Margo Bond Collins's Blog, page 152
December 9, 2013
Spotlight: Across the Threshold
Take my hand and come across the threshold where nothing is as it should be, yet everything is an adventure!
This collection of stories comes from a group of authors who have aptly named themselves “The Twisted Willow Wordsmyths”. Their imagination will take you to places you never knew existed. From the power of a human tree to the fanciful Three Little Pigs, the trials of a stubborn little faerie to the rhythm of ancient drums, the curse of an old ship to the possibility of stars making wishes. There are no dull pages, no putting the book down, but hours of wonderful moments with the characters that come alive in these pages.
We all hope you love this book and look forward to many more!
Where to buy:
Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Across-Threshold-Daisha-Marie-Korth-ebook/dp/B00GO36KCE/
Author Contact Info:
Daisha Marie Korth:
https://www.facebook.com/DaishaKorthBooks
https://twitter.com/DKorthBooks
Jeriann Watkins:
http://dairyairhead.wordpress.com
https://www.facebook.com/jeriann.w?fref=ts&__rev=1024226
Cheryl Alleway:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cheryl-Alleway/577741425577199
Kristen Lynch:
https://www.facebook.com/kristen.lynch.52?fref=ts&__rev=1024226
Arthur Browne:
http://pouringmyartout.wordpress.com
https://www.facebook.com/arthur.browne.7?fref=ts&__rev=1024226
Frank McGovern:
https://www.facebook.com/fmcgovern3?fref=ts&__rev=1024226
December 8, 2013
Waking Up Dead Blog Tour Kickoff with Fabulosity Reads!
Welcome to Day One of the Waking Up Dead Blog Tour with Fabulosity Reads Tours!
You can find the tour information on the Fabulosity site here.
The tour includes a giveaway of a signed copy of Waking Up Dead. Be sure to visit the tour blogs to enter to win!
Here’s the tour schedule:
09TH
Sue Ward: http://sueandherbooks.blogspot.co.uk/
Wanda Hartzenberg: http://tattlet.blogspot.com/
Miria Vanessa: http://www.lifebetweenfiction.com
Morgan K Wyatt: http://writerwonderland.weebly.com/
10TH
D.E. Haggerty: http://www.dehaggerty.com/readsalot
Thomas Rydder: http://thomasrydder.wordpress.com/
Seun Odukoya: http://www.seunodukoya.wordpress.com/
11TH
J.L. Campbell: http://www.joylcampbell.com
Annette Gisby: http://agisby.blogspot.co.uk/
Fiona Hunt: http://nuttyreads.blogspot.co.uk/
Kate Campbell: http://bookscraftsprettythings.blogspot.com.au/
12TH
Carlyle Labuschagne: http://www.carlylelabuschagne.com/personal-blog.html
Lisa Salvary: http://prmktgsales.wordpress.com/
Lillian MacKenzie Rhine: http://www.lillianmackenzierhine.com
Eileen Dandashi: http://eileendandashi.wordpress.com
13TH
Fenny: http://hotchpotching.wordpress.com
Philomena Callan: https://www.facebook.com/groups/301139446688226/
Jennifer Jinright: http://www.jjinright.com
Lisa Day: http://lisaday.weebly.com/whats-this-blog.html
Mary Kincaid: http://marytkincaidauthor.com
14TH
Massimo Marino: http://massimomarinoauthor.com
Patricia Green: http://roomwithbooks.com
Giselle Marks: http://gisellemarksauthor.wordpress.com/
December 7, 2013
Top 10 Things That Make My Life As A Writer Easier, by Colleen Collins
Today we welcome Colleen Collins (no relation!), author of Sleepless in Las Vegas, with her Top Ten list!
Top 10 Things That Make My Life As A Writer Easier
1. My husband (he could be 1-10 for everything he does to support my life as a writer!)
2. My listserv of fellow writers I’ve been with for 16 years (we started out writing romantic comedies and have branched out into mystery, nonfiction & all flavors of romance…we’re also great friends after all these years)
3. My cats (the 3 of them are with me every day I write)
4. My dogs (2 Rottweilers, named Jack Nicholson and Aretha Franklin, who make me laugh and think…they sometimes become characters in my stories, too)
5. Computer (love my Mac!)
6. iPad (reading books is an important part of being a writer, and I mostly read ebooks on my iPad these days)
7. 52 Novels. When I self-publish a book, I use 52 Novels to format the book – they definitely make my life as a writer easier.
8. Harlequin editors. I’ve been lucky to have some great editors at Harlequin who help me shape stories and characters.
9. My sister Barbara Graham. For each of my last two deadlines she’s sent me a gift that I keep on my dresser as an incentive to write my way to The End…because after that, I get to open the gift 
10. Martini. Nothing like a chilled dirty martini to end a good writing day!
______________________
Sleepless in Las Vegas Spotlight and Giveaway
This investigation is getting very personal…
P.I.-in-training Valerie LeRoy is dying to get into the field. So when a client asks her to spy on someone, the thrill of her own case is too tempting to refuse. Instead of a cheating fiance, however, Val’s actually checking out P.I. Drake Morgan! Worse, she ends up working with the guy!
Their differing opinions on techniques, and the instant attraction, make the sparks fly. It’s almost impossible to focus on their arson investigation. As the hunt for the truth intensifies and their passion rivals the triple-digit temperature, she and Drake learn why Las Vegas is the city that never sleeps…
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18050861-sleepless-in-las-vegas?from_search=true
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sleepless-Las-Vegas-Harlequin-Superromance/dp/0373718934/
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sleepless-in-las-vegas-colleen-collins/1115566121?ean=9780373718931
______________________
About the Author
Colleen Collins is an award-winning author who’s written several dozen novels for Harlequin and Dorchester, including an indie-published mystery, The Zen Man and three nonfiction books, Secrets of a Real-Life Female Private Eye, How Do Private Eyes Do That? and How to Write a Dick: A Guide for Writing Fictional Sleuths from a Couple of Real-Life Sleuths (the latter co-authored with Shaun Kaufman).
Her books have placed first in the Colorado Gold, Romancing the Rockies, and Top of the Peak contests, and placed in the finals for the Holt Medallion, Best Indie Books 2012, Coeur de Bois Readers Choice, Award of Excellence, More than Magic, and Romance Writers of America RITA contests.
After graduating from the University of California Santa Barbara, Colleen worked as a film production assistant, improv comic, telecommunications manager at the RAND Corporation, technical writer/editor, speech writer, and private investigator. All these experiences play into her writing.
She’s a member of the Mystery Writers of America (MWA), Private Eye Writers of America (PWA), the Sisters in Crime.
When not sleuthing or writing, Colleen likes to spend time with her husband and their two Rottweilers and three cats
Visit Colleen online at:
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/104928.Colleen_Collins
Website: http://colleencollinsbooks.com/
______________________
Rafflecopter Giveaway:
______________________
Kindle Fire Giveaway!
Win a Kindle Fire HDX, Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash ($229 value)
This is a joint AUTHOR & BLOGGER GIVEAWAY EVENT!
Bloggers & Authors have joined together and each chipped in a little money towards a Kindle Fire HDX 7″.
All New Kindle Fire HDX 7″ Giveaway
The winner will have the option of receiving a 7″ Kindle Fire HDX (US Only – $229 Value)
Or $229 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)
Or $229 in Paypal Cash (International)
December Kindle Fire Giveaway #2 Sponsors
I Am A Reader, Not A Writer
Feed Your Reader
Darker Passions
Author Talia Jager
The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl
Kelly P’s Blog
Kelly’s Lucky You
LeahSay’s Views
Author Bella Street
Author Bonnie Blythe
Feed Your Fiction Addiction
Blogging the Beloved
Fae Books
Author Kelli Beck
Barb’s Wire – eBooks & More
MumbleBee Inc.
MyLadyWeb: Women’s History and Women Authors
I Know That Book!
NESSAROX
The Reporter and the Girl
My Story That I Like Best
Jessica Loves Book
Author Jennie Sherwin
Candace’s Book Blog
Attack of the Books!
Author Elizabeth Seckman
Author Rosanne Rivers
Author Carole Lanham
Author Jennifer L. Weil
The Real Bookshelves of Room 918
Author David Pandolfe
Author Georgina Young-Ellis
Author C.J. Burright
Author Derek Rempfer
Book Crushin
Laloba Press
Author Louise Caiola
Author Becky Monson
Write Story Editing
Bookworm Lisa
Author John D. Mimms
Author Heidi Garrett
Stanley and Katrina Pet Authors
Author Carol Davis Luce
Author A. Wrighton
The Late Bloomer’s Book Blog
Immortal Ink Publishing
Circus of Lost Souls
Author Inger Iversen
Author Tracy Jorgensen
Author Christy Hayes
Author Lisa C. Temple
Sign up to sponsor the next Kindle Fire Giveaway:
http://www.iamareader.com/category/kindle-giveaway-sign-ups
Giveaway Details
1 winner will receive their choice of an all new Kindle Fire 7″ HDX (US Only – $229 value), $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash (International).
There is a second separate giveaway for bloggers who post this giveaway on their blog. See details in the rafflecopter on how to enter to win the 2nd Kindle Fire HDX 7″.
Ends 1/1/14
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
December 6, 2013
Interview for A Secret Fate by Susan Griscom
Interview for A Secret Fate by Susan Griscom
Welcome today to Susan Griscom, who has stopped by to talk about her new book A Secret Fate–be sure to check out the giveaway after the interview!
1. What do you write about? Tell us a little about your previously published works.
I write fiction. My stories vary in genre depending on what strikes my fancy at the time. My first novel, Whisper Cape, is paranormal romance/suspense. It started out as a stand-alone book, but evolved into a trilogy after readers begged for more about Cael and Addison.
I also have a young adult novel, Allusive Aftershock about a three young teens coping with surviving a major megathrust earthquake that takes place close to where I live—the Sierra Foothills in California. It is a disaster story with a heavy dose of romance.
2. How do you handle bad reviews?
Luckily, I haven’t had many of those. I have had one or two, but I tend to ignore them as much as possible.
3. Tell us a little about your work in progress.
I am working on a New Adult novel called The Fawn. It’s about the struggles of a young woman who marries too young against all her friend’s warnings only to come to realize she’d made the biggest mistake of her life. It is a thriller that follows her journey through escaping the toxic relationship she is in and learning to not only trust, but love again.
4. Who are a few authors you look up to?
I admire Nora Roberts the most. I would have to say she is my biggest inspiration. Though, I am acquiring new ones all the time: Veronica Roth, Cassandra Clare, J.R. Ward just to name a few.
5. What book are you reading now?
I am reading Insurgent by Veronica Roth and Hell’s Gift by K.S. Haigwood. I highly recommend both.
6. What inspired you to write your first book?
After reading Nora Robert’s Circle Trilogy and gave it a try just to see what would happen. To my surprise I wrote a 76,000 words novel in three months. That novel was Whisper Cape, which is now 102,000 words and has been edited about ten times since.
7. What do you find particularly challenging about writing?
Sitting down and actually writing. Finding time to write between marketing the books that I already have out and just taking care of normal everyday events is a constant challenge.
8. Have you ever used characteristics from someone you know in one of your books?
All the time. In Whisper Cape is used Gerard Butler as my muse for Gerry. I didn’t really have a muse for Cael at the time I first wrote him so he is very much just a figment of my imagination. These days, the only person I can find who could ever hold a candle to Cael Sheridan would have to be Henry Cavill.
9. What inspires you to write?
I love it. I love making up my own stories. I always have ever since I was a kid. I’d lie awake at night, dreaming of my knight in shining armor, and how he might rescue me some day.
10. Where can readers find you and your work?
Oh, thanks for asking. I can be found at all these places:
Blog | Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page
And my books can be found here:
Thank you so much for the opportunity to be featured on your blog today and for this wonderful interview.
_____________________
Giveaway
_____________________
Title: A Secret Fate
Author: Susan Griscom
Series: A Whisper Cape Novel (#3)
Genre: Paranormal Romance (Adult)
Publisher: Amber Glow Books
Release Date: Oct 31 2013
Edition/Formats Available In: eBook & Print
“Well, fate was cruel, wasn’t it?”
Cael and Addison’s fate has taken an unexpected turn.
Gerry, Addie and Cael almost captured Careen’s murderer only to lose Cael in the battle—a battle that nearly cost him his life. But despite his survival, he faces a new challenge, thanks to Gerry’s handiwork: will Cael remember Addie or is their love lost with him?
Addie’s family and friends think she should keep the relationship a secret from Cael so he isn’t forced into feelings he can’t remember. Just what she needs, more secrets and on top of everything else, someone stole the crystal. How is she supposed to get over the loss of her lover, a lover she’d barely had for only a few short months and deal with the secret of the lost crystal at the same time?
Aiden wants nothing more than to help Addie overcome her grief and get over Cael. Or is that all he wants? What happens when too many people know the secret and someone slips up?
_________________________
About the Author
Susan Griscom daydreams often. And sometimes her daydreams interfere with her daydreams not to mention real life. Because, let’s face it, her character’s lives are so much more exciting. Sometimes it’s young adult or new adult or just plain old mainstream fiction. Sometimes it’s paranormal romance, where her playing field delves into a different milieu than the usual vampires and werewolves. Some day she might write about fangs and fur, but for now she prefers sticking to strong heroes and heroines confronted with extraordinary forces of nature, powers and abilities beyond the norm, mixed with some steamy romance to get the blood boiling.
Susan lives in the Sierra Foothills in Northern California with her very romantic husband, her small yippy dog, Riley, and her humongous black cat, Saké. Her family consists of his and hers; four wonderful sons and one beautiful daughter, and seven grand angels.
Susan loves when a story takes hold and pulls her into the fantasy, that’s magic.
You can visit Susan at http://www.susangriscom.com or email her at susangriscom1@gmail.com. She loves hearing from her fans.
_________________________
Excerpt
Addie watched particles of dust float within the ray of light coming in through the window as the sun began its slow descent into the horizon. Like most things, cleaning house was not a high priority. Glancing at the kitchen, she considered making some coffee when the faint knock on the door jolted her. Addie didn’t know why it surprised her. She’d been expecting another visit from Darcy or Maia. What she hadn’t expected when she opened the door was Aiden. Aiden was Gerry’s best friend growing up and best man at his and Maia’s wedding a few weeks ago. Aiden had come by a couple of days after Cael’s disappearance to check on her, offering coffee and donuts, but Addie had been rude. Very rude, she remembered. He hadn’t been back since.
She sighed. “Why are you here?” Still rude, she thought, but wasn’t sure she cared.
“Came to see how you are. They say you haven’t left here since the wedding.” His voice dripped with the same thickly coated Scottish accent Gerry possessed.
Addie shot him a dagger-riddled glance. “Yes, I have,” she stated defensively. “I went to …” She hesitated and thought about the place where she’d last seen Cael and cried, begging him to hear her thoughts again and come home. Her voice shaky and raw, she tried to finish the sentence, “…to the spot where …”
“The spot where your boyfriend disappeared,” Aiden finished for her.
She turned away from him, trying desperately to keep the well of tears in check at the memory. “Yeah, and what business is it of yours, anyway?” God, Addie, the man’s only trying to be nice.
“None, I guess.” Aiden rubbed his chin, looked around the living room. She followed his eyes as they swept over the furniture, taking in the chairs and marble-topped coffee table. Then his brilliant blue gaze traveled to the all-too-comfortable deep-red leather sofa where she and Cael enjoyed many pleasant conversations as well as some steamy sexual encounters while taking in the heat from the large rustic fireplace. Aiden meandered his way through the entry, his gaze lingering on the massive window spanning the entire wall, and the breathtaking view of the ocean. His eyes glanced briefly up the stairs before settling back on hers. “This is a nice place you have. I can see why you might want to hole up here and hide for a while.”
“I’m not hiding,” she shot back at him, not meaning to sound so curt. Lowering her voice a tad she added, “I’m … adjusting.”
He nodded. “Aye, I see that you are.” He reached out, took a strand of her hair that hung annoyingly in her face between his thumb and finger, slid them to the end. She flinched at the gentle gesture. “You look thin. When did you eat last?”
“Not that it’s any of your business, I ate …” she had to think about that. When did she last eat? “Um … recently.” Addie frowned, pissed that she couldn’t think of a good reason not to be nice to him. He was only trying to help.
He nodded again. “I, uh … was on my way home from Manny’s grocery store. I saw the smoke from the chimney and thought I’d stop in. I have a couple of steaks in the car. I wouldn’t mind sharing … if you want.”
Her stomach grumbled at the mention of the steaks and she placed her hand over the traitorous organ in an attempt to cover up the rumble. Maybe she was hungry, but having Aiden in for dinner was not going to happen. She was certain to find something in the kitchen to fix. Maybe. There had to be some leftovers from the last time Maia brought her something to eat.
Aiden grinned at her. “Your stomach seems to like the idea of food.”
Something about Aiden tickled her. He always seemed a little shy, but not, if that made any sense. He was full of charm but unpretentious. That was it. He was pretty hot for an older guy too. Okay, he wasn’t that old and he wasn’t as gorgeous as Cael. Addie caught herself comparing the two; well, maybe, but in a different way. Her mind rambled on with the strangest thoughts lately. It must be because she hadn’t been taking very good care of herself.
Aiden swiped his hand through his shoulder-length dark hair similar to the way Cael always did. Addie shook her head. “No. I …” she glanced at the kitchen. “I have dinner. I … I’m sure of it.” Why was she having such a hard time talking? “I mean, I do. I do have dinner … already.”
“Right,” he said, strolling to the kitchen as if he’d been invited to stay.
“Hey! Where are you going?” Addie trailed behind him.
He stopped at the entrance, glancing around at the empty counter, the empty stove, and the dark oven. He opened the refrigerator and saw the starkness of the cold box. “Yeah. I see you have plenty to eat.”
His sarcasm exhausted her. She leaned against the doorframe, suddenly faint, unable to hold herself up.
Aiden stepped within inches of her, staring into her eyes as he propped his hand along the side of the doorframe very close to her face. She stole a quick glance at his long fingers.
“Look, I’m not blind. I can see you’re hurting. I can see you’re starving yourself. I can see that you’re sick with love and worry. I didn’t come by to upset you, and I’m not going to lie to you. I like you.” When she started to protest, he placed his finger over her lips. “And because I like you, I care about how you are getting along. I don’t expect anything from you.” Her knees grew sapless from standing and they buckled under her as she grabbed onto his arm for support. “Look at you, you can barely stand up, you’re so frail. You need food and …” he sniffed at her hair, “a shower.” She gaped at his audaciousness but resigned herself to hearing him out because she knew, this time, he wasn’t going away. “Now,” he continued, “there are a few events that are going to take place over the next hour. I’m going to go to my truck and get those steaks. Then I’m going to cook them while you go upstairs and take a shower. Then you will come back down here and you will eat. I am not leaving until all those things happen.”
__________________
Enter to Win a Paperback Copy of Waking Up Dead
Goodreads Book Giveaway
Waking Up Dead
by Margo Bond Collins
Giveaway ends January 03, 2014.
See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.
Spotlight On: Mabe’s Burden, by Kelly Abell
______________________
While being threatened by the mob, a hot-headed barkeep goes toe-to-toe with a real estate developer who wants to save her and falls head-over-heels…until she learns he’s been keeping a horrible secret.
Hot tempered Mabe O’Banyon will do whatever it takes to keep the family’s Irish pub, Shenanigans, out of the mob’s dirty hands. She quickly learns, though, their attorney and the bank will offer no help. So, she calls in the reinforcements–Mara and Meg. She hasn’t seen her two sisters for years, but her desperate message brings them running.
Commercial real estate developer, Aaron Shaw has a secret. He arrives in Monticello, FL, expecting to purchase a quaint Irish pub and move on to his next conquest. But the transaction doesn’t take place as planned–in fact, it doesn’t take place at all. The hardheaded owner–a stunning redhead with curves that don’t quit–isn’t selling.
With time running out and the mob on their heels, Aaron wants nothing more than to save the woman he’s fallen for from impending danger. Mabe is torn between a man she loves but can’t trust and the need to hold on to her family’s pub. Their choices lead them down a path neither could have guessed.
______________________
Excerpt – Mabe meets Aaron Shaw for the first time
The door to the pub swung open for a tall, ebony haired man wearing an expensive tan suit. Mabe straightened. Riveted, she stared at his strikingly angular face. His chin, grooved by a slight dimple, struck her as sexy.
His gaze roamed the bar, settling on her. Warmth radiated through her entire body. Never had she felt such an intense attraction to a man. Who the hell is he? She didn’t recall ever seeing him in the pub. Her nerves tingled. Resembling a panther, he wove his way through the crowd. Slightly ashamed of her attraction to a strange man at her father’s wake, she turned her back, resuming her position behind the bar. She spoke to several patrons, mentally noting their drink orders on her way.
“No one could pull a pint like your da,” an old grizzled man at the end of the mahogany counter stated. “Smooth like silk he was.”
Mabe smiled. “He was, Angus. We’ll miss him.” She handed a frothy mug to the man. “Here you go. Enjoy that.”
“I will,” Angus declared, raising his glass to her. “To many years.”
She picked up a glass of Coke, clinked it against Angus’s mug. “And to you.”
“I’ll have one of those if you don’t mind,” a deep voice spoke from behind her.
Turning, ready with a flirty response on her tongue, she came face to face with her handsome stranger. His eyes matched the deep rich mahogany of the bar. His smile, while slightly crooked, seemed genuine and swept the words right out of her brain.
“Uh…sure. Name your poison.”
“Guinness?”
Mabe nodded, pulled the beer, scraping the foam from the top. “I’ve never seen you here before. What’s your name, and how did you know my dad?”
His gaze caught hers, sympathy reflected in his eyes. She tried to look away, but she couldn’t. The man was a god.
“I’m sorry for your loss.”
“Thanks. He will be missed for sure.”
“I just realized…this is his wake, isn’t it? A private party?”
She nodded. “It is.”
The man smiled gently. “I’m sorry. I’m afraid I’m intruding. I should go.”
She set the beer in front of him. “Nah, we’re all friends here. It is a private party, but stay if you’d like.” She gestured. “Those are my sisters Meg and Mara. We own the place now.”
“It’ll be hard to run it without your father, won’t it?”
Mabe sighed, leaning on her elbows. “It won’t be the same, for sure, but we’ll do okay. It’ll take some work….” She glanced lovingly around the pub with all its Irish paraphernalia adorning he walls. “Da, loved this place. I grew up here. It’s our place. We’ll make it work.”
She shivered, feeling his intense stare. Her skin burned under the laser scan of his eyes. Her pulse jumped. If the room were empty except for the two of them, he’d be in some serious trouble. He took a sip of the Guinness, still staring at her over the mug.
She licked her lips then broke the gaze. She swiped at the glossy mahogany top with a rag. “What brings you to town?”
“Business,” was his response.
“Ooh, cryptic, are we?” She flirted.
“Suits me for now.”
A man at the end of the counter signaled for her. She held up a finger then approached her guest. She served a few more beers, all the while being extremely aware of his gaze. His allure was more powerful than any she’d ever experienced. Monticello wasn’t full of dashing men in expensive suits, but it had its fair share of good lookers. Lord knew she’d flirted with some from time to time, even dated a few, but none of them stirred in her what this man did.
No longer needed, she returned to him, eyeing his empty mug. “Another?”
He nodded, offered her a smile.
Her knees weakened. She steadied herself by grasping the smooth wood. What the hell is wrong with me? She pulled his beer, but before she handed it to him she asked, “What did you say your name was?”
He chuckled. “I didn’t.”
She set the mug down in front of him. “Oh, come on. You’re not going to waltz into my pub during my daddy’s wake and not tell me who you are. It’s not polite.”
One dark eyebrow rose. “Not polite, huh?”
“Not at all,” she declared, leaning on the bar, offering him her most dazzling smile.
“Okay then…if you insist.
“I do.”
He held out his hand. Mabe reached out, taking his warm palm in hers. The air between them practically crackled with tension. “Aaron Shaw.”
Her previously heated blood froze. In one swift moment, all the allure she’d experienced earlier evaporated. This is the shark trying to buy my pub. The nerve of this man, waltzing in here, flirting with me, when all the while he’s casing the joint for a future purchase. She grabbed his beer unceremoniously dumping it on his head. The dark brew dripped from his hair all over his tan suit.
“What the hell?” he shouted, jumping off the stool.
“Get out of my pub,” she yelled at him.
______________________
About the Author
I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want to write. From the time I was learned enough to string sentences together I liked writing stories. In high school I was the literary editor of our school magazine Sketches and had a series of short stories that I’d written even then. I’m published with two wonderful publishers, World Castle and Solstice Publishing, and on my own as an Indie.
I live in Florida with my two adult children and my husband of 30+ years. I have a wonderful dog named Snickers that can even open her own Christmas presents! (don’t believe me? Look below) When I’m not working full time in the insurance industry, I write. I believe any writer should write because they love the craft. The rest will come in time. I hope you enjoy reading my stories as much as I’ve enjoyed writing them
______________________
Links
Website: http://www.kellyabellbooks.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelly-Abell/83527376788?ref=hl
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/kellyabellbooks
Buy Links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Mabes-Burden-Saving-Shenanigans-Kelly-ebook/dp/B00H1UXFWC/
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/383851
______________________
December 5, 2013
Spotlight and Giveaway: The Saving of Benjamin Chambers by Anna Bloom
The Saving of Benjamin Chambers by Anna Bloom
New Adult Contemporary Romance
Published December 4th, 2013
Benjamin Chambers needs saving, he just does not know it yet. Bored of his life of repetitive gigs with a band going nowhere fast and one night stands with girls who are only interested in his role as a lead singer, something has got to change. It’s just what do you do when the only life you know involves messing around with guitars and attempting to run away from any female attention that comes your way.
Ben has a New Year’s resolution and one that he is determined to keep, quit the band and get a life of his own. Little does Ben realise that on his last night with his band Sound Box he is going to meet a girl who will turn everything he knows upside down.
As Ben sets himself the challenge to find ‘The Girl’ again, he may be about to learn that in an effort to rescue her, he himself will be the one to be saved.
Amazon
Delilah, Lilah or whatever she is called is, standing over on the far side of the room, her back against the wall wearing a figure-hugging red, floor-length dress. Her dark hair and eyes stand out in contrast. She looks like a Forties movie star, all curves and perfect poise, watching everyone with a critical eye. She hates this place and she hates the people that are here, that is clear to me straight away.
I want to jump off the stage to get to her. I can’t tear my eyes away, even though Dave has picked up my guitar and shoved it back into my hands, hissing, “play, you idiot.”
I am walking to the front of the stage still staring when I notice that I am being watched but not by her.
Some guy who looks like a pretentious arsehole is watching me watch her and then he starts to move across the floor to get to her before I can leave the stage. I am stuck like a rabbit in headlights, rooted to the spot as I watch him clearly move towards her like he is proving he has ownership.
When he gets to her he pulls her in close and winds his hands around her waist. I have to physically restrain myself from leaping off the stage and punching him. That’s what I want to do, a deep urge burning inside me. Jump from the stage, bop him on the nose, hopefully causing significant blood loss, and then throw her over my shoulder and march her off with her someplace. Someplace where I can kiss her and talk to her, in no particular order. Then I may well ask her to marry me because I am pretty sure that I want to.
I don’t though, I don’t move from my spot on the edge of the stage. I start to play my guitar instead but not the song the rest of the band are expecting. Luckily it has a long intro so they are able to catch up.
As I start to sing ‘Wonderwall’ I watch as the banker wanker twirls her onto the dance floor.
It’s not a song for twirling, what is he doing the bloody arse?
She has her hands on his shoulders and her back to me but I can clearly see an enormous diamond ring sitting on her left hand from my spot quite a distance away on stage.
Damn it to hell.
I nearly stop singing, but I hold it together and as I head into the second verse my choice of song becomes even more appropriate.
The banker wanker pulls her in even tighter and I get a nasty taste in the back of my mouth. I am just in the middle of the chorus when they take a turn and I catch a glimpse of her face.
That’s what does it. That very moment gives me something completely different to live for.
Her.
She is biting her lower lip and the beautiful eyes are staring far away in the distance, framed by a frown. She looks like she would rather be anywhere then where she is right now. She looks lost, but on top of that she looks lonely and I feel a bubble of something well up inside me, something like joy. Joy at the fact that this guy holding her, who’s obviously bought her the ring, has no idea what she is feeling. I don’t think he has looked at her face once, not to read it the way that I am. This is good. It means that if I can get to talk to her again then I can make sure my words are the right ones, the ones to make her notice me, the ones to make her want to at least talk to me. And, well, if that fails then I will just crinkle my freckles at her, pick her up and throw her over my shoulder and march off with her hoping for the best.
I know that I will do anything to save her from whatever is causing her sadness and by doing that I have a feeling she will save me.
Anna Bloom is a contemporary romance writer who writes about life as it happens. Combining a busy schedule of looking after two small children whilst working in a local school and completing The Uni Files series she also spends a lot of time imagining kissing hot guys – all in the name of her art.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
Hosted by Good Choice Reading Blog Tours
December 4, 2013
Spotlight On: The Prophecy, by S. P. Cervantes
The Prophecy (Secrets of Shadow Hill, #2) by S.P. Cervantes
Genre: YA Romantic Fantasy
ISBN: 9781939985033
Book Length: pages
Publisher: Center One Books
Ava Fox has spent the past year acclimating to her new life as a wizard of Shadow Hill. Over the past year, her connection with Dalton has only grown stronger. They share a bond she has never known and can’t explain.
The danger is still there, even after the Sabatino coven was defeated, and Ava’s future is anything but sure. Her powerful relationship with Dalton continues to make others wonder about the Prophecy, and their place in it. Time and again Ava’s loyalty and strength will be put to the test as she fights for those she loves. There are many more secrets of Shadow Hill that will be revealed in The Prophecy.
Goodreads link to book: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18664296-the-prophecy
_________________________________________
Rafflecopter Giveaway
_________________________________________
EXERPT
Ava Fox has spent the past year acclimating to her new life as a wizard of Shadow Hill. Over the past year, her connection with Dalton has only grown stronger. They share a bond she has never known and can’t explain.
The danger is still there, even after the Sabatino coven was defeated, and Ava’s future is anything but sure. Her powerful relationship with Dalton continues to make others wonder about the Prophecy, and their place in it. Time and again Ava’s loyalty and strength will be put to the test as she fights for those she loves. There are many more secrets of Shadow Hill that will be revealed in The Prophecy.
_________________________________________
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
S.P. Cervantes released her debut novel from the Secrets of Shadow Hill Series, Always and Forever in November, 2012. The second book of the series, The Prophecy was released November 19, 2013. She lives in Orange County, California with her husband and three children, where she is a teacher. She enjoys spending time with her family, writing, and reading, but is always thinking of an idea for her next novel.
S.P. Cervantes graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from California State University Fullerton, and has a Master’s Degree in Education. She continues to work on the Secrets of Shadow Hills series while also writing her first contemporary romance novel.
_________________________________________
Contact Links
Website: http://www.spcervantes.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/SP-Cervantes/101496710001043
Twitter: https://twitter.com/spcervantes
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/S.-P.-Cervantes/e/B00AXKVE6G/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1382216317&sr=8-1
Books that Stayed with Me
I recently got tagged in the following meme on Facebook and decided to expand on it a bit:
Rules: list 10 books that have stayed with you in some way. Don’t take more than a few minutes and don’t think too hard – they don’t have to be the “right” or “great” works, just the ones that have touched you.
The original post said to tag ten people (I did, on my FB page!). But I’m changing up the rules for blogs. Post your ten books on your own blog; feel free to comment here with a link to it!
____________________________
My 10 Books:
1. Sunshine by Robin McKinley—It inspired me to write my first novel.
2. The Odyssey by Homer—I find myself thinking of it a lot, as when I saw dogs lazing about all over Athens, Greece.
Also: Dog lazing about in Greece in November 2013:
And: Statue of Dog lazing about in Greece from the National Museum in Athens:
3. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien—the first “grown-up” book I read, in the first grade. I read the Lord of the Rings in the fourth grade. I actually understood much of it when I re-read it in high school.
4. Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams—the first time I really understood that SF could be funny.
5. Pride and Prejudice. Because Jane Austen!
6. A Wrinkle in Time—probably read it ten times in grade school.
7. To Say Nothing of the Dog by Connie Willis—she is one of my favorite writers ever, and this book is great time-travel fun!
8. On Her Majesty’s Occult Service by Charles Stross—actually an anthology of The Atrocity Archives and The Jennifer Morgue. Introduced me to the horrific beauty that is the combination of British bureaucracy and Lovecraftian Elder Gods.
9. Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman—this book sparked my deep and abiding love for all things Gaiman.
10. A Civil Campaign by Lois McMaster Bujold—I love all of Bujold’s Miles Vorkosigan series (I re-read them regularly), but this book is an absolute joy. It’s worth reading all the ones that come before if only to read this comedy-of-manners-meets-space-opera masterpiece.
