Untitled by Jackie Chanel - Virtual Tour and Giveaway

Today we're welcoming author Jackie Chanel to the blog on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for her contemporary romance novel, "Untitled".

Jackie will be awarding gift baskets to two randomly drawn commenters which will include:

- a copy of the Untitled soundtrack
- a "I like Big Books and I cannot Lie" totebag
- Untitled themed or guitar shaped keychains
- $20 Amazon gift card.

So comment today AND follow her tour (if you click on the banner over there on the left, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops)! The more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win prize!

Suzanne answered all my prying questions, so let's turn the floor over to her!

Why do you write in your genre? What draws you to it?

Contemporary romance is my favorite genre to read. My favorite types are the ones that aren’t your traditional happily ever after romance. I was drawn into creating plots where I could make the “happily ever after” moments happen early and the real story focuses on what happens after that blissful kiss on the beach, when the characters really start to get to know each other and personalities start to clash. It’s real life romance with big old heaps of drama.

What research is required?

Most of my research involves my characters’ career choices and their hobbies and interests. Most of them do things that I’ve never done in my life. That’s what makes it good fiction. Therefore, I do a lot of research. For Untitled, I visited guitar shops, talked to musicians; I even learned how to play a few chords so that the story would be authentic.

Name one thing you learned from your hero/heroine.

I learned that love, whether it is a parent’s love, the love of a sibling, or the love of your partner, is way too powerful to truly understand. But without it, nothing matters.

Any odd or interesting writing quirks, habits or superstitions?

This may only be odd to me, but I cannot write a first draft of anything on a computer. I simply cannot write without an Ultra Fine Point Sharpie and a legal pad. There is something about the way the pen feels on paper that helps me write.

Plotter or pantser?

I am definitely a plotter. I have my entire novel plotted before I start writing. More often than not, the plot will change and evolve during the writing process, but it’s the base that I need to even get started.

Look to your right – what’s sitting there?

There’s nothing sitting on my desk but hanging on my wall is dry erase board calendar with my schedule of blog posts and events. It also has my erasable To-Do list.

Anything new coming up from you? What?

I’m currently working on another contemporary romance called Unsung. There are three books planned for the characters in Untitled and Unsung is the second. It’s not exactly a series because each book will be a standalone book, meaning you don’t have to read one in order to know what’s happening in the others. Of course (and I hope) you just might fall in love with Aiden and crew and can’t wait to see what they are up to next.

Do you have a question for our readers?

I wouldn’t be an author if I wasn’t a reader first. I know what drives me to fill my bookshelves and Kindle with books but I’d like to ask; What influences you, as a reader, to purchase a book? Do you enjoy that Amazon and other retailers offer samples of e-books so it’s kind of like being in a bookstore sampling books before you buy?

For some, music is an escape from the every day norm.

For Aiden, it's his life's blood.

Already a star in his own mind & with the help of an unlikely partner, Aiden's escape from a life less ordinary begins with the blues and a guitar. Only he can determine where it ends.

Halfway through his set, the announcement that I’d been impatiently waiting for came over the PA system.

“It’s that time...what we call a blues jam! I know there’s someone out there who wants to jam with us! Come to the stage, plug in, grab some sticks and let’s jam!”

I rushed the stage like a thirteen year old girl at a New Kids on the Block concert. Paulie was right behind me.

I picked the amp closest to Joey Clausen and plugged in Dee-Dee. I played a few cords to check that she was tuned properly. She sounded perfect.

The bass player, a smooth looking older black man, looked me up and down and started to snicker.

“You sure you want to do this, kid?” he asked.

“Hell yeah,” I muttered, slightly offended by his snicker.

“This is a blues jam session,” he added as if I didn’t know. “This ain’t no Guns N Roses concert.”

“I wouldn’t be up here if it was,” I replied shortly.

“White boy thinks he can play the blues, huh,” he gaffed. “You must think you’re Stevie Ray or something.”

I shrugged my shoulders. “You must think that.”

I took a few steps away from the dude. Now I was nervous. I know how I look to the all black band. After all, I am just a white boy in a Hendrix t-shirt, cargo shorts, and Nikes with no socks holding a guitar. There aren’t many of us who play the blues. Looks can be deceiving, because I can play.

I don’t care that I look different from other Blues players. Who says that all Blues players have to be black and from the South? However, the bass player’s assumption that I’m trying to be like Stevie Ray made me feel a little apprehensive.

I’m not trying to be like anyone. There are tons of guitarists that influence me, but I like to think that there’s a distinct difference between me and them. I got nervous...more like terrified. I could be a great blues guitarist, but what if no one accepts that style of music coming from me, a white kid from the suburbs?

Jackie Chanel is a contemporary romance author and self proclaimed badass. Her writing career began in high school when she began writing short romance stories about her celebrity crushes. Her very first novel was penned while she was a high school senior in Youngstown, Ohio. She insists that no one will ever read it.

Jackie studied at Georgia State University and currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia. When she’s not writing or daydreaming, she can often be found drooling over the latest Chanel shoes or reading on her Kindle with a cup of coffee in hand and a little Mayer or Hendrix in the background.

Her characters are a reflection of the people she has encountered along her writing journey and her books are often inspired by her favorite thing, music.

Social Media
Twitter Handle: @JackieChanel
Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/#!/JackieChanel
Facebook Author Page: http://www.facebook.com/jackiechanel
Website: http://www.jackiechanel.com/

Drasmyr by Matthew D. Ryan - Review tour and giveaway

(Full length dark fantasy)

This review is done in conjunction with the author's virtual tour with Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be awarding Metal vampire / vampire hunter figurines to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour, so comment today AND follow the tour (if you click on the tour banner above, it'll take you to a list of his tour stops) -- the more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win a fun prize!



We vampires do not make easy prey. Our weaknesses are few, our strengths many. Fear is something we do not know, and death but a distant memory. So tread softly, pray to your god, and gird yourself with silver when the moons arise and night’s dark prince awakens. We fear not the wizard, nor the warrior, neither rogue, nor priest; our strength is timeless, drawn from darkness and we know no master save the hot lust of our unending hunger. We long for blood, your blood and no blade, nor spell, nor clever artifice, can keep us long from our prize. Feel our teeth at your throat, your life ebb from you, and know as darkness comes to claim you that the price of your folly is your everlasting soul.


I'm not sure why this is being marketed as YA, as none of the characters is a young adult, and the storyline is certainly adult (though, I do believe teens would really eat it up).  If you're a grown-up and hesitant to read anything marked "YA" but you love a good fantasy, do yourself a favor and pick up this book.

It was refreshing to find a book which makes vampires scary again.  To have them long for human blood, to make their souls dark and their powers strong.  This book is very much a battle between good and evil.

I have to admit, I wasn't sure what to expect after reading the blurb for this book -- and it's not a good representation of what this is about.  But I completely enjoy a good fantasy, so was game for just about anything and accepted the challenge.  I cut my reading teeth on fantasy many years ago (didn't most kids?) and haven't found many of late that were really enjoyable. I'm happy to say, this was the exception.  I gobbled this book up, picked my teeth and looked for more.

Drasmyr has all the elements of a good, old-fashioned fantasy:  wizards, a quest, and great evil.  The writing reminds me of the classic fantasies with sometimes flowery descriptions and formal dialogue.  I enjoyed every word.  The author is incredibly talented and truly paints a picture with words.  I was immersed in the story from the first line and didn't want to stop reading.  He cleverly used different points-of-view, so I was invested in every character (even the vampire's) and had to know what happened to them. 

Each piece to the puzzle is cleverly added, many surprises were in store for me (I love a story where I can't figure everything out right off the bat) and the ending is satisfying (and clearly indicates that this is the beginning of a series).  I'm so glad I chose to review this book, despite my apprehensions over the blurb and somewhat lackluster cover (yes, it reflects the darkness of the book, but just didn't grab me with anything that felt unique and certainly doesn't make it clear that it's a story filled with magic and fantasy elements).  The author's way with words made the journey through Drasmyr utterly entertaining and worth every minute of my time.  I look forward to reading more from this author.

Don't believe me? Try for yourself. Drasmyr is currently available FREE at all eBook outlets.

5 / 5 Flowers - I loved it!

Matthew D. Ryan is a published author living in upstate New York on the shores of Lake Champlain. He has a background in philosophy, mathematics, and computer science. He also has a black belt in the martial arts and studies yoga. He has been deeply involved in the fantasy genre for most of his life as a reader, writer, and game designer. He believes he saw the legendary Lake Champlain Monster (a.k.a Champy) once and he has a cat named Confucius.

Author’s Smashwords Page: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/matthewdryan
Author’s Book Page: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/131156
Author’s Blog: http://www.atoasttodragons.com
Author’s Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000038781652
Author’s Twitter Handle: @MatthewDRyan1
Author’s Goodreads Page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/579148.Matthew_D_Ryan
Author’s Shelfari Page: http://www.shelfari.com/matthewdryan/shelf

The book is available on Smashwords and elsewhere for no cost.

Good Things Come in Tall Packages by Ann Montclair - Virtual tour and giveaway!

Today we're spotlighting author Ann Montclair on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for the contemporary romance, "Good Things Come in Tall Packages".

Ann is giving away a $25 Amazon GC to someone during her tour, so comment today AND follow her tour (if you click on the banner over there on the left, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops)! The more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win a GC!

Dr. Joe Connors and socialite lawyer Lucy Alcott come from two different worlds, two very different cultures. But will those differences keep them apart when their attraction is too strong to be denied?

When socialite Savannah attorney Lucy Alcott entered the Hyatt looking for fun, martinis, and hot sex, the last thing she expected to find was Dr. Joe Connors. Joe is Lucy's opposite in every way: he’s dark, she’s pale; he’s tall and reserved, she's tiny and vivacious; he wears his compassion and deep spirituality on his sleeve, she wears designer bags and clothes. That night at the Hyatt Lucy found herself not in the arms of a casual encounter but reaching out to a man who challenged the walls she had built around her heart—and when he gave her his number, Lucy knew Joe deserved a woman as warm and tender as he was. So she threw his number away. When an unexpected meeting six months later brings them together again, will Joe overcome Lucy’s fear of losing her heart, or are their two very different worlds destined to keep them apart forever?

He traced one long finger along her chin. “I still want to be that friend. Will you let me?” Joe’s voice brimmed with sincerity, and Lucy twisted her face away, tried to pull away, but he held her by the shoulders and pulled her head to his chest.

“It’s okay to be real, to let go of the façade, and let me know you. You’re more than a smart, accomplished business woman. You’re much more than a tease and a seductress. I know you came up here for sex, but I wanted you here to tell you I care. I cared from the moment I snatched you from those vultures at the bar. I think you care, too, if you’d let yourself admit it.”

The stiffness in her face, in her shoulders, in her rigid posture, gave way. She held her face flush against his sternum and breathed in his clean scent. Could she even speak the words that battered her mind?

Lucy turned her head side to side, trying to negate the ideas, the concepts she’d never allowed voice, but they came unbidden, in a rush of truth so deep, it threatened to drown her. “Joe, I’ve never had a close relationship with a man. I’ve only had sex, had fun, had fights, and said goodbye. You’ve broken every one of my rules, gotten way too close, and it scares me. No, it terrifies me the way I think I could care about you. I can’t afford to hurt. I can’t lose someone I care about again.”

I grew up sneak-reading all my mom's steamy romance novels. She kept them high on a shelf in her closet and warned, "You better not read those..." Of course, I read them. And now I write them! I strive to take readers on a fun, emotionally charged, and highly sensual ride to happily ever after. Available now: THE BILLIONAIRE'S BAUBLE (Soul Mate Publishing 2011), ONE WET SUMMER (Musa Publishing 2012), and GOOD THINGS COME IN TALL PACKAGES (Musa Publishing 2012). Next up: LADY IN DEED, my debut novel in historical romance set in Tudor England (Musa Publishing Winter 2012).

I am a member of the Romance Writers of America (RWA) and a community college English professor. I live in the Finger Lakes region of New York with my sexy hero and our teenage son. Our grown daughter lives in Los Angeles, California--my hometown.

Thanks for learning a little about me. You can contact me at ann@annmontclair.com.

Web site: http://www.annmontclair.com
Blog: http://annmontclair.wordpress.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AnnMontclairFanPage
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/AnnMontclair
Buy link: http://www.musapublishing.com/

Shades of the Future by Suzanne Lilly - Virtual tour and giveaway!

Today we're welcoming author Suzanne Lilly to the blog on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for her YA novel, "Shades of the Future".

Suzanne is giving away a a pair of designer sunglasses to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour, so comment today AND follow her tour (if you click on the banner over there on the left, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops)! The more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win prize!

Suzanne answered all my prying questions, so let's turn the floor over to her!

Why do you write in your genre? What draws you to it?

I must have an affinity for teenage angst and drama. Actually, I’m a teacher, and since I’m around young people all day, I’m tuned in to some of their issues, hopes, and dreams. I love reading young adult books, so it was a natural step for me to write in that genre.

What research is required?

Shades of the Future is a contemporary YA, so I didn’t have to do any world building. The story is set in the fictional town of Honey Creek, Ohio, which was created by my publisher, Turquoise Morning Press. I have a map of the town, and the names of the local businesses, and even some of the residents. It’s a tiny farming community, complete with all the quirkiness small towns have. Also, in a town the size of Honey Creek, there are no secrets. Absolutely none. If a character does something, the whole town knows about it in a matter of seconds.

Name one thing you learned from your hero/heroine.

Mariah Davis suffers a tragic accident in the book, and she goes through a kaleidoscope of emotions while dealing with it. I learned from her that no matter what life stacks against you, with the right attitude and perseverance, you can overcome it.

Any odd or interesting writing quirks, habits or superstitions?

None that I would call weird, odd, or interesting, but my family may feel differently about it. I do need to have a cup or glass of something to drink on my desk while I write. Right now I have ice cold water. Normally I have coffee, black tea or green tea. If I don’t have a beverage, I just can’t write. It’s like gas in the car of my writing fingers.

Plotter or pantser?

What’s a pantser? Just kidding. I absolutely, positively, cannot write anything, not even a short story, without a plan. I plot out every tiny detail before I write a story. I lay out the setting. For example, right now, if you could look above my desk, you’d see a collage of pictures of my heroine’s home, pets, friends, and hobbies. I plan my characters and get to know them. I map out the character arcs and story arc. I lay everything out scene by scene. Sounds tedious, right? Actually, that’s the creative phase of my writing. Once I’ve done my outline, the story is practically done. All I have to do is fill in the scenes and flesh everything out.

Look to your right – what’s sitting there?

The door to my writing room is on my right. My cat is sitting there glaring at me. Yes, she glares. She’s probably hungry or just doesn’t like the outfit I’m wearing.

Anything new coming up from you? What?

Yes, I have a Honey Creek novel coming out in February 2013 called Untellable. Here’s what it’s about:

Aspen Marie Dwyer has a secret to keep and she picks Honey Creek, Ohio as the perfect place to hide. Arriving on a Greyhound bus with nothing but a duffel bag containing her clothes and personal belongings, she walks to the Honey Creek Lake Lodge to begin her summer job as a lifeguard. Four years earlier, Aspen witnessed her father murder her mother, and her testimony locked him away in prison. Before being taken out of the courtroom in shackles, he swore someday he would find her and kill her, too.

Local volunteer firefighter Colton Moraine is always up for a challenge, and Aspen is just what he needs to liven up his small town summer. Through driving lessons, picnics, and romantic kisses under the fireworks, the two fall in love. Aspen fatalistically knows their summer romance will end if Colton finds out her history. But not telling him tortures her, making her feel like a fraud.

When her father is granted parole, she can no longer keep her dark secret. She has to make a life changing decision. Will she continue to run and hide, or fight for the love she’s discovered with Colton in Honey Creek?

Do you have a question for our readers?

I love chatting with readers, so to start the conversation, here’s a question. Which do you think is worse: seeing the future and knowing a bad thing is coming, or not knowing at all and having it blindside you?

What would you do if you could see your future? Would you accept it or would you change it?

Mariah Davis loves animals, running, and her hunk of a boyfriend, Kevin Creamer. Everything looks bright for her until the day she finds a pair of sunglasses that allow her to see the future.

When she glimpses a disaster looming, she tries to avoid it but fails. She has a car accident that lands her in a wheelchair, smashing her hopes for a running scholarship to the veterinary program at Ohio State University. She pushes Kevin away, thinking he’ll want to end their relationship now that she can’t walk.

Will she ever learn to trust and love again? She could search for an answer in the sunglasses. But she’s afraid what they reveal might destroy her.

“You see things?” Eulalie put the remains of her cookie on her saucer and leaned her elbows on the table. She laced her fingers together and rested her chin on her folded hands. “What kinds of things?”

“I don’t want you to think I’m crazy, but I see things that haven’t happened yet,” Mariah blurted out. She went on to tell her about the trig test that day, Hayley’s color-changing outfit, and the hamburger.

“Well, now, that doesn’t seem too bad.” Eulalie stirred her tea even though she hadn’t put any sugar in it. She took a sip.

“So you don’t think it’s strange?” Mariah asked.

Eulalie put her cup down. She shook her head. “I didn’t say that. Have you seen anything else? Anything that might involve other people? Something that might be a burden to you?”

Mariah shook her head no.

“That’s a good thing.” The words meant one thing, but the way Eulalie cleared her throat and looked away made Mariah think that it wasn’t what she truly thought. “If I were you, I’d be careful with them.”

“What do you mean?”

“When you start messing around with fortune telling and seeing the future, sooner or later you might see things you don’t want to know about.”

Suzanne Lilly is a writer at night and a teacher by day, which is why she’s known online as the TeacherWriter. Her articles and stories have appeared in numerous places online and in print. She writes light romance, young adult, and middle grade novels. When not busy with words, she enjoys swimming, hiking, reading, fine arts, and cooking. She lives in California with her family and furry friends and has yet to feel an earthquake.

You can follow her on Twitter as @suzannelilly, visit her blog at http://www.teacherwriter.net, or her author website at http://www.suzannelilly.com.

Author website: http://www.suzannelilly.com
TeacherWriter blog: http://www.teacherwriter.net
Fridays at Honey Creek blog: http://www.honeycreekbooks.com
Suzanne Lilly at Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5258804.Suzanne_Lilly
Follow @SuzanneLilly on Twitter: http://twitter.com/suzannelilly
Available at Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Suzanne-Lilly/e/B006HY79IY/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_2 and most online book retailers in digital or paperback.

Dust Of My Wings by Carrie Ann Ryan - Virtual Tour and Giveaway!

Today we're welcoming author Carrie Ann Ryan to the blog on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for her erotic paranoraml romance, "Dust of My Wings".

Carrie Ann is giving away a $25 Amazon GC and a necklace to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour, so comment today AND follow her tour (if you click on the banner over there on the left, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops)! The more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win a GC and necklace!

Carrie Ann answered all my prying questions, so let's turn the floor over to her!

Why do you write in your genre? What draws you to it?

I love romance. I love happy endings. I mean, the whole reason I read romance (and therefore write it) is to fall in love with the characters and then watch them fall in love. I write paranormal now because I like thinking about the “what-ifs”. I like thinking of things outside the box and seeing things like angels come to life.

What research (or world-building) is required?

Other than the normal research of towns, cars, jobs, and hobbies, there is tons. In my new novel, Dust of My Wings, I started a series in which I have over 50 types of supernatural creatures. I wanted to at least try to base them on the normal myths because I broke them apart and made my own. In order to do that, I had to do a lot of research.

Name one thing you learned from your heroine.

That it’s okay to be quirky, a sexy angel will still love you. (LOL)

Any odd or interesting writing quirks, habits or superstitions?

I have to have iced coffee and music near me in order to write.

Plotter or pantser?

I’m also a plotter to the point of scariness. I have outlines of my outlines and spreadsheets of my spreadsheets.

Look to your right – what’s sitting there?

My cat, Maxie. She doesn’t look pleased that I’m not paying attention to her LOL.

Anything new coming up from you? What?

So much! I have a new series called Holiday, Montana coming up in October. Plus the 4th book in my Redwood Pack series, Enforcer’s Redemption, comes out in November. Also, of course, more Dante’s Circle!! Yay!

 Do you have a question for our readers?

What do you love about paranormal romance?

Humans aren’t as alone as they choose to believe. Every human possesses a trait of supernatural that lays dormant within their genetic make-up. Centuries of diluting and breeding have allowed humans to think they are alone and untouched by magic. But what happens when something changes?

Neat freak lab tech, Lily Banner lives her life as any ordinary human. She’s dedicated to her work and loves to hang out with her friends at Dante’s Circle, their local bar. When she discovers a strange blue dust at work she meets a handsome stranger holding secrets – and maybe her heart. But after a close call with a thunderstorm, she may not be as ordinary as she thinks.

Shade Griffin is a warrior angel sent to Earth to protect the supernaturals’ secrets. One problem, he can’t stop leaving dust in odd places around town. Now he has to find every ounce of his dust and keep the presence of the supernatural a secret. But after a close encounter with a sexy lab tech and a lightning quick connection, his millennia old loyalties may shift and he could lose more than just his wings in the chaos.

Lily huffed out a breath and placed another tile. “I don’t hate my job, exactly. It’s just not that big of a deal.” She gave a triumphant smile. “And I win.”

Shade looked into her eyes and groaned. Damn, she was sexy when she looked so confident.

“Indeed you did. Congratulations, Lily.” Now for the part that could hurt them both. “How about I buy you a cup of coffee as your winnings?”

Lily looked taken aback, but Shade didn’t budge. He needed to know exactly what she knew about this dust. Breaking into her lab and stealing it would do nothing if the die were already cast.

“Oh, you don’t have to do that. In fact, I really don’t even know you, so I can’t. But thank you.”

She gathered the tiles quickly and started to stand up, but Shade touched her wrist. She jumped, knocking a few tiles back on the table. A jolt of electricity ricocheted through his arm and they both gasped. His erection pressed against the zipper of his jeans and he groaned, but he didn’t let go. Lily’s breath quickened and her pupils dilated. Her strawberry scent wrapped around him like velvet, intoxicating.

Carrie Ann Ryan is a bestselling paranormal and contemporary romance author. After spending too much time behind a lab bench, she decided to dive into the romance world and find her werewolf mate - even if its just in her books. Happy endings are always near - even if you have to get over the challenges of falling in love first.

Her first book, An Alpha's Path, is the first in her Redwood Pack series. She's also an avid reader and lover of romance and fiction novels. She loves meeting new authors and new worlds. Any recommendations you have are appreciated. Carrie Ann lives in New England with her husband and two kittens.

Carrie Ann loves hearing from readers. You can find her at:

Website: http://www.carrieannryan.com/
Blog: http://carrieannryan.blogspot.com/
Heartthrob Haven: http://heartthrobhaven.blogspot.com/
Facebook Author Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Carrie-Ann-Ryans-Author-Page/243643205647654
Facebook Friend: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002584098860
Goodreads |: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5360266.Carrie_Ann_Ryan
Twitter: @CarrieAnnRyan
Tumblr : http://carrieannryan.tumblr.com/

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Dust-Wings-Dantes-Circle-ebook/dp/B008O9AJG4/ref=sr_1_5?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1343138999&sr=1-5

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dust-of-my-wings-carrie-ann-ryan/1112215145?ean=2940015017830

ARe: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-dustofmywings-857410-140.html

Secrets and Scandals series by Darcy Burke - Virtual Tour and Giveaway!

Today we're welcoming author Darcy Burke to the blog on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for the historical romance series, Secrets and Scandals. I had the privilege of reviewing the first two books:

Review for "Her Wicked Ways".
Review for "His Wicked Heart".

Darcy is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card, a copy of the anthology Born to Bite (out in August), an ebook of The Runaway Countess by Leigh LaValle, and a Sara Ramsey ebook. She is also running a contest on her website: sign up for her newsletter during the tour and you might win a $10 Amazon gift card, so comment today AND follow her tour (if you click on the banner up there at the top, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops)! The more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win a GC!

Darcy was gracious enough to answer all my prying questions.

Why do you write in your genre? What draws you to it?

I write historical because I love history. My degree is in history with a focus on Tudor England and American History. So why don’t I write Tudor England? Good question! I’d like to at some point and have a few ideas. However, I got started writing Regency because those were the romances I loved to read (I love Amanda Quick, Judith McNaught, and Jane Feather). I enjoy researching the period and am always learning something new so that it stays fresh and interesting.

What research is required?

I do specific research for each book. I try to get the setting right, so I do a lot of research on my locations. I have a lot of books in my personal library that are quite helpful (an encyclopedia of London, a social history of England, and various and sundry other books). I also get books from the library. My favorite books were these giant volumes of archaeological findings from Wiltshire in 1816. That research will be in a future book (I hope!).

Name one thing you learned from your hero/heroine.

I’m not sure I’ve learned anything specific, but writing characters definitely makes you more aware of relationships. I’m also more aware of how people interact in different situations. So I guess I’ve learned to be more aware!

Any odd or interesting writing quirks, habits or superstitions?

Does applying lip balm multiple times a day count? No? I don’t really have any rituals or habits, and definitely no superstitions, but I have to say that sounds intriguing, LOL. Maybe I need a superstition! I’ll have to think of one.

Plotter or pantser?

Plantser! I plot turning points in the book, but not specific scenes (although sometimes a few scenes take root in my mind). I used to use a storyboard with sticky notes, even taught workshops on using it, but I find it’s a little too detailed for me from the start. I take a little bit of time to really sink into my characters, so if I plot too far in advance, the things I’ve plotted may not end up making sense for them to do.

Look to your right – what’s sitting there?

A nearly empty bottle of Vitamin Water Zero Glow, my kindle, and a notebook with a to-do list.

Anything new coming up from you? What?

The next book in the Secrets & Scandals series will be out at the end of September. A novella, To Love a Thief is the story of Lord Kersey, a former constable who readers met in Her Wicked Ways, and Jocelyn Renwick, who he catches stealing from his mentor. Not exactly the best impression! Kersey is a relatively new viscount after inheriting a title he was never supposed to inherit, so he’s learning to navigate Society. Jocelyn is trying to find her footing after losing her father and her chance at securing a good marriage during her one and only Season. She’s back in London as a companion to a family friend, but things take a turn for her when she spots her family’s stolen jewels in the possession of Lord Aldridge—Lord Kersey’s mentor! It’s a fun story and I hope you’ll all check it out—it will be just 99 cents!

Do you have a question for our readers?

Where’s your favorite place and what is your favorite time to read? Also, any ideas on writing superstitions/rituals I could adopt? *G*

SHE WAS HIS SAVIOR
Banished from London for her reckless behavior, Lady Miranda Sinclair is robbed by a dashing highwayman en route to the country. By offering him a kiss in lieu of the jewels she had to leave behind, she commits the very type of act that caused her exile. When her dour guardians extend her punishment to performing charitable work at the local orphanage, she’s further tempted by the home’s owner, a provincial gentleman who stirs her passion in a most wicked way.

HE WAS HER DOWNFALL
Desperate to save his orphanage from financial catastrophe, Montgomery "Fox" Foxcroft leads a double life as a highwayman. The arrival of wealthy, well-connected Miranda, whose kiss he can’t forget, presents a lawful opportunity to increase his coffers. His problems seem solved—until she rejects his suit. Out of options and falling for the heiress, Fox must risk what principles he has left and take advantage of her wicked ways—even if it ruins them both.

IT’S HARD TO BE RESPECTABLE
Jasper Sinclair, Earl of Saxton, made a bargain with his devil of a father to marry in one month’s time. But instead of shackling himself to an acceptable debutante, he indulges his baser needs. He joins a fighting club and pursues a delectable woman who may not be what she seems. Soon he finds himself battling addictions that threaten his already wicked heart.

WHEN YOU’D RATHER BE WICKED
Orphaned seamstress Olivia West wants the chance to lead an honest, respectable life, but the arrogant Earl of Saxton launches a daunting campaign to make her his mistress. Destitute and desperate, she agrees to one night with the dangerous lord, hatching a scheme to take his money and keep her virtue. However, Jasper uncovers her deception and vows to claim what he's owed—not his money, her.

A LADY ON THE BRINK OF DISASTER
Quintessential debutante Lady Philippa Latham is determined to avoid scandal at all costs so that she may marry well. When her mother’s outrageous behavior threatens their family’s reputation, Philippa unwittingly follows her to a party no unmarried Society girl would risk attending. As if that wasn’t bad enough, Philippa is “rescued” from disaster by England’s most notorious scoundrel, which sets them both on a path to public and personal ruin.

A SCOUNDREL IN NEED OF SEDUCTION
Lord Ambrose Sevrin is infamous for ruining his brother’s fiancée and refusing to marry her. Content to remain among the fringe of the upper ten thousand, he is an intriguing enigma to London’s elite. Philippa thinks she’s met the true Ambrose—a gentleman who would fight to defend her and help her secure a husband before it’s too late. But he can’t be that husband, even for her. He won’t tolerate redemption—or love—for his crimes are far worse than anyone can imagine.

Darcy Burke wrote her first book at age 11, a happily ever after about a swan addicted to magic and the female swan who loved him, with exceedingly poor illustrations. An RWA Golden Heart® Finalist, Darcy loves all things British (except tomatoes for breakfast, or any other time of day, actually) and happy ever afters.

A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her devoted husband, their two great kids, and three cats. In her “spare” time Darcy is a serial volunteer enrolled in a 12-step program where one learns to say “no,” but she keeps having to start over. She’s also a fair-weather runner, and her happy places are Disneyland and Labor Day weekend at the Gorge. Visit Darcy online at http://www.darcy-burke.com , follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/darcyburke, or like her Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/darcyburkefans.

Review: His Wicked Heart by Darcy Burke

(Full length historical romance)

IT’S HARD TO BE RESPECTABLE
Jasper Sinclair, Earl of Saxton, made a bargain with his devil of a father to marry in one month’s time. But instead of shackling himself to an acceptable debutante, he indulges his baser needs. He joins a fighting club and pursues a delectable woman who may not be what she seems. Soon he finds himself battling addictions that threaten his already wicked heart.

WHEN YOU’D RATHER BE WICKED
Orphaned seamstress Olivia West wants the chance to lead an honest, respectable life, but the arrogant Earl of Saxton launches a daunting campaign to make her his mistress. Destitute and desperate, she agrees to one night with the dangerous lord, hatching a scheme to take his money and keep her virtue. However, Jasper uncovers her deception and vows to claim what he's owed—not his money, her.



This second story by Darcy Burke has all the fun, romance and mystery of her first book, Her Wicked Ways. It has a totally different story line, but it is just as  fun and fascinating.

Jasper, Lord Saxon, has thirty days to choose a wife, or be disowned. Unfortunately, he does not want to be forced into a marriage. Then he meets Olivia, a seamstress, who fascinates him but can never be considered as marriage material.

Even though Olivia does not fit Jasper’s criteria as wife material, he considers her fair game as a romantic conquest. Since Olivia does not go along with his plans, things become interesting with loads of interesting conflicts.

Olivia is not who Jasper thinks she is, and this leads to much confusion, many misunderstandings and lots of tension. Jasper fights his attraction to her, without much success. Meanwhile Olivia is concerned that he might reveal her past to her new benefactor, his aunt.

As you can imagine, his leads to all kinds of problems, exciting conflict and a lot of romantic encounters, as much as they both fight it.

His Wicked Heart was so much fun to read and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a historical romance novel that they can really enjoy. This author really knows how to put the reader into the story and lets them really know the characters.

5/5 Flowers - I loved it!

Review: Her Wicked Ways by Darcy Burke

(Full length historical romance)

SHE WAS HIS SAVIOR
Banished from London for her reckless behavior, Lady Miranda Sinclair is robbed by a dashing highwayman en route to the country. By offering him a kiss in lieu of the jewels she had to leave behind, she commits the very type of act that caused her exile. When her dour guardians extend her punishment to performing charitable work at the local orphanage, she’s further tempted by the home’s owner, a provincial gentleman who stirs her passion in a most wicked way.

HE WAS HER DOWNFALL
Desperate to save his orphanage from financial catastrophe, Montgomery "Fox" Foxcroft leads a double life as a highwayman. The arrival of wealthy, well-connected Miranda, whose kiss he can’t forget, presents a lawful opportunity to increase his coffers. His problems seem solved—until she rejects his suit. Out of options and falling for the heiress, Fox must risk what principles he has left and take advantage of her wicked ways—even if it ruins them both.



Heiress Lady Miranda, who is being sent to the country because of her misdeeds, begins her visit with a holdup by a sexy highway man on the way. So begins this fantastic and fun story.

Even though Lady Miranda has never been exposed to the seamy side of life, she is forced to volunteer at a nearby orphanage. As the days pass, she begins to love the work, the children and the gentleman who runs it. But, everyone in this tale has a secret and she must discover them all to have a happy ever after.

As her stay lengthens, much against her will at first, she has a total change of heart. As she works with the children, she is faced with a villain, a hero, assorted and strange villagers. She tries to help everyone, and begins to change from a stuck-up society lady into a likeable and beautiful person.

Of course the villain upsets everything, and she cannot stay out of trouble, and resists all the efforts of friends and family to conform to society rules. There is a lot of mystery, romance, surprises and a lot of fun.

I loved this story and enjoyed every page. I would highly recommend it to anyone who likes historical romances. You would think that this author had actually lived in this era.

5/5 Flowers - I loved it!

Everlasting Love by Rosemary Indra - Virtual Tour and Giveaway!

Today we're welcoming author Rosemary Indra to the blog on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for her contemporary romance, "Everlasting Love".

Rosemary will be awarding a signed cover flat to a commenter at every stop and a $20 Starbuck's GC and their name in her next book to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour, so comment today AND follow her tour (if you click on the banner over there on the left, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops)! The more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win a prize!

Nickie answered all my prying questions, so let's turn the floor over to her!

What research was required for your book?

My research for Everlasting Love consisted of the technical aspect of firefighting. When I started the Forest Ridge Series I did research on arsonists and sketch artists and how they work. As for the firefighting technology I asked my husband for assistance, as he was a volunteer firefighter for seven years. I also went to several burn to learn (controlled house fires) our fire department had. There I could experience the fire up close and took photographs which were used for some of the book covers.

Name one thing you learned from your hero/heroine.

Kevin Mathews has a positive outlook on life. Even when situations don’t go as expected he finds someway to put a positive spin on it. This amazed Miranda and one of the things she likes about him. As for Miranda she was a reminder to stand up for yourself and don’t allow other to put you down.

Any odd or interesting writing quirks, habits or superstitions?

I don’t like to talk about my work in progress until I’m well into the book or run into a wall. I’m afraid I’ll talk the book out before I get started. Also I don’t allow anyone to read my first copy. I write in layers and the first layer is very rough, mostly a conversation or a description of a scene.

Look to your right—what’s sitting there?

I’m sitting at my desk so to the right of me is a stack of papers. Organization is not one of my strong traits so paperwork and books always litter my workspace. Generally I can find what I’m looking for in this jumbled mess as long as no one rearranges things. My husband tried to be helpful and cleared the desk. Needless to say I couldn’t find anything for days and wasn’t a happy camper. We come to an agreement he doesn’t touch my desk and I don’t disturb his. It’s a good compromise.

Do you have a question for our readers?

I feel you can learn a lot about a person by what they read. So my question to the readers is: What book is on your nightstand right now? Generally what types of books do you read and who’s your favorite author?

When Miranda Cummins borrows a friend’s cabin to finish writing her long overdue book, she’s surprised to find the one-room retreat already occupied by Kevin Mathews. Though she feels a spontaneous attraction for Kevin, Miranda has recently escaped a controlling husband and isn’t ready for a long-term relationship.

Unsatisfied with his occupation, Kevin is at a crossroads. Miranda understands and encourages him to look at the direction his life is going. Fired up by her encouragement, Kevin returns to Forest Ridge to resume his firefighting career.

When Miranda is threatened by her ex-husband, Kevin realizes he will do anything to protect her. Miranda has shown Kevin a new passion for life. Can he fan the flames of passion into an Everlasting Love?

In a small town he had to be cautious. Driving too close to his intended victim would be obvious. He’d lagged back allowing more distance between his car and the one in front of him. When several vehicles exited the highway, he hung back even farther. His prey was no longer insight but he knew the Chevy was still there. He gripped the steering wheel tighter and tried to be patient.

As the city gave way to the mountainous forest, he saw his opportunity; pressing on the accelerator he started to close the space between them. Now, in this isolated wildness, he needed to move in for the kill.

No one would find a body or the missing vehicle for some time. This was the perfect set up. No witnesses. No surveillance cameras. For once and all, he could loosen the chain around his neck and live a carefree life again.

He sped up and still no sign of the other tail lights. The driver must have turned off to another road. He’d passed countless side roads since entering the highway. Finding which road the other vehicle used would be impossible.

He wiped his hand across the back of his neck. Pulling over to the side of the road, gravel crunched beneath his tires. He pounded his fist on the steering wheel. He’d quit his search for now. He’d find his victim another time. Then he’d free himself from his burden.

Ever since her mom gave her a romance book when she was a teenager Rosemary has enjoyed happier-ever-after stores. She has been writing most of her adult life. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading and crafts.

She has two grown children and four adorable grandchildren. Her and her husband live in a small town in Oregon.

www.rosemaryindra.com

The Gold Crucifix by Nickie Fleming - Virtual Tour and Giveaway

Today we're welcoming author Nickie Fleming  to the blog on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for her historical romance, "The Gold Crucifix".

Nickie is giving away two personally autographed print copies of her novel, The Haversham Legacy, to randomly drawn commenters during the tour (international contest), so comment today AND follow her tour (if you click on the banner over there on the left, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops)! The more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win a prize!

Nickie answered all my prying questions, so let's turn the floor over to her!

Why do you write in your genre? What draws you to it?

When I was born, both my parents were working full time. So I grew up with my grandmother and grandfather (we all lived in the same house) and especially my granddad read a lot. He could spent hours reading in his (French) books, and when he took me on his lap, he read aloud to me also. His beloved genre was fiction by Alexandre Dumas, and I grew up loving the adventures of the Three Musketeers or the Man in the Iron Mask.

The older I got, the more I was convinced I could also write such novels. History was, after reading, the thing I liked best. In my teens I wrote dozens of stories which were each set in a specific era. Soon I felt most comfortable with the history of the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, and those are the ones I frequently write about. I always take existing historical characters and events and spin my story around them.

What research is required?

Evidently, for historical fiction you need to have your fact right! I have a test reader who checks these. The guy is former secret service, so he’s used to verifying facts… And I’m very glad to say he’s never caught me on a mistake.

Having read so much about history, and having made my own data system (this was long before computers existed), I feel very comfortable with the era’s mentioned above and I don’t need to check out a lot anymore.

Name one thing you learned from your hero/heroine.

Hm – hard question! Imo, it’s not so much what I learned from my heroine, but what she learned from me. All my heroines are a lot like myself. They are women who have a mind of their own, who know what they want, who are not afraid and can face the world. I thank my grandmother for forming my character. She was a strong woman who survived two world wars and who was not afraid to face the Germans in this conflict. She always taught me never to surrender, to fight for my beliefs and to do only what I myself wanted. Her favorite idiom was: “If everyone jumps into the stream, will you do it as well?” and of course my answer was ‘No!’

Any odd or interesting writing quirks, habits or superstitions?

I’m not superstitious. The only thing I need when I write is being on my own. I can’t put a word to paper when my sister (she shares the house with me) is around, so I have to withdraw to the attic to do some writing in the weekends, when I don’t have to work. And everything has to be neatly lined up on my desk. I can’t stand any clutter!

Plotter or pantser?

I do a lot of plotting before I begin a novel. It usually begins with an idea forming in my mind, and then I begin to plot. This can take some time and is mostly done in my mind only. I can spin entire scenes in my head before I even put something to paper. I never make schemes or schedules, just begin with the first chapter and then do more plotting as I go along.

 Look to your right – what’s sitting there?

Now you’ll be surprised! On my right are five jars of freshly made jam. We made strawberry-raspberry jam only half an hour ago, and the pots are cooling right now. We are staying at our flat at the coast, and his place is somewhat smaller than our house in Dendermonde, so I need to put my computer on the tablet where also the jam jars are cooling.

Anything new coming up from you? What?

Yes, I’m working on a next novel. It’s a bit different from my previous novels in the sense that it will be more gothic in atmosphere. It is also set into the 19th century, which needed some research into the era and the history of medicine. I came to the idea when I wrote a collection of short stories some time ago, and thought it would make a nice change.

Do you have a question for our readers?

Well, that would be: what is your favorite era in history?

Good question! Come on, all ... let's give her an answer.

England, mid seventeenth century. When young Sarah finds out that innkeeper Amos Jennings is not her father, she feels uncertain and scared. Her problems grow bigger when she starts a job as housekeeper and gets involved with two men who both want her love: the earl of Linfield, and his younger brother Richard. To escape these problems, Sarah takes off to London to begin a new life as actress at His Majesty’s Theatre.

Richard cannot forget the young woman her met at his brother’s. He is determined to find Sarah and make her his own--even his wife, despite what his family thinks of it. But love never comes easy. Richard and Sarah will have to face many a storm--even the Great Fire of London--before they can become one.

Excerpt one (this is where Sarah meets Richard, the brother of her employer, for the first time)

It happened in the last bend of the lane, just before the clearing where the lawns and flower-beds of the manor became visible.

All at once Sarah heard the thundering of a horse in full gallop, and before she could even jump to safety, she was pushed off the road into the soft grass of the verge. She was so stunned she did not hear the curse of the horseman and how he pulled his mount to a standstill.

Slowly, she crawled to an upright position and immediately noticed the pain in her right knee. Neglecting the fact that her basket had fallen and its contents were shattered over the path--some of them trodden on--she started to rub her knee fiercely. Only then did she notice the man, who had turned his horse and who was now throwing disdainful looks in her direction.

Suddenly, she realized what danger she had barely escaped. This notion triggered a fit of anger, which became so violent she turned hot and enflamed. Returning his glances with eyes that shot fire, she snarled, "You fool! You could have hurt me!"

The look in his eyes remained cold, but the tone of his voice revealed a show of interest.

"In case you shouldn't know, let me warn you that you find yourself on private property," he said.

She refused to be intimidated and was quick to answer. "So right you are. But I am the housekeeper of the Grange…sir," and she put all her contempt into the word, "and I have every right to be here. I was walking alongside the road and you should have been more careful! The least you can do is offer your apologies to me, and if you're a gentleman, you will help me pick up my belongings."

Nickie Fleming was born and raised in the historical town of Dendermonde, Belgium – home of the legendary Horse Bayard.

She read English Literature at the University of Ghent, and got her master’s degree in philology. Since then, she has been working as a high school teacher.

Her interests besides reading and writing are travelling, skiing in winter and enjoying fine food.

Links:
Website: www.nickiefleming.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Nickie-Fleming/222668744458949

Tamelia Tumlin - Author interview and Giveaway!

Give a big welcome to Tamelia Tumlin who's visiting with us on her virtual book tour for the inspirational suspense novel, "Deadly Image".

She's graciously offered TWO eBook copies of "Deadly Image" to commenters on the blog post today (so make sure you say hello!). She's also hosting a contest on her website, http://www.tameliatumlin.com  for two $10 Amazon GCs.

She's 'fessed up to five secrets about herself today, so take a peek and then maybe share one of your own in the comments.  The floor is yours, Tamelia!

Secret one: Sometimes, I still have trouble thinking of myself as a “real” author. Yes, I have written several books; some of which are traditional print books and others which are strictly e-books. I even have readers who want to read more of my work and some who are asking when my next one is coming out. For this, I am very grateful. It certainly warms my heart to know someone out there really likes to read my stories. However, I’ve always been under the impression that to be a “real” author a person must write for one of the Big Six publishers and make their way up the New York Times best seller list. While, this is true for some authors, I’m learning that many best selling authors write for smaller presses like I do. So, I guess I need to change my perception of what a “real” author is and realize that everyone won’t necessarily write for the Big Six or make on to the NYT best seller’s list, but that doesn’t make them any less of a “real” author.

Secret Two: I really do pay attention to my reader’s reviews of my books. I read them as learning tool to find out what the readers liked, didn’t like and what they would have liked for me to do with the story they read that I didn’t. This helps when I’m penning a new story. I take their comments into consideration as I plot the next story.

Secret Three: I am a Nick at Night, TV Land and Hallmark kind of girl. I absolutely love watching reruns of my favorite sitcoms: Cheers, Frazier, The Nanny (my absolute favorite), The Golden Girls (another favorite), and Designing Women when it was running. Now, I’d like to say I had never seen them before Nick at Night, but I’ll go ahead and age myself by saying I saw the originals when they first premiered many, many years ago. But, I still enjoy the reruns.

Secret Four: I teach fourth grade in my hometown. I’m one of the ELA teachers so I get to teach the subjects I really love. Except…shhh, don’t tell anyone… I absolutely hate teaching writing. The thought of reading, editing and helping revise eighty plus essays every week or every other week is not my cup of tea. Now, you’re probably wondering why an author would hate to teach writing. It’s simple really, at the fourth grade level we focus so much on the grammatical part and the writing process itself that the creative side seems to get brushed under the rug so to speak. Of course, I do teach them how to be creative, but somehow that gets a bit lost when we have to work on sentence formation, capitol letters and end marks until we are blue in the face. I will say last year was a little more exciting because my little ones really did catch on to using their first sentence to “hook” the reader. That was certainly more fun than capitalizing and punctuating and I enjoyed reading their “hooks”. Some of which, were quite good. Hmm… as you can see editing is my least favorite part of the writing process.

Secret Five: I’m still a kid at heart when it comes to Christmas. I love everything about the season and I start mine EARLY because I want to savor every moment. The sights, sounds and smells. I put my tree up on November 1 (I do have to wait until after Halloween is over because I can not stand to see Christmas and Halloween decorations mixed. Just a little quirk of mine, though I do love both holidays as long as they are separate.) But, come November 1 my trees (yes, plural) come out and everything gets decorated from the house to the yard. We start watching Christmas movies after we decorate the trees and don’t stop until New Years Day. I do have one movie that I watch every New Year’s Eve whenever possible: When Harry Met Sally. Another strange quirk, I know, but it is something I started years ago and it has become a tradition in my house. Who doesn’t love Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan?

Well, enough about me. Tell me some of your secrets. Don’t be shy…we want to hear all the juicy details.

Gone without a trace ...

Lexi Yates knows she hasn’t harmed her three-year old daughter, yet the Louisiana town of Gator Bayou seems to think she’s guilty. With her daughter missing, the evidence stacking up against her and her faith in God tested to the limit, Lexi must find a way to convince FBI agent Ace Valdez she’s innocent before she becomes the next target.

Ace Valdez doesn’t trust easily, and he certainly knows better than to fall for a case, yet there’s something about the widowed mother that makes him want to believe she’s innocent, but evidence doesn’t lie. Or does it?

Tamelia Tumlin sold her first story to Dogwood Tales Magazine many years ago while taking a creative writing course in college. The short story titled "The Traveler" was the feature story for that edition. After graduating college in elementary education, life, a teaching career and a wonderful son consumed most of her time. However, in the past couple of years, the yearning to pen fabulous romantic tales of to-die-for heroes and spirited heroines has taken over. Ms. Tumlin has worked with several online publishers, but she is now writing for Steel Magnolia Press. Juggling motherhood, teaching and writing is a challenge, but one she welcomes to pursue her passion. Her novels range from sweet and sassy to dark and dangerous.

Find Me On:

www.tameliatumlin.com
www.steelmagnoliapress.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Romance-Author-Tamelia- tumlin/136280626492728?ref=hl
https://twitter.com/tameliatumlinhttp://www.linkedin.com/pub/tamelia-tumlin/3b/676/61b
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/tamelia-tumlin/3b/676/61b
http://www.goodreads.com/TameliaTumlin

Seattle Delight by Charlotte Stout -- Book tour and Giveaway!

Today we're spotlighting author Charlotte Stout on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for her contemporary romance, "Seattle Delight".

Charlotte is giving away a $25 Amazon GC today, so comment today AND follow her tour (if you click on the banner over there on the left, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops)! The more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win a prize!

Charly’s life was simple and uncomplicated, just like she wanted it. Or so she thought! One chance encounter with a devilishly handsome stranger in her local coffee shop would turn her world, and her heart, upside down. She would be thrown into a realm of privilege and romance, and more than just a little danger.

How will she handle the dark gorgeous man who has inserted himself into her domain? When danger threatens those she loves, will she have the strength of heart and spirit to do whatever it takes to save them? Share Charly’s adventures as she navigates through the quickly changing landscape that has become her life.

“Hey, watch it,” Charly said as someone bumped her table and precious drops of the caffeine laced fuel danced across the table. She couldn’t afford to lose a microgram of caffeine. Not today – well not any day! Considering she’d written two lines and a finished first draft of her book was due in two months, she knew she was in a world of hurt.

Charly turned to see who had been so rude. Okay, as a romance writer it was Charly’s job to write about hunks but what she saw before her left her breathless. Looking at her with Caribbean Sea blue eyes, copper skin, and dark hair falling in waves to the top of his shoulders was a God.

“Pardon, I am so sorry,” he said in a deep, richly accented voice bowing his head in her direction.

His eyes – those incredible blue eyes were intently focused on Charly making her feel self-conscious. Charly regretted that she hadn’t taken more care with her appearance this morning. Her damp hair was a mass of unruly curls, her face devoid of makeup with the exception of a dab of lip-gloss. Charly rested her chin in her right hand appreciating the view before her until she laid a finger on her upper lip. Panic rose within her; she felt it and if he noticed it she would be mortified. Damn, why hadn’t she waxed her mustache last night? Why did women get mustaches in the first place? It’s not like we don’t have enough to worry about.

Charlotte lives in Arizona with her hunky husband Warren, and her spoiled Silky Terrier, Tess. Her life has been filled with serious endeavors, including earning a Master's degree, owning her own business, consulting and working in the corporate world as a human resources executive. Before penning her first novel, Charlotte had written several practical guides for business applications, not exactly steamy stuff. Luckily, she never lost sight of her dream to write a novel that would encompass her passion for gorgeous men, adventure and a love of life. Enjoy.

LINKS:

Web site: http://www.charlotteastout.com 
Blog: http://www.charlotteastout.com/blog

Review: A Human Element by Donna Galanti

(Full length, paranormal thriller from Echelon Press)

This review is done in conjunction with the author's virtual tour with Goddess Fish Promotions. Donna will be awarding a $50 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour, so comment today AND follow the tour (if you click on the tour banner above, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops) -- the more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win a GC!


One by one, Laura Armstrong’s friends and adoptive family members are being murdered, and despite her unique healing powers, she can do nothing to stop it. The savage killer haunts her dreams, tormenting her with the promise that she is next. Determined to find the killer, she follows her visions to the site of a crashed meteorite–her hometown. There, she meets Ben Fieldstone, who seeks answers about his parents’ death the night the meteorite struck. In a race to stop a mad man, they unravel a frightening secret that binds them together. But the killer’s desire to destroy Laura face-to-face leads to a showdown that puts Laura and Ben’s emotional relationship and Laura’s pure spirit to the test. With the killer closing in, Laura discovers her destiny is linked to his and she has two choices–redeem him or kill him.


I was intrigued first by the cover to this book, and then by the premise.  It has all my hot buttons: serial killers, psychic powers, romance ... what's not to like?

The book starts off with a bang, literally.  A meteor falls to earth while a little boy watches.  In another place and time, a few months later, babies are born and one is surrendered to a mysterious man in black, putting into play everything that matters in the book.

We spend about half this book watching our hero and heroine grow up.  I admit to finding the heroine, Laura, a little too perfect, too nice, too friendly, too loving.  She seemed to have no flaws. But the hero more than made up for it since he seemed to have no virtues.  I admit, I struggled to like him and giving him the label "hero" felt wrong.

Still, they were clearly meant to be together, and as they came together he began to redeem himself and to find that sweet little boy he used to be.  Laura never developed any real flaws, but I liked watching her with Ben.  It made her seem a bit more normal, which may have been the author's intention.

The evil here is truly evil in every way.  I shudder to think that something like X-10 could ever exist.  He had no mercy, no pity, no positive emotions.  He thrived on hate and anger and perverted lusts.  The courage Laura must have had to face him would have been enormous.

"A Human Element" had everything it needed to be a edge-of-your seat thriller, but I found it a bit slow.  I think we spent just a little too much time watching Ben and Laura grow up. Some parts of their lives were integral to the plot (like Laura's friend, Jim...I really loved him!), but some was a bit dull and unnecessary. 

Still, overall it was a good book with an ending that surprised me.  Ms. Galanti has an amazing imagination and solid writing skills, and I expect to see great things in the future from her.

3.5 / 5 Flowers -- I liked it!

Donna Galanti is the author of the paranormal suspense novel A HUMAN ELEMENT (Echelon Press). Donna has a B.A. in English and a background in marketing. She is a member of International Thriller Writers, Horror Writers Association, The Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Group, and Pennwriters. She lives with her family in an old farmhouse in PA with lots of nooks, fireplaces, and stinkbugs but sadly, no ghosts.

Visit her at: http://blog.donnagalanti.com/wp/

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