Alyssa Richards's Blog, page 12

Five Star Paranormal Romance Read from The Reading Pile

Five Star Paranormal Romance Read from The Reading Pile

Five Star Review of The Fine Art of Deception from The Reading Pile:

Imagine the gift of being able to read someone’s darkest secrets by the slightest touch of your hand.  For art appraiser Addison Montgomery, a gift well not so much.   Addison yearns for a normal life where she can touch anything and not worry about being sucked into the past history of the objects owner. Knowing all their thoughts, their conversations, what they were doing.  Nothing is left untold.   She can’t even have a normal relationship or fall in love, how can she knowing about past girlfriends and all the details, would you?

Addison starts a new job where she runs into gallery owner Blake Greenwood. She is immediately drawn to him but not just because of his looks it is deeper than that, something old. It could also be the ghost that lingers when he is near.  She tries to get a glimpse of his past but comes up empty and not just empty almost a written script of his past.   How is that possible who is he, she can’t help being captivated by him even though every instinct tells her to stay away. Can she trust him and trust him to save her life.

I was very drawn to the characters. Richards did an excellent job weaving you into their world whether it was the good guy or the bad guy you just wanted to know what they were thinking, doing and their next move.  The mysteries of the art definitely made the story more intriguing and added another layer to the story.

The exchange between Blake and Addison and how deep and long it ran, even though they just met each other was a great angle.   Is there such a thing, I certainly hope so and can’t wait to find out more.  I definitely recommend.

Tori

 

http://thereadingpile.com/?p=723

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10 Most Romantic Things To Do in Atlanta

10 Most Romantic Things To Do in Atlanta – Atlanta is one of the most dynamic cities in the country, steeped in history and home to several good universities and points of interest such as CNN Headquarters, the World of Coca-Cola and the Margaret Mitchell House and Museum. There are a variety of romantic activities here, both for the visiting couple and those living in the area.

Dining

Gastronomy is such an important part of everyday life that we love to share it in romantic settings. Babette’s Café (babettescafe.com) features simple tapas-style dishes with a mix of Italian, French, Spanish and Mediterranean culinary flare. The restaurant is housed in a bungalow dating to 1916, featuring a cozy back-deck dining area, and staff treats customers like one of the family. Zagat rated the restaurant “very good to excellent.”

Gerry Kaskala of Aria (aria-atl.com) was one of only six chefs in the country to be awarded the Robert Mondavi Culinary Award of Excellence in 2001, and he brings his expertise to this restaurant, offering high-end American fare. The service of the staff matches the quality of the food and couples will feel taken care of.

La Fourchette (lafourchetteatlanta.com) serves French-Mediterranean cuisine in a casual, intimate setting. Some items to share include black truffle French fries, Tunisian beignets and artichauts frits. The restaurant is open only for dinner and closed on Sunday.

Au Pied de Cochon (aupieddecochonatlanta.com) is open 24 hours. The restaurant is dimly lit, with high ceilings, chandeliers and ornate wall designs, creating a very elegant atmosphere. Couples can sit in a private booth behind red velvet drapes.

Read more about the 10 Most Romantic Things To Do in Atlanta here:

http://traveltips.usatoday.com/10-romantic-things-atlanta-62972.html

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Register to Win a Gift Card on Fresh Fiction!

If you’ve not already signed up for my newsletter, you have a chance to win an Amazon Gift Card on Fresh Fiction! (If you’ve already signed up for my newsletter, you have a chance to win an Amazon Gift Card every month!!) But hurry! The contest ends September 30th!

Sign up here for a chance to win an Amazon Gift Card on Fresh Fiction! http://freshfiction.com/contest.php?id=7714

Also…stay tuned… If you’re signed up to my newsletter list, we have some fun giveaways happening this month!

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Snarky Mom Reads Kindle Fire Giveaway in Snarktember!

Win a Kindle Fire from Snarky Mom Reads .com Snarktember Giveaway!

Want to win a new Kindle Fire? Well, now’s your chance! You can enter here at Snarky Mom Reads .com : http://www.snarkymomreads.com/?page_id=11646

You can also win lots of cool book swag from some amazing authors!

Also…Book 2 in The Fine Art of Deception series is coming your way this Halloween! You can pre-order your copy of Book 2 here. And if you haven’t read Book 1 yet, you can order it here and get caught up!

Stay tuned for the Big Cover Reveal…Coming your way soon!

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Literary Escapism Reviews The Fine Art of Deception

Soul mates. Seeing and talking to ghosts. Psychic powers that influence people. Yup, The Fine Art of Deception: Undoing Time by Alyssa Richards had everything this hopeless romantic, paranormal girl wanted.

“So the road bumps I mentioned above aren’t all that major actually. The main one is that the disappearance of Adeline’s father and grandfather is mentioned enough that I was expecting something to come of it, but nothing does. All we know is that they disappeared mysteriously, no other details are given. I have an assumption of what happened, but without any more details I can’t be certain. I’m hoping things get cleared up in later books, since this was an interesting trail that just goes no where. The other ‘issue’ is that the majority of the novel is written in first person view as Addie, then there are few chapters written in third person with it showcasing Blake or other characters involved in the storyline. It’s not confusing exactly, just different. It does set up scenes and add mystery/intrigue for sure, it’s just not the usual way of doing it. I’m not calling either of these complaints, just two odd things that stuck out for me. Other than this, the writing itself was mapped out nicely, and the plot lines were cleared up perfectly.

The history between Blake and Addie is pretty dang cool if I do say so. I won’t go into a lot of detail because it would absolutely kill the story. Oh as the history unraveled, it made me all warm and fuzzy. LOVE LOVE LOVE it! Also, I loved there isn’t any crazy drama between them. They aren’t extremely different personalities coming together like we usually see. Honestly, all the characters had their own voices, but none were over the top, drastic different that they distracted me from the rest of the story.

I also loved the psychic powers in The Fine Art of Deception: Undoing Time. Addie can sense others emotions and read objects and their history by touching them, as well as seeing and communicating with ghosts. She even runs into some that try to kill her! Her sister Alexa can push, as in she can push emotions into someone and make them do whatever she wants. She also has the ability to sense something has happened to someone she knows. I really enjoyed that they weren’t the only one’s with powers because it added more flair to the scenes, in my opinion. I also liked that these powers weren’t the only things happening in the world. There’s a thief in their midst, there’s missing people, on top of Addie dealing with people why try to use her powers against her. These elements intertwined and made the story line more realistic.

From the killer ghosts, to reliving the artist’s memory that etched into his painting, to the idea of true soul mates, there wasn’t anything about The Fine Art of Deception: Undoing Time plot line that didn’t make me giddy with excitement. I will be on the lookout for the next novel in this series for sure!”

***

Thank you, Nikki with Literary Escapism, for taking the time to read and review The Fine Art of Deception, Undoing Time! And yes, Book 2 in the series is coming out in October 2015!

Book 2 can currently be pre-ordered on ibooks, Kobo, Smashwords and soon, on Amazon.

 

 

 

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Sassy Moms Say Read Romance Review Fine Art of Deception

Review from Sassy Moms Say Read Romance

 

I have to say that when I first started to read this story… yeah yeah yeah I know read the synopsis before picking the books… but the title was too interesting to do that… Anyway back to the point, when I started to read this book I wondered if I was going to be able to read it. I like some supernatural elements in stories, but I was scared that this one was going to be a lot more complicated than I am used to, so I was apprehensive. But let me tell you how wrong I was. I think it was prefect for this storyline. And for those who are looking for a second chance love, it does have that in a way. Yes its a different kind of second chance love as they were lovers in a previous lifetime not the current one. Its such a great way to show them connecting. Let me tell you Ms. Richards does such an awesome job of writing an anti-hero you can really get into hating.

The only thing I have to say that I didn’t like about this book, was that one it was a happy for now and even though a second book will be coming I wish it’d all been resolved in the first book.

I give this book 4 supernatural kisses…

Happy Reading… Adri

http://sassymomssayreadromance.com/2015/08/review-the-fine-art-of-deception-by-alyssa-richards/

 

Thank you Sassy Moms for taking the time to read and review The Fine Art of Deception, Undoing Time!

Book 2 in The Fine Art of Deception series is due for release in October 2015…! Book 2 can be pre-ordered on ibooks, Kobo and Smashwords. And soon, on Amazon.com.

If you’d like to stay up to date on new releases be sure to sign up here: http://www.alyssarichards.com/get-free-paranormal-romance-books/

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Summertime eReader Giveaways!

Share your Best or Worst Pickup Lines and you could win one of four Kindles!

Want to Win a Kindle?

Then join me and over 20 other authors for two fun filled weeks of shenanigans where we share the best (or worst) pick-up lines we’ve ever experienced while we give away dozens of prizes, including swag packs, print or eBooks, gift cards, etc…and of course, a grand prize of an eReader.

Sign up here for a chance to win one of 4 eReaders in our eReader Giveaways including:

Two  7″ Kindle Fire Tablets

One Kindle Paperwhite

One Kindle Touchscreen

Plus Dozens of other prizes offered by the authors!

Be sure to register here!

If you’d like to know my best/worst pickup experience, then visit the Facebook Event Page or this page on August 6th and you can read my story.

After this event…stay tuned…because I’m getting to ready to release Book 2 in The Fine Art of Deception series! If you’d like advance notice of the release and to be included on more fun giveaways, be sure to sign up here!

If you’d like to pre-order your copy of Book 2, you can do so on Smashwords, iBooks or Kobo.

As always, The Fine Art of Deception, Undoing Time, is available on Amazon and Smashwords. It will soon be available on iBooks and Kobo as well!

Have fun with the contest and good luck!

Alyssa xx

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NY Times Bestselling Author Survives Ninja Typos

There is a mysterious condition that occurs in manuscripts of all lengths. They can be plagued by what is called — ninja typos. They’re called ninja typos, because, no matter how many times you and trained editing professionals edit and proof your book, these ninja typos will hide. In fact, they will not reveal themselves until the editing staff has put away their red pens and readers are allowed to take a look at the final — printed — piece.

Then, like Cato in an old Pink Panther movie, they jump out and scare the life out of you.

It’s happened to me, so I know. As the daughter of an English teacher, I’ll recover any day now.

At RWA (Romance Writers Association) in NYC this past week, I met Susan Andersen, a lovely person and NY Times Bestselling author who has also had an encounter with ninja typos.

My editor sent me this article about a ninja typo Susan experienced, after I bemoaned the presence of several typos in my final piece.  http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2011/sep/12/shift-typo-romantic-novel-susan-andersen

Here’s a snippet of the article:

Author Susan Andersen was horrified to discover an unfortunate typo in the ebook edition of her new novel Baby, I’m Yours, which takes the novel out of the romance category and into something rather darker.

“I apologise to anyone who bought my on-sale ebook of Baby, I’m Yours and read on pg 293: ‘He stiffened for a moment but then she felt his muscles loosen as he shitted on the ground’,” says Andersen. “Shifted – he SHIFTED! I just cringe when I think of the readers who have read this.

***

When I met Susan, I told her I’d read this article, how I could relate, and she and I shared a laugh. “These things happen,” she said.

And they do. She handled the whole thing so gracefully. And I can breathe now about the errors I found in my own book, because I’ve since had the chance to correct them.

I guess we’ve all read a book and wondered why the proofreader didn’t do their job, or even if the publisher/author bothered to hire a proofreader. But sometimes, despite best efforts, ninja typos happen.

So, if you’re someone who is apt to fly into an eyeball-rolling fit of huffiness when you come across a typo, or make accusations of sloppy editing, you may want to take a cleansing breath and think of extending the benefit of the doubt instead.

Because shift happens.

By the way, Susan gave me an autographed copy of her newest book, No Strings Attached. I can’t wait to read it!

You can read an excerpt of it here.

Enjoy!

Alyssa xx

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Fitness Secrets from Cover Model for Romance Novels

Romance Novels. They definitely inspire visions of fit men and women, don’t they?

Check out this interview with Jason Aaron Baca, who graces the covers of more than 320 Romance Novels and see what he does to stay in shape!

http://www.betternutrition.com/fitness-secrets-of-a-romance-model/ 

If you’ve spent any time on my Instagram page, you know that I’m a huge fan of fitness and healthy eating. The kids and I take a short trip to the farm every week for the healthiest foods available, I work out six days a week and just generally try to stay active. Which isn’t easy when you write — a very sedentary practice — but, with effort it can happen.

You know, it’s funny. I’m such a health nut that I cringe whenever my characters have bad eating or drinking habits. I’ll write a character a certain way and then think, ‘wow, do you know what that’s doing to your body?’ Ha! Well, they are who they are…

PS If you’ve never tried pasture–raised eggs, you must! You can find them at your local farm for less than standard grocery store eggs. And I’ve seen them at Whole Foods, though they’re expensive as they truck them in from far away farms.

Enjoy the picture of Jason and let me know how you stay healthy!

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Interview with Big Little Sister Blog!

As a part of our Blog Tour this week for The Fine Art of Deception, Undoing Tim, I was interviewed by Big Little Sister Blog! You can find the interview below or by clicking this link:  http://biglittlesister.com/?p=313

Also, the giveaway continues this week #WIN , see the rafflecopter link below so you can register to win an Amazon giftcard!

Was it the mob?
Posted on June 12, 2015 by The Big Little Sister

Today, I’m featuring an interview I did with Alyssa Richards author of The Fine Art of Deception.  Given her paranormal romance takes place in the art world, we’re talking all things art –  theft, sculpture and more!

It seems that we share a love of outdoor sculpture (check out her pics!).  I have to thank Alyssa for my current fascination – the Isabella Gardner art heist, which is the backdrop to Alyssa’s story.  I didn’t know much about it before I read her book but I’m fascinated by it now.  I love how a book can open up a whole new world for me.

And look out there’s a competition for a $20.00 book voucher (Amazon or Barnes & Noble).

What research did you do to understand the art world & art galleries?

I’ve loved art, art history and museums for as long as I can remember. Every vacation is usually built around a museum and a bit of history. I did have to research the Gardner heist in detail and now I’m obsessed with that crime — as everyone seems to become once they read about it.

Can you share your favourite art galleries to visit? 

Museums are my favourite haunt. I’m hoping that one of them will let me move in one day.

The Louvre in Paris, (as well as Musee d’Orsay and Musée de l’Orangerie ) Tate Gallery in London, The Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC, The British Museum in London, Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, The High in Atlanta, Los Angeles County Museum of Art…

I remember the art I’ve seen in these museums the way sports fans remember the plays of a game.

I love sculpture especially outdoor like the Cass Sculpture Park in Goodwood UK.  What’s your favourite form of art?

I love sculpture as well! I went to Musée Rodin over the summer in Paris and just could not get enough of his work. Many of his pieces are spread throughout his gardens, which are an exhibit in and of themselves…  https://instagram.com/p/r32PswTZBr/?taken-by=alyssaauthor   I think the opportunity to appreciate sculpture outside, in nature, allows a more uninhibited appreciation of the piece. We feel unhurried and less aware of others appreciating the art near us https://instagram.com/p/r31DKPTZA4/?taken-by=alyssaauthor

I also love portraiture as created by the masters. It’s fascinating to me to think about the how Picasso or Matisse or Renoir might observe the same person.

Is there a piece of art with a potential story that you think would make a great book?  I’m thinking along the lines of a girl with the pearl earring… 

Ohh, I saw Girl with a Pearl Earring not too long ago. They had just restored it and it’s exquisite! Every piece of art has a story, as Addie Montgomery shows us in The Fine Art of Deception …  Right now I’m researching several well known artifacts as potential story centres. I love to look at an artist’s intent, why they might create such a piece, and the life it takes on once appreciated by so many.

What’s your theory about the  Isabella Stewart Gardner art?  

I think it was a hack job by the mob – not a very well planned out heist on a soft target. When you look at how the thieves navigated the museum and what they took, it’s easy to think that they hadn’t planned ahead of time what they would take.

The Gardner Museum, was not unlike many others, in that they did not maintain solid security systems in an effort to cut costs.  Terribly short sighted decision at an extraordinary cost.  Art is sold along the black market at roughly 10% of its value. It’s thought that dealers in the black market hold and sell the art against other types of debts.

It hurts my heart to say this, but I doubt we ever see those pieces again.

What artist would you have liked to hang out in his/her studio?  For me it would be Matisse or Pollock.

I would love to travel back to 1920 and live in Montemartre among the expats who lived, wrote and painted in that era. (Stay tuned for future books along this theme…!) I’ve read so many books on those characters I would probably have to repeat the decade several times to get my fill!

What’s your favourite period in art history?

That’s hard for me to answer since I have such a voracious appetite for art history. I’m not much on modern installations and such, though I do try to appreciate them. I much prefer the more classical works.

One for the girls – do you have a favourite female artist?

I love Camille Claudel’s work. There is such an innocence and a life, a soul to her pieces,  especially when she sculpted female figures, that I’ve not seen anywhere else.  https://instagram.com/p/r2DX8kzZCy/?taken-by=alyssaauthor   Look at the difference between her work here, as it sits next to Rodin’s: http://www.musee-rodin.fr/en/rodin/educational-files/rodin-and-camille-claudel#artiste  There is a sensitivity to her work that doesn’t appear in Rodin’s piece.

So, have you had any spooky or romantic moments in art gallery?

No romantic moments, but there was a portrait I saw once — the energy of the woman in the painting was so strong, it was unnerving. It was as if the artist captured her in that work and it was dying to get out… Fodder for another book, perhaps….

Thanks Alyssa – especially thankyou for getting me hooked on that art heist!

Here’s the link to the competition for the gift voucher so you can go shopping for Alyssa’s book. And meet Adeline & Blake, the connection between them is old and fascinating.

 http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b050ef2985/?

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