Carrie Elks's Blog, page 18

Book Tour – Beneath the Scars by Melanie Moreland

Event Organized by ❤MaE Book Tours & Promo Stars Services❤

Synopsis

The sound of the ocean, the crash of the waves as they kick up against the sand and rocks—these are the only sounds Megan Greene wants to hear. She wants to leave the rest of the world behind, and find some peace. The offer of a private house on the beach, set in a small town in Maine, is perfect. Time to think—to be by herself. It’s all she wants. It’s the escape she needs. Until she stumbles across the painting that seems to echo her own chaotic mindset. Until she meets the unfriendly artist behind the stormy painting and discovers his secrets.

All Zachary Adams wants is to be left alone. His canvases, and the unending scope of the ocean and sand, are his life. They direct him—fill his hours. Bring him focus. Until she enters his life. She dredges up memories of the past—the haunting images he has hidden for years; the fears he has never shared. A story he keeps buried below the surface.

Can she make him see what he is missing? Can he trust her enough to believe?

Together they embark on a journey where their pasts collide and threaten to tear them apart. Will their fragile bond hold or wash away with the ebbing tide?

Genre Adult Contemporary Romance

Expected Publication Date October 14th 2014

Excerpt #1

As I descended the few stairs to the beach, I was surprised to see the large golden retriever as well as the mysterious Zachary. I stood for a minute, observing him in private. He was standing, barefoot in the surf, staring out over the water as his dog frolicked close by. Zachary was a tall, dark silhouette against the sand and stormy, strange-colored sky of the late afternoon. Wearing dark jeans and the same overcoat that showed off his broad shoulders, a beanie once again pulled low on his head, he stood with his hands in his pockets, motionless, as the water swept across his bare feet. The rolled-up edges of his pants were dark with the ocean spray clinging to the material. I shivered just watching him. The water had to be freezing.

Seeing her new friend, Dixie let out a happy, little yelp, which had the retriever bounding over to her, once again licking her head and huffing as he greeted her. The two of them took off, heading right toward Zachary. He leaned down, greeting Dixie, allowing her a sniff, then patted her head and straightened up. He didn’t turn around or acknowledge my presence. With a roll of my eyes, I walked forward, stopping when I was close enough to be heard, but not have my feet in the frigid water. I waited, but he said nothing, ignoring me completely.

Unfriendly indeed.

“That’s Dixie—my dog.”

His chin dipped with a brief nod. “Elliott.”

I couldn’t keep the sarcasm out of my voice. “You or the dog?”

His lips quirked at the edges. “My dog.”

“I’m staying at the Harpers’ house.”

He nodded.

“I’m not Karen—I’m a friend of hers.”

His sarcasm was thick. “I realize. I have met her—more than once. There is a slight resemblance, perhaps, but I can see you aren’t her. Your hair rather gives that away.”

“I’m sure it was a thrill for her,” I murmured, surprised to hear the trace of a British accent in his voice. I chose to ignore the remark about my hair.

Nothing.

“They’re letting me stay here for a while.”

“How kind.”

I shook my head. Was he for real?

“I’m Megan. Megan Greene.”

Silence.

I searched my brain for something to say. “Looks like a storm’s coming in.”

“Observant.”

I frowned at him—definitely rude. His voice, however, despite its unwelcoming tone, was low and rich sounding, his subtle accent curling around the words when he spoke. I wanted to hear more than a few monosyllables from him, and to hear him say my name.

“Aren’t your feet cold, Zachary?”

He glanced down and shrugged, still facing the water, not even acknowledging the fact I knew his name. “Not really. I’m used to the cold.”

I decided to try a different subject—maybe one that would open him up a little. “I saw your work at the gallery in town; you’re very gifted.”

Again, he nodded.

“Your Tempest painting is”—I searched for the right word—“exceptional.”

“It’s not for sale.”

Disappointed at his words, I studied his partially hidden profile. Again his jaw was covered in stubble, and all I could really see was his nose and the downturned set of his full mouth. Some wayward hair sticking out from his beanie was blowing in the wind; its color not easy to make out. I was sure it was dark, but I couldn’t see enough to determine if I was correct. I wanted to step forward, force him to look at me, but there was something about his tense stance that screamed “back off.” He was obviously uncomfortable with me being this close, so I remained where I was, even though I felt some bizarre sort of need to get closer. I had to struggle not to move beside him, slip my hand into his, and offer him some sort of comfort; to loosen the tense set of those broad shoulders. I shook my head at the strange urge.

“Would you perhaps reconsider?”

“No. Jonathon already inquired on your behalf. I have it on loan to the gallery as a personal favor. It’s not for sale—at any price.”

I smiled, attempting to tease him. “Everything has its price, Zachary.”

I wasn’t prepared for the venom in his voice when he spoke.

“I’m fucking aware that’s the way most of the world works. I don’t conduct my life that way.”

Then he turned and walked away, his long strides eating up the distance, his unbuttoned coat billowing out behind him. He whistled for Elliott, who dropped the stick from his mouth and chased after his master.

Both Dixie and I stood staring at the retreating figures. Not once did Zachary pause or look back, while Elliott raced ahead of him. I waited until he had climbed the stairs and disappeared from sight, never taking my eyes off him.

I blinked and looked over the water.

Now I could say I had met my neighbor.

That went well.

Megan Greene is a woman on the run. From herself, from her past, and from the mistakes she’s made. Looking for a sanctuary for herself and her dog, she never expects to find love in the small, seaside town. Yet she does.

Zachary Adams has been through hell, and has the scars to show it. Like Megan, he sought a sanctuary, and is hiding in the small town in Maine, never expecting anybody to see past his facial disfigurement.

These two, lonely souls, somehow connect, and what follows is an epic love story. Neither one of them is perfect–they both make mistakes and try to push each other away, yet they’re irresistibly drawn to each other, and I loved that. Melanie Moreland takes on on a rollercoaster of a story as the two of them connect, and it’s hard not to fall in love with them both, as they fall for each other.

As always, the writing was impeccable and drew me in from the start. Told from both points of view, the plot was deftly handled and kept me on the edge of my seat right up until the end. Beneath the Scars is the story of two broken people who somehow manage to heal each other, while learning to love themselves. I don’t think I could ask for any more than that!

Dreamcast

 

My Cast of Characters for Beneath the Scars…

Zachary Adams – Henry Cavill

His eyes are so expressive and he has that sense of ruggedness about him that reminds me of Zachary. There is something strong about his demeanor and when he smiles it is like the sun coming out. He was the perfect choice.

Megan Greene

Alexis Bledel

That pretty next door look, with a beautiful smile. Add a few freckles and brown contacts, she is exactly as I pictured Megan.

Jared Cameron …Ryan Gosling

Good looking and he knows it. He knows how to use it. I think he’d portray a great Jared with enough smarminess to give you the shivers.

Karen Harper … Anne Hathaway

Anne portrays that confident beauty Zach described. Sure of herself, outspoken and loyal. All traits I think she possesses.

Playlist

About the Author

Melanie Moreland lives a happy and content life in a quiet area of Ontario with her husband and four children. Nothing means more to her than her friends and family, and she cherishes every moment spent with them.

Known as the quiet one with the big laugh, Melanie works for the sporting teams of a local university. Her (box) office job, while demanding, is rewarding as she cheers on her team to victory.

While seriously addicted to coffee, and somewhat challenged with all things computer-related and technical, she relishes baking, cooking, and trying new recipes for people to sample. She loves to throw dinner parties and socialize, and also enjoys traveling, here and abroad, but finds coming home is always the best part of any trip.

Melanie delights in writing a good romance story with some bumps along the way, but is a true believer in happily ever after. When her head isn’t buried in a book, it is bent over a keyboard, furiously typing away as her characters dictate their creative story lines to her even more inspired tales, for all to enjoy.

Connect with Melanie Moreland!

Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

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Weekend Update

IT’S THE WEEKEND!!!

It’s been a busy few weeks, and while I’ve been delighted to share the new releases and cover reveals from my friends with you, I haven’t written any updates on what’s going on with me. It’s very remiss of me, I know. So I shall take this opportunity to update you on a few things that are going on. So let me pour you a coffee and tell you what’s going on with me.

Sempre Foi Voce


The Brazilian translation of Fix You has been released in Brazil. I’m delighted with the cover and the teasers the amazing Universo Dos Livros have been releasing, and even more excited to know that people are ordering the book. If you live in Brazil and want to buy a copy you can find it on Amazon and Saraiva. 

Coming Down

Is now available to buy from Amazon. It’s also available to read for free for those of you that are enrolled in Kindle Unlimited. It’s getting some fantastic reviews, and I’m really pleased with how it’s being received.

 Broken Chords
The follow-up to Coming Down, featuring Lara and Alex, an unconventional couple, is in first round revisions. I’m loving their story, and hope you will too. No release date for this, but as soon as I have more news, I’ll let you know!

 

So that’s it for me. How are you? Let me take these croissants out of the oven and you can tell me all about it.

 

Cover Reveal – Unexpected Eden by Rhenna Morgan

 

Most people believe Eden no longer exists. Lexi Merrill’s about to learn they’re wrong. A hard-working bartender with a self-sufficient backbone and a wary nature, she knows pickup lines like a second language. So, when Eryx Shantos barges into her world with too-smooth words and a body to back it up, she locks up her libido and vows to keep her distance.

Eryx has other ideas. As king of the Myren race, Eryx is duty-bound to enforce the laws preventing exposure of their existence to humans. Yet The Fates have led him through his dreams to Lexi, a temptation he doesn’t want to resist. The question is, is she Myren, or human – which makes her forbidden fruit?

When Eryx’s nemesis tags Lexi as his next target, Eryx insists on taking her home where he can keep her safe. Lexi had no idea “home” would mean the one-and-only land of creation…or that she’d trigger a prophecy that could doom her newfound race.

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rhenna Morgan writes for the same reason she reads—to escape reality.

Yes, her life rocks—two beautiful little girls, a great husband, a steady job, and the kind of friends that would take you out back if you hurt her. But, like most women, she’s got obligations stacked tight from dusk to dawn. So, when the world gets her down, she slips into something…less realistic.

Romance is a must. So is a steamy romp (or four). Nothing thrills her more than the fantasy of new, exciting worlds, strong, intuitive men, and the sigh of, “Oh if only that could happen to me.”

So, if you’re picking up one of her books, expect portals into alternate realms and men who’ll fight to keep the women they want. Romantic escape for the women who need it.

 

 
WEBSITE  |  FACEBOOK  | TWITTER  |  GOODREADS
 
 

 

Cover Reveal – Damned Sinner by Jami Denise

Presents
COVER REVEAL: Damned Sinner
By Jami Denise

 

Damned Sinner by
Jami Denise (The Jayne Series), Book Three
Goodreads:http://bit.ly/1s5MfgV
RELEASE DATE: November 24, 2014

 

Vince Donovan has lost a lot in his life. He has lived life under a code of greed, lies and crime – never allowing anyone to get too close. After losing the empire he fought to build at the hands of a psychotic man in pursuit of revenge, Vince vows to rebuild what he once had. Along with his once protege and now partner, Jayne King, he sets out to create an empire that is based on beautiful women, sex and sin.

Kelsey Franklin is young, beautiful, sexy and should be forbidden. Kelsey is also the one woman that Vince has vowed never to have and yet is the one woman he wants and needs.

When love happens in the unlikeliest of circumstances Vince must ask himself – Is love fit for the damned and the sinner?

 

The Jayne Series Reading Order

See Jayne Play (The Jayne Series, Book One)

Amazon: http://amzn.to/18zBUUg

B&N: http://bit.ly/1s5MVmm

iTunes: http://bit.ly/1szoYG6

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1mJm8w

 

Queen of Hearts (The Jayne Series, Book Two)

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1snnNp4

B&N: http://bit.ly/1xDOo5d

iTunes: http://bit.ly/1vXm38U

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1m8EV00

 

Damned Sinner (The Jayne Series, Book Three)

Releasing November 24, 2014

Goodreads:http://bit.ly/1s5MfgV

About the Author:

Jami Denise is a romance writer from Southern California. While she waits for the next felon to come along and sweep her off her feet, she writes about swoony bad boys and sassy gals that make them squirm. She also loves cats, cars, cupcake flavored lip balm, and cherry limeade.

 

Stalk Her: Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads

 

 

 

Cover Reveal – Ophelia by Jude Ouvrard

Today is the cover reveal of Ophelia.
Publishing date: October 22nd, 2014
Cover Designer: Kari March, Design 23

For teenage musical prodigy Ophelia Stewart, life couldn’t be better. She has a loving family, a friend who is closer than a sister, and big professional dreams to pursue. But Ophelia’s perfect world is shattered when a disaster claims her parents and forces her into a center for emotionally damaged children where she is required to finish her senior year far from her best friend. Lost and alone, Ophelia tries to cut herself off from connecting with the other young people there, however one of them, Teodore de Luca, refuses to be put off. Breaking through her restraint, the young man insinuates himself into her life, where he becomes her new support system.
What can the future hold for them? Ophelia still has big dreams to pursue. Is there really a place for Teo in them? How can she chose between the man she loves and her passion for music? Can she ever truly commit herself to him? Or is their love destined to be crushed under the weight of her career?

Jude was born and raised in a small village named Lacolle. She now lives in Montreal, Canada. She is the proud mother of a beautiful five year old son, and has spent the last thirteen years with her partner, Cedric.

French is her native language, but she prefers to write in her second language, English.

Besides working full time and being a mother, Jude has a passion for books, both reading and writing them.

Her first novella, Under the Sun was published at the end of July 2013.It is part of an anthology called Heat Wave. Her second novella, Wonderland, was published in March 2014 and has hit the bestselling rank. Lost Dreams, a military romance, was published in May 2014 and Body, Ink, and Soul in late June 2014.

She is currently working on her novel, Music, Ink, and Love. She is hoping to publish during the winter of 2015.

FACEBOOK - TWITTER - GOODREADS - AMAZON – STREET TEAM

THANK YOU!

**********************************************************************

Sign up for the blog tour here. Oct 22-25.

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RELEASE PARTY HERE

Cover Reveal – At Any Moment by Brenna Aubrey

At Any Moment
by
Brenna Aubrey

Release Date: October 27 , 2014

SUMMARY

 

It’s Dangerous to Go Alone!

Mia Strong never expected to be deciding the rest of her life at age twenty-two. Is she willing to become a human lab rat? Does she need to write a will? Does she ever want a family–and if so, with whom? She can’t dodge the tough questions–not if she plans to live to see twenty-three. With her life hanging in the balance, Mia wants nothing more than to rely on Adam Drake, but he’s hurt her before.

You Must Gather Your Party Before Venturing Forth…

Adam Drake knows that he’s made mistakes, but when he discovers what Mia’s facing, he realizes how much those mistakes could cost him. Now he has to choose between being the man who can save Mia’s life or the man she can love. No matter how much it tears him apart, Adam knows he has to put Mia first…even if it means he’s out of the picture entirely.

Will their love survive this epic battle or is it game over?

This novel is the third and final book in Adam and Mia’s trilogy, but they will be featured in future  Gaming the System novels

Brenna Aubrey is an author of New Adult contemporary romance stories that center on geek culture. Her debut novel, AT ANY PRICE, released in December 2013.

She has always sought comfort in good books and the long, involved stories she weaves in her head. Brenna’s favorite author is Jane Austen and favorite novel is PERSUASION.

Brenna is a city girl with a nature-lover’s heart. She therefore finds herself out in green open spaces any chance she can get. A mommy to two little kids and teacher to many more older kids, she juggles schedules to find time to pursue her love of storycrafting.

She currently resides on the west coast with her husband, two children, two adorable golden retrievers, a bird and some fish.

Brenna’s Links:

Website: http://www.BrennaAubrey.com

Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/BrennaAubreyAuthor

Twitter: @BrennaAubrey

 

Goodreads Book Giveaway


At Any Moment
by Brenna Aubrey

Giveaway ends October 26, 2014.

See the giveaway details

at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Release Day and Review – Austin by S.L. Scott (From the Inside Out)

 

 

Ever since that fateful day, I became an expert at avoidance.

Avoiding attachments. Avoiding relationships. Avoiding love. 

My company became my constant, the only companion I needed… until a chance encounter with Jules Weston. I met her at a most vulnerable moment. Despite the tears that streaked her face, I fell in love the first time I ever laid eyes on her. I needed her in my life.

She was broken, but I knew I could heal her. I would wait until she let me into her heart, allowing me to love her. And maybe, just maybe, one day she could heal me too.

AMAZON


 
  iBOOKS














I’ve loved everything about S.L. Scott’s From the Inside Out series. The premise alone is enough to get me excited. A series of four books about Juliet, Dylan and Austin, with a chance to choose the ending you want. It’s not just a series, it’s an event, and one that everybody should be part of.


Because I don’t want to spoil the story for you, my review is going to be deliberately vague. The set up of the four books is this; Jude is a girl who has been hardened by lost love, still bitter three years after her college sweetheart, Dylan, left her, taking nearly everything they owned except for a shiny coffee machine. He never told her why, he never gave her any closure, leaving her wondering what went wrong and unable to move forward in life.

Three years later, she bumps into Dylan again, and though she’s angry with him, the spark still remains. At the same time, she starts to see Austin–a client of her business and a rich, succesful businessman. But with her heart torn in two, who will she choose?

The answer is; whoever you want her to choose. That’s the beauty of the series, you get to go with whichever hero you prefer. I loved Austin–he was gorgeous, succesful and truly in love with Jude, so I’m completely team Austin. But there are Dylan supporters too–and they’re just as vocal about their hero, loving his bad-boy edginess, and the second chance they both have in love.

So there you have it, not only are the four books a wonderful read, they’re also the chance to have the author go the way you want her to. And if you’re in the middle, why not buy them both? 

 

 

S.L. Scott is a former high-tech account manager with a journalism degree pursuing her passion for telling stories. She spends her days escaping into her characters and letting them lead her on their adventures. 


Live music shows, harvesting jalapenos and eating homemade guacamole are her obsessions she calls hobbies.


Scott lives in the beautiful Texas hill country of Austin with her husband, two young sons, two Papillons and a bowl full of Sea Monkeys. 


Her novels include Naturally, Charlie, Good Vibrations, and A Prior Engagement.


She welcomes your notes at sl@slscottauthor.com.

 


 
 
Links:

FACEBOOK GOODREADS

Amazon Author Page


 

 

Cover Reveal – Fractured by Elizabeth Stacey

A Cover Reveal

for

Fractured

by Elizabeth Stacey

Release Date: October 7 , 2014

SUMMARY

 

There are no superheroes to come save the day, no knight in shining armor. No, it’s just me living in this nightmare that will never end. No one will even notice I am gone. The only family I have is stuck here in this dark place with me and I refuse to let her future repeat my past. So it’s up to me now, I am the only one that can change her fate.
McKenna Brooks believed the past was behind her, until the day she woke up to find that she and her only friend have been kidnapped, and fighting to survive.
Dalton “The Detonator” Taylor is living the dream. His MMA title fight is just around the corner and life is good. That is until he finds out that his sister has gone missing and his life is turned upside down. Will Dalton be able to find her before it’s too late? And what will happen when he finds out his sister is not alone? Will he be able to make the sacrifices to save them both?
Can the deep connection of two people that never really knew each other save them both or will they be fractured beyond repair?

 

 

 

Coming Down New Release, Giveaways and more!

I’m delighted to share my latest release with you. Read on to find out where to buy Coming Down, what it’s about and to enter a super duper giveaway!








Twenty-eight-year-old Beth Lawrence finally has her life back on track. A job she loves, a wealthy husband and a beautiful home are a far cry from the tragedy that struck when she was nineteen. But now that her past seems firmly behind her, an old flame walks back into her life. Bringing back painful memories of a time she’s worked hard to forget, reviving a passion she tried to bury years before.

Niall Joseph is an up-and-coming artist, recently returned from success in America. Volunteering to teach in an inner-city drug clinic, the last person he expects to see is the girl who broke his heart nine years earlier. Working closely together allows their old wounds to heal, forging a deeper connection between them. One that slowly starts to burn.

As she becomes tangled up with a neglected child and her drug-addict mother, Beth finds herself drawn to Niall. But neither of them can anticipate how hard it is to tread the thin line between friendship and desire.

“What’s your name?”

“Beth.”

“Are you a student here?”

His question makes me roll my eyes. I’ve been following him and his friends around like a devoted puppy for the best part of my first year. Not that he’s ever noticed. He’s always too busy. Painting. Smoking. Looking beautiful. He’s good at all these things. I know, I’ve studied him like he’s my favourite subject.

“Art History,” I say.

“One of the thinkers.” He gives me a smile. It’s wicked and dirty and makes me want to lick his lips. “Do you paint?”

“No.”

“Shame. Do you model?”

I blush at this one. “No.”

“You should. Come and model for me. I want to paint you.” His words slur but his voice is still seductive and lyrical. Somewhere, far beneath my high, I know he’s spinning me a line.

I bite, nonetheless.

“I’m not pretty enough.”

“Yes you are.”

“Or interesting enough.”

He pulls me closer, his erection digging into my hip. “Yes you are.”

My heart starts to hammer against my chest. This is Niall Joseph holding me. I made Niall Joseph get hard. I don’t think about the drugs or the rain or the fact he’s ignored me all year. I’m too worked up for that.

“I want to kiss you.” He murmurs it softly. Then he presses his lips to my forehead. My skin feels like it’s burning. Hot and fevered. This time, the rain does nothing to cool it down.

“Okay.” I’m almost breathless. He drags his mouth down to my jaw, peppering my skin with kisses.

“You fucking taste like rain, too.”

 

Click the picture to win some of these fabulous goodies!

 

Romance Weekly #LoveChatWrite #LoveWriteChat – 23rd September

Do you like to read romance novels? Wouldn’t you like to know more about your favorite authors? Well you came to the right place! Join the writers of Romance Weekly as we go behind the scenes of our books and tell all….. About our writing of course! Every week we’ll answer questions and after you’ve enjoyed the blog on this site we’ll direct you to another. So come back often for a thrilling ride! Tell your friends and feel free to ask us questions in the comment box.

If you’ve arrived from Fiona Riplee’s blog, hi and thanks for clicking! This week’s questions are brought to you by J.J.Devine.

1.  You’re moving right along with a story line and suddenly it takes an unexpected twist. Do you go with the flow and follow where the twist leads you or do you conform your story to your way?

I have to admit I love the twists. There’s nothing better than when your character surprises you, because for me it means they’ve come to life in your story. Thats the fun part of being a writer. The not-so-fun part is trying to rework the plot so that the new twist fits in! Sometimes I have to put my foot down and tell them to behave!

2.  What time of year is your best time for writing? Winter, Summer, Fall, Spring? 

Any time! As long as I have my laptop and some good tunes on my iPod, I’m ready to go. There could be snow glistening on the ground, or the brightest, bluest sky, but when I’m writing I don’t notice. In fact, there could be a huge thunderstorm and I’d be oblivious to anything but the story I’m writing. And I have to say it drives my family crazy!

3. When looking for a publisher do you chose a traditional press, indie route, or one that does both, ebook and print?

I’m lucky enough to be a hybrid author–both self-published and traditionally published. It really is the best of both worlds, and I’m so grateful to be in this position. I can be close to my readers as a self published author, while also reaching out to new ones. And I’ve learned so much from both processes.

Thank you to JJ for these questions, they were a lot of fun to answer. And now to read more Romance Weekly Blog Hop go to https://awriterslifeformeblog.wordpress.com and read Mishka Jenkins’ answers!