Category Archives: Author Blog Post

April 7, 2017 · 11:34 am

Friday Fragment Contest – #Giveaway #FunGame #BookLovers – April 7, 2017

fri-fragments-and-spotalie

Happy Friday and welcome to my weekly contest –

Guess the fragment, and enter to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card, given away monthly!!!

Below you will find three different books, by three different authors, and beneath each, you will find three different short excerpts. Only one excerpt is from the listed book. Using the form at the bottom of the post, enter your guesses as to which excerpt is correct for each book. Once a month, I will draw a name from all those who attempt a guess on this game, AND on my Facebook SpotaLie game (check it out here: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAliciaDean/) The winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card.

Each week, the first person to guess all 3 correctly receives an additional entry. (TIP: Click on each link and read the blurbs for a better chance at guessing correctly) – Remember, you get an entry just for guessing!

In addition to filling out the contact form, we’d also love it if you would comment, whether it is about your guesses, the books, the authors, etc. 

Have fun!

NOTE – I am discontinuing the weekly Friday Fragment contest and SpotaLie Facebook Contest after April. Beginning in May, rather than these two regular postings, I will have random games and prizes where I do more frequently and give various prizes, rather than one monthly prize. Sometimes it will be a 5 or 10 dollar gift card, sometimes other items. This way, more participants have a chance of winning. Thank you to all the authors and readers who have played along with these fun games. Check my Alicia Dean Friends and Fan Club group for info and the new games.

Terms and Conditions: No purchase necessary to win. There is no limit on how many times one entrant can win. You do not have to guess correctly to be entered in the monthly drawing.

*** The March Winner of the $25 Amazon Gift Card is Nisha Tissoo – Congratulations, Nisha!! Thank you for playing. (Nisha was very active on the SpotaLie Facebook game, and it paid off! :)).

*** The game runs from the day it’s posted through the following Friday morning when the next post goes up, so feel free to send your guesses in and comment any time during that week. In order to stay up to date on each post, follow my blog by signing up in the column to the right. 

 

Book 1:

 

MAN DOWN by Tracy Tappan

Amazon buy: https://goo.gl/j42GZv

Website: http://tracytappan.com/

Snippet A:

Her tone was so matter-of-fact that he wanted very badly to clamp a hand down over her mouth. The wild pounding of his pulse was machine-gun fire in his veins, counting down to an inevitable explosion. Shutting her up might save her. “I was able to steal medical supplies,” she said. “But I couldn’t get any food. However I figure…” Whatever she continued to say was blotted out by a crackle of fire in his ears. A single woman…alone at night…in a city full of terrorists. How many different ways could you be dead right now? He lost it.

Snippet B:

“You just did something with your mouth.” I did? “My mouth?” What had she done? “You grimaced.” “I…” He swung up to a sitting position, his boots hitting the floor with a solid wump. “Did I hurt you?” Mayday, mayday. Hard collision with his male ego imminent. “No. It was, uh, a little uncomfortable at first, but then—hey!” He’d just slammed to his feet, his eyes on fire with a mixture of emotions. Pissed off was a prominent one, but she was reasonably sure she also saw mortified in there.

Snippet C:

“Take her in your arms,” the drug lord instructed. “Kiss her, mouth open, with your tongue.” A tic jumped in his jaw. No, thank you. He’d prefer not to do that, now he was naked ’n’ all. His knees felt constructed of broken glass as he stepped back over to her. She straightened off the table. He aimed his vision at her neck. Whatever was going on in her eyes, he didn’t want to see. He tugged her against his body and exhaled. Her hooker dress provided little barrier against the feel of her ripe figure against his bare flesh.

Book 2:

The Captain and the Cheerleader by Elaine Cantrell

Buy Link: http://amzn.to/1NDgnrg

Find Elaine Here: https://www.amazon.com/Elaine-Cantrell/e/B001K7V90M/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1488077922&sr=8-1

Snippet A:

Susan finished her soft drink and tossed the can into a nearby recycling bin. “I could make Kurt ask me out if I wanted to.” “Yeah? Prove it. Get him to ask you out. I’ll bet you fifty dollars you can’t do it,” Robin taunted. “All he’s interested in is football.” Melissa Taylor, Susan’s best friend, cleared her throat. “How long would she have to get the date?” “Two weeks ought to be enough for an old pro like Susan.” Robin snickered as her gaze swept around the lounge. “Would the rest of you like to get a piece of the action?”

Snippet B:

“You missed me,” she taunted. She had no sooner finished speaking before a second bean ball flew through the air. This one caught the shoulder of her new blouse. The blonde laughed. Aimee grabbed a bean ball from the table and threw it at the blonde. She hit the woman right in the chest. “Help me!” the blonde shrieked. “She hit me in the heart. Where’s the sheriff?” From the corner of her eye, Aimee saw the priest hurrying their way. She fired one final bean ball, which hit the blonde’s forehead with a beany thud.

Snippet C:

“That’s what I get for falling in love with a pro football player,” Stacey teased, her blonde hair turned to frosted silver by the light of the full moon above them. Matt squeezed her hand that wore his engagement ring. “It’s too late to back out now. You’re mine.” “Mmm, do I like the sound of that!” The car rounded a curve, and without warning a deer bounded across the road. “Look out!” Stacey screamed. Matt braked sharply to avoid the animal. The tires slid on a patch of loose gravel in the road, and he lost control of the convertible.

Book 3:

Dan Alexander, Pitcher by Jean Joachim

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M0UT7CS

Find Jean Here: http://www.jeanjoachimbooks.com

Snippet A:

Then, it happened. She dropped a hot dog loaded with mustard. The man in the stands stood up and started hollering. Holly bent over to clean it up. The guy in the TV booth running the camera zeroed in on her rear, and there it was, big as life on the Jumbotron! People clapped and hooted. The players laughed. Dan held his breath. She craned her neck and looked around. Although Dan couldn’t hear what the man was saying, the pitcher saw him point to the giant screen. Dan cringed as she spied her backside, huge, amusing the crowd.

Snippet B:

Depressed after losing the World Series, Matt needed sunshine, in short supply in February in New York. In the weeks before spring training, he’d agreed to head up a two-week camp for underprivileged kids. Matt wouldn’t be doing it alone, some joker, named Dusty Carmichael, from professional softball would partner with him. This jerk, Carmichael, was a pitcher. How good could he be playing men’s softball? It annoyed him to think he’d be running the show with little help from newbie who was getting paid a bundle. He shook his head. Why did he always get stuck with the losers?

Snippet C:

She rummaged through her purse until she located her wallet. No matter how many times she looked, she couldn’t scrounge up more than three dollars and fifty-six cents. She prayed it would be enough to buy breakfast. As to her next meal, well, she’d have to figure that out. She looked at the menu. One item under four dollars. She sat at the counter. “Coffee?” The waitress asked as she turned the cup. “No!” She didn’t have enough money for coffee. “I mean. Thank you, just water, please.” Kate sensed heat in her cheeks. She’d never been this broke before.

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Which Snippet is from Book 1 - Man Down(required)

Which Snippet is fro Book 2 - The Captain and the Cheerleader(required)

Which Snippet is from Book 3 - Dan Alexander, Pitcher(required)

 

 

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April 5, 2017 · 9:20 am

Author Interview with Kara O’Neal / New Release: The Editor’s Kisses

Please help me welcome Kara O’Neal, an author friend and fellow Authors Helping Authors member…

 

Hi Kara…Please tell us a little about yourself, where are you from? Where do you live now? Family? Pets?

Hello there! My name is Kara O’Neal, and I was born and raised in Texas. I’ve put down roots here with my wonderful husband and three children. We’ve got a sweet – and very prissy – sheltie, named Stormy. She’s a doll.

I’m a middle school teacher, working with students who have special needs. I’ve been at the same campus for nineteen years, and I love it. The people I work with are dedicated and true servants to their profession.

Where did you get the idea for The Editor’s Kisses? Was there anything unusual, any anecdote about this book, the characters, title, process, etc, you’d like to share? What is the most difficult thing about writing a book? What was the most difficult thing about this one in particular?

When I was a girl, I loved – and still love – the Little House series. While I enjoyed the events surrounding the Ingalls the most, any story about the town and its citizens was fun, too. I was an avid reader from four years old. I read everything from Shel Silverstein to Rudyard Kipling. However, I never fancied myself a writer.

My sister, who is the inspiration for the fabulous heroine in my second book, was the one who first turned my thoughts in that direction. I was a senior in high school when she sparked my interest. But, I didn’t write my first scene until I was a senior in college. It took a long time for me to be published, but in that waiting period, I wrote. The Pikes Run Series was born, and I would have to say that any story I write comes from the characters. While I have two main families, I also tell stories about a town and its citizens.

The Editor’s Kisses came to life because Stephen Dawson wanted to start Pikes Run’s first newspaper and Constance Forrester wanted to get women the vote and saw his paper as a way to help the process along. Their love story evolved as they worked through that.

The most difficult thing, for me, when writing a book is making sure the character comes across to the reader. I want each one to be different, to have different faults and quirks. I want them to be their own person. And sometimes that is hard to do.

What book have you read that you wish you had written?

Oh, heavens. Probably Anne of Green Gables.

Do you collect anything?

Castles and crosses! I love them. And my husband’s aunt makes the most gorgeous crosses from stained glass. They’re amazing.

What’s your favorite book of all time and why?

Pride and Prejudice is my favorite book of all time because Mr. Darcy and Lizzie Bennett are the most complex characters ever written. I was so caught up in the story that I can honestly say I was shocked beyond everything when Mr. Darcy…well…let me not spoil it in case someone hasn’t read it and wants to!

What’s your favorite childhood book?

Anne of Green Gables.

What actors would you like in the main roles if your book were made into a movie?

Colin O’Donoghue and Jennifer Morrison. They could play any characters they want from any of my books.

Would you rather have a bad review or no review?

A bad one.

What is your favorite quote?

From the movie Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves – “There are no perfect men in this world, only those with perfect intentions.”

Your most prized material possession?

I have a Texas flag that flew over the state capitol the day I graduated from high school. It’s a symbol of home for me.

Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination?

Four of my heroines, and one of my heroes, are based off people I know. Emma (Welcome Home) is based off my baby sister, Alice (The Sheriff’s Gift) is based off my middle sister, Angelique (The Cowboy’s Charms) is based off one of my best friends, Willa (Love’s Redemption) is based off another best friend, and last, Lonnie (Love’s Redemption) is based off my husband.

What is your favorite…

Movie – Pride and Prejudice

Music – Texas country or Red Dirt music

Place you’ve visited — England

Place you’d like to visit — Ireland

TV show from childhood – Little House and Golden Girls

TV show from adulthood – The Closer and Once Upon A Time

Food – Brisket and chips/salsa

Sports team – Texans and Astros

Which do you prefer: Board games/card games or television? Card games

 

Thank you, Kara. I enjoyed getting to know more about you. Please tell us about your book.

Blurb:

Constance Forrester has no intention of getting married. She is a suffragette and determined to change society. When Stephen Dawson, her school chum, starts a newspaper in their sleepy little town, Constance discovers an opportunity. With confidence and an unflinching will, she asks Stephen to take a risk and employ her as a journalist.

Stephen is stunned by Constance’s impossible proposal and immediately turns her down. But the small moments he’s spent with Constance have peeked someone’s curiosity, and Stephen finds himself sought after by the town princess, Madeline Talbut. Stephen has loved Madeline for years, and when the young lady finally shows an interest in him, he concocts a plan: enter into a fake courtship with Constance in order to make Madeline love him, and in return, Constance can be a journalist for his newspaper. Anonymously, of course.

It’s a chance Constance can’t pass up. So what if she has to attend parties and withstand Stephen’s heart-melting kisses? A suffragette must forge through barriers, break down walls and risk all for the sake of freedom. But Stephen changes the game, and Constance finds herself the object of the editor’s desire…

Excerpt:

“Constance,” he uttered. “I’m gonna kiss you.”

She flinched again.

“I won’t hurt you, I swear it. But if I don’t kiss you…they’ll all question us and our…attachment.” He was an ass. He was using their agreement to coax her into acquiescence, and while he knew it, and was ashamed of it, he continued. “It will only be for a second. I’ll just brush my lips with yours.”

In the darkness, he felt her slight nod against his chin. His heart pounded at her quiet surrender.

When she pulled back as far as the space would allow, and lifted her head to his, heat slashed through him. He’d never needed a kiss as much as he needed hers.

Madeline had kissed him. Once. Behind the schoolhouse when they were sixteen. And that moment hadn’t caused near the anticipation this one was.

He lowered his head and swallowed her gasp. It wasn’t a brush even though he only set his lips on hers. It was a fire. A shot of whiskey that whipped through him and pooled in his gut. He deepened the connection, and she let him, sighing and sinking into him despite already being as close to him as he could get her.

But there was a melting. A need to move to the ground and cover her, press her down and make her his. He used his tongue, tasting her. She capitulated instantly and opened her mouth under his. He took what she allowed without hesitation as his free hand came up to grip her waist.

The damn closet was too small. His left hand was wedged between her side and the slender door. But though he couldn’t get his arms around her, he didn’t stop the kiss. It went on and on, stealing his breath, tightening his chest, and making him doubt everything he’d ever known about his heart.

Bio:

I was born and raised in Texas. It is the fire in my blood that inspires me, and I had to make it the setting of my first series. My family and friends take center stage in my books. My sisters and best friends are my heroines, and my husband created my favorite hero. Love and family are the point of my stories, and I seek to entertain, relieve stress and inspire people. Books can take one on a journey that one can relive over and over. I am extremely grateful to those authors who did that very thing for me. I learned and fell in love with their words and characters. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Buy link for The Editor’s Kisses: http://amzn.to/2nDLp04

Contact links:

My website: www.karaoneal.com.

My facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/KaraONeal84/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/karaoneal7/

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Kara-ONeal/e/B00FL19TH8/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1465007993&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/kara+o’neal?_requestid=845025

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KaraONealAuthor

 

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April 2, 2017 · 9:13 am

Liz Tyner Author Interview & New Release: The Wallflower Duchess

Please help me welcome a dear author friend from my Oklahoma Romance Writers group and a mega talented writer, Liz Tyner…

 

So glad to have you here, Liz. Where did you get the idea for The Wallflower Duchess?

I’d written about the duke in The Notorious Countess and made him irritatingly perfect. I wanted to write a story about a man who felt pressured to be correct. People agreed with him because of who he was, and not necessarily because he was right all the time, so he knew no one would tell him when he was wrong.

What is the most difficult thing with writing this particular book?

I wanted both characters to be introverted and controlled. I based the hero’s personality on Tommy Lee Jones, and I kept looking at the dialog and thinking, “Tommy Lee Jones wouldn’t say that.” That was a learning experience for me in characterization. About halfway through the book I decided to just let the characters talk to each other. Tommy Lee Jones had to get another role.

Are there any tricks or habits you use when creating a story?

I have tried almost every writing inspirational trick I’ve ever heard of. A timer. Listening to motivational tapes. Writing at the library. Mostly, a word count calendar keeps me on track.

What do you dislike that most people wouldn’t understand?

Telling the plot of one of my novels. The only way to experience a book is to read it.

What do you want your readers to come away with after they read The Wallflower Duchess?

Besides the romance, I hope the readers like the sisters’ relationship and the handkerchiefs. The scenes with the windows and the characters using handkerchiefs as signals were my favorites to write.

You mentioned the scenes you enjoyed writing. Is that why you write?

Writing is a part of me. I can give you all sorts of reasons of things that happened in my past that led me to want to write. But what I really believe is that it’s a part of my being much like the color of my eyes or hair. It just is.

What do you want your readers to take away from your books?

A diversion from life. A moment in another world. Perhaps a bit of whimsy or humor added in their day.

And, one final question. If you were to wake up and find yourself in heaven, what is the first thing you’d like read in the newcomers orientation manual?

We don’t have allergies here. Or alarm clocks. But we have maid service and a thermostat dial that lets you control the seasons.

Great interview…I know what you mean about writing being a part of you. So true! Please tell us about your book. 

 

Excerpt:

Edge had botched the first proposal terribly. But he wasn’t going to botch the first kiss.

He moved Lily slightly, turning her so he could savor every second and give her a feeling she would cherish.

‘This is how it starts,’ she said, whispering, shaking her head, turning away. ‘It’s not safe.’

‘One kiss,’ he said, knowing it was likely the biggest lie of his life.

‘No.’

But she didn’t push away. She didn’t move to her feet—she just sat, and leaned closer against him.

‘Half a dozen, then.’ He didn’t smile, again letting her hair brush his face. ‘Twenty. And that’s my final offer.’

 

Buy links:

http://www.harlequin.com/storeitem.html?iid=69871

https://www.amazon.com/Wallflower-Duchess-Harlequin-Historical-ebook/dp/B01LZFO0QB/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1490462970&sr=8-2&keywords=liz+tyner

Bio:

Liz Tyner first became published when she sent four lines of her high school assignment to a national magazine to use as a filler. Her articles and photos have appeared in numerous trade and regional publications, but her heart lies in writing romance. The Wallflower Duchess is her sixth book to be published by Harlequin, a division of Harper Collins. Coincidentally Harper Collins began as a small shop in 1817—the same time frame as her novels are set.

 

Find out more about Liz at:

Blog: http://www.liztyner.com/

Facebook:     https://www.facebook.com/liztyner2

Twitter:   https://twitter.com/LizTyner1

Pinterest:   https://www.pinterest.com/liztyner1/

 

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March 31, 2017 · 8:45 am

Friday Fragment Contest – #Giveaway #FunGame #BookLovers – March 31, 2017

fri-fragments-and-spotalie

Happy Friday and welcome to my weekly contest –

Guess the fragment, and enter to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card, given away monthly!!!

Below you will find three different books, by three different authors, and beneath each, you will find three different short excerpts. Only one excerpt is from the listed book. Using the form at the bottom of the post, enter your guesses as to which excerpt is correct for each book. Once a month, I will draw a name from all those who attempt a guess on this game, AND on my Facebook SpotaLie game (check it out here: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAliciaDean/) The winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card.

Each week, the first person to guess all 3 correctly receives an additional entry. (TIP: Click on each link and read the blurbs for a better chance at guessing correctly) – Remember, you get an entry just for guessing!

In addition to filling out the contact form, we’d also love it if you would comment, whether it is about your guesses, the books, the authors, etc. 

Have fun!

Terms and Conditions: No purchase necessary to win. There is no limit on how many times one entrant can win. You do not have to guess correctly to be entered in the monthly drawing.

*** Since tomorrow (April 1)  is the day I draw a winner, all guesses made after today (March 31) will go toward the April drawing.

*** The game runs from the day it’s posted through the following Friday morning when the next post goes up, so feel free to send your guesses in and comment any time during that week. In order to stay up to date on each post, follow my blog by signing up in the column to the right. 

Last week’s extra giveaway winners are listed below.  Congrats, ladies!

From Gemma Juliana – Free copy of The Amulet – Winner: Elf

From Cailin Briste – Free copy of Shane: Marshal of Tallav Book #1 in the Sons of Tallav series. – Winner Mary Anne

From Suzanne Stengl  – Free copy of ANGEL WINGS – Winner Melissa O’Leary

Book 1:

Overload Flux by Carol Van Natta

Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OHNCCYI

Find Carol here: http://author.carolvannatta.com

Snippet A:

Imara badly wanted to get all the answers she could from him immediately, but she couldn’t justify torturing him any longer. He was only staying with her now out of good manners, and perhaps protectiveness. “You’ve got to get some rest, Agent Sòng. The security team will monitor the assho…uh, valued patron, so Derrit and I will be fine.” He gave her a tired but genuine smile. “I would be honored if you would call me Lièrén.” “Shì de, dāngrán, zūnjìng de xiānshēng.” Yes, of course, honored sir. She gave him an exaggerated bow. “Whatever honored sir desires.”

Snippet B:

“When they assigned you to me, did they tell you not to talk?” “No.” Her voice sounded low and rusty, as if she didn’t use it much. A ground skimmer that was weaving through the lanes came within centimeters of scraping their side panel, but she smoothly adjusted their position to narrowly avoid it. “Good,” he told her. “I’d hate to inhibit your natural garrulousness.” She glanced at him with a raised eyebrow and quirked a corner of her mouth in what may have been a smile, but said nothing. He laughed, delighted to discover she had a sense of humor. “I get the feeling you don’t do this very often.” “Drive?” “No, have a casual conversation.”

Snippet C:

For paradise, it sure as hell rained a lot. Jerzi hunched his shoulders forward and tried to keep the warm, torrential rain from drenching every square centimeter of his new corporate suit as he half ran toward the huge, rounded entrance to the lecture space in the Optimal Polytechnic Chemistry building. It was supposedly the tallest building of the four clustered on the anchored ovoid disc that made up this part of the famous floating campus, but he couldn’t see anything but gray shapes. The only available parking for his flitter had been on the east end of the floater, on top of the Materials Science building.

 

Book 2:

Pressed to Death by Kirsten Weiss

Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Pressed-Perfectly-Proper-Paranormal-Mystery-ebook/dp/B01FOR0Z7G/

Find Kristen here: http://kirstenweiss.com

Snippet A

Once upon a time, in the foothills of granite mountains, when the sun hadn’t yet risen in the east, there were three sisters. And one, me, had been stuck at the hospital all night. The shadow of our small town’s modern hospital loomed over the parking lot. Behind it swelled Sierra peaks, a jagged frame vanishing into dark clouds. The muggy air promised rain to come, but I shivered in my thin blouse and safari jacket. Maybe if I hadn’t been so tired, I would have paid more attention to the images written in the clouds…

Snippet B

I was going to jail. Worse, my arch nemesis would be the one to drag me from my own paranormal museum. “I do not traffic in stolen goods.” My voice cracked on the final word. You’d think my innocence would go without saying, but Detective Laurel Hammer’s loathing for me was irrational. So I was saying it. I crossed my arms, defiant. The photos of executed murderers watched, impassive, from the museum’s glossy white walls. GD, the museum’s ghost detecting cat, hopped off the haunted rocking chair in the corner. He landed, silent, on the checkerboard floor

Snippet C

It was just meat. Sickly green tiles, slick with something I didn’t want to identify. A wall of cabinets with square, metallic doors. And on the autopsy table…just meat. I adjusted my mask, adapted my breathing. My stomach flipped at the smell of ammonia and petroleum. By this point, I should have been used to the oil stink. Baku, Azerbaijan’s capital, reeked of the stuff. It seeped from the ground, staining the sand, hanging heavy in the air. But surely I was imagining the odor here, in the morgue two stories below the city’s streets.

 

Book 3:

The Cafe Birds by Alicia Hope

Buy link: – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MYFPJ11

Find Alicia Here: https://www.aliciahopeauthor.blogspot.com.au

Snippet A

‘… even the most utilitarian bra doesn’t address all the issues, like white meat wobble, boobie bounce, old lady sway, tray tableism, and don’t get me started on strap gouge or mono-boobs!’ ‘What the heck is tray tableism?’ Grace giggled. ‘When your bust is jammed up under your collarbone, like a built-in tray table.’ Nita frowned. ‘Designers call it “lift and separate” but it’s more like “lift and suffocate”. I’ve also had bras that were sweet to look at but completely useless, and others that simply relocated the bulk to my back – and aren’t back boobs just the LOVELIEST sight?’

Snippet B

‘Elise?’ The voice was hoarse, breathy, weak. Fanning the flowers so each blossom was clearly visible from the bed, Elise set down the vase and pulled a chair closer to the bedside. ‘Yes, Emilie. How are you feeling?’ She took the shaky hand extended toward her. It felt small and chilled. She rubbed it between both her own. Emilie focused watery eyes on the younger woman’s flawlessly made-up face, and her nose caught a hint of expensive fragrance. She blinked and swallowed. ‘Elise … I must tell you … a story … from ze past.’

Snippet C

With a sheepish smile Grayson hurried to the bathroom as suds dripped into his eyes again. Trying to remove the image of his smooth, round pectorals and the hint of a six pack above his towel, Maggie took a deep breath and lifted her chin. Taking her steaming mug onto the landing she closed the door behind her, lent back against it, and sighed. So much for keeping our distance. I not only have a dinner date with Grayson, I’m also sharing my bathroom with him! First Harry, and now the plumbing. Is the universe conspiring to throw us together?

 

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Which Snippet is from Book 1 - Overload Flux (required)

Which Snippet is fro Book 2 - Pressed to Death(required)

Which Snippet is from Book 3 - The Cafe Birds(required)

 

Correct answers from last week:

The first person to guess correctly was Elf, who wins an extra entry!!

Book 1:  Raven of Blackthorn Manor – C

Book 2: Maon: Marshal of Tallav -B

Book 3: The Thurston Heirloom – A

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March 30, 2017 · 7:58 am

Joanie MacNeil—Desperate and Dateless

Please help me welcome Joanie MacNeil, sharing about her trip to Morocco, and her new release!

 

A visit to Fes Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Morocco, November 2013 

It hadn’t rained for a very long time in that part of Morocco we were told during our coach journey over the rugged mountains towards the northern city of Fes. Promising news for our visit to the mysterious ancient medina the following day.

‘Don’t let the water anywhere near your lips,’ our guide advised as the coach approached our hotel. None of us wanted to suffer the consequences of an upset stomach or worse. We became a bit paranoid and did as we were told. Should we wash our hair? Should we clean our teeth? Some of us bought extra bottled water and stocked up on sanitized hand wash at the nearby supermarket. Better to be super cautious during our two night stay.

There was much excitement amongst the tour group as we approached the high ancient walls surrounding the medina. The anticipation of experiencing exotic aromas in the ancient bazaars teased our senses.

Of course, the much needed rain fell overnight, resulting in a muddy flow at the entrance to the fruit and vegetable section of the medina where life continues today as it was in ancient times. I cringed as I looked down at my feet to see my recently purchased sports shoes lose their fresh new look. I curled my toes in an effort to keep them dry in the brown flowing slush.

We negotiated our way through the crowded narrow streets, glimpsing the many stalls and various wares on display. Most of the time we, or I, were too busy watching where we were going, and where we put our feet. There was a fair amount of running water thanks to the rain which continued on and off during the morning.

We were warned not to stray from the group as there are over 9000 thousand winding thoroughfares in the medina. ‘If you get lost, you will never find your way out,’ our guide told us a number of times. We believed him. Why wouldn’t we? We believed him about the water too. He was the one who got sick.

As well as the tour company guide, we were accompanied by a Moroccan guide dressed in a traditional woolen djellaba: the long-sleeved garment with the peaked hood worn in the original Star Wars movie. His was a light color and, he told us, kept him warm, dry and comfortable. We were also accompanied by local guides plus two or three other minders placed in strategic positions around the group. Monitoring the progress of our raggle-taggle troupe amongst the crush of people couldn’t have been easy. They were familiar and skilled in the task of keeping watch so that we didn’t stray and remained safe.

The alleyways were hot, humid, cool, depending whether they were covered or not. and whether there was any airflow. In the narrow spaces we had to quickly step aside to make way for the occasional heavily laden working donkey, carrying out its everyday duties.

Highlights of the medina:

  • We glimpsed the oldest mosque in the world, tucked away in the medina, and were able to take a photo of the interior from the door.
  • A visit to the leather factory. Earlier, we had been warned that the smell was pretty awful and were given a sprig of mint to hold against our noses. Fortunately, the weather conditions meant the smell wasn’t as bad as it could have been. While washing and dyeing the leather in the vats of brightly colored dyes the workers endure awful conditions. An insufferable task on extremely hot days. A whiff of fresh mint did help cope with some of the more unsavory aromas that wafted around us in the maze of alleyways.
  • From the tannery we moved on to the carpet shop. The warm sweet mint tea was very welcome as was the opportunity to sit down on a comfortable bench in pleasant, dry conditions. The men began their sales pitches for each of the intricately designed patterns of richly colored carpets as, with a flourish, they unrolled them onto the floor.

Though the rain did spoil the morning in some ways, it added to our experience giving us a memorable and fascinating glimpse into the past. Exhausted, we climbed aboard our coach back to the hotel, for a lazy, leisurely afternoon.

Vats of dye, Fes Medina, Morocco – Photo ©Joanie MacNeil

 

 

What a fascinating post…and an amazing trip! Thanks for sharing. And now, please tell us about your new release…

Blurb

Neither Zoe O’Malley nor Liam Reynolds consider themselves desperate or dateless, but fate intervenes when each independently receives a ticket to the Desperate and Dateless Ball and their lives become irretrievably entangled. Can they live by their golden rule—never mix business with pleasure?

Excerpt

Liam looked up in time to see Zoe hurry down the stairs towards him.

“You forgot your jacket.” Zoe smiled as she skipped down the stairs and walked towards him.

“So I did, thanks.”

“Are you sure you don’t want me to have it dry-cleaned?”

“No need. It’s fine.” Liam allowed his gaze to roam over her. While he usually liked his women tall and leggy, there was something appealing about the petite, softly curved female standing before him. He reached for his jacket.

When Zoe seemed reluctant to relinquish her grasp, Liam gave the fabric a gentle tug and she let go. His gaze locked with hers. He was mesmerized, completely absorbed by the vision of Zoe’s moist parted lips and the golden highlights in her hair. She sparkled in the summer sun. And then there were her eyes. They were the most beautiful eyes he’d ever seen. Blue…a tropical lagoon on a warm summer’s day. It seemed to Liam as if he and Zoe were caught in time.

In the lazy heat, a fly buzzed between them. Liam’s gaze followed the movement of Zoe’s hand as she swished the fly away. Her fingertip brushed a leg of the fine silver spider earring, causing it to swing gently. The red stone that formed the spider’s back shimmered in the sunshine.

Unable to drag his eyes away from her, Liam watched, spellbound, as Zoe licked her pretty Cupid’s bow mouth. He wondered about the taste of that mouth.

“I’ll ring you when the work is done.” Zoe’s husky voice penetrated his wild thoughts.

“I’ll look forward to your call.” Liam swallowed. He hadn’t meant that to sound like a come-on and he hoped Zoe didn’t take it the wrong way. The expression on her face told him nothing.

He smiled. Her eyes lit up when she returned his smile and she sparkled even more. Why did this woman with the spider swinging from her ear have this weird effect on him? She wasn’t like any other woman he’d ever met. Not like the cool sophisticated career women he usually rubbed shoulders with…or dated.

Liam turned away from her and made his way back to the car. As he climbed inside, he stole a glance in Zoe’s direction, but she’d already gone back into the house.

It had been ages since a female presence had stirred him the way she did. He shook his head. There was little time in his life to even think about dating a petite blue-eyed brunette who smelled as sweet as a blend of jasmine and freesias. He had a business to manage. Besides, he was her client, and he never mixed business and pleasure. A sure recipe for disaster. He’d seen better men than himself come to grief through such folly.

And then, of course, there was Daniel to consider.

Buy Links

www.bookswelove.net/authors/macneil-joanie/

www.amazon.com/-/e/B00JQRDGTK

 

Bio

Australian romance author, Joanie MacNeil, writes short contemporary romances: a blend of sweet, sexy, heart-warming stories about new love and second chances.  One of her favourite pastimes is travelling with her own romantic hero.

Contacts

www.joaniemacneil.com/

www.facebook.com/romanceauthorjoaniemacneil

 

 

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March 25, 2017 · 8:27 am

Author Interview with Lisa DeVore ~ New Release: Sebastian’s Castle

I am very pleased to introduce today’s guest. Lisa DeVore is one of my Wild Rose Press authors. I had the pleasure of working with her on her debut novel, and on a handful of stories since. She’s a sweetheart of a person and a wonderful author. I love her and her stories. 🙂 Her latest is an excellent ghost story/romance. She’s here to tell us all about it, after her interview:

Please tell us a little about yourself, where are you from? Where do you live now? Family? Pets?

My name is Lisa DeVore. I was born and raised in Alliance, Ohio (about 20 miles NE of Canton, Ohio…home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame). I have been married to my best friend for nearly twenty-three years. Our oldest son, Lewie, is twenty-one, and works with his dad doing custom restoration on old hot rods and motorcycles. Our son, Cole, is eighteen and will be graduating in June, and off to college to study computer technology. And our “baby” girl, Jessica, will turn sixteen on my 50th birthday March 27th. She’s all about driving right now. We have three four-legged kids, Smitty & Wess, who are toy fox terriers (and brothers from the same litter) and my mini-pin, Chester.

Where did you get the idea for “Sebastian’s Castle”?

My hometown, Alliance, has its very own castle…Glamorgan Castle. The mansion was built from 1904-1909 and is now home to the Alliance City Schools’ administration. As a student and resident of Alliance, I’ve grown up around the castle, and have shared its beauty and history with my kids. It inspired the castle in my book, from the layout to the breathtaking chandelier. However, I don’t believe Glamorgan Castle has any secret passages. Who knows though? The ghost came naturally…what castle doesn’t have a ghost? Sebastian’s last name was, also, borrowed from William Henry Morgan, owner of the Alliance castle.
For more information on Glamorgan Castle- http://www.alliancecityschools.org/glamorgan-castle-history

Why did you choose this genre (is it something you’ve written in before)?

This is my first “ghost” story, but the suspense genre is not new to me. I have to say, it was fun to write!

Was there anything unusual, any anecdote about this book, the characters, title, process, etc, you’d like to share?

I have toured and visited Glamorgan Castle many, many times since I was a child, and know its history as well as my own, but prior to writing “Sebastian’s Castle” I took two tours. I wanted to feel the rooms, and the history. I wanted to see it as my characters, Brynn and Jax might see it, and imagine them there. Having that template for Brynn’s Mystic, CT castle made it come alive for me, and, I hope, my readers.

What is the most difficult thing about writing a book? 

The most difficult thing about writing a book, for me, is time. I haven’t, as yet, experienced writer’s block. My writing takes me on dips and curves that I don’t even see coming. I have really given up on outlines, because my stories always take turns along the way, and I never keep to one. And, I may start off with a hero and he ends up the villain. I just never know!

Are there any tricks, habits or superstitions you have when creating a story?

Music. It inspires me. For each book, I have a theme song I listen to.

What book have you read that you wish you had written?

“Gone With the Wind.”

(Me too!!) Do you have another occupation, other than writer? If so, what is it and do you like it?

My day job is accounting for an electrical distributor. I work part time, and I do like it. My degree is in accounting, so it’s good to be able to use that knowledge. And I work with some great people.

What’s the main thing that you could get rid of in your life that would give you more writing time?

Absolutely, without question, social media.

What’s your favorite book of all time and why? What’s your favorite childhood book?

My favorite book of all time is the Bible. It inspires, calms, and gives hope. It has stood the test of time, and there is always something new to learn from Its pages. My favorite childhood book is “Green Eggs and Ham”. I loved that book! I read it so many times as a child, and to my kids, that I knew it by heart!

If you could spend time with a character from your book, whom would it be? And what would you do during that day? (PG-13 please 🙂

It would be Sebastian Morgan from “Sebastian’s Castle”. How cool would it be to spend a day with a ghost? I am a geek when it comes to history, and I would spend the day annoying him with questions about his life, and what it was like to live in his time.

Who is the most famous person you have ever met?

Last May, I met my favorite singer, Scott Stapp (the front man of Creed, Art of Anarchy). His life experiences are in his music, and have inspired many. He has been criticized, and persecuted in the media, but he stays true to his style of writing, and gives God the glory. He is truly a kind man who loves God, his family, and fans. It was a pleasure meeting him…and he gives an amazing concert!

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

Nora Roberts. I don’t believe there’s one book she’s written whose characters didn’t come alive to me. Her stories have so much depth. She is a master at putting her reader in the moment.

What is your favorite…

Movie– The Patriot
Music– Rock
Place you’ve visited- Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Clearwater, Florida
Place you’d like to visit- Salem, Mass.
TV show from childhood- The Brady Bunch
TV show from adulthood- Once Upon A Time
Food– Pizza
Sports team– Cleveland Indians!!
Which do you prefer: Board games/card games or television? Television

Love the interview, Lisa. I enjoyed learning more about you. Now, please tell us about Sebastian’s Castle…

Blurb:

Being married to a cop is hard, being the widow of one is harder. After Brynn Austin’s husband, Nate, was murdered in an undercover operation, there wasn’t enough evidence to convict the gang leader who killed him. Brynn refuses to let him kill their dream to renovate an old Connecticut castle. But her plan is hampered by a ghost who’s not ready to give up his home.

Contractor Jaxson Maddox signs on to renovate the old castle that’s sat empty for years. He didn’t believe the rumors about the place being haunted. But that was before he met the resident ghost. What Jax didn’t sign on for was trouble in the form of falling for the beautiful widow, dealing with a pesky ghost, and risking his life when a threat from Brynn’s past surfaces. He’ll do whatever it takes to protect her, even if it means becoming a ghost himself.

Excerpt:

Light shone in through the windows, but the space wasn’t any less creepy. Old cobwebs hung from the rafters, and dust particles danced in the sunlight. She hoped there wasn’t a family of raccoons, or worse, living here. Brynn pushed those thoughts
from her mind and kneeled in front of the trunk with the screwdriver. She’d never tried to pick a lock before, but there was a first time for everything.

“If you’re set on nosing around, I would rather you used the key. It’s under that pile of books.”

Brynn jumped to her feet and swung around to face the voice. She gripped tightly to her only weapon, the screwdriver.

There he stood, the same man she saw the other day. “Who are you?” She backed toward the wall, holding the screwdriver in front of her. “You’re trespassing.”

“No, my dear, you’re trespassing. This is my castle. I should be asking you the questions.”

Brynn’s eyes bugged out as she really took a look at him. His image was fading in and out. “No,” she said aloud, “it can’t be.”

“My dear, you don’t look well.”

“You’re a…” She patted her face.

“A what? I’m a what?” His face faded and returned.

“You’re a ghost!”
Buy Link:

https://www.amazon.com/Sebastians-Castle-Lisa-DeVore/dp/1509213325/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Bio:

Lisa DeVore is a romantic suspense author for The Wild Rose Press. Her active imagination started at an early age in her NE Ohio hometown, complete with its own castle. She’s an avid reader, loves the beach, dolphins, and sunshine! Yes, she’s a misplaced Floridian. Lisa stays busy utilizing her accounting degree, spending time with her husband of 20-plus years, their two sons and daughter, 2 toy fox terriers, and one mini-pin. And she enjoys spending time in the worlds she creates. Lisa made the Amazon best-seller list for her debut novel “Beautiful Music”, and is excited to announce the release of her fourth book, “Sebastian’s Castle”.
Contact Links:

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/lisadevoreAuthor/

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/mrsldevore

Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/search?q=Lisa+DeVore

Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Lisa-DeVore/e/B00KMHIWRY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1490133627&sr=8-1

 

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March 24, 2017 · 10:25 am

Friday Fragment Contest – #Giveaway #FunGame #BookLovers – March 24, 2017

fri-fragments-and-spotalie

Happy Friday and welcome to my weekly contest –

Below you will find three different books, by three different authors, and beneath each, you will find three different short excerpts. Only one excerpt is from the listed book. Using the form at the bottom of the post, enter your guesses as to which excerpt is correct for each book. Once a month, I will draw a name from all those who attempt a guess on this game, AND on my Facebook SpotaLie game (check it out here: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAliciaDean/) The winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card.

Each week, the first person to guess all 3 correctly receives an additional entry. (TIP: Click on each link and read the blurbs for a better chance at guessing correctly) – Remember, you get an entry just for guessing!

In addition to filling out the contact form, we’d also love it if you would comment, whether it is about your guesses, the books, the authors, etc. (when we offer extra giveaways, commenting is usually the only way to enter.) 

Have fun!

Terms and Conditions: No purchase necessary to win. There is no limit on how many times one entrant can win. You do not have to guess correctly to be entered in the monthly drawing.

 

*** The game runs from the day it’s posted through the following Friday morning when the next post goes up, so feel free to send your guesses in and comment any time during that week. In order to stay up to date on each post, follow my blog by signing up in the column to the right. 

Extra Giveaways!!! (Last week’s winners are: Mary Anne Landers won Stephanie Berget’s E-copy of Sweet Cowboy Kisses and Elf won a $5 Amazon gift card from  Colleen L Donnelly. Congrats, ladies!)

This week, lucky winners will be drawn from all commenters for the following prizes:

From Gemma Juliana – Free copy of The Amulet

From Cailin Briste – Free copy of Shane: Marshal of Tallav Book #1 in the Sons of Tallav series.

From Suzanne Stengl  – Free copy of ANGEL WINGS

 

Book 1:

Raven of Blackthorn Manor by Gemma Juliana

Buy link: http://a.co/gPeLwHY

Find Gemma here: http://www.amazon.com/author/gemmajuliana

Snippet A:

“No!” Olympia’s heart thudded. “I can’t, won’t go with you. I’m working on a project with a tight deadline.” “That’s too bad, because you are now mine. I won you in our high stakes private poker tournament until I’m paid.” The sheikh’s mouth disappeared into a cruel thin line as his eyes lingered on her breasts, then her hips. He snapped his fingers, and the four henchmen standing behind him came forward and encircled Olympia. “Rick—,” sheer terror blazed in Olympia’s eyes. “Don’t let this happen.” This couldn’t be happening. Rick watched in horror as the scene played out before his eyes.

Snippet B:

The promise of a bitter cold winter hung in the air as Oonagh carried wood inside and placed it at the grate of her fireplace. She stoked the fire, pleased as flames leapt with vibrant life. “Come my child, I’ve prepared a very special gift for you.” Oonagh wrapped her burgundy shawl tightly around her to repel the ice that would surely claim her veins. She pulled her emerald green cape closer and ignored the shiver that wracked her tired body. Emerald eyes blazed with pride as she watched Zoe, her most stunning magical creation ever, rise to her feet to follow. “A gift! You know I love gifts, Ma.”

Snippet C:

I fairly trotted back to the house, so angry I looked neither right nor left. As I cleared the entrance steps and threw open the front doors, I spotted Ronan walking toward the kitchen at the back of the house. Too outraged to talk with him now, I ran straight upstairs to my room. Was I losing it, or had I been in a small cottage with some unseen person who’d managed to remove two books from the desk while I was in the bathroom or the closet? I hadn’t heard a sound. This place had me questioning my sanity—something that had never happened before.

 

Book 2:

Maon: Marshal of Tallav by Cailin Briste

Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Maon-Marshal-Tallav-Cailin-Briste-ebook/dp/B01MRUND2U/

Snippet A:

Frau Heinrich continued, her voice a steady acidic drip. “Since you are a true submissive with mild masochistic tendencies, you are fortunate a Tallavan marshal holds your contract. We are always pleased to place our students with a marshal from Tallav. They’re such an exclusive club of men.”

Snippet B:

She was on her way to the Whip Hand to meet the owner and notorious sadist Randolph Meryon. The drawings she carried in her portfolio were the first installment of a trade she’d made. He would become her mentor while she explored sexual domination, and she would design exclusive apparel for his staff.

Snippet C:

Kolya was an artist. A sculptor focused on what he termed brutal beauty. He’d tried but failed to convince Tyen to model for him, claiming he’d make it worth her while with a naughty wiggle of his eyebrows. She’d refused, not willing to experience the pain that went along with being the focus of his creative genius.

 

Book 3:

The Thurston Heirloom by Suzanne Stengl

Buy link: http://amzn.to/2lP7hoK

Snippet A:

Not wanting to join the hikers yet, he found a seat at the bar. Jason delivered a Rickard’s Red as soon as Teague sat down. “How’s it going?” Jason opened the beer. “Good,” Teague answered. “Have you seen the new maid?” A slight pause from Jason. “Mariah?” “Yes.” “About five foot seven? Long reddish brown hair? Blue eyes? Pleasant expression?” “Yes.” “No, I haven’t seen her,” Jason said. “I haven’t even met her.” Something was up. “Then how come you know what she looks like?” “Because everybody’s looking for Mariah.”

Snippet B:

“She’s an ex-girlfriend. They went out last summer when Gaven was home.” Christie felt her chest tighten, and then she let go of her breath, and looked up from the neat rows of hash browns. Ethel Hamilton sat across the table from her, sitting in the place where Gaven had been. Ethel, in her brown dress and her brown hat with all the feathers. “You’re still here,” Christie said, setting down her fork and vaguely wondering if Lucy had added something to the coffee. “Yes, I am.” “You’re a figment of my imagination.”

Snippet C:

The large living room window gaped open with a ragged hole letting in the sea breeze. Shards of glass scattered over her couch and chair and coffee table. Even more astonishing, a man dressed in black jeans and a black T-shirt knelt in the middle of a heap of broken glass in front of the couch. A window washer? His arms, bare and muscled, braced in front of him, gripping the bottom of the couch. Glass flakes sparkled in his hair. Like his clothes, his hair was dark. Dark brown, almost black.

 

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Which Snippet is from Book 1 - Raven of Blackthorn Manor(required)

Which Snippet is fro Book 2 - Maon: Marshal of Tallav(required)

Which Snippet is from Book 3 - The Thurston Heirloom(required)

 

Correct answers & winner of the extra entry from last week:

No one answered correctly last week…better luck this time!

Last week’s answers:

Book 1: Sweet Cowboy Kisses – B

Book 2: The Cowboy’s Triple Surprise – A

Book 3: Mine to Tell – A

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March 23, 2017 · 3:00 am

With a Little List of Books by My Friends…

Did you get the song title reference? No? Oh well, I tried. Check out some great reads by a few of my author friends:

Switched by Diane Burton

(This is the first in a sci-fi romance series, and it’s only 99¢!)

http://amzn.com/B006578JXC

Kidnapped by aliens? By mistake?

When wise-cracking Jessie Wyndom is beamed from her farmhouse in Ann Arbor, Michigan aboard an Alliance starship, she meets a regular Mr. Spock. Captain Marcus Viator’s well-organized life is turned upside down by a free-spirited Terran. Fate brings them together. Treachery tears them apart.

Find Diane Burton here: www.DianeBurton.com

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

Sweet Inspiration by Linda Carroll-Bradd

http://amzn.com/B06WGZ82NM

Rambling musician Rafe Frasco is the adventure weaver Cadence Willis has always wanted. Within only hours, Rafe knows Cadence is the home he’s never had.

Find Linda here https://www.facebook.com/linda.carrollbradd

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

Christmas Dance by Leah St. James

http://a.co/8wLbdTG

Alexandra Anderson has a loving husband who provides for her every need. Sam Herrmann is married to his college sweetheart, and together they have three healthy, boisterous boys. What happens when two married people take a look at the perfect lives they’ve created and decide it’s not enough? Christmas Dance – a story of love, marriage and hope.

Find Leah here: https://www.facebook.com/LeahStJames

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

Decades of Love – Various Authors

https://www.amazon.com/Decades-Love-B-McIntosh-ebook/dp/B01N3CN47F

Love hits the jackpot in these six seductive tales, each set in a different decade in the hottest, wildest, most sinful of cities – Las Vegas. In Elizabeth Spaur’s Miss Atomic Bomb, a beauty pageant brings a cowboy and city girl together. A desperate singer finds new hope with a not-so-jaded casino owner in B.A. McIntosh Home at Last. In Lynn Crain’s, Hooked on a Feeling, two Vietnam vets get a second chance at love while facing enemies at home. A rodeo star falls hard for a showgirl in Diane Deeds’s Total Eclipse of the Heart. In Kay Phoenix’s An Unexpected Knight, a hero on a mighty steed captures the heroine’s heart. A good girl learns that being bad can be very, very good in Tami Cowden’s It Happen One Vegas Night. Mobsters and G-men, cowboys and showgirls, singers and dancers, and even a knight in shining armor all find that Sin City is not just a place to have fun – but also a great place to fall in love.

Find Lynn at https://www.facebook.com/LynnCrainAuthor

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

Grendel’s Mother by Diana Stout

https://www.amazon.com/Grendels-Mother-Diana-Stout/dp/0997422300

A story revealing a journey of societal injustice, a girl’s love for Nature that enables her to survive life in the wild alone, of her giving birth and raising a baby—deemed a monster—entirely on her own.  In the end, not only does she battle Grendel to keep him safe, but she must battle a warrior, Beowulf, who is out to harm her son.

Find Diana Stout at https://www.facebook.com/writerDianaStout

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

Don’t they all look fabulous? Enjoy!!

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March 20, 2017 · 9:29 am

Author Interview with Kay Blake and New Release: Catch Me If I Fall (The Kim Brothers Book 1)

Please help me welcome Kay Blake with a fun author interview and an intriguing new release! 

 

Please tell us a little about yourself, where are you from? Where do you live now? Family? Pets?

My name is Kay. I’m a mom of three cubs and hail from the greatest city in the world. New York. (Don’t argue with me on this lol) I’m currently in my last semester of college to get my bachelor’s degree in developmental psychology. I live and breathe sarcasm, but I have a heart of gold. I still love the color pink. I’m a horror fanatic and I never get tired of strawberry cheesecake. I have no pets as I’m allergic to most, but I would love a dog if I could have one.

I won’t argue, but I will beg to differ…,;) Just kidding…I love New York although I’ve only been there once, briefly. Would love to go again! Where did you get the idea for your book?

Catch Me If I Fall came from a scene in the book where Jae tells Kasi he wants her to know that if she ever fell again he’ll be there to catch her. That she wasn’t alone in her struggles.

Why did you choose this genre (is it something you’ve written in before)?

While I love the horror genre in both books and movies, I’m a sucker for a good romance. I think there is something pure about good old fashioned love so I write it.

I would love to write horror as well! Was there anything unusual, any anecdote about this book, the characters, title, process, etc, you’d like to share?

Yes for me it required me to research not only another culture different from mine, but also research someone who would be considered a person with a disability. It was hard. It was eye opening. And I am appreciative of all who were apart of getting information to me and that had conversations with me.

What is the most difficult thing about writing a book?

I think us writers question everything we do. Is it good enough? Did you give this story your all? Would they get what you were trying to convey? I think the self-doubting would be the hardest thing about writing a book. That and making sure the story is fresh even if the idea is similar.

What was the most difficult thing about this one in particular?

I had to use some of a personal experience to dig deep when I was dealing with Kasi expressing her pain and her grief. It was hard to convey that emotion.

What genre have you never written that you’d like to write?

Horror. I plan to try to dabble in that this year actually.

I would also like to write horror. Maybe one day! What is your favorite quote?

“There is nothing more rare, nor more beautiful, than a woman being unapologetically herself; comfortable in her perfect imperfection.”

Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination?

It is a mix of real life and imagination. I have certain characters that are from people that are or were in my life. Then other times I could see something and be like this works for this character.

What do your friends and family think of your writing?

So far I’ve heard good things. I was told they loved my writing. And my mom is pretty blunt and she loved my books so that’s good. I have one friend who have read all my books and she’s super supportive.

Who is the most famous person you have ever met?

Meredith Wild at Book Con in 2015. And she was so awesome and sweet.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Basically sometimes life can be pretty crappy. Even when it seems things will only get worse or that things will never get better, it always will. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel. And sometimes life provides us with the people to help us get there.

How much of the book is realistic? 

I think for the most part most of this book is pretty realistic. I tried to tell a heartfelt story that wasn’t too over the top.

How did your interest in writing originate?

I have written most of my life honestly. I used to write poetry and song lyrics. I actually won an award when I was a teen for a poem I’ve written. I used to write fan fiction all the time. I think for me what sealed it though was in high school we had to do this creative project in my 11th grade English class. The idea was to create a writing piece from a person from history. I chose to do a diary of Billie Holiday. So while I had to research I wrote this project as if I was Billie. That project got an A and was used for other classes as an example. That was pretty awesome.

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

Stephen King hands down. I love horror and he is the king of it no if ands or buts. He can always tell a story where you’re just like omg, this is awesome. I’m also a big fan of J.K. Rowling.
I adore King as well!

What is your favorite…

Movie: X-Men Days of Future Past, The Shining, The Conjuring and Harry Potter & The Order of The Phoenix.

Music: Most music from the 90s and early 2000s.

Place you’ve visited: Bash Bish Falls State Park

Place you’d like to visit: Paris, France

TV show from childhood: X-Men Animated Series, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Batman Animated Series and Hey Arnold

TV show from adulthood: The Walking Dead

Food: Strawberry Cheesecake, Mash Potatoes and Chicken

Sports team: I don’t have one honestly. I do like to watch UFC though.

Which do you prefer: Board games/card games or television? That depends. I love board games like monopoly, but watching a good show with my family is also pretty awesome.

 

Kay is giving away a FREE e-book copy of Catch Me If I Fall to one luck commenter! Check out her gorgeous cover and enticing glimpse into her novel…

Blurb:

An Interracial Contemporary Romance Novella

Kasi:
I have reached rock bottom. The kind of bottom that is so dark, there is no light at the end of the tunnel. There is nothing, but pain, loneliness and helpless despair. I didn’t picture my life going this way. I wasn’t supposed to be unhappy and broken.
How can someone find the good in me when all the good I had was taken from me?

Jae:
Helping people makes me feel good. I don’t do it for any accolades. I do it because when I needed someone to talk to, when I needed someone to keep me from spiraling out of control, I found it.
From the first time I saw her, I knew that there was something about her. I didn’t know what, but like a gravitational pull I wanted to know more about her even if she was here only to find some support for her grief.
Maybe I couldn’t solve her problems, but I won’t let her face them alone.

Excerpt:

I stopped and balled the napkins in my hand changing it from hand to hand trying to keep my nerves under control.

I glanced at his attire. He sported a dark blue button up shirt with a white tee underneath and dark blue jeans.

“Thank you uh…what’s your name?”

His smile widened showing a perfect set of white teeth.

“I’m Jae Kim.” He held out his hand for me to shake.

“Kasi Stevens,” I said nervously shaking it stunned by the electric jolt that went through my hands and traveled up my arm.

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Catch-Fall-Kim-Brothers-Book-ebook/dp/B01NBI9K1Z/

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01NBI9K1Z/

Bio:

Kay writes sassy, sexy and sweet contemporary and interracial romance. She is from arguably the greatest city in the world. (New York). She is a sarcastic sweetheart who prefers snuggling at home with a good book. She is a wife and a mom to three cubs.

Kay indulges in strawberry cheesecake, horror movies, Harry Potter, The Walking Dead, wrestling and of course a happily ever after. Kay also writes erotica under Nina Gabrielle!

Contact Links:

Website: http://www.authorkayblake.wordpress.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/authorkayblake

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/authorkayblake

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook/com/authorkayblake

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kayblakewrites

 

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March 18, 2017 · 9:07 am

Falling in Love: Writing Romance that Goes Beyond Attraction by Ginger Monette

Please help me welcome author Ginger Monette with an interesting, informative article, and her Darcy’s Hope Saga…

Falling in Love: Writing Romance that Goes Beyond Attraction

by Ginger Monette

Have you ever wondered how couples fall in love?

As a romance novelist, it’s my job to weave a story that gives readers a front row seat to watch the unfolding of a beautiful love story.

But how does a couple get from “Hello my name is” (or even “I despise you”) to “You’re my soulmate and I want to spend the rest of my life with you?”

Having been disappointed by numerous novels where the couple claimed to suddenly “be in love” without actually “falling in love,” I went on a quest to investigate this mysterious process of falling head over heels. What I discovered changed my writing.

I dissected some fifty romance novels and made notes. All the couples had hefty doses of attraction, but the most satisfying stories went beyond attraction to something deeper. They showed the characters passing through four phases that moved them step by step from “meh” (or downright hatred) to “wowie-zowie he’s the most wonderful person in the world.” And each phase seemed to be characterized by distinct thought patterns. See if you think these phases and thought patterns ring true to real life—particularly if at first Prince Charming seemed to be more of a frog than a prince.

Acknowledgement of him:

-Acknowledges some good quality about him (talented, kind, generous, etc)

-Finds him attractive

-Hyper aware of him, or hyper critical of his shortcomings (which often signals preoccupation or a subconscious denial of admiration)

-Acknowledges an attraction, but blows it off

Appreciation of his good qualities:

-Defends his character while not necessarily liking him

-Is genuinely thankful for a good quality

-Beginning to warm towards him

-Not so judgmental towards him

-More willing to consider his opinion on a matter

Admiration:

-Takes his advice

-Imitates quality or action of his

-Admits her initial criticism or objections were exaggerated or biased

-Curiosity grows—willing to spend more time in his company

-Acknowledges similar values or mutual interests

-Finds she is thinking (fondly) of him more and more

Adoration

-Openly acknowledges her love/warm feelings for him

-Desires to be in his company

-Thinks he is wonderful

-Thinks he is perfect match

-Misses him painfully when he is gone

-Thinks about him constantly

So how did this awareness of stages change my writing? In my novel Darcy’s Hope ~ Beauty from Ashes, I kept these four stages and behaviours in mind as I crafted scenes. They became an outline of sorts that I wove with compelling action, mystery, suspense, and historical detail. I made sure the couple had ample opportunity to interact on a deep level, then continually gave voice to the heroine’s evolving inner thoughts to show their romance was based on more than physical attraction and chemistry.

Using this approach produced not only a thrilling story, but gives readers a deep sense of satisfaction as they watch the heroine’s tiny bud of acknowledgement open into appreciation, then expand with admiration, and finally blossom into full adoration.

Don’t we all ultimately desire a romance built on a foundation of compatibility and emotional intimacy rather than just a pitter-pattering heart?

What do you think? Add your comments to the conversation below.

The Darcy’s Hope Saga 

Website: GingerMonette.com

Author’s Facebook: is here or https://www.facebook.com/Ginger-Monette-Author-612096318934524/

Video trailer Beauty from Ashes link is here or https://youtu.be/px2fUiZdpGI?t=3s

Purchase Links: Feel free to use just the universal links if you’d like.

-Darcy’s Hope Beauty from Ashes:

Universal link for all retailers. https://books2read.com/u/47kXOj

–Amazon USA :  http://bit.ly/2cy01KFBlogTourAmaUS

-Darcy’s Hope at Donwell Abbey:

            Universal link for all retailers. https://www.books2read.com/u/3GMPaK

-Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M6A76CZ/

 

Blurb

Downton Abbey Meets Pride & Prejudice!

Escape to the era of Downton Abbey and experience all the drama of World War 1 alongside Jane Austen’s iconic Elizabeth Bennet & Fitzwilliam Darcy. You’ll watch their tender love unfold as they learn to work together and reconcile their differences at a field hospital only miles from the Front. When injury and espionage separate the couple, Darcy is crushed. But Donwell Abbey holds a secret that just might change everything.

“…a stellar example of fine Austenesque literature. …an exceptionally moving story complete with a compelling plot, danger, mystery, action, introspection, vivid detail, and an emotionally wrought romance.” ~Austenesque Reviews

***** 90% of reviews are five star!

The Darcy’s Hope Saga:

Vol 1: Darcy’s Hope ~ Beauty from Ashes

Vol 2: Darcy’s Hope at Donwell Abbey 

Video Trailer: youtu.be/px2fUiZdpGI?t=3s

 

Bio:

Winner of Char/Meck Library’s 2015 “Picture This” grand prize, Ginger Monette lives with her family in Charlotte, North Carolina. When she’s not writing historical romance, she enjoys dancing on the treadmill, watching period dramas, public speaking, and reading—a full-length novel every Sunday afternoon.

 

 

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