Cara Faith Donvovan's Blog, page 102

Release day for Finding You by Kelly Harper

How far would you go?
When Sarah moved away from her hometown to go to college she thought she was doing it to be with her boyfriend Huck. But when she discovers he's a cheater out to get whatever he wants, she finds herself alone in a new city. Armed with only a few people she can trust, Sarah sets out to carve her place in the world.
Jeremy's life came to a stand still two years ago, but now he's trying to make something of himself. He heads off to college to put his past behind him and start something new. When he meets Sarah he knows he's in for a roller coaster ride. He hasn't felt this way about someone in a long time--he never felt like he'd feel this way, again.
As Sarah and Jeremy get to know each other, she realizes there's something special about him. Something she has never felt before. But there's something he's holding back from her, something he's keeping hidden. Can Sarah find a way to trust someone again, or will Jeremy's past reveal itself? And will she be able to handle it if it does?
Finding You is book 3 of The By You Series but can be read as a standalone novel.


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"Jeremy," Sarah stammered, brushing a handful of her blonde hair out of her face. "You startled me."
She could kick herself. Of course she had to be in such a hurry to get home that she didn't even realize someone was trying to talk to her. Her day didn't look like it was going to be getting better any time soon.
"I was starting to think you were ignoring me," he said, grinning.His crystal blue eyes locked onto hers in a way that made her forget what she was thinking. He had a backpack slung over one shoulder, and the muscles in his forearm twitched as he shifted its weight around.
"Sorry, I guess I wasn't paying attention. It's been a rough morning so far."
His mouth curled in a half-smile, though she couldn't figure out for the life of her what he was always smiling about.
"That's not what I was talking about," he said, with a quick shake of his head. "It's been weeks and you never called. I was starting to think you got abducted or something."
Sarah let out a small laugh while her stomach twisted into nervous knots.
"Oh, God no. No abductions for me, thank you." She shook her head. "I was going to--it's just that everything's been so crazy, lately. Classes are keeping me busier than I thought they would."It was a lie, but she hoped that he couldn't tell. She hadn't lost his number or anything, she'd just been focusing on herself for the past few weeks. After everything that had happened, she wasn't very interested in making friends with the opposite sex anytime soon.
Jeremy clutched a hand to his chest and winced."I thought we had a good thing going," he said, his face twisted in mock pain.
Sarah let out another laugh. "Stop it, you know it's not like that."The smile returned to Jeremy's face and she couldn't help but notice how his eyes looked her up and down. But the smile didn't last long before fading away.
"Don't worry, there's no hard feelings. I know you have a boyfriend and all, I was just hoping you were still interested in being friends."
Anger flared up in her at the mention of her boyfriend, but she reeled it in, quickly. She should just tell Jeremy the truth--that she and Huck were done--but she didn't want him getting the wrong idea. He'd already made it clear that he was interested in her, and he might think that he had a shot now that she was single.
But he was right. They had only seen each other a few times since they'd met, but they'd had fun. He was easy to talk to, and he had a way of listening to her like he actually cared about what she had to say. Maybe making a new friend wouldn't be the worst thing that could happen?
"It's not like that--I promise."
Jeremy studied her, his eyes narrowing with consideration. His cheek twitched as his lips pinched together, and he nodded as though he'd come to some conclusion.
"Fine, you're forgiven for blowing me off." The playful grin returned to his face and he took a step closer to her, leaning down to whisper something. "But, you're going to have to make it up to me."
Sarah's eyes widened as unwanted thoughts and images flashed in her head. Jeremy leaned away again and she hoped he didn't see the burning in her cheeks.
"Make it up to you?" she said.
"That's right. But don't worry, I'm a pretty fair guy, even when my ego has been trampled..."  "I didn't trample anything--"
He held up a hand, cutting her off. "Coffee, at three." He gave her another grin, and even winked, before adding, "Just as friends, of course. Don't be late--my ego can't handle being trampled twice by the same girl."
Without warning, he turned and started walking away from her. Sarah stared after him for a second, speechless.
"Hey, wait," she yelled. "Where are we meeting?"
Jeremy turned but kept walking backwards. He tilted his chin toward her. "You have my phone number still, right? Text me and I'll let you know."
He flashed her one more grin before turning away and picking up his pace. Sarah watched him until he disappeared between a couple buildings, flustered and confused by everything that had just happened.
Did she really just agree to go on a coffee date with him? She muttered and cursed at herself while she walked back to her dorm. She wasn't sure if she was more upset at herself for agreeing to meet up with him or because she didn't tell him that she was single. Either way, the day didn't look like it was going to be getting better any time soon.

FACEBOOK / GOODREADS / TWITTER / WEBSITE
Like for many, life for Kelly didn't really begin until her 30th birthday. That was when she decided she was done with the corporate ladder and was going to start publishing some of her stories to see if people liked them. Fast forward a couple of years, and she's still amazed that she's able to spend her time doing something she's loved doing since she was a little kid.
Most of her free time is spent working in front of the computer at various coffee shops around Houston. But when she's not working on her next book, she's probably sitting in front of the TV with her eyes glued to whatever Netflix show she happens to be obsessed with at the time. Do we really have to wait this long for the next season of Orange Is The New Black?!
Follow her on Twitter, @harper_books, or head over to her Facebook page (http://on.fb.me/1fo0reU) and leave her a message. Her website is currently going through some construction, and will be up and running sometime in February.

 
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Thanks for joining us at Tears of Crimson. Home to Bestselling Author Michelle Hughes,and all the Friends of Crimson!

Coming of Age - It's not always hearts and flowers

We've all had that one friend that just couldn't seem to let go of the jerk that she gave her heart to, right?  You know he's wrong for her, everyone that sees them together knows he's a piece of crap and just using her, but as far as she's concerned?  Well he's the best thing since sliced bread.  Maybe she's just young and stupid and in time you hope she'll grow up and see him for what he really is?

How far does a guy have to take it before you admit he's scum and decide you're better of without him?  I mean seriously there's not one man alive, no matter how appealing the package is that would make you put up with his stupidity?  In Strawberry Wine I dug back into my past and remembered the one guy who destroyed my heart but did me a huge favor in the process.  When you see how horrible a relationship could be and then take that second chance, maybe, just maybe, you'll end up with the romance that is destined to last forever.

I like to label this as a coming of age, new adult romance and it sort of encompasses it all.  It reminds you of a time when you were young and vulnerable and how easy it was to fall in love while overlooking the truth.  It shows how hard it is to get past those early days when your hormones were ruling your mind and showing that you just weren't ready to make life choices like that.  The ache of losing that innocence that could never be reclaimed, and the regret that you didn't wait for the Knight in shining armor.  Strawberry Wine is all of those things, but there's also so much more. 

It talks about second chances.  Moving past the friend zone with the perfect guy, and making a decision that could change your life.  True love isn't easy.  Giving every ounce of your heart, mind, body and soul when you've felt loss that you never hoped to recover from?  It's all about sacrifice, forgiveness, not only yourself but the person that caused the pain.  If you're looking for a book that won't break your heart ... this probably isn't it. 


Purchase Links:  http://bitly.com/bundles/o_3mqff28ubs/4


Thanks for joining us at Tears of Crimson. Home to Bestselling Author Michelle Hughes,and all the Friends of Crimson!

Crazy For You - A.C. Meyer

 

 

  
He was everything she always dreamed of... Julie Walsh was in love with Daniel Stewart her whole life, but he always saw her as his sister. Until the day fate decided to give her a hand and gave Julie the opportunity of shaking Danny's life and heart.He didn't want to fall in love....Daniel repressed his feelings for many years. Without interest of investing time in serious relationships, enjoying his life with a different girl each day, dedicating his real feelings to the success of his bar, the After Dark. Until the day fate gave him a hit in the head and a shake in his heart, showing him that the little girl that he always treated like a sister, is in reality, the one who will make him think of a "happily ever after".But when Daniel finally decided to give a chance to this crazy sentiment that fueled his mind and body, he stumbles with a big stone in his path: Alan, the hot guitarrist of The Band, who tries to win Julie's heart.Will Julie's dream come true and finally have Danny's love or is Alan her real Prince Charming, who'll come rescue her with his guitar?*attention: this book contain high doses of romance, funny situations, hot guys and a fabulous gay friend*
I look around and find George jumping and waving like crazy, it is so funny, he looks hilarious doing that, he’s like a girl that just got a new Barbie. “Little girl, you ROCKED, beautiful, diva, everything.”, I still laughing when he hugs me tight, so tight, that I can’t even breath.“Thank you George, let me get some water.”, Nice excuse to get rid of that tight hug.“Wait, where is Jo? So, tell me, did you like it? Did I sing out of tune? Oh God, I was soooo nervous.”“Jo went outside to answer a call, she’s so secretive lately with that phone. Said it was work, yeah, work at Saturday night, close to midnight, sure. You were wonderful, perfect. People are all talking about your voice. Ahhhh if I wasn’t gay, I would get you. I never knew you were so naturally sexy”.I smile all happy with his comment, thinking, how wonderful was to realize my dream, then a dark thought crosses my head.“I hope Danny doesn’t make me stop singing here. It would kill me”.“Julie, he can even try, but after tonight, if you don’t sing here, you can sing anywhere you want. People are going to talk about your show for a long time.”, he says. “Oh, and Kellan “Alan” Kyle, couldn’t take his eyes off of you. I would take advantage of that and use that hot, tattooed body to get rid of the spider webs.”, he blinks. “I heard so many things about the way he plays that guitar, if you know what I mean.”“Shit, George. You should wait for me to finish my drink before saying something like that.”, I say spitting water all over and laughing, trying to put myself together. It’s very hard to be a lady, with a friend like that by your side.  


FACEBOOK / GOODREADS / WEBSITEAC Meyer is 33 years old and she is a real book lover.Not satisfied with just reading, her restless mind decided to write her own happy endings.When she is not connected to her books or the internet, A. C. enjoys laughing with her mother, chatting in the company of friends or watching romantic comedies with her own Prince.Her literary inspirations include authors such as Emma Chase, Sophie Kinsella and Kristen Proby, romantic icons of world literature.Crazy For You is her first novel, and it is part of the After Dark Series.


Hosted By: Thanks for joining us at Tears of Crimson. Home to Bestselling Author Michelle Hughes,and all the Friends of Crimson!

Strawberry Wine - Michelle Hughes Remember Your First Love

This Valentines Day, Tears of Crimson invites you to remember  your first love.... with Strawberry Wine.
Everyone remembers their first love.


Luke Parks was mine. My first kiss, my first love and my first broken heart. He swept me off my feet with just one look and after a summer of awakening my body to passion left me broken. He was twenty-four and to a girl of sixteen, I'd never been prepared for the devastation of loving and losing so completely. Time, like all things moves on, but my heart never fully recovered from watching him drive off down that country road out of my life.

Fate. Can you really escape your past?

I grew up, finished college and moved to the big city. I thought I'd left all those memories behind, but fate can be a real bitch. I'm a journalist now and my first real assignment throws me face first back in front of Luke. He's opening a new tattoo parlor in Chicago and they want me to get his story. One look into his blue eyes and I'm remembering drinking strawberry wine and the summer nights we spent sharing everything but my virginity.

It was inevitable that he'd be my first lover.

The last summer night we'd spent together, I was determined to give him the one thing I'd kept from our relationship. At the last moment I'd balked but like I said, fate. There was no doubt in my mind that now that he was back in my life, I'd end up in his bed. My only sanity? My best friend and roommate, Jake. He's that guy that you can always depend on, the one you have to call your friend because he's just too sweet to be anything else. Fate was impossible to resist, so I could only hope when Luke destroyed my soul again, Jake would be there to pick up the pieces.

Sometimes your heart has to be broken before you can really understand love.


Purchase Links:    Amazon Goodreads  Kobo  Paperback Barnes & Noble


Behind the Book:   Writing Strawberry Wine was like taking a walk down memory lane with all the tears, joy, and reminders of what it was like to be young and in a love for the first time.  I'll admit it, it broke my heart but in a very good way.  I'm hoping that's what readers feel when they take the journey with me.  I struggled with the title and changed it a dozen times, because it reminded me of a song I'd heard.  The problem was no other title really worked for this book and I came to the decision that those memories playing around in my head were there long before that song became a thought, and well it just had to be this way.

This is romantic fiction, but as with every book I write a small piece of my soul finds it way inside the pages.  Strawberry Wine just happened to hit me twice as hard.  I can't tell you how hard it is to write when tears are streaming down your cheeks.  It brought back so many things that I'd left in the past on purpose.  Maybe in a way writing this book was therapeutic for me.  I could ramble on for days about how much I needed to write this story, but I won't.  I hope you enjoy the journey.


Thanks for joining us at Tears of Crimson. Home to Bestselling Author Michelle Hughes,and all the Friends of Crimson!

Try a Romance Novel this February 14!

There is a lot of talk right now about keeping the romance alive. Suggestions range from making food for your partner to doing extreme sports together to doing chores. Well, no one really wants to do chores, and cooking food sounds like it might actually create some chores, and extreme sports sound like a chore to some. As a result, I thought of some other activities I've heard suggested lately that might just do the trick.

Though visual stimulation can be an exciting and effective way to get turned on, either alone or with a partner, some argue that overexposure to pornographic videos can overstimulate a chemical in the brain called dopamine, which is responsible for the urge to satiate a desire.

Another issue that sometimes arises with the overuse of or reliance on pornographic videos to spice things up sexually is the discrepancies between "real women" and porn stars. There might be a better way (or two) to relight the fire of romance in your life:

More and more women consider bedroom toys, like vibrators, to be "an essential item" to bring excitement and satisfaction to their romantic lives, as pointed out at Adam and Eve. Adding things like role play can also really rev up the romance. Using toys on their own is great, but how about trying something many couples and single women may not immediately think of when the topic of romance arises? I'm talking about reading. One of the joys of reading is the feeling of connection with a character: when you are rooting for him or her, scared for him or her, excited for him or her. Romance novels have the power to combine the feeling of connection with a character and the thrill of romance and sex.

If you have a partner, reading a romance novel aloud to each other can be a new kind of foreplay to add to the line-up, as it enhances excitement and provide you with new ideas for things to try in bed.

With the cultural phenomenon that was the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy came a surge in both sex toy interest and erotic and romance novel interest.

Here are some other romance novels out there that are sure to get you going, mentally (you're reading, after all!), emotionally, and physically:


Sylvia Day's Bared to You trilogy, which features a couple who are both abuse survivors trying to find love and trust.

For fans of the Disney classic, Sleeping Beauty , A.N. Roquelaure's The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty is a retelling of the fairy tale with an erotic twist.

For lovers of classic literature, Jane Austen's novels, like Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion may not have any bondage, but they are brimming with romance and love.

For young adults, Sarah Dessen's Along for the Ride is a tender romance story about two teenagers who fall in love.


No matter which one you choose, or what your romantic situation happens to be at the moment, romance novels are sure to bring you comfort, excitement, and pleasure. Thanks for joining us at Tears of Crimson. Home to Bestselling Author Michelle Hughes,and all the Friends of Crimson!

Faith's Temptation - Rose Dewallvin *Release Day*

 

 
Faith Ann has always lived a simple life as the farmer's daughter until one day something happens that will change her life forever. Now faced with the choices of flight or fight, she leaves home and doesn't look back. Setting out on the journey of a lifetime.
Ryder Porter is the golden child of the DDMC. Thought to be a bad boy, he is also known as a teddy bear to the women that he lets in. Which are few and far between. Ryder is used to getting what he wants, so when fate intervenes and shows him something he wants, he goes for it. Though Faith is not his usual easy conquest.
Faith has never been one to give in to anything, but will Ryder be able to persuade Faith to give in to this temptation?


    US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I78HA0A
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00I78HA0A
CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00I78HA0A
AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B00I78HA0A
    (INSERT BUY LINKS HERE) 
   
  
    “Faith, oh just the person I wanted to talk to.” And that is when I hear the voice I have been waiting to hear for weeks now. It’s him, it’s Ryder. I almost feel like I could do jumping jacks I am so happy. No, Faith. Keep your cool! The images of his gorgeous body flood my mind as I hear his voice curl around my ear drum.“Y…ye…yes…” Pull it together Faith! “Yes, that’s me.” I say on little too high of a note.Clearing my throat, I continue. “Is there something I can help you with? Or are you done wasting my time?” I ask with snarky tone to my voice. “Ah, my sweet girl, what a mouth you have on you. What I would do to….” He starts to go into details but I cut him off. “Is there something important you are calling for?” I bluntly ask him, becoming rather sick of his games in this short amount of time we have interacted. “Oh yeah, is my sister around?” It sounds more like a statement than a question.“Hang on; let me see if she’s here.” I start to turn away from the counter to look for this woman when I realize, I have no idea who his sister is! “Wait, who’s your sister?”He starts to laugh on the other end of the phone, “Layla, of course.” He starts to laugh even harder once he says her name.Standing there staring at the back of Layla’s head trying to put the pieces together on how these two are related, I scratch my head and get her just like he asked. “Layla you have a phone call.”Layla turns around and nods her head towards me and finishes up her conversation with Lloyd before walking over to me. I see that they are almost done so I get on the phone; “She will be right with you, sir.”“Oh, I love hearing you say ‘sir’. Gives me all kinds of dirty ideas.” He purrs into the phone.Completely in shock and not knowing what to say, I cover my mouth with my hand. “So tell me something about yourself Faith, while we are waiting for Layla.” He says ever so casually.I have no idea how to respond to him or if my words would even come out right if I tried to talk to him right now; so I just ignore him and hope that he won’t continue to talk to me.“Oh, look. Here she comes.” I say to Layla as she is walking up to me with a strange look on her face as she sees the look on my face. “Well, you have yourself a blessed day now and God bless.” Maybe if I throw some real southern manners in there he’ll leave me alone.But knowing this man he is going to have something to say back to me no matter what tone or words I use.“Oh yes, you’re going to be a fair challenge, but I can promise you this I get what I want and I keep what I want.” He clicks his tongue on the other end of the phone. “I know you felt the connection between us, so when the time comes. Don’t fight it, just let Ryder take control.” He says in a commanding tone that’s dripping with raw sexuality. “Excuse me, but I am not someone that you can just have and keep. I actually like being myself and not being told what to do.” I spit into the phone as I start to shake from being so frustrated and just flat out pissed off at this baboon.Layla stops in front of me and stares right at me, mouthing the word ‘what’ I shake my head no at her and hold up my finger to signal one minute. “Faith? Did I lose you?”“No… You didn’t lose me. You didn’t have me in the first place, but I’m here.” I say back. “I will be back in two days. You will have dinner with me when I get back. I would love to get to know you.” He is asking me on a date? Actually he isn’t asking me he is telling me. Is he kidding? “I don’t think so; I’m not interested in going anywhere with you. So my answer is no. Sorry.” I let the cockiness seethe through my voice. “Faith, run for as long as you want ‘cause I am not giving up on you. I like the chase and I love a challenge.” He clicks his tongue again, “So run, run while you can. Cause, I’m coming for you baby.” I can hear his smile through the phone. “Get over yourself douche bag!” I say with disgust in my voice as I hand the phone over to Layla. “Here, he is all yours!”


FACEBOOK / GOODREADS / WEBSITE / TWITTER
Growing up in a small town close to Seattle, Rose saw many different walks of life. But growing up around bikers and rockers, she experienced most things people only dream of.
Now a thirty’s something wife, mother, sister, aunt and best friend –she is devoting her time and energy to bringing these experiences and many more to you in her books. Contact via Email!



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    Thanks for joining us at Tears of Crimson. Home to Bestselling Author Michelle Hughes,and all the Friends of Crimson!

#FF Sending Love, Sharing Insanity, and Ready For the Weekend!

Holy Sin!  It's finally FRIDAY!  Hope all you studs and babes out there are ready for the weekend, because it's definitely time for this week to hit the road!  Anyone else out there ready to smack a groundhog around today?  How about the IRS?  Yeah they are taking a chunk out of my posterior this year and they get the award for who needs to be smacked the most.

On a positive note, or as my friend Justin said, PMA.  Positive Mental Attitude.  You've got to keep that, because if you don't, well you might become Hannibal Lecter, and no one wants to go to jail. Right?  We all need those great friends that make us laugh at ourselves when you really want to scream and try out for the next role as a Banshee!

So looking at the positives!  Having a year good enough to need to gripe at the IRS.  Yeah that's always a good thing.  Still alive and kicking, because you know Zombies aren't the best writers.  Almost finished the rough draft on a new book, which means I can finally get some sleep for a week until the next idea hits.  March is right around the corner, so finally this cold weather can disappear and shorts will be back in fashion.  But you know what the best part is?  Having such great friends like you that when I need to share the insanity, someone is there to listen!  So Thank You!!!

When's that van rolling around with the Publisher's Clearing House Check?  We'll have a yacht party if I win LOL!  Seriously a party in New Orleans sounds really good, since once again I've had to forgo Mardi Gras.  I'm thinking there is a conspiracy against me seeing that festival!  Maybe it's just keeping me away because they know that's the only real time I let my hair down?  It's like that commercial with the guy who got overcharged for cable.  Did you guys see that one? So we're going to keep the positivity flowing!

Hope all you wonderful folks have a great #FF no matter how insane the week has been.  Keep well, smile a little, and kick back and relax!  I know that's what I'm going to do after filing taxes!  Love ya!



Thanks for joining us at Tears of Crimson. Home to Bestselling Author Michelle Hughes,and all the Friends of Crimson!

Taking Flight - Nicky Jayne (Cover Reveal)

Wedding bells ring in the distance as the cold wind, whips through the small town of Lake Jackson Texas. Angel smiles longingly at her parents as they stand hand on hand exchanges vows. A rough childhood and a bank account full of money has made him the man he is today. Cars are his hobby but women are his passion. The sound of engines and smell of timber fill the waking hours, but at night the darkness fills more than night sky. Can he control himself enough to hold on to the one person who fate brings to his life. 
Willow, had everything she ever needed in life, until the day her mother passed. With a controlling money driven grandmother, she falls into line. The life that is expected of her. Allied Linc, is one of the largest finance companies on the Florida coast. It was there she met her soon to be husband Duncan. Struggling with her overpowering family has made life tough for Willow, her every move is reported to the matriarch of the family, thoughts of running away from it all were a daily occurrence until she met Duncan. As time passes the days get easier to bear, with Duncan by her side.
Planning their wedding, Willow is distracted from all the lies and deceit that play out in front of her. Running from all she holds dear, everything she called home. She is now faced with one of the biggest challenges of her life. Falling to the mercy of Sharon and her husband her troubles are far from over. The sound of his voice, does more to her than she ever thought possible. Her emotions rage when he is around. 
Hidden away in his cabin, Parker fights with the attraction. She has fought his every attempt, his money only pushes her farther away. Time passes, as quickly as the night. Avoidance is key, but when tragedy strikes. They are thrown together, holding on to the memories of happier times.


The sound of “I love you” fills the room. My heart drops to my knees. My throat constricts; I can’t breathe. Those three words were meant for me. He doesn’t notice me standing in the doorway. He doesn’t notice the look of shock and pain that carries across my face. I can feel the tears burn, as he calls her name.
 
 


FACEBOOK / GOODREADS / TWITTER
Nicky Jayne was born and raised in England but now resides in Las Vegas with her Husband and two boys. When she is not writing, she has her nose firmly placed in a book. She released her first series in September 2013. The Embrace Series, Embracing Life and Embracing Love. You can visit her at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nicky-Jayne/409522015823277?ref=hl
Hosted By: Thanks for joining us at Tears of Crimson. Home to Bestselling Author Michelle Hughes,and all the Friends of Crimson!

My Crazy Life - Ain't it fun!

 Hello all you gorgeous people!  I wanted to take back over Tears for a moment and say thanks to an incredible start for 2014!  As you may have noticed, I've been promoting some great authors lately on the site and haven't been doing much original posting.  What am I doing?  Well .... since you asked!  I've been busy working on new titles and thought this would the perfect chance to share some of the incredible work by other authors.  Kindle Alexander hooked me up with Ena at Enticing Journey Book Promotions, and I can't even tell you how hard those ladies work!  
For my friends interested in M/M romances please go check out Kindle, if you're not already crazy about her books of course, and help support her as she deals with all the BS about people claiming she's buying book reviews.  Let me say on that note, this lady has TONS of people signing up for ARC's of her work and it really is a load of BS, but that's an entirely full blog post in itself.  She's been nothing but incredible to me and will always be considered a friend of Crimson.  But here I go getting off topic again.
Enticing Journey promotes virtual book tours for authors.  They work their arses off to make sure you find out about new books hitting the shelves.  I've found plenty of incredible books to keep me reading when I should be writing thanks to them.  So while I'm slaving away to bring you new titles, I decided to share these promotions.  I remember how hard it was to get anyone to notice my work in the beginning and it's because of people that run these virtual tours that we get seen.
At the top of this post, you'll notice that awesome new glimpse into the personal author site.  I hope you guys will take a minute to pop over and give your opinions.  You can find it at www.authormichellehughes.com and I wish someone wasn't hogging michelle hughes dot com, but alas, that's breaks!  Since the beginning of the year, book sales have been amazing!  January  ended with a top #100 overall bestseller, 5 Nights.  That book is still kicking butt on the charts and Whore is starting to climb as well.  I wish I could say I've had time to sit back and enjoy that, but another book has been possessing me, so I've been writing a little over 3,000 words a day on it.  I'll release more info after all the copyright stuff is filed.  Yes, I'm still a little leery about sharing things without one.
If you're reading this post, I hope you see the facebook like page, but I know some of you get these via email and not from the blog.  I would love it if you take the time to like me at www.facebook.com/authormichellehughes since I spend hours there these days.  So an updated author site, two books already kicking for 2014, and one in progress!  Something tells me this might be a productive year?  Add that to getting two teenage girls through high school, and my two little men in elementary, and yeah I haven't really had a lot of time to just breathe.  But honestly I'm having the time of my life and you can rest when you're dead, right?  Well okay not if you believe in ghosts, but let's cross that bridge when it comes!
These are my little angels at my sister's wedding. 
I had to share their gorgeous faces.  My teenagers are twins, but you'd never know it by looking at this picture.  One wants to be a traveling nurse, the other wants to own a mortuary.  My little men want to work for the FBI, CIA, or some form of law enforcement.  Basically they just want to be able to shoot big guns, I'm not sure yet if I hope they continue that interest or decide to become something a little safer.  Also I'm thinking American Dad might have influenced them a little on that, and you can blame my husband who's addicted to that show!
Can I get off topic or what?  So back to what's going on.  I'm hoping to get the work in progress finished up by the end of the month, and then it's on to the other million and one ideas running through my mind.  I started out with three ideas for a book that merged into one, so who knows what I'll start working on next.  I really don't get much control.  My muse decides what it will allow me to write.  
Thanks for glancing into my insanity for a few minutes!  I'd love to hear what you're doing to kick 2014 with a huge bang!  As always, I love hearing from you folks, so please drop me a line or comment here.  I really do appreciate all the love and support you've given.  I honestly can't say that enough.  Who'd have thought some little homemaker from Rockford, Alabama could meet so many incredible friends!  Whatever you're doing today, I hope it makes you smile and those dreams you're considering?  Get out there and live them!  Life is all about living the dream!
Love Always,Michelle










New Adult college romanceThanks for joining us at Tears of Crimson. Home to Bestselling Author Michelle Hughes,and all the Friends of Crimson!

Finding You - Kelly Harper (Cover Reveal)

 
 


How far would you go?
When Sarah moved away from her hometown to go to college she thought she was doing it to be with her boyfriend Huck. But when she discovers he's a cheater out to get whatever he wants, she finds herself alone in a new city. Armed with only a few people she can trust, Sarah sets out to carve her place in the world.
Jeremy's life came to a stand still two years ago, but now he's trying to make something of himself. He heads off to college to put his past behind him and start something new. When he meets Sarah he knows he's in for a roller coaster ride. He hasn't felt this way about someone in a long time--he never felt like he'd feel this way, again.
As Sarah and Jeremy get to know each other, she realizes there's something special about him. Something she has never felt before. But there's something he's holding back from her, something he's keeping hidden. Can Sarah find a way to trust someone again, or will Jeremy's past reveal itself? And will she be able to handle it if it does?
Finding You is book 3 of The By You Series but can be read as a standalone novel.

"Jeremy," Sarah stammered, brushing a handful of her blonde hair out of her face. "You startled me."
She could kick herself. Of course she had to be in such a hurry to get home that she didn't even realize someone was trying to talk to her. Her day didn't look like it was going to be getting better any time soon.
"I was starting to think you were ignoring me," he said, grinning.
His crystal blue eyes locked onto hers in a way that made her forget what she was thinking. He had a backpack slung over one shoulder, and the muscles in his forearm twitched as he shifted its weight around.
"Sorry, I guess I wasn't paying attention. It's been a rough morning so far."
His mouth curled in a half-smile, though she couldn't figure out for the life of her what he was always smiling about.
"That's not what I was talking about," he said, with a quick shake of his head. "It's been weeks and you never called. I was starting to think you got abducted or something."
Sarah let out a small laugh while her stomach twisted into nervous knots.
"Oh, God no. No abductions for me, thank you." She shook her head. "I was going to--it's just that everything's been so crazy, lately. Classes are keeping me busier than I thought they would."
It was a lie, but she hoped that he couldn't tell. She hadn't lost his number or anything, she'd just been focusing on herself for the past few weeks. After everything that had happened, she wasn't very interested in making friends with the opposite sex anytime soon.
Jeremy clutched a hand to his chest and winced.
"I thought we had a good thing going," he said, his face twisted in mock pain.
Sarah let out another laugh. "Stop it, you know it's not like that."
The smile returned to Jeremy's face and she couldn't help but notice how his eyes looked her up and down. But the smile didn't last long before fading away.
"Don't worry, there's no hard feelings. I know you have a boyfriend and all, I was just hoping you were still interested in being friends."
Anger flared up in her at the mention of her boyfriend, but she reeled it in, quickly. She should just tell Jeremy the truth--that she and Huck were done--but she didn't want him getting the wrong idea. He'd already made it clear that he was interested in her, and he might think that he had a shot now that she was single.
But he was right. They had only seen each other a few times since they'd met, but they'd had fun. He was easy to talk to, and he had a way of listening to her like he actually cared about what she had to say. Maybe making a new friend wouldn't be the worst thing that could happen?"It's not like that--I promise."
Jeremy studied her, his eyes narrowing with consideration. His cheek twitched as his lips pinched together, and he nodded as though he'd come to some conclusion.
"Fine, you're forgiven for blowing me off." The playful grin returned to his face and he took a step closer to her, leaning down to whisper something. "But, you're going to have to make it up to me."Sarah's eyes widened as unwanted thoughts and images flashed in her head. Jeremy leaned away again and she hoped he didn't see the burning in her cheeks.
"Make it up to you?" she said.
"That's right. But don't worry, I'm a pretty fair guy, even when my ego has been trampled..."
"I didn't trample anything--"
He held up a hand, cutting her off. "Coffee, at three." He gave her another grin, and even winked, before adding, "Just as friends, of course. Don't be late--my ego can't handle being trampled twice by the same girl."
Without warning, he turned and started walking away from her. Sarah stared after him for a second, speechless.
"Hey, wait," she yelled. "Where are we meeting?"
Jeremy turned but kept walking backwards. He tilted his chin toward her. "You have my phone number still, right? Text me and I'll let you know."
He flashed her one more grin before turning away and picking up his pace. Sarah watched him until he disappeared between a couple buildings, flustered and confused by everything that had just happened.
Did she really just agree to go on a coffee date with him? She muttered and cursed at herself while she walked back to her dorm. She wasn't sure if she was more upset at herself for agreeing to meet up with him or because she didn't tell him that she was single. Either way, the day didn't look like it was going to be getting better any time soon.

FACEBOOK / GOODREADS / TWITTER / WEBSITE
Like for many, life for Kelly didn't really begin until her 30th birthday. That was when she decided she was done with the corporate ladder and was going to start publishing some of her stories to see if people liked them. Fast forward a couple of years, and she's still amazed that she's able to spend her time doing something she's loved doing since she was a little kid.
Most of her free time is spent working in front of the computer at various coffee shops around Houston. But when she's not working on her next book, she's probably sitting in front of the TV with her eyes glued to whatever Netflix show she happens to be obsessed with at the time. Do we really have to wait this long for the next season of Orange Is The New Black?!
Follow her on Twitter, @harper_books, or head over to her Facebook page (http://on.fb.me/1fo0reU) and leave her a message. Her website is currently going through some construction, and will be up and running sometime in February.

 

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 Thanks for joining us at Tears of Crimson. Home to Bestselling Author Michelle Hughes,and all the Friends of Crimson!