Lisa Chalmers's Blog, page 4
August 24, 2014
Spotlight on Maria Green
IN THE REARVIEW
Maria Ann Green
YA Contemporary
Release date: August 19th
*Blurb: When Meagan’s secret is found out, and she realizes there is no way to outrun her habit of cutting, she tries to work through it, and her depression, before she cuts too deep, making a mistake that can never be undone.
Meagan’s problems aren’t like every other adolescent’s no matter how much she wishes they could be. Hers are worse. They’ve pulled her down into the depths of a depression that is anything but normal. She begins her pattern of self-harm as her depression threatens to drown her. She starts with one cut that leads to the next, and the next. After starting, it’s apparent that there’s no stopping, and Meagan spirals into a dark and cruel world she doesn’t understand. Meagan cuts to feel better, but that comfort doesn’t last long enough, and soon life is worse than it ever was before.
While learning to quit cutting Meagan faces life-altering obstacles and grows up in the process. IN THE REARVIEW is a story of pain, loss, confusion, and hope told through Meagan’s poems, journal entries, and a splash of narrative.
*Book tag line: Heartbreak, Healing, Hope
Excerpt:
Meagan stared down at her desk. Her focus moved beyond the assignment in front of her without actually seeing what she was looking toward. There were lines, spaces of white, and blobs of writing, but nothing seemed important enough to consider closely. Truthfully she didn’t care.
She didn’t feel the need to focus.
Her gaze slowly moved up to the front of the classroom, and again she fixated on a point past what was before her. She did not concentrate on the teacher. There was a face, a moving mouth, but she didn’t connect it with the sounds struggling slowly, like sticky sludge past her ears. She didn’t hear the instructions being uttered; each word fell on deaf ears as she mindlessly doodled.
Twisting her hair around her finger, she thought about how nice it would be to be at home, in bed, with the curtains closed instead of in this loud and hyper school. It seemed her classmates had recently started caring too much about what was going on around them. There was too much drama, too much noise, too much concern jumping all around her. It was all so taxing.
It was such a bother.
Meagan, in contrast, was usually in a world of her own. Her head felt fuzzy most of the time, and unless she used a lot of energy, most conversations sounded muffled, like there was cotton in her ears. She didn’t feel the need to engage anymore. Her desire to try so hard just to do what had once come easily had dwindled to nothing. At first she’d tried, but not now. Not anymore. It had become too difficult to care.
And that was her biggest problem. Meagan didn’t care much about any of these changes. She was fine walking through school without any effort. Her feet felt a little heavier as each day passed, and her head felt a little more under pressure of a crushing fog that numbed her, but she pushed through it all. She didn’t mind neglecting what used to bring her excitement. In fact, it was just easier not to give a crap.
Everything was distinctly lackluster these days.
*Top Songs for Rearview:
1) Heavy In Your Arms – Florence & The Machine
2) Breakdown More – Eric Hutchinson
3) Perfect – Simple Plan
4) The River – Missy Higgins
5) Better Than Me – Hinder
6) Never Too Late – Three Days Grace
7) Decode – Paramore
8) Closer To The Edge – 30 Seconds to Mars
9) It Ends Tonight – All American Rejects
10) Flaws – Bastille
11) You Found Me – The Fray
12) Superheroes – The Script
13) I Wish I Didn’t Care – Lovesick Radio
Author Bio:
Maria Green currently lives in Minnesota, despite its bitter winters, with her husband. She graduated with a degree in Psychology and a minor in English. When she isn’t writing, Maria loves to read with a cup of strong coffee or a glass of sweet wine, craft, and spend time with her family. This is her first published novel.
*My website: www.mariaanngreen.com
*My Blog: www.mariaanngreen.com/blog
*Goodreads(me): https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/20358446-maria
*Goodreads (book): https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22877564-in-the-rearview
*Twitter: https://twitter.com/missmariaann
*Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/MariaAnnGreenAuthor?ref=hl&ref_type=bookmark
BUY LINKS:
Kindle: http://amzn.to/1kPJmk9
Nook: http://bit.ly/1pG2CRk
Also find where other ebooks are sold!
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July 14, 2014
Spotlight on Nikki Lynn Barrett
The Key To My Heart (Love and Music in Texas #3)
Release day: July 14, 2014
Blurb:
One dream fails, a passion burnt out…
With no set plan and a desire to find a passion, Blaine Grant hightailed it out of Harmony’s Echo a year out of high school to find herself. Finding a passion didn’t come as easily to her as it did for others she knew. Now, Blaine has come home for good with mistakes she’d like to forget, but the past doesn’t want to forget her. Everyone thought she’d been selfish to not come back when she was needed the most, but Blaine never let anyone know the emotional hell she went through.
Another dream is just beginning to see the light…
Randy Hughes has always been the shy guy until he discovered his love of music. It wasn’t until joining the band that he grew out of his shyness. The oldest sibling and the only boy, he’s pressured by family expectations to set a good example. He’s the one who takes everyone in when they need it, and he’s the one whose own dreams are ignored. Now that big things are happening for the Baby Stetson band, Randy has to decide how to handle his family when his dreams are on the line…
A friendship is changing.
One spur of the moment, impulsive move leads Randy and Blaine into a dire situation that may bring them together, or pull them apart, just when he’s finally able to gather the courage to tell Blaine how he’s felt about her all these years…
Revisit the characters you’ve come to know in small town Harmony’s Echo, as more changes settle upon them.
Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18483993-the-key-to-my-heart
Excerpt:
They still set the Ferris wheel in the perfect position. From the top you could see the whole town of Harmony’s Echo.
As soon as they were secure, their hands connected once again. Neither said a word, just exchanged a smile. For a split second, Blaine wondered what was up with her. She felt like … Hell, she felt like a teenager. Young, carefree, finding that one guy to make her heart flutter. The one guy she never, ever expected to feel that way about. Changes were in the air, and now those changes included new feelings for Randy.
Slowly, they were lifted in the air, coming to a jerky stop here and there to let other passengers on.
“I’ve always loved the view up here,” Blaine mused softly as they went higher. “I used to be afraid of how high we were. Every little squeak made me think we were going to fall. But then I looked over, saw the whole town and I forgot everything else.”
“Blaine Grant, actually afraid?” Randy teased. “I always thought you were a bit fearless.”
She faced him. “Me, fearless? You’re kidding, right?”
He shook his head. “Nope. I really did.”
“You’re crazier than I thought,” she blurted. Fearless. Ha. Funny. One of the biggest fears she had was never finding her place in the world. Silly, maybe. Stupid, possibly. It was one she’d never really expressed to anyone, which was why she pushed to hard to find something she was good at and could turn into a passion. Surrounded by family and friends who knew what they wanted early, like Jameson and Avery with their music, Blaine felt a little left out.
“What would a beautiful, headstrong, confident woman like you have to fear?” Randy squeezed her hand. Was it her imagination, or did he scoot even closer to her?
She licked her lips, all too aware of how her body reacted to him.
Her mouth worked against her brain, and once again, she blurted out another truth she never wanted to admit to anyone. “Not finding where I belong.”
The words hung in the air. Randy blinked, but for what felt like an eternity didn’t say anything. The wheel moved again, taking them higher. Breaking the tension, she stared down, wondering how many more cars were left to fill with riders before this thing went into full swing. The people walking below were so tiny, they reminded her of ants scurrying around in an ant farm.
“Where do you want to belong?” Randy finally asked.
“What’s with the philosophical responses?” Blaine shot back, totally caught off-guard by what he’d asked. What got her the most was how she didn’t know the answer.
Randy shrugged. Thankfully he didn’t seem offended. “I’m the oldest of a bunch of sisters. I tend to ask a lot of those kinds of questions.”
“And they still go to you for advice?” She cracked a smile.
“Maybe I trap them. Kind of like how you’re all the way up here with me and no way out, and now you have that question in your mind.” Randy reached across and brushed her hair away from her face.
“When did you become so evil?” Her voice came out hoarse. Blood rushed to her ears. All she could think about were his lips. So sexy. So … Oh God, what was happening to her? Was she starting to fall for Randy Hughes?
“Apparently the same time you’ve not been fearless. We’re seeing sides of the other we haven’t before.”
Wasn’t that the truth?
“We’re totally missing the view.” But she never took her eyes off Randy’s face.
“We could always ride again.”
Yeah. They could. And right now, she could lean over and…
Holy hell. Randy beat her to it. His lips crashed over hers. Blaine’s sigh caught in her throat as she closed her eyes, wrapped her arms around Randy’s neck and kissed him back.
The Key To My Heart is a standalone novel set in the series, but you’ll learn about the other characters featured in this story as well. Baby Stetson is book one, featuring Avery and Lucas, and book 2 is The Melody In My Head, which is Jameson and Melody’s story.
Baby Stetson is currently part of the Passionate Kisses boxed set with nine other authors and available for 99 cents. The Melody In My Head is currently $1.99
You can find out more about my books here: http://www.amazon.com/Nikki-Lynn-Barrett/e/B00A9UDX0K/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
or here: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Nikki-Lynn-Barrett?store=nookstore&keyword=Nikki Lynn Barrett
About the Author and Social Media Links
I’m an avid lover of books. I’ve been writing as far back as I can remember, completing my first “book” by fifth grade in one of those one subject spiral notebooks. I have a passion for music, photography, jewelry and all things creative. I live in Arizona with my husband and son, but dream of being somewhere much colder and stormier. For now, I’ll have to live that life through my characters and stick it out with the summer heat.
Places to find me on the web:
www.nikkilynnbarrett.com
FaceBook
https://www.facebook.com/NikkiLynnBarrettauthor?ref_type=bookmark
Facebook Chat group: Nikki’s Book Nook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NikkisBookNook/
Nikki’s Book Stormers: My Street team.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NikkisBookStormers/
Twitter: @Stormgoddess925
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6583655.Nikki_Lynn_Barrett
Email: nikkilynnbarrett@yahoo.com
I love to hear from readers!
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July 6, 2014
Spotlight on Kristin Wallace
Please welcome author Kristin Wallace to the blog today as we spotlight her newest release IMAGINE THAT.
Back Cover Blurb:
Children’s author Emily Sinclair was supposed to be the next J.K. Rowling… Until her second book flopped and her imagination went on the fritz. So Emily sets out on an epic adventure to find inspiration again. Till a dead car lands her in Covington Falls, Georgia. Soon Emily is taking up her quest, looking for inspiration driving a mobile library van, as a companion to a crotchety old woman and her insomniac dog, and as a very ungraceful baker’s assistant. Of course, what really sparks her romantic fantasies is a valiant hero, though he yields a paint roller instead of a sword.
Rugged, blue-collar Nate Cooper has spent most of his life avoiding the printed page. These days he doesn’t have much use for fancy words and certainly not for a slightly off-center writer on the lam. Not when his mother is battling cancer, his little brother has morphed into a teenaged ogre, and God seems to have taken a vacation.
On paper, these two would seem the least likely pairing, and a happily ever after nothing but fantasy. But with faith and imagination Emily and Nate are about to write a new chapter that will lead to unexpected love.
Excerpt:
Chapter One
A stomach-churning thunk. A disaster-laden chug. A scary, threatening gurgle.
Emily Sinclair’s hands clutched the steering wheel as she guided her how-could-you-give-out-on-me-now convertible to the side of the road. With a last ominous blunk and splutter, the car gave up the ghost.
She switched off the engine, waited a few seconds, and then turned the key again. Nothing.
Not surprising. As if anything glug-glugging like an octogenarian trying to cough up a lung was going to restart with so little effort.
A cranky yowl went up from the passenger seat. Emily glanced over at the pet carrier and sent the fat Persian inside a confident smile. “Don’t worry, Wordsworth. This is why modern man invented cell phones.”
She fished her phone out of her purse. A blank screen stared back at her. Pressing more buttons did nothing.
Dead as her car.
With a sound of disgust, Emily tossed the useless phone aside and stared out the windshield at the deserted country road in front of her. The very deserted country road that stretched around a sparkling blue lake and disappeared into the back of beyond. The kind of road featured in all the best horror stories. Emily’s mind conjured up every one, along with the opening line in the newspaper article.
Once amous children’s author found mangled to death. Quest to locate her lost imagination and revive faded career ends in disaster… as her mother predicted.
Muttering an oath, Emily climbed out of the car and slammed the door as hard as she could. What a fix. And ironic. There were rules about writing. Not grammar rules, like where to put commas or when to use a semicolon. No, the unofficial rules for fiction writing. Chief among them is that an author should never start a novel with the character driving or thinking. No, readers wanted action right off the top, and the car could never break down.
In college, Emily had written a short story where the heroine’s car stalled in a typical these-people-will-murder-you-in-your-sleep town. Emily’s professor had written cliché in bold, red pen across the page. Not satisfied, she’d added boring cliché, underlining the boring with three thick red lines. The critique had stung. The fact that it had come courtesy of Professor Vanessa Sinclair, Emily’s mother, had been like ripping off an old bandage.
Emily was breaking all three cardinal rules of writing at once. Though technically the driving rule didn’t apply. Same for the sitting rule. She was thinking, though. Thinking her entire life had become a cliché, so what did it matter if she broke her mother’s precious writing rules? She was a one-hit writing wonder. A flash in the pan. A big-haired eighties’ rock band that had scored one giant hit and then disappeared into the oblivion of those nostalgic ‘Where are they now?’ music specials.
Emily sighed. If one had to break down somewhere, one could do worse than… what had the sign said back there? Covington something. Covington something, Georgia. Muted afternoon sun shimmered off the surface of the lake. She lifted a hand to ward off the eye-watering glare and focused on the water. In her previous life, the golden flecks of sunlight reflecting off its surface would have transformed into a million different kinds of fantastical creatures. Or maybe something nightmarish would charge out of that bank of oak trees across the lake.
Unfortunately, Emily was stuck in her real life, and her imagination was on the fritz.
Well, at least she wouldn’t die of water deprivation while she waited to be rescued.
Speaking of rescue.
A car had appeared, winding around the curve of the lake. A big ole’ country truck calling to mind hoedowns and hay rides. A big ole’ rusty truck, Emily realized as it drew closer. Burnt red growth spread out across the hood like a marauding band of Vikings overtaking a defenseless village. She imagined rust was the only thing holding the vehicle together.
The truck slowed and Emily tensed, torn between elation at being found and wariness regarding exactly who might be behind the wheel of the ancient rattletrap. The glare off the windshield made it impossible to see inside the cab, however.
The tires veered off to the side of the road and stopped, sending up a cloud of dust. Emily waved her hand, choking on the airborne dirt. Her mouth felt dry as if she had licked the ground. The door opened. Work boots emerged. Brown and roughed-up and covered in… paint. A man stepped out, and Emily steadied her hands against the car to keep from falling over.
Mr. Darcy. No, Heathcliff. Only instead of a cravat and breeches, he was dressed in faded jeans and a black T-shirt, which seemed molded to an impressive chest. Heath stretched up a good six-plus feet, towering over her puny five-foot-two frame. A lock of dark chocolate-brown hair brushed over his forehead. Their eyes met. Since she was already thinking in clichés, Emily’s mind offered up a million of them to describe his eyes. She could start with gray, but no way did such a mundane word do them justice. Slate, storm clouds, a roiling sea, glazed pewter. Devastating, and framed by thick sooty lashes no man had a right to possess.
He stopped a few feet away, and Emily had the fanciful notion he was trying not to frighten her. Like she was a skittish filly about to bolt.
“Hi,” he said. “Car trouble?”
His voice was like his eyes. Smooth and deep, like honey in a cup of hot tea.
Emily nodded. How could she speak when every male literary fantasy she’d ever dreamed about had unfolded from a rusted-out pickup?
Buy Links:
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/imagine-that-kristin-wallace/1119886610?ean=2940149785476
About Kristin Wallace
Growing up Kristin devoured books like bags of Dove Dark Chocolate. Her first Golden Book led to Laura Ingalls Wilder, Nancy Drew, C.S. Lewis and the Sweet Valley High series. Later, she discovered romance novels and fell in love all over again. It’s no surprise then that Kristin would one day try her hand at writing them. She writes inspirational romance and women’s fiction filled with love, laughter and a leap of faith. When she’s not writing her next novel, Kristin works as an advertising copywriter. Kristin is the author of the Covington Falls Chronicles, romances set in a quirky Southern town with a character all its own. Be sure to check out the first two books in the series, Marry Me and Acting Up.
Connect with Kristin:
Website: http://KristinWallaceAuthor.com
Facebook – http://facebook.com/KristinWallaceAuthor
Twitter – http://twitter.com/KWallaceAuthor
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Kristin-Wallace/e/B00G5KX80I
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7361414.Kristin_Wallace
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July 3, 2014
Lovely new 5* review
Found this lovely new 5* review for IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES over on goodreads this morning. Definitely made my day. (And good inspiration while I deal with the revisions on the next release)
Jul 02, 2014 Mary Brown rated it 5 of 5 stars
If Tomorrow Never Comes by Lisa Chalmers is a very emotional love story. It is a story about death and the after-effects for those left behind. And the after-effects of the one that died.
Josh and Avery are in love and they are going to have a baby. He leaves one morning to meet his brothers to go on a trip, and he dies on the way there. Once Josh realizes that he is dead, he does everything within his power to return to the life he left. He observes those he left behind and sees the pain and sorrow that surround the survivors, especially Avery. His heart breaks every time he sees Avery struggling to make it through each day.
Avery cannot believe that Josh is gone and cannot imagine her life without him. She struggles daily to put one foot in front of the other. Josh’s family is there for her, and try to help her as much as they can, but they are not Josh. All she has left now is their unborn son and knows she must stay strong for him.
Gabrielle is Josh’s mentor in the afterworld and eventually they form a strong bond. Gabrielle has never seen a love as strong as Josh and Avery have, and at times allows Josh to break the rules.
I think this book is very character-driven and thrives on the emotions felt by all of the characters. Although Josh and Avery were the main characters, the secondary characters play a big part in this book. Josh’s brothers, Avery’s best friend and Gabrielle all made important contributions to the story development. All of the characters are on an emotional rollercoaster and the reader is taken along for the ride.
The writing style flows easily. I can’t say it is an easy read because of the sadness and despair that the reader is witness to. But that is not a bad thing. Lisa Chalmers is very descriptive in her writing style and the book really pulls you in. My only criticism is that the book seems a little long and parts of it seem repetitive. A lot of time is spent with the characters trying to find a reason for the death and a way to accept it, and at times it seems as though these were just reworded in a different way. That being said, I still think this book was a great 5 star read.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an emotional love story. Also to anyone who likes to read a book that will have them thinking about their own lives. I look forward to reading more books by Lisa Chalmers.
*****
Special note, if you want to check out IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES it is on sale all month for $1.50 with coupon code SSW50 over at smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/312847
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July 1, 2014
On sale this month
I’ve got IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES on sale for 50% off on smashwords with code SSW50 from today July 1st to the 31st, which works out to a $1.50 https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/312847
Josh Collins has the perfect life—a beautiful girlfriend and a baby on the way, until an accident takes his life and he’s suddenly forced to fight for everything and everyone he loves.
Alone and pregnant, Avery Rhodes is suddenly faced with a painful new reality. Life without the man she loves is turbulent. Nothing feels the same any more without him and she finds herself facing the unimaginable.
With his newfound guide Gabriel, Josh is forced to learn what happens IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES.
What reviewers are saying:
“Chalmers has written an amazingly beautiful, but heartbreaking book. But if you can get past the tears, this book has a wonderful message I think.” Shasta @ Swoon Worthy Books
“A beautifully written, heartbreaking look at the “What Ifs” most of us would never want to face.” Melanie @ Nerd Girl
“If Tomorrow Never Comes is by far the best ugly cry book I have ever read! This incredible love story has ripped my heart out and has left me a massive pile of crying goo. Oh yes, it is THAT GOOD!” – Jeep Diva Reviews
“This is a heartbreaking and heartwarming story all wrapped into one.” – Sunshine & Mountains Book Reviews & More
“Lisa takes you on a emotional journey that is sometimes hard to read, due to the tears flowing, and believing in miracles by the last page.”
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May 28, 2014
An Excerpt from Alexa Verde’s debut COLOR OF DANGER
Excerpt of Alexa Verde’s Debut release COLOR OF DANGER available now on amazon.
Luke approached the road Mari was taking at ninety degrees. Her motorcycle was dashing between cars. His jaw dropped. Was someone after her?
Saying a quick prayer for her safety, he floored the gas pedal and came to the intersection at full speed.
Ignoring the red light, he turned to the right, wedging himself into traffic before the oncoming car. Angry honking exploded behind him. But he could only concentrate on Mari’s figure that was rapidly disappearing in front of him. With no opening to his left, he passed the car in front of him by driving on the shoulder. Now he had a duet of honking cars. Shrugging it off, he moved to the left, afraid she was running away from somebody. But what if it was her usual way of driving?
He turned on his left blinker, and the car in the passing lane slowed down, letting him in, probably the driver figuring it was safer anyway. He repeated the maneuver several times and arrived at The Café’s parking lot.
Mari’s lanky figure was moving toward the entrance. He jumped out of his car and gave chase. He caught up with her before she reached the door.
“What was it?” He was breathing hard. “Was somebody after you? Or do you like riding between cars?”
“I do.” She turned around.
He clenched his teeth. What was she thinking? “You were putting yourself and other people in danger!”
“But I haven’t done it for an adrenaline rush in forever. And not this time. Somebody tried to run me off the road. I had to get away.”
Cold ran down his back. “How do you know?”
“Something about the way he was trying to hit my motorcycle might have given him away.” Mari placed her hands on her hips, but her lower lip trembled slightly. “The guy was wearing dark glasses, a gray T-shirt, and a cowboy hat. Not much to go on. He was driving a black SUV with tinted windows.”
The same type of car that had rushed out of the hospital parking lot the night before. “Did you get the license plate number?”
Teasing sparks danced in her eyes, and her lip wasn’t trembling anymore. “Nope. I was too busy trying not to be run off the road. I’ll text Aidan about it regardless. By the way, I have doubts now you’re the one threatening me. You couldn’t be in SUV and your car at the same time.”
“Thanks. I think.” He heaved a sigh of relief. “I don’t believe you helped Antonio to kill those girls. And I’m sure you didn’t kill June.”
“Because I was at The Café at the time. You checked my alibi, didn’t you?” She narrowed her eyes.
“That, too. Do you trust me now?”
“I don’t have much choice. We have to find the murderer before he kills somebody else, me included. One more thing. I probably overreacted at home,” Mari said.
Luke opened his arms, and she accepted his embrace. He stroked her short hair, so soft under his fingertips, and her fragile shoulders, and his heart melted. How was it possible that in such a short time she’d become so important to him? Her fight was his fight now.
“I’ll keep you safe,” he whispered.
Mari was still alive, and he’d gained some of her trust back.
Probably just in time. It seemed that with Mari every extra day she lived was already a victory.
Links:
www.alexaverde.com
www.goodreads.com/book/show/22017076-color-of-danger
www.facebook.com/alexaverdeauthor
Buy Link on Amazon:
http://tinyurl.com/qc37828
$20 Amazon GC giveaway:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/NTIxYWM0YzhjYmFkNDc1MDkxYzA3ZDNmMjhhM2RjOjM0NQ==/
Alexa Verde fell in love with writing at age eight when she penned her first poem. After publishing 200 short stories, poems, and articles in the five languages she speaks, Alexa has turned her creative passion to writing novels. Her May 2014 debut inspirational romantic suspense, COLOR OF DANGER, is the first in her Secrets of Rios Azules series—set in a fictional small Texas town where rivers and emotions run deep and the richest family in town has a taste for fine food, jewelry, and murder. For news, recipes, giveaways, and more, please visit www.alexaverde.com.
Former runaway Mari Del Lobo works hard to save her struggling restaurant and to trust people again. Dallas surgeon Dr. Luke Goodman turns her world upside down with terrifying news. A recent murder has her late brother’s – aka the Smiling Killer – signature and MO. When attacks on her escalate, Mari fights her growing attraction to the good doctor as fiercely as she fights for her life. To rescue herself and those she loves, will she be able to stop the murderer before he strikes again?
Luke couldn’t save his fiancée from the Smiling Killer, but he’ll do anything to prevent more murders, even ask help from the serial killer’s sister. Finding a kindred tortured soul and the perpetrator’s next target in Mari, Luke is determined to protect the stubborn ex-rebel. But Mari would rather face danger than risk the safety of the man she comes to love.
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May 16, 2014
Release Day Blitz for Alexa Verde
RELEASE DAY BLITZ
Join the Facebook event for games prizes and giveaways.
https://www.facebook.com/events/243893959131098/
Title: Color of Danger
Author: Alexa Verde
Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense
Release Date: May 16, 2014
Add to Goodreads
SYNOPSIS
Former runaway Mari Del Lobo works hard to save her struggling restaurant and to trust people again. Dallas surgeon Dr. Luke Goodman turns her world upside down with terrifying news. A recent murder has her late brother’s – aka the Smiling Killer - signature and MO. When attacks on her escalate, Mari fights her growing attraction to the good doctor as fiercely as she fights for her life. To rescue herself and those she loves, will she be able to stop the murderer before he strikes again?
Luke couldn’t save his fiancée from the Smiling Killer, but he’ll do anything to prevent more murders, even ask help from the serial killer’s sister. Finding a kindred tortured soul and the perpetrator’s next target in Mari, Luke is determined to protect the stubborn ex-rebel. But Mari would rather face danger than risk the safety of the man she comes to love.
BUY LINKS
coming soon
AUTHOR
Alexa Verde fell in love with writing at age eight when she penned her first poem. After publishing 200 short stories, poems, and articles in the five languages she speaks, Alexa has turned her creative passion to writing novels. Her 2014 debut inspirational romantic suspense, COLOR OF DANGER, is the first in her Secrets of Rios Azules series, set in a fictional small Texas town where rivers and emotions run deep and the richest family in town has a fine taste for food, jewelry, and murder. Part of the proceeds from the book will go to Brenda Novak’s Auction for Diabetes Research at brendanovak.auctionanything.com
SOCIAL LINKS
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/alexaverdeauthor
Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Website - http://www.alexaverde.com
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April 10, 2014
Spring Fever time…
As soon as I saw the theme of the blog hop was SPRING FEVER one of my favorite songs of Elvis’ popped to mind from the movie GIRL HAPPY. I love the lyrics – “Spring fever, Spring is here at last Spring fever, my heart’s beating fast Get up, get out spring is everywhere” which I can say completely fit my mindset after an extended winter full of gray skies and piles upon piles of snow. It’s just now starting to melt completely away but we’re in for possible wet flurries this weekend. It feels like spring may never arrive and we’ll just move to summer.
But back to spring fever, I always wanted to go somewhere special for spring break, somewhere warm and with a beautiful beach and have a good time like in the movie. Still hasn’t happened yet, but one day I’m hoping this landlocked girl gets to see the ocean. 
California or Hawaii are definitely on my list of must see places. To enter for a chance at the giveaway for a copy of IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES comment below with what your dream spring break would be.
For my giveaway, I’m giving away a copy of my debut IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES. I’ve tried to figure out the best way to classify it and I’m still at a loss other than it’s a love story, what I call ‘GHOST’ meets ‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE’.
Here’s the blurb:
Josh Collins has the perfect life—a beautiful girlfriend and a baby on the way, until an accident takes his life and he’s suddenly forced to fight for everything and everyone he loves.
Alone and pregnant, Avery is suddenly faced with a painful new reality. Life without the man she loves is turbulent. Nothing feels the same any more without him and she finds herself facing the unimaginable.
With his newfound guide Gabriel, Josh is forced to learn what happens IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES.
***
As a special SPRING FEVER treat, if you’d like to pick up a copy for 50% use the smashwords code: QD56B. It’s good till the 20th of April.
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/312847
April 7, 2014
Authors In Bloom
Hi everyone, welcome to my blog post on the Authors in Bloom blog hop. So happy to have you here. I love gardening, going seed shopping, wandering down the aisles of the greenhouses and looking at the flowers. It’s one of my absolute favorite things to do.
So let’s see, a gardening tip…
this one I learned straight from my dad who has a great green thumb. When planting plants you’ve purchased, dig a well shaped hole for the plant, fill to top with water, let water soak in, place plant and fill back in with dirt and pat dirt firmly around the plant and water again. Don’t forget to fertilize with a good liquid fertilizer to help stimulate the roots.
For a chance to win my personal giveaway of an ebook copy of IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES, share a gardening tip of your own or one of your favorite types of plants or flowers. I admit I have a huge deep love for fuschias. They are one of my absolute favorites.
Here’s the blurb and a bit of an excerpt from IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES:
Josh Collins has the perfect life—a beautiful girlfriend and a baby on the way, until an accident takes his life and he’s suddenly forced to fight for everything and everyone he loves.
Alone and pregnant, Avery is suddenly faced with a painful new reality. Life without the man she loves is turbulent. Nothing feels the same any more without him and she finds herself facing the unimaginable.
With his newfound guide Gabriel, Josh is forced to learn what happens IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES.
Excerpt:
Avery walked over to the coffee table and set the box down. She lifted the top to find two dozen of her favorite peach roses nestled in tissue paper. Their sweet fragrance suddenly filled the room. As she reached for the card, that familiar coolness appeared behind her once again.
Happy fourth anniversary. Love you forever, Josh.
She could almost hear his voice in her ear, reading the words right along with her.
She dropped the card back inside the box, feeling unnerved. Her fingers moved up the stems of the roses, the surprising chill of the fresh stems on her fingertips helping her calm down.
“You never did tell me what we were going to do today,” she said, as if she expected him to answer. Like he was right there with her, about to walk out of the kitchen with two glasses of lemonade in hand, his baseball cap on his head, his nose sunburned from too much time working in the yard.
“It was going to be a surprise.” He moved around to stand beside her. He desperately wanted to reach out, to push that strand of hair back behind her ear so he could see her face unobstructed. He was desperate for her to feel him, really feel him, and not have to fool himself into thinking that some part of her sensed he was there, that whatever their connection was, it hadn’t been completely severed. That if he just held out hope long enough…
She reached up, brushing the strand of hair out of her face before taking one of the roses out of the box.
“You know, I wanted to wait until today to tell you about the baby. Then you walked in when I had that pillow under my shirt…” She laughed softly, inhaling the scent of the rose before pressing it lightly against her cheek, a slow smile crossing her face in memory. “And I tried telling you I was just stretching the shirt because it shrank in the wash…you had this dumbstruck expression on your face, and I said I think there’s something I have to tell you, and I called you Daddy.”
He nodded, flashing back to that moment. “And I said, are you kidding me?”
“I guess it’s good I told you then. You never would have known otherwise. That would have hurt more.” She picked up another of the roses, her fingers playing with the edge of a petal. “You know, I’m even happier about the baby since you’re gone. He’s my last gift from you.” Her voice wobbled. “My best gift from you.”
April 2, 2014
April’s Spring Fling Blog Hop
Hi everyone! Welcome to my blog post for the Spring Fling Blog Hop. Now that it’s officially spring, I hope it’s much more spring like where you are. Here we’re supposedly getting another 5cm/2 inches of snow. Maybe I cursed things buying flower seeds this early lol
For my stop on the blog hop, I’m giving away an ebook copy of my debut paranormal romance IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES which I’m excited to say should be out in print by the end of May. So looking forward to that! To enter the contest, comment below with what you’re most looking forward to about spring and please leave your email in the comment as well.
Here’s the blurb for IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES:
Josh Collins has the perfect life—a beautiful girlfriend and a baby on the way, until an accident takes his life and he’s suddenly forced to fight for everything and everyone he loves.
Alone and pregnant, Avery is suddenly faced with a painful new reality. Life without the man she loves is turbulent. Nothing feels the same any more without him and she finds herself facing the unimaginable.
With his newfound guide Gabriel, Josh is forced to learn what happens IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES.
***
I thought I’d share a quick interview with Gabriel, Josh’s guardian from my first release, IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES. I figured he might have a great perspective of my hero Josh that Josh himself wouldn’t be able to give.
Hi, Gabriel.
Gabriel: Hello. I’m happy to be here to talk about my friend, Josh.
Do you want to tell us how you met him?
Gabriel: I was there when he woke up. He was very confused at first, and instinctively I knew he wasn’t going to take the news well. Finding out your dead can be a hard experience, but for him, even moreso, so suddenly in an accident like that. Leaving behind a girlfriend that he truly loved. They were going to be parents. It tore at my heart, really.
Tell us about Josh, how would you describe him?
Gabriel: Hard headed, stubborn, a rebel, but at the same time, loving, kind and loyal. Although he does have some anger issues at times.
And his girlfriend, Avery?
Gabriel: A perfect match to Josh if there ever was one. Just being around each other, there’s an instant reaction. A calming, a soothing in the other. I’ve never seen anything like it. She could sense him, even when she shouldn’t have been able to. Their connection is so unusual, so strong. Nothing, even death, could break it.
That’s unusual?
Gabriel: Very. He knew what was going on with her even when others, including myself didn’t. I just wish we had listened more to him. But I did eventually. He taught me that. His recklessness tended to rub off on me at times.
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