Category Archives: Interview / Q&A

RELEASE WEEK EVENT ~ Best Laid Plans by Stylo Fantome

Sep 10

Posted by

   Best Laid Plans Release Week Event

RELEASE WEEK

BLPEbook.Amazon

THE PLAN:

* Smuggle diamonds from Liberia to Morocco

* Make the trip in three days

* Don’t get caught

* Don’t kill each other

* Don’t have sex with each other

* Don’t fall for each other

* Stick to the plan

 

This is the story of what happens when an unlikely bond is formed between enemies, causing tensions to rise, and igniting a chemistry that threatens to burn them both. Together, they’ll learn that sometimes even the best laid plans can fail.

If this NOVEL were a MOVIE, it would have an R rating from the MPAA. Contains: Violence, Grisly Images, Strong Language, Nudity, and Graphic Sexual Content


Goodreads Link:

 

BLPTeaser4

Excerpt:

“Hello?” she called into an entry way. It looked like someone’s home. There were a multitude of people lounging about the living room, all of them watching an old black and white television. Without looking away from the screen, an old woman got up and walked towards Lily.
“Room?” she asked, still watching TV.
“No. I’m looking for my friend, he -” Lily started.
“Third floor, third room on right. You stay longer than two hours, I charge extra,” the woman warned her.
“Sounds fair to me.”
Lily slowly made her way up to his room. She didn’t want to come off as too eager. They’d been playing cat and mouse for a month under the assumption neither would get caught. Now that it was time to eat, she wasn’t quite ready to be the mouse.
The door to the third room on the right wasn’t locked. She was cautious as she opened the door, but the first thing she saw was the black duffle bag he’d taken off with, followed by the clothing he’d been wearing. She moved into the room and shut the door behind her.
She could hear water splashing around in the bathroom, so she took her time, looking over the space he’d been living in for the past month. It was simple. A room. A bed that was little more than a cot. A small table. One small chair. There had been electricity downstairs, but there didn’t seem to be any in his room. Three mismatched, stout candles were burning on the table, and those were the only light source.
The sound of water diminished to just a gurgling drain, so she made her way back towards the bathroom. Just as she grasped the knob, she felt it turn from the other side, and the door started to pull away. She smiled.
Samesies.
She lost her smile the same moment a hand wrapped around her neck. She let out a shriek as she was yanked around and slammed against a wall. The hand was replaced by a forearm, a much more effective body part for choking someone. She gritted her teeth, slapping at the arm that was restraining her.
“It’s me! It’s me!”
Marc looked surprised. And angry. He backed off a little and she sucked in gasps of air. His forearm moved to her collar bone, still holding her in place against the wall. She glared right back at him, resisting the urge to plant her knee in his testicles.
“What the fuck are you doing here!? How did you find me!?” he demanded, then his eyes darted around the room as if he thought she’d brought people with her.
“You weren’t exactly hard to follow, you idiot. You walked here,” she growled.
“I thought you were talking with Ivanov.”
“I was. It wasn’t a very long conversation.”
“I told you, I don’t let anyone know where I sleep,” he reminded her, his voice low.
“Well, I didn’t come here with any intentions of sleeping, so we’re still good.”
That got through to him and he finally smiled at her. The pressure from his arm let up, but he leaned more of his body against her, lining them up from the hips down.
“I told you to meet me at a bar,” he pointed out, lowering his head to brush his cheek against the side of hers, then dipping down to rub against her neck. She heard a sharp inhale, like he was smelling her.
“Sometimes I’m not very good at listening.”
“I have to be out of here in a couple hours.”
“I only need a couple hours.”
“That’s it? I had such high hopes for you.”
She snorted and moved her hands to his waist, yanking his towel away.
“And I had high hopes that your mouth would be good for something other than talking. So far, it’s a disappointment.”
His lips met hers in a way that made their first kiss seem like a church greeting. His tongue was present and forceful in her mouth, his hands moving to press heavily against her breasts. She moaned, reveling in the feeling of being touched. Of actually wanting to be touched.
She scratched her nails along his hips and went to dip down between them, but he was quicker, and he grabbed her wrists, slamming her arms against the wall above her head. She gasped and automatically tried to resist, but he just squeezed tighter, pushed harder. Cat and mouse was over, the roles had been established. If he didn’t want her to move, then she wasn’t going to be able to move.
Does that mean I’m in the mouse trap?

 

BLPTeaser1

Guest Post

1. This is very different from your previous work – what was your inspiration behind BLP and what kind of research went into writing this book?

I love love LOVE action movies. I wanted something kind of gritty and raw, but I didn’t want it to be something that’s been done, I didn’t want drugs or hitmen. So I went with diamond heist and mercenaries. I wanted Marc to sort of have that John McClane “Die Hard” feel, very “IDGAF and I’ll say whatever I want, no matter how un-PC”, and I wanted Lily to be beyond badass, almost an anti-hero in her own right.
SO MUCH research went into the book, I had no idea what I was getting into – I just started writing, and then I got to the scene where Marc was in the shower, towards the beginning, and after I wrote it I sort of had a “wait a minute …” moment and realized there was a distinct possibility they wouldn’t have running water. So I started researching Liberia. My mind was blown. So many things in the story changed after that point. I constantly had Google open in one window and Google Maps opened in another window. Virtually every place they go in the book is a real place. For example: when a hotel is described, it is based on a real hotel I found on Trip Advisor and then cross referenced on Google Earth. EVERYTHING was like that. Half of my brain lived in Africa for two months.

 

2. A list of 5 reasons why fans/new readers should pick up this book

1. It’s different and it pushes boundaries, which I think everyone could do with a bit of, now and then

2. They might learn something they never knew about a different country, and learning is good

3. It’s a departure from my other works, but still has the erotica base that is my preferred genre (a.k.a. lots of steaminess haha)

4. It literally takes you on a journey

5. The summer is almost over – can’t end it without one last blockbuster big action flick!

 

3. What are you working on next? Can you give us a teaser/hint to book 2 in this series?

Book two is already written, it just needs to go through rewrites and edits and then it’s beta time! Next, I’m caught between two stories that I really want to work on – one dark, kind of going back to my Kane Trilogy roots. Weird love and crazy sex and uncomfortable emotions. The other is more romantic. Still angsty, more of the love-hate, will-they-won’t-they vibe. I don’t want to give anything away – it’ll be in a popular subgenre, but with a distinct twist, as I like to try to do with all my stories. Which will come next, I’m not sure, depends on which will speak to me the most. I hope to have something publish ready by March 2016.

 

BLPTeaser2

 

Out of Plans (Book #2) teaser:

“You once said you would help me. Well, I need help,” Lily said.
“Of course, love. At your service,” Kingsley bowed his head.
“I want to learn everything. I want to be just as good as you. Just as good as him,” she added.
“Making you better than him will be easy, darling, but better than me? That’s impossible,” he teased. She rolled her eyes.
“And no flirting. Flirting is what got me into trouble in Africa. No flirting. No relationship. No sex,” she stressed. “Deal?”
“What deal? Sounds like you’re offering nothing in return,” he laughed, shaking her hand.
“Exactly. Sounds like a hell of a deal to me.”
“Dear god, you’ve already picked up on De Sant’s awful sense of humor. We have so much un-training to do,” Kingsley sighed.
“Whatever it takes. You train me, and I’ll help you in any way you want, with anything,” she offered.
“Mmmm, any way I want, huh,” his voice dropped low while his eyes wandered over her body.
“Look here, Law, I meant what I said – you touch me inappropriately even once, and I’ll break your hand in ways it can’t be fixed,” she warned him. He smiled and leaned close again.
“Ooohhh, I love it when you talk rough,” he hissed, sliding his bottom lip between his teeth.
“You won’t love it so much when I back it up with action. Now let’s get out of here.”

 

BLP Reviews

Rebecca

Living in the frozen depths of Alaska is a still (God knows how!!!) relatively unknown gem who goes by the name Stylo Fantome. As we now hit her sixth published book it is becoming more than clear that she is a talent who is here to stay, her flair and imagination, the complexity and emotional depth of her characters and stories combined with her ability to surprise with choice of genre or subject matter and yet still deliver every single time make her a one click automatic choice with no cover, blurb or info needed – just her author name alone.


THE PLAN:
* Smuggle diamonds from Liberia to Morocco
* Make the trip in three days
* Don’t get caught
* Don’t kill each other
* Don’t have sex with each other
* Don’t fall for each other
* STICK TO THE PLAN

This is the story of what happens when an unlikely bond is formed between enemies, causing tensions to rise, and igniting a chemistry that threatens to burn them both. Together, they’ll learn that sometimes even the best laid plans can fail.

Best Laid Plans is a rip roaring top fuel nitrous full on adrenaline ride from start to finish. It’s unexpected in places, shocking in some, doesn’t let go of you at any point, the pace fast, furious and hot as fuck. It’s a fabulous mix of suspense and intrigue, romance and violence, raw, passionate, brutal and did I remember to say HOT AS FUCK! Ms Fantome described it as ‘Romancing the Stone meets Die Hard with more sex’ and that’s pretty spot on!
Best Laid Plans surprised and shocked, made me gasp, laugh, smile, run for B.O.B and new batteries, had me nearly throwing my kindle in total fucking disgust at the end while cursing Ms Fantome to the heavens and wondering what I have to promise to get my hands on book 2.
Abso- fucking-lutely fabulous.

Lily. 
One of the strongest female leads you could hope for, resourceful, determined, tough, gorgeous, and totally unafraid to use any weapon at her disposal to be successful and survive in a male dominated environment.


“That woman will fuck your world up. She looks like a pin up, fucks like a porn star, and fights like Tyson.”

“She giggled. Marc was pretty sure he’d never heard that sound come out of her before – it was like finding out a bobcat could giggle. Bizarre.”

 

Marc.
The man who puts the dominant in that world, oh lordy no panties required. Mercenary badass alpha with a good dose of cynicism and pure sex added.

Kingsley.
Oh my darlings, Kingsley. If you thought Sanders was the best secondary character then hold your horses because, for me, Kingsley is on par.

So what do we have to sum up?
A story set in different countries all rich and vibrant leaping off the page, romance told with the usual Stylo Fantome class, captivating, raw, brutal and flawless, a high octane full on, does not stop for a second mercenaries, car chases, guns, stealing, jewels, sex, fighting big bucks blockbuster of a book. No holds barred, not for pussies and fucking awesome.

Find the time, one click and disappear for a while to read.
Just like Die Hard and Romancing the Stone stay in our memories long after they have ended so will Best Laid Plans – an author can give us, the reader, no greater gift.

About the Author

stylo buttonCrazy woman living in an undisclosed location in Alaska (where the need for a creative mind is a necessity!), I have been writing since …, forever? Yeah, that sounds about right. I have been told that I remind people of Lucille Ball – I also see shades of Jennifer Saunders, and Denis Leary. So basically, I laugh a lot, I’m clumsy a lot, and I say the F-word A LOT.

I like dogs more than I like most people, and I don’t trust anyone who doesn’t drink. No, I do not live in an igloo, and no, the sun does not set for six months out of the year, there’s your Alaska lesson for the day. I have mermaid hair – both a curse and a blessing – and most of the time I talk so fast, even I can’t understand me.
Yeah. I think that about sums me up.

Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page | Instagram

Buy Links

On Amazon Exclusively – also available in Kindle Unlimited program for free.
$0.99 release price will be good through Sept. 8th – then it goes up to $2.99.

US:

UK:

CA:

AUS:

Giveaway

The author is giving away a $50 Amazon Gift Card and 2 ARC copies of Out of Plans
(when the ARCs are available and ready)

  Stylo Fantome’s BEST LAID PLANS Release Week Event Giveaway
 

 

Posted in Authors & Books, Blitz, Blurb, Excerpt, Giveaway, Interview / Q&A, New Releases, News, Preview, Reviews, Special Offer / Sale, Spotlight / Blog Tour, Teaser

Leave a comment

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

ONE YEAR BIRTHDAY ~ Severed Justice (Severed MC #3) by KT Fisher & Ava Manello

Aug 31

Posted by

photo Severed birthday banner_zpspy0fcqwv.jpg

Book: Severed Justice
Series: Severed MC
Author: KT Fisher & Ava Manello

Genre: MC Romance
Hosted By:Francessca’s Romance Reviews

photo eBOOK cOVER_zps7dfnnebz.jpg
Synopsis

Your favorite Severed MC returns with more chaos, more danger and more fireworks.
Satan may be gone but the danger isn’t.
With revenge on the cards from more than one player and hot blooded new comer Justice stirring things up, the people in the town of Severed are in for one hell of a ride.

Add To Goodreads


photo teaser3_zpsx0b7wcgj.jpg

Purchase Links

Amazon UK
Amazon USA
Kobo
Nook
iTunes

 


photo teaser2_zpsiasrz49r.jpg

What Others Are Saying

OMFG totally speechless, U ladies KT fisher and Ava Manello definitely want to go into hiding Wowzer what have u done to me!!!!! ~ Goodreads Review

I am in love with the Severed MC extended family. The men and the women are bada$$, funny, and fierce. I would so enjoy hanging with the women on ‘Girl’s Night’, I’m sure I would learn some tasty ‘dessert’ recipes. The friendship ties are strong, withstanding loss after loss, and remaining strong. The suspense will keep you guessing, cussing, sweating, and gasping. ~ iScream

WOW just wow!! I love this series but this book has got to be the best yet. It’s got twists and turns galore, so many unexpected NOOOOO!!!! moments and a fantastic story. ~ Goodreads Review

please be warned that you will need kleenex at hand i laughed i cried and i wanted to throttle him sometimes but u see that through this book the pinnacle comes and when i comes you will know it.
A must read i could not put this book down from start to finish i was lost in the story. ~ Amazon UK

 

 

photo teaser1_zpsba4l28fw.jpg

Trailer


About The Authors

Ava Manello

photo Author pic_zpsl4d3mkfm.jpg

Ava is a passionate reader, blogger, publisher, and author who loves nothing more than helping other Indie authors publish their books be that reviewing, beta reading, formatting or proofreading. She will always be a reader first and foremost.
She loves erotic suspense that’s well written and engages the reader, and loves promoting the heck out of it for her favourite authors.
As Ava says: “I took a chance and followed a dream when I wrote my first book. It was scary, challenging and hard work, but above all it was worth it.”

 

Stalk Ava

Facebook
Website
Twitter
Newsletter
Amazon UK
Amazon USA
Goodreads

 


KT FISHER

photo KT Fisher_zpswhcwhwjt.jpg

I love reading, it’s my favourite hobby. I’ve always had ideas for my own books packed into my head so I thought I would write them out for people to enjoy

 

 


KT ~ Stalker Links

Facebook
Twitter
Book Club
Goodreads

 

Other Books In The Series

photo Series Banner_zpssqsmntys.jpg

Severed Angel
Severed MC #1

CURRENTLY ON SALE 99p/c

Amazon UK
Amazon USA
Kobo
Nook
iTunes

Carnal Desire
Severed MC #2

Amazon UK
Amazon USA
Kobo
Nook
iTunes

Carnal Persuasion
Severed MC #4

Amazon UK
Amazon USA
iTunes
Kobo
Nook

 

Interview with Ava’s Triple A’s


1) Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to be part of Ava’s Street team?

Emma – Won a competition to become a character in Carnal Desire after Severed Angel released. Yes, Emma whose been with Ink and Justice that’s me *Winks*

Francessca – Oooooh so Emma had a bit of Ink *Winks* Was he any good Emma?

Emma – oooooh He was good!!! Very good and that chair of his is a fave of mine!

Francessca – Sounds intriguing Emma, You will have to give us the run down?

Emma – You’ll have to read Carnal Desire its all there. One Dirty Tattooist!

Francessca – You Spoil Sport Emma!

Jane – I’m Jane! I became part of Ava’s street team when I made her a fan picture one day! I believe it was her first and since then we have become great friends! I’m even flying all the way to England new year from New Zealand to support the tbb author signing!

Patti – I am Patti, I am part of the street team and I met her after reading Severed and wanted to choke her for the cliff hanger!…I loved it and couldn’t wait till the next one came out…she almost cost me a IPAD

Wendy – I”m from Surrey, BC and it’s stinking cold here right now… so a warm thing to do is to cuddle up beneath a blanket on the couch with a glass of wine and my Kindle… A friend sent me a request to join Ava’s street team and I thought why not?? I loved Severed Angel so off the request went!

Alison – Here’s my answers my name is Alison I live in Texas where the weather changes everyday. I follow Ava Manello on Amazon and when I bought her book it had a link to follow her on Facebook. So I found her on here and saw that she had a street team so I requested to join


2) So are you a MC fan? Had you read MC before Severed MC Series?

Emma – I adore MC books Joanna Wylde, lili Saint Germain Kim Jones and Nina Levine are great authors.

Jane – Huge MC fan! By far my favourite genre. I read it a lot before severed but severed is way up there on the favourites!

Patti – HUGE MC FAN been reading them for two years

Wendy – I’m a huge MC fan – I’ve read Madeline Sheehan, Joanne Wylde and Kristen Ashley before the Severed series

Alison – I love MC books I have like over 140 on my kindle right now some of them I have read and the others are waiting to be read


3) Your favourite character and why?

Emma – My fave Severed living character is Ink, he’s so flirty and fun, dominant but caring.

Jane – My favourite character would probably be cowboy! I just had a thing for him from the starts.

Patti – I can’t pick love them all

Wendy – OMGod… Angel I think… he’s just so well, Alpha! haha

Alison – Angel is my favorite character by far in the series he is one hot alpha male and with a dirty sexy mouth


4) If Angel could do anything to you what would it be?

Emma – Angel doesn’t work for me, he’s sweet but not a patch on Ink and your either one team or the other in this group.

Jane – Well it would absolutely involve his bike. Fantasy much.

Francessca – Oooh Ava Looks like the next book will have to include a bike scene for our Jane.

Patti – sex on a bike NO DOUBT

Wendy – How about anything… everything! haha

Alison – I wish Angel would take me on a ride somewhere and do nasty yummy things to me *Winks*


5) If you could play any part in the book what would it be?

Jane – I would totally be Eve, as a single mother, watching a man care for and love my baby girl is a major turn on!

Patti – I would be EVE and have some fun

Wendy – I would probably be Eve…her life is never dull!

Alison – Meeting Angel lol


6) Are you likely to bitch slap anyone to come close to Angel if he was yours?

Jane – I’m not the bitch slapping type, but I’m not against flaunting what’s mine in front of some chick who wants him.

Patti – would have no issue taking a skank down if she disrespected me or my man

Francessca – Have you thought at great length About how you might take a skank down?

Patti – she or he would get a straight punch to the face…now that would have to push every single one of my buttons because I would likely have more words to scare them then my fists…but again YA never know

Wendy – Absolutely! Don’t touch what’s not yours!

Alison – Yes most defintely would bitch someone that comes between me and Angel.


7) Your favourite quote of the series?

Jane – “don’t worry father, I’m not a bad man….. But I’m not a good man either.”

Patti – I like Janes quote above…

Wendy – “I’m not a bad man… not a good man either”


8) Favourite cover of the series?

Emma – Favourite cover is Severed Justice.

Jane – Carnal Persuasion is my fav so far!

Patti – No doubt Carnal Persuasion

Wendy – The new one – Carnal Persuasion

Alison – The blond guy drinking wine who is standing on the bed.


9) Do you have a tattoo and if so what does it signify?

Emma – My tattoos are listed in Carnal and Severed Justice as Ink does them lol!!

Jane – I have a tramp stamp lol. But I drew it myself, it’s a Celtic knot and represents my family.

Francessca – Me Too! Your Sounds way prettier than mine can we take a peek?

Jane – **IMAGE** If I’m allowed LOL

Patti – getting the Infinity Knot with my kids names intertwined

Francessca – We need piccys Patti?

Patti –

Wendy – No… but I’d like one but I’d have to figure that one out – needs to have significance or why get one at all?

Alison – I have one tattoo that is of a panther no meaning to it.


10) Ok your feelings towards Ava and KT at the end of Severed Justice?

Emma – I was not a happy bunny at the end of Severed Justice asAva Manelloa knows.

Jane – “I hate you, we are no longer friends.”

Patti – I hated them both

Wendy – I was a little bit wowed at the cliffy but overall I loved the book so I hold no ill will

Alison – No hard feelings to both authors it was a good book.


11) Favourite book of the series so far?

Emma – Carnal Desire is my fave so far

Jane – totally severed angel!

Patti – Severed Angel because it’s started this roller coaster of emotions!

Wendy – I think Severed Angel because that was the beginning of my new obsession! haha

Alison – The first one Severed Angel


Francessca – WELL AS YOU CAN IMAGINE OUR LADIES GOT WAY OUTTA HAND WHEN SPEAKING TO INK!!!
So if you fancy some fun BUT are also willing to pimp AVA stop by her street team!!


Posted in Authors & Books, Blitz, Blurb, Endorsements, Interview / Q&A, Promo, Special Offer / Sale, Spotlight / Blog Tour, Teaser, Trailer

Leave a comment

Tags: , , , , ,

BLOG TOUR ~ Undesired Lust (Mason Lynch) by Eden Summers

Aug 7

Posted by

 

Undesired Lust (Mason Lynch)
Reckless Beat Series Book 3.0
by Eden Summers

Blog Tour
 
 
Add to Goodreads


Synopsis
 

They used to be the perfect team.

Two years ago, songstress Sidney Higgins ruined her life by sleeping with not one, but two of the famous Reckless Beat men, Mason Lynch and Sean Taiden. Their night of intimate celebration turned into a worldwide sensation when the video Mason vowed to keep private was uploaded to the internet, destroying her squeaky-clean reputation and turning the world against her. Now she’s broken and left without hope, trying to find the one thing that can get her back on her feet.

A mistake neither one of them is willing to forgive.

When the sex tape went viral and his best friends held him accountable, Mason bore the stigma of asshole with pride. Now, bitterness has destroyed him, driving away his muse and making him worthless in the industry he loves. There’s only one option left to reclaim his creativity, but that would mean collaborating with a woman who wants to castrate him with a plastic knife.

A palpable chemistry even hate can’t diminish.

Forced to work together, neither one of them is prepared for the undesired lust which immediately takes hold. The lies fade away, exposing the truth; however, it also awakens a threat from their past. The person responsible for tearing them apart is back to ensure they don’t rekindle a spark. With their safety in the balance, Sidney and Mason need to determine what they’re willing to risk to reclaim a relationship they wish they’d never lost.

 
 
Buy Links
 
 
 


Interview with Mason Lynch
 
Name(s):
Mason: Mason Lynch aka Mr. Fanfuckingtastic
 
Family:
Mason: I have a remarkably annoying sister, Toni. And my mother is as harmless
and annoying as a moderately sized hemorrhoid.
 
Physical appearance:   
Mason: Brown eyes, Blonde hair. 100% fuckable, if I do say so myself.
​
Why will reader sympathize with this person right away?
Mason: Not at all. He’s arrogant, annoyingly so. But if you did a little deeper, you might expose someone different.
 
In your opinion, what is your best feature?
Mason: Just one? It’d be a shorter list if I mentioned my worst features.
 
Where do you live?
Mason: I have two homes. A mansion in Richmond, Virginia where I can relax and spend time in the studio at my leisure. I also have a penthouse apartment in New York where all the craziness happens.
 
What one word best describes you?
Mason: Perfect.
​
What were you like in high school?
Mason: I was in the popular crowd. Always have been.
 
What were your high school goals?
Mason: Does popping cherries count?
 
What is your boss like?
Mason: Leah Gorman, the Reckless Beat band manager is a pit bull. If my mother is a hemorrhoid, Leah is akin to a colonoscopy. She’s always up my ass, trying to expose all the shit she can in an effort to ‘protect me from myself’.
 
What are your bandmates like?
Mason: My bandmates are my brothers. I love them with all my heart and want to kill them in the same breath.
 
What is something you had to learn that you hated?
Mason: To be humble. I’m not very good at it.
 
Is there any sexual activity that you will not, under any circumstances, do?
Mason: I will never, ever again tape myself having sex.
 
Describe the perfect romantic partner for you.
Mason: I’ve been told the best partner for me would be someone who could love me more than I love myself. I’m not sure I’ll ever find that woman.
 
What do you do when you are bored?
 Mason: I don’t have the luxury of boredom. If I’m not on tour, doing promo or with friends, I’m creating music for the next album. It never stops. Hopefully it never will.
 
 

 
Interview with Eden Summers on Undesired Lust
 
Hello and Welcome All!Today I’m very lucky to be interviewing Eden Summers author of the Reckless Beat series.

Hi Eden, thank you for agreeing to this interview.

 
Eden: Thank you for having me. I’m excited to be here.

What do you do when you are not writing?

 
Eden: Drink vodka…does that count?
Just joking…kinda.
In reality, I’m either doing motherly duties for my two boys, working part time or reading. Most of the time I’m writing though, or promoting J There isn’t a lot of spare time to do much else once the word target is hit for the week.Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way wither growing up or as an adult?

 
Eden: There’s a long list of authors who have taught me innumerable things, from how to write, to what NOT to do when writing and promoting. It’s a constant learning process. The industry is changing all the
time with authors pushing new boundaries.If you could have given your characters one piece of advice before the opening pages of the book, what would it be and why?

 
Eden: To both Sidney and Mason — forgive and forget. Suck it up. Deal with it. Move on…Remember a condom! But if I told them that beforehand we wouldn’t have Undesired Lust
😉

What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?
 
Eden: Both protagonists are song writers, so I had a great deal of fun writing lyrics. Mason’s muse plays with him throughout Undesired Lust. You get to see the snippets that are thrown into his head at any given time. And there are also a few verses from a humorous song Sidney put together on the spot, which is dedicated to Mason’s womanizing ways.Which of your prior characters would you most/least likely invite to dinner and why?

 
Eden: I’m always going to be a sucker for Blake from Passionate Addiction—tattooed, damaged and big-hearted—he’s my go-to guy. I’d love to sit down with him and let him know just how proud I am of him.
There may also be the need to swipe all the food from the table and have my wicked way with his inked body too.

Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to take part in this interview.
 
 
Eden: Thank you for having me. I hope you all enjoy my rockers.
 
 


Other Books in the Reckless Beat Series
 
 
Blind Attraction
Book 1.0

 


Passionate Addiction

Book 2.0

 


 
Reckless Weekend
Book 2.5 

 

Posted in Authors & Books, Blitz, Blurb, Interview / Q&A, New Releases, Spotlight / Blog Tour, Teaser

Leave a comment

Tags: ,

PROMO TOUR ~ Heartstrings by Kelli McCracken

Jun 26

Posted by

 

 

Heartstrings
by Kelli McCracken

Promo Tour
 
  
Add to GOODREADS


 
 
 
“You’ve suffered a terrible tragedy, Jo.” That’s what my doctor keeps telling me. All I know is that I’ve lost everything — my ability to play piano, six years of my life, my will to live…

The only thing keeping Jocelyn ‘Jo’ Hayes from falling apart is her brother, Brighton, whose past is sketchier than her mind. Brighton’s hiding secrets. He refuses to give Jo the answers she needs, but after she meets the mysterious
Adam, she decides to keep secrets of her own.As Jo’s recovery fluctuates, Adam’s purpose in her life grows more confusing. Then Paxton Carr shows up at her door. His resemblance to Adam sends Jo’s on a quest to discover the truth and regain her memories.

But the truth doesn’t always set someone free. Will Jo find the missing pieces of her memory and solve the riddle she calls life, or will the ugly truth destroy what’s left of her mind?


 
 
(FREE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED)

 

Amazon US | Amazon UK 
 

 

What people are saying about Heartstrings:
 
All I can say is Kelli McCracken blew my mind but in a good way. WOW! So AMAZING! ~ Sweet N Sassy Book A Holics
 
I am not new to Kelli McCracken’s ability to create art with words…as having read the Soulmate series books, but I must
say she blew me away with this book! Her characters are so real and simply become a part of your life from page one until the end…and linger after that. ~ Lara Lynn
 
This book has the most precious love story written. I would love to see it on the big screen. Without a doubt, Kelli is the Queen of Romance within a mystery package. She is especially my number one author for love stories. ~ Dee Archer
 
I cannot begin to describe how much I enjoyed this book. It’s so full of emotion and keeps you guessing all the way
through! I couldn’t bare to stop reading, and devoured it in just one day! ~ Kim
 

 
 
Tell us a little about yourself and your background?
 
I’m just a crazy lady who listens to the voices in her head and writes stories about these pesky people. lol. I’ve been writing since I was 13 years old (11 if you count poetry). I’m a chocolate connoisseur, professional percolator, and master in the art of procrastination. Some people say I have a sense of humor. Who’da thunk it? 😀
 
I write paranormal romance, though it’s on the lighter side. The first book in my Soulmate Series was mistaken for a contemporary romance by a lot of readers. There’s more of a paranormal element in the subsequent books. I do plan to write a few contemporary novels soon, but paranormal is my chosen genre.
 
Which writers inspire you?
 
Edgar Allan Poe is part of the reason I began writing. His work is dark but passionate. He knew how to hit a nerve with his readers. Stephen King inspires me as well. To me, he is one of those people who defines perseverance. The man received so many rejection letters early in his career but he kept writing and submitting his work until it made it into the right hands. Whenever I feel like giving up on writing, I think about what he went through. 
 
Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?
 
Marlon Teixeira is a male model, so I’m not sure about his acting skill 😉 but visually, he makes a great Dylan McBride
 
Heaven Lewis is a tough one. I’ve always imagined Natalie Portman or Crystal Reed (ex Alison from Teen Wolf)
 
Cam Gigandet would make a great Layne Perry
 
When did you decide to become a writer?
 
I’ve always loved writing and reading. I’ve had an overactive imagination since I was a kid, but writing came into play through poetry when I was 11. I started writing stories at the age of 13. I decided to do this full time back in 2010 and published my debut novel in November of 2011.
 
Do you write on a typewriter, computer, dictate or longhand?
 
Believe it or not, I write quite a bit on my iPhone when I can’t get to my laptop, which is where I do most of my writing.
 
Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?
 
I used to get an idea and just run with it, but with my last two books, I used on an outline. I did the same for my current work in progress. Not that characters like sticking to what I plan for them. Layne Perry is a prime example of this. He wasn’t originally supposed to have such a huge part in this series, but when Dylan grew quiet, Layne didn’t. His story came to the forefront.
 
Do you read much and if so who are your favorite authors.
 
I’ve had a love affair with books even before I could read. I would sit with my picture books in my lap for hours, creating my own stories to match the illustrations. I love reading, though I don’t get to do it as much as I used to. Some of my favorites are J R R Tolkien, Johanna Lindsey, PC & Kristin Cast, Amber Scott, Elena Gray, and Stephen King.
 
Do you think that giving books away free works and why?
 
If you mean by doing giveaways and contests, I’m not really sure. I think authors have a 50/50 shot in gaining a new reader this way. When it comes to free books on Amazon, the answer is no. When Amazon’s Prime program began in late 2011, it created a buzz that drew in customers. But as more and more authors began using it, the site became saturated with free books. Most people who shop for free books never read them. I’m not saying everyone does this. I have a good friend who shops for free books to find new authors. It’s a great way to discover a new author without having to pay for a book you may not like. But most people who get free books don’t read them. It also opens up more piracy opportunities.
 
How do you relax?
 
Relax? What is this relax thing you speak of? lol. When I can find the time, I like taking walks or soaking in a long hot bath with a glass of wine. Whenever I release a book, I like to veg out with a movie marathon.
 
What is your favorite book and why?
 
I can’t pick a favorite. I love PC & Kristin Cast’s House of Night series and Johanna Lindsey’s The Devil Who Tamed Her. Stephen King’s Carrie is one of my all time favorites.
 
What is your favorite quote?
 
“Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes… The ones who see things differently — they’re not fond of rules… You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things… They push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.” —Steve Jobs
 
What is your favorite movie and why?
 
Again, this is another hard decision. There a couple movies I could watch over and over.
 
1) Pretty Woman
2) He’s Just Not That Into You
3) Dazed and Confused 
 
Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?
 
J. R. R. Tolkien. I love his work. His imagination was so vast. I’m envious.
 
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
 
Don’t go into this industry expecting to be a best seller. Go in with the idea of creating something that makes you happy then share it with the world. As long as you’re happy with what you’ve created, no one else’s opinions matter, and you will be faced with many opinions. 
 
Where can you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
 
 I don’t see much changing, other than having more published books. I’m in this for the long haul. 
 
If you had a superpower, what would it be?
 
Funny you should ask that considering my characters have some superpowers of their own. 😉 I would have to say I’d want teleportation abilities. Imagine how much money you’d save in gas and car expenses. 
 
What secret talents do you have?
 
I’m ambidextrous. Oh, I read tarot cards too. 
 
Where is one place you want to visit that you haven’t been before?
 
Greece and Ireland. Greece, because of the amount of history. Ireland, because of family heritage.
 
What is something you want to accomplish before you die?
 
Learn to play guitar
 
What does your writing process look like?
 
A hot mess. 🙂 As scenes come to me, I take notes on my phone and usually transfer them to my computer when I have time. I use Scrivener to organize my notes and create my outlines. Once my outline is complete, or pretty close, I start writing. Sometimes I write before I do an outline. Either way, it gets me where I’m going. After I start writing, I’m a slave to the story from 7am to 4pm each day. I used to write around the clock, but having a family makes that impossible. I want time with my kids and husband too.
 
What do you consider to be your best accomplishment?
 
Aside from my kids? 🙂 To me, it was taking control of my career. Being an indie author isn’t easy by any means, but I like the fact that I have control of every aspect of my career. 
 
Is there a certain type of scene that’s harder for you to write than others? Love? Action? Racy?
 
I don’t think so. When I first started, I had a little trouble with action scenes, but I think I’ve gotten better. I just write the story the way the characters tell it.
 
Did you learn anything from writing your books and what was it?
 
Yes. I learned that love is about more than being with someone. It’s about the sacrifices you’re willing to make for that person, not because you have to or it’s expected, but because you want to.
 
Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
 
I’m fortunate that I have a lot of supportive people. Naming one seems a bit unfair because I consider them a part of my team and without them, none of this would be possible. My two editors, my PA, and a few good friends are to me, on entity. My team.
 
Can you share a little of your current work with us?
 
Sure. I’d love to share it. Thank you for asking. This if from my newest release, Heartstrings:
 
It was gloomy, and cold, and the rain misting upon me was so light, it was as if I’d stumbled into a spider web, dragging it along with every step. The fog, like my confusion, thickened the further I walked. The constant whirling in the distance ignited my curiosity. I wasn’t sure what lie ahead, just out of view, but I knew it was something important, something that resulted from dire consequences.
 
The surrounding trees with their aggressive limbs slowed my progression. If not for them or the snow-covered ground, I would have sworn I was walking through sand. The snow wasn’t much better, and the trees… Each low hanging branch grabbed at my clothing like skeleton fingers, just as slim, and harsh, and terrifying.
 
I picked up my pace as best I could. My heart raced to the point I thought it would break free of the cage in which it was captured—my ribs. I wasn’t sure how I’d gotten here, or where here was, but I knew if I didn’t find my way out, I’d be lost in darkness forever.
 
Lights flickered in the distance. I hurried toward them though my head spun fiercely. The faster I moved, the more they grew out of reach. It was like being in a bad dream and seeing a door at the end of a tunnel. Despite how many steps I took, I never reached the end.
 
Screeching pieced my ears. The sky above was dark and dreary, but showed no signs of the owl I swore had made the noise. Yet the noise reoccurred, only louder—closer. Its sharp, crisp vibrations didn’t resemble an animal, but something mechanical. Perhaps it was a piece of heavy machinery. My father operated them all his life. I’d been to his job sites and knew the sound well. Still, something in me said I was wrong about the sound again.
 
The air grew tainted with smoke. It coupled with the putrid scent of something resembling burnt rubber. There was another scent I didn’t recognize, and it was worse than the former. I stumbled through the fog, desperate to find the source of the commotion, as well as the stench. Dread pumped through my veins. I had no clue what lie ahead. The fog wouldn’t dissipate, which left me fumbling my way through the snow.
 
What appeared to be the edge of my woodland purgatory loomed ahead. I would soon have answers. Just a little further to edge and—
 
The sound of metal twisting split the air. I fell to the ground, taking cover just as crunching echoed through the woods. Each heartbeat vibrated my chest. The amount of fear was insurmountable.
 
Though part of me wanted to stand up and drive forward into the unknown, I couldn’t. My joints froze, keeping my body still. The feeling that something terrible was happening wouldn’t fade. No matter how afraid I was of what was occurring just out of view, I needed answers.
 
Pushing myself back to a stand, I clung to a tree, gawking at the edge of the woods. More lights flickered. Each flash beckoned me forward until I couldn’t resist the urge to move. I crept closer, hoping my heart wouldn’t explode before I received the answers to my questions. And just as I stepped from the slumbering, snow filled woodlands, blackness entrapped me. And I fell.
 
My body twirled through a bottomless pit that pulled me further into its desperate nothingness. I grabbed and kicked about frantically. My last hope of finding something to stop me slipped away.
 
Then my body crashed into something hard. I lurched forward as my eyes flew open and the spinning stopped. My hands fisted the soft fabric beneath them. Once they came into view, a breath of relief filled my lungs.
 
I was home, safe and sound and tucked into my bed. The fabric was nothing more than my sheets, and the nothingness from which I’d came, a bad dream. Knowing as much provided me with a small sense of peace. But it didn’t last long. Despite the fact that I’d escaped the darkness of my subconscious, I was faced with one reality I didn’t want.
 
The answers I sought were still questions waiting to be unraveled. And the memories I longed to regain were still locked away in the part of my brain that refused to cooperate.
 
Tears warmed my cheeks before I buried my face into my pillow. And I wept. Uncontrollably. Profusely. Hopelessly…
 
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?


 

Posted in Authors & Books, Blurb, Interview / Q&A, Promo, Spotlight / Blog Tour, Teaser

Leave a comment

Tags: ,

CHARACTER BLOG TOUR ~ Fragrance Free by L.B. Dunbar

Apr 26

Posted by

 
Fragrance Free
by L.B. Dunbar

Character Tour
 
 
Add to Goodreads

 

 

 

Synopsis
  

Change your destiny.

As the third child in the Carter family, I always felt a little on the outside of the Carter charm. I worked hard and played harder, but I was getting tired of the same old scene. I was more than Jess Carter’s little sister, I wanted to be me. Pam Carter.

 

 

It was time for a change and I wanted to be set free.

I knew it needed to happen. After years of one night stands and too brief sexual encounters, an accident brought Fate to me. To resist his charm was my penance for years of misbehavior. The temptation to give in to my desire haunted me for almost two years, until an uncontrollable situation started the twisted path to test my resolve further.

 

 

What would it take to claim my independence and be a new, improved woman?

I worked for Jacob Vincent, horror novelist extraordinaire, as his personal assistant, but I was adamant that the relationship remain professional. Jacob had dark demons and I couldn’t bring him into the light…or could I? Life was springing forth for me; changes were coming. I knew it was time to be set free from who I had been and who I was to start fresh with who I wanted to be. I just didn’t know where to start to change my destiny.

 

 

 

Return to Elk Rapids for the third sensation in the Sensations Collection, Fragrance Free. A standalone contemporary New Adult romance, this novel continues the stories of the Carter and Scott families. Read Sound Advice (Sensations Collection 1) to meet Jess Carter and Emily Post and find out how it all began over some good advice and a broken radio, or Taste Test (Sensations Collection 2) to meet Ethan Scott and Ella Vincentia where the challenge is delicious in more ways than one.

 

 

 
 
Buy Now
 
Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iTunes

 

  

Jacob Vincent and
Pam Carter Interview

 

Jacob grunts at me. I know he hates to talk about himself and I’m making him answer this interview for The Horror Times, a periodical that highlights mystery, suspense, and all things horrific in writing. As his personal assistant, I make it my mission to keep him on track. It’s what he hired me for at first, but now, things are different.

Jacob, sitting at his desk: Why do I have to do this again? (He swivels back and forth in his chair as I pace in front of the large desk, holding my ipad in one hand and type with the other).

Pam: It’s good publicity. Your novels are doing well and with the upcoming movie, people are curious about you.

Jacob, letting his head fall back: Fine, Lilac. Ask away.

I have to smile when he calls me by my nickname. He gave it to me, and he uses it when he wants something from me. I wasn’t ready to give him what he wanted at the moment. We have work to do.

Pam: First question, can you tell me who or what inspired you to write?

Jacob: Stephen King.

Exasperated, I sigh: Not your standard answer. Something more truthful. More you.

His dark hair falls over his forehead and my hand twitches to brush it back. I can’t touch him yet, or this interview won’t get done.

Jacob, blowing out a breath: Fine. My father inspired me. Not that he was a positive force, or supportive, but because he was a less than encouraging parent who ruled by the fist. Monsters were a daily reality for me.

I stopped pacing. He was more honest than I expected. I blinked at him before I asked another question, but he was looking at the high ceiling of his study. We were back in Michigan for this interview after a long weekend in New York visiting his niece, Ella, and her boyfriend, Ethan Scott.

Pam: Anything or anybody else inspire you?

Jacob leaned forward, the chair stilled and he rested his elbows on his knees.

Softly, Jacob replied: My brother. (His head was bent forward and I crossed around the desk to stand near him. He still held a lot of guilt from what his brother had done in the past and we’d talked about how it wasn’t his fault).

My tone warned him: Jacob.

He looked up at me, shaking his head: Don’t psycho-analyze me, Pam? (When he used my name in that tone, I knew he was getting upset. He was moody, and some days I had to just roll with it. Other days, I fought back.

Pam: I’m not psycho-analyzing you. I’m just reminding you it’s not your fault.

He warned me again, this time with my nickname: Lilac, please. I’m not one of your students. Just ask the questions.

My life had changed because of Jacob. One of those things was a return to school to become a high school counselor. While Jacob loved that I was doing what I wanted, he didn’t like it when I turned my new skills on him. Unfortunately, I believed if someone had used those strategies when he was young, he might not hold all this guilt inside. He also might not be the brilliant writer that he is, either.

Moving on. Pam: Your characters are deep and labelled demented at times. How could you come up with such evil?

Jacob, as he leans back in his chair: Drugs. Alcohol. Evil family members. It wasn’t hard.

It was my turn to sigh. Drugs and alcohol was how I met Jacob. He’d been in an accident and I was the EMT to respond. It was one of many jobs I held. For some reason, he called to me, figuratively, and I did something I’d never done before, I followed up on a patient. That night began the two year relationship of my working for Jacob. Now things were different.

Pam: Can’t tell kids to take drugs and alcohol, Mr. Vincent. That wouldn’t be responsible.

Jacob reached for me as I stood at the edge of his desk and pulled me towards him. I wobbled a bit before I settled to stand between his knees. His hands were on the back of my thighs.

Jacob: When have you ever known me to be responsible? (He tried to use a sinister voice, but it didn’t work. I laughed.)

Pam: Many times. With Ella. With Jacob. With me. With us. (My voice quieted on the last words).

Jacob smiled slowly: Us. (He kissed my stomach and then his hands traveled up to my hips. He stood and lifted me to sit on the leather pad in the middle of his desk. He now stood between my knees).

I continued my interview, even though his hands were smoothing up and down my thighs. A burning sensation trailed behind his touch and I was ready to give in, but not yet.

Pam: It’s often said you are a recluse. What do you have to say to that?

Jacob: I’m a private man. (He leans forward and runs his nose under my jaw. Moaning softly, he whispers.) You smell delicious.

My head tilts to allow him better access and then I cough a little to remind him we need to finish.

Pam: That doesn’t exactly answer the question.

Jacob, pulling back to look me in the eyes: If you want me to mention Ella and how I brought her here to protect her, I’m not going to comment.

That wasn’t what I intended, nor did I think the interviewer wanted that answer. Jacob would never reveal publicly that he thought it best to hide his niece in my small home town in order to help her heal from the horrors of her senior year. I adored Ella and I wouldn’t want to share her situation either.

Interrupting my thoughts, Jacob kissed the other side of my neck: Let’s talk about you.

I giggle as removes the ipad from my hands, then rubs his hands around my neck and under my hair.

Pam: The interviews not about me.

Jacob: Well, the interview is about me, and you are a part of me now. (He kisses me tenderly before making it more aggressive. We can go from zero to one-hundred in minutes and I knew we had to stop or we’d be reenacting a scene from our past on this desk again.)

Pushing Jacob back: What about me, then?

Jacob: What made you fall in love with me? (He was serious but his tone was playful.)

Pam: That won’t be in the interview.

Jacob: Humor me.

Pam: I felt like you were a lost soul. Despite being highly attracted to you…

Jacob interrupting: Highly attracted?

Pam: Yes. (I squeak as Jacob pulls me to the edge of the desk. He’s lined us up even though we aren’t touching. Yet.) I felt like you had secrets deep inside.

Jacob: Deep inside? (He narrows his eyes at me. It’s a trait often reserved for when he wants to make something known he’s serious.)

I sighed: And then when you took care of me. When I was sick. I learned that you were really sweet despite the moodiness.

Jacob, pulling back a bit as he nudged his hips forward: You think I’m moody?

Pam: You know I do. (I laughed.)

Jacob: Let’s go back to those other words. Highly. Deep. Inside. (He leans forward and he knows he’s tempting me. I’m so attracted to Jacob it scares me, but he’s just as drawn to me. He was constantly touching me before anything happened, and now it’s endless.)

Pam: I’d rather hear other words. Love, perhaps? (Jacob’s hands return to my hips and he kisses me on the shoulder).

Jacob: I love you, Lilac. Is that what you want to hear?

Pam: That will do, Mr. Vincent.

Jacob: You know it’s still kind-of hot that you call me that even though you don’t have to anymore. Actually you never had to be so formal with me.

I did have to be that formal, though. It was a way to protect myself. I had to keep our relationship professional. Jacob was too much of a temptation for me in the past and I was tired of being tempted and disappointed by men.

Jacob: When do I get to call you Mrs. Vincent?

I sigh and turn my head to look out the floor to ceiling glass window that holds the most glorious view of Lake Michigan, but he uses his fingers to force me to look at him.

Jacob: Lilac?

Pam: Soon. We have Jess and Emily’s wedding first.

His fingers intertwine with mine and he glances down at my hand. He raises it to kiss my knuckles, then set our hands back on my thigh.

Jacob: I’m a very patient man.

I laugh hard: You are not.

His caramel colored eyes darken and his mouth crooks up on one side: I’ve been known to take my time. (His eyes narrow to emphasize his point. He has learned to take things slow, but he knows I wouldn’t complain if it’s fast either).

Jacob: I think it’s time to end this interview?

Jacob had a way of asking a question that was more a suggestion. He was kissing me again.

Still touching his lips: Want me to set you free, huh?

Jacob: I want to set you free. Free of these clothes.

He was a jokester when things got too serious for him and the interview had been more serious than he cared to share.

Pam: Alright, Mr. Vincent. You’re free.

Jacob: Not yet. (And I heard the clink of his belt unbuckle and the unzip of his jeans). I want to set you free, too, Lilac. (His mouth was against mine again, his tone more serious).

Pam: You already do, Jacob. You already do.

 

 
 
 

 
Sound Advice (Book One)

Buy Now: Amazon


Taste Test (Book Two)

Buy Now: Amazon

Touch
Screen (Book Four)

Buy Now: Amazon

 
Newest Series

The Legend of Arturo King

(Legendary Rock Stars Book One)

Buy Now: Amazon

 

Coming Soon:

The Story of Lansing Lotte

(Legendary Rock Stars Book Two)

Add to Goodreads

 

 
About L.B. Dunbar
 
 
I’d like to say I was always a writer. I’d also like to say that I wrote every day of my life since a child. That I took the teaching advice I give my former students because writing every day improves your writing. I’d like to say I have my ten-thousand hours that makes me a proficient writer. But I can’t say
any of those things. I did dream of writing the “Great American Novel” until one day a friend said: Why does it have to be great? Why can’t it just be good and tell a story?
 
 
As a teenager, I wrote your typical love-angst poetry that did occasionally win me an award and honor me with addressing my senior high school class at our Baccalaureate Mass. I didn’t keep a journal because I was too afraid my mom would find it in the mattress where I kept my copy of Judy Blume’s Forever that I wasn’t allowed to read as a twelve year old.
 
 
I can say that books have been my life. I’m a reader. I loved to read the day I discovered “The Three
Bears” as a first grader, and ever since then, the written word has been my friend. Books were an escape for me. An adventure to the unknown. A love affair I’d never know. I could be lost for hours in a book.
 
 
So why writing now? I had a story to tell. It haunted me from the moment I decided if I just wrote it down it would go away. But it didn’t. Three years after writing the first draft, a sign (yes, I believe in them) told me to fix up that draft and work the process to have it published. That’s what I did. But one story let to another, and another, and another. Then a new idea came into my head and a new story line was created. 
 
 
I was accused (that’s the correct word) of having an overactive imagination as a child, as if that was a bad thing. I’ve also been accused of having the personality of a Jack Russell terrier, full of energy, unable to relax, and always one step ahead. What can I say other than I have stories to tell and I think you’ll like them. If you don’t, that’s okay. We all have our book boyfriends. We all have our favorites. Whatever you do, though, take time for yourself and read a book.
 
Stalk Links
 
Facebook | Facebook Author Amazon | Twitter | Pinterest
Goodreads | Booktropoloussocial
Blog | Website
 


 

 

 

 
 

Posted in Authors & Books, Interview / Q&A, New Releases, Spotlight / Blog Tour, Teaser

Leave a comment

Tags: ,

NEW RELEASE SPOTLIGHT ~ Against Me (Cedar Tree #3) by Freya Barker

Apr 7

Posted by

    Blog Tour Banner     
AGAINST ME – (Cedar Tree #3)

AGAINST ME Ecover

By Freya Barker

Release April 1st, 2015

Amazon US:
Amazon UK:
Amazon CA:
Amazon AU:

Add to Goodreads:

Synopsis:

Patience has always been Caleb Whitetail’s strength. Quiet and unassuming is what you see with the GFI investigator, but the blood boils hot right under the surface. He kept his distance for years only to see the woman who has held his attention almost lose her life not just once, but twice. He is done standing in the shadows.
Katie Acker, once a tough and athletic security specialist now struggles daily to walk. The closest to family she has are her colleagues at GFI. Especially the man who saved her life and always has her back. So when she unwittingly becomes the focus of a Mexican cartel, it’s no big surprise she finds him right by her side.
With the combustive change in their deepening bond, Katie and Caleb do not see the oncoming danger – until it surrounds them.

trauriger junger mann

 

AGAINST ME – Playlist on Spotify

 

Teaser 1

 

Previous books in the series

Book Links:

“HUNDRED TO ONE” (Cedar Tree #2)

HTO2015 Ecover

 

Amazon US:
Amazon CA:
Amazon UK:
Amazon AU:
B&N:
Kobo:

“SLIM TO NONE” (Cedar Tree #1)

STN 2015 Ecover

Amazon US:
Amazon CA:
Amazon UK:
Amazon AUS:

 

About the Author

10608474_1504011113182260_5720486854123747231_o

Freya Barker has always loved being creative. From an early age on she danced and sang, doodled, created, cooked, baked, quilted and crafted. Her latest creative outlets were influenced by an ever-present love for reading. First through blogging, then cover art and design, and finally writing.

Born and raised in the Netherlands, she packed her two toddlers, and eight suitcases filled with toys to move to Canada. No stranger to new beginnings, she thrives on them.
With the kids grown and out in the world, Freya is at the ‘prime’ of her life. The body might be a bit ramshackle, but the spirit is high and as adventurous as ever. Something you may see reflected here and there in some of her heroines…. none of who will likely be wilting flowers.

Freya craved reading about ‘real’ people, those who are perhaps less than perfect, but just as deserving of romance, hot monkey sex and some thrills and chills in their lives – So she decided to write about them.

Social Links

Facebook:
Twitter:
Web:
Amazon:
Goodreads:
email:

Or sign up for her Newsletter:

 

GUEST POST

The Cedar Tree series was first conceived in 2012, when I visited a friend I had previously only talked to on Facebook and on the phone. We had been friends for quite a few years already and she lived, and still does, in the Four Corners area of gorgeous Colorado.
In the summer weeks I spent with her and her family, I fell in love with Colorado – the beauty and history of the Four Corners in particular – and my imagination was stirred.

The wish to read about more than only people in their twenties and the hope of finding some connection with characters who might have physical limitations, similar to mine, eventually had me put the proverbial pen to paper.

SLIM TO NONE was no longer a concept but became real. However, less than a quarter into my writing, I realized that I had perhaps three or more stories percolating right on the tail of the one I was trying to put into words. And it became clear that I wouldn’t be able to get away with just Gus and Emma’s story. An entire community had become involved, or at least an entire group of friends who all seem to have their own stories that need to be told.

HUNDRED TO ONE was needed, book two, and Arlene and Seb’s chance to tell their story. One that was already almost bursting at the seams in the first book. And with this book slowly more characters are coming out of the shadows demanding more attention.

The current release; AGAINST ME, book three in the series, is the story of Caleb and Katie. Two people we have come to love as we have observed them from a distance since the very beginning. Theirs is a story that takes many detours and hits quite a few roadblocks before aligning; and it brings with it the introduction of some interesting new characters.

CLEAN LINES, is the next and fourth book scheduled. In fact, I’m up to my eyeballs into writing it already. CLEAN LINES will finally see some of the familiar Cedar Tree faces get the resolution they needed in their lives, but it won’t necessarily be the end for the series. Not in the near future anyway. There is more to come – more stories to be told.

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t other things playing around in my mind, which just won’t shut up now that it’s been given a voice. I am toying with the idea for a standalone for the second half of this year. One perhaps a shade darker than the books in this current series. A standalone I say, but knowing myself, it would likely produce interesting characters, who in turn will require their own books, hence creating a new series. Who knows?

We’ll start with the standalone, the one with no title so far and no names to give you. But one thing I can guarantee; that the heroine will be less than perfect, that she will likely have seen more of life than most, and that she will struggle, battle and overcome. Oh… and she will most certainly have some uninvited help – from a deep-voiced, strong-willed and no-nonsense Alpha male.

Excerpts

The sound of voices gets louder as I make my way through the now dark guesthouse to the bedroom. Leaning against the doorway into the room, I can just catch the last few sentences exchanged between the women sitting on the big bed. It’s obvious from the tearstained faces that some emotional stuff has gone down and I feel guilt eating at my insides. But then I hear Katie say that me walking out earlier meant I must have regretted what happened between us, I have to set her straight. She can’t be further from the truth and it’s time she knows it.
The moment her head swings around and her eyes meet mine, everything else disappears. I barely notice Emma leaving. In a few steps I reach the bed, lean in and pick Katie up.
“Whoa!” she calls out, scrambling to hold onto my neck. “Whatcha doing?”
“You in my bed means I can’t think, and I’m having a hard enough time thinking around you. We need to set some things straight.” I tell her, trying not to get lost in the feel of her soft body against mine, her subtle scent teasing me and her restless fingers playing against the short bristles in my neck. My dick, however, is a goner, and there is no way to hide it when I sit down on the couch with Katie in my lap.
“Stop squirming, you’re making it worse,”
When she throws me an irritated look I’m glad to see the fire back in her eyes. There she is.
“Okay, enough of the manhandling, Caleb,” Katie bats at my hands as I shift her around so she faces me. The old tank top and shorts she wears as PJs aren’t doing much to cover her and I can’t help the tortured groan that slips from me. Fucking hell, this is gonna be torture, with her nipples poking through the threadbare material. Right in my face.
“What the hell is this? I honestly don’t know whether I’m coming or going with you.”
“Shhhhh, don’t get upset,” I try to settle her before the tears I hear wobbling in her voice start flowing. “I just needed a minute.”
Cupping her face between my hands, I tilt her head so I can look her in the eye. “This I have wanted and waited to do for so long, I need to make sure I don’t miss a thing.”
Her eyes are big and a little uncertain and her lips are perfectly parted when I brush my nose along hers, breathing in the soft pants of her breath. A light brush of my mouth over hers, barely skimming, and then I taste the length of her full bottom lip with my tongue before sucking its plumpness in my mouth. Fucking heaven. Her taste is heaven and I need more. Katie’s fingers rubbing against my scalp is all the encouragement I need and I finally let go of my hunger for her and take her mouth. Jesus. Delicious wet heat meets me when my tongue plunges between her lips. Someone groans… and in the now furious tangle of lips and tongues I can’t tell anymore. I want inside her. In one twist and without my mouth ever leaving hers, I have her below me on the couch, and I’m grinding my painfully throbbing cock between her legs. It isn’t until she wrenches her lips from mine and murmurs, “Caleb…” that I realize I am fucking humping her like some deranged rutting animal. I shoot back upright and move to sit on the coffee table, my head in my hands.
“Fuck!”
Why? Why does she make me lose all control when control has always come so easy?
“Are you gonna walk out of here again?” The amused tone of Katie’s voice tells me she may be a little more attuned to the struggle I’m waging than she was before. “Because, that would seriously mess with my self-esteem, you know; getting rejected based on my abilities for giving head and kissing?”
I throw my head back and laugh. “Oh sweetheart, you couldn’t be further from the truth if you tried.”
~

Teaser 4

~

“Morning, better sit yourselves down ’cause Emma’s cooked for an orphanage,” Gus says as he holds the door open for us.
“Shut your mouth, Gus, or you’re not gonna get any,” Emma pipes up from the kitchen, “and when I say ‘any’… I mean any!”
The faux-shocked expression on Gus’ face inadvertently makes me chuckle, “Show me the way to the food, but I’m warning you – if I get any fatter, I’ll need a sumo wrestler to wheel me around.”
The dead silence should’ve been an indicator my joke doesn’t go over too well.
“I need a word, Katie,” is my only warning, before my chair gets pulled around and pushed back outside. Okay then. Next thing I know Caleb is in my face with his eyebrows scrunched up.
“Please don’t do that.”
“What did I do?” I know, I just don’t want to admit it.
“Tell me honestly,” he asks, “is who you are so wrapped up in what you look like that you think it is all anyone sees? Cause I’m not buying it.”
I shake my head, because it’s not. It really isn’t, but insecurities pop up and spill out all over the place – unattractive as they may be.
“Aside from the fact that ‘fat’ is not an adjective that should ever be used in a description of you, it’s a load of crap. You want it straight? You have gained weight, rounded out and softened up. You have flesh my fingers want to sink in and my body wants to rest on. But I’d have taken you any way, thin, firm, soft, cause the only place you can find ugly is on the inside.”
I nod. Shit, what else am I supposed to do? It’s beautiful, what he says, I don’t want to take anything away from that.
“Let’s go eat.”

Teaser 6

BLP REVIEW ~ TRACY

The Cedar Tree series is fast becoming one of my all time faves….Having read and thoroughly enjoyed the first two books I’ve been looking forward to reading Caleb & Katie’s story, and once again, Freya didn’t disappoint with Against Me!!!

We had met both Katie and Caleb earlier in the series but didn’t know a huge amount about either of them. As this story starts Katie is recovering from an accident and Caleb is there as the concerned ‘friend & co-worker’ though that’s far from what he wants from the woman.

Neither have had a great life and both have some issues and problems that still need to be sorted out. Katie in particular has an uphill battle on her hands, both physically and mentally, but if she can see herself from Caleb’s POV she’ll do just fine.
There’s loads of action, mystery and suspense. We catch up with the couples & characters from previous books and meet again the leads from the next book.

For me, part of the beauty of these books lies in the people. Rather than wealthy, drop-dead gorgeous, perfectly formed 20-somethings that we often come across in romance stories, the characters Freya writes about feel real and are an age that those of us heading towards our 40s & 50s can relate to.
Flawed, a little damaged and broken, they are far from perfect but they are perfect together. I love the honesty, openness and acceptance that they show and don’t get me started on the sex scenes – talk about HOT – Caleb is one dirty, knicker-melting, sexy bugger (lucky Katie!!) who doesn’t hold back from showing K exactly what she does to him regardless of her disability.

Caleb & Katie, Seb & Arlene and Gus & Emma remind us that ‘family’ doesn’t always mean those we have blood ties to and sometimes those closest and most important to us, the ones who care and will move mountains to help us, are quite often the ‘family’ we build around ourselves as we grow and time passes.

I can’t wait to see what Frey has in store for us with Naomi & Joe in the next instalment of this fantastic series!!!

Against Me is a definite read for those who have picked up Slim To None and Hundred to One. If you haven’t tried the series yet, go grab a copy and lose yourself in the lives of the residents of Cedar Tree..

Teaser 5


AGAINST ME cover

Posted in Authors & Books, Blurb, Excerpt, Interview / Q&A, New Releases, Playlist, Recommendations, Reviews, Spotlight / Blog Tour, Teaser

1 Comment

Tags: , , , , , , ,

BLOG TOUR ~ Heartstrings by Kelli McCracken

Apr 2

Posted by

Heartstrings
by Kelli McCracken
Blog Tour
March 27th – April 9th
 
  
Add to GOODREADS

 

 

 
 
“You’ve suffered a terrible tragedy, Jo.” That’s what my doctor keeps telling me. All I know is that I’ve lost everything—my ability to play piano, six years of my life, my will to live…

The only thing keeping Jocelyn ‘Jo’ Hayes from falling apart is her brother, Brighton, whose past is sketchier than her mind. Brighton’s hiding secrets. He refuses to give Jo the answers she needs, but after she meets the mysterious
Adam, she decides to keep secrets of her own.As Jo’s recovery fluctuates, Adam’s purpose in her life grows more confusing. Then Paxton Carr shows up at her door. His resemblance to Adam sends Jo’s on a quest to discover the truth and regain her memories.

But the truth doesn’t always set someone free. Will Jo find the missing pieces of her memory and solve the riddle she calls life, or will the ugly truth destroy what’s left of her mind?

 
 

 

 

 
Amazon US | Amazon UK 
Amazon CA | Amazon AU

 
 

 

 

 

 
Tell us a little about yourself and your background?
 
I’m just a crazy lady who listens to the voices in her head and writes stories about these pesky people. lol. I’ve been writing since I was 13 years old (11 if you count poetry). I’m a chocolate connoisseur, professional percolator, and master in the art of procrastination. Some people say I have a sense of humor. Who’da thunk it? 😀
 
I write paranormal romance, though it’s on the lighter side. The first book in my Soulmate Series was mistaken for a contemporary romance by a lot of readers. There’s more of a paranormal element in the subsequent books. I do plan to write a few contemporary novels soon, but paranormal is my chosen genre.
 
Which writers inspire you?
 
Edgar Allan Poe is part of the reason I began writing. His work is dark but passionate. He knew how to hit a nerve with his readers. Stephen King inspires me as well. To me, he is one of those people who defines perseverance. The man received so many rejection letters early in his career but he kept writing and submitting his work until it made it into the right hands. Whenever I feel like giving up on writing, I think about what he went through. 
 
What are you working on at the minute?
 
My newest project is actually an older project. I released a short story in a Valentine’s Day Anthology in 2012. Since the anthology was unpublished, I decided to take my story and expand it into a full length novel. I had a hard time writing it as a short story anyway, so I was excited to delve back in and bring the characters to life.
 
Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?
 
Marlon Teixeira is a male model, so I’m not sure about his acting skill 😉 but visually, he makes a great Dylan McBride
 
Heaven Lewis is a tough one. I’ve always imagined Natalie Portman or Crystal Reed (ex Alison from Teen Wolf)
 
Cam Gigandet would make a great Layne Perry
 
When did you decide to become a writer?
 
I’ve always loved writing and reading. I’ve had an overactive imagination since I was a kid, but writing came into play through poetry when I was 11. I started writing stories at the age of 13. I decided to do this full time back in 2010 and published my debut novel in November of 2011.
 
Do you write on a typewriter, computer, dictate or longhand?
 
Believe it or not, I write quite a bit on my iPhone when I can’t get to my laptop, which is where I do most of my writing.
 
Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?
 
I used to get an idea and just run with it, but with my last two books, I used on an outline. I did the same for my current work in progress. Not that characters like sticking to what I plan for them. Layne Perry is a prime example of this. He wasn’t originally supposed to have such a huge part in this series, but when Dylan grew quiet, Layne didn’t. His story came to the forefront.
 
Do you read much and if so who are your favorite authors.
 
I’ve had a love affair with books even before I could read. I would sit with my picture books in my lap for hours, creating my own stories to match the illustrations. I love reading, though I don’t get to do it as much as I used to. Some of my favorites are J R R Tolkien, Johanna Lindsey, PC & Kristin Cast, Amber Scott, Elena Gray, and Stephen King.
 
Do you think that giving books away free works and why?
 
If you mean by doing giveaways and contests, I’m not really sure. I think authors have a 50/50 shot in gaining a new reader this way. When it comes to free books on Amazon, the answer is no. When Amazon’s Prime program began in late 2011, it created a buzz that drew in customers. But as more and more authors began using it, the site became saturated with free books. Most people who shop for free books never read them. I’m not saying everyone does this. I have a good friend who shops for free books to find new authors. It’s a great way to discover a new author without having to pay for a book you may not like. But most people who get free books don’t read them. It also opens up more piracy opportunities.
 
How do you relax?
 
Relax? What is this relax thing you speak of? lol. When I can find the time, I like taking walks or soaking in a long hot bath with a glass of wine. Whenever I release a book, I like to veg out with a movie marathon.
 
What is your favorite book and why?
 
I can’t pick a favorite. I love PC & Kristin Cast’s House of Night series and Johanna Lindsey’s The Devil Who Tamed Her. Stephen King’s Carrie is one of my all time favorites.
 
What is your favorite quote?
 
“Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes… The ones who see things differently — they’re not fond of rules… You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things… They push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.” —Steve Jobs
 
What is your favorite movie and why?
 
Again, this is another hard decision. There a couple movies I could watch over and over.
 
1) Pretty Woman
2) He’s Just Not That Into You
3) Dazed and Confused 
 
Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?
 
J. R. R. Tolkien. I love his work. His imagination was so vast. I’m envious.
 
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
 
Don’t go into this industry expecting to be a best seller. Go in with the idea of creating something that makes you happy then share it with the world. As long as you’re happy with what you’ve created, no one else’s opinions matter, and you will be faced with many opinions. 
 
Where can you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
 
 I don’t see much changing, other than having more published books. I’m in this for the long haul. 
 
If you had a superpower, what would it be?
 
Funny you should ask that considering my characters have some superpowers of their own. 😉 I would have to say I’d want teleportation abilities. Imagine how much money you’d save in gas and car expenses. 
 
What secret talents do you have?
 
I’m ambidextrous. Oh, I read tarot cards too. 
 
Where is one place you want to visit that you haven’t been before?
 
Greece and Ireland. Greece, because of the amount of history. Ireland, because of family heritage.
 
What is something you want to accomplish before you die?
 
Learn to play guitar
 
What does your writing process look like?
 
A hot mess. 🙂 As scenes come to me, I take notes on my phone and usually transfer them to my computer when I have time. I use Scrivener to organize my notes and create my outlines. Once my outline is complete, or pretty close, I start writing. Sometimes I write before I do an outline. Either way, it gets me where I’m going. After I start writing, I’m a slave to the story from 7am to 4pm each day. I used to write around the clock, but having a family makes that impossible. I want time with my kids and husband too.
 
What do you consider to be your best accomplishment?
 
Aside from my kids? 🙂 To me, it was taking control of my career. Being an indie author isn’t easy by any means, but I like the fact that I have control of every aspect of my career. 
 
Is there a certain type of scene that’s harder for you to write than others? Love? Action? Racy?
 
I don’t think so. When I first started, I had a little trouble with action scenes, but I think I’ve gotten better. I just write the story the way the characters tell it.
 
Did you learn anything from writing your books and what was it?
 
Yes. I learned that love is about more than being with someone. It’s about the sacrifices you’re willing to make for that person, not because you have to or it’s expected, but because you want to.
 
Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
 
I’m fortunate that I have a lot of supportive people. Naming one seems a bit unfair because I consider them a part of my team and without them, none of this would be possible. My two editors, my PA, and a few good friends are to me, on entity. My team.
 
Can you share a little of your current work with us?
 
Sure. I’d love to share it. Thank you for asking. This if from my newest release, Heartstrings:
 
It was gloomy, and cold, and the rain misting upon me was so light, it was as if I’d stumbled into a spider web, dragging it along with every step. The fog, like my confusion, thickened the further I walked. The constant whirling in the distance ignited my curiosity. I wasn’t sure what lie ahead, just out of view, but I knew it was something important, something that resulted from dire consequences.
 
The surrounding trees with their aggressive limbs slowed my progression. If not for them or the snow-covered ground, I would have sworn I was walking through sand. The snow wasn’t much better, and the trees… Each low hanging branch grabbed at my clothing like skeleton fingers, just as slim, and harsh, and terrifying.
 
I picked up my pace as best I could. My heart raced to the point I thought it would break free of the cage in which it was captured—my ribs. I wasn’t sure how I’d gotten here, or where here was, but I knew if I didn’t find my way out, I’d be lost in darkness forever.
 
Lights flickered in the distance. I hurried toward them though my head spun fiercely. The faster I moved, the more they grew out of reach. It was like being in a bad dream and seeing a door at the end of a tunnel. Despite how many steps I took, I never reached the end.
 
Screeching pieced my ears. The sky above was dark and dreary, but showed no signs of the owl I swore had made the noise. Yet the noise reoccurred, only louder—closer. Its sharp, crisp vibrations didn’t resemble an animal, but something mechanical. Perhaps it was a piece of heavy machinery. My father operated them all his life. I’d been to his job sites and knew the sound well. Still, something in me said I was wrong about the sound again.
 
The air grew tainted with smoke. It coupled with the putrid scent of something resembling burnt rubber. There was another scent I didn’t recognize, and it was worse than the former. I stumbled through the fog, desperate to find the source of the commotion, as well as the stench. Dread pumped through my veins. I had no clue what lie ahead. The fog wouldn’t dissipate, which left me fumbling my way through the snow.
 
What appeared to be the edge of my woodland purgatory loomed ahead. I would soon have answers. Just a little further to edge and—
 
The sound of metal twisting split the air. I fell to the ground, taking cover just as crunching echoed through the woods. Each heartbeat vibrated my chest. The amount of fear was insurmountable.
 
Though part of me wanted to stand up and drive forward into the unknown, I couldn’t. My joints froze, keeping my body still. The feeling that something terrible was happening wouldn’t fade. No matter how afraid I was of what was occurring just out of view, I needed answers.
 
Pushing myself back to a stand, I clung to a tree, gawking at the edge of the woods. More lights flickered. Each flash beckoned me forward until I couldn’t resist the urge to move. I crept closer, hoping my heart wouldn’t explode before I received the answers to my questions. And just as I stepped from the slumbering, snow filled woodlands, blackness entrapped me. And I fell.
 
My body twirled through a bottomless pit that pulled me further into its desperate nothingness. I grabbed and kicked about frantically. My last hope of finding something to stop me slipped away.
 
Then my body crashed into something hard. I lurched forward as my eyes flew open and the spinning stopped. My hands fisted the soft fabric beneath them. Once they came into view, a breath of relief filled my lungs.
 
I was home, safe and sound and tucked into my bed. The fabric was nothing more than my sheets, and the nothingness from which I’d came, a bad dream. Knowing as much provided me with a small sense of peace. But it didn’t last long. Despite the fact that I’d escaped the darkness of my subconscious, I was faced with one reality I didn’t want.
 
The answers I sought were still questions waiting to be unraveled. And the memories I longed to regain were still locked away in the part of my brain that refused to cooperate.
 
Tears warmed my cheeks before I buried my face into my pillow. And I wept. Uncontrollably. Profusely. Hopelessly…
 
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
 
Time. There isn’t enough hours in a day and I’m always struggling to find time to write some days because there is so much going on, both professionally and personally. This is why I take a lot of notes on my phone. 😉
 
What book are you reading now?
 
I haven’t started a new book yet. I’m hoping to dig into the last two books of the House of Night Series by PC and Kristin Casts. I love those books.
 
What is your favorite theme/genre to write about?
 
Paranormal romance is my favorite, but I do have a few contemporary romances planned. I write, for the most part, on the lighter side of paranormal. No vampires or shifters (though I do enjoy reading these types of books). My first book was mistaken for contemporary romance by a lot of readers. They got a big shock with book two. 
 
While you were writing, did you ever feel as if you were one of the characters?
 
Always. They’re so vivid to me anyway, especially Layne Perry.

 
 
 

 

Kelli McCracken spends most of her days in front of her computer, crafting her next novel. She loves to read and occasionally curls up with a good book. When she’s not chauffeuring kids, cleaning house, or hog-tying unruly characters, she enjoys taking hikes, drinking coffee, or listening to music.

“I’ve learned that in life, you can never take anything too serious. Murphy’s Law never fails, and if you spend your life trying to be perfect, you miss out on mishaps that can turn into miracles. Take time to appreciate life.
It’s gone before you know it.”Kelli lives with her husband and children in Eastern Kentucky. To learn more about the author, you can find her on Facebook or visit her website.

 

 
Pinterest | Website | Twitter | Email | Google+  
LinkedIn | tsu | Facebook
 
Soulmate Series | Street Team | Fan Group


 

Posted in Authors & Books, Excerpt, Interview / Q&A, New Releases, Spotlight / Blog Tour, Teaser

Leave a comment

Tags: ,

BOOK BLITZ ~ Aberrant by Ruth Silver

Mar 23

Posted by

Title: Aberrant
Series: Aberrant Series #1
Author: Ruth Silver

Publication Date: April 16, 2013
Genre: Y/A Dystopian
Publisher: Lazy Day Publishing
Cover: Lazy Day Publishing

Amazon –
Barnes & Noble –


Synopsis

What if your existence was illegal?

It was supposed to be the perfect system: food, shelter, and jobs for everyone. A strive toward Utopian.

When children can no longer be conceived through natural means, a lottery is established to determine which families will conceive a child in a lab through IVF.

Eighteen year old Olivia Parker is an anomaly. She shouldn’t exist.

The government wants her dead. The rebels have their own perverted agenda. In a world filled with secrets, betrayals, and death lurking at every turn, Olivia must decide her own path and who to trust.

Adventure, mystery, and romance come together in this fast-paced Young Adult dystopian fantasy that will keep readers of all ages turning the pages. Aberrant is the first novel in the Aberrant series. 

 

Giveaway

Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Trailer



Excerpt

 
                Joshua and I both headed out of the council hall with Jacqueline leading the way. The line of young men had barely dwindled. I avoided their stare, their curiosity as they slowly proceeded forward, giving the attendant their name. I wondered how they knew about me and more importantly what they knew. Jacqueline walked a few feet ahead of us, giving us privacy to talk. I silently thanked her for still respecting us and our wishes. She was probably the only one in Haven who liked us. I didn’t know if I should be relieved or angered by the recent news. I could feel the whispers, like tingles against bare skin as we walked further from council hall and rounded the corner. I was grateful to be out of sight from all those curious stares. “I guess we should consider ourselves lucky,” I remarked. I didn’t feel lucky. I tried to sound upbeat, but everything was quickly falling apart around us.
                Joshua scoffed at the idea. “Lucky? I wouldn’t go that far,” he emphasized. “This is how it starts. Eventually, they’ll make it a crime for us to see one another.” He sounded disgusted.
                “They sort of already are,” I remarked, trying to understand the council’s decision. “I think they just want to make sure I’m protected.” Though I didn’t quite understand how setting me up to meet multiple bachelors was any form of protection. It seemed as if they only wanted to keep Joshua away from me. The one person I could trust, implicitly. I knew the rules were different because I was different. They didn’t seem particularly bothered by Joshua having a girl in his room. It didn’t seem fair.
                “Seems like they don’t really care what we think at all,” Joshua retorted as we headed into our building. “Were you okay last night? I worried when Landon escorted you out of the dormitory.”
                I walked slowly up the stairs, Jacqueline just a few feet ahead of us. “Aside from being locked in a room with no windows.” I sighed. “At least they’re giving me freedom from the tech center and a real bed. I should be grateful,” I mocked. I didn’t feel grateful, but I knew his mother at least tried to make it easier for me. As soon as we crested the top stair, I froze in place. The building shook with an alarming intensity as the first drone flew low overhead. The downstairs chandelier swayed and I held onto Joshua’s arm and my eyes widened in terror. “What do you think is going on?” I asked watching the movement grow stronger as vibrations echoed through the dormitory. A nearby painting affixed to the wall crashed to the floor, the glass breaking. I could feel the ground quake beneath my feet as Joshua grabbed my hand, refusing to let go.
                “We’re being attacked.” It wasn’t a question. Together, we jogged briskly down the hall toward our rooms. I didn’t know how much time we had. All I knew was the government was here, and they were searching for me! 


Meet the Author

Ruth Silver is the best-selling author of the Aberrant trilogy. With a passion for writing and a love of story-telling, Ruth is actively writing two series under her name: Royal Reaper and Orenda. 

She is also writing steamier adult novels under Ravyn Rayne, including the Federal Agent Chronicles. 

For steamy reads check her books out:
http://ravynrayne.com
http://facebook.com/ravynraynereads
http://twitter.com/blushingravyn

Her interests also include traveling, reading, and photography. Her favorite vacation destination is Australia. 

Ruth currently resides in Plainfield, Illinois. She can be found on Twitter, Facebook, and her book blog Write Away Bliss.

Interview

Q: Let’s start with what inspired you to write Aberrant?

My inspiration for Aberrant was in part that I loved reading Dystopian stories. I always love writing, so I wanted to create a world, Cabal, that was unlike anything we’ve witnessed, but not so far-fetched that it is purely science fiction.
 
Q: When writing Aberrant, what did you use for inspirations?
There are a variety of novels that I’ve read over the past several years, that helped in world building when writing Aberrant. Those were: The Hunger Games, The Handmaid’s Tale, and Children of Men. 
 
Q: Are you currently working on a new book at this time?
Yes I’m working on quite a few new titles under both Ruth Silver and Ravyn Rayne.
 
Q: If so can you tell us the name of the book and a little bit about it?
I’m working on a spin-off for the Aberrant series. It’s a prequel story and still untitled. I’m also writing the Federal Agent Chronicles which is an adult series.
  
Q: In Aberrant do you have a favorite character? If so who & why?
I definitely love Olivia’s character. She’s tough, even when things are stacked up against her, she never gives up. 
 
Q: Do you have favorite author whose books you love to read?
 I really love John Green’s writing. My favorite novel of his is, The Fault in Our Stars.
 
Q: As a child what did you want to do when you grew up?
I had quite a few career aspirations in my teenage years. After watching the movie Twister, I wanted to be a tornado chaser!
 
Q: If you could go on an all expenses paid vacation 7 days and 6 nights to anywhere in the world – where would you like to go & why?
I’d love to travel to Paris. It seems incredibly romantic and also a great place to tour the city and see the sights. 
 
Q: Do you have a favorite playlist that you listen to when you write?
Nope, I can’t stand listening to music when I write. I need absolute silence. 
 
Q: When you aren’t writing what do you do to relax and have fun?
 
In my free time, I love reading, watching movies, television, playing video games and just hanging out with friends. My favorite shows are Orphan Black, The 100, and Reign.


Posted in Authors & Books, Excerpt, Giveaway, Interview / Q&A, New Releases, Spotlight / Blog Tour, Trailer

Leave a comment

Tags: ,

Newer Posts →
E. L. March Books Will Leave You Breathless

Take Your Breath Away Scorching Romance Stories

Eliza March Writes...Books, Blogs, and Writing Secrets

Eliza March's Official Author Weblog

One Book More

Another Book, Another Destiny...

I didn't have my glasses on....

A trip through life with fingers crossed and eternal optimism.

Jessica Marie Baumgartner

Authorishness

FNM

Book Reviews and More

BookZone

CJRTB Books

Book Blog

Lady Heather's Reviews

Lover of books, music, and happily ever afters.

The Romance Bibliophile

Avid Romance Reader | Blogger | Proofreader

Myshelf

Jacquie Biggar-USA Today Best-selling author

Read. Write. Love. 💕💕💕

Chelle's Book Ramblings

Let's Talk Books

Musings From An Addicted Reader

Madeline's Blog

"I'm on the hunt for who I've not yet become."

Terry Spear

USA Today Bestselling Author

Nadine Catalano

Romance With A Dark Side

Lisa s Everyday Life

Life is beautiful. Its about giving. Its about family. Walt Disney

Ines Johnson

A little magic in your love story...

Pepper Winters

Hunter S. Jones

Writer ~ Author

Fearless Ophelia

Speaking Out on the Unspeakable

BE MY BOOK BOYFRIEND

Fictional characters, non-fictional feelings

...Burns Through Her Bookshelf

Voracious reader, book lover, intermittant blogger, audiologist. These things are some of me, but not the sum of me.

rebeccablackerotica

DPAPA's Living A Flip Flop Life

Turn Your Passion Into Your Business Online

Pink Ink

Ten authors, four countries, one blog.

kathleen kerridge

After Dark Book Lovers

END YOUR DAY WITH A GOOD BOOK

Book Loving Pixies

Sharing book news & reviews