Blog Archives

"Halloween Sucks" Lily Drake Blog Hop {CONTEST}

9/30/2012

I am so excited to share with you one of my favorite upcoming books. Yes, I got to read it already and I love the character of Lily Drake. Like many of us single working moms, she puts her child first and dating is the last thing on her mind.

So when she asked me to come hang out and possibly win some of her swag... I was over the moon!

She asked us to talk about Vampires, who our favorite ones are and why we like them. At first, I couldn't think of just one! There are so many wonderful vampires from movies and books. Did I have to just pick one??

So I narrowed it down to one from a book and one from a movie. See, I can be accommodating!

My favorite vampire from a movie is the character of Dracula from the Van Helsing movie starring Hugh Jackman. I loved the idea of a man who was so determined to continue his line of progeny that he would kill others in order to bring his children to life. Now that is a real dad! Honestly, I did find him attractive and very domineering. But it was that idea that he was a family man first and foremost that tugged at my heartstrings. Too bad he was irredeemable and died!

My favorite vampire from a book is Jean Claude from the Anita Blake series by Laurell K. Hamilton. There is something about a man who knows what he wants. Jean Claude wants Anita and will do anything in order to make her his...including falling in love with her.

Funny how both my men are a little on the bad side... hmmmm....Anyway, don't forget to visit all the other blog sites for their thoughts and enter the contest to win!

For Lily Drake, slaying vampires is easy...Dating them is the hard part." Join the release party on Oct 5th at Inkspell Publishing website to find the Blog hop winners!
www.moosubi.blogspot.com/
www.booksandbeyond.net
www.supagurlbooks.blogspot.com
booknerd.ca
bookbreather4lyfe.blogspot.com
www.lettersinsideout.net
sarahelizabethsbookshelf.blogspot.co.uk/
raelori.blogspot.com
iheartreading.net
www.christysbookaddiction.blogspot.com
bookshelf.shotgunopera.net
www.bookwhales.blogspot.com/
mommacatandherbabies.blogspot.com
www.midtown-underground.com
www.nightlyreading.wordpress.com
www.crossroadreviews.com
www.bookmice.org
pnrurbanfantasyreviews.blogspot.com/
vanessaleighbooks.blogspot.com
www.everythingatoc.blogspot.com
readingcave.blogspot.com/
andisbookreviews.blogspot.com/2012/08/for-love-of-vampire.html
janieraeldridge.blogspot.com
www.readergirlsblog.com
book-spark.blogspot.com/
the-itzel-library.blogspot.com/
bookmaven623.wordpress.com
thelifeofanasiandreamer.wordpress.com/
booksbycenteno.com
megantalksbooks.blogspot.com
fullmoonbites.blogspot.com/
lisavoisin.wordpress.com
www.alwaysyaatheart.blogspot.com
in-interest.blogspot.com
www.bookliaison.com
teenyreader.blogspot.co.uk/
www.jbridgerwriting.blogspot.com/
www.stephaniekeyes.com
www.facing50withhumour.blogspot.com
www.readersconfession.com
www.melissakeir.com/blog.html
cecereadandwrite.blogspot.com
paranormalopinion.blogspot.com
highlyreadioactive.blogspot.in
www.snowdropdreams.ca
sweetandsassyreviewz.blogspot.com/2012/09/blog-hop.html#comment-form
booksdownmypillow.blogspot.com
www.snifferwalk.org
pinkfluffyhearts.blogspot.com/
Krystal's Enchanting Reads
Erika Knudsen
Aliaa @ Mademoiselle Le Sphinx
Michelle @ Mom With A Kindle
http://www.tmichellenelson.com/blog.html

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Book Spotlight on A Stranger in the Night by Kristy Centeno

9/28/2012

Kristy Centeno emailed me a few days ago to see if I would be able to help her. She had this amazing new book coming out and wanted to have a few friends share the book on their blogs. I was so excited because I know Kristy is an outstanding author! I worked with her on an upcoming release she has at the beginning of next year and couldn't wait to see her latest book. When I saw the cover, I was stunned. It is such a beautiful cover but it is the storyline that left me breathless.. I can't wait until December to get my hands on this book!!
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Keiran McDermott has lived by one simple rule for over a hundred years: keep a safe distance from humans at all times. He knows from experience that close proximity to them can be disastrous and more often than not, end up badly. But when the need to explore a nearby town places him directly in the path of a woman being stalked by two foul predators, the instinct to protect the young beauty from the men intent on causing her harm forces him to break his self-imposed law.

However, once she’s safely away from her attackers, Keiran finds himself locked in another battle. He knows his weakness can kill; it did so in the past. But how can he find the courage to stay away when the image of her lovely face torments his mind?

When a new threat forces him to come to Celine’s aid again, will
Keiran be able to fight temptation long enough to keep her alive and protected, even from himself?

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Genre: Paranormal Romance/Erotic Romance/Contemporary
Romance

Rerelease: December, 2012

Publisher: Tease Publishing LLC

Cover art design: Amanda Kelsey ~ http://razzdazzdesign.com/

Author’s Website: www.kristycenteno.com

Author’s Blog: http://booksbycenteno.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/KristyCenteno

Goodreads:http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8896423-kristy-centeno

Celebrating The Release: Tarot Diaries: The Fool by Elicia M. Seawell

9/27/2012

I'm excited to share this story with you by fellow Rebel author and my friend, Elicia M. Seawell. This story promises to be a wonderful series that will entice readers.

What would you do if you could find out your purpose in life? Would you want to know or be completely left in the dark?

Katie Jenkins finds out her purpose, but not in a way most people do. After a night of shots of tequila and a bet from her best friend, she is coerced to seek a fortune teller for insight into her future. What she finds out changes her life forever.

Katie comes from a long line of Romanian Gypsies cursed with the ability to not only read Tarot cards, but they also have to deliver the bad news to whomever the cards reveal. She, along with her best friend Phoenix (Finny) Carrington, seeks out those who are doomed and try to change their lives before something awful happens to them.

Can Katie stop a mad man from the deaths that surround her, or will she fall victim to the very same mad man responsible for the death of so many?

Excerpt from Tarot Diaries: The Fool

It all started one night in a bar. Don't most stories start out that way?

Two guys walk into a bar... Okay, sorry.

It was a rainy, cold night, just like any in the city of Seattle. My best friend of twenty years, Phoenix Carrington (Finny for short) and I were downing a bottle of tequila celebrating our triumphant passing of the hardest class ever in the history of college, physics.
I was maybe seven shots in when Finny says "Hey, we should get our fortunes read by the lady across the street." Normally this wouldn't have sounded like an excellent idea, but if tequila can make a girl's clothes fall off, it can make me do things I normally wouldn't do. I took another shot, slammed the glass down onto the table and gasped for clear air.

"Sure, why not," I slurred. Finny paid the tab, and we were on our way across the street.

"I feel so silly doing this," I said to Finny.

The "all seeing eye" sign shone bright red as it reflected off the wet streets of Seattle. As we got closer to the door, an eerie feeling came over me.

"Finny, I don't think I can do this," I said, almost begging him not to make me.

"Quit being such a baby. Just go in."

I sighed, took a deep breath and clicked the handle that led into the shop. The room was dark, almost mystifying in its own right, and the smell of incense filled my nostrils. I felt a little dizzy, but I think it was just the anxiety of knowing I could learn more than I wanted to about my life.

The "ring bell for service" sign was written on a small blue piece of paper I barely noticed. I clicked the little button, and a tall, dark woman came from behind the curtain. Her blue eyes didn't match the olive complexion that covered her and as a smile broadened across her face, I felt my heart rate go up.

"Ah, welcome to my shop," she said, almost hissing.

"Th-thanks," I finally coughed out.

"Are you here for a reading, darling?" she said, hissing again.

"Um, yeah, I think so." I looked to Finny in hopes he'd see what I saw, but he was all smiles. I think he was getting a kick out of watching me squirm.

"Fine then, come this way," she went back between the curtains, and we followed far behind her until we found ourselves behind the curtains as well. The room was small, covered in black paint with tons of little lights strung around. There were several tapestries with symbols and words hung from the ceiling. I felt awkward, like I was almost scared to be there.

Buy links:
B&N Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tarot-diaries-elicia-seawell/1112747524/
Amazon: http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i152/wspanicgirl21/TheFool_Cover_small.jpg
All Romance E Books: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-tarotdiariesthefool-930299-140.html
Bookstrand: http://www.bookstrand.com/tarot-diaries-the-fool

About Elicia M. Seawell

Elicia M. Seawell started out as a freelance graphic artist and fell in love with writing when she began her work in the newspaper industry. After long sleepless nights, she found writing as a way to combat her insomnia however most of her characters were developed while standing in the frozen food section deciding on ice cream. She is the author of “Peach River Acres” and “The Tarot Diaries” series, both being released by Rebel Ink Press. She is also the author of the self-published YA novella, “Shadows: The Story of the Kayouta.” Elicia is currently studying Behavioral Analysis/Psychology and is married to Michael Seawell. She has three children: Brandon, Rachel and Greta. She was also born in Darlington, SC and currently resides in Darlington.

Social Media Links:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/EliciaMSeawellAuthor
Twitter: http://twitter.com/EliciaMSeawell
Blog: http://emseawell.wordpress.com/

Book Spotlight and Interview with Allison Merritt

9/26/2012

Today I'm excited to share with you a book by a wonderfully supportive author friend who has the most amazing stories. If you love a story that will dig deep into your soul and never let go, Allison Merritt's books are for you! Her stories will make you remember falling in love again!

Tell us about yourself:

I grew up in the Ozark Mountains, where I still live with my husband and our dogs. I love to hike and take some amateur photography of nature when I'm not writing. I read, I write, I walk, I blog, and get far too distracted by Facebook.

What television sitcom is most like your family? Why?

Mad About You. We're the married couple with no kids and crazy dogs. We're the bickering type and we make people laugh all the time when we're out because of it.

What’s your favorite thing to do to relax?

I love hiking. Not rugged, mountainy hiking (no, thank you!), but there are a lot of coversation areas and parks close by where we live. There's always a great array of wildlife and scenery. I love taking a long walk to clear my head.
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Do you prefer…

Public speaking or public singing?

Public speaking. I wouldn't want anyone to suffer from my singing.

Writing in a notebook or typing on the computer?

Computer all the way.

Coke or Pepsi?

Eww, neither! Coke product: Dr. Pepper.

Living without your cell phone or living without your computer?

Without a cell phone. I remember a time before cell phones, do you? Not that I don't remember the time before computers, but I really like them. Erm, most of the time anyway.
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Now about you as an author…

Did you always want to be an author?

Pretty much. I made up stories as a kid and when I was 11 or 12, I declared my intentions to become an author after stealing the idea from my best friend. I stopped writing for almost six years, but in the end, ideas came to me and I had to write them down. I couldn't hold back any longer.

What authors had an impact on you growing up and as an adult?

I read a ton of Leigh Greenwood and Linda Lael Miller. I love Louis L'Amour novels too. Anything to do with horses when I was a teenager, so there was a lot of Joanna Campbell on my reading menu.

Did anyone in your life influence you or encouraged you to be a writer? (teacher, family member, friend)

I had great English teachers. They always encouraged me to write short stories and essays. Both of my grandmas liked to read my work and my parents always knew I was never going to be a math whiz, so they encouraged my writing. My dad actually told me once I'd have to stop writing if my grades slipped in high school. I'm not sure how he planned to make me quit . . . They didn't slip, by the way, unnessary threat!

What is your favorite aspect or writing? Your least favorite?

I like to just get into a story and let the characters take over. I'm all pantser and that works for me. My least favorite thing to do is edit. Hate, hate, hate it.

What aspect of writing would you most like to improve on?

I love dialogue. There's nothing better to me that witty conversation or sarcastic barbs. So my descriptions suffer. I have to go back after writing and fill in descriptions. I wish I could just get it all down at once.

Do you have any “must haves” with you while you’re writing?

No TV! The screen must be black or I'll be distracted, even if I've already seen the show or movie that's on. I also like food that easy to eat with my fingers and a drink handy because there's nothing worse than needing to get up when you're in the middle of a big scene.

Do you have a common theme or item that appears in each of your books?

Right now in the Legends and Lovers Series there's a person who appears in each novel. She's not exactly human and it's all leading up to her book. The other characters call her Hummingbird or Renee (which means reborn). I'm excited about writing from her point of view--eventually.

What have you learned the most from being in the writing business?

That just when I think I have one step mastered, something else comes along to throw me off. Like writing. Yay! I wrote a novel. It needs editing? Okay, that's not so hard. Wait, I'm going to e-publish it--there's a ton of formatting to learn? Um . . . Then I started doing my own covers.
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Tell us about your latest release: (blurb, excerpt, cover)

The Sky Pirate's Wife is the second book in my Legends and Lovers Series.

After a tragic airship wreck, Captain Alwin van Buren makes a drastic decision to obtain a wealthy bride in order to save his flagging business. He meets his match in Sophie Barnes, heiress to an airship empire. After he seduces her and ensures their marriage—igniting a rivalry with her godfather—he learns the green-eyed beauty is as headstrong as he is.

Sophie knows Van Buren's reputation based on a series of dime novels written about his adventures. Determined to be more than an end to a means, she despises him for luring her into marriage. In fiction, he's a no-nonsense captain on the verge of piracy, but the flesh-and-blood man wins her heart by proving she's worth more to him than her money.

Their love is threatened when Sophie learns Van Buren's airship accident was a result of mythical creatures. Winged predators that appear to have a grudge against him, a fact he deliberately hid by accusing her godfather of sabotage. If she can forgive him for that, they still have to face the danger when they're cornered and at the mercy of beasts and the evil that controls them. The real test comes when Van Buren is asked to make a sacrifice that could destroy them both.

How did you decide on your story plot?

The hero, Van Buren, made a minor appearance in The Treasure Hunter's Lady. He wouldn't leave me alone after I wrote that one, insisting on his own book. So I knew right away he was the main character and that he's an airship captain. I had to figure out what kind of dangers would potentially put an airshipping company out of business—two things, of course a lack of money and a danger in the sky. I'm very interested in myths and legends, so I started researching thunderbirds. It turns out that a lot of people have claimed to see giant birds in the sky and a few even know someone who know someone who's second cousin twice removed has been picked up by a giant bird.

How did you choose your characters names and location for your story?

My characters have always been good about telling me their names, even before they have plots and backgrounds. The original drafts of The Treasure Hunter's Lady and The Sky Pirate's Wife were set in Australia, which in the 1700's, the western half of that country was controlled by Dutch explorers. It made sense to me that the airship captain was Dutch. When I changed the setting to Amerca, I didn't touch Van Buren's name or history at all. In Old Germanic, Alwin mean “elf friend”. Sophie Barnes was originally meant to be a native Australian. Her last name was Barnesworth, but with the setting change I shorted her surname up. In Greek, Sophia means “wise”, but she makes a few choices throughout the story that show her impulsive side.

The book is largely set in Tulsa, Oklahoma Territory (Oklahoma became a state in 1907). It's a great setting for this book because it's the town that's considered to be almost directly in the center of the US, which would make it a fairly major docking port for airshipping. It was also referred to as Indian Territory in the 19th century because of the reservations and forced migration of several tribes to the area. One of the reoccuring characters in the Legends and Lovers Series is Native American. She was right at home in Tulsa.

Do you have a favorite scene? Why?

One of them is toward the end of the book right before the major black moment when Van Buren gives Sophie a replica of a phoenix pin he always wears. She admired it almost from the start of the book. He bought her an expensive ring after they were married, of course, but the presentation of the pin really meant a lot to her because she knows it could very well be the last thing he ever gives her. I cried when I wrote that scene.

Do you have a character that you identify with? Who and why?

I have to say I tend to identify with my hot-headed characters a little more. Van Buren and the heroine from The Treasure Hunter's Lady, Romy, both have quick tempers. I can be a bit of a hot head myself.

Let our readers know how they can get a hold of you…

Blog – http://havenovelwilledit.blogspot.com

Facebook – http://facebook.com/allisonmwrites

Twitter – http://twitter.com/allison_merritt

Google Plus- http://gplus.to/AllisonMerritt & http://gplus.to/LegendsandLoversSeries

Is there anything else that you want to share… feel free!!

As always, thanks for reading and I hope that maybe you got a giggle or two out of the characters' clashing personalities and that they kept you entertained!

The Sky Pirate’s Wife by Allison Merritt

After a tragic airship wreck, Captain Alwin van Buren makes a drastic decision to obtain a wealthy bride in order to save his flagging business. He meets his match in Sophie Banes, heiress to an airship empire. After he seduces her and ensures their marriage—igniting a rivalry with her godfather—he learns the green-eyed beauty is as headstrong as he is.

Sophie knows Van Buren's reputation based on a series of dime novels written about his adventures. Determined to be more than an end to a means, she despises him for luring her into marriage. In fiction, he's a no-nonsense captain on the verge of piracy, but the flesh-and-blood man wins her heart by proving she's worth more to him than her money.

Their love is threatened when Sophie learns Van Buren's airship accident was a result of mythical creatures. Winged predators that appear to have a grudge against him, a fact he deliberately hid by accusing her godfather of sabotage. If she can forgive him for that, they still have to face the danger when they're cornered and at the mercy of beasts and the evil that controls them. The real test comes when Van Buren is asked to make a sacrifice that could destroy them both.
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Excerpt:

Sophie looked at the book in his hands. No one held the wheel but her. “You let go!”

He grinned. “You're doing fine, zoete. Keep her steady, she's climbing on her own.”

It wasn't the idea of being the only thing that stood between them and another flaming airship wreck that made her tremble. It was his smile. The kind that all women yearned to receive from a handsome man. “You should really take the wheel.”

“My hands are full.” He waved the logbook at her, but replaced it and remained standing beside her. “You're doing very well.”

“Are you certain?” The wind blew her hair and snagged her skirt. The horizon filled her line of sight and she suddenly understood the thrill of piloting a ship. It was like having the same freedom as a bird. She could point the ship in any direction and go wherever she pleased. Nothing had ever made her feel so alive. Except kissing Van Buren. Her head turned his direction like it was on a spring. She covered the sudden movement with a laugh. “I think I'm in love with your ship.”

His eyes darkened from icy gray to the shade of wet concrete. He lowered his mouth to her ear again and put his hand on her back. “Flying is a great deal like making love, Sophie.”

She nearly melted at her name on his lips. “W-why do you say that?”

“It's instinctual. The mind and body work together, creating a moment of beauty. The first time is a little frightening, but once you find the rhythm, the proper technique, you have something very enjoyable on your hands. Something that you feel deep within your soul. Something that you never want to give up. With the right person, the kind of relationship you'd die to protect.”
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About the author:

A life-long love of reading turned Allison Merritt into an indie author who writes historical, paranormal and fantasy romances, often combining the sub-genres. She lives in a small town in the Ozark Mountains with her husband and dogs. When she's not writing or reading, she hikes in national parks and conservation areas.

Allison graduated from College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Missouri with a B.A. in mass communications that's gathering dust after it was determined that she's better at writing fluff than hard news.

Connect with the author: Site Twitter Facebook

John Augustine Stops By to Talk About His Latest Releases!

9/25/2012

Today I'm excited to share with you a new author that I've met. His book is an interesting tale of divorce from a male perspective. It isn't often that we hear a first hand account of the problems of a divorce, realistically from a man's point of view. As a victim of divorce myself, this book was certainly enlightening for me. I hope you enjoy John's story as much as I did.

Hello John and thank you for visiting today. Tell us a little about yourself.

I'm a musician. I've worked with a lot of groups in many genres;
composing, arranging and performing -- whatever was necessary in the situation. Sorry I can't mention names. I have to keep my aninimity because what I have written is true and I have to be careful of any backlash to my family. But I had a good time on the road in my twenties and early thirties. I suppose there's a book or two in that if I ever feel like it. I have four boys now and, unlike in my book which takes place over ten years ago, I am now enjoying being a dad very much. With my younger children, I have been able to do what I hadn't been able to with the older ones, and that is nurture them in a positive, whole, family environment from the start. My family is my new adventure.

Thanks! It sounds like you have an interesting life. Now on to some personal questions.If you could go back in time to when you were seven years old, what wisdom or advice would you pass on to yourself?

Exactly what I learned when I studied Jazz: follow your heart.
Nothing's more important.

For what are you grateful?

I'm really grateful for the planet. We come from the planet, are
restored by the planet, and will go back to the planet. The earth
teaches us cycles which are perhaps important beyond what we know here on the earth.

If a zombie virus took over the world, how many days do you think you could last before you were infected? And what would you do to postpone the inevitable?

This is probably why I write non-fiction. I'm no fun when it comes to
such questions.

What television sitcom is most like your family? Why?

None. I can't think of one which comes close. Perhaps we could say sitcoms are art not imitating life in my case.

What’s your favorite thing to do to relax?

Music. If I want to relax, I record a song.

Let’s find out a little bit about you as an author.
Did you always want to be an author?

Not really. In the beginning, my book was nothing more than a story told to a friend via Facebook. I eventually rounded it out and it turned into a real book. However, I have been writing lyrics since I was a little kid. Song lyrics are just extremely compressed stories: you tell a complex story with very few words. I never actually wanted or didn't want to write; I just wrote.

What authors had an impact on you growing up and as an adult?

Growing up I read Updike among others. These days I can't read
fiction. I just end up feeling put-on. That's just me. My wife doesn't
like that I am not into fiction, but I feel I am simply on to the next
thing. I just feel like I've read enough of it. Today I have books
around that help me learn beyond my own window on the world. I
continually read I and Thou by Martin Buber. Thoughts are Things by Prentice Mulford is also a favorite. Spiral Dynamics by Don Beck and Chris Cowan is extremely interesting to me, although I have not finished it yet. I was also fascinated by Mother Earth Spirituality by Eagle Man Ed McGaa. I read that twice.

Do you have any “must haves” with you while you’re writing?

I must have encouragement. I can't do anything for very long without encouragement.

Do you have a common theme or item that appears in each of your books?

Yes, love. There is nothing more important. We all tend to forget that and need to be reminded again and again.

What have you learned the most from being in the writing business?

I've learned that I am not interested in the business itself. I am
interested in relationships. I am interested in making a positive
impact on people. Business takes care of itself after that.

Tell us about your latest release:
I now have two books out: Love Seen From Hell and Love Seen From Heartache. They are books one and two of a three book series. These books are true and I believe I can share what I have learned about my relational experiences through these books. Each book, in its own way, gives a male perspective on love and family. It is important for men to share a voice in the cultural discussion of things like marriage and relationships. Regular guys tend to be fairly silent when it comes to such topics, though they have a lot of important things to say. Our world is changing a great deal and we owe it to ourselves to be honest
with each other about what is going on; guys included.

How did you decide on your story plot?

I have a friend who is like a kid sister to me. I got back in touch
with her a few years ago through Facebook, and this past spiring she started posting some very sad things. I messaged her and asked what was going on and she kind of spilled her guts to me. She had been in an abusive relationship and while she was in it, she began emailing back and forth with a guy who was a navy seal. It took him a year to convince her to get out of the relationship, but he did it. To keep her safe, he got her a plane ticket to the east coast to live with his family until he was done with his tour. The day before she got on the plane, she found out he had been killed during a mission. She still went and even ended up going to journalism school there. This is where she was when I asked how she was doing. I could relate well to her story. I wanted to help, so I shared mine. Two or three times a week I would send a chapter. The chapters helped with her homesickness, always giving her something to look forward to. The story itself also
gave her a few things to think about that related to her situation. So the plot was simply what had happened to me in my abusive relationship from 2000 to 2004.

How did you choose your characters names and location for your story?

The names, most of them, are names of people I know who have something in common with the actual people I am writing about. A few names of minor characters are actually the names of the people I am writing about. The location is Minneapolis and Saint Paul which is where all of this actually took place. I actually enjoy writing about all the places I have lived around the Twin Cities. I do love my hometown and am fascinated by its unique mico-communities and historic places. I hope I have shined a spotlight well on some of the interesting places around my hometown.

Do you have a favorite scene? Why?

In the first book, I love the scene in which I meet Kim. It was a
wonderful moment and I loved reliving it. I hope I did it justice. In
the second book, believe it or not, I really liked the scenes in which
my buddy Ammon and I hung out in the back yard. I did enjoy that time. I like the happy, no-drama moments. That's probably about it for no-drama moments in the books, but I like them best.

Do you have a character that you identify with? Who and why?

This is a first-person non-fiction narrative, so I naturally identify
best with myself. Beyond that, I try as I write to identify with the
reader and write about moments I think will be most interesting and impactful to him or her.

Let our readers know how they can get a hold of you…

I keep everything about my books contained here:
https://sites.google.com/site/johnemilaugustine

Is there anything else that you want to share… feel free!!

There is a third book coming out at the beginning of next year which I hope will tie up some loose ends. I actually write on my breaks in the warehouse where I work. In the reflective moments of both books, I mention my writing in the warehouse. If it works out how I think it will, I would like to bring the series through to my current situation in which I am a warehouse clerk. The recession hit our family pretty hard and that part of the story is yet to be told.

Thank you John for coming to visit today and share your stories. It takes a brave person to bare their soul like you do! I wish you much success!

Ashlynne Laynne's Steamy New Novel

9/25/2012

Today I am so excited to have Ashlynne in the interview chair on my blog to talk about her novel Blood Bonds. If you like interesting vampire tales, you are going to love Ashlynne Laynne's novel-Blood Bonds!

Ashlynne: First off, I’d like to thank Melissa for hosting me today. I’m so excited to be here! I’m hard at work on book three of my Progeny Series to be released early 2013.

What’s your favorite thing to do to relax?
Ashlynne: Well, I will devulge one of my guilty pleasures...my
p.j.’s, Lifetime television and a comfy couch.

For what are you grateful?
Ashlynne: I am grateful for the health and strength of myself
and those that I love. I feel blessed to have the abilitly to write characters that I love.

What authors had an impact on you growing up and as an
adult?
Ashlynne: I consider Anne Rice the grandmother of vampire
literature. Her pacing and maginificent prose made her vampire stories some of the best that literature has ever seen. Stepehenie Meyer’s take on vampires made me want to write about them. Her unique persepctive and amazing mythology was a breath of fresh air for the genre. I call her the mother of the modern day vampire. I honestly believe that these two women broke the glass ceiling for all female vampire authors and they’ve inspired many.

Did anyone in your life influence you or encouraged you to be a writer?
Ashlynne: My husband was my first cheerleader and he continues to be. Writing is tough. Writing and holding down a full time job is tougher. There have actually been times that I thought of just quitting, but I’ve had many angels—human and spiritual—watching over me and encouraging me to keep going.

What is your favorite aspect or writing? Your least favorite?
Ashlynne: I think all writers can agree with me that the best
part of writing is typing “the end” on your manuscript. Seriously, for me the most gratifying thing is fan mail and seeing the tangible proof that my charcters and writing has touched someone or given a person a temporary escape from the day-to-day. As authors, that’s what we do for our readers. My least
favorite part of writing is the editing process. This can be very
stressful.

Do you have a common theme or item that appears in each of your books?
Ashlynne: Destiny and unconditional love are centrifugal themes for my Progeny Series.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tell us about your latest release:
Blood Bonds (The Progeny Series #2)

“Forever. For always. For eternity.”

The ties that bind two hearts are powerful. For Ascher Rousseau and Shauna McCutchin, it’s more than just a blood bond. Their union is that of vampire legend. Their love is a predestined prophecy foretold centuries ago.

It’s a week before Ascher and Shauna's sealing and the couple is making final preparations for their eternity, but Ascher's ex has other plans. Ursula is hell-bent on revenge—revenge fueled by lover's scorn and her father's death—and she begins breeding a fresh army of newborn darklings to do her bidding.

When Ursula finds a new weapon—an ally with the capability to dismantle the Rousseau clan— Ascher and Shauna's bond is tested and they must stand together against Ursula or lose each other for eternity.

Do you have a favorite scene? Why?
Ashlynne: In The Progeny, my favorite scene is the reveal scene where Ascher tells Shauna that he’s a vampire. Up until that point, they are falling for one another, but he’s holding back because he knows that he’s lying to her. After that scene, I feel like their relationship really takes off because the lie is removed. In Blood Bonds, my favorite scenes are any of the scenes with Ash and Shauna. Their love is so basic and comes form such an honest place within the two of them.

Extras
THE PROGENY/BLOOD BONDS TRAILER
THE PROGENY- THE DOUBLE BREAK UP
BLOOD BONDS STEAMY EXCERPT-THE STORMS OF
LOVE

About Ashlynne
Ashlynne Laynne has always had a soft spot in her heart for
vampires but grew tired of the garlic fearing, sun-loathing creatures of old. An avid horror movie fan, she tends to enjoy media and music that is of a younger, more eclectic nature. This was the catalyst for her writing The Progeny. The vampire/witch pairing is unique and different when most books pair vampires with werewolves.

Ashlynne loves writing on the edge and teetering between the
erotica and romance genres, and thinks of Ascher and Shauna as the wicked, damned version of Romeo and Juliet. She is currently working on books three and four of her Progeny Series, book one of her upcoming Rocker Series, and an untitled novella WIP. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, reading and spending time with her family. She juggles the hats of wife, mother, full time employee and part-time writer, hoping to write full time one day soon.

Ashlynne lives in North Carolina with her husband and teenage
son.

About The Progeny Series

At its core, The Progeny is simply a story about a man and woman who fall in love, and the fact that he’s a half-blood (half-human, half vampire) and she’s a Wiccan human are secondary factors. When we meet Ascher, he’s grumpy. Frankly, who could blame him? He’s engaged to seal to Ursula—a cold and careless vampire who wants nothing more than to get her hands on a bloodstone— and he feels conflicted about his existence.

All of that changes when he meets Shawnette McCutchin. She’s beautiful, intriguing and possesses some of the most potent blood that he’s ever smelled. A war immediately begins inside Ascher. He craves Shauna’s blood just as much as he craves her body and the closer they get, the harder it is for him to control his urges. After Ascher calls off the sealing to Ursula, the trouble begins. His family’s peaceful period ends when Ursula’s army attacks the Rousseaus.

This series is about a family of which we’ve never seen before.
They share a common mortal and immortal bloodline but loyalty is the thread that holds this clan together. Once you become a part of this family, the others will risk their lives to protect you. We see examples of this throughout the journey. There is no shortage of romance, steam and surprises in The Progeny Series but these books are for adults and contain adult sensuality, language and themes.

Book one of the Progeny Series--The Progeny—re-released on May 7, 2012. Book two--Blood Bonds—released July 14, 2012. You can find Ashlynne on Facebook, Twitter, Manic Readers, on her Blog and Website. Visit The Progeny Series Facebook Page to learn more about the characters and to keep up with the latest series developments. Ashlynne loves to hear from readers. Contact her by Reader Email.

The Progeny Series is available for purchase worldwide at Amazon US, Amazon UK, Barnes and Noble, Amazon Spain, Amazon France, Amazon Austria, Amazon Italy, Amazon Germany, ARE Blood Bonds, ARE The Progeny
and Smashwords.

Thank you Ashlynne for stopping by today. I'm sure many people will check out your book series. Blood Bonds has action and romance...a winning combination!

Book Spotlight: Shot Through the Heart by D'Ann Lindun

9/23/2012

Today D'Ann Lindun stops by to share her latest release-Shot Through the Heart, which features a hot cowboy on the cover! If you love your stories with a taste of suspense then this book is for you!

Shot Through the Heart by D’Ann Lindun

When Laramie Porter’s sister-in-law Julie is beaten so badly by her husband she
miscarries her baby, Laramie takes her home from the hospital. But just a few minutes after the women arrive home, Julie’s husband, who also happens to be a drug addict and the local police sheriff, shows up at the house on a murderous rampage.

He kills Julie and attempts to murder Laramie. When he doesn’t succeed, he hauls them into the mountains and throws them off a cliff. Julie’s body lands in a pond, but Laramie hits a ledge, where she perches, terrified.

Derrick Garrison is in the mountains moving his cattle when his dog finds Julie’s body in the pond. Creeped out, Derrick at first doesn’t believe his ears when he hears a girl crying for help. But he finds Laramie and pulls her to safety. Before she can tell him anything, a lightning strike starts a forest fire and they flee to a hidden valley.

Fleeing a drug hazed killer, the fire, and a gun-toting old lady bent on collecting a reward, Laramie and Derrick do their best to evade all three . . . and fall in love along the way.

Excerpt:
They rode on for what seemed like hours. At times, she couldn’t
even see Nightmare’s haunches as they moved through the mist. But she knew they were moving down by the way Pale slid his hindquarters under him. Foggy cloud whispered across her face, soft as a mother’s touch. Laramie’s heart raced so hard she feared passing out. “Think of Mom and Dad and what this will do them.”

He ignored her.

“Daddy’s already so bad off, this will finish him.” Laramie’s voice broke as she thought about her father, living in a Denver nursing home, his body broken by a tractor accident.

Finally, Lawrence stopped and dismounted at a spot in the trail wide enough for the three horses.

“Oh, God. Thank you.” Laramie was so relieved that she’d finally broken through to her brother, she almost fell off Pale. Her hands had gone so numb she feared them never working
right again. But her relief turned to terror when Lawrence untied Julie and lifted her body off Dancer’s back. With no show of emotion whatsoever, he carried her to the edge of the trail.

“No, Lawrence!”

Hefting her high, he let go.

Far below, the sound of Julie’s body crashing into the rocks reached them.

Laramie’s screams reverberated through the mountains, bouncing from peak to peak. Frantic, she fought the leather binding her to the saddle. This cannot be happening. Please, please let me wake up! Pale danced dangerously close to the edge. Her movements were going to cause Pale to fall with her, dragging Dancer and Nightmare with them. Laramie froze.

Lawrence turned and walked toward her. She shook her head from side to side.

“Lawrence. You’re my big brother. You don’t want to do this.”

Like a robot, he untied her as she sobbed and begged.

As blood rushed back into her tingling hands, the pain became unbearable. She couldn’t lift them to fight back when Lawrence unloaded her from Pale. She kicked at him, but he dodged her feeble attempts and carried her toward the same place he’d dumped Julie. Tears poured down her face as Laramie twisted and kicked, but nothing seemed to faze Lawrence. “Please listen to me. Think of what this will do to your career,” Laramie begged. “This will destroy it.”

As if he couldn’t hear her, he dangled her above the clouds below. Unable to hold on, Laramie was helpless. She tried to connect with Lawrence through her eyes, but he showed no sign of emotion, no remorse.

“Don’t,” she pleaded just before he let go.

Buy Links: Crimson Romance eBooks    Amazon    iTunes   Barnes & Noble
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author Bio:
Falling in love with romance novels the summer before sixth grade, D’Ann Lindun never thought about writing one until many years later when she took a how-to class at her local college. She was hooked! She began writing and never looked back.
Romance appeals to her because there's just something so satisfying about writing a book guaranteed to have a happy ending. D’Ann’s particular favorites usually feature cowboys and the women who love them. This is probably because she draws inspiration from the area where she lives, Western Colorado, her husband of twenty-nine years and their daughter. Composites of their small farm, herd of horses, five Australian shepherds, a Queensland heeler, eight ducks and cats of every shape and color often show up in her stories!

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The Boys of Summer Author Brian Collier Shares his Steamy Tale

9/19/2012

Today I'm very excited to introduce you to an author of one of the hottest books of the summer. The cover alone will make you sweat!

Hello and thank you for visiting today. Tell us a little about yourself.

Hi Melissa. Thank you! It is a pleasure to be here today. I’ve been writing since an early age, scratching out silly little stories on notebook paperwork when I should have been paying attention in class. I live in North Carolina with my wife, daughter, and a menagerie of pets, all of whom keep life interesting. When I’m not writing, I enjoy hiking, reading, crafting jewelry, and dabbling in decorative painting. Writing-wise, I tend to focus on stories in the fantasy, paranormal, paranormal romance, and erotic romance genres. I’m also working on my first young adult book though I haven’t made much progress on it yet.

Thanks! It sounds like you have an interesting life. Now on to some personal questions.

If you could go back in time to when you were seven years old, what wisdom or advice would you pass on to yourself?

I would tell myself to let my grandmother teach me Spanish when she asked. She was a native of Hondorus and spoke Spanish fluently. It’s a language that I wish I knew now but back then, I resisted with a passion.

For what are you grateful?

I am grateful for the love of my family and for being gifted with the ability to create stories that can make others happy. When I can wake up each morning and know that those two things exist, I am good.

If a zombie virus took over the world, how many days do you think you could last before you were infected? And what would you do to postpone the inevitable?

Oh, I think I’d last a pretty long time. I am nothing if not a survivor and I can be pretty sneaky and creative when it is needed, especially for survival. One key would be to stay on the move I think, to never be a sitting target.

What television sitcom is most like your family? Why?

I think I’d have to choose the show My Wife and Kids. It’s not on anymore but the reruns still play all the time and I love them. It represents the typical chaos of a family with kids I think and does it in a very humorous way. I tend to be the sarcastic, joking type so I can connect with the father in the show very well.

What’s your favorite thing to do to relax?

My favorite thing to do to relax is probably reading or playing on the computer though I also love to get out and hike and just enjoy the outdoors when the weather isn’t too hot or rainy. There’s nothing more peaceful than just being one with nature sometimes, at least for me.

Let’s find out a little bit about you as an author.

Did you always want to be an author?

When I first started writing, the idea of being an author wasn’t in the equation. I just enjoyed putting my stories onto paper and telling the tales of my characters. It wasn’t until I reached college that I began to set my sights higher and even then I put the dream on hold for 10 plus years so that I could focus on family.

What authors had an impact on you growing up and as an adult?

Hmm, that one is a really tough one because I enjoyed so many authors growing up. Two that I enjoyed as a child were Maurice Sendak and later, as an adult researching children’s books, Eve Bunting. I also enjoyed the work of Charles De Lint throughout my reading life.

Do you have any “must haves” with you while you’re writing?

No, I can’t say that I do. I do have “can’t have’s” though. One of them is music – for whatever reason it distracts me and the other is someone sitting next to me jabbering away. That really distracts me. Now, background noise, on the other hand is a must. Sounds of cooking in the kitchen, the TV playing in the living room, I love all of that. It helps keep me grounded because otherwise I become lost in the writing.

Do you have a common theme or item that appears in each of your books?

No, I don’t…or at least not that I know of anyway. I suppose it’s possible my subconscious places something in each without me realizing it but it’s not something I sent out to do on purpose.

What have you learned the most from being in the writing business?

Patience is probably the number one thing I’ve learned. The three P’s of writing, at least for me, are patience with my characters and my muse, patience when making submissions, and patience when waiting for a story to be released.

Tell us about your latest release:

My latest release is an erotic romance anthology by Pink Petal Books called “The Boys of Summer”. It features my story, “An Enchanting Surprise” which is a heated romantic tale involving a gardener and an Olympic athlete. Here’s a little teaser about the story:

Skie Wilson is a simple girl with simple tastes. Give her the job at the Cambridge Inn, her outrageous best friend, some puzzles, and a beer, and she's good to go. Of course, the one thing missing from that mix is passion and heat—the kind that makes her heart race, her toes curl, and her body tingle.

Jaded by a cheating fiancé, Skie has avoided commitment ever since. No man has caught her eye enough to make her change her mind, at least not until the Spanish Olympic team arrives for a summer of training before the event. The scorching hot athletes offer quite the temptation, with their sweat-glistened muscles and taut bodies, but one sinfully sexy triathlete captures Skie’s attention the most. Will she hide behind the safety of the inn’s “no fraternization” rule, or will she let her hair down and have a little fun?

An Enchanting Surprise Excerpt: Published in The Boys of Summer Erotic Romance Anthology

Time crawled by, the hours ticking off, but Skie got nothing else done that day. Oh, she worked of course, puttering about here and there, but her mind was only on Rafe. It was all she could think about – his body, his touch, their kiss – and she moved like a mindless robot through each task.

When she glanced at her watch and saw that it was almost five o’clock, her heart skipped a beat. Dropping her clippers where she stood, she sucked in a breath and tried to calm nerves. It was time and she knew it.

Skie was halfway to the back of the pool house when she suddenly realized how dirty she looked. It was too late to do anything about it now. Hopefully, Rafe would appreciate a woman that worked hard in all the things that she did.

Weaving her way around the inn, she approached their designated spot, making sure no one was around. Aside from a few guests, the place looked pretty empty.

Smiling, she arrived but immediately saw she was alone, a sense of sorrow invading her. Closing her eyes against the sting of pain that stabbed at her heart, Skie grimaced, knowing she’d let her emotions betray her again. As embarrassment caused her shoulders to slump, a single tear filled one of her eyes.

She was about to turn around and head inside when she felt something clamp down on her shoulders and push her toward the wall.

Gasping, Skie braced against the concrete surface, sucking in a breath when she felt a hard body touch hers. The minute he spoke though, her limbs went weak and she almost moaned.

“Mmmm, I wasn’t sure if you were going to come.” Rafe slipped an arm around her waist and drew her back against him. With her rear nestled against his crotch, Skie bit her lower lip to keep a whimper from slipping out.

“Not come?” she murmured in return. “God, it’s all I’ve thought about all afternoon, Rafe. I was upset when I didn’t see you here.”

“I’m here now, Skie,” he whispered against her skin, his mouth hovering near her neck, “and you’re all I’ve thought of today too.” The minute the words were out, he placed his lips against her skin and gently kissed it. She shuddered at the feeling and pressed her hips backward, a moan coming out when a second kiss landed higher.

“Rafe…I….” she lost the words to a whimper as his lips slid to her earlobe next, tongue darting out to tease it.

“Don’t say anything” he murmured in response. “Just let me…please you.” Closing his lips over her lobe, he slowly suckled on it. At the same time, his hips moved lightly against hers as his arm pulled back on her waist possessively. When he finally released her ear, he spoke again.

“I want to devour you. To take my time and explore every square inch of you. I’ve wanted to do it from the moment I saw you that first time.” Releasing his hold on her waist, Rafe used his strong hands to turn her around and press her back against the wall. Leaning in, he stopped mere centimeters from her lips. “I can’t do all of that right now but I can do this.”

Leaning in, he pressed his mouth to hers again. The kiss started off tender, his lips exploring hers but then grew more heated, tongue darting out to tease against her lower lip, wanting entrance. Skie raised her hands and gripped at his shirt, holding him tight while she opened her mouth. A groan of want slipped out.

His touch deepened as their mouths and tongues danced together in a molten moment of need, Rafe taking all that he wanted and giving her back just as much.

Skie felt like she would melt where she stood as her body trembled and her muscles weakened. Her blood was slowly simmering to a full boil, heart pounding a staccato beat, sending nothing but blazing heat straight to her core.

The need to feel him there was strong, almost too intense to handle. As much as she liked Rafe though, Skie didn’t want their first time to be against a concrete wall, no matter how much she needed it.

He was the first to break their contact, pulling back slowly, gripping her lower lip with his teeth as he did and tugging on it. Keeping his gaze locked on hers, the man sucked in a few deep breaths, his body shuddering.

Skie could only look at him breathlessly, having never been kissed quite like that, her body languid.

A slow smile slid into place as he took another kiss, this one just as passionate and needy as the first. The moment they came together, he dropped his hand to her shirt and slowly slid up it, rough fingers teasing along its surface with determination.

Skie knew a moment was coming that she wouldn’t forget. Part of her was scared shitless. No one had touched her in ages but she craved it now. When his palm finally closed over her breast and massaged it, her wanton body bucked hard against his as a deep, sensual moan slipped out.

They made out like teenagers while his strong hand slowly explored her body. It started with one breast and then the other, and slowly ended with his hand between her legs, lightly rubbing her body through her pants. Rafe dropped his mouth to her neck then, nibbling and kissing it, and all Skie could do was moan in response, beyond coherent.

“Dios…Skie…I just want to rip these pants off you and take you right now,” he murmured after coming up for air again. “You have me so hot, baby. It’s driving me nuts.”

Skie tried to form words but all she could manage was to move her hips against his hand, lost to the sensations he caused. She was seconds away from an orgasm, her body on fire, but she finally managed to gasp a few words.

“Rub…harder” she hissed, her hips moving faster now, trying to force her pussy against his fingers. Rafe finally got the message and pressed his hand harder against her, rubbing against the crotch of her pants with force.

“Mmm, come on, Skie….feel my fingers….I want you to cum for me, baby.” His voice was hoarse, the words almost a command. “Look at me. I want to stare into your eyes when it happens.”

Skie forced her eyes open, staring into his, a wave of heat washing through her. She’d never been this turned on before, never felt her body react like this, and she lost herself to the moment, her body grinding against his frantically until it happened.

The orgasm came swift and hard as it raced through her system with abandon and lit her body on fire. She opened her mouth and a scream started to slip out. Rafe clamped his mouth over hers immediately, smothering that cry, his fingers never stopping, not until he felt her go over the top and start to slide back down.

When her body finally began to relax against his, he took his mouth away, an easy smile on his face. Slipping his hand out from between her legs, he reached for her and pressed her palm against his crotch.

“That…was erotic as hell, Skie,” he whispered, never taking his gaze off hers. “Feel what you did to me.” She cupped him lightly, another moan slipping past her lips.

“I want you, Skie. I want to fuck you nice and slow the first time and then take you hard and fast the second. I want to feel your nipples under my tongue and your pussy wrapped around my shaft. Do you want that too?”

Skie could only whimper in response, nodding like a drunken idiot.

His smile widened at her response. He leaned in, pressing his lips to her ear. “Tomorrow night, in my room. Be there before eleven. I can’t wait, Skie.” Pulling away from her, Rafe placed a gentle kiss on her lips before turning to leave.

Skie reached out quickly and grabbed his arm, pulling him back. “No, too dangerous. My place, same time.” Rattling off the address quickly, she smiled and slid along the wall. “I’ll send a taxi to pick you up. Stay here for a few minutes and let me go first.” With that, she moved around the edge of the building on shaky legs, putting distance between them.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

How did you decide on your story plot?

The theme of the anthology was summer fun and I immediately thought of an Olympic team stashed away at some remote country inn, getting in their final training before the big events. I’ve also loved the idea of gardening – though I don’t do much of it myself – so it made perfect sense to me for my heroine to be a gardener and my hero the athlete. That got me started and the rest flowed as I wrote.

How did you choose your characters names and location for your story?

With my hero, I wanted a traditional name of Spanish origin so did a little research and chose Rafael. I’ve always like that name and it sounded perfect for an athlete. For my heroine, I wanted something a bit more unusual and Skie just popped into my mind after some brainstorming with my wife.

Do you have a favorite scene? Why?

Their second intimate scene is my favorite one. It involves a public setting and some heated touching but that’s all I’m going to tell you. You’ll have to read the story to see how the scene plays out.

Do you have a character that you identify with? Who and why?

I like to think that I can identify with all my characters in one way or another. As I write, I find that I sometimes give them characteristics of my own, sort of little pieces of myself you could say.

Let our readers know how they can get a hold of you…

I can be reached through any of the following websites:

http://briancollierauthor.blogspot.com/

http://www.briancollierauthor.com/

http://www.facebook.com/BrianCollierAuthor

http://twitter.com/bcdealer

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6429915.Brian_Collier

https://plus.google.com/111645661919389695250/posts

Is there anything else that you want to share… feel free!!

For anyone that might be interested in purchasing the book, it can be found at the following locations:

Amazon Print: http://www.amazon.com/Boys-Summer-Andra-Ashe/dp/1938257170/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342147966&sr=1-1&keywords=9781938257179

Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Boys-of-Summer-ebook/dp/B008OPV6KQ/ref=sr_1_4?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1343216147&sr=1-4&keywords=B008OPV6KQ

Barnes and Noble Print: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/boys-of-summer-lyncee-shillard/1111957717?ean=9781938257179&itm=1&usri=9781938257179

Barnes and Noble Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/boys-of-summer-rhyll-biest/1112231035?ean=2940014990936&itm=1&usri=2940014990936

Pink Petal Books:

E-book version: http://pinkpetalbooks.com/Boys-of-Summer-Anthology.html

Print version: http://pinkpetalbooks.com/Boys_of_Summer_Anthology_print.html

AllRomance Ebooks: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-boysofsummer-891351-145.html

BookStrand: http://www.bookstrand.com/boys-of-summer-0

I also wanted to end our conversation by sending a heart felt thank you to my fans and to readers in general. Without you, writers would be writing for themselves only and that takes away half the fun.

Thank you Brian for stopping by and sharing your story. What a sizzling tale it is and perfect for some summer fun!

Alex Jones Drops by to Share her Newest Release!

9/17/2012

I'm so excited to have Alex Jones visit today. She is one of the newest members of the Rebel Ink family. Her story Drown is just out and climbing the charts.

Hi Alex and welcome to my blog. I always like to begin by asking some questions about you personally.

What television sitcom is most like your family? Why?

        Growing up, my family was a lot like the “traditional” family on Modern Family, with a house full of kids and my parents juggling t all. I was, coincidentally, most like Alex—the quiet bookworm! Now I have my own family, and we’re more like Jay and Gloria, the more reserved couple with the serious son… Only I don’t have an accent!

What’s your favorite thing to do to relax?

                My favorite thing to do to realx is listen to music. I also love movies – I get so wrapped up in the plot, I forget real life for a while.

If you could go back in time to when you were seven years old, what wisdom or advice would you pass on to yourself?

                Never be afraid of being who you are, even if other people don’t like it.

At what age were you the happiest? What triggered such joy?

                Actually, I think right now is the happiest time in my life, thus far. I’m finally doing what I love,and I am surrounded by people that support me in it. It’s wonderful!

What is the number one lie you tell yourself? How is that working out?

                The number one lie I tell myself is that I’m not good enough. Strangely, it isn’t usually that helpful. I’m learning to get over it by realizing I don’t have to be “good enough” to be happy. I just have to be me.

Now about you as an author…

What authors had an impact on you growing up and as an adult?

                Growing up, I read a lot of Gary Paulsen. When I hit my preteen years, I discovered Tolkien – my life changed forever! I think German and Russian writers have influenced me heavily too; Rilke, Kafka and Dosteyevsky are my favorites. I still have my copy of Crime and Punishment I got for my fourteenth birthday.

Did anyone in your life influence you or encouraged you to be a writer? (teacher, family member, friend)

                I had a lot of positive encouragement on my writing over the years, but two people were instrumental – my seventh grade English teacher who first gave me an awe and respect for the artistry in writing, and my fiance, who was the first person in my adult life to take my dream of being a writer seriously.

What is your favorite aspect or writing? Your least favorite?

                I enjoy most aspects of writing, but my favorite would be when I finish a chapter, that moment looking back and seeing what I’ve written, realizing… I just wrote that! My least favorite part would be sitting down to the keyboard and seeing the blank page.

What aspect of writing would you most like to improve on?

                I’ve always had a weakness when it comes to action sequences. I’m learning, and definitely getting practice with my fantasy novel-in-progress, Shadow and Flame. It’s an epic novel full of sword fights and major battles. It’s a trial by fire experience!

Do you have a common theme or item that appears in each of your books?

                A common theme in most of my writing is dichotomy. Drown, Shadow and Flame and its cousin Time and Tide (same world, different era) all have two main characters from very different backgrounds. In Drown the plot is what comes from the relationship between the two characters. In my fantasy novels, it gets more complex.

Tell us about your latest release:

Blurb:

Dom Sal is the star quarterback of his high school football team. His charming, earnest personality has girls tripping over themselves to be with him. Everyone knows his family lives in the St. Michael Charity Housing, but all that matters is how many touchdowns he can score. And Dom never lets them down. No one knows he hides a secret--he dreams about men.

Damion Adrik is the school freak. His gothic style and cold, biting sarcasm keeps everyone at arm's length. His all-too-perfect family is a prison cell, and he's slowly destroying himself from the inside out. No one knows he has secrets of his own and that he's tormented by the darkness he takes comfort in. No one truly sees him, until Dom.

When these two worlds collide and the spark of attraction pulls Dom and Damion together, both boys are faced with choices that will break their realities in two. While conflict with parents and peers drives them closer together, their inner battles threaten to destroy the relationship they fight so desperately to keep. In the end, they must choose whether to be true to themselves, and each other, or to drown in the lives they built before.

Excerpt:

“You never know, he could have been awesome!” Dom smiled. The air was crisp in his lungs, with the smell of autumn. The pep rally was about to start, but Chance had forgotten his letterman jacket in his car. Bennet and James had volunteered to go out with him, using the excuse to throw the football around parking lot; they were not disappointed in the admiring hoots and whistles they got for their effort. Dom just shook his head at their antics. “I mean, he never really got the chance. He threw eight-six in his first season!”

“Yeah, keep dreaming,” Bennet threw back, tossing the ball into the air. “Manning had way more plays, and half the screw ups.” He opened the door, following the others through and into the building. The cheers were echoing off the walls inside.

Dom looked back at him. “Manning didn’t even…” His voice trailed off when he glanced ahead.

Damion was standing five feet away.

The goth looked at him with frightened, ice-cold eyes. Belatedly Dom noticed the woman standing next to him, wearing a black hoodie with safety pins woven through the pockets. Jealousy took his chest, but he didn’t know why.

The moment passed. “Move, fag!” Chance growled. He shoved Damion with both hands, hard in the chest; the startled figure tumbled back, falling flat on his behind.

“Get lost!” Terissa barked back.

James burst out laughing, ignoring her. “Fucking fairy!” Feet shuffled towards the downed goth, intent on kicking him out of the way. “You scared, Freak?”

“Yeah, where’s your fucking boyfriend?” Chance laughed along. “Shouldn’t he be here to save your ass?”

Dom felt sick. This was out of control, and he couldn’t find his voice. He saw Damion’s fists clench, the fire light in his eyes, ready to get up and fight. He saw the pain in those eyes, too—it screamed so loud, he wondered that no one else saw. Why didn’t they see it? James was stepping closer, even as the goth started rising.

“…Stop,” Dom croaked.

James didn’t hear him, though Chance did. The lineman turned to face his best friend. “Huh?”

Dom took a deep breath, stepping forward—James looked back to him. “I mean… We’re gonna be late to the rally,” he added. Masking the fear in his gut, he tried to flash a smile. “We’re the stars, remember?”

“Oh yeah!” Bennet joked as if he’d actually forgotten. “C’mon James, leave him! We’re gonna miss it!” His tone was casual, like someone telling a kid to leave his toy.

The running back hesitated, not eager to let the goth escape. But when the others started off in the direction of the gym, he gave up. “Fucking Freak,” spat, putting his foot to the goth’s chest and pushing him down again. Then he turned to join the others.

Damion watched the pack disappear down the hallway, half numb in shock, not even feeling where James’ heel had dug into his rib. Dom had lingered, too; only for a moment, but it was long enough to catch Damion’s eye—he knew Dom had done that on purpose. He knew the jock had protected him. But… Damion couldn’t shake the disbelief. …Why?

“What a bunch of jerks,” Terissa growled. She had knelt beside him, trying to help him up.

A hand touched on his shoulder, and it brought Damion back to reality. “Get off,” he commanded, pushing her aside to rise.

For a moment, she hesitated. She saw him get up, shoulder his bag; she saw his gaze still fixed down the hallway where the jocks had disappeared. Mustering courage, she tried again. “It’s like Dom’s their freaking god or something…” Damion hadn’t acknowledged her. “I bet he could piss in their cereal and they’d still worship him.”

Deep down, Damion knew she was wrong. He knew if they ever knew the truth about Dom, they’d be the first to hang him out to dry. Did Dom know that? Was he scared like Damion was?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Great excerpt. You can tell the angst between the boys. How did you decide on your story plot?

                The original plot was pretty simple: a goth and a jock fall in love. The story grew as the characters developed until it was as much a coming of age story as a romance.

How did you choose your characters names and location for your story?

                I’m actually a little shy about that, because it’s so very geeky! The main characters (except for James, who started as a minor character) all have Latin-based names that fit their stereotype, or who they are assumed to be in the beginning. Dominic Sal means “Belonging to God, Savior”; Damion Adrik means “Demon, Dark One”; Chance, Christine and Angela all have similar names to Dom. Victor, Julian and Adi (Amadeus) are more uniquely chosen. Even the name of their town, Marcella, means “Battleground”. I never gave an exact location geographically for Marcella, because I wanted to keep the story focused on the characters, and the setting only as important as it needed to be.

Do you have a favorite scene? Why?

                It’s hard to chose a favorite, but I am very fond of the scene where Damion shows Dom his notebooki full of drawings. Damion has a lot of sharp edges to his personality, and being able to see him in his native element, beneath all his defenses, was something I really enjoyed.

Do you have a character that you identify with? Who and why?

                I identify with both Dom and Damion, in different ways. They’re two sides of the same coin, the good and the bad of a deeply feeling nature, which is something very real to me. Dom has a lot more confidence than I had at his age, and Damion has a lot more boldness and destructive energy, but I can sympathize with both characters’ desire to be seen and loved for who they really are.

Thank you Alex for stopping by today! I hope everyone will check out Alex's new release, Drown at Amazon, All Romance and Barnes and Noble. :)

Naughty Little Bedtime Stories by Tamaria Soana {Book Blitz and Give Away}

9/16/2012

I'm so excited to have Tamaria Soana on my blog today sharing her latest sizzling book! If you like stories with a bit of spice, you are going to LOVE Naughty Little Bedtime Stories.

Naughty Little Bedtime Stories by Tamaria Soana

Release Day Blitz and Giveaway - September 17th!

Bedtime stories that will heat up your night

Naughty Little Bedtime Stories contains twelve short stories that will arouse your senses. You’ll find stories that contain light bondage, food play, ménage (m/m/f), and other erotic events. Each story has a different setting and couple who explore all things naughty in and out of the bedroom.

Content Warning: adult language, graphic sexual situations.

Excerpts

(There are 12 short stories included in this book. Here are 3 small excerpts.)

EXCERPT FROM Strawberries and Whipped Cream

We ate dinner, drank some wine, and talked about our week. Maybe tonight I would finally pop the question. After cleaning up, I refilled our glasses.

Did you get something for dessert? Emma asked.

I smiled. "Yes, I did. Why don't you go into the living room and make yourself comfortable while I get it ready."

Okay. Are you sure you don't need help?

I'm sure.

After she left the kitchen, I gathered the bowl of strawberries and can whipped cream from the fridge. I walked in the room to find her on the couch, sipping her wine. I sat down next to her and placed the food on the coffee table.

I love strawberries, but why the can of whipped cream? she asked with a twinkle in her eyes.

Close your eyes. No peeking, I whispered in her ear.

I took a strawberry and traced her bottom lip with it. She opened her mouth slightly, and I allowed her to take a small bite. A low moan escaped her lips, and my dick twitched in response. I began to feed her another piece of fruit. My cock was getting harder by the minute as I watched her lips wrap around the strawberries.

I want to feed you one, she said as she opened her eyes.

I have a better idea. Close your eyes, I said in a deep voice.

Emma sighed and closed her eyes. I picked up a strawberry and touched her bottom lip with it, and she opened her mouth to take it in. I leaned in and bit the other end, letting our lips meet and eliciting a faint squeal from her.

Would you like some whipped cream? I asked her as I grabbed the can and shook it.

Yes, she whimpered.

I squirted some whipped cream on her bottom lip. She seductively licked them while looking at me lustfully. I groaned, shifted to adjust myself, and placed my lips on hers. She wrapped her arms around me and the kiss deepened. Our tongues rubbed against each other. She tasted like whipped cream. Pulling away, I placed kisses down her neck and made my way to her chest. I lifted her shirt over her head. She was wearing a pink lace bra.

Beautiful, I whispered as I reached around her and unhooked her bra. I slid the straps off her arms, placing more kisses on her neck. "Lay back," I told her as I took my shirt off.

I unbuttoned her jeans and slowly unzipped them. She lifted herself up as I slid them down her amazing legs and threw them on the floor. She was a sight to behold in just a pair of pink boy shorts.

Do you trust me? I asked.

EXCERPT FROM Instant Attraction

We walked out of the restaurant and down the hall into the main lobby of the hotel, my eyes scanning for any photographers. I really didn't want my face all over the tabloids tomorrow.

I had a great time meeting you today. So, what now? Slade asked as he looked deep into my eyes.

I don't know, I whispered. I didn't want the afternoon to end.

I don't want to leave you just yet, Jewel, he whispered in a sexy tone.

I bit my bottom lip and started to fidget. "Then don't." I took a deep breath, trying to figure out everything that was racing through my head. "Would you like to come to my suite for a drink, maybe?" I couldn't believe I'd just asked him that, but I knew what I wanted, and at the moment it was him.

I thought you'd never ask.

We stepped in the elevator and the doors closed. We were alone. Before I could process what I was doing I was kissing him. The simple kiss set all the nerves in my body on fire. The elevator stopped and I pulled away as the doors opened.

This is my floor, I said breathlessly.

We walked into the hallway in silence. The tension between us was so strong. We reached my suite and I swiped my card to open the door. I could feel his gaze on me, it was making me nervous and turning me on at the same time. My stomach was in knots as I walked in, but not the bad kind of knots, the I-want-to-jump-him kind of knots. He was making me crazy. I truly just wanted to go with what I was feeling. I was so attracted to him. As soon as the door shut Slade pushed me against the wall and started kissing me.

Jewel, you are so alluring, he said as he kissed my neck.

Slade, I moaned. I could feel how hard he was as he pressed harder into me.

I want you, he said as his hand grazed my breast. "Do you want me?"

Yes! My heart was pounding in my chest as I led him to the bed. His urgent lips were on mine. He unzipped my sundress and it fell to the floor, leaving me in only a black lace bra and thong.

So sexy, he whispered in my ear as he kissed my neck.

EXCERPT FROM The Great Outdoors

Once I knew it was safe, I took off on my horse. I looked back to see that Kristen was in hot pursuit. I enjoyed the feeling of an all-out run with this amazing creature under me. I tugged on the reins and slowed as we came to the opening of the meadow. I dismounted and watched Kristen slow her horse to a stop and dismount with ease and grace.

“This place is beautiful,” she said as she looked around the meadow.

“I found it a few years ago. I used to come here for some peace and quiet,” I responded as I laid out the blanket. “Sit, let’s have lunch, then we can walk around and explore,” I said as I gave her one of my panty-dropping smirks. I knew how to push her buttons.

“Explore?” She had a twinkle in her eye. “Why, cowboy, what do you have in mind?” she asked in her best southern drawl.

“Let’s eat first.” I unloaded the picnic basket and laid out the food.

It was a beautiful Texas afternoon. We talked and joked as we lay on the blanket, feeding each other grapes and cheese. I could have stayed there forever with her. We finished our lunch and cleaned up. I pulled her toward me and planted a hard, passionate kiss on her lips. She moaned and I took the moment to slide my tongue in her mouth and against hers. Our hands roamed up and down each other’s bodies.

Suddenly, she pulled away and took off running. “Catch me if you can!” she goaded me.

I let her get a head start. I watched as she unbuttoned her shirt, slid it off, and discarded it. My girl was naughty! Her bra came off next and she tossed it to the side. She turned and looked at me, tipped her cowboy hat, smirked, and ran like hell deeper into the meadow.

Beachwalk Press Buy Link

Here is the link for the Naughty Little Bedtime Stories Trailer
http://youtu.be/7ko2TZ0FTz0

Author Bio

Tamaria Soana is middle aged, but just feels like her life has begun. She resides in Western New York. Cuddling up with a good book under an electric throw has always been her way to escape the cold Buffalo nights. Growing up she always loved to write, mainly short stories and poetry. She's married with two beautiful young girls and one very spoiled lab mix.

Besides writing, she co-owns Shades of Rose Marketing and hosts a talk show on Talkshoe called Live with Tamaria ~ Giving authors a voice.

You can find Tamaria on line at these following places:
Website Facebook Twitter

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Family After Divorce

9/12/2012

After my divorce, I not only lost a husband and his income but I also lost his family. Sometimes that might be a good thing. Think about the family issues you leave behind.

However in my case, it was like losing my own family. I once joked with my former mother-in-law that I wished she'd adopt me. Maybe I really married my ex-husband because of his family...but now that we are divorced, I don't have them in my life anymore. I think it's in the rules of divorce that parents must take their own children's side.

Today I learned that my former husband's grandmother is dying. Of course, my heart is breaking. She was always a caring and helpful. I really enjoyed spending time with her. When I was a part of the family, we always spent a week together at the beach. We would go out to dinner and go shopping together.

But I'm not a part of the family anymore. How do you handle the death of someone who used to be as close to you as your own grandmother but once the marriage was over, you haven't seen? I am trying to be there for my children who while are now adults, are reeling from the devastating news. Although I am also trying to figure out my own feelings.

Who would have thought that there were more than "things" that you would miss after the divorce?

What were you doing on that fateful day?

9/11/2012

So many of us remember what we were doing on that day. The topic still comes up in conversation. What were you doing that day and what have you done differently each day since then? If we are not going to let the bullies win, then we have to step up and live each day for what we stand in. Share what you were doing! Let's celebrate the achievements of the world!

Book Spotlight: A Hero Rising by Aubrie Dionne {CONTEST}

9/9/2012

Today I'm so lucky to have a fabulous author and good friend, Aubrie Dionne stop by! Her book A Hero Rising is the third book in her A New Dawn series. Recently I was a part of her cover reveal for the Young Adult books that follow this series as the colonists reach the new world. So if you want to know all about the reasons behind people leaving Earth and how they escaped, you must read the A New Dawn Series!
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A Hero Rising
by Aubrie Dionne

After watching his love leave on a colony ship, James Wilfred must save those left
behind from a planetary apocalypse. Their salvation lies in an unfinished ship
tucked away in a secret government base, and only James can break in and pilot
him and his people to freedom on a nearby space station.

Skye O’Connor’s boyfriend never returns after his gang attempts an assassination of the Governor, and the State Building is destroyed. Worse, crazed moonshiners addicted to the chemical Morpheus have stormed the city, and she must find a safe place for her and her boyfriend’s daughter. When a heroic man saves her, Skye asks to accompany him on his quest to find the last colony ship left on Earth.

As the city falls around them, James and Skye must work together to build a new future, all the while rediscovering their ability to love, before the apocalypse claims them both.

Excerpt can be found here

Buy Links: Amazon Barnes& Noble

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Author’s Bio:

Aubre Dionne is an author and flutist in New England. Her writings have appeared in Mindflights, Niteblade, Silver Blade, Emerald Tales, Hazard Cat, Moon Drenched Fables, A Fly in Amber, and Aurora Wolf. Her books are published by Entangled Publishing, Lyrical Press, and Gypsy Shadow Publishing. She recently signed her YA sci fi novel with Inkspell Publishing titled: Colonization: Paradise
Reclaimed, which will release in October 2012.

When she's not writing, Aubrie teaches flute and plays in orchestras. She's a big Star Trek TNG fan, as well as Star Wars and Serenity

Author’s Site

CONTEST:
Aubrie Dionne is giving away 3 PDF's of her book during the blog tour. To enter use the rafflecopter entry below! Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What I'm Working On...

9/7/2012

I was tagged for this interview by an author friend, Anne Holly. I’m always willing to jump in, do something silly, and help my fellow authors and Anne is a great friend, so here I am. :)

What is the working title of your book?

The working title is Marcus. It is because I haven’t come up with the title yet for this book. I know that it is Marcus’s story so hence the hugely exciting name!

Where did the idea come from for the book?

When I finished Protecting His Wolfe, I decided that Marcus and Luke needed their own stories. Jonah, Marcus and Luke are the three Pigg brothers who own and manage the Pigg Detective Agency. It is a play on the story of The Three Little Pigs.

What genre does your book fall under?

My current WIP is a contemporary romance, a twist on an old fairy tale.

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

Marcus is a fun-loving guy who is always trying to charm the ladies. I could see a guy like Gerard Butler in the role. Red is a strong woman who will do whatever it takes to protect her family. I felt that Anne Hatheway did a great job with that type of character in The Dark Knight Rises and could see her as Red.

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

A Pigg brother must unite with Little Red Riding Hood to save the day.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

Protecting His Wolfe was published by Rebel Ink Press. I really find them to be a wonderful company and would love them to publish this work as well. But we will see. It is too early to tell yet.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

Who says I’m done? I’m still working on the story. However Luke keeps popping into my head with his own story and wants that one done first. Who knew that the littlest Pigg would be so demanding!

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

Obviously I would compare it to my story Protecting His Wolfe, but I would also compare it to stories like The Bear and Bunny by Eve Langlais. It has crime and capers as well as romance.

Who or What inspired you to write this book?

I have always loved the different perspectives of fairy tales. I love that the characters can be different animals or even genders. Each change, puts the story into a different perspective that gives the reader a different look on what they know and believe.

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

There are guns and evil afoot in the story. Not too mention that romance blooms!

Thanks, Anne, for letting me play along!

Now, “Tag! You’re it!”
Lacey Wolfe
Stephanie Keyes
Kacey Vanderkarr

Daddy's Little Angel- Flash Fiction

9/6/2012

This was a little piece I wrote for a flash fiction. I had to stay under a certain number of words but if you didn't get a chance to read it... I wanted you to still get a feel for my stories and ideas. I hope you enjoy it!
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Daddy’s Little Angel

“Dad…daddy…please, pretty please.”

The whining voice of my teenage spawn was getting on my nerves again. I’ve given her so many things because of my manipulation of the world but is it ever enough for her? No. Now today she wants me to give her Chris Hemsworth as a new plaything.

“Please! I’ve only asked for sixteen dozen things this week but nothing as important as Chris. I want to nibble on his neck, devour his mouth while I seize his hair, and run my tongue along his six-pack abs. I’ll be good. I won’t hurt him like I did my last toy. PLEASE!”

“I’m closing my ears. I don’t want to hear what you’re going to do with that man.” Shoving my headphones over my ears and blasting my IPOD, I try to avoid her pleading, knowing that I can’t withhold things from my daughter for too long. She has me wrapped around her finger just as her mother does. It’s too bad that last plaything didn’t last a week under the ministrations of my darling daughter. His soul was sold and he was begging to burn in Hell rather than face the loving of my little angel.

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