Love Comes for Halloween by Jennifer Conner - Virtual Tour and Giveaway!

Today we're welcoming author Jennifer Conner to the blog on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for her romance novel, "Love Comes for Halloween".

Jennifer will be awarding a Halloween Bracelet to a randomly drawn commenter (US/Canada Only) 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!  Now, we'll let Jennifer answer all our prying questions!

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

I love to write romance and have written in many different genres(sweet, spicy, paranormal, historical) for Books to Go Now (the publisher) but always romance. I think I have always liked happy endings. There are so many big life problems out there; I want to spend my evenings with things working out for people and having them happy.

What research is required?

Part of writing is doing research. Even for the sweet romances, there’s some. They say write what you know, but it is fun to write what you don’t know and learn new things. With Love Comes for Halloween, they are both motorcycle riders. I know NOTHING about motorcycles, so had to find out what could possibly break down on a bike and the prices of her vintage bike. I also just returned from a trip across Oregon where Jane (my heroine) travels to better describe the mountain roads she rode on.

There is much less research then with my Historicals, but you want everything to be right!

Name one thing you learned from your hero/heroine.

I love characters with a little bit of baggage. Gage, in Love Comes for Halloween, has a prison record, so life hasn’t been easy. Most of us know someone who has done something stupid and has been to jail. But many don’t take advantage of that second chance. Gage is trying to reinvent his life and start over. Everyone deserves one do-over.

Any odd or interesting writing quirks, habits or superstitions?

When I was writing longer, full-length books, I would buy a cool journal with each new story. Now, with the shorter stories, I still carry around a journal. I write down plot ideas or names I like. As far as superstitions, a good friend gave me a red candle holder to light in the ‘fame corner’ of my house for feng shui. If it works, you bet I believe in it!

Plotter or pantser?

Somewhere in between. I have the beginning, middle, and the end but don’t plot out huge storyboards of ideas. I like to have the characters, (usually the hero *G*) in mind with a photo. Gage is David Williams, an Australian Rugby player they call wolfman. Check out his transformation when he shaved off his beard! OMG!

Look to your right – what’s sitting there?

Always a coffee cup, a stand up old piano and my writing desk. I love old, antique pieces they have such stories to tell.

Anything new coming up from you? What?

In my Historical Romance Series, The Regimental Heroes, story 4, Redemption for a Rogue, just came out with Books to Go Now. I also have a Time-Travel Romance, Walk With Me Through Time that I am very excited about. And another spicy addition, Halloween Treat. In December, I will have two holiday stories.

Do you have a question for our readers?

What kind of giveaways do you like to see on blogs? Are you looking for free ebooks or do you prefer swag. Eg: Jewelry, gift cards, etc.? It’s nice to know what readers like.

I’d like to thank It’s Raining Books for this great chance to be in touch with their readers.

Now it’s her turn. Until she’s kissed, Jane, is the last one of her girlfriends to wear the Mobile Mistletoe. Feeling pressured by her friends, she jumps on her dad’s motorcycle and heads out on the open road. But she doesn’t get far before it breaks down. What else can go wrong? Will she be eaten by a bear?

Gage has a past he wants to forget. Retreating to the mountains, where he can build custom bikes and cars in seclusion, he wants to give back for the mistakes he’s made.

Neither Jane or Gage are looking for a relationship, but isn’t Halloween the perfect time of year to scare up some love?

“Well it’s working. You’re beautiful in the morning.” His gaze locked with hers and she knew he meant what he said. “I don’t know how you manage to look so good. I look so bad I must look good.” He chuckled.

She shifted feet and tucked her hair behind her ear. Gage must have just taken a shower, he smelled like manly spicy soap and shampoo and his hair was still damp at the tips. He was cute. He was very cute. What would he look like without all that beard scuff? She tipped her head and tried to imagine.

He took off the hood of the car and lay in on the workbench for her to begin airbrushing the eagle design. It was hard to concentrate on what she was doing when her eyes kept wandering to the fine set of Levi’s bent over the car which were attached to Gage’s rear end.

As hours passed, the afternoon sun heated the shop and soon Gage shucked off his flannel shirt and threw it over a chair. Jane’s pulse jumped when Gage reached over his head to stretch. He exposed a sliver of ab muscles and a trail of black belly hair. Oh my. Like a fine lady of the South, Jane wished she had a piece of paper to fan herself.

Jennifer Conner is a best-selling Northwest author who has twenty short stories and one full length book on ebook and in print. She writes in Contemporary Romance, Paranormal Romance, Historical Romance, and Erotica.

Christmas Chaos was in the Kindle sales top 50 ebooks and #2 in the Romance category.

Her novel Shot in the Dark was a finalist in the Emerald City Opener, Cleveland, and Toronto RWA contests.

Jennifer is an Associate Publisher for the indie e-book publisher, Books to Go Now who resides in the Seattle area. They pride themselves in helping new authors get their foot in the door with well-edited manuscripts, professional covers, and platforms uploads.

She live in a hundred year old house that she grew up in. Her semi-small town holds an interesting mix of resident hillbillies, yuppies and Navy Seals. And of course Seattle, only a few miles away, is the birthplace of Starbucks so coffee is always on the check list. She blows glass beads with a blow torch, (which relieves a lot of stress and people don't bother you) and is a huge fan of my local soccer teams, the Seattle Sounders, and Kitsap Pumas. Boys in shorts! :)

www.jenniferconnerbooks.com
http://jenniferconnerwriter.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.conner2
http://www.bookstogonow.com/sweetjenniferconner.html
http://www.bookstogonow.com/historicalromancejenniferconner.html
http://pinterest.com/jennilynnjac/

Healing Notes by Maggie Jaimeson - Virtual Tour and Giveaway

Today we're spotlighting author Maggie Jaimeson on her one day Book Blast with Goddess Fish Promotions for the contemporary romance, "Healing Notes".

Maggie will award one autographed cover flat to a randomly drawn commenter at each blog stop. In addition, she will award a $25 gift card to either Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner's choice) as a grand prize to one randomly selected commenter on this tour, so comment here 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!

Forgiving yourself is the first step, but helping others forgive may be just too hard.

Rachel Cullen grew up in Scotland with a fiddle in her hand from the age of four. She couldn't imagine life as anything but a musician. When her husband brought her to America she was immediately embraced by the Celtic and Bluegrass communities. But after her divorce, Rachel's life is a mess.

A year of trying to prove to herself that she's woman enough for any man, and then a vicious rape while on tour with the band, leaves Rachel reeling. When she meets Noel Kershaw, an English teacher who is poetry in motion, she is definitely attracted. But he has a young child and he's suffering from his own divorce. The last thing Rachel needs in life is more baggage.

First, Rachel must reconcile who she is, what she wants, and how to get there. Maybe then she'll know how to be a part of the family she's always wanted.

After she hung up, Rachel stared out at the river behind the house. She had goose bumps along her arms. She could listen to his voice for a long, long time. Why did this man intrigue her so much? Was it just because he didn’t seem interested? Yes, that must be it. He was safe. He had a kid and he wasn’t interested. That meant they wouldn’t get involved.

All conversation stopped as she entered the room and the women looked at her in anticipation. She had the urge to say nothing just to be difficult.

“Soooooo, who’s Noel?” Kat took the receiver from her. “I liked his voice. Sounded real sexy.”

Rachel took a deep breath and pasted a nonchalant smile on her face. “Remember the little girl at the last concert who wanted my autograph? Noel is her father.”

“I see.” Theresa drew out the word as an invitation for more.

“It’s not what you think. It turns out the little girl wants fiddle lessons. Since she saw us play, she’s gotten it in her mind that she wants to learn. He had no idea who to call, so he thought he’d call the main number for the band to find me. He didn’t even think I gave lessons, just that I could make a recommendation.”

“Uh huh,” Michele said, a note of disbelief in her voice.

“But he is cute, right?” Kat insisted. “And you are interested, and something could be going on, right?”

“Wrong.”

“Ah, come on, Rachel. How can you not be interested in that voice?”

“It’s just fiddle lessons for the little girl. The girl is sweet. I’m happy to work with her. As for the father, nothing is going to happen. Believe me.”

Maggie Jaimeson writes romantic women’s fiction and romantic suspense with a near future twist. She describes herself as a wife, a step-mother, a sister, a daughter, a teacher and an IT administrator. By day she is “geek girl” – helping colleges to keep up with 21st century technology and provide distance learning options for students in rural areas. By night Maggie turns her thoughts to worlds she can control – worlds where bad guys get their comeuppance, women triumph over tragedy, and love can conquer all.

HEALING NOTES is the second book in the Sweetwater Canyon Series of four books. The final two books will be available in 2013.

Website: http://maggiejaimeson.com
Blog: http://maggiemeandering.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Maggie-Jaimeson/118916694787820
Twitter: @maggiejaimeson

Where the Heart Lies by Michelle Garren Fly - Virtual tour and Giveaway

Today we're welcoming author Michelle Garren Flye to the blog on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for her romance novel from Carina Press, "Where the Heart Lies".

Michelle will be awarding promotional postcards from Carina Press with 10% off coupons to one commenter at every stop, and a $10 Amazon GC + a copy of Bartlett's Poems for Occasions, which inspired part of the 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 prize!

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

I have always been a romantic, from the first time I saw Cinderella on the big screen, so I guess it just makes sense that I write romance. I want to believe in a happily ever after, not just in my books, but in real life, too. Which makes writing romance a bit of an escape for me. There’s nothing quite like watching the news and then retreating into my own world where things don’t go horribly wrong and nobody ends up sad and alone.

What research is required?

I have had so much fun with the research for my romances! My first romance, Secrets of the Lotus, was set in New York City, and I had never been there. I watched a ton of movies set in New York, used Google Earth a lot and searched the internet for interesting places to set my story in. Since then, I’ve researched Greek culture (specifically cooking and wine), vineyards and growing grapevines, professional chefs, and loads of other fun things. For Where the Heart Lies, I had to research physics because Liam, the hero, is a physics professor. I mastered quite a few fun physics “magic” tricks in the process.

Name one thing you learned from your hero or heroine.

Well, I mentioned Liam’s magic tricks… but really, I think I learned the most from Alicia, his heroine. Alicia is everything I would love to be: adaptable, beautiful, courageous and dedicated (see what I did with the ABC’s there?). She loses her husband to the war in Afghanistan, but she carries on, determined to honor his memory by carrying out his last wishes. I know some wives of military men who have had to carry on while their husbands were overseas, and I’ve always admired them for their courage and will power. I tried very hard to show this in Alicia.

Any odd or interesting writing quirks, habits or superstitions?

I wouldn’t say I have any habits or superstitions, but I do have my little writing totems that I keep nearby at all times. If I’m stuck for something to write, I use these totems to help me through it. For instance, I have a string of lotus beads (bought for me after Secrets of the Lotus, my first novel), a rock from a famous author’s yard (Who knows? A bit of luck or magic or whatever might emanate from it), and a copy of Bartlett’s Poems for Occasions. The last one actually helped inspire a scene in Where the Heart Lies.

Plotter or pantser?

I definitely fall somewhere between these two. I always have a rough idea of where I’m going to end up but how I get there is another matter all together. I may write a scene I think will be at the beginning of the novel but find myself pushing it into the middle. In my most recent work-in-progress, I wrote a scene in the middle of the novel and ended up using it as a prologue.

Look to your right – what’s sitting there?

Wine spritzer. Hey, it’s five o’clock somewhere, right? Also, a phone, a to-do list that keeps getting longer, and some notes from an article I just wrote for our local newspaper.

Anything new coming up from you? What?

At this point, I have nothing new to report. I’ve got two novels I’m shopping around, and the work-in-progress that I’m polishing up, though, so who knows what the next one will be?

Do you have a question for our readers?

I would love to know what kind of romance your readers enjoy. Sweet or spicy or somewhere in between? Nicholas Sparks or Fifty Shades of Grey? Readers are the ones who will dictate what writers write (or at least what publishers will publish), and I can’t pass up this chance to find out what they’re looking for.

All widowed Alicia Galloway has left of her war-hero husband are the flag that draped his coffin and his final wishes: to move to his hometown, take over the family bookstore and enjoy a simple, quiet life with their two small children. When she arrives, her husband’s best friend makes that new life anything but simple. How can she be so drawn to Liam Addison?

Liam only intended to help Alicia get settled. But one unexpected kiss awakens his long-held forbidden feelings. Soon, the town busybodies swoop in to warn Alicia away from him. Because no matter the man he’s become, he’ll never live down his reputation as town troublemaker and wolfish womanizer.

No one wants the war hero’s sweet widow and the supposedly former bad boy together. But the more everyone tries to keep them apart, the closer he and Alicia get. And the more determined Liam is to prove he’s a changed man. Will it be enough to convince Alicia to let a new love in her life?

Liam crossed the yard in two strides, taking the hoe from her hands and turning the snake’s body over with its blade. He turned to her in amazement. “You killed it?”

Alicia nodded wordlessly, covered her face with her hands, and suddenly too weak to stand, fell to her knees in the grass. “Hey!” She heard his exclamation and the hoe hit the ground as he dropped it, then sank down next to her. “Hey, it’s okay. You did good, sweetheart.” His arms surrounded her and he pulled her first against him, then into his lap, stroking her hair and back, his hands warmer than the sun’s rays against her skin.

The approval in his voice brought tears to her eyes at the same time that his caresses tingled deliciously. She responded without thinking, putting her arms around his neck and then, because she wanted nothing more than to kiss this man who meant so much to her, she turned to him, finding his lips easily, feeling his body freeze for a moment then give in to the kiss, the wonderful, desire-fulfilling kiss that she’d longed for…

Michelle Garren Flye is a mother, writer and editor based in coastal North Carolina. She obtained her degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1992. Not liking the hours required of a journalist, she went on to obtain a Master’s in Library and Information Science from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1997. When her first child was born in 2000, she packed her diplomas away and began a new life as a stay-at-home mom, which fortunately afforded her the opportunity to pursue her writing on a semi-regular basis.

Michelle has served in various capacities for several online and print literary endeavors, including Dark Recesses, edifice WRECKED, Horror Library, Butcher Shop Quartet, and Tattered Souls.

Michelle is the author of three romance novels, Where the Heart Lies (Carina Press 2012), Winter Solstice (Lyrical Press 2011) and Secrets of the Lotus (Lyrical Press 2010). Michelle also self-published a fiction book titled Weeds and Flowers for the Kindle in December 2011.

Blog: BREATHE: http://michellegflye.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Michelle-Garren-Flye/132688623422175
Twitter: @michellegflye

Sweetest Taboo by Eva Marquez - virtual book tour and giveaway

Today we're welcoming author Eva Marquez to the blog on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for her YA novel, "Sweetest Taboo".

Eva will award a Kindle touch to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour, and a swag pack of goodies to one commenter at each stop, 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!

Eva was kind enough to answer 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?

Let me take the opportunity to introduce you to my work and the inexplicable passion I have for writing. I began formal writing when I was thirteen years old, encouraged by my dedicated and driven middle school English teacher. At a young age, I read the book ‘Flowers in the Attic’ by V.C. Andrews and it intrigued me to the point of inspiration. It was not long before I began typing stories up on my DOS-operated computer. Even in my early teens, I focused on writing about young female characters that found themselves in difficult situations while also scheming to find a way out of them. My short stories shed light on my fascination with conflict and what lies beneath the surface, and people’s struggle in finding a resolution. At sixteen I wrote my first full-length novel, which was truly the beginning of my writing career.

While writing Sweetest Taboo, I had the opportunity to explore a subject with much social and psychological significance. To delve deep into romantic encounters among unlikely partners and develop an honest but page-turning story has been rewarding. I am fascinated by the complexities of society, and the often-difficult choices presented to individuals, particularly women. Sweetest Taboo exposes the inner dialogue and emotional strategies pursued by those making difficult decisions, and it exposes the mechanisms of manipulation that become useful to characters in getting what they want, regardless of the outcome. What excites me most as a writer, and storyteller, is unearthing the drama that we rarely see, the drama that lurks beneath the surface. Rather than me choosing the genre, I think the genre chose me!

What research is required?

I must admit, because my day-job and doctoral career entails so much research, I stay away from creative writing requiring research (such as historical fiction). The reason for this is because for me creative writing is an escape from my day job, a creative outlet for my passion for writing, and an opportunity for me to create. Although I create in my day job, and I create original work in my professional and academic writing, it does not compare to the absolute freedom that creative writing offers. When I sit in front of my laptop with a blank Microsoft word document and no reference material around me except for notes I’ve jotted down throughout the week which remind me which way I’d like my story to go, what kind of plots I’d like to develop, or what way my characters will decide to go, I am completely content. Because I write YA literature, I draw from my own life, the experiences of friends, acquaintances and even beneficiaries of the programs I have helped implement throughout South East Asia and Africa. My research, if you will, is based on my own interactions and experiences with individuals from all over the world and my inspiration for my books originates with these experiences and interactions. Living my unique international life and observing and interacting with my surroundings serves as a passive form of research which I easily tap into by recalling memories.

Name one thing you learned from your heroine.

Isabel, a strong yet conflicted teenager, taught me a great deal about love and life. Most importantly, the lesson I learned from Isabel is that there are many shades of gray in life and decisions, which need to be made, are not always necessarily black and white. Hence, life’s decisions are not always easy to make. For instance, cheating and lying are clearly not admirable habits. However, through Isabel, I learned how difficult life can be when deciding where one draws the line in terms of one’s personal beliefs and social mores when true love is at stake. Another important lesson I took away from Isabel is that it’s okay to be true to one’s self, it’s okay to love, to take risks, and to taste what life has to offer in spite of society’s pre-conceived notions. At the same time, I realize Isabel was young, and as she developed into a young woman, she wasn’t equipped to handle the ramifications of many of her disastrous decisions. As I developed the story, I often wondered how I would heave behave if I were placed in such a predicament. I came to understand that I would be as fiercely loyal to the one I loved as I am in real life, but yet at that age, I would question my loyalties to a married man, and how those loyalties would affect me as a teenager who was just starting to experience newfound freedoms.

Any odd or interesting writing quirks, habits or superstitions?

I’m not sure you can call it a ‘quirk’, but I often feel a writing vibe and know that I’m ready to sit down and write for hours. Sometimes I sit down in front of my laptop and don’t feel the vibe, so I don’t even give it a try because I know the outcome/product will be uninspiring and I won’t be happy with it. As for my writing habits, there is nothing out of the ordinary. However, I can’t sit down to write if I know I have less than two hours of free time at my disposal. My level of concentration is quite high and when I get into the concentration zone, I focus intensely on my writing for hours at a time. This intense focus does wear me out quite a bit, but, I find it absolutely necessary to be in the zone for at least two hours otherwise my writing is interrupted as I start to get into my writing flow. No writing superstitions to speak of…notice I qualified that by saying ‘writing’ superstitions. If you ask me about general superstitions, I could probably write a novella!

Plotter or pantser?

Definitely a plotter. My inspiration for ‘Sweetest Taboo’ came in spurts, but those spurts were carefully jotted down in a notebook as chapter titles and brief descriptions of what I wanted to include in each chapter. Plots, characters and timelines were all carefully plotted which made the writing process flow. Because of the comprehensive outline, I was able to develop each chapter at one sitting. However, as I wrote I also became somewhat of a panster, weaving new plots, characters and climaxes into each chapter. In essence, my writing process can be described as highly organized and plotted, with room for creative ‘interventions’ when the inspiration hits.

Look to your right – what’s sitting there?

My neighbor’s dog, a small mutt that is confused as to who her legitimate master is! I’m not clear on why my neighbor adopted this little darling because this dog is never at her house, but is nestled between the cushions of my sofa, or cuddled between the pillows and me in bed at night. She’s a darling little thing, sweet as can be. If I had to provide an estimated ratio of the amount of time she spends with my neighbor and the amount of time she spends with me, I would say 1:4 (that is, this dog spends 75% of her time at my house). I’m not complaining, she’s a doll and a great little companion :-).

Anything new coming up from you? What?

Although I did not intend for Sweetest Taboo to part of a series or trilogy, several readers (and now fans!) have provided critical feedback that has made me think twice about the nature of my debut novel. Readers really want to know what happens next. Without spoiling any plots, I can safely say that readers want to know what happens next. Sweetest Taboo does not end the way readers expect, and there is a natural, so now what? element to the novel. My readers have inspired me to work a sequel, which I have been writing diligently over the past several months. Readers can expect complex and somewhat disturbing revelations, some disappointments, and definitely some tears. The stories I weave always include trials and tribulations, but they will also include redemption and hope.

Do you have a question for our readers?

In all of my blog posts on my own blog, I always end with questions for readers because I absolutely LOVE to hear about the views, thoughts and perspectives of readers and/or prospective readers of my books. In assessing acceptability of my novel’s subject matter, I continue to want to know from one and all their views on student/teacher romances. Like many taboo romances, be it extra-marital relationships, same-sex relationships or romances between priest and congregation member, people tend to have well-developed perspectives and I’m always curious to hear about them. What I’d love to hear from your readers are their perspectives on student/teacher romances. Are they 100% off limits? Are there circumstances where these romances are acceptable? Are there boundaries or does love justify laws broken? A recent blog post I wrote about two high profile student/teacher romances that hit the news draws parallels between the two and asks why one was represented by the media as relatively acceptable, while the other was labeled ‘pedophilia’. Have a read and share your thoughts! http://sweetesttaboobook.com/studentteacher-romances-does-gender-matter/

Isabel Cruz was fifteen years old when she met Tom Stevens. She was 15 when they started dating, and 16 when she lost her virginity to him. By the time she turned 18 and went to college, everything had fallen apart. This hadn’t been an ordinary love, though. Not a love between two dear friends, or even high school sweethearts. This had been the most taboo sort of love there was: a relationship between a student and her teacher. Isabel started her high school career as a normal student, but set her sights on Tom Stevens as soon as she met him, and pursued him with an intense – and sometimes reckless – fascination. When he finally approached her after swim practice and told her that he shared her feelings, it was the start of a forbidden and dangerous relationship.

I realized suddenly that I had gone from one extreme to the other in a few weeks. That was a mistake, and people were bound to notice. I couldn’t backtrack now, though – the damage was done. What was I supposed to say? “Yeah, I'm staying away from Mr. Stevens because I don’t want anyone to know I’m making out with him after practice” would never do.

“You know, he was pretty cool at first," I replied as nonchalantly as possible. “But one day I was late for practice and he made me go to the diving pool to swim laps. I’m not going to hang around with him if he’s going to be such a jerk, you know?”

That answer must have been good enough for Vicky, because she lightly tapped my shoulder and then jumped into the water to swim off. I laughed as I watched her swim away; she was doing the butterfly – badly – and bumping into other swimmers as she shimmied from side to side down the crowded lane. My smile faded, though, when I realized that she was probably voicing what everyone else had noticed as well. My sudden change of attitude had been just that – sudden and unexpected – and people were going to wonder why. I had to come up with a better story, and quick, or change my behavior again and hope that no one else said anything.

I wasn’t sure which option was best, or which would cause me more pain. Our late- afternoon rendezvous were becoming more and more intense, and my senses were becoming fragile. When I walked toward his classroom, now, I knew that there would be more physical contact, with less clothing. We hadn’t gone all the way yet, and Mr. Stevens was always very careful about my feelings – he asked me if I was okay with what we were doing every five minutes, it seemed – but we were both getting braver, and closer. I didn’t know if I could be close to him without really wanting him, but I was afraid of getting hurt.

I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was also starting to fall in love with him.

Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, daughter of European immigrants, Eva Márquez has spent most of her life outside of her home country. At the age of five, Eva accompanied her parents to the United States, where the family settled permanently. After graduating from university, she went on to complete graduate studies in International Relations in Spain. Eva received her Master of International Studies degree from the University of Sydney and went on to work in the global health field in Sub Saharan Africa and South East Asia. Eva currently resides in Southern Africa.

Links: www.SweetestTabooBook.com  (website AND blog)
www.facebook.com/Sweetest.Taboo.YA.Book (FB Book page)
@EvaAuthor (Twitter)
www.goodreads.com/eva_marquez (GoodReads)
http://youtu.be/flff2TcA4AQ (Official Book Trailer on YouTube)

Tory Richards - Author Interview

Today I'd like to welcome author Tory Richards here. Thanks for stopping by, and for being kind enough to answer all my prying questions! The floor is yours.

I want to thank Book Moms for letting me visit today. I will respond to all comments.

Why do you write in your genre?

Writing erotic romance is exciting. You have so much more freedom today to let your characters express themselves, naturally and honestly. Unlike when I began, reading books as a teenager and love was made behind closed doors. When you had to use your imagination, as well as finding out there were other meanings for the words; flower, melons, and shaft just to name a few. And yes, I was that young. What draws me to it? For all the reasons I just stated. There are many different genres out there but I believe when someone reads erotic romance they want and expect not only explicit sex but also the words that accompany sex. Don’t you?

What research (or world-building) is required?

I used to say I hate research. I wrote about what I know and guessed the rest. And luckily, it worked out. However, lately I found myself looking up a topic about deadly viruses for a futuristic romance I started.

I’m three chapters into it and at first; it was an alien invasion that destroyed most of earth. Then I decided to switch it to deadly viruses wiping out most of humanity. It sounded more plausible I guess. That brings me to world building. What would earth look like after viruses wipe out nearly 85% of the population, the government crumbling, people forced to live underground or migrate into unpopulated areas to survive. This concept is new to me so I don’t know how far I’ll go with it.

Name one thing you learned from your hero.

My soul mate of seventeen years passed away in March and he was my hero. He was so proud of me when I became published. And a lot of it had to do with how I grew as his wife. He taught me to be confident and strong. And to reach for my dreams. He urged me to do things on my own but he was always there in the background, looking out for me. Taking care of me. God I miss him so much but I know we’ll be together again one day.

Any odd or interesting writing quirks, habits or superstitions?

I can’t think of any. I’m probably the most undisciplined writer you will ever meet. I don’t have a schedule. I don’t write every day. It’s a hobby for me and I write because I enjoy it.

Plotter or pantser?

A plotter. I have to have some kind of idea to start with, and I build around that. Other authors can probably relate. Ideas can come from anywhere and at anytime. You take that tiny little something and all of a sudden, you’ve built up a little scenario in your head. Which then becomes a story when you get it down on paper.

Look to your right – what’s sitting there?

LOL, an empty ice cream bowl and a spray bottle of water I use on the cats, mostly Bear Cat because he’s always tormenting GinGin. Also a homemade basket with the flag on it that my niece bought me for my birthday last year.

Anything new coming up from you?

Always! Instant Attraction will come out in March. Here’s a little blurb:

Thomas is a motorcycle cop, new to the rural area. He needed a change from the hectic big city, and the pressures of being on the swat team. A little more peace and quiet to reflect on what he wants in life, and maybe find someone to share it with along the way. He never expected to find his perfect match in the form of one sexy, little animal activist. From the moment they meet, their attraction is hot and out of control.

Julie is an animal lover and works at a no kill shelter. Living next door to the new cop in the area, she's asked by the small town hall to welcome him to the neighborhood. When she meets Thomas for the very first time instant attraction causes the sparks to fly. And they can't keep their hands off each other. The hot anywhere, anytime sex is great but she wants more. Can instant attraction turn into love?

It’s coming out with Total.E.Bound, a new publisher for me.

Do you have a question for our readers?

Yes. And it has nothing to do with my books. I’ve always been curious what people would say when asked if there is one person, any person at all, that you could bring back, who would it be and why?

My answer? God. I would love to sit down and ask him about the last supper.

About the Author: Tory Richards is the pen name for Debbie Wallace. She is a daughter, mother, aunt, sister, and grandmother who writes smut. Her first book, Cupid’s Arrow, was on the publisher’s best sellers list for two consecutive months! That book was recently sexed up, at the request of her publisher, and released under their torrid line at Whiskey Creek Press Torrid. It also has a new name, Passionate Encounters.

Born in Maine, Tory has lived most of her life in Florida. She likes to travel, collects art and antiques, loves chocolate, (who doesn’t) and she has a weakness for sweet ice tea and good coffee. Tory recently retired from Disney to spend more time with her family, and focus on her writing.

With four releases this year alone, her first 2013 release comes out with Total.E.Bound in March. Instant Attraction is her first interracial romance. Her publishers are Ellora’s Cave, Liquid Silver Books, Whiskey Creek Press, Whiskey Creek Press Torrid, and The Wild Rose Press. She is also self-published on Amazon Kindle.

Tory is an animal lover. She has four indoor felines whose main goal in life is to get as much cat hair on the furniture as possible. Her first cat, Rufus, made his debut in her full-length romance; It’s All in the Jeans. He only responds to Woofy, though. When you talk baby talk to your pets, it can produce consequences you can’t foresee.

If you are interested in learning more about Tory and her books, please follow the links below. Tory loves hearing from readers. The book covers posted are her four releases that came out this year.

Website - www.toryrichards.com
Email - tory.richards@yahoo.com
The Mercenary Way
Up in Flames 
Hot Spot 
Passionate Encounters

Lucky's Charm by Jenn Nixon - Virtual tour and Giveaway

Today we're welcoming author Jenn Nixon to the blog on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for her romantic suspense, "Lucky's Charm".

Jenn will give away one backlist book at every stop for one lucky commenter, and she and Wild Child Publishing will be awarding a $10 Wild Child Publishing GC 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!

Jenn was kind enough to answer 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 write in a few different genres but at the core of my Sci-Fi or Romantic Suspense novels, there is a mystery. Most genre fiction seems to have some mystery element to it. Someone is always trying to find something, uncover someone, or understand an event. I love mystery. I love the type I can solve and the kind you’re usually not supposed to until the very end. I think mystery surrounds us every day and I never seem to tire of it. I love watching movies or TV shows that ask questions and strive to find the answers and books are no different. Having a mystery aspect to what I write keeps the story fresh and the characters engaged.

What research is required?

For Lucky’s Charm, I had to do a lot of research on weapons, the military, and the darker side of crime. There is also a bit of psychological research needed to understand the motivations of certain characters. Having that extra knowledge helps to keep the characters grounded in reality while making them interesting at the same time. When you’re writing about a character who kills for a living, it’s very tricky to make them likeable.

Name one thing you learned from your heroine.

While writing Lucky, I learned that I can be very defensive. She usually has a snappy bite when confronted and doesn’t like hearing the truth when it hurts. I guess that part of my personality came through in Lucky. When you go that deep into the mind of someone like Lucky, you can’t help but see similar actions in yourself when they come out. So when I’m confronted by someone these days, I try to take a moment to think before snapping and instantly reacting.

Any odd or interesting writing quirks, habits or superstitions?

I do have a little writing quirk that I haven’t really told anyone about yet. There’s a certain word I’ve include in all of my novels, with the exception of Trust Me, Tell me (we took it out in editing). I didn’t even realize I was doing it until it popped up in one of my non-Sci-Fi books. That’s about as much of a clue as I’ll give because I can’t tell you what the word is. I plan on having a contest one day!

Plotter or pantser?

I’m a pantser. When writing a new project I usually have a character outline and a basic idea about the story: a beginning, a middle, and sometimes an end. I usually know what they do for a living, some aspects to their personality, and some of their motivations. Generally, I let the characters develop naturally and fill in the plot holes after the first draft if completed. My characters tend to change the story on me during the process, which is one of the reasons I love writing, I love being surprised when a character takes on a life of their own.

Look to your right – what’s sitting there?

My bed, with my dog Holli on it. I write in my bedroom and my bed and computer are near the window. Unfortunately, the bed is also right next to my desk, so I occasionally have to deal with a German Shepherd trying to climb onto my lap.

Anything new coming up from you? What?

I have two Sci-Fi project coming out soon, MIND: The Beginning and Tiva Boon: Royal Guardian. They are both in various stages of editing, and I’m looking forward to sharing these two amazing stories with everyone.

Do you have a question for our readers?

How do you find new authors to read, online, word of mouth, the bookstore, or a combination?

To protect her family and find a killer, Felicia "Lucky" Fascino assumed her adoptive father's identity and joined the network of moral assassins to finish the job he began. Eliminating the man responsible for murdering her mother has consumed her for the last five years. Completing the job is the only way Lucky and her family can return to a safe and normal life. Lucky's uncle, Stephen Chambers, hasn't come close to tracking the killer. He announces he's stepping down as her handler to concentrate on the investigation and names Elizabeth, his daughter, as successor.

Keeping secrets is a family trait, and Elizabeth's addition to the business tests Lucky's ability to maintain the pretense that the job doesn't affect her despite the fact that all network hits are hardened criminals. While keeping her family at arm's length, Lucky begins to feel the weight of her career choice and reclusive lifestyle. Then a chance encounter with an enigmatic hit man during one of her jobs turns into a provocative and dangerous affair. Distracted by the secret trysts with Kenji Zinn and mounting tension within her family, Lucky starts to make mistakes that threaten her livelihood and almost claim her life. When her family is targeted, Lucky must make several rash decisions she believes can save them and preserve her own sanity.

“I’m not…good at this anymore.” Lucky puffed out a heavy breath and clutched the phone. “I can’t wrap my mind around it. I’ve really tried to forget you.”

“Why?”

“Because, I can’t want…this.”

“What do you mean?”

“Be with someone while doing what I do. Sharing my life… I haven’t for a long time. I don’t see how I can do it with—”

“Another killer?”

That stopped her cold. Lucky shut her eyes and banged her head against the wall. Not only was it the oddest conversation she’d ever have, it frightened her because he was dead on.

“Why add to the torment?” she snapped.

“Being with you was far from torture.” His reply was husky and saturated with innuendo. Lucky ignored the ripples of electricity on her skin.

“We’re not good people, Kenji. I’ve already accepted that, but I think you’ve still got blinders on.”

“No, I have a sense we are more alike than you realize. I know why you eliminated McKowen. He was a vile man.”

“Yeah… We might be the bad guys, but we’re never the villains.” Lucky softened her tone. “We’re not heroes either, just stuck in the middle somewhere.”

“This is what we do, not who we are. It does not change what happened between us. We should not ignore this.”

“I don’t know….” The contact with him did something to her, but finding the words to explain it seemed impossible. Lucky did want to see him again, though, not for all the right reasons.

“Where are you, right now?”

“Miami,” he said immediately. “Let me come to you, wherever you wish.”

“I….” The confusion twisted through her. He was determined without being forceful.

“The choice is yours. Call me after you complete your task,” he said without demand.

“Okay.”

Author Bio: Jenn’s love of writing started the year she received her first diary and Nancy Drew novel. Throughout her teenage years, she kept a diary of her personal thoughts and feelings but graduated from Nancy Drew to other mystery suspense novels.

Jenn often adds a thriller and suspense element to anything she writes be it Romance, Science Fiction, or Fantasy. When not writing, she spends her time reading, observing pop culture, playing with her two dogs, and working on various charitable projects in her home state of New Jersey.

Website: www.jennnixon.com
Facebook: facebook.com/JennNixonAuthor
Blog: www.jennafern.blogspot.com
Twitter: @jennnixon

Lucky’s Charm:
Amazon
Wild Child Publishing
Barnes and Noble

Stories of Chance Romance by Roxy Boroughs and Brenda M. Collins - Virtual Tour and Giveaway

Today we're welcoming authors Roxy Boroughs and Brenda M. Collins to the blog on their tour with Black Lion Tours for their romance anthology, "Stories of Chance Romance". Note: All authors’ profits from the sale of this anthology are being donated to advance the research, education, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. What a great cause! As the daughter of a breast cancer survivor, this is something near and dear to my heart.

The authors will give away Kindle copies of “Crazy for Cowboy” by Roxy Boroughs (a sweet romantic comedy) and “Witch in the Wind” (a sweet paranormal/fantasy romance) by Brenda M. Collins. One each at every stop! Readers just have to comment for a chance to win(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 great new authors AND win prize!

Roxy Boroughs was awesome enough to answer my questions. Take a look, then make sure you leave a comment (there's a question for you at the bottom... don't leave the authors hanging)! 

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

Thanks so much for having us on your lovely site. I took a look around and I’m adding quite a few of your recommends to my reading list.

I write in several different genres. I have a romantic comedy, a couple of romantic suspense titles, a play, and STORIES OF CHANCE ROMANCE which is a collection of short tales. I collaborated on this last title with my buddy Brenda M. Collins.

All my writing has a love theme. That certainly fits in with my life because I’ve been with the same man since I was 19. I’m much older now, but we’ve never lost the romance in our relationship.

I like a guy who can make me laugh, and my hubby certainly does that—every day. I want the heroes in my books to do the same. Even in my romantic suspense titles, there’s humor. The same with Brenda’s WITCH IN THE WIND novella. And, like Brenda, I have a paranormal element in my romantic suspense titles. We both grew up watching shows like Star Trek, The Twilight Zone and Bewitched so our appreciation of the extraordinary probably stems from there.

As to the suspense, we’ve always been fascinated with mystery, crime and justice. Interestingly, we’re both born under the sign of Libra—The Scales. Maybe that explains it all.

But in STORIES OF CHANCE ROMANCE the tales are short and sweet, capturing that first meeting, that first hint of romance.

What research is required?

Brenda did quite a lot of research into witchcraft and superstitions for her Bandit Creek novella WITCH IN THE WIND. And her hometown of St. John’s Newfoundland is rich with folklore.

The hero of my romantic comedy CRAZY FOR COWBOY is an actor who’s playing the role of a cowboy in a movie. I studied theater in university and have performed on camera, so with that part I was well acquainted. The cowboy stuff? Not so much. Fortunately, I have a friend whose family owns a ranch. He showed me around it and let me take a spin on a horse bareback. Very exciting.

The tales in STORIES OF CHANCE ROMANCE are contemporary, so the worlds created are more commonplace—a school gym during a high school reunion, a gas station, the San Diego Zoo. All spots one or both of us have visited.

Name one thing you learned from your hero/heroine.

From our heroes and heroines in STORIES OF CHANCE ROMANCE we learn that love is out there waiting for you. Even when you least expect it.

Also, generosity of spirit. Which is why we decided to give all our author royalties to the fight against breast cancer, a cause we both feel strongly about, since I’m a breast cancer survivor and Brenda lost a dear friend to the disease.

Any odd or interesting writing quirks, habits or superstitions?

There are a lot of theater superstitions. One that I’ve seen in action involves the dangers of quoting from Macbeth while backstage. Whether it was the power of suggestion or a real curse, the night someone spoke one of Shakespeare’s lines from that play in the dressing room, everything on stage went wrong—actors missed their cues, props misbehaved, costumes malfunctioned. That’s why performers always refer to Macbeth as “the Scottish play.” They don’t even want to say the title out loud!

Newfoundlanders, like Brenda, have a whole host of superstitions. And, if you’ve ever been to The Rock, you’d know why. It’s ruggedly beautiful, and often there’s a mist that rolls over the land and makes you think of the moors in Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights. Very gothic.

As for writing superstitions, we like to surround ourselves with things that make us happy—framed copies of our book covers and paintings we enjoy. In my office, I have a rendering of my husband in a theatrical pose. Actually, it looks like he’s pointing at me and telling me to get to work. I also have a little sign taped to my desk that says, “Quit Piddling and Write Your Book.” Both of these visuals help keep me on track.

Plotter or pantser?

We’re both plotters. I’ve tried pantsing it and met with disaster—on par with that Macbeth fiasco I told you about earlier.

Look to your right – what’s sitting there?

A pile of papers I should file. In Brenda’s office she’d see her computer tower. Much neater.

Anything new coming up from you? What?

Brenda is working on a sequel to her WITCH IN THE WIND novella, as well as a diamond laundering mystery.

I’m doing the final edits on a full length action adventure and a shorter light romance that combines a secret baby plot and a matchmaking ghost.

Do you have a question for our readers?

What do you look for in a hero? Who are your favorites, either in films or books?

And thanks so much for visiting with us today!

Here’s to finding love in any place, at any time!

This collection of eleven short stories of chance romance reflects the hope that comes with the first bloom of romance, whether you find it in your youth, midlife, or the twilight years.

We dedicate Stories of Chance Romance to all the women who face breast cancer and to the teams of family, friends and medical professionals who support them on their journey.

Like so many woman, we have been closely and personally touched by this disease. Roxy was diagnosed and successfully treated in 2010—the same year Brenda lost her very dear friend, Mary Beggan, to breast cancer.

All authors’ profits from the sale of this anthology are being donated to advance the research, education, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

Roxy Boroughs got the acting bug in elementary school, creating skits at recess and performing them for the class, thanks to her very indulgent teacher. She went on to study theater in university, met the love of her life there, and spent many years performing in movies, commercials and on stages across Canada and the US. Soon, portraying one character wasn’t enough. She wanted to be them all. So she poured her years of drama experience into writing plays and novels.

Look for her award-winning romantic suspense A STRANGER’S TOUCH, as well as its sequel, A STRANGER’S KISS, along with a sweet, romantic comedy called CRAZY FOR COWBOY. Find her on Facebook, Twitter and her website http://www.roxyboroughs.com/.

***

Brenda M. Collins has wanted to write romance since she was twelve years old. At the age of twenty, she spoke to an editor in Toronto, Canada, who expressed an interest in her story; however, she soon realized it takes more than an idea to be an author. She joined a number of writing groups to learn about ‘the craft’ and completed two mystery manuscripts. To help her fellow writers develop strong business skills, Brenda has published articles, and delivered workshops to hundreds of writers, on career planning, professional networking and presentation skills. Her most recent article, entitled How to Improve your Presentations, is in the 2013 Writer’s Market (Brewer, R.L., ed. F&W Media Inc. p. 153).

Brenda’s debut novel, WITCH IN THE WIND, starts with a murder, but comes to life with witches, warlocks, a canine familiar and a magical dimension called The Otherland. For upcoming titles in The Otherland Chronicles, and other stories, keep an eye on Brenda’s website www.brendamcollins.com  and follow her on Twitter .

Paradise Hops by Liz Crowe - Book Blast and Giveaway!

Today we're spotlighting author Liz Crowe on her one day Book Blast with Goddess Fish Promotions for the erotic romance, "Paradise Hops".

Liz will be awarding a "swag pack" from her brewery, the Wolverine State Brewing Co including 2 tee shirts, a pint glass, a hat and a certificate for a free growler fill plus $15 Amazon GC 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!

A brutal attack left Lori Brockton convinced she was damaged goods. By the time she emerges from hiding two years later, ready to run her family's famous brewery, she's determined to be independent--never rely on anyone ever again. Nearly a year of working in every corner of Brockton Brewing Company, from warehouse to pub, front office to kitchen, teaches her all she needs to know about the business.

Then, she comes face-to-face with masculine perfection in a suit and her world is rocked in more ways than one. Garret Hunter is the new Brockton business manager who takes one look at the beautiful, sad young woman and his entire existence coalesces around winning her heart. But standing between Garrett and what he believes is his true love, is a six-feet six-inch blond-haired bad boy brewer.

Eli Buchannan is a craft beer rock star, recently hired by Brockton to drag the company into the 21st century. He brings innovation and attitude plus a prima donna ladies man reputation. But he's sworn off anything resembling commitment, personal or professional, after getting burned at his last job on both fronts.

Garret Hunter is “The Perfect Man” -- handsome, successful, stable, eager to settle down. Eli Buchannan... is not. Compelling, smoking hot, creative and elusive, he represents everything Lori Brockton should avoid. But just as she makes a difficult choice, a drastic life-changing shift occurs, and nothing is ever the same again.

Lori Brockton walked past her father’s secretary’s empty desk intent on the report she had from the restaurant manager. “Dad, I’m worried about Frank’s side of this." Tucking a lock of unruly hair behind her ear and pushing her glasses up her nose, she opened the large door, already talking to him. "Honestly, I don’t think he considered…Oh…,” she stopped dead in her tracks. The heavy horn rims slid down her face.

Her father smiled. “Lori, allow me to introduce Garrett Hunter. He’s the business manager I told you about.” Ron Brockton rose from his massive desk and joined her, putting a protective arm around her waist. The man-vision that had her choking on her own spit rose from his chair and stuck out a hand. She looked at it, then started when her dad jabbed her in the ribs.

“Uh, hi.” She wiped a palm on her itchy wool skirt. The vision’s eyes never once faltered from hers. If anything they started to twinkle. Jesus. Eyes actually did that? She surpressed a groan and let him take her hand. The warmth from their touch spread instantly to her scalp then down her spine.

“Pleased to meet you. Your father has been telling me about your experiment here.” Lori stared at their still-joined hands, wondering how long they could stay connected and still be polite. She never wanted him to let go, and she hadn’t felt that way about a member of the opposite sex in a damn long time. His voice was low, gravelly, with a slight southern lilt. “I love the fact that you’re immersing yourself in every aspect of the business, from back of the house food prep to accounting. That’s a great way to learn it all.” He gave her palm one last squeeze, then dropped it, leaving her bereft.

She gulped. “Oh, um, yeah.” Wow. Way to impress Mr. Perfect, Lori. Nicely done. The incredible male specimen smiled at her and Lori’s heart stuttered, really and truly, just like in the romance novels she’d once loved but had abandoned.

“So Garrett, why don’t I let Lori show you around?”

She gaped at her father’s words. She already sensed sweat gathering under her pits. She must reek of desperate, used female. “No, Dad, I…”

“That would be great Ron, thanks.” Lori swallowed hard and stared at Garrett Hunter long and hard. He commanded the room as if he were six foot ten instead of his perfectly average six foot two. Thick chestnut brown hair was cut close, clean, like the smooth line of his square jaw. The words “noble Roman profile” sprung to mind as she pondered his nose and chin and those incredible deep emerald eyes. The expensive-looking gray suit fit him perfectly.

Her father cleared his throat. She jumped, dropped the spread sheet she’d been clutching, bent down to grab it as her elbow hit a coffee cup on the nearby table. Warm, black liquid dripped onto the hardwood floor. “Christ,” she muttered. “Sorry, I’m a klutz.” She glared at both men.

Her father frowned then his face softened. “It’s okay honey. I’ll get this. You show Garrett around.”

“But…” She gave protest one last shot. Garrett kept quiet. Awkward. “Fine. But I only have about twenty minutes.”

“Take your time Lori,” her father waved a hand. “I’ll tell Frank he can wait.”

Microbrewery owner, best-selling author, beer blogger and journalist, mom of three teenagers, and soccer fan, Liz lives in the great Midwest, in a major college town. Years of experience in sales and fund raising, plus an eight-year stint as an ex-pat trailing spouse, plus making her way in a world of men (i.e. the beer industry), has prepped her for life as erotic romance author.

When she isn't sweating inventory and sales figures for the brewery, she can be found writing, editing or sweating promotional efforts for her latest publications.

Her groundbreaking romance subgenre, “Romance for Real Life,” has gained thousands of fans and followers who are interested less in the “HEA” and more in the “WHA” (“What Happens After?”)

Her beer blog a2beerwench.com is nationally recognized for its insider yet outsider views on the craft beer industry. Her books are set in the not-so-common worlds of breweries, on the soccer pitch and in high-powered real estate offices. Don’t ask her for anything “like” a Budweiser or risk painful injury.

www.lizcrowe.com
www.brewingpasssion.com
www.a2beerwench.com
www.facebook.com/lizcroweauthor
www.twitter.com/beerwencha2
www.facebook.com/romanceforreallife
www.facebook.com/jackgordonrealtor

If I Fail by Marian Lanouette - Author Interview

Today I'd like to welcome author Marian Lanouette, here to talk about her mystery novel, If I Fail. Thanks for stopping by! The floor is yours.

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

I love to read mysteries. I especially like mysteries which incorporate romance into the story. I always say life is both mysterious and romantic and a good read should have both.

I think it’s the mystery itself. I like puzzles. Mysteries engage my mind and get those gray cells working. There’s nothing like being kept on the edge of your chair as you try to beat the author to solving the crime.

What research is required?

I had to research police procedure along with the politics of police departments. Luckily, I have a friend who is a retired cop and he answered many questions for me.

Name one thing you learned from your protagonist.

I learned it’s okay to mess up, as long as you fix and make amends immediately.

Any odd or interesting writing quirks, habits or superstitions?

When I’m writing dialog, I walk around the house talking like my character. I do that to make sure the lines and content sound convincing.

Plotter or pantser?

Actually a little bit of both. When I get an idea for a story, I immediately write down all my thoughts. Basically an outline and then I write out two or three chapters to the story for when I get back to it. This way I have a feel for the mood and the pace I had in mind.

Look to your right – what’s sitting there?

A cup of coffee, a water bottle, a computer mouse and let’s not forget the dozen roses my husband gave me for our 33rd wedding anniversary on Saturday.

Anything new coming up from you? What?

In January 2013 the second book in my Jake Carrington series will be released. It’s called Burn in Hell.

Do you have a question for our readers?

I love to hear from readers. As a reader what do you look for in a mystery?

Are rules really meant to be broken? Jake Carrington finds out the hard way and the answer is no! Dating Chloe Wagner was a huge mistake, and Jake should have known better—he’s investigating the murder of Chloe’s sister. Now Chloe is the number one suspect in that murder. If she’s convicted, Jake could lose not only his rank, but his job. If that’s not bad enough, he’s got a stalker on his hands, someone who’s threatening his fledgling relationship with the lovely Mia. Things are getting just a little too personal for comfort!

About the author: Marian born and raised in Brooklyn, New York is the seventh child of ten. At the age of sixteen her family moved from New York to New England. As a typical teenager, she felt her life was ruined and took to journalizing her feeling and this new life. The journal helped her realize how easily she had adapted to the change. Although, she did miss her cherished friends terribly; she's thankful, they are still friends today. The four of them refer to each other as the cradle to the grave friends.

Unbeknown to her parents, at the age of five she started reading the New York Daily News story about the murdered nurses in Chicago and the investigation. Marian followed the story every day as authorities rushed to solve the brutal crime. It had caught her attention and her imagination. To this day she stills checks her closet before going to sleep. Marian thinks it was on that day the mystery lover was created.

At the age of eight she wrote every day, whether it be a poem, a short story or in her journal. An eighth grade assignment got her published. Though she failed the assignment, the nun was impressed with her poem. It was supposed to be a four line poem, but she couldn't still her pen. The Beach her first official published work is still her favorite though much longer than four lines. It was the nun who submitted the poem for her to the local paper. Thus, the writer was born.

Marian's first book If I Fail, A Jake Carrington Mystery will be released on September 7, 2012; and will be followed up in January 2013 with the second book in the series, Burn in Hell, A Jake Carrington Mystery. Each book's a mystery with romantic elements, because to quote Marian, "Life is both mysterious and romantic."

Marian resides in New England with her husband.

website: www.marianl.com
blog: www.marian-l.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/marian.lanouette
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorMarian

Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/DnmqRl-J0co

Buy links: Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Fail-Carrington-Mystery-Series-ebook/dp/B0095GCVX4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1347397737&sr=8-1&keywords=if+i+fail

MuseItUp Publishing: https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=347&category_id=177&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1

Train Station Bride by Holly Bush - Virtual Review tour and Giveaway

(Full length historical romance)

This review is done in conjunction with the author's virtual tour with Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be awarding a $25 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 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!



1887 ... Julia Crawford, Boston debutante, corresponds with an aging shopkeeper and travels to North Dakota to marry him, hoping to escape the ridicule she endures as the plump, silly daughter of one of Boston’s premiere families. What happens when the train station groom is not who Julia bargained for? Will her secrets keep her from love and acceptance? Or will Julia’s love be strong enough to conquer her past and give her the future she’s always dreamed of?



This story had me hooked in the first paragraph. We meet our heroine, Julia, a poor little fat girl, with a domineering mother and three beautiful sisters. That was only the beginning and not totally true.

Sneaking out to catch a train to South Dakota late one night, she was on her way to marry someone she had been corresponding with, but had never met. Things didn’t work out quite the way she had planned however, and when she got off the train and found a man waiting to marry her, along with the preacher to do it right away, she went along with the plan. Unfortunately, this was not the man she had been writing to, but they were now married and stuck. The story gets more and more complicated as it goes on and becomes far more than the simple romance I'd expected.

She has many secrets and gradually tells her husband some of them. But not all of them. I can’t go into any more details, because I don’t want to ruin this story for you. However, believe me when I say this story kept me on the edge of my seat from the beginning to the end. There were so many complications and things that happened very unexpectedly, that I couldn’t wait to read the ending.

I picked this up to read a few pages before I went to bed and couldn’t put it down until I turned the last page. This is really one of the best stories I have read in a long time.

4.5 / 5 Flowers - This was a very good book!

Holly Bush was born in western Pennsylvania to two avid readers. There was not a room in her home that did not hold a full bookcase. She worked in the hospitality industry, owning a restaurant for twenty years and recently worked as the sales and marketing director in the hospitality/tourism industry and is credited with building traffic to capacity for a local farm tour, bringing guests from twenty-two states, booked two years out. Holly has been a marketing consultant to start-up businesses and has done public speaking on the subject.

Holly has been writing all of her life and is a voracious reader of a wide variety of fiction and non-fiction, particularly political and historical works. She has written four romance novels, all set in the U.S. West in the mid 1800’s. She frequently attends writing conferences, and has always been a member of a writer’s group.

Holly is a gardener, a news junkie, and vice-president of her local library board and loves to spend time near the ocean. She is the proud mother of two daughters and the wife of a man more than a few years her junior.

Links: www.hollybushbooks.com
Twitter - @hollybushbooks
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Holly-Bush/247399131941435

We're Done by Judy Irwin - Review tour and giveaway

(contemporary YA novella)

This review is done in conjunction with the author's virtual tour with Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be awarding a $25 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 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!



What if it turns out that YOU'RE the bully - and you didn't know it?

Up until now, life has been good for 13-year-old Luke. He's good at sports, attractive, and he's a big wheel at Heyworth Academy, his private school. He likes to tease, and poke fun at the other kids, but that's just because he likes having fun. But things start to fall apart, six weeks into eighth grade, when Luke commits an act of 'goofing around' that ends up costing him his best friend and his beloved private school.

After he's expelled, Luke transfers to his local school, Carlyle. Now, he's on the outside looking in. His looks, and background (not to mention his Heyworth hoodie), make him stand out, and the tough guys zero in on him right away.

The upside-down world that Luke finds himself in at Carlyle gives him a whole new way of looking at things. Can he recover from losing his school, and his best friend, and find new friends and a way to fit in at Carlyle?


We're Done is a timely book considering the tragic news stories I see, time and again, of kids killing themselves over bullying.

This book takes a different tack, though, and casts the bully as our hero.  It was a bit difficult for me to like Luke at first, and that's a brave thing for an author to do:  give us a protagonist we don't care for.

Luke isn't mean on purpose, he just doesn't realize what he's doing is really hurting people.  He's got it all: he's popular, cute, smart, captain of the soccer team at a ritzy private school. What he needs is a kick from reality right in his rear.  And he gets it.

His "goofing off" gets him expelled from school.  Worse, this last incident involved a family member of his best friend, now ex-best friend.  He loses everything: school, friends, status.  More, his parents are pretty well unavailable.  His mother spends most of her life sleeping, and his father travels for work.  His sister is a worse bully than he is, and the little we see of her is just horrible.

He's plunged into the foreign world of public school and it's a big awakening.  Suddenly he's not the cool kid anymore.  He's the one made fun of.  He doesn't fit in anywhere, and he can't even play soccer.  The one person he knows is someone he hurt the summer before, and she wants nothing to do with him.

Luke doesn't undergo an immediate transformation, for which I am grateful.  It takes awhile, and a few virtual slaps to the head, for him to see what he'd done in the past was hurtful. He observes some kids doing the same stuff he used to do to another kid, and it all slowly starts to come clear.  The author paints a very realistic picture of school and kids and it's both a little sad and encouraging.

I enjoyed this book.  It was a quick, enlightening read with a snappy plot and clean, descriptive writing.  My only complaint is that not all the ends were tied up.  I really wanted to see Luke take a stand with his sister and her behavior.  I'd have like to see at least a little of the problems with his parents cleared up (Luke does confront his dad, though nothing much really changes).  Even so, the book does have a satisfying ending with Luke and his growth.  And it left me wondering just what came next.  I was attached to this kid I hadn't liked at first, and I want to know he succeeds.

4 / 5 Flowers - a very good book

Judy Irwin writes books about kids dealing with everyday stuff, like parents and divorce, friendships and bullies, and figuring out how to handle different situations and circumstances. So far, she's written two books: We're Done, and What Did You Say? We're Done is about 13-year-old Luke and how he figures out what went wrong when he's kicked out of school for a bullying incident. In What Did You Say?, 12-year-old Tash tries to figure out what life will be like following her parents' divorce. In this book, which takes place at a trailer park up north, Tash first meets Luke, Jon and Polly.

Judy lives in Toronto, Canada, with a dog, a cat, and two hamsters, plus her husband and two children, ages 10 and 13. She studied English Literature at the University of Toronto. She always wanted to be a writer. She wrote her first book in fourth grade - it was about a boy called Japan, who lived in Japan. In addition to writing books, Judy is a freelance business writer.

For more info:

www.judyirwin.com
www.amazon.com/author/judyirwin