Sorcha O'Dowd's Blog, page 23
December 3, 2014
Book Blitz ~ ‘Walled’ by Anne Tibbets.
Walled by Anne Tibbets
(The Line #2)
Published by: Carina Press (HQN)
Publication date: December 1st 2014
Genres: Dystopia, New Adult
۞
SYNOPSIS
Freedom means making brutal choices.
Rebel lovers Naya and Ric have survived one year in hiding, raising Naya’s twins from infants to toddlers in the shadow of the brutal Auberge dictatorship. They’re alive, and they’re together, but the city is crumbling around them and the haunting memory of Naya’s dark days on The Line have never fully left them. Living in isolation won’t be an option forever.
When a mysterious revolutionary seeks their help to infiltrate Auberge’s electronic heart and shut it down, it’s an opportunity—it’s risky, yes, but if it works they’ll get out of the city and taste freedom for the first time. Naya needs this. They need this.
Beyond the broken walls of Auberge, Naya and Ric find the paradise they’ve always longed for. But with anarchy reigning and Naya’s children lost amidst the chaos, they’ll need to forfeit their post-apocalyptic Eden…or commit an unspeakable act.
Book Two of Two.
۞
“You don’t have to do this,” Ric whispered.
I swallowed the terror in my throat and licked my lips with my dry tongue.
The elevator stopped, and I heard the sound of a tiny bell as the doors slid open.
“We can find another way,” he said.
I stepped through the open doors and drew my pistol.
۞
~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon US ~ B&N ~
۞
Yes, New Adult is a Thing, Can We Move on Now?
Every time an editor or agent tweets that New Adult is just a marketing gimmick or a fad, somewhere in the universe, an author dies.
Okay, so maybe he or she doesn’t die – maybe they’re just clutching their chest, or banging their head on their desk, or bashing their laptops with a baseball bat.
The truth is, nobody knows for sure if New Adult has staying power. So far, there have been great successes in self-publishing New Adult, particularly in Contemporary Romance, and traditional pubs are catching up quickly. Even after Publisher Weekly reported that New Adult was an actual thing [http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by...], there are still those who are unwilling to accept it.
Part of me wonders if these naysayers were also the ones who predicted ebooks would destroy publishing as we know it. Or, maybe they’re just slow adapters, the kinds of people who resent their iPhone upgrades (I’m guilty of this myself), or maybe they understand that the publishing industry can be fickle, and just like in Project Runway, one day you’re in – the next, you’re out!
Whatever their reason for refusing to believe that New Adult is real, if they keep up with the disapproval, they sure aren’t helping! All they’re doing is hurting a lot of feelings from a lot of hard working authors and being negative, and in my limited life experience, being a pessimist makes you a good at creating Dystopia, but isn’t very useful otherwise.
۞
Anne Tibbets
Anne Tibbets is an SCBWI award-winning and Smashwords.com Best Selling author. After writing for Children’s television, Anne found her way to young/new adult fiction by following what she loves: books, strong female characters, twisted family dynamics, magic, sword fights, quick moving plots, and ferocious and cuddly animals.
Along with CARRIER, Anne is also the author of the young adult fantasy novella, THE BEAST CALL and the young adult contemporary, SHUT UP.
Anne divides her time between writing, her family, and three furry creatures that she secretly believes are plotting her assassination.
۞
~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Twitter ~ Website ~
۞
Book Blitz organised by Xpresso Book Tours.
۞
December 2, 2014
Book Blitz ~ ‘Hysteriata’ by D.A. Botta.
Hysteriata by D.A. Botta
(Elyzian Chronicles #1)
Publication date: March 21st 2014
Genres: Fantasy, New Adult
۞
SYNOPSIS
Emily Hobbs is off to Salem State College when a chance encounter with a fortuneteller changes everything. Emily is transported to the realm of Elyzia and learns that she is, in fact, one of the most powerful witches in existence.
Madame Lavache, the strict headmistress of Cedalion Covenstead, has her sights set on Emily. In her desperate cling to power, Lavache attempts to protect her tyranny by invoking sinister forces, including bloodthirsty pirates and The Devil himself, to rid Elyzia of the rebellious witch.
Along with her companions – an old hermit, a small coven of witches, and their totems – Emily sets out on a collision course with destiny.
Just as the tarot foretold.
A powerful witch
A simple tarot read
And all hell breaks loose
۞
۞
~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon US ~ B&N ~
۞
~ YouTube ~
۞
Q: What is unique about your fantasy series?
A: First, the plots of the novels follow a tarot reading set out early in the stories. This gave the novels a structure and theme I could really work with. Each chapter involves the decoding of a tarot card in the spread. Secondly, I incorporated elements from witchcraft, tarot, astrology, mythology, and runes into each story. This gave Elyzia its richness. It made for interesting characters, suspenseful plot threads, and themes that I could string throughout. It’s really a comprehensive blend of fantasy.
Q: Are there spells in your stories?
A: There just may be. I strongly advise not attempting them at home. Only experienced witches should meddle in magick and spellcasting. I did alter some recipes slightly … for no good reason.
Q: What does New Adult offer your stories?
A: New Adult is a real shift from young adulthood to adulthood. It’s that brief space in time where things are really exciting and a person has to figure out who they are. For some people, it’s a traumatic experience. It can be tremendously invigorating too. I think, for stories, it makes for extra dramatic (any perhaps traumatic) events – psychological, emotional, spiritual or physical. I try to capture a lot of these perspectives throughout the series.
Q: What is the main theme of The Elyzian Chronicles?
A: There are a lot of themes interwoven throughout the chronicles, but if I can sum it up it’s: to truly know yourself is to have all the power in the world. I think that can be dissected in many ways, but essentially its understanding and embracing your own unique identity despite a world that tries to change you. Understanding your fears, knowing your limits (or the cause of your limits) is a liberating thing. I think people learn who they are forced by people or circumstance to honestly look at themselves. I believe it’s a powerful thing, and ultimately a positive one.
Q: What is your writing process like?
A: Painful and slow. I have a natural impatience. Writing for me is grueling. I did a ton of research for the chronicles, not just for world-building but also for the magick and mythology. I wanted to keep true to the various elements (witchcraft, tarot, mythology) I was using, to a degree. I wanted to be respectful of those things and still push the envelope a little. I think once you understand something, you figure out where you can play with it a little to make it distinctive. I write at night, often late into the night. It makes for foggy mornings, and with a 3 year old daughter that’s pretty trying. I write linearly, mostly. I did skip forward when I got stuck, and revisited places once I fleshed out some of the heftier parts. But, I’m not one for rules. I wrote poetically where I wanted to. I wrote flowery where I wanted to. I think the modern convention of chopping hundreds of words has some merit, but in fantasy I think you need to build entire worlds and civilizations. That is done with words, so it is a real challenge to strike that balance.
Q: Who would play your main characters in a movie?
A: I’ve gone over this a million times in my head over the past few years. I think a majority of authors want to see their books become movies. It’s a natural progression. If an author says differently, they could possibly be lying. Emily is such a complicated character. I’d have to say Kate Mara would be a top choice. I’d love to see upstart talent in any role. I always pictured Uma Thurman as Madame Lavache. I’d have loved to see Robin Williams play Paronskaft, the quirky old hermit.
Q: Why did you choose to write a female protagonist?
A: Witchcraft, and paganism in general, is strongly influenced by feminine power. It was a simple choice, really. One of the great things to come from Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code was a reintroduction of the concept of the sacred feminine into our lexicon. I think Brown really helped to educate a generation about the suppression and obfuscation of feminine spirit and the historical importance of goddess worship. For me, it was about honoring the struggles of a strong female, against other strong women and men. The gender stereotypes are broken down and juxtaposed in the chronicles. We see this with Emily’s sexuality, and with the contrast with, say, the pirate captains Brodish and Dresden. In Sinfluence, I depict even starker contrasts with the character Braun (a satyr).
Q: What readers would enjoy Hysteriata and the rest of The Elyzian Chronicles?
A: Definitely folks who read Rowling, but also readers who really enjoy some hefty NA. My characters endure some pretty intense situations. There are struggles between love and hate, power and weakness, fate and freedom, life and death, action, suspense, drama, satire, romance – all wrapped up in this magickal world. The series has believable characters with complex relationships. There is a lot for everyone really.
Q: What is your all-time favorite book and why?
A: It’s going to sound a little strange, but my absolute favorite book is The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster. It was one of the first books I read where I was like, “Wow! This is how you can play with words! This is art!” It shows in some of the words I created and my book titles. I believe that type of creative license makes treetrunk and springwater single words. Sometimes, as a writer, you just ignore parts of spellcheck when you know it works. My all-time favorite New Adult read, so far, is Butterman Time Travel Inc by PK Hrezo. It’s some awesome sci-fi. Very solid contemporary and super fun.
Q: What’s your advice to other writers?
A: I don’t typically offer writing advice. It’s just a very personal and private craft. But I will say this: I think one of the biggest mistakes writers make is they select a time for writing, and everyday they sit down at whatever-o’clock and open their laptop to begin typing. It’s the wrong approach – and apologies to any NaNoWriMo-ers out there. I don’t believe in it. I think we put an enormous amount of pressure on ourselves, myself too, to produce. Perhaps the best nights I spent “writing” were those I actually didn’t write a single word. I just daydreamed of that place or those characters. Sure I beat myself up over it, but looking back over four years of writing a series, I find that those were my most successful nights. Just thinking. Just owning that space. Just being in that story for awhile. The words will come when they come.
۞
Prize Open Internationally
Signed copies of all books in the Elyzian Chronicles series
۞
D.A. Botta
D A Botta has written four New Adult Fantasy novels, The Elyzian Chronicles, and has also published a collection of poems There in Them Blues. D A is currently working on a New Adult Mystery series, Seriously Confidant, projected for debut in the fall of 2015. D A is a Fantasy Representative for NA Alley and frequents #NALitChat on Twitter. When not writing, D A plays guitar and dabbles in graphic design. D A lives with his family in Massachusetts.
۞
~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Twitter ~ Website ~
۞
Book Blitz organised by Xpresso Book Tours.
۞
Book Blitz ~ ‘Mending Heartstrings’ by Aria Glazki.
Mending Heartstrings by Aria Glazki
Published by: Swoon Romance
Publication date: December 2nd 2014
Genres: Adult, Romance
۞
SYNOPSIS
Kane’s a country singer who’s tangled with too many deceitful women. He’s learned his lesson: girls are for flirting and fun; emotions are for his music. But after spending a night with an earnest woman unlike any he’s known, he can’t force her out of his mind. So he goes in search of the woman he knows only as “Elle.”
On her last night in Nashville, the staunchly pragmatic Sabella found herself in a situation more suited to a romance novel than reality. Swept away, she ignored her rigidly self-imposed rules, succumbing to the fantasy just this once. But she knows real-world relationships have nothing in common with their fictionalized portrayals. When Kane unexpectedly shows up at her Portland apartment, she must choose between the practical truths she has learned and the desire for a passionate love she has struggled to suppress.
Despite the distance, Kane’s tour schedule, and their meddling friends, both are drawn to the chance for a romance neither quite believes is possible.
۞
Kane rested his forearms on the bar and bent his head down, exhaling. As always, he’d scanned the audience a few times while he played, trying to read the room’s reactions. Tonight, too many people had been absorbed in their own conversations around the bar’s simple wooden tables. Only one pair of eyes had met his. A striking, unwavering pair of eyes. She’d been standing toward the back, alone. He’d felt her watching him even when he’d closed his eyes.
But she hadn’t been standing there when he’d come back out. Probably just as well.
Cody set down a chilled beer in front of Kane. He tipped it toward the bartender as thanks. A couple drinks, a little bit of flirting, and there’d be no more need to think about his songs tonight.
Turning back toward the room, Kane bumped a girl he hadn’t noticed seated next to him at the bar. “Ah! Sorry ’bout that,” he said with a half-smile, ramping up the charm.
She twisted toward him. “I’ll survive.” The corners of her mouth pulled up, but Kane couldn’t look away from her eyes. Hazel, he realized. Unlike when he’d been on stage, her gaze fell, and she started to turn back to the bar.
“Kane,” he offered, shifting his beer to his left hand and offering up his right. A handshake. Smooth. This really was an off night.
Her eyes flicked down to his hand then laughingly back to his face. Her eyebrows drew up in a small challenge as she placed her hand in his. “Like the sugar, or the stick?”
“With a K …” He leaned back against the bar, resting on one elbow.
“So, not Abel’s brother. Good to know.”
Normally he’d have walked away at a line like that, but it wasn’t like he’d been offering conversational gold. Maybe this would help him shake it off before he made his move on the trio Cody’d pointed out. And then there were those eyes … “Go ahead and joke. I’ve probably heard them all.”
“Don’t tempt me.” Her lips curved softly. Mischief glinted in her eyes.
“And how could I do that?” Kane let himself relax, sliding back into the easy feel of the bar. Unlike his performance, this conversation didn’t really matter.
“I’m sure you have a few tricks up your sleeves.” She picked up the glass of white wine she’d been nursing and took a sip, without dropping her smile or taking her eyes off him.
A local girl would’ve been drinking beer. But then, a local girl would’ve known exactly who he was, which could lead to nothing more than a mildly satisfying romp in the sack. He remembered his own beer and took a swig.
“Worried?” he asked, after she set her glass back down.
That got him a bigger smile. “Please, I can take anything you throw at me.”
“Maybe we should test that theory.” He took another sip of beer. This was getting more and more interesting.
“By all means,” she replied, not missing a beat.
He was used to women flattering him, fawning over him. His Southern charm had rarely failed him, and as a singer, he wasn’t hurting for female attention, especially since country music wannabes thought he’d be a perfect springboard for their careers. But he hadn’t met someone who actually intrigued him in a while. Too long.
He turned to face her, leaving his elbow resting on the bar, and set down his beer. “I didn’t catch your name.”
“Call me Elle,” she answered, tilting her head slightly, a silent question on the change in direction. Her eyelashes didn’t flutter with calculated coyness, and her direct gaze didn’t falter.
Kane straightened, suddenly inspired. “Pleased to meet you, Elle. Excuse me a sec?” He grabbed the bottle he’d just set down and turned away from her. Another swig and he returned to the back room. This was nothing short of crazy, but he picked up his guitar anyway and walked back to the small stage.
۞
۞
(US & Canada)
Swag pack (incl. magnet, keychain, big notebook and autographed trading card)
۞
Aria Glazki
Aria Glazki’s writing story started when her seventh-grade English teacher encouraged her to submit a class assignment for publication. That piece was printed, and let’s just say, she was hooked!
Since then, Aria has run a literary magazine, earned her degree in Creative Writing (as well as in French and Russian literatures), and been published in a few collections. Though her first kiss technically came from a bear cub, and no fairytale transformation followed, Aria still believes magic can happen when the right people come together – if they don’t get in their own way, that is.
Other than all things literary, Aria loves spending time with her family, including her two unbearably adorable nieces. She also dabbles in painting, dancing, playing violin, and, given the opportunity, Epicureanism.
Learn more about her at: www.AriaGlazki.com
۞
~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Twitter ~ Website ~
۞
Book Blitz organised by Xpresso Book Tours.
۞
Release Day Blast ~ ‘Havoc’ by Autumn Grey.
Havoc by Autumn Grey
(Havoc #1)
Age: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release date: December 2, 2014
۞
SYNOPSIS
Selene Michaels is determined to never let anyone make her feel inferior again. After a painful divorce, she finds herself in Paris on a working holiday, hopeful that this will be the opportunity she has been waiting for. She intends to have fun and maybe find a Prince Charming to flirt with; someone who will show her a good time, treat her right, and awaken her to all she has been missing. What she does not expect to find is Remington St. Germain and his adorable son, Adrien. Remington is intense, devastatingly hot and a Prince Charming on the outside, but a dirty talking, insatiable devil behind closed doors—the opposite of the man she has been hoping for—and not the type to give up on something that he wants. Selene soon realizes that life with Remington is not only interesting, but adventurous. It’s dangerous, and she’s about to find out how dangerous. . . if she is brave enough to take a chance.
۞
“Cotton candy is the answer to every single problem.” I took it from the man’s hand, and once I paid for my purchase, I pinched a small piece, and shoved it in my mouth. Remington’s eyes followed my fingers, as the candy disappeared into my mouth.
He dragged his gaze away from my lips, and laughed. “For world problems, too?”
“Especially world problems. If anyone ever took time to listen to me, the world would be a better place.” I grinned, pinching a wad of candy and holding it out for him. “Want some?”
Before I could move my hand, his mouth, warm and wet, closed around my fingers. He twirled his tongue around them, his eyes dark and playful.
Oh. My. God. “Good?” I asked hoarsely when he finally freed my fingers from their delicious prison.
“Perfect.” He licked his lips while staring at mine, his face much closer than before. I could see every single golden speckle in his eyes.
My head angled automatically as his did. Were we about to kiss? Wasn’t it too soon for this? Oh my God. Why was I questioning everything? Right now, a hot guy looked like he wanted to devour me alive and I was thinking?
He pulled back slightly, studying me, and I kicked myself mentally. My eyes shifted to his jaw, trying to scoop up my thoughts, now splattered at his feet. I’d been so absorbed by him I hardly noticed what was hidden behind that sexy scruff.
“Is that… a dimple?” My finger was suddenly all over the dimple. I found myself doing things without a second thought when I was around Remington. Before I could pull my hand back, he snatched it, bringing it to his mouth.
Again.
“If one little dimple drives you insane, wait until you see the second one.” He turned his head.
God, I think I just came.
He swirled his tongue around my finger, nipping the tip gently. I groaned, struggling to pull my hand away before I embarrassed myself in front of the people littering the shop.
My heart was racing, and I was out of breath. All he did was show me his dimples and suck my finger.
Oh, shit, I am so in trouble.
“You’re a dangerous man, Remington St. Germain.”
He laughed, and everything seemed right in the world again. “Is that a bad thing?”
“No,” I said, thinking how wonderful it’d be to live dangerously for once. Not care what anyone would think. “It’s a very good thing.”
۞
۞
~ A Rafflecopter giveaway ~
۞
The Series continues!
Title: Obliterate (Havoc #2)
Release date: January 5th, 2015
Title: Mend (Havoc #3)
Release date: February 9th, 2015
Covers designed by Louisa Maggio~~ LM Creations
۞
Autumn Grey
Autumn Grey is the author of the soon to be released contemporary romance, Havoc, Obliterate, Mend (Havoc series). And just like her characters, she is quirky, sometimes funny and definitely flawed. She writes sexy contemporary romances full of drama, steamy kisses and happy ever afters.
۞
~ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Twitter ~
۞
۞
December 1, 2014
Tour Stop ~ ‘Wicked Blush Tequila 10′ by P.T. Macias.
Wicked Blush Tequila 10
by P.T. Macias
SYNOPSIS
Wicked Blush, a beautiful dragonette, is sad and frustrated. She refuses to return to her realm to marry thestranger that she was promised to at the time of her birth. Blush has reached the fork in the road and now she has to make some soul wrenching decisions.
A handsome stranger at the Christmas party draws her in and she chooses to forget her fiancé. This Christmas, there’s a special gift for more than one of the elite operatives.
Her decision takes her on an incredible journey of secrets, deep passions, and truths. Will she be able to keep her heart? Can she escape her destiny and her soul mate?
Blush is one of ten special operatives that work with the government, using their special abilities but also have their own agenda. These special operative’s monitor the supernatural community, even as they’re swept into a whirlwind of love, truths, and untold passions. The supernatural realms are threatened and endangered. Time is running out! The enforcers are desperate to stop the menace.
BUY LINKS
TEASER
EXCERPT
Wicked Blush, Tequila 10
Excerpt
Prince Connor walks over to the bar to get a drink. Hell, I need a drink because I’m so fucking anxious to talk to my dragonette. This coke really gets me drunk. It’s amusing because alcohol doesn’t affect me at all.
He takes the glass of coke from the bartender. He sips his drink and leans against the pillar. He looks at the Wolff Dynasty Estate, nodding. Yeah, this place is fit for royalty. Basically, that’s what they are.
Fierce walks over to Prince Connor to stand next to him. “Well, look who just arrived.” He grins, winks at him.
Prince Connor looks over at the door. He releases his breath after looking her over. Oh hell, she’s even more beautiful in person. I love her hot body and her face is gorgeous. Damn, I’m lucky that she’s mine.
Prince Connor moves to adjust his aching cock. His eyes go to her beautiful breasts and then up to look at her sweet full lips.
“Later,” says Fierce as he walks away from Prince Connor. Yeah, I have to tell Fire so he can help me with this. I don’t want him to get pissed off if Prince Connor comes on too strong. He turns and leaves to talk to Fire.
Prince Connor leans against the wall next to the window, watching Princess Josephine aka Blush.
Blush is wearing a beautiful silky dusty rose dress that shimmers when she moves. The sweetheart bodice is fitted down to the waist. The dress has straps that fall off her shoulder in a cascade of material, and the skirt is a beautiful sheer chiffon that flares out like a cloud around her thighs. On the waist line, the dress has a ribbon that ties into a bow over her right hip.
She’s wearing beautiful diamond chandelier drop earrings that sparkle when she moves. Blush moves her right hand up to her waist and looks around the room. The beautiful diamond, wide-cuff bracelet sparkles brilliantly.
Hmmm, I can feel someone watching me. Who could it be? Wow, I know everyone here. She slowly turns to look around and notices the handsome young man leaning against the wall near the window. Uh, I don’t know him but I can tell that he’s a dragon.
She looks at him, glancing down to his black shiny leather shoes. She then moves her gaze up his black slacks, up to perfectly fitted black classic tuxedo. She narrows her eyes, nodding her pleasure. Oh yeah, the tux fits him perfectly.
Oh yeah, my dragonette is a beauty. I love her style and her black hair is silky, shiny, beautiful. Connor takes a drink of his coke.
Blush moves her gaze up to scrutinize his perfect square jawline that has a short black goatee framing his luscious full red lips. She bites her lower lip, moving her gaze up to his eyes.
He moves his gaze up to her perfect face and gazes right into her beautiful eyes.
Hell yes, she’s noticing me. She doesn’t have a clue she’s mine. I love her blue sapphire eyes.
Omg, those eyes are truly clear turquoise, my favorite color. I’ve only met a few people that have such a beautiful shade of clear sparkling turquoise.
Blush gazes into his eyes: falling, falling deep into his soul. She blinks rapidly. She’s shaken, and blushing. She turns around and glides over to Storm and Dawn, who are walking into the hall with the babies in their arms.
Omg, omg! I felt his soul and I swear mine merged with his. I can’t do that. I’m engaged and I can’t fall in love with someone here on earth even if he’s a dragon.
Prince Connor pushes away from the wall and shoves his hands into his pockets. Oh Hell yes, she recognizes that she’s my soul mate. She felt our souls merge. I want to run after her so badly but I can’t. I know that she’s afraid of her feelings.
He turns to walk over to the bar to get another coke. Oh hell! I need another drink.
~~~
Blush smiles at Storm and Dawn. She quickly takes long elegant strides, extending her sexy long legs in a synchronized rhythm, rushing across the room to talk to them. She reaches them, flushed and excited.
Yeah, I’m escaping. I can’t deal with these feelings! Geeze, I need my mocha but I need to talk to Storm and Dawn.
“Omg, Storm, Dawn. Let me see the cubs. They’re so cute. I missed you two. Geeze, it’s seems forever since I last saw you two.”
Storm laughs, handing her cub, Sven, to Blush. “Blush, you’re being dramatic! We saw you two months ago, when I had Sven.” She leans close to adjust Sven’s shirt.
Dawn laughs at Blush. “Gee, Blush, I miss you too. Look at my cub, William Anthony! He’s growing so quickly. I know that you were too busy with the mavericks to visit when I had him.”
Blush pulls Storm’s cub, Sven, close to give him a soft mystical kiss. The kiss sparkles a soft dusty rose.
She then turns to look at Dawn’s cub, William Anthony. “Wow, Dawn! William Anthony looks exactly like Thunder! He’s so cute! I love that outfit! Geeze, your cubs are so cute!”
She reaches over to stroke William Anthony’s cute flushed cheeks. “Storm, do you know who that dragon is? I don’t know him.”
Storm looks around the room, curious to see who has captured Blush’s attention. Wow, that’s so unusual. Blush never appears interested in anyone. I have to see who this dragon is. He has to be special if Blush noticed him.
She scans the room, looking for the dragon. Hmm, I can’t locate him.
She turns to look for Phantom. Ah, my Babe is talking to a dragon. Yeah, he’s very handsome and I can see why Blush is interested. I wonder if she’s going to forget that she’s promised to Prince Connor. Wow, that would be interesting to see. Hmm, I wonder who he is. I’m going to find out.
Storm laughs as she reaches for Sven. “I’m taking Sven to my Babe. I have to talk to Fierce.”
Blush nods, smiling. “Let me hold your cub, Dawn. He looks so loveable. Is he a good cub? I can’t wait to marry and have my fledgling.”
Dawn laughs. She gazes into Blush’s flushed face. I wonder what’s up. She’s talking about marrying and fledgling. Wow, is she finally going to marry Prince Connor? She looks flushed and excited.
Dawn hands William Anthony to Blush. She watches Storm approach Phantom. Hmm, Phantom is talking to a dragon. I wonder if that’s the one that caught Blush’s eye. I know she’s excited. Wow!
Dawn turns to Blush, smiling. “Blush, is that the dragon that you’re talking about? The one talking to Phantom? Is that the one that has you excited and flushed? Tell me. Please tell me.”
Blush glances quickly at Prince Connor. He glances up and gazes into her eyes. He slowly smiles, then he winks at her.
Blush turns away quickly, blushing. “Yes, Dawn. That’s him. Omg, I’m so confused. What should I do? You know that I’m promised to Prince Connor but …” She turns quickly to glance at him again.
Prince Connor glances over at her and nods. He turns to talk to Phantom.
Dawn watches the exchange. She grins at Blush. “Well?”
Blush reddens and looks down at William Anthony. The cub grabs a strand of Blush’s shiny black silky hair. He pulls it, softly gurgling.
“Well?” Dawn watches Blush closely, smiling. I think that’s the man that will bring Blush to her knees. I know it, I see it.
Blush looks up, she smiles a small smile. She bites her lower lip. “Dawn, I feel him. I feel his soul and my body knows him. He’s my mate. What should I do? I can’t acknowledge this. You know that I can’t.”
Dawn smiles and raises her hand to her mouth to hide her huge, happy smile. Hell yes! That’s her mate. Omg, what should I tell her? She’s promised to Prince Connor and she can’t betray him. Geeze, this is a mess.
Blush waits for Dawn to give her some type of advice. She looks down at the cub. She leans down to give him a mystical kiss. The kiss sparkles a soft dusty rose.
William Anthony gurgles, then kicks his chubby legs. He gazes into Blushes eyes.
“Blush, I don’t know what to tell you. I do know that when your mate is near you, you’re gone. Your natural instinct to mate is overwhelming and consuming. Your body is on fire and anxious to claim your mate.”
Blush nods, biting her lower lip. “Yes, I know. I feel it. I don’t know what to do.”
Dawn reaches over for her cub, nodding. “Can’t you stay here on Earth realm?”
Blush raises her right hand to adjust her long hair over her shoulder. The cuff diamond bracelet sparkles with every movement.
Dawn looks at it, nodding. Yeah, fit for a Princess. She grins at her. “Blush, you have such beautiful jewelry. Did your sire gift you that beautiful bracelet?”
Blush, nods closing her eyes. “Yes, it’s my last birth gift from my sire. I love it and it has a small little diamond heart.”
“Yeah, I can see it. Geeze, that’s really an awesome bracelet. I’m taking my cub to the spare crib that Storm has for him. I’ll be right back.”
Blush nods, laugh. “I’m going to get a mocha at the bar.” Blush walks slowly over to the bar.
~~~
Prince Connor pushes away from the wall and strides quickly over to Blush. Oh, yes, I’m going to ask her to dance. Everyone is dancing with their mates. She’s mine and I’m not going to sit back and wait. I’m here to get her and seduce her into my arms.
Blush leans against the bar counter top, tapping her fingers to the beat. She bites her lower lip. Yeah, I have to control my need to look at him because I know that I will then want to talk to him. I can’t. I’m promised.
She turns around to the bartender. She moves a strand of black shiny hair back behind her right ear. “I would love an iced mocha.” She smiles at him flashing her cute dimples.
The bartender, Gage Bryant, is a werewolf that works for Phantom and Storm at the Wolff Dynasty Estate with his younger sister, Terri. He dreams of making it big with his werewolf band, the Wolf Howl. Terri helps Storm with little Sven.
He blinks, nodding at her. He grins at her and he starts to make the mocha. He watches as Prince Connor approaches Blush.
Blush leans her arms on the bar’s counter top, watching Gage make the iced mocha. Hmm, anything is better than to risk turning around to look for that hot dragon. I wonder who he is and who invited him?
Prince Connor approaches her and leans in next to her on her right side. He rests his right arm on the counter top. “Why so lonely?” He whispers softly, near her ear. He inhales her delicious spicy flowery scent, causing him to explode into fiery need.
Oh yeah, I love her scent, and she’s so fucking aroused. I know this because our bodies’ scent is strong when we’re aroused by our mates. I know that her pussy is sweet, wet, and so ready for me to bury my aching cock. He moves to adjust his swollen cock.
Blush startles and slowly turns to look at him. She gazes directly into his beautiful clear turquoise eyes.
Wow, omg. I’m falling into his soul. I can feel it, and I can’t stop myself. Omg, his soul is burning into mine. I can’t breathe. My breasts are swollen, my nipples are tight, and sensitive. I can feel the fabric scrape my nipples. Yes, he’s right here next to me and I can smell his yummy scent. My pussy is swelling and aching. I know that he’s aroused.
Blush blinks quickly and takes a step back. I can’t feel this for a stranger. I can’t fall for this gorgeous dragon because I’m promised. I know he’s a dragon and he’s my mate. What should I do? These feelings are powerful. They are calling my ingrained instinct to mate with him. She bites her lower lip, confused.
Prince Connor reaches out for her, grasping her arm. He pulls her back close to his side. He gazes down, devouring her with his eyes.
“Wicked Blush, don’t run from me. I would love to have a dance.” A delicious chill runs up their arms, exploding into fiery heat throughout their bodies. They gaze into each other’s eyes for a few moments, stunned.
Blush gazes at him, blinking rapidly to break the spell that has captured her. Oh my, my entire body is on fire. I need my mocha. I need to escape these feelings.
Blush turns to the bartender, raising an eyebrow. “My mocha?” She blushes, tapping her right hand fingers on the counter top.
The bartender nods and hands her the crystal glass with iced mocha. He walks away to make other drinks.
Prince Connor holds onto her forearm, moving his right thumb over the veins on her wrist. He inhales deeply, closing his eyes.
He opens his beautiful clear turquoise eyes to look at her exquisite profile. Omg, she’s absolutely my soul mate. She’s mine, my dragonette, and my woman. How in the hell will I be able to control myself? I need to desperately love her. I can’t tell her who I am because she’ll run away. I know she will. Prince Connor closes his eyes, inhaling deeply and shuddering.
I can feel her fiery blood rush through her veins. I know she’s fighting it. Sweet deity, I can’t wait to taste her sweet spicy pussy.
Blush takes a drink of her iced mocha to calm her fiery blood. She stands still, waiting for him to leave. Yes, maybe he’ll leave if I don’t talk to him.
Prince Connor waits for her to drink her iced mocha. He drinks his coke. He slowly and softly rubs her wrist, enjoying the feel of her fiery blood rushing rapidly through her veins.
She takes another drink, smiling. Oh yeah, this mocha is strong and I’m so relaxed. I don’t see any reason why I shouldn’t dance with this hot dragon. I’m not married yet and he is my mate. My body is linked to his. Maybe I can stay on earth forever.
She turns to smile at him, nodding. “Ok, I would love to dance.”
Prince Connor smiles a beautiful, one that lights up his eyes. He’s breathtakingly gorgeous. “Wicked Blush, you don’t know how much I desire to dance with you.”
Blush eyes shine brightly and she smiles up at him. Oh yeah, I love his eyes and his lips look so, so yummy. I wonder who he is and where’s he from.
Blush takes a drink of her iced mocha. She drains the entire large glass and she’s totally relaxed.
Prince Connor takes her hand and laces their fingers, shuddering from the intense heat rushing though him. He moves his left hand to unbutton his tuxedo jacket.
Oh hell, I’m going to die tonight. She has me totally turned on and desperate. He pulls her into his arms, close, and tight. He leans down to rest his head next to hers. He wraps his arms around her small waist.
AUTHOR BIO & LINKS
I’m P.T. Macias (Patricia), I reside in Sacramento, California with my loving husband, children, and family. I adore my four beautiful grandchildren. I was born and raised in San Jose, California.
I love going on cruises, concerts, white peaches, pistachio ice cream, and margaritas. I’m an avid reader and I love paranormal romance suspense thrillers.
I love writing about drama, suspense, and intrigue. I throw in a dash of love and passion. I’m intrigued with the different types and depths of love. Love is powerful and motivates an individual. I’m fascinated with the physiological, spiritual, and psychological process that love creates. The range and facets of love an individual is capable of feeling is what I strive to illustrate in my stories.
I also love the paranormal genre. I find this genre an exciting challenge and I enjoy writing about the sexy vhampiers, werewolves, dragons, and other entities. My greatest thrill in the paranormal genre is the limitless range of characteristics, powers, and weaknesses available to develop my characters’ and entities’ realms.
My champions are amazing, strong men. They’re intelligent, sexy, and passionate men that love with their entire beings.
The lovely ladies in my stories capture the men’s hearts. They’re smart, sexy, and full of love. My ladies blossom, mature, and complete my heroes.
Enjoy my signature theme of intense passion, organized crime, and military paranormal mystery thrillers. These series are addictive! They will take you on an incredible journey of love, passion, and surrender! Genre ~ Erotic Romance Paranormal Mysteries Intrigue Suspense Thriller
http://ptmacias.com/ – http://ptmacias.blogspot.com/ – http://romancefantasymagic.blogspot.com/
www.amazon.com/author/ptmacias.com – https://www.facebook.com/ptmacias.DeLaCruzSaga
Twitter @pt_macias – https://www.facebook.com/pages/PT-Macias/319871778087970
http://youtu.be/n5p8k_pZ36A
GIVEAWAY
presented by
Cover Reveal ~ ‘Toxic’ by Kim Karr.
Toxic by Kim Karr
(A standalone novel)
RELEASE DATE: July 7th, 2015
۞
SYNOPSIS
He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not
Sometimes you have to wonder if your life is just too good to be true.
Is it real or just an illusion?
Does the man lying beside you really love you like he says he does?
If the answer is yes, you’re meant to live happily ever after.
If the answer is no, you’re living my life…
and nothing will ever be the same.
I know I should walk away, but I can’t.
I’ll take whatever I can get for as long as it lasts.
I know when it’s over…
I’ll never find another man like him.
۞
Available for Pre-Order
RELEASE DATE: July 7th, 2015
۞
Kim Karr
I live in Florida with my husband and four kids. I’ve always had a love for reading books and writing. Being an English major in college, I wanted to teach at the college level but that was not to be. I went on to receive an MBA and became a project manager until quitting to raise my family. I currently work part-time with my husband and full-time embracing one of my biggest passions—writing.
۞
~ Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~
۞
۞
November 30, 2014
Book Blitz ~ ‘Versions’ by Megan Mitcham.
Versions by Megan Mitcham
(Blacklist #1)
Publication date: December 1st 2014
Genres: New Adult, Romance, Suspense
۞
SYNOPSIS
The truth doesn’t have versions. Or does it?
Rin Lee covered her childhood in dirt and danced on its grave. Only she pranced a little too hard and spent her young-adult life tiptoeing the straight and narrow. Things finally paid off in the form of a job with the Department of Defense, a home of her own, and a boyfriend muscled enough he put Zach Efron to shame. Until one text reveals a hideous truth that splinters her world.
Suddenly she can’t trust Nate or their surrogate family of friends. Can she possibly trust Luck—the man who mirrors her soul, scares her beyond the neat confines she’s erected around herself, and makes her scrutinize the versions she’s always been too angry to see?
Luck turned to the streets out of necessity, while Rin slapped on blinders and ignored those willing to help her. A stupid move for a sultry young woman. But the skills she learned in the rough and tumble underbelly of DC will serve his latest assignment well. Because people like them have the instinct to survive.
۞
۞
At the most swank eatery until le Diplomate a few blocks up, they passed an outcropping of glass framed in thick rustic metal and then turned right. Through the concrete entrance the hostess’s practiced hands ushered them across the stone floor to their waiting friends.
“Rin!” Jen squealed, hopping from her smooth wooden chair. “Get out. I freaking love your hair. And that dress. Oh my God, are those Choo’s?” The exuberant brunette fanned herself with Barcelona’s extensive drink menu.
The crowd around them didn’t skip a beat, caught in the din of their own merriment. This place did that and Rin was ready for some indulgence of her own.
“Perfect timing.” Zack’s green eyes shifted behind her, toward the kitchen.
Jen’s breath caught and she leaned to the side, peering around the outfit she’d just gushed over. “Forget your Choo’s and get a load of our waiter. Please be our waiter. Please be our waiter.”
“They’re called servers,” Gregory chimed with his charismatically crooked grin. He stood, leaned forward, and planted a big one square on Rin’s lips. She released Nate and wrapped Gregory in a fierce hug. “And these days they tend to sue when ogled too forcibly. So, no groping.” He winked and set her back next to Nate.
“Lawyers,” Rin mirrored her best friend’s lopsided grin. “Always spoil the fun.”
She and Nate laughed for the first time since the text, but none of their friends noticed. They all stared in unabashed awe at the person coming to take their order.
“I’m ready to pick a team and erect my flag in the dirt. This guy seals the deal. Gay all the way. Sorry, ladies, but this nugget of manliness has finally made a decision.” Gregory smoothed his hand over the cream cable-knit sweater that hid his leanly muscled physique.
“Erect your flag or your dick? In the ground or our server?” Jen asked. “I have zero qualms about calling him a server because I’d let him service me any day.”
“I prefer the latter.” Gregory sat wide-eyed.
“Something’s wrong with you two,” Zach announced.
“But I don’t see you looking away,” Nate noted. “And I hope y’all know what you want to drink. Jen and Greg, your prayers are answered in three, two…”
Rin couldn’t get over her friends’ reaction to this guy enough to turn and look for herself. She needed this camaraderie to ease the sting of loneliness, even though Nate’s beefy hand wrapped securely around her upper arm. The realization of the superficiality of their relationship—crazy text or not—raised the curtain and left her standing on stage in nothing but her sparkling personality.
“Evening, gentlemen. Ladies.” The silken honey of the unfamiliar voice coated her nakedness in a soothing balm. The waiter cleared his throat. The low rumble vibrated very near her ear. “What can I get you, miss?”
She canted her head in his direction. Surprise smacked her square in the face. Smoldering bedroom eyes gazed into hers. The crystal blue orbs pierced through a strong brow and straight into her soul. Rin stepped back, stumbling over Nate’s feet. A thud sounded her landing against her boyfriend’s hard chest.
“Whoa, there,” the waiter said, maintaining an invisible grip on Rin that made it impossible to look away.
Blond hair only a shade darker than her own sat in disarray across his forehead, but was shorn close around his ears. The hint of a beard hugged the strongest jaw she’d ever seen. Lips the perfect shape and fullness for hours and hours of kissing would have softened the blow his appearance delivered, if he’d only smile.
“You startled me,” she said by way of explanation for her odd behavior.
“Wasn’t my intention.” He said the words, but his head ticked to the side and his eyes flared in a way that opposed them.
“What’s your name, gorgeous?” Jen asked.
“Call me Luck,” the waiter said, holding Rin’s befuddled gaze.
Nate steadied her and shifted to place himself between her and the…her and Luck, but a massive party of suits poured in to their left. They crowded the walkway with banter and briefcases. The man screwing with her head—more than her shrink ever had—could have stepped to the side of the table toward Zach. Instead, he stepped forward, crowding her with his sharply muscled chest tucked neatly into a waiter’s white button down. Chiseled forearms and lightly sun-kissed skin shown at his rolled sleeves.
Whether someone shoved him or he took a dive she wasn’t sure, but his sinewy chest suddenly plastered her front. One arm wrapped around her waist, catching her in a subtle dip. His other shot out to the chair back to steady them. She swore she heard Gregory moan. Luck’s muscles in action did something sinful to her psyche.
“Jackass, I’m not into threesomes,” Nate blustered just behind her head. She’d see him, if she’d tear her gaze off Luck. But she couldn’t.
Luck lifted his heavy blue gaze from her for the first time and squared it on Nate. “Me neither.”
۞
۞
Megan Mitcham
Megan was born and raised among the live oaks and shrimp boats of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where her enormous family still calls home. She attended college at the University of Southern Mississippi where she received a bachelor’s degree in curriculum, instruction, and special education. For several years Megan worked as a teacher in Mississippi. She married and moved to South Carolina and worked for an international non-profit organization as an instructor and co-director.
In 2009 Megan fell in love with books. Until then, books had been a source for research or the topic of tests. But one day she read Mercy by Julie Garwood. And Oh Mercy, she was hooked!
Megan lives in Southern Arkansas where she pens sizzling suspense novels. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest & Goodreads!
۞
~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Twitter ~ Website ~
۞
Book Blitz organised by Xpresso Book Tours.
۞
Book Blitz ~ ‘Intense 2′ Boxed Set.
Title: Intense 2 ( A Collection of books from some of today’s bestselling authors)
Release Date: December 1st
**On sale for a limited time only & at a special low price**
Format: Ebook Only and Exclusively at Amazon
Genre: New Adult Romance
For a complete list of titles in this anthology please see book blurb*
۞
SYNOPSIS
One book from one bestselling author is exciting, but when you put ten all together what you get is something more.
Something Intense.
Intense 2 is a collection of ten unique stories from eight authors who bring their A game every time they sit down with a blank page. Combined together you get a limited edition read jam-packed with passionate encounters, powerful alphas, and romance that will keep you warm at night.
This is a must read for any romance reading, page turning book addict. Download it now before it’s gone!
This collection includes:
Cambria Hebert – Text (novel)
Julie Richman – Bad Son Rising (novel)
Tijan – Brady Remington Landed Me In Jail (novel)
Ilsa Madden-Mills – Very Wicked Things (novel)
S. E. Lund – Drake Restrained 1 (novella) / Drake Restrained 2 (novella)
Liv Morris – Love Handles Club (novella)
J.l. Mac – Reach Me (novella)
Author Kailin Gow – The Blue Room (novella) / Heat (novella)
۞
Brady Remington Landed Me In Jail
By Tijan
He was different when he was with me. If we’d been at the party, he would’ve had the hard edgy look to him. He liked his tattoos to be seen, but I saw that he had pulled a blanket to cover the tribal tattoo on his stomach. The one on his shoulder was hiding in the shadows.
“It’s not that I don’t like her. It’s just that…she’s one of them.”
“One of what?”
“You know. Your girlfriends.”
“My what?”
“Your girlfriends.” I didn’t think that I needed to spell it out. “She’s…I don’t know. She’s cool and confident and…she’s not the type of person that I’m friends with.”
“You’re friends with me.” His voice was quiet.
The air shifted again. Here we were…I knew that I needed to tread lightly, very lightly. I met his gaze, swallowed over a knot in my throat, and felt that we were talking about something different.
“You’re different. I mean…we’re not normal, Brady.”
A scowl formed at his mouth. “What are you talking about? We’re not normal?”
“You know—you’re…one of them and I’m…not.”
“That is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.” He threw himself off the bed and stalked towards me. “You are just like me. You are no different than me. You are no different from Clarissa.”
“Yeah, but…” I was pressed against the doorframe as Brady towered over me. “I’m not one of your girlfriends.”
His chest was in front of mine. Another step, just an inch, and we’d be pressed against each other. His gaze was glued to my lips. I kept looking from his eyes to his lips, but then I felt something strange wash over me when he murmured, throatily, “You’re more than that.”
I sucked in a large breath, I couldn’t let it out. I stood there, frozen in place. He skimmed the side of my face with his hand, then tucked my hair back and cupped my cheek. He moved close and slowly, so slowly, rested his forehead against mine. His breath tickled my lips. “You’re my best friend, Ray.”
My hands had lifted to his arms. I felt his muscles shift underneath my fingers and I clasped harder. I couldn’t fall.
“What are you doing?” The words wrangled out of my throat.
Brady didn’t answer. He closed his eyes and nuzzled his mouth against my temple. My hands slid from his arms to his shoulders and then behind his neck. One of his hands cupped the back of my neck where he applied pressure and arched my head back. The other hand skimmed the side of my robe. When his fingers spread out, the top of his thumb brushed underneath my breast.
“Brady, I don’t…” I couldn’t talk anymore, but I knew there was something that I needed to say. I knew it, but…
“Shhh.” His lips touched mine. They rested there, but there was no pressure, no demand from him.
Then his lips opened over mine. A surge of need rushed through me and I clasped him tight. Brady pushed me against the doorframe and he urged my leg to wrap around his waist. I couldn’t get enough of him. It was like before, but this time it was different. I knew what would happen.
I never thought I’d do this or be like this, but it was Brady.
۞
۞
Prize: Open Internationally
40$ Amazon gift card
۞
Book Blitz organised by Xpresso Book Tours.
۞
November 28, 2014
Book Blitz ~ ‘Love, Laughter and Merrily Ever Afters’ Collection.
Love, Laughter, and Merrily Ever Afters Collection
Publication date: November 25th 2014
Genres: Romance
۞
SYNOPSIS
TEN fun, romantic holiday novellas by ten New York Times & USA Today bestselling authors
An all-star gathering of some of today’s most popular NYT and USA Today bestselling romance authors in a fun-filled collection…holiday style! With the overwhelming response to the chart-topping summer boxed set, we’ve brought together even MORE of your favorite authors for a winter compilation, and this time, we’ve giftwrapped TEN stories for you all. From the funny & sweet, to the STEAMY & heartfelt, each novella is packed with a whole lot of romance, and hand-picked to infuse perfectly-portioned holiday cheer into your busy days this season…along with hot bursts of holiday steam for those winter nights.
And at just ***99 CENTS USD*** that’s a huge savings of over 95% off retail for the individual books sold separately! This is an extremely limited edition bundle available for just 5 weeks so get your copy today!
THE BOXED SET INCLUDES:
IF I RETURN — by USA Today bestselling author Sawyer Bennett
WILD IRISH CHRISTMAS — by New York Times bestselling author Mari Carr
SEDUCING SANTA — by New York Times bestselling author Janelle Denison (aka Erika Wilde)
DECKING DREW — by New York Times bestselling author Violet Duke
FAIRIES & WISHES — by USA Today bestselling author Karen Erickson (aka Monica Murphy)
TWELVE DATES OF CHRISTMAS — by New York Times bestselling author Jessie Evans (aka J. Evans)
HOLIDAY SPIRIT — by New York Times bestselling author Cathryn Fox
UNWRAPPED — by New York Times bestselling author Melody Grace
A CHRISTMAS HEAT WAVE — by New York Times bestselling author Alannah Lynne
HIS CHRISTMAS WISH — by New York Times bestselling author Marquita Valentine
۞
~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon US ~ B&N ~ iBooks ~
۞
Mari Carr
New York Times & USA Bestselling Author
۞
Wild Irish Christmas embraces some of the same traditions I enjoy in my own family. Everyone coming together to eat, drink, open gifts and tell stories. My Wild Irish family is all grown up and married with kids of their own when the story begins. When they decide to recreate Christmas’ past for their father, Pat, the seven siblings spend the evening in the apartment where they grew up. They gather around the Christmas tree with a bottle of Jameson as Pat tells them the story of how he met their mother, Sunday.
۞
WILD IRISH CHRISTMAS by Mari Carr
It’s Christmas Eve, and all seven of the Collins siblings have gathered together to give their father Patrick a precious gift. Gather ’round the tree and join the Collins family as they pass a bottle of Jameson, and Patrick shares the story of how he won the heart of Sunday, his true love, his soul mate…and the mother of his seven Wild Irish.
۞
۞
As the bottle moved from hand to hand, they each offered up words of thanks or wishes for the New Year. When it reached Patrick, he lifted the bottle and proposed a toast he hadn’t used since the last Christmas he’d celebrated with his wife, Sunday.
“To Conall Brannagh.”
Ewan took the bottle from his father. “Who?”
“Conall Brannagh,” Patrick repeated. “If your mother had chosen him over me, none of us would be here tonight.”
Sean leaned forward, a definite gleam of interest in his eyes. “So you had some competition for Mom, eh? I never knew that.”
Keira grabbed a bag of pretzels. “I didn’t either. Was Mom in love with him?”
Teagan looked at Patrick. “I always thought you were her first love.”
Patrick smiled at his daughter. “I was her last love, Teagan. That’s a much better spot to claim. Besides, I don’t know if it’s fair to say she loved Conall, though he certainly turned the women’s heads. What’s the word you girls use for handsome men? Dreamy?”
Riley laughed. “Um…yeah, not in this decade. I definitely don’t use the word dreamy to describe Aaron.”
“Then what would you say?” Pat asked.
“He’s hot. Totally doable.”
Killian turned to look at his younger sister and shook his head. “Jesus. How are we related?”
“Dreamy works for me, Pop,” Teagan said quickly.
Patrick looked at his kids and silently marveled at how different they were. Somehow, miraculously, their unique qualities meshed perfectly, creating an amazing family.
Ewan, always the steady one, hadn’t been distracted by the asides. “So Mom thought this Conall was dreamy?”
“All the girls in Killarney thought Conall was handsome, but he only had eyes for Sunday. Not that I could blame him. Your mother was a beauty, with that long dark hair and those crystal-blue eyes. She caught every man’s attention.”
“But you didn’t fall in love with her because of her looks, right?” Keira asked.
“Och, Lord no. While Sunday’s face was pleasing, it was her heart, so kind and compassionate, that I found attractive. That’s what captured me by my hand and—pardon the expression—balls and kept me holding on to her for dear life.”
“So what was the story with this Conall guy?” Tris asked.
“Well now, that is a tale.” Patrick leaned back and closed his eyes, letting his mind drift to a different place, a different time.
“I was working on my family’s sheep farm during the day while tending bar at Scully’s Pub every night. I was a young buck of twenty when Sunday, who was just nineteen, moved to Killarney to live with her aunt. Scully hired her to sing in the pub and from the first moment I laid eyes on her, I was lost…”
۞
Mari’s Favorite Holiday Recipe
Cream of Crab Soup
Ingredients
¾ cup butter
¾ cup flour
2 chicken bouillon cubes (crushed)
dash of white pepper
salt to taste
1 tablespoon Old Bay
1 quart whole white milk
1 quart half and half
1 pound back fin crabmeat
Directions
Remove cartilage from crabmeat.
In a Dutch oven, melt butter. Blend in flour, pepper, and Old Bay. Stir and simmer over low heat 2-3 minutes.
Add milk, half and half, and bouillon. Simmer and stir constantly until bouillon is absorbed and the mixture thickens enough to coat a metal spoon.
Salt to taste, then add crabmeat. Heat through; do NOT boil.
Note: You can simply double recipe for a bigger amount.
۞
Mari Carr
Writing a book was number one on Mari’s bucket list and on her thirty-fourth birthday, she set out to see that goal achieved. Now her computer is jammed full of stories — novels, novellas, short stories and dead-ends. A New York Times and USA Today bestseller as well as winner of the Passionate Plume, Mari found time for writing by squeezing it into the hours between 3 a.m. and daybreak when her family is asleep and the house is quiet.
۞
۞
(Open to US/CA/AU/GB/UK)
1 Kindle Fire HD 6 Tablet AND 1 $100 Gift Card
۞
Book Blitz organised by Xpresso Book Tours.
۞
November 26, 2014
Book Blitz ~ ‘December Rain’ by A.L. Goulden.
December Rain by A.L. Goulden
(August Fog #2)
Publication date: November 25th 2014
Genres: Contemporary, Erotica, Romance
۞
SYNOPSIS
Monica and Alex Waters have spent that last few months working to repair a broken marriage and rekindle their passion. Just as they start finding their spark, Quinn Matthews and his escalating career resurfaces, but this time Alex makes the decision to let Monica go.
The devastation of losing her high school sweetheart, her home, and even her dog twists Monica down a destructive path that alienates her from her closest friends and lands her on Quinn’s couch. Despite her efforts to resist jumping into his arms again, the spark between them reignites and sweeps her away on a whirlwind holiday adventure. She finds that falling in love with Quinn’s family and lifestyle is as easy as falling for his ocean colored eyes. The problem is that it’s all too easy, and when she sees that Quinn’s reinvented life has completely shifted towards her dreams, she starts to question whether he’s too good to be true.
Quinn has a secret that was never meant to be kept this long, but will Monica be able to trust another man who’s lied? And now that Quinn’s got his happily ever after in sight, he’s not about to let her go or share her with another man.
۞
۞
The outdoor style shopping mall is bustling with tourist and local art lovers. Rows of art galleries surround the courtyard where a stage welcomes a local reggae band. Monica settles into a groove and starts dancing with the crowd. Alex tries to hang in for a couple of songs before he starts feeling claustrophobic and looks to the galleries and shops around them.
“Go ahead,” she says with a loving smile. “I’ll meet you down there… after one more song.”
He gives her a little kiss on the cheek and glides his hand across her behind before making his way out of the crowd. His attention is pulled by various pieces in gallery windows along the way.
There’s a large glass sea turtle in shades of green and gold followed by a painting of an autumn forest with heavy texture. He stands daydreaming for a minute until he’s distracted by a reflection passing in the glass. It’s so brief he’s sure it’s his imagination. He barely catches a glimpse down the mall as the backside of the man disappears into another gallery.
Alex follows the ghost, dodging through happy couples and pushy salespeople trying to get his attention. Before he can see inside the gallery, a painting that’s prominently displayed on a front wall stops him. A cold washes over as he stands there staring at it. He slowly moves inside, mesmerized by the familiar vibrant paint strokes until he sees a few people gathered in the back. A man talking to two smiling women stills himself as Alex’s eyes freeze on the back of his shaved head. No words were needed as the tropical air takes a chill. Even the women sense a showdown, and step back to give Quinn room.
Quinn turns. What do I say? Fuck! I thought that was him. I hoped it wasn’t. Quinn moves very slowly towards Alex. Is he gonna hit me? I do deserve it. Might as well get it over with. “Hey.” Quinn pauses near the center of the room waiting.
Alex swallows hard, his nostrils flaring and fist clenched. His jaw flexes as his breathing grows heavier, but the emotions just start to turn to mush. His eyes fill as thoughts of his new friend’s betrayal wash over and the painting draws his eyes again.
“I’m sorry Alex,” Quinn says quietly.
Monica nearly passes the gallery on her way to see their friends when Alex’s shirt first catches her eye. She halts and shifts backwards until she sees the painting and stops. It’s a female figure bent forward reaching for her toes. The abstract form of her body in swirls of orange and reds is cradled by a man swathed in blues and purple. Oh my God! That’s me. That’s us, stretching. It can’t be. He’s…
She struggles for air as the tears swell, and she can already feel him. As she stands there, not crossing the threshold, the two men watch her. When her eyes finally land on Quinn, electricity fills the room. She can only see him and the deep tan that backdrops the pale oceany eyes reaching for her. A warm drop gently slides down her cheekbone as her breathing syncs with his. His lips move slightly hinting at words that he can’t find, and she struggles not to run into his arms.
Alex’s discomfort is audible as he clears his clogged throat to rattle her attention to his worried eyes. She steps in and touches his hand briefly. “I’ll be outside,” she says, turning without another glance at Quinn.
Her feet move quick as her thoughts try to keep up. What are they doing? Alex is gonna hit him. I can’t believe he’s here. What are the odds? Did he know we’d be here? No. Maybe he moved here. That painting was him and I together. Would Alex know that? It’s pretty abstract. Fuck! This can’t be happening. Before she knows it, she’s at the other end of the mall near the parking lot. She settles on a bench to wait for the world to stop crumbling around her.
۞
۞
~ YouTube ~
۞
~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon US ~ B&N ~ iBooks ~ Kobo ~ Smashwords ~
۞
Prizes Open INT
2 signed copied of December Rain
2 signed copies of August Fog
2 August Fog bookmarks
Huge swag gift basket
۞
A.L. Goulden
I’m a designer, author, wife and dog-lover living in the South Pasadena area of California. I got my BFA in Film Production from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, but my love of a good story came way before college. I remember writing my first full story in fifth grade on a typewriter. I cut and pasted it into a book, complete with cardboard cover and taped binding. Things have changed a lot since then. With the magnificent digital age I can produce books and give them to the world without a sticky mess.
In college numerous instructors and peers praised my dialogue pushed me to hone my storytelling skills. Of course the need to cut and paste was still there, so I went into the world of Production Design and Art Direction for films and television. It gave me the ability to connect design to storytelling in a way that no other career can. The past 18 years have spun a unique perspective on visually emotional tales of relationships and the thread that ties all things together. Now I’m shifting focus on the driving force that brought me here… stories. I hope that I can share a unique perspective on life, love and the pursuit in all of the above.
۞
~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Twitter ~ Website ~
۞
Book Blitz organised by Xpresso Book Tours.
۞
