smartest kid in class so I could cheat off of her. Without her, there’d be no Girl with Guitar and Caisey Quinn would never have been heard of.
8. The Fault in Our Stars ~ John Green
In my upcoming novel, Keep Me Still, my main character has a serious health condition. Hazel Grace reminded me that death can be dark and ugly and painful, but keeping your sense of humor and allowing yourself to love and be loved will keep you sane in the face of it.
9. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer ~ Michelle Hodkin
Some of y’all saw this one and went Whaaa?? But here’s what I learned from Mara. Your heroine can be foul mouthed and batshit crazy, like downright certifiable, literally, and SOMEONE will still love her. Will still be there to fight for her and pick her up when she falls. That’s what I want for my characters, someone who loves them at their absolute and utter darkest, lowest, most despicable versions of themselves.
10. Try Me ~ Diane Alberts
This was the first eBook I ever bought. And I didn’t even have a Kindle yet. I downloaded the app on my iPhone and read it in bed while my husband snored beside me. My brother-in-law was a Marine that was about to return from deployment and I might’ve had some inappropriate thoughts about him after reading this. Shh. But it actually inspired an adult romance I’ve written and may or may not ever release. Diane is a CP of mine and I’ll have to run it by her first!
There are also authors that deserve honorable mention for books that turned me into a mushy puddle of fangirl. They are, in no particular order, A Walk to Remember, The Lucky One, Save Haven ~ Nicholas Sparks, Protecting What’s His ~ Tessa Bailey, One Week Girlfriend & Second Chance Boyfriend ~ Monica Murphy, The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden ~Jessica Sorenson.
Shameless Self-Promotion: My debut novel, Girl with Guitar, is available now! I am currently working on Girl on Tour, the second book in the Kylie Ryans series. I don’t have an official release date yet, but will post on my site www.caiseyquinnwrites.com as soon as I do! Keep an eye out!
AUTHOR BIO
Caisey Quinn lives in a suburb outside of Birmingham, Alabama with her husband, daughter, and other assorted animals. She wears cowgirl boots most of the time, even to church. Girl with Guitar is her first novel. She is currently working on the second book in the Kylie Ryans series, Girl on Tour. She can be found online at http://www.caiseyquinnwrites.com.
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS
Website: http://www.caiseyquinnwrites.com
Twitter: @CaiseyQuinn
May 23, 2013
Country Music, A Country Boy, & A Country Girl! Girl With Guitar by Caisey Quinn <3
SYNOPSIS:
After Kylie’s dad dies in a freak accident, he leaves her with nothing other than her crazy stepmother, Darla, and the ability to play guitar. When Darla kicks Kylie out and she loses her job all in the same day, she hops a bus to Nashville determined to make her late father’s dreams come true. Waitressing and saving her pennies to record a demo, her big break comes when she’s asked to join a tour going down the tubes with once platinum album-selling country music superstar Trace Corbin. But touring with Trace is hardly a dream come true since he’s pretty much drinking his career down the drain. If Kylie can’t pull Trace out of his rut, he’ll pull her and her dreams down with him.
My Thoughts
I’m beyond excited about Girl With Guitar, Caisey Quinn’s debut novel! I’ve had the amazing opportunity to organize the current blog tour with Caisey because the “Ca(i)sey’s” gotta stick together
I will start by saying this is the kinda book I’ve been waiting on. There are a lot of books that I
Kylie leaves Oklahoma to follow her dreams after she has nothing left to lose. When she finds herself broke and needing a job the opportunity falls in her lap thanks to her “cuz,” Tonya. Not only does she get a job, but her world changes forever. Kylie is a strong, smart, independent young lady that follows her dream, tells it like she sees it, puts all emotions on the table, and tries not follow her heart.
Trace Corbin is hot country boy in tight jeans that will break your heart. He has made a ton of mistakes, but underneath all that exterior is a good ole country boy. Trace tries to be a hard ass, doesn’t let people get close, and has 2 of the best sisters EVER!
There are so many characters in Girl With Guitar that play such important roles to the life of Kylie & Trace. I can’t even begin to put into words what I felt as I was reading this book, but here’s a try!
Independent , Lonely, Persistent, Dreams, Country Music -Hell Yeah!, Nashville, Bars, Armature Nights, Dreams Come True, Drinkin’, Tours, Asshole, Kind-hearted, Kick Ass Singing, Put your
From the first words of Girl With Guitar, I was hooked. This story I could see clearly, feel all the raw emotions, and felt like I was part of the story. I really didn’t want the story to end; I wanted to continue to learn about Kylie, Trace, and all the characters futures in music and love!
When I think about this story, I get all happy inside. I just smile like a freakin’ idiot! I love to sing country music (not sayin I’m good at it), listen to The Highway on Sirus XM, hunting, fishing, riding 4-wheelers, and going to concerts (Eeeeekkkk I met Brantley Gilbert this month!) In fact, the only other town that I would move to is Nashville, TN. I love my small town, but that city makes everyone feel at home!
With all this being said, Gil With Guitar is 5+++++ stars! 1-click right now if ya love country music, living your dreams, a country boy, & a country girl!!!
2 AWESOME Prizes:
-Girl With Guitar ebook + iTunes gift card
-Guil With Guitar Signed Paperback + Swag Prize Pack
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Why I Heart Country Music
Girl you make my speakers go BOOM BOOM. –Luke Bryan
Some people call it hillbilly heartbreak music. Others call it beer and break ups. I call it fu*#ing fantastic. I should warn you up front, my brother is an Actual Musician, as in, he’s In A Band. I, however, am tone deaf. My brother is not a fan of the country music and is more into progressive metal and classical. Yeah, he’s the black sheep. Whaddya gonna do? But he knows his stuff about music and all I know is what feels good to my ears. And my soul. Call it what you want, country music can elicit some serious emotion.
Just because I have to mention her, (you have to when you talk about country music, or I think there’s a fine or something) Taylor Swift’s Fifteen would have made a huge difference in my life if I’d heard it when I was actually fifteen. Instead of twenty-six. But it brought back my hellacious freshmen year of high school and y’all, that was some stuff I’d wrestled, shoved, kicked, and drank out of my memory. Or so I’d thought.
Lee Brice’s Hard to Love makes an appearance in my debut novel, Girl with Guitar, because if my husband and I had a song, that would be it. We got married too young and before he’d gotten a handle on a very serious drinking problem. Whoa, okay, I didn’t actually mean to tell y’all that. But there it is. And we’ve been married seven years, together for nine, and we made it through. But when that song comes on the radio, he reaches over and grabs my hand and I squeeze his. Hard. Every time. Sometimes my eyes get watery. Because neither of us have forgotten how hard those first few years were and how much stronger we are for having gotten through them.
I heart country music because it’s men in tight jeans, cowboy boots, sitting on tailgates around the bon fire, playing guitar, drinking too much, loving too soon, and breaking your heart. Pretty much the story of my life y’all.
Some of my favorite artists are George Straight, Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Hank Williams Jr, and of course Luke Bryan, who is basically the template for my main character Trace Corbin in Girl with Guitar.
I get that it’s not for everyone. Just like death metal isn’t for everyone. But I love it. It’s a part of me, and it will probably show up in every book I write in one way or another. Like Kylie, I can’t always find the right words for every situation, but I can almost always find a country song with lyrics that fit.
For the record, I listen to lots of different types of music and also enjoy Adam Lambert, The Civil Wars, The Lumineers, Christina Perri, Rihanna, Third Day, Thousand Foot Krutch, Red, Flyleaf, Fireflight, and a few others, including some most people have never even heard of. But I blame that on my brother.
I’ll be back to check in on comments if any of y’all want to chat about music. Warning: Once you get me going I may never shut up!
Thanks for having me!
Shameless Self-Promotion: My debut novel, Girl with Guitar is available now! I am currently working on Girl on Tour, the second book in the Kylie Ryans series. I don’t have an official release date yet, but will post on my site www.caiseyquinnwrites.com as soon as I do! Keep an eye out!
AUTHOR BIO
Caisey Quinn lives in a suburb outside of Birmingham, Alabama with her husband, daughter, and other assorted animals. She wears cowgirl boots most of the time, even to church. Girl with Guitar is her first novel. She is currently working on the second book in the Kylie Ryans series, Girl on Tour. She can be found online at http://www.caiseyquinnwrites.com.
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS
Website: www.caiseyquinnwrites.com
Twitter: @CaiseyQuinn
