Today I'm excited to share with you the book "Romancing the Million Dollar Ghost" and wrangling an interview with author, Dorothy Thompson. Hello Dorothy and thank you for visiting today. Tell us a little about yourself. Hi Melissa and thank you for having me here today! I’m the co-author of Romancing the Million $$$ Ghost and I also run Pump Up Your Book, a book promotion company. I live on the beautiful island of Chincoteague, land of the wild ponies, Pony Penning and mosquitoes the size of basketballs but I love it here (except for during hurricane season). 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 was seven years old when my mother married my step-father and we drove all the way across country from Virginia to California so it was a monumental year for me and if I could give wisdom or advice to that little skinny girl from the sticks, I’d say “Don’t sweat the small stuff. It’s the bigger stuff you need to worry about.” For what are you grateful? I am eternally grateful for every friend who has graced me with their presence, all the sunsets I’ve been able to see and Sunkist Orange Drink which I’m not supposed to have but I crave. 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? LOL these are fun questions and it just so happens I just watched a zombie movie a few weeks ago (with my eyes closed) so I’m probably in a real good position to answer this so the answer is…I’m a coward so I’d probably be hiding out until they were gone. What would I do to postpone the inevitable? Get caught up on my WIPs of course! What television sitcom is most like your family? Why? I want to say Roseanne but I don’t want the world to know about it so I have to pick another one, right? Married with Children? Nope, not married. Gosh, this is hard. Next question? What’s your favorite thing to do to relax? I love to ride my bike or walk on the beach which just so happens to be really close. I also love to read. My job requires me to spend about 14 hours a day on the computer but I make time to take my bike ride and I try to make time to read a few chapters in between breaks. Let’s find out a little bit about you as an author. Did you always want to be an author? Absolutely. When I was in the 2nd grade, our teacher told us to write about our summer vacation. I went a step further and took sheets of unlined notebook paper, folded them in half, ran yard through holes I had punched out on the side and made my own illustrated book. The teacher loved it but what I loved the most about it was that my name was on the cover. ;o) What authors had an impact on you growing up and as an adult? I devoured the Nancy Drew series. I wanted to be Nancy when I grew up! Do you have any “must haves” with you while you’re writing? The only must haves I need are my Sunkist and complete quiet. How did you decide to write a paranormal romance story? Do you feel passionate about that genre? I absolutely love ghostie stories and read them with a passion so the interest was definitely there all along. It wasn’t until a couple of online friends and I discovered there was a man offering a million dollars for proof that ghosts exist that I really thought it was time to write that book. What have you learned the most from being in the writing business? LOL, it’s exhausting. If you have nothing else to do but write, you’re good, but trying to get writing in and work done – talk about multitasking – it’s hard. Another thing I learned about the writing business is that you are your book’s lifeline. You know your book better than anyone else and what you need to do is play up on the points in your book that will create the most interest. Tell us about your latest release: (buckle up folks...here's where it gets good!) Romancing the Million $$$ Ghost is written by Heide AW Kaminski, Pam Ryan and myself. It’s about six highly intuitive but spiritually challenged women (one joins later so technically it’s seven) who take up someone’s offer to find a ghost – a particular ghost – for a million dollars. Here’s the blurb: Eccentric tobacco tycoon Rodger Hawthorne III can have anything his heart desires except his dead wife, Sarah. Feeling responsible for the car crash that killed her twenty years earlier, he offers one million dollars to anyone who can find her spirit and bring it to him within one week or the money is forfeited. Six spiritually-challenged—but highly intuitive—women find his ad over the Internet and accept his challenge only to embark on a journey they didn’t quite expect that covers astral traveling, past life regressions and spiritual encounters of the unworldly kind. While this book is lightly based on a true story of a real man who is offering one million dollars to anyone who can prove that spirits exist, this story is purely fictional. Or is it? Here’s an excerpt from the prologue: “What century is this?” Henri’s best friend, drinking buddy and partner in crime, Boo, shook his head and sighed. “I think you’re about the only ghost I know who can’t tell time. It’s the eighteenth century, my friend.” Henri sat cross-legged next to Boo in their makeshift hideaway that also served as a dog house for Boo’s wife’s mutt of a dog. It wasn’t the Grand Ball Hotel but it worked. It was the one place where Boo’s wife, Maxine, and Henri’s on-again-off-again girlfriend, Juicy, would never look to find them. Boo had been out drinking, Maxine was on the rampage and Henri was there to help him figure out how to get out of this mess. “I need to get to the twenty-first century,” Henri said, eyeing his ghostie friend with caution. Now, Henri usually was a sensible kind of ghost who didn’t take many risks in the afterlife, but finding ghosts for mortals who were looking for ghosts was on home turf even though it wasn’t his favorite century to do it. He knew how undependable all the high tech stuff that mortals of this century used to supposedly find paranormal activity was and never could figure out why the mortals kept using them. Just when these amateur ghostbusters thought they had something, it ended up being faulty wiring in the walls or outlets or something else completely rational. Even if ghosts were really there all along, do you think they’d let some high-tech electrostatic meter pick it up if it did work? Hardly. Henri was intrigued in the fact that mortals would do anything in their power to connect with spirits and even more fascinated in the fact that some mortals didn’t even believe they existed. He often chuckled thinking about it and this was why he loved the Spirit Seekers so much. You might say they were a bit different. They didn’t need fancy equipment to know when there was a ghost around. All they had to do was rely on intuition and prickly sensations among other natural down-to-earth ways to find a ghost. Henri, being a ghost in the natural state, knew the Spirit Seekers were as close you could get to the real thing as far as ghostbusters go. He would drop everything to go on one of their ghost busting excursions even if it meant leaving Juicy scowling at home. But it wasn’t like he and Juicy were married or anything, which gave Henri freedom to choose between what he wanted to do or what Juicy thought he should be doing. Juicy had some kind of past life hang up, believing she and Henri were lovers in another life. She continued to follow him wherever he went which infuriated poor ol’ Henri who just wanted to have a good time. Boo, on the other hand, knew Henri better than anyone. Leaving Juicy without telling her where he was going would definitely lead to nothing but trouble for the French-borne ghost. He knew Juicy had a thing about mortals and rightly so. Even though she was one herself in another life, this was before they took off Henri’s head and murdered her entire family. But that’s another story for another time. “Well, I’m not going this time,” Boo blurted out. “Don’t even think it. I’m in enough trouble with Maxine as it is.” “No, this is different. And I’m getting tingly.” “On no, not that.” Boo knew what that meant. The mortals were calling his friend for another wild goose chase. Or should he say, wild ghost chase. “Henri, when are you ever going to learn?” “I daresay never, mon ami affectueux de Coors Lite. I gotta scram. Can you tell Juicy for me?” “Oh no you don’t. The last time I told her you were going out of town, she turned ballistic and started poltergeisting people. I think I’ll leave that alone. And what do you think will happen when she gets a whiff you’ll be hanging out with Ezra again? I don’t even want to think it.” “Ezra is my friend, you know that. I watch over her.” “Ezra might be your friend, but why do you feel you have to stick around at her house all the time? Oh, I already know. You and Ezra used to be ‘more than friends’ in another life. Jesus, Henri. All this past life mumbo jumbo is getting my ectoplasm boiling. How long will you be gone this time? Are you listening to me? Henri? Henri? Oh…Henri?” Boo turned around and Henri was gone. Vamoosed. Vanished into thin air leaving Boo to wallow in his own misery. But this story isn’t all about Boo. It’s not all about Henri, Juicy or beheading mortals. This isn’t about sitting in a makeshift dog house because you were out drinking all night and you knew better. Oh no, it’s not all about that at all. This is a love story—a ghostie love story. It’s about one man’s longing to be with his soul mate no matter what dimension he may have to travel to find her. It’s about transcending realms, butting heads with what we know as reality per say and finding something too impossibly unattainable and showing to the world that ghosts indeed exist. Enter The Spirit Seekers. Sounds exciting, right?? How did you decide on your story plot? Oh I guess I gave it away further up, but once we found out there was this guy offering a million dollars to anyone who could prove that ghosts exist, my online friends and I joked and said we could do it ourselves. Then, I thought wouldn’t that make a cool book—a group of women in a haunted mansion in the Blue Ridge Mountains looking for a million dollar ghost. The rest as they say is history. How did you choose your characters names and location for your story? Each one of us took on a character then we’d add characters as we went. One of the ladies who wanted to be in the book ended up dropping out so we had to rewrite her part but as for coming up with character names— for me, years ago I dabbled with the Ouija board and someone named Shiolah would always appear so I thought it would be right fitting if I named one of the characters after her. As for the location, since this would be set in the fall around Halloween, what perfect place than the mountains in all its glory? Plus, the Blue Ridge is filled with ghost lore. Do you have a favorite scene? Why? I think the ending has to be my favorite scene because that’s when it gets real intense. Do you have a character that you identify with? Who and why? I want to say Shiolah because she was the character I wrote in the book and while there are similarities, we’re very different. Ezra is kinda cool and I love Pam because she’s the psychic of the whole bunch. And, of course, there’s Henri. I love Henri to pieces. Henri is the ghostest with the mostest and acts as the girls’ sidekick to help them find the million dollar ghost. He does sound like a wonderful character. I wonder if he's around and will let me know about the lottery winning Let our readers know how they can get a hold of you… You can visit our blog at http://romancingmilliondollarghost.com/ to find out when the book will be released, but if you want to get up with me, you are welcome to email me at thewriterslife (at) gmail.com. Is there anything else that you want to share… feel free!! Thank you for having us and I hope everyone has a happy Halloween! Liz Crowe writes stories that grip you and take you along for the ride of your life. Her stories are "real life" messy, full of drama, humor and passion. Liz has worked in the real estate business and has used some of her own experiences to write a series which has characters that you want as your book boyfriend! In fact, there are a variety of groups who are Team Jack, Team Craig, or Team Blake. With that in mind...which team are you on?? and why?? My book boyfriend is.... Blake and Rob...What??? You can have two, you ask?? Well of course when they are Blake and Rob, you can have two... they go together like peanut butter and jelly, although they sometimes get along more like oil and water! I like that Blake and Rob are sexy and handsome, but they also both love each other and the lucky woman in their life. I just want to be that woman! Rob is a fabulous cook! Yea! I don't have to cook all the time! And Blake has this protective streak a mile long...even tries to get Jack to leave Sara alone. You can find out more about Blake and Rob throughout the series but their book is "Essence of Time" and Liz pulls no punches with these two! Rob continues to be a secondary character in Good Faith. Now...my mind hasn't changed on him yet! I think I'm still the girl to tame him! I've always said that each woman should have two husbands...so Blake and Rob get to be mine! Now that you've heard about my bid for my book boyfriends...Who's yours?? And make sure you check out the cover reveal, blurb and excerpt... Don't forget to leave a comment on your favorite Stewart Realty book boyfriend! Strong personalities—volatile marriages—stressful careers—conflicting goals—difficult children. Contemporary challenges facing close-knit families form the crucible that forges a new generation. Brandis, Gabriel, Blair and Lillian emerge from the entanglement of their parents’ longstanding emotional connections, but one’s star will burn brighter – and hotter – than the others. With a personality that consumes everyone and everything in its path, Brandis Gordon struggles to maintain control as he ricochets between wild success and miserable failure. His life proves how even the strongest relationships can be strangled by the ties that bind. Brandis and Gabe Frietag are as close as any brothers, bound by both loyalty and fierce rivalry. The strength of their ultimate alliance is tested time and again by Brandis’ choices. Companions from birth, Blair Frietag and Lillian Robinson share loner tendencies, but come to rely on each other through adolescence. As they mature, both are forced to confront their feelings for the men they knew as boys. Somewhere between the tangle of good memories and bad, independence and addiction, optimism and despair, the intertwined destinies of the new generation finally collide, leaving some stronger, others broken, but none unscathed. As a chronicle of three families navigating the minefields of teen years into the turbulence of young adulthood, Good Faith holds up a literary mirror to contemporary life with joys and temptations unflinchingly reflected. Its fresh, real-life voice portrays the sheer volatility of human nature, complete with the hopes, dreams, and unexpected setbacks of marriage, parenthood and “coming of age.” A SYNOPSIS.... Three families—Gordon, Frietag, and Robinson—share complex connections previously established in the best-selling Stewart Realty series. This stand-alone, final novel explores the characters coping with mature marriages and challenging, adolescent children. Through shared experiences, their inherent strengths and fragilities as individuals and as couples are revealed forming the basis of relationships for the next generation. Brandis Robert Gordon emerges as the golden boy from the crowd of children that have grown up together, the apple of his family’s eye, the kid the other kids follow — even when he heads over a cliff. He is being raised by fiercely focused parents who are determined to succeed at everything they do, even if it means unconscious neglect of their children’s emotional needs. Brandis’ star shines bright, blinding family and friends to his inner weaknesses until it’s too late. Good Faith is, at its core, the story of this young man’s all-consuming struggles with success and failure. It is also a saga of his personal odyssey—his ultimate quest for normalcy, when everything around him seems destined to thwart that goal. The intertwining relationships amongst Brandis, his best friend Gabe Frietag, Gabe’s younger sister, Blair, and her friend, Lillian Robinson, bracketed by the equally compelling lives of their parents and siblings, form the framework of this complex novel. By the time Brandis fully grasps what Blair, the girl he’s known his whole life, means to him, he has embarked on a life journey plagued by multiple addictions. Recruited to play Division I football as a freshman starting quarterback, after years of dedicated effort towards that very goal, he attempts to focus and be the man his parents and girlfriend expect him to be. But his personal demons already have a firm grip on him, and his downward spiral threatens to drag everyone he loves into the vortex with him. Blair Frietag has never considered herself strong or independent—she’s just “Gabe’s nerdy sister” and “Lillian Grace’s best friend.” But she is harboring a life-long obsession with Brandis Gordon. When he finally comes to her, she welcomes everything about him—the good and the bad—nearly destroying herself in the process. Because Brandis’ love is conditional and anchored in dependence, she must accept or reject her role as enabler. By the time she acknowledges the fact that her desire to help him overpowers her inability to do so, it’s nearly too late. After being told that the man he considers his father is actually not, Gabriel Frietag’s final years of high school devolve into angry confusion. The fact that he has started to question his sexuality only compounds his misery and frustration. The love/hate relationship with Brandis, which began while the boys were small, is sorely tested by Brandis’ increasingly bad choices and is finally severed, thanks to what Gabe considers Brandis’ unhealthy dependence on Blair. In an uncharacteristic move, Gabe rejects everything he knows and loves, and accepts a scholarship to play soccer for a college on the West Coast, hoping he can break from the painful confines of his childhood home. But his connection to Lillian Grace Robinson, another instrument in their life-long quartet of friendship, remains seemingly unbreakable. Lillian is Blair’s companion from birth. A shy girl at first, “Lilly-G” seems destined to live forever in Blair’s shadow. But as she observes her friend’s descent into emotional turmoil with Brandis, Lillian comes to terms with her powerful feelings for Gabe. This realization of her own inner strength molds her into the touchstone everyone reaches for: their anchor in the storm, the friend they are all lucky to have, while remaining the one who will forever hold Gabe’s heart in her hands — no matter how far he goes seeking escape. The Gordon, Frietag and Robinson ties are born of circumstance, necessity and emotion. Yet the choices of the second generation seem destined to destroy all they have built together. When the shocking loss of one of their strongest members comes at the precise moment when healing seems within reach, it threatens their tenuously rebuilt bonds. The tragedy forces everyone to open their eyes to the fickleness of fate and to rely on each other once more. Good Faith holds up a literary mirror to contemporary life with all its temptations, joys, and sorrows. The plot’s twists and turns are designed to reflect the volatility of human nature, with all its hopes, dreams, and unexpected setbacks. More than just another coming-of-age tale, this compelling new novel from best-selling author Liz Crowe is told with sympathy, humor and a real-life voice that will not easily be forgotten. Good Faith (Advanced Excerpt) by Liz Crowe © 2013 Tri Destiny Publishing – All rights reserved. Limited duplication allowed for pre-approved promotional purposes only. This content may not be shared or distributed in any capacity at any time outside the scope of the original intent without express written consent of Tri Destiny Publishing or their representative. That morning his father had roused him from a sound sleep. He’d blinked, confused, by the angle of the sunlight. He rarely slept much past eight since he usually had some sort of training or the other. “Let’s go son. Time for lunch.” Brandis had dragged himself up, his limbs feeling like they weighed a thousand pounds each. His brain buzzed with a strange sort of energy, his typical state, and not at all welcome considering it normally didn’t hit him until later in the day. The conversation his father began as soon as they were seated at their usual diner did not help. “So, listen, Brandis. These girls…Katie’s friends from college….” Brandis sipped his ice water, waiting for his father to finish the thought. His heart pounded, and his face flushed hot with embarrassment. Jack sighed, as if exasperated that Brandis didn’t pick up the thread on his own, leaving him to carry on with the awkwardness about to ensue. Then he leveled his gaze, his face open, not angry or judgmental. “I think that you may be in for some…I mean, they’re…shit.” “If you are gonna tell me where babies come from again,” Brandis said, after deciding to ease his father’s obvious distress. He cocked an eyebrow and half a smile. Jack seemed to relax somewhat as Brandis continued. “Don’t bother. I already know.” He flashed his brightest smile up at the middle-aged woman who stood at their table, coffee pot in hand. She blinked rapidly at him, and at that precise moment, Brandis got his first flash of…something…about his power. Up until now he’d merely been “Brandis the trouble maker, the causer of strife.” Suddenly, he felt strong, amazingly so, stronger than even the man sitting across from him, a taller, older version of himself. His body tingled all over, as he tested the smile out again on the woman, making her slop some coffee out onto the table. His father frowned, but then chuckled as the woman walked away after they gave their orders. “Son,” he said, leaning back and cradling the coffee mug to his chest. “Your adventure has only just begun.” “Huh?” Brandis picked up his cup but didn’t drink any. He hated coffee, but had ordered it in a burst of need to be more like Jack. As he sipped the bitter stuff, he was transported back years before when he and his dad would spend every single Saturday morning together, eating breakfast at this very diner. He had adored the man, he remembered distinctly. His chest hurt at the simplicity of their relationship then. He looked away from Jack’s deep blue, knowing gaze. The subject changed of its own accord, and Brandis let it. Although part of him wanted to ask for advice, a much bigger part would not allow the words past his lips. They ate, discussing the upcoming football season and Brandis’ part in it. The recruiting company Jack had contracted last year to video his every move would start up with the first game. He’d made varsity again, technically as backup quarterback to a senior boy. Brandis didn’t see this as a setback and had every intention of starting under center by the second or third game. Finally, when they pushed their empty plates back and sat looking at each other, Brandis felt more comfortable in his father’s presence than he had been in a long time. Jack said, “I am pretty sure at least one of those girls sleeping in the basement is determined to change the status of your virginity for you probably as soon as tonight.” Brandis choked on the last sip of lukewarm coffee. His face burned, and his body tingled again. “I’m…it’s…uh….” He clutched the napkin in his lap unable to meet his father’s eyes. “No need to say anything. Let’s just say your mother is an astute reader of female intent. While I was busy admiring your sister’s friend’s ass, she apparently read the girl’s mind or something.” Brandis’ face flushed even hotter. He resisted the urge to protest, to proclaim his innocence of such things. Because he wanted it back—those mornings between them, father and son, man and boy, not this awkward, man and almost-man bullshit. Because while the thought of one of his sister’s college friends popping his cherry remained a pleasant fantasy, it also made him feel older than he wanted to be right then. “So, I bought a box of condoms this morning,” Jack went on. “Put some downstairs in the side table drawer and the rest in your room. Use them please.” He sipped the last of his coffee, looked as if he were about to get up, then leaned forward, touching Brandis’ wrist. “Have fun. Don’t be an asshole to women. Let every experience teach you…something. Because you are nothing as a man if you don’t learn from every woman you…love.” Jack looked out the window onto the nearly empty parking lot. Then he turned back, tightened his grip on his son’s arm. “God, you are so…young.” His face fell a moment, then he perked up again, his eyes twinkling. “Okay, so, your mother told me to tell you not to let them corrupt you. But all I’m gonna say is this: always wear protection, no matter what, no matter how much you don’t want to. And don’t let your mom catch you in the act. I’ll handle her otherwise.” Then he let go, stood and smiled, draping a friendly arm around Brandis’ shoulders as they exited the restaurant. “You really didn’t tell me you were admiring Katie’s friend’s ass, did you, Dad?” “No, son. I most certainly did not. You obviously misheard me.” Jack winked as he stood by the passenger’s side of his classic Corvette convertible and tossed the keys to Brandis. “Remember what I told you. Don’t ride my clutch.” Don't forget to enter the GOOD FAITH contest.....Be sure to stop by as many of the blogs as possible... more visits, more entries!!And for those of you who want to play among the Stewart Realty town... Tamaria Soana’s Beachwalk Press Tour Obsession Is there anywhere safe when you're the object of someone's obsession? Alexandria Stevens is a New York Times best-selling romance novelist. After she makes a guest appearance on a popular TV talk show, she creates a Twitter account. Within a few short weeks she meets a fan, and they become fast friends…or that’s what Alex thinks. When Alex finds herself being stalked, the person she least suspects is her new friend Jillian. What she doesn’t know is that Jillian has been obsessed with her for years. She wants everything Alex has, even her husband. Content Warning: sexual situations, adult language, violence Genre(s): Romantic Suspense Buy Links: Beachwalk Press Amazon Barnes & Noble Watch the Trailer: Youtube link Naughty Little Bedtime Stories 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 Buy Links: Beachwalk Press Amazon Barnes & Noble Watch the Trailer: Youtube link Southern Embrace Can a long lost love mend a grieving heart? Widowed at twenty-three, Savannah Grant is devastated and consumed with grief, a grief that she can't seem to move past. When her high school sweetheart, Lance Peterson, re-enters her life, Savannah struggles with the feeling that she would be betraying her deceased husband by moving on. Plus, she can't forget the way Lance broke her heart all those years ago. Lance never stopped loving Savannah. He wants a second chance, and he's willing to do anything it takes to convince her to give him one. Will she give in and let Lance love her, showing her a passion beyond anything she thought possible? Content Warning: adult language, explicit sexual situations, anal play Buy links: Beachwalk Press Barnes & Noble Amazon Watch the Trailer: Youtube link About the Author:
Tamaria Soana is middle aged, but just feels her life has begun. She writes sexy contemporary romance stories that always end with a ‘happily ever after’. Growing up she loved to read and make up new places in her head to escape to. In her late teens she began writing short stories and poetry; it wasn’t until her late thirties before she began to spin a full story. She’s married and a stay-at-home-mom of two beautiful young girls, they reside in Western New York. Cuddling up with a good book under an electric throw is her way to escape the cold Buffalo nights. Besides writing, she co-owns Shades of Rose Marketing and hosts a talk show on Talkshoe called Live with Tamaria ~ Giving authors a voice. Author Links: Site Facebook Author Page Twitter Giveaway: Tamaria is giving away a $5.00 Amazon Gift Card during her tour. For a chance to win Just fill out the Rafflecopter below. Love, Life and Everything Else is a book of four short stories that center on family and friendships. Each tale shares how relationships are important but can also be confusing and conflicted. Abandoned in the Attic tells the tale of a found baby and her life as she finds her "real parents". I love how Sarah is loved by everyone. She literally has so many people on her side that sets out to protect her. As a parent, I like hearing that children are kept safe even in unusual circumstances. Footsteps in the Attic is a mysterious tale which shows how far a family will go for their loved ones. Xunaira provides suspense and tension that engages the reader. The Novelist is a wonderful tale of two people who connect by accident and become good friends. Having worked in a nursing home, the description of the old age home took me back to those days. The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony should be a day of celebration for one young lady. This tale is a perfect example of those ugly emotions we all have and the lengths we could go to get what we want... The entire book was a quick and entertaining read that drew me into the different stories and engaged my emotions. I recommend that you read this story and take a deeper look at Xunaira's future stories. BUY LINK: AMAZON This cover just screams magic, doesn't it? I love that there's this sprinkling of light on the cover that makes it seem out of this world. And the story of two men both after the same woman is a classic. Check it out for yourself and don't forget to enter the giveaway!! The Heart of the Hunter by Natalie-Nicole Bates After a devastating accident, Barret Atkins has accepted a quiet, solitary existence. His life is turned upside down, when he finds the badly injured Kansas Smith, left for dead in a case of mistaken identity. As Kansas begins to recover, Barret must face some deep scars of his own. When the couple begin to fall for each other, their lives spin into a revival of past hurts, jealousies, and betrayals, causing Barret to put a halt to their budding relationship. Barret’s hesitation causes his best friend-turned vicious rival, Duncan Craig, to pursue a friendship with Kansas. Where will this leave Barret? Can they all hold on long enough to escape Kansas’s attacker, and will they ever conquer their own inner demons intent on keeping them apart? Excerpt: On Saturday morning, Kansas could wait no longer. She could no longer live under the same roof with a man she was deeply in love with without telling him how she felt, and finding out once and for all how he truly felt about her. Now she stood leaning back against the counter sipping a cup of coffee, her stomach ached from nerves for what she was about to do. Most of the night she was awake rehearsing speeches on the same theme--confessing her love to Barret. Now all her carefully rehearsed words failed her. Barret sat at the kitchen table in t-shirt and jeans, absorbed in the newspaper. A shadow of a beard emphasized his maleness. Setting the cup on the counter, she took the few steps to stand beside the table. “Barret, why don’t you like me?” she blurted, immediately wishing she could bite back her words. Looking up from his newspaper, his eyebrows slashed together. “Excuse me?” Confusion consumed her, and she felt trapped and exposed, hesitant to continue. When he stood, she wanted to shrink away from him. “Whatever gave you the idea that I did not like you?” The demanding look in his blue eyes only made the words harder to form. Finally, she found her voice. “I love you, and you don’t love me,” she finally admitted. His shoulders visibly stiffened and the color drained from his face. Obviously, she caught him off guard. “I...I do love you, Kansas. But...but I don’t love you like you mean,” he stuttered. Her heart sank heavily in her chest. She raised her chin and looked back at him. She had to know. “What is it about me you don’t like?” “I like everything about you, Kansas. No, I love everything about you,” he told her as he planted his hands firmly on her shoulders causing her to want to crawl out of her skin and away from his touch. She’d said way too much, and upset their whole stable situation. Finally, she looked into his confused eyes. “I’m sorry, Barret. I just couldn’t go on like this. Just tell me what it is about me that...” her voice trailed off as she slowly came to terms with the fact that he didn’t love her as a woman. Lifting her chin, he forced her to make eye contact with him. “Listen, angel, it’s not you, you’re absolutely perfect,” he told her, and smiled a smile she knew was forced. “You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, and you’re an amazing person. You can have any man you want, but I’m not the right man for you,” he said gently. Continuing to maintain eye contact with him, she decided she wasn’t going to allow him to get off with such a broad response “Why?” she demanded. “The accident changed me, Kansas. I’m not the same man I was before it happened, and I’m glad for that. You wouldn’t have liked me then. I was an arrogant, self-absorbed bastard, and now I’m not sure who I am anymore, or what I really want. But I do want you to know that if things had been different, and I wish they were...” Finally, she could take no more. “I got it, Barret,” she said shaking loose of his grip and turning away. “It’s just the hero thing, Kansas. You’ll get over it. You think you love me because I saved you that horrible day in that swamp. When some time passes, you’ll realize you’d never be happy with an almost forty year old detective. You would only resent me for taking you away from your old lifestyle.” She whirled to face him, her hands on her hips. “Why you arrogant… You don’t know me at all!” Finally, she lost the battle not to cry and tears poured freely down her cheeks. “I thought we were so close, but I guess I was completely off base about that. I don’t care about money or scars! I only care about you! We could have been so happy--” The doorbell rang cutting off Kansas’s words and she felt some relief that it had interrupted her intense venting. She felt like such a fool now. She’d received the answer she was after. Unfortunately, it was not the one she wanted to hear. Buy Links: Amazon Amazon UK Barnes & Noble About the Author: Natalie-Nicole Bates is a book reviewer and author. Her passions in life include books and hockey along with Victorian and Edwardian era photography and antique poison bottles. Natalie contributes her uncharacteristic love of hockey to being born in Russia. She currently resides in the UK where she is working on her next book and adding to her collection of 19th century post-mortem photos. Author Links: Site Facebook Youtube Giveaway: Natalie-Nicole Bates is giving away a $15.00 Amazon Gift Card during her tour! For a chance to win please fill out the Rafflecopter below. I love Kristy's YA novel so I jumped at a chance to share this book with you! She writes great stories that thrill the reader. I hope you will give her books a chance. Enchanter by Kristy Centeno Leah Parker is furious when she finds out she’s been paired up for a class project with deadly silent, tough as nails, and incredibly intimidating Brandon Morris. Though she’s known him for years, Leah has made it a priority to stay away from him for a reason. As they are forced to spend time together however, Leah comes to find that there is more to Brandon than what meets the eye. When a series of unexpected events forces Brandon to reveal his true identity, Leah suddenly finds herself fighting to come to terms with who he is and with the fact that by fulfilling his destiny she will come to lose the only guy she’s ever loved. As a family secret is unveiled and old threats possess new risks, they both have to find the strength to do what is expected of them. Even if that means losing each other in the process. Love brought them together. His bloodline threatens to pull them apart. Will Brandon choose duty over love? Or will other forces far beyond their control separate them first? Excerpt: Brandon tore his lips away from mine so he could explore my neck, nipping and nibbling as he traveled the length of it. Deliberately, gently, passionately, he kissed a path down my skin and paused only when he reached my naked shoulder. “So soft,” he murmured, the hoarseness of his voice forcing my body to break out in goose bumps. My fingers intertwined in his hair, forcing the long locks out of the black bow keeping it neatly tied at the nape of his neck. As soon as it came loose, his dark hair cascaded around his face like a curtain, making him look like some exotic creature of the night. “Brandon…” I glanced up at his pale blue eyes, admiring the beauty of them. “Kiss me… please.” He immediately obliged, devouring my lips with so much intensity it caused my knees to wobble. Heat, fast and powerful, spread through my body in rapid sequences as our tongues playfully toyed with each other and our bodies touched. I moaned when the feel of his strong, hard, and warm body pressed against mine. I did enjoy his masculinity and how wonderful it felt to have his hands massaging my back. Feeling the need to explore, I untangled my fingers from his long mane and slowly allowed my hands to glide down his neck, and to his upper torso where they paused just over his pectorals. The tips of my fingers slowly slithered over his hard-as-steel chest and there they lingered for a while, exploring, touching, and feeling. Ever so slightly, they lowered to his abs, which despite the jacket and white shirt, I detected to be just as defined as the rest of him. My greedy fingers worked their magic over Brandon, who immediately groaned and pulled away from me. His breath was ragged, his eyes filled with lust, his body language tense. “Leah… I…” A movement over his left shoulder caught my attention and I no longer focused on him or on what he was saying. “Brandon, I don’t think we’re alone anymore,” I murmured as another flash of whiteness rushed from one side to the other, some ten to fifteen feet from us. It was too dark for me to determine who it was, but I was certain of one thing: we were being watched. Buy Links: Barnes and Nobles Amazon All Romance About the Author: As a child, Kristy used to lose herself in an imaginary world by the means of a good book. Now that she’s all grown up, she gets to create her own fictional realms and make them come to life in ways that most readers might not expect. Writing has always been a passion of hers but she never had the opportunity do so until now. After trying out numerous options, she realized that writing was what she loved the most and so she decided to give it a shot. As it turns out, her very active imagination helped her achieve her goals of creating believable plots with some ordinary, and some not so ordinary characters that move the stories along in one way or another. As she keeps achieving her dreams of becoming a published author, she divides her time in between four children and a very understanding husband. Author Links: Site Blog Twitter Facebook Giveaway: Kristy will be giving away 5 eBook copies of Enchanter during her tour. For a chance to win please fill out the Rafflecopter below. Jobs...Each of us must do something in order to bring home the bacon. Sometimes we love our jobs and other times, the job is too much to bear! When I first moved to Michigan, my first job was as a salesgirl at a stuffed animal store. The name was Noah's Ark. It was located in a local mall at a really good location. Everyone coming up the escalator to hit Lord and Taylor's got to see the animals overflowing from our store. We had a huge variety in quality and prices. Some were perfect for a child to buy...under $20 to a giant one like in the photo that ran for over $2000. I loved helping other people find the perfect gift and learned a great deal about different stuffed animal companies like Steiff and Paddington. Honestly, I didn't know that stuffed animals were collectables....dolls yes, and we sold those too! While I loved working at the store, I didn't like the hours. I worked each and every Friday and Saturday night. Lowest person on the totem pole. Eventually it took it's toll on my marriage. Hubby wanted to go out and have fun, but I had to work. Another store was looking for someone who could work days. And while the store didn't sell cute stuffed animals, it did sell clothes for working women. So I switched careers and was one of the first employees for the new Career Image store at the mall. I even went on to become the floor manager there until I went back to college. I do have good memories of my old jobs. I didn't always leave them with good feelings but looking back now, I can say I enjoyed them. What odd jobs have you done? What job would be your favorite one to have? Which would be the worst? I'd love to hear your thoughts and who knows... maybe we work together! Multi-book Tour De La Cruz #2 by P.T. Macias Book Five: Hot & Spoiled Sebastian Antonio De La Cruz is the familia's architect. He’s the classic traditional macho Mexicano. He enjoys being single until the primos (his cousins) start falling in love. He starts to think about the chica (girl) of his dreams. Cynthia Lopez walks into his life demanding, independent, and unconventional. She rocks his world. Tony fights to resist Cynthia and deals with her father’s objections. Tony believes Senor Lopez is the source of his familia’s (family's) heartaches and troubles. "She’s hot, sexy, and makes me burn like no one ever has. I just can’t be with her. She’s a spoiled demanding chica and I will not be her toy!" Sebastian Antonio De La Cruz. Buy Links Amazon US Amazon UK Book Six: Hot & Adorable Alejandro Andres De La Cruz is the doctor in the familia (family). He’s always there to help everyone in need. Alex loves to ride Luna a palomino on the familia’s hacienda. He's hot, sexy and very warm caring hombre (man). Carolina Crystal Reyes is a beautiful, sweet, young Medical Physician. She lives in the shadows and steals his heart. Alex lives a double life. Can anyone help him in his time of need before losing his amor? Amazon US Amazon UK Book Seven: Hot & Dangerous Claudia De La Cruz is a sexy, intelligent, dedicated, and beautiful FBI agent! She worked hard to achieve her dream. She's too busy to fall in love. She never had an amor! She's waiting for her alma gemela (soul mate)! Roberto De León sprints into her life! Time and danger brings them together and tears them apart! Buy Links: Amazon US Amazon UK Book Eight: Hot & Sassy Veronica De La Cruz is the bebe (baby) of the familia (family). She’s an intelligent, beautiful, elegant, and sexy mujer (woman). She’s been in love with her novio (fiancé) Christopher Rosas for years. They’ve waited anxiously for their wedding day. One of her dreams is to become his wife. Veronica’s other dream is to be an Eve’s Pleasure model. This is the only dream that she’s not shared with Christopher. Veronica has kept this from him. She knows in her heart that he’s totally old school and has macho convictions. She knows that he’ll never accept his wife to model. Christopher Rosas is an FBI agent and Veronica’s twin sister’s partner. He’s totally devoted to Veronica. Christopher is forced to ask Veronica to help the FBI to locate her twin. Will their amor be strong enough to survive her silence? Can Veronica save her amor and twin before time runs out? Buy Links: Amazon US Amazon UK About the Author: My name is Patricia T. Macias. I was born in San Jose, California. I graduated from the University of Phoenix with a dual Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management Administration. I currently live in Sacramento, California with my family. My family is my pride and joy. I also enjoy spending quality time with family and friends. I always dreamed of writing and I’m extremely happy to be achieving my dream. All of my characters are my best friends. They are always talking and living in my mind and dreams. Author Links: Saga Site Blog Facebook Twitter Giveaway: P.T. Macias is giving away a signed copy of Hot & Spicy. For a chance to win just fill out the Rafflecopter below. This is for US residents only! I've started to read all of D'Ann Lindun's books because of her hot cowboys! She doesn't disappoint in her latest! Now if only she'd share where we can find our own hotties, we'd all be happy! Ride a Falling Star By D’Ann Lindun Ava Demassi is a showgirl in Vegas. When she witnesses a murder, she runs before she becomes the next victim. Levi Callahan is a bronco rider who just happens to be in the right place at the right time. When Ava jumps into his truck, the two begin a relationship that takes them from Vegas to the Callahan ranch. Ms. Lindun writes a suspenseful story that engages the reader with danger, passion and a sweeping storyline. I really enjoyed getting to know the Callahan family and their unique personalities. Each sibling is strong, determined and self-sufficient. It’s no wonder that Levi is willing to help a complete stranger. Levi is the man everyone should be. He loves his family, has close friends who will do anything for him and always does the right thing. Ava is not your typical Vegas showgirl. She is used to only relying on herself but has a big heart. Suspense abounds in Ride a Falling Star as Levi and Ava avoid the mob and the killer who is willing to do anything and use anyone to get rid of Ava and Levi. Ms. Lindun’s story also showcases her love of the west and cowboys. You will fall in love with Levi and want to find yourself a hottie like him for yourself! Now I’m dying to read the rest of the Callahan stories and find myself a cowboy! I love sharing books with you! This is a story that I read last night that I think you'd enjoy! Check out my review and see for yourself! The Executive Officer’s Wife By Lila Munro Libby Calhoun is the daughter of a Marine and is surrounded by military men. She’s feisty and stubborn. Not used to curtailing her activities, when her father is taken hostage and she becomes a target, she’s forced to live under the watchful eye of a hot bodyguard. Chase Wayland used to be a Marine until a disastrous relationship changes his career plans. Now as a security agent, he takes the job to watch over Libby and keep her safe. Ms. Munro writes a wonderful tale of two broken people who are forced together and learn to love. They each have issues from their past that make them cautious to get into a relationship. However, when they come together, the passion is explosive. I loved the interactions between the characters. Libby and Chase are a sweet couple who really want to do what is best for the world around them but also for the people they care for. Ms. Munro has written an exciting story that showcases the determination and pride of the military for their fellow soldiers, family and country. I recommend that you read this one today! Being born in Ohio, I love reading stories about Ohio places. It always reminds me of home. Sharon C Cooper's book sounds like a great read and the cover is hot! Check it out for yourself. Joint heir to the largest construction company in the state of Ohio, master plumber, Toni (TJ) Jenkins has been groomed to behave in a way that is befitting of the respected Jenkins’ family name. But after she breaks up with the only man she’s ever loved, to protect a secret she holds close to her heart, poor decisions lead her down a path of destruction that risks ruining the reputation of the company her family has worked hard to build. Cincinnati police officer, Craig Logan, knows Toni is the woman for him. They’ve been apart for months, but when they run into each other at a party, the passion between them sizzles stronger than ever. She says she can’t handle dating a cop, but he senses that something else keeps her from rushing back into his arms. Craig wants her to be his wife, and he’ll do whatever it takes to prove no matter what she’s hiding, she’s still the best woman for the job. EXCERPT: “Well, well, well, if it isn’t Cincinnati’s finest and I mean that in every sense of the word.” Jada stood and ran a manicured hand down the front of her black slip dress, smoothing out the wrinkles. She glanced at the wide mirror over the sink and turned her head back and forth before shaking her hair wildly. Craig almost laughed when she rubbed her lips together, smiled at her reflection, and struck a pose before turning to him. “Glad to see you, Officer Logan. I trust you can take it from here,” she said on her way out of the oversized bathroom. With an amused grin, Craig shook his head and watched her stroll down the hall as if she didn’t have a care in the world. He got along well with all of Toni’s family, but Jada, known for her oversized ego and theatrics, always cracked him up. He turned back to Toni and the smile slipped from his lips as she scurried to her feet, dusted off her knees and adjusted her drool-worthy red dress. A ripple of desire surged through his body and catapulted straight to his groin the moment their gazes collided. He’d worked a twelve-hour shift and was dog-tired when he first pulled up to the Jenkins’ estate, but exhaustion no longer plagued him. Instead, his need to pull Toni into his arms and hold her close took root. Despite what he told himself when deciding on whether to attend her grandfather’s birthday celebration, there was no way he’d be able to walk away from her tonight – at least not without tasting her tempting lips. His heart pounded loudly in his ears as his gaze traveled from her perfectly made up face down her curvaceous body and shapely legs until his perusal stopped at her red strappy shoes. The eight months of them being apart suddenly felt like eight years as he slowly took her all in, realizing just how much he had missed her. God she’s beautiful. So many days had come and gone when he wanted to call her, or just see her for a minute, but he’d kept his word. When she walked away from their relationship, she made him promise not to seek her out, telling him that she needed space. After seeing her tonight, all bets were off. No way could he be in her presence and not want what they once had. “What are you doing here?” she asked, her sexy voice but a whisper. When he didn’t speak right away, she nervously pushed a lock of her long, thick hair behind her ear and peeked at the big brute lying at her feet. Glancing down at him, Craig wondered what she was thinking. Was she seriously dating this guy? “Peyton invited me,” Craig finally answered. He leaned against the doorjamb and tucked his hands into his pants pockets. Eyes as warm as fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies on a cold winter’s day stared back at him, and he shifted his stance to hide the evidence of his sudden arousal. He wasn’t surprised by the ardent effect she still had on him, but right now wasn’t the best time to indulge in what his body craved from her. She glanced away. Her gaze bounced from him to the jerk on the floor and then back to him again. Why was she nervous? Toni was one of the most confident women he’d ever met, and right now her behavior didn’t fit her usual self-assured personality. If anything, watching her actions now reminded him of a time, early in their relationship, when she was slow to let down her guard and unwilling to share her desires, needs, and even her fears. “So what’s going on?” He nodded at the man on the floor. “I assume he’s alive.” Her mouth dropped open and her hands flew to her hips as she narrowed her eyes at Craig. “Of course he’s alive. He just had a little too much to drink.” “A little? Hell, the guy is passed out on your grandparent’s bathroom floor. I’d say he’s way past drunk.” At that moment, her inebriated friend groaned and rolled to his side. “Oh, thank goodness.” Toni fell to her knees, pushed him onto his back and patted his cheek. “Ronald, wake up. Come on, we have to get you out of here. I need you to wake up.” Craig straightened and his body tensed. With a good view of her shapely butt as she leaned over her date, he couldn’t stop himself from zoning in on her smooth toned legs and dainty feet. He had always been a leg-man, but when it came to Toni, he loved everything about her, from her curvy, petite body to her smart mouth. And right now, her mouth was a little too close to this guys face. “Come on, Ronald, wake up.” She shook his shoulders, but when that didn’t work, she went back to patting his cheek. It wasn’t so much that she was touching this Ronald guy in an intimate way that bothered Craig. The fact that she had her hands on another man period sent his jealous meter into overdrive. “Maybe you need to slap him a little harder,” Craig said, still standing near the doorway. “Or better yet, I’d be happy to do the honors.” He moved forward and burst out laughing when she glared at him over her shoulder. “Better yet, maybe I should slap you for just standing there and not offering to help me get him up and out of here!” Craig chuckled, glad to see the fire within her hadn’t burned out. Now this was the Toni he loved and missed. “And why would I do that? He’s your date.” He snapped his fingers. “As a matter of fact, I should really get to the party, maybe grab something to eat, dance a little and get my drink on.” He turned and walked back to the door. “Yikes!” Toni yelped. “Ronald, let me go.” Craig glanced back to see that Ronald had palmed Toni’s butt and had pulled her on top of him. “Ju … just lay heeere with me, baby,” he mumbled, his eyes still closed. “Ne … need sleep ri … right now. Big da … daddy will gi … give you some lovin—” “Ah, hell no!” With one long step, Craig reached for Toni’s elbow and pulled her to her feet. His first thought was to plant his size twelve on top of her date’s chest, but thinking that probably wouldn’t be the best idea, he lifted Ronald by the front of his shirt. “Get your ass up.” Still the Best Woman for the Job on Amazon Publication Date: September 25, 2013 Bestselling author, Sharon C. Cooper, lives in Atlanta with her husband and enjoys reading, writing, and rainy days. She writes sweet and contemporary romance, as well as romantic suspense. Sharon is a member of Romance Writers of America (RWA), member of Georgia Romance Writers (GRW), and a member of the Page a Day Writers Group. To read more about Sharon and her novels, visit www.sharoncooper.net Sharon’s Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads I love to share interesting and exciting books with you. I just finished Fire and Ash. It is unlike any vampire book I've read before. Check out my review and let me know what you think... I certainly am drooling at the cover! :) Fire and Ash: Immortal Touch, Book 2 by Allie Gail Blurb: To the humans employed at his beachfront resort, Florida real estate developer Asher Reid is known as a narcissistic womanizer and temperamental control freak. To the secret, select group of immortals, he is the irrefutable enforcer of vampire law. Yet hidden beneath the charismatic façade lie the alpha’s true obsessions - adrenaline highs, nightshade and an enduring lust for depravity. Running from a faithless ex-fiancé who won’t stop stalking her, Samara Porter hopes to find refuge working within the posh resort. But her tropical paradise houses an even bigger threat when she becomes the prime target for Asher’s unwholesome games. Seduced by his deviant desires, Sami quickly finds herself caught up in a world where pain and pleasure coexist, testing the boundaries of how far she is willing to go to learn his corrupt secrets. And with her final test of loyalty comes a dark ultimatum - to kill for him…or face his lethal wrath. Are you ready to go someplace dark? My Review: Do you like vampire romances? What about mysteries? Fire and Ash is sure to be a hit. The vampires are very different than your ordinary vampires. Ash is twisted and comes off as controlling. He’s the alpha vamp and leads all the vampires across the country. He makes the rules and is the law. When he finds a woman that he can’t live without, he’s merciless in pursuing her. Sami needed a change after finding her fiance in bed with another woman. Escaping to Florida, she gets hired by Ash and their tumultuous romance begins. There are many other exciting characters in the story as well. I’m assuming from the first book but since I didn’t read it, I can only guess. Ms. Gail does a nice job of hooking you with the story. Each character was interesting but Ash is deadly. He frightened me at times and certainly I wouldn’t be able to live with him! Death, murder, love and passion abound as Ash sets out to train Sami to be his woman. But what Sami doesn’t know will kill her. If you like unique vampire stories that have you on the edge of your seat, Fire and Ash is for you. As I mentioned, this is book two in the Immortal Touch series. I didn’t have to read the first book to enjoy it but am certainly looking forward to reading it. Buy Link: AMAZON Connect with Allie at: Facebook Twitter: |
Melissa KeirGator Girl Extraordinaire Archives
October 2023
|