Alex Shippe's Blog

Bergman unwraps delicious romantic treat with 'Chocolate'

BergmanDripping with vivid description, 'Her Chocolate Fantasy' was a real damn good read. Bergman has a simple – and by that I mean, clear – easy stride in her voice, too difficult to resist; I fell into the story. Bergman spends so much time setting up scenes and intimate encounters, that by the time the character(s) is in the throws I have no other choice but to feel how I feel, horny as phuq. Which brings me to my point: Bergman has an authenticity in her narrative I completely enjoyed. Every day moments, beaming sunlight, a gust of wind, the aroma of a cooked meal, these details paint luscious, vivid images Bergman has wonderfully permitted her lead female to have. Sarah is a delight to read, vulnerable, but not feeble, sexy and smart, not always the go-getter but sensuous. And when she finally meets the man of her daydreams, my only piece of advice: Be prepared. Have an unopened bag of ice handy. Drape it over a fan and crank that blade full blast, because, oh lord, it's one helluva freaking hot ride.
1. Before you tell us about your book, why don’t you share a little bit about yourself.
Well, let me see here. I’m a single parent of a teenager daughter, who like her mom is very artistic but in the way of making movies and making models on the computer, is the love of my life. I was born in Jamaica Queens New York but mainly I was raised down south in Alabama and Georgia where I was raised in a town called Roswell. Right now I reside in Atlanta in Buckhead.

2. Outside of writing, what sort of activities do you enjoy?
Well I like to go for walks when I can, I also love to cook and bake. I use to collect Cobalt Blue glass items of all kinds, since it’s my favorite color. I also use to collect cookbooks so I have a big collection.

3. Do you have a favorite food, snack, and/or beverage?
My favorite food is pizza as far as snack I love pistachios now and beverage is tea, hot or cold.

4. Authors draw from a wide variety of experiences, from their own lives as well as the lives of others. Which is the richest source for you?
I think like most writers, we all put a bit of ourselves in our books because most of the experiences that we put our hero and heroine in, we could only wish for ourselves. I know that my richest source for ideas is myself. I put a bit of myself into most of all my books. I also get some of my ideas from pictures I see or maybe an article I’ve read about or maybe even talking with a friend or fan of mine and then something in my head says, “THAT’S IT….USE IT!”. So I run with the idea and develop the characters and storyline from there.

5. Of the stories you have written so far, which is your favorite and why?
Oh my…..heck that’s like asking what your favorite candy bar is. Hmm…I have to say that my favorite out of all ten of my books has got to be “The Admission”. I wrote this story, which I had based on one of my favorite movies of all time “The Heiress” because it was a story that had to be told. I of course changed it up a bit but I kept the idea of the struggle between the daughter and father, like in the movie, how much the father resented the daughter so much that he would belittle her in every single way possible to break her. Even though throughout her life, she only wanted her father’s acceptance. I think it’s also my favorite because of the cover itself. I usually had like a guy and a girl on my cover but with this one, I only had the heroine on the cover. The main reason for this is because the guy that I had wanted to be on the cover, I couldn’t get him on it because his pictures were with two other companies. I dedicated the book in his memory since he had died because he was a great friend as well as a beautiful soul and he is missed daily by those he had touched.

6. Embarrassing moment. Do you have one? Or better yet, are you sure you want to put it out there?
Oh lord…..well this particular embarrassing moment happened when I was a teenager in high school. I had a breast reduction when I was a teen and the local news was doing a segment about teens that had plastic surgery. My doctor who did my surgery had asked me about being on it and answering some questions. Well when I did, they soon told me that they would be at my school, doing some taping of me while I was doing daily activities. Also they would come to my house as well.

When they came to my school, everyone was shocked including me because that particular day, I was coming from band class (yeah I played clarinet) and I had to pass the office…well standing there was the principal, assistant principal, the secretary along with the coaches for the football and basketball team and my old home economics teacher. They all told me that they didn’t know about me having a reduction and I kinda laughed a bit and said yeah yeah I did. Well the bombshell came when the assistant principal said to me, in her clear Southern accent, “Why Jamallah, had I known that you were getting a reduction, I would have asked you to at least save me something for myself.”

*insert smack on the forehead and groan*…..at least that’s what was going on in my head while everyone else was laughing it up and I laughed it up too and walked away saying “OH MY GOD!”

7. What genres do you write for? Are there any that you haven’t that you would like to explore?
I mainly write Interracial and Multicultural Romance….Contemporary and Erotica. But I do have to say that I would love to write horror.

8. What advice would you give new authors?
My advice is to ask around, talk with some of your favorite authors or just authors in the genre that you want to write in. Don’t give up….no matter how many rejections you get and you feel like life is hopeless and you might be thinking to yourself, “Why am I even doing this?” Don’t give up no matter what.

Also it’s best to get into groups that have writers, whether budding or experienced, and that way you can find out some of the best info about publishers, editors, cover artist, etc.

9. Now that we’ve had a chance to get to know you, tell us about the latest story you have out now?
Her Chocolate Fantasy is my first self-published story. I’ve been writing with my publisher, Secret Cravings Publishing, since 2011. But I’ve always wanted to publish one on my own. So I said that 2014 would be ‘THE YEAR’ that it would happen.

Basically it tells the story of Sarah Alexander, who even though she works as a file clerk, her real passion is to become a chocolatier and own her own shop. Chocolate is her obsession and she loves it along with a man who she has been eyeing for years, executive Max Taylor. Soon these two come together and what happens between them is something that honestly HAWT and EROTIC. All I can say is that Phantom of the Opera much less going to the Opera PERIOD will never be seen the same way again.
________________________BLURB
From Her Chocolate Fantasy:
Hello my name is Sarah Alexander…..and I’m a chocoholic

I’ve been this way for as long as I can remember…..

Chocolate has been my passion since I was young and even as an adult, I dream about this yummy confection.

Well I don’t always dream of chocolate though…..

I do dream about Max Taylor, one of the executives in the office where I work at as a file clerk.

I mean who wouldn’t want to dream about a man who sends my heart racing every time I would look his way.

Soon Max and I get to know one another and we both realize that we have one thing in common with one another besides our love for one another…..

An obsession over chocolate…..

HER CHOCOLATE FANTASY is a story about what happens when you get two chocoholics together…..and all of the hot sweetness that happens in between.
________________________EXCEPT
From Her Chocolate Fantasy:
We continued laughing and talking, but when the waitress brought out our dessert, all laughing ceased, and I simply stared at what she set on our table. The dessert was like nothing I had ever seen. Have you ever had one of those out-of-body experiences? Where your soul just leaves your body and you’re floating overhead, looking at yourself? Well, I didn’t have one of those—this was something that would never be documented…ever.

The dessert filled a huge champagne glass, topped off with whip cream, dark cherries, and chocolate shavings. I could see the different layers of whipped cream and what looked like either chocolate pudding or mousse, along with dark cherries. I couldn’t do anything but stare in shock, my mouth gaping over what I was seeing before me. I looked over at Max, who was obviously trying to suppress his laughter by covering his mouth.

“Please tell me you don’t eat this entire thing by yourself,” I said.

He shook his head, still holding his hand over his mouth, while he looked back and forth between me and the dessert. I honestly didn’t want to eat the damn thing; it was too beaut
iful to disturb. Grabbing my purse, I took my phone out, and like an idiot, I took a picture. No one would have believed me if I told them how gorgeous it was. As I snapped the picture, Max leaned into my view, his head beside the champagne glass, and a goofy look on his face. I started laughing as I put the phone down, and soon we both grabbed our spoons to dig into the decadent confection. I found out that the chef used chocolate mousse rather than pudding, but I honestly didn’t care; every bite I took was like heaven on earth.

As we ate, every once in a while, I would look over at Max, and it seemed he was watching me while we ate. My gaze fell to his lips, and I stared as the spoon entered his mouth. I couldn’t help but watch him, taking in the way the spoon would enter his mouth, only to slowly exit from between his lips and then he’d lick off the remaining cream. His movements were so sensual, I had to cross my legs and squeeze my thighs tightly together. The sensation I experienced while watching him perform such a seemingly innocent act intensified each time he licked his full lips.
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Find HER CHOCOLATE FANTASY on Amazon
Find Textual Encounters on Amazon
Find Textual Encounters on Smashwords
Find Textual Encounters on Kobo

Web Links

Website: http://jamallahbergmansstoriesoflove.weebly.com/

Email: jamallahbergman73@gmail.com

Twitter: @silentbutloud1

Facebook Author Page: http://www.facebook.com/jamallahbergmanauthor

Romance Novel Center Profile: http://www.romancenovelcenter.com/jamallahbergman

Authorgraph: http://www.kindlegraph.com/authors/silentbutloud1

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5805513.Jamallah_Bergman

Parker's Non Friction a comedic, romantic romp from an unlikely hero

You know right off the bat when an author addresses a woman, 'princess' the hero is going to fall, hard, and stand up slowly, aching from emotional pain. Remember that old saying: Nice guys finish last? What this sagely advice really means is recognize a nice guy when you see him, because for some reason a bad boy is more attractive, alluring, and spontaneous, good in bed, and all sorts of presumptions. Parker has hit it out of the park with Non Friction. He flips the tried and true romance tropes over and gives us a funny, true-to-life, romance story about love; the most important part of love, knowing what you really want and then going after it. To do that, you have to make some mistakes. Are they worth the discomfort? If love was easy we'd all be born with a manual. And that's what makes this story great. I cheered for Oliver. I wanted him to find happiness again. I yelled at the screen whenever the guy just couldn't get his act together. A definite must read for anyone who ever thought nice guys finish last.

1. Before you tell us about your book, why don’t you share a little bit about yourself. Thanks, Alex! Well, I’m Morgan Parker but that’s not my real name. I use a fake name for a variety of reasons, namely to avoid taxes and death threats. When I’m not dealing with tax problems or exes (fake and real exes alike), I’m a normal Canadian guy with two wives and a kid. I meant two kids and a wife. The kids are a boy and a girl, and the wife is a lady, which is the diplomatic thing to say, I suppose. And no, I didn’t list them in order of favorite but pretty close because, hey, I’m human and I pick favorites.
2. Outside of writing, what sort of activities do you enjoy? What a great question. I rediscovered how much I enjoy living recently when my wife and I made a spontaneous trip to Chicago to celebrate our 10-year anniversary. I love being active and watching people; I spend a great deal of time at our local hi-tech incubator which shares space with Google, and I love seeing how successful entrepreneurs interact socially just as much as I enjoy witnessing the social change that is happening on Chicago’s “challenged” West end. People are my passion and if I could sit and observe people, that’s what I would do for a living. Instead, I write about them.
3. Do you have a favorite food, snack, and/or beverage? Nothing beats a double-espresso cappuccino from my favorite (but local) coffee house, Balzac’s. One sip is enough to remind me that all of life’s greatest experiences have a taste to them. Heaven, I’m sure, tastes like my Balzac’s cappuccino. Love, for example, tastes like lemon-filled cookies, and relaxation tastes like Hershey chocolate.
4. Authors draw from a wide variety of experiences, from their own lives as well as the lives of others. Which is the richest source for you? My distorted view of my experiences has provided all of my inspiration thus far. Distorted because our memories change with time. What we might remember as a painful and life-ending breakup may someday be remembered as a simple, romantic struggle.
5. Of the stories you have written so far, which is your favorite and why? Textual Encounters has been my favorite because there really wasn’t much writing to it. I literally pieced together a bunch of texts and the story emerged from this dialogue between two people. I felt there was an enduring love story between Jake and Christine, one that was based on character rather than appearances, chemistry or anything else. As well, I think a lot of us have had a “textual encounter” or two and know just how different these textual relationships are, how much they can touch us and how deeply they can cut us.
6. Embarrassing moment. Do you have one? Or better yet, are you sure you want to put it out there? Are we talking about today, yesterday, or any day? I manage to embarrass myself anytime I open my mouth, Alex. I think that’s why I’m typing my answers.
Okay, today I was at Balzac’s and, Leah, the young woman who made my cappuccino, stared me straight in the eyes and swore that she knew me from somewhere. I shrugged, lost, unable to provide her with a reassuring response. She said: “Look at me.” I looked at her, and then she added: “Where do you know me from?”
A smart guy might have humored her and said, “I know you from my dreams,” or “I’m not sure because I would never forget a pretty face like yours,” or something equally sweet. Instead in a writer and being unable to outline my response and later edit it, I spewed the first thing that came to mind, which was: “I’m horrible with faces. Sorry I don’t know you.”
Conversation over, and instead of crafting a heart with the froth of my cappuccino, she just dumped the non-fat milk into the cup and walked away.
That was a little embarrassing, especially since I’m well aware that you never upset your barista. Tomorrow will have to be a cap-free day now. Ugh.
7. What genres do you write for? Are there any that you haven’t that you would like to explore? I’ve seen The Secret and I’m supposed to say that I write “bestseller fiction,” but that’s simply not the case. Because all of my stories incorporate a love story of some form, they’re more likely to be considered Romance with a splash of Humor.
I’d love to write for the Mystery and Suspense genres (Ian Rankin, Colin Harrison, Dennis Lehane are among my favorites) but because no one really takes me seriously, I think I’ll stick to my current genre.
8. What advice would you give new authors? Understand people first, understand Story second, and always pretend you’re experiencing life the same way a 4-year old would. Think about this: you know better than everyone else at 4. You’ll lick that electrical socket at 4 despite your parents telling you not to – you’ll even remove the safety plug to get to that socket. You’ll take stupid risks as you step up onto the roof and throw your ball straight into the sky and think it will make it to the moon, then you’ll say “$v#% you!” to the world as you chase that ball into the middle of the street without looking first. As writers, especially Indie writers, we need to take those same risks that a 4-year old would and ignore what everyone else says if we want to succeed or at least stand out.
9. Now that we’ve had a chance to get to know you, tell us about the latest story you have out now? My first stand-alone novel, Non Friction, follows a man in his 40’s after his wife walks out on him. Faced with loneliness and a mad desire to win his wife back, he decides to write a novella and it generates a ton of interest, particularly from one fan, Emma. Through Emma, our main character evolves as a man and as a writer, creating his greatest work of all and realizing that if he deserves anything, it’s this: better.________________________BLURB
From Non Friction:
Holding her always felt perfect, but at that moment it felt like pure fucking heaven. She fit in my arms, she fit against my chest, she fit into my soul. When she breathed, I breathed (okay, neither of us had stopped breathing, but I swear if she had stopped, at that moment, I would have died right along with her).

“Emma,” I said, using my chin to nudge her head and force her eyes toward mine. I didn’t want to use my hands to nudge her because that would mean releasing her, and I refused to do that, refused to let go. “Look at me.”

At last, she tilted her head and our eyes locked. The mood was better now than it had been when we kissed that very first time at my house. Way better.

Except the elevator stopped and the doors opened. We needed to step off onto the fifth floor.

“Let’s talk,” I said. “Just talk. Nothing more.”

I took her hand, laced my fingers in hers, and led the way to my room. She didn’t resist, object or put up any kind of fuss.

And just like that, the perfection of Emma made everything else in my world irrelevant. Which was pretty messed up because I had literally been minutes away from a massive fuckfest with Dawn. But here, walking through the hall to my room, then slipping into my room with Emma’s hand in mine, I would have traded anything and everything in this world for a night of innocent cuddling. Just holding Emma in my arms, savoring the lemon-cream essence of her, listening to her voice, feeling her (fully clothed) body against mine… all of that meant more than a dozen lifetimes ever could.
________________________

Find Textual Encounters on Amazon
Find Textual Encounters 2 on Amazon
Keep up with Morgan Parker's author page on Facebook

The Sassy Wordwench killed in car accident, friends to hold auction to help her son

*  *  *  Update  *  *  *
The Colourful Word Wench has launched the donation drive and auction. < Follow this link, and there, read the navigation instructions before bidding on a particular item. CWW has done a great job keeping the page as clutter-free as possible so people like you have a fun time looking around at all the amazing donations that have poured in since the donation launched, Monday, March 10, 2014, and runs through March 24, 2014, so check back often. New items are arriving, and new bids are posting. Thank you.


*   *  *
Carson K. Carlisle had a smile that could light up the room. Her positive outlook and sweet, fun-loving personality seemed never-ending. She loved her son, family, friends, and those book wenches she spent so much of her spare time with, reading and sharing her favorite book boyfriends.

Carson, known to readers and bloggers and authors in the indie-publishing community as The Sassy Wordwench, died this weekend in a car accident.

Following the news of her death on her Facebook wall, family and friends began to share their memories of her. The outpouring of love that continues to appear is evidence of the kind of person that she was, adventurous, spirited, conscientious, and caring.

Friends, authors, bloggers, editors, Carson's legacy lives on in her son. Her close friend, The Colourful Wordwench who co-operated the FB page Word Wenches Guilty Pleasure is coordinating an auction, the proceeds from which will help defray the cost of Carson's funeral expenses and provide support to her son.

In this time of need, please consider making a donation. Word Wenches will be hosting an auction for items donated. Please message her directly for details.

Thank you,

Alex

Taylor's cover reveal a romantic introduction to a sensuous tale in 'Falling'

One of the best aspects about social media is meeting interesting people. It doesn't take much time to realize how many people put their heart and soul into their projects, especially authors, and there are so many it's hard to keep track of them all. But when you meet one and conversation just flows you get a sense for the person and well, if you know me, I like helping nice people.

My part is over. Your part is just about to begin. Today is cover reveal day for Danielle Taylor's book, Falling For You, which is already racing around the Internet and gaining a huge fan base. It's such a privilege to meet such a gifted a talented author. With all that said and done, let's have a look at that cover, huh?


I think she hit one out of the park. What do you think? Leave a comment. And thanks again for stopping by. 
BLURB
Julia Burns can’t remember a day in her life when she didn’t have to work. So the ad in the paper sounds perfect to her – even if she does have to marry a complete stranger.

Nicholas Steele isn’t used to being around people since the accident that left him disfigured. Having a permanent house guest isn’t his idea of fun, however, the press would have a field day if they found he and his new wife weren’t residing together.

On paper, their ‘fake’ marriage fits both their needs, giving Nicholas a wife and Julia the security she's always dreamed of having. In reality, every moment Nicholas and Julia spend together brings them closer to falling for each other.


_____________About the Author
 
Danielle Taylor is the author of the  Captive Hearts Series  and the WattPad sensation  Falling for You , which broke 100,000 reads in less than a week.
 
You can find Danielle on:
Facebook
Twitter
Blog
Stay connected with other readers on GR: http://www.goodreads.com/Danielle_Taylor

Johnson's cover real a dramatic introduction to the eye of the storm in 'Always You'

I stumbled across this author recently and I have to admit, the cover for Always You has me hooked. There's something about this that is really resonating with me. For whatever reason, whether it's the high contrast of open sky with the snowy field, the two characters enjoying a tender moment, the storm that's brewing in the background. This story, if the cover, is doing it any justice, is telling me these two are in for a conflict. Why are they out in the field? In the snow? And that boarding school? Yikes. It's like I'm about to watch Mona Lisa Smile without Adam's Ribs.

I don't usually judge a book by its cover, unless I am familiar with the cover artist's work and there are a few artists who I can spot with my eyes squinted. This cover, yeah . . . interesting. I can already hear the frustration in Wrenn's voice, so hopefully whoever this guy is will be able to help her keep her wits about her in this elitist town.

I suspect, as probably many of you have, he's got baggage too. You can't live in an elitist town without its dogma spreading into every facet of daily life. Elitist? Let me back up a bit. Not elitist. An alpha lab.

I think I've found something to read when this book comes out. I'm not a fan of boarding school stories, because most of them play up abuse or secret societies or self-loathing, but this one has promise. Where, you ask?

Here's what did it for me. On the back cover . . . That second to last paragraph. Yup. That one. Let me lift it out for you:

My name is Wrenn, and I'm only here because my aunt took me in after what happened, but my aunt also happens to be the headmistress of this academy … Can you see my problem?

Yup. That's the moment. I am interested.

But this is a cover reveal, so have a look. What do you think? Has Missy Johnson nailed it?






I think she hit one out of the park. What do you think? Leave a comment. And thanks again for stopping by. 


Follow Missy's updates on GR: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18403696-always-you

Stop by her Facebook page and leave a message: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Missy-Johnson/618217221528253

Wolf's release promises a hot, snowy treat

Cover reveals have so much excitement whirling around them. From all the last minute details with the cover designer—and sometimes cover artist—to the final spell check to make sure all the words are spelled correctly, to the thrill of of seeing all the pieces come together at long last, the cover reveal is like a baby shower. Friends from all over show up to celebrate this momentous occasion and give one final fond wish before the book comes out into the world.
Cover reveals are some of my favorite times. There's no worrying about sales rankings, marketing strategies, blog hops or tours, the cover reveal is a joyous time. It's pure artistry.
Over the last few months I have met some pretty incredible people, authors, readers, and reviewers alike who have become part of my social circles. We sometimes hang out on FB for hours, sometimes it's a quick comment, but we stay connected.
It's always great to hear back from authors and get updates from them on their successes. I had the pleasure of interviewing S.r. Howen and reading her book, The Chief of All Time, a couple months back, and since then she's been working on another title, this one under her pen name, Shaunna Wolf.
I am thrilled to invite you to celebrate with her and the cover reveal of her erotic romance/mystery, Life Flight. She kindly sent a synopsis my way to give everyone a tease of this sexy winter tale. Fair warning, this is a mature novel and is intended for readers 18+ due to sexual content and adult language. Life Flight has a December 2013 release, from Freya's Bower.
~ ~ ~
SYNOPSISMalachi Blackfeather has spent twenty years in the Army. Two of those years as a Vietnam POW. Now that he's out, all he wants is some peace and quiet to figure out what to do with the rest of his life. Between the flashbacks, and an over interest in sex that is now being called sex addiction, finding his path isn't easy.

Kat is trying to escape an abusive marriage. Her soon to be ex is a master at manipulating the system, and her family thinks she should stay with him, "because no other man will want her". She's looking for escape in any form she can get it.
When they meet, sparks fly. Trapped by a blizzard, can two damaged people, who think there is no chance of love in the world for them, find each other, and survive an unforeseen circumstance that puts both of them in danger?
Mystery, romance, and danger, fill this novel, with a story that will draw you in and not let go.
~ ~ ~
Sexy, isn't it? Two people with nowhere else to turn but to each other. Who can't feel the heat rising? So, without further adieu, why don't we have a look at that cover, huh?




So, what do you think? Sexy, huh? Warm colors. A racing helicopter. Stencil font. You get the drift. Will Malachi's Army training be the safety net they need to get through the blizzard or will they share the same snowy fate?

I'm getting the chills just thinking about it.
Stop by the novel's Goodreads page and stay connected with Life Flight, and other titles from S.r. Howen and Shaunna Wolf.
And, of course, thank you once again for taking the time out of your busy day for stopping by. It's people like you who help authors like Shaunna meet new and wonderful people to share her smexy stories with . . . hot and snowing.

Breeze's latest cover reveal a smoky tease

Hey all you sexy peeps out there . . .

The Breeze House must be beaming with anticipation and excitement knowing that today is Cover Reveal, the day Chasity Breeze's latest Firehouse Diaries book, Blinding Obsession, peeks out from behind her desk and gives everyone a wink while the rest of her is getting dressed and put together for her official walk out onto the Red Carpet of Self-publishers.

I haven't read the book yet, but if it's as hot as the last one, well, you know, I may have to leap into the nearest pile of snow just to cool off.

Chasity, as many of you know, is a great friend to new authors. She's helped so many of us navigate our way through the e-pub world, giving us a little protection along the way with her insight and helpful, courteous advice. But she hasn't done this alone.

I'm a married man. I have a beautiful wife. I know the signs when I see them. Chasity has her man, right along side her. His name is Brock, and if you know the two love birds, you know that their love is real. Never met the guy, but a good indication that he's doing right is in the attitude of his woman. You can feel Chasity's zest for life, because she's sharing it with the man who loves her the most.

And now that love seems to have found its way one more time into the latest cover of the Firehouse Diaries. Brock is her resident graphic artist. He designs her covers and an assortment of other marketing goodies we'll be seeing for Blinding Obsession.

So, without further adieu, let's have a look at the cover for the latest installment of Chasity Breeze's Firehouse Diaries, Blinding Obsession:



What do you think? Leave her a comment. Send her some cheer. Send Brock a high-five. That tag team is on fire! And, of course, thank you very much for taking the time out of your day for stopping by. It's people like you who help authors like Chasity meet new and wonderful people to share her smexy stories with . . . Firehouse included.

If you get a chance, stop by her Facebook page.

Parks plucks touching, lovely melody with 'Strangers'

It's a delight to read a story with haunting agony that yearns for release with just the right blend of love, humor, and second chances. Park's release, Strangers, hits the notes in all the right places. A little bit of sorrow. A little bit of hope. And a lot of human connection to round out this contemporary story. Life will never be the same for Abby. After suffering heartbreak (and in her wedding dress!) she can't pick her self up to move on, until the day she meets the stranger. He's all that she's been looking for since that fateful day, but can she allow herself to finally have these new yet familiar feelings of love and bury the man her soul wanted to marry? Strangers is a beautiful tale about learning to love again, a journey of the heart bruised by agony and troubled by longing. It's a tearjerker, just so you know, but worth the moments you find yourself nudging Abby on and into the arms of a perfect stranger. 
1. Before you tell us about your book, why don’t you share a little bit about yourself.I am starting on my second career. I started out writing, graduated with an English degree, then decided on law school. The writing bug snuck up after many years sometime last year, and I have been unable to do anything but write. So, I am letting the law books gather dust, and writing about these amazing characters that keep popping into my psyche.
I live with my husband, kids, and spoiled dog outside of Washington DC; but I have lived all over the U.S., most recently in San Diego. I am very lucky to have an understanding and supportive husband that not only doesn’t gripe at me when I sit in front of a computer typing away about fictional characters and their lives all day long, but he also reads all my stuff and gives great feedback in a genre that he would not read if I didn’t write it. Lucky girl, right here!
2. Outside of writing, what sort of activities do you enjoy? I don’t understand the question. There are other things to do outside of writing?
Kidding…
Well, like all writers, I spend a good deal of time reading. Since it is football season, I am either attending college football games, or watching them on TV. We do not have family close by, but we have great friends that we go out with, have bbq’s…the usual. We live on a wooded lot, so we have lots of nature trails that we walk on with the dog. Play soccer with my daughter…outdoorsy stuff.
3. Do you have a favorite food, snack, and/or beverage?COFFEE!!  I have a coffee bar that consists of a regular coffee maker, coffee maker with built in grinder, and a Keurig. I am lobbying for a Keurig in my office, and the bedroom…it is pathetic.
I love Mexican food, seafood; pretty sure I could live on guacamole and chips. I am also patiently waiting for it to get cold enough to justify making a huge pot of chili.
Oh, and wine…for there must be wine.
4. Authors draw from a wide variety of experiences, from their own lives as well as the lives of others. Which is the richest source for you?I have been so lucky to have travelled and lived in so many parts of the U.S. and abroad. Those experiences have been a wonderful resource in my writing. Just about every place I write about, I have been.
I also have a family rich in dysfunction. And I draw on the experiences and emotions in my writing. I have yet to use any specific instances in my writing, though. Some things are just too real to write about yet.
5. Of the stories you have written so far, which is your favorite and why?I am writing a legal suspense trilogy, and am just about ready to send out queries. It is a huge MS, and I have spent the better part of the last year writing it. I know those characters better than I know some members of my family. It has been amazing learning how to let them take hold of their story, and feed it to me. I just love the characters, and their story.That said, my debut, Strangers, is very near and dear to my heart because it is my first published novel. 
6. Embarrassing moment. Do you have one? Or better yet, are you sure you want to put it out there?I typically have one per day! I think I am old enough now that I can just let them go a little easier. I guess the time I had too much to drink at a party, in my younger less inhibited days (no not last week!), and I dirty danced very badly…it was awful…with a guy that I did not remember the next day. Unfortunately, he did remember and felt our dancing escapades had deep meaning.
He was not my type, at all…but it did not stop my friends from harassing me about it for, well, forever. It starts off with, “Remember that guy you danced with…”
Still haunts me…
7. What genres do you write for? Are there any that you haven’t that you would like to explore?I write mostly contemporary romance or romantic suspense. I am trying straight suspense with some romantic elements, also.
8. What advice would you give new authors?Write, write, write…then write some more. When you are not writing – read! Do not let yourself get bogged down in the business of publishing as much, especially early. If you cannot produce something worthy of publishing, that people want to read, then no amount of understanding the publishing side of the business is going to matter. Put the majority of time and effort into your craft. And never stop learning and improving.
9. Now that we’ve had a chance to get to know you, tell us about the latest story you have out now? Strangers. I am so excited about where this book ended up taking me. It is so different from where it began. It started as a prompt in a challenge. It was 300 words; then a 3,000 word short story. I decided to make it into a full-length novel, and it grew to 50,000 words, before adding about 28,000 words prior to publishing it.
It is a romance through and through. It is available through Amazon on Kindle, or paperback. I also have signed paperbacks that can be purchased by emailing me (almparks2012@gmail.com).________________________BLURB
From Strangers:

Bereaved bride Abby Clark is tortured by visions of the fatal crash that took her fiancé on their wedding day. She succumbs to a dark existence where loneliness, sadness and nightmares dwell; until handsome, brooding Bryce Holden walks through the door of her favorite coffee shop, wearing the same cloak of despair and grief. Abby discovers in Bryce someone who understands love and loss, and soon their close friendship grows into a deep love. But ghosts make strange bedfellows, and Abby is forced to battle the tormenting images that continue to haunt her, and confront the ethereal presence of a beloved wife to protect her future with Bryce.

________________________EXCERPT
From Strangers:The city streets were bustling and alive with people moving quickly, gliding around each other with ease and grace, as if in an orchestrated ballet. The soft, swaying tones of Adele crooning about a love lost seemed at odds with the fast-paced dance that was occurring outside the window of the small café where Abby sat drinking her cappuccino, in no hurry to go anywhere or do anything. It was Valentine's Day, but the day meant nothing to her. Well, that was not altogether true – it meant nothing good to her. It meant reliving the worst day of her life.It should have been a day overflowing with reminders of vows, pledges of love, and exchanges of rings. Instead, it was a jumbled mass of incoherent visions of wreckage, and blood, and goodbyes that came too soon. She recalled standing with her father in the Bride's room, knowing the church was filled with friends and family. She was ready to go, the time had come, but the wedding planner had not opened the door to usher them out. So she stood, holding her father's hand, trying to envision Trevor standing at the altar waiting for her.The door creaked open slowly. The wedding planner poked her head around, and motioned towards her. Abby let out her breath and started to leave the room. Her father was asked to come out into the hall for a moment, leaving Abby standing alone, in her white dress, with her bouquet of white roses, and her red satin garter discreetly hidden away.Her father returned; a grim look on his face. Even now, Abby struggled to recall exactly the words he spoke to her; only able to remember the rush of emotions they evoked that propelled her out the door, down the steps of the church to the white Rolls Royce limousine that made its way hastily to the emergency room. She went to him, over the vehement objections of the doctors and nurses. She grasped his hand covered in his blood, looked into his beautiful blue eyes, and demanded that he keep his promise to love her forever, to marry her and spend their lives together. Trevor returned her gaze, looked past her eyes, deep into her heart and settled into her soul. His hand grazed her cheek, a sweet simple smile on his face. He told her she would be okay. He whispered that he loved her. And then closed his eyes forever.
________________________Find STRANGERS on AmazonKeep up with A.L. Parks on Facebook:

www.facebook.com/ALParksAuthor
And on Twitter:

Twitter: @almparks2012

Read what others have to say about her stories on Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18335489-strangers


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Her next novel, THE RETURN, has an anticipated release, December 6.
Here's a synopsis: Eve Carlisle had a singular purpose - sell the rustic house nestled in the Colorado ski resort town. Tortured by her husband’s betrayal, the beautiful divorcee refused to give her heart to another man. But Jake had been a happy surprise, with his mesmerizing blue eyes, warm smile, strong but gentle nature – as well as being incredibly sexy. She had convinced herself the relationship with Jake was nothing more than a fling. After all, she had a life in Newport, with society friends and a lucrative career as a family court judge. Still, Jake had a definitive hold over her, and she was finding it hard to think clearly where he was concerned. The demons of prior failed marriages haunt them both, and threaten to end things just as they are beginning. When Jake tells Eve he is falling in love with her, Eve refuses to believe it can last. Returning to Newport, the hollowness of her existence exposed, she must confront her fears before she loses Jake forever.

Matthews' deliciously crafted bondage story no shady deal

Paige MatthewsChains, crosses, leather, these tools are not a means to an end, they are the sparks that give that end meaning. A fantasy explored, a safe word to set the limits, and more, await readers in this sexy members' only romp. Matthews' subtle attention to details and emotionally raw characters drive the second installment in her Devoured series. That place, that dungeon, it's more than a program for helping others find release through submission. Should I tell you? If I have to then you don't understand bondage. I'm no regular, but this story got me thinking and tingling in all the right places. If this is your first step into Devoured be fair warned, her turn of phrases leave you craving for more while always giving you a way out. Will you take it though? Consume Me was an electric, satisfying story; and since I like to be taken out of my comfort zones, this did the job.
1. Before you tell us about your book, why don’t you share a little bit about yourself.I usually hate talking about myself, LOL. I live in Connecticut and currently write during any free time that I may or may not be granted. I am a mother of two very active children (3 and almost 5). I started writing during high school and continued my love of novels and writing through college and eventually my graduate studies.
2. Outside of writing, what sort of activities do you enjoy?I enjoy reading and hanging out with my family. I am an avid hockey fan and love watching games. During the summer I enjoy traveling and visiting new places.
3. Do you have a favorite food, snack, and/or beverage?Favorite food is chips and salsa. Sounds crazy but nothing beats a good spicy salsa and salty tortilla chips. Yummy!
4. Authors draw from a wide variety of experiences, from their own lives as well as the lives of others. Which is the richest source for you?I think I draw heavily upon experiences of those around me and myself. I take my need for knowledge and turn it into stories. My stories focus on the emotional aspects of relationships as I try and dive into the character’s minds. I want the readers to have a full understanding of the characters' thought process, emotions, fears. Actions might not seem to fit the template of character action, but since when do we methodically plan out every reaction or thing we do in our real lives.
5. Of the stories you have written so far, which is your favorite and why?I think Consume Me is my favorite. I feel more connected to the characters and the plot line. Marcus is divine. J My current WIP is pretty fun as well.
6. Embarrassing moment. Do you have one? Or better yet, are you sure you want to put it out there?I almost fell flat on my face in front of a row of Publishers at the Book Expo America in NY. I tripped over a wire carrying an armload of books… I think I ran to the bathroom and hid for a few minutes!
7. What genres do you write for? Are there any that you haven’t that you would like to explore?I primarily write erotic romances themed with BDSM elements. I am currently working on a couple of contemporary romances. I might give paranormal a shot, even though I feel comfortable within the genres that I write.
8. What advice would you give new authors?You have to read and write. You are not going to grasp the language or how a book flows without devouring numerous amounts of them; both in and out of your genre. Write…you have to write. The only way to be a better writer is to write. You have to take the first step and do it. After that make sure you have an awesome team behind you of cover artists, editors and beta readers.
9. Now that we’ve had a chance to get to know you, tell us about the latest story you have out now?Ahh…Consume Me. It is the second novel in my Devoured Club Series. The series revolves around three male Dominants that own a club together in Boston. Consume Me is Marcus and Emma’s story, told from alternating first person POV, yes I did first person. We see them struggle with their desires and their emotions. When Emma’s past comes to harm her, Marcus must admit his feelings or lose her. We have some killer sex scenes and a wonderful story of desire, need and love.________________________BLURB
From Consume Me:

Emma O'Connor's interest in bondage and submission has led her to the training program at Devoured. With past sexual experiences less than par, Emma wants nothing more than to submit to a Master. With her need for pleasure and her desire to please , Emma finds herself exploring the desires that have remained subdued; although unsure if she could make a good submissive.

Marcus, the Dom in charge of the training program at Devoured, is more than interested in the feisty submissive. When Emma walks in for her interview, Marcus knows he's met his match. Consumed by nothing but thoughts of her, Marcus begins to doubt his ability to stay in control and his previous stance on collaring a submissive. Marcus finds himself unsure of his feelings for Emma, and his responsibility to the other trainees.

When a threat surfaces against Emma and her past comes back to haunt her, Marcus must admit his feelings for her in order to protect her, or risk losing her forever.

Join Marcus, Emma, and the rest of the Devoured Club Doms and Subs in the second installment of the Devoured Club Series.



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Cover Reveal: A Witch's Curse

A Witch's Curse, the next title from M.L. Stephens is due to hit the e-shelves October 13. Right in time for Halloween! Here's something I want to sink my paranormal teeth into. Wait. That might not be such a good thing. Vengeance. Black Magic. Smexy Love. This book promises to have it all.
A Witch's Curse out Oct. 13, 2013 Let's go show this author some love! She has some incredible titles out there in different genres, too, to keep your appetite wet for a few weeks. So, follow the Goodreads link below and browse other titles she's published.

Oh, and don't forget to come back and tell us what you think about A Witch's Curse.
And one more thing, don't drink the cauldron water. I hear it's got a Hekate of a kick.________________________
SYNOPSISFrom A Witch's Curse:
Hecate didn't dabble in dark magic. Watching her lover die at the end of another man's sword changed that. In a single act of vengeance, she turned her lover's killer into a werewolf and cursed him for eternity. It was A Witch's Curse to rival all others and it was her last act as a goddess.
Drago despised being a werewolf. He spent thousands of years searching for an antidote, only to discover that the witch who cursed him, also had to cure him. Unfortunately, that witch died lifetimes ago. Undeterred, he continued to search. Two years ago he found Hecate's remains lying in a crypt hidden deep within the Louisiana Bayou. Today, he watched a coven of witches bring her back to life.

He killed her lover. She damned him for all time. Can two souls who are destined to be eternal enemies, learn to forgive enough to live again?

Getting to know M. L. Stephens…

I'm always clicking away at the keyboard, but when I'm not, my family, two dogs, and a very peculiar cat keep me on my toes! There's never a boring moment at my desk!
Besides my obvious love for coffee and all things caffeinated, I love to travel. The occasional tourist stop is fun, but I'm a back road kind of gal. Take me off the beaten path. I want to meet the ordinary people behind the culture.
My crazy family includes a husband, four kids, two grandbabies, two dogs, and a cat. That's right! Life is totally insane! Now you understand why I write!
Speaking of writing, I've been spinning stories around the campfire, since I can remember. Poetry was second nature, and as a teen and young adult, short stories were constantly being penned. I'm an avid reader, who loves almost all genres. Let's face it! A good read is a good read, regardless of whether it takes place in the future, the past, or with ghosts.
Stay connected with M.L. Stephens http://www.mlstephenswrites.blogspot.com/
Read what readers have been saying about her other titles on GR http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6526584.M_L_Stephens