Lyssa Layne's Blog, page 8

Playing for Keeps by Michele Shriver

Genre: Contemporary romance
Published: March 3, 201
Content warning: Some adult language/situations

 
Colton Tremblay won a Stanley Cup with his hometown Montreal Canadiens, but his bad-boy reputation earned him a ticket out of town, traded to the expansion San Antonio Generals. This French-Canadian has no idea what to expect from the land of tacos and Mariachi bands, but he quickly learns that Texas is full of beautiful women, and the one who catches his eye first is no puck bunny.The daughter of Mexican immigrants, Maya Dominguez has worked hard for everything. Now she’s landed her dream job as a beat reporter for San Antonio’s new NHL franchise. As a female reporter in a male-dominated business, Maya knows she has to be at the top of her game. She can’t afford any distractions, especially not from the players she’s assigned to report on.When Colton asks Maya to help him get to know his new city, she’s determined to keep things strictly business, but Colton is used to getting what he wants. Can he persuade Maya that this time, he is playing for keeps, and if he does, what does it mean for her job? “I beg your pardon?” Maya wasn’t sure she’d heard correctly. Okay, check that. She’d heard correctly, she just had a hard time believing what she’d heard. Did this guy know anything about boundaries? It didn’t seem like it. One thing was certain—life around Colton Tremblay wasn’t dull.“I’d like you to accompany me on my visit to the Alamo,” Colton said.“You mean as a tour guide?” Maya asked. That had to be it, right?“Sure,” Colton said, “if that’s what you want to call it.” Mischied flickered in his eyes and it was hard to ignore just how sexy those eyes were. “Or we can call it a date.”A date. Exactly what Maya was afraid of, yet wanted at the same time. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”“No.” Colton shook his head. “In fact, I’m pretty sure that it’s not. At the moment, though, I don’t care. You intrigue me. I want to know you better. And I think I’d be lost by myself. You have been to Alamo before, right?”He won points for his honesty and for recognizing they were flirting with trouble. If Maya were to be completely frank with herself, she didn’t care either. As cocky and infuriating as Colton could be, there was also a sincerity to his words. And he wasn’t any dumb jock, either. The idea of spending more time with him very much appealed to Maya. “I was born and raised here,” she said. “I’ve been to the Alamo many times.”“Then you’ll make an excellent tour guide,” Colton said. “And an even better date, should you choose to call it that.” His smile was disarming, but carried a hint of humility too.“I have to work,” Maya said, though the protest was weak.“Doing what?” Colton challenged. “You must have some downtime tomorrow too, since you’ll be working the game?”So much for that. “Yes, I suppose I do.”“Come on, what do you say?” There was that smile again. “Help a Quebecois out?”When he put it like that, complete with the subtle accent that Maya found so appealing, it became damn near impossible to say no. Especially since she didn’t really want to. “Well, I would hate for you to be lost, not knowing where to go…”“I would be,” Colton said. “Like a fish out of water.” The familiar twinkle flashed in his eyes again. “We can’t have that, can we?”“No.” Maya finally relented. “We can’t. I wouldn’t be a very good San Antonian if I left you alone to wander cluelessly around the Alamo. I’ll be your tour guide.”“Or my date?” Colton challenged.“Don’t push your luck.” Amazon USGoodreadsKoboAppleBarnes & Noble After Ten ~ Aggravated Circumstances ~ Finding ForeverLeap of Faith ~ The Art of Love ~ Heroes To Swoon ForStarting Over ~ Tears and Laughter Michele Shriver writes women’s fiction and contemporary romance. Her books feature flawed-but-likeable characters in real-life settings. She’s not afraid to break the rules, but never stops believing in happily ever after. Michele counts among her favorite things a good glass of wine, a hockey game, and a sweet and sexy book boyfriend, not necessarily in that order. FacebookStreet Team (Facebook)TwitterWebsite a Rafflecopter giveaway MoB Promosmagicofbookspromo@gmail.com

Keeping It Real: Story Ideas!!!

So I've started keeping a list of stories I want to write. I make notes by them of objects, habits, scenes, etc...I want to write. I didn't realize how LONG my story list idea was until recently. Here let me run it by you, they are in no particular order...

1. Jeremiah's story-For those of you in the Lovers of Lyssa Layne, you know it's a major struggle bus with this story, but I'm finally making some headway.

2. Jace Richards-Yep, the bad guy from The Right Pitch is getting his own story thanks to my muse Dawn. I'm actually super pumped about this story as it's a bit of a Mighty Ducks theme where he falls for a single mom who wants nothing to do with him. Don't worry, I won't take it easy on him.

3. My Steamy Christmas story for the boxed set! I think I have a good idea. Westley and Tia were old boyfriend/girlfriend when Wes left town. Now he's back for Christmas for the first time in years and Tia takes him on a walk down memory lane.

4. Meg and Mark-Remember them from The Right Pitch? This is Colie's sister and their journey to become parents. It is not a romance story but it will be based off my infertility journey.

5. Country Singers-KK is the new up and coming country singer on tour with the big name and well-known Maverick. This story has been stewing since last summer!

6. Mia's brother is briefly mentioned in Fear of Striking Out. Well, in Abe's book we'll follow his story with Jordan-best friends forever and ready for something else?

7. Gavin and Kiera-Gavin is Sloan's brother & cop from My Favorite What If, Kiera is Sloan's business partner. The two pair up for a romantic suspense!

8. Patrick Doyle-The proby from Love is a Fire. Also, I'm actually super pumped about this book and would write it all ready except that I have to finish Jeremiah's first...ugh!

9. Oliver Pennington-brother of another character in one of my books (not out yet). He owns his own vineyard in Italy. No idea who his love interest is...

10. Benny and Isabel-Benny is Grant's best friend back in New York. Benny and Izzy have a teenage son together but never married. Benny is happy in their relationship but Isabel is ready to tell him to shape up or ship out!

11. Kip Deevers-Camila's colleague from Loved by the Linebacker. No idea on who his love interest is...a client's wife, a female athlete, who knows????

12. Gregg Turner-Camila's friend-with-benefits. Again, no clue on his love interest.

13. Solider and Airport Girl-He's home on leave, she's back to clean up her deceased uncle's affairs. Forced to share a cab, they go to his family's house on Christmas Eve and she's introduced at the girlfriend.

14. Blake Purser-Evan's older brother from Loved by the Linebacker. Can't tell you his love interest or it'll give it away!

15. Rich from Burst Into Flame???

Oh, so many ideas, and so little time!!!

Ricochet by Jessica Wilde

 
Title: Ricochet Author: Jessica Wilde Genre: Romantic Suspense Release Date: February 23, 2015 Release Day Blitz: February 25, 2015 
Fear.It's the last thing I remembered.I was afraid.Afraid to fight, afraid to run… afraid to breathe.Then, everything had gone dark. As if life was finally hearing my pleas, my cries to end the torment. To end the fear.But even in the dark, I still felt it.I always felt it.My life had been a ricochet of one event leading to the next. Bouncing back and forth from good to bad. Happiness to despair. Hope to fear.My name is Arianna West. I'm stronger now. Steady. Alive.I can find a way to survive on my own. I can see what is coming for me. I can channel my fear into strength.Except… I didn't see Jack.And Jack changed everything.For readers 18+ due to language, violence, and sexual content.PLEASE CHOOSE 1 of the excerpts: #1I laughed. A laugh so deep that the muscles in my abdomen flexed. How long had it been since I had felt that? Too long. I hadn't really laughed in a long time and something so simple had brought it out of me.Jack had brought it out of me."God, I missed that laugh," Jack whispered.I went silent, so suddenly that my breath couldn't keep up and it came rushing out with the emotion that had been built up inside of me.Tears immediately sprang to my eyes and the heaviness in my chest was back.My life had changed so much. Everything had changed."Jack...""Ari, please don't cry."He had turned his body towards me and was holding my face in his hands. The tears running down my cheeks didn't make it far. He wiped each one away.He saw the moment my control slipped and I just couldn't seem to stop the tears. That's when he pulled me into his arms. Arms that had always made everything better. Strong fingers combed through my hair, down my temple, across my jaw, then retraced their way back up and into my hair once more. He was giving me whatever comfort he could while I sobbed on his chest.I should have been embarrassed about the quick change in my mood. I should have felt ridiculous. Childish. With Jack, though, I never had to worry about being anyone but myself no matter who I was now."So much is gone," I said in a broken and weak voice. "So much is missing from me.""No, Ari. You're still in there, babe, just a little harder to reach."I shook my head. In denial? I wasn't sure. He was only half right."I've bent too far for too long. I'm broken," I whispered. So much regret came pouring out of me and I couldn't control it.I had been slowly breaking for three years and my determination to move on was waning much faster than I could ever keep up with.Jack buried his fingers in my hair and I felt the press of his lips on the top of my head. When he spoke, the tone of his voice sounded defeated. Resigned. "The world breaks everyone, and afterward, many are strong at the broken places."I sniffed as the rumble in his chest vibrated against my cheek. His shirt was wet from my tears and I knew I looked like a mess, but I looked up at him anyway."What is that from?" I asked."What? You don't think I could come up with something so profound by myself?" he teased."I know damn well you could, Jack."He looked at me for a moment, his eyes searching mine and his fingers sweeping a lock of hair back behind my ear. If I didn't know any better, I would think he was reading my mind, seeing all my secrets, all my broken places. "It's Ernest Hemingway. He said that.""Do you believe it?""I do. So much so that I tattooed it on my shoulder the first chance I got," he mumbled with a short chuckle.I glanced down at his shoulder. It was too dark to see much of anything, but the moonlight streaming in the window showed enough when he lifted his shirt sleeve. The words were there, permanently inked into his skin just above a complex shape that I couldn't quite make out.Or #2"No, Jack. It's over now, it doesn't matter. I don't have the ability to focus on that part of my life. I've got too many other things to take care of before I go back to being... well, a woman that just wants to be loved." "Ari, I -" "Let me finish," I said sharply and held my hand up in between us. He shut his mouth and nodded. "I know I should be grateful for what I had and I have no one to blame but myself for the decisions I made, but that doesn't stop me from wanting to be that woman. Every woman just wants to find that kind of love, that kind of companionship, but I'm not like them anymore." Jack's frown deepened and I could see that he wanted to argue. IF NOT REVIEWING PLEASE REMOVE 
I live in Morgan Utah with my husband, daughter, and dog, Kolo. I write as often as my active daughter will let me and my husband has the patience of a saint. I find inspiration from dreams, people I meet, and life experiences. When I write, I usually end up drinking one too many cans of Peace Tea, eating three too many Fruit by the Foot fruit snacks, and accidently kicking my pup and best buddy, Kolo, too many times since he loves to sleep under my desk at my feet. I started writing as a teen, but my fear of the unknown won out every time and I threw everything out. After becoming a mother and deciding to stay at home to raise my beautiful little girl, I tried again when I couldn't stop thinking of ideas. I loved every minute, every hour of sleep lost, and every character that came to life in my mind. It's strange, but my favorite moments are when I have writer's block because I can turn to my husband and find inspiration through him by just doing what we do best together. Talking, laughing, and just being in love. He doesn't like to read, but he never stops encouraging me to keep going. Writing has become an important part of my life and every book has a special place in my heart.

Keeping It Real: TSTL

Good Monday Morning! I hope you all had a lovely weekend. Today I'm going to discuss negative reviews and the term TSTL. For those of you not familiar with it. TSTL stands for Too Stupid To Live and some reviewers use this term to describe characters, mainly females, in their reviews.

Before I get into my thoughts, let me do my disclaimer: I understand when I publish a book that not everyone is going to love it. By putting myself out there, I'm opening the door for the public to judge me. Okay, disclaimer done. Moving on...

I'm fine with negative reviews, I try to look at them as a way to improve. If you want to leave a negative review, please do so in a constructive way for two reasons. 1. I'm a real person. I have feelings just like you do. And when a writer puts their heart and soul into their characters and the story they've developed, we kind of tend to take things personally. Honestly, some of the things in negative reviews hurt. 2. Saying you hated this book or anything else along those lines doesn't HELP me! How can I improve so that you will enjoy my writing more? If you don't like a book, tell me WHY. Was it the storyline? Was it the grammar? Was it the setting? Let me know so I can get better!

Now on to TSTL. I have a MAJOR issue with this phrase. If you use this phrase, then I feel like it speaks to YOUR character, not my fictional ones. As I stated above, writers pour their heart and souls into these stories. Maybe it's loosely based around real life or someone they know, maybe it's a story that needs to be told. To us, the writers, they are our babies. They are like real life people to us. Maybe the reader doesn't agree with everything they do or how they act, but then again, in real life, how many of your friends, family, co-workers, can you think of that don't act exactly how you think they should? Probably more than one, right? So, my question to you is, would you tell them that they are too stupid to live? If you do, wow, just wow. I know it seems like a harmless phrase since the characters are fictional, but the dagger goes deep when a writer reads those words.

So, I'm not saying don't leave negative reviews. I'm saying, leave honest, constructive ones. You're letting other readers know what to expect and you're helping the author in the long run. Who knows, maybe one day, you'll find your name in the acknowledgments???

Bittersweet by K.S. Thomas

Esi is young, beautiful and smart. She's got it all...and then some, but it's not what you'd expect.Seven years after fate has her colliding - literally - with the man of her dreams, the two finally find themselves walking down the aisle. The day couldn't be more perfect. For one shining moment in time, she has it all.Then a tragic accident changes everything.Getting married was supposed to be the final touch on their already blissful relationship, but after the car crash, nothing seems right anymore. Soon after they get home from the hospital, Esi discovers she's pregnant. However, after the extensive damages her heart has endured from the night of the traumatic wreck, this miracle of life brings with it the reality of death.Now Esi and Carter both have to face facts. Someone might not survive.While ever after may not be as happy as Esi has always hoped, she's learning to appreciate the beauty in strength and surviving, and finding that love, no matter how true or how complete, sometimes is simply 'bittersweet'. The reception goes on until late into the evening, and even after the last of our friends and family leaves, Carter and I stand out in that field, slow dancing to the sounds of quiet wind rustling the leaves and brushing across the overgrown grass.“I don’t want tonight to ever end,” I whisper into the curve of his neck. It’s my favorite place because it fits my face perfectly and I can inhale his amazing scent to my heart’s desire. Carter always smells of Irish Spring soap, citrus and, because he’s a chronic gum chewer, fresh mint. I can’t imagine anything else ever being a more enticing combination of scents.He chuckles softly, and the rumble in his throat vibrates against my cheek. “You do realize we’ll still be married in the morning, don’t you?” But he makes no efforts to break the hold he has on me, or to stop our bodies from swaying back and forth ever so gently.“I do. But it won’t be our wedding day anymore. I won’t be a bride. You won’t be a groom. And most importantly, once I take off this dress, I won’t ever get a chance to wear again.” My head pops up involuntarily when I’m hit by a stroke of genius. “Oh, unless we agree right now to renew our vows every year. I’m not saying we have to have a whole wedding, just as long as I can wear this dress and listen to you make your vows again. That’s really all I’d need.” He grins. “That’s all, huh?”“Too much? Too crazy?” I muse.Carter kisses my forehead, then the tip of my nose. He’s aiming for my lips when he answers, “No such thing.”Both arms wrap securely around his neck and I lean back, letting the sensation of Carter’s lips on mine take over my entire physical being. He has the kind of kiss a girl could drown in, and I can’t help but think how lucky I am, to never be kissed by any other man for as long as I live.“Think anyone else is as happy as we are?” I mumble, his mouth still on mine.“I hope so.” His hazel eyes open and he gazes down at me. I’ve never once been able to say no to them in seven years. “You ready to get out of here?”I lock my arms tighter, securing him in my hold a moment longer. “I don’t know. Do you promise to marry me all over again next year?”His expression is serious as he comes in closer again, but his eyes are smiling, lights from the stars reflecting in them, dancing wildly. “I already said I would.” Amazon USGoodreadsiTunesScribd [youtube=http://youtu.be/h0jjgRhYiN8] Unhurt ~ Lost Avalon ~ Save The Date ~ I Call Him BradySalty ~ Drive ~ Blood Bound ~ Lucky In LoveGetting Lucky ~ Country Girls ~ This ChristmasIt's Kinda My Thing ~ Heroes To Swoon ForSecret Hudson ~ I Think About You Dog Lover who likes her pastries full of cream and sugar….oh…and I write some ;-) Aside from being an author, I am also a mom to a beautiful 5 year old little girl. I tell everyone I named her after my great-grandmother (because that’s the mature answer), but really, I named her after my favorite princess – just so happens I got lucky and they had the same name…If I wasn’t a writer, I would work on a horse ranch – I’m an animal lover (in addition to dogs, horses are at the top of my list). I wear flip-flops pretty much everywhere I go. I would rather stay awake until 5 am than get up at 5 am (years of bar tending have left their mark), if I can, I’m going to the beach AND I will always be nice to people who bring me chocolate…or coffee…if you bring me both, I’ll probably love you forever.A gypsy at heart, I write the way I live, following the story wherever it may lead, always ready to start the next one. This is clearly reflected in my body of work which to date includes everything from Children’s Lit to Thrillers.I happily reside in sunny Florida (for now) and always enjoy hearing from fellow readers!! FacebookTwitterGoodreadsPinterestAmazon a Rafflecopter giveaway MoB Promosmagicofbookspromo@gmail.com

Fear of Striking Out by ME!!!

TITLE: Fear of Striking OutAUTHOR: Lyssa LayneGENRE: Contemporary RomancePUBLICATION DATE: February 19, 2015COVER DESIGN: E.J. KellanLENGTH: 54,000+CONTENT WARNING: Adult Content
Synopsis
Shortstop Tate James has been traded from the all-American town of Milwaukee to the trendy City of Angels. 
Pink hair, manscaping, dogs in purses... not his thing. This ball player is less than excited about his new hometown. That is until he crosses paths with beautiful Mia Tomko. She lets him know that not all L.A. women are just after fame and fortune.
As Tate and Mia find that their interest in each other isn't the only thing they have in common, neither are prepared for what their future holds. 
When someone from both of their pasts arrives, will it tear them apart or make them closer?
Book Links
Amazon USAmazon CANAmazon AUS
Amazon UKBarnes & NobleKobo
Goodreads
Excerpt


Waves crash in the darkness of the night. The moon peeks behind a few clouds as I lean against Mia’s deck sipping whiskey. Once again, the thought of moving to L.A. doesn’t seem so bad, especially when I feel her hand slide over my back pockets. Her breath is warm on my ear as both hands run over my backside. I feel her smile against my cheek. She lightly kisses it and whispers while she gives me a squeeze, “I can’t wait to see you in baseball pants this season.”
Laughing, I turn around to face her and pull her body against mine. She moves her arms around my neck and we exchange a powerful kiss. My whole body shakes inside and I don’t ever want to stop kissing her. What is this woman doing to me? I’m not the kind of man that wants to settle down. Back in Milwaukee, I had a few lady friends that I would get together with from time to time, but I’ve never seen a woman the way I see Mia Tomko. She breaks the kiss, but I don’t let go.
“Good, you started the fire,” she says nodding toward the fire pit. “I brought out the fixings for s’mores; hope you like them.”
Chuckling, I nod my head as I let go of her and she walks over to the table. “They’re actually my favorite.”
I watch her open the box of graham crackers. Damn, even in torn-up jeans and a baggy Stanford sweatshirt she looks good. Reaching for another bag to busy myself, I stop and look at Mia. “Reese’s?”
She nods with a grin. “Trust me, it’s way better than a Hershey bar. It’s pure ecstasy.”
Leaning forward, I kiss her neck, making her giggle. “Nah, I think this is pure ecstasy.”
Walking to the fire pit with roasters in hand, I stand behind her so I can nibble on her neck as we toast the ‘mallows. She tilts her head, giving me full access to her soft skin. A few turns of the roaster and she holds the s’more in front of my mouth. My teeth clamp down over the treat as I lock eyes with her. “Mmm… ” I moan. She’s right, the Reese’s are delicious.
Grinning, she pulls the s’more back and takes a bite herself. Chocolate smears on her lip. I lean forward and run my tongue over it then close my mouth and suck her lip to get every last bit off. As she slips her tongue over mine, I can feel myself start to get hard and I moan into her mouth. Mumbling with my lips still against hers, I utter, “You’re right… ecstasy.”
Additional Books Love is a FireBurst Into FlameEverybody's After LoveIf you love Fear of Striking Out then you don't want to miss Tate & Mia's friends story in The Right Pitch.
About the Author


Lyssa Layne is first, and foremost, the proud momma to her precious daughter, AR. In addition to working full-time and being a mommy to AR, she is also an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, a runner, blogger, and an infertility survivor. 
Having watched one too many medical dramas and being inspired by author Rachelle Ayala, who introduced her to the world of indie writing, Lyssa decided to try her hand at writing a romance story. Her attempt turned into the Burning Lovesick series. You can find Lyssa's own interests throughout her stories although all stories are fictional.
Author Links
BlogFacebookTwitterPinterestAmazonGoodreadsBarnes & Nobles
Facebook Party

You won't want to miss the Fear of Striking Out Release Day Party on Facebook tonight from 7-10PM CT. There will be giveaways, games, and tons of fun! Hosts include: Beth Jones, Traci Hayden, William Scott, Linda Armstrong, Toshia Slade, and of course, Lyssa Layne! See you there!
Giveaway

Be sure to enter this Rafflecopter for a chance to win an ebook from Lyssa Layne, jewelry from Baseball Wishes, and a free cover from E.J. Kellan! Rafflecopter will be open until 2/22/15.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Playing Without Rules by Rachelle Ayala

Book BlurbA ballplayer's girlfriend hides his daughter from him because she fears he's like his abusive father. Marcia Powers wants nothing to do with ballplayer Brock Carter, especially after she told him to go away and pursue his dreams. She has more than she can handle with an elderly father, a business to run, and a four-year-old daughter posing as her baby sister. Brock Carter's back in town to rekindle his romance with Marcia, and this time, he's not letting her run him out of town. Marcia is unable to resist Brock, but determined to keep her secret. Brock's already lost his heart to Marcia once. Will he lose every dream, including baseball, when he discovers the real reason Marcia sent him away?
Playing the Rookie is available on Amazon (Read Free with Kindle Unlimited)My ReviewRachelle hit another homerun with this one! Brock Carter is yet another one to add to my book boyfriend list. He's handsome, good with his hands (in more ways than one!), and completely self-aware. While he comes from a broken home, he does everything he can to escape it and not be the same way as his father. Marcia, Marcia, Marcia...she's a character alright. She loves Brock but is afraid his past is too haunted to ever change. She wants so much with him but is standing on the ledge trying to decide which direction to move. This book is about overcoming challenges, true love, and being the person you want to be, not others. Definitely a sweet, emotional read that you won't want to miss. Author Info Rachelle Ayala is a bestselling Asian American author of dramatic romantic suspense and humorous, sexy contemporary romances. Her heroines are feisty and her heroes hot. She writes emotionally challenging stories but believes in the power of love and hope. Subscribe to her mailing list for upcoming books and giveaways: http://eepurl.com/lR5kv and find her books at online retailers Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Apple iBookstore, and more. Fiction: Michal’s Window, Broken Build, Hidden Under Her Heart, Chance for Love Boxed Set, Knowing Vera, Taming Romeo, Whole Latte Love, Played by Love, Playing the Rookie, A Father for Christmas, Claiming Carlos, Roaring Hot, Playing Without Rules, Christmas Stray (upcoming) Want to Contact Rachelle? Facebook Reader’s Club *~* Aim to Love Romances Website *~* Blog *~* Google+ *~* Facebook *~* Twitter *~* Goodreads *~* Pinterest  
Review Tour ScheduleTour ParticipantBlog NameTour DateAmber McCallisterhttp://thewonderingsofoneperson.wordpress.comTuesday, February 17Lyssa Laynehttp://www.authorlyssalayne.blogspot.comTuesday, February 17Shandi K Dewshttp://mamadewsreviews.blogspot.comWednesday, February 18Chantel Rhondeauhttp://www.chantelrhondeau.comWednesday, February 18Jamie Fredricksonhttp://www.youhadmeatfreebook.blogspot.comThursday, February 19Cheryl Bavarohttp://bavarofamilyreviews.blogspot.comFriday, February 20Debbie Rosahttp://adivareviews.comSaturday, February 21Liza Cochicohttp://mlizcochico.blogspot.com/Sunday, February 22Raquel Leitehttp://readingssunshine.wordpress.comMonday, February 23Kaitlyn Siglerhttp://kaitmar.blogspot.com/Tuesday, February 24Nadene Reynoldshttp://totallyaddictedtoreading.blogspot.comWednesday, February 25Paige Boggshttp://electivelypaige.comThursday, February 26Jessica Calihttp://calibookreviews.comFriday, February 27Krista Bainbridgehttp://www.savorysavings.comSaturday, February 28Jessica Cassidyhttp://www.jessicacassidy.comSunday, March 01Marie Deehttp://www.marieclara.comMonday, March 02Rachelle Ayalahttp://www.rachelleayala.com/Monday, March 02Tour Giveaway Rachelle Ayala is generously giving away a $10 gift card (Paypal or Amazon) and a key chain (US and Canada only). a Rafflecopter giveaway

Keeping It Real: What I Do on Release Day

Fear of Striking Out releases on Thursday! I seriously can't tell you how excited I am for this one. The story is much deeper than my normal ones and I just love all the characters. I took the cover shot myself. I don't know, maybe I feel like this book is just wholly me from the words on the pages to the picture on the cover. Either way, I love it and can't wait for you all to read it!

So, on that note, let's talk about release day! When I got to meet K.S. Thomas, we got together on her release day of It's Kinda My Thing. I was like, "Wait! It's your release day! What are you doing here???" Then I'm like, well, wait, what do I do on release day? Well, let me tell you...

1. Compulsively check sales.
2. Compulsively check reviews.
3. Compulsively read every review that is written-multiple times.
4. Compulsively post tweets/FB messages.

So as you can see, it's a very compulsive day! Honestly, my favorite is the few days after release when reader reviews start rolling in and I can FINALLY talk to you all about the book. You don't know how many times I've almost slipped up and spilled the beans about Mia and Tate!

Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough by Chicki Brown

Book Blurb:

New York City on-air television personality Greg Stafford is different from his brothers. He has a secret that none of the family knows about until he is arrested and the story hits the media. A scandal ensues, and he is suspended from his job for breaking the morality clause in his contract. In order to keep his position, he is ordered to submit to therapy. Little does he know that the woman who will become his counselor will become the most important person in the world to him.
EXCERPT #1
He wanted to avoid speaking to his father for as long as humanly possible, so he dialed the house number instead. When his mother answered, he cleared his throat and simply said, “Hey, Mama.”“Is it true, Gregory?” she asked in a tone that sounded like she was heartbroken.He closed his eyes and dropped his head back so it thumped against the wall. “Yeah.”“I just have one other question.” She exhaled a long sigh. “Why?”The muscles in his throat constricted, and his eyes welled. “I don’t know, Mama. I’m—I’m not like my brothers.”“I’m so worried about you, honey. We heard them say on the show tonight that you’ll be off camera for the time being.”“It’s not a permanent decision. I’ll find out tomorrow. Don’t worry about me, Mama. I’ll be all right.”“I’m not so sure, Gregory. Maybe you should talk to someone about this.”
“I will. I promise. Look, I have to go now. Talk to you later.” He clicked off the call overwhelmed by the shame that had become his constant companion. Whenever he had a hook-up with someone, afterward there was no elation or even a sense of satisfaction. Just shame and emptiness, and hearing the disappointment in his mother’s voice multiplied that shame ten-fold.
Buy links: Kindle - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SRZUGTK Nook – http://bit.ly/1JIsdkS
Online contacts: Blog: http://sisterscribbler.blogspot.com  Twitter: http://twitter.com/@Chicki663  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/chicki.brown Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/chicki663/ Amazon Central Author Page: http://amzn.to/l2kjXQ Goodreads: http://bit.ly/qcsiMD

Keeping It Real: Themes of my Books

So when I sit down to write a story, I usually have a general idea and then slowly let the story develop. I love brainstorming and thinking the story out ahead of time which is a win for many reasons. Usually, K.S. Thomas is the poor soul that will get my ongoing messages, without even giving her a chance to respond when I'm really excited and just typing as the story plays out in my mind. The other day, we were doing this and suddenly she made a comment that struck me. I hadn't even realized until she pointed it out! I have at least two underlying themes in my books: death and kids (not together!).

Death-Before I started Love is a Fire, I knew the ending so that one's no shocker. But then in Burst Into Flame, Sophia's mother passes. In The Right Pitch, Colie's father is gone, Everybody's After Love Jules' and Paulie's parents died in an accident, and in Fear of Striking Out, Mia's mom has passed (no spoilers in any of that, no worries).

Kids-Almost all my characters have kids in same way, shape, or form. The only story that's currently out that doesn't have a kid is The Right Pitch although don't worry, there's plenty of babies for those characters in the future (minor spoiler-sorry!), maybe even the villain, too!

I always just think it's crazy when someone else recognizes a theme that I didn't even know I was doing! So, have you seen any themes in my writing???